The stacked lineup includes 2 Chainz, Brittany Howard, Lauryn Hill, Brandi Carlile, T-Pain, Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jufu, Allen Stone, Bam Marley, Moon Taxi, Luke James, Chicano Batman, and mxmtoon. Each will perform at local small businesses close to their hearts, as well as other unique locations, and share stories about why each business is important to them and their communities.
DJ and producer Jazzy Jeff will host the live-stream benefit.
Tune in to watch Small Business Live at 4 PM on TikTok (also a founding partner of the event), along with Superfly’s Youtube, Instagram and Facebook pages. You can also stream Small Business Live on music streaming platform, LiveXLive and Bustle Digital Group’s publications.
Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the cause during the live-streamed event by texting “SmallBiz” to 707070. Charitable funds will also be accepted after the virtual concert at https://SmallBiz.Live/ through June 26.
Following the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for racial and social justice and black inclusion in all aspects of life, Superfly is focussing on minority-owned small businesses as one way to support the fight for equality.
T-Pain told Newsweek about how important it is to support small business now more than ever. “We all know how much COVID-19 has impacted the economy. For small businesses, this could really be enough to put them out of business. These people have been working so hard and have been courageous enough to take the step to go out on their own and start a business. If we can shed some light on them and bring attention to their businesses to have people buy local, why not? It is important.”
The Grammy-winning rapper will be performing at Pittsburgh’s Knotzland, a bowtie shop dedicated to making environmentally-friendly products.
Despite everything that has happened these past few months, the two-time Grammy winner says he’s always used music as his outlet. “I’m always working on music no matter what is going on in the world. It’s always been my outlet. I think right now we all need motivation. If you want a motivational song, go listen to my new single “Get Up”. The streaming and merchandise revenue from the single are going to an organization I’ve been working with for a while now called Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.”
Moon Taxi also spoke about supporting small businesses, and told Newsweek it was comparable to supporting small bands. “Small businesses are the lifeblood to the economy, just as small bands are the lifeblood to the music business. Grimey’s Records has given thousands of developing artists the chance to have their record not only for sale, but displayed front and center when you walk in the store - not to mention artist performances.” Moon Taxi chose Nashville-based record store Grimey’s New and Preloved Music as their small business of choice for the show.
“As these young bands grow, their business and their team grow as well — they start playing bigger shows, that help out other businesses like restaurants and retail near each venue,” Moon Taxi continued. “So I think by starting here to help this business that helped so many of us get our start - we do a little to help all kinds of small businesses. It radiates.”
The rock band found this cause important because they find music powerful, especially these past few months. “It can change your mood in a split second,” the band noted. “Why do you think restaurants, bars and entertainment venues always have music playing? Because it makes people happy! We finally got to get together as a band last week to rehearse together again, and it’s been the highlight of my year so far. I’d say music is the best way to cope with 2020, and hell or highwater we’re not gonna let our small music business partners go away.”
All proceeds from Small Business Live will be donated to Accion Opportunity Fund. The non-profit for nearly three decades has provided nearly 90% of their loans to small businesses founded by people of color, as well as supporting immigrant-owned and women-owned businesses.
