The buzzy tech app StageIt that offers once-in-a-lifetime live streaming opportunities recently partnered with d.b.a. Today OffBeat has learned it has secured a partnership with Preservation Jazz Hall and has already announced October sets with Tank and the Bangas and Big Freedia.
The program allows venues to join the StageIt platform and livestream their shows, with or without an audience present. In addition, StageIt offers state of the art hardware installs, technical training and on site production support for venues that join the program. In keeping with StageIt’s model from inception, all shows will be live and never archived, in keeping with the traditions and the tenets of storied live music venues.
As independent music venues across the country search for interim and long term solutions to recreate the magic of live events at home, StageIt allows venues to offer the intimate music experiences that they are known for, virtually, for not only local fans, but a global audience. In New Orleans, local music establishments such as d.b.a. and Preservation Hall have been quick to join the platform as some of the first venues to offer regular performances and build StageIt into their plans for the future.
“On StageIt, artists can engage in live performances which are streamed and never reordered or archived. Every show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows fans and artists to be part of the show. StageIt delivers an intimate experience for our viewers and gives artists and fans the ability to create real connections. For over 10 years, StageIt has continued to deliver live, interactive and unique experiences and we are excited to expand our offerings to stream from the iconic clubs and venues that artists are used to performing from. We want artists to get safely back on stage and we are excited to help enable that,” states StageIt CEO, Stephen White.
“As a local bar and performance venue we were hugely impacted by COVID-19,” said Tom Thayer, Owner and Manager of d.b.a. “Partnering with StageIt really afforded us the unique opportunity to present the same artists that fans have come to expect at our club. While we’re still in this limbo period of not knowing when we can welcome back our patrons, we are now putting on eight to ten shows per week, generating revenue and welcoming musicians back into our venue.”
With upcoming performances from Big Freedia and Tank and The Bangas, this month, Preservation Hall, a historic staple in the heart of the French Quarter, has always been known as a space to break barriers, using music as a bridge to unite people. In joining StageIt, the venue will be able to still maintain the culture and community that it is known and loved for, while providing valuable and unique fan experiences to locals and music lovers worldwide. The ability to support historic venues such as Preservation Hall that have made immense contributions to music and shown great perseverance through challenging times, represents the purpose of StageIt’s venue program.
“When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans was devastated, but through the power of community and music we were able to put it back together, which is how bounce music became what it is today. With COVID-19 shuttering venues and putting tours on hold, we find ourselves again putting our faith into music and the hope it is known to generate,” said Big Freedia. “It has been paramount for artists like myself to find creative ways to continue performing and supporting the music industry. As a New Orleans local being able to perform live from Preservation Hall on StageIt represents the power a community has to persevere and come together while physically apart.”
Tickets to Preservation Hall’s upcoming live shows go on sale today at stageit.com/preservationhall. Performances will include local New Orleans artists, Big Freedia on October 17 and Tank and The Bangas on October 20, with new shows and participating venues being added over the coming months. Tickets to d.b.a.’s live shows can be found at stageit.com/dbaLIVE.
