Kati Taylor Win's Battle of the Fans By Raising Over $2,700 for Independent Venues
Battle of the Fans is IIVA’s peer to peer fundraiser that began in October, to raise funds for independent music venues, shuttered due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
As Battle of the Fans comes to a close, congratulations are in order for Indianapolis local, Kati Taylor, who has far exceeded her competition in this peer to peer fundraising effort. Taylor, who is a frequenter of many local venues throughout Indiana is also a the founder of Little Flower House Concert Series, which offers small, intimate listening experiences, with direct donations supporting the artists.
Battle of the Fans launched mid to late October, and ran through Wednesday, December 30, 2020 with a goal to raise funds to assist Hoosier-based independent music venues. With a goal of $100,000 - Indiana Independent Venue Alliance were able to raise just over $16,000. Of these fundraising efforts, Kati was able to raise roughly $2,800 on her own.
For Kati’s impeccable job, she has been awarded the IIVA Golden Ticket. This Golden Ticket acts as a pass for herself and a guest to participating member venues and their qualifying shows and events. Uncertain of when shows will be able to return, this Grand Prize is on standby, until Kati can truly enjoy it. Until then, Indiana Independent Venue Alliance has extended the deadline for all donations. Though the competition has ended, they will now be accepting donations until January 31, 2021.
When asked why she got involved with Battle of the Fans, Katie says, “Everyone can feel alone, disconnected, or misunderstood sometimes but I think the arts offer a release for both performers and audiences. I like seeing artists have the confidence to get in front of others and share their talent. I like the vulnerable human element of seeing mistakes and recoveries in a safe, sentimentalized space.”
Kati poses for a selfie in front of one of her favorite venues, The Chatterbox, located on Mass Ave downtown, Indianapolis.
HOW DONATIONS HELP THE IIVA
Funds raised through Battle of the Fans are used to fund IIVA’s grant programs, including The Marquee Relief Fund and Emergency Live Music Relief Fund. The Marquee Relief Fund is focused on helping brick and mortar venues while the Emergency Live Music Relief Fund is dedicated to live music promoters, festivals and the live events labor force.
In late 2020, IIVA had awarded two rounds of its Marquee Relief Fund grants. These were awarded in two rounds of $25,000 in micro-grants to Indiana venues including The Bluebird, The Melody Inn, Hoosier Dome, Mike’s Dance Barn, The Patron Saint, The Pavilion at Pan Am, Duke’s Indy, White Rabbit Cabaret, The Slippery Noodle, and The Mousetrap. Read the full article of winners, here.
IIVA’s grant programs are funded entirely by donations from fans, the sale of Keep Indy Live merchandise, and local fundraisers.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, Sweetwater Music, and Mandolin.
Any questions about our fundraisers or donating to IIVA, please reach out to karah@indianavenuealliance.org.