01/15/2026
Today, we spent the day at in (say it with us) Saxapahaw. What a special place! We can’t wait to get back here for a show.
The reason for our visit? The first-ever retreat for the new Carolinas chapter. Reps from more than 20 indie venues across N.C. (plus one venue in S.C.—shoutout ) gathered to discuss an advocacy agenda, share ideas and best practices, and build community. Over lunch, leaders from , , , and joined to listen and share how they are working to support and advance music in the state. We also heard from Zoom guests Stephen Parker of , of Cleveland Music Association, and of the Texas Music Office.
What an inspiring day!
The coolest part? The idea for this gathering came at Confluence 2025, where several venue owners held a meetup to talk about how to get better organized (last slide).
That’s what Confluence is for—fostering the creative collaborations that can only come from IRL connections. (That, and great music, killer speakers, and all the fam vibes.)
We can’t wait to see what NIVA Carolinas gets done, and we look forward to the group reconvening at Confluence 2026 this October.
(Srsly go see a show at Haw River Ballroom.)
Are you an indie venue in NC or SC? Want to get involved in NIVA Carolinas? Comment “indie venue”👇🏽 and we’ll make the connect.