The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has partnered with the Brewers Association for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), bringing its Live Independent initiative to the event as it moves outdoors to an independent music venue.
The two-day festival takes place on October 10 and 11 at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion, a NIVA member.
Live Independent stage
As an event sponsor, NIVA will present the Live Independent Mile High Stage. The announced performers are:
- Low Cut Connie
- Próxima Parada
NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker described the partnership as a way for independent music and brewing communities to support each other.
“Through the Live Independent initiative, NIVA’s mission is to build and strengthen the independent live entertainment ecosystem where independent artists perform, beverages are sold, and fans can have meaningful experiences.”
Certification and event promotion
The sponsorship forms part of NIVA’s Live Independent certification program, launched with Bandsintown. The program promotes independent events, features artist tours in monthly playlists and identifies independent venues through its Live Independent seal.
A first-ever Live Independent Tour certification program was announced last month. Through Live Independent promotion on Bandsintown, more than 55 million fans have discovered shows and purchased tickets at independent venues and festivals.
GABF’s relocation follows more than four decades of the festival. Lacey Gautier, the Brewers Association’s Vice President, Events & Sales, said independent breweries, beer and their surrounding community remain central to the event.
Gautier thanked NIVA and Levitt Pavilion for supporting the outdoor format and said the association sees opportunities to explore further connections between independent beer, music and live experiences.
