(FOX 9) – We’ve been in the pandemic for six months, and the music industry is still silent, concertless, tour-free, challenging thousands of people across the country.
Now, a roadies organization is intervening to get the Minnesota network through.
The groups have teamed up to feed music industry staff in Minnesota as the pandemic continues.
Steve Drymalski is a roadie without a band. By this time, he would be traveling with Pearl Jam, but instead, he organizes a food distribution site for other roadies and music corridor workers who are also in the spotlight.
“Few other people know that so many other people are out of work,” he said.
That’s why Loaves and Fishes has partnered with First Avenue and organizations such as Musically Fed and Just a Bunch of Roadies to distribute to colleagues like Jake Jarpey.
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“It’s complicated both economically and emotionally because I love my homework and I love doing what I do,” Jarpey said.
All meals from 10 other spouse organizations in Minnesota provide enough food for a week.
“It’s amazing to see you. People know each other . . . they all paint in combination and with each other,” said Cathy Maes, CEO of Loaves and Fishes.
In July, Loaves and Fishes sent two food trucks to Nashville to feed the music industry staff there as well. Pick-and-drive distribution in Nashville distributed 22,000 meals.
“Nashville, because of the whirlwind and pandemic, and then a storm . . . they needed food. So we helped the whole community,” said Maria Brunner of Musically Fed.
Now, all organizations have come together to deliver food to those in need.