My wonderful friend Audrey Schaefer is featured in this recent NPR article about the state of live music in the greater DC area and beyond.

In addition to being communications director for the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Merriweather Post Pavilion - three of the best places to play in the entire freaking country - Audrey also leads communications for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).

If you’re generally conflict averse and a fan of borderline-offensive understatement, then the state of the live music industry could be playfully described as “up in the air.”

If you’re a pugnacious SOB who doesn’t mind losing a few teeth courtesy of reality’s wizened boot, then “grim” is spot-on, and appropriately flagellent.

But thanks to superheroes like Audrey Schaefer, there’s hope, and I’m inspired to continue fighting the good fight.