Speedy Ortiz launch help hotline to ensure safe, welcoming atmosphere at live shows
[Photo cred: Daniel Topete]
Massachusetts rockers Speedy Ortiz are pioneering something vital for our current scene, one that's seen an unfortunate rise in dangerous situations and discrimination as of late—at least when considering the volume brought to the public eye through warranted social media call-outs. The four-piece are launching a help hotline that will allow concertgoers to contact the band through text or email in order to notify them of any intolerance, potential harm or uncomfortable situations they may encounter or witness. The band will work with venue security to see to it that any such situations or threats are handled properly and that all attendees feel safe and welcome while attending their shows.
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On Facebook, the band shared, “We're back on the road today, but we're bringing something new with us: (574) 404-SAFE, our help hotline you can text if you are being harassed or feel unsafe at a Speedy Ortiz show. Texts will go to us and we will work with venue security to try and get you out of harm's way. It's a new system we're trying out and we're sure it will require tweaks along the way, but we hope in the long run it can make our shows safer and more fun for everyone. We love you all.” You can view the full mission statement from the band below along with their upcoming tour dates.
Well done, Speedy Ortiz. Hopefully this encourages similar systems to be implemented by several bands and venues across all spectrums of the music scene.
Speedy Ortiz tour dates:
9/08 — Columbus, OH @ Double Happiness
9/09 — Kalamazoo, MI @ Bell’s Back Room w/ Palehound, Anybody But the Cops
9/10 — Champaign, IL @ Institute 4 Creativity: UP Center Benefit w/ Palehound, Melkbelly
9/11 — Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest (Revolt Stage, 8 PM)
9/13 — Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge w/ Swervedriver
9/14 — Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub – FREE SHOW!
Opening for Doomtree:
9/23 — Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
9/24 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
9/25 — Portland, ME @ The State Theatre
9/27 — Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
