USVI Live Music Scene - Who Loves It?

What's going on with the USVI Live Music Scene?

US Virgin Islands. Street Level VI (SLVI) was launched three years ago. According to Founder Priscilla Lynn, "Live Music in the USVI is alive, but not back to its full capacity as pre-COVID-19. My SLVI platform showcases the USVI Live Music Scene, features performing artists, bands and their upcoming entertainment, and supports the island youth music education programs through donations and scholarships." Members include Virgin Island residents and visitors. It a has become a popular resource, and members cite the 'BIG LIST' as their 'bible' for upcoming live music listings. This 'lives' as the top post on the Announcement Section on the Facebook Page. Click here to preview and join

No Dancing Says the Gov!

Live music's happening - good! Dancing to it - not so much! As of September 2021, folks out enjoying live music entertainment can only sway and wiggle around to this music while seated. One active live music dancer stated "I never knew how much I enjoyed dancing to live music until I couldn't do it anymore!" Many others across the USVI long for the Governor's complete reversal of this restriction and return to the pre-COVID dance floor privileges.

How Do USVI Musicians Keep The Bills Paid?

Most live music performing artists and/or bands have 'day jobs' that keep the bills paid. Performing in public, music being their passion, makes them a little extra dough. But the COVID Pandemic also affected their day jobs, plunging some into a financial crunch that has resulted in the sad but necessary decision of moving off island. Yet some enterprising musicians found gigs on other islands and/or the USA to supplement their income while maintaining their island life. Thus, the 'new normal' for the USVI Live Music Scene has emerged.

How active is the USVI Live Music Scene Nowadays?

The main section of the SLVI Facebook Page features various news on USVI performing artists and bands, such as a new album, new band formation, or other noteworthy accomplishments. Live music aficionado Priscilla Lynn shares, "In April 2020 COVID-19 restrictions and regulations plunged the USVI live music industry into a non-performance abyss. Musicians and bands started airing FB Live and 'Streaming' performances just to keep afloat. The hope was that their fans and supporters would send a donation in appreciation, and so provided a 'virtual tip jar' for this purpose. According to many musicians, this did not really generate much viewership or revenue. When the COVID-19 restrictions were (somewhat) lifted, bands who returned to live music performances onsite at various host locations fared better, but some kept the virtual entertainment in their mix. Thus a 'new normal' has emerged, a sort of 'hybrid' between the live and the virtual.

For more information on the USVI Live Music Scene, contact Founder Priscilla Lynn at plynn333@gmail.com and visit Street Level VI (SLVI)