The pandemic's disruptions forced venues to adapt, leading to new strategies that minimize financial losses from cancellations and postponements. Now, many venues are better prepared, having rethought kill fees and embraced new approaches to stay ahead.

Independent venues, like Mike Logan's in Lawrence, KS, serve as cultural hubs by partnering with local businesses, such as a vintage toy store, to create immersive experiences that resonate personally with their communities, offering more than just a live show.