Jezebel

Mmmbop, ba duba NOPE: Hanson, “Miss You Like Crazy” – I am unsure whether this track is supposed to be an ode to Billy Joel or an earnest attempt at making music. Either way, Hanson is all grown up and utterly devoid of any lyrical or vocal talent. The vocals are so awful that half of what lead Hanson brother is trying to sing is indiscernible. But it appears Hanson brother #2 has retained some strumming skills so good for him. —SM

KOCO

OKLAHOMA CITY —

The fight is on to save small businesses in Oklahoma City and elsewhere after COVID-19 forced many of them to shut down.

Business owners and musicians gathered Thursday to push for legislation to “save our stages,” as the initiative is being called.

The Paramount Room’s story could be that of many of the live performance venues that were hammered by the pandemic. In 2019 the Paramount Room opened for live music and events. A little over a year later, it’s closing.

“We were simply too small and too new to weather the storm of the pandemic,” Paramount Room operating partner Jeremiah Holland said.

Although the Paramount Room is gone, Holland doesn’t want other venues to suffer the same fate. To help prop them up, he’s part of the Save Our Stages group. Many of the members are on the brink of closing as well.

“It’s been a real punch in the gut for Lyric Theatre with the loss of $2 million this season,” said Michael Baron, Lyric’s producing artistic director.

Over at Jones Assembly, musician and owner Graham Colton described the challenges.

“We’re trying to find creative ways to keep music alive, but it’s very difficult right now,” he said.

Jamie Fitzgerald of DCF concerts echoed his comments.

“In our sixth month of zero revenue, we are in dire straights,” he said.

Also weighing in with support was Tulsa native and musician with the group Hanson, Taylor Hanson.

“No industry has been hit harder than live music,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Oklahoma City, called for passage of the Restart Act, which would provide financial help and unemployment benefits to small businesses facing hardship.

“This is the time for us to take action – this is something that we can do They need our help now,” she said.

Horn’s opponent in the November election, Stephanie Bice, said the president has acted quickly to help small businesses in Oklahoma and across the country.

But, she said, “We do need to consider additional (Paycheck Protection Program) dollars that are very targeted that would help those industries that continue to struggle.”

Billboard

Jonathan Weiner

Get ready to mmmbop, ba duba dop with Hanson all the way into 2021.

The sibling trio announced on Tuesday (Sept. 8) a livestream concert series performed at Cain’s Ballroom, a music landmark in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. “The live-streaming shows give us a chance to share music with fans everywhere, while helping to support Cain’s and bring attention to the importance of supporting independent music landmarks, who need help to ensure they are able to keep their doors open,” Isaac Hanson said in a press statement.

The series will feature three livestream shows every month through January, with each month capturing a new musical theme. The first three shows will take place Oct. 9-11, followed by sets on Nov. 5-7, Dec. 4-6 and Jan. 8-10.

A number of in-person tickets are also available, and all guests attending will be seated and adhere to current social distancing guidelines being maintained for public gatherings.

“We are thrilled to return to the stage and share the excitement of live music, both online and in person. As both artists and music fans, we know the importance of live music and the power it has to lift our spirits,” said Taylor Hanson.

Both streaming and in-person tickets for October’s shows are available here.