JJ Gonson currently serves as the Vice President of the New England chapter of the National Independent Venue Association, focusing on supporting music venues during challenging times. As the Business Owner of ONCE Somerville since 2014, JJ transitioned from managing a rock club to becoming an itinerant event producer. Additionally, JJ founded and operates Cuisine en Locale, a catering service dedicated to local sourcing and event management. Past experiences include roles as an Artist in Residence at Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School, a Photojournalist for Martha's Vineyard Times, and managing bands such as Heatmiser and Hullabaloo. JJ also owned Undercover Records and worked as an electrician and spotlight operator for the Big Apple Circus. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on black and white darkroom photography from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
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NIVA - National Independent Venue Association
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is securing financial support to preserve the national ecosystem of independent venues and promoters. These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry.