National Independent Venue Association Announces Jim James of My Morning Jacket and Iconic Producer Jimmy Jam to Address NIVA '25, Taking Place in Milwaukee From June 22–25, 2025
NIVA ‘25 to Highlight the Vital Role Artists Play in the Live Independent Community, Featuring A Special Conversation with Jim James at the Opening Party Presented by Eventim on Sunday, June 22 and Jimmy Jam’s Fireside Chat on Tuesday, June 24
Live Performances from Live List Artist Elizabeth Moen, and Lady Bird at NIVA’s Brew City Bash, Plus Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Shawn Mullins, and More!
MILWAUKEE, WI (June 5, 2025) The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announces Jim James, frontman of beloved rock band My Morning Jacket, and legendary producer Jimmy Jam will address NIVA '25. The premier gathering of the nation's independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry will take place from June 22–25 in Milwaukee. To register and see the full conference schedule go here.
NIVA’s fourth annual conference will feature four days of programming and live music celebrating the powerful, symbiotic, and important relationship between artists, fans, communities, and the live independent community.
“I grew up playing in small clubs, which was the foundation of my career. It’s important that the ecosystem survives for artists to connect with fans,” says Jimmy Jam, Music Industry Icon and Entrepreneur.
NIVA ‘25 will kick off with an Opening Party on Sunday, June 22 at the historic Pabst Theater presented by Eventim See Tickets. The evening will bring the live entertainment industry and touring artists together, highlighted by an insightful conversation with Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Jim will reflect on the band's journey — from playing small independent venues to headlining major stages and festivals, underscoring the shared belief in the power, honesty, and beauty of live performance.
Jimmy Jam, five-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will take the stage on Tuesday afternoon with a special fireside chat. The music industry icon will share insights from his legendary career, experiences on the road, and his perspective on where the business is headed—especially through the lens of the young artists he mentors.
NIVA ‘25 will feature live music and programmed discussions to mark the essential relationship between touring artists and indie venues. Elizabeth Moen, a Live List 2025 artist, and Ladybird will take the stage Monday night, June 23, at Brew City Bash at The Rave. Other exciting musical performances include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Shawn Mullins, Kyle Kinane, and more.
As previously announced, all NIVA attendees will receive passes to Summerfest shows and be invited to tour the grounds.
NIVA ‘25 Nighttime Entertainment Includes:
Sunday, June 22
The Pabst Theater: NIVA’s Opening Night Presented by Eventim See Tickets – A Conversation with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, starting with a welcome reception, featuring an in-depth conversation with James on touring, and ending with a night of networking, fellowship, and a toast to NIVA’s first five years.
Monday, June 23
The Rave: NIVA Brew City Bash with Elizabeth Moen, 2025 Live List Artist, and Ladybird - an evening of dinner, drinks, music, and connection with attendees from across the live ecosystem.
Tuesday June 24
The Pabst Theater: Prism & HIVE present: NIVA Late Night Hang at the Historic Pabst Theater
Falcon Bowl: [Milwaukee Indie Night] Social Cig + Diet Lite + Bug Moment
Shank Hall: Shawn Mullins
Vivarium: Kyle Kinane
X-Ray Arcade: Ste Martaen Vegan Wing Pop-Up
Wednesday, June 25
Falcon Bowl: Milwaukee Folk Night, featuring Wire and Nail, The Millbillies, and The Spin Stealers
X-Ray Arcade: YouTube Music Foundry & NIVA Presents CeCe, followed by Resist & ReJOYce Karaoke Dance Party, Presented by the NIVA IDEA Committee
Cactus Club: Porch Light + Miloe
Riverside Theater: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Vivarium: Kyle Kinane
Summerfest 2025, NIVA ‘25 attendees will enjoy access to tours of the permanent festival grounds and complimentary admission to Summerfest 2025.
Visit https://www.nivassoc.org/conference to find information about registration, media credential applications, and host hotels.
SPONSORS
NIVA ’25 is presented by Eventbrite with support from sponsors, including Eventim, Live Music Society, Spotify, AXS, Sounds Better with Tito’s, Etix, Miller High Life, Prekindle, Tixel, CashorTrade, Inc., VenuePilot, VOLUME.COM, Fever, Cast & Crew, American Specialty Insurance Inc., Clearwing, Curious Elixirs, Cymbal, Hive, Hub International, Levitt Foundation, Mercury, Opendate, PopUp Wifi, Prism.fm, Showpass, Silver Lake Digital, Hochstadler’s Slow & Low, Stagewater, TicketSpice, Audience View, DigiCo, FanIQ, Instant Encore, Master Tour, Tixr, Arnett Credentials, Aurora Payments, Leap Event Technologies, ParkWhiz By Flash, Protect Group, Rave Me Away, Saffire, Una.
PARTNERS
NIVA ’25 is proud to partner with a roster of esteemed organizations for this year's conference including: Bandsintown, Backstage Social, Fan Alliance, Good Land Supply Co., Maia Olmstead, Marauder, MusiCares, National Independent Talent Organization, National Independent Venue Foundation, Pollstar, Recovery Unplugged, Song For Charlie, Static Eye Design Co, Stone Creek Coffee, Sweet Relief, Visit Milwaukee.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Register for NIVA ‘25 here.
Non-member conference passes are available.
NIVF’s Travel Assistance Grant is returning this year and is now accepting applications for travel grants. NIVF gives priority to first-time attendees and those in financial need.
Apply for media credentials here.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
Link to headshot Jimmy Jam
Link to headshot Jim James
NIVA key art for Jimmy Jam and Jim James.
