Two NIVA Members Testify on Capitol Hill Today
Tom DeGeorge and Jerry Mickelson to Address Live Nation – Ticketmaster Monopoly at Bicameral Spotlight Forum
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Two members of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will testify today before a bicameral spotlight forum examining the Live Nation–Ticketmaster monopoly and a Department of Justice settlement that critics say fails to restore competition to the live entertainment industry.
Tom DeGeorge, owner of The Crowbar in Tampa, and Jerry Mickelson, Chicago-based venue owner and promoter at Jam Productions, will address members of Congress alongside recording artists, legal experts, and state officials at the forum led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
The forum, titled "Corruption Takes Center Stage: How the Live Nation – Ticketmaster Settlement Threatens Antitrust Enforcement," will examine how consolidation in the live entertainment industry has driven up ticket prices, stifled competition, and harmed artists, venues, and fans.
WHAT:
Bicameral Spotlight Forum: "Corruption Takes Center Stage: How the Live Nation – Ticketmaster Settlement Threatens Antitrust Enforcement"
WHO:
Tom DeGeorge, NIVA Member | Owner, The Crowbar (Tampa, Fla.)
Jerry Mickelson, NIVA Member | Owner & Promoter, Jam Productions (Chicago)
Attorney General Rob Bonta, California
Roger Alford, Former Trump Administration Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Division
Franz Nicolay, Keyboardist and Pianist, The Hold Steady
WHEN:
Monday, May 18, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET
WHERE:
SD-G50, U.S. Senate Dirksen Office Building
Washington, D.C.
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
