Local Musicians To Host Online Performances To Benefit Hospitality Employees

Oklahoma City musicians are planning Facebook Live concerts to connect with fans and benefit local hospitality staff.

Local artist Noah Engh, who focuses on upbeat American roots music, said his wife came up with the idea to fundraise during virtual performances.

“Once it was out of the question to play at bars, I knew that I wanted to keep the show going,” Engh said.

With all his previously booked venues now closed for COVID-19, Engh will put on a Facebook live show from his garage studio every Friday.

“Each week it benefits a different bar staff that I’ve had to cancel a show at their venue,” Engh said.

This week, Engh was scheduled to play at The Eleanor. Instead, he’ll have PayPal link connected to his show where viewers can donate to the Eleanor’s staff.

“These bartenders and these servers that rely on tips for most of their income,” Engh said.

Local band The Flannels will also be holding virtual performances to benefit bartenders and servers.

“It’s very important because these clubs have been so great to us as a band,” Justin Wallis of the Flannels said.

The Flannels will play at their scheduled venues to a physically empty house, broadcasting to a Facebook Live audience.

A PayPal link will coincide with the live show to benefit the venues Saturday, The Flannels will play from VZD’s, with proceeds going to the bar’s staff.

The bar’s owner, Adam Aguilar, said he couldn’t be more thankful.

“We’re feeling the impact pretty much immediately as far as not being able to have people in the restaurant enjoying themselves and spending money,” Aguilar said.