It's fair to say I owe my start in music to buying t-shirts from artists at shows. #Buyashirt

When someone goes the extra mile beyond a ticket to the show, to support you even after the event, telegraphing their love for your music to everyone they see for a day, logo bright and proud on their chest, back or sleeve... it means a lot!

Bands got to know me from that little investment in a t-shirt and in return I got to know them and over time to work with them for more than just a show. In some cases, for a lifetime.

Sometimes, my band was opening for them the next time they came to town. Sometimes, we just stayed friends. Sometimes we recorded records together. It was mind blowing, and it all started with a t-shirt.

The music industry, U Street Music Hall included, is in a self-induced coma right now. It's not gone, but it may be in the future if we don't take immediate action to preserve it. Funds, and hope in many cases, are in limited supply.

That's why I'm reaching out to you today. We've established a U Street Music Hall Merch Store to deliver dope t-shirts to you right now at a time when we can't deliver high-quality live music events.

Our t-shirts represent the communal spirit of what we stand for: artistry, community and the universal bond of music.

If you can, please consider purchasing a U Hall t-shirt today. It would mean the world to me and the dedicated team at U Hall. We love you all and will see you back under the mirror ball again on the other side of this.

#Buyashirt

Can we get this to hashtag to trend to encourage support for artists, independent music venues, record labels, etc. now when they need your support the most.

Here's our @Uhalldc link: https://u-street-music-hall.myshopify.com 

Please support your local, independent music venues. They serve communities and create culture. And they need you now more than ever.

Thank you

#Buyashirt