It’s not hyperbole to say that the efforts of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) gave U.S. rock clubs a chance to survive when it successfully lobbied and got passage for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. And while approvals for those grants have been frighteningly slow to roll out, it was heartwarming to see several NIVA founders in Ybor City to join the organization’s Florida captain, Tom DeGeorge, over the weekend. NIVA members—affectionately known as “The Fuckers”—welcomed “Hot Dog Party” back with a packed house ready to rage with bands, including a tremendous Misfits cover set from Flat Stanley, and a heartburn-inducing hot dog eating contest where Tyler “Pandapaws” Coy dethroned back-to-back champ Keith Odle.—Ray Roa
