Like several bars in Curitiba and restaurants in quarantine, the Bardocelar is closed in a social and collective commitment to combat and prevent the Coronavirus.
Like all micro and small business owners, bar owners Cleber Rodrigo and Leandro Affanio are concerned about financial losses during the pandemic.
But what really kept them awake at night was the thought that the city's musicians would be out of work for a long time, since most live music venues were closed indefinitely.
Show on the internet
That's when they had a sensational idea: continue paying musicians their fees so they could perform the same show, but broadcast over the internet.
The first show broadcast on Instagram will be next Saturday (21), at 10 pm, with the band É Nóix. The idea is to broadcast one show per week and also encourage other bar owners to do the same for Curitiba musicians.
“We were very touched by the bands’ situation, because we’re going to pay our employees during the quarantine.
Musicians will be out of work for a long time, and they have expenses and families like everyone else. They're self-employed," Cleber said.
"The band É Nóix was already booked to play the show on Saturday before we decided to close the bar. We've already incurred the biggest losses; as long as we can pay the fees, we'll do a weekly show.
In the brothers' view, it's a way to face the pandemic with solidarity, with a focus on others. "We want to bring a little joy and culture for free, while maintaining the bands' earnings. It's about thinking outside the box, like less drama and more solidarity at this time," said Cleber.
Meanwhile, they hope the initiative will raise awareness among other bar owners in Curitiba. "We hope other bars follow our example and help the city's musicians survive during this pandemic," said Cleber.