News: Arts on View Society Raises Enough Funds to Save Hermann’s Jazz Club

The Arts on View Society have raised the funds required to lease and operate and effectively save Hermann’s Jazz Club.

The Victoria non-profit signed an agreement in early March to operate Hermann’s for the next five years contingent on raising $75,000 for a deposit and venue improvements by April 15, 2019. As of Saturday April 13, the society have received $91.335 in donations, surpassing their goal by $16,000.

A fundraising concert held Wednesday April 10 pushed them passed the finish line with more than $18,000 raised.

“We went right over the top,” said Arts On View Society chair Bill Turner. “Everybody that was there knew they were pushing it over the top, so it was a good feeling. There was just such enthusiasm at that event for that and making it happen.”

The extra funds raised will speed up improvements to the venue that are part of the lease agreement. “Things like the carpets are 21 years old and showing wear in a lot of places,” said Turner. “There’s also some kitchen upgrades to do.”

Turner said that because the Arts on View Society is designed to be a charity, it will also be able to implement programs for musicians and students sooner with the extra money.

The non-profit society is now working on legal paperwork and arranging the transition of operations in order to have the lease finalized by May 1.

The society are still accepting donations on their Gofundme campaign or monthly pledges on their website.