Jerry Seinfeld takes the stage at NY comedy club - but not to make jokes

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Monday, September 14, 2020
Jerry Seinfeld pushes for federal relief for live-event venues
Jerry Seinfeld took the stage on Sunday at a Manhattan comedy club - but he wasn't there to make jokes.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Jerry Seinfeld took the stage on Sunday at a Manhattan comedy club - but he wasn't there to make jokes.

Seinfeld stood alongside U.S. Senator Charles Schumer to push for federal pandemic relief for New York's live-event venues.

ALSO READ | Live concerts and COVID - what does the future hold?

Without that funding, Senator Schumer says 90 percent of independent venues could be forced to permanently close - something that Seinfeld says would forever change his hometown.

"To walk down the street and know that right inside that door some people are onstage and doing things - it gives the city energy and electricity," Seinfeld said, "It's more than just a business, it is the spark of our culture."

Senator Schumer says the Save our Stages Act would provide grants of up to $12 million to live venue operators, producers, promoters and talent reps.

ALSO READ | 2 dads use improv to help kids have fun during pandemic

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New York City news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube