NORFOLK, Va. - Bands and musicians are certainly one of dozens of industries hit hard by the coronavirus.
"We have lost over $10,000," said Vee Milosevich.
Milosevich is a teacher and her husband Joe works for the government, but together when they are not at their day jobs, they make up the talented Red Stapler Duo.
"We have been together for more than 11 years making music and do around 200 shows a year, so we are super busy," said Milosevich.
But when coronavirus hit in March, the pair was forced to unplug, losing about 55 gigs.
"We decided for the first time we would start live streaming from our front porch, what we like to call the 'Red Stapler Stage,'" said Vee.
That one single porch party hit a high note.
Related: Canceled concerts & lost income leads local musician to write, produce personalized songs
"It caused me to rethink our business model and business plan. Maybe what we should be doing is bringing people together during this time," said Milosevich. "I mean, your neighbors have been with you through this entire pandemic."
Driveways and block parties are the new gigs for the pair, and less bars and restaurants may be the new normal.
"Even though we may be making less money, I think it comes back around," she said. "Music brings people together."
Happiness and joy during a time we all could use a little song and dance.
"It brought us together. Several of us have become friends just from seeing each other at the concerts and talking more at the driveway concerts," said Bayview resident Sherry Coleman.
"I see more people dancing, more people smiling and more people interacting with each other," said Milosevich.
If you would like to book Red Stapler Duo for your community or neighborhood event, click herefor more information.
