Fox Valley Music Foundation Receives Live Music Society Grant
6/23/25, 5:00 PM
FVMF & The Venue to Partner with Delmark Records for Quarterly Series
Aurora, IL — The Fox Valley Music Foundation is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Live Music Society, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting small music venues and ensuring their role in American culture and community life.
This generous funding will support programming efforts at The Venue, a nonprofit music space operated by the Foundation in downtown Aurora. As a recipient of this highly competitive grant, The Venue joins a national cohort of small, independent music venues recognized for their contribution to local arts, live performance, and community enrichment.
The Live Music Society’s mission is to recognize the vital role that small venues play in the ecosystem of the music industry and to provide the resources needed to preserve and develop these cultural anchors. “We are honored to receive support from the Live Music Society,” said Karen Fouts, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This Music In Action grant will allow us to enhance our programming, strengthen artist relationships, and continue building a space where community and creativity thrive.”
The grant will directly support a quarterly series of programs that combine the Foundation’s community-driven mission with the rich legacy of Delmark Records. Located in Chicago, Delmark Records is one of the oldest independent jazz and blues record labels in the U.S. Each event will include a masterclass led by Delmark artists, a panel discussion on Delmark’s rich history, and will feature live performances from selected Delmark artists.
For more information about upcoming performances, artist residencies, and educational programs at The Venue, visit www.themusicvenue.org.
About the Fox Valley Music Foundation & The Venue
The Fox Valley Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the rich musical legacy of the Fox Valley through live performance, education, and community outreach.
The Venue is a premier music destination in Aurora, Illinois, showcasing blues, jazz, and a variety of other music genres. Operated by the Fox Valley Music Foundation, The Venue plays a vital role in nurturing the local music scene and enriching the cultural fabric of the region - and is the kind of place that reminds you why live music matters.