Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
On Sunday night, Sean Salm could see the stage at Voltage Lounge lighting up again, with guitarists, singers and even professional wrestlers performing in front of a live audience after months of silence.
Not literally, of course.
But for the live venue manager, President Donald Trump’s decision to sign the $900 billion second coronavirus stimulus bill was enough to make him dare to dream. The Voltage, like most other hospitality businesses, has been devastated by the occupancy restrictions brought by the pandemic. The 350-capacity venue near Center City hasn’t been able to pay rent since March, Salm said.