LINCOLN — Lincoln’s music venues are sitting silent. A casualty of pandemic gathering limits.  But that doesn’t mean the music has stopped in the capital city. Every Thursday night, local bands and their fans head online.

“Lincoln Strong is an online music festival that promotes and supports our local musicians here in Lincoln that make our community connected and vibrant and in one syllable, strong,” organizer Jack Rodenburg said.

As a musician, Rodenburg knows first-hand the struggles facing the local music community.

“It’s been a pretty rough ride," Rodenburg said. "You better change and you better change quick or else you’re going to be kind of out of luck here.”

So, he jumped on board when Charlie Schilling at Pinnacle Bank Arena asked him to help book bands for a live-stream festival benefiting the artists.  Rodenburg promptly scheduled 16 acts over the next four days and Lincoln Strong has been his project ever since.  The public has reacted.

“It’s been overwhelmingly positive," Rodenburg said. "Everyone is reaching out saying great job and extending their love.”

The impact goes beyond entertainment.  Viewers are asked to donate to the artists’ Venmo, like a tip jar. Lincoln Strong’s sponsors then match the donation up to $135. Artists also link to a Venmo for a local business or venue that’s been forced to close.

“It’s just been an amazing exercise in solidarity and community," Rodenburg said. "It’s just been such a blessing.”

You can find live streams of performances on the Lincoln Strong Facebook page.  Rodenburg says the weekly festival will continue at least through June.