Is this all about money?

Money is part of it, but not exclusively or primarily. This is about better music through EARS:

• Equitability of financial risk and promotional burden - If musicians aren’t saddled with the lion’s share of both, they’ll have more time to practice
• Advocacy - helping the public understand the value of live music and musicians
• Recognition - publicly championing and promoting participating venues
• Sustainability - ensuring that musicians aren’t forced out of the business by poverty