"On Tuesday night, January 19, PBS will air an episode of its docuseries “American Portrait” that highlights the fight to save U District’s historic Blue Moon Tavern. The show features co-owner Emma Hellthaler, whose family has owned the 87-year-old bar and music venue since the 1980s. In an intimate glimpse into Hellthaler’s family life, she details the struggles to raise young children during the pandemic and caring for her husband, who is recovering from two brain hemorrhages. To keep the classic dive afloat, she set up a GoFundMe, stretched some government loans, and has attempted efforts such as a walkup coffee window, which may open back up in the spring (the bar is temporarily closed right now). Hellthaler has also fielded offers to sell, but she’s still determined to hold onto the business, celebrated by writers, musicians, academics, and artists for decades. The episode airs at 9 p.m. PT and should be available to stream online after." - Gabe Guarente
