Save Chicago Culture

6,006 Comments Add your own

• 1. Theresa Carter  |  May 9, 2008 at 10:25 pm

  As someone who’s passionate about Chicago and its incredible music and cultural scene I see this ordinance effectually relegating this vibrant city to the dark ages.

• 2. Michael Teach  |  May 9, 2008 at 10:30 pm

  This ordnance is ridiculous! The laws that are currently in place cover everything that is espoused by this “Law”. If the original laws had been enforced at E2 there would never have been a problem.

  Do not eliminate the music community from performing in Chicago!

  Peace,

  Michael Teach, Host
  Chicago Acoustic Underground

• 3. Michael Narvaez  |  May 9, 2008 at 10:35 pm

  After fighting so long to help the Chicago music since I find this ordinance totally outrageous so lets stop the madness!

• 4. Dennis M. Kelly  |  May 9, 2008 at 11:45 pm

  Chicago Music Guide will do all that we can to ensure that people are well informed of this situation so they’ll have the opportunity to express their opinions on the matter.

  Please let us know how else we can help to stop this from becoming a reality.

  Dennis M. Kelly
  Owner/Editor
  Chicago Music Guide

• 5. Bradley Petrik  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:24 am

  As a performer myself, to learn of an ordinance like this makes me sick to my stomach. This will directly limit my livelihood and make it harder for me to perform as I please.

  I hope that this ordinance doesn’t become law and destroy the vibrant cultural capital in Chicago. We are a world class city because of our cultural capital - doing this will destroy the reputation that we have developed for so long.

• 6. Amy Mueller  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:31 am

  Come on Chicago, what are you thinking?

  I am so against this. It’s asinine. I’ll be blogging about this at the Chicago Moms Blog.

  Amy Mueller
  (312) 235-2028
  http://www.chicagomomsblog.com

• 7. Eric Mueller  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:34 am

  Ridiculous.

  Will be blogging about this at http://www.canyouseethesunset.com

  Eric Mueller

• 8. Cara Carriveau  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:35 am

  My biggest concern is how will effect nonprofit events that barely squeak by as it is. I host many benefit concerts and these proposed fees will literally take away money from deserving charities and individuals in need. And, I really don’t see the point or benefit - so what if the promoter is fingerprinted, how is that going to make the concert run any better??? This is a horrendous concept and sure hope the bill does not pass.

• 9. Phil Rosenberg  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:46 am

  As a fan of the Chicago Music and arts scene, it would be a crime to strip up and coming performers of the ability to find their audience. Jam, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster make enough money charging $50-$300+/ticket with their lock on larger concert venues.

  Chicago’s small venue music choices bring this city untold tourist and entertainment dollars spent in restaurants, hotels, and related entertainment….and taxes.

  How will Chicago’s Blues and Jazz musicians survive this ordinance? How will Chicago’s Jazz Fest and Blues Fest look when no Chicago artists are on the bill, because they were all driven to Memphis, Austin, and New Orleans? This ordinance will drive the arts to more friendly cities because of poorly thought, back room politics designed to enrich the big players at the expense of the performers.

  Keep Chicago, not Austin, the live music capital of the world, and don’t pass this ordinance.

  Phil Rosenberg
  Music Fan and President of reCareered & Rainmakers Global

• 10. Penny Carter, CPA, CIA  |  May 10, 2008 at 8:08 am

  This ordinance goes far beyond ensuring that controls are in place to prevent another E2 disaster. It will have the affect of limiting the active music scene in Chicago to only huge acts that can afford promoter’s fees. The effect will be to prevent smaller concerts, including those benefiting charitable organizations. Is this a bill written for insurance companies or for promoters? It certainly is not written as an answer to E2, because sufficient laws are already in place - if they are enforced. Please do not allow such an all-encompassing ordinance to become a bill.

• 11. Paul Kloster  |  May 10, 2008 at 9:04 am

  Please don’t let the Chicago music scene become a parody of itself. Many people have worked their butts off to make the city a well known stop for artists, fans etc. It would be a shame to see all of this hard work go to waste if this law is passed.

• 12. Shanara Fornett  |  May 10, 2008 at 10:16 am

  Please add my name to the list!

  PEACE

• 13. Moe Martinez  |  May 10, 2008 at 10:28 am

  This ordinance seems like the most ridiculous idea for a city that supposedly prides itself on its music and arts scene.

  I will link to this petition from my own blog.

  Moe
  contact@skipthedial.com
  http://www.skipthedial.com

• 14. Wendy Parman  |  May 10, 2008 at 10:31 am

  As both a musician and performer and a fan of music/theater in this city I am appalled at the nasty way this ordinance is being pushed through with so little feedback from the community. What the heck Chicago? Let’s stop this now.

• 15. Jane Granner  |  May 10, 2008 at 10:31 am

  Speak up Chicago! Let your voices be heard! Don’t allow the culture of Chicago’s music scene be destroyed by some stifling ordinance that will directly impact smaller venues and charitable organizations. We need to encourage and support these artists and keep Chicago the best city in the world!

• 16. michael harnett  |  May 10, 2008 at 10:48 am

  As a strong supporter of Chicago’s local music scene and former promoter, club owner and manager of bands this ordinance is for no other purpose than to protect the status quo and generate revenues for the city. Instead of working to grow the music scene and live music events the City of Chicago continues to add tax upon tax and hurdle upon hurdle to stifle musicians, club owners, promoters and event managers. They can go all out, with their deep pocket corporate partners, to host the Olympics but to do something positive for the music scene which generates good will and multiple revenue streams they just keep putting up more roadblocks. They should be ashamed and this ordinance needs to be killed.

  Michael Harnett

• 17. Chicago Guitar Lessons  |  May 10, 2008 at 11:07 am

  This is typical of a Democratic big American city. They preach to the middle class, ask them to pay, then take their rights away by out pricing them. We at CGL.com have a business license, pay high property taxes and play the game. Mostly the middle class is not equipt for this. Our “Home Business License” is based on the fact that if they will not give us what we need we will buy in Des Plaines and still do business with Chicago.
  They want that money so they change the laws for the ( .com )
  buiness futures market.

  No cigarrettes
  No bands
  No bars

  This is wrong !

• 18. Meg  |  May 10, 2008 at 11:08 am

  This absolutely defies belief. I have seen shows at all but two of the venues listed in Jim DeRogatis’s blog and they have been some of the best times of my life. Independant music is one of the things I absolutely love about Chicago. It is absurd to think that this would go this far without notice of the public. If the worries are about “unsafe event planning”, then reinforce the saftey laws with higher penalties. The music shouldn’t have to suffer because of dishonest promoters.

• 19. Sean Patrick  |  May 10, 2008 at 11:48 am

  This is outrageous! Talk about a sure-fire way to kill what makes this city great. This has to be stopped - I fully agree with the posts so far - if it’s “safety” that is the issue, raise the penalties (again) but I think we all know that’s cosmetic. This will take a huge city-wide effort. Let’s get started!

• 20. Lisa Barcy  |  May 10, 2008 at 1:10 pm

  It’s as if they’re trying to vanquish anything that makes this town interesting. If Chicago’s music scene is limited to Wal-mart style musicals you can see just about anywhere, then we’ve truly been reduced to a carbon copy shopping mall. Don’t suck the soul out of our town!

• 21. Amy DK  |  May 10, 2008 at 1:43 pm

  As a singer/songwriter, this ordinance would basically do away with almost every place I could play within the city of Chicago. By passing this, the livelihood of hundreds of musicians in the Chicago area would be adversely affected.
  While safety is a genuine issue, there should be a way of dealing with those concerns without in effect destroying an integral part of what makes Chicago great - the local music and theatre community.

• 22. Diane Grider  |  May 10, 2008 at 2:10 pm

  The thing I love most about this city is how it embraces artists, this ordinance is completely opposing to artists! Small venues offer emerging artists a chance to get their music heard and start building a reputation and audience. Not to mention, it’s a huge draw for visitors. Passing this ordinance would be a shot in our own foot, very stupid!

• 23. Meghan  |  May 10, 2008 at 2:16 pm

  Whats amazing is that Chicago has this great reputation for music and entertainment and a constant selection of things to do. Yet, with the staggering amount of permits, licensing, registration, fees, etc, that is required to do or have anything here, it seems it was only a matter of time before the City Council decided that they should be making a profit off of the entertainment traveling into the city. I’m surprised that they don’t make you pay to enter the city limits.

• 24. Thomas Goforth  |  May 10, 2008 at 2:29 pm

  I am wholeheartedly against this ordinance. I find it unimaginable that the City Council would try to sneak this through to passage. Do not our elected representatives know what makes Chicago such a great City culturally? It’s the opportunity for creative artists, actors, and preformers to show their work and their talent. Do these folks have the money to pay yet another tax? To restrict the possibility of performance in small venues by creative artists and performers is, in my opinion, foolhardy in the extreme.

• 25. Sophia Rane  |  May 10, 2008 at 2:44 pm

  My son is an emerging musician with his band and I would hate to think that thia ordiance would prevent him from playing in his BELOVED City of Chicago!!!!!!!

• 26. Sophia Rane  |  May 10, 2008 at 2:51 pm

  My son is an emerging musician with his band and I would hate to think that this ordinance woud prevet him from playing in his BELOVED CIty of Chicago!!

• 27. Sandi Roberson  |  May 10, 2008 at 3:13 pm

  I am totally against this ordinance. Musicians have it hard enough to show their talent. Our city would be a very boring place to visit for vacationers or anyone for that matter!

• 28. Laura Saaf  |  May 10, 2008 at 3:18 pm

  It’s not right to demand all these requirements and fees of the smaller venues, theater groups, etc. when the 500+ seat places are exempt. How are you ever going to get big if you can’t start small? This legislation seems to be dead set against uniqueness in Chicago’s culture and flies in the face of what makes Chicago so vibrant and alive. The big venues are NOT the end-all and be-all of Chicago culture!

• 29. Gary Tu  |  May 10, 2008 at 5:17 pm

  I am 100 percent against this law. Fight the power.

• 30. bethfinke  |  May 10, 2008 at 5:50 pm

  I am blind. If you know people with disabilities, you know it isn’t easy for us to find high-paying jobs. I love going to theatre, hearing live music, attending readings. Chicago offers many of these things at an affordable price. I would like to be able to continue to appreciate the high quality of culture here in Chicago and am therefore against this proposed legislation.

• 31. Thomas Appling  |  May 10, 2008 at 5:55 pm

  Chicago should be helping to make more opportunites for burgeoning talent to be heard in small venues. Chicago is proud to be the “Second City”…this ordinance in it’s current form is sure to make it the “Last City” by driving talent to other more artist friendly communities.

• 32. James R. Neff  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:30 pm

  Another ordinance, The City that works is working to destroy its own music and cultural scene.

• 33. Larz Lustie  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:32 pm

  as a musician and performer of over 20 years, i can tell you that this will utterly DESTORY the flourishing Chicago independant music and performance scene.
  and in the aftermath- the only place anyone will be able to see any talent will be at huge venuse that cannot be filled by anyone other than national bands and thetrical companies; i hope everyon will enjoy paying exuberent ticket costs for entertainment of any kind, and mayor Daily -with his “whatever” type of attitude, will just get more wealthy from it-just look at how he passed the buck of responsibily in regards to channel 9’s undercover report on vermin at O-Hare airport- if this ordinace passes-the Chicago music scene will be ripped up under the cover of secrecy and darkness, just like Migs Field

• 34. bruce watson  |  May 10, 2008 at 7:51 pm

  enough of this madness—stifling creative possibilities in the veil of “Public Safety” is reminscent of past fascism.

• 35. Elisabeth Blair  |  May 10, 2008 at 8:03 pm

  My band promotes its own shows and probably will for a long time to come. Even regardless of whether this law is actually enforced, to feel like a criminal when I am promoting a show will be awful. And if it is enforced, even sporadically, it will screw us musicians over so much it makes me want to cry. We simply do not have this kind of money. I repeat, we do not have it. City Hall: Please don’t shut down the vibrant Chicago music scene with this sweeping act.

  To all: Please join the Facebook group, Save Chicago Culture.

• 36. paul yahl  |  May 10, 2008 at 11:47 pm

  Is this for real? I know Chicago is corrupt from living there for three years but, this is beyond ridiculous. Is this their way of turning a buck?… brilliant…

• 37. Chris  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:36 am

  this is absolutly outrageous.
  i wouldnt be surprised to see an exodus of independent musicians from the city, should this pass, and be enforced to the degree everyone is talking about.
  i, for one, would no longer feel comfortable performing here.
  there are other cities to call home.

• 38. Emil Wisch  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:48 am

  Oh, real nice. The little guys get f**ked again. Music is now being rationed by lawmakers who know what’s best for everybody else. I know promoters and small bands who put more than full time hours into their crafts and still don’t make enough money to get by. Stop now and go pick on somebody else. Oops, sorry you can’t because their paying you off to look the other way. So, go ahead and destroy the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity little by little. It’s only a little thing that this country was built on. In my experience, the idea of entrepreneurship gives a lot of people hope and keeps them from seeking more socially unacceptable ways of paying the bills. If the gov’t used a little common sense and creativity, maybe they wouldn’t have to tax everybody and everything.

  While you’re at it, make the boy scouts and girl scouts to get vendor’s license to sell thier cookies.

  Get bent! I mean that with nothing but respect.

• 39. Ryan Gunzel  |  May 11, 2008 at 1:38 am

  It’s really a shame. It has been in recent years that Chicago has seen a lot of rebuilding and reemerging of neighborhoods, which have in turn only helped to make Chicago a better city. And much of this is due to artists. If something like this had passed twenty years ago, would there be the Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, etc, that we know today? What’s to keep local artists, non-profit organizations, and small time events in Chicago? And when those people leave, what will keep the small cafes, boutiques, record stores, book stores? This proposal is a step backwards.

• 40. Thomas Woytus  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:32 am

  Please don’t pass this ordinance! My friend David Kav is a musician and the ordinance will make it difficult to spread his amazing work.

• 41. Justin Birchard  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:40 am

  It is already hard enough to make an honest living as a musician. We don’t need City Hall making it even harder.
  Chicago is a place of innovation and creativity… let’s keep it that way.
  Otherwise great bands will find new homes, and the soul of the city will be gone.
  Please reconsider this ordinance!

• 42. David Kav  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:48 am

  Speaking on behalf of those of us who make their living meagerly as artists, this ordinance is beyond absurd!

  Being a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, I have always bragged about the rich, diverse, infinitely creative and fruitful possibilities that one can have as an artist in this beautiful city. Passing this unnecessary ordinance will stifle not only performances, but will tarnish the history and heritage that Chicago has built its name upon.

  I’m posting this EVERYWHERE that I possibly can. Please - help me to preserve the faith that I have in “That Toddlin’ Town.” Please - help me to continue to brag about our lovely “Windy City.” Please - help me to continue to stand on our “Big Shoulders” and to help the forthcoming artists of the future continue to enrich Chicago.

  How, you ask? By turning down this Ordinance.

  I leave with this final thought. Remember the 1994 MLB strike? If you view ANY MLB game on television, you can see NUMEROUS empty seats. The reason: MLB has never fully recovered from the greed that spoiled our National Pastime. PLEASE - DON’T LET THAT HAPPEN TO OUR CULTURE IN CHICAGO!

  Thank you for your time, consideration and help in advance.

  Peace, love and LIVE ART IN CHICAGO!

  David Kav

• 43. David Kav  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:16 am

  Just posted a link on my web site to this site. It’s the first link that you’ll see on my Links page. SAVE CHICAGO CULTURE!

  David Kav

• 44. Jennifer Gage  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:21 am

  This is BEYOND disgusting. Words can not express how disturbing this is. Beyond all the points made, do you think ANY shows could survive this? Really. Without the “little” there is no “big.” Artists have to become inspired by something and have to have a little practice along the way. In short, Chicago can not thrive on HUGE venues alone.

• 45. sarah potenza  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:28 am

  Unfair, and unexceptable! it’s not hard enough being an artists. the city wants a piece of everything, we cannot let this happen!

• 46. gina Picchi  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:47 am

  Help support Musicians not push them away. Spread the word.

• 47. NatureDevil  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:49 am

  This will be up at http://www.NatureDevil.com as well… I’d comment on this here but my use of language would not benefit anyone.

  I wish someone would go and bulldoze an aldermans’ house or the Mayors’ house to put up a parking lot or an aquarium.

• 48. Kathleen Herrebout  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:54 am

  This ordinance is crazy. How can small local artists perform? What are fundraisers supposed to do, only bake sales? Stop all this micromanaging and let culture continue. We need to encourage, not eliminate.

• 49. Courtney Hunt  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:27 am

  I admit I was neutral about this law when I read the details above, but after reading all the passionate and heartfelt comments, I have to add my voice to the opposition. If there are already good laws on the books, there’s no reason to add unnecessary bureaucratic hoops that too many decent, law-abiding people wouldn’t be able to jump through. Besides, as others have noted, the laws themselves won’t prevent a disaster - only proper monitoring and enforcement will.

• 50. Kelley Smith  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:45 am

  I have done promotions, to help venues and bands. This would completely affect that work, which I do for free (as a hobby). This is ludicrous!
  No other area has this type of law. Nothing good will come out of charging people to enrich other lives with their music.
  This is just one more thing that will make it harder to hear GOOD music. Record labels have enough power as it is.
  Please do not allow this to pass!

• 51. Nicole Zwicker  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:55 am

  This is terrible. I know so many hard working and talented musicians here and this sort of thing would crush them and all of our amazing small venues. There is an incredible culture of independent music and art here. Don’t do this!

• 52. You need to get your act together  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:56 am

  I agree that there are problems with the ordinance, but I have not seen one valid rational complaint against this eg:

  I won’t be able to get insurance because I am so small (I have found this to be a problem)
  There is no reason that I should increase my liablity by adding the City on the insurance
  The $500 dollars that I would have to pay semi-annually would be more than I could afford and would hurt my bottom line.

  If you plan on just complaining, it won’t work — you need valid reasons for the city to listen.

  poster — this is a blog and all coments should be postes as long as they are not inapropriate. You have not posted a few of my similar posts. This is a valid comment and important for people to know they need to get deeper into this issue than - It’s going to hurt us.

• 53. Peter from Chicagp  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:56 am

  Another way to grab revenue and control who does business in the city. And ultimately it leaves more music unheard. Sad, sad, sad. Please help defeat this ordinance as it will help snuff out an already dying cultural scene in the city.

• 54. Leo Back-Violet Vicious and The Vagabonds  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:23 am

  As always the politicians use overkill to address an issue-what happened to cause this has little connection to what the results of this stupid ordinance will be. VOTE NO!!!

• 55. Myrna Vazquez  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:31 am

  Don’t you people have anything to do, but sit around and make up stupid laws that bilk money from those who least likely can afford it? What is this? I’m about this close to gettin’ out of dodge. And then what will you have. Nothin’ left but the gunslingers!!!

  Disgusted with the lot of you… why don’t you all just give yourself a raise and really get people mad.

  MK

• 56. susan  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:31 am

  Don’t stop the music!
  Large cities need little people to make it vibrant.
  Requiring large sums of money to play at small venues will make the small venues disappear, which in a small leap will make large amounts of city revenue disappear.
  Chicago! Look at the bigger picture. This will cost much, much more than it could possibly generate.

• 57. Ted Norstrom  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:55 am

  I’ll just echo what Michael said “The laws that are currently in place cover everything that is espoused by this “Law”. If the original laws had been enforced at E2 there would never have been a problem. Do not eliminate the music community from performing in Chicago!”

• 58. Michael Crawford  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:07 am

  What can we do to stop this?!

• 59. Elisabeth Blair  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:07 am

  Do you guys realize it’s even more awful than it seems at first glance? It’s not $500 flat, it’s $500 FOR EACH VENUE a promoter works with. That is complete insanity.

• 60. Jenny Blair  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:10 am

  As a purely practical matter, this will shut down or drive out small-time performers who do their own promotions. Either that or they will be operating illegally.

  1. They cannot afford to pay $500 even once, let alone per venue. Some small artists play in dozens of venues around the city while doing their own promotions. Dozens x $500 = finished.
  2. They cannot afford to pay the projected $300-$700 per year (the City Council’s Efrat Stein’s number, not mine) for liability insurance.
  3. Enforcing this law will be expensive, erratic, and altogether impractical. Which police are going to be cruising nightclubs looking at promoters’ licenses?
  4. Even operating illegally will be difficult because venue owners are also criminalized by using unlicensed promoters. Read the ordinance (on Jim DeRogatis’ blog or at the City Council’s website).
  5. Anyone under 21 is legislated out. This is the time of life when talent flowers. Young musicians and comedians will have to leave the city limits to perform.
  6. And, regarding leaving the city limits, just driving across town is becoming terribly expensive. People with four or five musical instruments can’t just hop on the train, either.
  7. Any law experts reading this? How is this not a First Amendment violation?

  People who can should come to the City Council meeting. It’s on Wednesday, May 14th, at 10 AM, at 121 N. LaSalle, 2nd Floor. Make a small sign you can wave inside (or, if you can’t get in, outside) the building.

  Please, also, call your alderman. Here’s how to find out who your alderman is: http://www.chicityclerk.com/citycouncil/alderman/find.html

• 61. distinctivecoaching  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:38 am

  Chicago has a rich and storied local performing arts tradition that must be kept intact.

  There may be a larger picture at stake here as well. I can see this new law not only limiting performing arts for both performers and audiences, but also other events that require promotion such as recreational, educational and professional development classes, workshops and activities.

  Please vote to secure and continue Chicago’s diverse, proud cultural offerings.

  Sincerely,
  Jason Rosado
  Owner, http://www.DistinctiveCoaching.com

• 62. Teri Gidwitz  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:41 am

  This is ridiculous. Is our city government intentionally trying to destroy a vibrant arts and music culture? Have these alderman thought about the ramification of this ordinance? People who can afford to make choices will choose to live some place other than Chicago, where the the arts and performance are nurtured and encouraged, and where actions of the local government don’t contribute to the continued “Walmartization” and homogenization of our lifestyle and our choices.

  I will send this to my friends and colleagues who will undoubtedly clamor to protest this ordinance.

• 63. Diana Rein  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:43 am

  I am outraged at what this will do to our artistic community that I feel is so special and unique. Chicago is where I felt a true artist could perform their art and still be able to pay the bills. This is a town where I felt that artists were encouraged and this is everything but that. I am in shock that someone would even come up with this madness and shut down a significant chunk of amazing venues that don’t cater to the “mainstream BS”. I lived in Los Angeles for quite awhile and I wouldn’t stop hearing about how Chicago Theatre is the best and I am not talking about touring companies. I am talking about Underground Theatre where so many celebrities that Chicago prides itself on, got their start. I came back to Chicago because I felt that I could really start from the ground up and build a name for myself doing my music. Now that opportunity is going to be washed away and people will get out of here in no time. Artists will go where they are appreciated and Chicago will have zero color anymore, it will be stale and dead without Art. Going to Buddy Guy’s Legends for the first time was unbelievable. I was so thankful to see one of my inspirations so up close and personal. It was one of the most pivotal moments of my life and I am sure for others. Now, generations to come wouldn’t be able to have that life altering experience because of this irrational law.

  I will send this to all of the artists that I know and sane people that wouldn’t have even imagined such a filthy law. Way to support artists Chicago. You have disappointed us greatly.

  Diana Rein

• 64. Jim  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:47 am

  If this passes this will end whatever growth the city has had in it’s cultural identity. This CANNOT become a reality. City government PLEASE look around. You have tourists coming in from all over the world, convention participants looking for something to do. If you have no local talent performing because they can’t afford a ridiculous $300,000 liability policy then you will have an awful hard time competing for convention business which already is hard enough. Cities like Orlando and Las Vegas have taken enough away. I grew up in this city and am very proud of what we have accomplished. Please don’t ruin it!

• 65. Ed Cline  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:59 am

  The power hungry, forever tax increasing, gestapo like political machne that runs this city needs to be stopped when and where possible to protect the future of Chicago.

• 66. Carole McCurdy  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:07 am

  A city that claims to support a flourishing arts scene would be hypocritical and foolish to pass an ordinance like this. These fees and strictures would effectively prevent emerging performers from developing and sharing their work, and Chicago would see a rapid withering of its cultural scene. And, if the Council has the financial interests of the city in mind, it will not pass this ordinance: imposing these fees would reduce Chicago’s cultural capital enormously, and in short order the city’s nightlife/entertainment industry (small and large venues alike) would see negative economic effects.

• 67. Curtis Larkin  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:13 am

  This is absolutely foolish. Touring and live performance is a critical revenue stream for performing artists. The ripple effect this could have on the banged-up music industry could be significantly damaging.

• 68. Tara Dettore  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:15 am

  I think this is absolutely insane!

• 69. Brian Leli  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:24 am

  This is outrageous and unnecessary.

  The CMC put it best…

  “The ordinance will reduce the amount of music in Chicago, make events more expensive for consumers, dampen the large and growing economic engine that is Chicago music, and create a much less supportive business climate for Chicago’s small music business community.”

  Outrageous and unnecessary.

• 70. Rachel Rossner  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:26 am

  I urge the City of Chicago’s City Council not to pass this destructive measure.

• 71. Greg Fundis  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:53 am

  Don’t do it Chicago! Keep the local independant music scene and touring artists alive and thriving. Small businesses, big ambition!

• 72. Mark Shallow  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:01 am

  There is a terribly misguided notion alive in this country that the arts must be, first and foremost, about money. One look at the culture of Hollywood is enough - but, the hand of greed has also reached into the cultural life of Chicago. A few years ago, a number of small theatres were perempotorily closed down, some as the the curtain was about to go up on the evening’s performance. This is elitism at its very worst - and now, we have the “Promoters Ordinance”, which would effectively strangle the life out of small theatres where some of the most entertaining shows are offered every week. It has been my privilege and pleasure to be a part of these shows, and it saddens me no end that this heavy-handed ordinance is even being discussed. I protest this is vehemently as is possible. It is wrong, it is grossly unfair and it ought to be stopped dead in its tracks.

• 73. Eric Mahle  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:18 am

  As a musician and sound engineer at a 375 cap. venue, I strongly oppose this ordinance. Not only is the small venue circuit my livelyhood and only means of employment, it’s also my love and social network. Chicago is one of the best independent music cities in the world. Let’s kep it that way!

• 74. Linda Cain  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:32 am

  If the city council passes this ill-conceived ordinance, it will forever be known as “The Day the Music Died.” Throughout its history, Chicago has been world-renowned for its music and culture. I would respectfully ask that the elected officials reconsider and vote against this Promoter’s Ordinance which will surely damage our wonderful music scene beyond repair.

  Linda Cain
  Publisher/Managing Editor
  Chicago Blues Guide

• 75. Harv Mayerowicz  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:33 am

  Someone hasn’t thought this out. Dear City Council,
  please do not kill the gestation grounds for new, creative artistic enterprises that makes Chicago Chicaago and not Indianapolis.

  Thank you,

  Harv Mayerowicz

  (not a youth anymore, but a Baby Boomer, athough I’m mostly boomed out)

• 76. Tiffani Hillin  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:57 am

  This is an insult to the human soul. Nothing can justify this and it must be stopped.

• 77. Meghan O'Connell  |  May 11, 2008 at 11:59 am

  Please add me to the petition.

• 78. The Kids  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:08 pm

  Think about the effects of this in the long term.
  Because smaller bands/promoters can’t afford to pay, few new acts/promoters will be able to establish themselves, effectively leaving us with only big-name, corporate-sponsored events now and especially in the future.

  Please, please don’t let it happen. Do it for the kids who thrive on tiny shows and unknown bands, the ones in bands themselves.
  Don’t push them all out to different corners of the suburbs.

• 79. distinctivecoaching  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:09 pm

  Here’s the Sun-Times article on the matter: http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/938133,nightweb050808.article

  But there may be a larger picture to the performing arts and civil liberties at stake here.

  I can see this new ordinance not only limiting promoting of concerts but also opening the door to hindering small theatrical and performing arts events, recreational and cultural festivals, and educational and professional development classes, workshops and activities.

  How does this potential law define “event promoter” and “venue”?

  Where does that line get drawn that inhibits our right to free speech that facilitates our right to assemble, for cultural or civil purposes?

  Please do not let this ordinance pass, and help secure and continue Chicago’s diverse, proud cultural offerings.

  Sincerely,

  Jason Rosado
  Business Coach and Owner
  Distinctive Coaching

• 80. Jen Porter  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:27 pm

  As a working musician in Chicago it would be a complete shame to see this ordinance passed. Chicago has systematically been giving up their pleasures for “progress”. New condos continue to overrun downtown and put good restaurants and bars out of business, never to be heard from again, replaced by a Starbucks and a Chipotle.

  PLEASE DON’T TAKE AWAY OUR THRIVING CULTURAL SCENE - IT”S ALL WE HAVE LEFT!!!

• 81. Marty Ryczek  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:28 pm

  This ordinance will not improve safety for club patrons, but it will hurt Chicago’s culture and economy. So who is going to benefit?

• 82. Matthew Cummings  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:35 pm

  Chicago is known as the worlds capital of the underground arts culture. It seems to me the city wants in on the action and in doing so they will destroy it. This ordinance is a capitalistic perversion. The city is praying on people who can barely make rent, and rarely make any money off their art. Believe me they pay plenty in taxes to the city in the 4 other jobs they have.

• 83. Dana Bloom  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:48 pm

  The Arts/Culture in Chicago need more freedom not more rules. Chicago needs to encourage artistic expression, and find new ways to fund it, not look for ways to stifle it with unnecessary rules and unfair charges. We need creative people in The City Council .

  Say it isn’t so.

• 84. Betty Dayron  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:52 pm

  It’s scary to think what could really happen if the city council rubber stamped this overly broad piece of legislation and it was enforced..
  Please… slow down and consider the potential damage to the cultural life of the city… slow down and construct legislation, if you must, that solves some of the existing problems without creating gigantic new ones..

• 85. Desiree Irwin  |  May 11, 2008 at 12:58 pm

  This is absurd. The reality of what artists do is obviously misunderstood by The City Council.

• 86. nik wielgus  |  May 11, 2008 at 1:04 pm

  how could you even think that this would help the city? most of the showcase venues/bars/cafes income is from bands/artists and they are setup by the artists themselves…so no setup, no show, no money, end of business. This will effectively kill the fragile state of Chicago’s new found economy. Performing arts are the second highest (non big-business) prophet to come into the city, so to not have that is a blow to all you know and love about the city. Not to many tourists want to stick around if all the see is a couple of tall buildings and a fountain. All the little guys that cannot book shows will; have to form “new underground venues” where there will be no city revenue or license tax or security or safe shows!!
  What about the artistes how make a living off of the scene in the city how can they afford to live here any more with no income from there profession. Most will have to move and that will kill the economy even faster. You should really take another look at the vagueness of this proposition and do a rewrite on this before it’s to late !

• 87. patricia kovar  |  May 11, 2008 at 1:05 pm

  Please do not permit this ordinance. Chicago is well-known world-over for it’s theatrical, musical, comedic creative theatre that is locally created and produced.

  Pat Kovar

• 88. Brian Toth  |  May 11, 2008 at 1:33 pm

  Well folks once again we need to follow the money trail. I’m sure that this is no different than when your vaunted thieving government put many of people out of work and inconvenienced others by closing Meigs Field. There are dozens of highly talented artists who will be put out of work by this ordinance and Chicago will become a creative ghost town. At first only the artists/musicians will be gone, but eventually the city’s economy will suffer, not only will the artists and musicians suffer, so will the clubs and the surrounding restaurants. All in the name of lining a few individual pockets.
  Don’t do it Chicago!

• 89. David Leonardis  |  May 11, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  Sounds to me like a bunch of fat cats that need to justify being overpaid by taxing the people that bring culture to the city.
  Culture is supposed to be more important than corruption.

  And while you’re at it all the people that are trying to save the music here need to buy some art and that will bring this whole situation some good luck.

  Art collectors are better more well rounded luckier people. It’s a fact.

  Put your money where your mouth is. I know I do.

  You know who you are.

• 90. Gretchen Hasse  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:11 pm

  PLEASE, realize that the vibrant, independent art scene is one of the things that keeps Chicago on the map. It is the main reason many neighborhoods have developed so rapidly in the past 20 years. Why would you want to kill something that nurtures so much good? If this measure is passed, Chicago would have no original, interesting performing arts to lure the curious and discriminating. No reason for creative, vibrant people to put down roots here. This ordinance is insanity.

• 91. Jordon P{opp  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:18 pm

  As a musician trying to make a living playing music, doing this is basically killing my dream, and the dreams of thousands of artists.

• 92. Richard Wood  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:23 pm

  This Is Bogus

• 93. Lily Wilcock  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:39 pm

  If you didn’t think we are living in a police state before, you can’t deny it now. This is disgusting, to think people might go to jail for having a concert, or promoting an event is absolutely disgusting.

• 94. Colleen Sterling  |  May 11, 2008 at 2:44 pm

  This is madness!! I really enjoy all the oportunities the city has to offer and this would definetley stifle the culture, music and art scene! We need to get the silver shovel out for the bozo that would like to institute this ordinance!!
  Please count me in with the vote against this.

• 95. Brit  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:00 pm

  I’m disgusted.

• 96. Brenda Bouschard  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:03 pm

  I spent 15 years in Chicago working as an entertainer, and I can’t imagine what the City Council is thinking to try and pass such an ordinance as this! In a city I thought really embraced the cultured arts, I find it deplorable, at the same time amazing, that this Chicago City Council could even remotely consider an act that would snuff out the city’s legitimate entertainment scene further than it has already. NO, absolutely NOT, to this proposed ordinance! Looks to me like an attempt to bleed more money out of people already struggling in the first place who can’t afford it, and in the longrun NOTHING will be accomplished. Instead, a continued deterioration of the facade that the City of Chicago actually CARES about entertainment there. I think not. I lived there, I know what they’ve done to live entertainment over the last 20 years, and the City of Chicago should be ashamed of itself for squelching the Arts like it has. STOP IT, ALREADY!

• 97. Cheyenne Pinson  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:11 pm

  as if it isn’t hard enough to get by as a performer in the city! LET CREATIVE VOICES SPEAK! mainstream acts are NOT what makes chicago’s cultural scene what it is. don’t let this pass!!

• 98. Nick Vandevelde  |  May 11, 2008 at 3:21 pm

  Stand up for the people who aren’t able to afford $500 a gig, lets continue to have Chicago as a place for new artists so be heard and discovered. That won’t happen if promoters can’t afford to book a band or a solo artist can’t pay the fee….on top of all the other costs of being a musician.

• 99. TRJM  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:07 pm

  This ordinance is a disaster! We cannot let it pass!

  TRJM

• 100. Matt Cramer LSW  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:10 pm

  I’ve lived in Chicago most of my life, and intend to stay here. This is my town and I love it! But when I read this ordinance I think: “Will Chicago go from being Someplace…to just Anyplace!”
  I urge all members of the Chicago City Council to re-consider this ordinance and far reaching consequences it will have on dampening the spirit and creative energy of our fair city.

• 101. cheryl szucsits  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:23 pm

  How could a mass exodus out of the city of some of the most talented artists in the nation at the passing of this ordinance possiby be beneficial? That’s exactly what will happen if this is passed. The economy cannot be sustained by “mainstream” alone… nor should that be the only option available. Not to mention that mainstream is not what made this city the cultural mecca it is… you’ll be destroying the proud legacy of live entertainment that helped make this city famous and continues to make it a beautiful, colorful and creative tapestry. And now they’re threatening to destroy the very foundation of Chicago’s cultural scene. I came here because this is a city that supposedly prides itself on and embraces it’s artistic culture at every level. Well, the heart and soul of the cultural community does feel that way… how sad, how very sad that the ones making this absurd ordinance apparently haven’t a clue what that means.

  This ordinance is a huge, HUGE mistake! DO NOT SILENCE THE CREATIVITY!!

• 102. Chicago Music Project  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:23 pm

  As a supporter of all things Chicago and Chicago music, the Chicago Music Project proudly stands against this ordinance. Chicago is the sleeping giant of the music industry. Passing this wold kill it before it wakes.

• 103. Brandon Warrick  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:27 pm

  As someone that makes their living from performing original music i see this ordinance as a threat to not only my livelihood, but my freedom of speech as well. Please vote no on this ordinance that will cripple creativity in chicago and destroy a local music scene that many other cities throughout the world only wish to have!!

• 104. Eric Nielsen  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:32 pm

  If you plan on just complaining, it won’t work — you need valid reasons for the city to listen.

  In the end, this will be terrible for the city of Chicago, but not necessarily for musicians. Artists will continue to play, just not in Chicago, which will result in less revenue for the city.

  See you guys in the suburbs!

• 105. Perry Bax  |  May 11, 2008 at 4:48 pm

  Perhaps the subtext to this will be revealed some day, as it is obviously serving someone who is lurking in the shadows upstairs protecting their large empire from the mortals who might also like to play the game . . .

  Perry Bax/Chicago
  The Best Radio You Have Never Heard

  http://www.bestradiopodcast.com

• 106. Andrew Jewell  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:00 pm

  As a resident of the outer Chicagoland suburbs I am again appalled at the City of Chicago’s resiliency in practice of sheer incompetence

• 107. Marci A. Rolnik  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:00 pm

  The proposed legislation adds an untenable level of hassle and expense to the already challenging effort for Chicago’s local music scene to publicize performances. Take your average starting five man band. Odds are that the band members are in their early twenties and, at best, leave each show with a hundred bucks or so in pocket. Most have never met with an attorney nor do they see the need for it.

  It is hard enough to get bands to recognize that they are in business and that they have a host of legal matters to get under control. Is the city suggesting that we penalize them for passing out cds and hand bills and going online to tell their fans to come out for their shows?

  Are we now going to label these artists “promoters” and require that the band, its members, street team, personal manager, tour manager, booking agent, promoter and/or publicist all obtain a license simply to tell the public about an upcoming performance?

  This only adds another layer of red tape to making it as a band. It is hard enough to get noticed now that anyone can record an album and put it online. We are saturated with music, and as a result, getting fans to come to shows has become an art form in itself.

  What is the criteria to obtain the license? What if it is denied? Are we really telling performing artists that they can’t tell their friends and fans to come see them on stage in the event that the venue has a capacity range that falls within the purview of the law?

  Right now we have more and more promising bands in Chicago and some serious momentum. The Chicago Music Commission has provided some unity, and we have reports from a recent University of Chicago study, documenting substantial revenue and jobs generated by the Chicago music economy.

  This law will put a dent in our potential to grow as an entertainment city. I do not support the current draft and hope that the city council reconsiders the target group and definition of promoter, which as it stands, is far too broad.

  Marci A. Rolnik
  mrolnik@law-arts.org

• 108. Monica Leigh  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  This ordinance would stifle so much creativity in this great city of ours. We need to keep our arts scene the way it is! Please vote against this.

  Monica Leigh
  lead singer of Reel Jem

• 109. Jeff Churchwell  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:08 pm

  Chicago, Don’t Punish mE2.

  Does the Chicago City Council seriously believe that handcuffing legitimate music promoters and, by extension, the musicians they are trying to promote, will have the intended effect of stopping the underground raves and the willful breaking of existing laws by people who’s only interest is making a buck while risking lives? Is the City Council simply trying to assuage five years worth of guilt over E2, without taking into account the hundreds of events annually that are promoted and held legally and responsibly, bringing legitimate revenue streams into City coffers without breaking that backs of those who provide it? Can the City logically claim that the proposed ordinance will benefit more people than it harms?

  The clear answer to all of these questions is “NO.”

  So, tell the City, “NO!” We must keep this ordinance, and it’s draconian methods and proposals, off the books.

  Chicago, don’t punish mE2.

  Jeff Churchwell
  Hawk From A Handsaw

• 110. A Taxpaying Citizen  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:31 pm

  Since the taxpayers of this city were not given an opportunity
  to publicly respond to this backdoor political maneuver, let
  our voices be heard now. Stop this ordinance. The people
  have spoken.

• 111. Christopher Todd Durnil  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  As one who promoted the local music scene in Chicago for six years, I find this act by the city government to be a JOKE! First of all, rarely do venues pay bands much more than the bare minimum, which doesn’t even come close to the amount the city is asking per event. So who’s to cover these charges? The venues? That ain’t gonna happen!!! And the promoter? Well, after spending money to promote the shows, there’s next to nothing (and I mean NOTHING) left - so why would I shell out more to the city??? The whole concept is INSANE!!!

  Once again, I guess this is the price you have to pay to live in a corrupt city. I’m glad I moved - maybe now the downstate scene will thrive!

  F*ck the city of Chicago!

• 112. lisa danielson  |  May 11, 2008 at 5:59 pm

  as a local chicago musician and music fan, i am appalled that chicago would even consider such a thing. the local music scene is part of what makes chicago what it is. people here love live music. i love live music…and i love performing for other people. i would love to have more information about signing this petition and making sure this doesn’t happen to this wonderful city.

• 113. Zach Weinberg  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:04 pm

  This news comes at a most upsetting time. In the last few months it seems like the independent DIY (Do it yourself) scene in Chicago has become stronger than ever before! This legislation will only effect small time independent promoters that are actually working to provide a vibrant music scene for our city, and not the ones that run music as if it were a business! This is a direct assault against the “little guy”, hindering mostly the independent/underground scene, which has made a name for itself in Chicago. This will ruin a culture that is much prided in our city.

  Zach Weinberg
  Musician/DIY Supporter
  Radio DePaul

• 114. Carl Dabrowski  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:08 pm

  This ordinance is compleatly insane! It will cause a lot of buisness to just up and disapear! Chicago has always been known for its great local misic scene. How can these bands be heard if the promoters have to jump through hoops just to made it possible? How about you stick to getting gangs off the street, drug dealers behind bars, AND LEAVE OUT MUSIC ALONE!!! Im glad to hear that the Chicago goverment has its priorities straight!!!

• 115. Melissa Brown  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:12 pm

  This is grossly unfair to everyone who works in the entertainment industry in any way! With the economy being what it is, everyone is already struggling just to make ends meet. Is the city of Chicago trying to put every bar and nightclub, as well as every entertainer and marketing person completely put of business now?

• 116. Alan Carter  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:16 pm

  Does Chicago still want to be called the second city? With ordinances like this, it won’t even make the top ten. The arts, especially music, are a vital, absolutely necessary part of our culture. A society that suppresses artistic freedom through bureaucratic ineptitude is well on the road to oblivion.

• 117. mickey  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:21 pm

  As a local musician i find this truely disturbing, venues and music are already on the decline, this might be the death of some classic venues and the praised arts of chicago.
  for some reason i doubt the council will listen to the people who this will hurt. they will pass this as a law, screwing over an entire culture, but im sure their bank accounts will make them happy.
  for an aweosme city chicago sure sucks at helping the people who live here.

• 118. Ami (Destined Apostle Vocals)  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:29 pm

  As a musician, I am appalled at this ordinance. Its hard enough to find places to play at and to find promoters who don’t screw you over on your payment. I have played countless shows without pay because of crooked promoters. Our band has opted to book our own shows and keep our scene pure and about the music. Promoters ruin a lot of good things when it comes to bands who play on the smaller circuit in bars. If this ordinance passes, it will be a very gloomy day for Chicago music. I bet it will get to the point where there aren’t any bands signed from Chicago because it will be impossible for us to play. Promoters in Chicago generally shy away from certain types of music. Passing this ordinance is unfair to musicians.

• 119. Jeanne T. Arrigo  |  May 11, 2008 at 6:46 pm

  As both a nonequity actor working with some of the finest small theatres in town, and as an independent singer-songwriter playing gigs of original music at small listening venues, the possibility of this ordinance passing SCARES ME TO DEATH!

  How can the small, independent artist or small (read: “living on a shoestring budget and depending on art-loving audiences) theatre companies survive if this ordinance passes? Isn’t Chicago known for it’s diversity of culture, it’s cutting-edge artistic vision? How can this be continued if all that is left is “Broadway-In-Chicago,” Steppenwolf and Goodman, and national touring bands at thousand-seat venues? No offense to any of them - they are ALSO needed for artistic diversity - but the hidden gems of art are generally found in the grassroots, with those who are doing new, innovative things by following their hearts and souls. These are the artists who can DO this, b/c they are not yet beholden to corporate interests, or huge producing/booking houses/agencies.

  Listen to some of our greatest artists whom I’ve quoted below, and don’t let the creativity and vision of those who would offer great art to the city on a small scale, suffer b/c they do not have huge venues or backers!!!

  “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
  Pablo Picasso

  “The object of art is to give life a shape.”
  William Shakespeare

  “Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.”
  George Bernard Shaw

  and most important, in light of my point:

  “All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning. Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurant’s revolving door.”
  Albert Camus

  PLEASE do not limit the diversity of creativity in Chicago by forcing an unreasonable, UNNECESSARY, and wholly outrageous fee on performers who will not be able to afford this, and therefore will not be able to share their art. THE ENTIRE CITY WILL SUFFER!!!

  Believing that you will make the right decision -

  Jeanne T. Arrigo
  http://www.jeannetarrigo.com

• 120. Scott OKen  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:13 pm

  That this is even being considered is unconscionable! Do you really want to stifle and destroy one of the things that makes this city one of the best in the nation? Do you really want to destroy people’s lives and liveleyhoods? Passing this ordinance will be one of the biggest mistakes in the history of this city. Don’t do it!

• 121. Mark Taylor  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:13 pm

  this is the most outrageous thing ive ever seen! i pray that we are heard and this ridiculous ordinance doesnt see the light of day. disgusting.

• 122. Donna Frost  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:15 pm

  I can’t believe what I have been reading. It’s mindboggling to think this BS is happening in Chicago! I’m a touring musician based out of Nashville and I play in Chicago several times a year. It breaks my heart to see the idiots in charge being such mercenaries. I have always thought that Chicago had such a cool music scene. Playing in Chicago and hanging out with Chicago musicians is always so uplifting to me.

  To think artists and clubs are going to have to pay through the nose to present live music is outrageous. We already have a hard enough time out here trying to make a living doing what we love and the ever rising costs of gas makes it even more difficult. You are killing the arts, killing the soul of the city. I can assure you, we will not go quietly.

• 123. Dara Allen-Trainer  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:18 pm

  The whole reason I moved to Chicago was the “storefront arts scene”. Eliminating this part of Chicago’s culture will destroy the city’s economy…and spirit.

• 124. Matt Sobczyk  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:23 pm

  Go to: http://www.ci.chi.il.us:80/city/webportal/portalProgramAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0477296502.1210555116@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeedhehhhjcefecelldffhdfhl.0&programId=536879154&channelId=-536879035&topChannelName=Government, it lists aldermen by ward. You can click on your alderman’s name to get phone, address and e-mail. Let them know which side of this issue you are on. I believe Ald. Barnett is the sponsor of this bill, no matter what ward you live in, he should hear from you. I not only voted for my alderman, I displayed his signage on my property and intend to remind him of my support. Let’s fill up those mailboxes.

• 125. chris  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:35 pm

  as if the music industry in this country isn’t bad enough? without the local and semi/national bands you would have nickelback! I like chad just fine but really, thats the only choice in rock?

• 126. Jaime  |  May 11, 2008 at 7:43 pm

  Doesn’t the city council have anything better to do? This is ridiculous.

• 127. Andrew Madden  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:04 pm

  if this law were passed, it would be similar to the idea of me losing the use of my arms; i could still learn to live my life, but it would never be the same. having worked, played, and been a patron in so many of these venues over the past 7 years, i have experienced so much joy and life and vibrance that i couldn’t imagine my life without it. if this really passed, chicago would no longer be one of the greatest cities in the world. stop the stupity and squash this extremely cruel joke into the ground. don’t take away the freedom to enjoy life.

• 128. TK  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:05 pm

  This is ridiculous and will make it so no one can perform in Chicago anymore. IT will never get passed. E2 is to blame for this plain and simple.

• 129. Cassie  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:07 pm

  Please do not ruin what I–and so many others–have and will continue to hold so dear to our hearts…the Chicago music scene…

• 130. Stephen Di Cicco  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:12 pm

  Limiting the distribution and performance of art would not only be detremental to the culture of Chicago, but it would also destroy young artists the opprotunity to have a launching pad to be recognized. This in turn would create even more frustration and dull down the outlet for our local artist to pursue their dreams… and the peoples right to hear, see, taste and smell what Chicago artists and entertainers have to offer. The beautiful thing about true art of any kind is that corporations, city officals, and police officers are not involved in it. Mine as well hand Clear Channel a city key while you are at it. Leave us alone.

• 131. Jill Dawson  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:15 pm

  So disheartening!! This is an example of a law where the originally intent is lost, and the unintended innocent are paying a hugh price. Musicians and performing artists already invest so much to pursuing their passions, most barely making ends meet as it is. Those brave enough to take this journey do not deserve to be penalized. The city will also suffer a great loss, with no doubt artists packing up and taking their crafts elsewhere … Chicagoans missing out on the soul-inspiring experience of live music & performance in it’s most organic states! Please stop this!

• 132. Tony Jones  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:16 pm

  This simply can’t happen.

• 133. Kristin Mack  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:18 pm

  unbelievable, with everything going up in price already, now entertainment? And where will up-and-coming bands play? we all enjoy music in different ways. We dont all want to go to expensive, crowded venues all the time and Im sure bands like playing formore intimate crowds too. Stop the ordinance!

• 134. Elizabeth Bagby  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:22 pm

  One of the greatest parts of Chicago is its storefront arts scene. I moved here ten years ago for the theater community, have worked steadily since then, and have constantly been in awe at the talent and inventiveness of the artists here. It’s a safe bet that many of these opportunities simply would not have existed for me and these other artists if such an ordinance had been in place.

  Make no mistake, it’s punishing. Almost no one makes a full-time living from theater here (no more than 20 actors, by one teacher’s estimate). We’re all doing this because we love it, and because the city’s a hotbed of talent–we all learn from each other. Most of us have day jobs and grueling schedules. On top of that, those of us with small theater companies have hours of unpaid administrative work, dealing with other Chicago restrictions like PPA licenses. Another pointless licensing requirement with a prohibitive fee could be enough to make quite a few talented artists throw up their hands and move to New York.

  But beyond the personal impact to the thousands of us who make art, Chicago needs to think seriously about the fact that people move to a city–and spend their money there–because they perceive it has a creative culture. If your Friday-night choices are limited to the same multiplex movies and ClearChannel bands you could find in the suburbs, what’s to stop you from moving to the suburbs, where the rent is lower anyway? This is the sort of thing that slowly kills a city.

• 135. Holly Shapiro  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:29 pm

  Small venues offer emerging artists a chance to get their music heard and start building a reputation and audience.

• 136. Nick Digilio  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:38 pm

  This is outrageous! Absurd. and downright idiotic. It can NOT happen and I will do anything within my power to make sure people get involved and protest this nonsense, and stop it from happening.. I have a radio show on WGN and you can bet your butt I will be talking about this tonight, spreading the word and causing a ruckus.

• 137. Tracy  |  May 11, 2008 at 8:44 pm

  This is crazy!!!!! They just want to make life more difficult and expensive!!!

• 138. Jamie Gallagher - Andreas Kapsalis Trio  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:03 pm

  Does this mean that my band can’t promote a show at a small/medium sized venue without a license? I’m not sure I completely understand all the ins-and-outs of this ordinance, but this great city houses THOUSANDS OF ARTISTS, and we shouldn’t have to deal with any more B.S. as it stands, especially if we currently engage in D.Y.I. methods of promo.

• 139. Adam Starodub  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:09 pm

  Chicago’s music scene has long been regarded as one of the best, and that is because of the many options artists have within the city. By placing unrealistic expectations to put together an entertaining show, you not only stifle the careers of many aspiring artists, but also leave many people with one less thing to do.

  With so much concern about out kids out on the streets killing each other, it seems counterproductive to put into motion an ordinance that could possibly lead to more of those children wandering streets doing things they shouldn’t. Attending a show is a great community feeling, and is greatly needed in this city at this time. Passing this ordinance would greatly jeopardize the safety of many of this city’s youth.

• 140. Sara  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:25 pm

  I read this and felt ill. As an actor within this city, one of the most unique things we have is our bountiful Storefront Theatre community. Please PLEASE do not vote to destroy something that you should be proud of. The arts within the city of Chicago is a part of what makes us great.

  Do NOT pass this ordinance…

• 141. Kimberly Johnson  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:31 pm

  After reading about this ordinance, I believe not only is it hurting both your local artists and business owners, but this will be very detrimental to the economy. This will effect both the economy and the culture of Chicago. Chicago has been a mainstay and breeding ground for musicians, artists, comedians on both a local level and a national level to build careers and their art. The new ordinance would create a huge financial burden on the budding talent of the future and I believe would force these people to find alternate places to cultivate what Chicago was once known for cultivating. I truly hope that the Council reconsiders just what passing this ordinance would do to this city.

• 142. Paul  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:31 pm

  You should be ashamed of yourselves. You are supposed to be a government for the people and yet all you ever do is serve the vulturous big businesses. This is just a way to try and make it harder for individuals to perform and promote themselves. If this is voted in I think we should sue both the city and any company associated with this. That is the only way these swine pay any attention, They are taking away our freedoms, and I am sure there are plenty of lawyers who would love to jump on that circus.

• 143. Chas Vrba- Factory Theater  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:33 pm

  This is a hit that the Chicago simply can’t take. A bad idea for an ordinance that would simply stifle a very creative and prolific community.

• 144. Erik Childress  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:36 pm

  Did the offspring of Mola Ram come up with this ridiculous ordinance? Don’t let them tear the heart out of this wonderful city we call Chicago!

• 145. Ryan Keller  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:36 pm

  This would be an enormous tragedy!! How about we focus on more important things such as Chicago’s increasing murder rate.

• 146. Karen Forshall  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:37 pm

  This is absolutel disgusting. One of the reasons I love living in the city of Chicago is the fact we have such a love for the arts. Being a young want-to-be actor myself, this hurts. A city with such an artistic past doing somethign like this? I’m dissapointed.

• 147. Tim  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:39 pm

  As a lifelong Chicagoan who has enjoyed shows at small theaters here in the city, this has me deeply concerned. All of the things that make this city so special and unique are disappearing. Please don’t let this happen.

  Tim

• 148. Austin  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:39 pm

  This is so stupid!! Shutting down these small venues will not only put artists out in the cold, but production companies. Sound, lighting, video, etc… will not have as much gigs to do if this happens. These venues alow smaller and underground bands a chance to get their music out there. If there are no small venues, small bands will no longer have a chance. This can’t happen!!

• 149. tony m.  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:40 pm

  what is my incentive to come into the city and spend my suburban money if so many creative and artistic venues are taken away…
  this sounds like another short sighted idea that can only cause regret !!

• 150. Richard Dahl  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  This makes no sense!!We should be expandingour arts base ,not closing it up.Vote this down!!!

• 151. mike  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  this would keep thousands of people from displaying their creativity in this ciy. also it would keep many of us from seeing very good musical and theatrical shows. it would be a total disgrace for the city of chicago if this was approved.

• 152. Heather  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:44 pm

  What is this city thinking? We just had Looptopia, which is an amazing event that celebrates so much of the culture of this city. Yet this law would affect these same people!!!! C’mon Chicago, think about what you’re doing!

• 153. Paul Gizel  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:45 pm

  When you limit the city of Chicago to a few venues you are removing the blood and soul of of it’s culture. In other terms, you make it generic by stripping it of what makes Chicago such a memorable place.

• 154. Thom Cox  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:46 pm

  This seems to me to be about revenue for the city under the guise of public safety, kindof like the seasonal speed limit changes on Lake Shore Drive. There must be businesses which have greater net profits to tax and which do not serve as diverse and wide-reaching a demographic as do the performing arts. Surely there are better ways to raise revenue than driving small arts organizations out of business in favor of artistic homogenization and control.

• 155. Joanne Liberman  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:47 pm

  Event Promoters ordiance is the most outrageous bill that I have heard of in a long time. This is a bill
  that MUST NOT be passed. Chicago is too important to have an ordiance such as this. Please inform all City Council members about my concern about this issue.

  Thank you

  Joanne Liberman

• 156. Mike Felten  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  This lunacy is not only a strike against the culture of the city, but another blow at independent small business (how many small storefronts are for rent?)With the amount of sales tax that we have to pay and the diminshing diversity - there is going to be less and less of a reason to spend our dollars anywhere in Chicago. A Home Depot, Best Buy or Costco is the same outside of the city limits as within them and cheaper. You should be aiding and assisting every music venue and theater you can instead of giving them cause to move.
  The tragedy at the unlicensed E2 was due to a police department and a city government allowing it to operate unsafely. Maybe we should license and tax the graft and corruption and let the rest of us try to make an honest dollar

• 157. Collin S  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  So, tell me, what was the point of Looptopia? That was a free event comprised (mostly) of local artists who normally struggle to achieve 1% of the audience they had in the streets a couple weeks ago. So, what? Use these people to lure in the tourists and suburbanites and then turn around and slap these artists in the face with an ordinance they can’t possibly adhere to? It’s shameless and wrong-headed in every way.

  When I have friends in from out of town, I don’t take them to see bloated Broadway shows they can watch on DVD. I take them to the Double Door, the Neo-Futurarium and any out-of-the-way venue that is unique to our city. These smaller venues are every bit as valuable to our city as anything on State Street, if not more. This ordinance must not happen.

• 158. Pete  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  I travel out of the country often and whenever I tell People I’m from Chicago, they almost always say how lucky I am to be in such a beatiful City with the diverse Music and Arts that are available to me. Passing this law is a mistake. This law will stifle, and perhaps prohibit some, if not all, of the up and coming Artists of our time and even our children’s time.

• 159. Chris  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  Leave well enough alone. Chicago is made up of a patchwork of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own identity which is voice by the small venues of that particular hood. It won’t matter that the CTA can’t get you any place in a timely matter if there isn’t any place to go to.

• 160. Kevin  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  This ordinance is an utterly ridiculous and disturbing idea!

• 161. L Solarz  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:49 pm

  The purpose of this ordinance appears to be to generate money, as usual. But has the Council thought this through? Such an ordinance could cause a serious drop in attendance to the city’s smaller venues, and consequently hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that benefit from theatre/nightlife would suffer. Rather than generate income this ordinance will potentially mean the loss of revenue for the city. And its rising reputation for attracting unique, quality independent productions would soon fade.

• 162. Tom  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:49 pm

  This ordinance is terrible and a blatant attempt to extort more money out of the citizens of Chicago and fatten the pockets of the corrupt politicians who rule this town with an iron fist.

  It’s disgusting when I think about City of Chicago taking hard earned money to feed waste and political corruption. Find another way to creatively extort more money out of your citizens Daley. Tax some more water if you have to.

• 163. Kirk Wonio  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:51 pm

  Please use common sense and realize that you will criple the local music scene. Chicago will NOT be the same if this ordinance passes. So please help to keep Chicago strong.

• 164. Victoria Carter  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:54 pm

  All I go to is local music events… to take this away would be like taking the lake away, taking the sports life away, taking chicagos soul away. THIS ORDINANCE CANNOT BE PASSED!

• 165. Frank Coronado  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:54 pm

  How dare Chicago call itself a world-class city when it can seriously consider enacting such idiocy and cultural suicide.

• 166. Erik Childress  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:57 pm

  Did the offspring of Mola Ram suddenly take over the City Council? Do NOT let them tear the heart out of this wonderful city we call Chicago!

• 167. Christian Munoz  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:57 pm

  Stop the Promoter’s Ordinance and Save Local Bands and Theater!

• 168. Katelyn S.  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:58 pm

  Every day, it seems, Chicago loses another part of its identity: our important manufacturers leave, our iconic companies are sold and our landmarks are razed and replaced with cookie-cutter condos.

  Perhaps the last, best hope for Chicago is our healthy performance scene — places like the Double Door, the Athenaeum, the Metro, and the list goes on.

  As a person trying her best to carve out a career in a creative field in Chicago, I am grateful to be surrounded by these venues and the culture they support. If this ordinance is approved, I see no reason for these venues to stay in Chicago — and I, in turn, see no reason to stay in Chicago. I will follow the musicians, writers, actors and artists to LA or New York, or at least go north to Milwaukee — a city our own, I fear, will soon emulate. But hey, at least the rent is lower there.

• 169. Paul Lyons  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:58 pm

  I think this law is wonderful. It makes sure that people who don’t belong in our city stay out. These “musicians” and “entertainers” think they can just create art any place, any time. But now we can force those people into going through the proper channels. They must submit to the will of the Chicago Police with fingerprinting and background check. After all, these are the people who are pushing drugs and alcohol on our youth! They’re criminals from the get-go. And if they think they’re going to do a show without asking the city and paying, they’ve got another thing coming! You can’t just do whatever you want!! You MUST at ALL TIMES have the consent and permission of the government. The only way to ensure a secure society is to stamp out all the possibilities of trouble brewing. And everyone knows: Unregulated art and music is the work of the devil!!!

• 170. David Kim  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:59 pm

  I love this city, but the longer I live here, the more it infuriates me.

• 171. Janet Nicholas  |  May 11, 2008 at 9:59 pm

  I live downstate but have lived in the Chicago area and many times enjoyed the smaller theater venues more than the bigger ones. This cannot happen. It just shows those who are running things have not a clue about the theater and music scene in the city. Just another way to squeeze money out of the ordinary citizen.

• 172. Ken Rozanski  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:01 pm

  If the City has legitimate concerns about public safety at events, this should be addressed by enforcing existing safety regulations.
  This sounds like just another way to sneak a new tax through. I am very concerned that this ordinance will put an unreasonable burden on the artistic community, and that it may eliminate many of the great cultural offerings which makes Chicago unique.

• 173. David Rocco Facchini  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:02 pm

  This desperate and predatory proposal, is a slap in the face of the arts community. If passed, this will not only financially devastate creatives but also patrons of their venues. It means death to the independent and aspiring artists in this city. If the City of Chicago endorses the arts community, touting Maggie Daley as it’s staunchest advocate of the arts, then the response will be against this assanine bill. How many ways does the City of Chicago have to milk the fiscal life-blood out of its’ citizens before they respond? I’m disgusted by whomever the authors of this bill are. How do we find this out who is on this committee? I hope they get run out of town on a rail…

• 174. Jen C.  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:02 pm

  If the City Council passes this ordinance, Chicago will lose its right to call itself a world-class city.

• 175. Will Riley  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:09 pm

  I am a fourteen-year-old company member of the Cornservatory, a not-for-profit 46-seat theater that would be pushed to the brink of extinction by this ordinance. I have grown up around my fellow company members. They have been like a second family to me. I don’t know what I would do without them. And yet, all that is about to be taken away. And something is about to be taken away from the many Lincoln Square area families who thank us show after show for providing children’s theater at cheap prices to those who don’t have many other entertainment options. And those adults who come out for our mainstage shows. We are constantly being told how much people appreciate us being there. These are the kind of personal stories that I would encourage the City Council to consider before voting. This bill will effectively ruin their constituent’s lives. So, with that in mind, I hope they will have the sense to vote Nay on Wednesday.

• 176. Steve  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:09 pm

  This has to be some sort of sick joke.

  Tax and regulate the best things about Chicago out of existence?

  I’m fairly convinced everyone on the city council who supports this law is secretly working for the tourism bureaus of other Midwestern cities. I mean, that has to be it. Is there any other explanation for this sort of idiocy?

• 177. Lacy Coil  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:10 pm

  This is absolutely, unequivocally, a ridiculous proposition. Self-produced theater and performance is what makes Chicago unique and vibrant. Without the foundation of storefront theater, every other theater in this town would fall. Virtually no actors would work, no original work would be produced.

• 178. vanessa  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:11 pm

  what the hell?!! what do they want chicago to become?? this ordinance is ridiculous! if this passes then so many performers won’t perform, which means nobody will go see any performances, which means lost money, which means eventually this adds to the downfall of the economy. chicago will go down!! oh noo!!!
  add my name to the list.

• 179. James P.  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:11 pm

  I’ve always loved Chicago for its great arts programs. If this passes, I’ll move this year.

• 180. Linda Taylor  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:11 pm

  I live in Evanston, but I enjoy going to chicago for entertainment. If this ordianance is passed it would greatly limited my engagements. I hope that it doesn’t pass!!! I really don’t like crowds of prople and small gatherings are so much more enjoyable.

• 181. Emjay  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:13 pm

  Do the math… if you have a 12 piece band and you’re only being paid $700-$800 for a show (which is what a lot of bars only pay), how do you pay a $500 licensing fee and pay your band members too? Would you go to work for $16.66-$25 for a night’s work? Never mind what it costs you to park in the city to play that venue. That’s less than minimum wage.

  I doubt anyone in the city council would cross the street for that amount of money.

• 182. mari  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:13 pm

  this must not pass…..i love this city and the wonderful creative energy artist bring to it….if this passes you will destroy what makes this city so unique and brillant!!!!

• 183. Generation Love  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:14 pm

  Add me to the list of those who support the underground Chicago art scene.

  Thank You,
  Love

• 184. joel witte  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  who in their right mind would approve this
  why would you knowingly strip chicago of such a HUGE part of its culture
  this is rediculous

• 185. Robert Weinstock  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  This is a terrible idea. Chicago’s small theater companies and music venues are vital to our cultural scene. I hope the City Council will realize how much of a negative impact this would have and they do the right thing by voting against this ordinance.

• 186. Save Art  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:17 pm

  Typical of politicians….have no clue of what makes Chicago special…which is that grass roots culture exists in the walls and flors throughout the city.

• 187. Robert Pawelek  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:22 pm

  This is Insane

  I hope my First Ward Alderman votes no

  This is a slap in the face for everyone in the City of Chicago
  add my name to the petition

• 188. Nick Santiago  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:25 pm

  THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED! Though I’ve yet to partake in many of the cultural offerings the city has to offer this would be a tragedy if it goes through.

• 189. Mike Feldheim  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:28 pm

  As usual, the City Council, is wasting its time focusing on things that are not major issues. Chicago is known for it’s neighborhood theatre companies and small bar venues! And not they want to get to rid of them? Somehow I would bet there is money involved somewhere! THIS CANNOT CONTINUE! Kill this ordinance before this wednesday!!

• 190. Cheryl Tomblin  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:28 pm

  I remember when I heard rumor of this ordinance last year from a friend of mine who is a Chicago-based Musician. Speculation of this ordinance was in conjunction with an already pending ordinance against DJ-ing in a non-licensed venue (ie. house parties) because such events are considered to be raves. I can’t believe that Chicago law-makers are trying to implement an ordinance that would stifle creative/musical expression in city known as “Home of the Blues.”
  This city is the home, or at least major pit-stop, for so many musicians, small and big-time alike; musicians that can walk into a club, sit in for a set, and enjoy the company of their fellow musicians. In fact, that happened to me just the other night at Gallery Cabaret. While I was only there for a beer, the host that night approached me to ask if I could play a couple songs to fill in an open slot. If this ordinance is passed, opportunities such as this would not exist for me or other aspiring musicians in Chicago. Musicians will not only have to notify the police 7 days before any performance, but we will have to “get fingerprinted, submit to a background check,” and go through myriad of other hoopla. Would this be the end to “Open Mics” as well???!!!
  This ordinance is completely asinine and I DO NOT support it. Please, for all those who benefit from being able to express themselves at venues small and large in Chicago, raise your voice and tell Mayor Dailey he would be doing his city a disservice passing this ordinance.

  Cheryl (C.lynn) Tomblin
  Singer/Songwriter
  Chicago, IL

• 191. Kate623  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:28 pm

  This ordinance makes the foie gras ban look like the Declaration of Independence.

• 192. Andrew Reilly  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:29 pm

  The intent of the ordinance is mostly commendable but the execution, at least in this form, leaves nothing defined and would turn what it should theoretically protect into nothing more than defenseless, low-paying targets. Absolutely unacceptable.

• 193. carrie burr  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:29 pm

  there goes the neighborhood. you take this away from us, you take the heart and soul of our great city. you take this away from us and you will snuff out the rich & culturally diverse foundation for all that is, all that has, and all that is emerging as Chicago’s art, Chicago’s music, Chicago’s sound. . i am 110% opposed to this outrageous attempt to strip Chicago of its very essence - artistic diversity & genius has been born, raised and given wings here. diverse, genius, fledgling artists have been drawn to Chicago for over a hundred years…this has given it its life-spark, unlike any other city on earth. don’t kill us

• 194. Glenn  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:32 pm

  Don’t let the city council screw up the local music scene.
  The solution to every problem in Chicago ISN’T to tax it til the problem goes away……………..

• 195. Adam Kaltenhauser  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:35 pm

  In the words of Frank Zappa (speaking about the absurd proposed legislation of the PMRC), “it’s like treating head lice with decapitation.”

• 196. swizzlesteve  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:35 pm

  I play in a band and I book a room in the city. This is complete b#llshit. People need to rise up and make sure this doesn’t happen.

• 197. Daniel Pender  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:36 pm

  This is a low move and shouldnt even be thought about. The local music and theater here is what makes this city so great. you would think that the city councel would know that.

• 198. venturii's  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:39 pm

  Chicago is known for it’s diversity and cultures…in many forms. This ordinance would be another way the city is progressively trying to use powe and big organizations/ordinances to stifle this..micro/macro manage all facets of the city…squashing not only culture in the city, it will squash businesses of all forms, and push developing culture to more “culture friendly cities”, it would be another short cited decision. The city has many more important and critical issues to deal with rather than spent energy on this and other needless things like foie gras, dog breeds,etc. Spend the energy and decisions on gangs, drugs, jobs, roads, business,etc. T & H Venturi

• 199. Phyllis  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:43 pm

  Don’t take opportunities to see local music away from me & more importantly don’t take it from families who probably can’t afford all the higher priced venues. How much MORE culture will we deny our cities children after so many school programs have also already been taken away.

• 200. Phyllis  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:44 pm

  Don’t take this from families who probably can’t afford all the higher priced venues. How much MORE culture will we deny our cities children after so many school programs have also already been taken away.

• 201. Megan Sontag  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  I cannot believe how crazy this is! Art is what makes Chicago amazing, anyone who is out to stifle the heart of the city should move to wisconsin…then they will know what it’s like to live in a place where if you say, “What is your favorite Andy Warhol?” they have no idea who that is…..or what you are talking about.

  DON”T LET THE ART DIE!!!!!! You will turn into Wisconsin. ((shudder))

• 202. Timothy Eident  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:52 pm

  I see this as pushing events out of the city, where we do not have efficient public transportation. I see this as hindering public safety in the fact that we will have more people driving to events in the suburbs and driving home under the influence. E2 was a tragedy and a large loss of life, but I see a larger loss of life due Drunk Driving from Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, and other areas into the city after an event. I would rather have people taking trains and buses around the city, than behind the wheel.

  I also see this as hindering development of Chicago Culture. Are we not the “Home of the Blues”? What would this do to the blues scene, which while strong, is not strong enough to survive something like this. What about the other music scenes? What about small plays and one man shows that we have that make our city what it is? We are a city of culture and art. It is what makes us Chicago. This is damaging to who we are as a city.

  I am all for safety in our city, but pushing through an ordinance such as this is dangerous in so many ways. This ordinance needs to be tightened in it’s wording, and rethought in every way.

• 203. Allison Fishman  |  May 11, 2008 at 10:53 pm

  It’s those venues with 500 or less that give music lovers, artists, and the like those intimate moments that reinforce the integrity of the creative soul this city has to offer. Who would want to rob Chicago and it’s visitors the great experience of what makes “art” such a notable quality. Or the promoter’s who literally “bust their arse already” job any harder than it already is? To make a few extra bucks for the “promoter’s license” to thereby be “legit.” Come on now. How much $ does Perry Farrel’s Lollapalooza, Bluesfest, Gospel fest, Taste of Chicago, Looptopia, etc bring in EVERY ye