It’s Not Over ‘Til The Fat Lady Sings
May 14, 2008
Or the comedian tells a joke. Or the thespian acts. Or the poet recites. Or the band plays.
Basically folks, as far as this ordinance goes, it ain’t over.
There’s definitely cause for celebration. We got the city government’s attention and they pulled the proposal from today’s vote and that is an accomplishment. While I did enjoy some champagne last night, our work isn’t done. The ordinance has gone back to the Committee on Licenses and Consumer Protection where they’ll be tweaking it yet again to “ensure that the concerns of Chicago’s music and entertainment industry are examined.”
Don’t get comfy. Daley wants this passed, and this is the man who ripped up Meigs Field in the middle of the night.
According to Ben Joravsky’s Clout City blog in the Chicago Reader, the reason 500+ seat venues are exempt from this version of the proposal is to appease the big arenas. He’s guessing the next round will just serve to remove opposition from mid-size venues like Metro and Martyr’s. Hmm, guess who Alderman Schulter met with yesterday? You got it - Joe Shanahan, owner of Metro; Nick Miller, talent booker for Jam Productions; Ray Quinn, owner of Martyr’s; and Sean Mulroney, co-owner of Double Door.
They SHOULD be protected, but that’s not the end of it. It’s going to be our job - all of us - to make sure not only are the mid-sized venues exempt, but also the smaller venues all the way down to the individual performers.
Don’t let them underestimate our creative community. We’re the same people who won’t rest until we have the perfect phrase or chord or inflection and the people who respect and enjoy that diligence. We cannot rest until our means for exhibiting and witnessing that creativity are no longer threatened.
Passionately yours,
Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist
Michael Teach, Chicago Acoustic Underground
Michael Narvaez, Chicago Acoustic Underground
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Entry Filed under: Save Chicago Culture. .
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1. jocelyn | May 14, 2008 at 9:06 pm
do the aforementioned gentlemen have any interest … or does it behoove them any to ensure that the hideout/schubas/empty bottle/links hall/IO/annoyance/subterranean et al are also protected?
what do we have to do to make sure there is public comment on this issue? how are we able to speak at the committee level?
2. savechicagoculture | May 14, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hi Jocelyn,
They definitely have an interest in preserving those venues, because the music scene is a progression and an exchange. I’ve seen several bands go from playing Logan Square Auditorium to Metro within a year, but they still play shows at Elbo and other smaller venues. Up and coming bands often can’t solidly book Metro on a consistent basis, but they need/want frequent shows to hone their skills and stay in touch with their fans so they CAN pack the larger venues.
Regarding public comment, I’ve got a question in with Alderman Schulter’s office and will post when I hear back.
Theresa
3. David Lee Wrong | May 15, 2008 at 12:17 am
Speaking from the vantage point of being a non-Chicago area citizen, and I am sure their are many who share my view, this ordinance sounds like a very bad thing for Chicago, both culturaly and economicaly. I know pretty much all my visits have revolved around the happening Chicago cultural and music scene. This ordinance would seem to be restrictive to the point of virtual extinction of my reasons to visit the city. My thanks to all Chicago area citizens who have worked to keep public culture free, fun, and worth traveling to enjoy. Good luck;\
4. David Kav | May 15, 2008 at 4:58 am
I’m glad that you guys posted this very blog on this issue. As I felt, yeeeah….this is DEFINITELY not over.
The skeptic in me made me wonder, “is this a sham to get rid of us? Is the Chicago City Council going to pass this behind our backs?” I wouldn’t doubt it either way. Doesn’t take much to surprise me these days.
Yes, everyone! Let’s keep our eyes and ears open! Let’s keep marching! The future of Chicago’s Live Arts scene depends on it greatly!
Peace, love and LIVE ART in Chicago,
David Kav
5. Mara Keller | May 15, 2008 at 8:51 am
It is up to us to let our elected officials know that Chicago’s creative scene is too rich, too varied, and too vital to be regulated in such a blanket fashion!
6. Alexandra Jones | May 15, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Congrats, everyone! A victory, to be sure! But yes…we need to keep up the pressure to ensure the small independent & DIY venues/promoters still don’t get the short end of the stick. As was mentioned, it’s a progression starting from the smallest venues right on up, so hopefully we’ll have the voices of some of these mid-sized venues like Metro and Double Door speaking up for the little guys even after they’ve secured their own behinds…
7. Madalyn | May 16, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Good luck with your efforts! I blogged about it today at http://www.madalynsblog.com
Keep rockin’,
Madalyn