Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Help Save Chicago's Music Scene!

Please take a moment, read the following, take action and save the Chicago music community.

PLEASE READ, DISTRIBUTE AND SIGN THE PETITION!

The City of Chicago is trying to pass an ordinance this Wednesday (May 14th, 2008) that could severely damage the live music and theater scene.

In summary:

The "Event Promoters" ordinance requires any event promoter to have a license from the city of Chicago and liability insurance of $300,000, but that's just the start:

* The definition of "event promoter" is so loosely defined it could apply to a band or singer-songwriter that books their own shows or a theater company that's in town for a one-week run.

* "Event Promoter" must be licensed and will pay $500-$2000 depending on expected audience size.

* To get the license, applicant must be over 21, get fingerprinted, submit to a background check, and jump over several other hurdles.

* This ordinance seems targeted towards smaller venues, since those with 500+ permanent seats are exempt.

* Police must be notified at least 7 days in advance of event.


The first link gives a summary of the proposal, and the second is a petition (Chicago Acoustic Underground is one of the sponsors of the petition). Please read the links and contact your alderman before Wednesday, when the City Council will be voting.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL:

Jim DeRogatis's story: Chicago Sun-Times

FIND YOUR ALDERMAN & CALL THEM ASAP:

Click here to find your local aldermen.

The alderman for The Empty Bottle is Manuel 'Manny' Flores.

Make your voice heard, call your alderman and call often!

Thank you for support.


*above text taken from Empty Bottle newsletter

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