In Chicago they're trying to shove through a new ordinance that would force independent promoters to purchase a "promoter's license" and insure their events even if they're promoting an event in a venue that's already insured. This would put me out of the promotion business. Local blogs and fanzines would no longer be able to book a bill at Double Door or Hideout. Fundraisers would cease to exist.And I'm just thinking of the live music community ... if this thing passes the dance scene in Chicago will basically disappear overnight.
Both Chicagoist's Marcus and Lizz have written about this situation much better than I have, and DeRo's daily updates have proven invaluable.
If you live in the city LET YOUR ALDERMAN KNOW HOW MUCH YOU DISAPPROVE OF THIS ... TODAY! RIGHT NOW! RIGHT THIS SECOND!
And be sure to mention that if they DO vote for it, they've lost YOUR vote when they run for re-election.
DO SOMETHING!
UPDATE: The Chicago "anti-promoter" ordinance has been tabled for "further research" so there will be no vote on it tomorrow. Independent promotion is safe in Chicago for now, and I think it's entirely due to the strong and immediate response from the music community.
Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard ... but let's not let this one slip into the background unnoticed again, since I'm sure our dear Mayor will try and pull whatever strings he can to get it voted on at some point in the not-to-distant future.
I've been told this is 100% sure to still come to a vote -- possibly within the next month -- so you need to keep the pressure up on your alderman!
Pictured: Alderman Gene Schulter ... chairman of the city licensing committee that hammered out this terrible idea.
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