With a heavy heart as a local and working Chicago artist, I write and send out this bulletin.
I've come across this grim news this past weekend. What's worse, this is trying to be put into effect Wednesday. PLEASE - take the time to read this...and to pass it on to everyone and anyone you know who may be affected by this (which, in Chicago, could be ANYONE!)
Sign the petition at:
www.savechicagoculture.wordpress.com+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stop the promoter's ordinance!
Imagine a Chicago with no Metro or Double Door or Schuba's. Imagine a Chicago with no Royal George or Bailiwick or Athenaeum. Imagine a Chicago where local music is only heard in the suburbs and theater is limited to Wicked and Jersey Boys.
Scary thoughts. But if the City of Chicago's City Council doesn't hear your voice by Wednesday, May 14, they'll become reality.
On that date the council will vote to approve an ordinance that has the power to stifle creativity in Chicago's musical, theatrical, and general cultural scenes. With no public discourse or commentary, this proposal has been approved by the City Council Committee and is on the fast track to be pushed into law. 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.
The details:
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 that books its 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.