Chicago's Music And Theater Scene Saved
0 Comments Published by Keith on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:31 PM.
This morning gave Chicago arts supporters reason to celebrate. Chicago's City Council was attempting to pass an ordinance that would have severely damaged the live music and theater culture. 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.
Had this been passed, it would have been a brutal blow to Chicago's music and arts culture. Thankfully, the ordinance has been pulled, for now at least. Future details should be posted at this website, where a petition was organized. And you can read Jim ReRogatis coverage here.
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