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Chicagos New Promoters Ordinance
Chicagos New Promoters Ordinance
Date Posted: May 22 2008
Written By: Mike Jeffers
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Chicago's New Promoters Ordinance: Will it kill the Chicago Jazz Scene?
In the past few weeks Gene Schulter, Alderman of the 47th Ward, has tried to bring a new promoters ordinance to vote in the Chicago city Counsel.
The Alderman say's "I have held this ordinance for nearly a year to ensure that the concerns of Chicago's music and entertainment industry are examined through both public hearings and extensive meetings with a diverse group of promoters, musicians, and venue owners."
Although this ordinance has been in his committee for almost a year this is one of the first times ChicagoJazz.com has ever learned of it. Even though we have over 80 working Chicago musicians as members, we help to sponsor shows in small venues and do booking for many corporate and private events that are usually in very public places, we have never been contacted for any comments on the ordinance.
The Alderman's statement is as follows regarding the reasoning of a promoters ordinance "In my view, licensing promoters should serve to foster their creativity in creating unique events while ensuring that event attendees are protected."
For small jazz venues that hold less then 500 people is this ordinance really something that is needed?
Are any of you concerned for your safety when you attend a jazz concert at Andy's, the Velvet Lounge, the Green Mill or even smaller venues that host jazz concerts? I know that as a musician and someone who also attends these events the real struggle is having enough money to pay the band and promote the show so we have an audience.
After reading the ordinance it is clear that Alderman Schulter really doesn't understand the music business of Chicago. The jazz musician’s that are simply trying to host shows, promote their music, draw an audience and showcase their talents will be dealt a crushing blow by this ordinance.
With all of the rich history of the Chicago music scene one has to wonder why are they trying to sneak this past now?
Here is a link to the Chicago Music Commission's website:
http://chicago-music.org/promoters.php
The Chicago Music Commission has been very vocal on this subject and are one of the main reason's why it was not brought to the city council for vote last week. I urge you to call your Alderman, sign the petition and make your voice heard.
It is hard enough with all of the distractions of the Internet, HD TV and Video Games to actually draw an audience and promote a performance, this ordinance by the city of Chicago would finally crush the music scene once and for all!
Mike Jeffers
CEO, Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment,INC.
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