CHIRP: Chicago Independent Radio Project

Posted by Shawn C. on May 12, 2008 around 8am

The Chicago City Council has fast-tracked its new version of a measure first introduced last year to greatly impede independent promoters attempting to hold events in the city. Under the proposed law, independent promoters would have to acquire a promoter’s license at a cost of up to $2000 every two years, obtain liability insurance for every event thrown, even if the presenting venue already has liability insurance, be fingerprinted and background checked, and maintain extensive records of each event. The ordinance allegedly is intended to prevent disasters like the one that occurred in the E2 nightclub several years ago, but really would just put many small indies out of business.

Jim DeRogatis has been following the story closely, so you can read further here:

http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/

If you value live music in Chicago, it’s important that you make your voice heard. Call your alderman and ask him or her to oppose the Promoter Ordinance. Be polite. Tell him or her you support live music in Chicago, and feel this ordinance would kill many great events. Say you want venues to be safe, but this ordinance goes too far.

Your voice makes a difference. Place a call to your alderman’s office today.

This page will help you find your alderman and give you his or her phone number — quick and easy! It only takes a couple of minutes.

http://www.chicityclerk.com/citycouncil/alderman/find.html

And if you’re able, come to the city council meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 10AM in City Council chambers, and speak out against the measure.

The folks at SaveChicagoCulture have started an online petition as well. Add your name to the thousands of others that oppose this ordinance
http://savechicagoculture.org/