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I'm sad to report that my Friday shows at the New World Deli are no more. Many thanks to those of you who came to listen and support them - we had good crowds two of the final three weeks.
With extra time on my hands, I've posted my first YouTube video. "Austin Outlaw" sings about the plague of noise enforcement that's been shutting down live music across our fair city. The good news is that you can do something about it. City Council is looking at setting up a Music Department. For the first time, it would give the music industry a voice in city government. Unfortunately, the idea is opposed by one of our most powerful lobbies: the police union, which says we can't afford it. I believe that City Council can find the money if hundreds of music fans flood it with letters. So I invite you to check out my video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzfrqR3AiqQ. And then, I urge you to write our City Council at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/groupemail.htm - one email will go to all 7 council members. You can send a copy to the City Manager, who comes up with the budget: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/connect/email_marcott.htm.
The talking points are simple:
* Music brings a billion dollars a year into Austin's economy. The estimated cost of the department is $330,000.
* Our industry is in crisis. The recession is making it harder and harder for musicians and clubs to stay afloat. Getting shut down by arcane rules is making things worse.
* The city already gives away tens of millions in tax breaks to retailers, real estate developers and chip factories. Musicians aren't asking for handouts - just the right to keep making a living. We need a department in city government to cut through the bureaucratic red tape, so we can go on doing it.
* The city's Live Music Task Force spent a year looking at the issues, held 17 public meetings, and recommended a music department. There's been plenty of discussion. Now, it's time for Council to act.
* I'm a live music fan, and I vote!
If you're still feeling energized after you write City Council, you can also sign the Save Austin Music petition at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/austinmusic/index.html. As of today, it had 1232 signatures.
Feel free to pass this info along to any music fans on your email lists. The more of us they hear from, the better!
Peace through Live Music,
Steve
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