Local Music Scene

[jamie]

The city is now allowing concerts to be held at local community centers, but now you must hire an off duty police officer at a very high price per hour (between $30-$40). Us, the youth supporting a lot of your local community shops, stores and businesses, feel that although we appreciate the city opening the community centers again for concerts, that the cost is just too overwhelming and ridiculous for the local youth to rent out without loosing money. We understand that there must be security, but there has been other local shows who have been successful and provided their own security for much cheaper, we understand that the cost of an off duty police officer may be at a set rate, but if that’s the case why can’t we just pay for the security, and the hall be donated free. The security will ensure the safety of everyone and prevent the destruction of property, and all we need is the empty room. The bands putting on the event supply the equipment, run the doors, ensure that everything runs smooth and puts a lot of work into organizing the event, so we have no problem paying a fee to cover the costs of the hall, we just think that total costs of everything (security and hall rental) should run between the $250 and $300 range so that our local talent putting on these shows aren’t loosing out on money, or split the door profits 50-50. This is something we feel very strong about, and would like the city to look into working with us to help open up the local music scene. There is a lot of talent in this city, and a lot of people who enjoy these types of functions, and by working together we can make everyone happy. Anyone interested in helping please call Carolyn Smith at 253-2300 ext. 6396, write the windsor star in letters to the editor, e mail the mayor- mayoro@city.windsor.on.ca or support local bands when they have shows by going out and bying their merch or just watching them. there is a huge show july 17th at the serbian centre, check out the shows section on www.farfromright.official.ws for more info thanx

[pitch union]

you have to understand that the city of Windsor has never cared about it's local music scene.The only music they seem to care about , is the "family oriented" groups like cover bands and bands that play for children. it is unfortunate that we have to come to terms with the fact that we will always loose money when we play . untill the day that people learn to realize that what we do is a trade. just like woodworking, welding, ect.
all these things are a work of art . including making music . i think this city ignores the fact that there is some really great original indie music here. are they afraid of it ? are they scared that we may upset some of there voters with our styles and looks? i beleive that Windsor has the potential to be the next Seattle! i've been in the indie scene here for about 14 years and i have seen some music being played that over the years that deserves to be showcased in larger venues like the riverfront band shell . and be promoted by the city , casino , daimler-chrysler, ....sure these places can fully promote things like freedom festival and then for some reason manage to go in debt ...even though these companys could pay for it with the change in there pockets. i don't understand........i guess the local songwriter doesn't bring enough to the table for them to make a profit. but if they manage to go in debt without us, then whats stopping them from helping local indie bands in the first place ....they think that putting on a "battle of the bands" at the freedom fest for an hour is support? how bout they let some of the local talent in this city headline some of these events? i doubt they would be in debt right now if they would open there eyes. i'm not saying that we should cut out the national acts that grace the stages here ...but it would be nice if the city would let us have a shot at playing to those larger crowds . i bet tourism went through the roof in seattle in the early 90's after the whole music explosion there ......wake up windsor!!!! please take note that there is more going on downtown on the weekends other than americans and young canadians drinking to much and fighting with one another. i challenge the city officials to take a walk west of oullette and north of university and see whats going on .....walk into the coach and the avalon and see whats really going on in the art scene. i bet you have no idea who these people are ......but don't run away cause we won't bite. we embrace life and live it to the fullest , we are your local indie/art scene ......you just need to understand this and until then i will continue to pay to play .....



so if anyone really wants to know whats going on feel free to email me at dirtybluegrass@hotmail.com or pitch_union@hotmail.com

[Guest]

Do what I did move out of Windsor to a real city that has a real music scene like Toronto , Montreal.... Windsor will never support local music. Windsor lives in the shadow of Detroit a real music city so really whats the point, practice your craft get real good and tour or do weekenders in large markets with in a 6 hour drive of there (there are plenty) otherwise get used to it it hasn't changed in 20 or so years and it isn't going to.

L