So now that the smoking ban has been passed in Austin, all the non-smokers from out of state and the resident tree-hugging bicycle riders have all flocked out in droves to listen to and take advantage of all the live music in Austin....right? No? You bet, it's a resounding no. Club business is down all over town and clubs are closing right and left. For a town that's known (or used to be) as the Live "Music Capital Of The World" this is not good news. It seems to me that everyday the music seems to be losing it's importance to this town and the people that run it. High rise condos and "business friendly" atmospheres are all the rage now. I was intrigued to see that the Broken Spoke was "protected" from being torn down and obliterated from the landscape by the developers that are taking over the property in that area. How long do you think that will last?
I'm all for change and I understand that things cannot stay as they are forever but I still wonder why the history and lifeblood of a community has to be extinguished and a new order brought in just to appease the wishes of a selected few who, in truth, view musicians as a "subclass" of people, much like an organ grinder views the monkey.
It's already to the point that if a musician that lives in Austin wants to make any money, they have to travel to other towns, sometimes hundreds of miles away to do it. Our mayor is concerned with keeping Austin in the forefront of environmental issues and wants everything "green" and while that's a noble cause, it's just not the top of the list concern for me.
I know it's tough to balance it all out and make it work in a town this size but sometimes you just got to "dance with the one that brung you" and recognize the fact that what has made Austin famous the world over is not the rail system or the bike trails or the condos or the hip shopping malls, it was the music, first and foremost. So where do we go from here?
1 comment:
Howdy,
I might be in the minority, but as a jazz fan (and player) coming to town soon on business, I plan hit several venues (and spend money) that I would have skipped because they advertise smoking on their websites. In NY and other states, support in clubs and music places has been good. There are simply more no-smokers (and kids) than smokers who gave up going out a long time ago. In time they will replace smokers, who can still come to listen, but might have to step out for a puff. So respectfully: I don't hug trees nor do I ride my bike anymore, but (even putting my asthma aside) I prefer to listen to, and play music (and eat food) without smoking the filter-less end of a butt. The music is supposed to add to your life, not cut it short. Isn't that what the scene is about?
Thanks,
mb
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