Our voices in the Second Saturday Debate

[rossduclair]

No doubt you have all learned the recent developments surrounding the shooting down town after the Second Saturday Art Walk.

Letters to the editor, Sacramento Bee, are reflecting a lot of opinions, but there is some consensus to what may be contributing to the crowd problem: Having bands play past ten o'clock, and having amplified bands during the event.

A letter published in the Bee, today, 17 September suggested that as this is an art walk, there should only be acoustic instruments down town...nothing amplified.

I am starting this discussion because I am looking for a way to get us involved with some Sacramento City decision makers. I think if we as a community of musicians do not speak up, likely a lot of blame we be placed on us; in fact that is already happening.

I don't know where to start, but most of us have computers, and most of us know how to send an email to the Sacramento Bee.

I think this is a good start...but more needs to be done. I just need some ideas.

[Cris]

In addition to the letter and e-mail writing, someone should stay on top of any meetings or hearings that go on to make sure that musicians have a voice at those meetings.

[thump]

Have not yet read the article, but based on some supposition, it appears live music is considered part of the problem. How about the DJs! I played with some acoustic folks on a previous Second Saturday - we were being drowned out INSIDE by the DJ spinning next door OUTSIDE! I'm on board with helping out.

[mothermayhemband]

I sent an email to Kevin Johnson about 2nd Saturday issues, and got a resp back about upcoming meetings.

His Staff person heading up some upcoming community Forum events is Bob Graswich - [e-mail].

They seemed comitted to keeping the second saturday event a viable art and entertainment outlet in Sacramento

[bassoprofundo]

Good idea all.
I believe Bob Graswich is R.E. Graswich. former sports writer for the Bee and was a regular for awhile on the Rise Guys show on 1140. I think sending him emails would be a good idea. I believe he is open minded enough to hear a person's opinion or suggestion.

Chuck

[thump]

Apparently, there was a "summit" meeting late last week - anybody hear anything? Appears that most of the powers that be are intent on keeping the event going, possibly in an alternate form. The issue of live bands being a source of the problem, near as I can tell from the published articles, stems from one local resident spokesperson. He does make somewhat of a point - the type of music presented will, to a large extent, determine the audience demographic...