My Response to Michael Corcoran’s “Freddies Place Is In The Kitchen”
This might come as a surprise to many, and considering that I don’t regularly agree with or much respect his opinions these days in regards to music, Michael Corcoran made a point that I find interesting. But, I believe that it goes much deeper than what he expressed in this short quip on Austin360.com. The gist of his point was that the situation with Freddie’s Place having to discontinue the live music on their outside stage because they couldn’t abide by the new regulation set for outside amplified sound tied into a restaurant establishment by code, was just. Well, maybe not completely just. but it got me thinking. I know, I’m just as surprised as you might be.
Now, before you get all worked up over this, let me explain my thought process.
I, for those who know me well, am one of the biggest proponents of live music in this city. That is why I moved to this wonderful city, and that will probably be the solidifying component to keep me here the rest of my years. I understand the importance of the city’s claim of “The Live Music Capitol” and support it 100%, but with that statement, I believe that we have entitled ourselves to bestow an unnecessary burden upon ourselves.
This isn’t going to be easy, but let’s start with this: Music is art. I think we all agree on that, although comparing art genres will show that creating music is a bit different. The reality is, that music is possibly the most recognized form of art on every scale. It translates in every language and is probably the most heavily produced form of art in our modern world. Austin, supports the art of music wholeheartedly, and it’s a great environment to exist in as a fan. But, does the city and our mindset, enable the existence of an environment that works against the artist?
I see my fair share of live music, and can say that if I’m going out to eat, I don’t want to watch a band. For one, if a band is playing while I’m eating, they aren’t getting my full attention. Two, if you are a band playing for a dinner crowd and are expecting to gain fans, you might want to rethink your agenda. Maybe you just want to get fed? And that’s understandable, we all need to eat. My opinion mind you.
I appreciate the fact that some bands are cool with just getting up and playing with some friends for a few drinks or maybe a free meal, but they don’t necessarily represent the majority. We have a community of individuals who believe that this town holds the key to their success, their future, their survival in the near years, and we struggle to provide any hope for many. Sure, we have successful bands, but the success rate comparatively is surely not as favorable as to other cities. Although we have discussions going on within the government that provides the infrastructure, I’m not seeing any solid solutions that make much sense at this point. I’m not saying that it won’t happen, but I think that we might be avoiding the reality of the monster that we have allowed to be created.
If we, as a city, convey the idea that we can support any “Joe” with providing a venue for that “Joe” to perform, and not take into consideration that “Joe” can’t live on what this city has to offer, we have done a disservice to the artist. Having live music on every patio, outside stage, or deck available doesn’t make us the “Live Music Capitol” of the world. It just feeds our ego. Providing the appropriate venues, and support for the music scene and venues that honestly support the future of the scene, proves more significant.
I support any artist pursuing their passion, but there is a responsibility that we owe to the artist as consumers. They deserve an honest chance, and an honest response. Are we providing that to them as a city? That’s the question that I’m asking.
Update: An interesting post on Austin Sound “Did City Council Surreptitiously Screw Live Music In Austin?”
Maly,
Great thoughts. I think I would have to agree. I always find it a little difficult to focus in restaurants with live music. I find myself torn between that next bite (if the food is good)and connecting with the lyrics and band members.I think the most enjoyable scenarios would have to be something like acoustic jazz, wine and good food. Also, as an actor, I can see the frustration it could bring to have a loud table of people stuffing their faces nearby while I’m up pooring my heart out and exposing my soul. Needless to say, performing in dinner theater is not my idea of a good time.
Yep, this is an is an issue that has a lot of issues. Having said that…we live next door to one of these “live music patio restaurants” that stopped their music sometime last week and we personally miss the “noise” from our backyard. Check this link out…
http://tiny.cc/BirthdayPartiesAreTooLoud
I tell ya….next you won’t be able to eat garlic because it may offend the person dining at the next table.
I can appreciate your side of the argument, as well as the ANC, but the fact remains that enforcing that db level pretty much nixes live entertainment for most restaurants, and not just outdoor shows. I’m sure the parlor will be in violation, same for the outdoor shows at gueros, shady grove and threadgill’s. Coffee shops can’t host music, or some of the Eastside restaurants. You say that restaurants hosting music contribute to the saturation, but those gigs usually pay artists much better than the usual downtown club gig. I don’t think the city council thought this one through.
I understand the ramifications of this ordinance, and maybe my approach to dealing with the issue was sideways, but my concern lies with the community and our fragmented search for answers to much bigger issues. Issues that involve the community that both you and I are a part of and support 100%. I think that we need to dig deeper and work smarter to establish a more organized community that supports the life and art of our musicians, and those working for them. Sure, I think that the scene is saturated, making it more difficult for those more deserving to rise to the top, and I look at live music differently than some that enjoy on a different level. I just hope that we as a community can become more proactive about our issues and less reactive.
Well, well — by your standard, then, Central Market should never have live music. I mean — people actually EAT THEIR DINNER while listening — and dancing — to bands of nearly all genres. Extending the thought, Alamo Draft House should not serve food, because eating and watching a movie just do not go together. But I digress — I recall hearing live music INSIDE at Freddie’s in bad weather (Bonnie Whitmore and Jamie Blythe for example) — and outside during the daytime. True, Freddie’s is just across the creek from real homes that were there first. Perhaps the venue did not make nice with its neighbors — you know, like giving them $100 gift cards every month or so. The point is the 70-dB limit for places that serve food is heinous and the way it began being enforced (the entire process) was shameless. Notice they waited until after the filing date for the 2009 elections to pull this trick on the music community, which depends on live venues to pay for strings, gas, and the other amenities that keep them able to play for tips and pocket change. Oh – and those who do not think music goes with food, plese remember to turn off your radios and I-PODS while gorgiing on your fast food as you drive down Austin’s highways and streets.