As of this writing (8/21/2008), the Chicago Promoters' Ordinance has been tabled (for the time-being). In other words, the issue is still very much alive and well, and we hold our breath until the next time it rears it's ugly head. The City Council has held meetings with "invited members of the Chicago entertainment industry" which roughly translates to the tens of thousands of Chicago artists (musicians, actors, artist, poets, fans, etc.) having no input whatsoever, and once again are left out in the cold. We find this to be disconcerting, to put it mildly. An ordinance that could have such wide reaching implications on artists, innovation, and the future culture of such a great city (let alone the rest of the country) deserves far more consideration then just some "face time" with what the city sees as it's prime money makers. One only needs look as far the broadcast radio, entertainment & recording industries to see where the potential for misuse and abuse lays. These groups are nothing but self-serving and have no interest in the concerns of the independent artist and DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY - period, point blank.

As artists, musicians, actors, djs, promoters, galleries, theatres, clubs labels and patrons it is time to take a stand and realize that WE ARE THE SCENE. It is not about the clubs. It is not about hip hop. It is not about house, metal, classical, rock, electronic, folk, jazz, blues, improv, theatre, art galleries, poetry. It is about the right to express ourselves FREELY without undue and unfair financial burden. It is about we as a culture and the future, the evolution and innovation of that culture. Our options have been limited enough already. This proposed ordinance makes it even that much difficult to make our voices heard.

The Promoters' Ordinance requirements: