Letters: Bill could kill music scene

WHY ARE Councilmen Darrell Clarke and Bill Greenlee trying to kill Philadelphia's music scene?

The legislation they've introduced (Bill 100267) would force promoters to apply for a police permit a month before every event. If you're like many venues and have weekly events, that's 52 applications a year - at least.

The bill would also spell the end for small surprise shows, like when a performer makes a last-minute appearance at the Tin Angel or World Cafe Live, a not-uncommon occurrence.

The bill also lets police, who are already overworked and don't need even more paperwork to contend with, cancel shows without reason 10 days before the event (an invitation to bribery if ever I saw one).

What will that do to the credibility of Philadelphia as an arts and culture destination when ticket buyers can't be sure the show they paid for in advance will even go on?

This bill will hurt our economy when we are in desperate need of revenue. It will hurt small businesses, and put some people out of work when we need as many jobs as possible. It will drive the arts and music out of Philadelphia, robbing us of the amenities that make city life worthwhile.

And for musicians, it will make playing shows in Philadelphia a waste of time: no one will travel here with the knowledge that their event may be cancelled at the last minute.

I don't know what Clarke and Greenlee have against the performing arts, but this bill must be rejected. It's a solution in search of a problem, from people who clearly have no understanding of the music business.

Brendan Skwire, Philadelphia

nolead begins

Stu, the "c-word" exists because the entity exists. If you have a disagreement with a man, you can fight. Women get a pass on fisticuffs with men so this is the non-contact equivalent of a right cross after a jab. I support Shackleton 100 percent.

Ron Stokes, Philadelphia