Chicago - A message from the station manager

The Weekend Desk Report

By Steve Rhodes

1. EDM Banned At Congress.
Skrillex to filibuster.


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No, but seriously.

“The city defines EDM as “music created by a DJ or multiple DJs primarily using specialized equipment and software instead of traditional instruments.”
” . . . And an EDM performance shall be defined as a performance of Electronic Dance Music or any performance by a DJ or multiple DJs featured the playing of prerecorded music. Performers that incorporate electronic beats or prerecorded music in their acts shall be allowed, provided those performers either sing vocals or play an instrument(s) (or do both) during their performance.”

So it’s the prerecorded beats that are the problem.
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“The city wanted [the plan of operation] at that venue because of the historic problems with Congress,” liquor commissioner Gregory Steadman said.

“The community does not want those events there,” he said. “We’re not saying EDM are all bad but in venues of this size – 5,000 seats – we don’t feel this is appropriate for the Congress.”

See who’s embarrassed by their LinkedIn endorsements now!
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“It’s not the genre, it’s the way the owner handles the genre,” Ald. Joe Moreno said. “I don’t blame the genre or the artists, it’s the operator who has to be able to handle the crowd. Unfortunately, the Congress has a history of not being able to manage certain types of crowds.”
Um, wouldn’t a better solution, then, be to work on that part of the equation?
“A few issues arise from Moreno’s statement,” Ji-Sook Yim writes at Your EDM.
“First, the alderman’s mention of ‘certain types of crowds’ may spark debate as to whether an EDM crowd is rowdier than, say, concertgoers for a rock or country show. If this ban is truly a reaction to poor management, then why shouldn’t this ban be on all other shows as well?
“Second – and probably a larger issue – is the city’s definition of ‘EDM.’ What constitutes a traditional instrument? For artists such as The Glitch Mob and Tycho who play their sets live but don’t necessarily use ‘traditional’ instruments, do they fall under that ban? And for artists such as Big Gigantic, Pretty Lights and Grammatik who incorporate live bands with these so-called traditional instruments of drums and saxophones, would they be an exception to the ban?
“Although the city may have issued this ban in good interest for the safety of concertgoers, it looks like a hunt for loopholes will be underway to bring back more EDM artists to Chicago.”
We can only hope.
Better yet, come up with a plan that makes sense by addressing the real problem – and isn’t an embarrassment to a city with world-class aspirations.
2. “A team of researchers headed by the scientists from the University of Chicago found the way to control and record the behavior of an electron,” Maine News notes.
Their demonstration at the Congress has been cancelled, however.
3. EDM Did Not Murder 112 Chicagoans.
4. The Beachwood Radio Sports Hour is here!
Podcasting from the Tastee-Freez picnic tables: Jackie Robinson West; The Bears’ #FirstDivisionProblems; Cartoon Cub; Jose Abreu Is Tired; Kiss The Sky.
5. The Beachwood Radio Hour is here!
Including: Our Red-Faced Red-Light Mayor; George Ryan Is A Horse’s Ass; Chicago vs. EDM; and Being Dick Durbin.
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The Weekend Desk Tip Line: Two turntables, a microphone and the Constitution!
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The Sound Opinions Weekend Listening Report: “Forget about Carmen or Madame Butterfly. Sound Opinions’ own divas, Jim and Greg, share their favorite rock operas.”
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The CAN TV Weekend Viewing Report: Trick City.
Watch the discussion of this panel convened by community producer Michael Jones that takes a look at crime in Chicago’s African-American community and examines the impact music and culture has on it.
Saturday at 5 p.m. on CAN TV19.
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BeachBook
* Wrigley Field Removes Iconic Ivy From Urinal Troughs.
* ‘Fort Knox’ Security For Illinois Medical Marijuana.
* California Expands Tax Credit For Building Stealth Bombers With Offer To Northrup Grumman.
With a little help from Boeing.
* Reagan-Era Order On Surveillance Violates Civil Rights – With A Little Help From Obama, Departing Aide Says.
* State Alleges Orland Park Townhome Association Is Racist.
* Comcast Left Me On Hold For 3+ Hours – Until It Closed.
Jim Gaffigan, you are so lame.
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TweetWood


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Posted on August 16, 2014