While there have been rumblings of discontent swirling around rumors of the proposed new venue (608 Preston Ave), we’ve yet to act on the positive aspects of an exciting proposition. This issue deserves a deeper look and a call to action.
We can all pretty much agree that Charlottesville lacks any appropriate venue for many touring bands, right? And it’s not just for us locals who don’t like driving to Richmond or DC twice a month. Since Satellite Ballroom and Starr Hill closed, so have the musical opportunities for much of central Virginia.
So here we are: Deep in a sonic drought. When we’re presented with the prospect of a new venue of the right size, ready to roll as soon as it receives approval from the city planning commission. Not only that, but the architect is soliciting advice from us, the people who will support this effort. What? This is fantastic! A window of opportunity. Let’s get out of this desert and spur the local music scene. Momentum!
If the proposed venue doesn’t pass the City Planning Commission it will be derailed for a significantly long time. The Jefferson Theater will open at some point next year, but it is not an appropriate replacement venue. It’s a stiff space that will always feel empty except on those rare occasions when the whole town turns out, and recruiting a large enough crowd will often be difficult. Now that Ash Lawn Opera rented the Jefferson for the next eternity, summertime shows are dead in the water. Simply put, we need a new venue. Here’re some things that we as local music supporters should do:
Send an email to the City Planning Commission. It will take you 3 minutes! Let them know why the proposed venue is important to You and the local music scene. Send your thoughts to Missy Creasy. Her email is creasym@charlottesville.org.
Additionally, come to the planning commission meeting, Tuesday August 12th at 6:30 pm, in the City Council Chambers. Visible citizen support is what the commissioners need to see. We can all go together.
Thanks ya’ll.
Emily
3 comments:
Hear, hear! Thanks for the info, Emily.
Hello - one quick word of advice. If you're going to attend, don't go at 6:30. The item is scheduled on the agenda for 9:15 PM, but that's more or less a placeholder. There are five other public hearings before this one comes up.
The agenda is here.
If you're interested in going to the meeting, send me an email (heatshock@virginia.edu) and I'll keep you informed about the time/details as I find them out. We could all meet up beforehand or something.
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