The Rock Department email list was forwarded this news item from the July 22 issue of the Cville Weekly. I wrote this in reply:
I just threw up in my mouth. Can't wait for Starbucks to move into Rose Hill Dr.
Long live King Capshaw!
Which wasn't exactly empathized with.
This isn't about Coran Capshaw, who controls a large portion of the live music in our town and who owns a ton of the restaurants we eat at. We could talk about the demographics of the "neighborhood" of his most visible real estate venture, or of this new interim venue, which isn't at all off-subject, to me, but I want to keep this short.
I like seeing live music, and hate driving to DC to see it. I've seen shows at Starr Hill, and at the Satellite Ballroom--spaces which, for most people I know, were objects of acceptance, not affection. There is a place in this world for these venues, and I'm not arguing for a world of house shows (though I wouldn't mind a resurgence on that front).
But please, tell me why I shouldn't feel at least a little ambivalent about giving my money to someone who shows a poisonous disregard for the fabric of our community. And pretty please, tell me why we should settle for a situation in which most--but not all--of our live music is in the hands of one figure.
I think this is a subject worthy of more than jokey one-liners. I pay for music, but music is not a commodity. It's an opportunity: for community, for relationships, for action, for challenge, for resistance, for education, and yes, for fun. Always for fun.
And I had more fun at the Tokyo Rose or Pudhouse or Summit St. than I ever did at even the best Satellite or Starr Hill shows. Those spaces are the rule, not the exception.
Mike Parisi
NO_BROW
Fridays 12-2pm
