By Kieran Connell Santa Monica
The photo on page 14 of the SMDP weekend edition, June 16-17 (“Performers are forced to choose”) was taken where my walkstreet meets Oceanfront Walk in Venice. Contrary to what the amplified “performers” think, it is not just them and the beach. It’s everyone within earshot of amplified music sent out over the hardscape. It is a dense residential neighborhood. Living several hundred feet from OFW, in your home, you hear the same Elvis and Johnny Cash songs over and over, 9 a.m. till sunset, seven days a week.
A small repertoire of amplified cover versions, repeated with the same commentary asking for cash, is not art. Nor is it free speech. (Former Panamanian dictator Manuel) Noriega would surrender again! The original artists are left out of this form of income generation.
When Phoenix House, in celebration of their 40 years, started setting up for their outdoor festivities, one would think the “performers” would give the neighborhood a break out of respect for Phoenix House. But no common sense was used on June 29. Performers book-ended a 40th anniversary! In the age of widespread eclectic music tastes and availability, these folks have no mute button.
So expect LA to follow Santa Monica and get more restrictive rules. Abuse of common sense and courtesy by some means more regulations for everyone.
“Freedom” performers will be the reason for less freedom for all.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2007. Read the original PDF.