Austin's Noisey Laundry

I know lots of you think Austin Texas is the greatest thing since live music began. And, I would not argue with you on the merit of the music alone over the last 40 years or so. One could say that the live music scene and all of its feathers give this peacock its plumes. Many cities can claim similar musical histories, some more colorful, some more productive. But, none can really stand toe to toe with Austin as a brand. Once we claimed the "live music captial" moniker it was just a matter of time before we were on the lips of music fans around the world. And, now Austin more than anywhere besides maybe New Orleans has set up home right there in the middle of the chaotic musical landscape with South By Southwest, Austin City Limits Festival and its many artists and bands traversing the globe.
At the same time the city has undergone phenomenal economic growth through high tech and real estate sectors. Once it was obvious the city was booming leaders began an ambitious plan to attract residential development downtown. The intention was good. After watching their Texas cousin cities go through massive growth and unchecked development Austin seemed determined to do it a different way. All along there has been an effort among many to try and "preserve" a way of life much loved by all. The obvious challenges are myriad and complex. And as we enter the new world of downtown density cultural clashes are erupting.
A series of complaints and city legislation to appease all parties involved has lead to a group of confusing laws serving mainly the private property rights of the residential occupants over the will of the greater citizenry. For years old Austin institutions have been falling like the walls of Jericho as the march of progress takes its toll.
Taken at face value it almost seems like the drive is towards a city of enlightened affluence and lots of new things. In my opinion we have fallen prey to the developers and their easy money like every other sprawling southwestern city. I would probably have a hard time finding many that agree with this though. Life has been good here for most of us, myself included. Lately though I can sense a change in the attitudes of the city that could signal a threat to my way of life here. I am speaking of course of the recent rash of citations for sound ordinance infractions.
It was the understanding of most that the going Db level was 85. But, somehow some other zoning ordinance has been overriding this and causing out-door restaurants to be capped at 70 db. From experience I can tell you that it is impossible to satisfy a large crowd of 200 or more people with a db level of 70. And in Austin this is even more frustrating. We have a huge audience of music lovers who want to feel and hear the great music coming off the stage. This is a given at any music venue on any given night.
I read that things were in the works to change the low db level to help out our many local out-door restaurants. But, still last Thursday as my band, The Gourds played to a packed house at Shady Grove a fire marshal trotted in and cited them for a sound ordinance violation. At the same time a huge crane moved silently over head building a monstrous residential complex next door. The irony was not lost on me. It made me wanna make some noise about this issue. I think it is high time the Austin Music Community come together to flex a little political muscle just so we get respect and keep respect when we needed it most.
The city council is apparently "hard at work" trying to figure out a way certain restaurants in residential zones can eclipse the 70 db level designated for them. Normal venues/cocktail lounges have an 85 db level. Some restaurants are considering changing their zoning designation to "cocktail lounge." But. many neighborhood zoning plans will not allow cocktail lounges in their hood. The neighborhoods in Austin, it should be understood, are very powerful. City Council will rarely go against their wishes. I normally appreciate this aspect of our city government. But, there must be exceptions for long standing iconic businesses on major thoroughfares. To me it is common sense. And as Councilman Martinez says, "it's not about a db level, it's about compatibility." What this means to me is that the wants of the few do not out weigh the needs of the many, at least as far as live music goes. If all of the out door restaurants stop having live music, then it takes money out of musicians pockets. Like it or not this city has created a musical economy that must be maintained.