In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues.
KERRY LYNN, BC EXCALIBUR PARTY, ABBOTSFORD WEST
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
KY: I am not 100 percent sure why they are banned from the venues. However i think it looks more to the fact that there is liquor being served and they don’t want under age people to be around it because they might have access to it.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
KY: I don’t think they should be age restricted.I grew up attending concerts with liquor served and i was to excited in the concert to worry about what they were serving. I think they are jumping to far ahead before making decisions. (You can move into your own apartment at 16 today but cant attend a concert because other people are drinking.) I think they need to leave those laws alone and stop putting down restrictions without the statistics that state a percentage or any percentage for that matter is having access to the liquor.
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
KY: I think they need to be modernized.I also think that a change should come directly from the people who host, play and set up these concerts or etc…Nobody knows more about what would help them most then those who are in the industry.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
KY: I think that they should help.To a lot of people its like their own business and they support themselves that way.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
KY: I think you should vote for me because if i am voted in i will ask the independent music community what they need to be successful and to grow and strive in many years to come.I am new in politics and i am learning more and more every day. I could tell you what i like to change if i got voted in but i rather ask independent music community because its what you do and nobody can tell you or promise you anything unless they have been in the industry. I will promise to try my hardest to do everything i can to help and support you.
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues.
BRUNIE BRUNIE, INDEPENDENT, NANAIMO
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
BB: our social liquor laws are badly outdated and can be changed I believe people should be able to attend any music function no matter what age regardless if some people of age are drinking. Its good for families
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
BB: I could with your help change the law
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
BB: I would like us to be more civialized and relax restrictions that have no real bias.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
BB: I believe in small business markets I believe in live music
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
BB: because I am also Independent which makes a big difference in quality. propose a real CHANGE in government structure and will work on issues affecting the community not just take a seat. My volice will be heard in Victoria for real social change starting with implementing a structure of true democracy. check my web bruniebrunie.ca
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues.
GARY YOUNG, INDEPENDENT, CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN
GY: Thank you for the very interesting questions from an interesting source. As an Independent candidate I can speak my own mind and not wait for a “scripted” response from a party.
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
GY: Banning citizens under 19 has no reasonable basis. If you can vote, at age 18 then that should open the door a bit more. Further to that many younger people drive the music industry and should be allowed. I’ll support that as an MLA.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
GY: Age restrictions for live music events are not only popular but a great venue for ALL music lovers. If there are concerns for ..say..the under 15 crowd, perhaps supervision?
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
GY: Yes, liquor laws need to be modernized but notice that NDP/Libs only agree but give no details. Another vote getting hollow promise. Drinking/buying age should be at the voting age of 18 and all penalties for infractions applied evenly. More freedom of liquor outlets is needed. Add a bit of tax on imported liquor to give our BC products an advantage. Our products need help and promotion.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
GY: While I’m careful with the subsidy issues, any public venues should be at no cost for local live music.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
GY: I’m an Independent and you are too. We have a different way of looking at things and it is time govt did that too. From buskers to bands, entrepreneurial efforts in music should be applauded and supported.
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues. Here’s what the NDP’S central campaign office had to say.
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
NDP: The BC NDP has spoken out against the piecemeal approach to changing liquor regulations that has been taken, including the recent changes made in November 2012 that impacted all ages events. Last year, New Democrats stood with community partners and businesses, like Vancouver’s The Rio and Denman Theatre, to successfully fight for amendments to liquor regulations that would save some of Vancouver’s oldest cultural venues and help ensure community-supported small businesses like The Rio can continue to thrive.
The BC NDP’s platform includes a commitment to undertake a comprehensive review to modernize BC’s liquor laws. If the NDP forms the next government, we would be interested in hearing your ideas for addressing this issue.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
NDP: The legislative and regulatory framework respecting alcohol is complex and must take into account many public priorities and interests. The BC NDP’s platform includes a commitment to undertake a comprehensive review to modernize BC’s liquor laws.
If the NDP forms the next government, there will be broad consultation on the changes that could go into a new, modernized framework. Your participation in those consultations to let us know how you would improve that framework is both welcomed and encouraged.
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. What does modernization mean? What changes do you see taking place?
NDP: The BC NDP’s platform commitment is to undertake a comprehensive review to modernize and improve BC’s liquor laws. This review would look at the issues that governing the production and sale of alcohol in the province and could range from taxes, to rules on how liquor is marketed, to rules about where and when alcohol can be sold.
If the NDP forms the next government, there will be broad consultation on the changes that could go into a new, modernized framework. We look forward to hearing your ideas on how the framework could be improved.
A few of the measures we have already proposed in this regard include allowing artisan distilleries to directly distribute to licensees, and reducing their LDB mark up – these measures are intended to help this promising, award winning sector reach its full potential. The BC NDP also were key advocates in changing regulations to break down interprovincial barriers for online sales of wine for personal consumption, and - as mentioned earlier - achieving regulatory changes to help important cultural venues such as the Rio thrive.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
NDP: Arts and culture, including live music, are vital for our province’s future. On this note, we are increasing support for the BC Arts council to $29 million annually. Furthermore, our policy is that the Arts Council, not politicians, should determine how to allocate grants.
Subsidizing community-based live music venues is not part of our current platform. The NDP believes in strong support for the arts community, with a respectful and collaborative relationship between government and the sector. If the NDP forms the next government, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss ways in which we can work together to support community-based live music venues.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
NDP: The BC NDP believe the creative economy is vital for our future, and are committed to working with the community to ensure its success. On this note, and as mentioned above, an NDP government will demonstrate its support for arts and cultural activity in communities across BC by increasing funding for the BC Arts Council.
I believe that you should take a look at our platform, Change for the Better: Practical Steps, which you can access at:http://www.bcndp.ca/plan.
I think that you will see the basis of a thoughtful, practical government that offers a hopeful vision of the future. I can promise you that we will work as hard as we can to provide you with a better government that listens, that cares, and that works with you to build a better British Columbia. That’s why I ask all members of the independent music community to vote for the NDP on May 14.
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues. Here’s what the GREEN PARTY’S central campaign office had to say.
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
GP: The Green Party can’t explain the situation. We would change the liquor legislation.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
GP: The Green Party does not have a position on the ethics of age limitations. (It might be the case that age restrictions are appropriate based on the content of the presentation, just as age restrictions are applied to some movies.) We would welcome input from organizations such as the Safe Amplification Site Society, and we would certainly want to discuss the issue after receiving input from the Society and others.
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
GP: The Liquor legislation in this province should be modernized. No party should make any changes without consulting citizens generally and those in the industries that would be effected by changes to legislation.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
GP: As far as we know, governments – both provincial and local – do subsidize at least some small community-based live music venues – park band shells; school gyms and auditoria, community centres, etc. We would need to know more about this issue.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
GP: The Green Party campaign is founded on our commitment to:
• strong local economies that favour local artisans, craftspeople, and artists. We favour local entrepreneurship, including the independent music community.
• healthy people, healthy places. We want to assure strong communities across the province, and these are often the favoured homes of people in the independent music community.
• government we can be proud of. There is so much legislation in B.C. that needs to be modernized. Your survey has made reference to some of it. We want a government that deals effectively with contemporary issues, not one that is still relying on legislation from the 19050’s.
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues. Here’s what the BC Liberals’ central campaign office had to say.
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
LIB: Any event held in a liquor primary establishment must meet the terms of the liquor license. A venue that holds a liquor primary license mainly serves liquor, not food, and must meet certain requirements, whether it is a bar, a pub or a live music venue. One of the terms of that license is that minors cannot be present, to help ensure only adults consume alcohol. Until recently, some liquor primary establishments were allowed to “de-license” from time to time in order to host all-ages events like grad parties and concerts.
Earlier this year, the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch decided to act on numerous complaints from police, local governments, teachers and parents who were concerned that teenagers were drinking alcohol to excess before, after and during all-ages events held at de-licensed bars and nightclubs, in part because these venues are most often associated with alcohol. The Branch believed that other locations are readily available for these events that aren’t typically connected with alcohol, such as community halls, gymnasiums and hotel ballrooms.
Today’s BC Liberals believe that anything we can do to prevent teenage drinking and overconsumption is worth it, particularly if lives are saved as result.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
LIB: Aside from preventing teenagers from accessing alcohol and any other legal restrictions on venues hosting all-ages events, Today’s BC Liberals believe that decisions about children and teenagers attending live music events are best left to parents and families.
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
LIB: Our government has worked with the public and industry to modernize B.C.’s liquor regulations and promote local enterprise. Many existing liquor laws date back 100 years or more so our work is not done. We will continue to eliminate outdated regulations and support efforts to create local jobs while balancing public safety concerns. Today’s BC Liberals will consult both with industry and the public to bring further modernization to British Columbia’s liquor licencing regime.
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
LIB: Today’s BC Liberals are focused on controlling spending and growing the economy – we do not want to increase government spending or taxes – so we are unlikely to start subsidizing live music venues. That said, arts and culture is an incredibly important sector in British Columbia, and Today’s BC Liberals have demonstrated our commitment to it by launching BC Creative Futures, a strategy to support sustainable, long-term success for British Columbia’s creative sector. BC Creative Futures fosters a creative workforce through more arts opportunities for British Columbians by building a comprehensive, sector-wide vision to support the development and growth of BC’s creative industries and by expanding capacity at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. A key part of the strategy is a $6.25 million increase in arts and culture funding for this fiscal year, including a $5.25 million boost to the BC Arts Council. This raises the BC Arts Council budget to $24 million, its highest ever from government.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
LIB: In this provincial election, British Columbians face a choice between Today’s BC Liberals’ plan to control spending, create jobs and keep the economy growing, or going back to the NDP who will run up debt and grow the size of government. Having a strong economic plan, not spending beyond our means, paying down debt and creating jobs are positive outcomes for all British Columbians, including those in the independent music community. We invite your members to check out Today’s BC Liberal platform, available at www.bcliberals.com for more information.
It’s been four long years of scrounging and cajoling, but all-ages advocates Safe Amplification Site Society (Safe Amp or S.A.S.S.) now has a place to call home, physically. Astorino’s has been hosting Safe Amp’s programming since March, after the organization signed a rental agreement entitling it to the space up to nine days out of every month. It was only on April 27, though, that Safe Amp threw an official opening party for their new — albeit temporary — venue.
Appropriately enough, Collapsing Opposites kicked off the night’s festivities; frontman Ryan McCormick is also a Safe Amp co-founder. Collapsing Opposites made the best of a muffled P.A., and McCormick conveyed a muted excitement on stage, admitting he was feeling under the weather.
Next, one-man spoken word and keyboard sensation Chris-a-Riffic, was even more excited about the new venue. “Utopia is here, where the grass grows inside,” he remarked gushingly, pointing out a vine growing through a crack in the wall. Chris-a-Riffic was more than a spectacle. His set was a marvel of participation, be it bantering with the audience or leading call-and-response clapping sessions. Alas, the exuberant family man had to bid farewell fairly quickly, along with most of the tot-toting folks in attendance.
When PUPS came on stage, Rose Melberg remarked, “I’ve been told I play too hard.” She was talking about her drumming, but she could easily have talked about PUPS’ material, which chugged more than it chimed. That wasn’t a bad thing. Sharing vocal duties, PUPS did hew closer to their pop roots towards the end of their set, the jangly numbers made all the more sweeter in contrast to the grinding ones.
Chasing PUPS was Fake Tears, which featured Larissa Loyva (Kellarissa) and Elisha Rembold (Lost Lovers Brigade). Fake Tears’s pulsing synth-pop was a somewhat of a departure from their usual material, though Loyva’s ethereal sensibilities were still very much evident in her vocals.
Village dealt in similarly gauzy music, playing reverb-drenched dream-pop. Despite being a bit nervous about their sound on stage and their (lack of a) set list, they still played a pretty sexy bunch of songs.
Chung Antique, from Seattle, played competent, even-tempered math rock. Not that there’s anything wrong with loping, elliptical riffs, and jazzy drumming, but this reviewer likes to rock out. Thankfully, Chung Antique closed their set with more energy than they started with. The gently swaying crowd took things up a notch and formed a conga line, seeing the band off.
In contrast, Cascadia closed with a convulsive, cathartic set right from the get-go. Cam Borthwick’s extremely sloppy guitar work seems to have become a recurring theme of Cascadia’s live show, but don’t mistake this for incompetence or apathy. Coming across increasingly like a thrashy My Bloody Valentine, Cascadia are as murky as the mighty Fraser and possessed of an equally relentless undertow. To top it all off, the end of their set segued perfectly into the music on the P.A. What a way to close a show!
The people of Vancouver, be they minors, adults, or seniors, finally have a live music venue they can all enjoy together. The Safe Amplification Site Society (a.k.a. SASS or Safe Amp) began talks last fall to lease the former Astorino’s, a ballroom and multi-purpose event space at the corner of Commercial Drive and Venables, to use it as a legal all-ages venue. Discorder joined one of the society’s directors, Sean Travis Ramsay, for coffee in the new neighbourhood to chat about the exciting opportunity and Safe Amp’s road to get here.
Safe Amp is a local non-profit organization founded to establish a permanent, legal, affordable, and sustainable all-ages venue in Vancouver, open to all genres of music, with the core values of community, inclusivity, and positivity. Since the society’s inception, it has hosted events, like S.P.A.C.E. Camp, at different venues around the city that match all but two of these descriptions: permanent and in turn, sustainable. However, past events did both raised money and spread awareness of the gaping cultural void in Vancouver’s all-ages music and arts scene. After nearly four years, the society found themselves in a financial position where leasing became feasible; Astorino’s marks the first time in the group’s history that they could make this dream a reality.
The former Astorino’s was a community hub in the Commercial Drive area for almost thirty years. Owned and operated by brothers Leo and Tony Astorino, the space hosted everything from weddings, baptisms, and bingo nights. When faced with a number of remodelling needs, the brothers opted for retirement and sold the business to a development company. A step or two later, Safe Amp came in. Working in conjunction with a few other non-profits, Astorino’s has become a shared space for community events including all-ages shows. According to Ramsay, that’s not all.
“The potential for Astorino’s to act as a way to increase [Safe Amp’s] member involvement is awesome, not only through attending or volunteering at shows, but through proposed workshops and tutorial sessions.”
Unfortunately, the arrangement at Astorino’s isn’t permanent. The lease is for one year. “We discussed that issue and our membership voted to go ahead with the space. It’s basically an experiment and a chance to prove to the city that we know what we’re doing. Hopefully if or when this space is no longer available we will have set some kind of precedent to find our ideal, permanent space. In the meantime, Astorino’s will be great for shows. The few we’ve put on so far have been well attended, and by a lot of kids.” says Ramsay.
Their enthusiasm about the space is not surprising: it suits their needs in almost every way. The F.A.Q. area of Safe Amp’s website states they are seeking a place that is zoned for live music, would not violate noise control bylaws, is located “probably east of Cambie, west of Renfrew, and north of about King Edward,” is accessible by bike and transit routes, and has a capacity of between 80 and 200 people. Astorino’s, with its prime location on the Drive, isolation from residential housing, and capacity of about 300, seems almost too good to be true. Luckily for Vancouver, SASStorino’s is as real as it gets.
In the weeks leading up to the May 14 BC Provincial Election, we’re posting candidates’ responses to a questionnaire we sent out on local music issues.
SHANE KENNEDY, CONSERVATIVE PARTY, COQUITLAM BURKE MOUNTAIN
SK: Thank you for your email. I will answer each question in order to the best of my knowledge and from my understanding of BC Conservative policy.
SA: Under existing liquor laws, British Columbians under age 19 are not allowed into many live music venues. That’s 20% of our population! In your own words, could you please explain why these people are banned from attending concerts?
SK: The simple reason is that alcohol is usually severed at those events and the restriction is to insure that minors are not able to readily access alcohol. I know that sounds humorous, but none the less that is the reason.
SA: Do you believe age restrictions on attending live music events are ethical? If elected, what would you do differently?
SK: The event was “dry” meaning no alcohol, and the music is age appropriate, then I do not believe age restrictions need to apply.
SA: Both the Liberal and NDP platforms call for BC’s liquor laws to be modernized. Do you think that’s a good idea? What changes should be made?
SK: Trusting the Liberals and the NDP to modernize anything is not a good idea. I am not sure what changes to liquor laws your group what like see undertaken. Could you enlighten me? [ed: we enlightened him.]
SA: Government funding currently pays for many amazing public spaces in BC such as parks, schools, stadiums, hospitals, and libraries. Do you think it would also be reasonable for government to subsidize small community-based live music venues, or should these facilities have to compete on the free market?
SK: Well it would be easy to say yes, I want to be honest and state that while our province deficit (at current estimates 65 billion and growing) is becoming unwieldy, we will not be expend funding for such events beyond existing funding.
SA: Why should someone from the independent music community vote for you?
SK: I pride myself on being accessible to community groups.
