SLAM

The venue waived the venue fee for the night. There's not much margin in a pot of beer, plus they supplied a decent rider for all the artists, provided security, bar staff and door staff. I reckon that's pretty generous.

they're always doing it tough

Actually, despite the cynicism here, this statement is true. No-one operates a small live music venue to make a pile of money - they do it because they love it and it would be helpful if we all supported them for their support of live music rather than assume they are raking it in.

Hmm, that link went weird with that quote. Have a read of this story for a little background on where SLAM is at.

Thanks to everyone who came along, played, volunteered and donated. 'Twas quite the gig. Lots of money raised for the Red Cross flood appeal too.

bigdaddykane said:
So can SLAM held with these noise complaint issues, like the ones experienced by Pure Pop? Is this in their portfolio?

ahem
''Amenity and the implementation of the “agent of change” principle, as well as gentrification and “cumulative impact” have become the next hurdles.''

Remember, SLAM is essentially a nucleus of two people with a handful of friends and associates who volunteer their time - there's no financial help here. We fit SLAM around our jobs, families and lives but we can't do it all alone.

The 'agent of change' and amenity rights in respect to live music venues is incredibly important to us, and a nightmare to fight. We encourage all music lovers and venues to get involved and get active. Contact your local MP, your state legislators and let them know that this needs attention. We're doing what we can to keep this issue at the forefront of talks with Government, you need to do the same.

Doors open at 4pm, first band on at 5pm, lots of short sets and collaborations. Wedgetail will be doing a longer set just after 6pm at this was originally the last show of their residency, and they have a guest vocalist with them for a song or two.

Get there early if you can - lots of surprises!

(checks worksheet)

Looks like it will be over by midnight.

Tickets are still available from the Corner box office and at the Tote front bar, but they're selling fast - $20+booking fee.
Doors open at 4pm and the first band will be on at 5pm, last band around 11.45pm. There'll be a bbq for the hungry. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross Victorian Flood Relief appeal.

Tickets on sale tomorrow for the Tote gig

If you can't make it to the Tote, get along to any live music gig that night.

If 20,000 people turn up to the Tote, we might have a small problem fitting everyone in.

However, we'd like 20,000 to turn up at live music venues all across the state - hell, across the country - and make 23rd February SLAM day. Get off the couch and get out to a venue and support local live music.

For any Melbournians keen to have their say on live music issues in the City of Yarra, there's a public forum coming up.

Yarra Talking Arts Forum: The Future of Live Music

Yarra City Council is hosting an open forum to discuss the issues facing Yarra’s vibrant live music community.
The panel will feature a cross section of the music community including representatives from community radio, Fair Go 4 Live Music and Music Victoria. Discussion will be moderated by Victoria Marles.

Make your voice heard and help find a way forward to keep live music in Yarra rocking into the future.

WHEN: Thursday 6 May 2010, 6.00pm – 8.00pm
WHERE: Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy
ENTRY: Free

CHAIR
Victoria Marles – CEO, Trust for Nature (former Legal Services Commissioner and former Chair of Circus Oz)

PANEL
Adrian Basso – Community Radio (PBS)
Zvi Belling – Public Opinion Afro Orchestra
Cr Jane Garrett – Mayor, Yarra City Council
Liam Matthew – The Old Bar
Tim Northeast – Corner Hotel
Jon Perring – Fair Go 4 Live Music
Bruce Phillips – Director City Development, Yarra City Council
Kirsty Rivers – Music Victoria

For more information, please contact Sandra Margulius, Arts and Cultural Development Officer, on 9205 5109 or visit www.yarracity.vic.gov.au.

Audio and photos via Triple J's Hack

According to that interview, The Greens' Sue Pennicuik said that any petition with over 1,000 signatures was substantial. This petition had nearly 22,000. It will be discussed in Parliament next week.