There is an old adage in rock music that if it's too loud, you're too old.
By this statement, employees of the Athens City Code Enforcement are certainly showing their age with recent attempts to abolish house shows from the city.These shows, which have taken place for a number of years at houses all over Athens, have been an outlet for local musicians and music fans alike to play and listen in an environment that is not only safe, but that promotes a community atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere in town.
The concerns of Code Enforcement, although valid, seem forced. For that matter, the entire situation seems to be spurred by nothing in particular.
The concern over whether or not the houses are safe should not apply just to these particular places, but to all rental properties in Athens. If anything, Code Enforcement is creating more work for itself.
By the criteria that they are using, most houses in Athens should be deemed unlivable, let alone in good enough shape to hold large parties. As if the safety concerns weren't enough, there is concern about whether these shows are being held as moneymaking endeavors.
Money at these shows is exchanged on the basis that if a person feels the urge to donate directly to the bands that are playing, they can do so. This is no different than the average keg party, where hosts who provide alcohol ask attendants to provide a donation.
Often times, this party etiquette is more of an obligation than a suggestion. However, this isn't the case with these house shows.
With the amount of problems that the city faces on a yearly basis, including Halloween weekend and the spring fest season, those at the office of Code Enforcement should be thanking the tenants of these houses for creating an environment that promotes a peaceful atmosphere instead of creating problems.
Instead of making assumptions about what goes on at these shows, perhaps a code enforcement representative could spend an evening taking in a show to see what it's all about. He would probably be the guy in the back, plugging his ears with his fingers.
Editorials represent the views of The Post's executive editors.
4 Opinion
