410 Forum — Opinion
Music Scene Not So Great
By Joshua Espinoza
Upon entering west Greeley from Highway 34, guests are greeted by a colossal welcome sign that is accented by an outlined cowboy hat, thus foreshadowing the provincial ethos to come. Inscribed beneath the all-too-familiar Stetson are the words “Greeley: Great From the Ground Up.” The word “great” is used quite generously and can only apply to the location if one considers the lack of a diverse art scene a “great” thing.
Since coming to Greeley five years ago, the void of a decent music scene was sadly obvious: Music venues were sparse; bands were amateur at best; and concert-goers were forced to leave the city to get their music fix. However, what was more bewildering was the fact that the city possessed all the characteristics necessary to secure a strong music community. It has a population of 75,000 and is also home to an epicenter of music snobbery — a university that houses one of the finest music programs in the nation. So why is it when people hear the words “Greeley” and “music” in the same sentence, they immediately think of country troupes and cheesy cover bands? Perhaps, such stereotypes stem from the irrational fears of men with too much power.
Last year, Greeley’s mayor, Ed Clark, pressured the cancelation of a Mr. Capone-E concert. In the 2008 January issue of The Tribune, a press release by Clark stated his decision was based on “a matter of public safety.” Apparently, Clark believed the presence of the California-based rapper would incite violence among Greeley’s gangs. He defended his stance by calling the lyrics of Mr. Capone-E “abusive” and “offensive.” In retrospect, his concerns seem laughable. If Clark truly has an aversion to violence and offensiveness, he has a funny way of showing it. In the past year, a restraining order was filed against Clark after he was accused of assaulting a 15-year-old boy (the charges were eventually dropped). Five months later, Clark released an apology after he showed middle-schoolers a $3 bill depicting then-Sen. Obama in Middle-Eastern headdress. Even the most villainous gang members demonstrate more restraint when rationing their violent and offensive actions.
Though Greeley has been known for its ever-present gang problem, and Mr. Capone-E had gang affiliations, some still question Clark’s justification for the show’s cancelation, claiming his decision was based on racism and on his endeavor to “brand” Greeley. Such skeptics include Tim Coons, the former owner of The Beetle and the founder of Atlas Theater.
“The mayor is a ‘good ol’ boy’ trying to make Greeley fit his vision,” Coons said. “Unfortunately, that vision doesn’t include the support for a music community outside of the Stampede.”
Four years ago, Coons had the idea of hosting a block party, where locally-owned businesses would host various rock concerts for one night. For the event to take place, Coons needed to acquire the proper permits from Greeley officials. For two years, the project was denied the necessary paperwork; Coons said officials were hesitant to close off the street, as it would be an inconvenience and a public safety issue. However, after proposing to give a percentage of the proceeds to a city program, the inconvenience and safety factors were no longer concerns, and the 16th Street Block Party began in 2007. It goes without saying that most politicians have an agenda, but those within Greeley aren’t so discreet about theirs.
Downtown Development Authority members have tried to revive the downtown area by implementing “face-lifting” programs, which fund family-based events in an effort to boost local business — none have proven successful. However, the annual 16th Street Block Party, which features more than 35 bands, has attracted nearly 15,000 people each year, according to Atlas Theater’s Web site. The large turnouts confirm that not only is a decent music scene desired, but it’s also beneficial to the city’s economy — surrounding businesses make more money during the event than any other night.
If Clark and other authorities truly care about their community, they need to abandon their cavalier disregard for the population that doesn’t have an affinity for country music or cowboy hats, and instead embrace the culture that is only permitted to come out and play for one night a year. When this happens, Greeley will then truly become “Great From the Ground Up.”
