If you came to HUSHUSH 2012, you know that the show was shut down before the scheduled time of midnight, by police officers.  It was a disappointing moment for everyone for different reasons.  Make no mistake, the music was pumping and over 1,000 costumed, neon painted, light flashing attendees where there dancing their faces off.  Many calling it the best event of the year!

The saying goes that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  One man responsible for stopping a show that over 1,000 people were enjoying was that squeaky wheel.  My concern is that the squeaky wheel could lead people to believe there is a problem that just isn't there.  Nearly a dozen uniformed Sherriff's deputies and Police officers were on-site and commented about the well behaved crowd. The Fairgrounds were built over 80 years ago, and they will be around for many more. Complaints condemn the growth of community events and the Fairgrounds itself, the complainer's legacy will be one that hurts Bozeman for years to come.

A Bozeman Daily Chronicle article about this issue, in today’s paper, mentioned that a country music show was allowed to run in it's entirety a week earlier, with no complaints.  I see only two possible outcomes from shutting down an electronic music show and the letting go of other events.  1:The variety of permissible events will be reduced. 2: A minority will dictate the community's event choices.  Neither is good for such a diverse place like Bozeman.

There are big plans to grow the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.  These plans invest in the future of Bozeman.  Attracting more events from outside Montana, attracting more diversity, and making the Fairgrounds experience better for everyone.  These improvements bring money to the county and help our local economy. When man screams to shut down HUSHUSH he, and those irritated by a handful of noisy events, scream against Bozeman.

When I asked Tate Chamberlin of Chamberlin Productions about his thoughts he said “To deny anyone a concert experience would be unfortunate.”  An understatement to be sure, but he’s right. And that is exactly what the danger is here.  Laws or ordinances could be passed to fulfill the wishes of the Fairgrounds’ complaining neighbors that kill experiences for a generation of Bozeman youth.

A compromise must be found.  That will only happen if both complainers of the noise and the noise makers work together to find a solution.  Christopher Spogis, the man responsible for the shutting down of HUSHUSH, has been contacted by Tate Chamberlin to talk about his concerns.  As of the posting of this, Tate has not heard back. The city heard this man out about his feelings. I hope that he has enough respect for Bozeman youth to hear our side too.

What are your thoughts?  Comment below.

 

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