SAVE COMRAD SOUND!

The Calgary all-ages venue Comrad Sound has been told by the city that they're no longer allowed to put on shows, under the threat of heavy fines. As I write this, I don't know the exact reason.

Comrad Sound is in a small, blue stucco building on 14th Street, just a block and a half away from 17th Avenue (the Red Mile), and right by Boyd's fish market and the former Pegasus Greek restaurant. It's a small building, about the size of a bachelor apartment (I'm bad at judging space, though), and it kicks ass.  I've been to several shows there, to see my friends and acquaintances play. I helped out with their fundraiser BBQ this past weekend, and I've sung their praises on my radio show several times.

And on a more selfish note, I was hoping to play shows there myself, and sell copies of IRPM comix in the display case, alongside the local zines and indie records.

I doubt that there was a complaint... the venue's been running since March, it's pretty soundproof, and who would wait 4 months to file a noise complaint? Did some elderly neighbor just get a cochlear implant over the weekend?

There are signs posted inside and outside the building that specifically ban the use of drugs or alcohol anywhere near Comrad Sound. Not inside, not in the parking lot, not in the alley, and not around any of the neighboring buildings. It's supposed to be a safe place for kids.

Calgary NEEDS all-ages venues. Do you know how many rock shows are in bars? The Misfits have played The Whiskey twice in the past year. I'm not a Misfits fan myself, but you have to realize how many Misfits fans must be underage kids. They could probably fill MacEwan Hall!

The New Black Centre, in Inglewood, is another all-ages venue. Last year, they were also told by the city that they couldn't have shows anymore. http://www.thenewblackcentre.com/

Comrad Sound is in Ward 8, whose alderman is currently John Mar. But in the upcoming municipal election, local concert promoter and Sled Island Festival founder Zak Pashak will be running for the position. I hope he wins.

Comrad Sound has cancelled all of its upcoming shows, except for tonight's show, which has been moved to a house on 6th Street. It had a few shows booked for the Sled Island Festival in July, and I don't know what's going to happen to those.

www.comrad.ca
Ward 8 Alderman: john.mar(at)calgary.ca
City of Calgary phone hotline: 3-1-1
Facebook: Comrad Sound