SAVE JIMMY'S: Grant the permit petition.

Jimmy's live music club is a New Orleans institution.  During its heyday, in the late 70's through most of the 80's, it brought music to New Orleans that would have otherwise passed by.  I have so many wonderful memories of the times spent at Jimmy's and the acts I had the pleasure of seeing there.  The owner of Jimmy's, Jimmy Anselmo, was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award by Offbeat Magazine for his work in the New Orleans music scene. 

Recently, Mr. Anselmo, with help of business partners Bradley Vega and Ted Cuccia began the process to reopen Jimmy's in its original spot to once again bring live music to New Orleans.  In the time since Hurricane Katrina the live music scene has floundered.  Sure, local acts abound around the city which is fantastic for both tourists and locals alike.  Sure we get the big name acts like Madonna, Justin Bieber etc which is great for those people who want to see them and can afford the outrageous $300 ticket prices.    Where the music scene flounders is all the music in between.  Be it electronic, punk rock, metal, indie rock, college rock, alternative, and classic alternative, just to name a few genres, it does not come here.  We get passed by.  The reason isn't because there's no interest but because there are no decent venues.  Many acts are not large enough to play the dome, the arena, or the severely underutilized uno lakefront arena.  There are some small venue's in the city but the cater to niche market's such as the New Orleans bounce scene.   The only small venue that is utilized on a regular basis is the House of Blues which has suffered since being purchased by Live Nation.  The Saenger sits in pieces and the State Palace theater sits vacant and crumbling.  

The New Orleans city council has long come under fire for their recent attact on the live music industry.  It is happening yet again with the denial of the permits necessary for Jimmy's to reopen.  Mr. Anselmo has a meeting with Susan G. Guidry on January 23rd to discuss the situation and hopefully get it resolved.  This is the opportunity to let your voice be heard.  If you've ever seen a show at Jimmy's sign the petition.  If you have wonderful memories of Jimmy's sign the petition.  If you support local business and local live music venues sign the petition.  If there are bands you'd like to see come to New Orleans and think Jimmy's would be the place, sign the petition.  If you are a musician, sign the petition.  Even if you've never been to Jimmy's but simply love music and would like to see a resurgence in the New Orleans music scene, please sign the petition.  Let Ms. Guidry know that we won't stand for this attack on live music any longer.