Music is just about as important to the city of Portland as beer and raincoats. Enter a bar, restaurant, or club in the city any day or hour of the week, and you’re bound to either find a band playing live or hear music being projected from some kind of device.
Being over the age of 21 allows a person to take advantage of this to the fullest, as a musical smorgasbord of opportunities awaits this large group of Portlanders. Those unfortunate enough to not be able to buy a drink legally have to settle for the amusement offered at just a few select venues that have declared themselves 18+ or all-ages.
This fact splits the music-loving population of the city, bringing heated debate to the table, time and again. I’ve always been on the fence with this issue, because I easily remember what it was like to be 18 and not able to get into what I felt was a killer show that should be open to people of any age. But at the same time, I also recall feeling resentment towards shows that people younger than me could get into.
Recently I got to experience a club in Minneapolis that held 18+ nights, and it quickly reminded me why those age limitations are so important. Over the course of a couple hours I was forced to bear witness to the youngsters grotesquely bumping and grinding with one another in such a way I was convinced someone was going to come out of it pregnant. But that didn’t bother me so much as the fact that none of them seemed to be paying any attention to the music at all—they were all so concerned with hooking up with someone that night that they probably didn’t even know there was music playing.
I was happy to return to Portland a few days later and attend a show that was only open to those 21 and older. As I looked around, though, I started noticing things that made me wonder if allowing younger fans in to all shows would be all that bad . . . .
Pro: Provides another avenue of entertainment for youth.
Con: Exposes them to drinking and drugs, and encourages them to partake. Also, forces the venue to separate their establishment into two areas; one where alcohol is served, and one that has to be monitored closely, to ensure that minors aren’t drinking and breaking the law.
Pro: Brings more money and profit to the venue.
Con: But at what cost? To me, it seems a lot of money would need to be invested in protecting the minors that would be there. Keeping liquor off-limits from kids is easier said than done, and too easily a venue could end up with a handful of fines if alcohol ends up being served to people under the legal age.
Pro: Allows youth to be exposed to music of every kind, broadening their knowledge and giving them better material to base their tastes on.
Con: Deters of-age fans from attending shows because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of frequent security checks and insolent teenagers.
Pro: Broadens the fan-base for, and increases the profits of, a band.
Con: Potentially exposes musicians to a disrespectful audience.
And that last Con is my number-one reason I support age restrictions at venues. Too often I’ve seen underage crowd members at a show caring more about talking to their friends, tweeting about what’s going on, making a scene, or hooking up than actually listening to the music and giving their attention to the band. I do recognize the benefits of all-ages shows, but I also care more about the hard-working musician and how all of this affects them. I would give more thought to the plight of the underage fan, but I am happily not one of them anymore. As I once learned, things aren’t always that accessible for youth. That’s why you make the best of what you’ve got, go to what shows you can, and patiently wait for the ripe old age of 21 to fall upon you.
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
My son Jawara want to go to this show so bad, so I’m seeing if I can win! Bless me with a ticket please!!!!!!!!!!!
by Irese Shea on Mon May 14, 2012 at 06.52 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
i’ve only been to a few all-ages shows here in portland (the raa, starfucker, ozomatli). and at each, the underage portion of the crowd was extremely into the music, more so than many/most of the over-21ers. in fact, at the raa show, the front “row” of fans was entirely underage, bouncing and singing along to the music. great fans. however, they were soon crowded out by a group of rowdy drunkards (over 21) who proceeded to yell and clap over the band, severely bringing down the energy at the show. i think it’s a mixed bag, and you happened got one with some crappy youths.
also, it’s awesome to see a gaggle of parents lining the rear walls of venues, waiting for the show to get over.
couple of things:
1) I agree with pretty much everything josh says. And even though I feel way old (even though I’m not) at all ages shows, the kids are usually way more excited to see the concert than the older crowds and they show it. I prefer that energy unless it’s a Monsters of Folk concert or something where you go to listen not to get rowdy.
2) saw the con where you said the kids might partake of drugs and booze. surely miss Nicci Boots, rocker chick, doesn’t care about experimentation with the elements.
3) I think if older people can’t have fun at a show with anyone present, then they are lame. I had fun at the Pearl Jam show and some douche was screaming drunkly in my ear all night long. Just a frame of mind.
I agree with most of what was said above. However, I would like to add that people of any age can be obnoxious, anytime and for any reason. I don’t think that the actions of a few (either under or over age) should affect these kinds of decisions. Also, when I go to shows that include the underaged, I tend to stand on the all-ages side. Why? They have a palpable excitement that the older we-just-want-to-drink-our-Fat-Tire crowd just doesn’t bring to the table.
hear hear siri. the only boozebags worth going to a show with go to punk concerts or metal concerts where they get rowdy. the hipsters just cross their arms, stand there with their beer, and give their friends the fall in line look whenever someone else starts to tap their toes. All ages side all the way. Besides that’s where the dancing is at (if it’s one of those concerts), which makes no sense because booze + music should equal dancing.
I definitely hear what you guys are saying, but I’ve also seen way too many 18+ shows that proved the young crowd to be not worth it. It does seem true that Portland kids are a bit more savvy to good music than the rest of the country, but that’s why I wish there were more venues that would allow just for them. Because standing in the way-packed balcony of the Roseland to drink a beer can get super annoying sometimes. Sure, I don’t necessarily need that beer, but it just does slightly suck to be segregated like that.
Oh, & your #2, Colin? Ha! ;)
understand the segregation gripe, just bring a flask (unless you are going to the Roseland) and duck down. Then you can truly act like the kids around you.
Nicci-I totally agree, sometimes you just want to have your beer and drink it too (not in the back of the balcony). But I also believe (and yes, this is corny) that music is for everyone. How much fun did we all have at shows when we were younger? Would we really want to take that away from someone else? I’ve definitely been frustrated with underaged people jumping on the floor at the Crystal Ballroom because “OMG, it moves!!!!!!!” but it’s also part of the fun.
as siri said, obnoxious people come in all ages. in general, i prefer the under-21’s “unbridled enthusiasm” to the over-21’s hipster stoicism. its just more fun.
another benefit of having under-21s at a show - from a photographer’s perspective - is that they are much more accommodating in allowing me to step in and take a few shots. maybe that’s because i offer to buy them alcohol and drugs though.
i agree with the above comments that segregated sections suck. i prefer the middle east downstairs, where anyone under 21 is marked with black “X“‘s on each wrist. the bartenders don’t sell to them, and if security spots an “X” drinking a beer, they tackle and eject them on the spot.
you must be much more resolute than i colin. for me, the crowd plays an important part of a concert-going experience. if audience members are being disruptive or rude, i have a hard time blocking that out and focusing entirely on the music. i can enjoy the music at a show but still leave dissatisfied from the way the crowd treated the artist.
I agree obnoxious types come in all ages. If you don’t want to be surrounded by the uninterested you could always get there early to ensure you are in the front with the really big fans, who might be singing along, but at least they’ll be paying attention.
I know from the venue perspective, at least the showbox, its basically an economic issue,
“Why aren’t all your shows all ages??? What gives?!
Due to government restrictions on all-ages crowds and serving alcohol, the insurance and security costs of producing an all-ages event are extremely”
someone it also mentions “you wont be under 21 forever”
that said I’m all for more 18plus venues because I’m all for more listeners. Seattle is sadly sadly lacking in these specifically, though VERA is a cool project.........
Nicci was right to mention that it can be costly. As someone who has been involved with booking and promoting shows, the biggest issue we have is always economic. Unless the band playing is going to draw a huge crowd, organizers aren’t going to want to put forth the money on a show that may not do well. Security fees for an all ages show can almost double the cost of the event for those involved.
On the flip side of things, there are more all ages opportunities out there than people realize. Every weekend in Portland, there are house shows and informal concerts where people are not only playing to any age, but usually playing for free.
I wonder if the security costs would be more or less if the venues weren’t required to segregate? The standard procedure in Austin is to slap a big black X on all the kids’ hands, and if security sees a big black X holding a beer you get your ass kicked to the curb. Seemed to work well enough there. A year or two ago there was talk about Portland music venues lobbying OLCC to relax the existing restrictions to allow for something like this arrangement, but I haven’t heard anything about it in a while now…
I agree that the safety of children is very important but this article is really biased. It’s written by some boring hipster who just doesn’t want anyone to infringe upon his/her scene. Age has nothing to do with maturity I’ve met plenty of “ripe 21 year olds” that iv’e wanted to kick in the face because they’re so immature. I actually witnessed an of-age guy totally ignoring the music at a show because he was too busy figure drawing that really pissed me off, but I don’t think anyone would’ve kicked him out just because he’s over the age of 21 and therefore possesses all the wisdom of the universe. In regards to the last con well, just take a look at the hipster next to you when your at a show, their most likely not there to support this handworking musician but their to be seen,flaunt the fact that their into the kind of music being played, and to post the event on their blog and show how awesome they are. This to me is a gargantuan disrespect to the musician; they’re being used to prove how alt they are.
And with all due respect Nicci I don’t really agree that Portland kids are more savvy to good music than the rest of the country. It’s kind of a spit in the face to all of us youngsters blasting great music everywhere else. Portland might be the greenest and prettiest city in the US but were pretty savvy down here in Los Angeles.
P.S. I was at a 21+ venue and everyone there was over the age of 21 right, and everyone I mean EVERYONE in the room was talking really loud and ignoring poor Benoit Pioulard who was pouring his heart and soul out on stage.