City Stages asks the city for a bailout

UPDATE: The bailout just passed city council by a margin of 4-2-1.

Also, the Weekly reminds us that “Man, Sloss Furnaces is getting screwed today. City Stages bailout came from their appropriation, as did funds for new community info flyers.”

Wow.

What do you guys think? Sound off in the comments.

In the words of David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), “If it isn’t making dollars, then it isn’t making sense. If you aren’t moving units, then you’re not worth the expense.”

The allegory on life as an independent musician dealing with a major label is not lost on me, but when George McMillan begs the city for 250k due to “loss of corporate sales”… we have a problem.

One ray of light for Birmingham though. You’ll notice the Birmingham News is writing this. They are a major sponsor of the event and so it’s nice to see some attempted accountability/transparency that’s becoming of a Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper.

Without further ado, here is the story itself and here are a few highlights:

• About 15 companies that traditionally buy tickets didn’t buy them this year.
• In return for a financial boost from the city, City Stages would give free admission to all people age 60 and older, McMillan said. That’s in addition to free admission the festival already gives children ages 12 and younger.
• The city budgeted $300,000 for City Stages this year, and the new funding request would be in addition to that amount.
• Organizers say the money is needed to make up for soft corporate ticket sales. But the council is divided on the request, with some saying the city already supports the festival and should not give any more.

And as always (I don’t have to tell you guys), take some time to read the “interesting” comments under the article on al.com. Alot of them are PURE gold. I’m not saying I’ve seen someone threaten a dog’s life, accuse Jesus of tax fraud or call for a revolt ala the French Revolution… I’m just saying I’ve totally seen all of that.

Also, look at this picture of the Doobie Brothers. ISN’T THAT A TREASURE?!