| Rock News Alaska |
| Parental Concerns |
| In response to one of R.N.A.'s "Questions of Week" I recieved an E-mail that brought up the issue of safety at local rock shows. She questioned not so much the safety of such events, but how we can prove to parents that going to the show will not endanger their kids. (Thanx Nina Kat for the mail) If only there were a sure fire way of "Proving" that things are safe for the kids. About the only way we might be able to do that is to list some examples. So here it goes. I remember between the ages of 15 & 17 how concerned my dad was with "Gig's" and whether or not the venue was a safe place for me to be. Aside from the fact that I was in a band that was booked there just about every weekend, and I just HAD to be there anyway, I assured my concerned father with the fact that there is ALWAYS security at the shows, there's NO alcohol, and that there is phone service available for contacting him if something happened. Plus the fact that my dad trusted me to do the right thing helped a lot too. The music scene in Alaska is still in its infant stages and is made up of mutual friends and bands that are only there to have a good time and listen to their favorite local music. So just about all local rock patrons are very easy going individuals, and typicaly very accepting of people, and protective of their own. Those that attend shows would never do anything to hurt other show-goers. This concept is even displayed in "mosh pits". If ONE falls down, TWO or THREE will pick them up. Courtesy and compassion through aggressive engagements inspired by heartfelt music. It's really a beautiful thing. Occasionally someone gets a bloody nose or something, but it was their choice to get in the mosh pit to begin with. The option to participate in the "pit" is soley at each show-goers discretion, and is easily avoidable if they don't want to be in the "circle". (It should be a circle anyway) Security is always present at these events to "keep the peace" and have an easy job for the evening. A fun, safe evening for all. As it stands, there is little for the youth under 21 to do in Alaska. There are no set venues that cater to live original rock either. Lots of bands with very few places to play. The majority of the shows that take place are put on by the bands themselves. Other shows are put on by those that have the equipment and funding (Otto) to do so with the intention of turning a buck. The revenue earned by holding such events is rarely enough to cover the cost of renting the building, security, and sound person (unless the bands just bring their own equipment). The promoter sees very little to no profit when organizing and producing live shows. More often however they lose money. As for the bands..... they never get paid, and if so it's no more than 50 bucks. Unless they are really lucky and have a great turnout. The bands worked hard to put that show on. They make all the arrangements with the building management, the security people, they contact the other bands, pack up and haul all of their own gear, do all of the advertising, and all out of their own pocket and precious time. Just like artists that put everything into their exhibits and starve for their exploits. Back to the safety issue....... here's an anecdote of comparrison for ya.... If a painter opens an exhibit of his/her art, I highly doubt the artist will start attacking the people that attend the exhibit. I also doubt that others that are there for the same reason would do such a thing as well. I'm sure that there is much concern from parents surrounding the issue of drug and alcohol use at such events. Rest assured that these shows are not raves. No one just walks around and openly peddles exstasy or LSD. No one at local rock shows slips date rape drugs into the drinks of young girls. That type of behavior is openly discouraged and frowned upon. If something like that were to happen it would be dealt with by 20 or more of the scenes leading advocates that attend most every show. As stated before... we watch out for our own. These rock shows only have between 20 and 120 in attendance anyway, and very rarely get crowded enough for such bad things to happen.There are some people that drink or do their drugs before they come to the show and such behavior is also discouraged. If it is noticeable that someone is intoxicated they are ejected from partaking in the rest of that evening's events. A little thing we like to call "non-tolerance". Those that make up this scene are also very consciencious of upholding the moral standards of compassion, peace, and generosity. We are all about giving back to the community to benefit those less fortunate. A lot of shows are put on under a non-profit status where all proceeds go to benefit such causes as shelters for the homeless, organizations dedicated to supporting women and children in domestic violence situations, pediatric AIDS research, and anti-racism awareness. When rage is expressed at these events it is directed toward the oppression that we face as youth. See.... when we rage though.... we do it through music. One of the most healthy of outlets for personal well being is music, and music would/could never be harmful to anyone...... except maybe your hearing if yer standing too close to the speakers, but music provides for a release of emotions through harmonious exchange. Let us spend our angst while we're young. The assuredness that there are security guards inside and out of the establishment is a good indication that the event is monitored for safety. It has to be.... the owner of the building doesn't want the hassle of kids getting hurt on their property. Especially in the case of the Spenard and Fairview Rec. centers. That wouldn't look good for the Municipality at all. Media would have a hay day with that one. Not to mention that it gives the youth something to do, something positive to get involved with other than drugs, alcohol, and/or random acts of violence against one another or the community. Would you rather your children waste away in front of a television or sneak out of the house at night to go play mailbox baseball, and generally just fuck shit up? I didn't think so. Give them some freedom to get involved with something positive. What better way to get involved than by way of a localized community driven expression of unity and empowerment through music? In order for parents to feel secure with their issues of safety, they must first be able to trust that they have raised their children to be somewhat responsible and weigh the consequences of right or wrong actions. Ask your kids questions about the show. Show them that you are trying to accomodate their needs as well as your own. Find out the times of the show. When does it start? When does it get over with? Where is the event taking place? Is there security at the event? Do they have a phone so they can call to have you come get them? It's the little things that mean a lot. Your kids will certainly appreciate it and so will the scene. We have a lot of good things happening right now and we would like to see more of the youth get involved. The only way for that to happen is through show attendance. Parents let your kids out for an evening of good times and great music. Something they will never forget. Good memories to last a lifetime. They in turn will be better parents to their children. Hopefully these words don't fall on deaf ears and we can continue to expand our growing scene. Take care of your own....... WE do! Love to all, long live the scene, see you at the show. Brian |
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| By: Brian Skiles |