"Wanna Rock and Roll"

Our City of Duluth Administration and the City Council have a lot of issues to work out these days. Many of the issues result in controversy. The latest one has a whole page devoted to it in today's News Tribune "Northland Forum" section. The headline in big bold print is "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night!" Concerts late into the evening at Bayfront Festival Park is the issue that has a debate going. Some Duluthians that live near the park are annoyed by the late concerts, saying they are too loud and hinder their sleep. Others want the music to play on. The City Council is poised to discuss an ending time for the shows. Our Mayor advocates ending shows by 10 pm, to please those that are against the later hour. Many of the groups that come to Duluth won't go on till later at night, says the Duluth Event Coordinator. According to those in favor of the later hour the council needs to be "bringing business into the city, instead of chasing it away." "Bigger and better concerts are good for Duluth's bottom line. They attract out of towners who book hotel rooms, eat meals in our restaurants and bolster Duluth's tourism tax. They give the city a buzz and help to build its positive reputation. And they help attract and retain young professionals, some of them creative energetic types who'll start businesses here, create jobs and improve Duluth's economy."

Not everyone who lives on the hillside are complaining. Some were interviewed for the article and stated that noise can be expected when you live in a city. One said "she'd rather hear the music than constant sirens, neighbors and kids making noise."

The event coordinator said that Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and other groups that have played here in the past, would never have played if they knew they would have to "wrap up not long after the sun went down".

What do you readers think? Please give your comments, I'd be interested in hearing from you. Personally I think they should be allowed to play at least until midnight. Someone suggested using the DECC, but I don't think a concert should be inside in the summer, when we have a beautiful Bayfront Park by the lake! (It's just not as effective). My son said that Bob Dylan only played at the DECC once, and the next time he came he wanted to play at Bayfront!

Put in your vote! E mail City Councilors if you feel strong either way, let them hear from you! To comment here, click on "comments" below.