

Let's stock the mayor's iPod!

Brent Kirby is one of Cleveland’s busiest musicians. He plays with the Jack Fords, as a solo act both with and without a band, and with his Gram Parsons tribute band New Soft Shoe. But he’s found time is his nonstop schedule to rally local musicians in support of the efforts of Cleveland’s small music venues to repeal the city’s onerous 8% admissions tax.

Kirby is urging them to send a copy of their CD, cassette or mp3 to Mayor Frank Jackson, along with a note of support for Cleveland Music Club Coalition and a pending ordinance which would exempt small music clubs from the admission tax.

He’s asking them to do so by February 29th “for maximum impact,” saying “I would like to make a huge impression on Mayor Jackson to support our local venues and musicians that helped bring $840 million dollars of income and $91.6 million in taxes to Cuyahoga County in 2010.”

Here’s how to get your music to the mayor via snail mail or email:

Mayor Frank Jackson

Cleveland City Hall

601 Lakeside Ave.

Cleveland 44114

mayorsactioncenter@city.cleveland.oh.us

Even if he doesn't listen to any of them, the growing stack in the corner of his office could be a visible reminder of what’s at stake for the local music scene. — Anastasia Pantsios