Some of you might have heard this already, but to me it’s fairly recent news. For months now, local authorities have been enforcing a ban on unsolicited music in Rittenhouse Square, prompting a protest by permitted musicians today that I could not watch because I was at work (oh, pooh). The recent ban has effectively dissuaded a number of people from strumming it up, and has even resulted in perpetrators (of music!) being arrested, one of the more notable examples being made of Anthony Riley, a local musician.
Many, including Mr. Riley and one Larry West, whose run for mayor was as legitimate as Milton Street’s, have been vocal (but no vocals) on the subject, and today’s protest is just one example. According to these recent articles, while some have been actively against the ban, some police officers have commented that residents of the area have been pleased with the results. A police captain: “People are happy as can be that police are keeping the musicians from disturbing the peace.”
Disturbing the peace? For whom? The wealthy condo owners that would prefer the square to be their own private backyard? Whatever city official(s) that realized making a few bucks off of the permits (like the summer concerts) and shutting up said condo owners can kill two birds with one stone? Some random passerby that would rather not listen to a James Blunt cover? While the last might be somewhat warranted, the fact that this has become an enforced ordinance is cause for concern, especially since I cannot find a more narrowed and specific regulation on the matter.
In a city that gets trashed and trashes itself so often, this is a new low point for the City of Brotherly Love. With so many other everyday problems and concerns that Philadelphians are demanding addressed, a few choice individuals are taking some of the joy and character out of a beloved and popular section of the city. And why, because an element that they don’t quite like is gathering? Rittenhouse is a cultural center, with people engaging in all sorts of performing arts, writers write, painters paint, people-watchers watch. Tearing the music out for the sake of these complainers only takes away from something that is precious about parks and about Philadelphia.
Rather than going off into a slew of hyperbole (“What’s next? No BREATHING?!?”), I think it’s more effective to ask where the harm is. After all, there can be no argument for danger or harm to people, the kind of arguments that would have been made for banning biking or ball-throwing in the park. Given the wide space, the music is just never that loud where it can disrupt a person to the point where they have no recourse but to complain. And while it’s reasonable that such activity is ill-advised at 2am, there’s no call for a 24 hour ban on people expressing themselves musically. Hell, Curtis and its opera-singing is right there!
Hopefully, some compromise can be reached where music can at least still be allowed up until a certain decibel or time (which is reasonable). But if this is an indicator of where the city is going culturally, you might see some of our artists catching interest in other locales. Claiming that this is but one park and one art form being discouraged only perpetuates an ignorance that hurts our city’s image as a recognized leader in the arts.
