* Power Shut Down @ All Ages Shows

Michael James Packs Them in.... then Pulls the Plug @ The Studio

32 shows in one month. 80 plus bands. Not just any bands, underground bands at the Studio. With band names like Curbstomp, HE WHO CORRUPTS (my personal fav), Poison Control and Youth DeCay, the Studio is filled to over capacity levels. The neighborhood is filled with ear-blasting, somewhat stereophonic sound. The narrow sidewalk is filled with sometimes drunk and always crazy concert goers. A few concert goers have been seen (but not photographed) passed out in the alley next to the overflowing dumpsters. Plus... the concert goers get free parking.

A couple of years ago, the owner of the Cocoabean Cafe got the living crap beat out of him when he rented his space out to someone he didn't know. Alderman Moore blamed the owner for renting to shady people. The Alderman blamed the owner for having too many people in his place at one time. The Alderman blamed the owner for not knowing what was going on. The Alderman said the owner didn't have a plan. It was all the owners fault.

Fast forward two years. Michael James of the Heartland Cafe rents a small room that legally holds maybe 40 people, and makes an agreement to Rose Red Productions/ All Ages Chicago. Clueless to the nature of the music and the music's underground following, Michael with-out knowing what kind of stuff will be going on, offers up his space. Did he do any research? I doubt it.

What happensed next is a above ground community nightmare. Then, Mr. James finally pulls the plug. What was Mr. James thinking in the first place?

I think there is more than electrical problems going on. Something is fishy here. Like the promoter who packed them in like sardines. This is what the promoters claim on the website. Sure, electrical problems. We need some City of Chicago inspectors to check out this situation.