Cook County Finally Agrees: Live Music and DJ Sets ARE Art

Back in August, Cook County, which also includes the city of Chicago, attempted to pass a new law that to ensure that rock, rap and electronic music were not seen as art in the eyes of the taxman.

The goal was to levy a tax on small venues in the county that feature live music. If approved, the legislation would have required establishment to pay heavy back-taxes and fines, as well as taxes in the years to come — an economic burder that would have crushed the finances of most venues and driven them out of business.

Today however, Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey announced that an agreement has been reached to change the rule in question so that live music and DJ sets are in fact considered an art form. Other local key officials have agreed with the Commissioner, including local Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s administration, representatives from the City of Chicago, and industry stakeholders. The official hearing on the amendment to the county’s amusement tax ordinance will take place October 26.

In the official press release Fritchey stated, “This agreement makes it clear that it was never the intent of the Administration for the County to play culture police and make decisions on what is, or isn’t, music or art, and that fact is bolstered by President Preckwinkle’s desire to co-sponsor my amendment. By bringing together public officials and music industry representatives, we were able to arrive at language that all parties agree recognizes the diverse and robust nature of live music while providing the County with the ability to collect those taxes that are legitimately owed to it.”

Metro and Smartbar owner Joe Shanahan weighed in happy that this agreement has been reached, “These musical styles are all recognized as art around the world and Chicago is rightly recognized as the birthplace of some of the best-known artists,” he stated in the press release. “This agreement confirms that government officials should not be the arbiters of what constitutes art while affording small venue owners a sense of certainty as they continue to present musical talent to Chicagoans and the many visitors who flock to our venues based on our city’s international reputation as a music capital.”