Music has been my life and for the past year, Little Tokyo Village Plaza in Los Angeles has been my stage. Each day, I took my guitar to the Plaza, setting up by the tranquil fountain, a spot that has become my sanctuary and one of joy and inspiration for many. I have had the honor of playing for over a thousand appreciative listeners, all drawn to this cultural hub to enjoy melodies that resonate with the heart of the community.

However, recent management decisions have restricted musicians from performing in this beloved space, silencing the vibrant voices that once filled the air. This isn’t just about playing music; it’s about the community we’ve built. The Plaza has been a nucleus for local musicians to share their art, connect with audiences and create an inclusive gathering place for all.

For years, the Plaza has been celebrated not just for its cultural significance but also as a 'breeding ground for musical talent.' Each performance brought new visitors, adding life and diversity to the area and benefiting local businesses. The presence of live music enhances the atmosphere of Little Tokyo Village, attracting tourists and locals to its shops and eateries. If musicians are silenced, we lose more than the notes; we lose culture, community, and the Plaza's unique charm.

Despite efforts to communicate with management, our appeals have gone unanswered. It seems the only way to safeguard this tradition is through communal action. Permitting musicians once again would not only restore a cherished tradition but also foster creativity, bring financial benefits to local businesses and create a lively, welcoming environment for all.

We propose a reinstatement of the freedom of musical performances within the plaza, with a few conditions to address concerns such as receiving tips and alcohol consumption by those that partake.

Though, tips received often is spent at businesses within the plaza, to buy things such as food, drinks and umbrellas; I understand that management believes the $1 tips will equate to a overall loss to businesses, despite it really being a extra way to draw out money from visitors. We can establish the rule of no cash tips or that tips be spent at the businesses before leaving the plaza. 

As for drunken concerns, it is the guards duty to uphold order within the plaza. Musicians being blamed for people that legally drink,  makes no sense to me. But we can compromise by also helping in the enforcement of stopping public drunkenness. This compromise respects the cultural vibrancy of Little Tokyo Village while accommodating the concerns of management.

If you believe in the power of music to transform spaces and bring communities together, we urge you to sign this petition. Your signature can help us advocate for a space where musicians and music lovers alike can congregate, celebrate, and share in the joy that music brings to all our lives.

Please. 🙇‍♂️🫶🥀