Salida’s leadership wants to further limit music in Salida. During the height of the pandemic, COVID-19 was used by city council as a pre-text to take away music from Salida's citizens. The result of this action forced venues, restaurants and bars to get a permit every time a musician was booked (as a result many passing through musicians were a no-go). In addition the ordinance drastically reduced when music could be played. This went against decades of musical precedent in Salida.

Now city council is contemplating a complete gut of Salida’s Musical Soul by eliminating the majority of bookings. In addition there is a proposed 85 decibel requirements will practically stop all music in Salida if enforced.
Music has been fundamental to Salida for years. If Salida had a Soul, it would likely be tied to the River and Music. The question is what do citizens of Salida want it to become?

Music has the power to heal and create community. As jazz great Wynton Marsalis eloquently stated, “Music is the opposite of racism, it crosses racial boundaries and brings people together.” Why wouldn’t we want more of that for Salida?
Perhaps we should envision a Salida where more music exists than ever before, rather than ripping apart the little that we currently have. Perhaps we should support musicians that have suffered greatly during the pandemic and encourage them financially to come to Salida. What would Salida look like as Colorado’s central hub for music? What if a portion of City Council’s budget went to furthering great music in Salida? 

As a community we need to come together and agree on what makes up Salida’s Soul. If we can agree that part of our Salida Soul is made up of Music, then we should fight for that. Join with me in signing this petition to restore and affirm abundant music in Salida, Colorado. Say no to Salida's musical permits and ordinances, and yes to more music than ever in Salida, Colorado.