Fighting for a new music venue

Never have I walked down Kirkwood Avenue or Walnut Street after midnight and seen an empty sidewalk or heard silence from the bars.

Bloomington is known for a great night life, and college students feed the party atmosphere of the downtown area. In Monday classes, I usually hear other students talking about their crazy night at Kilroy’s Sports Bar or the fun time they had at Jake’s Nightclub.

Am I jealous of the fun my fellow classmates have at the bars?

Yes – but not because they can drink legally.

Indiana law states that no one under the age of 21 may enter a bar. Coming from Ohio, where you can be 18 to go into bars and clubs, this was a huge shocker my freshman year.

I was used to being able to go into such establishments back in Cincinnati and hear bands and musicians play. Yes, it’s embarrassing getting a huge “X” stamped on my hand indicating the fact that I am underage, but hearing local talent is worth it.

As a result of my 19-year-oldness, I was unable to see Mason Jennings perform at The Bluebird Nightclub a few weeks ago, and I also have to miss out on Camera Obscura, who is coming to The Bluebird at the end of this month. Many artists play at Bloomington bars, and I always miss their performances.

Although Bloomington has Rhino’s All Ages Music Club, the musicians I actually want to see always seem to pass it up. One of my favorite things about Bloomington is the social opportunities and cultural diversity of the city. However, not being able to see artists perform detracts from the opportunities students have.

It also forces those who are underage to seek alternatives some might deem inappropriate and, in some circumstances, illegal. These alternatives include obtaining fake IDs or attending house parties where underage drinking takes place.

Allowing students who are younger than 21 to enter bars would hopefully decrease attendance at house parties and give them to have fun and see quality music acts.

While stricter policies would have to be instigated at bars to allow underage students in, allowing 18- to 20-year-olds into bars and clubs to see shows would benefit student life. With more venues to see their favorite artists and bands, students will have more opportunities to develop cultural and musical appreciation.

Can I make it two more years going to house parties? Perhaps the wait to see quality performers will make listening to techno remixes in cramped basements all the more worthwhile.