I wrote a letter to the city of Detroit about what I think should
happen between DEMF and their contract w. PCM and the city. Here it is,
for some reason it wouldn't let me attach it, so sorry it isn't
aesthetically pleasing. I know it's not perfect it but whatevah... I
hope all of you consider doing the same, the more
voices, the more likely things are to change.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED] - pres of city council
[EMAIL PROTECTED] detroit cultural affairs
[EMAIL PROTECTED] - culture and economic affairs.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] detroit culture and entertainment
To Whom It May Concern,
Many living in and around the Detroit, as well as all over
the world, feel that DEMF should continue on and progress. The three
year contract between the city of Detroit and Pop Culture Media is now
at its end. DEMF should be rejuvenated, its contract renewed, but with
a different source for promotion behind the festival than Pop Culture
Media for a multitude of reasons.
Pop Culture Media has done a tolerable job maintaining the
festival, but DEMF unquestionably is not at its best. The first year of
DEMF was the most remarkable year, with an integral cultural selection
of musicians, as well as audience. The second, just as appealing; yet,
two weeks prior, the creative director, Carl Craig, was fired from his
position. The people of Detroit area spoke out against this and
supported Carl Craig, and the city of Detroit rewarded him for his
efforts. The firing came as a stifle for the festival and festival
goers, as many realized that DEMF would be in for some turbulence. It
put a damper on many artists and attendants' time spent at the festival.
The third year, with its repetitive adds, poor sound, lack of sponsors
and diversity came as no surprise to many of those who attended all
three years of the festival; consequently, myself and others can only
rely on an open ear and faith that the city of Detroit will listen to
what many are speaking. The DEMF is in desperate need of a
transformation.
Furthermore, a recent article in the publication: Metro
Times, reads a justifiable display of some major issues about DEMF that
should not have occurred (http://metrotimes.com/ May 22-28, 2002).
While DEMF has potential to thrive, it is being subdued by so much
political game and power-hungry people. If Carl Craig can be fired from
his position for "not getting contracts signed by artists on time," as
Carol Marvin stated, next Pop Culture Media should be "fired" from their
position as the business promoters of DEMF for a multitude of reasons:
1) Their bad reputation for firing Carl Craig has caused many
professional talented Detroit artists to deny working and playing
at the festival- as a result stifling a flow of new performers and
fresh experiences to captivate the audience.
2) PCM has been caught red handed embezzling money, and making none
to extremely overdue payments to artists and workers hired out in
benefit of the festival.
3) Previous musicians and DEMF workers paid for a multitude of
things, ranging from hotel rooms to website bills, in which
they should not have paid for, this has given Detroit and
DEMF a poor reputation.
4) This year the festival failed in establishing the same sponsors,
thus creating an unsatisfactory atmosphere. For example
advertisements were repeated on massive screens between each set,
lasting up to 30 minutes, instead of visuals pertaining to art and
the education of Detroit electronic music and electronic music
artists.
5) Many of the workers for DEMF have expressed the president of
PCM- Carol Marvin, very short-tempered and difficult to work
with.
Consequently, the list above is enough to provide thought
and thorough analysis as to who should rightfully fulfill the future of
DEMF's promotional occupancy. There are many other candidates who would
do more than an equal job as Pop Culture Media, these include a
multitude of artists, labels and promoters who could form a committee,
in particular Carl Craig and his label Planet E, who has already
demonstrated approval and capability of running the festival. The DEMF
has brought together a strong community, a substantial peaceful
gathering, a culture that belongs to Detroit. It has brought an amazing
musical experience right to Detroit, where the music is made. I ask you
kindly to please look carefully over the past three years and decide
justly what is right for the DEMF.
Sincerely,
Catherine Eberhardt
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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