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Just as a reminder: As the story notes, it's unclear where these complaints originated, as that information is confidential. And Walnut Capital denies being the source of any complaints.
It's a shame to hear that this place is being considered a disturbance or that they're scrutinizing its level of credibility. I'm among a large population that appreciates what Justin has been doing for the past 12 years. I love to see what the Shadow Lounge has grown to be - out of hard work and determination. I know that his commitment to the corridor and his long term vision to create a venue for diverse artistic talents shouldn't be overlooked, but used as an example. I believe that these complaints will amount to nothing, but if they continue, there's a lot of support out there to keep the vision a strong, independent and a vital part of the artistic scene. It's a venue I don't get to enough.
Are you kidding???? Shadow Lounge and Ava are one of the few truly interesting places to go at night in this city! And no, I do not count the casino as one of those places. With Shadow Lounge and Ava, Justin has brought an urban, progressive, diverse venue to the city. East Liberty IS booming. And we have Justin to thank for being one of the pioneers of that.
If the city wants to be serious about enforcing the noise ordinances, an officer should take a stroll through lower Frick Park or Highland Park any summer weekend. The recorded music coming from those groves has to exceed what the law specifies. I'm thinking the Shadow Lounge has nothing on these spots.
This is exactly why I left Pittsburgh and ENCOURAGE others to do the same. Anything good and positive is KILLED in the city. PATHETIC! This will definitely help with the continued negative population growth in the area. Good job in increasing the taxes for the elderly population who will be the only ones left to support this dying city and region!
I got money on Walnut Capital behind this. And I don't like that there has to be an "undercover investigation to see if music could be heard past the property line" as a result of One anonymous complaint. This is not the cold war. This is an American business. Why so cloak and dagger? If you have an issue, act like a grown up and call Justin. I've never met anyone he hasn't treated with respect over this venture.
It's also interesting that Shadow's neighbors - the Waffle Shop AND the Conflict Kitchen are both relocating from this neighborhood that they thrive in...
Last week the image of wedding cake and brides seemed incredibly boring so I skipped the article but came online to read it after seeing some of the comments in put in the paper this week. I was interested by Cheryl's comment and was curious to see what she was actually referring to; however after reading the article for myself I am inclined to disagree with Chris and Cheryl's apparent interpretation even though I agree with their statements. I don't feel as though the author "demonized" anyone, and only comments how she had to reevaluate her relationships with those who were unable to even acknowledge the event as a thing in reality. While some might feel it is mean spirited to "go out" and then write an article about it what I think has to be remembered is the fundamental inequality that still exists for homosexuals in terms of cultural stigma and perception (what some people refer to as heteronormativity). While the author's relatives turned to their respective churches and communities to "handle" the engagement, it is my interpretation the article was written to help others who might have to go through the same experience and help to construct an alternative "space" from those churches and communities to communicate about a real issue that can be very emotional and potentially, but, as the article seems to say to me, not necessarily, hurtful to those who go through it.
shame on this city
shame on this pathetic city
I go to The Shadow Lounge often. This is outrageous! I have routinely worn earplugs to live music throughout the city, but have NEVER needed those at Shadow, and I sit close to the stage when I can. I have NEVER seen anyone drunk and unruly. The crowd is artistic and respectful. Shadow Lounge's various offerings are as excellent value as anywhere I have been. Caveat: I am 64 years of age and do not drink or use drugs.
The Shadow lounge is more than a spot for music & entertainment. It works as support for positive creative life. The community that was there when I first went on stage during open mic night years and years ago was so incredibly, continually, supportive and it still is. "East End" is graced by it's presence and the diverse talent that comes through! I work in the East End and it is odd that the open window/doors of Brgr, Shadow Lounge's neighbor, where music goes right onto the street has never been complained about. 'White' is that about?
Justin and the Shadow Lounge/AVA have been an amazing pillar of the community. The women of Propelle are indebted to Justin, and his generosity for allowing us to convene in his space. Amazing networking and partnerships are happening because of him that are benefiting the WHOLE of Pittsburgh.
""I'm not worried about [the club] today. We're not going to be occupying the building until next spring," Perlman says. "I will be worried about it if it disturbs my tenants. But I won't know about that until later.""
That quote strikes me as awfully distant and noncommittal, as though he's preparing now to be bothered at a more appropriate time. The Shadow Lounge is no underground secret, it has been the life of that corridor for over a decade. As an experienced East Liberty developer he would know all about it already. And he certainly isn't suggesting that he is making investments in the Highland Building in part *because* of the conspicuous atmosphere generated by the Lounge and its patrons.
I was going to say the same THING! You have a right to your accuser. This is a bunch of mularky! They're not worried....I think it IS an issue that needs to be addressed though. Why target the black owned businesses? Everyone surrounding that business states that their "good neighbors." It's a "key part of the community." It was a beginning for me as a poet & people should leave it alone.
"Neither Strong nor his landlord, Eve Picker — co-founder of the nonprofit cityLab, an organization involved in urban-planning issues — knows for sure the source of the complaints. " This is why it is so important to have the right to face the person who is accusing you of a crime. No real defense can ever be given unless you also have the right to face your accuser or to have evidence of an individual or individual victims. No victim = no crime. Anything else has to involve a conflict of interest on the part of the State. Is is just another case of crony-capitalism.
Have we completely disregarded the meaning of tolerance? Tolerance is accepting something we don't like. To be tolerant does not require that we celebrate something we don't like or agree with. People who respectfully decline are tolerant. People who consider certain religious beliefs unacceptable and feel free to demonize those who hold those beliefs are not tolerant.
I respect Ms. Daley's choice not to tolerate intolerance. The subject of respect is entirely the point. People who choose to embrace religious beliefs that exclude and devalue other people are the ones choosing a path that is not worthy of respect.
Sadly, Ms Daley is intolerant of Catholic family members who are following their Catholic religious convictions but expects them to tolerate her actions. Why can't she be respectful of their beliefs rather than dismissing them as people that "don't matter"? She mentions that they do not know about her lake engagement incident but apparently does not care to remember or dismisses how many of these family members were there for her throughout her childhood, her birthdays, graduations, First Communion,sports events, etc supporting her and her parents in a very loving way. Surely, they will be there for her in the future even though they cannot support her so-called gay marriage. Hopefully, Ms Daley will someday understand that yes, her so-called gay marriage is meaningless to many of her Catholic family members but that she will always mean every thing to them.
Re: “Out of the Shadows: East Liberty club receives unusual complaints”
I love the Shadow Lounge.The ambiance,the music,poetry. Personally,I don't drink,and I've noticed,they react quickly to anyone who is drunk and annoying! Shame on anyone that is making trouble for this wonderful,establisment,for creative people!