Now Don Pedro’s has been described
as bohemian and arty amongst other things,
and certainly, historically, the venue was a hang out for
many creative types.
And not all of these were artists.
Don Pedro’s opened its doors in 1991
when South Africa entered the final sprint on the long walk
to freedom, and it was pretty hip for every Tom Dick and
Mary to profess to being a major player in the soon to be
rewarded struggle for freedom.
I was not surprised to encounter remnants
of this mind set still lingering at Don Pedro’s.
After all, change takes time.
‘The struggle continues’
and ‘Dutchmen trying to colonise us’
were just two of the antiquated clichés popping up
in animated and burred conversations late at night.
When I eventually read the article that
was causing the fuss, I admit that even my feathers were
ruffled by the statement made by Teun Baartman of the Woodstock
Community Police Forum that ‘he intended to make
an example of Don Pedros.’
‘Who the hell does this Dutchman think he is?’
my slurring emotions grumbled.
Fortunately, I have learnt to take my emotions
at 2am in the morning at Don Pedro’s with a pinch
of salt.
It turns out that certain Woodstock residents
had rightfully complained about loud music being played
at the venue at ungodly hours.
Personally, if my neighbour, be it a resident
or business, inconsiderately invaded my space with excessively
loud music - or any other form of disturbance for that matter
– at any form of ungodly hour - I would complain too.
In fact I do complain.
I am passionate about the arts, and my plan
is to create a platform that showcases local artists at
Don Pedro’s to add to the appeal of the delicious
and attractively priced meals available at the venue, the
no frills bar prices, and above all, the company of kindred
spirits that has always been the main attraction at the
venue.
Comedian Wayne Mckay - performing
this week at Jokers Comedy Club at Don Pedro's on
Wednesday 22 June.
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I intend doing this within the obligations
of the trading license, with due respect and consideration
for the neighbours.
My plan was to have these performances at respectable levels,
and during the sundowner/dinner period so as to not cause
disturbances late at night.
But then I read the conditions of the existing
restaurant license of the venue.
One of the stipulations is ‘NO LIVE MUSIC.’
I would have understood ‘NO LOUD LIVE MUSIC, or even
‘NO AMPLIFIED LIVE MUSIC.’
But ‘NO LIVE MUSIC’ is a generalisation that
directly discriminates against musicians and reeks of an
undisguised attempt at murdering the art.
Not to mention the fact that it literally takes the bread
out of the musicians’ mouth.
This is a gross infringement of human rights
in terms of our constitution and an assault that I will
not take lying down.
If you share my views, or even if you disagree,
please join the Don
Pedro Facebook page and voice your opinion.
