More Chi Town For Me Please......

Though I’ve never actually done it myself, I know a lot of people who have. And a great majority of them found it to be extremely rewarding. Some, on the other hand, didn’t. Some, who only did it for a little while, said they’d do it again, but wouldn’t make it a permanent thing. And even though, I must confess, I too have thought about doing it. In the end, I’m much happier that I didn’t. And who knows, maybe one day I will. But, for now at least, I’m staying right here in Chicago!

It’s become an epidemic. I’ve heard stories of people walking down the street in Atlanta, and running into people they know from Chicago. My friend Q, who moved to Los Angeles years ago to pursue his acting career, told me that he ran into and old Simeon classmate, who is now a Venice beach bum. It seems everyone is either planning to leave, has left, or is currently stuffing their Hyundai trunks with their belongings and hitting the road like the Clampets.

If I had a buck for every time someone told me how pathetic Chicago’s music scene is, or how Chicago doesn’t support its own, I’d be rich enough to build the ‘industry’ that so many desperately seek elsewhere. With all my heart, I truly understand the need for more opportunity. And I know that there are certainly more profitable opportunities in other places besides Chicago, and that it may seem futile to pursue your dreams on barren land. But I also understand that opportunities are created, they don’t just fall through the hole in the ozone. And even if only a few dedicated laborers remain here, and continue to cultivate this land, Chicago will exceed speculation, and even entice some folks to leave their roots, and seek industry asylum here. Heck, I’m even willing to bet that when our ship does come in, many of those who left, will return. And more and more people will start calling The Windy City their home.

So, to all those who have left, "Kudos, We wish you well! Make us proud!" And to all of you who stayed, "Big Ups, keep up the hard work. Be patient. The pudding is gonna be so sweet!" Mark my word!

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