Draft Proclamation – Suggestions?

The following is my first draft of the Wilco proclamation.  I found it harder to write than I thought it would be.  So your thoughts and suggestions would be helpful….  Move quickly, I need to finish this up by 4 p.m. today.

Whereas, most Duluth bands have many of the following characteristics:

1) At least one band member looks like a musician-sized lumberjack

2) Occasional use of banjos, washboards, spoons, second banjos, and/or fiddles.

3) Some sort of connection (real or imagined) with Al Sparhawk

4) A musical style that could be in part described with the word “roughneck” (i.e. roughneck folk, roughneck blues, roughneck indie rock, etc.)

Whereas, it appears that Wilco (the band) meets at least a couple of these important characteristics,

Whereas, the Wilco show held on September 4, 2007 was an authentic Duluth experience that featured fog, a stiff cold wind, an ore boat, and a band that seemed to thrive in these elements.  The band seemed to appreciate it every bit as much as we did.

Whereas, Wilco’s 2007 fog show in Duluth was the equivalent of two young lovers thrown into a phone booth to wait out a downpour (if the weather wasn’t so bad we’d still just be holding hands)

Whereas, Duluthians have a special appreciation for talent, authenticity, creativity, and a lack of pretense that Wilco represents – (it’s probably a Midwest thing)

Whereas, Wilco is generously supporting two Duluth charities: Little Treasures and the Duluth Community Garden program with sales of tonight’s concert poster.

Now, Therefore, I, Don Ness, Mayor of the City of Duluth do officially proclaim

Wilco as an “Honorary Duluth Band”

Be it further resolved that such status makes Wilco officially eligible to play Homegrown Music Festival (as long as the submitted demo doesn’t suck).

13 Comments

jamie

about 15 years ago

Whereas,

Duluthians have a great appreciation for hard work, talent, authenticity, creativity, and lack of pretence

Wheras Duluth appreciates forward-looking American Music

Wheras many of us were moved by Wilco's stunning 2007 outdoor show in the fog

Now, Therefore I, Don Ness, Mayor of the City of Duluth do officially proclaim

Wilco as an "Honorary Duluth Band"

Be it further resolved that this makes the band eligable to play at any of Duluth's Homegrown Music Festivals, occuring each year during the first week in May!

ironic1

about 15 years ago

Yay Wilco!  Yay Duluth!

jamie

about 15 years ago

Speaking of that outdoor show in 2007, I was walking there around 9 pm, cutting a path from 1st and Mesabe, down to the Bayfront park.  

I encountered a number of homeless people who were sitting in creative spots (like the library parking ramp) enjoying the show

ian

about 15 years ago

Be it further resolved that this makes the band eligable to play at any of Duluth's Homegrown Music Festivals, occuring each year during the first week in May!


As long as their demo tape doesn't suck ;)

baci

about 15 years ago

Is this all going to go down kinda like Dorothy in Munchkin-Town. 

Don: As Mayor of Zeinth city in the county and land of lakes, I hereby ..

Cuz I want to be one of the rough and tumble munchikns from the lollipop guild.

gea

about 15 years ago

Nice work, Mayor, with the concert prop. Anyone think the sound tonight was a bit goopey, or is that just the DECC?

Jeepers

about 15 years ago

That was a great show, and your Proclamation was a powerful tool for Jeff!

Candi

about 15 years ago

@ gea - One of the speakers on the right side of the stage was crackling like Rice Krispies.  

Jeff had a ball with the Proclamation lol!  I hope they submit a good demo and take the Mayor up on his offer!

Barrett Chase

about 15 years ago

Don: Can you post the final version?

Don Ness

about 15 years ago

It was pretty much what is above, just a few tweaks to clean up the verbiage. They were very gracious about the whole thing - sure, it's kind of a corny thing to do, but they took it in the spirit intended - just a simple thank you from Duluth.

paperdoves

about 15 years ago

Reason #3580765436 I love Duluth.

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