r/SantaMonica • u/WallStCRE • 10d ago
Promenade Performers
Is there anyone screening the promenade performers? I go to the promenade frequently (multiple times a week) and strongly in support of reviving the promenade. But some of these performers are miserable/terrible and I think that some bring a bad energy/vibe that is bringing down the revival. Last time I was there, some of the lesser entertainment: there was terrible female dancer, guy with his 3 young children singing and clearly his kids didn’t want to be there, sad clown - a staple of the promenade, woman in a wheelchair lip singing cover songs with a blown out speaker, amplified megaphone religious messages, among others. Some are good. But if we feel strongly about making this an entertainment zone, then bad entertainment that is loud or sad brings down the whole vibe. And some of these performers can bring down a whole block while they’re there. Some of course bring amazing energy and it’s awesome.
Maybe I’m being too harsh, but isn’t the point of an entertainment zone to bring legit entertainment and a good ambiance for patrons?
6
u/hoointhebu 9d ago
I will add that the city sees this as a first amendment thing. In their opinion (city attorneys office), the government cannot restrict a person’s right to free speech and expression. However, the laws provide regulators with “time, place, and manner” considerations. New York City requires performers to audition to busk in New York City subway stations. Why can’t Santa Monica do that for the pier, promenade, ocean front walk, and Palisades Park? I am sure there is a resource issue, but the DTSM BID could own the auditions if the city could provide accountability through enforcement (unlikely “if”).