Pilot project will unplug patio players

The general manager of a busy London bar is absolutely behind the citys plans for a pilot project allowing unplugged musicians to perform on the citys outdoor patios this summer.

I think its added value to our customers, said Joe Kools boss Ron Scarfone I think its added value to our community.

The proposal will be debated by councils planning and environment committee next Tuesday. It would loosen a 1993 bylaw to permit non-amplified acoustical music the type made famous on MTVs Unplugged concert series on bar and restaurant patios.

Scarfone said having acoustic patio musicians would give customers a reason to linger longer on his patio, thus helping the bottom line and increasing the citys quality of life.

He added that the pilot project could even help attract tourists to the Forest City. We dont want to be known as the humdrum city, he said.

Ward1 Coun. Bud Polhill is a member of the committee. He supports the idea, with one proviso: If theres residential properties close by, youd have to be careful.

Current city noise regulations would still apply, but Scarfone doesnt see that being a problem during an acoustic performance. I dont think you can sing loud enough to disturb anybody, he said.

Unlike Scarfone, Polhill is not sure the measure will greatly help eateries make more money. Im not sure it would make a lot of difference, Polhill said.

Scarfone argues acoustic musicians would be one more arrow in a bar owners quiver of attractions. He said a customer who drops by Joe Kools for an after-work beer in the summer would likely stay longer if there was acoustic entertainment.

London musicians also appear to be on board. Jagger Benham is the bassist for High School Sweetheart, a local four-piece folk-rock/grunge band.

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Pilot project will unplug patio players