The genesis of Seattle’s Teen Dance Ordinance begins at a nightclub called the Monastery. In the early 1980s, this all-ages disco was renowned on the West Coast for cutting-edge music and all-night parties. Some experienced the Monastery as a radically inclusive refuge where queer youth find community. Others described it as a den of illicit drugs and predatory behavior. Both are likely right. 

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW kuow.org/dance 

The genesis of Seattle’s Teen Dance Ordinance begins at a nightclub called the Monastery. In the early 1980s, this all-ages disco was renowned on the West Coast for cutting-edge music and all-night parties. Some experienced the Monastery as a radically inclusive refuge where queer youth find community. Others described it as a den of illicit drugs and predatory behavior. Both are likely right. 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW <a href="http://kuow.org/dance" data-stringify-link="http://kuow.org/dance" data-sk="tooltip_parent">kuow.org/dance </a>

Let the Kids Dance! is a seven-part series documenting the rise and fall of Seattle's Teen Dance Ordinance — a local law that for nearly two decades made it illegal for young people to attend concerts. 

Let the Kids Dance! is a seven-part series documenting the rise and fall of Seattle's Teen Dance Ordinance — a local law that for nearly two decades made it illegal for young people to attend concerts.

Let the Kids Dance!

Part 1: City Gone Crazy

We recorded this episode with Ben Gibbard and Lori LeFavor before a live audience at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on August 1, 2024.

Lori LeFavor is the most prolific all-ages concert promoter in Seattle--and perhaps the US. Starting from age 17 and over the next 30 years, Lori hosted more than 3,000 shows across the Northwest. Her home base during the 90s was RKCNDY, a much-loved all-ages venue where she hosted every major (and minor) band of the era. And she did it all as an independent, woman-owned business.

Ben Gibbard is the lead singer, songwriter and bandleader of Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service. Before he sold millions of records and toured the world with his bands, he started playing music and going to shows as a teenager growing up in Bremerton, WA, across the Puget Sound from Seattle. He's been an advocate for all-ages music ever since and remains one to this day.

We can only make podcasts like Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

We recorded this episode with Ben Gibbard and Lori LeFavor before a live audience at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on August 1, 2024.
Lori LeFavor is the most prolific all-ages concert promoter in Seattle--and perhaps the US. Starting from age 17 and over the next 30 years, Lori hosted more than 3,000 shows across the Northwest. Her home base during the 90s was RKCNDY, a much-loved all-ages venue where she hosted every major (and minor) band of the era. And she did it all as an independent, woman-owned business.
Ben Gibbard is the lead singer, songwriter and bandleader of Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service. Before he sold millions of records and toured the world with his bands, he started playing music and going to shows as a teenager growing up in Bremerton, WA, across the Puget Sound from Seattle. He's been an advocate for all-ages music ever since and remains one to this day.
We can only make podcasts like Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to<a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance"> KUOW</a>.

LTKD! Live with Ben Gibbard and Lori LeFavor

At the turn of the 21st century, the TDO’s days are numbered. A generational shift puts a new era within sight. The closest mayoral election in Seattle's history will decide the fate of all-ages music. But even with a win, the creative community will face new economic pressures as old Seattle gives way to modern gentrification. 

Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on Spotify.

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

At the turn of the 21st century, the TDO’s days are numbered. A generational shift puts a new era within sight. The closest mayoral election in Seattle's history will decide the fate of all-ages music. But even with a win, the creative community will face new economic pressures as old Seattle gives way to modern gentrification. 
Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d">Spotify.</a> 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to <a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance">KUOW</a>.

Part 7: Believe in Kids

After 15 long years of the TDO, public opinion is shifting. Local alternative media starts covering the fight for all-ages music. Rock stars join activists in musical flash mobs to protest at city council meetings and community forums. And for the first time, a new slate of elected leaders recognizes the law's overreach.  

Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on Spotify.

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

After 15 long years of the TDO, public opinion is shifting. Local alternative media starts covering the fight for all-ages music. Rock stars join activists in musical flash mobs to protest at city council meetings and community forums. And for the first time, a new slate of elected leaders recognizes the law's overreach.  
Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d">Spotify.</a> 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to <a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance">KUOW</a>.

Part 1: City Gone Crazy

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