Seattle police begin enforcing the TDO, and youth are fighting back. Cops aggressively shut down a show at Gorilla Gardens--considered the birthplace of grunge--leading young punks to battle with bricks and Molotov cocktails. Another punk-rock riot tears apart the Kitsap Ferry. Artists resist creatively, but kids are arrested, shows are squashed, and young music fans suffer the most.

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.

Seattle police begin enforcing the TDO, and youth are fighting back. Cops aggressively shut down a show at Gorilla Gardens--considered the birthplace of grunge--leading young punks to battle with bricks and Molotov cocktails. Another punk-rock riot tears apart the Kitsap Ferry. Artists resist creatively, but kids are arrested, shows are squashed, and young music fans suffer the most.
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>.

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 2: “Kill Lou Guzzo”

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 6: The Right Kind of Stupid

The TDO made it impossible for venue owners to turn a profit while hosting all-ages shows. But the law contained a few exceptions, allowing concerts at nonprofit spaces and religious institutions. Savvy promoters take full advantage. In the latter half of the 90s, two all-ages venues sent a lifeline to the all-ages community by hosting unforgettable shows, leading to dramatically different results. 

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.

The TDO made it impossible for venue owners to turn a profit while hosting all-ages shows. But the law contained a few exceptions, allowing concerts at nonprofit spaces and religious institutions. Savvy promoters take full advantage. In the latter half of the 90s, two all-ages venues sent a lifeline to the all-ages community by hosting unforgettable shows, leading to dramatically different results. 
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 2: “Kill Lou Guzzo”

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Let the Kids Dance!

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