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>.

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 6: The Right Kind of Stupid

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

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 5: F*ck the Laws

Seattle’s homegrown hip-hop scene is born from DJ-led dance parties put on by school-aged kids for their friends in backyards, rec halls and community centers. With the arrival of the TDO, these events draw scrutiny from Seattle police, who seem particularly intent on interfering with—and extorting—Black culture. But hip-hop finds a way to thrive, and soon Seattle artists are playing underground shows, building community and blowing up. 

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’s homegrown hip-hop scene is born from DJ-led dance parties put on by school-aged kids for their friends in backyards, rec halls and community centers. With the arrival of the TDO, these events draw scrutiny from Seattle police, who seem particularly intent on interfering with—and extorting—Black culture. But hip-hop finds a way to thrive, and soon Seattle artists are playing underground shows, building community and blowing up. 
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

In 1 playlist(s)

Let the Kids Dance!

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips