For a short time, Tempe businesses will be offered a deep discount on permits to host live music.
The one-time fee will be reduced to $200 — down from the normal cost of $1,331 — from December until March 2019.
“Tempe is in a strategic area within the Southwest … to start really supporting these venues to be a destination place for artists to develop their music, but a place where artists can also play their music,” said Tempe City Council Member Joel Navarro.
Tempe is the the birthplace of several notable bands, including the Gin Blossoms and Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. Bluesman Hans Olson will be inducted to the city's Music Walk on Dec. 1.
Tempe city staff anticipate about a dozen bars and restaurants will apply.
Navarro says new developments in south Tempe might be particularly interested in the promotion.
The temporary discount is one idea from a city working group trying to promote and develop Tempe’s live-music scene.
Interested businesses can fill out an application online here and submit the completed form to Tempe’s Community Development Department at 31 E. 5th Street between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the date range for the discounted fee.