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Subject: Our lease problem and the benefit shows.
Body: As many of you may be aware, CBGB is currently in dispute with our
landlord over a new lease. Our current lease ends at the end of August. To put all rumors to rest, the lease dispute is not over violations or unpaid rent. It is simple economics. The neighborhood is changing. Where there once were abandoned lots and supply warehouses, there are now high price condominiums and chic upscale boutiques. Neighborhoods in this city change.
We understand that. Whether you want to call it gentrification or progress is a matter of opinion, and rather than turn this into a political diatribe, allow me to simply explain how this effects CBGB and we can save the political and class questions for another time.

Our landlord is the BRC (Bowery Resident's Committee) a not for profit charity that assists the homeless. They run and maintain various shelters and outreach programs. We support their cause and believe we can, not only have a good relationship as landlord and tennant, but we can also help each other.

Currently, our landlord wants us out. The reason is simple. The changes in the neighborhood (present and planned) have made the property value skyrocket. Whether they rent our space to a new tennant, use it for themselves, or have different plans all together, they believe they can make more money with us gone.

We are trying to negotiate a new lease with our landlord. Part of what we are doing is holding a series of benefit shows through the month of August.
People have asked what the money is being used for. Let me explain. The money raised will be used to help cover our enormous legal expenses in our effort to obtain a new lease. If the lease dispute is resolved, these benefit shows will be a celebration and the money raised will be used to donate to the BRC to help them in their support of the homeless.

Many of the bands playing on these benefits are waiting to confirm dates...
and some bands have asked not to be advertized yet.

These are the bands that have confirmed with dates confirmed as well. This list will be updated in upcoming bulletins.
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(thx Carla!)