Mayor Nickels's mysterious two-pronged plan to "grow" the city's live music scene was unveiled at a press conference at Neumos this morning: first, the 2009-2010 city budget includes an admissions tax exemption clause for live music venues such as Nectar Lounge, Neumos and--if it ever opens up again--the Crocodile. And second, according to their press release, the Mayor's Office has compiled a "comprehensive nightlife establishment guidebook" (available online here) as a resource for business owners......

Breaking news! Mayor Nickels has changed his mind about noisy nightlife. Now, he loves it and wants to not only nurture but encourage it. HA-HA! We are not holding our breath. But the Mayor has announced a gathering at Neumos tomorrow at the ungodly hour of 10 a.m. to discuss his "new steps to grow Seattle's live music scene," which sounds--if not hopeful--at least potentially of interest to those who really do care about live......