I have been an avid user of wireless microphones in my tenure as a musician, whether it is on the stage with rock band Suite Love Express, or using a headset microphone in every show I do for children with Alphabet Rockers. I am posting this news because I'm activating the community to write letters (due Feb 22) to the FCC, through the GRAMMY organization's Producers & Engineers Wing. I will quote from the Sr. Executive Director in this news blog, amongst my own thoughts.

I just learned this morning that Verizon has purchased the 700 mhz range of frequency. That's right, our government has sold off a frequency to a private company. Why? Well, "companies that manufacture or have interests in personal wireless devices (Google, Microsoft, etc.) need more spectrum for their devices. To that end, wireless microphones and in-ear monitors are getting shoved aside. Microphone manufacturers and users have been trying to educate Congress and the FCC about the scope of wireless microphone usage in everyday life today, and how many entities, from Broadway to Las Vegas, to churches, schools, sports events (the Superbowl!), rock concerts and festivals--even the Democratic and Republican conventions, and of course, Awards shows including the GRAMMYs, are dependent on wireless microphones and in-ear monitors.  

In mid January the FCC ordered wireless mikes out of the 700 mhz range. This is not so bad because it was expected, and it affects older (more than 10-year-old) equipment. The manufacturers have been preparing for this for a long time, offering trade ins and rebates, etc. for more current equipment.
 
However, the FCC Order also included sweeping changes for wireless operations in all spectrums, and the FCC has decreed a very short period of time for comments that ends February 22nd. The changes in the Order will take place almost immediately, for example, Verizon, which bought the 700 mhz space, can start ordering people out of it on February 29th. Read the bill here. 

 
The only spectrum real estate left now for wireless audio devices is the core TV band (UHF channels, approximately 470-698 khz) This space is narrow and crowded, but it is all that's left. Everything else has been sold.
 
Because it’s narrow and crowded, that spectrum will not work for our wireless equipment without some protection. What can we do to get that, so that Mom doesn't make a call on her cell phone and disrupt a Broadway show, an NFL game, a worship service" or one of my concerts? 

 
"At this point, geo-sensing protection seems like the only option, and that is what the FCC is proposing. With geo-sensing, major venues where professional wireless microphone systems are deployed can register with a geolocation database that gives them protection.  The issue now is who or what entities get into the geolocation database. In an attempt to establish a fair system for identifying those entities, Congressman Bobby Rush (From Illinois, where Shure Microphones is based) has introduced a bill, HR 4353, into the House, that would identify major venues and players where wireless microphones are deployed and require the FCC to give these venues access to the geolocation database. The bill identifies 13 such venue types, including arenas, convention centers, educational facilities, fairgrounds, government facilities, Houses of Worship, hotel facilities, museums, recording studios, stadiums and theatres."

This however does not include where I often perform with Alphabet Rockers using wireless microphones: in schools, libraries, parks, and community spaces. How am I supposed to continue bringing the music to children around the country in this system?
 
I'm taking part in The Recording Academy advocacy. Join me in writing letters to file with the FCC by the February 22nd deadline. They will advocate that users of professional audio wireless equipment should have some protection from interference in this new system. 
 
The Producers & Engineers Wing - led by Maureen Droney and amazing volunteers around the country - is helping us. Let's help them!! They will continue the lobbying with Congress, and it will be an agenda item at GRAMMYs on the Hill on April 14-15 in Washington, D.C.

Read on to help. Thank  you.

- Kaitlin

TEMPLATE/ACTION

Here are links to template letter and guidelines/suggestions.
One-sheet on the issue   * Guidelines on letter writing  * Template

Please mail letters to p&ewing@grammy.com by Feb 22. Or follow instructions on the Guidelines to file directly with the FCC. If you file directly please drop me a note to let me know that you have done so. kaitlin@kaitlinmcgaw.com
 
We are asking the FCC to allow audio professionals to obtain licenses from the FCC to operate their wireless equipment. (It has always been a requirement, but one that's been basically ignored for over 20 years.) With the current situation pro audio devices will be sharing crowded spectrum with consumer devices and there is high potential for interference. We believe that at this point in time the only way to obtain some relief and to become a part of the proposed geo-location ID database is to be licensed. Currently the licensing process is difficult to maneuver. We are asking that the licensing process be streamlined, simplified and kept affordable for pro audio wireless users.

Thanks to everyone who came to the show on Tuesday night at Cafe Royale. What a showing! I'm told that's the most folks they've piled in there. I'm not much for guesstimating numbers, but I'd say around 100 people? The most fun was getting to know everyone through the music.

Here are some more pix from the night - the evening debuted Dave Sampson on Guitar, and Lyka Santos and Beth Trifilo on backing vocals. Terry Thompson continues to rock on percussion, and sneaks in some lovely vocals as well.

I've set up a photo album on Facebook too - along with other pix from the night.

Here's a pic from a recent performance at one:

Though he's heading back to NY shortly, it was so special to have the opportunity to perform with him. Terry Thompson was on percussion, and keeping me entertained as my little side jokester. After us, we heard from our friend Chi McClean with great arrangements and beautiful vocals, Valerie Orth (whom I've known since back in the day, and have been wanting to do a show with - she's fabulous!), and my new friend Jesse Brewster, who seriously will crack you up in between his awesome songs.

Next up is Cafe Royale in SF on February 2, and then off to The Union Room and Yoshi's in March.

Often on tour, we are in and out of a community, touching hearts for the evening and making friends, and always making me want to linger. This was an idea my tour mate Mari Rosa had as a way for us to give back, and to continue that feeling of connection! We're going to donate a portion of proceeds from our entire tour.

It's a very special time - and makes me continue to feel honored to perform and sing my songs for our communities. Look forward to seeing you all in Portland and Seattle.

November 6 at 6:30PM

PORTLAND

In Other Words Bookstore

8 B NE Killingsworth St  Portland, OR 97211

$5 donation

November 7 at 8 PM

SEATTLE

Mr. Spot’s Chai House

5463 Leary Ave NW  Seattle, WA 98107

$FREE

November 8 at 8 PM

SEATTLE

ToSt Lounge

513 N. 36th St. #E   Seattle, WA 98103

$5 donation

November 9, 2009 6:30PM

PORTLAND

Alberta Street Pub 

1036 NE Alberta St  Portland, OR 97211

$5 donation