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Alcohol and Live Music
Legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison has banned fans from drinking alcohol at his concerts in England. But some concert halls are loosening up -- and allowing audience members to bring glasses of wine to their seats. In another Soundcheck Smackdown, we hear from both sides and take your calls.
Booze: Music's Friend or Foe?
In another edition of Soundcheck Smackdown, we debate the role of alcohol in live music. Some venues are allowing audience members to bring glasses of wine into once-dry concert halls. But Van Morrison has banned alcohol consumption from his concerts in England. Joining us to weigh in is Limor Tomer, WNYC's executive producer of music programming, and Will Layman, a jazz critic who writes for Popmatters.com and NPR.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the role of alcohol at concerts
Tell us: Is alcohol essential at concerts? Or would you rather music and booze not mix?

Damien Jurado
Seattle's Damien Jurado cut his teeth on punk and hardcore as a small-town teenager, then evolved into an introspective, no-frills songwriter in the style of Elliott Smith or Nick Drake. He joins us to talk about his new full-length album, "Caught in the Trees."
Damien Jurado performs tonight (Sept. 30) at Mercury Lounge at 10 p.m. and tomorrow (Oct. 1) at Union Hall, doors at 7:30 p.m.
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Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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