I think Val's comments were taken out of context. LLM did help put UMT on the map as a music destination - people from all over the country (and even other countries!) have come here to perform and taken the news of LLM being a great place to visit and play back home with them - and lots of folks who said they never heard of Upper Milford and/or Zionsville came from other parts of the Valley to listen, play and enjoy music. I grew up here, and love this area - and was so happy to be a part of something like LLM here in UMT - which is MY HOME. When I was a kid-and under 21-nothing like this existed in our corner of the Lehigh Valley. We've had so much appreciation from many people for what we're doing. All we were asking that was the rent increase be looked at via other groups - I know when we were looking for a place to locate LLM at our inception, there were places that charged more for residents vs. non-residents - because residents were encouraged to do things in their home town. This whole thing has gotten blown way out of proportion and it's time for it to stop. I'm sorry we can't stay here at "home" - the place where I live, pay taxes, shop, etc. Other non-profits are given use of the facility sometimes for free - we were asking if we could stay at our current rate. We even offered to work w/UMT to look for grants they could receive to offset MANY costs in the township - but unfortunately didn't get to pursue that. No one wants a pedestal. LLM can stand on its own.

Full disclosure: I am a co-founder of LLM, vice chair, and a resident of Upper Milford Township.

Hey Peggy, quit making trouble just for the sake of stirring up the pot. Just sayin'.

The care and passion that I have seen Val and Ami and Listen Live Music's volunteers put into this organization and the local music community is immeasurable. They really do love bringing people and music together and have welcomed out of town and out of state musicians, such as myself, at events, always making us feel at home. LLM provided a wonderful service to their community and all who attended the wonderful shows and open mics at the venue. It is so much more than the building that makes their events enjoyable, it is the volunteers, the musicians, the artists and enthusiastic listeners that make for a great experience! That will go with them wherever they go! I wish them the best of luck in their new home!! L. Hagen

Wow! What a nasty opinion piece. I have a feeling that attitudes like this are why LLM didn't feel welcome in Lower Milford anymore. I'm excited about the move to Macungie, and can't wait to see a performance there!

As the owner of a restaurant in Upper Milford township, I am sad to see this posted on patch.  Llm does everything that they can to help my business succeed and continues to bring new guests into this establishment.  They receive nothing in return.  I understand that $45 a month may not seem like a lot of money, but I think this may have been more about the respect that this organization deserves.  This group has helped organize events here and volunteers their time, wanting nothing more than goodwill.  We will support them wherever they go and are very excited than the venue has another home that is close to our establishment!  Two thumbs up to this wonderful organization and their continued success!

I am a touring musican and Listen Live Music put Upper Milford on my map! I learned about LLM through other musicians who raved about the supportive environment which attracted such great music to the area. I visted Upper Milford specifically to go to LLM and I have since spread the word to other traveling performers and music fans. Although I sympathize with the town's financial situation, and the need to be fair to all the people that lease space, LLM will surely be missed in Upper Milford. I will be following them to Macungie. - Christine Stay, Friction Farm

As a singer songwriter who has toured around the world, LLM will have greater success at Macungie Institute than the previous building anyway. Incendiary opinion piece that has no value save vile sputtering by an author with an obvious ax to grind.

One more comment about things being taken out of context - Val's last post on this topic was on November 16, 2011. It's at http://emmaus.patch.com/blog_posts/does-upper-milford-value-the-arts. She questioned UMT valuing the arts. It was never a statement. She also never stated that LLM put UMT on the map - others have told LLM that and she just repeated it! Her post was an open letter to UMT's Board of Supervisors, and I think she made a passionate case for LLM's existence with no rental increase in Upper Milford. Many of us have reached into our own pockets at times to keep this going, all for the love of the music. We've never asked for anything in return but recognizance of the value LLM's brought to the local community. Between us and our wonderful corps of volunteers, there is almost as much time put into making LLM run and happen as there is into a full time business, with absolutely NO financial gain to anyone. Thanks to everyone who's been so supportive!

Peggy, I’m sorry that you somehow feel personally affronted that LLM is leaving Upper Milford. It wasn’t an easy choice for us, but after carefully weighing all sides, the Board of Directors of LLM decided it was in the best interest of the organization and the community we serve to relocate.
I am at a loss as to where some of your information and quotes came from- I am, however, more than willing to speak with you and answer any valid investigative reporting style questions you may have for me. I do have some factual corrections – the rental increase is for $50 on a monthly basis, not $25 as you report
- I posed the question “Does Upper Milford Value the Arts”- I never answered that question for anyone- but it appears you have done so at least for yourself.
- I never claimed that LLM put Upper Milford on the map- I repeated what I was being told by the community that we serve.
One last point- LLM is a community service organization. Not private industry that operates for profit or a private party that is for select individuals. It is for that reason that we were asking for a different rental agreement with the township.

This post will be in parts due to the word limit.
I have been privileged to attend concerts and open mics at Listen Live Music in Zionsville PA. I live in Ontario Canada. I would not have seen this beautiful, vibrant community ate Yocco’s hotdogs and visited Bird Mania, had it not been for Listen Live Music. I know they enjoyed their time at Upper Milford Township Municipal Center, and the need to move was imperative and well thought out to continuing the work and service they provide to not only the community but their patrons, performers and volunteers.

Val Minett and Ami Lanning have invested much of their time, and lent their own musical creativity and many years of experience they achieved within the music industry to their organization. The co-founders and their dedicated volunteers are all wonderful people, who work extremely hard to make this musical space a success. Memberships and sponsorships have been gained within the community. They have provided a service to the community by bringing the arts to the forefront in their very own neighborhood. Open mics have given local performers honing their craft the opportunity to be heard in a professional atmosphere. Concert nights have given national touring acts excellent sound, lighting, welcoming atmosphere and the level of carefully chosen talent has thrilled audiences. I would say a ton of heart and soul has gone into Listen Live Music.

The founders of LLM have joined other music communities in the Lehigh Valley area, hosting, attending, and promoting other area events to bring awareness to the Lehigh Valley. Music support and exposure to local artists has been provided at the St. Joseph’s Summer Picnic in Limeport, music and sound services provided to the Coopersburg Community Day, and they co-hosted the Maidencreek Old Time Music Festival along with Meadowood Music.
They have worked closely with Lehigh Valley Music Awards (LVMA’s) hosting the LVMA Acoustic Music Competition for the event. The LVMA’s have also presented Listen Live Music with awards for bringing music to the community. The nonprofit organization has also partnered with the Civic Theater in Allentown, the Allenton Public Theater, and other non-profit organizations in cross promotional deals, and also donated memberships to the local PBS Station to help the station raise funds. “Date Night” is an option Listen Live Music provides in partnership with the Trapp Door which is a dinner and show at a discounted price.
Listen Live Music is not just about music, although it is their core, they have also become a valuable service to others in need. I watched in awe, as they held a fundraiser for the victims of the Allentown Gas Explosion last year, asking attendees to donate to help those killed, injured and evacuated following the explosion. Listen Live Music raised and donated $800 in donations that went directly to the families.

They participated at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference, by holding a showcase room and spreading the word about Listen Live Music in Zionsville to over 700 attendees from across the US and Canada, both years paying their way to the conference out of pocket.
Listen Live Music has also gained attention by the excellent coverage given to them by the Morning Call, and on radio. In a very short time Listen Live Music has reached an audience well beyond the Zionsville area.
I applaud Val and Ami for not raising their door admission, or taking it out of their own pockets which I understand has been the case on occasion to get this organization off the ground. Obviously, this organization realizes the state of the economy and does not wish to inflict that on patrons. Asking people to pay 75 cents more, or having the organization itself cover approximately $550 more per year, may seem a pittance, but it simply wasn’t responsible or prudent for Val and Ami or the board of directors of Listen Live Music which made the unanimous decision to move. Listen Live Music has committed itself to keeping the cost of seeing great music, in a premiere venue, at a reasonable cost.

Music is one of the most relaxing, refreshing and fun elements that we can partake in during times of struggle in our communities. I don’t think this organization wishes to be on a pedestal. Listen Live Music and their amazing volunteers will thrive and continue to grow in their new home Macungie Institute at 510 East Main St, Macungie PA. The proof of that is already evident in the work, love and passion they have put into this wonderful music venue and in the service provided to the surrounding communities as a whole.

How smart is the township, they now have their rentals go down by 1/3 in a rough economy, I am sure no one is standing in line to rent it. They will realize the mistake at next years budget review. they should have given discount for frequent user same as many businesses. Oh well hope the township enjoys their taxes going up

I, too, live in Macungie and I am very happy that LLM’s board made the decision to relocate to the Macungie Institute. I know it was a tough decision. My family has had the opportunity to volunteer and play music at LLM. My son is an eighth grader at Lower Macungie Middle School and has earned National Honor Society volunteer hours helping LLM. As a previous poster mentioned, musicians under 21 have very few venues where they can earn stage time and socialize with local and professional musicians. My daughter is a sixth grader at LMMS and both volunteers and plays violin. I understand LLM is working to get the local schools and the community more involved and I cannot wait. This is truly a blessing for LLM and the Macungie Institute, while an unfortunate loss for Upper Milford.

I was very sad to see and read this article about LLM but I am so happy to see all those who have stepped up in our defense. My name is Cindy Miklos and have been a volunteer since LLM's first concert. I was so impressed with what these two ladies have worked so hard to put together for this community and couldn't believe that something this great was just a few miles from my home. Music is a huge part of my life and the thing that made LLM stand out from all the places I have attended was the fact that it was such a holism family oriented atmosphere. There aren't many other venues where I could take my kids as well as there kids and my 85 year old mother and feel so comfortable. LLM is about family and community and I am very proud to be a part of them. I am now one of the members of the board who voted to move. I was grateful for UMT for the chance to use their wonderful building these past few years but felt very disrespected with the way things were handled and, wish Peggy would have taken more time to study the facts before printing her letter. Either way, I wish UMT well and am now looking forward to our future at The Macungie Institute.

Wow - "$550 per year ($25 per month). " With fuzzy math skills like that and the ability to go on the attack using quotes out of context the author seems better suited for run for political office.

Peggy, I have to question the purpose of this opinion article. Is it to provide bad press for LLM? Is it to bring dissention between two communities? As a resident of Upper Milford I am very sorry to see LLM move. But, as the Manager of Macungie Borough I am proud to offer our facility to their organization. I hope in the future the Patch will encourage articles and opinions that build communities not tear them down. I'm sorry you felt the need to write this article and especially sorry that you feel this way. There was absolutely no need for this article. On a positive note, I am glad to see all the people support LLM. Come out and support them on Saturday.

I am from a town many, many miles from your cranky little township. That said, our community would welcome the opportunity to be the recipient of a gift like LLM. Upper Milford Township should have been paying LLM for the service they were providing to the community. To ignore intrinsic value of a venue such as LLM is, well, just plain ignorant. Upper Milford Township might be around for another 250 years, but the quality of life and local business will surely suffer. I would expect a rant like this to be on one's facebook page, but not on a site dedicated to professional journalism. And if I remember correctly, when I was in journalism school, they made us take math classes.
Congratulations to LLM on their move to new digs where, I am sure, they will welcome you with open arms and give you the respect you truly deserve.

I have yet to attend an event through LLM, but after seeing the great line-up at Macungie Institute for 2012 I posted every one of them on our family group calendar at www.meetup.com/lvfamilyfun.

As Cindy noted, we're always looking for family-focused activities, and what could be better than some raw musical talent in a safe, family setting. I'm eager to attend the next concert which will bring a little Nashville soul to Macungie!

I also love that they've partnered with The Trapp Door for an amazing opportunity for a 'date night.' 2012 will be a great year for LLM!

Thanks Jenae, Chris and everyone for your support! We look forward to seeing you at our events at the beautiful Macungie Institute!

People, they're moving 2.2 miles away (granted it's down a hill, but still bearable), Upper Milford loses money every time they rent the hall at that rate so they're happy to see it go, and Macungie is happy to have them. Why is this even a discussion point other than someone's feelings were hurt?

And sorry to also hurt anyone's feelings, but Upper Milford isn't on anyone's map and nor should it be. We have no hotels, only a couple restaurants (and the best pizza in the Valley), and beautiful countryside that people can see on their way somewhere else. That's exactly what it is, and that's great!

I have read this article and all comments. It's wonderful to see so many people come forward with positive comments on LLM but I just don't understand why the negative toward UMT comes along with it. There is no means for competition between the two. I also have to question why this topic is being brought up again. I will stand for Upper Milfords decision, which was not at all personal, but treated fairly among all. I also think LLM is a wonderful organization. Can we leave it behind in 2011 where it should be? Move on....live the present.

Amen Dana! I, too, was under the impression this was all water under the bridge and that we departed from UMT with no ill will. Recently, I even had a very positive conversation with Dan and Cindy about if LLM should have the need for a larger room for an event in the future, we could use the auditorium. This article came out of left field but the end result is positive - we needed help getting the word out about the move and our first event this Saturday :-)

While I grew up in Upper Milford Township, I currently live in Massachusetts. Once a week, I participate with a small town musical organization that meets at a school in Lincoln, Mass. According to the Lincoln Schools' website, local residents are charged different fees than non residents, and in addition, non-profit and profit organizations are charged differently. You can view the chart here if so inclined: http://www.lincnet.org/2049107411502333/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=56105. To me, this makes perfect sense and is completely fair. While I don't fully support LLM for moving out of the township, I do understand its thought in different fees for the different kind of organizations renting facilities/rooms. Many places, not just a small New England town, charge less fees for residents and non-profits. Perhaps that is something the township should look into for the future. My €0.02 (worth slightly more than $0.02)...