Ass on the Grass Organizer: Addressing Some Concerns About Our Events

Greetings, from the gentlemen at 817 N. Highland Ave.,

There have been some concerns over our movie night yard party's - some legitimate, some blown out of proportion. But either way, we here at 817 feel the neighborhood deserves an explanation.

First off, I write for Creative Loafing and the post on CL's website promoting our movie night as an alternative to Screen on the Green would be absolutely concerning not understanding the situation. The post (on their blog- not print, or even on their main website) was done in jest as a joke by our A&E editor, and nothing I sought out. It was total tongue in cheek and in actuality, nothing to be concerned over. I can promise that particular blog doesn't get much traffic and I have asked for it to be removed.

Our movie night is simply a private party on our property for friends and neighbors to gather, have a few beers, maybe dress up in theme of that particular night, and watch a silly 80's movie.

Something not brought up by anyone on the VH List is that our house is directly across from The Dark Horse Tavern. Not exactly a quiet little inlet tucked away in the neighborhood. I agree that if our house wasn't at this particular location, it would be troubling for some of you that have raised question. With the street traffic, pedestrian noise, drunkards managing their way from cabs and bars, and music from Blind Willies to 2 am, our rudimentary indoor sound system barely competes. Poor thing.

Now with the concerns that this has escalated to festival-like status, our 3rd installment- and largest to date- brought out a mere 35 friends. The PBR "sponsorship" is simply because of my line of work, I happen to know the Pabst promoter and he brings over a few cases every week. And I can't blame him… that stuff is hard to give away. And the Esperanza banners are just our way of supporting a friend's apparel company that is a diehard supporter of this city that we all love.

As far as the silly question of "how is this financed?"; The answer is barely. Yes, there is no admission to our open door/private party- we simply have a Netflix account, built a $30 screen out of sheet rock from Home Depot (bought the screws and accessories at the local Intown ACE!), and we borrowed our friends early 1990's board room projector. Not exactly a Hollywood studio budget was secured.

We would like to offer a sincere apology for anyone who has been upset with our actions over this movie night- or for any discretions overlooked throughout the years. And we would also like to extend an open invitation for any of our friends and neighbors who would like to have a cold, and free adult beverage and relive our youth while being amazed at the genius of people like John Hughes. 

And no, we don't plan on doing this every week, but the next film will be Thursday, June 16th for 1989's Summer School with the dreamy Mark Harmon. Movie at 9 and we'll be at Atkin's by 11. Beach attire recommended, but not enforced, kids. 

We here at 817 hope to remain in compliance, and hope to meet some of the neighbors. Any questions or comments, make yourself at home.

J. Winter
404 626-3971