The city of Providence,
RI approved a license yesterday (Mar. 7), allowing The Street Dreams Tour to take
place at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center this month, despite warnings from police that
Jim Jones’ affiliation with the Bloods street gang could cause trouble. The
tour, which kicked off Saturday in Charlotte, NC, features Jones, as well as rappers
Lil’ Wayne, Bryan "Birdman" Williams, Young Jeezy and Rich Boy. According
to The Providence Journal, police warned the city Board of Licenses during
a public hearing at City Hall, where Detective Sgt. Michael Wheeler, leader of
the police’s street gang unit identified Jones as a member of the Bloods. Wheeler
said that the Providence metropolitan area is a haven for local Crip gang members.
He warned the board that there was potential for violence, because of Jones association
with the Bloods.“[The
show] presents an extreme threat to public safety…based on the propensity
of the artists and their following to violence,” added police Lt. Timothy
Lee. Board
member and State Rep. Gordon Fox, House Majority, leader, disagreed and he and
other board members approved the license, but not without making it clear that
security would be tight during the show, which takes place Mar. 29. In
addition to security officers and arena staff, a "small army" or police
will also be on hand to maintain the peace. Some
board members hesitated because the show is being promoted by Lowell Williams,
an 18-year-old music producer and promoter from South Providence, who has found
local financial backers to put the event together. Lawrence
Lepore, General Manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, said that despite his age,
Willams was capable of the running the show, which is being put together with
extreme caution. The
artists arrive to the venue by bus and they are not allowed in the arena until
about 10 minutes before their scheduled performance. Additionally,
the Dunkin’ Donuts Center has banned alcohol sales for the evening. The board
also demanded that each performer sign a binding contract, which bars any appearances
at post-show parties at nightclubs. Patrons
will also be searched upon entrance by security officers with metal detector,
while the performers will be searched at the backstage for guns and illegal drugs
as well.
