By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Feb 12, 2006 at 5:32 AM

Valentine's Day is Tuesday, so if you aren't sick of all the fuzzy bears and "I Heart You's," you will be very soon. But before it gets to that point, we want to know what it is you love about Milwaukee. The festive summers? The easy livin'? Family nearby?

E-mail us at soundoff@staff.onmilwaukee.com and if picked, we'll post your response next Sunday. Only submissions that include your full name and where you live will be considered.

Last week's question: Is Milwaukeee a good place for artists?

Speaking from the standpoint of someone who has been a musician in several bands performing several different types of music, I must say no. The largest problem with being a musician in Milwaukee is that the majority of the places a new band can play are 21 or older. For those in a younger band, it is very hard to get a younger crowd to show up, as a lot of your potential audience is 16-20.Beyond that, the city seems to be very hesitant of supporting original music. There are certainly original artists who have their music heard, but the majority of the acts you see regularly succeeding in the local market are cover bands. Most bands who perform original music in Milwaukee play the majority of their shows in other cities around the state or in Chicago. If we could get more club owners to go at least 18+ and take a chance on new music ... there could be a potential for growth.
Jay Ratkowski
New Berlin

I have enjoyed being an artist here and feel apart of an artists' community, but I also have a day job in real estate.
Kate B.
Milwaukee

This is a good place for artists, but just like everywhere, the art business is really much more about business than art. No matter where you live, it's a decision of if you want to enter this ugly world or not.
Mike Sheridan
Milwaukee


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.