Madison's famed piccolo player Tom Ryan will go to court today to contest a noise violation citation issued last June, a citation that is becoming all too familiar for the musician who has been tried on similar violations several times in the recent years.
Ryan, who plays his piccolo around Library Mall several hours each day, has continuously fought Dane County in order to keep playing when and where he wants.
\I simply contend that my music does not do that,"" he said in response to claims that his music annoys downtown vendors and residents.
Ryan said he hopes the judge will rule favorably on the grounds that he was already dismissed on a similar violation last year. He said if found guilty, he plans to repeal the decision.
This citation does not come as a surprise to the vendors who work on or near Library Mall. Perhaps most annoyed is Jiraporn Namarsa of the Thai House vending cart.
""It's not a music issue, it's a health issue to listen to it all day, and it's piercing. It gives me a headache. ... I have to close my window,"" he said.
Many vendors have a problem with Ryan's persistence, playing everyday and in the same spots.
""Other people can walk by, but I have to stay here,"" Namarsa said.
Those who work on Library Mall may support this citation, but many students believe piccolo music has a place on campus.
""He's been here since I was a freshman, that dude belongs here-he's part of this place. It's not obstructive, it's not like he's yelling things. At least he knows how to play,"" said UW-Madison junior Zach Perz.
Q Gaynor, a UW-Madison senior, said artists or musicians like Ryan should not be restricted.
""What I want is for people to play what they want-it's part of Library Mall. I think permits keep a lot of people from performing,"" she said.
