Cary council votes to increase Booth Amphitheatre decibel limit

There have been a lot of complaints in the past few years about the decibel limit at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. These complaints reached a peak during the 2010 season with both concertgoers and bands left unhappy.

But things are going to be a bit louder during the 2011 season. The Cary Town Council voted on October 14 to increase the decibel limit from 92 to 95. This should make for happier touring acts and much happier concertgoers.

Bands like Stone Temple Pilots and Paramore passed the venue over for Raleigh's new amphitheater, at least in part due to the limit. The Avett Brothers refused to come back after their 2008 concert, opting to play Walnut Creek this year. My Morning Jacket also complained about the sound at their show with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band this year. Those are just a few of many band complaints.

Fans have complained too which, in part, caused the Phoenix show earlier this year to be granted permission to increase the volume level up to 95, which many said made for a much better concert experience.

The new decibel increase step that had to be taken if the venue was going to maintain a serious presence in the vastly expanding array of Triangle venues. Hopefully the 2011 schedule will be stronger so we can have a vibrant outdoor concert season with fierce competition that draws a wide variety of quality acts.