JAMESTOWN, N.D. - The Jamestown City Council knuckled under pressure Thursday and canceled the "Thunder From Down Under" show scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Jamestown Civic Center.
On a 3-2 vote, Mayor Charlie Kourajian and City Councilmen Dwaine Heinrich and John Grabinger voted to terminate the contract with the group known either as a male revue show or male strip act.
Council members Pam Philips and Ken Schulz voted against canceling the show.
"I talked to advertisers that made it clear to me that this was going to cost us more than if we cancel the contract," Grabinger said.
"Someone threatens you and that changes your mind?" Philips asked.
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Grabinger didn't respond, but he said received "disturbing e-mails" after the story appeared in Wednesday's Jamestown Sun.
An e-mail sent to City Administrator Jeff Fuchs from one of the Civic Center sponsors expressed concern about having its logo associated with "pornography."
The group was booked about three months ago, but on Tuesday the Jamestown Ministerial Association protested the show by presenting a petition signed by 27 members to the Civic Center and Promotions Committee.
"We have had many calls supporting this show," said Lori Anderson, Civic Center manager. "I never thought a two-hour show would give us this kind of national coverage."
The story made it in USA Today on Thursday.
"I've been appalled by the stand of the Ministerial Association (on the show issue)," said Phillips, who is chairwoman of the Civic Center Committee. "There are so many things in our community that need their attention."
The Jamestown Sun is a Fourm Communications newspaper
