In 2021, Cleveland Rocks accomplished so much. Here are some of our amazing highlights from a busy year:
- Music Incubator Program: Cleveland Rocks launched this Incubator to support new work from local musicians. Currently, 15 artists, producers and bands are engaged, leveraging local resources and sparking collaboration to build new opportunities. We’re already seeing results, with increased earnings and exciting new projects in the works.
- NE Ohio Music Relief Fund: Through February 2021, Cleveland Rocks provided direct, essential support to 96 musicians and venue workers hard hit by the pandemic shutdown, totaling $38,900 in funds that helped these artists survive the crisis.
- Waterloo Makes Music: Our 5th annual summer concert series featured local musicians and production teams with both in-person and livestreamed performances that let us showcase local talent and develop new audiences.
- #SaveCLEVenues: Through June 2021, Cleveland Rocks were instrumental in both fundraising to provide direct support to independent venues as well as advocating for greater federal and local funding to support these businesses through unprecedented shutdowns industry wide.
If you celebrate live music, or love someone who does, now is the time to support your local music community.
Help Re-Launch the Cleveland Rocks Shop
The Cleveland Rocks Shop will be a retail space showcasing local music and honoring its past, present, and future located in the former Music Saves storefront in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District. The shop will curate and sell products that represent Cleveland music history and current bands and feature interactive listening stations. To bring this to life, funds are being raised to cover occupancy costs, moderate renovations and repair to both the interior and exterior, purchase fixtures, a point-of-sale register and inventory. Can we count on you? Learn More Here.
Music Support Programming in Northeast Ohio
Cleveland.com – July 25, 2022 – Expansive Waterloo photo exhibition captures artistry behind Cleveland’s drag and burlesque scenes
The artistry behind drag and burlesque – the dance, costuming, makeup and heart – have been captured in a new art exhibition by local photographer Bridget Caswell, set to span three Waterloo Road venues. “Contrast Contoured” will take over the Maria Neil Art Project, Space: ROCK gallery and Music Saves gallery spaces Aug. 5 to Oct. 7.
Medium.com – July 10, 2022 – Cleveland music scene in spotlight as city hosts first National Independent Venue Association conference
Greater Cleveland was a national leader in the Save our Stages advocacy for independent venues during the pandemic, but it was a chance conversation between friends that led to the first ever National Independent Venue Association conference coming to town this week. More than 450 indie venue owners, show promoters and musicians from around the world will be in Cleveland on July 11 and 12 for the conference, which includes daytime panels and networking, and public evening shows at member venues.
AssemblyCLE.org – July 5, 2022 – Cuyahoga County Approves $3.3 Million
Cuyahoga County Council awarded $3.3 million in funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Assembly for the Arts to help bolster the creative economy, a sector hit hard by the ongoing pandemic. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Assembly for the Arts worked collaboratively to secure support from Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and County Council President Pernel Jones, Jr. County Council approved the funds by a unanimous vote.
The Cleveland Verses Foundation is a generous supporter of Cleveland Rocks programs and initiatives. Learn more about their mission.