Workshop: Breaking the Mold - Building DIY Scenes and Spaces
2025-08-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month from 7-9pm at the Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd.). Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic with discussions from 7-8pm, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase from 8-9pm featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
Breaking the Mold: Building DIY Scenes and Spaces
Mon, August 18, 2025 • 7-9pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland)
This panel explores the power and complexity of DIY culture as a tool for community-building, artistic autonomy, and resistance. We’ll dive into the challenges of throwing your own shows, managing logistics with limited resources, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating art when the industry and status quo are working against you. Whether you’re booking your first gig or dreaming of building your own scene, this conversation centers real-world strategies and hard-won wisdom.
Free Event! RSVP here
Curated By: Robin “Hyperius” Blake
Panelists: Dave Ziggy, Navy Jayde, and Robin “Hyperius” Blake

Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists include:

Dave Ziggy
Jinari Kemet
Theresa May
Black Voltron (unplugged)

The Cleveland Rocks Shop is an intimate venue with LIMITED capacity. Please arrive early to grab a seat!
This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase Artist Bios:
Dave ZiggyInstagram: @daveziggy44Dave is a Cleveland-based polymath: producer, MC, curator, and event organizer. As founder of Ziggy Presents, he’s thrown countless genre-defying shows that center authenticity and inclusion.

Navy JaydeInstagram: @joinmy.navyNavy Jayde is a DJ, and organizer who’s helped shape DIY nightlife and queer-centered events throughout the Midwest. Their work champions QTBIPOC liberation through sound, sweat, and shared space — always prioritizing community, safety, and joy. The former owner of Black Punx Press, and the creator of Enigma, a reclamation of techno as a genre, they have been making moves on the DIY circuit for years.

Robin “Hyperius” BlakeInstagram: @hyperiusblakeRobin Blake (aka Hyperius) is a musician, composer, and multi-disciplinary creative whose work bridges tech, Black futurism, and spiritual groove. As the bandleader of Black Voltron, he’s helped lead large-scale independent productions, merging hip hop, jazz, and liberation. He’s also a 2025 recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize Verge Fellowship for Music.

Jinari KemetInstagram: @jinari_kemetCleveland rapper and multi-instrumentalist Jinari Kemet is a versatile performer, bending genres and making a scene on stage

Theresa MayInstagram: @mochatrumpetgal
Theresa J. May (she/her) is a versatile trumpeter, educator, and advocate originally from Shaker Heights, Ohio. She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Dayton. Currently, Theresa serves as an adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College, where she teaches Applied Trumpet and World Music.
A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Theresa co-founded the Chromatic Brass Collective, which champions diversity in the brass community. She is also a member of the International Society for Black Musicians (ISBM), an organization dedicated to elevating Black musicians and their contributions to music scholarship.

Black Voltron (Unplugged)Instagram: @blackvoltronbandBlack Voltron delivers electrifying live performances, blending classical training, church roots, and diverse lived experiences. Their versatile musicianship captivates audiences in venues of all sizes, conveying raw energy and emotion, and giving “goosebumps”. Transcending genre boundaries, they create a unique sound that fuses jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, house/disco, and world music, honoring the Black Diaspora while innovating contemporary music. When Black Voltron unites, they can play “anything”.

Waterloo Makes Music: Wave Rowanne and Black Voltron
2025-09-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Waterloo Tower, Waterloo Rd at 156th St., Cleveland, OH, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, September 5, 2025 • 6:30-8:30pm
Waterloo Tower Stage (E.156th at Waterloo Rd).
Black Voltron
Black Voltron delivers electrifying live performances, blending classical training, church roots, and diverse lived experiences. Their versatile musicianship captivates audiences in venues of all sizes, conveying raw energy and emotion, and giving “goosebumps”. Transcending genre boundaries, they create a unique sound that fuses jazz, disco/house, hip-hop, neo-soul, and world music, honoring the Black Diaspora while innovating contemporary music. When Black Voltron unites, they can play “anything”.
https://www.instagram.com/blackvoltronband/
Wave Rowanne
Wave Magnetik (producer and trumpeter) and Rowanne Atallah (Lebanese performing artist) have joined musical forces creating melodic infectious dance music symbolizing unity in diversity. Combining Rowanne’s middle eastern roots and Wave’s jazz background, they have given birth to a new electronic dance music era called “Hayete.”
https://wavemagnetik.com/waverowanne
https://www.facebook.com/wavemagnetik
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jExYUmKkphPdj9sUmVyGc
https://www.instagram.com/waverowanne/

Free Event! RSVP Here

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Workshop & 2x4 Showcase: Artist Management
2025-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month from 7-9pm at the Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd.). Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic with discussions from 7-8pm, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase from 8-9pm featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
Artist Management
Mon, September 15, 2025 • 7-9pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland)
Free Event! RSVP here
Guest Speaker: David Spero
What is the role of a manager, how to find the right one, and more!

Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists include:

Van Arlo
Lex Moda
The Berrys
Greg Thompson

The Cleveland Rocks Shop is an intimate venue with LIMITED capacity. Please arrive early to grab a seat!
This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase Artist Bios:
Lex Moda
Lex Moda is the glam-pop, nonstop rock ’n’ roll machine behind Cleveland’s power rock supergroup Cellophane Jane. The band’s recently released sixth album, A Party of Cranes, is a glam-grit rock reckoning about vices, memory, and escape. A multi-instrumentalist and studio rat, Lex blurs the line between artist, producer, and walking exclamation point. This summer, he was selected as the 2025 Artist in Residence for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
www.instagram.com/lex_moda/
https://www.facebook.com/lexmoda
Photo by Amber Fitzpatrick
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The Berrys
The Berrys are a Folk-Rock band led by husband and wife singer-songwriters, Rob and Adrienne Berry. They are known for their strong harmonies and intricate yet relatable lyrics. The Berrys often draw comparisons to the style of artists like Chris Stapleton and Fleetwood Mac. The Berrys captivate audiences and draw in their listeners with music that sinks into their hearts and souls.
theberrysmusic.com
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Greg Thompson
Originally from Chicago and now based in Lakewood, Ohio, Greg is a songwriter with a distinctive voice in the NEOhio music scene. For over 15 years, he has built a catalog of original work that reflects both his artistic vision and relentless drive.
https://gregplusguitar.com/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/greg/1445435988
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5EKPJ0fQukGgQygB2pHfFj
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Van Arlo
Van Arlo is the indie-acoustic project of Ohio-based singer-songwriter Ben Marthey, whose music blends raw vulnerability with cinematic arrangements and roots-driven storytelling. Inspired by artists like City and Colour, Zach Bryan, and Gregory Alan Isakov, Van Arlo crafts songs that feel lived-in equal parts grit and grace with lyrics that speak directly to the restless heart.Known for its emotionally charged live performances, Van Arlo has earned regional acclaim and national attention, recently being nominated for Best New Artist at the Cleveland Music Awards. The project has been featured on NPR’s Ideastream and the Fox 8 Morning Show, expanding its reach to audiences looking for authenticity in a saturated musical landscape.Van Arlo has opened for national touring acts including Birdtalker at the House of Blues Cleveland and continues to build momentum through standout performances at iconic venues like The Bluebird Café and Commodore Grille in Nashville, The Rialto Theatre in Akron, and the House of Blues Crossroads Stage, where the band remains a recurring presence. The project also headlined Cleveland Beer Week’s Farm Fest, further cementing its reputation for delivering moving, crowd-connecting shows.At its core, Van Arlo is not just a band — it’s a musical conversation about longing, resilience, and the search for meaning. With roots in Northeast Ohio and eyes set on a broader horizon, Van Arlo is steadily becoming a name synonymous with honest songwriting and unforgettable live moments
https://vanarlo.com/
https://www.instagram.com/van_arlo/
https://www.facebook.com/vanarloband/
https://www.youtube.com/@vanarlo-official2426/videos

Wax & Tracks Fest
2025-09-20 11:00 - 17:00 | The Vinyl Groove, 5100 Pearl Rd, Suite 208, Cleveland, Ohio, 44129, United States
The Vinyl Groove Records presents the End-of-Summer Wax & Tracks Fest!
5100 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH (Old Brooklyn)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Rain date: Sunday, September 21)
Free community event
Join us at The Vinyl Groove Records for a day-long celebration of music, vinyl culture, and community in Cleveland’s historic Old Brooklyn music complex—the same spot that once housed Peaches Records & Tapes, Coconuts Music & Movies, and Space Invaders.
The Fest will feature:

Curated vinyl + artist vendors (in partnership with Northeast Ohio Vinyl Club)
Live music inside & outside throughout the day
Exclusive in-store specials + memorabilia
Charity raffle benefiting Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future (100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit)
Special Little Grooves Corner complete with decorate-your-own vinyl and more

Special Guest: Annie Zaleski
Meet acclaimed music journalist and author Annie Zaleski, signing books from 1–4 PM. Zaleski is the author of Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs (NYT & USA Today bestseller), Duran Duran’s Rio (Bloomsbury’s 33⅓ series), and I Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, NPR Music, Salon, and Classic Pop. Don’t miss the chance to connect with one of today’s most respected music writers and take home a signed copy of her books.
Whether you’re a crate-digger, music lover, or just looking for a fun community event, the Vinyl Groove’s End-of-Summer Wax & Tracks Fest is the perfect way to close out summer.

Music Biz Roadshow
2025-09-30 17:00 - 21:00 | The Vinyl Groove, 5100 Pearl Rd, Suite 208, Cleveland, Ohio, 44129, United States
Music Biz Roadshow
September 30th • Doors open at 5pm
The Vinyl Groove Records – 5100 Pearl Rd, Suite 208
Register Here
Every City is a Music City!
Especially you, Cleveland – That’s why we’re bringing our Roadshow to you in 2025!
The Music Business Association creates the rooms where important conversations about the future of our industry are held. Not everyone can make it to the Annual Music Biz Conference, sowe bring these rooms to YOU through our Music Biz Roadshow! These events bring elements of our popular Annual Conference to cities where music and enterpreneurship are thriving to connect our members with local artists & music executives. Our high-level panels and fireside chats will education communities on today’s music ecosystem, followed with a cocktail mixer to build new relationships among players in the global music industry!
Hosted by Music Business Association, Cleveland Rocks:PPF, and The Vinyl Groove
Sponsored by Mechanical Licensing Collective and Open on Sunday

SCHEDULE

5 PM ET – Doors Open

5:30 PM ET – Presentation by Open On Sunday
Open On Sunday was formed as a way for musical artists of all genres and catalog sizes to get cash when and how they need it. Today we are building the fastest, most flexible digital platform for unlocking your music catalog’s wealth . . . even on Sundays.

Presenter:

Marc Thompson, Director of Communications
Malcolm Thompson, President & Co-Founder

5:45 PM ET – Where’s My Money? (And How Do I Get It?)
Did you know that when you write a song, record a song, and release a song, different rights are created and royalties are tied to those rights automatically? Our expert panel will explore the various types of rights and royalties – mechanical, performance, etc. – and explain where to find what you’re owed. Learn how to effectively track your earnings, understand your rights, and maximize your income from your music. Bring your questions and let’s unlock the mysteries of making music!

Moderator:

Portia Sabin, President, Music Business Association

Speakers:

Malcolm Thompson, President & Co-Founder, Open On Sunday
Kayla Ott, Senior Director of Marketing, MLC

6:30 PM ET – Presentation by Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
SHOW ME THE MONEY! How To Get Paid When Your Music is Streamed
Are you tapping into all the royalty dollars that music streaming entitles you to? When your music is streamed on digital platforms, multiple types of royalties are generated & paid to creators. Join us for a presentation by the MLC, which will break down the digital music landscape today, explaining the different rights involved and the royalties due to creators of both musical works & sound recordings. This is your chance to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table!

Presenter:

Kayla Ott, Senior Director of Marketing, MLC

7:15 PM ET – Your Music, Your Team: Team-Building for Artists
What are the various roles artists need to play today, and when is it time to involve other people? Learn how and when to build the right team to support and grow your career as an artist, what you should do yourself, and what you need to be aware of so that you control your own business.

Moderator:

Portia Sabin, President, Music Business Association

Speakers:

Kaitlyn Moore, SVP of Marketing, mTheory
David Spero, a recent addition to the Personal Manager’s Hall of Fame, David Spero
Brittany Benton, Owner, Brittany’s Record Shop

7:45 PM ET – Cocktail Mixer & Networking
Grab a drink to close out the program & mingle with the evening’s speakers, as well as your fellow artist attendees!

Waterloo Makes Music: Country Honk and Cowboy Princess Brigade
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, October 3, 2025 • 7-9pm
Treelawn Social Club (15335 Waterloo Rd)
Country H0nkCountry Honk is a four-piece honky tonk band proudly rooted in Cleveland, Ohio, blending classic country tradition with the raw energy of rock ’n’ roll. Known for their dynamic live shows and sharp songwriting, the band draws inspiration from legends like Hank Williams, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson, while channeling the spirit of the country rock movement of the ’60s and ’70s.
https://countryhonkmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/106825328145277
https://www.instagram.com/countryhonkmusicohio
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQkIaivecuUvCk0SegBueg

Cowboy Princess BrigadeCowboy Princess Brigade is an Americana-soul band from Cleveland, OH. The six piece ensemble began during the spring of 2024 and quickly thereafter released their first EP, “Rolling Up Silver”. Brought together by the vibrant local jam scene and a shared passion for shenanigans, the group became fast friends and musical cohorts.
The group brings a unique style and flair to the stage, featuring complex yet surprisingly fluid instrumentation. They include guitar, ukulele, fiddle, trombone, banjo, bass, and drums as well as featured dancers and performers. This eclectic combination makes a visually interesting and acoustically dynamic band that is distinctively their own.
The group draws on a wide range of American musical influences, from jazz and bluegrass to rock and roll. Deeply rooted in the spirit of improvisation and inspired by the rich traditions of New Orleans jazz, their sound is spontaneous and ever evolving. No two shows are the same.https://www.cowboyprincessbrigade.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555213901575http://instagram.com/cowboyprincessbrigadehttps//open.spotify.com/artist/4p3k4oMH78f2S7KTOs1qgy?si=8b-SUHgiTTqpp8EEZosOhg

Free Event! RSVP Here

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

2025 Rock Solid Gala: Benefit for Cleveland Rocks:PPF
2025-10-18 18:00 - 22:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
4TH ANNUAL ROCK SOLID GALA
A Benefit for Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future.Since 2020, we’ve contracted over 300 artists and industry experts, provided workshops to 150+ creatives since 2023, and in 2025 alone, helped engage over 100,000 viewers through online streams. We also advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen the music ecosystem—partnering with city officials, promoting music tourism, and working with local businesses to boost economic impact.
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Our year-round programs and services support equitable infrastructure, career development, and expanded opportunities across all genres. Cleveland music creatives spend nearly $7,900 annually on music services—contributing to a $29.58 million local impact, including $5.16 million in recording. Live music alone brings in $58 million each year and fuels over 15,000 performances annually.
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With a mission focused on original music makers and the establishments that support them, CR:PPF provides impactful support that solidifies this rock solid truth: Cleveland IS A Music City..Join us and show your support:
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Treelawn Music Hall15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland.
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Cocktail Hour with light snacks 6-7pm.Event Starts at 7pm.

Enjoy sets from local bands and artists who are moving the Cleveland music scene forward.
Bid on some unique and one of a kind raffle prizes and local auction items including house concerts, tickets, apparel, gift baskets and more.
Hear from music community advocates and leaders who are passionate about driving the local music sector forward.
Enjoy a catered dinner and a cash bar while you mingle with your peers, swap your favorite stories and toast to a great night out for a great cause.

TICKETS
General Admission: $175Your ticket includes parking pass, 2 drink tickets and a catered dinner.
Buy Tickets.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Brent Kirby
PERFORMANCES BY
Welshly Arms
Kid Tigrrr
Navasha Daya
SPONSORS
Headliner Sponsors:Nick and Lorie HowleyTito’s Vodka
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Opening Act Sponsors:Anjie and Jim AndersonJerry Mizer and Jamie BelkinRock & Roll Hall of FameSchool of Rock Cleveland
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Warm Up Sponsors:Judy and Jack BoessneckBenesch LawChagrin Falls Popcorn Shop
Gotta Groove RecordsTim ConnorsPam and Adam FishmanRichard Greco
Fanon HillShelly NorehadTerry and Sally Stewart
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Sponsorships:Packages beginning at $1,000. Contact Lisa Paul-Sierk at 216-926-1702 or development@clevelandrocksppf.org.

Workshop & 2x4 Showcase: The Importance of College and Community Radio
2025-10-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44141, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month. Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
The Importance of College and Community Radio
Mon, October 20, 2025 • 6pm
Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd)
Free Event! RSVP here
Panelists: Alison Bomgardner (XCSB), Liam Main (XCSB), Jasen Sokol (WJCU), Rachel Hunt (WRUW)
With the recent elimination of CSU’s college radio station WCSB, October’s workshop will feature a panel discussion with staff from local radio stations to discuss the importance of college and community radio.

Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists include:

Nicole Otero
Jessica Jonczyk
Moon Cactus
Josee McGee

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase Artist Bios:

Nicole OteroNicole Otero is a singer/songwriter based in Cleveland, Ohio with heavy folk influences. From Nick Drake to Joni Mitchell, Nicole channels an energy through her finger-picking and introspective lyrics sorely missing from the local scene.https://nicoleoterosings.bandcamp.com/album/home-recordings

Jessica JonczykJessica Jonczyk is a cellist and singer-songwriter from Akron, performing either as a soloist, in a duet or with her full band project, “Rustic Skies.” With a background in orchestral composition and music theory, she aims to take musical traditions of the past and approach them with a modern outlook.

Moon CactusCleveland-based multi-instrumentalist producer Moon Cactus fuses jazz, pop, indie rock, and hip-hop into unique tracks with unforgettable melodies. Seamlessly transitioning from trumpet to guitar to vocals during live performances, Moon Cactus shows are one of a kind. Exploring themes of love, purpose, and mental health, Moon Cactus strives to inspire others to pursue what they love with purpose and resilience.https://www.instagram.com/mooncactusmusic/

Josee McGee
Josee McGee is a singer-songwriter from NE Ohio with a style that blends jazz, 2000s pop, soul, and ‘70s folk. Known for her clever harmonies and honest lyrics, her original music and covers explore themes of connection, self-acceptance, and personal growth. With an emphasis on variety in her setlists, her voice and love for the craft makes for easy-listening and a lasting impression.
https://www.joseemcgeemusic.com/

*POSTPONED* Cleveland Rocks:PPF presents Legends: 15-60-75 The Numbers Band
2025-11-01 20:00 - 23:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Cleveland Rocks:PPF presents Legends …
15-60-75 The Numbers Band
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO A FAMILY MEDICAL SITUATION.
We will share the new date once confirmed.

About the Band
15 60 75 The Numbers has been praised by almost every national music publication and several international publications since the beginning of their 50 years of live performances and recordings.
The music “cannot be categorized”, “cannot be defined”, “is too original”. The music industry is not about music anymore. It is about selling products the public can relate to. After all, it is a business. Even “alternative” music has become a label. The founder of the band, Robert Kidney, explains, “The music industry, the media, and the tellsusourvision (TV) are defining for the American public what is good music by only playing and supporting what is profitable. We are taught to disregard everything that is not familiar. We (The Numbers Band) give the people our best. Our effort goes into being creative, unique and original. We define our own sound. There are no rules because we don’t play the game. We are not in it for the game, we’re in it for the music.”
So, the band continues to create and evolve outside of the “Rock & Roll” establishment. The majority of the recordings were financed by friends who loved the music enough to put up their own money. Hundreds of photographs taken of the band in different stages of it’s existence by different amazing people tell a story of intense performances, long nights, and the passing of time. Band members have come and gone, and returned again. Robert sees music as much more than an emotional release or a performance. It is a job, a job for which he demands respect and payment for services.
Robert Kidney picked up a guitar and began teaching himself to play when he 16. He bought a 45 record called Guitar Boogie Shuffle and his cousin, Larren Hesson, taught Robert the licks. He also taught him to play one of his favorite songs, Riders On The Storm. At 17, Robert played solo in coffee houses and also opened for several acts at La Cave in Cleveland such as Linda Rhonstadt and the Stone Ponys and Janis Ian. He never found the time to learn to read music. After a short stint in the service in Chicago, he moved back to northeast Ohio in the spring of 1969. A friend, Gary Hawk, had formed a band called Pig Iron in Wadsworth, Ohio. Robert opened for them at the Akron Art Museum and several band members asked him to come to a rehersal sometime. When Robert did show up, Gary had left the group, and the remaining members wanted him to be their front man. Robert changed the name of the band to 15 60 75.
The title of the band has always aroused curiosity from fans. The fans called them The Numbers because it was easier than trying to get the figures right. Numbers had not been used in a name before, and the political climate in 1970 was quite Orwell-ian. Robert choose a sequence of numbers mentioned in a book written by Paul Oliver called The Blues Fell This Morning. In the chapter “The Jinx Is On Me”, Oliver describes the Numbers Racket popular in Harlem in the 1950s and how dreams were analyzed as number sequences and used for placing bets. The band’s music theory specialist, Terry Hynde, also discovered that 15 divided 15 is 1, 60 divided by 15 is 4, and 75 divided by 15 is 5. In a musician’s world, “1, 4, 5,” is referred to as the “universal progression”.
The band resides in northeast Ohio. They have several recordings under their belt and more music than they can afford to release. Robert has recorded and toured with Anton Fier and his Golden Palominos. Robert and his brother, Jack, have toured Holland twice. The brothers also traveled to London, England in 1998 to perform in the Disastodrome! production by David Thomas. The entire band went to London to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in 2000. For more information on the production, and The Kidney Brothers, go to The Brothers And The Blues Abstract. This band has an incredibly interesting history.

Waterloo Makes Music: Nuke Franklin and DJ $crilla
2025-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44141, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, November 7, 2025 • 6-8pm
Beachland Tavern (157111 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland)
Free event! RSVP Here.
Nuke FranklinCleveland, OH native rapper Nuke Franklin is tenacious, passionate, and often conflicted – qualities that drive his eclectic Hip-Hop style and put on display every detail of who he is to listeners. Influenced sonically by a variety of artists across Hip-Hop and R&B like Kid Cudi, Schoolboy Q, Tyler, The Creator, and Outkast to name off a few, Nuke pulls his inspiration from a wide range of ideas, situations, and moods. From braggadocious and hard hitting sounds like “Hidden Hills” to more somber and moody self-reflection based lyrics like “OHSHEITGAWDDAMN”, Nuke’s range is something that sets him apart from his peers. Instilled with a competitive edge by his upbringing in Cleveland and inspired by his early connections to family through music, Nuke started rapping and writing music at 13 years old and shows no signs of slowing down.https://www.instagram.com/nukefranklin_/https://www.youtube.com/@nukefranklin7990https://www.tiktok.com/@nukefranklin_https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iTp10ItrGeMpke7n9sXhb

DJ $crillaChris Harris has been recording professionally for over 15 years, operating primarily under the alias — DJ $crilla. He has spent the last decade building a music licensing empire, soundtracking everything from Netflix trailers to Super Bowl commercials. Listeners might not recognize him at first, but chances are, they’ve heard his music.https://www.chrisbharris.com/https://www.instagram.com/djscrilla/linktr.ee/chrisbharrishttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4bSfFuQD0gSPYizkYyKeuM

Free Event! RSVP Here

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Workshop & 2x4 Showcase: Accounting and Record Keeping for Musicians and Small Music Businesses
2025-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month. Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
Accounting and Record Keeping for Musicians and Small Music Businesses
Mon, November 17, 2025 • 7pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd)
Free Event! RSVP here
Guest Speaker: Brian E Shriefer, CPA

Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists: The Mars Express, Corissa Bragg, Rick Sockel and Peter Ray.
This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Bios:
The Mars Express delivers musical experiences that resonate with all audiences. Our passion for jazz, neo-soul, and funk drives us to create a sonic journey that captivates and inspires. Berklee alumnus, Mars Q and vocalist, Sara Smile, join together as a duo or in full band format. Sara’s love for astronomy and metaphysics comes alive in her lyrical melodies atop harmonized flavors created by Mars. Original music is written to raise vibrations and often played in 432hz. We’d love to help open your mind to new musical ideas and lyrical concepts. Our performances offer instrument solos, expressive jams and smooth dynamic vocals.www.themarsexpress.comwww.facebook.com/TheMarsExpresswww.instagram.com/themarsexpress

Rick Sockel has been playing guitar for more than 50 years.His influences are many and diverse. He grew up listening to rock & roll and Motown. He also likes folk music, traditional country, bluegrass and reggae. Over the years, Rick has played with many local bands. Whether it’s electric or acoustic, folk, country or rock & roll. You’ll also hear the blues integrated into his playing.www.ricksockel.com

Corissa BraggAfter a decade in Nashville and a long break from songwriting, Corissa’s return to Cleveland reignited her creative fire. What began as a homecoming quickly became a musical rebirth, with songs pouring out that capture the grit, mood, and heart of the city itself. Drawing on her roots in raw, emotional folk-rock, Corissa channels both tenderness and ferocity, weaving stories that cut deep and linger. Her forthcoming album, born from this wave of inspiration, is brought to life with the support of a powerhouse band: Lex Moda (Cellophane Jane), Lovest Watson III (Femi Kuti, Brain Bacon), and Skyler Keffer (Orefice Roth). Together, they create a sound that is moody, dynamic, and unflinchingly heartfelt — a blend reminiscent of early ’90s female indie performers but distinctly her own. On stage, Corissa and her band deliver performances that are intimate yet electrifying, pulling audiences in with raw vulnerability and holding them with undeniable presence.Bio – Corissa Bragg Musicwww.corissabragg.comhttps://www.facebook.com/corissa.braggwww.instagram.com/corissabragg

Peter Ray“Broken Bones” original song by Peter Ray.Performed [LIVE] by Peter Ray https://youtu.be/e32hCKBy0isWho? https://youtu.be/KUDXtCnuKDAThe Beast of Ignorance (Happiness Is A Battle) https://youtu.be/QDpsH7n2P44https://facebook.com/PeterRayMusic

Waterloo Makes Music: John McGrail Group and Mikey Silas
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, December 5, 2025 • 7-9pm
Treelawn Social Club (15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland)
Free event! RSVP Here.
**This special event is made possible with generous support from local music advocates Anjie & Jim Anderson**
John McGrail Group
The John McGrail Group is an evolving live extension of the music of John McGrail. Originally composed of guitar bass and percussion it has now become the home of guitar, bass, flutes and whistles and more. While still mining the darker side of life lyrically, musically the loss of one member left the possibility for improvement. Consisting of John McGrail on vocals and guitar, Jay Bentoff on bass and vocals, Sheela Das on flutes, whistles, guitar and vocals and the latest addition of Beth Ann Woyshville on percussion, guitar and vocals. The group is embarking on a newer slightly different path. Change is a good thing!
https://www.facebook.com/TheJohnMcGrailGroup
www.mindfryenterprises.com/home
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iTp10ItrGeMpke7n9sXhb

Mikey Silas
Mikey Silas is a community advocate and connector, is also an award recognized and winning singer and songwriter based from Cleveland. Mikey is a style-bending, soulful singer and entertainer. Lead singer of the band Apostle Jones.
Mikey Silas:
https://mikeysilas.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mikey.silas
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Yfq9VJq2kSlbxuUp1E3jN
https://www.facebook.com/silasmikeyrex
Apostle Jones:
https://apostlejones.com
https://www.facebook.com/apostlejonesmusic/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2f3gXKtlKWKHgmJQPvAZKV
https://apostlejones.bandcamp.com/album/hi-were-apostle-jones

John Lennon Remembered 2025
2025-12-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44141, United States
John Lennon Remembered 2025
Proceeds supporting Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future

December 7, 2025
Beachland Ballroom

Doors: 5:00 pm / Show: 6:00 pm
Get tickets

Ever read a list of “people who changed the world?” You’ll find a lot of influential names–spiritual leaders, scientists, inventors, politicians–people whose lives, for better or worse, had significant and lasting effects on cultures and society. On lists of folks who changed the world for better, you’ll find some from the arts. What vision, to be remembered by history along side figures such as Albert Einstein and Ghandi. I assure you, very few rock stars are on these lists. The shining jewel of influential rock stars, in many eyes, is John Lennon. Cream of the crop, bees-knees, cats pajamas, or “toppermost of the poppermost” (a phrase he coined in the 1960s), Lennon’s catalog of music, along side his outspoken activism, has had lasting effect on so many aspects of world-wide society, including pop culture, spiritualism, politics, and of course, music. The music of John Lennon has caused intense reactions, ever since the days of screaming throngs of fans descended upon airports. It may have all started with catchy, infectious hooks such as, “yeah, yeah, yeah,” (She Loves You, 1964), but the hooks like, “All You Need is Love,” “Give Peace a Chance,” and “…imagine all the people…” are only a few examples of Lennon’s catalog and its powerful influence. The world needed it and the world wanted it in the 1960s, and we still do, well into the 21st century. On December 7th, 2025, a collection of artists and performers from the Greater Cleveland Area gather at the Beachland Ballroom to honor John Lennon’s legacy by performing songs in his memory during the John Lennon Remembered Concert. The brain-child of Kendall Stauffer, the John Lennon Remembered Concert has run annually for many seasons. The Beachland is delighted to bring this event back.
Performers include: Kendall Stauffer Band, Marc Stauffer Band, Robin Stratton, Colette Gschwind, Brian Henke, Mark Teifenbach, The Sidemen, Twisted Vibes, Nick and Lori, Angelle Sheridan, Charlie Weiner, Ted Riser and Tom Vail, and more!

Winterloo on Waterloo 2025
2025-12-21 12:30 - 20:00 | OH
BRIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH LIVE LOCAL MUSIC!
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future presents a full day of holiday music and originals from your favorite local musicians at various venues all along Waterloo, culminating with a holiday spectacular by The Ohio City Singers.

Sun, December 21, 2025 • 12-8pm
Waterloo Arts District
Full Details Here
FREE HOLIDAY MUSIC FROM 12-6PM

Performances by:
Black Voltronhttps://blackvoltron.com/
OPUS 216
https://www.opus216.com
Lea Marrahttps://leamarramusic.com
Nancy Redd & The Sounds of Jazzhttps://nancyreddjazz.com
The Super Babes
https://thesuperbabes1.wixsite.com/thesuperbabes
Songwriters Circle
Performances by Kari Ann Rutushin, The Baker’s Basement, Jeffrey Cruz, anitakeys, Ryann Anderson, Doug Wood, Sara Smile (The Mars Express), Cellophane Jane, Sheela Das, Taylor Lamborn
Festive Sing and Session
Tongue and Groove
TICKETED EVENT – 6PM

The Ohio City Singers
6:00pm (Doors 5:30pm)Treelawn Music HallTickets: $25 • Buy Nowhttps://www.ohiocitysingers.com

This event is made possible with support from Ohio Arts Council

Sound of the Land: Brent Kirby & Andy Leach
2026-01-22 16:00 - 18:00 | The Fidelity Hotel, 1940 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Cleveland Rocks:PPF and the Fidelity Hotel in Downtown Cleveland are partnering to present the Sound of the Land Live Music Series. Each month, enjoy music from a different local artist to elevate your Thursday night happy hour. Free shows!

January 22, 2026 | 4-6pm | Fidelity Hotel Lobby
Brent Kirby & Andy Leach
Genre | Folk, Folk Rock
Brent Kirby’s music has been called “Main Character” music, which is representative of the personal emotion and collective perspective he offers in his songs. His performances are reflective in nature, with the listeners often finding themselves as a catalyst in the song.

Kirby’s universal lyrics are on the surface specific and at the same time deeply layered, where the audience can find a common and personal point of relation and entry into the song. His soulful voice is both unique and soothing, colored with weathered age and experience.

In 2022, Brent was voted “Best Folk” by the Cleveland Music Awards and nominated for “Best Songwriter” by the Cleveland Scene. Andy Leach and Kirby have played together for years in different bands, and Leach’s guitar and vocal harmony give Kirby’s songs the perfect lift.

Learn more: https://fidelityhotelcle.com/happenings#soundofthelandlineup

Waterloo Makes Music: Afi Scruggs and Jeffrey Cruz
2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, February 6, 2026 • 6-8pm
Treelawn Social Club (15335 Waterloo Rd)
Free event! RSVP Here.

Afi ScruggsLove the blues? You’ll love Afi. Love RnB? You’ll love Afi. If you love to groove, no matter the music, you’ll definitely want to be in the audience when Afi plays. Whether solo or with her band, Afi’s mission is to get you swaying and tapping your feet. Afi plays bass and keys. She’s a singer-songwriter as well as a producer. No matter the music, Afi believes in the groove. Listen to her. You’ll hear the groove and you’ll definitely feel it.https://afiplaysmusic.com

Jeffrey CruzJeffrey Cruz is a singer – songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. Jeffrey draws inspiration from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Anderson .Paak. By using fun grooves and story telling lyrics; he aspires to write music that motivates, resonates, and empathizes with whoever the listener may be. His new single, ‘Don’t Look Back’ is available on all streaming services.https://www.jeffreycruzmusic.com

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Workshop & 2x4 Showcase: Master Your Process
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month. Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
Master Your Process: Bridging Imagination and Reality
Mon, February 16, 2026 • 7pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd)
Free Event! RSVP here
Guest Speaker: Nathan-Paul
Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists: Tommy Link, Gregory Garwood, Tad Fry, and Adam Horvath

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Bios:

Nathan-Paul
Nathan-Paul delivers what he calls “sound medicine”—a velvety, lo-fi, soul-driven blend of modern trap, ’70s funk, Southern gospel, jazz, and the raw spirit of Black American music. A lifelong musician who began singing in church by age five, he is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in saxophone and flute, a Jazz Studies graduate of the University of Akron, and an improviser shaped by legends like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. Writing from a place of joy and hospitality, he sees music as something you leave with—something healing.
A prolific artist, educator, and advocate for original music, Nathan-Paul has released six albums and over 100 singles in seven years, shared stages with icons like Gary Bartz, War, and Tower of Power, and earned recognition from Cleveland Magazine and Black Men Teach CLE. He currently teaches at Tri-C’s Saturday Jazz Program and continues to push genre boundaries across hip-hop, jazz, rock, gospel, and beyond. His latest project, Nathan-Paul & The Admirables, embraces raw, rock-edged energy and has already fueled a successful tour with Moon Hooch and a performance backing Dwele—proof of his belief that, as he puts it, “To not be original is the same as not existing.”
Tommy Link
Tommy Link is a singer songwriter, singing guitarist and recording artist. Based out of Erie, PA, Tommy has been a consistent performer in the tri-state Great Lakes area since 2014. If you had to put a label on him, call it indie-folk, but he’s way better at singing songs than he is at writing bios.
https://www.facebook.com/tommylinkmusic
Gregory Garwood
With his rust belt roots and midwest sensibilities, Gregory Garwood is a talented Ohio-based musician known for his soulful vocals, versatile guitar playing and insightful songwriting. With a passion for blending genres, he has captivated audiences with his emotive performances and original compositions spanning country, rock, soul, jazz, and latin genres. Throughout his career, Garwood has contributed to various musical projects and continues to inspire listeners with his artistry and dedication to his craft. Garwood has performed on barroom and stadium stages across the United States, opening for artists like Eric Clapton, Earth, Wind & Fire, Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Randolph, and countless others. Garwood enjoys his solo craft, but truly relishes collaboration and sharing the stage with bandmates that include Walter Barnes Jr., Theron Brown, Alfredo Guerierri, Brent Lane, Matthew Miller, Dr. Peter Psarras, Jim Wall, Rock Wehrmann, Evelyn Wright to name a few. Garwood is working on a new all-original album with said crew and continues to release approximately one song each month until complete.
https://www.youtube.com/@garwoodband
https://www.facebook.com/garwoodband
Tad Fry
Tad Scientist explores ambient soundscapes through solo live looping guitar and pedal effects! He enjoys playing original songs, improvising, and searching for his nemesis Pirate Bexley. Follow @tadscientist to help him find this pesky pirate!
https://www.instagram.com/tadscientist
Adam Horvath
dam Horvath, aka thehobbithimself, is a Cleveland, Ohio–based musician blending elements of rock, alternative, punk, and acoustic music. Deeply rooted in independent songwriting, he has been crafting songs since first picking up the guitar as a child. His work channels personal storytelling and raw emotional energy, exploring themes of memory, aspiration, loss, and the everyday human experience.
In December 2024, he released his debut solo EP, Sometimes Dreams—a six-song, emotionally charged, post-rock journey anchored by the singles “Sometimes Dreams” and “There You Are.”
Momentum continued in March 2025 with the release of the hard-hitting single “OGALEENA,” featuring hand-selected musicians from the Cleveland music scene. In November 2025, “Birthday Luck” was released, bringing a new lineup of collaborators into the recording session.
Looking ahead to 2026, thehobbithimself is hard at work on his first full-length release.
www.thehobbithimself.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @thehobbithimself
www.facebook.com/adamhorvathistheman

Sound of the Land: Taylor Lamborn
2026-02-19 16:00 - 18:00 | The Fidelity Hotel, 1940 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Cleveland Rocks:PPF and the Fidelity Hotel in Downtown Cleveland are partnering to present the Sound of the Land Live Music Series. Each month, enjoy music from a different local artist to elevate your Thursday night happy hour. Free shows!

February 19, 2026 | 4-6pm | Fidelity Hotel Lobby
Taylor Lamborn
Genre | Blues, Rock, Soul

Taylor Lamborn is a Cleveland-based songwriter whose upcoming performance blends acoustic blues, rock, and soul drawn from multiple eras of popular music. Known for her commanding vocal presence and emotionally grounded songwriting, Lamborn delivers songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

An active force in the Northeast Ohio music scene, she has toured internationally and released multiple original projects as a fully self-managed independent artist. Her live performances balance her own bluesy style, shaped by roots traditions and modern storytelling.

After spending the COVID era revisiting her catalog through stripped-down live acoustic recordings, Lamborn has returned to recording and performing with renewed focus and a talented lineup of musicians. She continues to bring a storyteller’s approach to the stage.

Taylor Lamborn released Where the Heartache Ends on January 2, 2026, the first of several singles recorded at Suma Recording Studio and arriving throughout 2026.

Learn more: https://fidelityhotelcle.com/happenings#soundofthelandlineup

Brite Winter 2026
2026-02-21 | OH
Brite Winter, Cleveland’s premier music and art festival, will again bring light to one of Cleveland’s coldest months on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Celebrating its 17th year, Brite Winter will take place on the city’s east side in the vibrant Waterloo Arts District.

Waterloo Makes Music: Sadhu and Theresa May
2026-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Praxis Fiber Gallery, 15301 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, March 6, 2026 • 6-8pm
Praxis Fiber Workshop (15301 Waterloo Rd)
Free event! RSVP Here.

Sadhu
Cleveland native, Sadhu, is a gifted lyricist with a smooth, soulful voice. Sadhu is a self published, independent artist that has enjoyed music from a young age and got her start singing in the youth choir at church. Further championed by her family and peers to pursue music as a career, Sadhu plans to bring her music to a world stage by performing solo and singing lead in the band, S.Y.S. (Save yourself). In the music video of her new single, “Love Me”, Sadhu is seen playing in a ball pit singing, “I grab myself, and hug me, I don’t need no company”, depicting how self love can be fun. Written after a bad breakup, the song shows how art can be a healthy outlet for many people. To stay updated, follow her on social media, her music is available on all platforms.
www.youtube.com/@sadhusounds
www.instagram.com/Sadhu_Sounds
www.tiktok.com/@sadhu_sounds
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Jfz0uoB2ADTzMQUwfE6ye

Theresa MayTheresa May is a trumpeter, educator, and creator based in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a professor at Cuyahoga Community College and enjoys exploring a wide range of genres and art forms. Theresa has performed with many groups, including the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and Mourning [A] BLKstar, and also creates beat-based music under the moniker Dizygotic Energy.https://www.instagram.com/mochatrumpetgal

Unfortunately, Charity Evonna is no longer able to perform at WMM.

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Workshop: The Importance of Growing an Incubator
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Sixty6, 1966 E.66th St., Cleveland, 44103, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops focus on a different music-related topic including music technology, business, networking, and professional development. We invite guest speakers and panelists to lead these workshops, as well as offer demos and interactive experiences to attendees.
The Importance of Growing an Incubator
Tues, March 10, 2026 • 6pm
The Sixty6 (1966 E. 66th St, Cleveland)
Free Event! RSVP here
Guest Speakers: Robin “Hyperius” Blake, Jenna Fournier, Javier Davis

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Bio:

Robin “Hyperius” Blake is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, and producer. Robin, along with this band Black Voltron, are one of Cleveland Rocks:PPF’s 2025 Music Incubator artists. Black Voltron won Cleveland Scene’s 2025 Best Hip Hop Group Award and was most recently the headliner of Mx. Juneteenth at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They are currently working on their first full-length studio album. In 2025, Robin won the Cleveland Arts Prize Verge Fellowship award. Robin is also the founder of the festival Creation: A Celebration of Art, Music, and Life, and cultivates shows in Cleveland’s DIY scene, seeking to increase accessibility to live art experiences for all.
**
Jenna Fournier, who performs under the name Kid Tigrrr, is an American indie singer-songwriter best known for her surreal and whimsical visual art and for fronting Niights, an alternative rock outfit defined by elements of dream-pop and shoegaze.***Javier Davis: 1800-sos is a multi-genre music producer and turntablist who blends a deep love of sound design with jazz influences. With years of experience in audio engineering, he has worked alongside acclaimed artists such as Dominick Farinacci, Kim Nazarian, and Terence Blanchard in the Cleveland area. Driven by a passion for jazz and composition, he continues to refine his craft while pushing creative boundaries. His sound draws from dance-influenced house, jazz, and storytelling, creating a style that fuses live musicianship with club culture. His live performances combine turntablism and live instrumentation in high-energy dance formats, with a focus on elevating the musical capabilities of the artists he collaborates with. His work spans original productions, remixes, and collaborative projects such as Coast to Coast, an EP created with Cleveland artist Mr. Fowler before his move to Los Angeles in pursuit of a broader musical career. Currently, he tours internationally with Joanne Shaw Taylor, managing live sound production. He credits much of his journey to volunteering, networking, and building community across the arts in music, film, and live production, working alongside organizations and community leaders such as David Kennedy, Randy Chase, AD Jackson, Harold Stalsworth, Kings Church, Remedy Church, Tri-C Center for Creative Arts, and Cleveland Rocks PPF.

Networking Workshop: Panel & Mixer plus 2x4 Showcase
2026-03-16 18:00 - 21:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops focus on a different music-related topic including music technology, business, networking, and professional development. We invite guest speakers and panelists to lead these workshops, as well as offer demos and interactive experiences to attendees.
Networking Workshop: Panel & Mixer plus 2×4 Showcase
Mon, March 16, 2026 • 6pm
The Treelawn (15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland)
Free Event! RSVP here
Panelists: Robin “Hyperius” Blake, Jenna Fournier, Nuke Franklin, Tracy Marie
2×4 Songwriter Showcase Artists: Matt Moody, Liz Bullock, Colleen Welsch, Accubat.
This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Bios:

• Robin Blake: A dynamic musician and member of the band Black Voltron, Robin has been instrumental in shaping Cleveland’s experimental and alternative music scenes. Black Voltron is known for their innovative sound that blends funk, hip hop, and jazz elements, in a high energy sound that is pushing creative boundaries and gaining recognition both locally and nationally.https://blackvoltron.com/
• Jenna Fournier: Frontwoman of Kid Tigrrr, Jenna is a dream of a performer and songwriter whose atmospheric style and compelling lyrics have made waves nationally. Her work reflects on nature and spirit and resilience and the inner and outer struggles of an independent artist.https://kidtigrrr.com/
• Nuke Franklin: Cleveland, OH native rapper Nuke Franklin is tenacious, passionate, and often conflicted – qualities that drive his eclectic Hip-Hop style and put on display every detail of who he is to listeners. Influenced sonically by a variety of artists across Hip-Hop and R&B like Kid Cudi, The Weeknd, Tyler, The Creator, and Outkast to name off a few, Nuke pulls his inspiration from a wide range of ideas, situations, and moods. From braggadocious and hard hitting sounds like “Hidden Hills” to more somber and moody self-reflection based lyrics like “OHSHEITGAWDDAMN”, Nuke’s range is something that sets him apart from his peers. Instilled with a competitive edge by his upbringing in Cleveland and inspired by his early connections to family through music, Nuke started rapping and writing music at 13 years old and shows no signs of slowing down.
• Tracy Marie: Cleveland Singer/Songwriter, Tracy Marie has written hundreds of songs, released 6 albums and has performed professionally for more than 20 years in the rock, blues and folk scenes.. Her performances have included venues from nursing homes to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and back home at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where she received a nomination for “Rock Hall Riot Girl” in 2008. Tracy’s music is her connection to her community, where she has made herself known as an outspoken advocate for disability justice, disability rights and improved care for those with rare diseases.https://tracymarie.com/

• Matt MoodyTransient troubadour Matt Moody has run the gamut a few times over and still has gas in the tank. Reared from Cleveland and walking a tightrope between genre’s since he began, his styles converge somewhere in the middle of rust belt grit, western motifs and vulnerable melancholia; if 90’s pop rock and americana had a bastard child steeped in blues and soul. Prolific, elusive and hard to define, Moody’s career thus far has landed him on stages high and low; major festivals (Bonnaroo 2022 as a member of Wax Owls) , legendary venues (Douglas Corner Cafe, Hotel Cafe), local joints (Grog Shop, Beachland Ballroom & Tavern), coffee shops, lofty vineyards, beer soaked bars and everything in between. Having released two solo full-lengths and a split EP with production duo Seacoast, Moody has kept busy across the midwest, California and Tennessee; co-writing with some major players along the way like Steve Cropper and Karen Staley, though most of his releases are of a singular vision.https://www.mattismoody.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mattismoody/https://www.facebook.com/mattismoody/https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FbidMA4DaaS1qrXJ67pdE
• Liz BullockLiz Bullock is a vocalist and songwriter from Cleveland, OH. She works as a music therapist in the area. In her free time, she performs locally, records vocals for local bands and continues writing original music. She has opened for notable artists such as Dionne Warwick and J.D. Souther. Her music is inspired by folk, blues, soul and jazz. Her debut EP ‘Where to Begin’ highlights these influences and her signature powerful vocals.https://www.facebook.com/LizBullockMusichttps://bassguy321.wixsite.com/lizbullockandthetree
• Colleen WelschColleen Welsch is a singer, songwriter, and music producer based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Her sound is a distinctive blend of vintage-inspired pop with rock and country influences, characterized by smooth harmonies, a wide vocal range, and introspective, emotional (and occasionally funny) lyrics. A multi-instrumentalist, Colleen accompanies herself on guitar and piano. Since launching her musical journey in 2021, Colleen has established herself as both a versatile artist and skilled producer.https://www.facebook.com/colleen.e.welsch

• Accubat (Michael Bruner)
Accubat plays folk-indie songs with fingerpicked grooves, heart on t-shirt sleeve lyrics, and occasional punk sabotage. Sensitive and nostalgic, sometimes strange, mostly true—sometimes total bullshit. Solo acoustic by default, sometimes basement rock energy with collaborators. Michael Bruner started performing in 2021 after making songs at home for many years. Accubat has released three albums. Part-time punk, full-time whatever.
https://www.instagram.com/accubat_music/

Sound of the Land: Maura Rogers & Al Moses (Duo)
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | The Fidelity Hotel, 1940 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Cleveland Rocks:PPF and the Fidelity Hotel in Downtown Cleveland are partnering to present the Sound of the Land Live Music Series. Each month, enjoy music from a different local artist to elevate your Thursday night happy hour. Free shows!

March 19, 2026 | 4-6pm | Fidelity Hotel Lobby
Maura Rogers & Al Moses (duo)(of Maura Rogers & The Bellows)
Genre | Folk, Americana, Classic Rock

Maura Rogers and The Bellows are a Cleveland-based, all original band with an engaging sound rooted in Americana, Folk and Classic Rock. Think Fleetwood Mac meets Brandi Carlile. Recognized as one of Cleveland’s Best Live Bands, Maura Rogers and The Belllows have headlined local festivals, played Cleveland’s own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and House of Blues and sold out shows at the local favorite spots like the Beachland Ballroom and The Music Box.

They’ve toured the East Coast, played Europe, and continue to win new fans over with their captivating sound and palpable stage presence. The passionate vocals and prolific songwriting of Maura Rogers are supported by lush harmonies, a dynamic rhythm section, and intricate arrangements with driving accordion and guitar leads. Expect energy and emotion and walk away feeling something profound.

Learn more: https://fidelityhotelcle.com/happenings#soundofthelandlineup

Waterloo Makes Music: Xe La and Chris Tuma
2026-04-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, April 3, 2026 • 6-8pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd)
Free event! RSVP Here.

Xe La
Starting in the D.I.Y. 90’s scene and evolving into life time career of music and art through Cleveland and abroad. Xe La got started with Cows in the Graveyard and a list of local ensembles and groups that ends with the BIRDOG CATS AND LISTEN LITTLE MAN in 2019. Since then the chord wrangling guitarist croons with a reverent spirit of Leon Redbone and Shel Silverstein at speak easy’s and private parties around the north coast region. Thankful to be invited Xe La looks forward to sharing new material and maybe some older stuff friends may recall.
https://xelaworx.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sVRzSLxvFS6qXHr9dzjXf
Chris Tuma
Lyricist Chris Tuma is a Lakewood, Ohio–based songwriter with more than 100 original songs and 10 independently released albums. His singular, slightly off-kilter sound is rhythmically driven and raw, channeling the communal spirit of a drum circle through the pulse of an acoustic guitar. Performing solo or with AT33, Tuma delivers dynamic shows ranging from stripped-down acoustic sets to high-energy rock performances, grounded in authenticity and a deep connection to his audience.
https://youtu.be/k9HbICoJ874?si=n3ivCsLJWUPMlEZ9
https://at33.bandcamp.com/

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

CIFF50 Partner Film: PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future is a Community Partner for the 50th Cleveland International Film Festival (April 9-18, 2026).
Partner Film: PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN is a feature-length documentary inspired by musician, producer, and manager Peter Asher’s celebrated cabaret show A Musical Memoir of the ’60s and Beyond.

Showings:
April 15, 2026 • 7pm @ Rock Hall
April 16, 2026 • 12:15pm @ Cedar Lee
Use code ROCKS for $1 off tickets

CIFF50 Partner Film: PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN
2026-04-16 12:15 - 14:30 | Cedar Lee, 2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, 44118, United States

Workshop & 2x4 Showcase: Instrument and Vocal Microphones
2026-04-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Cleveland Rocks Shop, 15801 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH, 44119, United States
Cleveland Rocks: PPF’s Professional Development Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month. Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase featuring 4 different artists, 2 songs each.
Instrument and Vocal Microphones
Mon, April 20, 2026 • 7pm
Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd)
Free Event! RSVP here
Speaker: David Kennedy
Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately following the workshop.
2×4 Artists: Nate “Ace” Eberhardt (Nature Nvoke), Craig Rich, Tyler Winfield (The Modern Kollective), Abby Riley

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Bios:

Nate “Ace” Eberhardt (Nature Nvoke)
Cleveland artist Nate “Ace” Eberhardt is an Afro-futurist and prolific conceptualist whose belief in the healing power of music has manifested itself in 5 singles and 7 EP’s. These works of varying numbers of tracks were produced and released under the name Nature, including the 2024 12-song album, “Doors Of Perception.” Since its beginning as a solo project in 2019, Eberhardt has primarily been concerned with turning the practice of merging past struggles and present identity into a sound. Naturally evolving since its conception, what was once a solo bedroom project has become a full ensemble with the additions of drummer David “Coach Dave” Parks and bassist Josh “Mekhi” Burton. Now Nature Nvoke, the group is releasing Echoes In Eternity, an 5 song EP, the group’s first full band offering.Eberhardt’s love of goth music and aesthetic aside, Nature Nvoke is a work toward future liberation. For Nature Nvoke, all rock music is ancestral memory, which means that experimentation in sound design, namely blending post-punk, darkwave, and cinematic composition is an inherently Afro-futurist vision. Through this, Nature Nvoke aims to build upon the rich tradition they were born into, expanding upon Black musicianship and representation within post-punk and goth music. Taking influence from bands like TV On The Radio, DIIV, Diät, The Soft Moon, and Bloc Party, Nature Nvoke is just as invested in both genres, but also has no issue experimenting with elements of dream pop, shoegaze, and on previous releases, techno and house music. Lyrically, Nature Nvoke centers on themes of duality, resistance, stoicism, ancestral memory, freedom vs. control, and transformation, passing from topic to topic while keeping a consistent relativity to Black liberation through music and art.Nature Nvoke stands at the crossroads of rebellion and reimagination. Eberhardt’s background in grassroots organizing, film scoring, and DIY punk culture informs a stage presence that is both confrontational and transcendent. As a Black frontman reshaping the contours of genre, he leads the project with a fearless commitment to sonic liberation and cultural legacy, building a future that’s as soulful as it is subversive.
https://www.facebook.com/naturenvoke
Craig Rich
“Craig Rich’s music lives at the intersection of alternative rock, psychedelia, and dream pop. Guided by influences such as Johnny Marr, Slowdive, Brian Eno, UNKLE, and Radiohead, he creates immersive, guitar-driven soundscapes underpinned by subtle electronic textures, reflecting on modern culture, human connection, and the tension between nature and the artificial.”
https://www.craigrichmusic.com
https://craigrichmusic.bandcamp.com
Tyler Winfield (The Modern Kollective)
Rock-pop band from Cleveland, OH. Started out as an acoustic duo, then grew from there!
Abby Riley
Akron, Ohio native Abby Riley is an independent musician, writer, and creative releasing her debut original music in 2026. Writing between the Midwest and Costa Rica, her work captures the ache and innocence of small-town dreaming with cinematic depth — grounded in hometown memory yet expansive in emotional reach. A lifelong performer with roots in musical theater, Abby’s songwriting is intimate yet sweeping — diary-like confessions set against wide-open skies. Her debut album introduces a voice both vulnerable and assured: a self-proclaimed lover girl unafraid to romanticize, reflect, and reclaim her own narrative.Blending nostalgia with melodic warmth and rich storytelling, Abby Riley is carving out space as a new indie artist shaped by devotion, reinvention, and the quiet courage it takes to be fully seen.
https://www.instagram.com/itsabbyriley/

In Celebration of, A Tribute to Rachel Brown (CR:PPF Fundraiser)
2026-04-26 19:00 - 23:00 | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44141, United States
In Celebration of, A Tribute to Rachel Brown

Beachland Ballroom

April 26, 2026
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
Tickets

Spring be springing as the heat index rises it is time for another: In Celebration of, A Tribute to!
This is where we take an eve to celebrate the career of one of our regional musical artists. A love fest, if you will and even if you won’t! This year’s celebrant is our own Queen of the Honky Tonk keys, the voice of heaven, teacher of youth, and brilliant songwriter, Rachel Brown!
Rachel is not only a gifted singer, songwriter, and musician but also a much loved music teacher in the Elyria school district.
Please come join Alex Bevan, Bent String, Jeff Varga, Brent Kirby, Cary Mathews, Kristine Jackson, Becky Boyd, Robert Kidney, Jack Kidney, Mark Freeman and the Elders, The Beatnik Playboys, and special guest Andy Leach.
$20 ticket is a donation to Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future

Panel: Discussing Cleveland's Rock & Roll History
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Visible Voice Books, 4601 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, 44102, United States
Panel Discussing Cleveland’s Rock & Roll History
Wed, April 29, 2026 • 6pm
Visible Voice Books (4601 Lorain Ave, Cleveland)
Free Event! RSVP here

Cleveland Rocks PPF proudly presents a dynamic panel discussion on chronicling Cleveland’s rich music history and the evolving ways authors uncover and utilize source material. The city’s music archives are expanding rapidly: the Rock Hall recently received file cabinets of invaluable materials from Anastasia Pantsios, while the Western Reserve Historical Society continues to amass significant donations. Steve Traina meticulously explored the legendary LaCave files, piecing together the story of that iconic ’60s venue. Similarly, Carlo Wolff delved deep into the archives to illuminate the history of Cleveland’s soul scene. Join us for an engaging conversation about the vital role of archiving, the art of storytelling through documents and interviews, and the collective effort to preserve our musical heritage. We also invite audience participation to share ideas for untold music history stories that deserve exploration in Cleveland.

Moderator: Cindy Barber
Panelists:• Carlo Wolff – Journalist and author who has written for Billboard, Goldmine, The Boston Globe, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and more. Author of the book “Cleveland Rock and Roll Memories”• Anastasia Pantsios – Photographer, journalist and author whose work has graced the walls of the Rock Hall, news media, and album covers for Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Patti LaBelle and more. Author of the book “Girls to the Front: Girls: 40 Years of Women in Rock”• Steve Traina – WRUW DJ and author of the book “La Cave: Cleveland’s Legendary Music Club and the ’60s Folk-to-Rock Revolution”

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.

Waterloo Makes Music: Rustic Skies and The Baker's Basement
2026-05-01 18:00 - 20:00 | The Treelawn, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
Waterloo Makes Music is a free concert series, presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, showcasing acts from the Cleveland music scene at various locations in the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.
Fri, May 1, 2026 • 6-8pm
Treelawn Music Hall (15335 Waterloo Rd)
Free event! RSVP Here.

Rustic SkiesRustic Skies is an indie band from the Cleveland/Akron area fronted by an electric cello. Through songs that showcase the highs and lows of life and the human experience, their music blends jazz, funk and rock to bring a unique performance to the stage. Within their first year, they have had the honor of releasing four singles, performing at IngenuityFest and Folk and Flora Fest, opening for The Wildwoods, and being named Best New Artist in the 2025 Cleveland Music Awards.https://linktr.ee/Rusticskieshttps://www.instagram.com/rusticskiesband/https://www.facebook.com/people/Rustic-Skies/61569145451200

The Baker’s BasementTwo-piece, Cleveland based adventure-folk band the Baker’s Basement (tBB) features the eclectic musical stylings of vocalist/drummer Kate Dedinsky and vocalist/guitarist Adam Grindler. At their rhythmic core pulses an orange striped, homemade, bucket-drum concoction, the funky back beat on which Dedinsky performs standing up with her signature swagger and sway. The duo’s intimate sound, rooted in a spirited and poignant flavor of indie-folk music and topped with playful vocal layers, offers a heart-wrenching yet at times humorous sonic signature that’s altogether their own. Always active live and in studio, tBB released a full length album in November of 2024 titled “Down Down Domino” followed by two 2025 singles: “Singing to the Plants” and “Come To Terms with Going Ghost” (released Nov 20, 2025). TBB is kicking off their 2026 live schedule with a Mid-Atlantic tour in line with their next single release entitled “Worry Now” – the first of several singles due to release in 2026.https://www.thebakersbasement.com/https://www.facebook.com/theBakersBasement

This event is made possible with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and The Ohio Arts Council.
