Who We Are
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future (CRPPF) supports the growth, infrastructure, resources and programmatic work to make Northeast Ohio’s local popular music culture strong. Through targeted, strategic initiatives that allow focus on specific opportunities and needs, CRPPF can grow capacity for both the organization and the local music sector.
Through programs and services, CRPPF is raising the profile of Cleveland’s popular music culture, expanding opportunities for local artists, building the professional infrastructure that supports the sector professionally, growing new audiences, and creating new ways for fans of all ages to engage with and learn about the local music scene. This work is powerful in supporting talented local musicians, as well as also having meaningful impact in job creation, resource development, and placemaking.
What We Do
Northeast Ohio Music Relief Fund
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. On March 15, 2020, Governor DeWine announced that all bars and restaurants in the state of Ohio needed to close by 9 pm. Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future responded immediately to provide aid to those in the music and music venue community struggling to make ends meet by establishing the Northeast Ohio Music Relief Fund.
2020
- Between April and October, 12 grant cycles were processed and a total of 155 grant applications were received and reviewed through the Grant Making Committee. Eighty-five (86) individuals received support, totaling $35,050.
Community Music Series
Live music performed in community settings for active place making and to showcase local artists, including the Waterloo Makes Music: Tower Music Series held monthly June to October on Waterloo Road.
2020
- CRPPF provided COVID-safe, paying performance opportunities for 40 NEO musicians over the past 6 months of venue shutdown.
- CRPPF hosted Wednesday Songs & Stages, which provided support to NEO Venues in need by partnering with the crowdfunding ioby fundraising platform, which raised over $24,000 to directly support area venues and the SaveCLEVenues efforts.
Virtual and Online Music Programming Pilots
Creating new capacity to support the development of online music delivery products, new audience development and earned income potential through live streaming opportunities.
2020
- CRPPF more than tripled the audience reach and development for NEO bands and singer-songwriters via our online live-stream programming.
Our Mission
The mission of Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future is to support and preserve Cleveland’s popular music culture, to enrich local social welfare and economic growth by stimulating music-centered initiatives. Through this mission, we create opportunities for artists, develop new audiences and provide innovative and impactful ways for people to engage with and support local popular music.
Our Vision
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future’s focuses on generating innovative and creative opportunities to showcase local music and provide income opportunities for musicians. Through two key programs with significant potential for impact in expanding audiences, CRPPF will create jobs and develop new capacity within our local music community. Each will leverage existing talents, create new synergy and add to the professional infrastructure needed to help Cleveland’s local music sector expand, and drive both artistic and economic growth.