Cleveland Rocks Gala Highlights Music Community Challenges
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future, a non-profit organization established by Cindy Barber, who co-owns the Beachland Ballroom, is set to host its fourth annual Rock Solid Gala fundraiser this Saturday at The Treelawn Music Hall. The event, which has already sold out, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. and will feature performances from local acts including Welshly Arms, Navasha Daya, and Kid Tigrrr. While the gala aims to celebrate the vibrant local music scene, it also sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by small live music venues.
Independent Venues Struggling Financially
A recent report by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) reveals that only 20% of independent venues in Ohio were able to turn a profit in 2024, significantly lower than the national average of 36%. “I founded this nonprofit in 2012 to foster a music community and economy that could help Cleveland reclaim its status as a music industry hub,” Barber mentioned. Since its launch, the organization has expanded its initiatives, including a series of workshops and programs aimed at guiding local artists through the complexities of the live music industry. Notable beneficiaries of these efforts include Thor Platter, Claire Feorene, and Jenna Fournier, who is part of the shoegaze band Niights and also performs solo as Kid Tigrrr.
Revisiting Support Structures for Artists
Barber emphasized that the organization is among just three nationwide currently offering incubator programs designed to secure financial backing for artists and provide them with essential resources that record labels traditionally supplied. She reminisced about the era when record labels played a pivotal role in promoting new talent for marketing and touring. Barber also noted the broader economic challenges faced by Midwestern residents and highlighted a shift in how younger audiences allocate their leisure spending. This observation aligns with an upcoming national survey by NIVA, which aims to quantify the changing consumption patterns of younger patrons, particularly regarding alcohol consumption due to the legalization of cannabis.
Reviving Cleveland’s Music Scene
Barber expressed a desire to see a revival of Cleveland’s capacity to launch bands into the national spotlight, recalling the city’s role in promoting artists like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie in the 1970s. She lamented the decline of music industry infrastructures in cities such as Chapel Hill, Chicago, and Seattle, which once attracted record labels and national media attention during the 1980s and 1990s. Moreover, independent venues today face additional hurdles, including escalating artist fees, rising insurance costs, ticket scalping, and inflation affecting staffing and rental expenses.
Emerging Opportunities for Local Artists
Despite the challenges, Barber remains optimistic about the future for local musicians. Established bands like Welshly Arms have successfully toured Europe, and Tropidelic, known for their reggae-influenced rock, recently released their second single of 2025, while veteran duo Mr. Gnome is actively touring to promote their latest album. The gala’s proceeds will support the “One Night Live” touring initiative, which aims to assist emerging artists and independent venues by providing financial support for their tours. This year’s program will feature Clevelander Kid Tigrrr on an 11-date tour across major cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and Detroit, offering venues $300 per performance to help offset expenses.
Collaborative Initiatives to Boost Local Music
Barber has proposed additional ideas to enhance the local music scene, including collaboration with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to create a comprehensive concert calendar encompassing music and comedy events throughout Ohio, including cities like Akron and Youngstown. In March, Cuyahoga County launched Cuyahoga LIVE!, a task force aimed at revitalizing the region’s music landscape, supporting local artists, and positioning Northeast Ohio as a top destination for live entertainment. Under the leadership of County Executive Chris Ronayne, the initiative will feature an artist registry to facilitate venue bookings for local opening acts.
Legislative Efforts to Support Music Venues
At the state level, Ohio Senator Kent Smith introduced Senate Bill 186 in May, proposing the establishment of a music incubator program that would offer qualifying venues up to $100,000 in sales tax rebates. As local and national music venues collaborate to navigate these challenges, Barber is encouraged by developments in the Waterloo District, which is undergoing a multi-year upgrade to enhance the area surrounding the Beachland Ballroom and Treelawn Music Hall. Three non-profit organizations have also established a presence in the neighborhood, which has received state funding to further solidify Waterloo as a vibrant music hub.
Positive Developments in the Community
“Exciting things are happening in Waterloo, and we’ve recently been recognized as the 24th best arts district in the nation,” Barber noted, adding that another online survey ranked it as the 15th coolest neighborhood in the country, the only representative from the Midwest. “I believe we are drawing people to our area, encouraging them to purchase homes due to the thriving entertainment district and cultural attractions. It has taken 25 years of effort, but I feel we are finally on the path to success,” Barber concluded.
