Due to the Covid pandemic, the clubs that support the bands we support have taken a huge financial hit. Despite the slow trickle of government and bank assistance to these venues, too many have had to shutter their doors, some permanently. Therefore we decided that in 2021 we would shift our grants to support Northern Ohio clubs. Here are the recipients of our 2021 grants…
GROG SHOP (Cleveland Heights)
Kathy, Neely, K, and the whole gang have been loyal supporters of the local music scene since 1994. They remain steadfast in their support of local music of all genres. To say that major bands have had to grace the Grog stage before hitting it big is an understatement. And the opportunities for local bands to open for these amazing national and international acts have literally reshaped the Cleveland music scene.
MAHALL’S 20 LANES (Lakewood)
Something of a newcomer to the Cleveland music scene but the oldest of the spaces we are sponsoring this year, Mahall’s has become the go-to venue for up-and-coming indie, hip-hop, and electronic music while still retaining all of its retro appeal with bowling and a gorgeous bar. Kelly, Haley, and all of the folks who maintain the lanes continue to demonstrate a sensitivity to the diversity of the local music scene, with an emphasis on a younger and hipper audience.
BEACHLAND BALLROOM AND TAVERN (Cleveland - Collinwood)
Whether it is playing host to national and international bands or hosting hometown rock, pop, blues, and jazz concerts, Beachland features by far the most eclectic of the multitudinous sides of music. Two venues in one, Beachland can host huge concerts or intimate shows. Through the hard work of Cindy and Mark and their entire staff, it has served as the anchor in the revitalized Waterloo District in Collinwood. Beyond the club itself, Cindy has been active in her own charitable work on behalf of music here in Northern Ohio.
HAPPY DOG (Cleveland - Detroit-Shoreway/Gordon Square)
We hold the Happy Dog near and dear to our hearts since it is the location of our annual benefit. It has also been the site of so many of the debuts and raucous shows of lots of our bands over the years. The hot dogs and now burgers are fantastic, and the pinball is divine. Whether one is there to see an unknown indie band on tour, unknown bands with well-known members, or local bands ripping up the stage, there is never a dull show at the Happy Dog. Sean, Tony, and the whole crew cater to the needs of bands and patrons alike with no shortage of creative toppings.
WESTSIDE BOWL (Youngstown)
In our continued effort to encourage the growth of and interest in the Northern Ohio music community, we have provided a grant this year to Youngstown’s excellent Westside Bowl for support of its outstanding live streaming series. Nate runs a tight ship there and provides a supportive environment for bands like no other in the Mahoning Valley. The pandemic has presented unique challenges to clubs like Westside Bowl in areas that are already economically marginalized, and Nate and his crew have responded by creating an oasis of rock, punk, and metal madness with outstanding drinks and the best pizza in all of Youngstown.
LOTTERY LEAGUE
As we announced at our 2019 benefit, starting in 2020 we became the non-profit arm of the Cleveland Lottery League. It is our honor to act as the financial agent to assist the Lottery League in its now biennial event calendar. Part rock n’ roll circus, part game show, part city-wide art project… the Lottery League is a celebration of local music and musicians. It is not a competition but a unique series of events and activities that perpetuate an environment for breaking down barriers, facilitating pure collaboration, and rocking out in an epic way, building a stronger, more unified local creative community. Something like this amazing insanely awesome art project could only be birthed in Cleveland, like a rough beast crawling out of the Cuyahoga toward Public Square.
