In the late 1960s, when I was playing in rock bands, Cleveland already had a national reputation for helping to break acts that become big names. Rather than staying local, I went to New York, got into bands, recorded for major labels, toured, and, essentially, became an overnight failure. I might have fared better if I'd stayed in Northeast Ohio. The region continues to support progressive and numerous radio stations and launches many local musicians into the national spotlight. The region enjoys a flourishing concert and club scene, abounding with great live-music venues. With all those stars and future stars playing around the area, who knows who you might see on the way up, and here's where you're most likely to find them.
Hot Times: Cleveland's Club Scene
There are dozens of clubs where local bands play every-thing from rock, reggae and punk; to jazz, blues and salsa; to folk, country and oldies. Among these, some of the names to look for are Peabody's Downunder (rock), the Barking Spider (folk), House of Swing (rock and blues), and Savannah Bar & Grill (rock and blues). But for now let's concentrate on the places where you can hear national and international artists.
In the '70s and '80s The Agora earned a national reputation for booking rock acts that were on their way to becoming international success stories - like Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and a couple of hundred more. Still very much alive, the club books the best nationally touring bands as well as local ones.
The House of Blues, right in the heart of downtown Cleveland, holds two music rooms, plus some separate bar areas for hanging out, and a good, reasonably priced New Orleans-influenced restaurant. The music rooms offer every kind of rock and pop that exists, from world-famous acts to unknowns on their way up.
The Beachland Ballroom, about nine miles from downtown, has in six years already established itself as the top spot to see literally every kind of music - including rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass, punk, country, and occasionally even polka. Be sure to take a look downstairs at the vintage clothing and record shop.
The Grog Shop resides in Cleveland's hippest neighborhood, Coventry Village, a three-block-long district full of restaurants and one-of-a-kind specialty shops, famous since the mid-'60s. The range of music isn't as broad as the Beachland's, but you can always find the hottest up-and-coming rock, punk, and reggae acts.
Wilbert's, in the Gateway district, features blues, Cajun and R&B in a comfortable one-room club, bar and restaurant. For similar music in more of a restaurant setting, visit nearby Fat Fish Blue and feast on Cajun cuisine.
Nighttown in Cleveland Heights is, at 40-some years, one of the longest-lasting restaurants in town. Over the past decade it has also established itself as the top jazz club in the area, with occasional forays into folk, world music and other genres. Or, try The Winchester in Lakewood for nationally known folk, jazz, rock and other artists, many of whom have been on the circuit for decades.
Goin' South: The Akron/Kent Connection
In the 1970s, the world's centers of punk rock were New York City, London, and Akron. Why? There are many theories, though no one really knows. But Akron and nearby Kent, still enjoy active music scenes. Akron has a music scene all its own. The top club is the Lime Spider, a five-year-old club featuring the best regional bands playing all types of modern music every night of the week. The Tangier features rock, jazz and more in their intimate cabaret. The other hot club in Akron is Posh Bistro & Nightclub, though it offers no live music. It's a New York-style restaurant and club - big, bright and trendy - that plays recorded current hits for dancing. Check out college night on Thursdays. Kent has the usual high number of college bars, many with live local bands, but the main place to see national acts (besides the occasional university concerts) is the Kent Stage, which features the best of the nationally touring folk, acoustic, blues, and some rock and jazz artists.
The Big Stage: Northeast Ohio's Concert Scene
So, obviously, Northeast Ohio has more than its share of great clubs where the stars come out. But there are also a few places here where the stars literally come out - a bustling concert scene that includes four outdoor amphitheaters. There are five major indoor venues, too, that provide a full schedule. For up-to-date listings, see the Friday Plain Dealer, the Thursday Akron Beacon Journal, or any of the free local weeklies.
Year-round:
Summer-only:
David Budin has worked in every aspect of the music business from performer to producer to publicist. He has served as editor of both Northern Ohio Live and Cleveland Magazine and today he is primarily a free-lance writer of popular culture and rock history. Still a musician at heart, David has recently returned to performing.
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The Rock Hall: It Shows as Well as Tells
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland presents a variety of programs, including actual concerts in its lobby or on its outdoor plaza. Or, take in one of the really cool and intimate performance-discussions featuring rock stars and behind-the-scenes heroes, like producers, recording engineers and managers, all of whom tell stories you'd never hear anywhere else. The Rock Hall also presents a couple of major shows every year, featuring artists from all eras of rock history, including today.
Interested in learning more?
Check out books like: "Rock 'n Roll and the Cleveland Connection" by Deanna R. Adams, and "Radio Daze" by Mike Olszewski; or visit www.rockhall.com or www.esquirerecords.com.
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Northeast Ohio's Top Music Festivals
Besides the touring festivals that usually make stops at the summer venues, like Reggae Sunsplash and Van's Warped Tour, there are some distinctly regional ones that have taken root.
The newest is the CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest in early June. It features dozens of rock acts both national and local, playing at six or eight of Cleveland's biggest clubs over five days. The event also includes a huge vintage record show and sale at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, and a festival village.
For the last 40 years, The Kent State Folk Festival has featured nationally known folk, acoustic and bluegrass artists performing in various venues on and off campus over two November weekends.
Since 1980, the Tri-C Jazz Fest has featured the top names in jazz and R&B. The festival takes place over 10 days in April, at Playhouse Square Center, Cuyahoga Community College and in various Cleveland music clubs.
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