27-03-2025
Cuyahoga County launches Cuyahoga Live! task force to boost local music scene
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Akron's own The Black Keys has local roots that run deep. The band made its musical debut at the historic Cleveland music venue the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in the early 2000s.
'And we helped them find a booking agent and really get a foothold in the industry,' said Cindy Barber, co-owner of the Beachland Ballroom.
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Sadly, the group left Northeast Ohio for Nashville, seeking more advanced industry resources. But a major movement is now underway to keep local talent here at home.
Cuyahoga County announced the launch of Cuyahoga Live! — a new live music and entertainment task force dedicated to strengthening the region's vibrant music scene.
Barber is also executive director of the nonprofit Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future. She is also one of the musical minds on the task force.
'We are really grateful to County Executive Chris Ronayne for taking the leadership role in this. He was talking about the need during the election. And he's really following through with a campaign promise,' Barber said.
'We've got the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so why shouldn't we have more of an industry here?'
Ronayne said Cuyahoga Live! is about recognizing that live music isn't just entertainment — it's an industry that deserves real support.
More than 75% of people surveyed in the Greater Cleveland Music Census identified a need for a music commission to stimulate the economy, boost tourism and strengthen local business.
Sean Watterson is also on the task force. He co-owns the music venue Happy Dog on Cleveland's near-west side and is co-founder of the Cleveland Independent Venue Association.
'We'll see more music happening. We'll see better coordination on the marketing of that. We'll have closer ties with Destination Cleveland market and the convention visitors bureau, in terms of being able to market Cleveland as a music city,' said Watterson.
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Cleveland has always been known as a music town, but all agree that it's time for the county to kick it up a notch.
'Let's compare musicians to our sports teams and let's cheer them on and buy their merchandise, wear their T-shirts. I want that to be the look of Cleveland,' said Barber.
Cuyahoga Live will kick things off by forming committees to explore audience and workforce development, culture, artists and industry support.
Leaders said an official music commission could be up and running by next year.
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