OK, so you can’t judge a book by its cover. But what about judging a man by his jacket? If that’s fair game, then you better believe local emcee extraordinaire Chris “Cleveland Peacock” Axelrod has enjoyed quite a few memorable first impressions as one of Northeast Ohio’s more interesting characters.
For the past four decades, the Cleveland Heights native and long-time Bratenahl resident has entertained audiences in a variety of fashions. He wears many hats, ranging from charity auctioneer and envoy to product ambassador and tour bus host. Not bad for a guy who straight out of high school enjoyed regional notoriety with his song “Rock City USA.”
Over the years, while working a daytime gig at his family-owned National Concession Company, Axelrod would moonlight at night, appearing about town wherever his services were needed. Then in 2013, he packed up his colorful jackets and left for Sin City — Las Vegas — to pursue his show-biz passion fulltime. Earlier this year, he returned home and hasn’t looked back.
CoolCleveland talked to Axelrod about his recent travels, his Peacock moniker and why he’s back in the Rock Hall City.
First of all, how did you become the host with the most?
In the late ’70s, I picked up the pieces of a family business with my brothers. It’s one of the largest outdoor food and merchandise companies in the country. What really started a lot of this, at these events you would have to address the employees and train them. We’re talking 200 to 300 people at a time for a festival. It really helped me sharpen my imagination and my live skills. I really enjoyed that. I had a lot of fun. And then from there I continued doing emcee work. I would be called up for these things. I’m a big fine arts guy. I love the arts. I was always going to auctions. Of course that’s when I picked up that passion, if you will, for the live auction experience. Then I applied it to fundraising events. With fundraising events, it needed a twist to it. Not just being your traditional commodities auctioneer. What I do is all about the jackets. I have the largest themed jacket collection in the world. Also, to make it more entertaining, I wore a jacket themed to everything I sell. I’ve done it for years.
You famously sold off much of your collection before leaving for Las Vegas. How full is the closet these days?
The closet is huge with more coming every day. I design the jackets and I have a team in New York City that makes them. I have jackets that are mechanical or squirt water, just really funny stuff. Everything from very sexy to very comical.
Tell us about the decision to move to Las Vegas?
I had a lot of opportunities in Las Vegas. I’ve done the gamut of things but Vegas is a live town. So my auction and emcee skills, and especially my jackets — my jackets are pure showbiz — worked well in the Vegas market. So I went to Vegas, I did the same thing. It was great. I learned a lot but while I was there I had family loss back here in Cleveland. And so I had to make a decision. Las Vegas is fine but you’re living in a land of tourism. The one thing about Vegas, it doesn’t have culture. It’s very transient. It has nowhere the diverse culture of Cleveland. I didn’t realize how much I missed that diverse culture. I came back early this year.
What’s it like being back in Northeast Ohio?
It’s wonderful. Cleveland’s growth and culture is just terrific. I’m so excited about what’s happening in Cleveland. It’s the old adage you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone. Cleveland, I just realize how much I missed it. It’s been an exciting time coming back. The timing is so cool with all that’s been going on.
As far as being called the Cleveland Peacock, how did that come about?
The nickname for me in Las Vegas was the Peacock, because of my array of colorful jackets. They’d say, “He’s full of energy, he’s colorful. He’s the Peacock.” That name stuck and I liked it. I thought, “You know what, Cleveland doesn’t have a peacock.” A peacock is proud. Well, because of my pride to this city, I decided I’d like to be the Cleveland Peacock.”
Finally, in looking over all the hats you wear in the community, including being an ordained minister, is there a common denominator?
It’s having a gregarious and savvy personality and having the dynamics of wearing those jackets. It’s all about being memorable. When people experience something, whether you’re a comedian on a tour bus, whether you are emceeing an event, an auctioneer at a not-for-profit event, whatever it may be, when the experience is over with, the takeaway for people was, “That guy was a lot of fun. He was the life of the party.” So, really, Cleveland to me is just a giant party.
[Written by John Benson]
14 Responses to “Cleveland Peacock Spreads His Colorful Wings in Return to Northeast Ohio”
Dave Stack
Chris is such an awesome, colorful and fun loving guy with a HUGE heart. A a true Cleveland original.
We are very lucky to have him back in town. I’m glad to be able to call him my friend.
Peanuts-The Host Of The North Coast
Having worked with The Peacock (aka Doc Rock) on & off over the years & passed off some MC jobs to him when I got overbooked a couple times, all I can add is “Welcome home.”
Patti Gosling Derringer
I had the pleasure of meeting Chris “Cleveland Peacock” Axelrod several years ago when he hosted the first Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s annual fundraiser. Of course his colorful jacket caught my eye, so I had to find out more about this fascinating individual! Chris’ diverse entertainment background, dynamic personality, and multi-talented skills have led to not just a business relationship, but a true friendship as well. I can’t say enough about his integrity, his intense energy, knowledge of EVERYTHING, creativity, and his true love and passion for making our city shine brightly. He is smart, wickedly funny, and is genuinely a super nice person with a heart of gold who will help anyone who needs his assistance. Cleveland is blessed to have him!
Patrick Rishel
He is the embodiment of what Cleveland culture is all about! Met him 15 years ago as a Master of Ceremonies for the Cleveland Rock-offs and he made the whole experience a lasting memory as the years pass. I always look forward to what he has up his sleeves next! Im happy to know he is the Cleveland Peacock and promoting all the positive assets this city has to offer!
John Gorman
Christopher has a skill like no other of getting any party started. But in his case it’s always for essential causes, charitable events, and ventures to further develop Cleveland for the 21st Century. I can’t add much to what has been written here other than to say that our region is richer with Christopher back on our soil. To some, he may be an ungrounded wire. But he is a supplier the energy and insight this region requires.
Benjamin Williams
Hey look it’s Christopher Axelrod! So glad to see him recognized by Cool Cleveland.
Our band Day Method had the pleasure of meeting him years ago back when he did his Band Aid with Doc Rock podcast. He took an interest in our work and has since spent countless hours helping us develop into a mature performing act.
I really don’t know where we would be without him.
This is the true face of Cleveland. Helping others and giving back to the community!
Yvonne Negrelli
Chris is one of a kind….and always a class act!
Gary Pearlman
I have to say that I had the pleasure of meeting the Peacock for the 1st time at a fundraiser at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We are sssooo gifted to have him back in our city! He is nothing but total positive energy that will boost this city far beyond one can imagine! His friendlieness and gift of gab he has (not to mention his musical talent) makes one feel like you have your BFF at your side! His creative mind is cranking 24 hrs a day 7days a week, day in and day out! Truly nothing but a pure asset to have here in our hometown! Welcome home Peacock! You might have been missed…but not forgotten. I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve to make Cleveland a place where all want to visit! You rock Peacock! Welcome home my friend!
Zach
Chris always adds energy and life to a room or a whole town. And he cares about young talent. He’s mentored so many, especially musicians. Few folks in this town have a heart as big and a genuine pride in the assssts and talents of Northeast Ohio!
Robyn Lanier
Christopher supported me in one of the most difficult times if my life with constant contact and emotional support. He also came in at the last minute, more than once to save the day for young children.
I teach in ethnically diverse areas of Cleveland, and he comes in as “The Tiger” providing educational enrichment and love. Children and Teens love him within seconds of meeting him.
He encouraged me to not only stay around Cleveland and grow roots, but to strive for what I love and to be a positive force to others. Every life he touches is a seed planted to grow exceedingly!
Paige Clarke
During my band’s tour dates to Cleveland, Christopher ushered us into the scene, leaving no art filled, cool Cleveland rock unturned. His support for independent artists is unwavering, and for us personally, his promotion for our shows, bringing out industry v.i.p.’s, and his care of details we didn’t even realize were important, blew us away. I can’t think of Cleveland without thinking of Chris and our wonderful experience.
Clark Pope
It is such a wonderful thing to have Chris back in Cleveland, I have had the pleasure of knowing Chris and working on more Charitable events then I can count. Chris has been a mentor to myself and hundreds of other growing businesses and artists. His compassion and love for Cleveland is with out measure.
Dan
Christopher is Cleveland personified! He’s smart, charming, and one of the most engaging folks I know. Cleveland’s lucky to have him back!
Scott Davidson Lowry
I’ve known the fabulous Peacock for 5 years and I wish I’ve known him for more his artistic/creative/imaginative insight and brilliance are far beyond the realm of the normal everyman he’s a being of many colors all of them amazing but never taking away from his beautiful soul as well as his arduous work ethic long story short the Peacock rules and I’m lucky to know him…all who encounter him will be….if this sounds like a major amount of smoke blowing it’s more to do with my novice writing skills not his spectacular nature