Huge Auction of Music Memorabilia Benefits Local Independent Music Venues

Neon sign from the Happy Dog is one of the items up for auction.

Through Sat 11/22 @ 7PM

In mid-March, with the pandemic roaring down upon us, the state of Ohio shut down restaurants, bars and its network of beloved independent music venues. While some restaurants punted to carryout and opened patios in the summer (and too many bars defied health regulations entirely, putting us in danger of another shutdown), small music venues didn’t have many options to keep operating. Touring acts were no longer on the road and slashed capacity requirements made breaking even impossible. Some got PPP loans and other grants and loans, but they only went so far — in March, no one was expecting we’d still be shut down and experienced an upsurge in infections in November. And those venues still have to pay rent, utilities and taxes, even if they’re closed.

We’ve talked about the National Independent Venues Association, founded in the spring to lobby for venues across the country facing the same difficulties and the #SaveOurStages Act they’re pushing in Congress which is currently doing nothing to help any struggling worker or small business.

So the Cleveland venues are giving fans another way to help them ride out this tough time: the SaveCLEVenues Music Memorabilia and Fan Auction. More than 160 items were donated by people in the music business and music fans, including original photos, poster art by artists such as Derek Hess & Mark Arminski, rare recordings, memorabilia and promotional items such as backstage passes, T-shirts, a tour duffle bag and handwritten lyrics, and experiences such as a Rock Hall vault tour, music lessons at the School of Rock and private party at the Beachland Ballroom. Artists run the gamut from the Rolling Stones to Justin Beiber, George Thorogood to Nine Inch Nail, Neko Case to Michael Stanley.

The most unusual item? Definitely the infamous bathroom doors from the old Grog Shop. You can bid on the men’s or women’s — and these are likely to go high! They’re not just any bathroom doors — they’re covered with work by Cleveland artist Clay Parker.

The auction kicked off Friday November 13 and bids are accepted through Sunday November 22 @ 7pm (Experienced bidders know you want to bide your time and keep an eye on your desired items!)

The auction is presented by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, and Future, the nonprofit founded by Beachland co-owner Cindy Barber to support the local music scene and musician, produced by Axon Creative Agency, and hosted by local online auction house, Rust Belt Revival. All of the proceeds will benefit the area’s independent live music clubs.

Go here to view all the items available and place a bid.

 

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