Well, that didn’t take long. Just a couple of weeks ago, the BOP STOP announced that its longtime director, Gabe Pollack, was leaving in October to become the Director of Performing Arts at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Gabe had been with the BOP STOP for eight years, since its inception as an arm of The Music Settlement and built it into the diverse venue it is today. At that time, TMS president/CEO Geri Presti said, “It will be challenging to find a replacement but we are working to identify the right person to fill this role.”
It’s a testament to the depth of talent in this area that it didn’t take long to find a replacement in our own backyard. Cleveland native Bryan Kennard will be taking over as the BOP STOP’s director. With bachelors, masters and doctoral degree in flute performance, jazz composition and music technology, he’s already been active here as a performer and educator, who’s been on the BOP STOP stage many times. Returning to Cleveland after earning his doctorate at the University of Miami, Florida, he’s performed around the area with his quintet as well as collaborated with other topnotch area musicians. You can read more about his background here.
The Music Settlement’s release says. “Gabe will be showing Bryan the ropes for the next five weeks and he will fully assume the Director duties at the end of October 14 when Gabe leaves to assume his new role at Cleveland Museum of Art!”