Sat 11/19 @ 7PM
It was nearly a decade ago that local music sparkplug/Beachland Ballroom co-owner Cindy Barber conceived of the nonprofit Cleveland Rocks: Past Present Future with the idea of protecting the areas music legacy while assuring it would be carried on by younger musicians.
That nonprofit engaged in a number of small projects over the years, but unexpectedly, it was the pandemic — and the dire situation in which it put many musicians — that caused it to roar into action with programs designed to mentor musicians, and provide them with resources and gigs.
To help fund the programs, this Saturday at the Beachland Ballroom CRPPF will be hosting ROCK SOLID. The event will share what the organization is doing and showcase two of the bands it’s helped: Ray Flanagan and the Mean Machines and Apostle Jones. They epitomize the future of Cleveland music, with the soulful Apostle Jones fronted by theatrical vocalist Mikey Silas having just started to make an impact locally prior to the pandemic, and Flanagan, although not yet 30, frequently performs with the elders of the local music scene as well as his contemporaries and his credit seems to be on half the recordings released in town.
The Beachland event will feature performances by the two bands, some short presentations sharing the story of Cleveland Rocks: Past Present Future and its goals,, drinks and snacks, raffles and silent auctions. Doors are at 7pm.
CRPPF’s Northeast Ohio Music Relief Fund helped almost 100 musicians and gig workers during the pandemic. Its Music Incubator program offers $2000 loans to musicians and music industry startups for things such as recording, touring, and gear. It pairs loan recipients with mentors and local professionals to provide them with guidance.
Go here to buy tickets.