Fri 11/17 @ 8:30PM
Musician John Panza has been part of Cleveland’s indie rock scene for nearly three decades, playing with bands such as Arms & Armour, Hiram-Maxim, Blaka Watra and Terrycloth Mother.
Nine years ago he and his wife Jane decided they wanted to give back to he area music scene so they founded the nonprofit Panza Foundation. Each year it makes a modest grant to a handful of bands for a project that will move their career forward: a recording session, a DIY tour, a record pressing or essential gear. You can’t apply for this grant: the Panzas and their board scour their network to find bands they think are worthy who need funding for a crucial next step. It’s also sponsored events such as a stage at the Ingenuity Festival, and pitched in to help area venues during Covid.
Each fall, the Panza Foundation hosts an annual benefit, featuring the previous year’s class of grantees and naming the new ones, usually four artists, taking place at the Happy Dog in Gordon Square. The 2023 bands will kick out the jams starting a 8:30: they include Slug Fest, Brain Cave, Suitor and raging hardcore band Uniity (pictured).
Come early when the doors open at 7:30 to scope out the donated raffle prizes, including recording and mastering services, musical equipments, holistic services and much more.
Admission is $10, which goes to help fund more bands. They suggest buying tickets in advance because they sold out last year. Get more info about the foundation’s work here.