Through Fri 6/5

One thing most Clevelanders seem to agree on; we need to be doing more on the lower level of Veterans Memorial (Detroit-Superior) Bridge. The abandoned space offers evocation views of the river and the cityscape, as contains vestiges of its former use as a streetcar crossing, which closed in 1954, leaving behind the remains of old stations. The Ingenuity Festival used it for two memorable years in 2010 and 2011, and it’s been used intermittently since then for lighting and art installations and performances such as 2019’s Riverfest and Go Dream in 2023. In past years, it’s been opened on holiday weekend for self-tours, and every so often, there’s a conversation about turning it into a fulltime attraction of some sort.

That’s never coalesced into anything, but another event is happening: the Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge public activation, taking place on Saturday June 27, as part of the America 250 national celebration. It will also feature self-guided tours, but they are also looking for local musicians to perform, street performer-style, during the day (between 10am and 5pm). Some amplification will be available.

Right now, through June 5 @ 3PM, they’re taking applications from both solo musicians and groups of two or three to play two-hour sets on the bridge. They will be compensated and will be allowed to collect tips. Performances should be family-friendly. To get details on how to apply, go here. Artists will be notified by June 12.

Questions should be directed to Jackson Bartlett jbartlett@cuyahogacounty.gov.