Cleveland music scene "relatively healthy," survey says
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Cleveland's music scene is "relatively healthy," but there's still work to be done to help local musicians and venues, a new report reveals.
Driving the news: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, along with local music venue owners, recently unveiled the results of the 2023 Greater Cleveland Music Census.
- The survey was conducted by Austin-based data company Sound Music Cities and funded by a $25,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation.
What they did: The census surveyed nearly 2,800 people involved in Cleveland's music scene as industry professionals, venue owners or musicians.
- The resulting 24-page report found that while Cleveland has a "relatively healthy music ecosystem," improvements are needed.
The big picture: The report recommended more marketing and audience development, tax breaks and grants for venues and more inclusivity.
- It also suggested diversifying revenue streams for local musicians, whose average pay per local gig is just $307.
- 76% of respondents said they'd like to see the creation of a local music commission to lead those initiatives.
State of play: During last Thursday's event announcing the results, state Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) proposed using revenue from alcohol taxes at venues of 3,000 or fewer people to create a fund where such venues can apply for up to $100,000 in annual rebates.
- Smith said a bill could be proposed next week, according to Ideastream Public Media.
- Also unveiled was Hello Cleveland, a website that automatically pulls local music and comedy events at 16 Greater Cleveland venues into one shared calendar.
What they're saying: Mike Miller, owner of the Music Box Supper Club in the Flats, told Axios the site was a "longtime coming" and a "dream come true" for venue owners and music fans.