Beachland Ballroom celebrates 25 years of legendary concerts

Why it matters: The Beachland, which turns 25 years old this month, has become a hallmark of the Northeast Ohio arts and music scenes.

• It's also been the building block for the Waterloo Arts District that now houses various art studios, record stores and restaurants.

Flashback: Barber and business partner Mark Leddy opened the venue in the old Croatian Liberty Hall on Waterloo Road on March 2, 2000.

• Leddy was a local musician and former booker at legendary Pat's in the Flats. Barber was a journalist at Free Times who wanted to help revitalize the North Collinwood neighborhood.
• "I felt like having a destination music venue would be key to turning the area around," Barber says. "Developing the neighborhood is still my No. 1 priority."

Between the lines: Along the way, the Beachland has hosted several acts that went on to have legendary careers, including The White Stripes, The Cramps and Guided by Voices.

• Akron's The Black Keys played their first-ever concert in the tavern on March 31, 2002.

What they're saying: It isn't always easy operating a music venue, especially during the COVID pandemic that decimated locally owned performance spaces.

• "It's sometimes overwhelmingly difficult," says Barber. "But it's also very rewarding when people tell you they had an amazing experience, or you see someone in Germany wearing a Beachland T-shirt. That really keeps us going."

If you go: The Beachland continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary this weekend with shows featuring Welshly Arms, The Dollyrots and The Rosies.

• The venue will also host a burlesque show on Saturday and flea market on Sunday.

Go deeper: Revisiting 5 memorable Beachland shows