Ohio's indie music venues power $3B in economic activity, but most still lose money
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Ohio's independent music venues made significant contributions to the state's economy in 2024, but most failed to turn a profit, according to a first-of-its-kind report by the National Independent Venue Association.
Why it matters: NIVA hopes the data motivates policymakers to support legislation like capping ticket resale prices and establish state-backed live music performance funds to help indie venues survive.
By the numbers: According to the report, Ohio's independent venues generated $3 billion in economic output while adding $1.5 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP).
- The spending created $122.3 million in state and local tax revenue and supported nearly 22,000 jobs.
- Overall, independent venues in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., generated $153.1 billion in total economic output in 2024, while supporting more than 900,000 jobs.
Yes, but: Only 36% of the nation's independent venues were profitable last year. The figures were worse in Ohio, where just 20% of venues showed profitability.
- NIVA attributes the unprofitability to inflation, anti-competitive practices by larger promoters and predatory ticket resale practices.
How it works: NIVA categorizes independent venues as those not owned by a multinational corporation or a publicly traded company.
- That includes Northeast Ohio spaces like the Beachland Ballroom, Happy Dog and the Grog Shop.
The big picture: The live music industry is dominated by corporate giants like Live Nation, which runs Blossom Music Center and House of Blues.
- Right behind them is AEG, which operates the Agora, Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica and Globe Iron.
What they're saying: "Thanks to NIVA, and the efforts and trust of those who responded with real data on their operations, we can tell our story," Sean Watterson, co-owner of Happy Dog and chair of NIVA's Economic Research Task Force, said in a press release.
- "We can make our cases to the statehouses and city councils on why we matter, and how our elected representatives can help us continue to help our communities."
Go deeper: Read the national report and the findings for Ohio.