Local, independent music is important to John Panza, and it has been for a long time.
That’s why he created The Panza Foundation in 2014 to elevate local, independent music with support in many different ways. Being an independent musician or band isn’t easy. When things go wrong, it can be tough to recover, no matter how big or small the obstacle.
That’s where The Panza Foundation comes into play.
“Each year, we give to four bands. We support them with $2,000 grants. The money is not just given to them, it is used. They tell us how they want to spend it, and then we spend it,” Panza told Cleveland Magazine. “Whether it's repaying them for expenses on their end, whether it's travel expenses or if they break equipment, or if they need to buy something, or we just go and buy it for them.”
Part of raising money to be able to do those things includes a benefit and concert on Saturday evening, Nov. 23 to celebrate the foundation’s 10th anniversary. The celebration will be at Happy Dog (5801 Detroit Ave.), with doors at 7:30 p.m. and music beginning an hour later.
The celebration will feature performances from bands such as Free Black!, Powers/Rolin Duo, Teamonade and Napsack. Each of those bands received support from The Panza Foundation throughout 2024. The organization will also announce the 2025 class of Panza Foundation-supported bands at the event.
“We wanted to create something that lasted,” Panza says. “So the fact that we're 10 years in right now means that our original vision worked. And that's very gratifying.”
The foundation is lifted when the money helps keep music alive.
“In some cases, we've purchased everything from automobiles and contributed toward touring bands to equipment, recording time, mixing and mastering, promotion, merch. I mean, you name it. As long as it relates to their musical endeavors, then we will support it.”
Tickets for the benefit on Saturday night cost $12 and can be purchased through Happy Dog’s website. Tickets will also be available to be purchased on-site. All of the proceeds from the benefit will go directly toward current and future musicians whom the foundation supports.
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