In 2008, Sean Watterson, along with his late partner Sean Kilbane, opened Happy Dog as a way to reconnect with Cleveland. At the time, Watterson worked for a bank and had previously fought terrorism and money laundering for the federal government.
Twelve years later, that political and financial expertise proved vital to saving Happy Dog, Cleveland’s other independent venues and countless stages across the nation.
Mere weeks after the pandemic shutdown in March 2020, hundreds of venue owners nationwide — including Watterson, Cindy Barber of the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern and Kathy Blackman of the Grog Shop — formed the National
Independent Venue Association. With Watterson leading the Ohio precinct, NIVA’s chief purpose was to lobby
Congress for federal aid — a goal achieved by the $16 billion Shuttered Venues Operators Grant in 2020.
Now, two years later, the association honors Cleveland with its first annual conference July 11-12, which kicks off with a pre-party at the Beachland on July 10. The event boasts a bevy of live performances and panels, serving to strengthen ties with the community and between members. It marks the first time many of them, even the most instrumental, have come face to face.
NIVA co-founder and executive director Rev. Moose, known for his work with the New York-based creative marketing firm Marauder, says the conference lets NIVA members connect, share ideas and celebrate their accomplishments.
“It’s our people,” says Moose. “These are our people, and we should come together much like a family reunion.”
Cleveland’s experience providing hospitality during big events such as the NBA All-Star Weekend made the location a no-brainer. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s kindness and support was also a pull, says Moose, especially after it invited a couple dozen NIVA members to the 2021 induction ceremony and gave them a shoutout during the event.
The city's arts community also has a rich history of lobbying for its grassroots music venues. In 2011, though on a much smaller scale, the owners of Northeast Ohio’s independent clubs, concert halls and music-hosting dive bars banded
together as the Cleveland Music Club Coalition to successfully lobby the city to lower harmful admissions taxes.
“That put us in a great position when the pandemic hit,” says Watterson. “The Cleveland clubs already had some muscle memory from when we were fighting that admissions tax battle.”
During the upcoming conference, Beachland, the Rock Hall, Grog Shop, Music Box Supper Club and Pickwick & Frolic are all set to host curated panels with industry experts, specialized educational sessions and NIVA’s debut awards ceremony at the Rock Hall. Oregon Space Trail of Doom, Daisha McBride, Discord Theory, The Cavves, The Babylonz and other bands are scheduled to perform at the Happy Dog during both nights of the conference.
With hopes of solidifying itself as a long-term force, NIVA has re-envisioned its goals to go beyond just relief from pandemic-related hardships. Soon, the group hopes to offer support to those affected by natural disasters or future public health crises, provide access to health insurance plans through its new NIVA Care initiative and launch a workforce development program designed to train qualified professionals for music industry jobs.
While COVID was a catalyst for NIVA, says Moose, the need for this kind of support was always there.
“[Independent venues] are truly the anchors of the communities,” Moose says. “Yes, the music, development, arts and culture are important, but the community itself is what drives all of those other elements. The independent sector launches tomorrow’s superstars.” nivassoc.org
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