In collaboration with W. Schaaf Gallery+Studio, Classical Revolution Cleveland & OPUS 216 are teaming to bring Front Yard Concerts to several of CLE's west-side neighborhoods during the summer of 2020.
Leader
Michael Gutierrez
Location
2020 W.Schaaf Rd Cleveland, OH 44109
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, musicians from OPUS 216 and Classical Revolution Cleveland began performing front yard concerts for small groups of socially distanced neighbors throughout Cleveland's west side, with two of their first concerts taking place in Detroit-Shoreway and Old Brooklyn (including one hosted by W. Schaaf Gallery for a small gathering of residents). Recognizing the joy of live music and the value of connecting during this time, musicians + gallery have teamed up to create meaningful, community-based performances for their communities.
Working in tandem with staff from Old Brooklyn CDC and Detroit Shoreway/Cudell CDC, musicians will offer performances to curated corners of each neighborhood. In Detroit Shoreway/Cudell, performance locations will center on corners of the community who otherwise lack access to the arts and live music.
Working within our existing community is critical to making sure these are safe, meaningful, and welcome experiences. As funding is secured, our neighborhood CDCs will assist in connecting musicians with host-homes who can act as a community liaison, communicating with family and neighbors about the prospect of a free performance on their street!
The beauty of Front Yard Concerts is that residents can remain on their own porches and lawns to experience a performance! Host homes and musicians will be provided with guidelines regarding social distancing as recommended by the Ohio Department of Public Health.
Funding secured through this IOBY campaign will provide the musicians performing with a bit of restored livelihood, and can help cover any unforeseen expenses administrating the events.
Music is played, neighbors connect, friendships are forged.
Front Yard Concerts have been an incredible way not just to restore the lost livelihood of professional musicians during the Covid-19 pandemic, but to connect neighbors, build relationships, and reduce isolation. The overwhelming response from these performances so far has indicated that this is a real desire for many in our communities, and as artists and musicians, we play an important role in fulfilling that need for others.
None of this is possible without conversations with our neighborhood CDCs, resident leaders, and you - our funders! All funding raised helps provide the professional musicians of our communties with a bit of income lost during Covid-19.
And simply put, live music helps spread joy - from classical to jazz, to Irish jigs, soul, and improvisation. Live music belongs everywhere, and with your help, we can make this happen, even in a global pandemic.
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