A new report shows that Ohio鈥檚 small music clubs are rocking 鈥� for the most part. The National Independent Venue Association鈥檚 The State of Live report released Wednesday shows had an economic impact of more than $3 billion last year.
Ohio鈥檚 impact is among the best states in the country.
However, 80% of Ohio's independent stages didn鈥檛 turn a profit in 2024. Sean Watterson, head of NIVA鈥檚 Ohio chapter and co-owner of the Happy Dog in Cleveland, saved area venues struggle due to several factors, including declining population.
鈥淚ncreased costs - labor, rent, insurance, utilities- all of those things have gone up,鈥� he said. 鈥淎lcohol consumption, across the board, has declined. And that's really what 鈥� made the whole business model possible.鈥�
The report showed similarly grim numbers in neighboring states, with 81% of New York clubs losing money, compared to 72% in Pennsylvania and 78% in Illinois.
鈥淲hen you look at the Northwest, those numbers are more positive,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey have expanding populations and younger populations, generally.鈥�
Watterson expects Cuyahoga County-specific numbers to be released next month. He said he is also hopeful that will pass in the Ohio Statehouse, creating a fund from venues鈥� liquor taxes that sends funding back to club operators. State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) proposed similar legislation last year. He said he鈥檚 continuing to gather bipartisan support for SB186.
鈥淎ll of us in the General Assembly have a venue that would probably benefit from this type of legislation,鈥� he said.
The report also found Ohio鈥檚 independent stages support more than 21,000 jobs and serve approximately 5 million people with live music. The report excluded large venues such as those operated by Live Nation.
