Your membership directly supports the Cleveland Blues Society and its mission to promote awareness and appreciation of the Blues. With your continued support, we are able to preserve the history of the Blues in our region and provide more opportunities to experience live music. We accomplish this mission through various events, including our monthly Jams, which foster community among musicians and offer venues a way to support the Blues scene.
On the second Monday of each month, the Cleveland Blues Society hosts a special jam session featuring a member’s band at a local venue. This program, in place since 2008, gives musicians and blues enthusiasts a consistent opportunity to gather and share their talents.
There are twelve monthly jams each year, supported by the generosity of different venues. Each month, a different local band serves as host, providing backline equipment and opening the evening with a one-hour set to showcase their unique style. Following the host band’s set, additional jam sessions are organized from a sign-up list. The jam manager assembles these groups to encourage musicians to play with new collaborators, fostering creativity and community within the Blues scene. The Monthly Member Band Jam is an important program for welcoming new individuals to the Cleveland Blues Society, introducing them to the broader community, and encouraging ongoing participation in our events.
The Rust Belt Blues Jams
Rust Belt Blues Jams are held on two different dates each month at two unique venues: The third Thursday at Spirits in Willoughby, and the fourth Wednesday at Bell Tower Brewery in Kent, Ohio.
These jams were established to encourage new players and students to join, helping to continuously introduce fresh talent to our community. Hosted by Anthony Lovano’s Blue All Stars and featuring different guest hosts, these events provide a welcoming environment for emerging blues musicians.
Other Events and Initiatives
The Annual Blues Cruise, held on the Goodtime III, brings together blues lovers and highlights blues artists. This event also helps fund a scholarship established by CBS. We are involved in numerous educational opportunities and continue to support music education focused on Blues music, seeking additional ways to involve students in our community.
The Cleveland Blues Society Hall of Fame has become a beloved event, honoring artists, venue owners, and others who have contributed their time and talent to the Cleveland Blues Community. This is a ticketed event that includes food and beverages.
We are committed to fostering live blues music in our community through collaborations with venues and other organizations. A new effort is underway to add more Blues Nights at local venues, with The Grindstone Tap House helping to launch this initiative. We are working with additional venues to expand these opportunities along with partnering to promote events and secure free tickets for our members.
Staying Informed
Information about events and blues-centered activities is available on our social media channels, the website calendar, and through our monthly newsletter, which is both emailed and posted online. The website also contains details on past Hall of Fame and Blues Cruise events, as well as a venue and artist showcase to help our community connect with the musicians and venues supporting the Cleveland Blues Society.
Operations and Governance
CBS has operational expenses such as website maintenance, office supplies, and accounting. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are required by Ohio law to maintain a certain level of documentation.
All activities are made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and are funded by membership fees, ticket sales, and donations. The Board consists of four executive officers and five at-large members serving two-year terms. The next election will be held in November 2026.
Only members are eligible to serve on the Board. We welcome volunteers who can contribute their expertise, experience, and ideas to help us continue our mission.
