The grassroots, pro-Cleveland music collective Cellar Door is launching a new performance space, Cleveland-only record store and office space in the Loftworks building at East 40th and Superior.

The creative space, which features antique wood floors, high ceilings and large windows, is intended to not only foster a "community among listeners" among local music fans, but also to reach people who are unaware of Cleveland's distinctive music scene.

"Local bands like Herzog are taking off nationally, but once you step outside of the in-the-know crowd, a lot of people have no idea," says founder Justin Markert, who has operated Cellar Door as a record label for years with his partner, Rick Fike. "We want to bring not-so-well-known artists to a bigger audience."

Markert says that Cellar Door will also be an eclectic, anything-goes art space featuring films, fiction readings, art shows and candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with emerging bands or artists. Cellar Door also manages a blog that curates the best of the local music scene.

A launch party featuring local bands is slated for Friday, July 27th at 7 p.m. at 1667 E. 40th Street, Suite 2G.

Source: Justin Markert
Writer: Lee Chilcote