GIRARD, Ohio – A grand opening is planned for March 2 for Zeke's Upstairs Theatre, an all-ages performance venue at 34 S. South St. that will focus on bands from area high schools, colleges as well as "the everyday garage and basement bands," says its owner, Michael Pozega.
"Most young bands in our area have to wait for a high school or university rock off or battle of the bands to perform in front of a large audience, or migrate to out of town places in Cleveland, Akron or Columbus to perform," Pozega explains. “There is a need for a local music venue in the Mahoning Valley, a place for young people to come socialize and enjoy live music, without the bar-like atmosphere. We want to support our young bands and help them get the experience they need to travel and be the best performers they can be.”
The bands will be permitted to sell band merchandise at Zeke’s, Pozega said. The venue has contracted with several local bands, some of which are from Youngstown State University and Kent State University, along with others from Solon, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus and Pennsylvania. Jimmy Martin, the podcast host of the Jimmy Fro Show, will provide deejay services during intermissions, and will conduct live interviews with some of the local bands.
“The building housed the former Masonic Lodge in Girard, and bands will actually be performing in what was the temple located on the second floor. It has a vibe of its own, positive energy if you will," Pozega said.
Darling Waste, a Cleveland area band whose music has been featured on MTV, VH1, Showtime and Miramax-distributed films, will headline the March 2 grand opening. Also performing that evening will be the Niles band All’s Well, featuring Cody Woodley, Peter Burger, Kyle Forward and William Lauth; and Howland’s Solar Pilots, with Solomon Mancino, Zeke Setzer and Ryan Baker. The venue is now booking for June of 2013.
Zeke's will feature a downstairs snack lounge and game room as well. Band nights will take place at 7 p.m. every Saturday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Special nights will be reserved on Fridays for teens, and Sundays may be booked for private functions and parties. For booking details, call Pozega at 330 398 3287.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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