Roots of American Music to hold benefit in the Heights

The education organization Roots of American Music (ROAM) has called Cleveland Heights home since its inception 16 years ago. Its founder and executive director, Kevin Richards, is a Cleveland Heights native and lifelong resident. ROAM’s original headquarters were on Fairmount Boulevard near Taylor Road, downstairs from the Fairmount School of Music, which Richards also founded. Its current office is in the Rockefeller Building on the corner of Mayfield Road and Lee Boulevard.

ROAM is a nonprofit organization that provides community-based programming—teaching and performance, both utilizing American roots music genres—based on community input about service gaps and underserved individuals in diverse and low-income neighborhoods. All of its programs are tailored to site-specific needs, so that participants benefit musically, educationally and individually through life-skills development, such as teambuilding, leadership and self-determination.

ROAM employs 20 artist-educators who reach more than 15,000 people annually with educational music programs for all ages. ROAM residencies, professional development workshops, assemblies and free public performances provide participants the opportunity to discover the power, beauty and significance of traditional American music and culture.

The organization holds its major fundraiser every fall, this year on Saturday, Nov. 9. The event always revolves around music. This year’s version takes place in the atrium and auditorium of John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center and will showcase three local bands.

The bands are all local favorites. He-Chaw Frunk describes itself as “dark hillbilly rock” but also mixes in other rock forms. The JHB All Stars, a folk-tinged rock quartet, features Cleveland Heights native Luke Lindberg on lead vocals. The 10-member Faith and Whiskey includes Cleveland Heights resident and Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Michael Donnelly, along with others musicians who, by day, pass their time as lawyers and doctors.  

VIP tickets are $125 and include drink vouchers and dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m. Regular tickets are $25 and include admission to all three bands’ sets starting at 7:30 p.m., and participation in the silent auction. The event will also have a cash bar.

The silent auction features music-related items, including a Martin acoustic guitar autographed by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks; signed copies of books written by former Rolling Stone magazine writer James Henke; and passes to area music venues. The auction features many other items, including seats to Cavs and Indians games.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 216-321-9353.