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CODA: Live music venue and bar

Updated: Jan 22

Rock out with friends and family at CODA in Tremont every Wednesday for open mic night!


Written by Evan Peters



“It's all about the community. That's what makes things grow. To have other people around you that also share your goals, visions and the things that you want to achieve in music or life...”

It’s a typical Wednesday evening and three friends are looking for something to help them unwind after a long day of classes and work. Instead of waiting for the weekend, they prepare to get ready for a fun night of live music. 


Driving from Lakewood, they make their way to 2247 Professor Ave. and park outside the venue, CODA. Walking down the steps and in through the black door, they’re greeted by the sound of indie and punk music, graffiti-art walls and the bartender, Derek Fierst. 


After grabbing their drinks, the friends stand at the countertop while enjoying the artistry from different local musicians. For some artists, this is their first opportunity to share their music with complete strangers.


Chase Lenz, the front man and director of the band Dead Internet Society, has performed half a dozen times solo and two times with his band at CODA this year. Lenz enjoys performing there because of the culture created by the staff and other performers. 


“It's always been a good atmosphere, the sound guys are easy to work with,” Lenz, 27, said. “There is no ego in the community. Everyone who works there is a friendly and engaging person.”


A wall of various mixed art at the place. Similar to graffiti.

Not only are the fellow musicians and staff supportive, but so is the community. Lenz and his band have seen more exposure from playing at the bar’s open mic nights. 


“Since I've played at the CODA, I have seen a significant increase in online engagement, allowing my band to acquire more opportunities around Cleveland,” Lenz said. “It reminds me a lot of what I saw in Nashville, as you can feel how much live and new music means to them. I believe that CODA incubates a new generation of art in Cleveland that other venues shy away from.”


While CODA helps provide a space for these bands to receive more engagement and perform impromptu in front of live audiences, Lenz describes why it’s also important for other venues to support local artists. 


“Mikey Silas, who is in charge of open mic nights, has been a very important figure to the current Cleveland music scene. His motivation and energy encouraged me to form the band I am a part of now,” Lenz said. “I believe other venues should take note as to how CODA has developed such a great community, as there is a wide pool of talent in Cleveland that is waiting to be discovered.”


Lenz is not the only person to agree that it’s important to support local artists. Fierst, one of the main bartenders at CODA, believed that the venue’s mission has been to support local music since it opened, especially with open mic night. 


“I think the open mic night was kind of a vision, not only stemming from Chef Dante who's a lover of all things music, to create a place for people to come and create in Cleveland,” Fierst, 32, said. “He loves music so much and it’s sort of the reason he opened the place.”


People at a night bar all smiling towards the camera.

Allowing these local artists to come showcase their music not only gave them a space to create, but also helped them in garnering exposure to further their career. 


“One group that comes to mind are The Rosies. I remember when they were playing cover songs by an Australian punk band on open mic night, and then practicing their own catalogue,” Fierst said. “Now they're going on regional tours and they're on other band’s bills. I always refer to those guys because they built it from the ground up, starting at the open mic night.”


The crowd averages about 30-60 people every Wednesday with some coming and going throughout the night. It’s a mixture of familiar faces who go every week, and new people who happen to stop in. 


The current host of the open mic night is Silas along with Evan Searls, the sound engineer. Both work together to make a sign-up sheet to organize musicians who come in to perform for the night in time-slots. If you miss your chance, Fierst says the two sometimes pull strings to squeeze in acts. 


The three of them work together to help these local talents because they also believe it’s necessary to uplift their artwork. 


“It's all about the community. That's what makes things grow. To have other people around you that also share your goals, visions and the things that you want to achieve in music or life,” Fierst said. “I think it's very important for everyone to have a place to share their talents and ideas, while being able to work with others and create.”


Picture of people sitting at the night bar, facing their backs.

If you happen to be in a band at Cleveland State University, getting involved is as easy as signing up every Wednesday when their doors open at 7:30 p.m. Some equipment is provided such as guitars, amps and drums, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. You can also contact them about your own music show through their email codabookingcle@gmail.com


Checkout CODA in Tremont to support your local musicians and discover new music in the Greater Cleveland area.


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Cleveland State University's Arts and Culture Magazine

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