A new report shows that Ohio’s small music clubs are rocking – for the most part. The National Independent Venue Association’s The State of Live report released Wednesday shows Ohio’s 312 clubs had an economic impact of more than $3 billion last year.

Ohio’s impact is among the best states in the country.

However, 80% of Ohio's independent stages didn’t turn a profit in 2024. Sean Watterson, head of NIVA’s Ohio chapter and co-owner of the Happy Dog in Cleveland, saved area venues struggle due to several factors, including declining population.

“Increased costs - labor, rent, insurance, utilities- all of those things have gone up,” he said. “Alcohol consumption, across the board, has declined. And that's really what … made the whole business model possible.”

The report showed similarl

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