Today we’d like to introduce you to Franco Weiler
Hi Franco, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Cleveland 6 years ago and found a great sense of community among members of the local arts and music scenes. Inspired by my friends creating positive and welcoming events, such as Mike McKay with Black Mass, I started organizing events centered around video-games at the bar and venue No Class, whose owner Emma Jochum still lets me borrow her own classic systems. I learned a lot from putting on the events, called N69 -with CLEtendo for my family-friendly events. Being apart of the local music community, I brought my video-game pop-up to a Taco Bell where fellow musicians had gathered to perform. With a positive experience coming out of it for everyone, including the Taco Bell employees, it became a welcomed re-occurring event. With the experience and community relationships I had built, I eventually headed the organization of what’s been dubbed the “Baja Blast.” I’m grateful to the workers at that Taco Bell location for seeing the value in the show. It’s soul-healing to see the community coming together and supporting this event, from local artists to local businesses, all aiding to provide a priceless experience for free. The show has been featured on popular media outlets, getting viral traction on the internet boosting the artists and sponsors. With its roots in the DIY music scene, this Cleveland Taco Bell punk show highlights the incredible talent thriving in the local community. I hope it spreads the positive inspiration that led me here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With the goal of boosting our local artists as much as I can with such a fun opportunity, I’ve had to be forward-thinking and grow along with the event, which involves doing my own research in combination with using my best judgement and innovation in order to cover all of the responsibilities. Stemming from the DIY scene, there was virtually no budget. Thankfully, many members of the community see the value in the event, in combination with the opportunity to be seen by many eyes when coverage gets shared on social media. There are many talented and multifaceted members of the community that I am grateful to call friends of mine, so bringing everyone together to utilize their capabilities and resources has allowed us elevate the production with more entertainment, better quality equipment and tools, and assigned roles to ensure the best time possible. Coordinating, planning, and designating roles have been aspects that I’ve had to grow in order to fill the leadership role, while expressing gratitude for the support of everybody involved working together to make it what it is. Logistical aspects have to have room and flexibility for learning curves, as we do not get too much opportunity to practice the way the show is run. Having 2 stage setups, for example, allows us to keep the music sets rolling in order to allow as many artists to play as reasonably possible, considering demand has been high among bands to get the opportunity to play at Taco Bell. I decided to create a Battle of the Bands (dubbed “Bajattle of the Bands) event to not only assist with creating a budget for the event but to also open up opportunity for bands and artists to get a fair chance to play Taco Bell (instead of flooding my DM’s). The music artists also got an opportunity to network and scout other bands to play shows with, while I was able to better learn the potential for time management and efficiency with the double stage setup modeled after the Baja Blast show sets. My adaptability and creativity are continually tested by the challenges involved, while inspired by those I work with to help create something great.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Recognizing and connecting with others who aim to help create a positive context and outlet for our human nature is what led me to where I am today. Whether through performing music or organizing events, I enjoy an honest good time and always look for fun to be had. I find myself still evolving along with my endeavors, looking forward to what’s in store.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It will be very interesting to see the next shift in the music entertainment industry. Spotify has come and had its continual effect, radically changing the way we consume and discover music. The effect it has on live shows, gigging, and merch ripples in how I have to coordinate my events and what to bear in mind. Adaptability will be key, as it always has been.
Pricing:
- Open for discussions of sponsorship and more mutual opportunities
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n69cle
- Other: n69cle@gmail.com
