LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The past few months have been tough for Mahall’s, a bowling alley, music venue, bar and restaurant in Lakewood. The majority of the space has remained closed since March 15, except for its food and drink takeout menu offered Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The venue has found a unique way to reenter the performance art space this summer: a free artist talk series which launches from 8-9:30 p.m. on July 24 with a conversation between Teamonade musician Osi Okoro and The Katy’s Cathalyn.
Each edition of the virtual series will feature conversations between two artists, featuring local musicians, playwrights, authors and more. Mahall’s assistant talent buyer Andy Schumann aimed to engage Cleveland’s local artists, since national tours are halted due to the pandemic.
“I thought it’d be cool, in this time, to celebrate our local artists. It might be quite a while until it’s safe and affordable for people to go touring,” Schumann said. “Why don’t we use this time for people to have the opportunity for people to fall in love with the stuff that’s happening close to us?”
Initially, Schumann had hoped to host the series live and in-person at Mahall’s with a limited crowd, but for now the series will take place virtually due to COVID-19 concerns. Schumann said that he saw the virtual approach as a positive element for the series, since it will present a safe and accessible option to the Cleveland arts community.
The series will feature conversations between musicians Okuro and Cathalyn on July 24, author Quartez Harris and Raja Freeman on Aug. 8, musicians Uno Lady and LaToya Kent (Mourning [A] BLKstar) on Sept. 10 and authors Mary E. Weems and Phil Metris on Sept. 25.
“We want to support local artists, so going forward we can be more fully integrated with the local arts in our community rather than the big stuff happening beyond us,” Schumann said.
Mahall’s owner Kelly Flamos said she connected with Schumann for the series, originally inspired by podcasts the two listened to. She said she predicted a larger audience for a live-streamed conversation, versus a live-streamed concert.
“I know a lot of venues are looking at streaming and how they can do that,” Flamos said. “We were looking for more unique content. Maybe it’s like these conversations will be more suited to where everybody’s at, with extended time to reflect. I think it’s hard to duplicate a live show.”
It’s not the only programming that Mahall’s has coming up. Flamos said that she has been working with local artists Antwoine Washington and his business partner Michael Russell, who run the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA), for a long term residency in the upstairs Mahall’s apartment space.
The gallery opening, Flamos hopes, will kick off in September -- several months behind the original schedule before the pandemic shut down the venue.
“What’s cool about an art show is we can do timed ticketing, manage the crowd for an art gallery,” Flamos said. “It’s not the same as a live show that’s going to bring in 350 people.”
As for the rest of Mahall’s, Flamos is looking for an August partial reopening, but the timing may shift depending on ongoing guidelines from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Flamos said she aims to open the venue’s new patio built on the East side of the building first, along with the main concert room which has large open-air garage doors, for dining and drinking. Next, Flamos hopes to open some bowling alleys, with social distancing guidelines in place, leaving some lanes closed between groups.
New equipment has helped Mahall’s increase their cleaning measures, with a new sanitization process for bowling areas and high-touch locations inside the venue, Flamos said. She also said she has personal protective gear at the ready for employees.
In the meantime, Flamos is busy applying for grants, loans and other funds to help keep the 96-year-old bowling alley up and running, including exploring the idea of a Kickstarter “Lights On” fundraiser. She may also launch a membership program for 2021, with discounts on food and free bowling for pass holders.
Flamos said she’s staying positive, despite the setbacks and difficulties that come with a pandemic.
“I’m confident that we’ll get through it. A lot of people don’t realize that Mahall’s has been in business since 1924. It never stopped being in business. We came onboard after eight decades,” she said. “I think we can do it. The Mahall’s family got it through a few recessions, World War II, the Great Depression. It does feel like we’re living through history.”
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July 17, 2020 at 05:00PM
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