Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Resident Rockers, Program Presented by Kulas Foundation Returns Providing Support for Emerging Artists at Crucial Moment in Careers
Sample music from this year’s Resident Rockers here
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Resident Rocker program presented by the Kulas Foundation returns this summer providing support for emerging Northeast Ohio artists at a crucial moment in their careers.
Drawing from Northeast Ohio, this year’s Resident Rockers are rising pop star powerhouse Sarah Bailey, emerging singer, songwriter, and producer Gabe Reed aka M.O.O.K.Y., and standout multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and singer Marcus Smith. Check out a sampling of music from this years Resident Rockers on the Rock Hall’s Spotify channel (click here).
“We’re excited for the return of the program and grateful for the Kulas Foundation’s support,” said Greg Harris, President and CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Music is the heartbeat of Northeast Ohio and we want to give developing artists the resources and access to opportunities that will take them to the next step in their careers.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Kulas Foundation have collaborated on many exciting events and programs over the years. As Nancy w. McCann, President of the Kulas Foundation says, “What would the world be without music and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?”
The Resident Rockers Program, now in its second year, is made possible through the generous support of the Kulas Foundation. The program is a partnership between the Rock Hall and the Kulas Foundation that demonstrates their shared commitment to promoting local musicians, inspiring new musical passions, and growing the influence of contemporary music in Northeast Ohio.
Throughout the summer, the Rock Hall works with each Resident Rocker to develop long-term, customized plans tailored to their vision and needs. The artists have the opportunity to advance as songwriters, improve their stage presence, learn about the music industry, and gain valuable hands-on marketing experience learning from the Rock Hall’s professional staff and industry experts.
You can catch the Resident Rockers as they perform free live sets, performing new music and enhancing their skills, during the Rock Hall’s Lunch By The Lake series on its plaza on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST. The series kicks off today, July 1, featuring Marcus Smith.
The program debuted in 2020 showcasing the incredible power of music to bring people together and featured Resident Rockers Siena Bella, who went from writing songs in her bedroom to opening for Machine Gun Kelly, and Jack Harris, a self-taught guitarist and burgeoning songwriting whose natural stage presence and love of performing can be seen at the likes of The House of Blues and Brite Winter Music Festival. Fans can catch Harris with Falling Stars on the Rock Hall’s plaza on Thursday, June 19 during its Live & Local Series.
The program culminates with a Resident Rocker showcase on August 21 on the Rock Hall’s Union Home Mortgage Plaza.
Check out the full lineup of Resident Rocker performance here. Click here to apply for upcoming sessions of the program.
About 2021 Resident Rockers:
Sarah Bailey
Sarah Bailey is a 25-year-old singer/songwriter residing in Cleveland, Ohio. Sarah writes, produces, and records all her music herself in her home studio. She currently has music out on all platforms and debuted her first album in May 2021. Sarah is always continuing to practice and work on her craft throughout her emerging musical journey. Listen on Sarah’s Spotify page here.
Damon ‘Marcus’ Smith
Marcus Smith is a multi-instrumentalist, rapper, songwriter, and singer from Cleveland, Ohio. With influences ranging from The Beatles and Lenny Kravitz to Bruno Mars and Lupe Fiasco, Marcus brings a fresh experience for which you will want to tune in. Listen on Marcus’ Spotify page here.
Gabe ‘M.O.O.K.Y’ Reed
Gabe Reed aka M.O.O.K.Y is a singer/songwriter/producer born in Akron, Ohio. He pulls influence from artists like Mac Miller, Prince, and Jeff Buckley to blend alternative rock and hip hop together. After living in New York City and busking he headed back home after the Covid pandemic hit. He is excited to be back in Ohio and expand his catalog and audience in Cleveland! Listen on M.O.O.K.Y’s Spotify page here.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. We value all by embracing talents, perspectives and experiences. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable environment that encourages creativity and innovation by valuing, empowering and respecting all people. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!
About the Kulas Foundation
The Kulas Foundation was established in 1937 by the industrialist Elroy J. Kulas and his wife Fynette Hill Kulas with the primary purpose of supporting the musical arts in the Greater Cleveland area. Today, the Foundation continues to focus on music and also makes grants in the areas of arts and culture, community, education and music therapy research. In the past 20 years, the Kulas Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants.
