I first imagined producing a music-meets-art event when I was in high school.

“One day,” I told myself.

For years, it stayed there. And for most people, one day never comes.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist is that I do not have to wait for someone else to create the experience I want to see. So I stopped waiting.

The first performance of The Smallest Concert in Cleveland is happening now.

Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and centered entirely on Cleveland musicians, the inaugural performance features Opus 216.

I became a fan after seeing them perform a front lawn concert during Covid. The more I learned about Ariel’s mission, the more certain I was. I invited her to the studio to share the idea. Before I could even finish the pitch, she said yes.

We needed sound. My neighbor at 78th Street Studios, Jim Stewart Recording, had worked with Ariel before. We walked over, pitched it, and he was in immediately.

The concert will take place inside my immersive listening space. The room is treated with acoustic panels made from my artwork featuring iconic Cleveland landmarks in vibrant, surreal color. The dramatic backdrop is a 12.5 by 7 foot three-dimensional acoustic mural of the Heinen’s stained glass dome.

This space exists because of a special collaboration with Cleveland-based company Audimute. Without them, it would not be possible.

This is a collaborative passion project. Ticket sales help cover expenses and ensure the musicians are paid. We are largely self-funding it because we believe Cleveland deserves experiences like this.