CLEVELAND — While much of the region is preparing for the arrival of big name stars at the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction this weekend, just down the road a cohort of local artists are competing for the chance of a life time.
For the past four weeks, 16 artists have participated in weekly showcases in the heart of downtown Cleveland at Tower City Center for the chance to open for the legendary Grammy award-winning group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The competition — titled "Battle of the Land" — is presented by Bed Rock, the real-estate firm behind the revitalization of Tower City.
"The purpose of it is really to connect young entrepreneurial music talent in the Cleveland community with successful world famous Cleveland musicians that have come before them," explained Christopher Noble, Vice President of Development at Bed Rock.
The competition is now down to the final four artists. Blayzee, Sparrow and the Lost Boys, Murr and Free Drew will all compete on Wednesday, Oct. 27, for the coveted opening slot.
"Their opportunity to network with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and open for them and to rub shoulders with them is something that, um, any young musician or an entrepreneur would love," said Noble. "They are some of the most famous rappers on the face of the earth."
The winner will be decided, as they have for the previous showcases, by a popular vote -- meaning on those in attendance can help select the winner.
The showcases are free and open to the public, however due to capacity limitations, attendees must secure their spot online. For tickets, click here.
The winner of "Battle of the Land" will be announced following the final performances on Wednesday and take the stage with the hip-hop icons on Thursday, October 28. The show will kick-off at 6 p.m. at Tower City with doors opening an hour prior.
The Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert is the first of a series called "Tower City Live," that will bring a host of free and family-friendly events to the area. Upcoming guests include Runaway June and the Plain White T’s.
"Clevelanders love music. It's not just about, uh, rap and hip hop," said Noble. "It's about everything and bringing everybody back downtown."
Bedrock, which is owned by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has plans to transform the once popular landmark with pop-up retail experiences, dining, and entertainment, as well as more local and minority-owned businesses.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.