The Legacy of Speak in Tongues: Cleveland's Underground Cultural Hub
Cleveland's cultural landscape in the 90s was a hotbed of creativity, and at the heart of this movement was Speak in Tongues, a DIY venue that became a sanctuary for the unconventional and the avant-garde. Now, a new book, Where Shit Happened, takes us on a journey through its vibrant history, capturing the essence of a place that defied norms and fostered artistic freedom.
Personally, I find the story of Speak in Tongues captivating. It's not just about a venue; it's about a cultural phenomenon that shaped Cleveland's underground scene. The book, with its 500 pages of fliers, photos, and clippings, is a testament to the power of preserving history, especially the history of spaces that operate outside the mainstream.
What makes this book unique is its focus on the ephemera—the fliers, the posters, the hand-drawn artwork. These artifacts, often overlooked, are the very fabric of the venue's identity. They tell a story of a place that welcomed the experimental, the eccentric, and the downright bizarre. From the chaotic energy of noise bands to the intimate performances of singer-songwriters, Speak in Tongues was a melting pot of artistic expression.
The process of creating the book, as described by John Delzoppo and Ron Kretsch, is a fascinating journey in itself. It began with a simple closet clean-up, a realization of the unique collection of fliers, and a desire to expand it. This led to a collaborative effort, with each contributor bringing their own memories and artifacts. The challenge, as Delzoppo mentions, was in the tedious task of reaching out, reminding, and collecting these pieces, a process that required persistence and patience.
The layout of the book is a work of art in itself. Kretsch's description of each spread as its own work of art is telling. They wanted to capture the essence of each event, each band, and each moment, creating a visual narrative that transports the reader back in time. The inclusion of photos, as Kelly points out, adds a new dimension, providing a glimpse into the atmosphere and the people who made Speak in Tongues their home.
One of the most intriguing aspects is how the venue defied categorization. As Kelly mentions, it was a 'blind man and the elephant' situation, with different people experiencing it in unique ways. It was a haven for noise bands, emo acts, and everything in between. This diversity is what made Speak in Tongues so special, offering a platform for artists who didn't fit the traditional mold.
The memories shared by Delzoppo and Kretsch are a testament to the impact the venue had on its patrons. From the excitement of playing there for the first time to the crazy, almost surreal experiences, Speak in Tongues left an indelible mark on those who graced its stage or simply hung out in its basement. The venue's abrupt closure in 2001 left a void, but the book ensures that its legacy lives on, providing a window into a world that was both chaotic and magical.
In my opinion, Where Shit Happened is more than just a book; it's a time capsule, a love letter to a bygone era, and a celebration of the power of DIY culture. It invites us to reflect on the importance of these underground spaces, which, despite their often-illegal nature, provide a platform for artistic expression that challenges and inspires. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural history of Cleveland, the evolution of DIY venues, or simply the power of preserving the past.
