The Legacy of Speak in Tongues: A Cleveland Cultural Phenomenon
Cleveland's underground music scene is about to get a new lease of life with the release of Where Shit Happened: The Paper Trail to Speak In Tongues. This book is a captivating journey through the city's vibrant DIY music history, focusing on the iconic venue, Speak in Tongues.
From 1994 to 2001, Speak in Tongues was a breeding ground for creativity, hosting a diverse range of artists, from the then-unknown Modest Mouse to the experimental Godspeed You Black Emperor! It was a place where boundaries were pushed, and the unconventional was celebrated.
The book, compiled by John Delzoppo, Ron Kretsch, and Jake Kelly, is a testament to the venue's impact. It's a collection of over 500 pages of flyers, photos, and memorabilia, each piece telling a story of the era's raw energy and artistic freedom.
What makes this project fascinating is the personal connection each contributor has to the venue. Delzoppo, for instance, speaks of the venue's allure, describing it as a place where anything could happen. Kelly, a former resident, recalls the venue's unique atmosphere, which attracted artists from various scenes. Kretsch, a musician himself, highlights the venue's stability in an unstable DIY scene.
The process of creating the book was no easy feat. Delzoppo mentions the challenge of tracking down missing pieces, a tedious task requiring persistence. Kelly and Kretsch add that the book evolved from a simple flyer collection to a comprehensive visual history, including hundreds of photos.
The layout, according to Kretsch, was a complex task, aiming to create a unique visual experience for each spread. Delzoppo emphasizes the importance of balancing the significance of each piece with the available space, ensuring a cohesive narrative flow.
The book's release is accompanied by a series of events, including performances by bands closely associated with Speak in Tongues. These events are a testament to the venue's enduring legacy and the community it fostered.
In my opinion, Where Shit Happened is more than just a book; it's a time capsule capturing the essence of a thriving underground scene. It invites readers to experience the raw, unfiltered energy of a bygone era, where creativity knew no bounds. This is a must-have for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in Cleveland's cultural history.
Personally, I find the book's ability to transport readers back to a specific time and place truly remarkable. It's a powerful reminder of the impact that small, independent venues can have on the cultural landscape, often leaving a legacy that far outlasts their physical existence.
