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AEG Presents to operate first Cleveland venue

AEG's taking over management of Ohio's historic Agora Theatre and Ballroom 'bodes well for its future', says owner Chris Zitterbart

By IQ on 14 Jul 2017

Agora Theatre and Ballroom, Cleveland, Levdr1lp/Wikimedia Commons

image © Levdr1lp/Wikimedia Commons

AEG’s live entertainment division, AEG Presents (né Live), has agreed a deal to purchase the operating rights to the Agora in Cleveland, expanding its reach into the “live music-loving” Ohio city.

The Agora (pictured), which comprises a 2,000-capacity theatre and 600-cap. ballroom, was established as the Metropolitan Theatre in 1913, opening in its current form in 1986. Acts who have played Agora, both in the current venue on Euclid Avenue and in its former home on East 24th Street, include Bruce Springsteen, U2, Duran Duran, Lou Reed, Patti Smith and The Clash.

The venue was founded by Hank LoConti, who died in 2014, and is currently owned by Chris Zitterbart, who has also operated the Agora for the past four years.

“Given its history and the litany of legendary acts that have played the room, the Agora has been the heart and soul of Cleveland’s live music scene for the past 50 years,” says Shawn Trell, AEG Presents’ COO. “It’s a truly unique concert venue and we look forward to bringing a wide array of artists to the live music loving-city of Cleveland.”

“The Agora is a truly unique concert venue and we look forward to bringing a wide array of artists to the live music loving-city of Cleveland”

Zitterbart adds: “The opportunity to work with AEG Presents and to have them enter the Cleveland music scene is significant.  They represent the best of having not only the resources necessary to grow the business, but – because they also remain independently and privately owned – they can afford to be patient and do things the right way.

“That combination bodes well for the future of the Agora Theatre and the types of shows they will bring to this market.”

AEG Presents owns, operates or books more than 60 club and theatre-sized venues worldwide. It acquired New York’s The Bowery Presents in January, with the promotion/venues group joining Goldenvoice, Concerts West, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents and Messina Touring Group as an AEG subsidiary.

Photo: © Levdr1lp on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

 


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