Columbus panel urges public-private investment, mid-sized venues and protections to grow city’s music economy

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Leaders from Music Columbus, venues and music businesses told a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum Nov. 5 that the city has the creative talent and economic footprint to grow a larger music industry — if public, business and philanthropic leaders invest in infrastructure, venues, promotion and workforce supports.

Panelists noted a recent industry estimate that music activity in the region produces about $1,300,000,000 in economic impact and argued the city currently lacks components of a full music industry, such as active major managers, publishing companies and locally based labels. Chris Deville, managing editor of Stereogum and the forum’s moderator, framed the conversation around the question of “how to elevate the city’s music community to the next level.”

Tom Krauss of Music Columbus outlined…