Caitlin Behle, music advocate

Name: Caitlin Behle
Title: Cincinnati Music Advocate / Writer / Music Promoter
Age: 24
Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine

What do you do?
I work with musicians and organizations within the Cincinnati music community in order to elevate Cincinnati through its music scene. Currently, I work with The Counter Rhythm Group and I'm a senior contributor at Each Note Secure. I also organize the Final Friday OTR Skate.

Why do you do it?
I think the best way I can create a positive impact on the city is by supporting Cincinnati music. I wholeheartedly believe Cincinnati has one of the most diverse and most talented music communities, but it's tragically under appreciated. I think by encouraging the growth of Cincinnati's music scene, we can create a more vibrant city.

Why Cincinnati?
Cincinnati's music scene has so much potential that deserves more awareness. Growing up in Northern Kentucky, it took me a while to realize that potential, but after some traveling in college, it hit me that Cincinnati has every reason to be a music-driven city like Austin and Portland. We have the talent and the enthusiasm, a rich musical history and amazing creative institutions like DAAP, CCM and the Art Academy to back it up. Terri Stewart, the director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once said, "There are three cities that have a rightful claim to be the birthplace of rock: Memphis, New Orleans and Cincinnati." I think that's pretty amazing and I think others need to know this city is amazing, too.

What do you love about the city?
Good food, cheap cost of living and an endless source of creativity!

What are you trying to change about the city?
I want people to stick around. People think nothing happens here or that the city is too conservative, so there's this mass exodus of creative people that should be able to nurture their talents right here. I think Cincinnati is much more open to new, innovative ideas than people realize, and more and more it seems like something cool is happening every day. If Cincinnati's citizens are seeking a more creative, diverse culture, we have to work together to sustain it.

What's next?
In five years I hope to put Cincinnati back on the map as a destination for live music. I'd like to host workshops, social networking events and other opportunities that will create dialogue between local musicians, promoters and venues. Eventually I would like to develop an online resource directory that encourages musicians to book more shows here.