Cleveland Musicians fundraiser supports

It all kicked off with a simple Facebook poll asking everyone to share their favorite Kiss songs. Little did I know, that innocent question would snowball into something epic! Before I knew it, fellow musicians were like, “We’ve got to turn this into a jam night!” How could I resist? But then I thought, why not make it even bigger and better by turning it into a charity event?

And so, in 2017, we launched our first-ever “You Wanted the Best” night. It was such a hit that we've kept the tradition alive every year since! What started as a jam night has now evolved into a fantastic all-day extravaganza with three stages of entertainment and fun for the whole family!

Fast forward to our eighth year, and the Cleveland Musicians Fundraiser has proudly raised over $150,000 for incredible causes like Autism Speaks, The American Cancer Society, Lifebanc, NAMI-Lake County, PAWS, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Sub-Zero Mission., and The Alzheimer's Association.

We’re thrilled to share that our “You Wanted the Best” Kiss Tribute Benefit has been nominated for Cleveland Magazine’s Best Charitable Event (Best of the East) in their 2023 & 2024 Best of Cleveland awards.

And here's the cherry on top: as of 2024, we are officially recognized as a 501-(C)(3) Charitable Organization!

Can’t wait to see you next July for another unforgettable event!

• R. Scott Vaughn

  Chairman, Cleveland Musicians’ Fundraiser

The Cleveland Musicians Fundraiser is more than just a night of music — it's a celebration of the region’s incredible musical talent and a heartfelt effort to give back to the community that supports them. This unique event brings together some of the best musicians from Cleveland’s top cover and original bands for a one-of-a-kind collaboration on stage.

Here’s how it works: Musicians sign up in advance to participate in the main event, held Monday night on the big stage. They’re grouped randomly into bands — mixing drummers, bassists, guitarists, and singers — to perform a set of KISS songs, creating fresh, high-energy combinations that push boundaries and highlight versatility and camaraderie across genres and styles. The twist? These musicians don't rehearse together beforehand, making each performance spontaneous, exciting, and a true testament to their talent.

Whether you’re a fan of Cleveland’s local music scene, a musician ready to take the stage, or someone who wants to support an awesome cause, this is the night to come together, rock out, and make a difference.

What We Do

the committtee

Left to Right)

Fred Hahn: Technical Manager | Brandon Fiorello: Operations Manager  | Tia Jarvis: Volunteer Organizer 

Kathleen Vaughn: Procurement Coordinator | R. Scott Vaughn: Chairman  

Denise Bordelon: Donations Director  | Victor Bordelon: Utilities Manager

Keith Martin: Stage Manager  | Tracy Martin: Executive Director

r. scott vaughn/ chairman

As Chairman of the Cleveland Musicians Fundraiser, I’ve poured my heart into building something that brings people together for a good cause. Our annual KISS tribute show has grown into a community favorite, and I’m proud to say we’ve raised over $150,000 for charities like Autism Speaks and St. Jude. Music has always meant the world to me, and being able to use it to give back is one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

Our team