Main fundraiser photo

Save the Ottobar!

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Welcome to the GoFundMe site in support of the Ottobar. 

This counter culture institution opened its doors in 1997 almost 24 years ago. Ottobar began in a small location on Davis St in downtown Baltimore and has grown into the arts and music powerhouse venue known not just to our small gritty East Coast town, but the world. It’s as much a rock club as it is a museum for stickers and flyers from bands that have graced its stage over the many years. For those not in Baltimore, the Ottobar has been a cultural incubator for not just music, but performances of all varieties- It has been a nexus for so many of the creative folx that help to make Baltimore the wonderfully odd and fantastic city that it is. 

Some may remember, just last summer Tecla purchased the Ottobar in hopes of continuing the legacy of awesomeness that the venue provided to the community over the years. Her vision was to try and preserve Ottobar as it had been while forging ahead with new ideas and plans. Little did we know just what was in store for the music industry as a whole….There are so many venues that are having the same difficulties, and with no foreseeable help on the horizon the outlook is not great for any venue.

You may consider donating to this campaign so that we can help her sustain Ottobar, until it is safe to experience live music again- no one wants to lose this cultural icon! 
Ottobar is an integral part of Baltimore's cultural fabric. The venue is under very real threat- the Covid-19 crisis has the club limping along at approximately 5% of normal. There hasn’t been any sign of it changing any time soon.

Ottobar is a place that its community has depended on for many years to provide a vital space for the arts. It has presented THOUSANDS of concerts, poetry readings, book releases, film screenings, flea markets, art opening, spelling bees, and pet weddings to name only a few. The venue has also hosted MANY fundraisers, for social justice organizations, reproductive rights charities, environmental organizations, education in health initiatives and more. Alternative voices, minorities, women, LGBTQ+, everyone is included at Ottobar. 


We’re hoping this GoFundMe campaign will carry the venues' operations through this worst of times. Funds will be used for employee payroll, rents, basic operations, and supplies needed to protect all staff and guests to ensure their safety. We are deeply grateful to our loyal fans and customers and appreciate both the love and the financial support you have sent our way. Ottobar is and always was, a venue for people to gather and enjoy each other’s company, great drinks and interesting things to see and hear- Baltimore can’t afford to see places like this disappear!
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $34 
    • 3 yrs
  • Howard Kidd III
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Sean sweeney
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Codie Perry
    • $20 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Tecla Tesnau
Organizer
Baltimore, MD

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