Speak In Tongues was a vibrant, community-driven underground music venue in Cleveland, Ohio, operating on a DIY basis throughout the late 1990s. It nurtured a creative culture where attendees could enjoy puppet shows on spray-painted couches or connect with fellow punks to form bands and movements. The venue was known for its excellent sound system and top-notch music curation, offering a diverse lineup from hardcore punk to experimental jazz, often featuring fireworks during shows. Many traveling bands, including future stars like Modest Mouse and Jimmy Eat World, performed there. The venue's operators, later supported by a management collective, faced challenges such as police surveillance, aggressive skinheads, and chaotic incidents, including an exploding oil drum and a flaming car. While there was no bar, a BYOB policy led to varied memories among patrons, contributing to the venue's lore. This oral history captures the essence of a unique place that fostered lifelong friendships and significantly influenced Cleveland's underground culture over the next two decades.
