FREDERICKTOWN, Ohio – Nestled in this wooded crossroads where bubbling Beaver Creek is the most musical sound normally heard, a new entertainment venue has taken root, and its owners say it’s a true labor of love.
Located at 13021 state Route 170, less than 5 miles from Calcutta, in the backyard of Sarah and Brian Pease, The Beat Box offers an unusual backdrop for musicians in a shipping container, which has been retrofitted to create what the Peases call a “unique and intimate stage.”
Reclaimed wood from a local church was also incorporated to add a rustic touch to the interior of the box, which boasts a guitar on the wall signed by each artist who performs on the stage, as well as copies of posters designed by Brian for each performance and handed out free to the first 100 ticket holders.
The exterior includes a rooftop deck complete with chairs and a fire pit, where guests often find themselves watching deer in the woods.
Brian’s job as a warehouse manager at S.H. Bell Co. lent itself to obtaining the shipping container, often referred to as a “box” in his industry.
“It felt like the perfect blend of creativity and practicality,” Sarah said.
While not musicians themselves, both Brian and Sarah grew up in local homes where music was constant. Sarah recalls riding in the car with her family, all of them singing as her father drove. Brian’s upbringing was similar, with parents who traveled around the country, taking the family to a variety of music venues.
“While we don’t have a formal music background, we have a deep love and appreciation for music,” said Sarah, a family nurse practitioner and health care administrator for the multispecialty group New Day Recovery and On Demand Counseling. “We have been fortunate enough to build wonderful connections with talented artists through our travels and love of music. These connections have allowed us to curate an amazing lineup of performers, and we’re thrilled to share their talent with our community.”
The local community likewise has shared its talents with the couple. Friends, family and neighbors pitched in and helped create The Beat Box venue, taking just 21 days from the time the shipping container was delivered to the Peases’ home until the first show was held May 24, featuring Aaron Raitiere, a songwriter who has penned songs for artists such as Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley and Lady Gaga.
“It is just a complete neighbor and friend labor of love. We are blessed with amazing people who have helped in so many ways, from building and setting up the stage to spreading the word and welcoming guests,” Sarah said. “It is nice to see these artists brought to our area.”
The idea for The Beat Box came from not only their love of music but also their experiences traveling to different shows with friends and family.
“We fell in love with the art of the songwriter and the stories behind the music, inspired by our visits to songwriter festivals along the Florida Panhandle and trips to Nashville,” Sarah said.
A recent visit to a similar venue sparked the realization they could create something just as special in Fredericktown, she said.
They hope to bring the art of storytelling and music to the East Liverpool area and encourage everyone to “support the storyteller,” the motto she said they proudly wear on the back of T-shirts sold at each performance.
There is seating for 100 under the roof of a pavilion filled with chairs and picnic tables, with lawn seating available for possibly another 100.
Ticket prices vary depending on the performer, but Sarah said guests will find not only are they treated to good music, but also good food, with Sarah and her friends and family providing a bountiful spread of food for those attending the shows.
“We encourage guests to bring their own beverages and snacks, and we love the sense of community that comes from sharing a meal before the show,” Sarah said.
The Beat Box offers a kid-friendly atmosphere. “It’s definitely family-oriented,” Sarah said. “We love seeing families come together, and we hope to inspire the next generation to appreciate the art of songwriting. Kids are more than welcome, and we love the joyful energy they bring.”
At a show Saturday featuring Jordan Walker, Adam Craig and opener Brad Gibson, all ages were represented in the audience, and a group of youngsters made use of the Pease family’s swing set and trampoline as music drifted across the valley.
One young guest routinely brings her hat to each show to have it signed by that night’s performers, Sarah said.
Parking is free but somewhat limited since it’s in the couple’s yard. So they encourage carpooling when possible.
They plan to host at least one show monthly through October and then pick up again in May. The next performance, Aug. 16, will feature SJ McDonald, with opening performer Brooklyn Grace. On Sept. 6, Harrison Prentice will take the stage. On Sept. 27, local singer and songwriter Bill Crawford will perform and release his first album.
Artists are already being lined up for the spring opening, Sarah said.
Some limited merchandise is available at shows, including The Beat Box T-shirts and items offered by the performers.
As mist rose above the creek – or “crick” in Sarah’s homespun vernacular – and a thunderstorm approached as Saturday’s featured performers took the stage, everyone crowded underneath the pavilion, helped themselves to some cupcakes, snacks and drinks and waited for the music to start, not unlike a large, cordial family reunion.
“I don’t know what I’d do without music. It’s soul lifting,” Sarah said as she looked around the venue. She said she hopes the community finds that same feeling at The Beat Box.
More information, including upcoming performances and ticket sales, is available on The Beat Box’s Facebook page.
Pictured at top: Sarah and Brian Pease stand in front of the retrofitted shipping container where musicians perform.