Martin Juredine, known for creating one of Cleveland’s most distinctive and welcoming music spaces, died of cancer Tuesday, February 1 at the age of 66.
He and his partner, Bruce Madorsky, acquired the old coach house off Juniper Road on the Case Western Reserve campus in 1986. There, Juredine fashioned the Barking Spider, a space that felt more like a coffeehouse than a bar. Its sequestered location and the large glass doors on each side that opened onto patios gave it a homey, low-key vibe that reflected Juredine’s own gentle, soft-spoken demeanor.
The Spider became a gathering place where people met friends, hung out between classes, dropped in after other events, or stopped by to listen to mostly acoustic and small-ensemble performers in an array of genres, including folk, bluegrass, country, jazz, and rock — with live music on tap 363 days a year.
This article appears in Feb 2-8, 2011.
Martin was always supportive of my music always had a sincere interest in singer/songwriters. He will be missed. I hope The Spider stays open. It’s an Icon in the music world of Cleveland.
Rest in Peace Martin.
Jenna will do a kick ass job continuing the tradition. You raised your daughter to be as fine of a human being as you were. Rest in peace Martin you have contributed more to humanity than most people could ever hope. You are a star, a legend and a monument to what the human spirit can be.
Hank
Like the one cat said ” there was no place quite like The Barking Spider.” I agree. Anyone remember “Blackie”, Martin’s dog; years ago? Anyway, I’ll miss Martin. I always liked him, and his daughter will do fine. Peace.
Adam Baldwin
Martin was truly one of a kind.
R.I.P. my friend.
News came to me in New York from my friend Stefanie in Blue Number Nine. I am sad to hear our old friend Martin has left us–of all of the people I’ve met in the music industry over the years, he was one of the greatest supporters of singer-songwriters and eclectic acoustic music. He was real, he was geniuine, and he gave everyone a chance and welcomed us all like good friends. Martin…you will be missed. Long live the Barking Spider–one of Cleveland’s greatest all time music venues.
“Angel” Pam West
No place like that,for sure.I remember it from the 70’s as the olive tree bar and the 60’s as the Olive tree coffee house.Its allways been unique in all its many forms.I hope someone can carry on !
Martin was kind, generous, wise, smart … there was no one like him. I feel privileged to have known him, and I will never forget him as long as I live. — Walt Campbell
rest in peace
God bless ya’ Martin!
We all love you.
I’m so grateful to have known Martin since he opened the Spider 20 odd years ago. I’ve enjoyed his company and his establishment as a customer, friend, and as one of the thousands of musicians lucky enough to perform there. The Barking Spider will always be my favorite venue due to the amazing vibe that Martin created and Jenna and the others perpetuate. I always love “coming home” there. Good journey my friend!
Martin, your friends and I had a toast and a smoke for you in the backyard in Asuncion, Paraguay where we spent many hours just chilling and hanging out.
Martin, thanks for my first gig in Cleveland. More importantly, thanks for a space where art could flourish. I think I told you that when you were around. I hope I did. It was a pleasure and an honor to know you.
Andrew Lorand
What a loss for Cleveland. Martin was so respectful of everyone, not just musicians. He was always a quiet, gentle character, with a soft humor, and a great memory. He’d only met me once, yet remembered my name when I went back over a year later! He’ll be truly missed.