Listen To The Heartbeat Of Rock
Celebrating The Legendary Energy of
the world series of rock®
WSOR Alumni
Let’s Celebrate the World Series of Rock® Together.
A Legendary Event Returns
The World Series of Rock® was more than an all–day–and–night night concert–it was an era–defining experience. Inspired by the raw energy of rock n' roll and the communal spirit of festival culture. This iconic event series originally captivated tens of thousands from 1974 to 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio and inspired musical events like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and more.
The Legacy is BAck
Together, we're bringing back a musical experience blending--nostalgia with modern innovation to create a truly unforgettable celebration of music and community. Get ready for a multi-day, multi-artist festival redefining the live rock experience for a new generation.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re inviting visionary brands to amplify their presence and become part of the next chapter in rock history. As a sponsor, your brand will gain exclusive access to an audience that thrives on passion, loyalty, and engagement.
Title Sponsor
- Festival naming rights (e.g., ‘Brand X Presents’)
- Logo featured on all marketing materials and main stage banners
- Exclusive sponsorship within your category
- Pre-roll and post-roll mentions in ads
- Prime activation footprint onsite
- VIP access and artist meet–and–greet packages
Stage Sponsor
- Naming rights to a secondary stage
- Branding on stage and schedule
- Logo in official materials and website
- Activation booth near stage
- Social media mentions
VIP Lounge Sponsor
- Naming rights to VIP area
- Custom branding and activation within the VIP zone
- Product sampling opportunities
- Logo placement on VIP-specific signage and guides
Official Product Sponsor
- Exclusive rights within your product category (e.g., food, beverage, or cosmetics)
- Product sales rights
- Branding on event maps and guidebooks
- Logo placement on website and ticketing pages
Activation Sponsor
- 10×10 booth or interactive activation area
- Staff credentials and parking passes
- Logo placement on sponsor board onsite
- Optional inclusion in promotional emails and social media
Local Community Sponsor
- Name listed on sponsor wall
- Two weekend passes
- Onsite signage opportunity
Management Team
Mike Benz
K. Michael Benz, Executive Advisor at Ciuni & Panichi, Inc., provides strategic planning and business development expertise to the client service menu and the firm’s leadership team. In addition to this, he serves as ReCreation Partners, LLC, Vice Chairman.
He was United Way of Greater Cleveland President and CEO for 17-plus years. Under his leadership, United Way raised more than $732 million dollars to fund health and human services in the community. Also under Mike’s leadership, United Way implemented one of the most innovative public art projects, GuitarMania®, raising over $2 million and attracting national and international acclaim.
Prior to United Way, Mike provided 24 years of service to the Greater Cleveland Growth Association: 12 years as the organization’s Executive Vice President and eight years as the Director of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE).
He served on the Cleveland Clinic Board of Directors and on their Policy Committee, the regional Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic. Mike is a Director Emeritus of the Cleveland Clinic Board of Directors and is on the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Clinic. He, also served as the chair of the South Pointe Hospital Board of Directors - a Cleveland Clinic Hospital and is a current Trustee.
Previously, Mike was on the Board, Executive Committee and was Chair the Development Committee of the Leadership Center of Greater Cleveland.
Was an Executive in Residence at Lakeland Community College and on the Lakeland Foundation Board of Directors.
Trustee at Baldwin Wallace University
Mike was a Trustee and a Vice Chair at Cuyahoga Community College, Chair of the Board of the Tri-C Foundation and an Executive in Residence at Tri-C.
Among his many awards and honors, Mike has served as the Cuyahoga County Community College Foundation master of ceremonies for their Presidential Scholarship Luncheon, with President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and Magic Johnson. He has been inducted into the Wickliffe High School Hall of Fame and the Wickliffe City Hall of Fame for Achievement. He was recognized as SME Businessman of the Year and he received the Gordon E. Heffern Lifetime Award for Ethics, Values and Community.
Mike is a Clevelander and his work reflects his passion for this community. He was instrumental in bringing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to Cleveland. Mike served as the Chairman of the Civic Committee that won the rights to build the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then Later was selected to be the President and Director of the Rock Hall.
Frank Fantozzi
Frank Fantozzi is a distinguished entrepreneur, wealth advisor, and community leader who founded Planned Financial Services, LLC in 1994. With a vision rooted in the philosophy of Return on Life®, he has transformed the way clients view financial success-not merely as a number, but as a personal journey defined by individual goals and values. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into a nationally recognized investment and wealth management enterprise serving both individuals and organizations, earning numerous accolades from Forbes, Crain's Cleveland Business, Financial Times, and others.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University, Frank brings decades of technical expertise to his work. His early career at Arthur Andersen and Lewandowski Zalick (now RSM) laid the foundation for his tax and advisory acumen. He holds several professional designations, including Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), showcasing his deep and diverse qualifications.
Frank's entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovation and strategic growth. He not only created and trademarked multiple service offerings but also led the acquisition and seamless transition of another financial planning practice. He extended his vision into workplace benefits through 401(k) Prosperity®, helping organizations retain top talent and support employees' financial wellness.
Demonstrating his passion for cultural revitalization and his city, Frank acquired the rights to the legendary World Series of Rock® music festival. As CEO of the revived event, he is dedicated to bringing this awesome concert back on an annual basis. His mission is to establish the festival as a premier, recurring event to represent and promote Cleveland-the city that houses the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-as the unequivocal rock'n'roll capital of the world.
Beyond his business success, Frank is an active contributor to his community. He has served as a board member for Cleveland Clinic - Marymount Hospital and Cuyahoga Community College, and remains a Lifetime Director at LifeAct®, where he previously chaired the board and led key fundraising and rebranding initiatives. His passion for youth development is evident in his founding of the Brecksville Soccer Organization and continued support of local high school athletes through scholarships and events.
Frank's leadership style centers on vision, empowerment, and continuous growth. He has cultivated a high-performing team and implemented a client-centric model that emphasizes measurable outcomes. As a mentor through the Entrepreneurs' Organization and a frequent speaker in media and industry forums, Frank shares his insights generously with peers and aspiring professionals.
In recognition of his contributions, Frank has been honored with numerous awards, including the Smart 50 Award, Weatherhead 100, SME Distinguished Marketing and Sales Award, and the Power Players of Cleveland Award. He is a member of several professional and civic organizations, including AICPA, OSCPA, and the Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation.
Outside of his professional life, Frank enjoys hiking, kayaking, coaching soccer, and learning guitar. He finds balance in family, the arts, and the outdoors-embodying the very principles of Return on Life® that guide his firm's mission.
David Spero
DAVID SPERO was destined to be part of Rock and roll’s history!
Starting at age 13, he worked on his father Herman’s Upbeat TV show holding cue cards and later serving as ‘Talent Coordinator’. Upbeat was seen in over 100 cities between 1964 and 1971. He has since produced four Upbeat Live shows on Cleveland television garnering 3 Emmy nominations.
A radio career started in 1968 at WXEN-FM in Cleveland. Stints at WNCR, WMMS, M105 and WNCX helped establish him as a top disc jockey in the then new and emerging field of FM radio.
Hanging around with recording stars evolved into a career in artist management. David Spero Management was formed in 1973 steering the career of local icon Michael Stanley and producer Bill Szymczyk (Eagles, Who, Bob Seger etc).
David took a thirteen year break from Rock and Roll when he accepted a job as Managing Director/Midwest for Columbia/Tri Star Pictures. He coordinated the regional releases of such pictures as ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘The Natural’, ‘Tootsie’, and ‘Gandhi’ during his tenure.
But Rock and Roll came calling again in 1990 when Eagle Joe Walsh asked Spero to manage his career. He added other artists such as Harry Nilsson, Vanilla Ice, Eric Carmen and Ian Hunter. Spero produced ‘The Joe Walsh/Glenn Frey Tour’ which was the precursor to ‘The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over Tour’.
The rigors of touring took their toll and in 2000, Spero ‘retired’ and accepted the position of Vice President of Programming and Education at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In this poison, Spero produced the successful MTV show “Live At The Rock Hall” which aired for two seasons and featured such artists as Linkin Park, John Meyer, Godsmack, Avril Lavigne and Alicia Keyes.
But again, antsy for that Rock and Roll lifestyle, David Spero Management was back in business in 2003 representing the careers of Billy Bob Thornton, Hall of Famer Dickey Betts, Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens,, Survivor, Nelson, Don Felder, JD Souther and The Funk Brothers. Recent additions include Bad Company, Petula Clark, Paul Rodgers and Patty Smyth.
David, 73, is currently a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Board of Directors and was recently inducted into the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. His memoir, A Life In The Wings, has been very successful. An upcoming documentary on his life is also in production.
He lives in South Euclid Ohio with his wife, Ellen, of 47 years. They have a son Adam, 45, who is a graduate of John Carroll University and currently resides in San Diego.
Ready to add yourself to the legacy? See the full story of the World Series of Rock®.
Contact US
Interested in partnering or learning more? We’d love to hear from you!