Dedicated in memory of my wife Teresa McEldowney
and all our fallen friends & loved ones!
“What’s Up Ohio” is Here, There & Who the Heck Knows Where!
What’s Up Ohio is your online magazine dedicated to promoting music, entertainment, nightlife, venues, arts, and charity events across the Buckeye State.
We feature articles, stories, interviews, and event highlights that celebrate Ohio’s vibrant entertainment scene and the people who make it thrive.
Your suggestions, input, and support help us share the stories that matter most — connecting fans, artists, and communities through positive news and exciting events.
Ohio’s premiere site for entertainment, positive news, and events!
Thank you for being part of our journey.
HOW IT ALL STARTED!
The Story of What’s Up Ohio
What’s Up Ohio began on Friday, March 12th, 2010 — a day that changed my life forever. On my 50th birthday, I, Mike McEldowney, received heartbreaking news: my wife, Teresa McEldowney, had been diagnosed with liver cancer, and the doctor told us she didn’t have long to live.
That night, I had plans to celebrate my milestone birthday with my old friends in Mr. Trick, who were playing at Nathan’s Patio in Canton. Despite the devastating news, Teresa insisted that I go out, telling me not to worry about her and to try to enjoy my birthday.
I had been photographing bands since 1973 — starting when I was just 13 years old — capturing the energy of local acts and artists in California. So, even though my heart was heavy, I decided to go out that night.
Throughout the evening, I did my best to stay positive. Jeff Cseak, the incredible guitarist from Mr. Trick, kept coming up to me saying, “What’s Up, Mike?” — something he always did. Later that night, as I was driving home up Route 62 toward Fulton Road in Canton, I got a call from my old friend Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, whom I’d first met years earlier in California. She asked if I was coming to her upcoming show in Akron. Jokingly, I told her I’d be there as long as she played my Ohio song, “My City Was Gone.” Laughing, she said of course she would — she usually did at most of her shows.
After hanging up, something clicked. Jeff’s familiar “What’s Up, Mike?” echoed in my head, and Chrissie’s Ohio song lingered in my thoughts. Suddenly, it all came together — What’s Up Ohio.
When I got home that night, I registered the domain name on GoDaddy and filed for the trademark the following Monday. And just like that, What’s Up Ohio was born.
Sadly, Teresa passed away on July 8th, 2010, before she could see the dream come to life. I’ve dedicated What’s Up Ohio to her memory and to all the loved ones we’ve lost over the years.
What’s Up Ohio celebrates it’s 16th anniversary today March 12th, 2026. As I look back on the past 16 years, I want everyone to know that I’ve poured my heart and soul into promoting bands, clubs, events, festivals, charity events and everything in between. I’ve spent countless late nights working every day of the week, often for little or no compensation. Over the years, I’ve invested thousands of dollars in gas, vehicle maintenance, internet and website hosting, and camera equipment—all while living on a modest Social Security income.
There have been times I’ve had to scrape and save just to make ends meet, but I continue because I believe in the power of music and community. My hope has always been to bring people together through love, peace, and understanding—celebrating life through music, social events, and wholesome activities across Ohio.
“What’s Up Ohio” is Here, There & Who the Heck Knows Where!
May God Bless Us All.
Our work in numbers
What’s Up Ohio has been at this for some time and we love what we do!