##Property Significance: The Back Bar & "Back of The Yards"
###The Back Bar: An established live music venue in southern Wisconsin. Originally operated as "The Back Bar" by Dennis Muth, the venue later transitioned into a hip-hop nightclub. Upon acquiring the property, Bob Kerman operated it as a nightclub for a period before making an abrupt shift to re-focus the venue on live rock music, deliberately honoring the venue’s roots and reclaiming the original "The Back Bar" branding.
The Back Bar is a longtime music venue on Janesville’s south side that has booked a broad range of music acts from local groups, to regional and national rock bands, like Bobaflex, Powerman 5000, Caroline’s Spine, Marcy Playground to hip-hop legends Twista, Coolio, Casper (famous for the "Casper Slide"), and even some big name special guests like Bam Margera, with his brother Jesse’s band “CKY”, Preston Lacy from “Jackass”, Gallagher, and more
**Kerman’s exuberant, and sometimes loud, music shows a few times landed the local music promoter on the hot seat in front of Janesville’s city council and the city’s liquor board. Bob was always sticking up for the scene, and supporting his crowd. When at times it seemed like the city and the local authorities were against him and The Back Bar, he believed people deserved the benefit of doubt, and most importantly, the youth needs an outlet like The Back Bar. There’s no telling how many people The Back Bar has, even if indirectly, helped in life’s struggle. **
###Back of The Yards Softball Complex:
####Historical Context: The name "Back of the Yards" has served as a fixture in Janesville’s recreational landscape for decades. As a primary destination for local softball leagues and athletes, it was a storied site for competition.
####Revitalization Project: After consulting with Dennis Muth, Kerman committed to a massive project to revitalize the overgrown ballfields behind the venue. The scope of work was extensive, including fence removal and installation, complete site grading, paving of new paths, sod placement, and significant electrical upgrades.
####Family & Operational Collaboration: The project was a true family-driven effort. Bob Kerman directed the vision and micromanaged the process to ensure his standards were met. **Bob's son, Kyle Pucek** contributed essential electrical expertise and managed contractor coordination. **Jacob Zimmerly (stepson)** served as the lead for the intensive field development. This included physical site preparation and the labor-intensive establishment of the outfield grass—a process that required Jacob to move seven tripod sprinklers every three to four hours for over a month, alongside manual weeding, to ensure the complex was ready for play.
####Professional Impact: The property served as the site where Bob's stepson Jacob began his mowing and lawn care career. As a groundskeeper and maintenance man, Jacob managed the lawn care and general overall maintenance of the complex, including but not limited to mowing the ball fields, the softball infields, and related properties (including Kerman’s residence and "Bobbleheads" bar). This experience provided the direct foundation for Jacob's current career as a foreman in commercial property services.