MUSIC REVOLUTION: THE HEART OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IS BEATING LOUDER THAN EVER

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Stodgy museums, step to the side: The glass-enclosed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a hip-shaking, guitar-flinging reminder of why Cleveland is ground zero for world-famous music. Memorabilia immortalizes the radio DJs and recording artists who invented the genre, and much like rock and roll itself, the multi-level museum just keeps on evolving. FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK By Annie Zaleski

Class of 2019: Although the Rock Hall induction ceremony returns to Cleveland in Spring 2020 with all-new inductees, there’s still time to celebrate the Class of 2019 via the museum’s memorabilia-packed exhibit. The newly minted members—including alt-rock gods Radiohead and The Cure; psych-pop legends The Zombies; hard rockers Def Leppard; and glam cult favorites Roxy Music—contributed ephemera such as instruments, photos, clothing, and artwork from their historic careers. Don’t miss colorful costumes from pop goddess Stevie Nicks and R&B legend Janet Jackson, which loom especially larger than life.

Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll: After opening to great fanfare at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in early 2019, the “Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll” exhibit leaves the Big Apple and touches down at the Rock Hall in November. While the Cleveland version will likely have some differences from the Met’s display—which boasted hitmaker guitars from Hendrix and Prince, among others—fans can still expect to see up-close glimpses of some of music’s most iconic and colorful instruments, spanning generations and genres.

Moving The Needle

Don’t call it a [vinyl] comeback— Cleveland’s record shops have been around for years. Cases in point: Ohio City’s A Separate Reality, which boasts 200,000+ used records (repping the era between the ‘60s and ‘90s), or Gordon Square’s Hausfrau Record Shop, which lets you listen before locking in your purchase. For that punk, metal, and rock fix, visit Lakewood-based My Mind’s Eye, or tread on classics atop an LP-covered floor at Waterloo’s Blue Arrow. Indie label Cleveland International Records is also back in the stacks with its recent reissue of a 13-track “Cleveland Rocks” compilation straight outta the ‘70s. Wax on!

All The Right Notes

On any given night, the city by the lake is serving up smooth jazz sounds and good vibes at bars and clubs such as Nighttown, where jazz has reigned king for 54 years in Cleveland Heights, and Take 5 Rhythm and Jazz, which offers small plates and big fun Downtown on Superior Ave. Over in Warrensville Heights, Frederick’s Wine & Dine’s newly renovated 110-seat restaurant lives up to its name with an extensive menu and impressive live jazz lineup. Need a sure thing? Catch a show at the Bop Stop, named a great date spot by eHarmony in 2016 as Hingetown’s resident performance venue.

Now That's Cool

Imagine what might happen if Burning Man and Lollapalooza had a baby, and it was born at the North Pole. Enter Brite Winter, CLE’s one-of-a-kind cold-weather music fest. Slated for February 22 in The Flats West Bank, this free outdoor fest turns it up in 2020 for its 11th installment with another all-star music lineup of regional and national acts. Add in interactive art installations, offbeat tented experiences and food trucks for one unforgettable experience— no matter what the temperature gauge reads. Think Clevelanders can’t brave the elements? Brrr-ing it!

ON THE SCENE

The Agora Theatre & Ballroom is back! The freshly renovated music venue is legendary with music fans for its role in helping Bruce Springsteen, U2 and more shoot to stardom.

Comedy, live music and podcasts form the all-star entertainment lineup at Masonic Cleveland, a meticulously restored historic venue that once housed the Cleveland Orchestra.

Situated in the artsy Collinwood neighborhood, Beachland Ballroom and Tavern remains one of Cleveland’s hippest haunts for live music, brunch, flea markets and more.

Located in Cleveland Heights, the Grog Shop is effortlessly cool—much like its packed performance calendar (which has included artists from The Black Keys to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

Good eats and great sounds intersect at Music Box Supper Club, where patrons can enjoy live music and Americana fare against a backdrop of the Cuyahoga River.