Toni Chanakas · Rock and Roll

April 5th, 2009

If you don’t know what has been going around town, you must be in hibernation. Last week we had the record-breaking crowds of the International Film Festival, and last night we had the inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This has been a fantastic time to be in Cleveland. I love being in the thick of things.

There has been a whole week of festivities including a free concert at the Wolstein Center on Thursday followed by a free admittance to the museum as well. I happen to be one of the hundreds of people standing in a continuous line waiting my turn to enter the Rock Hall. The line was long, but it moved quickly. I actually love going to the museum to see the fabulous costumes worn by Madonna, Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley. Despite what critics say about the architecture, I think it is beautiful because of the glass. In fact, one can see the majestic scenery-Lake Erie even in cold or blizzard conditions. Besides, it has a defined odd shape that once someone sees it; this has to be the Cleveland skyline-our unique brand for the entire world to see.

My other favorite parts of the museum’s exhibits are the hand written songs with the crossed out sentences and notations. One can easily see the creative process in the making. Who doesn’t want to see that? My understanding is that 90% of the people who go to the Rock Hall are from out of town. Great for our economy but strange how many people in the city do not partake in what our city as to offer.

The other thing that I did yesterday, and I hate to admit this, was stand in the freezing cold outside Public Hall to see the arrival of the Inductees. Everyone was screaming some of the artists’ names, “Jeff Beck,” and “Metallica.” I felt strange standing there like a crazy, start stuck groupie, but it was enjoyable. All the fans got into it. The young and old with cameras and cell phones hoping to see someone “big.” It was great to see a “red carpet” in Cleveland, Ohio. It was worth it just for that. In fact, a woman and her daughter without ticket, a trekked into town from Columbus to partake in this nostalgic event. This even should always be in Cleveland, the woman exclaimed. I can’t agree more.

The next time this event is in Cleveland, I will try to remember to get my ticket a head of time. Hold the red carpet.

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