I love that old time rock n roll...

Cleveland, OH was on my radar for one reason, and one reason only: The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It is a must visit for anyone who loves music, and of course all history geeks, cultural anthropologists, sociologists...Okay, for pretty much everyone!

The building itself is a work of art. The tall glass walls and windows provide a sense of openness and a view of the water and the city skyline. The exhibits are strategically designed to lead you from the early origins of rock n roll to today’s music, with the last 2 floors highlighting the role of TV in the expansion of Rock n Roll. One thing for sure, as the song says: Rock n Roll is here to stay.

Who could resist reading original contracts between musicians and promoters or record labels, favorite songs written on scraps of paper, famous guitars from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner’s sexy red dress from Private Dancer, Steven Tyler’s rockin’ jumpsuits, Lady Gaga’s crazy metal outfit, a hotel clerk’s message to Bruce Springsteen from Cat Stevens apologizing for calling so late and could Bruce please call him back? How about the set from American Bandstand or Alan Freed’s studio? Way too much to take in on only one visit!

A few key notes for visiting the museum: buy your tickets online to save a few bucks, the museum is open until 9pm on Wednesdays, but otherwise closes at 5:30. The museum is across from the science center, so if you have interest and time, you could visit both. Parking is fairly easy, unless the Browns are playing.

You will have to read the Food & Drink post from Cleveland to find out yet another great reason to make the detour to this city.

It has a beat I can dance to…