Cleveland - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is once again hosting a free admission day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. The daylong celebration is a part of the Rock the Block Community Days presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation.
Music was an integral part to the Civil Rights Movement, and musicians often stood alongside Dr. King during many of his appearances in the name of racial justice. From Inductees Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe to the Freedom Singers, Mahalia Jackson, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Sam Cooke, musicians have regularly played a role in advocating for social change.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live performances, education programs, and family activities that highlight how people have used music to find their voice and create a sense of community. The Rock Hall’s many exhibits, including its featured Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll, exemplify how artists have used popular music to communicate ideas and incite social change.
In the spirit of Dr. King, the Rock Hall will also take donations of hats, scarves, gloves and other cold weather clothes to benefit Clevelanders in need.
Rock the Block Community Days presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation features three community engagement days at the Rock Hall that provide free, impactful educational programming and resources through a music lens to fans and residents of the community. In addition to MLK Jr. Day, 2020 Rock the Block Community Days will include Rock & Resilience, experience the power music has to help people cope with challenges, heal from trauma, and connect with those around them, and Fam Jam, a day of family fun including free activities and live music, this summer.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
*(subject to change)*
All Day FILM: DR. KING’S “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH, (Not Rated, 22 min), on loop, Forest City Theater (level 0)
10:30 a.m. FILM & ACTIVITIES: LET FREEDOM SING (Not Rated, 1 hr 42 min), Foster Theater
For a moment in time, a few daring, innovative musicians stood at the crossroads of a revolution in music and culture. Across one of the most turbulent periods in American history-from the early Civil Rights Era to Watergate-they brought music, medium and message together as never before, composing a soundtrack perfectly tuned to the tempo and pulse of its time.
10:30 a.m. PERFORMANCE BY RAINEY INSTITUTE DANCE TEAM, Klipsch Audio Main Stage
The Dance Mastery program provides access and opportunities to increase the social and emotional awareness of youth (grades 3-8). Students receive individualized instruction from local dance companies and artists in hip hop, ballet, modern and conditioning for dancers.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. FAMILY ACTIVITIES, Voinovich Atrium (Lower Level)
Enjoy crafts and activities such as creating your own protest signs and adding to the Rock Hall’s dream wall.
11:30 a.m. PERFORMANCE OF ORIGINAL SONGS BY NOTES FOR NOTES, Klipsch Audio Main Stage
Notes for Notes is a non-profit organization dedication to providing youth with free access to music instruments, instruction and recording studio environments so that music may become a profoundly positive experience in their lives.
1:00 p.m. PERFORMANCE BY KYLE KIDD, Klipsch Audio Main Stage
Kyle Kidd is a national touring artist based out of Cleveland and former American Idol contestant. He has dedicated his time to working with youth when not touring, working in the Cleveland community supporting youth and young adult development. He is one of the lead vocalist of Mourning [A] BLKstar and has performed all over the world drawing his vocal inspiration from the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin.
1:30 p.m. CLEVELAND IS THE CITY: A FAMILY EDUCATIONAL SESSION, Foster Theater
Explore the history of soul and rhythm and blues music in Cleveland, one of the cities that gave birth to rock and roll music. The class explores artists from Screamin’ Jay Hawkins to LeVert and venues such as Leo’s Casino that helped to create the city’s culture.
2:30 p.m. ROCK & ROLL AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Learn how a range of artists, from Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke to Berry Gordy at Motown and rock & roll pioneer Fats Domino created a popular music that empowered African Americans to take their rightful place in American society.
3:00 p.m. PERFORMANCE BY THE KATY, Klipsch Audio Main Stage
The sounds of The Katy, an Indie trio, is a genuine blend of its influences strained and sifted through the trials of life and rooted in trust and love. From the energetic melodies and pulsing tempos to the purposeful lyrics addressing inequality, relationships, adoration and struggle, The Katy changes sonic shapes that evolve both reflection and chills in the listener.
3:30 a.m. FILM & ACTIVITIES: LET FREEDOM SING (Not Rated, 1 hr 42 min), Foster Theater
For a moment in time, a few daring, innovative musicians stood at the crossroads of a revolution in music and culture. Across one of the most turbulent periods in American history-from the early Civil Rights Era to Watergate-they brought music, medium and message together as never before, composing a soundtrack perfectly tuned to the tempo and pulse of its time.
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