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Listen to the PodcastThroughout 2026, and in partnership with the America 250-Ohio Commission, the City Club will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years. In March, our state will recognize Ohio's Music & Entertainment.
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As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, Cleveland has a pretty loud reason to join the party: We are the birthplace of Rock & Roll. In the 1950s, our city played a pivotal role in launching a new global musical movement that many credit to DJ Alan Freed, who coined the phrase "rock & roll." Since then, countless iconic rock moments shook the region, from the Beatles first concert in 1964 at Municipal Stadium, to David Bowie's 1972 Ziggy Stardust U.S. debut. Ohio is also home to some notable names in rock, including The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Devo, and Dave Grohl—to name a few.
In 1995, Cleveland's legacy as the rock capital of the world was cemented with the opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the shores of Lake Erie. For decades, the Rock Hall has honored the genre's trailblazers, and immersed its visitors in the history of rock music.
Today, Cuyahoga County's live music scene truly punches above its weight, boasting a total economic output of $1.17 billion. At the same time, only 25% of independent music venues were able to turn a profit. This is well below a national average of 36%, but just above Ohio's average where just 1 in 5 Ohio independent music venues were profitable. Rising costs for artists, venues, and consumers have stretched budgets across the board. Adding in the rise of Artificial Intelligence, and changing consumer tastes, today's music scene is facing its share of challenges, but also opportunities.
How can we ensure the heart of rock and roll still beats in Cleveland?
Join us at the City Club as we celebrate Cleveland as the birthplace of rock, and discuss the future of live music today.
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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Sunday, March 29th. For more information regarding ticketing/registration, contact Stacy Rogers at (216) 621-0082.
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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.
The ideas expressed in City Club forums are those of the speakers, and not of the City Club, Ideastream Public Media, or their sponsors.