Black History Month

In February, the Museum focuses its attention on a specific African-American root or offshoot of rock and roll. Events include free performances by local and national groups, film screenings, lectures, and intimate evenings of conversation, all celebrating the traditions of blues, soul, rhythm & blues and gospel. Since 1996, performers have included Robert Lockwood, Jr., The Temptations, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Take 6, Al Green, the Ohio Players and the Manhattans.

2008

The Sound of Stax: A Celebration of Soul Music

Al Bell
William Bell
Rob Bowman
Deanie Parker
Ashley Davis

2007

A Celebration of Reggae

Chris Blackwell
Mikey Dread
The Mighty Diamonds and Dub Flex
Roger Steffens
Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals
Ennis Edmonds

2006

A Celebration of Funk

Portia Maultsby
Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jab’o” Starks
Nile Rodgers of Chic
Thomas Sayers Ellis
Chuck Brown
Bootsy Collins
The Ohio Players

2005

Little Milton
Progressive Arts Alliance

2004

Deacon John
Cosimo Matassa
Earl Palmer
Dr. John
Craig Werner
Johnny Coleman
David Driskell
Kim and Reggie Harris

2003

From the Bottom of the Heart: Celebrating Rock’s African American Roots

The Roots
The Funk Brothers
Sweet Chariot Gospel Choir
Marques Houston
Ruff Endz
Cleveland Dance Theater

2002

The Atlantic Records Story

Ahmet Ertegun
Solomon Burke
Sam Moore
Percy Sledge
Lalah Hathaway
Marc Dorsey
Lina
Anthony Hamilton
Myron

2001

The Sound of Young America: A Tribute to Motown

Mary Wilson
The Miracles
The Velvelettes
The Contours
The Four Tops
New Motown featuring india.aria and Sparkle

2000

Soft and Smooth: Celebrating the Vocal Harmony Roots of Rock and Roll

The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston & Blue Lovett
The Persuasions
The Dramatics
The Dells
R&B Pioneers: The Edsels, The Harptones, Chere Duncan and the Penguins, and the Solitaires