Free Virtual Programs and Museum Admission
CLEVELAND (January 10, 2023) – Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, January 16th, in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Become inspired to find your voice and do your part to contribute to a more equitable world, just as artists have done throughout history through their music.
The programming celebration includes free virtual programming and museum admission and is a part of the Rock the Block Community Days presented by the John P. Murphy Foundation. Timed ticket reservations are required for free admission.
Music was an integral part to the Civil Rights Movement, and musicians stood alongside Dr. King during many of his appearances in the name of racial justice. Musicians, including Hall of Fame Inductees Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Sam Cooke, have regularly played a role in advocating for social change.
Schedule of Events
Charity Evonna – 11am, PNC Indoor Stage
Charity Evonna is a sultry R&B artist originally from Dallas, Texas now residing in Cleveland, Ohio. For Charity Evonna, music allows her to tell her truth and express honest feelings in her songs, “Love Me If It’s Good” and “How You Gonna Love.” Struggling with expressing herself, music allowed her to vent, heal, and tell her story the way she always wanted to. With every emotion she chooses rather it be love, pain, or happiness, her eclectic soothing voice and lyrics reach and touch her audience so they may take the journey with her.
Marcus Smith with JAMPOP – 1pm, PNC Indoor Stage
Marcus Smith is a rapper, singer and songwriter born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Smith is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. Starting with piano when he was 14, he learned a new instrument each summer for five years including guitar, bass, ukulele and drums. After 15 years in hip hop groups Black and Broke and SANKURA, Marcus is now navigating the music scene as a solo artist.
Amassing over 2.5 million hits on TikTok, JAMPOP is a pop singer/songwriter and producer from Cleveland, Ohio. After producing and releasing several hip-hop projects under the name Jamil & the Show, JAMPOP decided to return with a bright and exciting pop sound! Along with his “ever-changing cast of musicians and friends”, JAMPOP taps into a sound influenced by house music, jazz legends, and gospel roots. JAMPOP is the embodiment of a vast universe of music crossing genres and timelines.
Ongoing:
MLK Day Virtual Celebration, Rock Hall YouTube Channel
Honor the day with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s MLK Day Virtual Celebration, which highlights 2022 Inductees Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Harry Belafonte, and Sylvia Robinson.
Must See Artifact Guide, Full Museum
While visiting the Rock Hall on Martin Luther King Day, be sure to pick up one of our Must-See Artifacts guides that will share some important artifacts we have on display that directly tie into the story and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The guide will not only provide additional information about the artifacts during your visit, but also has additional resources for extending your visit at home through our online resources.
In-Exhibit Programming, Level 0, Roots of Rock Exhibit
Join the Rock Hall’s Education team for the “Where the Ropes Fell: How Early Rock & Roll Broke Barriers” program.
How did rock & roll music help break down literal and figurative racial barriers in a time of legal segregation in the United States? This program invites participants to examine how cross-over artists like Ruth Brown found success on both the Black and white charts. As a result, teenagers of different races would dance together at concerts while enjoying the same music.
Film Screening, Level 0, Forest City Theater, Main Exhibit Hall
Dr. King’s 22 minute “I Have a Dream” speech will be played on loop all day.
Martin Luther King Day Past Virtual Programming, Level 4, Foster Theater
Stop by the Foster Theater to catch screenings of our 2021 and 2022 virtual MLK Day programming. And after your visit you can catch the 2023 Virtual MLK Day program on the Rock Hall’s YouTube page!
Take Home Education Materials
Before you head out, be sure to stop by our education table and pick up some materials to take home and extend your learning.
Free Museum Admission
The museum is once again hosting a free admission day in honor of Dr. King on Monday, January 16th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with advance timed entry tickets required at https://www.rockhall.com/events/.
Thanks to the generous support of the John P. Murphy Foundation, fans can take advantage of free admission to the Rock Hall on MLK Jr. Day on January 16th, and other community engagement days throughout the year that provide impactful, educational programming and increased collaboration with community partners. Visit rockhall.com/events for details.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. At the Rock Hall, we are dedicated to making a difference. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!
