SPARKLE and SHINE: Cleveland Rocks

If you are from Cleveland, Ohio and someone mentions Captain Frank’s, you
think of the old seafood restaurant that was on the 9th Street Pier. Even though we never
ate there, my parents would drive us down to that very pier to look at the view of the city.
In the 70’s, it was a little shady downtown but seeing the city from that perspective was
amazing. Let’s fast forward to 1995. This same pier was going to play a major role in
the comeback of Cleveland. It became the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

I was working in a barbershop at that time, so I wasn’t hired to assist anyone.
However, I was at the Rock Hall for the opening. It was September, 1995. My brother
Jim was working for a tuxedo company. They were providing uniforms to the wait staff
for the event. I wanted to be part of this monumental day in the worst way. I went to the
catering company and they hired me on. Then I found out I was pregnant. With this
news, I thought it best not get in a situation which made me responsible for moving
tables, chairs, or anything heavy. In the past, I had catered and this part of the job
description was very possible. I decided to step down from the catering position and
helped with the tuxedo company instead.

My job was to ride down to the Rock Hall with my brother on one of the many
school buses transporting workers. Anyone having spills on his or her attire would find
us, and it was our job to provide clean uniforms. Jim and I were able to walk around the
museum before we left. It was so beautiful inside. Some of the workers thought we were
guests, so they offered us hors d’ oeuvres. I thought to myself, if there was ever a party
to crash, this is it for sure. In fact, some temporary wait staff thought the same thing and
did just that…they crashed it! Men were literally drinking at the bar in their tuxedo shirts
and ties, acting as guests. Nearly drunk security stepped in and put these crashers back
on the buses headed to the ‘burbs.

The hype of the grand opening was electric, just like the week of April 9, 2012.
This was Inaugural Week at the Rock Hall and inductions were back in Cleveland.
Many events and parties were planned. Two days before the induction, the city looked
really good. Road crews cleaned up trash. The tulips were in full bloom outside of city
buildings and tents were set up at Public Hall.

I did not get any calls from production people or local television stations. The
trend is that rockers don’t wear much makeup. This is true except for, of course, KISS
(Shout out to Eric Singer!) and somehow they were overlooked for induction this year.
Sorry guys, I just don’t get it. I am certain you will be chosen to be inductees in 2013 in
honor of the band’s 40th anniversary. Then Cleveland will Rock and Roll All Nite!

Clevelanders are very loyal to their city. No matter how many times we get
knocked down, we get back up. If there is an event we host, we do it right. The city
fought hard for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and we are proud of it.
Visitors come from all over the world to experience music history. If you love music, I
urge you to visit. Then you can decide for yourself if CLEVELAND ROCKS!