68 years ago, the very first large rock and roll extravaganza was held. Naturally, it was in Cleveland because, I mean c'mon. Not only did the term "rock and roll" get coined through this event, but the police shut it down shortly after it began, thus creating the outlaw paradigm for rock music that exists to this day.
If you ever wonder why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, here you go.
More about The Ball may be read here.
It would be good to read about Alan Freed, too, as he was the impresario behind it and the DJ who brought us the music and the experience. The scene, if you will.
Bonus: Not only did I buy my first "real" record album at Record Rendezvous [it was Sgt. Pepper], but I graduated from high school in Cleveland Arena.