5 Things To Do In NEO: NFL Halftime Shows, Jazz Day And More Music

Even in a pandemic, artists create and audiences enjoy music. This week musical communities are particularly busy with festivals and performances. From NFL halftime concerts to an International Jazz Day event, here are five opportunities to celebrate music in Northeast Ohio.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame premieres " The Biggest Show on Turf: 55 Years of Halftime Shows" as Cleveland welcomes the 86th annual NFL draft. The exhibit displays the history of Super Bowl halftime performances and is available for viewing in person throughout the summer. 

Oberlin Conservatory

The Oberlin Gospel Ensemble performs live and in person this Sunday, May 2, at 2:30 p.m. La Tanya Hall, associate professor of jazz voice, conducts the ensemble outdoors at the Clark Bandstand in Tappan Square. 

Cleveland Public Theatre

Cleveland Public Theatre streams Station Hope, a virtual festival that celebrates Cleveland's social justice history, this Saturday, May 1, at 5 p.m. The festival features musical performances of theater and dance as well as non-musical storytelling and visual artworks.

Cleveland Public Theatre also premieres an introductory Road to Hope pop-up livestream on Friday, April 30, which includes panel discussions and performances of poetry, dance, music and photography. 

Tri-C Jazz Fest

Tri-C Jazz Fest and Songbook Watch Party co-present a concert to celebrate International Jazz Day on Friday, April 30. The concert features Grammy-nominated pianist Monty Alexander and trumpeter Dominick Farinacci and broadcasts virtually at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

MidTown Mixtape

MidTown Mixtape premieres performances from the collaborative album "In Search of the Land," which features over 40 local Cleveland artists. The show is part of the virtual concert series Caffeine Beats and streams Thursday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m.