2018 inductees

Dress of Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas at 1967 concert

John Lennon jacket at 1967 concert

Top of building that resembles a turntable

This past weekend, we entertained guests from Wisconsin who had never been to Cleveland. We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a popular spot that we haven’t visited since it opened. Some of the films, like the Dick Clark tribute, featured snippets of guest appearances on American Bandstand. It was fascinating to see and hear so many different acts. There was also a four hour film (we only watched for half an hour) of one of the induction ceremonies, a segment hosted by Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. As we roamed through the exhibits, my eyes always went to the costumes.

Viñoly atrium roof

Just imagine how heavy this coat of mail is.

Portion of Homage to the Setting Sun (lotus pods facing west as the sun sets) by Ramachandran (Indian painter born in 1935)

Glazed earthenware horse by Chinese artisans in 8th century

Semi-formal court robe – late 18th century Chinese

The next day, we visited the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the best in the world, with a very diiverse collection. Every time I visit, I appreciate the brilliant mind of architect Rafael Viñoly who found a way to marry the original classical architecture and the later Breuer brutalist addition. Our guests particularly enjoyed the extensive European collection of art as well as the Armor Court.

Tiffany window at Wade Chapel

Interior ceiling of Garfield Monument

On the third day, we strolled through Lakeview Cemetery where many famous figures, among them John D. Rockefeller and his family and Ray Chapman, the Cleveland Indian who was killed in 1920 by a batted ball to his head, are buried. We were extremely fortunate to enter the Wade Chapel just after a memorial service and were treated to the history of the Tiffany window and the glass mosaic panels on the side walls. Later, one of the guides talked to us at length about the history of the Garfield Monument.

That evening, we treated our guests to a picnic dinner and concert at Blossom, the best outdoor concert venue in the country. Blossom is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. It has the most beautiful architecture (by Peter van Dijk) and the best acoustics.

Yesterday, we had brunch at our favorite Cleveland restaurant for this meal, Fire, at Shaker Square. We then spent the rest of the day, strolling through my garden and weeding as we went, and watching an episode of The Crown. For dinner, we treated our guests to a Maryland shore dinner: crab soup, crabcakes, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, and cole slaw.

If we’d had more time and energy, we would have also driven down to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and gone hiking on the Ledges trail so they could see the incredible rock formations. So much to do here and not nearly enough time.