The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will once again host a series of special events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. The museum will be open to the public free of charge on Monday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and will offer live performances, education programs and family activities that highlight how people use music to “find their voice and create a sense of community.”

The Distinguished Gentlemen of the Spoken Word, a group that consists of adolescents from various Cleveland communities, kick things off at 11 a.m. Then, at noon, Timbara plays music from the African diaspora and at 1 p.m. the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland plays Motown hits. At 2 p.m., Jul Big Green plays soul rock. Throughout the day, King’s “I have a Dream” speech will be broadcast on a loop at the Forest City Theatre. Sessions on rock ‘n’ roll and civil rights and the history of soul and R&B in Cleveland will also take place throughout the day. Kids’ activities include face-painting activities. They’ll also get the chance to create protest signs and participate in other crafts. Visitors can also win a museum membership.

New exhibits currently on display at the Rock Hall include: the 2015 Inductee exhibit; Herb Ritts: The Rock Portraits; Graham Nash: Touching the Flame; Never Give Up: Alternative Press Magazine at 30; and an evolving Right Here, Right Now exhibit. For more information, visit rockhall.com.

This article appears in The Comics Issue.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.