Ready to get your groove on in Ohio? While the Midwest may not be known as the mecca of rock and roll, many Ohioians share a passion for the arts. Whether it's a second-hand instruments store or a bluegrass performance, there are plenty of activities for music lovers in the Buckeye State.

 

Begin your musical tour with a trip through time at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All genres of music are represented in gospel, country, blues, bluegrass and R & B exhibits. Take a stroll through the tour bus used by Johnny Cash. Located at 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. in Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is near many other Lake Erie attractions. Visit the hall’s website at www.rockhall.com or call (216) 781-ROCK (7625) for additional information.

 

Continue your tour at the Ohio Music Shop, a 40-minute drive from Cleveland at 118 E. Main St. in Kent. During daytime hours, stop in and browse a wide selection of guitars and amplifiers. This eclectic music store also features live music. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings (and some weekends), you can enjoy performances by local musicians and bands. Check out www.ohiomusicshop.com for information.

 

If bluegrass music is your passion, you won't want to miss the Famous Old Time Music Company, where an old school has been converted into a music destination. Located at 20322 State Route 33 in Wapakoneta, the music store is the home base for the band Appalachian Grass. The retail space offers new and used stringed instruments, as well as instructional supplies. Instrument repairs and restoration are also available. The school stage provides a place for live bluegrass performances. Learn more about this unique music venue and retail store at www.fotmc.com.

 

You may not think you can enjoy music, a five-star meal and a cruise while in Ohio, but that’s just the experience BB Riverboats offers. Enjoy Cincinnati scenery accompanied by live music while cruising down the Ohio River in a Victorian riverboat. Appropriate for all ages, the river cruise is an event for the whole family. Visit www.bbriverboats.com to make reservations. The dock is located just across the Ohio River at 101 Riverboat Row in Newport, Ky.

 

The Freed Center for the Performing Arts in Ada offers some of the best musical performances by up-and-coming musicians in Ohio. In addition to shows by college students, the Freed Center, located on the campus of Ohio Northern University (525 S. Main St., Ada), offers a children’s series and visiting entertainment. The most popular event is the annual Holiday Spectacular, offered each November. Visit www.freedcenter.com for performance dates and times.

 

No matter the season, there is always a variety of talented musicians performing in the Ohio area. If you visit a venue where alcohol is served, remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver.