Cleveland Based Photographer Exhibits Shots of "Jews Who Rock" in Davenport, Iowa

From The Quad City Times

"Macoska has worked professionally as a photographer, primarily of rock musicians passing through Cleveland, since 1974.

Currently the house photographer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, she has also shot the cover art for albums by David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Devo, Heart, AC/DC and The Kinks."

Who would be better positioned to photograph the stars of rock?

"The more she researched, Macoska discovered that Jewish influences went beyond musicians such as Neil Diamond, Gene Simmons and Billy Joel and into those behind the scenes, such as Beatles manager Brian Epstein; Sid Bernstein, the producer who brought the Fab Four to America; and legendary concert promoter Bill Graham.

"I kind of knew there were Jewish influences in rock 'n' roll, I just never knew that there were influences beyond musicians," she said, adding that the two Cleveland DJs who coined the phrase "rock 'n' roll" in 1952 and staged the first rock concert were both Jewish."

This sounds like a cool show and I hope she thinks of bringing it to Cleveland.

"Jews Who Rock"
Photos by Janet Macoska
September 10- December 10
River Music Experience
 2nd Floor Gallery
129 Main Street,
Davenport, Iowa

http://www.janetmacoska.com/

The Beatles: Cleveland Sheraton Hotel Press Conference, September 15, 1964

50 years and one day ago.



I doubt the films of many press conferences exist.

This Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of their only show in Pittsburgh.

There is also an exhibit of photos of their Cleveland show, which I should post about.

Rockers Remember Cleveland's Pioneering Music Critic, Jane Scott

In 1964. when Jane Scott found her niche at age 45, women reporters were still rare and Rock was still considered passing fad-or at least not worthy of the attention of a real music critic. She was never forgotten by rockers for taking seriously what so few above the age of 30, did.

From The LA Times

"This renown was a far cry from the days when she had to carry a homemade placard reading “Yes, I’m a reporter.” In the netherworld of rock-star dressing rooms, it was assumed that anyone as respectable-looking as she must be an undercover narcotics agent."

From the NY Times.

"Ms. Scott adored much of the music she heard, and was overwhelmingly positive about it in print. This incurred criticism from some journalists but won the devotion of readers and many musicians.

She was also an astute handicapper. “He looked like a cross between a dockhand and a pirate,” she wrote in The Plain Dealer in 1975, reviewing a young musician. “He stood on the darkened Allen Theater stage last night in a black greaser jacket, blue jeans, a gray wool cap pulled over an eye and a gold earring in his left ear. ... His name is Bruce Springsteen. He will be the next superstar.”"

I found both of these obits via Freshwater Cleveland.

Help The Rock Hall Buy The Yasgur's Farm Sign

Yup, lot's of major institutions are now also using kickstarter to raise funds for selective projects.

The Rock Hall recently acquired an old sign advertising the Dairy Farm that became the site of Woodstock.

"An anonymous donor has agreed to help fund half of the $24,000 acquisition costs by contributing $12,000 toward the project. This donation came with the condition that other music fans provide the remaining amount through this on-line campaign. We need your support to meet this goal. It will be exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum this August to commemorate Woodstock’s 42nd anniversary."

Check out the details and support if you can on kickstarter

"This project will only be funded if at least $12,000 is pledged by Monday Aug 15, 12:00am EDT."