The Moondog Coronation Ball

Don’t be surprised if you spot Rock and Roll hanging around the lobby of your local Social Security office soon. After all, the old coot is well into his seventh decade. We were reminded of this by the fact that tonight is the 60th — 60th! — edition of the Moondog Coronation Ball. Generally acknowledged as the world’s first rock and roll concert, the Ball was the brainchild of Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who is also credited with coining the term “rock and roll.” Launched in 1952, the first ball came to a riotous end only moments after it began, shut down by fire authorities for overcrowding and, maybe, for daring to bring together a racially mixed crowd. While tonight’s version at the Quicken Loans Arena shouldn’t include that kind of excitement, it still sounds pretty cool. On the list of attractions: Alan’s son Lance Freed, and a performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave). Plus there’ll be music from Creedence Clearwater Revisited, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees. The crowd is usually pretty entertaining too, maybe as proof that Rock and Roll’s attitude is still alive and kicking. Doors open at 5:30, and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $67.50, $52.50, and $37.50 by phone, online, at the Quicken Loans Arena Box office, or at all NEO Discount Drug Marts. Just consider it a kick off to Induction Week, which culminates April 14 with the 27th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.