Jul 17, 12-2PM
Outdoors
Free Event
Free live music on the Rock Hall plaza, with 2026 Artist in Residence: Conor Michael Smith
Conor Michael Smith is a genre-blurring artist whose music fuses raw honesty with poetic precision, chronicling a personal journey marked by faith, fear, resilience, and redemption. Drawing from seasons of isolation, spiritual doubt, and self-discovery, his lyrics cut deep—exploring identity, mental health, and the burdens of expectation with uncommon transparency. From confessions of insecurity to declarations of hope, **Smith transforms his trials into testimony**, blending hip-hop, melody, and live instrumentation to create soundscapes that are as emotionally grounded as they are musically expansive. With every verse, he invites listeners to reflect, heal, and keep searching—because, as his debut album affirms, all good things come in time.
Now in its sixth year, the Artist in Residence program focuses on up and coming musicians from the Northeast Ohio area. During their summer with us, the artists perform regularly on our plaza, spend time writing songs and developing their musical skills.
Additionally, they meet with industry professionals from around the country to learn about all facets of the music business, including marketing, merchandising, copywriting and publishing, PR and more. By the end of the program they will have tangible tools and resources, along with improved skills, that they can take with them to move to the next level of their music careers. The program is supported by the Kulas Foundation.
PARKING: Paid meters and parking lots are available around the museum on East 9th St., Erieside Ave., Alfred Lerner Way (in front of FirstEnergy Stadium) and at the Great Lakes Science Center. You can also use these links to park in other downtown lots, reserve your parking spot in advance or to take public transportation. All sales final, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase unless the performance is canceled.