Relive region's rich music history

FREMONT – Memorabilia from Beach Boys and other 1960s' headlining local concerts, recording studio artifacts and more will be featured in a special exhibit Terra State Community College is organizing at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums site in Fremont. "Sounds of Sandusky County" will showcase relics, records and recording equipment from the region's surprising 1960s music scene. The public is invited to a special exhibit opening event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove. The opening event is free, but RSVPs are requested and can be made to music@terra.edu. During the event, the public can see the exhibit and enjoy a local music history presentation by J. Brennan Willis, director of music and technology at Terra State. The presentation will include: • Newly discovered jazz recordings of Toledo jazz legend Cliff Murphy • Stories of local music pioneer Bob Brown, whose concert productions helped bring legendary acts — like The Beach Boys, The Kingsmen and The Lettermen — to northwest Ohio • Never-before-seen footage of Fremont in the 1940s Following the presentation, guests will get a first look at the "Sounds of Sandusky County" exhibit. Curated by Willis in collaboration with Terra State's music program, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the exhibit explores how Sandusky County has played a vital, and often unexpected, role in shaping American music. "This is more than just a historical exhibit," Willis said. "It's an immersive story of how music shaped this region and how it continues to evolve through programs like ours at Terra State." "Sounds of Sandusky County" will be open through May 25. After Sept. 18, access to see the exhibit will be included with regular museum admission. Terra State faculty, staff and students who present their Terra State identification will receive a discount for a Hayes Presidential Library & Museums site pass, which includes admission to the museum and Hayes Home.