Ohio's Music History is "Scene" Online and Happening in Real Life

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Music lovers have two new ways to experience Ohio's music heritage. Visitors can utilize SceneInOhio.com to learn about Ohio destinations made famous by music legends and create itineraries of their own, or be part of the next "I was there when…" moment at one of the national and international music events happening in Ohio this year!

Responding to numerous requests by Ohio visitors and music enthusiasts, the Ohio Office of Tourism added a new music spotlight to SceneInOhio.com, a website already showcasing Ohio attractions, restaurants and destinations that have been featured in movies and on television. From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland to Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar and Grill" in Cincinnati, there are as many musical destinations as there are music genres in Ohio!

"Our goal for Scene in Ohio is to capitalize on the travel motivating factors of mainstream media, and the addition of key music destinations furthers our objective," said Assistant State Tourism Director Pat Barker. "Music has the ability to transcend all people and stir emotions that have been forgotten for years, or never realized at all."

What is SceneInOhio.com?
In addition to helping travelers find their favorite Scene in Ohio places, the website is designed to give users an interactive experience. Nearly 100 consumers responded to the initial site with suggestions for Ohio sites where movies and television shows were shot, and more than 25 of those ideas have been added to SceneInOhio.com. Location listings on the site also pull photos and videos from social media networks, show Yelp consumer reviews when available and offer social media sharing capabilities.

While SceneInOhio.com tells the story of Ohio's music history, new chapters continue to be written. Every year, Ohio is one of the country's premier destinations for music festivals and events, and this year's addition of the World Choir Games – the Olympics of Choral Music – kicking off July 4 in Cincinnati will add to the Buckeye State's legacy as a music destination.

The Next Chapter of Ohio's Music History:
Following is just a sampling of amazing music festivals and events in Ohio this year. For more ideas, visit DiscoverOhio.com, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoverOhio or like us on Facebook.

World Choir Games, Cincinnati, July 4 – 14
The seventh World Choir Games will be held in North America for the first time this July. The "Olympics of Choral Music" will bring more than 20,000 participants from 70-plus countries to Cincinnati for 10 days of musical celebration and competition. There will be entertainment-packed Olympic-style opening and closing ceremonies, award ceremonies and hundreds of public performances, including free choral performances on city streets, public squares, attraction venues and parks. There also will be ticketed-events for some of the premier competitions and performances. Participants will compete in 23 different musical categories including barbershop, folklore, jazz, pop, gospel and spiritual. Judging is done by an impartial international jury.

Jamboree in the Hills, Morristown, July 19 – 22
Experience four days jam-packed with live music featuring some of country's biggest names at this annual outdoor fest. Included in the line-up this year are: Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Tracy Lawrence, Ronnie Dunn, Lorrie Morgan and more. As one of best-known country music events in the U.S., this concert brings crowds by the thousands for a weekend of dancing, camping and good ol' fashioned fun.

Macy's Music Festival, Cincinnati, July 27 – 28
Macy's Music Festival is a two-night extravaganza of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul in the heart of Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium and dates back to 1962. This larger-than-life music experience features national acts including Charlie Wilson, Maze (featuring Frankie Beverly), En Vogue, Jill Scott and more. Clap your hands, stomp your feet and discover why Macy's Music Festival is more than just a concert!

Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin, Aug. 3 – 5
Known as one of the biggest and best Irish festivals in the country, the Dublin Irish Festival provides an authentic Irish experience without traveling to the Emerald Isle. More than 60 musical acts from the United States and Ireland liven up seven stages and feature bands performing different styles of Irish music. Discover Ireland's traditional instruments while learning to play the fiddle or tin whistle. Other highlights include Celtic sports, hands-on workshops, an area to research your genealogy and a 10th-century authentic Irish village.

Greek Festival, Columbus, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3
This end-of-the-summer event features traditional Greek dancing, music and authentic food, including freshly baked baklava. Take a tour of the ornate Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral to learn how it was painstakingly decorated by hand.

About the Ohio Office of Tourism
The Ohio Office of Tourism is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions and economy. Tourism marketing programs contributed to an estimated $40 billion in sales from visitor spending in 2011. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Office's mission is to market and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and promote the State's outstanding quality of life.

SOURCE Ohio Office of Tourism