1925day.year
Ravel's opera L'enfant et les sortilèges, to a libretto by Colette, is premiered at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
Maurice Ravel's one-act opera L'enfant et les sortilèges, with a libretto by Colette, premiered in Monte Carlo, blending surrealism and orchestral innovation.
L'enfant et les sortilèges is a fantastical opera in one act composed by Maurice Ravel with a libretto by the novelist Colette. It premiered at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo on March 21, 1925 under conductor Roger Désormière. The work satirizes a spoiled child's tantrum as household objects and animals come to life in a magical vengeance. Its inventive orchestration and imaginative staging broke new ground in early 20th-century opera. Colette’s whimsical text and Ravel’s lush musical palette captivated audiences with vivid characterizations. The premiere solidified Ravel’s reputation as a leading modern composer. The opera remains celebrated for its originality and has been revived regularly by opera companies worldwide.
L'enfant et les sortilèges
Colette
Opéra de Monte-Carlo
1952day.year
Alan Freed presents the Moondog Coronation Ball, the first rock and roll concert, in Cleveland, Ohio.
On March 21, 1952, disc jockey Alan Freed hosted the Moondog Coronation Ball, widely regarded as the first rock and roll concert in Cleveland.
The Moondog Coronation Ball, organized by influential radio host Alan Freed, is celebrated as the first dedicated rock and roll concert. Held at the Cleveland Arena, the event brought together enthusiastic fans eager to experience the new sound. Performances featured rhythm and blues acts that would shape popular music for decades. Tickets sold out rapidly, and overcrowding led to the cancellation of the show before the headline acts could perform. Despite the logistical issues, the Ball cemented rock and roll’s appeal to a youthful audience. It launched Alan Freed’s career and solidified his nickname as the “Father of Rock and Roll.” The concert’s energy and cultural impact marked a turning point in American music history.
1952
Alan Freed
Moondog Coronation Ball
rock and roll
Cleveland, Ohio
1970day.year
San Diego Comic-Con, the largest pop and culture festival in the world, hosts its inaugural event.
On March 21, 1970, the first San Diego Comic-Con opened its doors, launching what would become the world’s largest pop culture festival.
Initially named the Golden State Comic Book Convention, the event drew around 300 comic book enthusiasts to the U.S. Grant Hotel. Founders Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, and Mike Towry organized panels, film screenings, and an art show celebrating comic book art. The inaugural convention featured guest creators and dealers selling rare comics and collectibles. The enthusiastic turnout and lively atmosphere signaled a burgeoning community of fans and artists. Over the decades, the gathering evolved into Comic-Con International, attracting thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of attendees. It became a premier showcase for comics, film, television, and gaming. The festival’s growth mirrored the mainstream acceptance of pop culture and fan culture. Today, San Diego Comic-Con is a global phenomenon shaping entertainment trends and industry announcements.
San Diego Comic-Con
pop and culture festival