The sun was shining as a group of excited fans gathered around the WEWS building Thursday afternoon.

The Cleveland building, located at East 30th and Euclid avenues, was designated a rock 'n' roll landmark by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for hosting the popular '60s dance show, "Upbeat."

"Upbeat," which was hosted from 1964 to 1971 by beloved Cleveland television personality Don Webster, was one of television's premier music shows. The careers of some of the biggest acts in the country were launched after they performed on "Upbeat". For example, Simon and Garfunkel's first-ever television appearance was on "Upbeat." In addition, most of the successful musical artists of the '60s and '70s got their start on "Upbeat" before hitting it big, including Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and the Four Tops.

Webster was master of ceremonies for Thursday's ceremony, and several musical acts that appeared on the dance show were in attendance and were honored.

Ruthie Brown, director of community relations for the Rock Hall, introduced Webster as the crowd erupted in applause for the local celebrity.

NewsChannel5's general manager, John Lansing, along with Terry Stewart, CEO and president of the Rock Hall, gave welcoming remarks. Robert Santelli, vice president of education and public programs at the Rock Hall, and David Spero, a former talent coordinator of "Upbeat," also welcomed the crowd. Spero is the son of famed "Upbeat" producer Herman Spero, and as a 13-year-old boy, he used to help out on the set of the dance show.

Jeff Kutash, a choreographer for the famous "Upbeat" dancers, also spoke at the ceremony. Kutash's career blossomed after his experience on "Upbeat," and he went on to work with such famous singer-dancers as Michael Jackson and John Travolta.

But "Upbeat" survived on the strength of its guest musical acts, and several artists were honored at the ceremony and given a chance to say a few words. The honorees included Jerry Butler, Freda Payne, Gary Puckett, Lloyd Price, Gene Chandler, the Miracles, Kim Weston, Ben E. King, Gary Lewis & the Playboys and Mitch Rider.

Butler, famous for the song "Only the Strong Survive" and now a politician in the Chicago area, was chosen to present Cleveland Mayor Michael White's proclamation of the WEWS building as a landmark.

After the proclamation was read, the afternoon ceremony was capped by the unveiling of a plaque on the side of the WEWS building. Webster, along with several of the honored artists, joined in the unveiling. As it was uncovered, the crowd cheered and showed its support.

But the "Upbeat" celebration is not ending with the afternoon unveiling. The festivities will be moving to the Rock Hall, where a concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. featuring some of the honored musicians.

Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster. The price is $10 for the general public and $5 for Rock Hall members.

Previous Stories:

• April 13, 2000: Go Down 'Upbeat' Memory Lane With Stars
• April 13, 2000: 'Upbeat': Music, Dance And History
• April 11, 2000: Don't Miss 'Upbeat,' Rock Hall Concert
• March 2, 2000: 'Upbeat,' WEWS Make Rock History