There are those who would have you believe that Cincy is no less deserving of the Rock Hall than Cleveland. Granted, those people likely are smoking something other than Kools, but this river city does possess serious rock chops. After all, it was the Queen City’s King Records label that delivered The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Keeping that dream alive is the irrepressible Bootsy Collins, whose homegrown talent landed him firmly in the Rock Hall. Other breakout acts that merit attention include Over the Rhine, Pearlene, the Hiders, and the Pomegranates. These and other resident rockers can be savored at any number of killer live-music venues.