Scene Podcast: A Chat With One of Our New Owners
Scene was recently sold, if you didn’t hear, and the new ownership bunch, the Euclid Media Group, is based right here in Cleveland. Along with Scene publisher Chris Keating and San Antonio publisher Michael Wagner, Andrew Zelman is taking the helm of Scene and three other altweeklies — Detroit Metro Times, Orlando Weekly and the…
Hidden Gem: Santo’s Italian Restaurant
Clevelanders on the southwest side of town are guilty: They’ve been dining at Santo’s Italian Restaurant (7565 Pearl Rd., 440-234-6480, santospizzaandpasta.com) since the 1970s — first at the original Fairview Park location and then the current spot in Middleburg Heights — often only divulging the spot to family and close friends. Why? Because Santo’s is…
11 Ways You Survived the Polar Vortex in Cleveland
With temperatures dipping as low as -50 with wind chill on Monday and Tuesday, Clevelanders resorted to bundling up and bunkering down as we waited for the arctic cold to release its grip on our city. Today, as temps climb to a balmy 20 degrees, we can look back on the recent blast and chuckle…
Cleveland Indians Changing Official Primary Logo to Block C
The Tribe can smell which way the winds are blowing, looks like. Via Uniwatch, the Cleveland Indians are changing their official primary logo from Chief Wahoo to the Block C. Indians changing primary logo to the block-C. No change to uniforms, Wahoo still on home cap, sleeves. pic.twitter.com/0EEopJ3ph2 — Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) January 8, 2014…
Fundraising campaign aims to help local guitar builder Jon Hill
Joe Kleon Online fundraising campaigns have become so popular that bands and filmmakers alike have used Kickstarter to raise money for their respective projects. Last week, Indiegogo launched a campaign to help out Bootleg Guitars, the local custom guitar shop run by Clevelander Jon Hill. The $30,000 goal is rather ambitious, but the Indiegogo people…
Here’s a Calendar of All the 2014 Ohio Beer Festivals
One Reddit user, ShitGuysWeForgotDre, has created a calendar of liquid gold— bless him— and one that details the dates of every Ohio beer festival slated for 2014. This is pretty much the best belated Christmas present we could have asked for, right up there with acquiring Luol Deng. So bookmark this page, Ohio, and share…
Norwalk Councilman Sends Racist, Sexist Email, Says It Was a “Joke”
Norwalk Councilman Bob Carleton Back in December, Norwalk Councilman Bob Carleton sent out a racist, sexist email to dozens of people. On Friday, he came forward to say the email, which he sent from a personal Gmail account, was meant to be a joke and that the content of the message was humorous. “In hindsight,…
Blue Angels Swoop Through Cleveland Today
In preparation for Cleveland’s 2014 Labor Day Air Show, two members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are stopping by Cleveland this afternoon. If you’re near Burke Lakefront Airport around 4 p.m. today, look skyward, and you could see Blue Angels numbers seven and eight swoop through in their F/A-18 Hornet, before meeting up with…
Feds Seize Bank Accounts, Jewelry Of Solon Pain Management Doctor Accused Of Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering
Read the federal government’s forfeiture complaint below The federal government seized nearly five million dollars from more than a dozen bank accounts they say were used by a Solon doctor accused of drug trafficking and money laundering. He had been churning out painkiller prescriptions to people he barely examined, they say, oftentimes seeing up to…
Brace Yourselves: The Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Sin Tax Extension is Coming
AMERICAN.COM (Sorry about the Game of Thrones trope up in that headline; I’ve begun reading the novels and I just can’t help myself.) ANYWAY, in between scuttling from office to office amid the freezing cold downtown, there’s lots of talk among county leadership about extending the so-called sin tax for another 20 years. That’s a…
Topps to Produce ‘Major League’ Baseball Cards, Possibly Jobu
Beckett Media In what is likely the second-biggest sports story in Cleveland today, the baseball card manufacturer Topps has announced that fictional characters from the 1989 cult classic Major League will be honored with baseball cards as part of a 2014 Archive Set. Via Beckett Media: [S]tars of the 1989 movie Major League will be…
Cavs Pull Off Blockbuster Trade, Acquire Luol Deng for Bynum
Late last night, the Cavs acquired all-star small forward Luol Deng from the Chicago Bulls for Andrew Bynum and draft picks. The trade ends a period of rumor and speculation surrounding Bynum after he was suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team” on December 27. Word on the street was that Bynum was lazy during…
CONTEST: Cleveland Indians Seek Governor of “Brohio”
Last season, the Brohio movement swept through Tribe Town, thanks, namely, to outfielder Nick Swisher. This year, the team’s hoping to capitalize on some of that bro-tastic momentum, and as such, they are holding a contest to find one bro to rule them all: a Governor of Brohio. Interested bros over the age of 18…
Cleveland Police Seek Help Identifying Serial Rally’s Drive-Thru Robber
CLEVELAND POLICE On four separate occasions, the planned robbery has happened the same way: A man in a red sweatshirt orders food, pulls up to the window, and produces a handgun before demanding cash. Between Oct. 28 and Dec. 18 of last year, this man pulled the same stunt at Rally’s drive-thru locations around Cleveland.…
Cozy Up: 11 Cleveland Bars and Restaurants With Fireplaces
There’s no better way to combat the freezing winter weather than by throwing on your beer blanket and cozying up in front of a roaring fire. But we’re not all lucky enough to have our own personal hearth, and/or we can’t be trusted to tend the fire once that untapped keg of Christmas Ale starts…
Scene Podcast: The Best Albums of 2013
This week: Craig Lyndall and staff writer Eric Sandy discuss some of the best music of 2013, which is quite the loaded phrase. Scene published its own list of the year’s top 10 albums, but there is plenty to talk about after such a busy year. Lyndall and Sandy touch on some of the albums…
Oberlin College Adopts a New Mascot and It’s a… Squirrel?
Oberlin College has adopted a new mascot: a ferocious albino squirrel. (We’re pretty sure the Yeomen and Yeowomen’s athletic rivals will be quivering in their tube socks at the sight of this thing.) Apparently these genetically mutated creatures have long been part of Oberlin’s history, and bring good luck to anyone who sees them. Problem…
Picture of Text-Messaging Driver About To Crash Used To Promote Cleveland.com Text Message Alerts
Cleveland.com’s ad for their text alert uses the same stock image they use in stories about the danger and illegality of texting while driving. It shows a distracted driver heading into cross traffic. Every media outlet, including this one, will use recycled stock images in posts when there’s nothing better to use, but it’s tough…
Shop Foreign, Locally: Mediterranean Market
Opened three years ago, the Mediterranean Market (7553 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440-234-6600) offers a treasure trove of ethnic foods that serve a growing population of Middle Eastern, Greek and Indian natives living in Cleveland. But Lebanese owner George Karim (whose brother Fred was the original owner), is friendly and engaging with all customers regardless…
Horseshoe Casino Closes Due to Inclement Weather
Looks like you’ll have to keep your pennies in your pockets today, folks. Cleveland’s Horseshoe Casino has closed due to weather. Due to the weather, we will close at 3am today, until further notice. For updates, please check Facebook, Twitter or call 216-297-4777.— Horseshoe Cleveland (@HorseshoeCLE) January 6, 2014 If you’re suffering from withdrawal, head…
Andrew Bynum Probably Won’t Be a Cavalier on Monday
In the category of foregone conclusions: Come Monday, if things go according to plan, Andrew Bynum will no longer be a Cleveland Cavalier. His performance — and his as-yet-undisclosed “detrimental conduct” — were enough to persuade Chris Grant and the front office that he wasn’t worth the hassle of retaining. Bynum’s contract is structured in…
It’s Going to be Really Freakin’ Cold Next Week in Cleveland
It’s going to be really freakin’ cold next week. Local meteorologists are predicting record-setting lows to hit northeast Ohio, with temperatures dipping as low as -30 with windchill. via NewsNet5: A massive arctic air mass will slide southeast across the Great Lakes into Ohio on Monday. Temperatures will drop below zero by late afternoon or…
Class Action Lawsuit Against Target Led by Cleveland Woman After Credit Card Hack
Just weeks after Target announced that some 40 million credit card numbers were hacked between November 27 and December 15, a Cleveland-area woman filed a federal class action lawsuit against the big box store. Apparently, the company’s goodwill offering of 10% off all purchases for one weekend in December was not enough to soothe the…
Kevin Spacey to be Keynote Speaker at Cleveland Conference
Word has trickled in to the Scene offices today that award winning actor Kevin Spacey has agreed to headline the Cleveland Content Marketing World Event, slated for September of this year. Evidently, the House of Cards star has been asked to draw on his experiences as a film/television/all-around badass to shed light on effective marketing…
Ethnic Eats: What to Eat at Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, named after the capital city of Cambodia, has a small outpost in Ohio City (1929 W. 25th St., 216-357-2951), but they sometimes can get lost among the many competitors in this popular, oft-packed foodie district. A spacious and inviting second location in North Olmsted (27080 Lorain Rd., 216-251-0210) might be a better destination…
10 Things Going on in Cleveland this Weekend (January 3-5)
Well, the weather outside is frightful, but there are plenty of reasons to kick off the new year and brave the elements this weekend. Besides, when has a Clevelander ever been afraid of a little snow? If you’re looking for a unique experience this weekend, check out DJ Rekha and her Bollywood beats at the…
Cigarette Thief Busted by Footprints in Snow
Yay, we get to share our favorite winter crime trope with you again! While one Sandusky woman was getting ready for work, some brainiac thief stole two packs of Marlboro Mint 100s off her back porch. Officers arrived and began pursuing what they termed “strange footprints” leading from the scene. Police were welcomed into the…
Lorain Police Shoot and Kill a Woman’s Dog, Then Write Her a Ticket for Animal’s Behavior
Welcome back to the Lorain Show, everybody! Earlier this week, Amy Saunders, 41, called police to mitigate an argument brewing between her and her boyfriend. They did, though Saunders’ dog was barking, growling, running around and generally being a dog whose sleep had presumably been disrupted at 1:15 a.m. throughout the process. Police contend that…
Where’s the Best Place to Go Sledding in Cleveland?
CLEVELAND METROPARKS Good morning, Snow City! Schools and offices around the region remain closed today as temperatures continue to hover around zero. Snowfall should taper off this afternoon, but the accumulation (10 inches in some areas) is here to stay for awhile. …All of which begs the very important question: Where is the best place…
10-Year-Olds Present an Open Letter to the Cleveland Browns
Winter Storm Chud has really worked its magic on the streets of Cleveland this week – namely, in the form of Browns fans opining on the topic of the team’s future. Who shall lead us into More Of The Same? A trio of 10-year-olds are advocating for former OSU head honcho Jim Tressel. It’s a…
A Parking Ban is Now in Effect in Cleveland
Beginning at 1 p.m. today, the city of Cleveland instituted a parking ban due to – and we’re paraphrasing Safety Director Marty Flask here – the crazy-ass snowstorm brewing out there. If you can even make it to your iced-over car at this hour, the city is requesting that you get it off the street…
Market Watch: Gentile’s Bakery
For 25 years, Gentile’s Bakery, Catering & Deli (5626 Broadview Rd., 216-351-1161) in Parma has been a favorite shop of countless Clevelanders looking for homemade Italian specialties. A recent move to a new location (Parma, back where the founding family originally set up shop after emigrating from Italy generations ago) has afforded them the opportunity…
Krewella Never Made it to St. Louis on New Year’s Eve
Due to inclement weather, Krewella got stuck in Cleveland on New Year’s Ever and never made it to St. Louis for their late-night show. ST LOUIS- due 2 snowy weather in Cleveland, our plane cant fly 2 make it 2 the show tonight:( So sorry 4 bad news. Pls be safe & happy NYE! —…
Ranked: Cleveland Named One of the Most Beautiful Snow Covered Cities in the World
Photo via Instagram User sandracorcuera The annual whompings of lake effect snow have long given Cleveland a bad rap, but there are some folks who think our snow-capped city is rather lovely. The travel site Globe Traveling recently published their list of Most Beautiful Snowy Cities in the World and little old Cleveland, OH rolled…
Buy Your Browns “Three Stooges” T-Shirt Now
The latest sad Browns fan t-shirt hit the market this week, following Monday’s release of head coach Rob Chudzinski after only one lousy season and Tuesday’s bizarre press conference with Browns’ head honchos, owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner (General Manager Mike Lombardi was M.I.A). Pretty much everyone was taken aback by the decision…
Cleveland’s 87.7 Debuts New Latin Sound
If you haven’t yet tuned in to 87.7 this year, you may not have realized that Cleveland’s rock radio station has, in fact, switched to Latin programming. As of 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, the plug was pulled on the alt-rock station “Cleveland’s Sound,” giving way to the Spanish-based station “La Mega 87.7, Latino and…
20 Photos from New Year’s Eve in Cleveland
You came. You partied. You rang in 2014 with style— Cleveland style. Here are 20 of your New Year’s Eve photos.
Savage Love: Let It Go
Dear Dan — I’m a 34-year-old straight female. I am morbidly obese and have been for most of my life. I have never dated. I’ve been on a couple of dates, and only when I asked the guy out. From reading your columns and books, I am aware that some men are attracted to fat…
Band of the Week: Chris Black
Meet the Band: Chris Black (vocals), Tre Smith (DJ, vocals), Ray Flanagan (guitar), Garrett Tresch (bass), Kyle Tresch (drums) Eastern Promises: Born and raised in Willoughby, Chris Black started performing with what he calls a “basement band” when he was in eighth grade. “I found out I could rap two years later,” he says. He…
The 2013 Theater Awards: Or, a Tribute to Many Things that Definitely Didn’t Suck in Northeast Ohio Last Year
Sure, in 2013 the Browns sucked again, the Cavs continue to sort of suck and the Indians were almost pretty good until they eventually sucked. And the weather mostly sucks. But hey, it’s New Year’s Day! Time to be positive! And yes, Virginia, there was lots of good news coming from Cleveland last year, in…
Your Complete Guide to Cleveland Concerts (January 2 – 8)
THURSDAY JAN 2 Bad Boys Jam: 9 p.m. Brothers Lounge. The Delphines/Cheap Clone/GoldMINES: 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog. Chris Hatton (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Jam Night with Tower City Blues: 8:30 p.m. Grillers Pub. Sophistafunk/Uptown Buddha: Garnering a name for themselves across upstate New York and beyond, Sophistafunk have done much…
Damn Good Music: The 10 Best Albums of 2013 Hit the Spot with Plenty of Electric and Acoustic Bliss
As a year goes on, it’s pretty difficult to gauge the overall quality of new music hitting the streets. It’s only when the calendar is just about to expire that avid listeners can tune into the previous 365 days and assess the melody. It sounds like 2013 was a hit. Massaging our electric and acoustic…
10 Bands to Watch in 2014
At this time every year, we take a look at the local scene to see which up-and-coming acts stand poised to make some noise in the coming year. Last year was a good one for the local scene. Chimaira and Mushroomhead continued to tour and record, solidifying their respective positions as the city’s biggest bands.…
Regional Beat: Kevin Smith
K-Von Kevon Smith (self-released) facebook.com/hisstoryrecords While he was a student in Tri-C’s Recording Arts Technology program, rapper K-Von recorded last year’s Just a Thought, a collection of skits and Southern rap-inspired songs, in his bedroom. This self-titled release follows up on that album and generally keeps the positivity intact. The album starts out a bit…
10 Storylines That Shaped Cleveland Last Year
The City Council Shuffle It’s no secret that Cleveland has shrunk, population-wise, but because of a city charter that links city council representatives to population, the 19-member legislature had to shrink as well this year. Former council president Martin Sweeney orchestrated a behind-closed-doors redistricting process with consultant Bob Dykes which re-organized the city’s wards and…
15 People You’ll Meet in a Craft Cocktail Bar in Cleveland
In 2013, the number of craft cocktail bars in Cleveland more than doubled thanks to the addition of Society Lounge, Katz Club and Porco Lounge and Tiki Room. Velvet Tango Room turned 17 and the Fairmount finally dropped the “Martini and Wine Bar” descriptor from its moniker. Meanwhile, area restaurants doubled down on craft cocktails, and…
The Best Beers of 2013: It’s a Rough Job, but Somebody Had to Drink Them
There’s never been a better time to be a craft beer fan in Northeast Ohio. While past years have seen some amazing local, distributed and imported beers make their way through area shelves and tap handles, the best new craft beers of 2013 seem to elevate the entire concept of what beer can be. Picking…
The 2013 Year in (Food) Review: We Came, We Ate, We Were Happy
With another year of dining out in the books, it’s time we take the obligatory look back at some of the most notable happenings in the local dining scene. As the Cleveland restaurant landscape continues to mature, we’re seeing increased competition by way of some pretty heavy hitters. When Red, the Steakhouse and EDWINS open…
Q & A: Diane Sikorski, aka the Pie Lady
Scene checked in with one of Cleveland’s most beloved bakers, Diane Sikorski, who runs Humble Pie Baking Company out of her home, producing wonderful pies and jams. Cleveland is fortunate to have someone as skilled and dedicated as Sikorski, and our recent chat yielded some delicious backstory as to why “the Pie Lady” does what…
All is Not Lost: The Year’s Top 10 Movies According to One Alt-Weekly Film Hack
The year of our Lord 2013 has proven to be a dynamite year for film. It featured, among other things, one of the most visually and technically ambitious films ever made (Gravity) and at least four performances that might be considered the Greatest of All Time, in various categories and to varying degrees. Given the…
