Let us count the ways we love Cleveland… There are endless and varied reasons and ways, of course, all worth celebrating and highlighting. But for this, the 2017 City Guide, there are 47, to be specific.
Let us count the ways we love Cleveland…
There are endless and varied reasons and ways, of course, all worth celebrating and highlighting. But for this, the 2017 City Guide, there are 47, to be specific. They capture the city from east to west, north to south, and underscore the litany of treasures and gems that contribute to our vibrant region. From our world class food and cocktail scene to the splendors of our parks, from our internationally renowned institutions of arts and culture to the talented comedians making us laugh every night, Northeast Ohio is indeed to the best location in the nation and these are just a few of the infinite reasons why.
…Because the 10×3 Showcase Highlights Cleveland’s Music Chops
Local singer-songwriter Brent Kirby has modeled 10×3, a weekly showcase he hosts at the westside club and restaurant Brothers Lounge, after the off-night jam sessions he would attend when he lived in Nashville more than a decade ago.
One such event was called 12 on 12; it featured 12 bands playing the club 12th and Porter. Bands would play three tunes, and acts coming through town would sometimes sit in. It was an idea born to be imported to Cleveland, where our music history runs far and wide.
So Kirby launched 10×3 in 2011 in the club’s wine bar, which has a piano. That element alone attracts some of the city’s better musical talent.
As its title implies, the event features 10 singer-songwriters playing three songs each. Two songs have to be origiwnal, and one can be a cover tune. Bands go online to sign up in advance, and then Kirby gives them a specific time slot. He also hosts, naturally.
While the event ostensibly functions as a showcase for singer-songwriters, Kirby doesn’t exclude artists who don’t fit the mold. An Egyptian harpist once performed at the event, as have people who haven’t played anywhere outside of their living rooms in 20 years. Kirby’s philosophy: “Anyone who has written at least two original songs deserves an audience.”
Northeast Ohio is happy to give it to them.…Because the 78th Street Studios Are a Treasure
There’s a lot going on in this massive building which was formerly the creative studios for American Greetings. And that means lots of opportunities to meander through art galleries, art studios, and much more. It’s hidden away from view on West 78th Street, off Lake Avenue between Detroit Avenue and the Shoreway. But once you find it, you’ll find a treasure of interesting artistic expressions — and equally interesting people.
The big day for visitors is Third Friday, when more than 50 venues open their doors from 5 to 9 p.m. so you can bask in all the artwork that’s for sale as well as music, cuisine, pop-up vendors and, well, you name it. It tends to get pretty crowded (even in such a large space), so arrive early if you want close-in parking. There is also an open house every Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when four to eight galleries are open and you can browse in a calmer setting. The building has also become a popular location for weddings and corporate events, since its large windows and huge rooms lend themselves to all kinds of decorating options. Fun fact: Arhaus staged one of their catalog shoots here to feature their collections in an industrial setting.
Photo Courtesy 78th Street Studios…Because Arm’s Length Theater at Convergence-Continuum
If you wonder why convergence-continuum theater doesn’t capitalize their name, it may be because there isn’t room. Ever since they began producing shows at the Liminis in Tremont, Clyde Simon and his company of gifted theater people have staged a variety of off- and off-off-Broadway shows to a small but faithful following. And it all happens in a rather tiny room that is constantly being redesigned and re-imagined for each show, as the 40 or so patron seats occupy different positions from event to event.
The cozy confines mean that every audience member is often only an arm’s length away from the performers, providing a closeness that tends to break down the barriers that often exist in most theaters. Con-con recently survived a near-death experience, as they raised enough money at the last minute to buy the Liminis and maintain their home at 2438 Scranton Rd. in Tremont. And that’s good news for theater lovers who rely on Simon and his troupe for shows by edgy playwrights such as Mac Wellman and Mickle Maher, as well as local writers including Christopher Johnston and Jonathan Wilhelm. Con-con also hosts the annual Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts Playwrights (NEOMFA) Festival.…Because in Cleveland, You’re Surrounded By Baseball
You’d be hard-pressed to find a region of the country that offers more amateur and minor league baseball entertainment than Northeast Ohio. Located in Avon, All-Pro Freight Stadium became home of the Lake Erie Crushers in 2009. Never heard of ’em? Perhaps that’s because the Crushers play in the Frontier League, an amateur baseball league not affiliated with a major league team; the guys on the team play for the sheer love the game. Their salaries are so low, they often crash at fans’ houses for the season. Crushers’ games are good fun. Tickets and concessions are cheap, and the stadium features a big patch of grass where kids can run free.
While the Crushers play for the love of the game, the Lake County Captains and the Akron Rubber Ducks have legitimate shots at making it in the majors.
In Eastlake, Classic Park is home to the Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Indians. Since opening in 2003, the park has hosted a black-tie on-field fundraiser dinner, celebrity softball games, high school baseball and football games and concerts.
In downtown Akron, Canal Park also offers a great minor league baseball experience. If the steel-framed building looks familiar, that’s because HOK, the same company that designed Progressive Field and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, designed and built it as home to the Rubber Ducks, the Double A affiliate of the Indians. Back in 2013, the team installed one of the largest free-standing video boards in the minor leagues. And like many minor league teams, the Rubber Ducks offer a number of clever promotional events. This year’s highlights include Yoga Night and a Marla Hooch (from A League of Their Own) bobblehead giveaway.
Photo Courtesy Akron Rubber Ducks…Because the Beachland is More Than Music
You’ve been going there for years to catch your favorite local bands, but maybe you have yet to darken the doorway of the storied Beachland during the daytime.
Brunch is one of the most important things about life, according to most Clevelanders who sip bloodies while wearing their “Brunch So Hard” T-shirts every Saturday morning or “Sunday Funday” shirts the day after. At Beachland, you get not only an excellent, varied menu to select from, but you also get the charm of live entertainment. You’ll find DJs spinning onstage in the Tavern or live podcasts being recorded during brunch.
A quick scan across the current menu reveals a mouth-watering gamut: You’ve got your pick of everything from chicken chilaquiles and the vegan special to “Eggs Beachland” and the always-welcome fried chicken on housemade buttermilk biscuits. Pair ‘em with a bloody or a Beachland Baberita (named after Beachland’s fearless leader, Cindy Barber), and you’re off to a kickass start for the weekend. (Their Sunday menu differs slightly and offers a more classically breakfast-oriented array of dishes.)
Better yet, if you really want to go all in: Wrap up brunch, spend the day hanging around North Collinwood’s ever-expanding neighborhood shops and galleries, stop downstairs at Beachland’s This Way Out thrift shop, and come back for a show.
Scene Archives Photo…Because the Metroparks’ Bike Trails Are Amazing
It’s scary enough to encounter road rage when you’re driving your car. But when you see an enraged driver and you’re on a bicycle, it can be downright terrifying. If you love riding your bike but aren’t enamored of pedaling on city streets, thereby making yourself a target for bike haters (they’re out there) or just plain careless drivers, head off to the Cleveland Metroparks, the “Emerald Necklace” that surrounds the city of Cleveland. That’s where you’ll find paved, all-purpose trails — 70 miles of them — that offer everything you might want in a bike ride in a leafy and safe environment where motorized vehicles are not allowed. If you like to challenge yourself with hilly terrain, head off to the eastern section, in the Bedford Reservation and the North Chagrin Reservation, where ups and downs are prevalent. In the western section, the trails through the Rocky River Reservation are ideal for those who like to pedal at a moderate pace and enjoy the woodsy views. There are also places you can connect to other trails, such as the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Bike-Hike Trail. In short, you won’t soon run out of biking options in the Metroparks, while you stay off the roads.…Because Peppery Popcorn at Blank Canvas Theatre
There are many reasons to love the popcorn they make at Blank Canvas Theatre for every performance. One: It’s cheap. Just 3 bucks for an old-fashioned cardboard container that seems to be just enough and not too much. Compare that price to the popcorn served at most movie theaters, some of which requires prior loan approval. Two: They lace the popcorn with fresh ground pepper and some popcorn butter seasoning to give the kernels a little kick. Turns out, pepper is a much more interesting spice for this treat than the popcorn salt-bombs that you encounter most places. Three: Since you’re eating out of that stiff-sided container, you’re not making noise with a popcorn bag, which always drives some people (who, me?) nuts. Four: You can pair your popcorn with a glass of wine, also $3, and enjoy a full snack for the price of a couple Goobers at most movie theaters. Five: You’ll be snacking at a theater, tucked into a third-floor corner of the 78th Street Studios, that has earned a reputation for staging some of the most interesting productions in recent years. So it’s a tasty experience on multiple levels.
Photo Courtesy Blank Canvas…Because We Like Beer With Our Board Games
Who doesn’t love games? Who doesn’t love beer? Exactly. Whether it’s a game of Connect 4 over Long Islands or an intense matchup of Lord of the Rings Monopoly over IPAs, games just have a way of bringing people together.
Board game bars and cafes have increased in visibility over the years, and in the Cleveland area two popular spots are the Side Quest in Lakewood and Tabletop in Ohio City.
Both establishments charge a small fee for patrons to play their games. The Side Quest charges $1 per player per game (except on Tuesdays when it’s free to play) while Tabletop opts to have a flat fee of $5 per player that grants unlimited use of all of their available games. Tabletop also offers an annual subscription plan for $25 that pays for itself after five visits and includes other membership perks. The Side Quest offers membership into its Liquor League and Beer Society that grants members only access to monthly tastings.
One major difference between the two places is that while the Side Quest does not offer small plates, Tabletop does. Food offerings include the Avocado Bravado sandwich, a grilled cheese panini and Buff Chuck Dip which can all be washed down with a wine smoothie.
Both venues have trivia nights along with various other themed events. Weekly happenings at the Side Quest include Mario Mondays, Anime Wednesdays and Geeks Who Drink. Overall, for those who are looking for nightlife that’s a little different than the norm, and perhaps even a bit nostalgic, board gaming may be that outlet. Roll the dice and find out for yourself.
Flickr Photo CC, Yoppy…Because the Brew Bus Will Bring You to the Beer
In a city bursting at the seams with local craft breweries — with even more on the way in early 2017, including Shaun Yasaki’s Noble Beast — there’s no finer way to take in the sights and suds than with a trip on the Cleveland Brew Bus. Ready? Let’s go.
We took a spin on the Brew Bus in 2016, stopping by Platform Beer Co., Market Garden Brewery and Portside Distillery as part of a weekend-long bachelor party in this, the greatest city on Earth. Let us be clear: This is a super fun way to augment any bachelor or bachelorette party, pre-Indians game get-together, having-friends-in-from-out-of-town-for-the-weekend weekend or for practically any reason at all. Beer is good, and buses need all the support they can get in this city.
The Brew Bus offers 11 tours, ranging from Cleveland Classics to Hidden Gems and points east, west and south. For a $60 ticket price, you’ll sample 12 beers and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the brewing world works in Cleveland. (The tour will pause for a while at one of the stops for a meal, either brunch, lunch or dinner.)…Because Brews and Prose
On the first Tuesday of every month, Market Garden hosts a popular literary reading series where you can see local and national writers read pieces of their work while enjoying a delightful local microbrew from MGB. Brews and Prose’s motto, “Literature is always better with beer,” aptly describes the fun environment of the reading series and we’d add that storytime is always better when the authors themselves are there to tell and explain the story. Brews and Prose has worked with the Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts program to bring in emerging writers, as well as having local staples like Dan Chaon, Kevin Keating and Thrity Umrigar stop by. In addition, writers from out of town who have achieved national prominence like Eleanor Henderson (Ten Thousand Saints) and Chigozie Obioma (The Fishermen) have traveled to Cleveland to read at this series.
These days it’s not unheard of to find 200 or so people packed into Market Garden’s basement for the festivities. It’s the kind of thing founder and emcee Dave Lucas, who’s been recognized by the Cleveland Arts Prize and the county’s Creative Workforce Fellowship, might or might not have imagined when this all started, but one that he nevertheless can be proud of. Brews and Prose has now had more than 50 readings and celebrated its fourth anniversary last year, growing from a small, loyal literary fanbase to a more general and broad audience.
“If you think about the Founding Fathers, when they formed this country, their meetings all took place in pubs and taverns. I think this is a modern-day equivalent of that,” said MGB founder Sam McNulty in a story last year. “I think there’s an intellectual revolution happening with events like Brews and Prose.” We heartily agree.
Photo by Carissa Russell…Because Brick Ceramic + Design Will Teach You to Make Something Cool
Looking for a unique date night idea? Brick Ceramic + Design Studio in Waterloo hosts two-hour Date Night workshops on the first and third Thursday of each month. Themes change monthly, and project options typically include creating something functional or decorative. Classes cost $50 per couple and include all supplies, tools, instruction and kiln firings, and guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages.
Due to the nature of ceramics, Brick works with guests to pick glazes to be applied by staff after the clay has dried for a week and undergone an initial firing. After glazing, the pieces are fired in the kiln a second time for one to three days, and the project will be ready in four to six weeks.
“They will show the students a step-by-step explanation of how to make the project,” says Brick founder Valerie Grossman. “Our clay projects are hand built so usually we start everyone with a ball of clay to roll into a slab and then stencils to trace the different parts of the project. After the project is formed, then the students add decoration such as texture or underglaze color.”
Additionally, Brick offers open studio hours three days per week for experienced artists to work independently in the studio. The $25 fee includes 3 pounds of clay and firing. Open studios hours are Monday from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
Photo Courtesy Brick Ceramic+Design Studio…Because Broadway Comes to You at Playhouse Square
When you see the line of 18-wheelers arrive at Playhouse Square, carrying the sets, equipment and costumes for a Broadway show, you get a sense of how big these productions really are. And once they unload all those trucks, the result is often magical because Cleveland, under the wise and energetic guidance of executive producer Gina Vernaci, has become one of the prestigious stops on any touring company’s schedule. These shows now stop here for three weeks, since the Playhouse Square subscriber base is so enormous. In fact, it has led the nation in season ticket holders (currently at 3,000-plus) for three years in a row.
But those numbers mean little when it comes down to the experience you can have at one of these shows. The sets are dazzling, the costumes sumptuous, and the performers are Broadway-quality. Not only that, the Connor Palace and the other theaters themselves are works of art, including the neo-classical Ohio Theatre lobby, recently renovated to the tune of $5.3 million; those are the theaters, incidentally, that infamously almost became parking lots a few decades ago.
So pick up a ticket to one of these shows — the incredible, eye-popping hit The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is coming up — and treat yourself to the big, ballsy Broadway experience without leaving home.
Photo Courtesy of Playhouse Square…Because the Cleveland International Film Festival Takes You on a Trip Around the World
When it comes to the confluence of artistic expression and the city of Cleveland, nothing is more representative than the Cleveland International Film Festival. Every year, thousands of film lovers descend upon Cleveland to watch one of hundreds of films at Tower City Cinemas and other locations around Greater Cleveland.
This year, the festival will take place from March 29 to April 9. It’ll open with California Typewriter, a documentary directed by Doug Nichol about artists who still use the typewriter for their works, and close with The Hero, a Western directed by Brett Haley and starring Sam Elliott.
In 2016, the festival presented 192 feature films and 213 short films from filmmakers from 72 countries; more than 100,000 patrons took in the action. There are horror films, Ohio-made films, short film programs, foreign films, LGBTQ films, documentaries and any other genre a cinephile could imagine, all enjoyed without leaving the cozy confines of Northeast Ohio. It’s a chance to see work that wouldn’t normally screen around town, and CIFF brings in a host of directors, actors and writers for panel discussions on the work.
And it gets better! One of the best parts of the fest is the jam-packed schedule with screenings as early as 9 in the morning and as late as midnight.
Now in its 41st year, the CIFF keeps growing and improving; it’s hard to imagine a time when it wasn’t one of the (many) reasons to look forward to spring. Become a member and snag early access and discounts, which helps because demand means most shows end up sold-out.
Photo from Romeo is Bleeding…Because the Cleveland Cinematheque Consistently Delivers the Unexpected
The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque is the region’s only true arthouse theater, a repertory cinema run by a Cleveland treasure — John Ewing, an actual knight of France.
Each month, Ewing assembles a lineup of films so uniquely diverse and profoundly weird that confronting the familiar black-and-white calendar can feel like stumbling into an utterly unfamiliar section of a movie library. You’ve never heard of most of these movies, but you want to see them all. Take the month of March: On the schedule are films from France, Belgium, Japan, Iran, the United States and Great Britain, spanning the 1920s, 1950s, 1960s, 1980s and 2010s.
Many of the films have never screened in Cleveland before, and often they’re shown in conjunction with others in series intended to highlight unknown or unusual directors or lesser-known works of famous writers, directors and actors. This month, the Cinematheque will screen movies starring Peter O’Toole, including Stunt Man (1980), The Lion in Winter (1968) and How to Steal a Million (1966) (Pictured above).
If you’re not into indies, foreign fare or classics, come for the neighborhood. The Cinematheque is an easy walk from the Rapid’s Uptown Red Line stop, and adjacent to recent development along Euclid Avenue in the “Uptown” district. Grab a beer at ABC or Happy Dog, a bite at Ninja City or Otani Noodle, out some art at MOCA, and then catch a flick.…Because the City Club is a Bastion of Free Speech
If you’ve ever wondered what this whole “free speech” thing is all about, trot down to the City Club of Cleveland at 850 Euclid Avenue for a lesson. Since 1912, this venerable institution has been a “Citadel of Free Speech” for providing a platform for a galaxy of luminaries including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eliot Ness, Rosa Parks and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. There have been literally thousands of speakers, making it a “thought clearinghouse” and one of the country’s oldest, non-partisan, continuously operating free speech forums.
The subjects range far and wide, and all the speakers are leaders in their field — be they politicians, professors, community organizers or government officials. And during the second half of each program, the floor is open for a question-and-answer period from the audience. This gives you a chance to stand up, exercise your free speech, and maybe elicit oohs and ahhs from the room due to your perceptive and enlightened comment or question.
Non-member tickets are around $30 each, but that comes with a meal at the traditional Friday lunches at noon. Memberships are as low as $100, and $25 for students.
Photo Courtesy City Club of Cleveland…Because You Never Know What You’re Going to Find at the Cleveland Flea
In just a few years, the Cleveland Flea has grown from the parking lot of Sterle’s and a couple hundred visitors to the sprawling Tyler Village complex and nearly 10,000 shoppers at the monthly event. The popularity surge is due to many things – Cleveland’s undying love of reasons to get out of the house in summer, the growing local maker economy, etc. – and it shows no signs of abating.
Founded in 2013, the Flea has become one of the city’s most celebrated events, chiefly because it brings together more than 100 vendors with merchants selling everything from antiques to vintage clothing, jewelry to home décor, trinkets to artisan leather goods. The joy is not so much going to find something in particular but instead wandering around the pop-up tent city and stumbling on deals and gems. Hey! There’s a t-shirt you simply have to have. Oh! Look at that vintage chair. It’s all delivered with liquor and food, because this is Cleveland.
Building on the idea of a monthly routine, repeated exposure to vendors breeds recognition, repeat business, word-of-mouth recommendations and, most importantly, sales.
Artists became more or less household names— people you expect to see every month — and vending at the Flea has become a legitimate avenue to grow a business. Flea founder Stephanie Sheldon lends examples such as Melissa Hale of perfumery Yates Apothecary, who regularly leads workshops and recently procured a new studio space for expanding classes and output.
Be sure to stop by once this year and then be sure to stop by again, because you are bound to find something you missed the first time.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because We Are a Cycling Haven
In the late ’90s, mountain bike enthusiast Ray Petro had an epiphany. He had spent a summer doing some serious mountain bike riding and became frustrated when he had to put his bike in mothballs for winter. So in 2004 he leased an empty warehouse space on Cleveland’s west side and constructed a series of twisting, winding wooden planks and ramps that he dubbed Ray’s MTB Indoor Park. The place offers everything from a big pit of foam where wannabe daredevils can practice stunts without getting injured to ramps so steep that only the strongest riders can scale them. While it caters to locals, the park also hosts national races and competitions.
Just south of downtown in Slavic Village, the Cleveland Velodrome, which opened in August 2012, provides another unique experience for speed-loving cyclists. A banked oval track that features two straight sections, the velodrome isn’t covered so it only hosts events on a seasonal basis. While the steeply banked oval track requires a certain skill set, the Velodrome offer a series of classes designed to introduce novice riders to the techniques required to ride the track.
Photo Courtesy Cleveland Velodrome…Because We Are Kept In Good Cocktails
While most of us were too busy getting buzzed on Zimas, Cosmos, White Russians and Chocolate Martinis to notice, Paulius Nasvytis was quietly launching a cocktail revolution in a gritty corner of Cleveland. That was 20 years ago now. The Velvet Tango Room was Cleveland’s first real cocktail lounge and it continues to set the bar for quality and style to this day.
“In some ways it feels like two years and in some ways it feels like 50,” Nasvytis says. “When I opened, this was a bar that was held to a different standard and it was a bar that held its customers to a different standard as well, which a lot of people couldn’t fathom. We’ve kept to those roots but through the years I’ve always tried to keep upping the game.”
A lot has changed over those two decades, both in terms of the local cocktail culture and the neighborhood VTR calls home. Years before Ohio City or Tremont became the food and drink hub it is today, Nasvytis purchased a falling-down building on a dog-eared block and had the balls to start selling the city’s most expensive cocktails when he finally opened his doors in 1996. That he managed to maintain the same level of quality and consistency for 20 years is both astonishing and admirable.
It’s hard to imagine that Porco or the Spotted Owl would exist without the VTR. Each have put their unique stamp on the cocktail scene and emphasize quality and service much like Nasvytis. Together, they are a triumvirate of cocktail prowess.
Porco, of course, is the tiki lounge and bar just down the street from the VTR where Stefan Was has created an exotic sanctuary for professionally blended cocktails including the best Mai Tai in Northeast Ohio. The Spotted Owl, meanwhile, is the brainchild of Will Hollingsworth. Set up in a 160-year-old space in Tremont, the two-and-a-half-year-old bar has elevated the cocktail scene with an inspired menu that changes throughout the year and some fun restaurant pop-up series and even an adult spelling bee. C-H-E-E-R-S.
Photo by Ken Blaze…Because Coventry Is Still the Place to Be
Prior to Gordon Square, Tremont and Ohio City becoming the trendy, hip neighborhoods, there was Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights and its many iterations: hippie, punk and more. While the neighborhood has changed significantly throughout the decades, there’s still plenty going on and plenty of things that haven’t changed.
Well before the healthy eating trends of today, Tommy’s boasted more tasty vegetarian options than anywhere else in the region (and still does today), in addition to making some of the best french fries and milkshakes around.
Mac’s Backs has been on Coventry since 1984 and contains three stories of used and new books. Shops like Passport to Peru and Record Revolution have been mainstays on the street for years, while newer streetwear/sneaker shops like Next and Blueprint have joined the retail scene in recent years.
Food? Oh yes. Coventry lays claim to some of the best Asian restaurants in town: sushi at Pacific East, pho at Pho & Rice, stir fry at BD’s Mongolian Grill, Thai at High Thai’d, Chinese at Hunan on Coventry and all types of Asian food at Tree Country Bistro.
Of course, no trip to Coventry would be complete without a visit to Big Fun, the vintage toy store that carries anything from rare Pez dispensers and whoopee cushions to candy cigarettes.
For evening entertainment, the Grog Shop has something happening basically every night, from local punk rock to national underground hip-hop and everything in between.
La Cave du Vin is the hidden gem of the neighborhood, an underground wine bar with one of the best selections of beer and wine around. Also, be sure to check out B-Side Liquor Lounge and Arcade where you can play 22 classic arcade games and 8 pinball machines while enjoying an adult beverage.
Scene Archives Photo…Because the City is Filled With Hidden Gems Like the Dittrick Museum of Medical History
Cleveland has some of the best museums in the country, but you already know that. CMA? Of course. The Museum of Natural History? Yup. We’re well known for all those museums, but we’re also well known for our medical expertise and health care prowess. Tucked right in the heart of town is a hidden gem that combines both: the Dittrick Museum of Medical History, which educates all of us on how hospitals evolved to their modern magnificence — and what sort of weird developments occurred along the way.
“You didn’t really want to be sick in 1810,” Brandy Schillace told us on a recent tour, elaborating on photos of physicians draining copious amounts of blood from their patients. “They had a real misunderstanding of how much blood was in the human body.” Schillace is the museum’s public engagement fellow. She’s responsible for many aspects of the museum, including its tours, as well as the public conversation series that she debuted in late 2015.
“We’re really inviting the public to come in and talk with us,” Schillace says, distinguishing these events from more typical TED-style lectures.
The series has featured topics like vaccinations, PTSD and the evolution of medicine technology. If the public isn’t already coming to the museum in droves, Schillace’s idea is to take the museum to the public (or to a nice meeting space like the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art). She’ll speak on a topic for 15 minutes or so before opening the room to general conversation — distinctly not a straight Q&A session, though there will be various experts on hand to keep the convo deep and broad.
Photo Courtesy Dittrick Museum…Because a Shot and a Beer Costs $4 at the Ontario
Cleveland has a long and storied love affair with dive bars. Long before cocktails and craft brews there were domestic bottles and shots of well liquor delivered on dusty bartops from east to west. Some of those dives have disappeared, supplanted by modern tastes and modern real estate prices. And while we were sad to see them go, at least we still have a roster of gems like the Harbor Inn operating with much the same aesthetic, and price points, that they used to.
Chief among our favorites: The Ontario, tucked across from the casino downtown. It’s easy to miss, but shouldn’t be.
Opened some 45 years ago, Alan Glazen bought the lounge five years ago and thankfully didn’t change a thing (well, it’s called The Ontario now instead of Ontario Street Café, but it’s a minor difference).
“It’s the last great old-school neighborhood bar downtown,” he said at the time. A dimly lit operation with a mahogany bar, the Ontario boasts rock-bottom prices and priceless characters. You can get Genesee on draft for a coupla quarters, essentially, or grab a pitcher for far less than a 10-spot. Add a shot to your beer and they will kindly ask for the princely sum of $4. You can’t beat it.
As if that weren’t enough, Ontario is also a deli serving up some of the best corned beef and pastrami this side of Slyman’s. Packed to the hilt with salty meats, the sandwiches are more than enough for a meal, and probably two. All told, you can walk out stuffed and tipsy for $20, and there are few places you can say that about these days downtown.…Because We’ll Never Get Tired of Browsing at Flower Child
Searching for stuff in many vintage stores can be quite a chore. But when you wend your way through the small rooms and narrow stairways of Flower Child, at 11508 Clifton Blvd. in Cleveland, it feels like you’re on a magical journey back to a past decade (1930s to 1980s, often all mixed together). The amount of items on display is staggering, shelved floor to ceiling and occupying virtually every available space in the rambling shop. Looking for a ’60s-era crushed velvet sofa? You may find it here. How about a brooch from the 1940s? Or a unique movie poster from the Depression years, already framed? It all could be there. From vintage clothing to jewelry and from period furniture and dishware to lighting fixtures and vinyl records, Flower Child has it all. And most if it is in good or excellent condition, so you don’t have to wade through boxes of trash to find something outrageously funky or just simply exquisite. They claim to have one of the best mid-century collections in the Midwest, and it would be hard to prove them wrong. While they don’t barter much on many items, since they are selling a lot on consignment, the prices seem reasonably fair. But hey, once you’ve finally found that pink flamingo lamp you had on your bedside table in the ’60s, price will be no object.
Photo Courtesy of Flower Child…Because One of the Country’s Best Breweries Is in Our Backyard
Whether or not you’re from Cleveland, you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed the fine products of Great Lakes Brewing Company. It’s the grandpappy of the local craft brew scene, having set up shop in the Ohio City neighborhood back in 1988. That was long before West 25th Street looked anything like the social/dining/drinking destination that it is today. If you’re on West 25th, venturing to the GLBC pub is a must. Try one of the region’s most famous beers on draft, where they’re freshest: Dortmunder Gold, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Burning River Pale Ale, Edmund FitzGerald Porter. Or try something new and fun that you can only score on premises. In March, Great Lakes will offer the Grandes Lagos Lager as its rotating seasonal, for instance. It’s a crisp, aromatic Mexican-style lager with a pink hue and tart finish described as “a getaway in a glass.”
Trying beers and sampling the pub fare makes for a killer evening, but if you want the full brewery experience, sign up for a tour. They’re about one hour and cost just $5; the admission price also gets you beer samples. Not only do you get to see the GLBC machinery up close and learn the ins and outs of the brewing process, you also get a taste — no pun intended — of the GLBC culture. If you weren’t aware, Cleveland’s oldest brewery is also one of the region’s most progressive. They’re all about green business practices: recycling, vegetable-oil trucks, composting, the “Fatty Wagon” which shuttles patrons to Indians games fueled by grease from their fryer. (Its exhaust smells like french fries, which is an added bonus.) You’ll hear all about it on your tour, and get a fair bit of regional history thrown in to boot.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because Gotta Groove Records is Hella Cool
For almost 25 years, Vince Slusarz worked for Newbury-based Kinetico Inc., a plastics-manufacturing company. He liked his job as chief operations officer well enough. But after the company was sold in 2006, a new CEO came in, eventually eliminating his position. Unemployed at 51, Slusarz suddenly had lots of time for soul-searching. And as it tends to go, the abrupt development in his professional career led to inspiration and a chance to pursue a passion project that would leave its stamp on an industry and city.
After visiting Musicol Recording, a vinyl pressing plant in Columbus, he decided to open his own damn plant and purchased some equipment from Jersey-based Dynamic Assets, moving it into a Tyler Village warehouse on the near eastside of Cleveland. That was back in 2008. It took a minute for him to get the gear functioning, but once things were operational, business boomed. He now presses records both by local artists and bands from all over the world. The company has also gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of vinyl — it has pressed technicolor records, added glitter for one client and even shredded cash for another.
Slusarz now employs a number of local musicians and even has Clint Holley, a local musician and DJ who once ran sound at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, to “cut” the masters that Gotta Groove uses to press the vinyl records. Business has been so good for Holley that he’s moved his Well Made Music into a more formal workspace in the 78th Street Studios. Gotta Groove offers tours, and Holley sometimes hosts open houses during the 78th Street Studios’ Third Friday events.
Photo Courtesy Gotta Groove…Because Keep Talking and Happy Dog Keep Us in Good Stories
There’s nothing we like more than a good yarn and, thankfully, a number of really cool storytelling events have sprung up around Cleveland in the past few years. Now is the perfect time to go hear your friends carve narrative arcs in a westside bar.
We attended the “scary”-themed Keep Talking at Happy Dog last October, and encountered a really incredible array of stories. One might think that the theme would have prompted several spooky tales but, rather, storytellers wove narratives around their friends’ emergency health problems or their experience as a minority growing up in public schools. The universality and open-endedness of many of these themes (“thankful” in November, “dating” in February) makes for a simple and engaging platform for storytellers and listeners. The show that we caught also aired lived on WCPN, which is pretty exciting.
What’s more, hosts Zachariah Durr and Adam Richard will help speakers massage the arc and delivery of their stories, so there’s no need to shy away if you’ve got a bad case of stage fright; they’re here to help. Get at them at keeptalkingcle@gmail.com with your story pitches.
The event takes place the first Wednesday of every month. Hot dogs and tots are always recommended.…Because Heights Arts Has Something for Everyone
You say you like visual arts, poetry, music and all that stuff? Well, there’s a place in Cleveland Heights that is geared just for you. Heights Arts, a multi-disciplinary arts organization, contributes to the region’s artistic vitality by showing artists from the area in its galleries, as well as facilitating public art and design projects, presenting chamber music concerts (and other concerts) in an intimate setting, and offering classes and workshops in the arts. The number of events Heights Arts sponsors is impressive, and many of the concerts are free, with freewill donations accepted.
There are five major, themed exhibits during the year, and each of those is paired on one night with selected poets reading works inspired by the art on display. There are also five individual artist exhibits, for a total of 10 exhibits each year, and admission is always free. In all, there are more than 60 programs and events each year at their welcoming storefront location at 2175 Lee Rd. And that includes one off-site extravaganza, the “Not-So-Annual” Haiku Death Match, staged at Dobama Theatre down the street. That’s the competition in which poets compete to become the Haiku Master in a raucous and fun-filled atmosphere.
Photo Courtesy Heights Arts…Because Our Local Independent Theaters Rock
Cleveland Cinemas began in 1977 as a single-theater operation. That theater was, of course, the Cedar Lee, the storied Cleveland Heights venue that has become the region’s destination for specialty films. It’s not quite as arty as the Cinematheque, but it screens a mix of indie and foreign films and is your one-stop shop for the Oscar-season slate. Locals vote the Cedar Lee the region’s best movie theater almost every year, virtually without fail and with good reason.
The Cedar Lee is Cleveland Cinemas’ oldest property. And the Capitol Theatre in the Gordon Square Arts District is its newest. Re-opened in 2009 after a gorgeous renovation, the Capitol is now an anchor institution in Detroit-Shoreway and screens a mix of mainstream and specialty films on its three screens. The Cedar Lee and the Capitol — one on the east side, one on the west — represent Cleveland Cinemas indie operations. While the local company operates a total of seven theaters (including one in Pittsburgh) — and while one of them, Tower City, hosts the Cleveland International Film Festival each year — going to the Cedar Lee and the Capitol makes you feel like you’re “buying local.” It’s important to patronize these spots.
This fall, it was revealed that the Capitol, owned by the Detroit-Shoreway Community Development Corporation, has never quite reached its attendance goals.
And despite “Cedar Lee-type” programming that includes late-night cult classics and a weekly documentary series, it has yet to attain the popularity or cachet of its sister theater out east. Part of that has to do with the limited offerings on its three screens, but make a point to visit this iconic Cleveland location. On Mondays, movies are only $6. On Wednesday, beer is a dollar off! And with the culinary offerings of Gordon Square right around the corner, dinner and a movie has never been so easy.
Photo Courtesy Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization…Because Mix at the Museum Is a Party You Shouldn’t Miss
Each month, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts a new, themed installment of its Mix special events series. Although the themes change each month, the events typically feature live music, art demonstrations, activities, dancing and drinks. Upcoming themes include Vino (March) and Revel (April). In short: Hundreds of your fellow Clevelanders gather in the awe-inspiring atrium of CMA to mix and mingle and dance and generally revel. There’s literally nothing to not like. Oh, and you can walk around and enjoy all the galleries too.
“Mix events celebrate not only the visual arts through artworks and special exhibitions, but also all arts including spoken word, dance, fashion, music and much more. You have to join us for a drink at one of Cleveland’s most diverse, engaging and simply exciting events. You never know exactly what you may encounter,” says Aaron Petersal, the CMA’s director of visitor experience.
The CMA was founded in 1913 “for the benefit of all the people forever,” as stated by co-founder J. H. Wade II. It officially opened its doors on June 6, 1916. The museum’s mission statement and longtime financial support from the community ensure that the museum’s collections will remain free to the public forever. It is undoubtedly one of our community’s greatest assets and there are few better times to enjoy it than on a Mix night.
Although admission to the museum’s permanent galleries is free, MIX is a ticketed special event. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and free for members. Guests must be 18 to attend.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because MOCA Cleveland Exists and Is Free Once a Month
Thanks to a generous gift from PNC, admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland is free on the first Saturday of each month. If you stop by soon, you can enjoy the new Winter/Spring 2017 exhibitions, including Adam Pendleton’s largest solo museum show to date, Lisa Oppenheim’s first solo show in the United States, and a site-specific sound installation, Transport Empty, by artists Zarouhie Abdalian and Joseph Rosenzweig.
“People of all ages can explore one of Cleveland’s cultural anchors, experience artworks in our galleries, and take part in family-friendly workshops and activities. With three different exhibition seasons each year, MOCA Cleveland, Northeast Ohio’s only contemporary art museum, is always changing,” says Peter Vertes, director of marketing and communications.
MOCA Cleveland was founded as The New Gallery in 1968. Since then, it has presented the work of more than 2,000 artists, many in their first individual exhibitions. The New Gallery was the first in the region to introduce work by now-legendary artists such as Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman and Roy Lichtenstein; the organization continues to present new works by emerging and established artists from around the world. It ultimately became MOCA Cleveland in 2002. Ten years later, it unveiled its gorgeous, new $27.2 million building in University Circle’s Uptown district.
Aside from first Saturdays, general admission is $9.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 students with valid ID.
What are you waiting for?
Photo Courtesy MOCA…Because We Love the Cleveland Orchestra, Especially Outside of Severance Hall
The Cleveland Orchestra. What’s left to say, really? The world-class, world-renowned outfit is based right here in our own backyard. Cool. Cool. This is where we say all the usual things – if you haven’t been to see them, go do it; if you haven’t been to Severance Hall for a show, go do that too. But we’d add that the Cleveland Orchestra, which performs all over this beautiful world from Miami to Europe, is more than fancy concert halls and besuited audiences. The orchestra has done an amazing job of getting outside of Severance and taking the music to the people and of programming events that draw a broader audience.
We’re talking about the orchestra’s residency at Blossom, for starters. In the summer, pack a picnic and some wine and catch a performance sitting on the grassy hillside of the amphitheater. This year’s slate includes performances of Broadway hits, the Carole King songbook, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and “Hollywood Heroes and Superheroes,” which has the outfit playing songs from Indian Jones, Batman and Bond.
We’re also talking about the orchestra’s neighborhood residency program, which once a year includes a slate of performances concentrated in one of this city’s fine outposts. Previous years have included Slavic Village, Hough, Gordon Square and Lakewood. It’s a chance to see smaller ensembles (and free shows) for the audience and a chance for the orchestra to bring visibility to community partners. This year’s “At Home” residency hasn’t been announced yet, but look out for details and don’t miss it when it comes around.
Photo Courtesy Cleveland Orchestra…Because the Polish Boy, Of Course
Chances are good that the first Polish Boy you ever ate came courtesy of Seti Martinez, who spent the past decade parked out front of Dean Supply, the restaurant equipment warehouse on Woodland. His familiar white box truck, now moored wherever the mood strikes him, has sold more of Cleveland’s signature sandwiches over the past 10 years than likely all other vendors combined. That’s not only because they’re some of the best versions around, it’s that until recently, the sandwiches just haven’t been that widely available.
Despite the fact that the Polish Boy supposedly is “Cleveland’s Signature Sandwich,” there hasn’t exactly been a bumper crop of places at which to order and enjoy them. Largely confined to local barbecue chains like Whitmore’s and Hot Sauce Williams, these two-fisted belly bombs seemed to be attracting more attention from outside our region than from within. Michael Symon gushed about them on the Food Network, Anthony Bourdain addressed them on No Reservations, Adam Richman pounded one on Man vs. Food, Esquire magazine included it in a list of America’s best sandwiches, and Serious Eats seriously considered it.
But thanks to a fresh wave of sausage-loving chefs and restaurant owners, we are seeing a bona fide resurgence — and improvement — of the gut-busting, shirt-staining Polish Boy. At new places like Mabel’s BBQ, Banter, and Picnic, diners can sit back and relax with delightful, delicious versions of the bunned wonder.
Photo by BurkleHagen…Because the Cleveland Print Room Helps Northeast Ohio Capture Life
Shari Wilkins founded the Cleveland Print Room in early 2013. The organization celebrates traditional film photography and preserves the equipment and processes necessary to produce it. It’s no small task and no small part of Cleveland’s vibrant art scene: the Cleveland Print Room’s 3,000-square-foot venue includes an exhibition space, communal workspace and a large community darkroom.
Wilkins first became concerned about the trend of downsizing and decommissioning photography programs and darkroom facilities in 2005. During a 2012 conversation with Zygote Press co-founder Liz Maugans, she learned that Zygote Press was planning to give away their darkroom. This fateful conversation eventually lead Wilkins to establish the Cleveland Print Room in the ArtCraft Building (2550 Superior Ave.), just steps from Zygote Press.
Classes range from darkroom orientation to a pinhole camera workshop. (For a complete list, visit the website.)
“It is the creative process of shooting film that we enjoy. We build cameras from boxes, we make cyanotype prints with contact printers outside in the sun, and we have members who make tintypes and ambrotypes on aluminum and glass,” says Wilkins. “Film and alternative photographic processes are difficult to control and more demanding, requiring extra time as we pause to think before we shoot or print. It is an organic process that produces surprises and capitalizes on accidents, where you are left with a unique creation on a physical medium that can be held in your hand.”
Courtesy of Susan Onysko Photography…Because Local Comedy Abounds
Talk to any comedian in Northeast Ohio who’s been working a few years and you’ll hear about the bad old days. The days when there were only one or two open mics, the days when it was hard to get stage time. They feel like a far cry now that you can see a healthy roster of local comedians working a stage almost any night of the week.
Ramon Rivas II knows this. He’s been helming the at-times underground comedy community for years, hosting the late Chucklefck series and honing his promotional chops to make sure people take notice of those shows. Brick by brick, the house that Ramon and others built has become a bustling party.
To tend to the scene, local comics Jimmie Graham, John Bruton, Brian Kenny and Mary Santora joined up with Rivas to form the Accidental Comedy Club.
For a few years now, the crew has overseen small, independent comedy shows all over Cleveland. Surely by now you’ve either caught one or stumbled mistakenly into a room before realizing that this is where you’re meant to be. Lots of venues around town are opening up to the idea of hosting comedy shows; places like Happy Dog, Great Lakes Brewing Co., the Cleveland Hostel and others have really taken the reins.
And Ramon and company make sure that Cleveland gets to enjoy national acts as well, like when Accidental Comedy hosted Hannibal Buress at The Nash, or every year for the past five years when Accidental Comedy throws their comedy fest at Mahall’s packing dozens of comedians into jam packed weekend of shows in every nook and corner of the bowling alley. These are all good things and, yes, we love them for it.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because the Rock Hall Isn’t Just for Tourists
Last year, Cleveland-born guitarist/producer Neil “Spyder” Giraldo loaned his circa-1983 Linn Drum Machine, the electronic instrument used in the recording of his wife Pat Benatar’s hit tune “Love is a Battlefield,” to the Rock Hall’s Music of the Midwest exhibit. He used the instrument to change the song from a ballad to a rock anthem, and he also used it to record tracks such as “We Belong” and “Painted Desert.”
Giraldo’s drum machine is one of many gems you’ll find in the exhibit that also features artifacts from acts such as the Akron new-wave band Devo and the Cleveland proto-punk group Pere Ubu. Items from the Pretenders and the Raspberries also help tell the never-ending story of music from Northeast Ohio, a region which most recently spawned the garage blues rock duo the Black Keys and rapper Machine Gun Kelly, both of whom have gone on to become national acts.
The Midwest music exhibit is just one of the countless reasons why the Rock Hall isn’t just for tourists. The permanent installations and exhibits tell the story of modern music and continue to evolve. And the Rock Hall’s dynamite schedule of programming — upcoming film series include works on Tupac, the Beatles, cultural icon Kathleen Hanna and more — means there’s always something new to experience.
Drop by for a tour, stop by for a special series, come through for Induction simulcast parties, and then begin another argument on why your favorite artist is tragically undervalued by Induction voters.
Photo Courtesy Wikipedia…Because the Science Center Has the Most Unique Cinema Venue in Town
The Great Lakes Science Center’s Omnimax Theater, after a renovation and major technological upgrade in 2016, is now known as the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater or, merely, the Dome. For many Clevelanders of a certain age (millennials), the Omnimax was where you went for field trips. Movies like Everest and The Serengeti were highlights of annual daylong excursions into the Science Center’s various interactive exhibits. What better way to top off a day than by enjoying a nature documentary beneath the towering, curved Omnimax screen?
The Dome is still the most unique cinema venue around Northeast Ohio. It’s six stories tall and now features, after the upgrade, a digital three-projector laser projection system — absolutely state-of-the-art, we’re told. The rebranded theater is still home to rotating science documentary programming. Dream Big, about the world’s engineering marvels; Journey to Space, about the next frontier in outer space exploration; and Tiny Giants, about the lives of the world’s smallest creatures, all will be screening through the month of March. Additionally, the Dome has experimented with mainstream movie programming. These films have, in the past, been at least tangentially science-related — Interstellar, Hidden Figures — and usually are screened with an accompanying presentation from someone working in the field. But this year, the Dome is hosting a monthly double-feature series with fun throwback films without a science bent at all.
On March 25, you can see two baseball-related films, The Sandlot, at 6 p.m., and A League of Their Own, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $9 per film for both. The Dome isn’t an optimal venue for all your movie watching; the XD screen at Valley View and the IMAX screen at Crocker Park are still the Northeast Ohio’s finest. But it’s certainly worth checking out for the novelty and the fleeting, pleasant vertigo.…Because Secret Soul Club Is a Damn Good Time
On the last Friday of every month, Secret Soul Club meets at 5 O’Clock Lounge in Lakewood. It’s one of our favorite dance parties in Cleveland, and it’s something that you should immediately place on your calendar.
DJs Alr!ght!, Party Sweat and Dorian Sway treat the room to the fabulous and soulful sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll and R&B scenes. This is an MP3-free zone; 45s only! You’ll feel like you’ve been sent back to a different time — some fly cats out there may say a better time — and you’ll be dancing all the while. It gets hot as hell in that room, we’ll tell you, but ain’t nobody gonna mind that, ‘cause the trip is just so much fun.
Something that we’ve noted in recent years is how Cleveland’s underground scene has bloomed into an array of “pop-up”-style events, rather than being anchored to a defined place (like the Brillo Pad or Speak In Tongues, back in the day). Secret Soul Club is one such event where all are welcome to freely express themselves and to groove as hard as they can. Join them, if you haven’t already.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because We Sing Our Hearts Out at Tina’s Nite Club
Sure, you can stumble through the iconic Journey catalog at pretty much any bar in Cleveland, it seems. But there’s nothing like the karaoke scene at Tina’s Nite Club. It’s an institution, and one that we proudly support when our own cravings kick in.
Karaoke is always happening, and all are welcome at the unassuming hole in the wall a few blocks north of Gordon Square. Our favorite karaoke DJ, Little Lou, works a few nights a week there, and he makes the joint into the special slice of microphone heaven that it is.
“I’ve learned a lot of people to sing,” Lou told us, reflecting wistfully. “I learned my girlfriend to sing. She never did karaoke; she was one of the shyest girls in Cleveland. Now I can’t keep her off the mic.” Lou’s smile is infectious.
He’s got a catalog that rolls from contemporary pop back to the 1950s and the sort of offbeat Americana that you might hear at Secret Soul Club in Lakewood. He keeps it mostly up to date. But that doesn’t really matter; people show up at karaoke joints to tango with tunes like “Billie Jean,” “Born in the U.S.A.” or “Don’t Stop Believin’” (duh).
“They go right back to my oldies,” he said, adding, with a patently Fonz-esque attitude, “Eeyy … it works for me!” The whole point is to keep the fun level soaring through the roof and make sure everyone’s feeling good all night. Of course, the classics tend to stir loud-as-you-can-scream sing-alongs and ass-shakin’ dance parties on the compact floor. And when that happens, it’s alchemical, turning dive bar desolation unexpectedly into gold.
Scene Archives Photo…Because the Dance Parties at Touch Shouldn’t Be Missed
During the week, Ohio City’s Touch Supper Club — a former bank building which still retains some of its old aesthetic charms after an extensive remodeling — features a taco night, open mic and even a free sushi happy hour in addition to their famed Sunday brunch. However, it’s easy to argue that the weekend parties at Touch are what make it a top destination in the city. Three parties in particular — all on Saturdays — are drawing huge crowds of people who are looking to get their groove on in an environment that has a house party vibe to it. Up first is Terry Urban’s I Got Five On It. Although Terry lives in New York, he still makes his way back to Cleveland to spin nothing but vintage ’80s and ’90s hip-hop and R&B hits from all regions of the country.
The party has been going on for over 10 years on the last Saturday of every month, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. On the first Saturday of each month, Mark Matthews and Daniel Gray-Kontar present Sanctuary. The party is rooted deeply in house music and neo-soul, but also touches classic hip-hop and R&B as well. In addition to resident DJs like Red-I and Candi Fresca, respected turntablists from other areas of the country like Selecta and Rich Medina make the trek to Cleveland to move the crowd. The newest dance party at Touch is Gumbo, and as the name suggests, the music is a mixture of all things musically good. Presented by Brent Roach and Al Boseman, the tunes are provided by DJ LoveMuzak and DJ Walk. One of the more exciting elements of Gumbo is the brass ensemble, courtesy of Phatbone Productions.
During the party, the group generally consists of trumpet, saxophone, trombone and tuba, and plays along with whatever record is spinning and kicks the party up a notch. Needless to say, the weekends at Touch have a little bit of something for everyone and sitting still is not an option.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace…Because There’s No Shortage of Trivia Nights to Display Your Useless Knowledge
Cleveland is flourishing with geniuses. At least it would seem that way, judging by the ferocious intellects and perfect recall of obscure Led Zeppelin lyrics on display at live trivia nights throughout the region. Bar trivia has become a wildly popular thing and has continued to expand in the past few years. With the proliferation of local and regional (and even national) trivia companies, answering the siren call of bars and restaurants looking for a fun way to attract business on slow weekday evenings, there’s a seemingly endless supply of trivia options on both sides of town. Sharpen your pencils, gather a cohort of diverse friends you trust, and have at it.
Monday, let us recommend the Happy Dog in Detroit-Shoreway, which features the most difficult and most obscure game in town. Expect some challenging music and historical pop-culture stuff. Monday night Movie Trivia at Parma Tavern is a unique offering for cinephiles. Last Call Trivia hosts their popular game at Nano Brew in Ohio City on Tuesday and Flying Monkey in Tremont on Wednesday. If you’re in the mood for a slightly slower pace (and slightly easier questions), check out Sporcle live trivia at BW3 in Fairview Park. Thursdays, we love the $2 whiskey to go along with our mind games at the Richland Tavern in Lakewood.
There are dozens of options Monday through Thursday. Check out the following companies for times and locations: Cleveland Trivia, Last Call Trivia, Sporcle Live Trivia, Cleveland Awesome Trivia. And remember: Absolutely no cell phones during play; and don’t be a jerk and shout out the answers.…Because UHBikes is Helping Cleveland Enjoy the City on Two Wheels
Cleveland kickstarted its bikeshare program, UHBikes, last summer, and the glistening red bikes can now be seen at stations all over downtown and scattered among the neighborhoods. Though there are several tours you can take in Cleveland if you’re visiting — a brewery tour, a Lolly the Trolley tour, etc. — one of the best ways to explore an area is on your own, unshackled from the dictates of a tour guide and a schedule.
This goes for residents too, who might seldom venture forth to take in splendor of neighborhoods right next door. This might actually be even more rewarding for residents. It’s a great way to connect more deeply with the area where you live.
We just can’t recommend self-guided tours highly enough. And there’s no better, more efficient way to take one than on a bike. With UHBikes, you can pay as you go (a prorated rate of $3.50 per 30 minutes) or, if you’re a resident, you can get a monthly pass for $15, which gets you 30 minutes of ride time per day. We’d recommend jumping up to the $20 per month level though. That gets you 90 minutes of daily ride time. One of our favorite things about UHBikes? For a fee, you can lock up your bike, once you’re done, to any bike rack in the city. You don’t need to scramble to find a UHBikes station, which in some areas are still somewhat scarce. And if a popular station happens to be full, you won’t be penalized. You can just lock it up within 100 feet. What are you waiting for?…Because Walking All Over Waterloo Is Fun
On the first Friday of each month, the various galleries, studios, non-profits and small businesses of Collinwood’s Waterloo Arts District invite the public to the district’s monthly art walk. It’s a great chance to experience the neighborhood for the first or 50th time, as something new is always popping up.
These days, Waterloo is home to an eclectic group of businesses, including the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Waterloo Arts, Star Pop Vintage + Modern, Praxis Fiber Workshop, and Citizen Pie, just to name a few.
The revitalization of the community’s Waterloo Arts District began with the founding of the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in 2000 and Waterloo Arts in 2003. Over the past two decades, the street has become home to more than a dozen art organizations, galleries, studios, small businesses, community gardens and local bars, restaurants and (finally) a coffee shop. In late 2014, Waterloo Road received an extensive streetscape renovation, including new sidewalks, pavement, lighting and parking lots. Thanks to Waterloo Arts’ Zoetic Walls mural program, the neighborhood is also now filled with dozens of murals by local, national and international artists — turning the district itself into a giant, outdoor art gallery. Simply put, it’s never looked better.
“Our first Friday art walks have become such a regular beat in the rhythm of Waterloo that it’s hard to remember six years ago when the idea was proposed and tried, but soon abandoned for lack of consensus among business owners,” says Waterloo Arts executive director Amy Callahan. “At that time the Tremont Art Walk was in full swing and 78th Street Studios’ Third Fridays were gaining traction and it seemed obvious that Waterloo needed some way to attract a crowd; so the Walk All Over Waterloo was resurrected as a Saturday evening event for a year, before it settled into its current place on first Fridays. Over the past few years, a collaborative marketing effort from gallery owners and merchants has led to a significant increase in Walk All Over Waterloo attendance. I remember how surprised and happy we were when some other districts started to think twice about scheduling art walks during first Fridays. When the weather warms up, we hope to take the WAOW events to the next level with live music on the Tower Stage, food trucks and family activities.”…Because We Love Whiling Away at Whiskey Island
Summer’s almost (sort of) here, and one our favorite spots to soak up the lakeside sun is at Whiskey Island. Order up an Old Fashioned at the Whiskey Island Still & Eatery and take a nice stroll along the shore.
Under ownership and the management of Cleveland Metroparks since 2014, Whiskey Island has really come into its own in recent years. It’s the quieter neighbor of Edgewater Park, the Metroparks’ lakeshore crown jewel and a constant magnet for fun- and sun-seekers all summer long. Just take the easy roadway east, past the marina, and you’ll land in a nice little lakefront haven.
Whiskey Island hosts live music and events throughout the warmer months, and there always seems to be a nice buzz of energy whenever we’ve stopped up there. It’s not insanely crowded, usually, but there’s certainly a lively sense of community there. The annual Burning River Fest takes place at Whiskey Island (and that one does bring in a huge and philanthropically minded crowd); if you dig local music and good beer (like Christmas Ale in July!), you’d do well to keep that event in mind.
And if you’re into the volleyball scene, this is the place to be. Otherwise, grab a beer, grab a picnic table, listen to some tunes, and enjoy the sun on the shore.
Scene Archives Photo, maryfagans IG…Because Zygote Press Is Here for the Community
With over 300 exhibitions on site and off, 90 artist residencies, 80 festivals and public events and more than 1,000 tours for over 15,000 students in K-12 and secondary art classes, Zygote Press has served the community as the region’s premier printmaking nonprofit organization for more than two decades. Zygote Press was founded by four artists (Liz Maugans, Kelly Novak, Bellamy Printz and Joe Sroka) in 1995. Between their main space on East 30th Street and satellite Ink House in Collinwood’s Waterloo Arts District, Zygote Press provides exhibition space, equipment, studio space and technical assistance to both resident artists and artist-members.
The organization offers a variety of educational opportunities, including classes, open studios and one-on-one classes with its highly skilled and knowledgeable resident printmakers. Open Studios take place every Wednesday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Although Open Studios are recommended for experienced printmakers who generally work independently, Zygote’s helpful staff is on hand to oversee the studios and answer any questions. If you have less experience or are looking for more individual instruction, consider one-on-one classes for $35 per hour. Schedule a class to learn more about the virtually limitless possibilities of intaglio, relief, screenprinting and letterpress, as well as digital and alternative techniques.
Not only is it the largest independent fine art print shop between Chicago and Pittsburgh, Zygote Press is also the healthiest. Recent green initiatives include the use of water-based inks for relief and screen printing processes, replacing toxic cleaners with oil, vinegar and Soysolve, the remixing and reuse of inks, recycling bins for plastic and aluminum, a paper recycle box for continuous use with scratch/proofing cover sheets and more. Learn more by scheduling a visit soon.
Photo by Frank Lanza
