Andy Frasco & the U.N. Embrace Optimism and Tolerance on New Album
Andy Frasco & the U.N. didn’t have a headlining tour over the summer, but the group has been plenty busy. The band hit the festival circuit hard and released its new album, L’Optimist, earlier this year. It also recently played the support slot with Slightly Stoopid at Morrison, CO’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. “We did 23…
15+ Things to Do in Cleveland This Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 4)
Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar. THU 08/31 Chlöe: The In Pieces Tour Initially, singer-songwriter Chloe Bailey, who tours and records as Chlöe, was one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister Halle Bailey. Last year, she…
Duran Duran’s John Taylor Reflects on Band’s Long Overdue Induction Into the Rock Hall
Duran Duran, the British New Wave group that formed in the late ’70s, had been eligible for induction into the Rock Hall for several years, before the Rock Hall finally decided the group was worthy of the honor last year in a long overdue gesture from the voting academy. Speaking in a recent phone interview…
Lutheran Hospital Workers Could Start Striking Sept. 4
SEIU District 1199 member caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital will begin striking on Labor Day if they can’t reach an agreement with the hospital. “I am striking for change,” said Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital menu specialist Tajuana Johnson. “Not only for myself but for my coworkers and those who will come behind me. If…
15+ Things to Do in Cleveland This Weekend (Aug. 24-27)
Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar. THU 08/24 Parliament Funkadelic Featuring George Clinton George Clinton’s influence on music is exhaustive; acts such as Outkast, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and De La Soul all cite him as an influence. His storied group…
City of Cleveland Finally Updates Its Archaic Website
Cleveland’s landing page is no longer stuck in the early 2000s.On Tuesday, following a lengthy, 18-month build out, City Hall unveiled its new website, one with substantial aesthetic and practical improvements, those that bring Cleveland’s digital footprint to the same clarity of use found in Boston’s and Philadelphia’s.
The shiny new site, which cost the city…
Shaker Heights Trump Supporter Convicted of Voter Fraud in 2020 and 2022 Elections
In a case leaning on deep political overtones from the Trump Era, 56-year-old James Dalton Saunders was convicted on two counts of election fraud, in a courtroom on Tuesday.
Judge Andrew Santoli of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court refused to buy the arguments of Saunders’ attorney, Roger Scott Hurley, heard during trial in July,…
Rachelle Murphy is Leaving Rood to Become Culinary Director at Seasoned Brands, Parent Co. of Aladdin’s
Chef Rachelle Murphy moved to Cleveland from Seattle three years ago after having never even visited the state. She settled in at Rood (17001 Madison Ave., 216-712-4506) in Lakewood, where she helped guide that popular restaurant into its current chapter. Following this Saturday night’s service, Murphy is off to begin her next adventure. “It’s super…
First Look: Sushi 86 and Bites, Opening Late-August on E. Ninth Street Pier
Back in May, Rachel Hsu shuttered Sushi 86 and Bites at the 5th Street Arcades in preparation for a move to an attractive new home. Before the end of August, Hsu is expected to open the doors to that new location at the Harbor Verandas (1050 East 9th St.), the luxury apartment building located on…
Parma Clarifies Teachers Will Not Be Among Armed Staff in Schools
The Parma City School District has specified that only district security staff who have received certification by the Parma Police Department and district approval will be allowed to carry guns on school property. Smialek’s clarification comes after the Board of Education earlier this summer unanimously passed a resolution to authorize arming trained staff. “We never…
John Ewing, Cinematheque Co-Founder, Will Retire Next June After Four Decades
For 38 years, John Ewing has been the artistic engine behind Cleveland’s Cinematheque, running the only year-round arthouse movie theater in the city, save for occasional screenings at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
For those four decades, Ewing helped curate two to three showings a day, from cultish horror classics, to obscure Eastern European…
National Cinema Day Returns for Second Year With $4 Tickets, Snack Deals
Moviegoers are in for a treat this Sunday, Aug. 27, as National Cinema Day returns for its second year. Participating theaters across the country, including local outposts of Cleveland Cinemas, AMC, Regal and Cinemark, are offering $4 tickets for all movies, showtimes and formats. What’s more, moviegoers can enjoy bargains on sodas and popcorn, depending…
At Community Meeting, Local Officials Sell the Garfield Heights County Jail Plan to Wary Residents
Cuyahoga County residents on Saturday morning joined county executive Chris Ronayne and Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke at a community engagement meeting at the Garfield Heights Civic Center with questions, comments and concerns over proposed plans for a new jail. Although the jail has been discussed in county council meetings, turnout for the event was…
Ohio Abortion Amendment Ballot Language Submitted, Ballot Board Set to Meet Thursday
Gearing up for an Ohio Ballot Board meeting where constitutional amendment language regarding reproductive health will be considered, groups pushing for the measure want to see the entire text of the amendment on November ballots. In a letter received by the Ohio Secretary of State on Monday, attorney Donald McTigue represented petitioners for the constitutional…
Judge Celebrezze Removed From Controversial Cuyahoga County Divorce Case
This article was published in partnership with News 5 Cleveland and the Cleveland Scene. Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze violated court rules when she steered a contentious but lucrative divorce case involving a longtime friend to her own docket, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled. The ruling bars Celebrezze from overseeing the…
The Orchestra at Blossom and the Rest of the Classical Music to Check Out This Week
As the days dwindle down toward September, so do our concert suggestions. But here are a few to take you through the last week of August. – There may still be tickets available for the M.U.S.I.C. Stars in the Classics summer garden series on Thursday at 6:30. Check the calendar listing to see if they…
Ohio’s Foster Care Crisis Forcing Hundreds of Kids to Sleep in Offices
Twice in the last year, Zoey, a 16-year-old in foster care, had to spend the night in the Franklin County Children Services office. She had nowhere else to go. “It was bad,” recalled the soft-spoken Zoey, a stuffed bunny clutched under her arm. “It wasn’t scary. It was just uncomfortable.” Zoey, who asked to be…
Polensek Introduces Legislation to Amp Up Penalties on Parents of Curfew-Breaking Teens as Kia and Hyundai Thefts Continue
Matt Freeman was on way to work when, at 7 in the morning on May 19th, he realized his car was missing from the spot he parked it at on Prospect. He scoured the garage, thinking he might’ve misremembered which spot exactly. But the shattered window glass on the ground was telling: Freeman’s 2019 Kia…
16 Best Gay Dating Sites and Apps to Start Dating Gays Online
Drop everything you’re doing right now, because you’re about to discover the best gay dating sites and apps. And no – we don’t mean the mainstream dating apps that add some rainbow colors come each June. We bring you the real deal. You’ll find the best gay dating sites and apps that not only tolerate…
A Vast Shortage of Homeless Shelters: Housing Insecurity in Ohio’s Appalachian Counties
This is the first part of an ongoing series looking at homelessness and housing insecurity in rural Ohio counties. The Adams County Shelter for the Homeless can house up to 17 individuals at a time. But that is only able to shelter a fraction of those facing housing insecurity in the Appalachian county on the…
Gran Turismo Tells the Thrilling (True!) Story of a Video Gamer Who Became a Race Car Sensation
Gran Turismo Directed by Neill Blomkamp. Written by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, based on a story by Jason Hall and Alex Tse. Opens August 25. As we wind down this very crazy summer of movies, where the two biggest hits were a gonzo, feminist manifesto starring an iconic toy doll and a time-twisting biopic…
Sex Abuse Victim Advocates Call on Ohio AG to Investigate Ohio’s Catholic Churches
National, state and local advocacy groups are calling on the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to investigate possible sex crimes within the state’s six Catholic dioceses. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), Ohioans for Child Protection, and Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful, made the announcement during an Aug. 16 press conference…
Cleveland’s Midnight Syndicate Releases 15th Studio Album
Midnight Syndicate, one of Cleveland’s longest running bands, dates back to 1997 when dark music pioneers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka began creating soundtracks to imaginary horror films. Featuring a blend of orchestral music and sound effects, Midnight Syndicate’s studio albums, along with the independent film, The Dead Matter, and several film scores, have earned…
Yet Another Group ‘Protecting’ Ohioans Springs Up to Oppose Recreational Marijuana Measure
An initiated statute will appear on November’s ballot in Ohio asking voters whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over. Less than an hour after the organization backing the effort announced it cleared the bar, a group opposing the marijuana measure made its presence known. And the name might sound familiar. As with…
Ohio City Inc.’s Tom McNair to Head City’s Department of Economic Development
After a little more than 13 years boosting Ohio City’s vibrancy, Ohio City Inc Director Tom McNair is set to work the economic engine on a much larger scale. On Wednesday, Mayor Bibb announced McNair would be the city’s next director of economic development.McNair’s hiring trails a somewhat chaotic period in the department.
Ever…
Become a Real Barbie Girl at the Dreamhouse Living Tour Stop in Cleveland
You can shop and accessorize just like Barbie as her truck tour makes a stop at Crocker Park next month. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the world’s favorite doll moving into her Dreamhouse, the Barbie Dreamhouse Living Tour is making its way across the United States with exclusive merch in all shades of…
Cleveland’s First Black-Owned Recording Company Named City Landmark
The Boddie Recording and Manufacturing Company, the first recording company owned and operated by Black Clevelanders in the city, has been officially designated a Cleveland historic landmark. “This is the Black/African American culture finally having something that’s going to be put in the urban Black community that’s going to represent basically all musicians, all artists,…
City Council Greenlights Slew of Development Legislation in Marathon August Meeting
In a blistering marathon of a council meeting, the only one this month, City Council tackled a day’s worth of ordinance approval, most of which helped okay funds for ongoing city projects.For nine hours Wednesday, all 17 members of Council did their best to speed through 37 pieces of legislation, a packed house of discussion…
Proposed Recreational Marijuana Law is Headed to the November Ballot in Ohio
A proposed recreational marijuana law will be on Ohio’s November ballot after all. The Secretary of State’s office verified 4,405 additional valid petition signatures — bringing the grand total to 127,772, Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday in a letter to the campaign. 124,046 signatures were needed. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol’s…
Cleveland Looking for Resident Feedback on Rec Centers and Parks
The Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects is looking for resident input to inform its parks and recreation master plan for Cleveland, launching two short surveys –- one that takes only five minutes to complete and another that clocks around 15 minutes. Both versions ask about topics like indoor and outdoor facilities, programs, recreation centers and parks.…
Now Open: Edacious Kitchen + Bar in Avon Lake
Chef Andrew Gorski, formerly of Parker’s Downtown, was in search of his next project. It happened to be in his hometown of Avon Lake. When Dennis and Andrea Luke decided to close their five-year-old restaurant The Caslon, Gorski jumped at the chance to take over the property. In less than two months, he refreshed the…
Madonna Announces February 2024 Rescheduled Cleveland Concert Date
Madonna this week announced the new Cleveland date of her North American tour, now coming to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on February 8, 2024. All tickets for the original date, which was canceled after the pop star was hospitalized in late June for a serious bacterial infection, will be honored. “My first thought when I…
Maternity Care Becoming Harder for Ohioans to Access, Experts Say
In Ohio, 13 of 88 counties are maternity care deserts, affecting approximately 97,000 women, according to data provided by March of Dimes. A county is classified as a maternity care desert if there are no hospitals providing obstetric care, no birth centers, no OB-GYN’s and no certified nurse midwives, according to March of Dimes. Bianca…
The Orchestra Continues Its Blossom Run and the Rest of the Classical Music to Catch This Week
Our list of suggestions gets shorter as the end of summer approaches… – On Saturday the 19th at 7pm at Blossom, The Cleveland Orchestra welcomes conductor Ryan Bancroft and pianist Mao Fujita for Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, William L. Dawson’s highly regarded Negro Folk Symphony, and the ever popular Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. – M.U.S.I.C.…
Would November’s Abortion Rights Amendment Limit Parental Rights in Ohio? Experts Say No
Opponents of the Ohio reproductive rights amendment appearing on this November’s ballot contend the changes would eliminate parental consent laws. Notably, their arguments focus on gender affirming care, rather than abortion. The reproductive rights amendment The proposed ballot measure would reinstate a standard in Ohio similar to the one imposed nationally by the U.S. Supreme…
Could a Cleveland Music Commission Lift the Local Scene?
The faraway lure of the oft-noted Music City—Austin, Nashville, New York—has long been seen as a thorn in the side of Cleveland industry heads striving to prevent brain drain. Today, with independent venues nearing a full post-pandemic rebound, outside resources are being eyed for assistance in keeping local talent local.
And the apogee of that…
Tricky Tortoise to Open in Former Willoughby Brewing Company Spot
Willoughby Brewing Company, launched in 1998 by T.J. Reagan, helped spur the revitalization of downtown Willoughby while simultaneously making some damn fine craft beer. The award-winning brewpub, set in a 120-year-old railcar repair depot, enjoyed a remarkable run under a handful of owners until January 2020, when the landlord locked out the last owners for…
8 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Week
WED 08/16 The O’Jays This classic R&B/soul group formed in Canton way back in 1958 and became a successful national act after signing to Philadelphia International in the 1970s. On what they have said is that their last tour, the Rock Hall Inductees perform tonight at 8 at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. 229 East…
Review: American Football Delivers Cinematic Emo to Sold-Out Beachland Ballroom
Of the myriad musical projects the Kinsellas have a hand in, American Football has always been one of the best and most influential. And that’s saying something, given the Illinois family’s involvement in Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owen and so many others. There’s just something about American Football that clicked. The band’s 1999 album…
Landscape With Invisible Hand Envisions Alien Invasion as a Corporate Takeover
Directed by Cory Finley. Written by Cory Finley. Opens August 18. A black-comic story of an alien invasion — or, more exactly, an alien insinuation — Landscape with Invisible Hand can’t be faulted for a lack of ambition. Through its science-fictional funhouse mirror, the film manages to reflect a number of urgent contemporary issues —…
Winking Lizard 86ing Its Live Iguanas
It’s time we say goodbye to Jake, Miles, Doby and Lenny.The Winking Lizard Tavern, the iconic, iguana-themed sports bar founded in Northeast Ohio three decades ago, announced last week the restaurants will be finishing a phase out of their reptilian mascots. Workers at the final three locales with iguanas confirmed this to Scene on Monday.Co-owner…
First Look: Luna Bakery and Café, Opening Downtown on Monday, August 21
Bridget Thibeault is putting the finishing touches on a project she started one and half years ago, when Joe Kubic recruited her to open a café on the ground floor of the Western Reserve Building, home to his marketing firm Adcom. “I never would have come down here without Joe pushing me,” says Thibeault. This…
‘Exit, Pursued by a Bear’ at Convergence-Continuum Lacks Almost Everything
Have you been laughing too much lately? Have you been binging Arrested Development and Kristin Wiig’s SNL sketches, or watching stand-up performances by Patton Oswalt? Do you need to give your tickled ribs a rest for about an hour? Well, here’s the show for you: Exit, Pursued by a Bear, now at Convergence-Continuum Theater. The…
Multiple Signs That Federal HB6 Corruption Investigation Might Be Heating Up — Again
After two former Republican officials in June were sentenced for their roles in a massive racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker said the investigation was continuing. At least two signs emerged last week that the proceedings might be intensifying. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on June…
‘Fun Home’ at Cain Park is a Complex and Funny Exploration of Family Secrets
Fun Home, now at Cain Park’s Alma Theatre, is a glorious puzzle—a contradictory and searching mess that requires the audience to sometimes work as hard as the actors to fully experience the way this show illuminates the tragedy of family secrets and haunting memories. And on top of all that, it’s wickedly funny. Based on…
LL Cool J, The Roots Lead Joyous Celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Saturday night at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was a hip-hop masterclass, led by some of the most talented veterans in the business. Seriously, how’s this for a lineup: LL Cool J, Common, Method Man and Redman, MC Lyte and Jadakiss? Oh, and I forgot to mention that The Roots served as master of ceremonies. All…
Cleveland Oktoberfest Returns to Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds First Two Weekends in September
The popular Cleveland Oktoberfest will set up shop for two weekends at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (19201 E. Bagley Rd.) in Middleburg Heights. You can join the party over Labor Day Weekend (September 1-4) as well as the following weekend September 8 and 9. The Paulaner Cleveland Oktoberfest, which is sponsored by Jägermeister, is the place to…
This Week in Cleveland Food News: Hello Restaurante Guanaquitas, Goodbye Boney Fingers
– Pupusa and taco fans on the near west side have reason to celebrate as Restaurante Guanaquitas 2 has opened in the former Big Egg spot in Detroit Shoreway. Related – Boney Fingers BBQ has called it a day after moving from the Arcade to the Campus District two years ago. Related – The City…
Mostly Silent on Issue 1, Ohio Gov. DeWine Now Gears Up for Debate Over Abortion Rights Amendment
In the wake of Issue 1’s failure, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is turning his attention squarely on an abortion rights amendment voters will consider in November. Unlike with Issue 1, DeWine appears much more interested in making a case to voters. The governor insisted the amendment doesn’t square with what he believes the majority of…
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Krayzie Bone: “I’m in the City and I’m Going to Be Making Big Moves [in Cleveland]”
It’s been 28 years since Cleveland’s own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony released their Grammy-nominated, platinum sophomore album, E. 1999 Eternal. Now, in a fitting hometown addition to their accolades and awards through the decades, the Cleveland natives will today see the intersection of E. 99th and St. Clair ceremonially renamed “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Way.” But, for them, it’s just…
Henry VIII’s Dead Wives Strut Their Stuff and Make Their Cases in Dazzling ‘Six,” Now at Playhouse Square
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Those are the fates that awaited the six wives of Henry VIII who ruled England for almost 40 years. And most of those women have been simmering in their discontent until given boisterous new voice in the musical Six, now at Playhouse Square. Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy…
One Orange and One Head of Lettuce: What We Found When We Went Grocery Shopping in the Food Desert Around Woodhill Estates
Tawana, a resident of Woodhill Estates, works out every day. She makes an effort to provide her grandchildren with nutritious options but finds it challenging because there aren’t many healthy options in the nearby businesses. She does make use of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) mobile pantry, which brings fruits and vegetables to Woodhill…
Cleveland Lead Safety Coalition Is Looking for Contractors in Fight to Remediate Scourge
The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition, a public-private partnership dedicated to fighting lead poisoning in the city, has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for more than five lead safety positions to contract to individuals or businesses. “The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition is committed to no child ever being poisoned by lead. We are looking for…
Bibb Taps New Education Chief
Veteran CMSD teacher and education advocate Michele Pomerantz will replace Holly Trifiro as the city’s Chief of Education for the upcoming school year. Trifiro’s last day will be August 25 and Pomerantz’s first official day will be August 28. The two will reportedly work together in the transition to avoid disruption, according to a release…
Local, National Groups Praise Issue 1 Defeat, Buckle Up for November fight
They’ve finished the battle, now it’s time for the war. That’s the sentiment on both sides of the Issue 1 fight, who have now pledged to come out of the ballot measure’s defeat and move on to the abortion referendum in November. Both, unsurprisingly, expect to come out ahead. “Whether it’s reproductive rights, voting rights…
Forbes Announces Its Cleveland ’30 Under 30′
For the first time in the 12 years since Forbes has been releasing its annual “30 Under 30” lists, which capture the entrepreneurial best according to a slew of judges, the business magazine is taking their rankings local. To just 10 U.S. cities. And Cleveland’s on that list. A part of Forbes’ localized edition, five…
Cleveland City Councilman Kris Harsh Will Debate Participatory Budgeting Advocates Before November Vote
Ward 13 Councilman Kris Harsh and a partner yet to be named will debate representatives from People’s Budget Cleveland (PB CLE) on Tuesday, September 26 at 6 p.m. ahead of the November vote. Despite opposition from both City Council and Mayor Justin Bibb, PB CLE delivered more than 10,00 signatures from registered Cleveland voters last…
Former Akira Sushi, Hibachi Japan Space in Solon to Become Korean BBQ Restaurant
Hibachi Japan Steak House (6025 Kruse Dr.) closed last summer after just two years, but its predecessor, Akira Sushi and Hibachi, called that Solon space home for more than 20 years. In a couple months, a new restaurant will open up in that attractive property, this one specializing in Korean barbecue. It is part of…
