Now Open: The Grocery OHC in New Quarter Development
Update: Right on schedule, Rachel Kingsbury opens the second location of her popular Grocery concept today in Ohio City. The sunny spot is larger and more prominently located than the original on Lorain, but fans can count on the same great assortment of fresh produce, dry goods, prepared foods, salads, sandwiches, coffee and juices. *** (Original…
Annual Local Brews Local Grooves Event Takes Place Tonight at House of Blues
House of Blues’ annual Local Brews Local Grooves event that pairs local blues and rock acts with craft breweries will take place at 6 tonight at the concert venue. Local artists such as the Vindys, Whiskey Bound, the Ohio Weather Band, Chris Allen, Diana Chittester and Tom Evanchuck will perform. Breweries such as Jackie O’s,…
Update: Justin Timberlake Adds a Fall Show at the Q
Update: In the wake of his performance at last night’s Super Bowl, Justin Timberlake has added dates to his upcoming tour. He’s already scheduled to perform at the Q on March 31, and he’ll return for a second show at the Q on Oct. 2. American Express card members can purchase tickets beginning at 10…
Cleveland Youth Theater Project Launches in Slavic Village to Teach Acting Courses to Children
The Cleveland Youth Theater Project will debut in Slavic Village later this month at the Magalen Gallery. The organization was founded by Emma Shepard in 2017 in hopes of creating affordable educational opportunities in the performing arts. To begin the program, Shepard will offer two intro to improv courses — one for 3rd to 5th…
You Can Now Buy Personalized Video Shoutouts From Dan Otero and Other Cleveland Athletes
[image-1]Cameo is a newish website offering the opportunity to buy personalized video shoutouts from a variety of celebrities. We won’t go so far as to give a grade letter to the notable names on the service, but for perspective they include some Real Housewives, Instagram comedians, Tori Spelling, Ryan Cabrera, YouTube stars and starlets, bodybuilders,…
There Are So Many Ohio High Schools with Native American Mascots
Sunday, the Toledo Blade published an important story about the use of Native American mascots in Ohio High Schools. Ohio ranks number one in the nation for total native mascots, according to the report, with 85 schools that use them (by its count). Eleven use the “Redskins” slur, including Cuyahoga Heights High School, and five…
Trey Anastasio Band to Play House of Blues in April
Late last year, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio announced dates for a solo acoustic tour that starts next month. Now, he’s just announced that he’ll take his Trey Anastasio Band on the road in April. The tour will kick off at House of Blues on April 17 before heading to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. A…
What We Know About Wizard World Comic Con 2018, So Far
Get your costumes ready. Cleveland’s own Wizard World Comic Con is back at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland from March 2 through 4. The traveling event returns to the Land for the fourth time to celebrate all comic book-related things along with fantasy and science fiction culture. This year, the celebrities on hand to…
At Least 822 Overdose Deaths in Cuyahoga County in 2017, Medical Examiner Reports
There were at least 822 overdose deaths in Cuyahoga County in 2017 — from heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, carfentanil and other opioids — according to a report from the county’s medical examiner. The surge — 156 more than the previous year — is not surprising. Opioids are a continuing and growing public health emergency, and the…
RTA Will Likely Cut 2.5 Million Rides, Lay Off 160-200 Workers Due to Lost Revenue
In the face of staggering impending revenue losses, the RTA plans to gradually cut rides and lay off employees throughout the year. Eventually, RTA President Joe Calabrese told The Plain Dealer, the system will shave 2.5 million rides per year and lay off 160-200 of its 2,300 employees. That’s quite a few. Also on the…
Cleveland’s Best Reading Series Kicks off 2018 with David Giffels, Lucy Biederman
Brews & Prose, the only reading series in Cleveland where you get a free beer with the purchase of a book, returns to the basement of Market Garden Brewery Tuesday night (tonight) with readings by Akron nonfiction writer David Giffels and Cleveland Heights poet Lucy Biederman. (See official bios below.) Giffels’ new memoir, Furnishing Eternity,…
Songs on the Flobots’ New Album Have a Social Activist Slant to Them
A couple of years ago, members of the alternative hip-hop rock band Flobots began to think about their next album. The band — emcees Brer Rabbit (Stephen Brackett) and Jonny 5 (Jamie Laurie) and drummer Kenny Ortiz — decided it wanted to do something different, so it worked with producer and musician Gabriel Otto, who recruited a…
Cinematheque to Host Local Revival Premiere of Sex Pistols Documentary
The Sex Pistols began their first tour of the States some 40 years ago. After seven shows, that tour would be the last to feature the original lineup, and the band would call it quits. Gonzo filmmaker Lech Kowalski shot footage of many of the gigs for his documentary, D.O.A.: A Right of Passage. After…
Dennis! Making Moves for Ohio Gubernatorial Run
Former Cleveland boy-mayor Dennis Kucinich has designated a treasurer for the Ohio Governor’s race. That means he can start raising money, even though he hasn’t picked a running-mate (Lieutenant Governor) or filed all the necessary paperwork. The potential run was first reported by Cleveland.com’s Seth Richardson and Tweeted by statehouse reporter Jeremy Pelzer. Kucinch would…
Kent State Student Wins MTV Talent Show Competition
A 20-year-old guitarist who’s a student at Kent State University, Michael Weber recently won first prize on MTV’s new talent show, Amazingness. Skateboard icon Rob Dyrdek hosts the show. Taped in Los Angeles, the show features six acts competing for the grand prize of $10,000. Weber walked away with the top prize. The producers initially…
LeBron on Browns Parade: ‘How ’Bout They Just Boycott a Season Until Y’all Win Two Games In a Row?’
A handful of Browns players, like Emmanuel Ogbah and Christian Kirksey, chimed in on last weekend’s Perfect Season parade. Predictably, they weren’t pleased with fans throwing a procession for the winless season. (They also probably could have kept those thoughts to themselves.) Anyway, the more important thing here is that the most prominent Cleveland athlete had…
TownHall is Expanding to Columbus, Will Open Location in Short North
TownHall is heading south down I-71. The popular Ohio City bar/restaurant/coffeehouse will add a second location, this one in the Short North, at the 800 North High development, sometime next summer. Brent Crawford, principal of the Columbus-area based real estate development company Crawford Hoying, said in a press release: “TownHall is a perfect addition to Short…
Cleveland Police Spokeswoman on Browns Parade: ‘Toddlers Having a Tantrum’
About 3,000 fans braved sub-zero wind chills Saturday afternoon for the Browns Perfect Season Parade, a tongue-in-cheek protest/celebration of Jimmy Haslam and company after an 0-16 campaign that tied Cleveland with the Detroit Lions of 2008 for the single worst record in an NFL season since the league expanded the schedule to 16 games in…
Lucy Restaurant Brings Ethiopian Food to West Side for the First Time
[image-1]And then there were three. For 25 years, Cleveland has had to make do with a single Ethiopian restaurant, the lovely Empress Taytu (6125 St. Clair Ave., 216-391-9400). Last year, that pioneering eatery was joined by Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant, which is quickly making a name for itself in Cleveland Heights (2240 Lee Rd., 216-465-3239). And…
Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers to Play Blossom in June
Earlier today, the classic rock acts Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers announced details regarding their co-headlining North American 2018 summer tour that will stop at more than 30 cities this summer. The tour will mark Steely Dan’s first major tour since the recent death of co-founder and guitarist-bassist Walter Becker. Keyboardist-singer Donald Fagen, Becker’s…
Hyde Park Restaurant Group Signs Lease on Gamekeeper’s Taverne Space in Chagrin Falls
Last spring, Gamekeeper’s Taverne closed its doors after 40 years in business. Today, we learned who will be the new stewards of that iconic Chagrin Falls property. “We signed a lease on Gamekeeper’s Taverne and can now go forward,” says Joe Saccone of Hyde Park Restaurant Group. “We’re really just getting our hands around it…
Jeff Johnson to Challenge State Senator Sandra Williams in 2018
Late Friday, former City Councilman and recent mayoral candidate Jeff Johnson announced that he will seek statewide office in 2018. He intends to challenge incumbent Sandra Williams in the 21st District of the Ohio State Senate. Johnson represented the district, which encompasses Cleveland’s east side and many of its eastern inner-ring suburbs, from 1990-1998. In…
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center Breaks Ground Today
Northeast Ohio’s only national park is getting a new $6 million visitor’s center in Boston Township. Cuyahoga Valley National Park officials announced that a groundbreaking ceremony would take place today. The Boston Mills Visitor Center is set to be the first official large welcoming center in the park’s 40-plus-year history, offering a magnitude of guest services while showcasing…
This is What the Cuyahoga River Looks Like Right Now
Warmer temps are on the horizon, Cleveland. (The above is certainly a far cry from our summertime view, traveling down the Cuyahoga on a Great Lakes freighter):
Nike to Release Special LeBron XV Sneaker for Black History Month
The LeBron XV has turned into one of the most critically-acclaimed LeBron James sneakers ever released. A recent collaboration with New York-based retailer KITH sold out in seconds on LeBron’s 33rd birthday. Now, Nike will release a special LeBron XV “Black History Month” colorway, coming out January 15. The sneaker, which will retail for $185,…
The Authentic Audio Podcast With Special Guest Tony Madalone
Happy 2018! This is the first authentic audio pod episode of the New Year and it features a conversation with entrepreneur Tony Madalone. Tony is the owner of Fresh Brewed Tees & Tready Shoes. He was on the podcast back in 2017 for a conversation during his run for mayor of the Cleveland. Now, in…
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Kenny Smith Wrongful Death Verdict
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld the wrongful death jury verdict in the case of Kenny Smith. His estate had won the verdict in a civil case against the city of Cleveland and police officer Roger Jones, who fatally shot Smith in 2012. Smith was a rapper who got caught…
Citing Wife’s Health, Josh Mandel Bows out of U.S. Senate Race
[image-1]Ohio Republican Josh Mandel has released a statement announcing his withdrawal from the United States Senate race. Mandel said his wife has been diagnosed with a health issue that will require his time and attention. “After recent discussions with our family and healthcare professionals, it has become clear to us that it’s no longer possible…
Fred D’Ambrosi Out as News Director at Channel 19
Channel 19 has fired News Director Fred D’Ambrosi, multiple sources tell Scene. A message seeking comment from station VP/General Manager Erik Schrader wasn’t returned by publication time. The writing seems to have been on the wall for a while. A post on the TV news gossip/news site FTV Live from last summer speculated D’Ambrosi was…
U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments in Ohio ‘Voter Purge’ Case Next Week
It’s been a long time coming, but the U.S. Supreme Court is prepared now to hear oral arguments in Ohio’s “voter purge” case, which has taken a national spotlight as we carry on with conversations about how elections function in this country. The gist, as we’ve written: “Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office had actively scrubbed…
Yayoi Kusama’s Wildly Popular ‘Infinity Mirror’ Exhibit Coming to Cleveland Museum of Art
Bringing long lines wherever it goes, the highly-Instagramable Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors touring exhibit comes to the Cleveland Museum of Art this summer. Slated to hit the museum from July 7 through September 30, the highly-anticipated exhibit features six mirror rooms, which can handle about three mesmerized people at a time, as well as multiple paintings…
Tanner Fischbach Pulls Petitions to Run for County Executive (Again)
Thanks to the eye of Cleveland.com’s Andrew Tobias, we can revel in the announced candidacy of Tanner Fischbach in this year’s Cuyahoga County Executive race. And if that name sounds familiar, then you’re already ahead of the curve. Fischbach ran in the last race, in 2014, as a self-proclaimed “young Republican punk” from Berea. We…
Momo, Nepali-Style Dumplings, Have Landed on Cleveland’s West Side
Just as we were becoming familiar with xiao long bao (soup dumplings) courtesy of the great new Chinese noodle shop LJ Shanghai, along comes another exotic dumpling with which to get acquainted. Momo are Nepali-Tibetan dumplings, and they have been making quite the splash down in Columbus, where a tiny food stall tucked into a…
Dan Gilbert’s 2018 New Year’s Resolution: Don’t Respond to Reporters
Maybe you’ve pledged to hit the gym more and drink less. Perhaps you’re trying to keep your eyeballs off your phone and social media so much. You definitely want to call your mom more often, read more books, volunteer, start putting a bigger chunk of your paycheck (read: anything) into your savings account, be nicer,…
Rover Will Be the Grand Marshal of the Cleveland Browns ‘Perfect Season’ Parade
Rover, host of WMMS’s morning talk show Rover’s Morning Glory (and né Shane French), will lead the Cleveland Browns Perfect Season parade on Saturday as grand marshal, according to sister station WTAM. The event begins at noon on Jan. 6 outside FirstEnergy Stadium. Rover will be accompanied by his gallery of radio rogues. While you’re here, do…
Now Open: El Rinconcito Chapin in Old Brooklyn
We got a quick, delicious taste of El Rinconcito Chapin in Old Brooklyn last year but were unable to return before the small eatery on Pearl Road shut down in advance of a move. It would be more than six months until the new spot welcomed it first diners, but that finally took place late…
RTA Mobile Ticketing App Now Offers Single-Trip Fares
Speaking of RTA and the good its doing: It occurred to us that we hadn’t yet notified our readers of an important development on the RTA mobile app. It now offers single-trip fares. For $2.50, you can purchase your single-trip ticket on your mobile device. As with the other mobile tickets, you present your screen…
RTA Offering Free Rides, Opening Select Locations Round the Clock During Cold Spell
Last night, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) began providing free rides to three transit centers and two Red Line rail stations. They will keep these select locations open round the clock as a haven from the freezing temperatures. In a statement, RTA said that they will provide the free rides and open centers…
Savage Love: Runners
Dear Dan, I’ve been with my girlfriend “J” for two years. Her best friend “M” is a gay man she’s known since high school. M and I have hung out many times. He seems cool, but lately I’ve been wondering if he and J are fucking behind my back. For starters, J and I rarely…
Get Out: Everything You Should Do This Week in Cleveland (Jan. 3-9)
WED 01/03 Chamber Music in the Galleries This monthly concert series at the Cleveland Museum of Art places young musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University in the CMA galleries. Now in its sixth season, the series features “mixed programs of chamber music” for “a unique and intimate experience.” The…
The 2018 Comics Issue
We turn the calendar here at Scene this week the same way we have for the past five years: with the Comics Issue. Helmed once again by the esteemed, multi-talented and tireless John G., it’s a celebration of the talented working comic artists in Cleveland, those who are carrying on the city’s long and storied…
Band of the Week: Fred Eaglesmith
MEET THE BAND: Fred Eaglesmith (vocals, guitar) INSPIRED BY ELVIS: Often compared to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joe El, Steve Earle, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Bob Dylan, veteran singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith grew up on a farm in southern Ontario. He started writing songs and playing guitar when he was a teenager. “I…
