Zac Brown Band Coming to Blossom in August
Known for live shows that often feature a slew of oddball covers in addition to original material, Zac Brown Band has just announced the dates of a late summer/early fall tour. The band will come to Blossom on Aug. 20. “We couldn’t be more excited to get back out on the road and share our…
Vagabond Comics Kicks Off Kickstarter Campaign for 10th Anniversary Issue
Sequoia Bostick and Amalia DeGirolamo started the Cleveland-based Vagabond Comics back in 2015, when they’d just graduated college and were trying to figure out how to get their art seen by a wider audience. The first issue’s pages were filled with their own comic strips, along with art from four other friends. Now, the co-creators…
GoFund Me Campaign Launched to Help the Daughter of Leo’s Casino Co-Owner Jules Berger
When Leo’s Casino opened in Cleveland in 1963, it quickly became one of the city’s best music venues. Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Ray Charles, the Temptations and Otis Redding all performed at the place. Redding actually played his last show ever at the club; he died shortly after performing there. When the Hough riots happened…
City of Cleveland Says It’s Reviewing Video of EMS Worker Making Trolling Hand Sign or Maybe Flicking a Booger or Playing the Circle Game
Video shown on the Today show this morning of the aftermath of yesterday’s incident at a Cleveland elementary school where a dozen or so kids were sickened after a kid brought in marijuana-laced gummies included a Cleveland EMS worker making an OK sign. Or maybe he was flicking a booger. Anyway, the sign, if you…
Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls to Perform at the Agora in May
Earlier today, singer-songwriter Frank Turner, one of the UK’s most successful solo artists of the last decade, announced the dates for a U.S. tour. The jaunt includes a May 9 stop at the Agora. The tour supports Turner’s latest album, Be More Kind, a political album about how to approach conservatives trying to disrupt democracies…
5 Ways to Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Cleveland This Week
We may be well into 2019, but the Chinese lunar calendar restarts today. Yes, Feb. 5 kicks off the Year of the Pig (the pig is traditionally a symbol of wealth and good fortune), and Cleveland is celebrating Chinese New Year in style with multiple events through the weekend. Starting off, the Cavaliers host their fourth…
Metric Kicks Off Its Winter Tour on Monday at House of Blues
Having spent last summer tour supporting the Smashing Pumpkins, Metric — Emily Haines (lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar, tambourine, harmonica, piano), James Shaw (guitar, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals), Joshua Winstead (bass, synthesizers, backing vocals) and Joules Scott-Key (drums, percussion) — returns to headlining its own shows this winter. The band kicks off a 27-date winter tour…
The Ohio Arts Community Now Fuels $41 Billion in Economic Activity, New Study Finds
The Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA) released a study today suggesting that the creative industries in the state not only beautify and enrich our communities, but actually stimulate the local economy. The new report found that creative industries in Ohio not only bring in nearly 300,000 jobs, but also garner more than $41 billion…
Truth to Power: IRTF’s 19th Annual Social Justice Teach-In this Saturday at CWRU
The InterReligious Task Force on Central America will host its 19th annual Social Justice Teach-In Saturday at Case Western Reserve University in conjunction with Case’s Social Justice Institute and Center for Civic Engagement and Learning. The daylong event will include a morning keynote address by organizer and storyteller Anthony Grimes, who founded the Denver Freedom Riders…
After Three Decades in Solon, Akira Sushi and Hibachi has Closed
After moving from New York City to Solon, Anna and Hank Saito opened Akira (6025 Kruse Dr.) in 1998. Since that time, the couple ran a dual-purpose restaurant as a fabulous spot for sushi and a family friendly hibachi destination. This week, the family decided that the time had come to retire. This past Saturday,…
Growing Two Bucks Concept Gallops into Lakewood
Since launching in Avon back in 2010, Two Bucks has been steadily expanding its range throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. The homegrown concept has locations in Avon, Eastlake, Middleburg Heights, Parma, North Olmsted and Columbus. Next up for the group is Lakewood, which is on schedule to open by St. Patrick’s Day in the former…
Former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell Nabs New Gig in Washington
Jane Campbell, who served a single mayoral term in Cleveland (2002-2006), was recently announced as the new President and CEO of the United States Capitol Historical Society. Campbell becomes the fourth leader of the nonprofit, established in 1962, devoted to educating the public about the U.S. Capitol building and the history of congress. Campbell’s brief…
Cleveland Museum of Art to Offer Special Valentine’s Day Programs
The Cleveland Museum of Art has just announced that it’ll offer special Valentine’s Day programming on Wednesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 14. There will be a #CMALoveStory giveaway, a Pop-Up Open Studio in the Ames Family Atrium where you can create original artwork for loved ones and love-inspired self-guided tours of the collection in…
Heartthrob Jason Momoa Added to Wizard World Cleveland Lineup
Jason Momoa, of Aquaman and HBO’s Game of Thrones, has been added to the Wizard World Cleveland line-up. Momoa will appear Saturday, March 9, at the Huntington Convention Center as part of the third annual festival of pop culture, gaming, sci-fi, comics and cosplay. Momoa, who will sign autographs, pose for photos and all that…
Theatrical Glam Rockers Queen of Hell to Play a Release Party on Saturday at the Grog Shop
The local theatrical glam band Queen of Hell formed six years ago as part of the 2013 Lottery League. Guitarist Mortician Treehorne (Kill the Hippies), bassist Dead Stephens (Ringworm), drummer Maximillian Hellhound (Bwak Dwagon) and guitarist Spectre (the Insurance Salesmen) came together to perform at the festival, and the guys have been going strong ever…
The Tattoo Arts Convention Brings the Ink to Cleveland This Weekend
The Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention returns for its fourth year this weekend to celebrate all things body-art. In addition to all the inkwork, expect vendors, seminars and burlesque performances at the Huntington Convention Center. There will also be several daily contests, including Tattoo of the Day, which is only awarded to the best tattoos completed that day.…
How to Watch the 2019 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony Simulcast Right Here in Cleveland
The 2019 Rock Hall induction ceremony is set to be simulcast once again at Cleveland’s own Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 29, making it the only place other than New York (where the inductions will be held) that the event can be viewed live and uncensored. In addition to viewing the whole…
Indie Rockers Snail Mail Coming to the Beachland in July
Snail Mail’s full-length debut, last year’s Lush, received rave reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone and The New York Times. Now, Snail Mail, aka 19-year-old Baltimore-based Lindsey Jordan, has just announced a run of new headline tour dates for 2019. The tour includes a July 26 stop at the Beachland. Tickets go on sale…
Cleveland Area’s First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opening Wednesday
The first medical marijuana dispensary in the Cleveland area is scheduled to open Wednesday in Wickliffe. “The Botanist,” owned and operated by Greenleaf Apothecaries LLC, will open at 30133 Euclid Avenue. Facility hours will be 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. When all is said and done, Greenleaf will operate five dispensaries in the…
Indie Rockers Lord Huron to Play the Agora in July
With Ben Schneider at the helm, indie rockers Lord Huron have created something of a mythos about them, and the group capitalized on that last year when it played a sold out show at House of Blues. Our reviewer noted that the show suggested the band “was actively developing new sounds in the studio and…
![‘I Hate Fucking Faggots’ and ‘[Budish] is a Jew’: County Inspector General Finds Former Jail Boss Ken Mills Made Homophobic, Anti-Semitic Remarks](https://i0.wp.com/www.clevescene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ken_mills.webp.webp?resize=1200%2C900&quality=80&ssl=1)
‘I Hate Fucking Faggots’ and ‘[Budish] is a Jew’: County Inspector General Finds Former Jail Boss Ken Mills Made Homophobic, Anti-Semitic Remarks
Former Cuyahoga County jail boss Ken Mills this morning pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to Cuyahoga County council and prosecutor’s office investigators in the ongoing county corruption probe. His possible role in blocking the hiring of nurses at the county jail and what he told authorities in the aftermath will play out…
Grog Shop to Host a Special Drag Show on Valentine’s Day
As part of a special Valentine’s Day celebration, the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights will offer up some gender-bending drag in a show dubbed Love is a Drag. Cleveland’s finest drag artists as well as special guest Ursula Major, a breakout star from the Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 1, will perform. “Be prepared for all things…
Popular Latin Deli Panaderia las Villas Reopens in Splashy New Home in Clark Fulton
The popular Latin deli and bakery Panadería las Villas in the Clark Fulton neighborhood has a shiny new home. As of last week, the rebranded Las Villas Deli and Pastries (3216 W. 41 St., 216-651-9610) now occupies a bright and bustling double storefront down the street. As always, the shop features a bountiful selection of…
CLASH Unveils Lead Legislation, Ready for Ballot Initiative if Council Unwilling to Adopt
Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) this morning announced the specifics of a substantive piece of legislation that the group will pursue via ballot initiative in November if Cleveland City Council doesn’t vote to enact it before then. The legislation is an updated, enhanced version of a 2017 bill that former Cleveland city councilman…
Rock of Ages Anniversary Tour Coming to Playhouse Square in June
This summer, Rock of Ages, the musical that’s been nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, will return to the road to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The all-new production will come to the State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on June 6. Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. on Friday. Set on Hollywood’s Sunset…
Celebrate Your Gal Pals This Galentine’s Day With These 7 Cleveland Events
[image-1]Officially held the day before Valentine’s Day, the Parks and Recreation-inspired Galentine’s Day honors and traditionally celebrates women, waffles, friendship and mimosas. Here are seven Cleveland events doing things in true Leslie Knope style later this month. Galentine’s Day / Ladies Celebrating Ladies Feb. 13 13603 Madison Ave. Yuzu is hosting a brunch-style Galentine’s Day…
Here’s the Schedule for This Year’s Lottery League
One of the city’s coolest musical events, the Lottery League will return this year, and organizers are currently accepting applications from musicians who’d like to participate. Self-described as “part rock n’ roll circus, part game show, part city-wide art project,” the Lottery League is now in its fifth season. Changes to this year’s incarnation include…
Metallica Shreds the Hits in Highly Self-Aware Concert at the Q
Metallica shredded Cleveland last night, and we hope you were there to enjoy every ear-bleeding minute of it. The legendary metal band dropped by the Q to wrap up a leg of its mighty WorldWired tour in support of Hardwired… to Self-Destruct. But that’s only the surface of the story. See a full slideshow of…
Yuri’s Night: Space Party Will Take Place on April 13 at the Great Lakes Science Center
Since 2001, an international community of scientists, researchers, and self-styled geeks has been celebrating manned spaceflight with Yuri’s Night, a festive commemoration of where we’ve been and where we yet may go. On April 13, Great Lakes Science Center will throw this year’s incarnation of Yuri’s Night, the event that celebrates U.S.S.R. cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin…
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Just Welcomed a Baby Howler Monkey, And It’s Adorable
There’s a brand new baby at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This time the precious bundle is a black howler monkey, born to parents Maxine and Rocco at the zoo Jan. 16. The infant, who is reportedly healthy and thriving, is set to be on display in the zoo’s Primate, Cat and Aquatic building, as newborns…
Election Day In, Columbus Day Out, as Official Holiday in Sandusky
The city of Sandusky, Ohio, home of Cedar Point, will no longer recognize Columbus Day as an official holiday. The Sandusky Register reports that the previously paid vacation day for all municipal staff will transition to the second Tuesday in November: Election Day. City Manager Eric Wobser, who was formerly the executive director of Ohio…
8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Cleveland
February is Black History Month, and there are myriad events planned throughout Cleveland in celebration, including blockbuster movie nights, basketball games, panel discussions and one-woman shows. Here are eight worthy Cleveland events to check out. Black Panther screenings Feb. 1-7 AMC Theaters Marvel’s Oscar-nominated phenomenon is coming back to the big screen for free for…
Singer-Songwriter Kacey Musgraves to Perform at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in September
Earlier today, singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves added 17 new North American shows to her sold-out Oh, What a World Tour. The tour now includes a Sept. 6 stop at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. This summer, Musgraves will become the first-ever female country artist to play Coachella. She’ll launch the second North American leg of her tour…
Ohio Pie Co. to Introduce Ohio-Style Pizza to Brunswick and Beyond
Pizza has been an important and recurring theme in Nick Robson’s life. As a touring musician he made a point of hitting up pizza shops all over the country to take in the delicious variety. In between legs, he picked up shifts at the local pizza joint to make ends meet. Robson has combined his…
Getting Ready for the Super Bowl — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac talk Super Sunday, everything from food to prop bets to the incredible longevity of Tom Brady. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here or stream below.
Body of Canton Man Who’d Been Missing After a Jan. 1 Police Chase Recovered in Creek
The body of 23-year-old Ja’Ron Nero was recovered from the Nimishillen Creek in Canton on Monday about three quarters of a mile away from where he was last seen on Jan. 1 as he fled police after a domestic incident involving another man and woman at an apartment complex. Police say no foul play is suspected.…
Hot Sauce Williams’ Own Herbert Williams Dies at 82
Cleveland barbecue legend Herbert Williams, who, along with his four brothers, lent his name and talents to the beloved Hot Sauce Williams restaurants, passed away last Wednesday at the age of 82. While the brothers’ children run the business now, Williams was the last original owner. Hot Sauce Williams, which still has locations on 3770…
Panic! at the Disco Heats Up a Capacity Crowd at the Q
Despite the Polar Vortex, fans of Panic! at the Disco came out in droves to attend the Cleveland stop of the Pray for the Wicked tour that came to Quicken Loans Arena last night. The band, fronted by Brendon Urie, kept the crowd dancing and singing along through a 28-song set that spanned the band’s…
The Rock Hall to Screen Uncut Footage of Metallica’s 2009 Induction
To celebrate Metallica’s return to town on Friday when the group plays the Q, the Rock Hall will host special weekend screenings of the metal band’s 2009 Hall of Fame induction. The uncut footage includes the band’s induction by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Metallica speeches and performances of “Enter Sandman” and “Master of…
Local Rockers Seeress to Play a Release Party at Mahall’s Next Week
Two years ago, the locally based self-described “post-rock/instrumental/atmospheric metal” band Seeress followed up two self-released EPs, 2015’s Self-Titled and 2016’s Many Worlds, with its first full-length, Great Void. Next week, it returns with another full-length, The Dream Passes. The disc features the same kind of intensely intricate post-rock instrumentals that can be found on previous…
The Worst Kinds of Polar Vortex #Content, Ranked
Before we begin, let’s take a minute to review the only appropriate genres of stories and cold weather-related content during a week when temps hit zero and below: 1) The actual weather forecast; 2) Notices for warming centers and shelters; 3) Alerts for closings of businesses and offices and other service interruptions; 4) Traffic and/or…
Kent to Celebrate International Clash Day With an Array of Events
International Clash Day, an annual celebration of the seminal UK punk band, got its start a few years ago when John Richards, the morning DJ on Seattle’s KEXP-FM, arbitrarily declared Feb. 7 to be Clash Day. This year, Kent will host a wide array of events stressing the importance of “the urgent need for social…
5 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, FEB. 1 The Crystal Method Ever since the L.A.-based Crystal Method debuted in the mid-’90s, the band’s Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland have been a constant in the ever-changing electronica world. The group, which now only includes Kirkland, garnered a Grammy nomination back in the day for Legion of Boom. The group’s latest effort,…
10 Events Bringing the Love to Cleveland This Valentine’s Season
Whether you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day with a spouse, significant other, friend or your pup, there’s something for you in Cleveland. Here are 10 events to check out. CLE Cookie Dough + Platform Beer Pairing Thursday, Feb. 14 4125 Lorain Ave. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to chow down on sweets, so Platform Beer…
Comedian Wayne Brady Coming to Hard Rock Live in August
Comedian, actor, singer, and television personality Wayne Brady possesses a lengthy resume that includes several noteworthy gigs. He’s appeared on both the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and he’s worked with comedians like Dave Chappell. He’s had roles on TV shows such as 30 Rock, Everybody Loves Chris, Dirt and How I Met…
Veteran Local Rockers Lords of the Highway to Celebrate the Release of Their New Album With a Beachland Tavern Concert
Local rockabilly heroes Lords of the Highway got their start in the early ’90s and issued their debut on cassette in 1992. Since that time, the group has gone through numerous lineup changes and slowly evolved. The first two years, the band played mostly cover songs and then morphed into a “psychobilly with an upright bass”…
Local Indie Rockers Niights to Play a Release Show Next Week at the Happy Dog
Niights guitarist Frankie Maraldo and singer Jenna Fournier found each other at just right the moment. Maraldo initially formed the local indie rock group that features shoegazer guitars and a distinctive dream-pop sound ten years ago. But because the band was so unstable, it didn’t play more than a handful of shows. Maraldo even thought…
Staying Safe and Warm at Home During Polar Vortex
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The polar vortex has arrived in the Buckeye State, and energy experts have suggestions on how to keep homes warm, safely and efficiently. Furnaces work overtime in sub-zero temperatures, and utility companies recommend setting thermostats as low as possible for comfort and health. Matt Schilling, deputy director of public affairs for the…
Cold Temps and Hot Anthony Davis Takes — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac are back with some Glory Days presented by American Fireworks. They also have thoughts on The Deep Freeze, Anthony Davis and where pro sports are headed. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here or stream below.
Vampire Weekend to Perform at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in June
Earlier today, indie rockers Vampire Weekend announced the dates for what they’re calling their “most ambitious North American tour to date.” The trek includes a June 14 date at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. Fans can register now through Sunday for the Verified Fan presale. Registered fans who receive a code will have access to purchase…
All Pat Catan’s Stores to Close. Call Your Mom.
Struggling in the face of “industry headwinds,” the Pat Catan’s arts and crafts retail chain will close. The company’s corporate parent, Michaels Companies, made the announcement via press release Wednesday morning. Up to 12 of the 36 total craft centers may reopen under Michaels branding later this year, and a Strongsville distribution center will remain…
Here’s How to Watch ‘Black Panther’ For Free in Theaters For Black History Month
The newly-anointed Oscar nominee Black Panther may have roared into theaters last February, but next month audiences are getting another opportunity to watch the film (this time for free) on the big screen in honor of Black History Month. Since its release last year, the superhero movie has broken all sorts of records and is…
Band of the Week: Ray Flanagan
MEET THE BAND:Ray Flanagan (vocals, guitar) FORMULATING FRIENDSHIPS: Flanagan grew up in Medina but initially didn’t have anyone who he could identify as a musical mentor. Instead, he looked to his dad’s record collection for inspiration. “My dad had all the Bruce Springsteen records,” he says. “I grew up with Springsteen and some classic rock stuff…
Savage Love: Omissions and Emissions
I’m a 21-year-old woman, and I have an IUD. I’ve had sex with quite a few men, and one thing seems to be almost constant among them: trying to fuck without condoms. This has always angered me. They generally assume or make sure I’m on birth control, which they immediately take to mean condom-free sex…
Frank Jackson is Snoozing Through His Fourth Term
Earlier this month, a loose coalition of black activist organizations pulled petitions for the recall of Frank Jackson, the longest-serving mayor in Cleveland’s history. The coalition argued that local leaders must be held accountable. In a video explaining the effort, organizer Jeff Mixon said that Jackson, Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish and congresswoman Marcia Fudge,…
Get Out: Everything You Should Be Doing in Cleveland This Week (Jan. 30-Feb.5)
WED 01/30 Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. The goal of the Party is to “bring to life some of the fun, interesting stories about Cleveland’s past — from sports, to rock ‘n’ roll, to Millionaires’ Row,” as it’s put in a press…
Dobama’s ‘Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again’ Rightfully Commands Attention and Praise
Should you enter Dobama Theatre for its production of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again expecting to sit back and turn off your brain, you might wish to turn around. This isn’t the play for you, and we say that in the best possible way. Everything within Revolt suggests that leaving this performance without a sense…
Jenniffer Collier’s Ornaments Lets You Get Lost in the Colors
What we thought we knew about marbling and what we actually know about marbling are two very different things. “Spanish marblers dance. American marblers breakdance,” says Jenniffer Collier as we sit among her latest exhibition, Ornaments, at Six Shooter Coffee on Waterloo Road. “The way [Americans] infuse our energies on the surface is like a…
Original Cleveland Ballet’s Co-Founder Ian Horvath Celebrated With New Documentary, Verb Ballets Performance
Seattle-based ballerina Margaret Mullin had never considered Cleveland as a hotbed for dance activity. That was until she learned about dancer Ian (Ernie) Horvath. For the past six years, the Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist has been working on a documentary about Horvath, the original Cleveland Ballet company co-founder who burned brightly on New York stages…
Pawlikowski’s ‘Cold War’ is an Arresting Masterpiece About Love in the Time of Communism
In the curious calculus of the 2019 Academy Awards, Cold War, directed by Polish auteur Pawel Pawlikowski, is a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, but not Best Picture, though Pawlikowski is one of only five directors to have earned a Best Director nod. Roma, the black-and-white foreign language darling from director Alfonso Cuaron, managed…
Peter Jackson’s ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ Shows the Grim Realities of WWI
There was perhaps no director better suited to making the new documentary They Shall Not Grow Old, a film composed of restored World War I footage from the Imperial War Museum’s archives, than Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings). An avid World War I collector, Jackson also has a personal connection to the Great War.…
New Ownership but Same No-Frills Diner Fare at the Inn on Coventry
There we were, enjoying our eggs benny and huevos rancheros, when we came to the most heartwarming conclusion: Nothing of note has changed. It’s been one year since the longtime owners of the Inn on Coventry sold their iconic diner and the sky has yet to fall. That’s great news for an indie-minded neighborhood that…
