Annual Blues Cruise to Become Summer Series on Goodtime III
The fourth annual Blues Cruise took a sold-out crowd onto Lake Erie Monday night, with everybody dancing along to dynamic tunes and slamming frisky cocktails all night. It was a great time, and hopefully you were there. If not, though, check it out: The Goodtime III top brass will roll out a Blues Cruise series all…
Singer-Songwriter Allen Stone to Play Kent Stage in October
Born in Chewelah, Washington powerhouse singer Allen Stone started singing at his father’s church when he was just a kid. He moved to Spokane and then Seattle as he launched a recording career in 2010, self-releasing his first album, Last to Speak, and focusing on playing as many shows as possible. For his latest album,…
Washington Post Food Critic Visits Cleveland; Slams Service Staff and Cabbie
Tom Sietsema, the longtime Washington Post food critic, recently was in town on a whirlwind eating and drinking research expedition in advance of some RNC coverage. In Cleveland for just three days, Sietsema managed to visit Edwins, Mabel’s, Alley Cat, Flying Fig, Sokolowski’s, Jack Flaps, Mason’s Creamery, Nate’s Deli, Butcher and the Brewer, and Trentina.…
Cleveland Police Union President: “The Last Thing We Need is Anybody With AR-15s” During RNC
[image-1]We’ve chided Cleveland police union president Steve Loomis plenty over the years, but in a recent interview with the New York Times, Loomis says something not-stupid. With Ohio being an open carry state and the fresh wounds of Dallas still raw, Loomis addressed the possibility (and probability) of groups or protestors with legal weapons exercising…
Local Jazz Singer Helen Welch Brings Beatles Tribute to Cain Park
British singer-songwriter Helen Welch has lived in Northeast Ohio for the past several years. During that time, she’s slowly built a loyal following of jazz enthusiasts. On Friday, July 22, she brings her Beatles tribute to the Alma Theater. She plans to perform popular Beatles tracks such as “Yesterday,” “Here There and Everywhere” and “While…
Downtown RTA Trolleys Will Offer Extended Service During RNC
Due to road closures and heightened security during the RNC, getting around downtown will be a real pain in the ass. But RTA has announced that its downtown trolleys will offer extended service during the convention. Not only will the familiar green trolley buses be running earlier and later; both the B line and the…
The Next Generation of Activists Organized a Peaceful Protest in Public Square Following a Week of Violence
[image-1] After a series of fatal shootings that occurred across the nation last week, a group of young student activists realized they had the power to do more than sit back, feeling powerless and defeated. Thursday night, following the police shootings that resulted in the deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, LA, and Philando…
Standing Together for Justice Concert and Benefit to Take Place at Agora During RNC
Organized by Stand Together Against Trump, Singing for Justice Meetup Group and local and national musicians, the Standing Together for Justice Concert and Benefit, aims to provide a “night of peaceful protests songs calling for a stand against racism, sexism, and xenophobia.” San Francisco-based artist Pete Kronowitt will perform as will local artists such Brendan…
“Little Women” the Opera and Five More Classical Music Events to Hit This Week
If you liked Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, you’ll love Mark Adamo’s opera adaptation, which hits the stage on Friday, July 15 at 7:30 and Sunday, July 17 at 2:30 at Hudson’s Barlow Community Center. Nightingale Opera Theatre fields a local, all-star cast with stage direction by Marla Berg and musical direction by John Simmons.…
U.S. Surgeon General Discusses Opiate Epidemic in Cuyahoga County
So far in 2016, 228 people have overdosed on heroin and died in Cuyahoga County. For all of 2015, the death count landed at 194. It’s not for nothing that the word “epidemic” is now being overshadowed in news stories and public discourse by the phrase “public health crisis.” There’s something deeper and broader at…
Midsummer Third Fridays Event at 78th Street Studios Features Many New Openings
As the summer heats up, so does the schedule for Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios. From 5 to 9 p.m. this Friday, drop in to see dozens of artist studios and galleries, many of which are hosting receptions for new or continuing exhibitions. For example, E11even 2 (Suite 112) hosts an opening reception for…
Cell Phone Carrier Upgrades Mean Your Phone Should Probably Work Just Fine in Cleveland During the RNC (And Your Pokemon GO Hunt)
Did you attend the Cavs’ championship parade back in late June? Did the service on your cell phone diminish to zero? Even though your phone is top of the line, the operating system is up to date, and you’ve paid your bill? Well, it’s not you or your phone. You and the gazillion other people…
With New Website, Could Cleveland Magazine Re-Invent Itself?
“Go live is a funny term,” says Cleveland Magazine editor Steve Gleydura, of his magazine’s new website. “But we flipped the switch on Friday, and I think most people started to see it on Sunday and Monday.” Whenever people first saw it, they likely had the same reaction we did: the brand-new website (clevelandmagazine.com) is a much-needed upgrade…
Choose The Best of the Wurst at Banter During RNC
[image-1]Now more than ever, Clevelanders need a healthy sense of humor, and Matthew Stipe and his partners at Banter Beer & Wine have that in spades. In an attempt to lighten the mood during the RNC, the team has decided to host a “Best of the Wurst” contest at their Detroit Shoreway sausage and poutine…
West 25th Street Lofts Experiencing Delays, Some Tenants Leaving Lease Agreements
At least a fraction of the eighty-three units that will comprise the West 25th Street Lofts complex were supposed to be completed and inhabited by now. Earlier this year, tenants signed lease agreements for the chic new apartments at W. 25th and Church Avenue with move-in dates scheduled for June 1. But those dates have…
Downtown Harry Buffalo Will Become ‘CNN Grill’ During Convention
[image-1]It looks like Harry Buffalo will receive an RNC makeover next week from CNN. The restaurant will be transformed to become the site of the “CNN Grill” which will be home to live broadcast studios and local eats. With its close proximity to the action at The Q, it’s no wonder CNN chose to make…
In Advance of Agora Concert, Ministry Frontman Al Jourgensen Calls Trump ‘Brutally, Psychologically Flawed’
Since 1980, Ministry has been a staple on the industrial rock scene. Led by politically minded singer-guitarist Al Jourgensen, a guy who ranted and raved for three albums against George W. Bush, the band built a cult following by refusing to give in to commercial demands. This month, Ministry comes to town to play the…
Battle of the Billboards – Pro-Life and Pro-Choice Groups Prepare their Messages for the RNC
As the city of Cleveland braces itself for the upcoming storm that is the Republican National Convention, various protesting and lobbying groups are also preparing ways to have their voices heard by the thousands who are planning to attend. One in particular is Created Equal, a pro-life group based in Columbus that is known for publicizing graphic images of…
Free Waffles Coming to Cleveland in Celebration of ‘Fargo’ Release
Whether you are a super-fan of the FX series Fargo, or a super-fan of free food, you’re going to like this one. While Republicans pack the city next week, something even more exciting is coming to town: free waffles brought to you by the Fargo Waffle Wagon. The Waffle Wagon will be setting out to…
A Temporary “Trump Museum” Will Set Up Shop in Cleveland for the RNC
Amidst a sea of uncertainty and potential chaos, at least one Democratic super PAC will bring some much-needed humor to the Republican National Convention. American Bridge 21st Century will set up a temporary “Trump Museum” for the week. Though a call and an email to American Bridge weren’t immediately returned, the Washington Post reports that…
Guided by Voices Return With New Lineup, Same Rock ‘n’ Roll Attitude
When singer-guitarist Bobby Bare Jr., a guy who’s held down a solo career for the past two decades, found out that he’d be joining a reconstituted version of the indie rock band Guided by Voices for the current tour that includes a stop at the Grog Shop, he met privately with new bassist Mark Shue…
Video: Parmatown Mall’s on Fire
Crews are responding to a fire at Parmatown Mall. That’s about all we got right now. But here’s a short video of what looks like the roof in flames. @cleveland19news definitely a fire at parmatown mall pic.twitter.com/4LyN8eLwLx — Brian Roberts (@brianrbts) July 11, 2016
Everything You Need to Know About the Cleveland Orchestra’s Hough Residency Plans
After months of waiting, fans of the Cleveland Orchestra can now plan and get tickets for the orchestra’s Hough neighborhood residency. The residency, produced through a partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art, brings the world-class organization into the community, giving fans and residents a chance to see the orchestra outside of its usual venue…
Singer-Songwriter Joe Jackson Plays Hits, Covers and New Songs at Sold-Out Trinity Cathedral Concert
Singer-songwriter Joe Jackson hasn’t played in Cleveland since a 2005 State Theatre appearance with Todd Rundgren. The crowd at last night’s sold-out (and steamy) Trinity Cathedral didn’t hold it against him, however, and Jackson responded to the night’s rapturous applause and occasional standing ovation with a 105-minute set balancing hits, covers and new songs. With…
Backstage Pass: An Interview with Rock Manager/Author Vicky Hamilton
Vicky Hamilton, a rock manager who worked with bands such as Mötley Crüe, Poison and Guns N’ Roses just before they became superstars, stopped at Club Velvet at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park last night to read from her new book, Appetite for Dysfunction. The book chronicles those crazy times, including the days when…
Cleveland Caterers and Restaurants See Cutbacks and Cancellations for RNC-Related Events as Kick Off Approaches
Ever since Cleveland learned that it would be hosting the Republican National Convention, there has been non-stop chatter about the piles of cash that would rain down on the North Coast. Restaurants were being booked by national corporations for literally millions of dollars, others were being snatched up for champagne-soaked private parties, and every caterer…
Hard Rock Rocksino to Host World Record Attempt for Motorcycles Started Simultaneously
The Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park has just announced that thousands of motorcyclists will descend upon the casino’s parking lot in August for Ride for the Record, an attempt to set a Guinness World Records, on Sunday, August 28. They’ll try to set a new record for most motorcycles started simultaneously. Part of a daylong…
12 Concerts to Catch This Weekend
FRIDAY, JULY 8 Guster While often lumped in with the late-90s alt-rock scene (thanks to breakout hit “Fa Fa”), Guster has actually spent most of its career firmly entrenched in the far more amorphous post-Y2K indie world. With 2015’s Evermotion, the band stretches its legs even further, drifting away from more straightforward rock riffs and…
Probably Don’t Buy Your Meat From Unlicensed Door-to-Door Meat Vendors
Just in time for summer barbecues, there’s a new and super convenient way to score meat in Maple Heights: just wait around for your friendly, local, unlicensed door-to-door meat vendor. What? That doesn’t sound good? The Cleveland Better Business Bureau, in reminding folks of the practice, cited an example in a June 28 press release…
Indians on Fire Plus Devin Smith and Doran Grant Talk Football — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
The Cleveland Indians are on fire — and Devin Smith (New York Jets) and Doran Grant (Pittsburgh Steelers) talk football. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here. Download the episode directly here. Or stream below.
Zygote Press Showcases Work of Residency Artists Over the Years
Since 2013, Zygote Press has partnered with the Bunnell Arts Center in Homer, Alaska, to exchange artists for eight-week residencies at each organization. In celebration of this ongoing cultural exchange program, Zygote Press is hosting a special exhibition of past and present resident artists from both Homer and Cleveland. “We love bringing this ‘cool’ work…
Tiny Houses Are Dumb and I Want One
Tiny houses are dumb and I want one. I desire a tiny house because I’m a human female of childbearing age and HGTV is always playing on the TV at my gym. HGTV is more than just a cable channel devoted to convincing every homeowner in America that any house without an open floor plan,…
Two People Complained to the FCC About LeBron’s Curse Words During Parade Speech
Channel 3 and Channel 19, unlike their radio brethren and Channel 5, aired the speeches from LeBron and others at the end of the championship parade without a delay. That delay gives broadcasters a chance to dump anything that might draw the ire of the FCC. Which is not something you’d have expected to need…
LAND Studio and Ingenuity to Host Pop-Up Concerts on East Ninth Street
Just in time for the Republican National Convention, LAND studio and Ingenuity Cleveland have teamed up to present a series of free concerts along East Ninth St. Dubbed Concrete Concerts, the performances will include an array of musicians and groups that will play concerts in “unexpected places” such as Erie Cemetery, the East 9th RTA…
46 People Have Been Cited for Trespassing at Geauga Lake This Year
[image-1] Bainbridge Township Police are politely asking/warning people not to trespass into the abandoned, “Walking Dead”-like Geauga Lake amusement park. Their public request comes after a spike in illegal tourism this year, which is not entirely surprising given Geauga Lake’s mystique and nostalgic hold on Northeast Ohio and/or, more likely, it’s reputation as a ruin…
Chef Sawyer Will be Both Tenant and ‘Curator of Food Experiences’ at Van Aken
[image-1]First a big “Chopped” win and now this. Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat and Trentina restaurants will partner with RMS Investment Corp., the group behind the ambitious Van Aken District project, as both a tenant and “curator of food experiences.” In addition to opening his fourth Cleveland-area restaurant – an as yet unannounced…
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams: “I’m Looking Forward to a Safe RNC”
[image-1]In what reads like an indirect answer to the nay-saying doomsday critiques of Cleveland police union president Steve Loomis, who has told anyone who will listen, from reporters to feral cats in his neighborhood, that Cleveland police aren’t ready for the RNC, the division’s chief addressed the public directly with an open letter of sorts…
Just in Time for Fare Hike, RTA Introduces Mobile Ticketing App
[image-1]The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has introduced “RTA CLE,” a new app which lets riders plan routes and purchase daily and weekly tickets on their mobile devices. “Using this free mobile app eliminates the need to stand in line at fare vending machines or at the Customer Service Center,” says RTA. “The ability…
Veteran Experimental Rockers Swans Seek to Create a Seductive World of Sound
Most professional musicians take their art extremely seriously. It kind of comes with the job. For Michael Gira, however, music acts as more than just an art form — it’s a spiritual catalyst that possesses the power to completely turn one’s mental state on its head. Gira, the 62-year-old creative mastermind and ringleader of the…
20 Heroin Overdoses in Two Days in Akron; “We Cannot Arrest Our Way to Sobriety,” Says Mayor
[image-1]Update: The overdose total now stands at 20 in two days in Akron. Three of those overdoses proved fatal. Akron’s overdose fatality count now stands at 57 for 2016, and it’s only July. There were 47 in all of 2015. Akron leaders addressed the astounding numbers at a Wednesday press conference with the police chief…
James Douglas Shields’ ‘Dark Portrait’ Series Captures Champions of Cleveland
After growing up in Maryland and living and working in downtown Manhattan, James Douglas Shields moved to his wife’s hometown of Cleveland. Immediately fascinated and immersed into his new environment, Shields focused his attention on the people shaping the city’s revitalization. Soon, he began his Dark Portrait series, a collection that has grown to more…
Warrensville Heights Police Officer: “How Dare You Stand Next to Me in the Same Uniform and Murder Somebody”
If you haven’t watched Warrensville Heights police officer Nakia Jones’s video, it’s well worth your time. In the wake of Alton Sterling’s shooting death at the hands of two white police officers in Baton Rouge, Jones recorded a seven-minute Facebook video yesterday reacting to the news. Jones talks about her professional history — hired as…
Disgraced Former Case Western Law School Dean Writes About Changing His Name Without Mentioning All The Reasons He’d Disgraced His Former Name
Lawrence Mitchell is now Ezra Wasserman Mitchell. That matters very little to most people but for some others it’s certainly worth noting, because Lawrence Mitchell was the former law school dean at Case Western Reserve University. Former is the key word there. Mitchell departed after the school settled a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit that,…
“The Daily Show” Co-Creator to Host Cleveland Comedy Show During RNC
Are you anti-Trump and pro-comedy? We have the perfect RNC event for you. Hosted by NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and The Daily Show co-creator, Lizz Winstead, “Slurricane Trump is Touching Down in Cleveland” will be a night of laughs at a time when we could probably all use some. You can join Winstead’s comedy team, Lady Parts…
14 Bands to See at This Year’s Warped Tour
To the casual concert-goer, the Vans Warped Tour can seem like a sensory overload. Seven different stages, way too many bands to keep track of — and really, who has enough time on their hands to figure out which ones are even worth seeing? Well fear not, casual concert-goer, because we’ve got you covered. We’ve…
2016 Alternative Press Music Awards Adopt Political Theme
Held last summer at Quicken Loans Arena, the Second Annual Alternative Press Music Awards promised to be bigger and better than the inaugural affair, which was held at Voinovich Bicentennial Park behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. And it lived up to the billing. From the moment that the stars started…
First Look: Nuevo Modern Mexican on the E. Ninth Street Pier
In terms of bar and restaurant settings, there have been some pretty spectacular entries into the local marketplace of late. From Bar 32 floating in the stratosphere, to Coastal Taco’s riverside respite, to Rebol’s drama-soaked perch smack dab on Public Square. But even those mighty milieus will have some stiff competition when Nuevo Modern Mexican…
The Mayor of Linndale Probably Doesn’t Live in Linndale, and That’s Against the Rules
Before we really start here let’s acknowledge the fact that staking out a village mayor’s home with video, checking water records and basically going Private Dick on her whereabouts is fun and all but maybe a little overkill. But when that village is Traffic Ticket Town, USA, and you or someone you know has probably…
Oh God, No, Cleveland, Please, Please Don’t Build This Butt-Ugly Bridge
This is what the North Coast harbor pedestrian bridge was supposed to look like. It was designed by bridge savant Miguel Rosales, the same dude behind the huge “iconic” Cleveland Pedestrian Bridge (the so-called “Bridge to Nowhere”), and it’s been nixed, at long last, by the City of Cleveland due to a preponderance of foreign parts…
Roots Rockers Old Crow Medicine Show and Singer-Songwriter Brandi Carlile to Collaborate at Jacobs Pavilion Show
Old Crow Medicine show singer-guitarist Critter Fuqua and singer-multi-instrumentalist Ketch Secor go back. Way back. The two started playing music together when they were in seventh grade. Back then, however, the guys didn’t play the old-time folk and fiddle music for which Old Crow is known. “We both started playing guitar when we were 12…
Savage Love: Scenes from a Marriage
Dear Dan, My wife and I have been married for 14 years and in a committed (I assumed) relationship for 17 years. Sex between us (often kinky) has always been great. We have a wonderful life together and two perfect children. I thought we were good; turns out things were too good to be true.…
The Talented 13-year-old Who’ll Take a Star Spin in the Lead Role at the Beck Center’s Production of Billy Elliot the Musical
The multi-award winning Billy Elliot the Musical tells the historical tale of a community in strife caused by a miners’ strike in County Durham, in northeastern England, balanced against the fictional tale of a lad named Billy. The strike took place in 1984-85 as part of the Margaret Thatcher-led government’s attempt to bust the coal…
A Curator’s Perspective on the Rock Hall’s Latest Exhibit, Louder Than Words
The Rock Hall’s new exhibit, Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics, explores music’s power to change “the attitudes of patriotism, peace, equality and freedom.” It covers eight political topics: civil rights; LGBT issues; feminism; war and peace; censorship; political campaigns; political causes; and international politicals. Artifacts range from guitars played by activist-oriented musicians such…
Get Out the Vote Comes to Cleveland in Time for the RNC
This summer, the Galleries at Cleveland State University host a special exhibition of election-themed graphic art produced by more than 300 members, medalists and influencers of AIGA, the professional association for design. Hundreds of posters will fill the walls throughout the Galleries at CSU. Part of CSU’s RNC Week, the Get Out the Vote exhibition…
Meet the Band: Murderedman
Murderedman MEET THE BAND: David Russell (vocals), John Delzoppo (drums) , Richard Raponi (bass) and Ron Kretsch (guitar) INFLUENCES EVERYWHERE: Band members all played in other local groups before coming together about four years ago. “John [Delzoppo] approached everyone about doing something,” says Kretsch. “He had a whole pitch about what he wanted to do,…
A Former Little Caesars Chain Owner Picks Glenville for Fast-casual, Affordable and Healthy Urban Chicken Grill
Survey the restaurant scene in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single healthy option. Located within walking distance of the high school, residents have their pick of Popeye’s, Burger King, McDonald’s, Rally’s and a dozen or so Chinese takeaways. The “healthiest” route for those interested in taking it is to go…
Luxe Kitchen Draws Inspiration from the Far East and Near West
Two years into his role as executive chef at Luxe Kitchen and Lounge (6605 Detroit Ave., 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com), Dallas Martinez has noticed a change in the neighborhood. Since joining the team of the Detroit Shoreway restaurant as a cook in 2009, he’s seen yoga on the beach as part of the popular Edgewater Live parties…
The Renaissance of the Cuyahoga Riverfront Means Commercial and Recreational Interests Must Co-exist, Come Hell or High Water
The stately Sam Laud, a 636-foot, 7,000-horsepower Great Lakes freighter owned and operated by the American Steamship Company, is unloading 7,500 tons of iron ore at the Cleveland Bulk Terminal, just west of Whiskey Island and the mouth of the Cuyahoga. That’s less than a third of its total cargo. The vessel has to reduce…
Arthouse Auteur Todd Solondz Delivers His Version of a Dog Movie
Over the past two decades, director Todd Solondz has established himself as that guy who goes where most directors fear to go. With films such as Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness, Storytelling, Palindromes, Life During Wartime and Dark Horse, he explores the dark side of suburban life, offering up grim accounts of people with deep…
Film Spotlight: Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Summer generally brings with it a handful of R-rated comedies that you just know snickering teens and tweens will want to sneak into. Add Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, which opens areawide on Friday, to the list. With its reliance on references to contemporary popular culture and gratuitous use of profanity, it’s written to…
