4 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, JUNE 8 Ledisi/Melanie Fiona/Tweet An R&B singer who could hold her own at a jazz festival, singer-songwriter Ledisi possesses some serious pipes. Her new album, last year’s Let Love Rule, represents another significant chapter in a career that stretches back nearly 20 years. One of many album highlights, “Us 4Ever” features soulful vocals and…
Check Out This Driver Skillfully Going Backwards Down an Ohio Highway
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) posted a video on Facebook yesterday of quite possibly the dumbest, yet most skillful, driver in Ohio. During morning rush hour traffic yesterday, ODOT traffic cameras captured a white SUV backing up off the highway on US Route 33 and onto a ramp toward Gender Road in Canal Winchester…
In Advance of an Upcoming Hard Rock Live Concert, Gin Blossoms Singer Reflects on the Band’s 25-Year History
Now more than 25 years removed from the release of New Miserable Experience, the major label debut from Gin Blossoms, the title feels especially appropriate, knowing now what the jangly ’90s alt-rock group went through to birth the album and bring it out to the masses. The band spent the bulk of the past year…
Target to Bring Same-Day Delivery Service to Cleveland
Clevelanders can soon have Target goods sent directly to their homes within a matter of hours, thanks to a partnership with delivery company Shipt. Starting June 21, Target launches the new same-day online delivery system in the Cleveland area, ensuring that some of its customers may never have to step foot in a store again.…
Inaugural Re:Sound Festival Debuts and the Rest of the Cleveland Classical Music to Catch This Week
Fasten your seat belts — it’s the beginning of festival season in Northeast Ohio. First up is the inaugural year of Re:Sound, a multi-event festival of newly-minted music to be played in a variety of venues, beginning on Thursday, June 7 at 7:30 pm at the Bop Stop. Opening night features Zeitgeist, Transient Canvas, the…
‘My Son Pinocchio’ is a Rare Miss for the Mercury Theatre Company
Mercury Theatre Company, now celebrating its 20th anniversary in Cleveland, has a long history of selecting exceptional shows. And they have usually produced them extremely well, such as their dazzling Camelot in 2015 and last year’s La Cage Aux Folles. Even when the show selections aren’t particularly interesting, director Pierre-Jacques Brault usually finds a way…
Your Guide to Free Outdoor Movies All Around Cleveland This Summer
Free outdoor movie watching season is back in Cleveland, and thankfully, as the weather continues to warm up, a slew of area parks and organizations are hosting these family-favorite events. Be sure to have your blankets, bug spray and picnic baskets ready. COVENTRY P.E.A.C.E. PARK 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights Family-friendly movies in the park…
Regardless of Who Wins, LeBron James Declares Cavs and Warriors Won’t Visit the White House
In what will surely spark another “shut up and dribble” explosion of ignorance, LeBron James told a group of reporters this morning that regardless of who wins the NBA Finals, “no one wants an invite” to visit Donald Trump at the White House. LeBron James addresses controversy over Pres. Trump uninviting the Philadelphia Eagles to…
Free Goat Yoga Comes to Public Square Tomorrow, in Honor of Our Own GOAT
[image-1]Practicing yoga among a slew of furry creatures is so hot right now. And tomorrow on Public Square, you can attend various goat yoga classes for free in honor of Cleveland’s very own GOAT (greatest of all time), LeBron James. Coinciding with Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the city, partnering with Progressive Insurance, is…
Comedian Nick Swardson Coming to Hard Rock Live in November
Comedian Nick Swardson started his career in St. Paul/Minneapolis before moving on to bigger and better things in New York and Los Angeles. Perhaps best known for his role in the hit Comedy Central series Reno 911, he’s subsequently worked on projects such as Grandma’s Boy, Benchwarmers and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.…
Welshly Arms to Headline United Way’s Inaugural Community Celebration
This summer, Welshly Arms will be plenty busy. The local band will support Thirty Seconds To Mars on the last leg of its tour, and it will perform at festivals such as the Hangout Music Festival, BottleRock, Bunbury Music Festival, Firefly Music Festival, Summerfest, Lollapalooza and Life Is Beautiful. It will also headline the United…
Ministry to Perform at the Agora Theatre in November
When the industrial rock band Ministry performed at the Agora Theatre two years ago, singer Al Jourgensen screamed more than he sang during the extremely loud and aggressive concert, barking out the lyrics to leftist-leaning tunes such as the set’s opening number “Hail to His Majesty (Peasants),” a heavy song that benefited from some symphonic…
Immigration Agents Arrest 114 Undocumented Ohioans in Sting Operation
The Associated Press reports that U.S. immigration agents arrested 114 undocumented immigrants at two Sandusky-area locations of Corso’s Flower and Garden Center. They were raided Tuesday morning as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on employers hiring undocumented workers. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it expects charges for crimes including identity theft and tax evasion.…
Nine Activists Arrested During Poor People’s Campaign ‘Die-In’ at Ohio Statehouse
Yesterday, nine Ohioans were arrested for their part in the peaceful protests at the Ohio Statehouse. The activist group Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival was continuing its 40-day campaign of nonviolent action advocating for legislation that better assists people in poverty, when the arrests occurred. While some protesters at the Ohio…
Ohio Health Centers Going Beyond Exam Room to Improve Nutrition
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some Community Health Centers are stepping outside the exam room to ensure that patients and others can access nutritious foods they need for a healthy lifestyle. The Columbus-area community of Franklinton has been without a grocery store for years, which means some residents rely on convenience stores and fast-food restaurants to feed…
Fears for LGBT Immigrants Go Beyond Deportation
COLUMBUS, Ohio – New data shows lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender immigrants are 97 times more likely to face sexual assault in federal detention centers than the general population. Analysis from the Center for American Progress shows detention centers are especially dangerous for transgender immigrants. In addition to cases of sexual assault, it reports cases…
Step Away From the Ledge, Cavs Fans — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac size up the NBA Finals after two games, discuss JR’s historic blunder and argue about the Bryan Colangelo burner account situation. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here.
Brooklyn-Based Label Will Open Record Store and Warehouse in Franklin Castle
When Miriam Linna, who previously lived in Ashtabula and Kent before launching the independent Norton Records with her late husband, Billy Miller, attended a private party at Franklin Castle last year, she was so bowled over by the local band Archie and the Bunkers that she signed them to her retro-minded label and released a…
Tickets on Sale for Autism Speaks Chefs Gala Starring Michael Symon
This is an “on” year for the Cleveland Autism Speaks Chefs Gala, a biennial event at the Cleveland Museum of Art hosted by celebrity chef Michael Symon. The extraordinary affair features two dozen Cleveland chefs preparing and serving signature small plate items – and that’s just the appetizer. The benefit, which helps to raise funds…
City to Buy Plain Dealer Building for New Police Headquarters, Cleveland.com Moving to Old Scene Building
[image-1] Pending council approval, the city of Cleveland will purchase the Plain Dealer building at 1801 Superior Ave. and renovate it for the new police headquarters. The city had been on the hunt for a new cop HQ after agreeing to sell its part of the Justice Center to Cuyahoga County. The Plain Dealer building…
Here’s How to Make Parking For the Tribe Game and Game 3 of the NBA Finals Suck Less
I’m sure the intentions were good when it was decided to put what is now known as the Quicken Loans Arena directly across the street from what is now known as Progressive Field, but anyone that’s been caught downtown when the Cavs and the Indians are playing on the same night can attest to the…
‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ Anniversary Tour Coming to Akron Civic
An album that successfully bridged the country and rock music worlds, the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo holds up as a classic release. To mark the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking album, Byrds co-founders Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman have just announced a tour to commemorate the anniversary. Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives will join…
The NBA Finals Visitor Guide to Cleveland Food
Yes, we’ve heard, NBA writers, staff, Warriors’ fans and everyone else descending upon our dear city for the Finals. You’re sick of coming to Cleveland for the fourth year in a row. Well, guess what, we still have LeBron and that’s just too bad. But don’t worry, we have plenty of incredible food options and…
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts to Play Hard Rock Live in December
Almost five years ago, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts played the first-ever show at the newly opened Hard Rock Live in Northfield. Jett kicked off the terrific 90-minute concert with the glitter-rock inspired “TMI,” and then delivered the stuttering anthem “Cherry Bomb.” A grunge-y rendition of “Do You Wanna Touch Me” and a punked-up version of…
Arcadian Space in Gordon Square Has Been Claimed by Blue Habanero Mexican
Cleveland diners watched for three long years as management methodically transformed the old City Grill at W. 65th and Detroit into Arcadian, a contemporary showpiece designed by local architect Robert Maschke. But after just four months in business, in a move that shocked even the staff, the restaurant abruptly locked its doors and ceased operating.…
Steve Martin and Martin Short Coming to E.J. Thomas Hall in November
Since 2009, comedian Steven Martin has played bluegrass music with Steep Canyon Rangers. He doesn’t tour often with the band, but he’s just announced a series of dates with the group. Martin along with comedian Martin Short will bring the show, dubbed An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest Of Your Lives Featuring the…
Here’s Where All of the Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are Going To Be in Cleveland
Cuyahoga County is allowed five medical marijuana dispensaries, and the Board of Pharmacy announced today that they will be located in Cleveland, Lakewood and Garfield Heights. According to Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy can provide licenses to up to 60 medical marijuana dispensary applicants statewide, pending the proposed dispensary is…
Watch the First Movie Trailer for Cleveland-Made ‘White Boy Rick’
The first trailer for White Boy Rick, filmed in Cleveland and Detroit last year, is finally here. The film tells the real life story of drug kingpin-turned-informant Richard Wershe Jr., who went to prison for almost 30 years for a nonviolent drug crime committed when he was a juvenile in 1988. In the movie, Matthew…
MST3K Live 30th Anniversary Tour Coming to the Agora in October
For 30 years now, the award-winning comedy television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 has been known as one of the top cult TV shows of all time. The story of a human host and his robot sidekicks trapped aboard a satellite and forced to watch cheesy movies by their captor, MST3K has maintained its reputation…
Tributary at Detroit Shoreway/Ohio City Border Opens Tomorrow, June 5
Back in January, we shared John Burens’ plans to open a “neighborhood bar” in a former art gallery at the border of Detroit Shoreway and Ohio City. That bar, Tributary, opens to the public tomorrow June 5, at 4:30 p.m. Here’s the original article from January 29 announcing and describing his plans. *************************************** For evidence that the…
PETA Lists Progressive Field as Third Most Vegan-Friendly Ballpark
Since first appearing on PETA’s list of Vegan-Friendly Ballparks as an honorable mention in 2011, the home of the Cleveland Indians has skyrocketed to the top 3 in under a decade. While popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack are all vegan friendly baseball snacks, the heartier options are what brought Cleveland to the top tier of vegan-friendly…
Chicago’s LowDown Brass Band to Play New Tracks at This Week’s Show at Nighttown
Composer Lance Loiselle started the LowDown Brass Band about 15 years ago when he and his bandmate Dave Levine were at DePaul University. “Dave [Levine] and I and [saxophonist] Chris [Neal] played in a band together, and we got done with a rehearsal and were listening to some New Orleans music,” says Loiselle in a…
Hordes of Midges Show up on Cleveland Doppler Radar
Going outside today in Cleveland means getting bombarded by swarming midges. That’s right, the tiny, flying mosquito-looking insects are back in Northeast Ohio, as they are wont to do every June, and are as irritating as ever. As Cleveland 19 meteorologist Jason Nicholas tweeted below, hordes of the pesky things were actually caught on weather…
10 Bands to See This Weekend at LaureLive
A couple of years ago, the locally based Elevation Group launched LaureLive, a two-day music festival held at Laurel School, an all-girls (K-12) independent school. Elevation Group has again organized a 2018 festival, which will take place on Laurel’s Butler Campus on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10. This year’s event will feature “the…
Dave Matthews Band Brings the ‘Bayou’ to Blossom
After taking a full-band hiatus in 2017, the peaceful denizens of Blossom Music Center were giddy with anticipation for Dave Matthews Band’s return — the annual heralding, indeed, of summer in Northeast Ohio. Last night’s show brought a fair setlist that touched on all corners of the Dave world, new and old, with an triumphant…
The Ohio Weather Band Releases New Music Video
Perhaps most famous for having won a contest that gave them the chance to open for Bon Jovi when the band played the Q last year, the Akron-based indie rock group the Ohio Weather Band has steadily increased its profile in the past year. This past December, the band shot a music video for “Don’t…
Cannabis Cooking Show Coming to Netflix, With Cleveland’s Ramon Rivas as Guest Judge
On June 22, Netflix debuts its newest original cooking show, Cooking On High. The series features a high-stakes cooking competition where all dishes must contain enough weed to get the celebrity judges high. Hosted by YouTube sensation Josh Leyva, the show, only available to those 18 and over, also features fellow comedian and noted cannabis activist…
Here’s How You Can Be an Extra in ‘The Last Summer,’ Filming in Cleveland Now
Yet another film being shot in Cleveland is in need of extras. Next Thursday, the teen drama The Last Summer, is taking over Crooked River Skatepark (1785 Merwin Ave.), and is asking for people to help fill out the scene. During this shoot, extras are expected to cheer on professional skateboarders Zion Wright and Alex Sorgente,…
‘ROCKTOPIA’ Returns to Northeast Ohio This Fall
A concert that celebrates the combination of classical music and opera with classic rock, ROCKTOPIA, a touring musical, features world-class vocalists and top rock musicians with the aim of celebrating “the combination of classical music and opera with classic rock.” For co-founder Randall Craig Fleischer, who attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the musical represents…
U.S. Customs Confiscated a Cleveland Immigrant’s Life Savings Without Charging Him With a Crime
Rustem Kazazi is currently suing U.S. Customs and Border Protection after agents strip-searched him at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and confiscated the 64-year-old’s life savings, more than $58,000 in cash, without charging him of any crime. The money was seized through civil asset forfeiture, a widespread federal practice that allows law enforcement to take cash…
What to Know About This Weekend’s Hessler Street Fair
Conceived in 1969 as a block party (and later abandoned amid the not-so-hip 1980s), the Harmony Park’s Hessler Street Fair has evolved into one of the biggest and most involved parties of its kind. This free event sort of opens the floodgates for summertime neighborhood fun in Cleveland. And there’s plenty of fun to go…
American Aquarium Frontman Talks About the Tracks on the Alt-Country Band’s New Album
Since singer-songwriter BJ Barham released his 2016 solo album, Rockingham, he’s completely retooled his band American Aquarium, which he helped found in 2006. He took a new lineup on the road last fall on a “trial run” to fine tune the songs he’d then record for his new album, the just-released Things Change. “That was…
Your 2018 Cleveland Pride Month Guide
Pride month is just a day away, and the Cleveland community isn’t afraid to celebrate loud and proud. Between a new “pride shop” clothing line and Pride in the CLE’s parade and festival this Saturday, plenty of rainbows are on the horizon. But for those looking for even more ways to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,…
Mad Mac’s Now Serving Up Hearty Mac and Cheese in Lakewood
Mad Mac’s, a new macaroni and cheese joint brought to you by the people behind Yuzu, opened last Wednesday in the old O’Tooles Pub space at 13601 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. General manager Kelly Kazandjieff is confident the Cleveland area needs such an establishment: “There probably can’t be enough mac and cheese in this world,”…
The G.O.A.T. from Akron is in the NBA Finals for the 8th Year in a Row
Only four other people besides LeBron James have ever made it to eight consecutive NBA Finals series, and all of them were members of the Bill Russell-led Celtics dynasty of the late fifties and early sixties when most of the league’s players were white. With LeBron’s Cavaliers set to tip off as overwhelming underdogs in…
CMHA Will Accept Applications for Voucher Program Wait List June 4 – June 8
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) will accept applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) wait list Monday, June 4, through Friday, June 8. During this time, adults (18 and older) may submit a pre-application online at applycuyahogacounty.tenmast.com for a chance to obtain a place on the voucher wait list. After all the pre-applications are in,…
Casino Gaming Brings Nearly 20,000 Jobs, Generates $3.6 Billion for Ohio Per Year
The American Gaming Association released a study yesterday regarding the revenue and impact of Casino Gaming in Ohio through its Casinos and Communities research team. The findings debuted during a roundtable discussion at the Miami Valley Gaming racino as part of the association’s “Get to Know Gaming” campaign, which aims to educate local leaders about…
Cavs Coach Ty Lue Says He’s Now on Anxiety Medication, Feels Great
In an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that he is now on anxiety medication and feels much better after his regular-season leave of absence. Lue was forced to leave the team for about two weeks in March after experiencing recurring chest pains and even coughing up blood. He made…
With Pride in the CLE This Weekend, Here’s a Reminder Why We Don’t Need ‘Straight Pride Month’
In honor of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 that sparked the continuing civil rights movement for the LGBTQ community, June is nationally recognized as Pride Month. The purpose of Pride month is to honor, celebrate, and affirm LGBTQ individuals and our contributions to society. For the first time, Cleveland is hosting a unified event…
Security Tried to Kick Some Third Graders on a Field Trip Out of Tower City
Third graders from Onaway Elementary in Shaker Heights visited downtown yesterday on a field trip to learn about the different materials used to construct various buildings and landmarks in Cleveland. It’s a trip that grade has made the last ten years or so and this one included a stop by the Soldier and Sailors monument,…
Dude in Lindor Jersey Who Ran Across Progressive Field During Indians-Astros Game Charged
A 20-year-old has been charged with three misdemeanors for sprinting across Progressive Field during the Indians’ 8-2 loss to the Houston Astros on May 24. Cleveland.com reports that Callen Tommasone, of Mentor, has been charged with criminal trespass on a place of public amusement, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to…
7 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly Irish punk rock bands Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly have co-existed for the past 20 years and have even toured Europe together. But they’ve never toured the States together. Until now. For the first time, the groups will embark on a co-headlining tour of the U.S. The tour’s first…
Woman Discovered Hiding in Ceiling of Cleveland’s Grayton Road Tavern
Most businesses worry about keeping bugs or rodents out of their walls, but the Grayton Road Tavern can add “fully grown adult woman” to that list. Known for its millionaire making “Queen of Hearts” card raffle, it appeared the woman was planning on robbing the place by hiding out in the ceiling until the bar…
19 Ohio Kids Advance to 3rd Round of National Spelling Bee
After a grueling first of day of competition, 19 kids from Ohio have made it to the third round of competitive spelling at the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Out of 11 million students, 519 spellers across the country, ages 8 to 15, advanced from their classrooms to the renowned Bee’s stage at the Gaylord…
Free ‘Music at Main’ at the Cleveland Public Library and the Rest of the Classical Music Action to Catch This Week
This week, a parade of summer festivals begins with the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, which will bring 22 young pianists to town to compete in both junior (ages 12-14) and senior (ages 15-17) divisions at the Cleveland Institute of Music. (Meet the contestants here.) The competition — verging on a festival with…
CWRU Report Unveils Vision of Prosperous Energy Future for Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new report paints a picture of what a prosperous energy future could mean for the Buckeye State. The research released Tuesday was drawn from the insight and experiences of leaders in the areas of business, politics, labor, education and research. The Great Lakes Energy Institute at Case Western Reserve University contributed…
Chagrin River Diner to Join Downtown Willoughby Dining Scene on June 11
On Monday, June 11, the Chagrin River Diner (4099 Erie St., 440-527-8452) will officially join the downtown Willoughby dining scene. Partners Kirk Swanson and James Turcotte, both veterans of the hospitality industry, will operate a breakfast and lunch restaurant with a broad, approachable menu. Swanson, a graduate of Paul Smith’s College, where he majored in…
Cleveland.com Announces New Project Aimed at Gender Equality
Cleveland.com has announced that reporter Mary Kilpatrick, previously of the politics team, will now cover women’s issues as part of a new series called “Shatter.” The project will explore the gender pay gap and other workplace inequities. In a post last week, Kilpatrick issued a call for stories and expressed interest in covering, among other…
Jacobs Pavilion to Offer Magic Hat’s Barroom Hero
Magic Hat Brewing Company has teamed up with the Irish punk band Dropkick Murphys [pictured] for a new collaboration. Magic Hat’s brewer met the band after learning about its non-profit charity, the Claddagh Fund, and soon after, the band visited the brewery in Burlington to create Barroom Hero, a traditional English pub ale “with a…
If Cavs Win the NBA Finals, A Bunch of People on Twitter Will Disappoint Everyone Who Retweeted Them
Sports betting in Ohio is just around the corner, but regulating and holding people accountable to their online promises is still up in the air. For instance, Aaron Goldhammer promised to eat actual horse shit after the Browns drafted Baker Mayfield and Browns Coach Hue Jackson is set to finally take a dive into Lake…
Amid Divisions Big and Small, Real and Exaggerated, the Battle for Control of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Rages
THE COMMITTEE This year, Shaker Heights nurse Lisa Nguyen was one of many first-time candidates who sought a seat on the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party’s central committee. Members of the central committee, in theory, are neighborhood-based party loyalists who rustle up votes in their precincts during election season. At full capacity, the central committee would…
Get Out: Everything You Should Be Doing in Cleveland This Weekend (May 30-June 5)
WED 05/30 Steve Gillespie Fearless, light-hearted and hilarious are some of the many terms used to describe comedian Steve Gillespie. He combines aggression and absurdity to create a humorous show filled with laughter. He has a crass sense of humor and is not afraid to speak his mind, which makes him appealing and relatable to…
Things Aren’t What They Seem in Matthew Gallagher’s Research & Development Exhibit at Hedge
We are standing in front of “Magnetic Field Fossil,” a small, organic sculpture created with white iron and acrylic. “It looks like a sea urchin of some kind, or a bulb,” says an admirer at the opening reception of Matthew Gallagher’s solo exhibition, Research & Development, currently on view at Hedge. Gallagher’s work had people…
Convergence-Continuum Does Justice to the Injustice in Suzan-Lori Parks’ Play ‘In the Blood’
“Suffering is an enormous turn-on!” That line, which is said by a character in the middle of In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks, may explain everything. For those of us who find ourselves in the living nightmare of the Trump administration, as the government tries to make life more miserable for everyone but the 1…
Ushabu’s New 13-Course Tasting Menu is a Michelin-Star-Worthy Adventure Through Cleveland and Japan
Tasting menu protocol practically dictates that diners will advance along a predictable course that steadily builds in flavor, intensity and drama until the apogee, at which point the guest is gently returned to base camp. But under the direction of Ushabu’s chef Matthew Spinner, we careen from an umami bomb of grilled fish with uni…
Savage Love: Bad or Bi
I’m a cis woman and recently came out as a lesbian after identifying as bisexual for three years. After having sexual encounters with men and women, I finally admitted to myself that I am gay. Now that I’m finally out, I don’t want to do anything that would make me feel like denying it again.…
Band of the Week: The Clarks
MEET THE BAND: Scott Blasey (vocals, guitars), Robert James (guitars, vocals), Greg Joseph (bass, vocals), Dave Minarik (drums, vocals) A STEEL CITY SENSATION: The band formed in Pittsburgh in 1986 and quickly worked the region, often playing Cleveland at the now-defunct Peabody’s. “Cleveland became like a second home to us,” says Blasey, who still comes…
You’ve Never Seen Anything Like ‘The Rider’
After enduring the wispy itinerance of Charlie Plummer in Lean on Pete, the prospect of sitting through another ambient horse-and-his-boy neo-Western made me clench my butt cheeks and groan — The Rider? What on earth was this? A festival-circuit darling, that’s what, which purported to tell the story of a quote-unquote “young cowboy” learning what…
