Mentor Resident Brandon Ashmore Downloaded The 50 Billionth iOS App
Years from now, we’ll refer to May 16 as “Brandon Ashmore Day” and children will not have school on this most hallowed of holidays. Ashmore, as if you hadn’t already heard, downloaded the 50 billionth iOS app today. 50,000,000,000. His selection? A two-player word game called “Say The Same Thing.” In return, Ashmore picked up…
New Songs From Queens of the Stone Age
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE …Like Clockwork The new album from Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork, will be released June 3. Thankfully, the music has been hitting the Internet with much intrigue. The band hasn’t been around much in the past few years. They took a hiatus following 2008’s Era Vulgaris. Recording for…
Review: Star Trek: Into Darkness
J.J. Abrams straight-up has a way with ensembles, doesn’t he? All those survivors in LOST with their quirks and troubled pasts; the wee children in Super 8 with their small-town aspirations; even Tom Cruise, his spy team and their outlandish gadgetry in MI:III. As co-writer, Abrams gives his characters scripts in which they individually and…
TODAY: Angelo’s Pizza to Donate Sales to Rescued Girls’ Fund
Originally posted May 13 “It is true, Angelo’s delivered pizza to both the Berry and the DeJesus families on Wednesday,” confirms Angelo’s Pizza manager Brandon Salman. And all day this coming Thursday, in an effort to support all three victims, Angelo’s Pizzeria in Lakewood (13715 Madison Ave., 216-221-0440, angelosonline.com) will be donating 100 percent of…
Fuckin’ A Right, Ohio
FUCKYEAHOHIO.COM After nearly passing out from straining my wit for that headline, it’s time to announce the Big News: Ohio residents curse more than people in any other state. The Marchex Institute conducted a study that mined data from more than 600,000 calls placed by consumers to businesses. The cards were already stacked against us…
Dish of the Day: Goose Confit @ District
There’s no shortage of places that serve up duck confit — and that’s a good thing because the preparation usually is magnificent. But it was a dish on the menu of District, a new bistro that opened in PlayhouseSquare, that really got me excited for dinner. Goose confit. Chef Ran Saggi prepares the dish classically,…
Colt McCoy’s Pastor Catches a Bird With His Bare Hand
It’s unclear how Colt McCoy and his pastor Matt Carter were aiming to publicize their new book, “Real Win: A Man’s Quest for Authentic Success” by quail hunting in Texas. Perhaps, in a fit of marketing desperation, they were trying to align their promotional campaign with that of Dr. Pepper Ten’s? But when Carter, a…
Historic Euclid Tavern is Closed, But with Asterisk
A neighborhood institution since 1908, The Euclid Tavern (11625 Euclid Avenue) has quietly closed its doors. It had reopened in 2008 following a seven-year hiatus, but it looks like the end of the road for the historic Cleveland club. Or is it? “University Circle Inc. has bought the building,” explains Chris Ronayne, President of University…
Ariel Castro’s Attorney: He’s Not a ‘Monster’
Okaayy…. There’s this: “The initial portrayal by the media has been one of a ‘monster’ and that’s not the impression that I got when I talked to him for three hours.” That’s the nonsense heard ’round Cleveland – nay, the world – today now that one of Ariel Castro’s attorneys, Craig Weintraub, has offered a…
Concert Review: Capital Cities at House of Blues Cambridge Room
Just from looking at the guys in Capital Cities, the L.A.-based synth pop band that played a sold out show last night at House of Blues Cambridge Room, it wouldn’t be hard to detect that the front men used to be jingle writers. With their shiny black silk jackets, singers Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian…
Pic of the Day: 1839 Cleveland Goat Ordinance
Via the Cleveland City Council Facebook Page: On this day in 1839, council passed an ordinance restricting the unlawful running of goats. Violators were subject to a $10 fine. (A version of this law may have to be rebooted if the “Mow Goat” pilot project takes off. What’s the Mow Goat pilot project, you ask?…
Popular Wine Bar Adding Spot in Brecksville
The popular 750 ml Wine Boutique and Wine Bar in Akron (2287 W. Market St., 330-794-5754) has announced that it will open a second location in Brecksville. The new spot will be housed in a historic building now occupied by Burns Financial Center. In fact, Burns is expected to move into the newly renovated space…
Year-to-Date Crime Reports in Cleveland Released
Cleveland police released a year-to-date roundup of crime reports today. Here’s a summary: – 33 reported homicides- 211 reported rapes- 1,085 reported robberies- 712 reported felonious assaults- 2,467 reported burglaries- 5,041 reported thefts- 1,497 reported cases of grand theft auto- 104 reported cases of arson The data covers Jan. 1 through May 10. It’s been…
All Systems Go for ABC the Tavern Uptown
Well, this time it’s official: After a few false starts, ABC the Tavern Uptown will open at 4 p.m. this Friday. “We are ready to roll,” says Trace Althoff, GM of not only Uptown, but also Ohio City, Ontario Street Café and XYZ the Tavern. “We are really trying to capture that old-school tavern feel.…
The National’s ‘Trouble Will Find Me’: New Music Tuesday
Listeners were gifted with a fine one-two punch yesterday when Daft Punk and The National each tossed their upcoming albums online for full streaming enjoyment. While the former came off as little more than a coupla nods toward the 1980s’ musical aesthetics (it’s decent cake that can be had and eaten this week, but… meh),…
Captain America Traffic Updates
It’s pretty awesome that the Marvel franchise is returning to Cleveland. But take heed, noble citizens: Production of the next installment in the Captain America series (the aptly chilly “Winter Solider) will likely complicate your daily commute or errand-running, especially if you live and/or work downtown. Resurfacing construction crews have suddenly established themselves on several…
English Beat plays benefit for the rescued women
In the wake of the release of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, the BeachlandBallroom has added a last-minute English Beat concert. The old school ska group known for hits such as “Save it for Later” and “Mirror in the Bathroom” performs tonight at 8 and all proceeds will benefit the Cleveland Courage Fund.…
Concert Review: Passion Pit at Masonic Auditorium
Given that Passion Pit albums are essentially the work of only one person (frontman Michael Angelakos), it’s a marvel that the group even plays live at all. But Angelakos, who assembled a touring band shortly after writing the songs that would later become the band’s debut, Chunk of Change, has no trouble performing live. In…
Report: Pig Loose in Bay Village, Chasing Humans
Not even a month after two donkeys ran wild through the suburban streets of Brecksville terrorizing dogs and humans alike, there’s a fresh report out of Bay Village of porcine trouble. Via WKYC: Police say a resident called police about 11 a.m. Saturday morning. The Forestview Road resident said she was chased by a pig…
Video: Ariel Castro’s Brothers Interviewed By CNN
For many days last week, Ariel Castro’s brothers were assumed to be part of the diabolical doings on Seymour Ave. after they were arrested by police. Turns out, they knew nothing, did nothing, and were not complicit in any way with Ariel’s disgusting actions within the house. They talked to CNN about their interactions with…
Hodge’s to Unveil Ramsey Burger in Honor of Hero Employee
First the t-shirt, now the burger. Nothing says hero like having a hamburger designed in your honor, and that’s just what chef Chris Hodgson has planned for Charles Ramsey. Starting tomorrow at Hodge’s Restaurant, diners will be able to take a big bite out of a hometown hero – figuratively speaking, of course. The Ramsey…
Local Residents Propose Park Space at West 117th and Lake
NEIGHBORS IN ACTION A proposal for turning the property at West 117th Street and Clifton Boulevard into park space has been presented. With plans for the Shoppes on Clifton development raising eyebrows along the border of Cleveland and Lakewood, one local group offered an alternate proposal for the property. According to Neighbors in Action, the…
Man Gets Charles Ramsey’s Face Tattooed on His Leg
Meet the leg of Stephen Munhollon, Clevelander and tattoo artist who took up his friend, 252’s Rodney Rose, on an offer to get Cleveland kidnapping hero and media super-darling Charles Ramsey’s face tattooed on his body. His reasoning (if you could call it that), via Fox 8: “I think Rodney and I were caught up…
Elyria Prostitution Ring Leads FBI to Sex-Trafficking Charges
Mack Elyria police busted an online prostitution ring last month, and now the FBI has charged Jeremy Mack, 38, and Ashley Onysko, 22, with sex-trafficking of children. The duo and a slew of partners netted additional local charges when the ring was originally discovered in April. According to FBI special agent Kelly Liberti, Onysko “worked…
Here’s a POV Video of Cedar Point’s Gatekeeper
If you haven’t seen the Scene Facetime interview with Rob Decker, Cedar Point’s VP of planning and design, check it out here. It’ll provide some context for the video below, courtesy of Unmiserable Cleveland. This looks like a pretty incredible thrill ride. Magic question: How long would you wait in line for this one? Cedar…
Parma Man Charged with Murder of Transgender Woman Cemia Dove
The Plain Dealer reports that Andrey Bridges, a 36-year-old Parma man, has been charged with aggravated murder and other crimes in the death of Cemia “CeCe” Dove, the transgender woman recovered from an Olmsted Township pond last month. The PD, almost brazenly, continues to refer to the victim as Carl Acoff, notwithstanding a vigil-slash-rally held…
New Weekly Food Truck Meet-Up, Monthly Happy Hour
While visiting Portland, Streat Mobile Bistro owner Izzy Schachner was enamored by the concept of “pods,” semi-permanent gathering spaces for that city’s 500-plus food trucks. Rather than roam the streets in search of a sweet spot, food trucks there park en masse at various pods and attract huge crowds. “The thing I liked most about…
Hot Dog Spill Closes Part of I-271 and I-77
Good morning, Cleveland! Ya hungry? In the need for some nitrates? Or were you late to work today and wondering why? Well, a truck flipped on the near the I-271 ramp to I-77 north this morning, littering the asphalt with yummy hot dogs that are probably no longer safe for consumption. Or, as consumable as…
Balloons Released in Honor of Michelle Knight and All Victims
ERIC SANDY/SCENE Neighbors gather to release balloons in honor of Michelle Knight and all victims of tragedy. ERIC SANDY/SCENE Local minister Loretta Freeman rallies the crowd Thursday night. The atmosphere was jubilant and hopeful Thursday evening as dozens of community members, and friends and family members of the kidnapping victims gathered at the end of…
Letter Allegedly Written by Ariel Castro Reveals Evil Admissions
WOIO’s Scott Taylor spread the words via Twitter initially – and allegedly – written by Ariel Castro in 2004. To begin, Castro sums up his mentality at the time as such: “I am a sexual predator. I need help.” Sources report that the note may also contain suicidal leanings. Though no official comment has been…
The Rallying Cries For Judicial Primary Reform in Ohio
O’Connor It’s almost as though the pins and needles holding your anticipatory bodice aloft have been pulled out from beneath ye: Ohio Chief’s Justice, Maureen O’ Connor, has once again sounded the call for judicial primary reform. Hooray. We all knew this topic would come up again. In fact, judicial primary reform has been a…
Always Bored, Never Boring
The latest Black Moth Super Rainbow album is just as perplexing as the ones that came before, and it gets us no closer to illuminating this enigmatic band. All that bullshit aside, though, it’s just really good music. “I do what I do and curate what comes out,” says Tom Fec, the man behind Black…
New World
Matthew Kolodziej’s painting “Paradis” sings with jazzy energy. A series of rectangular panels jut in every direction like billboards crowding out the storefronts of a street corner. Quick brush strokes, in throbbing red triangles or black dashes, underline the boards’ commercial energy, the urban imperative to go go go. However, Kolodziej’s “Cathedral” finds its beauty…
Pure Country
Over the years, a few artists have tried to bring the rap and country worlds together. Nelly and Tim McGraw teamed up for “Over and Over.” But few have taken the rap thing as seriously as Colt Ford. On last year’s Declaration of Independence, the guy straight-up raps about all the usual country topics. But…
Also On View
Canton Art Museum Unifying Art, Life, and Love. Fresh off receiving a 2013 Governor’s Award for the Arts, the 94-year-old Joseph O’Sickey displays a sweeping retrospective of 160 works, tracing the evolution of his energetic, fluorescent-colored style. Opening May 2, and running through July 21 at 1001 Market Ave. North, Canton. For more information, call…
Savage Love
Dear Dan — I’m a 24-year-old straight, married female. I have been religiously reading your column in the Portland Mercury since I was 16. Thank you for explaining things that my parents wouldn’t and for helping me clear the hurdles of adolescence! I turn to you now for advice. Five months ago, I married the…
Found Alive
Amanda Berry was screaming into the fresh air, trying to claw her way out of the confines of 2207 Seymour Avenue. It was May 6 and countless lives were about to be irrevocably altered. Charles Ramsey heard her screaming for help. Charles Ramsey happened to be in the right place at the right time -…
Sure Bet
Those lovable cardsharks, bone-shakers, horserace touts and their dames are back again, filling the fictional streets of New York City with their tortured syntax and great songs, in Guys and Dolls. This co-production by Great Lakes Theater and Playhouse Square gets plenty of things right—including a couple juicy performances and some ensemble dance scenes that…
Culinary Calendar
On Friday, May 10, enjoy a leisurely ride through the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as it hosts the Grape Escape Wine Tasting Excursion. Departing at 7 p.m., the moving adventure will feature five different wines, each paired with chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres. You will explore each wine’s characteristics, such as the…
Also On Stage This Week
Tender Napalm Cleveland Public Theatre If you like rough sex but without, um, the sex part, then you’re sure to be entranced by this one-act exploration by Philip Ridley into the psychosexual byways of a relationship. However, if you don’t come in with that attitude, it may be hard for you to catch up with…
A Touch of New With the Old
Order the chiles rellenos at La Fiesta today and they will look precisely as they did in 1952, when the restaurant first opened in Ohio City. In fact, order damn near anything on the menu – enchiladas, tostadas, tamales – and they will mirror those served at the original spot, which was the first Mexican…
Having His Cake and Eating it Too
Former members of the for-profit investment group and fraternal organization known as Cakeboy & Cakegirl Inc. say that the company to which they belonged was and is a sinister scam, that Chief Executive Officer Derrick Watson was and is a professional con artist who embezzled funds from dues-paying members to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. …
Farm-To-Bar
“Dave,” I said with grave concern, ”we’ve got a pork rind situation over here.” The back of my wife’s vintage white coat was stained red from the barbecue-dusted pork rind residue on my fingers, and I had no clue what to do. It was a first-world problem, to be sure, the sort of thing that…
The Cleveland Craft Beer Report
Perhaps the only thing better than sitting down with a pint full of a fresh craft beer from one’s favorite brewery is enjoying a collaboration beer from two, or even three, beloved brewmasters. While craft beer has always been a tight-knit industry, the number of high profile commercial collaborations has recently skyrocketed. These potation partnerships…
Rising Star Chef:
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you’ve likely heard of Zack Bruell and his successful restaurant empire, which now includes L’Albatros, Parallax, Chinato, Table 45 and Cowell & Hubbard. But Bruell understands that he is hardly a one-man show. Enter Andy Dombrowski, corporate chef of Bruell’s ever-expanding restaurant group. A…
Constantly Amused
Rob Decker, Cedar Point’s VP of planning and design, has one of the coolest jobs in Northeast Ohio. This year, he coordinated the creation and construction of the brand new Gatekeeper coaster. The park’s opening day is just around the corner (May 11), and Decker’s schedule has been jam-packed with prep work and finishing touches,…
Movies Out
FRIDAY may 10 Moonrise Kingdom If not Wes Anderson’s best, Moonrise Kingdom is certainly Wes Anderson’s best in quite some time. As a filmmaker, he’s got his champions and his detractors, but Anderson’s mastery of the miniature isn’t really up for debate. His films look gorgeous and interesting, even if the resonance of the characters…
Movies In
Chances are, you missed the The Master during its theatrical release last year. (It grossed only $16 million, playing at select theaters). And unless you were pretty bummed about missing it, chances are you didn’t take the trek to the Cinematheque last weekend to check it out either. If nothing else, you may have seen…
We Get Mail
On: “Transgendered Woman Murdered, Online Commenters Take PD to Task ” I came to the Scene’s website to find your contact information because the reporting on Cemia Dove’s murder finally gave me words to articulate why your question #15 to Dan grated on my nerves. So I was quite surprised when I clicked on your…
Band of the Week
Meet the Band: Luke Bergan (guitar), Dave Lynn (bass), Jay Stephens (keys), Mat Weisman (drums) The History: Yosemight formed in late 2011 with the righteous goal of pursuing chilled-out grooves and upbeat, danceable rhythms. It all falls concisely into place at the band’s live shows, which guarantee a good time for all involved. More to…
CD Review: Larry Insana
reverbnation.com/ larryinsana This singer-songwriter has been kicking around the local scene for years, opening for acts such as Styx, Ted Nugent and REO Speedwagon. Those classic rock connections notwithstanding, Insana’s new album, which local power-pop guy Scott Hanson produced, is a real mellow affair. Opening “Nick of Time” sounds a bit like something Willie Nelson might…
Orchestral Maneuvers
On paper, Joshua Smith and Sean Watterson don’t have much in common. Smith plays principal flute with the Cleveland Orchestra and Watterson runs the West side club the Happy Dog, a place known for its gourmet hot dogs, craft beers and those noisy indie rock bands that play during the late night hours. But when…
