The Doobie Brothers Postpone Blossom Concert
Last year, the Doobie Brothers announced a 50th anniversary tour that would’ve brought them to Blossom. The band scrapped that tour because of the pandemic but rescheduled for 2021. The group was set to play tomorrow at Blossom but has now postponed that concert after a member of the tour tested positive for COVID. “The…
Update: Indie Rockers Nada Surf to Play the Grog Shop in November
Update: Initially, the terrific indie rock outfit Nada Surf intended to tour last year in support of its latest effort, Never Not Together. The band cancelled the tour, including a show at the Grog Shop, on account of the pandemic. The group has just announced a new set of dates and will now perform at…
Update: Harry Styles Postpones His Tour to 2021
Update: Harry Styles has just announced that he’s postponed his Love On Tour to 2021. The One Direction singer was originally slated to perform at Quicken Loans Arena in July, but that date has been bumped to Oct. 18. Jenny Lewis will still open the show. “I can’t wait to see you all out on…
‘The Restrooms of Cleveland’ Book Shows Off the Best and Worst of Cleveland Bathrooms
A bathroom is a place that holds secrets. You can cry there, light up the errant cigarette or meet up for a quick make-out session, and a bathroom — public or otherwise — never tells. But now, Cleveland’s most secretive rooms are getting thrust into the spotlight. Over the past couple years, local painter Arabella…
Cleveland Winter Beerfest Returns to Convention Center in January With Probably Too Much Beer
The Cleveland Winter Beerfest, which is entirely similar to the Cleveland Summer Beerfest, only indoors, is coming back to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland next year. Taking place Friday, Jan. 24 through Saturday, Jan. 25, the boozy event features more than 350 beers from more than 130 breweries. “For seven years, Cleveland has allowed us…
Cleveland Fed Says Earnings Gap to Blame for Racial Wealth Gap (Or: Pay Black People More)
One of the most striking statistics revealed Monday evening at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, during a panel discussion about the persistence of the racial wealth gap, came from Jill Rizika, Executive Director of the local nonprofit Towards Employment. Towards Employment helps people with criminal backgrounds and other barriers get into jobs, and Rizika…
Oregon Space Trail of Doom to Headline a Rainforest Benefit on Nov. 29 at the Happy Dog
Local indie rockers Oregon Space Trail of Doom have announced they’ll host a special benefit concert on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Happy Dog. All ticket sales will be donated to Rainforest Trust. The show will begin at 9 p.m. with an hour-long jazz set by Oregon Space Trail of Jazz, an Oregon Space Trail…
BlueWater Chamber Orchestra’s Free Tremont Concert and the Rest of the Classical Music Events You Shouldn’t Miss This Week
Here are ten events we recommend during the week before Thanksgiving — and slightly beyond. Apollo’s Fire switches into its folk groove with “Scarborough Fayre: Music from Merry Old England,” including English ballads like the title tune (part of a whole family of songs requiring a suitor to perform impossible tasks to win a lady’s…
Raising Cane’s Opens Yet Another Northeast Ohio Location in Brooklyn Today
Where once there was none, there are now three. A third Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant has opened today in Northeast Ohio, this time in Brooklyn at 5180 Tiedeman Road. Kicking off festivities earlier this morning, fans of fast-food chicken strips and crinkle-cut fries can now check out the restaurant’s updated digs. The first Raising Cane’s…
Genghis Con Cleveland Returns for Its 11th Year of Highlighting Independent Comic Artists and Cartoonists
Genghis Con founder John G. says he never imagined his event celebrating Rust Belt cartoonists and authors would last longer than a decade. “No, I never could have predicted this,” John G. admits, currently in the thick of readying for this year’s edition of the small press and indie comic con. “We’re always taking it…
FunMill Films Festival & Competition Coming to Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore in February
Kinsley Funari and Josh Miller [pictured] of the locally based FunMill Films have just announced that they’ll present the FunMill Films Festival & Competition on Feb. 16 at Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore. “We wanted to bring a festival to Cleveland that was all-inclusive and offered networking opportunities and more ways to get involved — almost like a mini-convention.…
A New Ohio Senate Bill Would Finally Eliminate Statute of Limitations on Rape
Proposed Ohio Senate Bill 162 would eliminate the statute of limitations on rape and close a loophole that allows rape within a marriage to go without consequences. Senate hearings for the bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood and Sen. Sean O’Brien of Bazetta Township, began last Wednesday. During sponsor testimonial, Sen. Antonio said…
Local Musician’s New Book Aims to Help Bands Navigate the Music Business
Chris Bianchi, a locally based artist manager and indie label owner who grew up in Streetsboro and now lives in Kent, might be in his thirties, but he’s had years of experience in the music industry. His former heavy metal band, Forever in Terror, signed a record deal when he was still in high school.…
Indie Rockers AJR Coming to Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in May
Earlier today, the indie rock band AJR announced the dates of its 2020 Neotheater world tour. In addition to performing at next year’s Lollapalooza in Argentina, Chile and Brazil next year, the group will hit outdoor sheds and theaters throughout the States and will perform at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on May 22. Citi is…
The Christmas Corner Bar is Taking Over Lakewood Once Again
Another Christmas bar is soon popping up in the Cleveland area, this one in Lakewood. Back for the third year in a row, the Christmas Corner Bar is turning Georgetown Restaurant into an almost unbearable barrage of holiday lighting, decorations and choice cocktails. Opening Friday, Nov. 22 to the public, which, it must be noted, is…
Mayor Frank Jackson’s State of the City Address Cost $38,500
Mayor Frank Jackson’s 2019 State of the City address, held Oct. 10 at Cleveland’s Public Auditorium downtown, cost $38,500. The largest single expense, as reflected in a summary spreadsheet which Scene obtained via public records request, was for audio-visual projection. This is consistent with last year’s costs. The city paid Northeast Projections Inc. nearly $18,000…
‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ Focuses on Fred Rogers’ Ability to Fix ‘Broken People’
At the beginning of each episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, the PBS program that launched in 1968 and ran for decades, host Fred Rogers would walk into his home, change into a comfy sweater and ditch his dress shoes for sneakers as he asked, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” There was something assuring about his…
The Clean Water Act’s Legacy for the Ohio River
In June 1969, a Time Magazine article garnered national attention when it brought to light the water quality conditions in Ohio: a river had literally caught fire. Oil-soaked debris ignited after sparks, likely from a passing train, set the slick ablaze. Local media actually didn’t spend much time reporting on the fire. This was, after…
Luke Combs’ Working Class Anthems Resonate with a Sold-Out Crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Many of today’s top acts, whether they play hip-hop, country, rock or pop, bring enormous, elaborate shows along with them to arenas and outdoor amphitheaters. Singer-songwriter Luke Combs, however, chooses to let his music stand on his own. Last night, he didn’t need much in terms of production to enthrall the sold-out crowd at Rocket…
A 20-foot Inflatable Leg Lamp is Coming Soon to the Christmas Story House Lawn
The Christmas Story House Foundation is hosting its annual 5K and 10K runs Dec. 7, but this time with a special bonus: an inflatable, light-up leg lamp that stands more than 20 feet tall. In another partnership with Inflatable Images, the foundation decided to continue the joy of last year’s “Pink Nightmare” inflatable with a…
The Panza Foundation Celebrates Its Five-Year Anniversary on Nov. 23 With a Benefit Concert at the Happy Dog
Back in January of 2012, local musician John Panza, a full-time English professor at Tri-C who’s played in a handful of bands over the past 20 years, received some particularly bleak news. After a show at the Happy Dog with his indie rock act Blaka Watra, he felt sick and threw up. He woke up…
The Myles Garrett Incident — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac discuss an ugly night in Cleveland. News of Myles Garrett’s indefinite suspension came down while the podcast was being recorded. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here or stream below.
Oberlin Conservatory’s TIMARA Program Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary With a Party Saturday Night
There’s going to be a party at Finney Chapel on Saturday, November 16 beginning at 7:30 pm. The grand occasion marks the fiftieth anniversary of Oberlin Conservatory’s TIMARA (Technology in Music and Related Arts) program, the nation’s first conservatory program in electronic music. “Olly Wilson taught the first electronic music course in 1969 and John…
In Advance of His Nov. 23 Show at the State Theatre, Actor and Writer Nick Offerman Talks About Overcoming Our Current Malaise
Earlier this year, award-winning actor, writer, woodworker and comedian Nick Offerman announced that he would hit the road for the first time since 2017 with his brand-new live show All Rise. The tour will visit 37 cities across the country, and it includes a Nov. 23 stop at the State Theatre. “My aim in this…
Republican Lawmakers Once Again Propose Complete Ban on Abortions in Ohio
For years, conservative Ohio lawmakers have enacted stricter and stricter provisions limiting abortions. Now, a group of Republicans in the Ohio House say they’re taking their opposition to abortion all the way. A bill sponsored by State Reps. Candice Keller and Ron Hood would extend full legal protection to unborn fetuses and level murder charges…
Sawyer’s at Van Aken Officially Opens Wednesday, Nov. 20
After a few weeks of soft-open affairs, Sawyer’s at Van Aken will officially open its doors for business this coming Wednesday, Nov. 20. Sawyer’s will be open Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. For everything you need to know…
Area Football Team Plays Exceptionally Good Thursday Night Game
The most notable moment of Thursday night’s game might have been the final seconds, but it was the buildup that shouldn’t be forgotten. Your Kent State Golden Flashes were staring down a 27-6 deficit with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter as they stood first and goal against Buffalo Bison. The Thursday night #maction had,…
Cleveland City Councilman Martin Keane to Resign
Shortly before the Cleveland Browns took the field Thursday evening, Cleveland City Councilman Martin Keane announced at a Ward 17 Democratic Club meeting that he will be resigning from his elected position, effective Monday, Nov. 25. The news came as a shock to members of the club. Keane made the announcement shortly after he arrived…
They Might Be Giants to Bring Their ‘Flood’ Anniversary Tour to the Beachland in May
Two-time Grammy winners They Might Be Giants had a big breakthough with their 1990 album Flood, which turns 30 next year. In honor of the album that made them an international act, the band will perform the release in its entirety in select cities. The group will play two full sets with its live band…
‘Station Eleven’ Author Emily St. John Mandel to Appear at CSU Friday
Friday evening, award-winning author Emily St. John Mandel will appear at Cleveland State University in conversation with one of the Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts’ (NEOMFA) fiction faculty members, Imad Rahman. The event, which is free and open to the public, gets underway at 7 p.m. in the Mather Mansion Dining Room on CSU’s…
Cleveland Wants to Build New Police HQ on Opportunity Corridor
The City of Cleveland introduced plans Thursday to build a brand-new police headquarters on the Opportunity Corridor, the $330 million roadway that’s currently under construction and will ultimately connect I-490 to University Circle when it’s completed in 2021. While the costs for the proposed 10-acre police site near the intersection of E. 75th and Kinsman…
6 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, NOV. 15 Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers/Mom Jeans/The Philharmonik/Nate Curry After he got kicked out of his parents’ house at age 19 and had to live in his 1994 Corolla, singer/rapper/poet Hobo Johnson (aka Frank Lopes) decided to do something with his life. He got his act together and self-recorded and self-released his debut…
Condado Tacos Brings Its Eerily Familiar Build-Your-Own-Taco Concept to Westlake Next Month
Condado Tacos is opening a second location in the Cleveland area, this time in Westlake. Starting Dec. 12, taco lovers can head to Crocker Park (203 Market Street) for some Americanized Mexican food and sweet, sweet margaritas. This is the Columbus-based restaurant group’s 14th spot, which already includes a location at Pinecrest in Orange Village.…
The Cleveland Opera to Present Puccini’s ‘Manon Lescaut’ on Nov. 22 and 24 at the Tudor Arms Hotel
Produced in collaboration with the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra and stage directed by Dorota Sobieska, the Cleveland Opera will present Puccini’s Manon Lescaut in the Crystal Ballroom at the Tudor Arms Hotel. There will be free valet parking and free snacks. Wine and drinks will be available for purchase from Tudor Arms. Soprano Dorota Sobieska stars…
Report: Ohio Farmers Can Help Solve Climate Crisis
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio farmers are all too familiar with the impact of climate change, and a new report highlights the urgent need to help growers and producers build resilient operations. According to the findings from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the U.S. agricultural production sector has increased its greenhouse gas emissions over the past…
Should Ohioans Care About Keeping Wild Places Wild?
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Alaska may be thousands of miles away from the Buckeye State, but Ohioans still could feel the impact of a Trump administration plan to reverse roadless protections for the country’s largest national forest. A U.S. House committee holds a hearing today on a proposal to fully exempt the Tongass National Forest in…
Dayton-Area Filmmaker Julia Reichert Talks About Her 50-Year Retrospective That’s Coming to the Cinematheque
Almost 50 years ago, director Julia Reichert, a Dayton-area filmmaker who’s now a three-time Oscar nominee, launched her career with Growing Up Female, a film she made while attending Antioch College. The movie examines female socialization through the lives of six women. It’s one of several films that will show as part of Julia Reichert:…
First Look: Zhug by Chef Doug Katz, Opening Next Week in Cleveland Heights
Zhug (12413 Cedar Rd., 216-862-2508) might be one of the most cohesive new restaurants to open in Cleveland. From the seating to the lighting to the music, the overarching effect is to create an elegant but informal environment built around the sharing of small plates. For a year and a half, chef Doug Katz has been…
In Advance of Next Week’s Show at the Beachland, Black Mountain’s Frontman Talks About the Band’s Retooled Lineup
Black Mountain’s Stephen McBean moved from Vancouver Island to Victoria, British Columbia, when he was 10 years old. Originally fascinated with rock acts such as Kiss and the Bay City Rollers, he discovered punk rock in Victoria and hasn’t looked back even if Black Mountain leans more toward psychedelic rock than punk. “Right before we…
Poetry for People Who Hate Poetry, No. 15
This column is part of a monthly series by Dave Lucas, the Poet Laureate of the State of Ohio. You can read his previous columns here. *** Maybe you know the story, too. The blind man comes to spend the night with an old friend and her husband, who narrates. So begins Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral”…
Documentary Film About Canceled Spring Mosh ’99 Concert to Screen at Streetsboro High School Saturday
On April 24, 1999, the local metal band Mushroomhead was scheduled to play Streetsboro High School as part of a benefit dubbed Spring Mosh ’99. The show aimed to raise money for 88-9 V-Rock, the high school’s radio station. The event was approved by the school board but was cancelled just one day prior to…
A.J. Rocco’s to Close on December 20
After a solid 18-year run, A.J. Rocco’s (816 Huron Rd. E., 216-861-8358) will close its doors for good on December 20. The Gateway District café/bar/music venue opened in 2001, two days before 9-11. Owner A. Brendan Walton says that the lease has expired and, after some consideration, he has decided to move on. “It was a…
35th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Polka Jam to Take Place on Nov. 27 at the Slovenian National Home
You won’t find people playing Cleveland/Slovenian-Style polka just anywhere. It’s a style of music that’s unique to Cleveland, and the musicians who’ll perform at the 35th annual Pre-Thanksgiving Polka Jam that takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at the Slovenian National Home all know that. The event serves an open jam session for all the…
Clevelander to Embark on Sailing Voyage to Raise Awareness About Single-Use Plastics
Stefanie Penn Spear, a Cleveland-based environmental advocate, has just announced that she’ll join eXXpedition’s upcoming voyage to raise awareness and explore solutions to the environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics. Founded in 2014, eXXpedition is “a global network of multidisciplinary women who can contribute to world-class scientific studies, explore solutions and use their unique…
Why Cleveland Rising Was Doomed to Fail
The night before the Cleveland Rising summit began, City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moulthrop texted me an image of a quotation scribbled in black gel ink. “I think there’s nothing but good intentions here,” it read. The quote was attributed to me. I recalled instantly when I’d said it, at the conclusion of a…
Get Out: Everything You Should Be Doing in Cleveland This Week (Nov. 13-19)
WED 11/13 The Band’s Visit This critically acclaimed Broadway smash-hit musical won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It also nabbed a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. The play “rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.” Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace.…
‘The Band’s Visit’ Proves That Stories of Subtlety and Grace Belong on Broadway
When was the last time something you did was so fantastic it could be featured in a Broadway musical? Unless you’re a tormented musician terrorizing a Paris opera house, a Disney princess, a 19th-century French revolutionary, or a cat (be it lion or domestic), chances are that your life experiences don’t necessarily overlap with the…
Damon, Bale Reign in ‘Ford v Ferrari,’ a Movie With a Very Stupid Name
Ford v Ferrari is a movie title, much like 2016’s execrable Batman V Superman, designed for the social media era. It is not clever or memorable, it doesn’t effectively convey what the movie is about, and it’s unclear how to say it. Are we meant to say “versus” or just “V”? The whole point seems…
‘The Warrior Queen of Jhansi’ is Better Suited to a Classroom Than a Movie Theater
The new biopic The Warrior Queen of Jhansi tells the true story of the Rani of Jhansi, a feminist icon in India who went to battle with the British army in the 19th century. The real events resemble a David and Goliath-like story about how an unlikely insurrection shifted the balance of power in the…
SalsaRito Promised Solid Mexican Fare With a Sharp Indian Twist, But Doesn’t Deliver
Unlike my dining companions, I was looking forward to trying SalsaRito, which opened six weeks ago in Tremont. Having the luxury of previously discussing the project with the owner in advance of an article, I understood the concept in ways that my friends did not. To them, SalsaRito sounded like a worst-of-both-worlds proposition, where they…
Pho Lee is a Worthy Addition to Asian Town Center
As in the case of SalsaRito, Pho Lee is in a space that has seen more than its fair share of turnover. By my count, this is the fourth Vietnamese restaurant to occupy this spot in eight years. From Pho 99 to Ninh Kieu to Pho Ha Nam, all of them served great pho and…
Band of the Week: Saul Glennon
MEET THE BAND: Jack Rugan (vocals, guitar), Jerry Rugan (drums, vocals) and Adam Zieleniewski (bass, vocals) HERE COME THE ’80S: Just in time for its 25th anniversary, this local band has released its 10th studio effort, North on Broadway. The album celebrates the Broadway/55th Street neighborhood where Rugan grew up, covering a time period from…
Savage Love: Sissy That Talk
My boyfriend and I met online to explore our kinks. We’d both been in relationships with kink-shaming people who screwed with our heads. Since we weren’t thinking it was more than a hookup, we put all our baggage on the table early and wound up becoming friends. Eventually we realized we had a real connection…
