In Ward 14, Cleveland’s Ugliest City Council Race is Getting Even Uglier
Tuesday evening, Cleveland City Councilman Brian Cummins fielded prepared questions and a barrage of extemporaneous ones from a small audience at the W. 58th St. Church of God in Clark-Fulton. Technically, the church is located within the southwestern jetty of Kerry McCormack’s Ward 3, but the location feels much more of a piece with Cummins’…
Victor Wooten Trio Brings Spectrum of Jazz, Funk, Soul to Beachland Ballroom
Victor Wooten is known and beloved in circles throughout the music world. He’s won multiple Grammys while leaving his imprint on projects throughout the American rock and jazz scenes. As a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Wooten has had a visible platform from which to jump to solo works, music camps and the…
Tim Hortons Brings Even More Donuts to Northeast Ohio
The donut options in Cleveland continue to rise as Tim Hortons announced its plans to expand to Northeast Ohio. In the last couple months, it seems our city has been bombarded with donuts. Detroit Shoreway’s Brewnuts finally opened its doors, City Girl Donuts arrived in Rocky River and Bigmouth Donut Co. announced plans to open in…
Campbell’s Sweets Factory to Open Downtown Next Month
Downtown Cleveland is about to become a whole lot sweeter next month, as Campbell’s Sweets Factory is set to open at 424 Superior Ave. on November 15. The new shop is an addition to owners Jeff and Lynn Campbell’s current storefronts in Ohio City, Lakewood and the West Side Market. Margoe Koenigsmark, currently a manager…
Here Are Cleveland’s Splashy Videos for the Amazon HQ2 Bid
While the city of Cleveland and the dozens of groups and individuals who were part of crafting the bid for Amazon’s HQ2 have been steadfastly silent about the details of the proposal (you can read what little there is to be gleaned here, and bask in some of the bullshit abuse of public records here),…
You Can Now Stream 50 Free Movies Per Month on Kanopy with a Cuyahoga County Public Library Card
Earlier this month, the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) announced that cardholders are now be able to stream movies online with Kanopy, a video collection featuring hundreds of indie, foreign and classic titles. The New York Times wrote about Kanopy in September, highlighting the impressive selection — 30,000 movies total — and the service’s growing popularity.…
Kid Rock to Play the Q in February
Rapper and singer Kid Rock became a mainstream success in the ’90s when he delivered hits such as “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy.” To date, he’s sold some 26 million albums and currently holds the Michigan record for most tickets sold with 150,000 for a run of ten consecutive sold-out shows. Earlier today, he announced dates for…
A Second Mayoral Candidate Event Was Canceled After Frank Jackson Demanded Scene Not Be Involved
In an alternate universe, one in which Frank Jackson is not the mayor, or at least a different version of himself, there would be a second mayoral candidate event tomorrow night at Tri-C’s Jerry Sue Thornton Center. Coming a week after Jackson and Zack Reed sat for a debate at the City Club of Cleveland,…
Three Doors Down to Bring Its Back Porch Jam to Hard Rock Live in February
Formed in 1995, the Mississippi-based rock band 3 Doors Down has sold some 20 million albums over the course of its lengthy career. The single “Kryptonite” became a huge hit on commercial radio back in the ‘90s. Now, the group has announced it will embark upon a Back Porch Jam tour in 2018. It will…
Akron’s Ohio Brewing Co. Leaving for Cuyahoga Falls With Party Planned This Weekend
The Ohio Brewing Company wants you to come party with them this weekend, as they’re moving to Cuyahoga Falls. The brewery announced plans Friday to shutter its current Akron location in favor of a new spot, 2250 Front St., in Cuyahoga Falls. Previously in Niles and Youngstown, it’s not much of a shock the nomadic brewery…
Rising Star Chef Dave Kocab Joins Black Pig as New Chef de Cuisine
[image-1]There’s a new culinary force in the kitchens of the Black Pig. Dave Kocab has been brought on as Chef de Cuisine. “Dave is a tremendous talent that we are very happy to attract,” says Michael Nowak, Black Pig’s chef-owner. “I look forward to working with him to develop new ideas and dishes that will…
Planning and Fundraising Underway for Browns’ Perfect Season 2.0 Parade
The stupid Browns dashed last year’s Perfect Season parade plans with a win in the penultimate game of the 2016 campaign, squeaking by the Chargers 20-17 at the Factory of Sadness before ending the season at a lovely 1-15 mark. One had to assume that was as low as the Hue Jackson/Sashi Brown boat was…
Can Anything Save the Browns? — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Is there a high enough power to save the Browns? Is DeShone Kizer partying an issue? What is Zac going to eat in London (besides everything)?
Thirsty Dog in the Flats Opens Wednesday
Thirsty Dog will open this Wednesday on the East Bank of the Flats. The Akron-based brewery is the latest in a second wave of openings after Crop Sticks and Crop Rocks closed last year. Backyard Bocce and Dante’s Inferno recently opened as well. A 10-barrel system will handle brewing on premises. As for food, the…
Why Won’t Cleveland Officials Release Amazon Bid Details?
Thursday afternoon, Mayor Frank Jackson joined County Executive Armond Budish to announce that Cleveland had submitted its bid to land the tech giant Amazon’s second headquarters — the so-called “HQ2.” Cleveland joined more than 100 other cities across the country in efforts to lure or beg for what could be an investment of $5 billion…
Foo Fighters to Play Blossom in 2018
Singer-guitarist Dave Grohl might hail from Warren, but Foo Fighters don’t often perform in Northeast Ohio. Given the infrequency of the band’s appearances here, the group’s upcoming show at Blossom should draw a huge crowd. The band just announced it will perform at the venue on July 25 as part of its Concrete and Gold…
A Cleveland Police Officer Under Indictment is On The Run and Considered ‘Dangerous’ After Breaking Ankle Monitor
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is currently working on the whereabouts of Cleveland police officer Tommie Griffin, a criminal defendant in a multiple-count domestic violence case out of Parma. He broke his ankle monitor this weekend, and is now on the run. Griffin was arrested earlier this year for the felonious assault, kidnapping…
Rising Star Coffee to Open Fourth Retail Location, This One in Lakewood
On the heels of a successful year-long pop-up shop that has been operating at the Bottlehouse Brewery in Lakewood, Rising Star Coffee Roasters announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar operation in that suburb. The new storefront (13380 Madison Ave.) is just doors away from the brewery and is expected to open in the next few…
Our Lady Peace Comes to House of Blues on Its Most Extensive U.S. Tour in Years
As a Clevelander, it’s easy to take for granted how easily one can hop in the car and in about five hours and be on the Canadian side of things in Toronto, Ontario. Thanks to that relative close proximity, fans have often had the benefit of connecting with bands from the Canadian scene whose music…
Buffalo Killers to Make In-Store Appearances at Lucky Records in Wooster and at Square Records in Akron
Steeped in ’70s classic rock, Cincinnati’s Buffalo Killers might be loosely described as indie rock but they draw upon harmonies clearly culled from their past. You can trace the Neil Young influence on their albums going all the way back to their self-titled debut, which came out more than 10 years ago. For their eighth…
The Linndale Speed Trap Got Its Own ‘This American Life’ Episode
[image-1]We all know about Linndale, the I-71 speed trap otherwise known as a small Cuyahoga County village with, like, eight streets. Now, This American Life listeners have been treated to the horrorscape that we’ve driven through for decades. It’s a 440-yard stretch of freeway with a degree of policing unmatched anywhere else in the state. Perfect…
First Look: Boss Dog Brewing in Cleveland Heights, Opening Soon
It’s been 15 months since Josh and Jason Sweet were handed the keys to the building that for 20 years was home to Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine in Cleveland Heights. In the meantime, the pair has completely transformed the property from a dim and dated eatery to Boss Dog Brewing (2179 Lee Rd.), a crisp…
Harlow’s Now Serving Up Wood-Fired Pizza in Lakewood
This morning, John Sweeney is kneading pizza dough while chatting about his newly-opened Lakewood restaurant, Harlow’s (14319 Madison Ave., 216-712-6502). He’s been here since 6:30 a.m. and, except for a lunch break with his kids, won’t leave until late into the night. Sweeney says the goal, before he and fiancee Emily Flamos even opened the spot,…
In Advance of Their Cleveland Museum of Art Performance, Jim Jarmusch and Carter Logan Talk About Their Experimental Duo, SQÜRL
An Akron native, director Jim Jarmusch has helmed a handful of significant films over the course of a career that stretches back three decades. His filmmaking alone attests to his significant talent. In 2009, Jarmusch, who plays electric guitar, added to his remarkable resume as he and drummer Carter Logan formed the experimental duo SQÜRL.…
Tickets for the Eighth Annual Winter Wine & Ale Fest Go on Sale Today
Given the unseasonably warm weather, it’s hard to believe winter is just around the corner. But temperatures will drop soon enough for upcoming events such as the Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s eighth annual Winter Wine & Ale Fest. Organizers offer a variety of ticket options (prices range from $40 to $250) for the event, which takes…
Composer John Corigliano Visits Cleveland as CityMusic Commemorates His 80th Birthday Tonight
It’s been about three decades since a major work by American composer John Corigliano has been heard in Cleveland. Corigliano will be in town Friday evening to hear CityMusic Cleveland perform his “Red Violin Concerto” with soloist Tessa Lark and conductor Avner Dorman at Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Slavic Village. The concerto is…
Been There, Done That with Cleveland Public Theatre’s ‘The Family Claxon’
When it comes to encouraging and nurturing new work in theater, no other organization comes close to matching the track record of Cleveland Public Theatre. Over the years, they have used multiple formats to help playwrights develop their plays from raw beginnings to the finished product. And now, they are presenting the first work from…
Watch Cleveland Writers Poetically Bombard RTA Passengers With Words
Last month, pop-up readings took over RTA routes and stops. In celebration of Cleveland Book Week, local writers read to commuters with conviction and passion. They read their own poems and stories, as well as selections from Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winners’ work (the annual awards took place Sept. 7). Many walked on, ignoring the spoken words.…
Afro-Peruvian Sextet with Ohio Roots to Perform at the Bop Stop
As far-fetched as it might seem, the Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet that performs at the Bop Stop on Saturday, Oct. 28, has ties to Ohio. Band leader Alegria was born in Lima in 1970. His father, the playwright Alonso Alegria, was a visiting professor at Kenyon College, and while Gabriel Alegria was there in the…
Frank Jackson, Armond Budish Announce Cleveland’s Amazon HQ2 Bid
Mayor Frank Jackson and County Executive Armond Budish announced this afternoon that Cleveland had formally submitted its bid to land the tech giant Amazon’s second headquarters, the so-called HQ2. At a press conference, Budish said that more than 20 organizations and 90 individuals had worked days, nights and weekends over the past several weeks to…
In the Wake of the Controversy Surrounding a New Book About ‘Rolling Stone,’ Rock Hall Cancels Appearance by Author Joe Hagan
In the wake of the controversy surrounding the forthcoming book, Sticky Fingers: The Life of Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine, the Rock Hall has canceled an appearance by its author, Joe Hagan. Wenner, Rolling Stone’s publisher and founder, has had a well-publicized falling out with Hagan. The Rock Hall appears to have…
Metaphor Falls Flat in convergence-continuum’s ‘In The Closet’
The company of dedicated theater folks called convergence-continuum has long had a commitment to presenting gay-themed shows, or at least plays with significant LGBTQ roles. And good for them since, over the years, plays with such themes and characters have been stuck in the shadows. That said, the title of the play by Siegmund Fuchs,…
Betty Sutton Adds Marcia Fudge to Robust Endorsement List in Governor Campaign
Former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton’s campaign for governor of Ohio has attracted the attention of labor organizations and state politicians from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Today, she added U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge to her endorsements. The two women stood before the script “Cleveland” sign at Voinovich Bicentennial Park to announce the deepening of a partnership between…
The Man With the Plan: Jackson and Reed Square Off in Lone Cleveland Mayoral Debate
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and City Councilman Zack Reed took their best shots Thursday afternoon in what Jackson has made certain will be the only public mayoral debate before the Nov. 7 general election. Both men presented themselves as the man with the plan and their opponent as “all talk.” Indeed, “conversation” and “dialogue,” which…
Veteran Punk Act Anti-Flag to Play the Grog Shop in February
Given the political nature of the band’s music, it’s likely that American Fall, the forthcoming effort from Pittsburgh’s Anti-Flag will address the outcome of the recent presidential election. Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden produced the disc, due out Nov. 3. Earlier today, the band announced a co-headline U.S. tour with Stray From the Path and openers…
CSU Students Call for President Berkman’s Ouster, Urge Open Conversations About Speech Policies
CSU students and community members decried the administration’s response to an anti-LGBTQ poster that appeared on campus last week. During the rally and subsequent march to President Ron Berkman’s office, students repeatedly insisted that the minority populations at CSU feel less safe than they had just a week ago. They expressed concern that university leadership…
Peyton Manning, the Browns, and Glory Days — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac take a big-picture look at the Browns, discuss the pros and cons of pursuing Peyton Manning and look back at a Browns game 10 years ago in the Glory Days segment presented by American Fireworks.
Five Cleveland Cops Fired After Deadly 2012 Police Chase Officially Reinstated to Force
Five of the six officers fired after the November 2012 police chase and shooting deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams were reinstated earlier this month after an arbitrator’s ruling this summer. The sixth officer, of course, was Michael Brelo — the arbitrator ruled that he should remain fired. The cops who’ve won their jobs…
A Road Trip Through the Smoky Mountains Inspired the Songs on Tori Amos’s New Album
Singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s 15th album, Native Invader, an “intense feast of melody, protest, tenderness and pain,” as it’s put in a press release describing it, stems from a road trip she took through the Smoky Mountains. She wanted to reconnect with her mother’s family, who were from the area. Just a year ago, Amos and…
The Tragically Hip Singer Gord Downie Dies at Age 53
Last year, the Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie announced that he had an aggressive form of brain cancer. In the wake of that announcement, the band played a series of farewell shows and Downie hurried to record one more album. Sadly, various news outlets have reported that the singer has died. He was 53. Over…
Rally Planned Against CSU President’s ‘Free Speech’ Statement Regarding LGBTQ Suicide Fliers
Last Thursday, a series of anti-LGBTQ fliers appeared on the Cleveland State University campus. The bills depicted a person hanging from a noose, surrounded by low-end statistics of LGBT suicide rates. At the top of the fliers: “Follow your fellow faggots.” That same day, the school opened its new LGBT Center, which will provide access…
Xhibition Debuts Its Own Adidas Boot at Exclusive MOCA Event Tomorrow Night
Xhibition, the sneaker, lifestyle and apparel store on West 25th in Ohio City, launches its own Adidas boot Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Museum of Contemporary Art at University Circle. Xhibition is one of about 50 stores around the country that is part of the Adidas Consortium group, meaning they get the most exclusive Adidas…
In Honor of Gabrielle Union Moving to Cleveland, Michael Symon Serves Up Some Mabel’s on the Tonight Show
Last week on The Tonight Show, Gabrielle Union confirmed that she and husband Dwayne Wade are “in Cleveland.” Referencing the The Color Purple, Union explained, “Yes, Nettie and Celie have been reunited, and they are happy,” of her hubby and his best friend LeBron James playing on the same basketball team again. And while the Being…
Comcast, Koch Brothers, Microsoft and Other Corporations Secretly Funded RNC Activities Last Year
A roster of major corporations slid through the back door and quietly contributed to the 2016 Republican National Convention — at a time when those very companies were facing public pressure to distance themselves from the circus. Comcast Corp., Microsoft, Koch Companies Public Sector, Chevron, AT&T and others offered almost $1 million in sum to the…
Moncho’s to Close at End of the Month, Quisqueya La Bella Moving In
The Brooklyn Centre business formerly known as Moncho’s is on borrowed time. Opened by Isabel Montoya and her family back in 2015, the popular Colombian eatery has been under new management since last year, when the owners of the Lakewood-based Mexican restaurant El Torito took over. That relationship will cease at the end of the…
8 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, OCT. 20 Fall Out Boy/Blackbear/Jaden Smith Bassist Pete Wentz has said that some of the songs that appear on the band’s forthcoming album, Mania, have been in the works for some time now. One good example: singer-guitarist Patrick Stump played him a working version of “Young and Menace” a couple of summers ago. But…
Old School Punk Rock Inspired the Grecian Rock Act Barb Wire Dolls
Like so many cutting edge bands that came before them, Barb Wire Dolls got by with a little help from a certain Rodney Bingenheimer. Before most Americans knew anything about the Grecian punk rock act, the influential DJ began playing the band’s music on his radio program, subsequently building a stateside buzz for the indie…
Band of the Week: Low Cut Connie
MEET THE BAND: Adam Weiner (vocals, piano), James Everhart (lead guitar), Will Donnelly (rhythm guitar), Larry Scotton (drums), and Lucas Rinz (bass). A JERSEY BOY: Weiner grew up in New Jersey in the ’80s and absorbed plenty of classic rock ‘n’ roll in the process. “I saw Huey Lewis and the News back then,” he…
The Tragically Beautiful ‘The Florida Project’ Shows the Not-So Disney Side of Life
The Florida Project, the new film from director and co-writer Sean Baker (Tangerine) that opens on Friday at the Cedar Lee Theatre, has created plenty of buzz at prestigious film festivals like Cannes and Toronto. Shot on the tourist strip of U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, the film follows a single mom, Halley (Bria…
TURN Bar + Kitchen Brings Upgraded Food and Looks to the Ritz
Despite world-class culinary talent, impeccable service and posh surroundings, Muse has always struggled to attract diners who were not sleeping at the Cleveland Ritz-Carlton. Impediments like pricey valet parking, a sixth-floor address and a conservative menu – not to mention the explosion of competition since Muse opened its doors a decade ago – prevented the…
Skip the Convenience Store and Stock Up for Halloween at These Cleveland Area Sweet Shops
Halloween draws near, and soon adults across America will be schlepping out to big box stores and pharmacies to load up on candy. But Clevelanders need not settle for the same bags of bite-sized Snickers every year. The Greater Cleveland area plays host to a number of locally owned sweets shops that will elevate your…
Get Out: Everything You Should Do This Week in Cleveland (Oct. 18-24)
WED 10/18 Beer and Food Pairing In honor of Cleveland Beer Week, Now That’s Class will host a special beer and food pairing tonight. The tasting will include all 5 Natural Light beers with Cherrios, Hamms with ham, Strohs with Cheeze Wiz and Modello with mushrooms. The venue will mix up a special Busch beer…
A Highway Runs Through It
Let’s do a hypothetical. You’re in University Circle with some friends from out of town. Maybe you’re enjoying a bite in Little Italy or gazing in awe at the world-class collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It’s been fun. Your friends are thrilled. What about Lake Erie, though? It’s close, isn’t it? They’ve never…
Hologram Versions of Family Members Chat Up the Living in ‘Marjorie Prime’
Many of us have friends named Siri and Alexa, helpful voice-only assistants who are always available to answer questions in a flash and help us navigate our days. These digital creations of the Apple and Amazon mega-universes are becoming omnipresent in a certain segment of the world that is plugged in and loving it. But…
Savage Love: Parental Controls
Dear Dan, My only child is 16 years old. He was curious about sex from a very young age and very open with me, so his interest in sexual matters gave me ample opportunity to talk with him about safety and consent. He went through a cross-dressing phase when he was small—mostly wanting to wear…
Notes on the industrial Zen of Cleveland Artist Dawn Tekler
Encaustic painting is one of the oldest artistic methods out there in the sport of eyeball excursions. The Egyptians employed this technique in the Fayum mummy portraits. It has also been noted that the ancient Greeks would use wax in sealing their ships’ hulls, then, as pigments were added, they employed this technique to paint…
