Former Bartender Sentenced for Serving Underage Girl Who Fell from Balcony Last St. Patrick’s Day
Update: Last St. Patrick’s Day 20-year-old Megan Keefe fell from the second floor of the now-closed Spirits nightclub on West 6th St., striking her head on a granite railing. One year later, she’s in a physical rehabilitation center and will never fully recover. A lot of factors played into the incident, including a faulty railing.…
Mariah Carey Cancels Hard Rock Rocksino Holiday Concert
Update: Mariah Carey has canceled the first few shows of her upcoming Holiday Tour, including her Nov. 22 stop at Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield. The show will not be rescheduled, the venue said in a statement. All ticket holders will receive a full refund. The diva took to Twitter yesterday to explain the cancellation:…
Nexus Pipeline Construction is Imminent
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted final approval to the Nexus pipeline construction job, which is now set to begin within the month. This formal decision comes two months after new Trump appointees suddenly advanced the project’s certification process. The 36-inch natural gas pipeline will traverse northern Ohio, from the Utica shale play along the…
Moxie Celebrates 20 Years with a Chef-Fueled Reunion
“A party 20 years in the making” pretty much says it all. When Moxie (3355 Richmond Rd., 216-831-5599) opened its doors in December 1997, Cleveland’s dining transformation was just a glimmer in the eyes of a few forward-thinking chefs and restaurateurs. Thanks to people like Brad Friedlander and his former Moxie partner Craig Sumers, the…
Frank Jackson Refuses Zack Reed’s Debate Challenge
Via his campaign spokesman, Frank Jackson communicated this afternoon that he will reject mayoral opponent Zack Reed’s debate challenge. Reed proposed four town-hall style debates at neighborhoods throughout the city on Monday and publicized the challenge in a press conference Tuesday morning. Reed billed these supplemental events as low-cost, more accessible alternatives to the City…
Local Metal Band Midnight to Hold Release Party at the Agora
Jamie Walters (aka Athenar) originally played in the local metal band Boulder before forming Midnight just over 10 years ago. The group is just a solo project, though Walters employs a guitarist and drummer for the live shows. On Dec. 15, the highly regarded group will release its third album, Sweet Death and Ecstasy. The…
Cleveland Flea Comes to Former Unique Thrift Building in Time for Christmas
While it hasn’t even exactly registered as fall yet in Cleveland, rest assured that Christmas is coming for you. And to make that news a little more palatable, the Cleveland Flea has decided to take over Ohio City’s former Unique Thrift this November and December. As the indoor space, vacated by Unique Thrift around this…
No Wave Icon Lydia Lunch to Perform at Survival Kit Art Gallery
A few years ago, No Wave icon Lydia Lunch put together Retrovirus, a band that could play the music of her punk rock past, including tracks from Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, 8 Eyed Spy, Queen of Siam, 1313 and Shotgun Wedding. That group just came through town earlier this year to play the Beachland Ballrooom.…
Singer-Songwriter BØRNS to Play the Agora in February
Singer-songwriter BØRNS (Garrett Borns) had a pretty broad knowledge of old ’50s, ’60s and ’70s music by the time he became a teenager. Those influences come across well on his debut EP Candy and on his last studio effort, 2016’s Dopamine. Now, to support his new album that’s due out next year, BØRNS has announced…
New LeBron James Commercial Wants You to Feel Safe in a Self-Driving Car
[image-1]At first LeBron James is skeptical. “Nope,” he says, as the sleek white car rolls up without a driver. But by the end of the new Intel commercial, an accident-free car ride has our hero saying, “Hey y’all, I’m keeping this.” And that’s what Intell wants all potential customers to think of its recently acquired auto…
Here’s How Clevelanders Can Donate to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Water, food and other essentials remain in limited supply. Elected officials and Hispanic leaders continue to plead for increased federal support. Locally, in response to the disaster, the Cleveland Foundation established a direct link for monetary donations last week. Those wishing to contribute may…
1920s Jazz at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Five More Classical Music Events to Hit This Week
This week’s list features one locally-produced set of concerts by Apollo’s Fire and a gaggle of distinguished visiting artists. The first event in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Performing Arts Series matches music with an exhibit. Butler, Bernstein and the Hot 9 will play jazz of the period in Gartner Auditorium on Wednesday, October 11…
Great Lakes Theater’s Production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a Joyous Romp
It seems almost cruel to encounter the joys of Shakespeare’s fantastical comedy set in mid-summer as we contemplate the approaching winter (nuclear or otherwise). But thanks to this thoroughly delightful production at Great Lakes Theater directed by Joseph Hanreddy, there is no downside to the experience. This three-ring circus has it all: Romance, mystical spells…
Josh Gordon Opens Up About Substance Abuse Problems and Football
Josh Gordon may or may not make a return to the NFL one day. He’s yet to seek reinstatement and would likely face a suspension after doing so. But as he continues rehabilitation for substance abuse problems, he opened up in a 13-minute mini-documentary from Uninterrupted, candidly discussing those problems, what led to his issues…
In Advance of Her Ohio Theatre Concert, Comedian Paula Poundstone Dissects the Quest for Human Happiness
Over the course of a career that stretches back nearly 40 years, comedian Paula Poundstone has been a regular guest on several NPR programs and has performed for the likes of Hillary Clinton and Johnny Carson. Poundstone, who published her first book, There Is Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say, in 2006, just…
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley Sets Herself Apart Early in Ohio Governor’s Race
[image-1]The 2018 Ohio governor’s race is in early-campaign mode, with eight candidates filling out the Republican and Democrat slates. While there’s talk of some heavy hitters like Dennis Kucinich, Richard Cordray or Jerry Springer entering the race on the D side of the ballot, the political focus is right now placed on the current lineup…
Capitol Theatre’s Annual ’12 Hours of Terror’ Will Showcase Horror Flicks Next Weekend
For the past eight years, a highlight of the Halloween season has been 12 Hours of Terror at Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square. From 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, the theater hosts a full night of cult horror favorites. This year’s lineup includes Hellraiser, Dr. Butcher, MD,…
Bigmouth Donut Co. Lands Storefront in Hingetown
2017 officially will forever be referred to as The Year of the Donut. In recent months we’ve welcomed the arrival of City Girl Donuts in Rocky River and Brewnuts in Detroit Shoreway. In the coming weeks, we’ll say hello to Bigmouth Donut Co., which will take the place of Young Kings record store (1418 W…
Crestwood High School Football Program Reinstated, Incident May Have Been “Horseplay”
Crestwood Local Schools superintendent David Toth announced Monday that the high school would resume its football program, which has been suspended since Sep. 29. An investigation into alleged student misconduct by Mantua police was completed last week. The Mantua police chief said all interviews and information have been forwarded to the Portage County Prosecutor’s office,…
In Advance of Her Music Box Supper Club Concert, Paula Cole Talks About Her New Covers Album
Paula Cole knew she wanted to sing from an early age. Cole, a Grammy-winning pop/jazz/folk artist, says her parents told her she sang before she spoke. “I would make up songs to go to sleep to,” she says in a recent phone interview. She performs at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Music…
Zack Reed Challenges Frank Jackson to Four Neighborhood Debates
Zack Reed’s campaign issued a press release Monday morning challenging Mayor Frank Jackson to four “town-hall style” debates throughout the city in the leadup to the Nov. 7 election. “While The City Club is a valued institution in our city, it should not be the only venue used for the mayor’s campaign and myself to…
Family of Luke Stewart Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Euclid Police Officers
The family of Luke Stewart filed a federal lawsuit today against the city of Euclid and the two police officers who were directly involved in his March 2017 shooting death — including Matthew Rhodes, the officer who “entered into Luke’s car and beat, tased, and shot Luke multiple times, killing him.” In August, a Cuyahoga…
Cleveland-Area Breweries Snag Hardware at Great American Beer Festival
In addition to being one of the best fests to sample beers from literally thousands of American breweries, the Great American Beer Festival is also a serious competitive event. The Great American Beer Festival Judge Panel, comprised of industry professionals from around the world, sample beers in small groups and without knowing the maker, in…
Kid Cudi Brings Infectious Energy and Charm to the Wolstein Center
It’s been a year for Scott Mescudi. “A year ago today, I was in rehab,” he told the crowd at CSU’s Wolstein Center on Saturday night. Depression and suicidal thoughts—the demons he’s openly struggled with his entire career—drove him there. But you can’t keep the Kid down. Mescudi—better known as Kid Cudi—returned to his hometown…
Michael McDonald’s Latest Album Shows the Former Doobie Brother Still Sings With Plenty of Fire
Cleveland has been a popular stop for Michael McDonald over the years, whether he was playing solo, with the Doobie Brothers or, in his earlier years, with Steely Dan. He carries one specific humorous memory with him when he thinks of the city. “It’s the Earl of Cleves, [who] founded Cleveland,” McDonald chuckles during a…
Seattle Soul Band Pickwick is Trying to Deal With Life’s Hardest Questions, Just Like You
Today, a man has gunned down at least 58 people and injured hundreds more at a country music festival in Las Vegas. And when Pickwick frontman Galen Disston answers the phone from his Seattle-area home, he’s trying to make sense of it all, too. He wonders if fewer people will come out to concerts, including…
Andre’s Victory Lap and Browns vs. Jets — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
Andre and Zac talk Indians-Yankees, Trevor Bauer, Browns-Jets and a crazy time in Cleveland sports. (Recorded prior to ALDS game two.)
Wilbert’s to Host Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout
Known as one of the great blues harmonica players the world, Corky Siegel will join Mark Hummel and Billy Boy Arnold for the 2017 Blues Harmonica Blowout that takes place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Wilbert’s. The lineup visiting Wilbert’s is only hitting two cities: Cleveland and Chicago. Hummel founded the Blues…
James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour Hits Cleveland This Fall
A handful of elite Ohio chefs have been selected to cook for the James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour coming to Cleveland Nov. 1. And anyone can be a part of the event. The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at Bar 32 at Hilton Cleveland Downtown, followed by a multi-course meal at the…
Local Singer-Songwriter Ryan Humbert Organizes an Akron Tribute to Tom Petty
If he’s not playing solo dates, local singer-songwriter Ryan Humbert is paying tribute to icons such as Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan with large, extravagant shows. In the wake of Tom Petty’s death, he’s announced he’ll honor the great singer and songwriter with a special tribute concert. “There are few musicians who have been as…
8 Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRIDAY, OCT. 6 Brother Ali/Sa-Roc/Last Word/Sol Messiahh Two of Brother Ali’s most well known songs embody the dichotomy of the rapper’s writing. On one hand, you’ve got “Forest Whitiker,” which dishes a “beauty is on the inside, not the outside” narrative, and then you’ve got “Uncle Sam Goddamn,” which sinks its claws into a country…
You Can Now Visit a Witch Museum in Cleveland
Cleveland has a new museum, one featuring a broom-riding witch and a black cat on its front window pane. But don’t think it’s some sort of seasonal Halloween ploy. “This is a real, permanent thing,” said museum director Jillian Slane last week at the space officially called the Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft & Magick. The…
Streetsboro Police Department Will Be Featured on ‘Live PD’ This Weekend
[image-1] Live PD is coming to Northeast Ohio, where the work of the Streetsboro Police Department will be broadcast directly into your living room (or bedroom, bathroom, smartphone, etc.). The A&E show premiered last fall, shedding a transparent and dramatic light on police officers’ jobs all across the U.S. “They ride with us, they don’t…
A Broken Marriage Inspired the Songs on Jessica Lea Mayfield’s New Album
Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield posted a note on Instagram about a domestic violence incident she experienced. “I’ve struggled with posting this, but feel it’s necessary,” she wrote. “Last week, I had a surgery for a broken shoulder related to a domestic violence incident. I had been suffering with this injury (and others…
There is Now an Austin Jackson Bobblehead Commemorating His Historic Catch
A limited edition Austin Jackson bobblehead, commemorating the Indians outfielder’s historic over-the-wall catch on August 2, was released this morning by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Only 1,000 of the items, individually numbered, are available for purchase exclusively at the hall of fame’s online store, ($40, with a flat rate shipping fee…
Rapper Cousin Stizz Reflects On the Route He Took to His Major Label Debut
Boston-bred rapper Cousin Stizz turned heads with his 2015 mixtape Suffolk County. He followed that release up with the highly emotional MONDA, an album he devoted to his friend, a cancer victim. Earlier this year, after a reported bidding war, he returned with One Night Only, his major label debut. He virtually talks his way…
Find the Biggest, Highest-Def Screen You Can and Go See ‘Blade Runner 2049’
Blade Runner 2049 opens this evening, and you should postpone all life events, up to and including the viewing of professional baseball and the birth of your children, to see it on the biggest, best possible screen available. Locally, that means getting your butt to the XD theater at Valley View or the IMAX screen…
With Downtown Display, Groups Call Out Sen. Rob Portman’s Silence on DREAM Act
Several Northeast Ohio groups got together in a show of solidarity with the nation’s Dreamers today, stretching paper figures around Willard Park and calling on Sen. Rob Portman to get involved with the DREAM Act legislation in Washington. The rally followed a candlelight vigil in support of Dreamers that took place last month in Market…
First Look: Parnell’s Pub in Cedar-Fairmount, Opening Tonight
On September 21, the last shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey were poured, pondered and consumed at Parnell’s Pub on Lee Road, which began life 20 years ago as the Charles Stewart Parnell’s Pub. Over the years, owner Declan Synnott has expanded, remodeled and contracted the bar, a fixture that sat shoulder to shoulder with the…
Indie Rockers The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die Take an Unconventional Approach to Songwriting
Since forming in 2009 in Willimantic, Conn., indie rockers the World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die have regularly released singles, EPs and even demos. The ensemble often makes use of strings and horns in sculpting its ornate tunes. Earlier this year, it added another boundary-pushing album, Always Foreign,…
UPDATE: A McDonald’s in Akron Will Have Szechuan Sauce on Saturday, Thanks to ‘Rick and Morty’
[image-1]We got our Szechuan sauce details mixed up, everybody. (Our dipping sauce beat writer is off today.) No McDonald’s in Cleveland will be carrying the sauce during this weekend’s promotion! See more info below. You can, however, find the Rick and Morty-inspired Szechuan dipping sauce at 246 East Exchange Street in Akron and at 570 5th…
Sources: BioEnterprise In Talks to Take Over Global Center for Health and Innovation
[image-1] An anonymous message arrived at Scene this week claiming that BioEnterprise, a non-profit Cleveland business accelerator, is in line to take over the Global Center for Health and Innovation. Two sources have since confirmed the news. That the Global Center (nee Med Mart) could be poised for another pivot isn’t entirely surprising. Part of…
Cleveland’s Rapid Transit Still Looks a lot Like it did in the 1960s
Cleveland Rapid Transit Late 1960s pic.twitter.com/n6BQJrKg9I — Brad The Transit Guy (@bradforte1) October 5, 2017 Thanks to Brad the Transit Guy (@bradforte1), for sharing the above video on Twitter, which portrays tranquil scenes of the 1960s Cleveland Rapid Transit at stops across the city: Airport! University Circle! Puritas! The grainy, subterranean footage and languorous orchestral…
Pop Singer P!NK Will Return to the Q in March
When pop star P!NK performed at the Q in 2013, she took things to another level altogether as she performed the kind of acrobatic feats usually reserved for Cirque du Soleil productions. Even Madonna couldn’t compete with the elaborate stage show that she brought to town. It was an arena rock show that hearkened back…
Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine Lead the List of Rock Hall Nominees for the Class of 2018
It’s rare that rock acts receive nominations into the Rock Hall during their first year of eligibility. But this year’s list of nominees includes two bands — Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine — that have done just that. Given that their 1997 album OK Computer stands as one of the best albums of the…
Listen: The Soulful Cover of ‘Ohio’ by Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. and Jon Batiste
Leave it to Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. and Jon Batiste to make a new cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Ohio” that feels as much rooted in American history as it does inspired from current events. “It’s powerful. Three young black men coming together and making good music and making a statement,” Clark…
Tuesday’s Playhouse Square Show Represents a Homecoming for Northeast Ohio Native Rhea Butcher
An Ohio native, comedian Rhea Butcher returns to her home state with her wife and fellow comedian Cameron Esposito on Oct. 10 for a show at the Ohio Theatre, part of their multi-city Back To Back standup tour. The two are the creators and stars of the hit TV comedy series Take My Wife, the…
Frank Jackson Will Only Participate in City Club’s Mayoral Debate
Before the Cleveland mayoral election on Nov. 7, voters will have one, and only one, opportunity to see the two candidates go head-to-head in a debate. At noon on Oct. 19, 12-year incumbent Frank Jackson will debate his opponent, “Safety First” Councilman Zack Reed, at the City Club. As at the primary debate in August, the…
How Dan Gilbert Scored Up to $1 Billion in Taxpayer Money From Michigan
Dan Gilbert isn’t just after taxpayer money in Cleveland. In fact, the dough the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County coughed over for the Q transformation deal pales in comparison to what Michigan is offering the billionaire for a variety of projects up north. This week, our sister paper in Detroit takes you behind the…
Crestwood Football Program Still Suspended, Friday Game Canceled
The Crestwood High School football program remains suspended, Superintendent David Toth announced Tuesday, meaning Friday’s home game against Garrettsville has been canceled. This is the second week that the Crestwood football team won’t take the field due to an ongoing investigation of alleged student misconduct. Last week’s game against Mogadore was canceled abruptly after allegations…
On Location at Progressive Field — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
It’s the all baseball — well, mostly — edition of the A to Z Podcast. Andre and Zac talk Indians and MLB Playoffs with Jim Rosenhaus of the Indians Radio Network and Zack Meisel of The Athletic.
The Pixies Deliver a Career-Spanning Set at the Agora Theatre
Two years ago, when the Pixies played here before a capacity crowd at Masonic Auditorium, the indie rock band’s PR team sent us a note saying, “For this show, Pixies will pretty much be playing what they want when they want.” That mentality also held true for last night’s nearly two-hour performance in front of…
Get Out: Everything You Should Do This Week in Cleveland (Oct. 4-10)
WED 10/04 2 for $20 Promotion Great Lakes Science Center and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium have teamed up for a special fall 2-for-$20 package. From today through Saturday, guests can explore both downtown attractions for just $20. Tickets purchased online must be redeemed first at the attraction from which they were purchased. Both attractions have…
Exotic Fish are Poised to Infiltrate the Great Lakes. What’s at Stake? And What Can Be Done to Stop Them?
Reprinted from The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. Copyright 2017 by Dan Egan. With permission of the publisher, W. W. Norton & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. On a brisk November day in 1963, a station wagon pulled up to the brown brick federal research lab in eastern Arkansas loaded…
Elba and Winslet and the Beautiful Simplicity of ‘The Mountain Between Us’
Among the very few pressing questions and observations I jotted down after my viewing of The Mountain Between Us, the most nagging was this one: How do these big-city folks, thrust into perilous survival circumstances, always seem to start fires so easily? This happens in movies all the time. And certainly here. Photojournalist Alex Martin…
Molto Bene Hits on a Recipe for Success in Lakewood
On a recent weekend night, Molto Bene in Lakewood appeared to be the busiest place on Earth. Every seat in the dining room was filled, as was the small waiting area, and diners still continued to cycle in and get added to the list. Other customers dropped by to pick up take-out orders, joined by…
Tasting Palate-Pleasing Olive Oil at Olive Scene
When I ask Tracy Camera Lockhart, co-owner of the olive oil emporium Olive Scene, to describe the first time she tasted really good olive oil, she doesn’t say what I expected. “Shocking,” was her response. Lockhart is the first to say that she’s rarely at a loss for words. But her first taste of the…
Band of the Week: The Dreemers
MEET THE BAND: Ben Patrick (guitar, vocals), Rob Keith (bass, vocals), Natalie Grieshammer (drums, vocals) IN THE BEGINNING: The group came together in Akron in 2015. Keith and Patrick went to high school together, and Grieshammer and Keith are distant cousins. “We met through the art and music scene,” says Patrick, who had previously played…
Savage Love: ‘Bate and Snitch
Dear Dan, I’m a 22-year-old straight male dating a 23-year-old woman. This is by far the most sexual relationship I’ve been in, which is great, except one part is freaking me out: I recently “caught” my girlfriend masturbating with her roommate’s panties. (She knew I was coming over and wanted me to catch her.) It…
Cleveland’s ARTneo Opens Judith Salomon Retrospective
The first time I saw Judith Salomon’s ceramics work was back in 1990, around the time she was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize. I awoke to the more angular possibilities of my morning cup of joe. This past April I finally acquired my very own Salomon: It is a sharply angled, empowering cup that accompanies…
The Wonderfully Polished Production at Great Lakes Theater Needs Another Wart or Two
We all love a yarn about outcasts who try to surmount enormous obstacles, even if the final goal is doomed to fail. Hell, that’s why people still attend Cleveland Browns’ games. With that in mind, Great Lakes Theater presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a full scale, balls-to-the-wall theatrical production that tells the story of…
