Update: Lineup Announced for LaureLive 2017
Update: Earlier this year, organizers announced that LaureLive, an event branded as Northeast Ohio’s first and only multi-day, multi-stage and multi-act contemporary music festival, would return on June 10 and 11 to Laurel School’s 140-acre Butler Campus located at 7420 Fairmount Road. Now, organizers have announced the lineup. Grammy Award-winning singer-guitarist Gary Clark Jr. will headline Saturday night…
Federal Judge Restores Voting Rights for Thousands in Ohio Purged From the Voter Rolls
Update: Federal Judge George C. Smith, of the U.S. District Court in Columbus, ruled last night that voters illegally purged by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted will be allowed to vote. If you remember, Husted’s office purged the Ohio voter roll of thousands of voters who hadn’t engaged in “voter activity” (classified as registering…
Indie Comedy ‘Is that a Gun In Your Pocket?’ Misfires on Many Levels
As lewd and crude as they might be, cable TV series such as East Bound and Down and Baskets feature sharp dialogue and terrific acting as they satirize life in small-town America. Is that a Gun In Your Pocket?, the new comedy from writer-director Matt Cooper, aspires to such artistry but falls woefully short of…
Local Hip-Hop Act Clapper the Rapper Releases New Music Video
Locally produced by Steven Turner and directed, edited, and filmed by Mike Moline, the new music video for Clapper the Rapper’s bluesy “Diss Tracks” finds the rapper delivering his rapid-fire rhymes in what appears to be an abandoned warehouse. “’Diss Tracks’ is a song about battle rapping with friends,” says Clapper the Rapper whose…
After Historic Performance on Sunday, Terrelle Pryor Still Has a Huge Chip on His Shoulder
Terrelle Pryor had himself a day on Sunday. With 144 receiving yards, 35 passing yards and 21 rushing yards, Pryor became the first player since Hall of Famer Frank Gifford in 1959 to put together a statline like that. And to think, almost exactly a year ago Pryor was waived by the Browns in favor…
Locally Based EarthQuaker Devices Announces Launch of New Pedal
Known for the effects pedals that its employees make one-at-a-time by hand, the Akron-based effects pedal company EarthQuaker Devices has just announced it will give Northeast Ohio-area music lovers the opportunity to “see, hear and get hands-on” with the newest effects pedal at a product launch party that takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.…
The Cleveland Orchestra Launches Its New Season and Five More Classical Music Events Not to Miss This Week
From a wide selection of possibilities, here are five events around town that you should find very interesting in the next seven days. The series of concerts at CIM honoring Pierre Boulez, the late French composer and conductor and frequent visitor to Cleveland, continues on Wednesday, September 8 in Mixon Hall with “Boulez the Friend…
Massive Cuts Proposed as Parma City School Board Faces $15-Million Deficit
[image-1]In an emotional and complex school board meeting this past Monday, the top brass at Parma City Schools unveiled a plan to tackle a looming — and growing — budget deficit. What is now a $15-million hole, board members stated this week, could become a $60-million hole within four years if drastic steps aren’t taken…
Steven Caple Jr. Tapped To Write HBO Miniseries About Emmett Till
Steven Caple Jr. knew this would happen. When a young black writer-director makes waves on the festival circuit, as Caple did with his debut feature, The Land, the offers start rolling in. There had been rumors of Caple being presented with opportunities to helm a couple major Hollywood blockbusters, but Caple told Scene that he’s being…
Folk Rock Act the Lumineers to Play the Wolstein Center in 2017
Last night during their performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the folk rock group the Lumineers announced they’ll embark on their first-ever North American arena tour in 2017. The tour includes a Cleveland stop; the band will perform at 7 p.m. on March 11 at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University. Indie acts Kaleo and Susto will open. …
Grog Shop to Screen ‘The Smart Studios Story’ Documentary
The Smart Studios Story, the official film of Record Story Day, documents “the roots and rise of independent music” in the States to Smart Studios, the legendary recording facility founded in Madison, Wisconsin by Butch Vig and Steve Marker. Acts such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7 and Death Cab For Cutie all recorded there. The…
The Literary Cafe in Tremont Sold to Owner of D’Agnese’s
Ross Valenti, who you might know from D’Agnese’s and Cantine, has bought the Literary Cafe, which went up for sale earlier this year. Plans are in the early stages so far, but Valenti tells the PD that he hopes to keep the spirit of the Tremont staple while adding some new touches. Those will include…
The Colliding Aspects of President Lyndon Johnson’s Personality on Display in ‘All the Way’ at Cleveland Play House
Lyndon Baines Johnson was one of the more fascinating characters to ever populate the halls of Washington D.C., since he combined the raw, crotch-grabbing energy of a good ol’ boy from rural Texas with the liberal leanings of a man who deeply cared about the disadvantaged. Try finding a mixture like that in today’s polarized…
Indians Magic Number: 0
A playoff-clinching celebration went down in the visitor’s clubhouse at Comerica Park in Detroit last night after the Indians won and sealed their trip to October. Corey Kluber’s groin issues notwithstanding, there was nothing but joy as the beer flowed. Do sort through the various Tribe beat writers’ social feeds from last night for vids…
Rock Hall Puts Elton John’s ‘Hercules’ Stage Suit on Display
Each year, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members play a role in determining a new artifact to be exhibited at the Museum. At the Membership Appreciation Day event held this past weekend, the Rock Hall announced the winning item — Elton John’s “Hercules” stage suit. The suit won via an online vote and beat out…
Slugger Jim Thome’s Wife to Sign Copies of Her New Novel at Fireside Book Shop
When he played for the Tribe, slugger Jim Thome was a fan favorite. He and his wife Andrea Thome return to town on Oct. 8. Andrea Thome will sign copies of her novel Walland at the Fireside Book Shop in Chagrin Falls. The event takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Earlier in the day,…
Developer Fred Geis Has Resigned from Cleveland Planning Commission
Developer Fred Geis has stepped down from the Cleveland Planning Commission, Cleveland.com reports, after being counseled by his lawyers on the perils of conflicting interests. We needn’t remind you that Geis is a big shot local developer. (Also a physical specimen.) His most visible downtown project is probably The 9, but his Streetsboro-based firm has also…
Monster Jam Truck Series Coming to the Q in 2017
The Monster Jam Triple Threat Series, an event that features humungous trucks racing against one another, takes place each year at the Q. The series returns in 2017 on Feb. 18 and 19. Fans will witness “a fierce battle” for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles. With names such as Grave Digger,…
Former Ohio Attorney General Joins Anti-Death Penalty Organization
[image-1]Jim Petro, the state attorney general who oversaw 18 executions in Ohio, was elected to the board of directors of Ohioans to Stop Executions this weekend with his wife, Nancy. The move is a high-profile turnaround for a Republican state official. “Ohio has an unusually high number pro-death penalty government officials who have changed their positions…
Wilberts Food & Music to Host Prog Rock Festival
Raised in Cleveland by parents who play with the Cleveland Orchestra, violinist Joe Dennison (pictured) mixes classical and prog rock with his band, Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius. Last year, Dennison and fellow prog rockers Circuline teamed up to create Sonic Voyages Fest, a touring prog rock festival. He brings the show into town this week for a…
Railroad Earth Doses House of Blues with Thrilling Psychedelia and Bluegrass
Those dedicated few who came out for Saturday’s Railroad Earth show at House of Blues were treated to an absolutely stunning evening of live music. Those who opted for other activities missed out big time. At the nexus of various American touring scenes — bluegrass, jam, jazz, blues, etc. — Railroad Earth commands an impassioned…
Gabe’s Deli in Cleveland Closes Its Doors on October 7th
Some sad news to pass along this morning for anyone who likes sandwiches and, specifically, likes the sandwiches from Gabe’s Deli. The shop will be closing its doors on October 7th, the owners announced on Facebook, which means there’s still time to stop by the shop that brought “San Fran-style deli” to Cleveland. It’d been…
Greenhouse Tavern to Temporarily Close After Fire at Restaurant Last Night
A fire on the 2000 block of East Fourth above Greenhouse last night was quickly put out by firefighters, but the fire and the resulting damage will keep the restaurant closed for the short term. Chef Jonathon Sawyer, who was in Cincinnati when the fire happened, expressed his gratitude for the quick work of the…
Comedian Hannibal Buress Brings His Hannibal Montanabal Experience to House of Blues
When comedian Hannibal Buress came through town earlier this year, he played a surprise pop-up show at the Nash. This time around, he’s graduated to a bigger venue for his current tour, dubbed The Hannibal Montanabal Experience. He plays House of Blues at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. With a distinctive slo-mo delivery that makes it…
re:bar on East 9th Gets a New Start Under Bar Vet Jeff Allison
re:bar opened this past spring, but you wouldn’t know it by asking around. The sleek little lounge in the Gateway District has barely registered with potential clientele, so ownership decided to bring in some new blood. “It’s a Jeff Allison project now,” says Jeff Allison, a guy who knows his way around a bar. Allison…
Italian Film Premiere and Music Gala to Take Place at Masonic Temple in April
As part of a 12-city tour, the Italian motion picture comedy-drama Briciole Sul Mare (subtitled in English) will have its local premiere on April 22 at the Masonic Temple in Ohio City. The film’s screening takes place at an event dubbed Rocambolesco-Spectaculare! An Evening Celebration of Joy, Family and Tradition! The movie centers on a…
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah Talks QBs and Scouting — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah on QBs, the scouting business, and Twitter. You can find Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter or on the MoveTheSticks podcast. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here. Download the episode directly here. Or stream below.
Great Lakes Brewing Company Announces 2016 Christmas Ale Debut Date
[image-1] Before Halloween even comes around, Great Lakes Brewing will release the first precious pours of Christmas Ale, the potent potion oh so many Clevelanders love (and that many don’t know has been around since 1992). Too early? Nah, not for Cleveland. The first pour goes down on Thursday, October 27 at the annual Christmas…
Capitol Theatre Struggling to Repay City Loan (Go Support Them)
A report in Cleveland.com Friday said that the Capitol Theatre in the Gordon Square Arts District has been unable to repay a loan by the city. Cleveland City Council voted Monday to grant the Detroit-Shoreway Development Corporation, which owns the Capitol, an additional two years of deferments on the $1.48 million loan. This isn’t the first…
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club to Bring Farewell Tour to Lakewood Civic Auditorium
Following the release of Buena Vista Social Club, the Oscar-nominated Wim Wenders documentary, the then-unknown Cuban jazz group Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club became an international sensation. The band draws from years of performing at Havana’s clubs and dancehalls, playing a range of different styles of music, including son montunos, danzón, cha cha cha, boleros…
Urban Kitchen to Open Soon in Rapidly Growing Upper Chester District
[image-1] Sometime in October, Mohamed Sadek finally will unveil Urban Kitchen (9751 Chester Ave., 216-264-0124, urban-kitchen.letseat.at) in the quickly developing Upper Chester neighborhood. This restaurant is on the ground floor of the Innova complex, a six-story, 175-unit mixed use building with residential and retail. He’s been in the planning and building phase for about a…
New Dates for Annual Cleveland Restaurant Week, Now Happening in October
For the first time in its 12-year run, Cleveland Restaurant Week will not take place during the first two weeks of November. In an effort to avoid the election cycle, the popular dining event has been moved up a month. This year’s dates run October 1 through 15. Organizers report that this will be the…
11 Concerts to Catch This Weekend
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23 Jason Aldean: Six String Circus Tour 2016 One of modern country’s biggest stars, singer-guitarist Jason Aldean has another hit on his hands with his new album, They Don’t Know. The album opens with the hard rocking “Lights Come On” and then delivers the usual quotient of ballads (“A Little More Summertime”) and rockers…
Malaysian Singer Yuna Embraces Role as Advocate for Tolerance and Acceptance
Originally popular in her native Malaysia, pop/soul/R&B singer Yuna has become a star in the States too. In fact, she’s now known throughout the world. The music video for her current single, “Crush,” a sparse song that pairs her with R&B icon Usher, has received over 13 million views on Youtube, and her latest album,…
Buckeyes, QBs, and Recruiting Your Own Problems — The A to Z Podcast With Andre Knott and Zac Jackson
On the Buckeyes, quarterbacks, recruiting your own problems and crayons. Subscribe to A to Z on iTunes here. Download the episode directly here. Or stream below.
A Trip to Greece Inspired Singer-Songwriter Joan Shelley’s Latest Album
Singer-songwriter Joan Shelley grew up on a 35-acre hobby horse farm just outside Louisville. She admits that didn’t get to dig into the Louisville scene while growing up. But that has changed since she’s become one of the city’s best-known musical exports. Last year’s Over and Even, an album of tender tunes that the folks…
Eight Awesome New Documentaries Coming to Capitol Theatre This Fall
Cleveland Cinemas has announced a fall documentary film series at the Capitol Theatre. Every Tuesday evening from September 27 through November 22, a new documentary will screen for a one-night only engagement. The series arrives on the heels of the Capitol Selects series, which began this summer and devoted one screen at the theater in…
Local Indie Rockers Bro Dylan Debut New Music Video
The members of the local indie rock act Bro Dylan first met when they were in third grade and played together for a few years before breaking up. They reconvened about a year ago and have been going steady ever since. Today, the band debuted a new music video for “Getting Even,” a song off…
Alleged Heroin Dealer Released From Cuyahoga County Jail Despite Federal Indictment
Brandon Wagner was arrested back on May 4th after a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted him in the death of Cory Cooke, a 23-year-old Lakewood man who died after a fatal overdose of an opiate Wagner allegedly sold him. That charge was superseded by a federal indictment for the same crime, which came down on…
Panic! at the Disco to Perform at Wolstein Center in 2017
Emo rockers Panic! At the Disco’s latest album, Death of a Bachelor, managed to sell well enough upon its release earlier this year to be certified gold — no easy task at a time when many music fans would prefer to stream rather than own their music. In fact, Death of a Bachelor is the only…
Update: Chair of Trump’s Campaign in Mahoning County Quits After Making Ignorant Remarks
Quick update: Kathy Miller, discussed below, has resigned from her volunteer gig as the chair of Donald Trump’s campaign in Mahoning County. “My personal comments were inappropriate, and I apologize,” she said. “I am not a spokesperson for the campaign and was not speaking on its behalf. I have resigned as the volunteer campaign chair…
Indians Magic Number: 5
[image-1]We’re almost there, and today’s schedule could — could! — mean the magic number could drop to as low as 2. The Tribe squares up against the Royals again tonight and the Tigers have a doubleheader. Yeah, yeah, yeah, ALDS tickets go on sale soon, but we’re in the homestretch of the last homestand of…
PSA: Half-Off Everything at Big Fun This Saturday
[image-1]We know Black Friday starts earlier every year, but this is just craziness. Big Fun announced yesterday through social media that it will hold a one day only 50-percent off everything sale at its legendary Coventry store. That’s right, EVERYTHING (except gift cards) will be 50 percent off from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this…
Black Violin and Five Other Classical Music Events Not to Miss This Week
Interesting concerts continue to pop up as the fall classical music season gathers momentum. On Friday, September 23 at 8:00 pm in the Ohio Theater in Playhouse Square, Black Violin features Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester, violin, and Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste, viola, two classically trained musicians from Florida who fuse hip-hop and pop with classical.…
Not Hollering About Krasinski-Helmed Family Dramedy The Hollars
The Hollars, directed by and starring Midwestern everyman John Krasinski, wants to be a Jim Halpert of an Indie dramedy: raffish and lovable, softer and more sentimental than it initially lets on, and totes adorbs with Pam. But The Hollars’ sentimentality approaches a mawkish extreme, Charlie Day notwithstanding, and its assorted romances are spiceless, overshadowed in…
Actor Tom Hanks to Appear at Greater Cleveland Film Commission Fundraiser
[image-1]Each year, the Greater Cleveland Film Commission brings a Hollywood type to town for Behind the Camera, its signature fundraising event. In the past, GCFC hosted the cast of HBO’s Band of Brothers and directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who, at the time, were in post-production for their blockbuster hit Captain America: Civil War. This…
Beach Boy Mike Love to Appear at the Rock Hall for Performance and Book Signing
For the past half century, singer Mike Love has guided the Beach Boys on a rollercoaster ride of a career. At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, he’ll talk about his career at the Rock & Hall of Fame and Museum as Dr. Jason Hanley interviews him. Topics for discussion include Love’s infamous speech at…
Orale Contemporary Mexican Kitchen in Ohio City Closing This Sunday
You’ve enjoyed their salsas and empanadas and assorted Mexican goodies at Orale’s West Side Market stand, and hopefully you’ve enjoyed their full-fledged menu at the brick-and-mortar restaurant across the street on West 25th. If you haven’t enjoyed the latter, hurry up and go before Sunday because Orale’s Contemporary Mexican Kitchen is closing for good after…
Five Reasons I Love “Jersey Boys,” Now at the State Theatre
I’ve just seen Jersey Boys for the fifth time, at the State Theatre at Playhouse Square. So in honor of that milestone, here are five reasons why I love this damn show about the singing group The Four Seasons. 1. It’s a jukebox musical adorned with cartoon graphics about four singers from New Jersey. And…
Cleveland (and This Writer) Gets First Taste of UberEATS
UberEATS, the new food delivery platform that makes ordering restaurant food as easy as hailing an Uber ride, has landed in Cleveland. Naturally, I had to take it on a test drive. After downloading the UberEATS app, which is distinct from the regular Uber app, I glanced through the roster of available options. The selection,…
Here’s Donald Trump’s “African American” Town Hall in Cleveland Heights
Media aren’t allowed in to this portion of Trump’s visit to Cleveland today, the town hall on African American issues with Sean Hannity that’ll be shown on Fox News tonight at 10 p.m., but here’s a shot from someone in the room. Trump's "African-American" town hall on Hannity pic.twitter.com/MINAQ9rbXY — Brandon English (@brandonenglish) September 21,…
Vandals Urinated on Firefighting Gear at Macedonia Substation
Police are looking into a possible act of retaliation in Macedonia after vandals apparently broke into a fire station and drenched gear in urine, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. The vandals also left taunting messages at the Northfield Center/Sagamore Hills Fire District substation, some specifically mentioning fire chief Tim Black. The vandalism was discovered…
Actor John Cleese to Appear at the Akron Civic Theatre in December
A veteran comedian, writer and film producer who co-founded the comedy troupe Monty Python, John Cleese will be on hand to answer questions after a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail that takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Akron Civic Theatre. Originally released in 1975, the satirical cult…
VIDEO: Don King Just Dropped N-Word in Donald Trump Intro in Cleveland Heights
Here's video of Don King accidentally dropping the N-word while introducing Donald Trump at a Cleveland church pic.twitter.com/HK4FWpVEC0 — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) September 21, 2016 Of all souls, it’s Don King — he of the recent City Council street naming brouhaha, #nothappening — introducing presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Cleveland Heights Town Hall with local…
L.B.M., a Cocktail Bar and Kitchen, to Open in Birdtown District of Lakewood
For the past six years Eric Ho has worked at Melt in Lakewood, making his way up every rung of the industry ladder, with stops along the way as host, server, bartender, supervisor, bar manager and, ultimately, general manager. Before the end of the year, he’ll take the next big step when he becomes an…
Indians Magic Number: 6
In their 11th walk-off win of the season, the Tribe inched closer to officially clinching a playoff berth. That magic number stands at 6. That digit combined with that way it was all won last night means it’s the perfect time to remind you about Jolbert Cabrera. [image-1] There’s no earthly reason to remember much…
‘Ruthless!’ at the Beck Center is a Triumph of Campy, Outrageous Fun
Sadly, there has never been any certified research on the funny bone, exactly where it is and how one can go about tickling it. But when researchers do this study, they may find the musical Ruthless! sitting nearby spouting a smart-ass remark. Ruthless! is now on the boards at the Beck Center and it hit…
MOCA Opens Fall Season with Wall-to-wall Visuals
By Josh Usmani MOCA Cleveland celebrates its Fall 2016 Exhibitions with a Fall Season Opening Night Party from 7 to 9 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 23. New exhibitions include Wall to Wall: Carpets by Artists and Anders Ruhwald’s Unit 1: 3583 Dubois. Free and open to the public, Friday’s opening night event begins with a…
Band of the Week: Car Seat Headrest
MEET THE BAND: Will Toledo (vocals, guitars, organ, piano, mellotron), Andrew Katz (drums, mixed percussion, mellotron), Ethan Ives (bass, vocals, guitars, vibrato switch on organ), Seth Dalby (guitar) PART OF A MUSICAL FAMILY: Toledo, who grew up in Virginia, says he grew up in a musical family — his dad played the piano — and…
For Authentic Tacos and Guatemalan, Two Northeast Ohio Shops Worth Your Time
I went to El Rinconcito Chapin in search of pupusas, but left a newly minted fan of garnachas. About eight months ago, Engel Godinez left his job in the kitchens of the Hard Rock Rocksino to open his own restaurant, a small place on Pearl Road in Old Brooklyn. I had heard that El Rinconcito served…
The Old Brooklyn Cheese Company is Cheese Heaven on Earth
Prepare yourself to boldly go where few Cleveland cheese connoisseurs have gone before. Owner Michael Januska isn’t reinventing the cheese wheel, but he’ll be providing a much different experience at Old Brooklyn Cheese Company (4138 Pearl Rd., 440-670-0762, www.facebook.com/obcheese) than most Midwesterners are used to. Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. not only will be selling upwards…
As the Market Struggles to Recover, Midwest Law Schools and Their Students Adapt to New Realities
Katie Weber graduated from Ohio University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. She then worked for two years as a salesperson and high school drama coach before realizing one day while sitting in her cubicle that she was unhappy with her job prospects. So she decided to go to law school.…
‘The Magnificent Seven’ is Balm for Weak Summer Season
Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt lead a septet of cowboys and gunslingers in Antoine Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven, a remake of the 1960 classic of the same name starring Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen. The premise here is identical, except it’s a western mining town, not a Mexican peasant village, that needs protecting from villains…
Savage Love: Quickies
Dear Dan, I’m a 27-year-old straight male and a high-school teacher held to a strict code. I left my fiancée in June and haven’t had sex since. Needless to say, I’m really horny. I’m also in that weird in-between age where I’m not comfortable hanging out at college bars but I’m also a bit younger…
