May 28, 2014 Flipbook by Scene

VOL. 44 ISSUE 48 • May 28 – June 3, 2014 • clevescene.com

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Enjoy Responsibly

2 Brand: Shock Top Item #: PST201410572 Job/Order #: 260845

Closing Date: 3/19/14 QC: CS

Publication: Scene Weekly

Trim: 9" x 11" Bleed: none Live: 8.5" x 10.5"

feeling f lat? WE CAN BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE { AND YOUR CUP SIZE!}

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION

Please call 440.808.8030 to schedule your FREE consultation today. rajplasticsurgery.com Joyesh Raj, M.D., F.A.C.S. Chief of Plastic Surgery, Fairview Hospital Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joyesh Raj now seeing patients in two locations Western Reserve Plastic Surgery 5005 Rockside Rd, Suite 1225 Independence, OH 44131 216.328.0800

Raj Plastic Surgery

850 Columbia Rd, Suite 300 Westlake, OH 44145 440.808.8030

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Nothing looks better on a woman than confidence. At Raj Plastic Surgery, we're confident in our ability to help you make the right decision for you and your body. Discover how breast augmentation can help you achieve the appearance you desire. A little lift on the outside can lead to a big boost on the inside.

3 14018_Raj_Breast_Enhancement_Ad.indd 1

2/13/14 10:40 AM

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2014 | VOLUME 44 | NO.48

CONTENTS 53

Dedicated to: Free Times founder Richard H. Siegel (1935-1993) and Scene founder Richard Kabat Publisher Chris Keating Editorial Editor Vince Grzegorek Music Editor Jeff Niesel Staff Writers Sam Allard, Doug Brown, Eric Sandy Web Editor Alaina McConnell Contributing Writer Will Burge Dining Editor Douglas Trattner Contributing Dining Editor Beth Phillips, Jason Beudert Stage Editor Christine Howey Interns Patrick Stoops, Liz Trenholme, Eric Gonzalez, Cortni Dietz Creative Services Production Manager Steve Miluch Layout Editor/Graphic Designer Alise Belcher Staff Photographer Emanuel Wallace

Loren Naji shut down… again, movement in the fight to end human trafficking, and more

Facetime | 11

A deep conversation with Daisun Santana on hip-hop culture in the city

Feature | 16

The 40 essential Cleveland restaurants

Advertising Advertising Director Jennifer Woomer Retail Sales Director Shayne Rose Sr. Multimedia Account Executive John Crobar Multimedia Account Executives Amanda Klein, Brendan McHugh, Dan Mullin, Shannon McNally Classified Classified Account Executive Alice Leslie

Get Out! | 21

Fill your days and nights with fun and frivolity

Stage | 32

Voodoo Macbeth at Ensemble Theatre reimagines an Orson Welles classic

Marketing Director of Marketing & Public Relations Bob Rotatori Director of Events Jenna Conforti Director of Business Development Madeline Bleiweiss Promotions Coordinator Remi Bruell

Movies | 35

Business Business Manager Brian Painley Asst. To The Publisher Angela Lott Sales Assistant/Receptionist Megan Stimac Circulation Director Don Kriss

Eat | 37

Making sense of Chinese Puzzle, plus the rollercoaster of Cold in July

Match Works Tavern simply works in Mentor, plus five wineries to visit this summer

Cleveland Scene Magazine is published every week by Euclid Media Group. National Advertising Voice Media Group www.voicemediagroup.com

Music | 44

Jack Johnson’s life is pretty good and he knows it, Turkuaz brings funky jams to town, plus all the shows to see this week

Verified Audit Member Cleveland distribution Scene is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Copyright The entire contents of Cleveland Scene Magazine are copyright 2014 by Euclid Media Group. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems without the express written permission of the publisher.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Upfront | 7

Savage Love | 66 Big issues

Cleveland Scene Magazine Street Address 1468 W. Ninth St. Suite 805, Cleveland, OH 44113 General Information: 216-241-7550 Retail & Classified Fax: 216-241-6275 Editoral Fax: 216-802-7212 E-mail: scene@clevescene.com

Take

SCENE with you with our iPad app! “Cleveland Scene Magazine”

@cleveland_scene

Cover photograph courtesy of BurkleHagen (Ana Kelly, food stylist). Typographic design by Alise Belcher.

facebook.com/clevelandscene

TasTe Of ChiCagO July 11th $350 per person

Includes hotel at comfort suItes In downtown chIcago, 24 taste of chicago food tickets Visit to navy pier

JULY 25 & 26, 2014 | PAUL BROWN STADIUM $500

...The story continues at clevescene.com

| Includes ticket to fest, transportation & hotel

for tIX call: 216-854-7491 | 216-338-8783 | lvtravelclub.com

NEW SALES EVERYDAY!

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Northeast Ohio’ Ohio’s #1

Restora�o� �es��a�o�

Summer’s Short... Make the Most of it! Visit

Geneva-on-the-Lake www.VisitGenevaontheLake.com

Su S

r e mm

s g n av i

800.862.9948

and all of...

www.VisitAshtabulaCounty.com

LogOn for a FREE Travel Guide & enter to Win...

THE GREAT GR PE

OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE featuring Krylon painted patio furniture, workbenches, corn hole boards, shelves, ﬁre pit, planters, and more!

Tools, & More

e-paint

i gal interior lots of colors

W.110th Street

Inventory changes hourly. If you see it, buy it! If you don’t, come back tomorrow!

W.117th Street

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

HARDWARE

Western

2110 West 110th St. Cleveland, OH 44102

Open Tues-Sat 10-4

Shop. Donate. Volunteer. www.clevelandhabitat.org

GET- W Y

Enter to win an overnight stay, $50 dinner voucher, bottle of wine with glasses and breakfast for two. at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

or Call...

800.3.DROP-IN @VacationinAshCo AshtabulaCountyConventionVisitorsBureau

UPFRONT

NEWS

We’re all with Naji. (Illustration by Oliver Barrett)

LOREN NAJI’S STUDIO GALLERY GETS BUSTED — AGAIN

THIS WEEK

aforementioned occupancy permit. Speaking with the fire department rep, Michael Gill, editor and publisher of CAN, floated the question whether the party—then attended by several dozen people— would be permissible if it were a private event attended only by people invited by the magazine. The suggestion was shot down and Naji and Gill agreed to comply. The two offered quick remarks to patrons. “There’s not an occupancy permit. There’s no argument, there’s nothing we can do without the police coming here, and we don’t want that,” Gill said. Afterwards, Naji said that he’d been visited twice by Cleveland police that day. The first time, he says, one officer came to his gallery and said Naji “may or may not” have a warrant out for a parking issue unrelated to his recent gallery troubles. Naji said he took care of that issue right away. Later, he said he was visited by a pair of cops asking if everything was in order for that night’s event. At the time, the police seemed satisfied. Councilman Joe Cimperman was the target of many questions from concerned artists on Twitter and replied that he had been working with Naji to make sure he was in

HE OF THE SQUINTY EYES ARRIVES

John Travolta is in town to begin filming “Criminal Activities” or, in Oscar-night Travolta parlance, “Catherdas Alepunder.”

IN BLOOM

full compliance with city law. “I am working on why he was visited by the Cfd - he is clues to compliance, I agree this is a poor use of city resources,” Cimperman wrote, (sic) throughout. The closure of his gallery left Naji rushing to salvage the “Drawn and Quartered” drawing competition event that had been scheduled to take place in his gallery May 24. At the last minute, organizers had to scramble to secure the Great Lake Brewing Company’s tasting room as an alternative venue. That event, in turn, was incredibly fun, as has been the intent of all of Naji’s contributions to the community.

Toxic algae blooms are only getting worse this year. Citylab.com reports that Lake Erie may continue the trend of “looking like a big, slimy putting green.” So, nothing new, really.

YOU DON’T EVEN NEED PANTS

Local leaders hold press conference to promote a safe, violence-free summer in Cleveland. Main takeaway: Stay inside.

(A story about the “Drawn and Quartered” event specifically is available at clevescene.com.) Naji said that his recent legal troubles have become a trend sourced directly to one person. “I’m definitely getting harassed by someone using the legal system and city hall against me,” said Naji, doing everything but mentioning Henry Senyak by name. Gill said that the fire department representative did not mention any new complaints filed against the gallery the night of May 23, but that it appeared Senyak had been the one to draw the law’s attention to Naji in the first place. Without naming him explicitly, Gill had alluded to

YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

You’re back at work, but your brain is still out on that nice, long weekend vacation.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

JUST FOUR SHORT WEEKS AFTER having a gallery event shut down and becoming the talk of the Cleveland arts community, Loren Naji was at the center of the battle between artists and the city of Cleveland again after a Friday night event was shut down by the fire department over occupancy issues. Around 6 p.m. on May 23, Naji opened his gallery doors for the closing reception of an exhibit entitled “Undercurrents” and the kickoff of a launch party for the summer edition of CAN Journal, a quarterly news and criticism magazine. The party was a dry event, in case you were wondering, after the first installment of #thisiscleart where liquor control agents arrived to confiscate hundreds of dollars of beer and wine. Since then, Naji had been working with the city to fix various compliance issues — recently buying fire extinguishers and installing exit signs on doors. His occupancy certificate was in the process of being approved and he understood that it was enough to cover him for the event. It wasn’t. Around 7:40 that evening, a rep from the fire department showed up to shut the affair down over the

UPFRONT someone using the law as the cause of Naji’s recent disruptions during his pre-dispersal remarks to gallery attendees. “You know there’s been some legal challenges here because of someone in another neighborhood who has in a systematic way made some problems for us, and those problems continue tonight,” Gill said.

Ohio’s renewable energy standards, approved in 2008 to much fanfare on both sides of the proverbial aisle, are set for a proposed two-year freeze, per the latest draft of the state’s dubious Senate Bill 310. At issue is the fact that Ohio was buzzing along relatively nicely under its 2008 provisions. Among statewide innovations under way, Cleveland’s LEEDCo is still planning on developing the state’s (and, while it’s a longshot now, the country’s) first offshore wind farm. SB 310 would halt the state’s requirements that an expanding ratio of energy must come from renewable sources, effectively putting a regulatory kibosh on new, green ideas. Gov. John Kasich, who is eyeing what should be an easy slide into reelection in November, could now be facing backlash against his legion of supporters if things don’t go well. House Speaker William Batchelder (a Medina-based buddy of Kasich’s) has slowed SB 310 deliberations in the General Assembly after the bill passed out of the State Senate with a 21-11 vote. The Plain Dealer’s Thomas Suddes rightfully pointed out last weekend that if Batchelder

DIGIT WIDGET

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

SB 310 AS ELECTION-YEAR REFERENDUM ON KASICH’S SUPPOSED CENTRISM

NEWS had the votes, he’d have taken care of business. Such delay points to broader misgivings in Columbus. The delay also opens the window for compromise, which fits in sweetly with Kasich’s vision of crafting a more dynamic and, frankly, interesting Republican Party. (Go read Henry Gomez’s clutch five-part Plain Dealer series on Kasich’s career if you missed it the other week. It’s worth the five hours it’ll take you to deal with cleveland.com’s search algorithm.) Kasich is being given a prime opportunity to shepherd a more reasonable alternative to SB 310 into the Statehouse. The bill as it stands does nothing but stall progress in Ohio’s energy industry. Any notions of returning to the drawing board and studying long-term impacts of green benchmarks can surely be done in media res with the renewable requirements in place, yes? Then prior to the House vote, this becomes Kasich’s opportunity to win or lose votes.

CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES VOTE TO ESTABLISH SPECIALTY DOCKET FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING Last week, Cleveland Municipal Court Judges voted to establish a specialty docket for human trafficking, a docket that acknowledges a nationwide trend which seeks to view prostitutes (notably) as victims, not perpetrators. Judge Marilyn B. Cassidy, a former nurse and attorney who for many years litigated on behalf of the elderly — “Don’t mess with my old people,” she advised Scene — has been spearheading the efforts.

$23.1

MILLION

2013 compensation of Eaton CEO Alexander Cutler, making him the 19th-highest paid CEO in the United States, from a list published this week by the Associated Press.

She’s been mulling over something like this for a few years, since she attended a domestic violence continuing education program and then saw the efforts and early success of programs like the CATCH court in Columbus (Change Action to Change Habits). Cassidy said that applications for grant funding have already been shipped off. For now, the most immediate short term objective is the education of judges and attorneys. Special presentations will likely to be held in late August or September with contributions from The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. Cassidy said she suspects a representative from law enforcement will also be a part of that program. “We want to put together an array of support,” Cassidy said. Right now, prostitutes come through her court after spending several days in jail, and she’ll generally grant them time served, put them on probation, and recommend them for substance abuse assessment. “Nine times out of ten — actually more like 10 times out of 10 and the rest are lying — there’s a substance abuse problem,” said Cassidy. But Cassidy, along with Karen Walsh at the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, understands that substance abuse is only one problem in a vast and complex network of problems affecting victims of trafficking, another of which is that victims often don’t even recognize themselves as victims. “They might say, ‘Oh this is my boyfriend,’ or ‘he’s the only one who ever told me I was pretty,” said Walsh in a phone interview with Scene.

Hours per day that Cleveland.com has been bringing you live, up-to-theminute multimedia coverage of Northeast Ohio proms.

$385

Rebates (tuition refund + book stipend) CSU students can receive if they complete 30 credit hours of coursework in a year, a program proposed by President Ronald Berkman to promote retention and increase CSU’s dismal graduation rates.

“NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN — ACTUALLY MORE LIKE 10 TIMES OUT OF 10 AND THE REST ARE LYING — THERE’S A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM,” — MARILYN CASSIDY

She also stressed that traffickers’ manipulation tactics have evolved roughly at the pace of technology. “They lure them in. They establish trust.” “And for so many of these people, we’ve kind of dismissed them as prostitutes,” Walsh continued. “But the average age that young people are lured into prostitution is 12-14. These kids grow up and then all of a sudden they’re 20 or 22 and this has been their life. The trauma keeps them from getting back into school and into a different career path. So who do we jail? It’s the kids who we didn’t recognize as kids early on.” That’s one reason why a specialty docket is so important. Under the new arrangement, Cassidy and a treatment team will put together plans for victims which could potentially include: shelter, trauma counseling, substance abuse treatment and other services. And with the aid of the prosecutor’s office and law enforcement, Cassidy hopes that this might eventually help target traffickers themselves. “Maybe we can save a few lives,” the judge said.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

$200,000 Grant from Cleveland to City Council to the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to continue developing the local film industry while enraging local motorists.

providing healthier alternatives to smoking

Come sample 100+ flavors of eliquids from 14+ brands

440-845-VAPE (8273) 6275 PEArl rd, PArmA hts • onlinElAVAPor.com

“Scene Ads get results. I started a print/digital campaign a couple of months ago. We are pleased with the number of cars sold as a result of our advertising in Scene. Brand awareness to my target audience has worked.” – Steve Fialkowski GM Fiat of Strongsville

visit Us at

www.dewittsjewelry.com

Dewitt’s Jewelers

530 Euclid Ave. #24, Colonial Marketplace • Cleveland • 216.621.6244

• Open Monday-Saturday • Closed on Sundays

Celebrating Our 33rd Year!

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

RanKed #1 FOR BeST PRICe FOR YOUR GOld In THe nORTHeaST OHIO aRea aS RePORTed BY neWS CHannel 5

Struggling with opiate addiction? Stop tHe epiDeMiC affordable treatment is available!

Be FRee FRoM DRUG aDDiCtioN

LAW OFFICE OF DAVID W. REUVEN FREE INITIAL TELEPHONE CONSULTATION

FELONIES, MISDEMEANORS & DUI’S

SERVING INJURY VICTIMS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

FROM SET-UP TO LITIGATION

NOW FIGHTING FOR YOU

CLASSES START TUESDAY, JUNE 3 Winter Course SoLD oUT Reserve Your Seat Now!

440-580-4998 Suboxone Clinic West suburbs, 15 mins from Downtown

AS LOW AS $50 A WEEK!*

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

*Cash Discount $100

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE

$53,323 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY?

2010 Independent 3rd Party Salary Survey Of Over 3,000 Certified Fitness Professionals (see www.acefitness.org/salary)

• Workload Management • Anatomy & Physiology • Kinesiology • Biomechanics • Metabolic Calculations • Fitness Testing & Evaluations

• Exercise Prescription • Basic Nutrition • Strength & Conditioning • Special Populations • Fitness for Seniors • Weight Loss

CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT FITNESS 19

CLASSES WILL MEET TUES. & THURS. EVENING FROM 8-11PM 3740 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, OH / In Kamms Plaza!

www.fiteacher.com • 216-213-1722 10

Course Instructors include Sports Physiologists, Doctors, “Cleveland’s Most Renowned Personal Trainers” & other Guest Professional Lecturers

CLEVELAND 4264 Pearl Rd. 216.749.3440

EASTLAKE

32888 Vine St 440.942.8668

LORAIN

823 Broadway 440.242.4080

MANSFIELD

522 Park Ave West 419.522.1695

STRONGSVILLE

HTUESDAYS - Buy a basic haircut at $4 and receive a FREE Hot Lather Shave or Beard Trim.

GIRARD

HWEDNESDAYS - Ladies Day - Buy a basic haircut at $4 and receive a FREE Shampoo, Eyebrows or Facial.

BARBERTON

HTHURSDAYS - Buy a basic haircut at $4 and receive a FREE Facial.

19097 Drake Rd. 440.572.8287 16 N. State St. 330.545.8131

536 W Tuscarawas 330.753.0500

AKRON

1004 Kenmore Blvd 330.753.3600

SEE OUR AD ON THE BACK INSIDE COVER

FACETIME

This is how Daisun Santana greets everyone at his studio. (Photo by Eric Sandy)

B-BOY ORIGINAL Lessons on the importance of hip-hop culture in the city

By Eric Sandy DAISUN SANTANA OWNS CityBreaks Studio in the heart of Clark-Fulton (3327 W. 32nd St.). His building, covered in colorful graffiti, speaks a profound message about the ability of art to help build and sustain neighborhoods. Santana is the one guy in Cleveland really carrying the breakdancing mantle these days, so he’s got plenty of knowledge from the hip-hop scene. We met in his studio to talk about the art form and the lessons Cleveland might be able to draw from the elements of hip-hop.

What about that lifestyle has kept you going? The competition keeps me going. I used to go to Michigan, all over Ohio and the neighboring states. Then I went all over the world. The competitive aspect keeps me practicing hard. Any day that I’m not training, somebody in Japan, for

What kind of students come to you? All ages, all walks of life? Everybody. I have people who come from the suburbs — doctors at MetroHealth, lawyers, a range of different people. About that idea of building up a neighborhood: Can you describe what you mean? So I used to dance up at LincolnWest High School and we used to walk all around here and around this actual building — it was abandoned years ago. People used to bust open the windows. Even when I first got it, it was really crappy. This whole area was dead. They had the boxing gym over there, but it was really tough around here. My brother owns the barbershop next door, so, me and him, we decided to turn this place around. I put colors into it, I put graffiti into it and everything. And since then, it seems friendlier around here now. Before, it was a lot more, ah, rugged. But now, as people notice the place and what’s going on, they’ll come in and ask questions. I’m trying to expose it more to the city. It’s still kinda hidden. There’s a theory — nothing new, really — that art and artists

are fundamental building blocks of young, thriving neighborhoods. Thoughts? I used to live in Tremont, so I’ve seen that grow. Tremont was really crazy. People look at it now, and it’s like, “Oh, it’s really nice and artsy.” But before, it was really crazy in Tremont. Over time, as artists would come and do their thing — culinary artists and stuff like that — they changed the game over there. I feel like here is the same thing. We’re right in the middle of the ‘hood, smack in the middle of this Spanish community. But by doing this, it kinda opens up possibilities. You know? And then you meet different people from other communities and you get that nice clash of communities. Let’s say I know nothing of breakdancing. And I don’t. If I want to check it out, are you offering oneon-one lessons? Or how does it work here? It depends. I like to teach one-onone to make the student feel more comfortable. This is all still new. There aren’t many breakers in the city. Well, there aren’t any breakers in the city. It’s really just me and my friends. I wouldn’t expect anyone to be fully comfortable at first. Over time, if they prefer a group class, I do that as well. I’m still trying to get the recognition to sustain those big classes. In this city, this isn’t something that everything really wants to take. I’m really trying to show the city that it’s not just about dance. It’s about self-expression and overcoming yourself and being

confident or just learning something new that has rich culture involved in it. On Monday nights, we freestyle and have all our buddies come in and get down. So people can come in and get a feel for what it is. You mentioned keeping at it because of the competition. But what got this art form started and what’s kept it going all these years? This dance form started in the 1970s. Before, it was just a dance up top and people were just groovin’. In the late 60s and early 70s, people were dancing to disco in the nice areas. But in the ‘hood, people were dancing to James Brown and a lot of soul, funk. In New York, all the people that were into James Brown, they were moving differently than disco dancers. The whole culture of violence back then was really crazy. It was poor, it was violent, and there was a lot of drugs. Just a lot of negativity. So this whole culture comes from hiphop. B-boying, which is the original term for breakdancing, is one of the elements of hip-hop. And hip-hop is a multicultural movement that started in New York that was based on turning nothing into something, or taking the energy of negativity and bringing it into a positive light. So you had people that were in gangs. If I’m from the Bronx and you’re from Queens, you couldn’t come to my parties. Because then we were going to rumble. You’ve seen that movie The Warriors, right?

Yeah. Well that movie was based on the

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

You talk often of building up neighborhoods. How long have you been teaching dance in this neighborhood? I was raised in Cleveland. I got into dance because of my father. But he was more a popper. It was just always around me. I didn’t start breakdancing until I got to Lincoln-West High School. There was a whole bunch of kids there, and I was actually one of the last kids to start dancing. Over the years, I was learning and learning and traveling to different places. People started to quit, so I’m like one of the last of the Mohicans, you would say. I’ve been here for 12 years now, actively competing and living it as a lifestyle.

instance, is training. You know what I’m saying? That competition got me to this level. The main thing here is that this is a place for me to practice. Before, it was very hard to find a place to practice, so I opened my own studio to teach and to share, but also for me have a place to train anytime I want.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

FACETIME

story of hip-hop. That guy Cyrus was based on Afrika Bambaataa. He was the leader of Zulu Nation, the people who created the hip-hop movement. He was the leader of the biggest black gang, which controlled all the boroughs, named the Black Spades. He decided that he was tired of being negative, so he forced his old gang to be positive. In terms of, like, “Don’t start nothing. Won’t be nothing.” (The phone rings.) Sorry, one second. I don’t know how to turn this off. Ah, got it. So Afrika Bambaataa forced all the little gangs to also be positive. Whenever Zulu would throw their big parties, they would invite everybody from all the boroughs. That’s what started the hip-hop movement. With dance, remember that if you’re from a different ‘hood, we’d be beefin’ and we’d want to start a fight. He said that instead of doing that, there are different ways to handle your beefs through competition. In dance, the first ever battle came from breaking. The idea of a dance-off came from breakdancing. And not just breaking; they had graffiti battles. Like, my art’s better than your art. Or I can spit better, like rapping. So rap is one element of hip-hop. The DJs and the graffiti art are other elements. And breakdancing is the fourth element. So we’d have our crew from the Bronx, your crew from Queens, a crew from Coney Island, all these different areas, and we’d all come to

“CLEVELAND NEEDS TO SUPPORT HIPHOP, SO THAT HIPHOP CAN DO MORE FOR CLEVELAND.” these Zulu parties. Instead of having a big rumble, we’d dance. Over time, the DJs learned that they could loop music — before, they just used to play with one record. But they realized that everybody would get crazy at a certain part of the song, which is the break. That’s when the person isn’t singing anymore and the band is just going crazy. I’m getting goosebumps here. So the DJ realized that if he gets another turntable,

he can loop the break, making the break longer so that everyone is going crazy for longer. Over time, it evolved to where he’s not even playing the rest of the song. Now he’s just playing breaks. A breakdancer is someone who dances to the break. It evolved to where all the dance moves were so much more energetic. People would go all the way down to the ground. They would do stuff with hand placements and try to remember certain moves. It was an evolution, but it came from the hiphop movement. The whole idea is to turn nothing into something.

Cleveland in 2014 is certainly different than New York in the 1970s. What kind of lessons could Cleveland draw from hip-hop? What does Cleveland need? Cleveland, for one, needs to be exposed to the real. They’ve seen what they’ve seen, and they’re like, “Whatever.” If they learned the history of it all, they would grasp what it really means. Cleveland needs to support hip-hop, so that hip-hop can do more for Cleveland. It can connect Cleveland with the world. In other cities, hip-hop is really prominent. You can feel it. You can walk in a city and feel the underground hip-hop scene. If Cleveland were to see and understand why this is here (gestures toward his studio) and what goes down in here, I feel like Cleveland would really understand hip-hop. And I’m not just saying it ‘cause it’s mine. But in here you can feel it all, all elements of hiphop. And I want to expose the city to what hip-hop is worldwide. And there are other people who do it here, but it’s more on a corporate tip. They’re being funded by corporations. This is real. People who I work with are people who live it. It’s not marketing. It’s real life.

It’s amazing to me that you’ve got the Cleveland Museum of Art, but then a few blocks away, up Euclid a bit, you get into a pretty poor part of town. And that part of town gets no positive press, but there are some terrific rappers and artists working there. Their stuff is benefiting that community, I’m sure, through education and creativity. But they get no attention from Cleveland. I agree. Over here, it feels like the west side is starting to become like that. I see so many homes that are torn down. Just next door, I got this parking lot because there was a home torn down there. And in East Cleveland, it’s crazy out there. You cross the street essentially and you’re in a nice part of town. You go right back and you’re in the middle of the ‘hood. There are no boundaries.

Another theory — also nothing new — is that there are “two Clevelands.” There’s one that’s very wealthy with its restaurants and its corporate investments. And there’s the other Cleveland that’s not as wealthy, doesn’t get positive attention in the press, and is fairly widespread. Cleveland is a diverse city. Can art — and dance, in particular — bridge those cities? Yeah. That’s the whole point of art — to bridge anything together. And with art, you can take it however

People see the tourism bureau and these messages being broadcast that everything is really good here. And, yeah, I love Cleveland. It’s great. But there’s a willful ignorance of what’s going on on the streets. And a lot of that stuff can be negative. Lots of violence. But so much of this underground arts scene is so positive. People are missing out. When people want to learn about hip-hop, they can come here. Even this place represents something

There is always a graffiti version of Daisun Santana watching him. (Photo by Eric Sandy)

you want. Art can definitely connect the two Clevelands — the three, four Clevelands — together, and everyone would have an understanding as to what they want to represent.

coming from nothing. The way it looked before, it was complete crap. The way I got it — I did this all on my own, through dance. The money I used for this I got through working cruise lines as a breaker, an artist working on my own. I could have taken that money and moved to LA and made my money living in the commercial world. LA has a really good “jobs” scene for dancers. Here, in Cleveland, I want to create jobs and opportunities for dancers to grow. I come from the streets. And I’ve gone worldwide — China, Australia, everywhere — competing. That’s my goal for others. I want to inspire kids from the city. Just because you’re from Cleveland doesn’t mean you can’t go anywhere worldwide. You can do anything in any aspect, whether (points to my notebook) it’s journalism or it’s dance or (looks at couch) making couches. Anything. You can make it. You can make it your thing, and everyone can know you’re from Cleveland. That’s my whole push. Competitive? Yes. But competitive because I want to represent my city. I’m the only person doing this competitively here, so I feel like it’s my job to let the world know that, yo, Cleveland right here! Everywhere I go, everyone has these really negative things to say about Cleveland. So it’s taking all that and flipping it and saying, like, there’s much more to Cleveland than what you see and hear about. Come here and you will see.

esandy@clevescene.com t @ericsandy

You can make a difference in advancing women’s health. Women ages 45-65 are needed to participate in a 90-day clinical trial. Call 216-844-4444

If you are a post-menopausal female, you may be eligible to participate in a unique research study that promotes women’s health. Compensation provided. For more information, contact the Clinical Trials Unit

216-844-4444 email info@case.edu. www.clevelandaids.org/ring

maurice hines is

tappin’ thru life

“...near-perfect tribute to his rich

”

and rhythmic life... Seriously good.

— atlanta journal-constitution

written by and starring Maurice Hines | directed by Jeff calHoun

“ It is a fun night of song, dance and, perhaps most importantly, class.”

— theatremania.com

216.241.6000 | clevelandplayhouse.com | sTudenT TIcKeTs JusT $15 |

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

maY 30 - jun 29 ALLEN THEATRE

FEATURE

Scallops from L’Albatros, featured on page 16. (Photo courtesy of BurkleHagen Photography)

“Where do we eat?“ That’s a very simple question that often warrants a very complicated answer. Well, that depends on who we’re with, what part of town we find ourselves in, how much cash we feel like burning through, and maybe even how hung-over we happen to feel. But more often than not, we will end up sitting at a table in one of the following restaurants. And that’s precisely how we approached the compilation of this list. Living in a city blessed with talented chefs and exceptional restaurants, we diners have no shortage of places to spend our dough. But when compelled to choose — as diners are every night they elect to leave the cooking to somebody else — we gravitate to the places that make us feel special, the places that consistently execute on food, service and setting, the places that we never regret choosing. In short, our favorite restaurants.

By Doug Trattner

THE GREENHOUSE TAVERN

What we recommend: Local beet salad and grass-fed Ohio beef shoulder

downtown

A whole roasted pig face might sound like a dish designed to shock more than satisfy, but that’s where chef Jonathon Sawyer differs from the pack. The genesis of this immensely satisfying — and, yes, shocking — dish was not spectacle, but rather practicality. In a nose-to-tail restaurant like Greenhouse, no part of the animal is wasted. The trick is figuring out how to make your customers hand over their hard-earned cash for the wrong end of a pig. The answer: Make it fucking awesome. When you combine fearlessness with culinary brilliance, you end up with a restaurant that routinely destroys boundaries, births trends and brings everybody along for the gut-pleasing ride. What we recommend: Foie grassteamed clams and properly butchered rib steak

Eric Williams didn’t invent modern Mexican cuisine, but he certainly introduced a large number of Clevelanders to the concept. His fine form, honed from years spent in top kitchens, provides the chef with the skills and confidence to bend cuisines into something new, exciting and delicious. Sure, considerable exposure has placed Momocho squarely on the see-and-be-seen list of restaurants. But when the crowds thin, and the tourists head back from whence they came, this hip Ohio City tavern always reverts back to its roots as a warm, convivial neighborhood tavern. What we recommend: Guacamole sampler and smoked trout and crab chilaquiles

LOLA BISTRO

SPICE KITCHEN + BAR

downtown

Every god needs a temple, even the culinary ones. Cleveland is Michael Symon’s parish, and when those parishioners want to worship the man who brings heaps of praise onto our city’s food scene, they do so here, at Lola, the unofficial shrine to the “Rust Belt Revival.” Food tourists book tables here months out, locals grab seats at the bar last minute, high-rollers set up shop at the chef’s table near the open kitchen — and all of them leave a little lighter in the wallet, heavier in the belly, and happier for the opportunity to brush with greatness. Whether he’s in the house or not, Symon’s direction can be felt in every course. What we recommend: Beef cheek pierogies and grilled calves heart

ohio city

Chef-owner Ben Bebenroth was doing just fine with his high-end catering company Spice of Life, hosting daydreamy Plated Landscape feasts in bucolic settings around Northeast Ohio, when he decided to take a chance on a cursed corner location in Gordon Square. That was more than two years ago, and in that time Spice has grown into a neighborhood fixture, a restaurant that so seamlessly fits with the residents’ eco-friendly sensibilities that you wonder how they got along without it all these years. More so than almost any chef in town, Bebenroth takes local, sustainable, and seasonal to heart — and makes abiding by the land a pain-free proposition. What we recommend: Polenta chickpea fries and rabbit gnocchi ANATOLIA CAFE

ohio city

Running a restaurant is hard work, which explains why so many chefs are somber, serious types. But when Steve Schimoler rode into town on his magic bus from never-never land, he instantaneously elevated the mood of the entire local food scene. He approaches his menu as a boy would approach an erector set — but in place of beams, pulleys and motors, the chef employs seasonal veggies, meats and seafood. And the results are no less fun: playful, eye-catching and dropdead delicious. Schimoler’s boundless boyhood spirit proves that true artists don’t have to be cheerless bastards. What we recommend: Crispy pork belly and a big pile of crop pasta

gordon square

ohio city

Long before “farm-to-table” was a trite catchphrase, and the local farmers network still was in its infancy, chef Karen Small endeavored to fill her dinner plates with food from area farms instead of national trucks. It wasn’t easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. In so doing, she — along with a small handful of other progressive chefs — helped transform Cleveland from a lackluster Midwestern flyover food town to what it is today: a shining example of how farms, chefs and restaurants can work together to help save the planet while turning out delicious, contemporary fare.

CROP BISTRO & BAR

cleveland hts

Before Yashar Yildirim opened Anatolia Cafe — first at Cedar Center, then later on Lee Road — most of us knew precious little about Turkish cuisine. Now, thanks to this restaurant and the half dozen that followed in its footsteps, we’re practically döner pros. Yildirim was a pioneer in more ways than one; his sparkling renovation of 5,000 square feet at the southern end of the Cedar Lee District was by no means a safe bet. But thanks to the satisfying simplicity of Turkish cuisine, with its refreshing dips, flavorful grilled meats and fish, and aromatic stews, Clevelanders became

PIER W

lakewood

If you, like many people, haven’t been to Pier W in a while, you’re missing out on a pretty special experience. It’s not often that a so-called “special occasion” restaurant manages to succeed as a great neighborhood bistro, too. The contemporary bar and lounge is one of the best places on the West Side to spend happy hour, where delicious small plates and bar snacks merge with creative craft cocktails. For a more graceful meal, plant roots in the tiered dining room, where every seat boasts jaw-dropping views of the water and distant skyline. But unlike most “menus with a view,” this place offers both form and function. Executive chef Regan Reik sources some of the freshest fish in town, and treats it with the respect it deserves. What we recommend: Lobster bisque and Georges Bank diver scallops

pork in all its pink, piggy glory. While lofty in pedigree and provenance, the fare is easy-going, approachable and otherworldly when it comes to taste. What we recommend: Meat board and pork schnitzel EDWINS

It’s one thing to train ex-cons to work in a fast food restaurant, but it’s another to place them in all stations of a fine French bistro. That’s precisely what Brandon Chrostowski is doing at this genre-busting, feel-good hit of the restaurant circuit. Far from a stuffy French bistro, Edwins keeps spirits as high as the ceilings thanks to a breezy interior, refreshingly unceremonious service and a magnanimously priced wine list. But the food, overseen by French-born chef Gilbert Brenot, is what lures diners back time and again, for garlicky frogs’ legs, escargot, steak au poivre and ripe, funky cheese. What we recommend: Rabbit pie, horseradish-crusted salmon and cheese BAR CENTO

ohio city

It’s never easy to be the following act for a rising star chef like Jonathon Sawyer, as Mike Nowak was at Bar Cento after Sawyer’s departure. But it wasn’t long at all before diners forgot all about that “other chef” and simply enjoyed the tremendous food exiting the kitchen. Nowak himself moved on, to this brick-walled bistro down the block, where his ever-growing cadre of fans makes frequent sojourns to enjoy French-inspired fare starring heirloom

ohio city

A revolving-door kitchen is murder on a restaurant, unless that restaurant is Bar Cento, which has developed into a finishing school of sorts for chefs. In just about six years’ time, this Ohio City hotspot has “graduated” three high-profile chefs who have — or are about to — open their own food ops. Bar Cento pulls off the improbable by maintaining a core set of beliefs and standards, while giving their top toques the room to play within them. While one can always expect to find fly pies and locally sourced mains, the toppings and treatments are ever evolving. After all, why go back to a place that offers no surprises? What we recommend: Beer-steamed mussels and lardo pizza LOLITA

THE BLACK PIG

shaker square

tremont

Because we’re nostalgic, that’s why. Because some of us remember when we had Michael Symon all to ourselves, when his personality still fit within the walls of this epic Tremont bistro. Plenty has changed since the chef opened the original Lola here, but not so much within the space. Fans of “the good old days” appreciate Lolita, which replaced Lola when it moved downtown, for its neighborhood sensibilities. Intimate, personal, comfortable and convivial, Lolita reminds us through food and mood

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

THE FLYING FIG

MOMOCHO MOD MEX

supporters of the man, the restaurant, and the cuisine in general. What we recommend: Sautéed calf’s liver and iskender

what it was like when the Cleveland food revolution started in earnest. What we recommend: Crispy pig tails and ears and roasted chicken SOHO KITCHEN & BAR

ohio city

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Just when you think Ohio City had published some sort of secret manual that restaurant operators had to adhere to just to open their doors, along come Nolan and Molly with designs of their own. SoHo doesn’t really fit the mold established by its brethren, and for that we couldn’t be more pleased. No farmto-table American bistro this, SoHo instead heads south to Low Country land and returns with lip-smacking, finger-licking, toe-tapping feasts of creamy shrimp and grits, mahogany fried chicken and aromatic, seafood-rich boils. Not much larger than the parlor of a quaint Victorian, this restaurant is agreeably intimate and hospitable — just like the folks who run it. A topnotch American whiskey selection is the gravy on the country-fried steak. What we recommend: Pimento cheese dip and shrimp and grits

MOXIE THE RESTAURANT

beachwood

More of Cleveland’s top chefs have made their way through this Beachwood kitchen than almost any other. Moxie debuted way back in 1997, just a few months after Lola opened in Tremont. Opening chef Doug Katz and his sous chef, Tim Bando, worked from a theatrical open kitchen in a high-ceilinged dining room that seemed plucked from a much hipper ’burg than Beachwood. Together, they showed how cool and current American food could be when crafted from highquality ingredients and prepared with classic French technique. That Moxie is every bit as relevant today as it was 17 years ago is proof that talent trumps trends any day of the week. What we recommend: Raw oysters

Red has established itself as the preeminent steakhouse downtown. (Photo courtesy of Red, the Steakhouse)

and citrus-crusted cod RED, THE STEAKHOUSE beachwood, downtown Steaks are like burgers; everybody thinks they can cook them at home. Red shows us that while you might indeed be able to cook a steak at home, it will have about as much in common with what’s served here as a Chihuahua does with a Great Dane. There’s a bit of alchemy that goes on behind those swinging doors that transforms a fine ol’ flank o’ beef into one of life’s greatest joys. The char, the fat, the salt, the blood: A great steak served on white china is what separates man from beast. Be a man. What we recommend: Brad’s stuffed hot peppers and USDA Prime ribeye L’ALBATROS

university circle

We could very easily have included most of Zack Bruell’s restaurants on this list because the guy seems to hit a homerun every time he picks up a bat. But more than any other Bruell spot, L’Albatros manages to make diners feel special in ways that other restaurants do not. In short, it’s a special-occasion restaurant that needn’t be reserved for special occasions. We love the out-of-the-way locale, the historydripping old carriage house, and that romance-inducing magic-garden patio. But without stellar food and service, all of the former would be mere window

dressing. Grab the lengthy one-page menu, point your finger at some French words and phrases, and know that whatever the kitchen sends out will knock your socks off. What we recommend: Pork rillettes, duck confit and various cheeses FLOUR RESTAURANT

moreland hills

Flour is one of the few restaurants that always manages to have a few surprises up its sleeves regardless how often one visits. On its surface, it’s a contemporary Italian bistro, with familiar-sounding dishes like stuffed peppers, calamari, Neapolitan pizzas, and pasta galore. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that regardless how familiar a dish might sound, there’s always more to the story. In place of linguini with clam sauce you get cockles with spaghetti and caviar. Short ribs are char-grilled before a slow braise in red wine and chocolate milk. Eggs Benny features fried mortadella in place of dry-ass Canadian bacon. When you have talent the likes of Paul Minnillo and Matt Mytro — “Old School” and “New School” — in the kitchen, it’s best to keep gaps between visits as brief as possible. What we recommend: Chorizo-stuffed dates and porchetta alla Romana CORK & CLEAVER SOCIAL KITCHEN broadview hts

We’ll spare you the tired “big city bistro in a sleepy suburban strip mall”

anecdote and simply focus on the meaty bits. Cork and Cleaver is run by two of the most dedicated and passionate practitioners of the craft that we have in a city chock full of dedicated and passionate practitioners. Chefpartners Brian Okin and Adam Bostwick routinely push boundaries, but never at the expense of diner satisfaction. This is serious food — and this is fun food. C&C’s wheelhouse is American comfort with a twist, like chicken and waffles featuring meat that has been brined, confitted, stripped from the bones, molded into nuggets, breaded and deep fried. The roundly and rightly popular Rueben ribs are a delicious revelation. What we recommend: The Board and Rueben ribs FIRE FOOD AND DRINK shaker square

It’s a challenge to keep the attention of diners in a culinary market as dynamic as ours. It’s even harder to do so for years on end on the east side of Cleveland, where dining at new restaurants is blood sport. Chef-owner Doug Katz has been doing that for more than a decade in a location that can be murder on restaurants: Shaker Square. The restaurant has thrived because it is one of the most consistently excellent options in town in terms of food, service and atmosphere. If Fire opened up tomorrow in Tremont looking just as it did 13 years back, it still would win Best New Restaurant:

Come Explore! Our Inventory Changes Daily. Jewelry, Art, Furniture, Books, Vintage Clothing, Modernism, Curiosities, and More!

3000 Sq. Ft. on 2 Levels 1771 Coventry Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Open 11:30-5:30 Mon thru Sat. 216-321-2515 www.AttensonsAntiques.com

BREAKING NEWS. HOT OFFTHE INTERNET PRESS.

Only at clevescene.com SCENE

take a closer look at youth homelessness.

Learn more and donate at saveCLEkids.org.

Hundreds of Beers. Skillfully Presented. Tickets to the 2nd World Beer Festival Festival—Cleveland Cleveland at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica—On Sale Now!

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

Saturday, June 14th, 2014 VIP Session: $75, 12-5pm GA Session: $40, 1-5pm

Get more info at

WorldBeerFestival.com

Thanks To our 2014 sponsors sponsor s :

• Sample from the whole world of beer, local, national and international • Stroll through the Art of Beer Experience with educational seminars, cask ale and visit a mini commercial brewery!

rampantbrands.com

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: GrEAT Gr LAKES BrEwInG Co., 2516 MArKET AVE, CLEVELAnd 44113

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

150+ Beers, 75+ Breweries, Amazing Tastings!

that’s how timeless the place is. Katz owns the farm-to-table America bistro genre, where the season’s best ingredients are coaxed into flavorforward plates of perfection. What we recommend: Crispy chicken livers and tandoor roasted pork chop

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

SZECHUAN GOURMET

asiatown

If you let it, dining out still can be an adventure. Most of us go through our days ordering the same dishes at the same restaurants because we know what comes next. Dine at Szechuan Gourmet and it’s all a delicious crapshoot. The menu is long and obtuse, lacking anything resembling a description. Categories like “soup” and “entrée” are more suggestion than actual grouping. But that’s all part of the charm of this Asian eatery inside the Tink Holl market, where dishes are foreign, exotic and earth-shatteringly delicious. Dishes hum with the energy of 10,000 Sichuan peppercorns, which produce a tonguetingling buzz that you never want to end. What we recommend: Cucumbers with chile and vinegar and dried pot beef FAHRENHEIT

tremont

Cleveland doesn’t often export its concepts; we’re more of a borrower. But Chef Rocco Whalen has seeded Charlotte, N.C. with some genuine Cleveland DNA with the recent opening of a Fahrenheit 21 floors above the clean city streets. North Carolinians are now discovering what we have known for years: that Whalen has a knack for delivering explosive food that resonates with damn near every diner. His pizzas are more addictive than crack, and his Kobe beef short ribs on lo mein noodles have been known to invade people’s dreams. But more than anything, this Tremont bistro buzzes with the sort of energy that convinces diners that they made reservations at the right spot. You

Superior Pho was among the first to serve pho and it remains the best. (Photo by Emanuel Wallace)

want buyer’s remorse? Eat somewhere else. What we recommend: Vietnamese chicken spring rolls and Kobe beef short ribs FAT CATS

tremont

Have you forgotten about Fat Cats, the Tremont bistro that opened one month after Lola? This joint helped place the neighborhood on the map, and along with Lola kick-started a culinary revolution that later spread throughout the city. Who didn’t walk into that 100-year-old house on the end of a dog-eared block in a scrappy urban enclave and get blown away by the entire vibe? It’s still there, and it’s still one of the sweetest perches in town to enjoy creative small plates, Southern Italian classics and Asian-fusion mash-ups. We adore Fat Cats for its intimate charm, warm-hearted service and unpretentious food. This is what a true Cleveland legend looks like. What we recommend: Sweet potato fried shrimp and duck breast SUPERIOR PHO

asiatown

Little known fact: When Superior Pho opened up eight or so years ago, most of us had never even heard of let alone sampled this Vietnamese staple. Sure, there were a few tepid versions buried on ethnic menus around town, but nobody had devoted an entire restaurant (and nest egg) to the noodle soup until Manh Nguyen opened shop.

Lucky for us, he got things right. Had he not, a whole major new trend might never have gotten off the ground. Service is swift, prices are fair, and the bowls of heady beef broth, chewy noodles, random bits of meat, and vegetal accoutrements are guaranteed to brighten even the darkest of days. What we recommend: Chicken cabbage salad and large-size #2 TOAST

gordon square

Toast isn’t much like other restaurants. It’s the unique creation of its owner, Jillian Davis, and thus is a one-off in terms of concept, décor and menu. That’s just fine with us because she’s got great taste when it comes to picking wine, picking cocktails and picking chefs. Soon-to-be-wed partners Jennifer Plank and Joe Horvath bring a little bit of the country farmhouse vibe into the heart of Gordon Square, where adorable little plates change with the weather. The toast trio is a nifty starter, perfect with a glass of wine or a signature cocktail. The rustic housemade charcuterie is required eating, as is pretty much anything else exiting the tiny kitchen. What we recommend: Deviled eggs and ramp carbonara GINKO RESTAURANT

tremont

It takes a master chef like Dante Boccuzzi to open a truly exceptional sushi restaurant like Ginko. Who else

would invest all that dough in a worldclass sushi chef and coolers stocked with the freshest fish flown in daily from the Tskiji Fish Market in Tokyo? Cleveland has been lucky enough in the sushi genre, with one or two really good places at any given time. But when Ginko opened up it instantly raised the bar, defined the category and presented locals with the kind of sushi bar typically found in big coastal cities. Take a seat at the counter and let chef Noma-San school you with his offerings of deftly cut fish. The funky subterranean setting adds to the entire experience, offering a cocoon-like setting where the focus lands squarely on the plate. What we recommend: Omakase tasting menu TOMMY’S RESTAURANT

coventry

Some joints get grandfathered into lists like this one, and if you haven’t eaten at Tommy’s in recent years, you might think this one has too. But in a city lousy with copycat concepts and mimeographed menus, Tommy’s remains a true original, a place where picking up the monster menu feels both warmly familiar and refreshingly unique. I mean, who the hell else sells dozens of various meat pies, escarole and potato pies and toasted cheese sandwiches? One of the few establishments where vegetarians and carnivores (if not Republicans) can peaceably coexist, Tommy’s is a holdover from another generation. This timeless gem earns its

5 OFF

We Support Local Glass Artists

We Are Your Hookah Hook-Up!

With Any Purchase over $25 or more! ONE COUPON PER VISIT!

While supplies last. Valid with coupon only. Must be used by June 12, 2014. MV

WE SMOKE THE COMPETITION

With the neWest, latest and greatest products on the market! “ROLL” ON OVER TO ONE OF OUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Coming Akron Mayfield Heights Soon to Mentor! 1091 E. Tallmadge Ave. 5890 Mayfield Rd. 7488

440-683-4298

Mentor Ave.

330-794-7856

www.twistedheadz.net

• DIGITAL SCALES • BIOHAZARD • PURE GLASS • DETOX

WILDBERRY • PAX • E-CIGARETTE • BENT GLASS •

o r w ” Again! HereOpWenein“g G soon in Mentor!

FORMULA 420 • VAPORIZERS • TOBACCO PIPES • HOOKAHS • QUICK FIX

IS THIS HEAVEN?

1848 West 25th Street, Corner of West 25th & Bridge Ohio City - Market District- Cleveland 216-861-5643 Find us on Facebook/Old Angle

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

NO, IT’S THE OLD ANGLE TAVERN

place on this list every single day it flips the sign on the door from “closed” to “open.”. What we recommend: Aunt Gay sandwich and chocolate-banana milkshake SOKOLOWSKI’S UNIVERSITY INN tremont

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

It took the James Beard Foundation 91 years to figure out what Clevelanders have known for generations: that Sokolowski’s is an American Classic. The restaurant was the recipient of that precious Beard award earlier this month, confirming that hearty Polish comfort foods are every bit as deserving of dangling metal pendants as foo-foo foodie fare. We love Sokolowski’s because it’s an honest reflection of our roots, dished up with zero pretention in a rustic tavern setting. This is food you don’t have to contemplate; this is food that isn’t deconstructed; this is food that is so familiar it feels like the meals Mom would make us. That’s because it is. What we recommend: Stuffed cabbage and rice pudding

SLYMAN’S RESTUARANT quarter arts

These days, every corner store and pub claims to serve “Cleveland’s Best Corned Beef.” That’s bullshit, of course, because Slyman’s has been the reigning champ for decades. Unhinge your jaw and sink your enamels deep into a fresh-sliced Slyman’s corned beef sammie and you’re enjoying one of the finest food experiences in town. Butter-soft and sweet, with whiffs of rye and mustard, these beef bombs seem to melt on contact. But there’s more to Slyman’s than pink meats; there’s the hot turkey with fries and gravy, the egg salad sandwiches and the Reubens, to name a few. Like Sokolowski’s, the crowds here so accurately represent a demographic cross-section of our populace that you could knock out a

Pillows of corned beef piled high as the eye can see. (Photo by Anastasia Pantsios)

census sampling with one quick visit. What we recommend: Corned beef sandwich with a Coke TREMONT TAP HOUSE

tremont

The Tremont Tap House gets so many of the little things right that they make it all look so damn easy. To prove how easy it ain’t, simply walk into any just about any other “gastropub” and start taking notes. The craft beer selection is excellent, with more than enough crowd-pleasers for both the beer geeks and the hopchallenged. Equally important is the draftdispensing system and its upkeep, both of which deserve props. An ideal mate for the brew, the menu is jam packed with lively, agreeable fare, priced for the everyday budget. It’s never a challenge designing the perfect meal here thanks to the delicate ratio of sharable snacky foods to two-fisted sandwiches and larger bistro-style mains. The vibe is West Coast, the service East Coast, and the ownership 100-percent North Coast. What we recommend: Pork belly nachos and lamb burger BLUE POINT GRILLE

downtown

There should be a place in all of our hearts for the Blue Point Grille. Along with Johnny’s Downtown, Piccolo Mondo and Greek Isles, Blue Point was in on the ground floor of the Warehouse District dining boom. Today, it’s one of the last bastions of the movement. It’s hard not to be impressed when you cross the

threshold of this 19th-century structure, with its soaring ceilings, sweeping brick arches and expansive front windows. Dining here still feels special thanks to the spectacular setting, high-quality fish and seafood, and never-say-no staffers. Oysters on the half shell, Copper River salmon, Nantucket bay scallops and fresh Alaskan king crab are just some of the seasonal treats to land on diners’ plates. What we recommend: Oysters Rockefeller and grouper with lobster mashers DANTE

tremont

After years spent globetrotting through places like London, Milan, Hong Kong, San Francisco and New York, native Clevelander and nationally recognized chef Dante Boccuzzi came back to claim his spot as one Cleveland’s most famous chefs. In the years that followed he has gone on to open multiple restaurants, including another one that made this list. But Dante always will be his signature, eponymous restaurant, one that showcases through fine-tuned food the chef’s knack for blending Italian, American and Asian influences. He has a true gift when it comes to seafood and pasta, both of which get plenty of airtime at this stunning Tremont bistro. What we recommend: Hawaiian tuna tartare and linguini alla carbonara LI WAH

asiatown

There aren’t many things worth waking

up for on a Sunday, but dim sum at this sprawling Asiatown restaurant is one of them. Round up a small posse, plant a flag in a huge round table, and proceed to load it up with every conceivable steamed and fried bun, dumpling and roll. The beauty of this process is that it’s a pointand-shoot affair; simply keep your eyes peeled for things that look tasty and ask for one (or two). Portions are small and prices are too, so order a large variety of items whether you’ve tried them before or not. Be brave and sample the congee, a creamy rice porridge, and the chicken feet, which are fried and braised until melt-inyour-mouth tender. And drink tea, lots and lots of tea. What we recommend: Turnip cakes, shumai and BBQ pork buns BÂC ASIAN AMERICAN BISTRO & BAR tremont

This restaurant earned its way into our hearts and onto this list thanks to a winning concept that fuses a mom-andpop ethnic shop with the friendly corner tavern. Bac and company pluck the most compelling dishes off Thai, Vietnamese and other Asian menus and then prepare and plate them in contemporary styles. Portions are generous, prices are more than fair, and service and seating are just what you’d expect from your pals at the corner. The lunchtime bento boxes have grown to become the sleeper hit of the neighborhood, and when happy hour rolls around, $5 apps and discounted cocktails attract a

Advertise with SCENE. Call 216-241-7550 for more information.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Sit down with your guests.

consistent base. What we recommend: Pork steamed buns and Pad Thai PURA VIDA BY BRANDT

downtown

Hidden in plain sight, Pura Vida is located smack dab in the middle of Cleveland. Yet this Public Square bistro doesn’t always sit top of mind when it’s time to eat. That’s too bad because chef-owner Brandt Evans is turning out some of the cleanest, sharpest plates around. Spotless salads, balanced bisques, brilliant sandwiches and globally inspired meat and fish entrees all are dished up in this gleaming-white jewel box. For a guy perhaps best known for the meat-tastic offerings at Blue Canyon, Evans surprisingly has become the go-to chef for fresh, thoughtfully prepared vegan and vegetarian fare. Go figure. Then go eat at Pura Vida. What we recommend: African peanut stew and Korean fried chicken

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

LUCKY’S CAFÉ

tremont

Breakfast, we are so often told, is the most important meal of the day, even when eaten, as we so often do, after noon. Greasy-spoon diners are alright by us, but when we want to up our game and invest in a meal plucked fresh from the earth, made from scratch with skill, and served in place that doesn’t reek of stale coffee, we make a pilgrimage to Lucky’s. If you don’t think farm-fresh eggs, local butter and milk, and happy-harvested meats make a difference — and thus, aren’t worth the added expense — then find the nearest Denny’s. That will free up a few more in-demand seats at our favorite neighborhood café. What we recommend: Scones and sausage gravy and the Shipwreck UMAMI ASIAN KITCHEN chagrin falls

If you’re looking for the 30 most-booked seats in town, you’ve come to the right place. Chef Matt Anderson packs diners

Delectable small plates satisfy big appetites at the Standard. (Photo by Jenna Conforti)

in twice nightly at this petite suburban bistro thanks to a menu that is never static but always exceptional. Running such a small restaurant allows the chef to operate a little differently from those larger places. He gets his hands on a small cache of primo blue fin tuna belly and it’s on diners’ plates in minutes. Sushi and seafood shine, as do heartier entrees like bone-in pork chops and duck breast. Most dishes feature mindful nods to Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine, which also translates to delicious vegetarian-friendly entrees built around tofu, noodles and grains. What we recommend: Crispy fried tofu and Massaman curry chicken RISTORANTE CHINATO

downtown

There is nothing more exhausting than suffering one’s way through mediocre Italian food: mountains of starch, buckets of red sauce, dried-out balls o’ beef. That’s why Zack Bruell’s elegant, light-handed touch on the topic was such a breath of fresh air when it opened four years back on East Fourth Street — and still is today. Bruell refines and redefines classic dishes in typical Bruellian fashion, concentrating the flavors, enhancing the textures, and eliminating anything that gets in the way. Like most of Bruell’s bistros, Chinato is a stunning restaurant, designed from the ground up to make diners feel special. From the high-ceilinged dining room and open kitchen to the polished service and extravagant wine list, this is the type of

restaurant it’s easy to lose track of time in, and aren’t those the very best kind? What we recommend: Pappardelle with creamed cauliflower and Amaronebraised beef THE STANDARD

north collinwood

For the diner who requires two pounds of chow for supper, The Standard might not be for you. For those who prefer to sample more than a few creative dishes in one stimulating meal, beat feet to this sparkling N. Collinwood bistro. Few and far between are menus like this one, where every dish sounds like money in the bank. And thanks to rational portions and appropriate pricing, we don’t have to settle on just one. Graze your way through 4-dollar small plates, 6-dollar salads, 10-dollar pastas and 12-dollar meat dishes. The treatments are American, the preparations are well executed, and the flavors are high-style comfort all the way. What we recommend: Crispy arancini and shrimp and grits DEAGAN’S KITCHEN & BAR

lakewood

Dan Deagan might not have invented the gastropub concept, nor even been the first operator to import it to Cleveland, but he succeeds where so many others fail that it’s impossible not to heap praise. The only sane way to drink one’s way through the latest crop of high-test IPAs is to pair those pours with food. Here, that’s a breeze thanks to a solid selection

of chef-tested snacks, small plates and mains. Sure there are wings, but there also are bacon-wrapped scallops, short rib-topped nachos and fried chicken and waffles. Always lively, well-staffed and neighborly, Deagan’s is the kind of joint people buy houses just to be near. What we recommend: Spicy shrimp tacos and fish and chips LAGO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR downtown

For years, Lago survived in a crowded Tremont marketplace, a safe bet for diners who might have been shut out of their first choice. But that all changed when the Italian restaurant relocated to the Flats East Bank, where it found fresh energy and emerged as a new Cleveland powerhouse. The uber-urban setting is one of the sharpest in town, giving diners more than enough reason to head down to the river. Owner Fabio Salerno and outgoing chef Lanny Chin have cultivated a wide-ranging menu that covers a lot of ground and does so in fine form. Start with charcuterie, move on to meatballs, share some pizza, slurp some seafood pasta, sink a knife deep into a fat filet; meals here are like unplanned road trips, where it’s not so much the destination but the course one takes. What we recommend: Sautéed calamari and lobster gnocchi

dtrattner@clevescene.com t @dougtrattner

Look Beautiful And Professional! Call For Appt. 216.226.8616

Keep your haircut fresh. Groom your nails, polished manicure or natural nails buffed. Color your hair to look younger or top style.

Full service salon for females. check or cash • Free Private Parking • Call for appointment.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014 23

PRODUCED BY

300+ artists

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Hands On art activities

4 stages 50+ performances

More than 300 fine art and fine craft artists 4 stages of live performances Gourmet fare featuring Columbus’ finest restaurants VIP package available Adult & Children’s Hands On Activities Art Demonstrations

ColumbusArtsFestival.org

GET OUT! thu

05/29

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD DO THIS WEEK Lucent Dossier Experience swipes a scene from Flashdance. See: Tuesday.

COMEDY

All-In Comedy Tour The so-called “Unholy Trinity of Laughs” is coming tonight in the form of the Monday Morning Podcast Tour. Bill Burr picked his three favorite comedians — Joe Bartnick, Paul Virzi and Jason Lawhead — and put them together onstage to form a powerful trio of laughs. Native Clevelander Jason Lawhead falls short in everything from favorite sports teams to finances and relationships, and his failures fuel his humor. Big Apple native Paul Virzi is a family guy whose humor often revolves around his kids and wife and the ways he uses them for his own gain, while Joe Bartnick veers into political and social territory most would be afraid to even mention. Tonight’s show starts at 8 at Hilarities and runs each night through Sunday. Tickets range from $20 to $23. (Liz Trenholme)

2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

MUSIC

11021 East Blvd., 216-791-5000, cim.edu. COMEDY

Creepy Larry Larry Reeb is creepy. Dubbed “Uncle Lar,” this guy likes to talk about

1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com. FILM

Double Feature We all know about the big blockbuster films that have been filmed in Cleveland. But plenty of indie flicks are still getting made here too. The Crimson House, a horror film about three amateur paranormal investigators who try to capture paranormal activity on film, and Scum, a horror film that features dialogue from interviews with real serial killers, were both shot in town. Both productions also used local talent. It features a soundtrack composed of music from Northeast Ohio/Cleveland bands including the High Gears and Smoke Noises. The movies make their world debuts tonight at 7 at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are $5. (Jeff Niesel)

1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com. MUSIC

Fantastique Voyage Conductor Vladimir Jurowski leads the Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall tonight as it performs three 20th-century works. A suite from Sergei Prokofiev’s 1940 ballet Cinderella features some of the composer’s most melodic music, depicting the classic fairytale in lush imagery. Inspired by the life of bees, Scherzo Fantastique is one of Igor Stravinsky’s early orchestral works. In the midst of a world tour, violinist Janine Jansen joins the orchestra for Benjamin Britten’s Violin Concerto. This work was composed in 1938 and 1939 and contains subtle nods to Beethoven, Prokofiev and Bach. Tonight’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with repeat performances at 11 a.m. tomorrow (sans concerto) and at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets start at $31. (Gonzalez)

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com. ARTS

Graphic Stuff What’s better than a graphic novel, a

beer and high art? Nothing. As part of LiterArti, a Cleveland Museum of Art-founded discussion group, the public is encouraged to gather at the Underdog (the basement of the Happy Dog) and discuss the month’s selection of literature. Tonight at 7 p.m. The Salon, a graphic novel with heavy allusions to the art world, will be discussed. (Then, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, you can join the group at the art museum to explore the art of Picasso, Braque and others referenced in the novel. (Patrick Stoops)

5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.

fri

05/30

ARTS

All-City Musical As an annual partnership between the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Great Lakes Theater, teachers, theater professionals and Cleveland students, the All-City Musical brings together a wide array of talent. Now in its 15th year, the collaboration presents Rent, the musical that has permeated every ounce of American culture. Its beloved story, message of living in the moment and shabby-

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Bloch Party The America-Israel Arts Foundation presents the Ariel Quartet in concert tonight at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The string quartet formed in Israel and relocated to the U.S. to further its work, garnering much critical acclaim. Tonight it’ll perform with guest pianist Tomer Gewirtzman. The concert will feature music by Bach and Beethoven. It will also include Robert Schumann’s seminal Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op.44. The Baal Shem suite for violin by CIM’s first music director, Ernest Bloch, will be performed on the composer’s own instrument. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in Mixon Hall, and tickets are $15. (Eric Gonzalez)

watching porn at the library and the unfairness of bestiality being illegal while hunting is not. His politically incorrect jokes and odd antics can be pretty funny though, and his insights on reality TV are golden. The show starts tonight at 7:30 at the Improv and performances are scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $17 to $20. (Trenholme)

GET OUT! chic bohemian aesthetic make for a touching and important look into the artistic lifestyle. The musical is only showing this weekend in the Ohio Theatre. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15. (Stoops) 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org. ARTS

Art for Art’s Sake Tonight’s opening at SPACES is all about art influencing art. TAG is a special collaboration that lets two artists play a game with their work. Thu Tran and Jason Eppink will spend the next month creating new works in the gallery. Each week, they take over each other’s work without discussing what they will do to it. The public is invited to view their progress; it all leads up to a “Big Reveal” at the end of each week. Tonight’s event unveils the first round of the event/ exhibit. Admission is free and the doors open at 6. (Gonzalez) 2220 Superior Viaduct, 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

SPORTS

26 Twilight_Scene_May2FINAL.indd 1

A Colorado High Late May is beautiful baseball weather. Tonight, Lord “Lonnie Baseball” Chisenhall, Dr. Smooth and the gang will take on the grass-fed, pot-smoking Rockies of Colorado for a three-game series beginning in an RNC finalist faceoff. The Colorado Rockies have distinguished themselves in the first quarter of the MLB season as the hardest hitting team in baseball. They’ve got more home runs and RBIs than anyone, and batting averages to rival Lord Chiz himself. The Tigers’ sweep and the extra inning heroics from the cobbled-together Tribe bullpen have been fun to watch, but if the Indians are going to hang with the Rockies, they’ll need runs, and lots of them. Game tonight is at 7:05 p.m., tomorrow at 3:05 p.m and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Lord only knows who will be pitching. (Allard) 2401 Ontario St., 216-916-6100, clevelandindians.com.

5/2/2014 9:41:46 AM

FILM

Family Matters Is Iranian family drama your idea of waterslide fun? Did you enjoy the critically acclaimed Iranian flick from 2011 A Separation? That same director, the buoyantly goateed Asghar Farhadi, returns with The Past, a story about a woman in France whose estranged Iranian husband returns to finalize a divorce. Except she’s started a new relationship, and the ex is none too pleased. Word on the street is that this is superb in just about every way we measure a movie’s success, not the least of which is star Berenice Bejo, the beauty from 2012’s The Artist, who took home the best actress prize at Cannes for her performance in Farhadi’s latest. It screens tonight at 5 and tomorrow at 6:45 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $9. (Allard) 11141 East Blvd., 216-421-7450, cia.edu. COMEDY

A Force Majeure There might not be a comic currently working the circuit who has more international appeal than Eddie Izzard. The historyobsessed Brit is currently on a tour that will take him to some 25 countries. And he’s endeared himself to the locals by learning to perform in French and German (he’s prepping to do the show in Spanish, Russian and Arabic too). Dubbed Force Majeure, the current show includes lots of good jokes, including a funny segment on how Izzard just doesn’t get musicals. The performance starts tonight at 8 at the Palace Theatre. Tickets are $48.50 to $70. (Niesel) 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org. MUSIC

Guitar Mania An annual tradition that brings some of the world’s best guitarists to town, the 14th annual Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival features a wide variety of classical music. Tonight’s recital featuring Czech guitarist Petra Polácková kicks off the threeday event. The concert takes place at 8 at the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Mixon Hall, where all the

SAMPLE THE BEST OF CLEVELAND’S TOP CHEFS AT THE ROCK HALL!

THIS WEEKEND!

ABC/XYZ AMP 150 BAC BAR CENTO BARRIO BEACHLAND BALLROOM BON BON B SPOT CHEF JOHN SELLICK

“UNCLE” LARRY REEB

· “That’s Another Tip From Your Uncle Lar” · NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” · Voted “Chicago’s Top 5 Standup Comics” · TBS’s “I Married That Girl”

(UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS)

June 6-8

JOHN WITHERSPOON “Pops Is Back!” · “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!” · “You Gotta Co-Ordinate” · “Friday” “Next Friday” · “Friday After Next”

CORK AND CLEAVER DANTE DRIFTWOOD RESTUARNTS MAHALLS MARKET GARDEN BREWERY MELT MOXIE PARKVIEW NITE CLUB PIER W RED THE BLACK PIG TREMONT TAP HOUSE URBAN FARMER ZACH BRUELL RESTAURANTS

SP ENGAGEECMIAL ENT!

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014 27

GET OUT!

ON SAL

NOW!

recitals take place. It’s free but the other four recitals all cost $22 per ticket. Call 216-752-7502 or go to guitarsint.com/guitar_festival for more info. (Niesel) 11021 East Blvd., 216-791-5000, cim.edu.

at today’s Madison Arts District art walk that takes place on Madison between Morrison and McKinley. There will be “baked artistry” on hand as well. Show your receipt of $20 or more from any participating M.A.D. Artwalk business at Mahall’s and get free bowling (today only). It all starts at 1 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. (Trenholme) madisonartsdistrict.wordpress.com.

FILM

WESTBETH ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

Jazz Doc Jazz and cinema are two art forms that developed in tandem, and the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque celebrates this relationship in what’s been dubbed the Double-C JazzFilmFest. This first-ever jazz film series is dedicated to the memory of WCPN’s Jazz Tracks host Bobby Jackson. The series runs until June 21 and serves as a fitting prelude to the Tri-C JazzFest. At 9:20 tonight, you can see the 1959 film Jazz On A Summer’s Day. Director Bert Stern’s documentary is set at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, and it depicts performances by Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Chuck Berry and a score of others. The film also screens at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $9. (Gonzalez) 11141 East Blvd., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.

COMEDY

Local Humor Cleveland’s comedy scene is growing. Apart from creating comedic greats like Drew Carey and Dave Hill, the underground scene is quickly producing solid comedians with unique life perspectives. The Chucklefck comedy shows are at the forefront of this intentionally hilarious movement. For $6 tonight at Reddstone, you can check out some of Cleveland’s funnier assets in this five-comedian-deep line-up. While most of these comedians are still early in their careers, they’re more than capable of creating a night full of laughs. The bar upstairs opens at 9 and the show starts at 10 with $5 burgers, pizzas and wings and drink specials. (Stoops) 1261 West 76th St., 216-651-6969, reddstonecleveland.com. MUSIC

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

MUSIC

Rockin’ in the Free World Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future, the local non-profit devoted to the worthy cause of preserving and nurturing Cleveland’s rock ’n’ roll reputation, has recently partnered with the Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights to host concerts on the last Friday of each month. Local twangers Honeybucket perform tonight. Admission is free and the performance begins at 7. (Niesel) 2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 877-904-4954, facebook.com/ themusicspotcleve.

sat

05/31

ARTS

Art Walk There will be food trucks, local crafts vendors, tarot readings, art demos, a dog rescue and, of course, locally created art for sale

Odd Appeal Celebrating everything that’s odd about jazz, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will feature a variety of tunes in odd time signatures (think Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”) at tonight’s show. Widening its horizons, the CJO incorporates a more international sound; utilizing influences from Viennese waltzes to eastern European dances. Despite the odd time signatures, the songs can still swing. The concert starts at 8 in the Hanna Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $45. (Stoops) Hanna Theatre, 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

sun 06/01 ARTS

Local Talent #ThisIsCLE Music Now: Who’s Rocking NE Ohio Today, the

current show at Space: ROCK, features photos of 36 new local bands who are rocking the North Coast and beyond. In order to promote the show, the gallery hosts a mixer today from 1 to 5 p.m. Cleveland musicians, members of the music community and area music fans are invited to stop by to check out the exhibit. Free refreshments will be served. (Niesel) 15721 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124.

bring you about 80 percent of Cleveland’s comedy, this show features regulars Ramon Rivas, Brian Kenny, Mary Santora and Robbie Bourne with a host of other acts both local and out-of-towners. Tonight, the bar opens at 8 and the show starts at 9:30. Admission is free and the club will offer halfoff drink specials. We can’t think of a better way to start the week. (Stoops) 1212 West Sixth St., 216-479-7717, liquidcleveland.com.

NIGHTLIFE

Shake It Down Probably the best way to kickstart the week is by shaking your ass uncontrollably at Shake It Down, B-Side’s bitchin’ Sunday night electronic shows. DJs Eso and Corey Grand join forces to spin anything and everything: funk, soul, hip-hop, trap, drum and bass, and all sorts of similarly ill shit. Grand’s cred speaks for itself: “Sucka Free Since ’88.” And that same sentiment goes for the Sunday-night throwdown as a whole. Work your way across Coventry all weekend and wrap up the party at B-Side. The DJs start spinning at 10 p.m. (Eric Sandy) 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com. FOOD

mon 06/02 COMEDY

Another Manic Monday Keeping the indie comedy scene alive downtown, Liquid is now hosting Manic Mondays. Put on by Chucklefck, the guys who

Ben is Back Cleveland’s Contemporary Youth Orchestra has programmed some daring music over the years. Director Liza Grossman specializes in contemporary music; she pioneered the Rock the Orchestra program that’s a collaboration between the orchestra and rock legends. John Anderson, Bootsy Collins and Styx are some of the performers who’ve shared the stage with CYO, and tonight Ben Folds sits at the piano bench in Severance Hall to perform his Piano Concerto. Folds is no stranger to classical music. He’s on the board of the Nashville Symphony and is a huge advocate for the genre and music education. This performance is part of his global symphonic tour; the show starts at 7:30. Tickets start at $29. (Gonzalez) 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

SHOWTIMES Thursday: 8:00PM Friday: 8:00PM & 10:15PM

Saturday: 8:00PM & 10:15PM Sunday: 8:00PM

TICKETS ON SALE STARTING AT $13* FOR TICKETS, VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM OR THE ROCKSINO BOX OFFICE FROM 1:00PM - 9:00PM DAILY *not including taxes and fees

comics as seen on hbo, mtv, tbs, comedy central and e! ANDY WOODHULL

PETE GEORGE

MAY 29 - JUNE 1

JUNE 5 - JUNE 8

CARLOS MENCIA

JULIAN MCCULLOUGH

JUNE 12 - JUNE 14

JUNE 19 - JUNE 22

FILM

Movie Mondays Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas hosts $6 Movie Mondays, where film fans can catch up on the latest Hollywood flicks for significantly reduced prices. Bring your friends and family and make Movie Mondays a weekly tradition — many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theater, Capitol Theater, Cedar Lee Theater, Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3D movies. (McConnell) clevelandcinemas.com. NIGHTLIFE

Trivia Pursuits Do you have tons of obscure music

10777 Northfield Road | Northfield, Ohio 44067 330.908.7625| hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com FOR FREE, CONFIDENTIAL HELP 24/7, CALL THE OHIO RESPONSIBLE GAMING HELPLINE AT 1.800.589.9966.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Taste of Lakewood It’s no secret that Lakewood has quickly become a booming hub of yum over the last few years with its plethora of eating establishments. Today’s Taste of Lakewood celebrates this and you can go to Madison Park and experience it all in one place. This year, admission is free and outdoors in order to accommodate the growing crowd it has attracted over the last 10 years. VIP tickets are available for $50 for those who want to “greatly enhance” their experience. Everything starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. (Trenholme) tasteoflakewood.com.

MUSIC

GET OUT! knowledge? Are you a student of fast food menus and their nuanced histories? What say you about the geographic evolution of Scotch whisky? Tonight’s your chance to wow your friends, make yourself instantly more desirable to someone you’re newly dating, and hang with Cleveland’s headiest hipsters and hot dog lovers. It’s the Happy Dog Monday night trivia. Starting at 8 p.m., expect themed rounds — it’s a crapshoot — and general knowledge questions that seem considerably trickier than some of the other live trivia locales in town. Obviously, have a hot dog and a craft brew while you’re at it. And arrive early. The tables fill up quickly. (Allard) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com. FOOD

Vegan Mondays If you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or just plain interested in trying something new, head over

to Townhall in Ohio City this evening from 5 to 10 p.m. for Vegan Night. Work your way through the delicious and healthy vegan menu, featuring hits like Veggie Vegan Flatbread (think fresh tomatoes, chiles, mushrooms and vegan cheese), Tofu Etouffee (blackened tofu, onions, tomatoes and brown rice) or many of the regular menu items made vegan (we recommend the Thai Bowl). If you’re still feeling skeptical, know this: Monday night is also Craft Beer Night and all 36-ounce drafts are just $3. (Alaina McConnell) 1909 West 25th St., 216-344-9400, townhallohiocity.com.

tue

06/03

COMEDY

Good for a Chuckle Reddstone, Chucklefck’s Tuesdaynight hideout, is one of Cleveland’s terrific little incubators of humor. “It’s been cool to see that kinda develop and congeal over the years,” Chucklefck emcee Ramon Rivas told Scene in 2013. The open-mic celebration of local comedy has gathered fans across the region in

recent years. And each week, the room gets packed with youthful hordes thirsty for the type of interaction that only a comedian can provide. “There’s a young nucleus of people who are all at the open mics,” Rivas says. “You need those rooms to be able to go and develop that new stuff.” Reddstone and the Chucklefck following take care of that with deft skill. The comedy starts at 8 p.m. (Sandy) 1261 West 76th St., 216-651-6969, reddstonecleveland.com.

describe it in a way for people to understand what their shows are like, the website reads, “a fantastic realm where brilliance and insanity fuse together in an exotic kind of ecstatic bliss.” Though this explanation may be helpful, the group’s amazing costumes, imagery and lighting all come together for an experience unlike any other. The show starts tonight at 7 at House of Blues. Tickets are $15. (Lizzie Manno) 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

ARTS

Lucent Dossier Experience “Light of the World,” the first show from the extraordinary, over-thetop performance group Lucent Dossier Experience, who just headlined one of the big stages at Coachella, contains pretty much every form of entertainers that exist, such as dancers, singers, acrobats, contortionists, swordswallowers, DJs, fire breathers, a tribal orchestra and more. The performances are made to be very interactive and immersive so that the viewers lose themselves in this world that the show creates. To

ARTS

Rust Belt Bards The up-and-coming writers of the region are this month’s readers at the world-renowned Brews and Prose reading series at Market Garden Brewery. (World-renowned = pretty recognizable, around Cleveland). Listen to one graduate (Sara Tracey) and two current candidates (Nathan Kemp, Jessica Smith) in the NEOMFA program, one of this evening’s co-sponsors. All three readers have had work appear in prominent indie poetry journals and they’re young and

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Concert Cultural Festival

Internationally renowned musicians and performers will transport us to cities along the Silk Road and artisans will demonstrate century-old craft making.

Take a journey across Asia and discover the spectacular sights, sounds and stories of the greatest trade route of ancient times.

Sunday, June 29 3:30 - 7 pm

Exhibit opens May 31

Purchase tickets at CMNH.org or call 216-231-1177.

CMNH.org

Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with the ArtScience Museum, Singapore; Azienda Speciale Palaexpo, Roma, Italy and Codice. Idee per la cultura srl, Torino, Italy; the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australia and Art Exhibitions Australia; and the National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan and United Daily News, Taipei, Taiwan.

Cultural Supporters & Partners: Jones Day, Anne & Don Palmer, RAV Financial, Margaret W. Wong & Associates Co., LPA, and Anthony Y. Yen Proud Cultural Sponsor:

we know light

™

Cleveland Asian Festival, ClevelandPeople.Com, Confucius Institute at CSU, Discount Drug Mart, Federation of India Community Associations of Northeast Ohio, Global Cleveland, InterContinental Hotels Cleveland and OCA Cleveland Chapter Promotional sponsors: Cleveland Magazine, 89.7 WKSU, ideastream WVIZ-WCPN-WCLV

fresh and locally grown! Enjoy a Market Garden brew and then fraternize with the next generation of Rust Belt Bards. Or just grab an app and let poetry be the backing track for an Ohio City date. (Allard) 1947 West 25th St., 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com. NIGHTLIFE

Trivia Tuesdays How do you spend your Tuesday nights? If you’re not at Nano Brew in Ohio City, you’re definitely missing out. This friendly neighborhood brewpub hosts weekly trivia nights from 8 to 10 p.m. Grab some friends and head on down for a little brain-stimulating trivia, freshly brewed craft beer and some seriously stellar bar grub — we recommend the Macro Fries and the Fine American Sandwich. Better yet, bike on over. The folks at Nano Brew love bikes almost as much as they love beer, and they’re happy to share that love by giving you half off your first drink when they see your bike helmet. (McConnell) 1859 West 25th St., 216-862-6631, nanobrewcleveland.com.

wed 06/04 FILM

COMEDY

Honest to a Fault Pat McGann has some marriage advice: if you do your wife’s laundry, you’ll ruin the moment because you’ll want to be extra

ARTS

Talking Heads Since moving Supershow! to Mahall’s, the guys who put on that event have started a new series to take its place. Keep Talking is an exciting new storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. This month’s theme is Strange Encounters. Participants will talk about unexpected experiences. Stories range from the insightful and sad to the funny and bizarre. Held in the Happy Dog’s basement, the Underdog, the series is your chance to grab a drink and a dog and listen to some of your Cleveland neighbors amuse you with their tales. It starts tonight at 7:30 and costs $5. (Stoops) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com. FOOD

Walnut Wednesday Walnut Wednesday returns to Perk Plaza at Chester Commons, at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and East 12th Street. The 2014 Walnut Wednesday season — its fourth — runs each week through Wednesday, September 24. Food from more than a dozen of Cleveland’s best-known food trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Live music also will be featured each week. On tap this season are Barrio Tacos, Fired Up, Krav, Nosh Box, Zydeco Bistro, Wok ’n’ Roll and Streat Mobile, to name just a few. (Douglas Trattner) downtowncleveland.com.

The only calendar you need. t @cleveland_scene

Mechanics and volunteers will be in the Coventry Courtyard providing free bicycle inspections and tune-ups. FREE & Open to the public. Please note: Bicycle tune-ups are limited to minor repairs and safety inspections. First come first served. Weather Permitting.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Daisy Does It It’s that movie with Morgan Freeman as a black chauffeur in the South, who befriends an old Jewish lady! Except tonight at the Cedar Lee (and also at Chagrin Cinemas, if that’s more your speed or your geographic preference) you’ll get to watch the staged version, a revival starring James Earl Jones in the role that Morgan Freeman made famous and Angela Lansbury as, you guessed it, the old lady. Vanessa Redgrave played that role in the Broadway revival, but this particular production is from the Australian tour. Nothing like watching live theater on a movie screen. Starts at 7 p.m., 20 bones. (Allard) 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-717-4696, clevelandcinemas.com.

careful about not ripping her pants off. He also never knows how to respond to birth announcements, and he always feels compelled to write back a congrats with his own height and weight. As you can probably tell, much of his humor centers on married life, pregnancy and parenting toddlers, but his honesty makes the material pretty funny. He appears tonight at 8 at Hilarities, and tickets are $13 to $18. (Trenholme) 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

STAGE

REVIEW

Take this invisible apple. It’s for you. (Photo by Celeste Cosentino)

BLACK MAC IS BACK Ensemble Theatre reimagines Orson Welles’ famous African-American interpretation of a classic in Voodoo Macbeth

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

By Christine Howey

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE FIRST half of the 20th century was marked by way too much blackface (Al Jolson, etc.) and not enough black faces. But that changed for one galvanizing moment in 1936 when an all-black version of Macbeth was performed in New York City to tumultuous acclaim. That moment is being reimagined now at Ensemble Theatre in Voodoo Macbeth. That is the nickname that was given to the original production, since director Orson Welles, then just a couple years out of high school, set the play in Haiti instead of Scotland. Directed by Celeste Cosentino and Tyson Douglas Rand, Voodoo Macbeth offers many stellar moments, a number of them revolving around Carly Germany’s compelling presence as Lady Macbeth. But one wishes the production designers had gone for broke a little more and tried to capture a bit of the outrageous energy that Welles infused into his legendary interpretation. Of course, that’s a daunting task since his Depression-era show

featured a cast of more than 100 black actors, most of whom were rank amateurs. The federal government had decided to stimulate the failing economy in many different areas, and one way was by funding theatrical performances to give people jobs in the arts (not to mention providing cheap entertainment for the citizens). Ensemble pays tribute to that effort by gathering an all-black cast for VM, and the results are often startlingly effective. Utilizing the actual abridged script Welles had crafted (just 85 minutes in length, compared to a usual Macbeth runtime of 2 to 2½ hours), the play blasts through this story of unalloyed ambition and the forces of darkness that power that craven need. In this telling, the bullwhipequipped Hecate (a glowering and galvanizing Joseph Primes) whips up the three voodoo sorceresses into a frenzy that will send Macbeth reeling. Cackling like a gaggle of mean girls in a high school cafeteria, the gals (Chinetha Hall, Emily Terry and Tina

Tompkins) provide a repellent if not exactly terrifying touch of nastiness. As Macbeth, Jimmie Woody is initially so soft spoken and amenable he seems less like a general and nobleman than a curious bystander. Evidently, he has slipped into a lactic stupor brought on by too much “milk of human kindness.” This sets the stage for Germany’s Lady M., a Diana Ross-slim dynamo bristling with enough naked hunger for her hubby and maybe a regiment or two more. Germany is a treat to watch as she embodies what Coleridge described as “…the mock fortitude of a mind deluded by ambition.” There is madness afoot here, and Germany delivers on all cylinders. As the bodies start to pile up, Woody also finds a nice groove as his Macbeth raves and hallucinates. Although some of the smaller roles are occupied by actors who trip a bit over Shakespeare’s dense verbiage, Kyle Carthens as Macduff and Greg White as Banquo turn in crisp performances. And Stephen D. Hood

contributes an amusing turn as the drunk Porter. It’s a shame more stage magic is not employed to make the priestesses’ cauldron scenes more impressive and ominous. Adding percussionists, such as the ones Karamu uses in some of their productions, would have provided a more lush and threatening ambiance. And the costuming by Angelina Herin, while inoffensive, lacks the wit that could have taken the production to a different level. Still, Ensemble brings to life a script and an interpretation of a Shakespeare classic that deserves to be seen.

VOODOO MACBETH Through June 8 at Ensemble Theatre, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-2930, ensembletheatre.com.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

ALSO ON STAGE

By Christine Howey

THIS IS NOT THE PLAY

The battle for women’s rights, on all fronts, is compelling subject matter for documentaries, speeches and any number of Rachel Maddow shows. It also can be fertile ground for theater, but only when the politics are woven into a story and not a screed. This is the juncture where the world premiere of Ancestra, now at Cleveland Public Theatre, becomes a bit problematic. On the plus side, the production directed by Holly Holisinger (who is also one of the four co-authors) is well performed by the ten-person all female cast, most of whom handle multiple roles. The show is further enhanced by Aaron Benson’s handsome scenic design, original music and a lobby installation that seems like a 19th century version of Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party” (minus the vulva-inspired dishes). There is a strong local connection to this play written by current Clevelanders Holsinger, Chris Seibert (who plays the central role of Cora), Renee Schilling and Sally Groth (playing multiple roles). The history of women’s struggle for autonomy is represented by several women who participate in the National Women’s Rights Convention held in Cleveland eight years before the Civil War. The play certainly touches a lot of bases as it finds contemporary parallels to the repressive world of the 19th century. Unfortunately, the story of Cora and her disappointing journey through the wilds of corporate media feels remarkably naïve. As for the women who fought for rights more than 150 years ago, they appear mostly as ghostly apparitions murmuring about this and that. There’s plenty of righteous anger in Ancestra, and that’s a damn fine thing. However, the play often sounds like a compendium of Wikipedia entries, spewing a litany of anti-woman issues and only occasionally tethering them to personal stories and felt consequences. Through June 7 at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727.

Racial stereotyping is front and center in This is Not the Play by Chisa Hutchinson, now at Cleveland Public Theatre. The format is quite inventive. It begins with a young woman, White Girl 1, on a cluttered stage talking to an unseen person, who we soon learn is the playwright. And the woman on stage is a character the playwright is developing amid the bits and pieces of memory and perception piled up in her own brain. At first, White Girl 1 seems to acquiesce to the writer’s intentions. But she quickly evolves past the “cute and quirky” gal she’s intended to be and develops a mind of her own. The first half hour of this 70-minute piece is fascinating, as it explores stereotypes with wry humor (“What is it about white girls and horses?”). But the streamlined script goes pear-shaped in the second half. This situation isn’t helped when the playwright (in the play) lands on stage herself, an unnecessary move since she was already a controlling presence in her unseen state. Katrice Headd handles her role as the playwright well. But the unquestioned power and weird vulnerability of the playwright as a character is oddly undermined when she becomes just another person wandering around. Director Emily Ritger choreographs the characters well within the small playing space. This short play feels like a work in progress: It presents some compelling reflections about racial prejudices as well as the creative process, but doesn’t fully explore either. This shortfall is evidenced with brutal clarity in the ending, which is abrupt and essentially a copout by playwright Hutchinson. Through May 31 at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727.

LEFT IN INK It is impossible to truly know the torment of those who choose to take their own lives. We’re not talking here about romantic self-destruction (Romeo and Juliet) but the kind

Ancestra’s blue period. (Photo by Steve Wagner)

driven by severe mental illness, depression, or other dark factors. So it is a bold choice for director Caitlin Lewins and company to assemble Left in Ink, a devised semidocumentary attempt to capture the tragedy that suicide imparts on the survivors left behind. Based on interviews and online posts, the play presents brief flashes of various lives that have been touched, and forever changed, by the suicide of a loved one. And the five-person on-stage cast (Megan Brautigan, Jeanne Madison, Brett Radke, Amy Schwabauer and Jerry Tucker) works valiantly to bring these people to life. Unfortunately, the script as fashioned by Lewins and the ensemble is a mish-mash of banal declarations of grief and mealy-mouthed platitudes. This happens not because the declarations are untrue, but because the play makes the cardinal sin of not enabling the audience

to really experience whom the suicide victims really were, or who the survivors are. Instead of creating flesh and blood characters in the moment, we are force-fed memory tidbits and fragmented character descriptions, such as, “He once said, ‘I will never be happy again in my life!’” If a character we had grown to know uttered that sentence, it would be devastating. But having it thrust at us without context is simply careless theatrical manipulation. Without encountering real people to whom we can relate in more than one dimension, we’re left with a flashing, strobe light collection of well-meaning, deeply felt bullet points. Through May 31 at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

ANCESTRA

ANNUAL

INVITE YOU TO ENTER TO WIN

E B E LOVE OF

SATURDAY JULY 19, 2014

By going to: http://tinyurl.com/LoneSurvivorSCENE and entering your information! Winners will receive a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, with DVD, Digital Copy and UltraViolet™ copy by mail. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. One entry per person. NO WALK-INS OR TELEPHONE CALLS ACCEPTED.

AVAILABLE NOW ON DIGITAL HD AND ON BLU-RAY & DVD JUNE 3RD

NOON — 5 P.M. AT BEAUTIFUL LINCOLN PARK IN TREMONT

100+ BEERS

AND BEER COCKTAILS TO SAMPLE!

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

LIVE MUSIC • LOCAL FOODS LOCAL VENDORS • AND MORE!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! GENERAL ADMISSION • VIP DESIGNATED DRIVER

DON’T WAIT IN LINE! ORDER TODAY ONLINE!

CLEVESCENE.COM SCENEALEFEST2014.COM DON’T MISS THIS SUMMER’S BEST BEER DRINKING EXPERIENCE!

#FORTHELOVEOFBEER 34

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY — AND ALWAYS USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER.

CLEVELAND SCENE WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 4.42x5.42

MOVIES

THIS WEEK

REVIEW OF THE WEEK

ALSO OPENING

“I like movies that take place in a world even if it’s just a slightly off world from my own,” he says. “It felt like a great opportunity to do that. I think there’s a bit of an old-fashioned story here. There’s an old-fashioned story about morality and an old-fashioned story about a man testing himself and there’s simplicity to that and it just felt like a story from another era. The minute we started even thinking about updating that and moving it to modern times, it just seemed like it got complicated. I think things would be politicized and I wanted to have fun with recognizing that there’s a pulp element to it and part of that is having fun with conventions, things we’re used to seeing and changing them slightly. That felt like a really awesome opportunity to do that.” Mickle is famous for making horror movies and while Cold in July has horror film elements, it also dabbles in other genres too. “We went into that film and we wanted to be as composed as possible and wanted to feel very conservative and feel very restrained and dialed back as much as possible and create a creepy film out of that. There is an element to this that is just absolutely fun and surprising, and we’re going to take the audience on a rollercoaster ride,” he says. — Jeff Niesel

Maleficent Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), one of Disney’s most iconic villains from the animated classic Sleeping Beauty, finally gets the chance to tell her side of the story. The film opens on Friday areawide.

A Million Ways to Die in the West A cowardly sheep farmer (Seth MacFarlane) meets a mysterious woman (Charlize Theron) who rides into town and helps him find his inner courage before he’s put to the ultimate test. The film opens on Friday areawide.

CHINESE PUZZLE, OPENING THIS WEEKEND at the Cedar Lee Theatre, is a frantic, novelistic film about people on the precipice of 40 and the anxiety their age occasions when family life has fallen into disarray. Xavier (Roman Duris), a writer in Paris who has enjoyed some early literary acclaim, is working on what appears to be a Roman à clef about “how complicated life is.” Wendy (Black Box’s Kelly Reilly), his wife of 10 years, has fled from Paris to NYC to be with another man and taken their two children with her. On a fatherly impulse, Xavier moves as well, to be closer to them. He temporarily stays with his lesbian “buddy” Isabelle (Cecile de France) who’s now carrying a child for whom Xavier labored to achieve an orgasm in a hospital beat-off room to conceive. He’s assured that he will “not be a father, in the traditional sense.” Isabelle and her partner Ju (House of Cards’ Sandrine Holt) are eternally grateful. Once the child is born, in NYC — the film effortlessly spans 12 months or so — Isabelle embarks on a steamy affair with a prim and lovely Belgian babysitter, the concealment of which becomes the engine of one of the film’s tensest scenes. Xavier, meanwhile, navigates the thorny pathways to citizenship with the assistance of a sleazy lawyer, reconnects with a former lover (Audrey Tatou, aging gracefully) and manages the responsibilities of parenthood in the herkyjerky, back-and-forth way of recent divorcees living in big cities. Though Chinese Puzzle, at times, seems to lose its way via a stream-of-consciousness narrative sensibility, even when the tangents and mini-story lines border on the absurd they are anchored in truth. The tone and feel is most certainly that of a novel: the ensemble cast, each with his or her particular roster of problems; the multi-city romantic arrangements, the deep introspection (via the lead character’s own literary output) about life’s complications and struggles; the visualization of Xavier’s imagination. At two hours, it’s longer than it should be, and it has a few gimmicky moments you may not be wild about, but there’s a sincerity here that makes the film an easy one to settle into. — Sam Allard

Palo Alto Based on James Franco’s short story collection of the same name, this coming-of-age film follows Southern California high school kids who experience the ugly side of becoming adults. The film opens at the Cedar Lee Theatre on Friday.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

WRITER-DIRECTOR JIM MICKLE (Mulberry Street, Stake Land) likes to read Joe Lansdale novels. But after he read Lansdale’s Cold in July, he knew he had the source material for his next movie. Cold in July opens on Friday at the Cedar Lee and Capitol Theatre. “Honestly, when I went in I wasn’t looking at it to see if it would make a good movie,” he says. “I just went into it just to read it and enjoy it. The point was to escape. The goal was to read something entertaining to shake me up and it didn’t have any similarities to the world I was dealing with. I don’t know; it just leapt off the page.” So he set about working with Nick Damici on the screenplay. At first, the guys produced a 220-page tome. They whittled it down to something more manageable and the resulting movie combines elements of suspense and horror. The film centers on Richard Dane (Michael C. Hall). Richard shoots an intruder one night and then must face the wrath of the victim’s father (Sam Shepard). The film follows a strange series of twists and turns as private detective Jim Bob Luke (Don Johnson) comes on board to try to straighten things out. The book is set in Texas in the ’80s and Mickle didn’t change the time period or setting.

SPOTLIGHT

“Four Ways to Serve You” RESTAURANT MAY FEATURES:

FRENCH ONION CHICKEN FETTUCCINE CON CAMBERI ED PEPPERCORN CRUST TERIYAKI BEEF ORANGE ROUGHY AUGRATIN

PART Y CENTER

SPECIAL PRICING FOR BOOKING PARITES NOW IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST!

CARRY-OUT

FOOD & BAKERY MENU FOR YOUR PARTIES AT HOME, FIRST COMMUNIONS, GRADUATIONS, SHOWERS!

CAR S SHEVOERW Y

WEDNESDAY WEATHER PERMITTING

COME SUPPORT OUR VETERANS!

8922 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

(440) 237-3434 | www.carriecerinos.com

EAT

REVIEW

A MATCH MADE IN MENTOR

Adventurous choices and reliable bistro fare at Match Works Tavern By Douglas Trattner Quick says when asked how and why he settled on Mentor for his latest endeavor. As for that particular space, Quick says that he and his wife have loved it ever since they held their rehearsal dinner there some 25 years ago. Then called the Perfect Match, the place was a neighborhood institution, serving a generation of eastside residents. Since then, the space has seen more than a few restaurants come and go, but Quick appears to have a solid grasp on what the community is willing to support. “Match Works is an American bistro that draws off my experiences at places like Piccolo Mondo and Epic Bistro,” Quick explains. “But it’s the ’burbs, so you can’t get too crazy.” Indeed, Quick does a great job of blending adventurous “cheffy” fare with more approachable — but no less satisfying — chestnuts. There aren’t many places outside the big city where diners can dig into a handchopped steak tartar ($18) made from

Chicken pot stickers up close and personal. (Photo by Emanuel Wallace)

USDA Prime sirloin. The beef gets the classic treatment with capers, shallots and a runny poached egg. More than enough nicely grilled toasts are served with it. Quick also sidesteps the predictable calamari treatment, electing not to deep-fry squid rings, pop them in a basket and serve them with marinara like every other place in town. Instead, he grills up large, meaty pieces ($11) of the body and tentacles and serves them on fluffy housemade white bean hummus and pairs them with a bright, fresh Mediterranean salad with feta. This dish would be right at home in a Greek taverna. A little less successful, yet equally out-of-the-ordinary, are the chicken pot stickers ($9). The dumplings are well seared and loaded with bold Asian ingredients like ginger, scallions, soy, seaweed and Sriracha. But the wraps are too thick and gummy in relation to the sparse fillings, diminishing the dish’s potential. Quick nails the preparation of a potato-crusted cod ($22), a popular fish dish that too often stars overcooked fish. It’s a balancing act to simultaneously achieve a crispy potato crust while maintaining a downy white, barely flaking interior — and that’s precisely what the chef accomplishes here. In a delicious twist, that delicate, sweet fish is served on a bed of Creole-style risotto loaded with spicy chorizo and succulent shrimp. It’s a dramatic dish loaded with texture, taste and spice. A creamy mushroom risotto ($18) gets heft from meaty grilled

mushrooms and a healthy dose of cheese. A topper of citrusy greens does a decent job of cutting through some of the dish’s richness, but it’s still a bit of a belly buster. In the “safe for suburbia” category are entrees like grilled Prime beef tenderloin, chicken Marsala, and beer-battered perch with hand-cut fries. While less adventurous, perhaps, these dishes receive no less attention from Quick. During our first visit to the restaurant, one can easily see why the site has been home to many restaurants over the years. It’s a charming, rambling brick warehouse that seats at least 120 people in the dining room and lounge, with plenty of additional space for private events. The flipside of all that space is that it feels empty on slow weeknights, as it was when we were there. “Weekends are crazy-busy, but weeknights are a little slow,” Quick admits. “We are a little off the beaten path, but it’s getting better and better every year.” In summer, a well-tended back patio seats another 50 or so diners at white linen-topped tables. A weekly summer concert series brings out crowds of folks who like to pair agreeable live music with chef-driven fare, a formula many of us can get behind.

MATCH WORKS TAVERN 8500 Station St., Mentor, 440-255-0400, matchworkstavern.com.

dtrattner@clevescene.com t @dougtrattner

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

PICCOLO MONDO, THAT legendary Warehouse District restaurant from the ’90s, turned out a bumper crop of talented chefs who all went on to do great things. Among them were Michael Symon, Ali Barker, Michael Longo and Tom Quick. After his seven-year tenure as executive chef of that wildly popular eatery, Quick fled downtown for bucolic Concord Township, where he ran another successful restaurant called Epiq Bistro, which had a solid 10-year run. Following a very brief stint as chef at the very short-lived Zinc Bistro in downtown Cleveland, Quick again fled the city for the ‘burbs, this time Mentor. Three years ago, he and his wife Denise opened Match Works Tavern in a sprawling brick complex that dates back to the 1800s, when it was home to a knitting mills factory. It later was a match factory, hence the restaurant’s name. “This area lacks choices when it comes to more creative options,”

It tastes as fresh as it looks. (Photo by Emanuel Wallace)

Patio season is in full swing! Come hang out and catch the Tribe, NBA playoffs and more!

$5.50 PITCHERS

during all Tribe games!

1 OFF

$ 00

ANY SMOOTHIE

Get ready for the World Cup! Merry Arts is your headquarters for all World Cup matches!

LAKEWOOD 14701 Detroit Ave., Across from Melt 216-767-5770

with coupon Valid at the ABOVE location only. Not Valid if reproduced. No other discounts apply. One coupon per customer. • EXPIRES 5/31/14 SCENE •

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

LUAU-ON-THE-PATIO FEATURING A SPECIAL LUAU MENU AND THE EXTRAORDINARY BAND THE EX-BOYFRIENDS

WE’RE KICKING OFF OUR

aste what Summer Patio on Friday 5/30! en missing! PRESENT THIS AD FOR

A COMPLIMENTARY

SUMMER PRIZE PACK (LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE)

LIVE MUSIC STARTING @ 10 PM CLADDAGH IRISH PUB - LEGACY VILLAGE 25389 CEDAR RD, LYNDHURST (216) 691-0534

FR I DAY : BR IT TA N Y R E I LLY B A N D S AT : A N TH E M R A DIO

• LIVE MUSIC • • FRIDAY • DANCE & KARAOKE w/DJ DAGOTTI 9pm • SATURDAY • SPELLBOUND 5/31 REAL DEAL BLUES BAND 6/7

• THURSDAYS •

Jam Night

• SUNDAY •

Sunday Afternoon Acoustic Show Starts at 5pm

WITH

BUTCH ARMSTRONG & THE TOWER CITY BLUES BAND

VOTED #4 BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR! VOTED #9 BEST BURGER IN CLEVELAND!

2014

THANK YOU!!

2014

ACOUSTIC ARTFORUM OPEN JAM 6/1 JIM KESERICH 6/8 • WEDNESDAY •

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH THREE ROADSTRIVIA

5455 STATE RD • PARMA, OH • 216.741.7200 • www.GrillersPub.com

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014 39

EAT

DRINK

FIVE GREAT OHIO WINERIES TO VISIT By Beth Phillips

1401 E. 55th | Cleveland

(Between St. Clair and Superior)

216.881.4181

Hours:

CLOSED ON MONDAYS Tues-Wed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Thursday 11:30 am - 7:00 pm Friday 11:30 am - 9:00 pm saturday 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm sunday 11:30 am - 6:00 pm

LuNCH AT sTErLE’s

UFC TUF Watch Party for uFC star

GERVASI VINEYARD

under $10

Tuesday thru Friday

Soup & Salad Bar • Condiment Bar

Ask About our New

LuNCH LoYALTY ProGrAM saturday, May 31st

BRASIL 3 stipe Miocic

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

SOUTH RIVER VINEYARD For the setting: Located in a centuryold church that’s been transplanted from Shalersville to Harpersfield, South River offers one of the most unique and beautiful settings among Ohio wineries. Visitors can sip wine inside the church while taking in the building’s architecture from an old pew. Or opt to sit out on South River’s grand patio and enjoy great vistas of the sprawling vineyards. Wine varieties include Semillon, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. 6062 S River Rd W, 440-466-6676, southrivervineyard.com.

All Lunch specials

-vs-

Fabio Maldonado Meet uFC star Jessica Eye starts at 5:30pm Drink & Food specials

Live Music Friday, May 30

Polka Pirates 6:00pm - 9:00pm

saturday, May 31

Rex Tenari 6:00pm - 10:00pm

sterlescountryhouse.com

WHEN IT COMES TO STATES that are producing great American wine, Ohio might not spring to mind the way that places like California, Oregon and Washington do. Yet, as the push to buy local continues to gain momentum, it only makes sense to sample some of what our region’s vineyards have to offer.

For a one-stop shop: Featuring wine tours and tastings, restaurants, hotel rooms, a spa, yoga, culinary classes, weddings and special events, this Italian-themed Ohio winery can keep visitors entertained for an entire weekend. Or, simply pop in for a few hours to stroll around Gervasi’s expansive grounds and sample some of their 15 available wines, all of which are bottled and cellared on premise. Gervasi’s offerings include mostly Italian varieties of whites, reds, dessert wines and ports such as Moscato, Nebbiolo, Barolo and Lambrusco. 1700 55th Street NE, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com.

HARPERSFIELD VINEYARD For an all-around great winery: Harpersfield’s friendly staff (and dogs), cozy tasting room, beautiful farm grounds and outdoor pavilion

offer visitors an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the vineyard’s delicious estatebottled wine. Notable varieties include their reserve Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s also a nice place to stop for sustenance, with a kitchen that turns out a menu of housemade small plates, sandwiches, flatbreads and sweets. 6387 State Route 307 W, 440-466-4739, harpersfield.com.

VERMILION VALLEY VINEYARDS For a truly local experience: One of the few wineries in Ohio that grows all of its own grapes for its wine, Vermilion Valley’s winemakers are focused on producing top quality local wine. Eleven different grape varieties are cultivated at the vineyard, selected for their ability to thrive in this region’s climate. Their semi-sweet Gewürztraminer and dry Lemberger certainly are worth a try. The vineyard also offers wines made from fresh fruits, including blueberry, peach and pear. 11005 Gore Orphange Rd., 440-965-5202, vermilionvalleyvineyards.com.

LAURELLO VINEYARDS For a large group: An extra friendly staff, regular schedule of entertainment, comfortable tasting room and inviting restaurant make Laurello Winery one of the area’s most welcoming for large groups or even bus tours (call ahead to reserve). Laurello offers an extensive list of red and white wine varieties including Cabernet Franc, a Super Tuscan Red Blend, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Those in the mood for something sweet should ask to sample their wellloved Sweet Genevieve Ice Wine. 4573 State Rt. 307 E, 440-415-0661, laurellovineyards.com.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

MAY LIVE MUSIC

May22-- The The Higbees Fri.,Fri., May Higbees Sat., May33 -- Ryan Ryan Melquist Sat., May Melquist May99-- The The Barflys Fri.,Fri., May Barflys Sat., May 10 Brent Sat., May 10 BrentKirby Kirby May16 16 -- Walkin’ Cane Fri.,Fri., May Walkin’ Cane Sat., May17 17 -- Kristine Jackson Sat., May Kristine Jackson & Sat.,May May 23 Fri.Fri. & Sat., 23& &2424 - TheNew New Barleycorn - The Barleycorn Sat., May31 31 -- The Sat., May TheBarflys Barflys Visitus us on on Facebook for for a complete list of list of Visit Facebook a complete liveentertainment, entertainment, food and drink specialsspecials live food and drink Prospect •• Cleveland, OhioOhio 44115 44115 • 216-781-7782 323323 E. E. Prospect Cleveland, • 216-781-7782

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

MAY LIVE MUSIC

CC L EL E HI HI VVEELL AAN N DD • •OO

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

TWITTER: LANZARETTA INSTAGRAM: LANZARETTA

LAURENLANZARETTA.COM 42

ANNUAL

E B E LOVE OF

SATURDAY • JULY 19, 2014 NOON — 5 P.M.

AT BEAUTIFUL LINCOLN PARK IN TREMONT

100+ BEERS

AND BEER COCKTAILS TO SAMPLE! LIVE MUSIC • LOCAL FOODS LOCAL VENDORS • AND MORE!

GENERAL ADMISSION • VIP • DESIGNATED DRIVER DON’T WAIT IN LINE! ORDER TODAY ONLINE!

CLEVESCENE.COM • SCENEALEFEST2014.COM DON’T MISS THIS SUMMER’S BEST BEER DRINKING EXPERIENCE!

#FORTHELOVEOFBEER PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY — AND ALWAYS USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

MUSIC

CONCERT PREVIEW

(Photo by Emmett Malloy)

Jack Johnson after cleaning out his garage.

FAMILY GUY

Contentment inspired the tunes on Jack Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest album From Here to Now to You By Jeff Niesel

SINGER-SONGWRITER JACK Johnson says he always tries to write about “what was really happening in my life.” If that’s the case, then life must be pretty good for the singer-songwriter. The songs on last year’s From Here to Now to You have a real tenderness to them as Johnson sings about his love for his wife and kids. But we all know that happy songs aren’t always the best songs and that’s not lost on Johnson, a guy whose soft voice and delicate melodies make many of his songs sound like lullabies (and the whimsical tunes he wrote for the soundtrack for the 2006 film Curious George certainly fit that bill). “If it means sounding like you’re getting older, so be it,” says Johnson of the contentment he expresses on From Here to Now to You. “This record is about watching the world through my children’s eyes. Many of the songs are just simple love songs. They’re a good way for me to remind my wife how much I love her. I’m not great about getting a present. So often the night before Valentine’s Day, if I don’t have a present, I usually write one of those songs real quick. That’s where those come from.”

people’s favorites,” and “the ones I slave over for weeks often become the deep tracks on the records,” there’s not a bad song on the album. It’s yet another triumph for a guy who still humbly refers to himself as a surfer who aspired to be a good songwriter. Surfing certainly helped Johnson get his foot in the door as a singersongwriter. As the story goes, Johnson and singer-songwriter G. Love were jamming one night after they went surfing together, and Love was struck by Johnson’s tune “Rodeo Clowns.” “He wanted me to come back to the studio where he was recording,” recalls Johnson who, at the time, was well known for directing surfing movies. “We met for the first time that one day and recorded the next day and then people from the label heard it and the next thing we knew it was the next single from the album. It all happened within a week. Even at that point, I didn’t think [the music] would amount to the level that it has gone.” An influential alternative radio station in San Diego put the song in regular rotation, and it caught on. Johnson says he still wasn’t convinced he had a career that would

“MANY OF THE SONGS ARE JUST SIMPLE LOVE SONGS. THEY’RE A GOOD WAY FOR ME TO REMIND MY WIFE HOW MUCH I LOVE HER. I’M NOT GREAT ABOUT GETTING A PRESENT. SO OFTEN THE NIGHT BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY, IF I DON’T HAVE A PRESENT, I USUALLY WRITE ONE OF THOSE SONGS REAL QUICK. THAT’S WHERE THOSE COME FROM.” Johnson recorded the album at his own Mango Tree Studio with longtime producer Mario Caldato, Jr. (the guy behind Johnson’s biggestselling release, 2005’s In Between Dreams, as well as albums by the Beastie Boys, Super Furry Animals, and Seu Jorge), and it features Ben Harper (the singer/songwriter/multiinstrumentalist who played slide guitar on Johnson’s first-ever single “Flake”). The album also features Johnson’s longtime band members Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski and Zach Gill. While Johnson laments that “the songs that take five minutes to write often become

supplant the niche he had carved out for himself as a surfing film director. Meeting singer-songwriter Ben Harper for the first time would change all that. “The first day I met [Harper] was at a show in Santa Barbara,” says Johnson, who attended the University of California at Santa Barbara. “I was backstage and I heard someone singing my lyrics. He was singing, ‘it seems to me that maybe’ [from ‘Flake’]. He eventually came in and played the slide on that song in the studio, but it blew my mind when he was singing the lyrics.”

JACK JOHNSON WITH EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, Blossom Music Center, 1145 W Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-8040. Tickets: $45-$75, livenation.com.

jniesel@clevescene.com t @jniesel

SIDETRACKS

From Here to Now to You Brushfire

Johnson’s sixth studio effort, From Here to Now With You, debuted at the top of the Billboard charts when it was released last year. It represents a departure from the more somber material found on Johnson’s previous two albums. Instruments like ukulele, melodica, bass kalimba, glockenspiel and Wurlitzer piano contribute to its terrific texture. Here are a few highlights from the disc.

“RADIATE” Johnson says this song is “about watching one of my kids who gets in his own world.” “It’s hard to get him out of that world,” he says with a laugh. The plucking acoustic guitar riff and crooning vocals create a low-key vibe as Johnson sings, “I see you lost in the world you create.”

“YOU REMIND ME OF YOU” You can literally hear Johnson’s fingers slide on the guitar in this bluesy number that he wrote about his daughter. It’s a sparse song that features little more than Johnson and his guitar.

“TAPE DECK” Before he embraced a singer-songwriter approach, Johnson played in a punk band that was inspired by hardcore heroes such as Minor Threat, Bad Religion and Fugazi. This up-tempo tune pays homage to that time.

“NEVER FADE” Johnson wrote this song after thinking back about the first time he met his wife. “It’s about how our love will never fade,” he says when asked about the song. With its gentle acoustic guitar riff and whispered vocals, it’s one of the album’s most tender tunes.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

— JACK JOHNSON

Johnson worked with Ben Harper’s producer J.P. Plunier on his 2001 debut Brushfire Fairytales and then teamed up with Caldato, Jr. for his follow-up, 2003’s On and On. “He helped me design a studio,” Johnson says of Caldato Jr. “After the first record, that allowed us to move back home. All the records since my first one have been in my two-car garage. Mario comes over and he brings his family and it’s a big get together.” Because of the way he schedules his tours and albums, Johnson ensures he spends a good amount of time in Hawaii. For the years that he tours, he spends a month at home and a month on the road. And for the years that he’s recording or just taking some time off, he’s at home. He’s devoted to trying to make a difference there too and has a foundation dedicated to the many environmental issues facing the island. “All of our agricultural lands are threatened to be developed,” he says when asked about the role his foundation plays in preserving the island’s natural resources. “We ship 90 percent of our food in. We used to have sugarcane and pineapple. People are trying to get more farmers growing food for Hawaii. It’s a slow process. Our foundation works with elementary school kids and trying to teach them to eat close to the source. One of the lessons had to do with bananas grown in Hawaii versus bananas grown overseas. We ask that question. We want to connect kids to their food at a young age. Marine debris is a big issue. We have plastics that wash up on the beach. We have a plastic reuse approach as well. That’s two of the main things we focus on.” It’s no surprise that his devotion to the island stems from to his devotion to his wife. “My wife makes me do [the environmental work],” he says, “but I like it anyway.”

WIn a pair of VIP tickets

to the House of Blues needtobreathe concert on June 5th + Dinner-for-two at Crossroads restaurant! • June

5th •

It’s simple: Enter at events@clevescene.com with your name, phone # and email address – and tell us why you need to win this great concert/dinner package.

Winner announced June 2nd.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Kent Folk Festival 6/5-6/14 kentfolkfestival.org

& ThE BoTTlE rocKET

5/31

PrESErvaTion hall Jazz Band 06/21

& Rufus WainWrighT 06/22

SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH

iron & WinE w/opening guest

SEcrET SiSTErS 6/27

JaMES McMurTry

KEnny WaynE ShEPard

roBErT randolPh FaMily Band

BEauSolEil avEc MichaEl doucET

John haMMond

06/24

07/17

06/24

w/special guest

rory BlocK 7/19

175 E. Main St., Kent 330.677.5005 • www.facebook.com/TheKentStage Tickets @ http://www.kentstage.org/

US:

@HOBCLEVELAND

308 EUCLID AVE. CLEVELAND, OH 44114 • 216.523.BLUE

Complete listing at houseofblues.com/cleveland

JUST ANNOUNCED! ON SALE FRI. 10AM W/FOY VANCE

THIS FRIDAY! MAY 30

JUNE 3

JUNE 5

JUNE 8 CAMBRIDGE ROOM

JUNE 10

JUNE 13

w/streets of laredo

w/lighthouse & the whaler

ASHER RO

JUNE 17

JUNE 17 CAMBRIDGE ROOM

JUNE 18

JULY 18 ON SALE FRI. 10AM ge id br m ca om ro ge id br m ca om ro

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT/ FUNKADELIC

BOY & BEAR JUNE 20

JUNE 27

MIKE STUD COMING SOON

JULY 3 june 19 june 28 june 29 july 10 july 11 july 13 july 23 AUG. 8 aug. 9 aug. 12

BUY TICKETS AT

JULY 15

extreme midget wrestling turnpike troubadours cambridge room delta rae cambridge room bonobo w/odesza lord huron zappa plays zappa sevendust ONE MORE TIME: DAFT PUNK TRIBUTE MKTO presidents of the united states of america

aug, 15 aug. 19 aug. 21 aug. 28 sept. 5 sept. 7 sept. 9 sept. 19 SEPT. 30 oct. 3 Oct. 13

JULY 2

OCTOBER 26 ON SALE FRI. 10AM

w/man man

JULY 28 mega 80s tesla matt nathanson w/andrew mcmahon slightly stoopid led zeppelin 2 paul weller afghan whigs downtown festival...the war on drugs ST. VINCENT-in association with The Janoskians The Airborne Toxic Event

our last night w/Set It Off, Heartist, Stages & Stereos JULY 23 ON SALE NOW

Buy Tickets at houseofblues.com Order By Phone: 800.745.3000 • House of Blues Box Office

MUSIC

CONCERT PREVIEW

FUNK ORCHESTRA Brooklyn’s nine-piece Turkuaz will get you dancing with their latest album

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

By Eric Sandy LIKE KALEIDOSCOPIC SARDINES, they crammed themselves onto the tiny Beachland Tavern stage and fired up a marathon set of dirty, dirty funk. Each musician was decked out in a solid-color jumpsuit. Singer/guitarist Dave Brandwein wore baby blue. And as he threw down slick six-string melodies alongside the rest of the band’s multifaceted groove machine, he often leaned into the microphone and belted soulful screams that signalled to the increasingly excited crowd that Turkuaz, this strange funk hydra from Brooklyn, does not mess around. That was sometime last summer or fall, when Turkuaz last played Cleveland. They’ll post up in the Ballroom Thursday night, which will afford both their sound and their physical bodies a bit more wiggle room. To be clear, wiggle room is good for funk. And Turkuaz thrives on the slinky bass lines and hyped-up vocal stylings of their funk predecessors. The band’s latest album, Future 86, comes as a the result of long stretches on the road, guitarist Craig

Brodhead says. More than anything, the album reveals how cohesive Turkuaz has become over the years. Examples abound in each song, from opening track “Bubba Slide” to deeper cuts like “T.V.” and “X.Y.Z. (Feelin’ Tough).” The latter track features a stunningly tight guitar riff over exotic percussion. It’s the sort of worldy composition that Turkuaz might not have written in the past; the song has a very full sound to it (note the explosive chorus). And that song comes after its complement of sorts, “E.Y.E. (Lookin’ Good),” which places horns front and center. For a 10-piece band, they need to take any chance they get to flesh out new tunes and rehearse. The road presents an ideal venue. “It’s very hard to rehearse,” Brodhead says. “And when we’re back in New York, obviously, we all have jobs. When we get back that’s just what we do. So a lot of it happens through demos. We come up with little ideas and then send them around. If someone comes up with a groove, someone will write lyrics over it, and we’ll all be kind of aware of this

Geneva Williams (left) and Sammi Garett (right) of Turkuaz get funky. (Photo by Dani Barbieri)

Turkuaz are a colorful bunch of musicians. (Photo by Dani Barbieri)

material that we’re trying to work on. “It’s a very collaborative process,” he says. “We have a trust in one another as far as how we’re going to interpret various parts - especially the horns.” The story goes that Brandwein and bassist Tyler Shell were cooking up tracks together as roommates at Berklee years ago. They were really into Sly and the Family Stone. Fresh, in particular. They still are. After a while, though, they had a nice batch of songs that they informally referred to as their funk record. Well, a friend who worked at Berklee’s label, Heavy Rotation Records, sent their funk record in as a submission, unbeknownst to them. The label approved it, and, as part of the approval process, set them up with a show at the Berklee Performance Center. All of a sudden, Brandwein and Shell had a show coming up that necessitated some sort of 10-piece funk band that they hadn’t yet assembled. They pulled it off: Horns, keys, female singers and all. Of the 10 who played that gig, five remain as members of what we know all call Turkuaz. After they moved to New York and began settling in to this newfound musical identity, everything about the sound and the band members began firming up.

Along with others, Brodhead joined with a few years ago; he had moved out to New York after studying at Berklee and, earlier, growing up in Pepper Pike. Here in Northeast Ohio, he played shows at the Grog Shop, Peabody’s, the Odeon. “It was a really great community I had to just be creative,” he says, referencing the musicians he met at alma mater Gilmour Academy and nearby Orange High School. Eventually, though, he landed in Turkuaz, and the result has a been a steadily growing wellspring of funk. The natural offshoot of that funk, of course, being the live show, which arrives neat and possibly jumpsuitclad in Cleveland this week. (Brodhead notes that, with respect to the jumpsuits and the other apparel they don at various times, they’ve gotta remind themselves and the crowd that life can’t be too serious all the time. Enter the funk.)

TURKUAZ WITH THE MUCKLEBUCK 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124. Tickets: $10 ADV, $12 DOS, beachlandballroom.com.

esandy@clevescene.com t @ericsandy

CONCERT PREVIEW MELODY MAKERS MUSIC

The Menzingers polish up their punk rock anthems on their new album Rented World

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

By Jeff Niesel

FOR MANY PUNK BANDS, getting a spot on the Warped Tour is a dream come true. But for the Menzingers singer-guitarist Tom Hall, the dream was more of a nightmare when his pop-punk band finally landed on the tour. “It was an interesting experience because when we were younger, we would go to Warped Tour,” he says. “That was the only place you could go as a kid and go and see all the bands that you wanted to see. And then to play it and see what it’s become, whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, it’s up for debate. There are a bunch of strange bro, misogynistic bands that instill weird ideas into young kids. You have the military there recruiting cannon fodder. The level of sponsorship that makes the tour function is really disgusting in a lot of respects.” Given the DIY approach that Hall has taken, it’s easy to see why he would be turned off by the commercial nature of the Warped Tour. Hall put the Menzingers together in 2006 with drummer Joe Godino and bassist Eric Keen, high school pals with whom he played in a ska band together. They recruited guitarist Greg Barnett to join Hall on vocals so that the two could trade lead singer duties. Their self-released demo tape got enough attention that they signed to Go Kart Records, which then issued their 2007 debut A Lesson in the Abuse of Information Technology. The band would subsequently sign to Epitaph Records, home to veteran acts such as Bad Religion and Rancid, in 2011. While it didn’t necessarily lead to a change

in sound, it did grant the group a certain legitimacy. “I guess inevitably it’s going to change the music somewhat,” Hall says of the switch to Epitaph. “Our music is reflected upon the lives we’re living. We didn’t consciously say, ‘Oh my god, we’re on Epitaph, we need to sound a certain way.’ We definitely said, ‘Oh my god, we’re on Epitaph, we have to sound better.’ So, it changed in that we started to take it more seriously. We’ve always taken it seriously, but this time, we had to make sure that we liked everything that we were doing. No fillers you know.” The band has certainly sharpened its pop hooks on its latest album, Rented World. Songs such as “Bad World” and “My Friend Kyle” feature call-and-response vocals and chanted choruses. They’re the kind of anthems you expect more from bands such as Gaslight Anthem and Rancid. With its distorted guitar intro, “Transient Love” goes for something more esoteric. Hall says the band didn’t want to make the same record again and sought to push the boundaries of its sound. “With every record that we do, we try to challenge ourselves in a sense that the things that we write, we want them to be difficult for us to play at first, you know we’re not really used to it,” Hall says. “So, this record we didn’t go out and say, ‘Oh, we need to make some conceptual rock record’ or something like that. We just kind of got together and thought that this is what we’ve been listening to and this is what we want to play over a period of a couple months in a small room

The Menzingers walk the lonely streets. (Photo by Jessica Flynn)

up in North Philly. We kind of just smashed all the songs up.” Famous for having worked with artists such as Sharon Van Etten, the National and Kurt Vile, engineer Jon Lowe engineered the album. “Sonically, he brought everything the album is to it,” Hall says. “I remember a lot of times where we’d be playing and he’s like, ‘Woah, do you really need to be playing anything there?’ And it would be like, ‘Okay.’ He brought an idea of contrast to recording that we never really thought of before and how every instrument can have its own space within a song both sonically and as part of the music and he definitely brought a perspective to it like we weren’t used to ourselves.” The video for “I Don’t Want to be an Asshole Anymore” shows the guys don’t take themselves too seriously. The video centers on a serial killer who does his best to stop killing people. “We had been given a couple of treatments for the video,” says Hall. “We didn’t really like very many of them and the director sent that one and all four of us were like, ‘Yes, this has to happen, so whatever we need to do to make it happen, we gotta do it.’ It was filmed while we were in Australia and we didn’t see anything until the video came out. Well, we saw it before it came out, but we didn’t see anything until the

video was done. It was pretty cool. It was like the coolest thing we’ve ever done and none of us had anything to do with it.” The Menzingers have moved on from their punk/ska roots to deliver a more polished product. But what does Hall think will become of punk rock? “I’m not a 17-year-old kid who listens to punk and I’m not even in a punk band that’s just playing whatever basement show they can play,” he says. “When I go and see my friend’s bands, all my friends play in bands of all different sizes. The smaller bands that lean toward the indie side. I think I really don’t know where the political part has gone. I mean everybody has philosophically political lyrics, stuff like that. There’s no real Anti-Flag holding up the scene like there was when I was younger. I really have no idea where it’s gonna go. I think maybe another genre of music will fill that spot. Some kind of electronic movement or something.”

THE MENZINGERS WITH LEMURIA, PUP, AND CAYETANA 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588. Tickets: $14, grogshop.gs.

jniesel@clevescene.com t @jniesel

P O H S G THE GRO

ND HTS D, CLEVELA D HTS BLV ND 2785 EUCLI88 GROGSHOP.GS IDNIGHTHAOW! 216.321.55 N AF TER M YS

ER DMISSIO AF TER EV FREE A A L DRINKS $1 OFF L

MON 6/2

WED 6/4 THE LAWRENCE ARMS THE METROPOLE TOUR THE MENZINGERS KISHI BASHI Lemuria • Pup • Cayetana Busman’s Holiday • Dolfish The Copyrights • Sam Russo • Worship This! SUN 6/1

SAT 5/31

THU 6/5

POLICA

Lolawolf • The Very Knees

THU 7/3

ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD KING BUZZO Cheap Girls SOLO ACOUSTIC

CARBON TIGERS The Promise Hero

WED 6/18

Ruth Rundle Dogbreth Emma 100,000 Leagues Under My Nutsack

Bygone Days Across the Viaduct • Entendre

SUN 7/6

FRI 6/6 THU 6/19

NIGHTMARES ON WAX N.O.W. IS THE TIME TOUR

VENOMIN JAMES WEDDINGS The Great Iron Snake JAIL TMIBH My Pet Monster Wooly Bullies Threefold Law

WITH FULL BAND! Muamin Collective

FRI 6/20 WED 7/16

NEIL HAMBURGER DIIV Alvarius B LODRO

SAT 6/7 7:00PM

JARED LOGAN Bill Squire • Ramon Rivas SUN 6/8

THU 7/17

JOE PURDY

GRIEVES Sonreal

SUN 6/22 ALEX TUCKER’S SUPER DUMB 25TH BIRTHDAY BASH WED 9/10

MON 6/9

TWEAK BIRD We Are Hex

SMOKE NOISES TOKYO POLICE CLUB Lawskof • So Many Ways

Ultrasphinx

MON 6/23

WASHED OUT MELISSA FERRICK Wunder Wunder Lonesome Ranger TUE 6/10

FRI 10/17

YELLE

Forrest O’Conner

Thu 5/29 FREE SHOW THADDEUS ANNA GREEN • Gentlemen of Leisure

WED 6/11

MODERN BASEBALL Tiny Moving Parts • The Hotelier

TUE 6/24

OCD:MOOSH & TWIST C-Ro Del Fresco

Sorority Noise • Signals Midwest

Happy Hour Every Day until 9 PM

M: GeekCle.Com Presents Nerd Trivia (8 PM) T: Back Tue The Future w / DJ K-Nyce. 10 PM W: Mug Night (All Day) TH: Mic-Aroni Open Mic Night (8:00 PM) F: DJ Mike Filly (10 PM) SAT: DJ MisterBradleyP & Friends (10 PM) SUN: DJs Eso & Corey Grand (10 PM) FRIDAY, MAY 30 7-10PM PATIO LAUNCH PARTY Featuring DJ Neil Chastain Spinning Afrobeat & Latin

Sapir E. Gram Regal Degal

The Art of Chill Tour SAT 6/21 NITTY SCOTT, MC • ALEX WILEY Ken Rebel • J Sirus Purple Monkey Sircus Brian Wright Phil Jetson • Joey Aiche

2875 EUCLID HEIGHTS BLVD CLEVELAND HEIGHTS

Fri 5/30 MORTICIA’S CHAIR • Lo-Fi Eyed • Dutch Babies • Superbomb Sat 6/7 late KNYCE POTLUCK

w/complimentary drinks courtesy of Me, Him & Her LLC

6/01: Flip Flops & Tank Tops (Every Sunday at 5) 6/20: Fortune Presents: Ursula 1000 CURRENTLY BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, COMPANY GATHERINGS, REUNIONS, ETC. Call 216.932.1966 for details. Any size party package available.

Hours: SUN-TUE: 7 PM - 2:30 AM WED-SAT 5 PM - 2:30 AM THE GROG SHOP PRESENTS AT

THE BEACHLAND BALLROOM

Thu 6/26 Beat/Life feat A SOL MECHANIC • aLive • Broken Keys • more Sun 6/29 SERGIO FROM RIO • Blacklister Tue 7/8 FLOBOTS

THU 6/12

Fri 7/11 SAINTSENECA • Traveling • Dolfish

CAYUCAS CLUB Sun Club GEMINI The Griswolds WED 6/25

Sun 7/13 BAD SUNS • Colony House • These Knees • Lowercase D Fri 7/18 DARLING WASTE • THE DAMN CHOIR • Archie Powell & the Exports Sat 7/19 TWIN FORKS

Summerays

Mon 7/21 TOUCHE AMORE • Tigers Jaw • Dads Tue 7/22 SUBHUMANS (UK) • Mischief Brew

FRI 6/27

FRI 6/13 7PM

FOXY SHAZAM

MICHAEL IAN BLACK Mike Polk Jr

Larry and His Flask

Fri 8/1 Common Vision Tour HUNDREDTH • COUNTERPARTS

BLITZEN TRAPPER

WED 6/4 THE PARKINGTON SISTERS • THE COMMONWEALTH THE GROG SHOP PRESENTS AT

HOUSE OF BLUES

Wed 8/6 HOSPITALITY • Porches • Frankie Cosmos Mon 9/8 MAN OR ASTROMAN? • The Pack A.D. • Wray Tue 9/9 THE ORWELLS • Skaters Thu 9/11 JOYCE MANOR

Field Trip Pipe Dream

Velvet Tiger Poster

Wed 7/30 7SECONDS • The Copyrights • Fuck You Pay Me

Fri 8/8 THE ADMIRABLES • Revolution Brass Band

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH THE ARKELLS Stagnant Pools The Commonwealth THE FEATURES Painted Palms

Tue 7/29 J RODDY WALSTON AND THE BUSINESS

The Gonzo Tour w/ Special Guests Thu 7/31 PHOX • JD Sunde

SAT 6/14 SAT 6/28

MON 6/16

Thu 7/24 GUITAR LEGEND DICK DALE • The Beyonderers

Fri 9/12 MINERAL • INTO IT. OVER IT. Fri 10/6 IL SOGNO DEL MARIANO (MIKE WATT) TICKETS TO GROG SHOP EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH

WED 7/2

KITTEN

www.ticketweb.com

LOOP • MUSIC SAVES • MY MIND’S EYE • RECORD REVOLUTION ERIE ST. GUITARS • THE RECORD SHOP • SQUARE RECORDS Or just get ‘em from the club! Call 216.321.5588

FRI 6/13

ATMOSPHERE

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Wed 7/9 CIRCA SURVIVE • Ume

MUSIC thu

LIVEWIRE

05/29

Santana, dressed as if he’s ready to be in a Dos Equis ad. See: Thursday. (Photo by Maryanne Bilham)

$75. Nighttown. Gentlemen of Leisure/Thaddeus Anna Greene/Archie and The Bunkers: 8:30 p.m., free. Grog Shop. Chris Hatton (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Dave Huddleston Band/Matt Harmon/ Mathew Azrieli: 6:30 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. Peter Rowan: 8 p.m., $25 ADV, $28 DOS. The Kent Stage. Steel Panther/Future Villains: 8 p.m., $27.50 ADV, $30 DOS. House of Blues. Three Man Cannon/Kite Party/The Heel/Crookshanks/Elocin (in the Locker Room): 7:30 p.m., $5. Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Turkuaz/The Mucklebuck: 8:30 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Beachland Ballroom. A Wilhelm Scream/Counterpunch/ Harvey Pekar/High Titles: 8 p.m., $10 ADV/$12 DOS. Now That’s Class.

fri

05/30

7 Bridges/Hey Monea!: 5 p.m. Rockin’ on the River.

Merle Allin and the Murder Junkies/ Busby’s Death Chair/Fetus Omelet/ Bitchwax/Hemi Devils: 8 p.m., $10. Now That’s Class. Sean Benjamin (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Balkan Bloc Party: 8 p.m., $10. Mahall’s 20 Lanes. George Foley: 10:30 p.m., free. Nighttown. Gato’s Gullah Gumbo/Loretto Lausin Trio/George Foley & Friends: 5:30 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. Ray Wylie Hubbard/Chris Castle: 8 p.m., $20 ADV, $23 DOS. Beachland Ballroom. Il Divo: 8 p.m., $51.50-$127. Akron Civic Theatre. Jack Johnson/Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes: 7:30 p.m., $34.50$59.50. Blossom. Morticia’s Chair/Lo-Fi Eyed/Dutch Babies/Superbomb: 9 p.m., $5. Grog Shop. Peter Niro: 6 p.m. Vosh Club. Obnox/Sex Tide/Coma in Algiers (in the Locker Room): 9 p.m., free. Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Tony Rio: 9:30 p.m. Thirsty Cowboy. Vanessa Rubin and Don Braden

Organ Quartet: 8:30 p.m., $25. Nighttown. Spazmatics: 9:30 p.m. Vosh Club. Stevie Stone/Lost Nation: 6 p.m., $10 ADV, $14 DOS. Agora Ballroom. Tolerate/Nuclear Age/State Execution (in Club Atlantis): 10 p.m., $5. Now That’s Class. Urban Luau with Carlo Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band/Umojah Nation: 8 p.m., $10. Musica. Whipping Post: 9:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Zeus/Ottawa/Joshua Jesty: 8:30 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern.

sat

05/31

Lady Antebellum/Billy Currington/ Joe Nichols: One of country’s biggest acts, Lady Antebellum kicked off its Take Me Downtown Tour earlier this month with a bang. The group played live from Central Park in New York as part of Good Morning America’s summer concert series. A new studio album is in the works and the group has released the single “Bartender” in advance of its release. It’s a catchy

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

The Head and the Heart/Lucius: The Head and the Heart creates songs as a collective. With six members in the group, this can result in an eclectic sound, which is exactly what you get on their latest album, last year’s Let’s Be Still. The band’s shifting orchestral pop style doesn’t seem scattered or sloppy but results in a solid amalgam of songs that vary from synth-pop to folk ballads. “Another Story” is a provocative reflection on the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings; it’s full of somber guitars and quivering vocals. The lead single “Shake” has a driving kick drum that pushes you through a jaunty alt-country tune full of piano, hoots and hollers. The band brings a true form to these variations with a genuine sound that’s warm and melancholy. 7 p.m., $29.50-$35. Masonic Auditorium. (Eric Gonzalez) Santana: Classic rocker Santana had a comeback of sorts in 1999 with Supernatural, an album that featured collaborations with gringos such as Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas. He’s back in fine form on Corazon, his latest studio recording, but this time around, he recruited some of the top Latin rock and pop musicians to play with him. Album opener “Saideira” is a spirited tune that features Brazilian rocker Samuel Rosa on lead vocals. Other notable collaborations: The hugely popular Colombian singer Juanes contributes to the mid-tempo “La Flaca” and Argentina’s Los Fabulosos Cadillacs bring breezy horns to “Mal Bicho.” Given that Santana collaborates with so many alternative-minded acts, it’s a bit disappointing when mainstream singers such as Gloria Estefan, Diego Torres and Miguel make appearances. Still, the good outweighs the bad here and Santana can still really wail on the six-string. The guy’s currently touring with Rod Stewart so this show represents a one-off. Should be a good one. 8 p.m., $45.50-$125.50. Jacobs Pavilion. (Jeff Niesel) Bad Boys Jam: 9 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Rachel Brown & the Beatnik Playboys — A Benefit for Education: 6 p.m.,

PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTER AT CLEVELAND MASONIC AUDITORIUM 3615 EUCLID AVENUE, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44115

www.facebook.com/PACcleveland

MUSIC

ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST BELOVED SINGER SONGWRITERS DON MCLEAN

LIVEWIRE

American Pie, Crying, And I Love You So, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles In The Air

Wednesday, June 11th at 8 PM

JUST ANNOUNCED! NEW DATE!

Lights by the legendary Pig Light Show

America’s Top British Invasion Show. More than just The Beatles! Your favorite British Invasion songs plus the American “responses” from The Monkees, The Turtles and more!

Saturday, August 23rd at 8 PM

Friday, Sept. 26th at 8 PM

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

TICKETS: WWW.PACCLEVELAND.COM OR CALL (216) 432-2370

DELLA MAE 6/05

CaBinET & dRiFTwood nEw Music Monday

P L u s

6/09

An EvEning wiTh

ThE MAvEricks 6/06

BlaCK LiLLiEs 6/11

Ralph STanlEy & ThE ClinCh MounTain BoyS FaREwEll TouR

6/07

DAviD wiLcox

lEgEnd nighT wiTh

John SEBaSTian 6/08

livingSTon TayloR

pluS SETh gliER

& ChERyl whEElER

6/12

6/14

FolKnET nighT -

6/13

175 E. Main St., Kent 330.677.5005 • www.facebook.com/TheKentStage Tickets @ http://www.kentstage.org/

Lady Antebellum, masters of the prewar harmony. See: Saturday.

pop number that, despite a dominant banjo riff, has more in common with Katy Perry than Dolly Parton. And when the band’s Hillary Scott sings, “What I really need now is a double shot of crown,” you can bet members of the capacity crowd that will be at Blossom for this gig will hoist their drinks in the air in unison as a toast of sorts to that start of Blossom’s country-heavy concert schedule. 7 p.m., $29.25-$54. Blossom. (Niesel) James McMurtry/The Bottle Rockets: Singer-songwriter James McMurtry made an impressive debut back in 1989 when he released Too Long in the Wasteland. His gruff voice and sharply written lyrics (he’s the son of author Larry McMurtry, so that just might have something to do with his ability to articulate himself), suggested he wasn’t just another singer-songwriter. McMurtry hasn’t issued a new studio album in a couple of years but don’t let that be a hindrance to checking out this show. His best tunes — the twangy “Choctaw Bingo” — mix Willie Nelson-like observations about fringe characters with a classic outlaw country sound. He’ll have a full band playing with him, and the Bottle Rockets, the veteran alt-country act that’s been relentlessly touring in honor of its 20th anniversary, opens the show. 8 p.m., $23 ADV/$28 DOS. The Kent Stage. (Niesel) Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden

with Goodbye River/Telamon: Singersongwriter Kate Tucker grew up in Suffield, a small farm town outside of Akron, and started playing around the area in the early 2000s. After graduating from the University of Akron, she moved to Paris for a while before ending up in Seattle, where she recorded her first EP. In 2010, she went back to Akron for a few months working on a short film and music video for her song “Bullet Train.” She raised a few eyebrows with her 2010 debut, which was produced by Blake Wescott (Pedro the Lion, Damien Jurado). She’s back with a new album, The Shape, The Color, The Feel, which features hushed vocals and pretty pop melodies that should translate well in the intimate Musica setting. 8 p.m. Musica. (Niesel) 2nd Annual Ken Janssen ALS Benefit & Record Release with New Planet Trampoline/Charles Hill Jr./Exploding Lies/Hiram Rapids Stumblers/All Dinosaurs/Relaxer/Black Puddle Noise/The Beyonders: 8 p.m., $25. Beachland Ballroom. Caliber Band/Teresa Rose Riley: 9 p.m. Thirsty Cowboy. Carbon Tigers/The Promise Hero/ Bygone Days/Across the Viaduct/ Entendre: 8:30 p.m., $8. Grog Shop. Child Bite/Ultrasphinx: 10 p.m., $5. Happy Dog. Clay Rendering/Aaron Dilloway/ Andrew Kirschner Duo/Lussuria/ Drekka/Dual Action: 9 p.m., $8. Now

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

MUSIC That’s Class. Rob Duskey (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Tim Moon CD Release Party: 9 p.m. Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Vanessa Rubin and Don Braden Organ Quartet: 8:30 p.m., $25. Nighttown. Shai Hulud/One Year Later/Human Animal/As Daylight Falls: 7 p.m. The Foundry. Tom Stahl/Mary Martin & Betsy Marshall: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. That ‘80s Band: 9:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Jackie Warren: 10:30 p.m., free. Nighttown.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

sun 06/01

London UndergroUnd - ThUrsday, May 29Th 4 Kings - Friday, May 30Th CasTaways - saTUrday, May 31sT sTig & sTan - ThUrsday, JUne 5Th Bad 5 - Friday, JUne 6Th hiLLBiLLy JesUs/FLaTFooT - saTUrday, JUne 7Th

Kishi Bashi/Busman’s Holiday/Dolfish: K. Ishibashi diverted from the road to classical music to tour with the likes of Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche and of Montreal. During that time, the composer’s solo project emerged as Kishi Bashi, and in 2012, he issued the Kickstarter-funded album 151a Full of lush soothing soundscapes of looped violin, synths and guitars, that release spawned the happyanthem hit “Bright Whites.” Kishi Bashi takes his established formula and adds more oomph on the new album: Lighght. Taking a harder lean toward the synth-pop aesthetic, Lighght hits you with heavier bass drums and thicker leads without overshadowing the layered violins. Lead single “Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!” starts with a simple violin melody that quickly escalates to a lush layered psychedelic song with quirky squeaky violin breaks and lushly orchestrated pastoral imagery. “Hahaha Pt. 1 & 2” is an epic journey from light shiny pop song to deep dark ambient soundscape, emerging in an exuberant dance jam. 8:30 p.m., $12. Grog Shop. (Eric Gonzalez) Shivery Shakes/Chomp: Embarking on their east coast tour, Austin’s Shivery Shakes make their Cleveland appearance tonight. Their grungy pop tunes carry a upbeat lightness while maintaining a solid amount of edge. Songs like “Sidewalk Talk” burst with subtle surf rock influences and offer a summery barrage of

LIVEWIRE youthful exuberance. With an unusually clean style that still carries garage influences, their unique take on rock is charming and easy-going. 10 p.m., $5. Happy Dog. (Patrick Stoops) Billy Donato: 7 p.m. Brothers Lounge. Kalin and Myles/Bean: 8 p.m., $10 ADV/$12 DOS. Beachland Tavern. Natural Facts Duo/Chris Allen & Friends/Kevin Richards & Friends/ JIMFEST: 1 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway: 4 p.m., $25-$50. Hard Rock Rocksino. Red Fang/Big Business/American Sharks: 8:30 p.m., $15 ADV, $17 DOS. Beachland Ballroom. Trio Balkan Strings: 7 p.m., $15. Nighttown. Dan White Sextet + 1: $10. Nighttown. World’s Strongest Man/Borealis/ Erienauts: 9 p.m., $5. Now That’s Class.

mon 06/02 The Courtneys/Cheap Clone/ Constance Anna: Described as “sun drenched, Flying Nun-influenced pop,” the Vancouver-based Courtneys play alt-girl style rock. Still coming off their immensely popular selftitled release from last year, they’ll play the stuff from that and more. Tracks like “Social Anxiety” and “Nu Sundae” feature Jenn Twynn Payne’s sassy vocals against harmonic guitar and ardent drumming. “90210” features some fancy basswork and harmonic ties with a catchy refrain while drawing reminiscences of ’90s grunge happiness. “Lost Boys” features an almost trancey dronelike singing backed up by distorted guitar that resonates to a nostalgic euphoria. Their music is high energy without being tiring, and tonight’s show promises some rock you can dance to. 8:30 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern. (Liz Trenholme) The Lawrence Arms/the Copyrights/ Sam Russo: Chicago punk rockers the Lawrence Arms recently issued Metropole, their first album in eight years. It makes you wonder what they have been up to in all that time and how much pressure they felt to put out new music. In an interview

alWays oPeN For sWiMMiNg aNd caMPiNg

Festival schedule 2014 NelsoN ledges Quarry Park classic Fest

sPriNg BadFish!!! Friday JuNe 13th - 15th

grateFul Fest MidsuMMer saMBa July 11-13th

4th oF July - July 6th

JoNesFest suMMer hookah July 25 - 27th July 31-august 3 est Fest august 29th-sePteMBer 1st suMMerdaNce July 19th

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

May 30 - JuNe 1st

LUNCH SPECIALS DAILY

HIgHland

MUSIC

square tavern

11609 DETROIT AVE CLEVELAND

216.226.2767

• Wi-Fi HERE! •

11634 MADISON AVE • N.E. CORNER OF W. 117th ST

216.472.0920

BROTHERSLOUNGE.COM

highlandsquaretavern.com

FrI 5/30 • 9:30PM

PRIVATE PARTIES & BENEFITS

facebook.com/brotherslounge Allman Brothers tribute

WHiPPiNG POST

PLUs - Marshall Tucker Tribute

lONG HARD RiDE saT 5/31• 9:30PM

THAT ‘80s BANd

WEDNESDAYS • 9PM

TONE DEF KARAOKE/DJ

You Have To See This Guy!

THIRSTY THURSDAYS

POWER HOUR sUN 6/1 • 5-9PM

CAsinO ROYALE FunDRAisER Benefitting the Detroit Ave. Merchants Association

BillY dONATO

Feat.

star Of the World Famous tropicana in Las Vegas

$25 DONaTION PEr PErsON sponsored By

CUDELL IMPrOvEMENT, INC.

EvEry THUrsDay • 7:00

LADiEs night

9-11PM

NEW! OPEN MIC FRIDAYS

ANYTHING GOES! DJ FRI/SAT WINGS - TUES/THURS TACOS - WED

$4 WINE•MarTINIs•CHaMPaGNE And Later At 9:00pm

BAD BOYs OF BLuEs JAM night MONDAY • WING NIGHT

35¢ BONELESS • 45¢ BONE-IN

MOJO BIG BAND • 8PM

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

TUE • sushi night WED • $5 BuRgER night THU • $2 tACO night

WINE BAR

FRi 5/30 8:00PM

SEAN BENJAMiN SAT 5/31 • 8:00PM

ROB dUSKEy

EVERY MONDAY

VElVET VOYAGE @8 TUES 6/3 2 SET TUESdAy 6:30 & 8:30

TiM MOON

WEDNESDAY • 8:00PM 10 X 3 SiNGER-SONGWRiTER SHOWCASE W/BRENT KIRBy contact: harvesttownmusic@gmail.com

EVERY THURSDAY • 8:00PM

CHRIS HATTON’S MUSicAl ciRcUS

All GENRES • All STYlES PiANO & DRUMS PROViDED

LIVEWIRE

TH 5/29 8PM A WILHELM SCREAM / COUNTERPUNCH / HARVEY PEKAR / HIGH TITLES FR 5/30 8PM THE AGORA PRESENTS AT NOW THAT’S CLASS: THE MURDER JUNKIES / BUSBY’S DEATH CHAIR / FETUS OMELET / BITCHWAX / HEMI DEVILS FR 5/30 10PM CLUB ATLANTIS BASEMENT SHOW w/ TOLERATE / NUCLEAR AGE / STATE EXECUTION SA 5/31 9PM HOSPITAL PRODUCTIONS NIGHT PRESENTS: CLAY RENDERING / AARON DILLOWAY – ANDREW KIRSCHNER DUO / LUSSURIA / DREKKA / DUAL ACTION SU 6/1 4-8 PM JUNE NOISE LUNCH-FREE Curator: XTerminal (Robert Beveridge) //// Theme: Cover Bands //// Performers: Bodyruin/ Iron Oxide/ Ambivalent Resonance Organization/ Vengeance Space Quartet/ C. Randolph C./ Extreme Noise Terrier/ Amanda R. Howland/ Brown Jeans/ Drug Frenzy** SU 6/1 9PM WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN / BOREALIS / ERIENAUTS TU 6/3 5PM MR. CALIFORNIA’S “CHEF BOYARDEE” HAPPY HOUR Come experience the myth, the legend, the mystery of Terrence Ryan! Plus live at 7, BAD NOIDS TU 6/3 8PM CASTLE/ THE RAVENNA ARSENAL TU 6/3 10PM CLUB ATLANTIS PRESENTS: TV FREAKS / SMOOTH BRAIN / FUCK YOU PAY ME WED 6/4 9PM FREE BAR SHOW, THE PUNKS / BEASTMAN

nowthatsclass.net 216.221.8576 • 11213 Detroit Ave

Blitzen Trapper: Blitzkrieg bluegrass. See: Wednesday.

with Noisey, lead singer and bass player, Brendan Kelly said, “It’s interesting because I never felt like there was a ton of pressure. It was more like the idea was that I’m not gonna put out another record — and I know Chris feels the same way — unless it was cool.” The new album definitely reflects the fact that they’ve been away for so long because it’s very much a departure from some of their earlier records and it shows their newfound spirit and energy. This new energy may also be a result of signing to a new label, Epitaph Records. The band has been touring since 1999 and has collected a pretty consistent amount of fans over the years. The show will be sure to have a good mix of fast-paced punk rock and some of Metropole’s lighter poprock. 8 p.m., $16. Grog Shop. (Lizzie Manno) George Foley & Friends/Pat Motika: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. Velvet Voyage (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

tue

06/03

Against the Current/King the Kid/Once Upon a Time: 6 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Agora Ballroom. Castle/The Ravenna Arsenal: 8 p.m., $8. Now That’s Class. Jacob Jeffries/Jeff Powers: 8:30 p.m., $6. Beachland Tavern. Open Mic Night with Gary Hall: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. TV Freaks/Smooth Brain/Fuck You Pay Me (in Club Atlantis): 10 p.m., $5. Now That’s Class. Two Set Tuesday (in the Wine Bar): 6:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

wed 06/04 Blitzen Trapper/Parkington Sisters/ The Commonwealth: Known mostly for dicking around with honky-tonk convention to the point of indie-rock fuzz renown, Blitzen Trapper have been delivering the goods for more than a decade now. Their latest album, VII, finds them on firm footing (or as firm as one can sustain whilst trading in rapid-fire fingerpicking and spacey keys effects). It’s good, though. Songs like “Shine On,” “Valley of Death” and “Drive On Up” show that these guys have become very adept and navigating their mad compositions toward poppy territory. Even the weirder songs they’ve recorded can still make a listener tap their toe in time. While you’re at it, though, now’s as good a time as ever to pick up their self-titled debut, which remains a thrilling notch in the history of alternative country. 8:30 p.m., $15. Beachland Ballroom. (Sandy) The Menzingers/Lemuria/Pup/ Cayetana: 7:30 p.m., $14. Grog Shop. Jeremy Messersmith/Big Scary: 8:30 p.m., $12 ADV, $14 DOS. Beachland Tavern. The Punks/Beastman: 9 p.m., free. Now That’s Class. R5/Ryland/Brandon & Savannah: 7 p.m., $25 ADV, $28 DOS. House of Blues. Summerfugl/Frank Marzano: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern. Tantric: 7 p.m., $12 ADV, $14 DOS. Agora Ballroom.

All the concerts you should see this week.

t @cleveland_scene

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Sun. 6/1 RICH SPINA & DON KRUEGER 5-8 pm Fri. 6/6 CARLOS JONES 9pm - 1am Sat. 6/8 THE HIT LIST 5-8 pm Fri. 6/13 SHOUT 9pm - 1am

Sat. 6/21 Sat. 6/22 Sat. 6/28 Sun. 6/29

ALMOST FAMOUS 9pm - 1am BLU MONSOON 5-8pm THE CALIBER BAND 9pm - 1am LOGAN WELLS (Solo) 5-8pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 15 • 1-6pm

Buy any prime rib dinner or full slab rib dinner and get a Prime Rib Dinner or Full Slab Dinner Mix & match allowed. Not valid with any other offer.

$3 Margaritas during June

tio a p r u o ! rocks

For a list of other great food & drink specials visit www.tonymaloneys.com

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

FREE!

Tommy’s ROCKY RIVER

Place

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Thurs. May 29

COMEDY NIGHT!

9:00pm

Followed By:

Dan Fester

(From Put In Bay)

Fri. May 30

Peter Niro 6:00pm

House•Bar Kitchen porch & deck OUTDOOR GRILLIN’ RIBS • CHICKEN • BURGERS LOTS MORE!

BREAKFAST 9-2

S SUN

BUCK-A-BONE

BABY BACKS THURSDAYS

PETE CAVANO & friends

9:30pm

Tues. June 3

Ernie Krivda & Fat Tuesday Big Band 7:30pm Wed. June 4

The Rat Pack FEATURING

Feat. The Area’s Top Musical Guests Weekly!

This Thurs:

JEFF SHERMAN & BECKY BOYD

FRI. 30

BILL MARCH SAT. 31

FISHER BROS. 1325 LINDA ST. • 440-331-9687

Frank, Dean & Sammy 7:00pm Fri. June 6

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

9:30pm

Find your happy hour.

Download SCENE’s official happy hour app today! 1414 RIVERSIDE DRIVE LAKEWOOD 216-767-5202 • Voshclub.com

BAND OF THE WEEK

Super Outdoor SEATING

WED

Spazmatics

MUSIC

Gentlemen of Leisure MEET THE BAND: Dylan Su (drums), Joe Parker (bass), Matt DelBrocco (guitar), David Resnik (guitar), Twon Mueller (vocals) A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: David Resnik lived in New York and started Gentlemen of Leisure there in 2006 with his friend Twon Mueller. The band broke up in 2008 and Resnik moved to England for two years before moving to Cleveland. Last year, he recruited Mueller to put the band back together. “I talked to Twon about recording some old songs for shits and giggles,” says Resnik. “As we were going through the mix and master, Twon told me he thought the music sounded way better than the bands he was playing in while in New York.” Mueller moved to Cleveland in November and the band’s been gigging around town ever since. “We don’t look at this as a commercial entity,” says Resnik of the band. “We’re just here to have fun and play some rock ’n’ roll.” RADIO FRIENDLY ROCK: Influenced by rock acts such as Guns N Roses and Green Day, Resnik and Co. take inspiration from the ’80s and ’90s, a time when radio played raw rock ’n’ roll rather than formulaic pop music. “First and foremost, when that stuff was on the radio in the ’80s and early ’90s, everybody wrote their own stuff,” says Resnik. “That’s what drives me crazy. Lady Gaga isn’t my thing but she writes her own stuff. It makes me sad.

(Photo via Facebook)

I start to feel like they found the formula that makes young boys and girls shake their ass and open their wallets. It’s just a math problem now. There’s no artistic integrity there. How did this happen?”

WHY YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM: Released last year, the band’s self-titled album centers on a concept about confused twentysomethings who try to find their place in the world. The beefy guitar riffs in songs such as “Red & Blue” recall the likes of AC/DC and the Cult. “The album tells the story of three main characters,” says Resnik. “Growing up your twenties in any big city in America was an interesting time. In my experience, I found that it was a divisive time when people fell into one of two camps. You were either really about your career and your money or you were about humanity and the flower power stuff. We wrote the album to represent growing up with that around you.” WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THEM: gentsofleisure.bandcamp.com. WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM: Gentlemen of Leisure perform with Thaddeus Anna Greene and Archie and the Bunkers at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 at the Grog Shop. — Jeff Niesel

jniesel@clevescene.com t @jniesel

HAVE A PICNIC, RElAx & ENjoy

NO COVER

LIVE MUSIC

Large seLection of e-cigs and Liquid

barkingspidertavern.com Thursday May 29

Mathew Azrieli 6:30pm (folk) Matt Harmon 8:00pm (singer/songwriter/guitarist) Dave Huddleston Band 10:00pm (singer/guitarist)

Friday May 30

George Foley & Friends 5:30pm (jazz) Loretto Lausin Trio 8:00pm (rock/jazz) Gato’s Gullah Gumbo 10:00pm (reggae/world music)

Saturday May 31

Mary Martin & Betsy Marshall 8:00pm (jazz/blues) Tom Stahl 10:00pm (singer/songwriter)

Sunday June 1

JIMFEST 1:00pm (benefit/potluck) Kevin Richards & Friends 2:00pm (americana) Chris Allen & Friends 4:30pm (American Rock & Roll) Natural Facts Duo 7:00pm (blues) 11310 Juniper rd., Cleveland • 216.421.2863

sMoKe Zone ii

13034 Lorain Avenue • Cleveland 216-251-3425 New Happy Hour! • Monday-Friday 4-7 PM

5.30 FrIdAy

Live DANCE DJ 8 PM - 12 AM

5.31 JiMILLER

DUO 2PM- 6PM BIG IN JAPAN 8PM- 12AM THE 6.1 SuNdAy ISLAND DUO 1PM- 5PM

SAturdAy

THE TRIBE IS BACK IN TOWN! CATCH ALL THE ACTION HERE

BEFORE AND AFTER GAMES, GREAT FOOD

AND DON’T FORGET OUR

$2 HAPPIEST HAPPY HOUR (8-9PM, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY) YOUR DOWNTOWN

WORLD CUP HEADQUARTERS FOR ALL WORLD CUP GAMES!

EVERY FRIDAY: After Game Patio Party with Our House DJ

834 Huron Road, Cleveland 216.771.3723 Clevelanders’ Favorite Event Bar www.ClevelanderBar.com

Upcoming Events: Great Lakes Glass Giveaway Friday, May 30th • 5 PM

Miller Lite Volleyball Open June 13, 14, 15th Teams available at clevelandplays.com

Whiskey Island 80’s On The Lake SAturdAy, July 19th

2800 WHISKEY ISLAND DR. • CLEVELAND 216-631-1800 x 14

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

5 FOR $15 BUCKETS

MUSIC

NOW HEAR THIS

NEW SOUNDS

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Little Barrie

Shadow

moe.

No Guts, No Glory

Neil Young

(Tummy Touch) littlebarrie.com

(Sugar Hill) moe.com

(Warner Bros.) neilyoung.com

THE SUPERGROUP IS A THING OF THE past. But don’t tell that to Little Barrie, a British band consisting of singer-guitarist Barrie Cadogan, bassist Lewis Wharton and drummer Virgil Howe. Howe is the son of guitarist Steve Howe of the legendary progressive rock band, Yes, while frontman Cadogan has toured with the likes of Primal Scream, Morrissey and Paul Weller. The result is a band that fuses many different genres, such as blues, funk and alternative/indie rock. The group’s new album gravitates toward intense, high-energy rock ’n’ roll — a bit of a departure since their earlier records drew their influence from funk and soul. The opening guitar riff on “Fuzz Bomb,” for example, sounds just like some of John Squire’s work on the Stone Roses’ last album Second Coming. The overall sound of the record is gritty and hard-nosed, yet at the same time, psychedelic and trippy. — Lizzie Manno

THE GUYS IN THIS VETERAN JAM BAND originally set out to make an acoustic album. Boy, did they ever veer off course. After hooking up with producer David Aron (U2, Snoop Dogg, Prince), they completely scrapped the acoustic project and started over. The resulting album has classic rock overtones, something that’s apparent right from the opening notes of “Annihilation Blues” a song with an infectious (and decidedly electric) guitar riff that almost demands you crank up your stereo, especially as the tune kicks into a heavy mid-song jam. With its psychedelic vibe, “This I Know” could pass for a Meat Puppets song and “Same Old Story” delivers some serious funk. Given that this veteran band has been going strong for 20 years now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s delivered such an assured effort. And yet, the album shows that the band, though pigeonholed as a jam act, truly defies genre. — Jeff Niesel

GIVEN THAT SINGER-GUITARIST NEIL Young and singer-guitarist Jack White are two of rock’s most eccentric characters, a collaboration between the two of them was bound to happen. And said collaboration was bound to be weird. Young recorded this collection of covers with White on a refurbished 1947 Voice-O-Graph recording booth at the Nashville headquarters of White’s label. It commences with the title track, a spoken word bit in which Young greets his late mother by telling her about his life. Young and White intended for the album to sound like an old Smithsonian recording, and in that respect, they succeed. Young’s quivering vocals on the Everly Brothers’ tune “I Wonder if I Care As Much” sound really rustic. And the same goes for his rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” a song he turns into a primitive folk ballad that sounds more like something you’d expect from Bonnie Prince Billy. In the end, though, this album is more intriguing on paper than it is in reality. — Niesel

A Letter Home

C-NOTES WINGENSTOCK’S RETURN Way the heck back in 1970, Canal Corners Farm & Market owner Dave Wingenfeld began presenting rock concerts in his parents’ backyard. He called the shows Wingenstock. This summer, Wingenfeld is back to playing the role of local concert promoter with Wingenstock 6, a concert series he hosts in his Big, Red Barn. The classic rock act the Smokey Blue Band kicks off the festivities on Saturday, May 31. The rest of the

line-up includes the Celtic folk group Martha’s Mistake (June 21), the Allman Brothers Band tribute act Idlewild (July 12), the Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute act Shadow of a Doubt (Sept. 13) and the blues band Martin and Marshall (Oct. 4). Concerts begin at 7 p.m. but the farm picnic grounds open at 5 p.m. Admission is $10. You can call 216-401-5131 or go to lanterntheatreohio.com for more information. Canal Corners Farm & Market is located at 7243 Canal Rd. in Valley View.

CONCERT FOR A CAUSE Willoughby-based rapper Chris Black regularly likes to give back to his hometown by staging concerts and benefits. At 7 p.m. on Friday, May 30, he’ll perform a concert at Willoughby South High School to raise money for the graduating class of 2015. He also hopes to raise awareness about drug abuse in today’s society. South grad Jamil Hairston, who’s also a rapper, will open the show, and the event will include a speech by Geauga County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell.

“It’s gotten to the point where people I grew up with are getting arrested, or even dying, [because of] heroin. I want to make sure the situation doesn’t get any worse,” says Black in a press release. “The purpose of this whole event is to inform the [students] that the world isn’t as dark as it seems, and to give them hope for the future.” Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $5 at Willoughby South or at chrisblackohio.com.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

2 Domestics $ 00

Real hook ups, real fast.

Mon-Sat 2-8pm

Open Sundays @ 7pm

No Cover!

Full Kitchen Open Daily

Great Food! Saturday 3-9pm

$5.99 Steak Dinner 2 Drink Minimum • Dine In Only

Join Your Favorite Entertainer in Our

Private VIP Lounge TRY FOR

12820 brookpark rd. @ w. 130th • 216-458-1131

open 2:00pM-2:30aM Mon-sat • sUndaY 7:00pM - 2:30aM

(BUT STILL AWESOME)

216.377.6292 Local Numbers: 1.800.926.6000 Ahora en Español 18+

www.livelinks.com

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

YOUR FAVORITE BANDS, UNPLUGGED.

Free

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

SAVAGE LOVE

LETTERS

BIG ISSUES By Dan Savage

Dear Dan, I’m a 25-year-old straight guy. Last month, I was in the locker room at my gym. It was 4 a.m., and I was the only one around. I was getting ready to leave, when I noticed someone exiting the showers. He kinda caught me looking (he was very well-endowed), and I quickly turned my head, embarrassed. About 20 seconds later, he came around the corner and said, “Hey, how ya doin’?” He was still naked, and it was obvious that he was wondering if I wanted to try something. (Trust me—he was about 10 or 11 inches now!) I didn’t know what to think, so I just got the hell out of there as fast as I could. I’ve never been with a guy before, but for the past few weeks, I can’t stop thinking about it. I kinda wish I hadn’t left so fast. I guess I’m really turned on by the size, and curious about maybe trying oral? That’s all I’m curious about trying, nothing else. I am way more attracted to girls than guys, but I can’t shake these thoughts.

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Panic At The Dick, So?

I was wondering what happened to Joey from Friends. Look, PATDS, you’re clearly straight enough to continue identifying as straight. But as you learned in that locker room, to get yourself to straight (or to remain at straight), you have to round yourself down the tiniest bit. (Or round yourself up the tiniest bit. Up, down — depends on how you feel about straight.) But you are now consciously aware that you’re more than a little curious about dick, and given the right circumstances (oralonly circumstances) and the right dick (great big dick), you could hit/ suck/stroke that. Since that giant 4 a.m. dick wasn’t your last chance at dick, PATDS, you didn’t miss your only opportunity to explore your bisexual/heteroflexible/ man-on-man desires. There are other giant dicks out there. Hell, you might get another chance at that particular dick. The next time

an opportunity presents itself — whether you leave that opportunity to chance (another encounter with Mr. Ten or Eleven Inches Now) or create your own opportunities (taking out a few NSA sex ads) — put your very limited interests (oral only) and even more limited experience (none whatsoever) on the table and let the dude decide if he’s in (your mouth).

Dear Dan, I’m a 25-year-old lesbian, and I live with my partner of two years. My family is coming to visit from Texas, where they are part of a hyperconservative church. I’m not out to my mom. While I want this to be a happy occasion, I’m not willing to hide who I am in my own home. My sister owes me one from when I told our mom — at her request — that she was pregnant because she feared her reaction. I’m considering asking my sister to out me to my mom so that maybe she’ll be done screaming and yelling by the time she arrives. I know this is chickenshit, but I also can’t bring myself to come out to her. I’ve tried before and can never summon the courage. Anxiously Fearing Repulsive And Irrational Diatribes

My advice for you is the same as my advice for all queer kids with crazy, hyperconservative parents: Don’t fear their rejection — make them fear yours. Tell your mom you’re queer, AFRAID, and then tell her that you won’t speak to her or see her if she can’t treat you and your partner with respect. Remember: The only leverage an adult child has over her parents is her presence. If your mom treats you like shit, absent yourself. If she’s rude to you in your own home, kick her ass out. You’re a grown woman, and it’s time to stop being scared of mommy.

mail@savagelove.com t @fakedansavage

WARNING HOT GUYS! Cleveland

216.912.6000 Akron

330.315.3000 Canton

330.437.0100 FREE to listen & reply to ads!

FREE CODE: Cleveland Scene For other local numbers call

www.MegaMatesMen.com

2601

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Your premier choice for classy & fun entertainment providing first-rate entertainment for all occasion, including a wet & wild bachelor parties, divorce parties, birthday celebrations & retirement parties! Whatever the reason is that you request our services, rest assured that we have what you’re looking for! Our carefully selected adorable playmates cater to any occasion! We offer a diverse selection of exotic, classy, sophisticated & gorgeous ladies for you to choose from.

Dating Easy

GET ON TO GET OFF

made

Cleveland

216.912.2222

TS SEXY SINIA VISITING 29th-2nd ONLY

FREE to

Listen & Reply to Ads!

INDEPENDENCE AREA

FREE CODE: Cleveland Scene For other local numbers call

1-888-MegaMates

24/7 Friendly Customer Care 1(888) 634.2628

18+

Try For Free

216-377-6300

More local numbers: 1.800.777.8000 Ahora en Español /18+

34D-26-43

716-310-2774

3285

The #1 social network for men who like men

>http://kaylatheknockout.tumblr.com

AMERICA’S LOCAL CHAT THE EASIEST WAY TO MEET LOCAL SINGLES IN YOUR AREA!

1-212-CHAT-NOW TRY FOE R FRE 18+

(242-8669)

Grand Opening

TIGER SPA

420 West Market Street • Warren OH 44481

HOT HORNY HOUSEWIVES LIVE 1 ON 1

800-HOT-MILF (468-6453)

415-GAY-CHAT

(429-2428) LD rates may appLy

Directions: 80east exit 209 to 5east & West Market (7 lights & make a left)

330-373-0303 9am-12pm 7 Days a Week All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Mistress Priscilla

Dominance & Fantasy magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

[Lifestyle]

Not an Escort Service CALL

440-744-4858

Keep it Real hot talk, local singles

OUR AUDIENCE. 216.377.6303 ALL EYES ON YOU. FREE TRIAL

More local numbers: 1.800.811.1633 www.vibeline.com 18+

ADVERTISE WITH SCENE 216-241-7550

Jonesin’ Crossword

“The End Is near”-x, y or z, it’s all the same to me. Matt Jones

ADULT MASSAGE

:) :) ALL NUDE (: (:

AN EROTIC “MAN TO MAN” MASSAGE *HOTEL DISCOUNTS*

DOwn 1 Ranks on the reggae charts 2 “Forget it!” 3 End of an incredible statement 4 Boxing cat who can’t spell well? 5 Sch. in the Big Ten 6 CD full of electric guitarist Paul? 7 Acrobat software company 8 Africa’s largest city 9 Novelist who was uncredited on “The Joys of Yiddish”? 10 “I love,” in Latin 11 Cockatoo in the White House? 12 Donkey Kong’s establishment 13 “Fire! Fire!” speaker 14 Acquiesce

Answers appear on page 70

Let a man rub you down like only a man can! Full Body/ Full Service “Man to Man” Massage given by hot naked masculine white dude. 24 HRS Hotel & house calls welcome or stop by my Massage Studio. Versatile any scene. 2 guys also available. Low Rates. Well equipped and ready to play... Call 216-491-4501

Brown $ugar

Do u have Sweettooth? Indulge In Some Mouthwatering Carmel Fun. Fetishes are welcome, Role Playing Spankings, Cross Dressers, and First Timers Callers R Welcome*For the tired over worked, and stress out gentlemen.I have the most intense stress relieve massage that one can only imagine.. $85 1/hr Discount on Downtown hotel visit. Incall R Welcome W/1 hr Notice.... NO BLOCK CALLS OR TEXT MESSAGES PLEASE. Prefer White Males Or Gentlemen !!!!!MATURITY IS A MUST !!!!!! For more Info Please feel free to send me a Email sugar9669@gmail.com Or call me @ 440-541-5685

NAUGHTY EXOTIC GIRLS FS 18-27 1/2 Hr. & 1 Hr. Sessions Prompt and Courteous Inbound/Outbound Call 216-396-6424

WELL ENDOWED

& BOOTLYLICIOUS Kayla KO Visiting 716-310-2774

ADULT HELP WANTED ACCEPTING INTERVIEWS

For attractive females 18-30 for adult entertainment. Flexible hours & great for extra income. Contact Monica 216-396-6424

PHONE LINES #1 CHAT IN CLEVELAND!

Try it FREE! 18+ 216.453.1000 / 440.709.1000 www.nightlinechat.com

$10 Buck Phone Sex

Live 1 on 1 1-877-919-EASY (3279) 18+

100’s OF SEXY LATINO SINGLES Meet Hot Latin Locals! Get your FREE trial! 18+ 216.626.7777 440.325.7777 www.questchat.com

FREE to try! 18+ 216.626.7777 / 440.325.7777 Other Cities: 1.888.257.5757 www.questchat.com

EXPLICIT CHAT WITH SEXY LOCALS

712-432-7968 18+ Normal LD Applies

FUN SEXY SINGLES

Send Message FREE! 216-912-2222 Use FREE Code 3229, 18+

Gay & Bi Local Chat!

1-708-613-2103 Normal LD Applies 18+

HOT LOCAL URBAN SINGLES!

Are looking to hook up now! Try it FREE! 18+ 216.367.1010 / 440.424.0303 www.metrovibechatline.com

Meet Sexy Local Singles Tonight! Get your FREE TRIAL NOW! Must be 18+ CALL 216.902.3700 / 440.345.0015 www.lavalife.com

PRIVATE CONNECTIONS TRY IT FREE! 1-708-613-2100 Normal LD Applies 18+

SEXY HOT SWINGER’S LINE! 1-800-785-2833 1-800-960-4328 EROTIC PLAYGROUND! 1-888-660-4446 1-800-990-9377 HOT LIVE SEXY CHAT!!! 1-888-404-3330 1-800-805-8255 18+

WHERE SINGLES MEET

Listen to Ads & Reply FREE! 216-912-2222 FREE Code 3228, 18+

LOCAL LESBIAN SINGLES Reply to Ads FREE! 216-912-6000 FREE Code 2643, 18+

WE WENT OUT WHEN YOU COULDN’T. CATCH UP ON LAST NIGHT WITH SCENE’S EVENT SLIDESHOWS. ONLY AT CLEVESCENE.COM SCENE

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

1 Name before Dogg or Lion 6 Land of the lost? 10 Addis ___ (Ethiopia’s capital) 15 They may get locked 16 Cheese in a red rind 17 Bogs down 18 “Farewell, Francois!” 19 “All right then, leave!” 20 Controversial performers 21 Blue ribbon-worthy 22 Create raised lettering 24 He’ll be replaced by Stephen 25 “Charles in Charge” star Scott 26 Attaches using rope 27 Frigga’s spouse 28 Charlie Parker’s instrument 30 Laugh riot 32 More, in Managua 33 Marceau persona 34 Bee-related 37 Outdoor coat in harsh weather? 41 Backspace over 45 Valli’s voiced vote on a track event? 48 Bobcat cousin 49 “Resume speed,” musically 50 Billy of “Titanic” 51 Fast runner 52 Keebler employee, in ads

MEET LOCAL SINGLES FREE!

FREE PARTYLINE

ADULT SERVICES

22 Flight board data, briefly 23 Brush-off 29 Hit the bottom 31 German actor Udo ___ 34 Merged sports gp. 35 Be inquisitive 36 Woosnam of golf 37 Start of some moviesequel titles 38 Terms of ___ 39 Walton or Waterston 40 Roled up in one? 42 Pie-mode filling 43 First word of two MLB teams 44 Center of a hurricane 46 Poetic measure 47 On one’s own 51 Hitchcockian 53 Check for concealed weapons 54 Fuel that’s shoveled 55 Ms. Krabappel 56 Monopoly payment 57 Antioxidant-rich berry 58 Back muscles, briefly 59 “___ dat!” 60 More than mischievous 61 Raised bumps that don’t spell anything 62 Alkaline soap ingredient 65 Paleo- opposite

CALL NOW, MEET TONIGHT!

***JULIE 216.393.4541***

I will put you at ease. 38-d 5’8” 135IB 24/hr IN/OUT Alecia 216-240-3254

54 The brainiest explorer in history? 62 Longtime MTV newsman Kurt 63 “March Madness” org. 64 “The Empire Strikes Back” director Kershner 66 New Age giant 67 Some cookie crumbs 68 Hotel booking 69 Get happy 70 Angry hand 71 Ashton Kutcher’s role on “That ‘70s Show”

Browse & Respond FREE! 216-912-6000 Use FREE Code 2642, 18+

Get your FREE TRIAL! 18+ CALL The Night Exchange NOW! 216.502.4388 / 440.499.6400 www.nightexchange.com

SET YOURSELF FREE WITH ME

MEET GAY & BI LOCALS

Straight 216-912-2222 Curious 216-912-6000 FREE Code 3227, 18+

MASSAGE, SHOWER & HOT TUB Credit Cards w/ discreet billing. Come to our CLEAN bedbug free & Cozy Safe/Secure Westside Studio. Come see Danielle M - F Or “THE COUGAR” *Discounts for Pre-Scheduling COME SEE THE COUGAR & HER CUB!!! Mon-Fri 11am-5pm 2 1 6 - 4 7 2 - 3 6 5 0 ** Not F/S Private Discreet Relaxing Massage Table Awaits Selective POLITE WPM age 50+ only Donation: ONLY $130

ACROSS

ALL KINDS OF SINGLES

HOME BUYERS!!!

FREE MONEY!!! DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAM*

BUY YOUR DREAM HOME!!! Plus Get Up To $100k + More* (for new kitchen, new roof, new carpet, appliances, paint, basement waterproofing, windows, heating & cooling)*

NEVER EVER EVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY A HOME!!! Great Low Fixed Interest Rates* When your dreams come true... our dreams come true!!!

440.342.7355 (SELL)

Transportation Services $300 & UP FOR ALL JUNK CARS

We pay cash for junk or unwanted cars. We tow them for free! 440-231-8114 Rich

Merchandise For Sale BUYING PINBALL MACHINES

Jukeboxes, older slot machines, & older coin operated arcade type machines (working or not) 440-823-4057

I PAY $$$ for legos

SETS, MINIS, FIGS and BULK

Bankruptcy. DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. 1st appt FREE! Payment plans. Call Jason Baker

AUTO INSURANCE

SR22/Bond BEST PRICES DAVID YOUNG INSURANCE 440-779-9800

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

(DUI, Misdemeanor & Felony) Former Prosecutor Now FightingFor You. Also representing PERSONAL INJURY victim. Attorney David Reuven Office:216-360-3000 Cell:216-338-8666

HERPES SUFFERER

Call Grizzell good credit • bad credit • bankruptcy

DUI/DUS/Criminal/Divorce

Pen pals needed. Write PO BOX 391372 Solon, OH 44139

To Buy...or Sell

*Some restrictions may apply *for those who qualify... we consider...

Professional Services ATTORNEY *216.771.3966

NEW PARKING LOT AVAILABLE

JP 440-339-4591 cASh For LEGoS

E. 22nd & St. Clair SHUTTLE PROVIDED $85 per month 5am-7pm Secure Lot. 216-905-3680

SAVING BARS, TAVERNS & RESTAURANTS

Owners money on their insurance since 1976. RUSSO NEMES INSURANCE 440-638-4880 johnrussoins@ yahoo.com 11925 Pearl Rd. #303, Strongsville OH 44136

STOP LOOSING SLOTS!

Learn To Play Perfect Blackjack Strategy! Free 1st Lesson! Call 330-813-8808

UNCONTESTED DIVORCE $195 Plus Filing Fee, Attorney 216-.621.4100

Massage - Certified CARING MASSAGE

Days & Evenings, weekends. Warm candlelight atmosphere. Lakewood/West Suburbs Linda 216-221-5935

Rejuvenating Massage Therapy Chagrin Blvd. Beachwood $60 hr / $80 hr 1/2 Tammy D 216-820-0623

THE MAILMAN

Delivering The Best Massage! Call 216-252-3652 216-776-2702

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

Puzzle appears on page 69

Builletin Board ADOPT

A beautiful secure life of love awaits your baby through the gift of adoption. Alex + Tony (800) 838-0809 (Exp. Paid)

WANTS TO PURCHASE

minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201

Professional Services

THE OCEAN CORP. 10840 Rockley Road, Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New Career. *Underwater Welder. *Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 800-321-0298.

Real Estate: East/Subur BEDFORD Greencroft Rd. 3BR/1BA Single Family 1010 sqft, Great Location Lease or Cash $500 DN, $254/mo 877-519-0180

BREAKING NEWS. HOT OFFTHE INTERNET PRESS.

SCENE

magazine • clevescene.com • May 28 - June 3, 2014

ZOSO

The Ultimate Led Zepplin Experience

w/HUMAN NATURE

PRESENTED BY

JULY 11

BATTERY

Masters Of Metallica

w/SCHOOLGIRL CRUSH

w/ALMOST FAMOUS

JULY 25

ELEVATION

International U2 Tribute

w/THE JUKE HOUNDS

JUNE 27

▼

HEAD GAMES

Foreigner Tribute Band

w/VELVET SHAKE

▼

w/HEY MONEA!

JULY 4

DRAW THE LINE

The Only Endorsed Aerosmith Tribute Band

The Ultimate EAGLES Experience

JUNE 20

LIMELIGHT

A Tribute To RUSH

w/JUKE BOX HEROES

▼

7 BRIDGES

JUNE 6

▼

MAY 30

▼

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING

▼

MORE INFO?

AUG 1

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS All Girl Motley Crüe Tribute

w/THAT 80’s BAND

ALSO ROCKIN’ AUGUST 8 • ESCAPE The Journey Tribute w/STRAIGHT ON AUGUST 15 • HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS w/JD EICHER & THE GOODNIGHTS AUGUST 22 • VICIOUS CYCLE BAND w/BUTCH ARMSTRONG AUGUST 29 • BUCK NAKED BAND w/Coalies Run Band