Scene November 2, 2022

REWIND: 1999

Scene endeavored into dicey territory two decades ago while investigating whether the Russian mob was at work in Cleveland.

BY EVAN SULT

UPFRONT

DISCOUNTING GUNS, ABORTION AND HB6, CLEVELAND.COM AND CRAIN’S ENDORSE MIKE DEWINE FOR GOVERNOR

THE EDITORIAL BOARDS OF both The Plain Dealer / Cleveland. com and Crain’s Cleveland Business have endorsed Republican incumbent Mike DeWine for Governor, evidently wooed by his grandfatherly mien and his steady stewardship of the state’s economy during the dark early days of the Coronavirus.

DeWine will face Democratic challenger Nan Whaley in the Nov. 8 election, and polls have consistently shown a substantial advantage for the 75-year-old pro-lifer, despite the supposed groundswell of female voter registration in the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson, the June Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

The endorsements from both publications are hard to justify and even harder to explain. Cleveland. com, for example, spent the majority of its editorial articulating how it disagreed with DeWine on virtually everything that matters.

DeWine claimed to support gun reform, but promptly caved to the barbarians in the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law bills authorizing concealed carry without a permit and arming teachers with only 24 hours of training. Cleveland. com didn’t like that one bit!

DeWine is a religious, pro-life Republican, but is utterly delusional about the grim prospects for women in the state. He told the editorial board in an interview that in his opinion, the 10-year-old who was raped and had to seek abortion care in Indiana could have received an abortion in Ohio. In Cleveland. com’s opinion (and in Nan Whaley’s, naturally), he’s out to lunch.

We mustn’t forget DeWine’s intimate involvement in HB6, only the biggest racketeering scandal in the state of Ohio’s history, on which — let the record reflect — Cleveland. com has reported assiduously for two-plus years. DeWine appointed as Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Sam Randazzo, whose interpretation of the job was to accept $4.3 million in bribes from FirstEnergy and make decisions as directed by his benefactors. Cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn has been howling

about the naked corruption of the appointment on the Today in Ohio podcast since news of the scandal first broke.

“No charges have been filed against Randazzo or DeWine,” reads the Cleveland.com endorsement. A slogan for the ages.

Crain’s, for its part, glossed over (i.e. didn’t mention at all) DeWine’s position on guns and abortion, but did concede that as Governor his record was “not perfect.”

“His involvement as a commission member in Ohio’s botched

redistricting effort undercuts his get-it-done image,” they wrote. “He also has been cagey about discussing the FirstEnergy/House Bill 6 bribery scandal, which underscores an unfortunate reality of Ohio politics: one party (the Republican Party) has controlled virtually everything at the state level for years, and that’s a strong contributing factor to a culture of corruption.”

Crain’s also said they were “bothered” by the Governor’s refusal to debate.

It sure sounds like this guy sucks!

And yet, both publications shrugged and regurgitated generic plaudits about DeWine’s competent management during Covid and his role in helping Ohio land major economic development projects. (It’s not like DeWine and the Republicans have successfully legislated their way to success, by the way. It’s not like they’ve created a vibrant state where companies and their employees want to relocate. The major reason Intel and Honda and Ford and others have chosen Ohio over other possible relocation sites is

Utterly delusional, religious, pro-life Republican Mike DeWine

STATE OF OHIO

because JobsOhio, the quasi-public statewide economic development agency, has thrown millions of dollars at them. Look no further than Aer Lingus, the Irish airline to which JobsOhio contributed more than $9 million, on top of local public subsidies, to secure a direct flight from Cleveland Hopkins to Dublin.)

You know the endorsements are grasping at straws when they both mention the state’s bond rating in its opening paragraphs. Woof.

Endorsements are the products of votes by a publication’s editorial board, and a politically “balanced” board should, in theory, result in occasional endorsements on both sides of the political aisle. But what cowardice on display here! Ohio has been ravaged and politically headlocked by the brazen criminal cabal of Republicans in Columbus, and these publications have reported on their brazen criminality for two years! It’s honestly striking to see them ignore or discount the vast portfolio of their ownwork and encourage readers to submit to four more years of abuse.

Nan Whaley’s campaign has, for the record, been a sad and incoherent dumpster dive. And it’s not as if a Democratic governor would magically fix the Republican stranglehold on the legislature. But it could certainly be a countervailing force.

The overwhelming likelihood is that Whaley will get trounced on Tuesday. Backing a wicked horse like DeWine is no less shameful because he’s liable to win.

Crain’s editor Elizabeth McIntyre announced at a Press Club of Cleveland event last week that the DeWine endorsement would be the publication’s last. And in its most recent edition, it published a letter to the editor that criticized them for their position, calling the DeWine endorsement “shockingly dismissive” of the governor’s role in statehouse corruption scandals, (HB6, redistricting), and his assent to legislative extremism.

“Not surprisingly, Ohio’s brain drain has accelerated, and young people are leaving in droves,” the letter read. “Much of the responsibility for this lies at DeWine’s feet.” -Sam Allard

pages hinting that a rash of Kia and Hyundai thefts around Cleveland is only getting worse this fall is backed up by data, according to officials.

Things have escalated since summer all around Cuyahoga County, Ryan Bokoch, a supervisor of the Crime Strategies Unit with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, told Scene

He noted that Kias and Hyundais made between 2010 and 2021 now make up 50% of all vehicles stolen across the county, with the majority of those being Kias, and all driven by the viral “Kia Boyz” social media trend where kids have learned to steal cars using USB chargers.

From Westlake to Berea, Euclid to Parma, the models have been disappearing, and, in the case of failed attempts, left with broken windows and destroyed steering columns.

“It’s very concerning, because we don’t know how to tell people to combat it, it’s not as easy as taking the keys out of your car,” Police Captain Gerald Vogel of Westlake, one of the many cities now providing anti-theft devices to residents, told Fox 8 earlier this year.

“It’s at least one a day,” Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer told the station. “The numbers of theft reports on these vehicles are huge. This issue has increased in just the last two months. Prior to that, we didn’t have as much of an issue but we are seeing an explosion in thefts particularly of Kias and some Hyundais.”

Juveniles and young adults under the age of 22 have been the main perpetrators in these crimes, Bokoch told Scene. Often the car is simply taken for a joy ride and ditched, but incidents have also included police chases and crashes, and cars have also been used to commit other crimes.

Though hundreds of cases have been reported, Bokoch said only 34 people have been prosecuted for thefts of a Kia or Hyundai in the county this year.

Meanwhile, many local police departments have been in touch with the car manufacturers to acquire steering wheel locks for citizens. More than 100 were provided in Westlake, for example.

Owners can also call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 to request a lock.

Those kits have been made available for purchase and installment at Hyundai dealerships across the country.

What else can owners do?

“The most important thing for people to remember is please lock up your cars, take your keys out, take your valuables out of cars. Specifically with the Hyundais and Kias, if you can put it in a garage for now, and if you do need to park outside, try using a device like this (CLUB) or others you can get over the internet,” Westlake Capt. Vogel said. -Ashley Lubecky

Ohio Rabbis React to State Expert Offering ‘Christian Understanding’ of Abortion Law

In a battle that has long ebbed between science and religion, Republicans in Ohio have begun using explicitly Christian rationale to try and limit abortion care access for everyone in the state.

During an Oct. 7 hearing in a Hamilton County Court, Judge Christian Jenkins ruled to indefinitely block the state of Ohio’s six-week abortion ban.

In the case Preterm Cleveland v. Dave Yost, Jenkins heard testimony from doctors on both sides (Ohio attorney general Dave Yost is a Republican). Preterm Cleveland, made up of a large network of Ohio abortion providers, put forth a University of Maryland doctor with three decades of working with high-risk pregnancies, while the state brought up a retired Cedarville University biomedical ethics professor who called abortion a violation of those ethics.

State’s witness Dr. Dennis Sullivan, who recently retired from the Christian college as a professor of pharmacy practice and director of the center for bioethics, told the court he had no OB/GYN training or experience and that he’s never witnessed an abortion being performed.

Still, he testified for the state that his research into “personhood” supports his belief that life begins at conception. That research, a scholarly article on “human embryo metaphysics,” says the idea that humans’ “intrinsic value” begins at conception “is crucial to the most prominent Christian understanding of human dignity.”

“Bringing in a Christian theologian I think makes it pretty clear it’s a Christian viewpoint of when life starts,” Danziger says. “It’s not the Jewish viewpoint.”

Sullivan didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Danziger is the lead organizer for the Ohio Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC_OH). The Religious Action Center includes staff members organizing Jewish communities in California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Texas and, and Washington, D.C. Throughout Ohio, she brings together Reform congregations to organize on behalf of social justice issues.

RAC_OH filed an amicus brief in the case of the Preterm Cleveland v. Dave Yost when the case was brought up on a state level.

“When it was on the state level, we did work on an amicus brief in support of those providers because we believe it violates our religious freedom and violates the establishment clause,” Danziger says.

How the Jewish faith generally views abortion

Once the lawsuit was moved from the state supreme court to Hamilton County an amicus brief could no longer be filed. But Danziger says RAC_OH’s support for Ohio abortion providers still stands and that a ban on abortions at the detection of a fetal heartbeat (medical experts say that this is not an actual heartbeat, but rather sporadic electrical flutters) is inherently at odds with the Jewish faith.

“Jewish tradition teaches that life begins and ends with breath. Life starts with the first breath and ends with your last breath,” Danziger says. “The word in Hebrew for breath, nephesh, is the same as the word for soul. That being said, a fetus in Jewish legal tradition isn’t not a life, but it’s not a life – it’s kind of something in between a life and not a life, it’s a potential life.”

Multiple anti-abortion bills in the Ohio legislature offer very narrow exceptions for the health of the patient. Danziger says the Jewish view of abortion strongly accounts for the life of the pregnant person.

Anecdotal evidence from local police blotters and community watch

Additionally, “Hyundai has identified a Firstech / Compustar security kit that targets the method of entry thieves are using to access these vehicles,” a Hyundai spokesperson said.

That use of the phrase “Christian understanding” is enough to make Rabbi Lindsey Danziger feel that the state of Ohio may be teetering on imposing a single religious viewpoint on its citizens.

“There’s a lot of examples in Jewish law that a fetus is treated differently than a human life, to the extent that Jewish tradition teaches that if a pregnant individual’s life is in danger it’s not just permitted but it’s commanded to terminate the pregnancy,” Danziger says. “I think it’s really problematic as someone who is not a Christian if the state is establishing a religion, that is against the constitution.”

Thefts of Kias and Hyundais Around Cleveland, Already Bad This Summer, Only Escalating in Fall

UPFRONT

But some experts in Judaism say that years of incremental Christianity-centric legislation may actually herald something different now. Rabbi Noah Ferro is part of the Northern Hills Synagogue in Mason. He theorizes the state’s current choice to use Sullivan’s Christianity-based testimony in place of a doctor with actual OBGYN experience is actually a sign of rising secularism, not Christian-based politics.

“I don’t think we have the sense that we are poised for some sort of dissent into a sort of dark age for religious equality in our country,” Ferro says. ”This may be a part of a larger process of demographic change, the death throes of religion and religiosity as completely normative and widespread in our culture. I think if you’re looking at population studies that’s something that they seem to suggest. That, by and large, more Americans, especially young Americans, fall into that category of the ‘nones’, those who don’t identify as having any particular religious identity.”

Legal action from the Jewish community

Danziger doesn’t know if legal action from the Jewish community is on its way in Ohio yet, but she points to cases in Florida, Indiana and Kentucky in which Jewish people are suing the state for infringing on religious freedom by attempting to ban abortions.

“They say as Jewish women, it infringes on their religious freedom to deal with their pregnancies in a way that is consistent with their faith beliefs,” Danziger says. “As Rabbis and clergy and spiritual leaders, Ohio’s abortion law really gets in the way of our ability to advise our congregants and those coming to us seeking council on Jewish law and tradition that is consistent with our faith beliefs and traditions.”

Danziger emphasizes that she is a Reform Rabbi and that not all Jewish people share the exact same views on abortion, though PEW Research data indicates the vast majority of the nation’s Jewish population is in favor of abortion care access in all or most cases. The same research also shows the majority of Orthodox

scene@clevescene.com

Christians and Catholics are in favor maintaining abortion care access, though the margins are slimmer.

Ohio attorney general Dave Yost’s office announced plans to appeal the decision from Judge Jenkins on Oct. 13, saying they have the support of Gov. Mike DeWine. Neither Yost’s office or DeWine’s office have responded to a request for comment on the appeal or the state’s choice to include testimony from Sullivan by press time.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Nan Whaley says that she’s not surprised by Ohio’s choice to present a witness with an obvious Christian-based argument.

“It’s the only point of view they can have, for this,” Whaley says.

“Our whole medical system is based on evidence-based, and evidencebased is not religious-based.”

-Madeline Fening

DIGIT WIDGET

Amount that Cuyahoga County Council intends to invest in the Diversion Center to keep it in operation for another year. The Diversion Center opened in May, 2021, as an alternative to the county jail for low-level offenders suffering from mental health or addiction issues.

Total number of people who have obtained care at the Diversion Center.

141 (Of the 545) total number referred by local police departments. The remainder entered voluntarily or were referred by friends or family.

22

Three-point field goals made by Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Love and Dean Wade in their Sunday night game against the New York Knicks, the most by a trio in a single game in NBA history.

CMSDrama!

Bibb phoned local educational leaders and political allies on the day Cleveland schools CEO Eric Gordon announced his forthcoming resignation, multiple sources told Scene, trying delicately to evade culpability by communicating that the decision was Gordon’s alone.

Bibb’s personal outreach included calls to Shari Obrenski, President of the Cleveland Teachers Union, Ronn Richard, President and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, John Ryan, the state director for Sen. Sherrod Brown, and other prominent stakeholders.

Gordon, beloved by students and cherished by the armada of local nonprofits working in the education arena, has held the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s top post since 2011. Before that, he served for four years as its Chief Academic Officer. His tenure has coincided with the design and implementation of the Cleveland Plan, the multi-pronged blueprint for local school reform, and the marquee achievements therefrom, including a high school graduation rate that skyrocketed from 52% in 2011 to better than 80% in 2019. (It dipped back into the 70s during Covid.)

Gordon’s leadership has been heralded as a stabilizing force after a dismal procession of clowns and crooks at CMSD. In more than a dozen interviews that

BY SAM ALLARD

Scene conducted for this story, colleagues and friends praised him as a consummate professional and total sweetheart. Even those who have disagreed with him on policy and operational decisions in the past cited his accessibility, his compassion, and his tireless commitment to students.

Gordon’s bombshell Sept. 12 announcement, that he would resign at the end of the 20222023 school year, betokened – to some – a rift between him and the Bibb administration. Mark Naymik of Signal Cleveland, while first breaking the news on Twitter, alluded to tension between Gordon and City Hall, referencing disagreements about charter schools.

Gordon himself cast the decision as largely a strategic matter, saying that with the district’s finances, facilities and personnel in good shape, conditions were optimal for a transition. He said that announcing his decision early would give the mayor and school board a lengthy runway to select his successor. (An RFP was issued last month for an executive search firm to lead that work.)

“The best thing a leader can do is set the next leader up for success,” Gordon told the CMSD News Bureau on Sept. 13. “I’m not leaving because I’m tired or burnt out. I could have been selfish and stayed. I still love this work.”

Nevertheless, the job took its toll. Gordon joked during his State of the Schools address that he hadn’t turned off his cell phone in 15 years and couldn’t remember the last time he’d leisurely read a book before bed. Sources close to Gordon confirmed that presiding over the schools during Covid had been especially taxing. He was forced to wear multiple hats and work even longer hours than usual.

“I’d regularly see Eric for a 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. meeting,” said Dr. Sajit Zachariah, the longtime Dean of CSU’s College of Education and Human Services and a founding member of the Cleveland Transformation Alliance. “For most of us, that was the end of our day. But Eric was usually off to another meeting when it was over.”

In public statements, both Bibb and Gordon maintained that they enjoyed a healthy and productive working relationship. Multiple close associates, including Bibb’s Education Chief Holly Trifiro and the Cleveland Transformation Alliance Executive Director Meghann Marnecheck, told Scene that nothing in their experience led them to believe otherwise. Marnecheck said that she witnessed and partook in multiple conversations about charter schools on the Transformation Alliance, which the Mayor chairs, and never sensed tension in that setting.

But sources who spoke to Scene under condition of anonymity told a different story: They said that Bibb treated Gordon callously; that he viewed Gordon as “an employee, not the leader of a major urban school district”; that he was high on his own supply and hellbent on disruption for disruption’s sake; and that whether he intended to or not, he undermined Gordon’s leadership in public pursuit of rapid progress.

As mayor, these sources said, Bibb saw himself as the leader and change-agent of Cleveland’s schools, and that this hubris led to a series of miscalculations that resulted in Gordon’s forthcoming departure and – for the first time in his young tenure – open skepticism among institutional stakeholders about Bibb’s leadership.

In the more generous interpretations, Bibb did these things inadvertently. He surfed into the mayor’s office on a wave of good will and was, justifiably, motivated by the mandate for urgent change that voters issued in the Nov. 2021 election. He wanted to move fast and take bold action, and he wasn’t bashful about demanding more and better from everyone, even respected leaders.

But from another vantage point, Bibb was careless, craving innovation above all else, and too often chased headlines without having done his homework. Both the

CLEVELAND MAYOR JUSTIN

failed attempt to expunge marijuana convictions en masse and the recent re-apportionment of dollars initially intended for the Lead Safe Fund were referenced as “debacles” in a similar vein. Bibb was pursuing big, splashy wins, the criticism held, to pad his resume for the next political stop. On top of that, he was alleged to have private interests, notably charter school executives, in his ear, shaping educational prerogatives that centered high-quality schools, not high-quality public schools – an important distinction about which, some sources were distressed to observe, the mayor didn’t seem particularly concerned.

In any case, the rumblings and finger-pointing at the Foundations and elsewhere began almost immediately after Gordon’s announcement. The mayor was thought to be taken aback by the outpouring of support for Gordon and related concerns about his vision for charter school expansion. That’s why sources suspect Bibb hit the phones that day, to patch up the levees before they publicly breached. He reassured Cleveland’s education and philanthropic big wigs of his commitment to the Cleveland Plan and, to the extent he could, deflect blame.

“It was like that Shaggy song,” one source said. “‘It wasn’t me.’”

Indeed, the administration has strenuously rejected to Scene all notions that Bibb was responsible for Gordon’s decision, noting that it was Gordon himself who communicated to Bibb, in a meeting on Aug. 1, that he wouldn’t be seeking a contract renewal.

In response to a series of questions from Scene, Bibb issued the following statement:

“Every child in the city of Cleveland deserves access to a highquality education. My education has been the foundation of my ability to lead and to work with others effectively. I know how much

education matters for our kids and their families. My desire to accelerate progress for our students is grounded in the reality that too many of our kids do not have the essential skills they need to be successful and too many do not have access to the high-quality learning experiences that engage them and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to our society. The pandemic dramatically impeded our kids’ progress as shown in the National Assessment of Education Progress scores released this week. I believe the Cleveland Plan set the right foundation for change and I can appreciate the time and challenges inherent in changing a complex system. But at this moment, we need to be focused on ensuring that all of our kids, families and educators have what they need to be successful. We need our full community focused on helping our kids catch up – particularly in literacy where we have seen such a significant impact locally.”

“I believe the Cleveland Plan set the right foundation for change and I can appreciate the time and challenges inherent in changing a complex system, BUT—” isn’t quite the message local stakeholders will be tickled to hear.

Multiple sources communicated their belief that Bibb doesn’t appreciate the time and challenges inherent in changing a complex system at all. Fully a quarter of CMSD’s 36,000 students are designated as having a disability, for example. A significant number of them have been poisoned by lead paint. Many of them live in extreme poverty, food insecurity, and are proximate to the trauma of gun violence on a regular basis. The Cleveland Plan succeeded in spite of these devastating social and economic factors, sources noted, and it’s ludicrous to believe that a viable policy solution in this context is simply to give more money to

charter schools.

“The truth is he doesn’t have a solution,” one source said. “I believe in his heart that he honestly cares about schools, but he has no ideas. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

JUSTIN BIBB APPOINTED HOLLY

Trifiro as his Chief of Education on Feb. 15. Trifiro, the former director of Teach for America in Ohio, was unveiled alongside Sonya PryorJones, who was appointed Chief of Youth and Family Success.

“Education is the foundation for a stronger future, and Cleveland’s children are a priority for this administration,” Bibb said in a press release at the time. “In order to implement our new vision, we need collaborative city-wide efforts to deliver an ecosystem of support that strengthens families and neighborhoods. These two leaders will focus on the success of our children and their families from early childhood to adulthood.”

Trifiro’s first day on the City Hall payroll was Feb. 28, but she didn’t start working full-time until June 1, an arrangement not previously known.

Trifiro told Scene that at the time of her appointment, there had been a leadership transition at TFA’s national office, and as such there was no one to hire her replacement in Ohio. She worked part-time for the city while coordinating her succession plan at TFA.

These were pivotal months.

Cleveland.com’s Courtney Astolfi broke the news that the Cleveland School Board was prepared to offer Gordon a contract extension this spring, but it was contingent upon Mayor Bibb’s approval, which never came. Bibb said he hadn’t had time to meet with Gordon to discuss the future. And for that matter, he hadn’t yet decided if he wanted Gordon in charge. (In the view of some critics, Bibb was arrogating unto himself

a selection that was ultimately the school board’s to make.)

The Plain Dealer editorial board bashed Bibb for dilly-dallying.

“It’s not clear that Bibb understands what an immense loss to the district this will be,” an Oct. 2 editorial read, “or how disrespectful it was to leave Gordon hanging in that way for months, to not even show him the common courtesy of a meeting.”

While it’s true that Bibb and Gordon never discussed his contract explicitly, it was not the case that Bibb and Gordon did not meet until the fateful encounter on Aug. 1. Quite the contrary. Multiple sources told Scene that Bibb and Gordon met regularly for the first few months of 2022. And Trifiro confirmed that they had a standing weekly meeting. Once she started full time in June, the Bibb-Gordon meetings shifted to “a monthly cadence.”

Trifiro said that while the administration was aware the Board was considering re-appointing Gordon, Bibb had requested more time to iron out his own vision.

“Eric’s contract was not up until June of 2023,” she said. “Candidly, it was not flashing on our screen as something we had to address right this minute. The conversations [Bibb and Gordon] were having were not about long-term vision. They were really focused on what was most pressing for families and kids in the district. It was a pretty continuous set of crises.”

Trifiro said that in her observations, the working relationship between Bibb and Gordon was strong and guided by mutual respect. She said she found it “fascinating” that sources had suggested Eric was ever publicly or privately undermined.

“What I would say is that the new administration works in different ways than the last administration,” she said. “That’s not good or bad, but it is requiring some change and some new relationship-setting for

Eric Gordon. COURTESY PHOTO

Justin Bibb. EMANUEL WALLACE

“The truth is he doesn’t have a solution,” one source said of Justin Bibb. “I believe in his heart that he honestly cares about schools, but he has no ideas. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

that work to really happen. I think everybody needs to recognize that building up trust takes time.”

On the larger question of the mayor’s educational priorities, particularly as it pertained to charter schools, Trifiro said that Bibb was open to a “broad set of solutions” to address the enormous educational impacts of Covid.

“What’s true about the mayor,” she said, “is that he understands that getting the kind of educational outcomes and opportunities that we want for all our kids requires solutions that happen in school and out of school. And we’re not taking off the table the notion that charter schools in our community can contribute to learning. They are serving a meaningful number of kids and we need to be attentive to their success as well.”

Trifiro rejected unequivocally the idea that education was not a priority for the Bibb administration and reframed a critique of her early parttime status.

“There was a conversation about me potentially waiting to come on until June,” she said. “But the Mayor felt like there was so much important work in education to be done, and that the challenges were so immense, that we wanted to ensure City Hall was leaning in and providing as much support as possible through that period.”

Trifiro also pointed out that education was a core part of the mayor’s transition, and that Eric Gordon and a number of the Cleveland Plan’s stakeholders served on the education subcommittee.

“It’s not like he forgot,” she said. “It’s not like he wasn’t paying attention.”

LIKE MANY OF ERIC GORDON’S friends and colleagues outside CMSD, Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin had no advance notice of the CEO’s decision. Also like others, he heard from members of the Cleveland Plan coalition the day of Gordon’s resignation. They called him to share concerns about what the departure portended.

Griffin said he reached out to Bibb immediately to express concerns of his own.

“I was concerned about charter schools and privatization in general,” Griffin told Scene. “My position is that I am a staunch believer in public education. I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into helping change the trajectory of this school district, and I wanted to ensure that [the administration] intended to preserve and protect CMSD, and to preserve

and protect the momentum we’ve been building since 2012.”

Griffin said that Bibb scheduled a meeting between Griffin and Trifiro in the ensuing days, and that Trifiro communicated to Griffin that the administration would be putting some of its proposals and activities “on pause” until they had a clearer understanding of where they intended to go with the district.

The administration’s direction will come into sharper focus this week.

City Hall intends to release a report Thursday on its priorities for education, the result of a summer listening tour with students, parents, educators, clergy, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

(An aside: Ideastream’s Conor Morris noted on Sept. 23, that the Mayor met in April with Jimmy and Dee Haslam and Jamie Woodson, a former Republican state legislator and charter school advocate in Tennessee who now serves as an advisor to the Haslam 3 Foundation, the Browns owners’ philanthropic arm. Trifiro, who attended the meeting as well, characterized it to Scene as an “exploratory conversation” to learn about the Haslams’ priorities in education. The meeting resulted in their financial support for the listening tour.)

Bibb teased the highlights of the report at a Directors meeting of the Cleveland Transformation Alliance last week.

“The headline is that we’re doubling down on the Cleveland Plan,” he said.

He identified priorities in the areas of Safety (including safe routes to school and out-of-school opportunities); Facilities (including a comprehensive review of all CMSD buildings and a focus on equitable access); and Academic Preparation (including a 2023 citywide literacy campaign, the launch of “learning innovation centers” and attempts to increase teacher diversity). The administration also wants to “build

on what’s working” and “elevate parent voices.”

After his presentation, Bibb was asked what exactly he meant by “doubling down” on the Cleveland Plan. Did this refer to a literal doubling of resources, or was this just a figure of speech?

“It’s not a figure of speech,” he said. “It’s a commitment that I intend to execute as mayor. Number one, I’m putting $20 million of American Rescue Plan dollars to support education …. We want children to be able to graduate from CMSD, go to CSU and pass English 101. That’s success. We can talk about data and numbers, but making sure that children and families, regardless of the neighborhood they live in, have access to a high-quality option that meets their needs: that’s my focus as mayor.”

Eric Gordon is a member of the Cleveland Transformation Alliance and was in attendance. He remains the CEO of CMSD until the end of the current school year. But he did not receive the Mayor’s presentation outlining his priorities until the morning of the meeting, an illustration to some of the lack of communication and collaboration from City Hall.

Gordon himself declined to be interviewed for this story. CMSD’s media relations team provided the same statement that has been provided elsewhere, in which Gordon said he made his decision “based solely on what I think is right for the district at this time.”

That statement corresponds to his message at the State of the Schools address, in which he emphasized the importance of setting up the next CEO for success.

But sources told Scene that the decision was also tactical, related to the current constitution of the CMSD School Board. The nine-member body is appointed by the mayor, and in June, the terms of five members will expire. (School board members

who Scene reached for comment were unwilling to discuss the circumstances surrounding Gordon’s departure.)

Though according to state ordinance, the next CEO will be selected by the school board with the concurrence of the Mayor –and though Gordon himself was appointed due in large part to the advocacy of former Mayor Frank Jackson – by bowing out now, Gordon ensures that the current board will determine his successor, not a board composed of majority Bibb appointees who may hew to a different set of priorities. According to a CMSD RFP, the contract for an executive search firm will begin this month, with the goal of hiring the next CEO “by April or May of 2023.”

Even the sources most critical of Bibb and most suspicious of charter school expansion said they were confident that CMSD would land promising candidates to carry on Eric Gordon’s legacy. Both the financial position of the district and the robust community support make the job an attractive one, sources said.

But robust community support can be a double-edged sword. The major nonprofits, foundations and business interests that have invested so much time and money in the Cleveland Plan aren’t liable to be amenable to a change of course 10 years in. These institutional power players expect political leaders to “collaborate,” another way of saying, “play by their rules.” The impression conveyed by a number of sources was that Bibb should have been far more deferential in the early going, both to Gordon and to the coalition partners. In fact, one of the ‘miscalculations’ that sources referenced seemed to be attitudinal: They didn’t appreciate that Bibb was walking around like he owned the place.

But from the perspective of Bibb and his team, he sort of does. After running a spectacular political campaign in 2021, he and his administration operate from a position of firm, if occasionally grating, resolve. They embrace the aura of overachieving thirtysomethings who don’t have to put up with an institutional old guard if they don’t want to. They recognize that the major private stakeholders in Cleveland expect political leaders to kiss their rings.

But Bibb’s position is: I’m mayor now. My ring is bigger.

By bowing out now, Gordon ensures that the current board will determine his successor, not a board composed of majority Bibb appointees who may hew to a different set of priorities.”

OUT

Everything to do in Cleveland for the next two weeks

WED 11/02

The 10 X 3 Songwriter Band Showcase Hosted by Brent Kirby

The concept of 10x3 is a pre-arranged line up with 10 songwriters/ bands performing three songs each. Two of the them required to be original, and the third can be the artist’s choice. Local singer-songwriter Brent Kirby hosts the event, which runs from 7 to 9 tonight at the Bop Stop. Admission is free.

2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.

THU 11/03

Cats

Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography, a revamped version of the musical Cats remains in town this month for an extended run at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $20. Check the Playhouse Square website for show times and more info.

1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

FRI 11/04

Friday Night Lights!

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History stays open until 8 tonight to feature special programming, including current science presentations, gallery talks, up-close looks at the museum’s animals, in-depth conversations with curators and special guests, and access to the Ralph Mueller Observatory, weather permitting. The events are free for members. For nonmembers, normal admission rates apply, and guests who purchase a ticket at any time on Friday are welcome to stay past 5 p.m. at no additional cost.

1 Wade Oval Dr., 216-231-4600, cmnh.org.

Monsters vs. Chicago Wolves

The Chicago Wolves come to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse tonight at 7 for the first of two games against the Monsters. The two teams will face off again at 7 tomorrow night too. As part of a season-long 1-2-3 Friday promotion, there will be $1 sodas, $2 hot dogs and $3 beers.

1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

SAT 11/05

Cleveland Cinemas Late Shift

Monthly screenings of Late Shift titles will be held at the Cedar Lee Theatre on the first Saturday of each month at 10 p.m. The movie changes from month to month, but at each screen ing, there will be a special promotion that will give patrons the chance to win a prize or get a free popcorn. first Saturday of every month.

2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.

GlamGore: Super Slashers

This alternative, themed drag event features performances by Venus Dom, Tommy Knockers, Saranade Tits, Coma White and Monikkie Shame. Doors open at 8 p.m. at the Grog Shop. Consult the club’s website for ticket prices and more info. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

SUN 11/06

MercyMe

The contemporary Christian pop

band MercyMe has crossed over into the mainstream music world and performed on shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Fox & Friends. It performs tonight at 7 at the State Theatre.

1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, play housesquare.org.

TUE 11/08

The Great Leap

Tonight at 7 at the Outcalt Theatre, the Cleveland Play House presents The Great Leap, a play about an American college basketball team travels from San Francisco to Beijing for a “friendship game” against a Chinese squad. Performances continue through Nov. 20. Check the Playhouse Square website for times and ticket prices.

1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

WED 11/09

Second Annual Danny Ripepi Memorial Concert

The locally based Contemporary

The Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University opens the 2022-2023 season with Spectrum . See: Friday, Nov. 11.

Photo: Brad Petot

Youth Orchestra studies and performs exclusively contemporary and new orchestral music with a focus on introducing students to careers in the creative arts industries. In residence at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), Metro Campus, the orchestra works in partnership with Tri-C Metro’s Center for Creative Arts. Through collaborative programming, they seek to address instrumental music education gaps in the Cleveland area. Tonight’s concert at the State Theatre functions as a benefit concert. Tickets start at $25. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

THU 11/10

Tony Baker

A Chicago native, comedian Tony Baker, a finalist on Seasons 8 and 9 of NBC’s The Last Comic Stand ing, delivers what he calls Baker isms during his raucous standup routines. “How come nobody smiles at drug deals?” he asks in one bit. “It’s the easiest tax-free money around. You’d think everyone would be happy.” Baker performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Check the Improv website

for ticket prices.

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

FRI 11/11

CWRU Dance Presents Spectrum

The Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University opens the 2022-2023 season with Spectrum, a program featuring contemporary New York-based choreographer Janice Rosario and the return of the popularly acclaimed Les Noces by Pascal Rioult. The work features new technology-infused multi-media and multi-channel sound dance work us ing new state-of-the art technology. Rounding out the program will be the return of Karen Potter’s poignant Ubi Sunt. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Mather Dance Center.

11201 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland Heights, 1-800-348-2234, dance.case.edu/.

SAT 11/12

Ron White

You won’t get any nonsense from straight-talking, hard-drinking

comic Ron White, who appears tonight at 7 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. White, who rose to fame on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, embraces a redneck sensibility. A classic storyteller, he regularly talks about growing up in a small town in Texas. The guy’s sold over 14 million albums (solo and with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour); he’s also been nominated for two Grammys. Consult the venue’s website for more info.

10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

SUN 11/13

Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves wound up in the playoffs and gave the Grizzlies a real battle. Led by star center/power forward Karl-Anthony Towns, this year’s team should be solid too. It comes to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to take on the Cavs at 6 tonight.

1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

In Conversation: John Ewing

John Ewing, Director of the Cleve-

land Institute of Art Cinematheque, will speak at 3 p.m. at the Fairmount Center for the Arts. He’ll talk about how the Cinematheque has become one of the best repertory movie theaters in the United States.

8400 Fairmount Rd., Novelty, 440-338-3171, fairmountcenter.org.

TUE 11/15

An Evening of Film Shorts

In conjunction with Contact, an exhibition conceived and organized by Renée Green for moCa Cleveland as part of FRONT International 2022, Green has curated a film series expanding on the exhibition’s exploration of the poetics of relation. The series takes place in Case Western Reserve University’s Strosacker Auditorium, and it includes a wide breadth of films by Green, her peers and filmmakers who have been influential to the artist’s practice. Film shorts programmed by Suneil Sanzgiri screen tonight at 7. Admission is free.

2180 Adelbert Rd., 216-368-CINE, mocacleveland.org.

scene@clevescene.com

t@clevelandscene

OFFICIAL CLEVELAND PIZZA

27 CLUB VE O

2 7clubcoff ee.com 1215 West 10th St, Cleveland

CHICKEN & WAFFLES FLATBREAD

27 Clubs famous flatbread dough with boursin cheese, siracha maple syrup, mozzarella, sugar waffles, fire braised chicken breast, candied pecans, powdered sugar

CUP & CHAR PEPPERONI

27 Clubs famous flatbread dough with our fresh homemade red sauce, mozzarella and tons of cup and char pepperoni

BIG M PIZZA O bigmpizza.com 153 Lear Rd, Avon Lake

BIG M BALLER

Fresh ricotta cheese, light sauce, basil, sliced meatballs, fresh mozzarella & parmesan cheese. +$5.00 Gluten Free Crust

BALLANTINE O ballantinerestaurant.com 4113 Erie St, Willoughby

GET FIGGY WITH IT

Garlic Oil, Mozzarella, Bacon, Figs, Arugula, Balsamic Reduction

ELOTE PIZZA

Tajin Cream Sauce, Cotija Cheese, Corn, Red Onion, Cilantro

BEERHEAD BAR & EATERY FLATS EAST BANK P beerheadbar.com/cleveland-ohio 1156 W 11th St, Cleveland

STREET CORN PIZZA

Rich and creamy queso forms the base, then topped with roasted corn and poblano peppers, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Finished with pickled onions, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and Cajun-lime crema. Add Chorizo +$2, GF Crust +$4

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

Sweet and smokey BBQ sauce topped with shredded mozzarella, roasted chicken, red onion, and oregano. GF Crust +$4

BIGA WOOD FIRED PIZZA bigawoodfiredpizza.com 9145 Chillicothe, Kirtland

MARGHERITA PIZZA

12 inch, handmade pizza topped with tomato sauce, Fior Di Latte fresh mozzarella, and basil, and finished with grated parmesan

BRIGHT SIDE O brightsidecle.com 1948 W 25th St, Cleveland

BRIGHT SIDE MARINARA San marzano marinara sauce, basil, & mozzarella cheese

CHATTY’S PIZZERIA VE O chattyspizzeria.com 28611 Lake Rd, Bay Village

POTATO PIZZA

Roasted potato wedges, caramelized onions, bacon, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, oil & garlic sauce on NY crust. Sub Grandma Crust - +$3.00 | Sub Cauliflower Crust - +$2.00 | Sub Gluten Free/Vegan Crust - +$2.00 | Sub Vegan Cheese - +2.00.

CITIZEN PIE O citizenpie.com 2144 W 25th St, Cleveland 15710 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland

SMOKED PEPPERONI Fresh Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Oregano

NEW YORKER Shredded Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Oregano, Parmesan

CITIZEN PIE ROMAN CAFE VE O citizenpie.com 2057 East 4th St, Cleveland

YOU CHOOSE Choose any two slices for $8

CRUST O crusttremont.com 2258 Professor Ave, Cleveland 3000 St Clair, Cleveland

HOT MARGHERITA PEPPERONI Fresh garlic, crushed red pepper, tomato, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, basil

DANNY BOYS PIZZA VE P dannyboyspizza.com 24129 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted 20251 Lake Rd, Rocky River

ORIGINAL CLEVELANDER

Thin crust, granulated garlic, basil, five-cheese blend, double pepperoni topped Chicago style with pizza sauce and parmesan cheese

DEWEY’S PIZZA deweyspizza.com 2194 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights 3265 W Market St, Fairlawn 18516 Detroit Ave, Cleveland

MEATBALL PIZZA

11” Meatball: Red Sauce, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Meatballs, Oregano, Shaved Parmesan

CAPRICE PIZZA

11” Caprice: Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Fontina, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

EAT ME PIZZA O studiowest117.com/eatmepizza 1384 Hird Ave, Lakewood

TREE LOVERS PIZZA

The Tree Lovers Pizza has a creamy garlic base with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, onions, mozzarella and goat cheese

GERACI’S SLICE SHOP

geracissliceshop.com 38040 3rd St, Willoughby

THE HONEY PIE

Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Romano, Pepperoni, Sausage, and Akron Honey Habanero Hot Honey. +$5 Gluten Free Crust

HAIL MARY’S FOOD AND DRINK O

hailmaryswestlake.com 27828 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake

THE GONG SHOW

Pizza sauce, pepperoni and house made sausage, banana peppers, aged provolone and whole milk mozzarella blend

JACK SPRATT’S PIZZA

jacksprattscleveland.com 4323 Payne Avenue, Cleveland

MEDIUM 1 TOPPING

Medium 12” 8 slice 1 topping pizza. *Excludes chicken.*Additional fee for delivery

MARKET GARDEN BREWERY O marketgardenbrewery.com 1947 W 25th St, Cleveland

GET STUFT PIZZA

Thanksgiving stuffing crust, mashed potatoes, roasted Ohio turkey, brown gravy, cranberry sauce, savory herbs

MY PIZZETTA mypizzetta.com 14290 State Rd, North Royalton

PEPPERONI PLUS

Brick oven made pizza with in-house made red sauce, mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, topped with traditional and old world pepperoni

GARDEN PIZZA

Brick oven made pizza with broccoli, mushrooms, red onion, and tomatoes

MULBERRY’S O

mulberryspizza.com 2316 Mulberry Ave, Cleveland

BIG M BALLER

Fresh ricotta cheese, light sauce, basil, sliced meatballs, fresh mozzarella & parmesan cheese. +$5.00 Gluten Free Crust

PIZZAS

NATIONALITIES LOUNGE O nationalitieslounge.com 28272 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills

MEATLOVERS PIZZA

Red Sauce Base, Sausage, Bacon, Ham, Pepperoni, Green Pepper, Onion, with a Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese Blend. +$2.00 Gluten Free

NORTH HIGH BREWING CO.

VE O northhighbrewing.com 2814 Detroit Ave, Cleveland

PEPPERONI BASIL

San Marzano, Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, basil, hot honey drizzle

MARGHERITA

San Marzano, mozzarella, basil, grape tomato, balsamic drizzle

OHIO CITY PIZZERIA

VE P ohiocitypizzeria.org 3223 Lorain Ave, Cleveland

PEPPERONI

Ohio City Pizzeria sauce, smoked provolone and thick cut pepperoni

OLD SCHOOL PIZZA & WINGS O

oldschoolavonlake.com 445 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake

PIEROGI PIZZA

Award Winning! White Sauce, Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Caramelized Onions, Sour Cream

PEPPERONI PIZZA Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Pepperoni

PICCOLO AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

VE piccolomayfield.com 1261 SOM Center Rd, Mayfield Heights

TUTTO CARNE

Traditional pizza with pepperoni, prosciutto, sausage, and meatballs

OLD WORLD PIZZA Red sauce, olive oil, and pecorino Romano cheese

PIZZA WHIRL O pizzawhirl1822@gmail.com 1822 W 25th St, Cleveland

CHICKEN FLORENTINE

Alfredo based pizza with chicken, spinach, and smoked mozzarella

HAWAIIAN BRYAN Red sauce base with cheese, ham, and pineapple

RIDGEWOOD KITCHEN & SPIRITS

P O

ridgewood84.com 9853 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Suite 8, Concord

BUTTERNUT PIZZA

House-made dough, garlic white base, ricotta cheese, butternut squash, crispy ham, toasted pumpkin seeds and finished with a drizzle of honey butter

APPLEWOOD PIZZA

House-made dough with an apple butter base, sharp white cheddar, applewood bacon, poached apples and candied pecans!

SAINATO’S AT RIVERGATE

P O

sainatosatrivergate.com 1852 Columbus Rd, Cleveland

BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA

House-Made Buffalo Sauce, Chicken, Red Onions, topped with Mozzarella and Provolone Blend

FLATS

Sliced Tomatoes, Cheddar Cheese, Provolone, Oil, Garlic, and Basil

SAUCY BREW WORKS P O

saucybrewworks.com 2885 Detroit Ave, Cleveland 400 Park Ave. Suite 170, Orange

BEES KNEES APIZZA

A base layer of saucy red, topped with melted mozzarella, spicy capicola, a honey drizzle and dash of red pepper flakes.

*Can substitute breaded cauliflower for the protein (spicy capicola).

*The $8 Medium Bees Knees is available at both the Cleveland Ohio City Brewpub and the Pinecrest Taproom, dine-in only

SCHNITZ ALE BREWERY O

schnitzalebrewery.com 5729 Pearl Rd, Parma

RUEBAN FLATBREAD

1,000 Island Dressing, Haus Smoked Corned Beef, Sour Kraut, Swiss Cheese, and Dill

MARGHERITA FLATBREAD

Haus-Made Marina, Basil Leaves, and Fresh Mozzarella

OKTOBERFEST FLATBREAD

German Sausage, Chives, Swiss Cheese, with a Drizzle of Signature Schnitz Ale Mustard

HAWAIIAN BBQ FLATBREAD

Schnitz Classic BBQ Sauce, Bacon, Pineapple, topped with a Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese Blend

SIRNA’S VE O sirnaspizzeria.com 11773 E Washington Street, Chagrin Falls

HONEY BUTTERNUT ARUGULA

Straight from Sirna’s Farm - freshly roasted butternut squash, glazed with Sirna’s own honey, prosciutto, and topped with local arugula

PIZZA WITH ANY ONE-TOPPING!

SOUTHERN TIER BREWING COMPANY

stbcbeer.com/taprooms/cleveland 811 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland

SAUSAGE & MELTED FENNEL PIZZA

Woodfire pizza on house-made STBC 8 Days a Week crust, topped with Italian sausage, slow-cooked fennel & onion, red sauce, mozzarella, and fresh herbs

TEAMZ RESTAURANT & BAR O teamzsportsbar.com 6611 Eastland Rd, Middleburg Heights 273 Stone Ridge Way

RAY’S GO-TO COMBO

Ranch base, topped with Chicken, Sausage, Green Pepper, White Onion, Mozzarella Cheese Blend, Honey Siracha Drizzle baked into the Pizza. *Gluten-FRIENDLY crust available with $2 upcharge *Take-out available with purchase of a beverage

THE WILD GOOSE P wildgoosewlby.com 4144 Erie St, Willoughby MARGHERITA

Award winning margherita sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic reduction

TONY K’S BAR AND GRILLE O tonyks.com 841 W Bagley Rd, Berea

JASON’S HANG TEN HAWAIIAN PIZZA

Jason’s Hang Ten Hawaiian Pizza - Ham, Bacon, Pineapple, and Mozzarella Cheese, Drizzled with BBQ Sauce. *Take-out available with purchase of beverage

PIZZA WEEK KEY

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Tab

John

EAT ROOM WITH A VIEW

Bartleby delivers a buzzy lounge vibe in one of Cleveland’s grandest spaces

By Douglas Trattner

MORGAN YAGI IS AN ARTIST, visionary and, apparently, magician. Who else could have pulled the rabbit that is Bartleby out of the hat that is the historic United Bank Building in Ohio City? If your recollection of this address conjures images of the spare, cavernous space that long housed Crop Bistro, prepare to be spellbound.

Upon arrival, guests are enveloped in a truffle-scented spectacle of Yagi’s creation. Rather than accentuate the 1920s-era building’s architectural features, Yagi minimized them, using the space’s outsized shell as a canvas for his handiwork. The stunning, soaring coffered ceiling is still there, of course, but the rest of the room has been brought down to human scale thanks to a million clever touches. Towering bookshelves, richly upholstered soft seating areas, casino-style carpeting and a life-like tree rising from the center of it all combine to create an intimate, clubby vibe that is unlike any other in the city.

Yagi, who also owns Hibachi Japan Steakhouse in Cuyahoga Falls, had a clear vision of what he wanted to accomplish when taking over this prominent restaurant. His stated goal was to make Bartleby feel less like an inert bank lobby and more like a buzzy hotel lounge. When Crop was mobbed, it felt like the most thrilling bistro in town. And when it wasn’t, it could seem disturbingly joyless. Bartleby avoids that pitfall by dividing the space into zones, filling those zones with endless eye candy, and swapping excessive natural and artificial lighting for the moody twinkle of real candlelight.

From our cushy red-velvet booth on one end of the dining room, we enjoyed matchless views of the unfolding scene. There were the date-night couples, selfie-snapping influencers, post-work power squads, and a few larger groups enjoying a night on the town. Those people were seated in two-tops along the wall, at tables on a low mezzanine, at sleek sofas on the main floor, and in kingsize booths at either end.

One of the biggest surprises about Bartleby is that you can soak

up all this fabulousness without breaking the bank. Judging by the room alone, a diner might expect to find a menu dotted with 100-dollar seafood towers, 60-dollar steaks and 40-dollar pastas. Yagi chose another path, which he referred to as “fun dining not fine dining.” In place of cutting-edge cuisine, guests can take comfort in a Modern American menu that is as approachable as it is affordable.

Settle in with a round of stellar cocktails, such as the Hummingbird ($15), a vibrant blend of gin, grapefruit, ginger and honey. I recently was reacquainted with the Chartreuse-based Bijou ($15) and the version mixed here rekindled the love affair. There is a respectable selection of bubbles, white and red wines by the glass, but there’s room for improvement.

We moved on to a food-friendly bottle of Rioja ($64) in time for

the appetizers to arrive. Whipped house-made ricotta ($12) is slicked with olive oil, showered with herbs and served with grilled thin-sliced country bread. Bartleby’s arancini ($14) are appropriately crispy, airy and satisfying. They get even better when split and slathered with summery tomato jam. Priced around $20, the thin-crusted pizzas are reason enough to visit. I could see hibernating here all winter long with friends, blistered pepperoni pizzas and endless rounds of Lambrusco.

Burger fans can choose between patties made with Ohio City Provisions grass-fed beef or go meatfree with Beyond. Twisty gemelli pasta ($22) is tossed in just enough meat sauce to add flavor and body without overwhelming the noodles. A fat dollop of lush ricotta on top adds creamy richness while a sprinkle of fresh basil dials up the brightness.

The only culinary sleight of hand when it comes to the roast chicken dish ($26) is how uniquely juicy the white meat is. It’s perched atop a pool of polenta-like corn puree, paired with tender fingerlings and gilded with enriched stock. The love-it-orleave-it scent of truffles hangs in the air at Bartleby. It emanates from mushroom pizzas, cream-sauced pastas and the snappy fries that accompany the steak frites. With a menu as compact as this one, it’s a wise move to offer a choice between ribeye ($40) and filet ($44) for that dish.

As the dinner crowds thin out, the lounge is the place to be. It’s every bit as dramatic and slick as the rest of the restaurant, but on a smaller scale. On many nights, you can grab drinks and bar food clear up ’til 2 a.m., but that depends on the demand, admits Yagi. These days, it’s hard to fault an operator from locking up early if there’s nobody left to serve.

Photo by Doug Trattner

EAT BITES

By Douglas Trattner

THIS YEAR, KEEP YOUR TURKEY dollars close to home by supporting a local producer. In place of that bland, factory-farmed bird your family will enjoy happy, healthy heritage breed poultry that was raised in accordance with nature. As an added bonus, these birds typically are sold fresh not frozen, meaning you don’t have to factor in time for that long defrost.

Most farms require a turkey deposit, money that guarantees you a holiday bird. The amount will then go towards the purchase of the turkey, which will vary based on the final weight. Many of these providers also offer other cuts of meat, sides and seasonings.

If you are a subscriber to Fresh Fork Market, you likely already know about Wholesome Valley Farm, the source of much of your weekly foodstuffs. You can order fresh turkeys from this Amish-country farm through Fresh Fork or Ohio City Provisions.

They offer a choice of Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys (a bettertasting version of the most common variety) and American Standard Bronze Heritage Breed, a smaller, more richly flavored heirloom variety.

Yellow House Cheese, which has weekly farm drop-offs in Ohio City and Cleveland Heights, is also taking orders now. The fresh turkeys, which are raised on the farm in Seville, will be available for pickup on Tuesday, November 22 at either location.

Brunty Farms, which operates Farmer’s Rail shops in Bath, Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, is accepting orders for its free-ranging birds. The turkeys are available in multiple weight ranges and come with giblets, which are essential for making great gravy.

Harvest Bell farm in Newbury is accepting orders for its turkeys. Customers have a choice between Broad-Breasted White and BroadBreasted Bronze varieties. Both are free to graze while being supplemented with non-GMO feed. The “fresh frozen” turkeys will be in the 16-24 pound range and will

be ready for pickup one week before Thanksgiving.

Plum Creek Farm in Valley City is accepting turkey reservations until they run out, which typically happens by mid-November. Various weight ranges are available for pick up on the farm on November 22.

Bindel Farms in Spencer raises free-ranging Broad Breasted Bronze and other heritage breed turkeys that typically are available throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. You can reach the farm by calling 440-570-8349.

EDWINS Butcher Shop near Shaker Square will likely sell out of its allotment of fresh, never frozen turkeys by mid-November. The freerange, hormone-free Standard White Turkeys are raised on pasture and fed non-GMO grains. You can tack on orders of ham, sides and dessert as well. Pick up will take place at the shop on November 22nd and 23rd.

Down in Bellevue, Tim Davlin raises large-breasted whites from Day One on non-GMO corn that he grows himself at Davlin Farms. They are processed right on the farm the week before Thanksgiving. To secure your bird, order as soon as possible as he typically sells out by the second week of November. Turkeys can be picked up the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday leading up to the holiday. Call 419-656-8396.

New Luxury Fly Fishing, Hunting and Dining Lodge Opens in Conneaut

If you’re not an angler, you might not be aware of the fact that Northeast Ohio is home to some of the best steelhead fishing around thanks to the many tributaries that flow into Lake Erie.

“The region boasts some of the best fishing in the United States, with visitors traveling in for legendary steelhead fishing and more,” says fly fisherman John Fabian.

A new luxury fly fishing, hunting and dining lodge has opened in Conneaut that will host sporting

enthusiasts year-round. Covered Bridge Outfitters and Lodge sits on 135 acres of natural land that borders the Conneaut Creek. The enterprise is owned by a local group of guides, outdoorsmen and entrepreneurs who want to provide a type of high-end experience that they say does not yet exist here.

“I’ve been a fishing and hunting guide my whole career,” adds Fabian, who is head guide. “When this property became available, I immediately contacted a few people to see if they’d be interested in helping me execute on a dream I’ve had for many years, an outfitter and lodge that this region has never seen.”

The lodge is set in a restored farmhouse that overlooks Conneaut Creek. The restoration process was led by Cleveland architecture and design firm Paskevich and Associates.

Visitors – from novice anglers on up to master fishermen – can book full and half-day guided trips led by ORVIS-endorsed guides that take them to a variety of private spots on Conneaut Creek, Elk Creek and/or Grand River. High-end equipment is provided for those who desire it. Stays range from one to four nights and can accommodate singles and groups of up to six. Plans call for expanding the lodge in order to accommodate more guests.

Visitors can design their stay to include any and all meals, which are prepared by visiting chefs.

“Our goal is to create an experience, not just a day of fishing, but we can do it all,” says partner Jason Morris.

In addition to the steelhead, pike, and small and largemouth bass fishing, Covered Bridge Outfitters and Lodge offers guided hunting trips that will take advantage of the beautiful setting.

“The fact that we offer hunting is icing on the cake,” says partner Matthew Friedman. “Turkey, goose, white tail deer, pheasant and other waterfowl are available on our property and neighboring properties where we have exclusive rights to.”

Central Kitchen in Midtown to Add Three New Retail Food Options

Three new retail food tenants are heading to the Central Kitchen in Midtown, which is a huge relief to chief executive officer Eric Diamond.

“We had the spaces all leased before the pandemic and then everyone backed out,” he says. “Then we had them all leased again during the pandemic, but everyone backed out.”

Home to popular brands like Cleveland Kraut, Cleveland Bagel and Souper Market, the 138,000-square-foot warehouse in Midtown is a multi-purpose property with rentable kitchens for the specialty food businesses, a co-packing facility to get those products to market, and incubator programs to help get the next big thig off the ground.

Mulberry’s Pizza will open its third location, joining spots in the Flats and Avon Lake. The spin-off will sell pizza by the slice, salads and wings. Cleveland Sandwich Co., which also has a spot downtown, will offer an array of chef-driven sandwiches. Vegan Vybez, offering vegan meals inspired by Panamanian flavors, will also join the mix.

The three 1,000-square-foot storefronts all front Carnegie. All of these new concepts will be grab-andgo and there will be synergies with existing businesses like Cleveland Bagel, Cleveland Kraut and Souper Market.

“It will be nice to have more local options here in Midtown,” says Diamond.

All three business are expected to open in two to three months.

Photo courtesy Yellow House Cheese

Support local farms, and get a better bird, by buying your turkey from one of these places this year

Covered Bridge Outfitter and Lodge is now open and accepting reservations.

MUSIC

we didn’t know if we had a home run hit. When we did “Everybody But You,” we were riding high. It was born from one chord progression. Drew had heard something and said it was awesome and we could build something brand new around it. It all came together in six working hours. Sometimes less is more. You tend to heavily scrutinize, but less is more. As we get older, we learn that. Sometimes, addition by subtraction is the answer. We sent Ben the song, and he sent something back and we just told him to add a few more words. He just smashed it out. We’ve known him for ten years now. It was just special. We’re grateful he lent his voice to it and his writing talents as well.

Can you reflect on the journey the band’s taken since forming in 2010 in Albany? It must’ve been tough to break out of there.

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

By Jeff Niesel

EARLIER THIS YEAR, STATE Champs returned with their fourth studio album, Kings of the New Age, another terrific distillation of their pop and punk influences. The album includes singles such as “Eventually,” “Everybody but You” (ft. Ben Barlow), “Outta My Head” and “Just Sound” alongside tracks featuring guest vocalists Chrissy Costanza, Mitchell Tenpenny and Four Year Strong. In a recent conference call, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and drummer Evan Ambrosio talked about the album, and the fall tour that kicks off in Cleveland on Friday, Nov. 11, when State Champs play House of Blues.

You’ve put together some “badass” stage production for the tour. Talk about that.

Szalkowski: The production is cool. It’s our first time doing something like it. We’ve been doing this for 12 years now, so it’s rare we get to do something for the first time. We’re lucky enough now that we can push the envelope and do things we’ve always wanted to do as a band.

Ambrosio: Since we’ve been

headlining a lot lately and doing it for a while, we want to make sure that our set list and production is elevated. Our fans who are coming back have seen us play a ton of songs, so we want to play some older stuff or maybe we do a different take on certain things. It’ll be more of an experience going to this tour than any tour we’ve done in the past. Szalkowski: We’ve been taking some notes from pop stars. We go to our fair share of concerts and borrow ideas from everywhere. We think, “Shit, why can’t we do that?” And now, we’ve realized that we can.

What was it like working with producer Drew Fulk (Lil Wayne, A Day to Remember, Ice Nine Kills) on your new album?

Szalkowski: It was great. He has done something from every genre. He is just that talented. That speaks volumes. Working with him was special. We did a producer shootout situation. We spent two weeks working with about seven different people on our short list. After working with him, we thought he fucking rocked. The big thing for us was that he focused on emotion. It sounds hippy dippy, but it’s so

important and oftentimes glossed over by producers who are concerned with things other than how the song makes you feel. People get too in the weeds with everything instead of stepping back to see how the piece of art makes you feel. I have songs that I don’t feel connected to at all because they didn’t mean anything to me. With this one, it meant so much more because we were in the room writing together. It was just the four of us. We were kicking ass and taking names, and we were stoked on everything.

“Everybody But You” is one of my favorite tracks. Talk about working with Ben Barlow on the song.

Szalkowski: That one is awesome. It was the first time we felt we had another hit. When we had done “Secrets,” we knew it would be a big hit. We didn’t have that on [2020’s] Living Proof. We liked it, but

Szalkowski: It’s hard to break out in general. Being from Albany doesn’t sound sexy or cool, but it’s close to lots of places. We would go play Boston and Philadelphia and then come home and go to work or school. The journey was long and paved with many, many frustrations. For us, we were in a really good place at a really good time. We used the internet to change the game for us. We made our first EP and put it up on this “leak” site. We used to pass out burned CDs at local shows. Getting out of Albany was hard and even going back to Albany is tough because we will do a third of the tickets there than we would do three hours to the south. I didn’t super enjoy it in the moment, but I realize how it taught me to believe in a music scene.

Ambrosio: Exactly what Tyler said. The Northeast is such a special place to be a band. Pop-punk wasn’t the cool thing. I’m a late addition to the band. I joined ten years ago, and they had already done the groundwork of making fans in the Boston area and throughout the Northeast. I came from a band that tried to do that, but it didn’t work out. When I joined on is when we really started touring. We took every tour we could, and, luckily, it led us to this crazy career. The fact that we’re still a band this long after we started is mind-blowing. We’re incredibly lucky. Bands fizzle out pretty quickly and continuing to be part of the music scene is incredible.

State Champs kick off their production-heavy fall tour at House of Blues

Photo: Alex Mcdonell

State Champs

MUSIC

JOHN MCEUEN & THE CIRCLE BAND

6:30 P.M., SUNDAY, NOV. 6, KENT STAGE, 175 E. MAIN ST., KENT, 330-677-5005.

$35-$45, KENTSTAGE.ORG.

quit all that fooling around.’ He said, ‘Yes, mama, no problem.’”

Expect McEuen to share other additional anecdotes at the upcoming Kent Stage show. And to provide a true retrospective of the band’s career, he’s worked on a multi-media component for the tour as well.

BANJO MAN

John McEuen to revisit Will the Circle Be Unbroken for Kent Stage show

By Jeff Niesel

SOME 50 YEARS AGO, THE Nitty Gritty Dirt Band brought bluegrass to the masses with its platinum-selling Will the Circle Be Unbroken. To celebrate the album’s anniversary, founding member/ banjo man John McEuen has teamed up with Les Thompson (another founding member of NGDB), John Cable (a former NGDB member) and Matt Cartsonis to perform tunes from the landmark album.

“Les [Thompson] and I started playing together again about eight years ago, and it’s been great,” says McEuen via phone from his L.A. home. McEuen & the Circle Band perform on Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Kent Stage.

The tour also celebrates the release of a coffeetable book that McEuen put out; it includes photos from Will the Circle Be Unbroken recording sessions.

“My brother Bill was the [NGDB] manager and producer up until 1980,” McEuen says when

asked about the book’s origins. “It doesn’t seem like that long ago. It seems like eight or 10 or 12 years ago. He took photographs during the early years and during the Circle sessions that he was producing. My brother was taking pictures this whole time. The photos in the book include about 30 from early Dirt band leading up to the Circle album. It’s so weird. I look at them and think, ‘That’s pretty cool.’ And then, I go, ‘Wait a minute. That’s me.’ I feel like I’m looking at pictures of the Beatles or something. All the photos from the Circle sessions are there, and there’s a story with each photo. It’s not just a book of pictures.”

At the time they cut the release, McEuen says he and his brother knew the album would be “really special,” if only because of the musical guests they had lined up.

“My brother could have shot a movie out of this,” says McEuen. “We knew it was something. You

have Roy Acuff and Maybelle Carter, the people who started country music, playing on it. Maybelle made her first record in 1927, and we’re recording ‘Keep on the Sunny Side,’ one of the songs that she recorded then. We recorded four songs with her.”

With Carter’s supple vocals and some sweet harmony vocals, the band’s rendition of “Keep on the Sunny Side” serves as one of the album’s many highlights. Fiddle player Vassar Clements played a significant role on the track as well.

“If you ever needed a fiddle player who could do it all, you had to get Vassar,” says McEuen. “We needed someone who played jazz like Stéphane Grappelli and could play bluegrass and old-timey music. That means, Carter has a lot of notes that fly off that thing. We were rehearsing ‘Sunny Side,’ with Maybelle, and Vassar was over there fooling around, and Maybelle says, ‘Can you just play the melody and

“The pictures from the book end up behind me on the screen as we play in front of it,” he says. “We have a picture of a stern Roy Acuff, who wasn’t sure he wanted to play on the album, and he’s in the control room listening to the music. After it was done, he said, ‘That’s country music. Let’s go make some more.’

People laugh and ‘ooh’ and ‘ahhh’ at the pictures, which are ten by 20-feet tall. My editing program even has a thing I call the Ken Burns effect. It’s close-ups and effects like you might see in one of his movies.”

Circle still winds up on some of Amazon’s top-selling albums lists, suggesting it and bluegrass music in general continue resonate.

“It’s something about the sessions and the sequencing,” says McEuen when asked about the album’s enduring popularity. “It makes it feel like you’ve tuned into this massive conglomeration of people that all happened at one time. If you take [bluegrass singer-songwriter] Sierra Hull or Railroad Earth, they most likely know that older music. You never know who will have a Circle album. Someone sent me a photo of Yo-Yo Ma practicing in his office and behind him is a Circle album. When people are looking for the heart of America, they go to this type of music.”

Photo: Courtesy of Michael J. Media

John McEuen.

MUSIC

A HIP-HOP RECORDING ARTIST and songwriter from Akron, rapper Minus the Alien has a strong passion for mentoring youth and community outreach.

A recipient of the 2018 Men of Champions Award presented by Mayor Dan Horrigan and the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation and an alumnus of the Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Summit County, he also founded a grassroots non-profit organization calledAlien Arts, Inc. and has developed an in-person/virtual hip-hop boot camp that teaches the history of hip-hop culture and how it can be used a tool for positive change.

The conscious rapper will release his new EP, I Come in Peace, a 7-song journey about an alien who “comes to earth with good intentions but becomes engulfed in a web of negative human experiences,” on Friday, Nov. 11.

Nate Vaill recorded, mixed and mastered the album at Just a Dream Studios/Rialto Theater located in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood. The album features female artist La Butterfly, a local neo-soul and hip-hop artist who also just happens to be Minus the Alien’s fiancé, and gospel and R&B artist/musician Ron Law.

MORE OF A

By Jeff Niesel

“The lead-off single, ‘My Story,’ featuring Ron Law and produced by Kenneth English, is based on real trauma I experienced as a child and young man, which caused a lot of depression and anxiety throughout my lifetime,” says Minus the Alien in a press release. “You never know what a person is going through. The pandemic slowed the world down which gave me the opportunity to focus on healing and self-love. ‘My Story’ is by far the most vulnerable

I’ve been on record at the same time therapeutic with the recent passing of my father. It’s ultimately about encouraging people not to give up or suppress their emotions, no matter what you’ve been through or if you’ve had a toxic relationship in your past, like me. I want to be a witness that love is always going to prevail.”

A video for that single that Daymon Griffin and Minus the Alien directed came out during the

summer. The video tells a story of a 12-year-old pre-teen protecting his mom against the verbal and physical abuse of an alcoholic drug addicted ex-boyfriend; it’s a visual story that matches the tone of the song.

Formerly known as A-Minus, Minus the Alien says he uses his platform to speak on social issues that oppress people.

“And at the end of the day, [Minus the Alien] wants his music to be seen as creative in its presentation of real issues, while also being digestible and motivational,” reads the press release about the new EP. “His passion, unique voice, abstract lyrics, catchy hooks, soulful harmonies and vocal arrangements sonically provide a formula that can be embraced by all ages.”

OkayPlayer.com recently named Minus one of the 2021 top ten Akron rappers.

“I know how music affects our youth,” the rapper says. “They believe stuff word-for-word. I don’t want my music to ever misguide them and encourage them to get involved in violence and drugs like a lot of other hip-hop music does.”

Akron-based conscious rapper Minus the Alien returns with a new EP

Minus the Alien.

Courtesy of Minus the Alien

LIVEWIRE Real music in the real world

THU 11/03

Tab Benoit

Louisiana-born blues guitarist Tab Benoit started up “Voice of the Wetlands,” a charity focusing on coastal preservation, back in 2003. Thing is, that moniker is also apropos for Benoit. With the grit of the delta blues in his guitar work and the thick atmosphere of his vocals, Benoit’s commitment to the South’s fine legacy of all things Cajun is quite strong. Pick up a copy of 1992’s Nice and Warm or 2011’s Medicine for perspectives on his early and late career points, respectively. The talented singer-guitarist comes to the Kent Stage tonight at 7. Tickets cost $35 to $45. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

FRI 11/04

Bendigo Fletcher

Drawing from folk, alternative, country and soul, the indie rock act Bendigo Fletcher teamed with producer and original Wilco/Uncle Tupelo drummer Ken Coomer for its latest EP. The indie rock group also enlisted Grizzly Bear bassist and producer Chris Taylor and Geoff Piller to mix the release. Lead single “Pterodactyl” features cooing vocals and possesses a twangy feel comparable to acts such as the Avett Brothers. The band performs tonight at 7 at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood. Tickets cost $15. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

Tegan and Sara

Sisters Tegan and Sara Quin formed Tegan and Sara nearly 25 years ago, and the band’s deeply personal lyrics and terrific vocal harmonies resonated with a fanbase that’s becoming increasing devout over the years. This tour that brings it to House of Blues tonight at 8 supports the band’s tenth studio album, Crybaby. Check the club’s website for more info.

308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

SAT 11/05

AFI

AFI’s seventh album, 2006’s Decemberunderground, debuted at

No. 1 on the charts thanks to the uber-popular single, “Miss Murder,” which was ubiquitous on alt-rock radio at the time. Since then, the band hasn’t delivered a hit of the same caliber, but now that nostalgia for early to mid-2000s emo rock is running high, the band is again a going concern. It performs tonight at 7 at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Chaka Khan

Nominated for induction into the Rock Hall three times as a solo artist and four times as a member of Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, singersongwriter Chaka Khan comes to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage tonight at 8. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

Jeezy

Trap music pioneer Jeezy, who was once known as Young Jeezy, performs tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. His first album, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, came out all the way back in 2005, so expect to hear songs from the past 15-plus years. His latest effort, Snofall, finds him working again with DJ Drama on a collection of streetwise songs that recall the gangsta rap of the 1980s. R&B singer Lloyd opens the show. Tickets start at $52.50. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

John McCutcheon

This singer-songwriter and folk

music icon returns to town to play the Kent Stage tonight at 6:30. He’s touring in support of his 43rd, album, Leap! The 18-song album features guests such as fiddle act Stuart Duncan, keyboardist Jon Carroll, drummer Robert “Jos” Jospé and guitarist Pete Kennedy. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

Varials

The metalcore band comes to the Foundry tonight as it brings its tour in support of its latest album, Scars for You to Remember, to town. Songs like album opener “A Body Wrapped in Plastic: Prologue” feature parched vocals and chunky guitar riffs designed to inspire mosh pits and head-banging. Expect the tunes to translate well and really reverberate in the intimate club-setting. 11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-555-6669, foundryconcertclub.com/.

WED 11/09

Sunglaciers

The Calgary-based psych-pop quartet Sunglaciers brings its tour in support of its latest album, Subterranea, to the Happy Dog tonight. The album’s trippier tracks such as “Negative Ways” and “Thought Maps” feature soft vocals and percolating synths as the band evokes ’80s New Wave (think the softer side of New Order). Show Pink and Language open at 9 p.m. 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.

SUN 11/13

Jinjer

The Ukraine isn’t exactly known as fertile ground for rock ’n’ roll, so it’s pretty remarkable that Jinjer, which formed in Donetsk in 2008, has not only managed to secure a record deal, but it’s also toured the world several times over. The songs for its recent effort, Wallflowers, came together when the touring industry shut down in March of 2020. This tour, of course, stands out if only for the fact that the group has been able to leave its homeland during a time of extreme crisis. And lest you think the band has abandoned its homeland during a time of need, the tour reportedly has the blessing of the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. The show starts tonight at 6 at House of Blues.

308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

MON 11/14

The Murlocs

The Murlocs, an Aussie band featuring members of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, come to the Beachland Ballroom tonight at 8 as they bring their tour in support of their new album, Rapscallion, to town. A collection of 12 garagepunk tunes that benefit from their undeniably infectious guitar riffs and Sex Pistols-like attitude, Rapscallion should translate well live. Singer-songwriter Paul Jacobs opens.

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

TUE 11/15

The Garden

Formed by twin brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears in 2011, the Garden slowly has amassed a devoted fanbase on its DIY tours across the United States. The guys have reportedly slept in cars, on park benches, and on peoples’ floors across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Russia and the rest of the world. They come to House of Blues tonight at 7 as part of a tour in support of their latest effort, Horseshit on Route 66

308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

Tegan and Sara return to House of Blues. See: Friday, Nov. 4. Photo: Courtesy of GrandstandHQ

ARTIFICIAL ASTRONAUT

By Jeff Niesel

MEET THE BAND: Ian Kolarovsky (vocals/keyboards), Michael Socrates (guitar/electronics/keyboards), Matthew Socrates (drums), Fred Winkler (bass), Cody Heichel (guitar)

A PANDEMIC PROJECT: Both Mike Socrates and singer Ian Kolarovsky hail from Wayne County and played in a ‘90s cover band prior to forming Artificial Astronaut. But while covering tunes by other acts, they still managed to find time to write some original material, and by 2020, they had written a slew of original tunes and started recording them. “The first song was ‘Ghost,’ and we liked how it came out and wanted to keep going in that direction,” says Michael Socrates, who counts Tool, Bjork and Stabbing Westward among his influences. “I like industrial music from the late ‘90s and early 2000s and even stuff coming out now. Industrial music in general has been a guiding light.”

A QUICK START: The group has released two albums in the span of the last two years, a remarkable feat. “We’re just bored dads, and we needed something to do at night beside watch TV,” says Socrates with a laugh. “We built studios in our basement and traded files because we’re dads and can’t really jam in the basement together all the time.” Kolarovsky built a vocal booth in his basement and would send files to Socrates. “It was all tracked and engineered in our basements,” says Socrates.

FINDING THE CURE: One of the band’s standout tracks is a cover of the Cure tune “Burn.” The

band makes an edgy song even edgier with thick bass riffs and shimmering synths. “It’s one of those things where we have a group chat, and we talked about how that song is hands-down one of the best songs ever written and has stood the test of time,” says Socrates. “We demoed it, and once we got going, we decided it sounded pretty cool. It was a nobrainer.”

WHY YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM: “The Flow State” sounds like a cross between Tool and Incubus as it pairs propulsive drums and heavy guitars with softer vocals. “I keep a list of cool phrases, and I’ll pick something from there and do a demo,” Socrates says when asked about the track. “I send them over and Ian writes lyrics around the riffs.” The upcoming show at the Rialto Theatre will be the band’s first-ever live performance, and Socrates says the group is excited to make its debut. “We expect it to be a boosted step-up from the recordings,” he says of the performance. “We sound really tight and polished. We want to do the music justice. We didn’t spend all this time playing in our basements to suck on stage. We want [the concert] to sound big and loud.”

WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THEM: linktr.ee/artificialastronaut.

WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM: Artificial Astronaut performs with Jeff Klemm & the Letters and Indigo Lake at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Rialto Theatre in Akron.

jniesel@clevescene.com

Courtesy photoArtificial Astronaut

SAVAGE LOVE JUST THE FACTS

By Dan Savage

Dear “Savage Love” Readers: After November 14 my website, savage.love, will become the exclusive online home for my column. My column will still appear in print in some publications, but you will no longer be able to read the column online anywhere other than savage.love. This move will allow me to continue bringing you new columns — new questions, new answers — every week. I hope you will check out savage.love, where you can join the community of “Savage Love” readers and enjoy my latest columns, decades (!) of archives, the “Savage Lovecast” podcast, and much more. — Dan

Hey Dan: I’m a woman in a hetero marriage. We’ve happily played with others a bit but not recently because we have a small child. We are both bi and in our 40s. We talked about getting the monkeypox vaccine, but I didn’t think it was urgent because we’re not currently having sex with anyone else. Here’s my question: What should I do after learning that my husband got the monkeypox vaccine without telling me? I noticed a red bump on his arm, and he said it was nothing. After I said it looked like the monkeypox vax reaction, he admitted he got the vaccine but didn’t tell me. I was in favor of him getting the vaccine, so I’m totally panicking because he sneaked to get the shot. I think he’s cheating. It’s 2 a.m.where I am, and I just ordered two at-home HIV/AIDS tests and I’m getting a full STI panel at my OB/ GYN on Monday. What should I do? I’m a wreck.

Seriously Panicking Over Unapproved Shot And Lies

By the time you read this, SPOUSAL, those at-home HIV/AIDS tests will have arrived, and you will have your results. You’ll also have seen your OB/ GYN and most likely gotten the results of your STI tests. Assuming there were no unpleasant surprises — assuming you’re still negative for all the same things you were negative for the last time you tested — what does that mean?

While I don’t wanna cause you

another sleepless night, SPOUSAL, your test results can all be negative and your husband could still be cheating on you. But in the absence of other evidence — in the absence of any actual evidence that your husband has cheated on you — I think your husband deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Getting the monkeypox vaccine is the only fact in evidence here, SPOUSAL, and it’s a huge leap from, “My husband got the monkeypox vaccine without telling me,” to, “My husband has been cheating on me with other men during a public health crisis that has primarily impacted gay and bi men and wasn’t using condoms with those other men and knowingly put me at risk of contracting monkeypox and HIV.”

If your husband has a history of being reckless about his own sexual health and yours — if he tried to go bare without your consent when you played with other people, for example, and that incident and others like it fueled your freakout — I don’t understand why you’re still married to this man.

Zooming out for a second ...

I can think of a few very good reasons why a married bi guy might decide to get the monkeypox vaccine even if his partner wanted him to wait. First, those shots haven’t been easy to get. If the vaccine became

available where you live and/or his doctor offered it to him, it was a good idea for him to get his shots even if he’s not currently sleeping with anyone else. And why would his partner — why would you — want him to wait? If you didn’t want him to get those shots as some sort of insurance policy, e.g., if you wanted cheating to be needlessly and avoidably risky as some sort of deterrent, that seems pretty reckless.

Sometimes, SPOUSAL, the likely excuse is the honest answer. I’m guessing your husband got his shots because he hopes you — the both of you — can start playing with others again in the near future and he wants to be ready. Guys have to wait a month after getting their first shot before getting their second shot, and another two weeks after that before they’re fully immune. (Or as immune as they’re going to get.) If your husband has been looking forward to opening your relationship back up — by mutual consent — sometime in the near future, he most likely wanted to be ready to go when you decided, together, to resume playing with others. And he didn’t tell you he was getting the shots because, although he wanted to be ready to go when the time came, he knew you weren’t ready and didn’t want you to feel rushed or pressured.

My analysis of the situation

presumes your husband isn’t a lying, cheating, inconsiderate, reckless asshole and deserves the benefit of the doubt here. You know your husband better than I do, SPOUSAL, and it’s entirely possible that your husband has proven himself to be a liar and a cheat and an inconsiderate asshole and a reckless idiot again and again and again.

But if that’s the case — if he’s all of those horrible, nogood, disqualifying things and, therefore, not deserving the benefit of the doubt here — I would ask you again (and again and again): Why are you still married to him then?

Hey Dan: I need advice as to how to restart the “sex with others” part of my life because cancer surgery left me without erections, and it is not fixable. I can have intense orgasms if I masturbate or get oral sex on my flaccid penis. I am a 73-yearold male, and I have been into kink since I was a teen, so I understand that there is much more than PIV that can give one pleasure. I also understand that for the vast majority of people, PIV is what sex is about. People come on to me often, so I have no problem attracting people. What is your advice as to how to present this issue when someone shows interest in me? With online dating, I would like to be upfront and put it in my profile, but I’m a public figure and can’t just post a picture of myself in a dating app and disclose this. Do you have any suggestions about dating online where I can omit putting my picture?

I’m attracted to females, cis and trans. I have never been with a transgender woman, but after surviving cancer I am more open to everything now than I was before. (Seeing the end of life up close really removes a lot of blocks.) I am not attracted to males at all. What word best to describes my sexual likes?

Giving But Not Hard

You’re … Go to savage.love to read the rest.

questions@savagelove.net

Joe Newton