Cleveland Scene - January 3, 2024 by Chava Communications

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

supporters

Hey, you must love local journalism if you’re seeing this.

Do us a favor and sign on today via the QR code below and become a member. As a Scene Supporter, you aren’t just our reader, you make it so we can continue to keep Cleveland up to date on the latest local news with independent journalism. Plus, perks. • • •

Community Engagement and Connection to The Scene Team Our newsletter and stories straight to your inbox Member Discounts to our events, merch, and services

Empower us to empower you… and Cleveland. With your membership, you have a direct effect on strengthening the role of local and independent journalism in our community.

BECOME A SCENE SUPPORTER TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $7/MO

Are You a Business Owner and a Scene Reader? We spotlight important Cleveland events and businesses like yours.

We’ve been a champion of Cleveland for more than FIVE decades, and continue to provide free local coverage for hundreds of thousands of readers each year. To remain Cleveland’s trusted weekly independent news source, we need your help. If you agree, and if you think the local landscape needs Scene as much as we do, we humbly ask you to become a Scene Business Supporter. In exchange, you’ll receive the benefits that correspond to the level of Business Support you select, not to mention our never-ending gratitude.

FOR MORE ABOUT THE SCENE BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS, EMAIL US TO DISCUSS. January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

CONTENTS JANUARY 3 - 16, 2024 • VOL. 54 No 13

Upfront .......................................7

Music ........................................23

Feature .......................................8

Livewire....................................24

Get Out .....................................16

Savage Love..............................26

Eat ............................................19 Founder, Chief Executive Officer Michael Wagner Co-Founder, Chief Marketing Officer Cassandra Yardeni

Publisher Andrew Zelman Editor Vince Grzegorek

Operations Director Hollie Mahadeo Director of Agency Services Mindi Overman

Editorial

Social Media Director Meradith Garcia

Music Editor Jeff Niesel Staff Writer Mark Oprea Staff Writer Maria Elena Scott

Director of Digital Content Strategy Colin Wolf Art Director David Loyola Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon

Staff Writer Brett Zelman Dining Editor Douglas Trattner Stage Editor Christine Howey

chavagroup.com National Advertising Voice Media Group 1-800-278-9866, vmgadvertising.com

Membership & Marketing Manager Kelsey Jae Burke Email Kelsey - kelsey@clevescene.com - to join membership club.

Cleveland Scene P.O.Box 14070

Advertising Senior Multimedia Account Executive

Cleveland, OH 44114 www.clevescene.com Phone 216-505-8199

Shayne Rose Creative Services Creative Services Manager Samantha Serna Creative Team Jack Spatafora, Joe Frontel, Pedro Macias, Ana Paula Gutierrez

every other week by Chava Communications .

Staff Photographer Emanuel Wallace

Verified Audit Member

Business Business & Sales Support Specialist Megan Stimac

Cleveland Distribution Scene is available free of charge,

As the Washington Post celebrates Public Square and Frank Jackson takes a victory lap, a reminder of how history gets rewritten.

E-mail scene@clevescene.com Cleveland Scene Magazine is published

limited to one copy per reader Subscriptions - $150 (1 yr); $80 (6 mos.)

Circulation Circulation Director Burt Sender

Email Megan - MStimac@CleveScene.com - to subscribe.

envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence

should be mailed to the address listed above. Subscriptions $150 (1 yr); $80 (6 mos.) Send name, address and zip code with check or money order to the address listed above with the title ‘Attn: Subscription Department’

does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed

REWIND: 2017

Chava Communications

Dedicated to Free Times founder Richard H. Siegel (1935-1993) and Scene founder Richard Kabat

Take SCENE with you with the Issuu app!

“Cleveland Scene Magazine”

...The story continues at clevescene.com

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY SEQUOIA BOSTICK

Fri.

01/05

Sat. 01/06 Fri.

01/12

Sat. 01/13 Fri.

01/19

Sat. 01/20

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

SILK BAND OFF THE RECORD ROCK N’ ROLL EXPRESS KARAOKE MY FRIEND JACK KARAOKE

8pm-11pm 9pm-12am 8pm-11pm 9pm-12am 8pm-11pm 9pm-12am

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

A NEW ARTIST BOARDING HOUSE IN CLEVELAND WILL OFFER CHEAP ROOMS FOR GIGGING MUSICIANS IT WAS SOMETIME WHEN Jason Hamad was traveling the West in his campervan when he thought of the idea for No Surf House. He had, in 2011, traded a career in politics in New York City for the life of an itinerant music journalist, and spent most of his mid-thirties writing up interviews with LA bands while camping Joshua Tree. And the more musicians he met, the more his love of such community pushed him in a new direction. “I found out just what a big deal housing was for musicians,” Hamad, 43, recalled to Scene. “Where they stayed when they were touring, and how much that could cost them.” Fast forward ten years, and Hamad realized that, with the pandemic’s strangling effect on artists, the idea of building a boarding house for on-the-road musicians wasn’t just helpful, it was one the scene desperately needed. “I’ve heard it described as the Wild West out there,” he

said, describing the industry. “Especially for people who are not backed up by a big corporate machine, a label, all that. But for the independent musicians who are out there, it can be tough just finding a place to stay.” No Surf, named after the famous 1978 track by the Euclid Beach Band, crystallized as a nonprofit shortly after the first brunt of the pandemic subsidized and local venues returned to hosting touring bands again. Since November, Hamad and his partners, (and high school classmates) Alan Pendergrass and Jane McMullen, have been house-hunting for the No Surf House, the eponymous place where artists can crash for the cost of an IPA. Low-cost lodging for artists, as an alternative to creeping hotel costs and Airbnb restrictions, may be sorely needed in Cleveland after all. In September, Sean Watterson, the owner of the Happy Dog, helped kick off the Greater Cleveland Music Census, a citywide survey that aims to prioritize the needs of local musicians.

Jason Hamad

(Where they sleep after gigs was one concern.) And musicians spoke. As of Tuesday, Watterson tallied 2,774 respondents, placing Cleveland above all other cities that have taken similar surveys. Which means that Hamad’s house will be opening its doors at an opportune time. “We definitely feel like the census will give us a lot of information that we can then use to advocate on behalf of the musicians that we help,” he said. A friend of Hamad’s since the two bonded over Americana at Hudson High, Pendergrass was sold last year on the philanthropic bent of his old friend’s idea. The year before, in October, his wife Kelly succumbed to cancer, and he was in search of a cause to put his energy. No Surf seemed near ideal. Pendergrass, a 43-year-old father and pharmacist living in Hudson, joined as its treasurer. He put in,

A Half-Baked Out/In List for Cleveland as We Enter 2024

he said, a “quarter of a million dollars” from a donor-assisted fund to help purchase the property. “Certainly when it comes to charitable endeavors, there’s an endless list, right?” Pendergrass told Scene. “There’s everything from world hunger to malaria in Africa. The Northeast Ohio music scene isn’t exactly malaria in Africa, but it’s something that’s very local. It’s something that we’re passionate about.” In December, after househunting for a month, the team found their boarding house: a three-story duplex in Brooklyn, chosen for its proximity to legacy venues in Lakewood and the West Side, like Mahall’s and the Happy Dog. Banking on closing in January, Hamad said they’ll put some $50,000 into renovating the fixerupper, putting a bathroom on the second floor, adding a room for the house overseer—Hamad himself. Overall, No Surf will have four beds for its ‘Home on the Road’ guests, those who will fork over a tenth of what their Cleveland gigs guarantee them. (About $60 a night, Hamad estimated.) And for artists who feel truly at home at No Surf, Hamad plans to open up rooms on the first and second floors for long-term housemates, primarily working artists early in their career. The charity extends there, too: a month’s rent will run them, he said, no more than $100. “The idea is to give them a chance to invest in their own career,” Hamad said, “instead of investing in their landlord’s retirement.” – Mark Oprea

scene@clevescene.com t@clevelandscene January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

FEATURE

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

FEATURE 10

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

FEATURE January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

FEATURE 12

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

FEATURE January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

FEATURE January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

GET OUT

Everything to do in Cleveland for the next two weeks

Local glam rockers Vanity Crash perform as part of a two-part David Bowie tribute that takes place at Jilly’s Music Room and the Bop Stop. See: Friday, Jan. 12.| Courtesy of Thomas Mulready

WED

01/03

Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards The Cavs get a break tonight as they take on the Washington Wizards, one of the weaker teams in a tough Eastern Conference. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where the two teams face off again at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

THU

01/04

Mamma Mia! This smash-hit musical features ABBA’s greatest hits, including classics like “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trooper,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” along with “an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.” The musical even spawned a commercially successful film. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where shows continue through Feb. 4.

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

FRI

01/05

Champions of Magic This touring show presents interactive magic, an escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, levitation high above the stage and all sorts of other illusions. Performances take place at 3 and 8 p.m. today and performances repeat tomorrow and Sunday at the Ohio Theatre. 1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Rodney Perry Comedian Rodney Perry likes to joke that his favorite Jackson is Joe Jackson because he drove his kids to success. “Those kids wouldn’t have been shit without an ass whopping,” he jokes in one popular skit. “He’s still whopping people to this day.” He also likes to joke about relationships and advises women to do what their men tell them to because, “It’s hard being a black

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

man.” He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 and tomorrow night at 6:30 and 9 at the Improv. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.

SAT

01/06

Monsters vs. Rochester Americans Tonight at 7 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavs take on the Rochester Americans. It’s University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Night, and the game will feature associated giveaways and promotions. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie, still draws big crowds to local showings. Expect a throng to show up for tonight’s screening that takes place at 9:30 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland

Heights. Tickets cost $12. 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.

SUN

01/07

50 First Jokes Comedian John Bruton hosts this special event featuring about 50 upand-coming and veteran comics who’ll tell the first jokes they’ve written for the new year. The event begins at 7 tonight at Hilarities. 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

Cavs vs. San Antonio Spurs A generational talent who landed with the Spurs via last year’s draft, Victor Wembanyama comes to town for the first (and only) time this season as the Spurs square off against the Cavs. The game begins at 1 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

TUE

01/09

Mrs. Doubtfire Based on the film of the same name and directed by four-time Tony Awardwinner Jerry Zaks, this musical centers on an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Rob McClure will reprise his Tony-nominated Broadway performance alongside co-star (and real wife) Maggie Lakis. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Jan. 28. 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

WED

01/10

Disney on Ice In what’s become a tradition for this time of year, Disney on Ice storms into town to take over Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for a five-day period, sending the Cavs and Lake Erie Monsters out on long road trips so parents can bring their toddlers and tweens to the arena for some family entertainment. Expect to see familiar figures such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney princesses. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

THU

01/11

jillysmusicroom.com.

SAT

01/13

The Killer B’s Comedians Basile, Bil Benden and Jeff Blanchard team up for this comic showcase that takes place tonight at 7 at the Hanna Theatre. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

SUN

01/14

Laura Peek This up-and-coming female comic has worked with established female comedians such as Taylor Tomlinson, Iliza Shlesinger and Fortune Feimster. She performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Tickets cost $20. 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

MON

01/15

Cavs vs. Chicago Bulls Despite the presence of superstars like Zach LeVine and DeMar DeRozan, the Chicago Bulls have struggled to play .500 ball this season and will likely unload their top talent before the year’s end. They come to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse tonight at 7 to take on the Cavs. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

The Miraculous Mandarin

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Franz Welser-Möst takes on Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin, a piece about a girl forced to lure a wealthy mandarin to his tragic fate. It’s paired with an arrangement for string orchestra of Bartók’s String Quartet No. 3, by Orchestra violist Stanley Konopka. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Saturday. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

The Rock Hall celebrates the great leader’s legacy with a day of special programming and with free admission for everyone. If you can’t make it inperson, you can participate in virtual programming and activities via the Rock Hall’s YouTube channel. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-5158444, rockhall.com.

FRI

Musicians are invited to bring instruments or any sound making device (drum kit and keyboard provided) that can be used to explore collective group improvisation. Please bring your own amps if needed. The monthly session begins at 8 tonight at the Bop Stop. Admission is free. 2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.

01/12

Birth to Ziggy & Heroes to the End Local writer and publisher Thomas Mulready and the local glam rock band Vanity Crash present a two-night multimedia perspective on the life and music of David Bowie, one of the most consequential and influential artists of our time. Part One (Birth to Ziggy) takes place at 8 tonight at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron. Part Two (“Heroes” to the End) takes place tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Bop Stop. 111 N Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757,

TUE

01/16

Outlab: Experiments in Improvised Music

scene@clevescene.com t@clevelandscene

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2000

15711 WATERLOO RD CLEVELAND OH 44110 CHARGE BY PHONE 216.383.1124 ONLINE TICKETS & COMPLETE SCHEDULE BEACHLANDBALLROOM.COM

NEW ANNOUNCES

4.5 STEVE FORBERT 4.8 NICOTINE DOLLS 1.8 FREE BLUES JAM: HOSTED BY KING PINS 2.10 NEW! DUPREE’S DEAD BAND 3.16 THE DOLLYROTS•DETENTION 4.10 THE THING 1.9 NEW! GOOD MORNING VALENTINE 2.15 YUMA ABE•SONGS FOR AN UNKNOWN GOD 3.19 TOW’RS 4.12 IN THE PINES 1.19 DaLAND BRASS BAND•WAVE MAGNETICK 2.16 NEW! ORANGE ANIMAL•TAYLOR LAMBORN 3.20 WAYNE HANCOCK•CORY GRINDER 4.12 A THOUSAND HORSES 4.16 QWANQWA 1.20 BEARLY DEAD GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE 2.17 THAT 1 GUY 2.22 JILL ANDREWS 3.22 OWEN RIVER•CHARITY CUNNINGHAM 4.14 CAROLINE ROSE 4.17 RUEN BROTHERS 1.21 LOWERTOWN•UNRECOVERY 2.23 I HATE IT TOO•TUNNELVISION 3.22 JOEY HARKUM 1.24 THE NEW SOFT SHOE GRAM PARSONS TRIBUTE 3.1 NEW! ALARM CLOCKS•SIMON & THE APPARATUS 3.26 POST SEX NACHOS•SIMILAR KIND 4.24 THE DELTA BOMBERS•IV & STRANGE BAND 5.5 TY SEGALL 5.8 TWRP 1.25 CAVALE•JSSZCA•TESSAS 3.3 LILLY HIATT•MOLLY MARTIN 3.27 PACIFIC DUB 5.17 PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS 1.26 JINARI KEMET•ZUP•MARCUS SMITH 3.5 MARY TIMONY•YOUBET 3.30 GRATEFUL FOR BIGGIE 7.12 NEW! APOCALYPS RECORDS FESTIVAL 1.27 SOIREE OF THE STALLIONS CHARITY CONCERT 3.14 TOPHOUSE•GOOD MORNING BEDLAM 4.2 MATT ANDERSEN

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

EAT BUY, SELL, HOLD A survey of Cleveland dining trends as we enter 2024 By Douglas Trattner THE EVER-EVOLVING landscape ushers in a different look for plates across Northeast Ohio each year as certain trends, both national and local, take hold and fade away. As the calendar turns to a fresh year, here’s what we’re hankering for more, and less, of. Buy: Revivals Who doesn’t love a great comeback story? In a year plagued with tough losses like Corky’s, Empress Taytu, Deagan’s and Saucisson, there were some bright spots in the form of unexpected returns. After nearly four years of darkness, Nighttown burst back onto the scene. Lopez, a restaurant that began life in 1980 and was put to bed a second time in 2020, was revived by its founder in Chagrin Falls. La Cave du Vin, a Cleveland Heights mainstay for 23 years, made its triumphant return this year in Tremont. And Village Square Pizza, a 50-year-old pizzeria in Woodmere, earned an 11th-hour reprieve thanks to new owners. Buy: Filipino Food 2023 was a banner year for adobo fans. After years of waiting in vain for something new on the Filipino food scene, Cleveland scored two big hits in the form of Tita Flora’s and Parilya. The first, a sit-down eatery in Independence, has been hopping since it opened in July. The second, a brick-and-mortar homebase for the food truck of the same name, is just getting started. Those two additions join longstanding spots Mely’s Kainan and Nipa Hut Oriental Market. Sell: Million-Dollar Steakhouses When we take a close look at the dining landscape of late, we see a bifurcation of the industry resulting in fast-casual joints in one direction and high-roller haunts in the other. Nobody seems to be complaining about the $80 ribeyes at places like

Red, Fahrenheit, Marble Room, Tutto Carne and Heritage, which likely is why we haven’t seen the last of their ilk. In the coming months we’ll welcome Oliva downtown, Artis in Lakewood and likely a few others currently in development. Buy: Conveyor Belt Sushi Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until it arrives. That was the case for me, at least, when I made the short trip to Watami in Parma. Gimmicks, I can take or leave, so I wasn’t expecting much in the way of satisfaction upon arrival at Ohio’s only kaitenzushi, or conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. But within seconds of parking the car, we were grabbing plates from the passing belt and smashing sushi rolls. Two dozen plates and $83 later, we were on our way out the door wondering why there aren’t more conveyor-belt restaurants. Buy: Ethiopian Cuisine This year we lost Empress Taytu, Cleveland’s first Ethiopian restaurant when it opened in 1992. But then it came back! – only to close again for good shortly thereafter. That blow leaves the whole of Northeast Ohio with two, count ‘em two Ethiopian restaurants. While thankful for Zoma in Cleveland Heights and Habesha in Kamm’s, we strongly believe that a region as diverse and food-obsessed as ours can support a few more. Hold: KBBQ/Hot Pot

Tita Flora’s.| Doug Trattner enjoy a bite that goes well beyond a baked-from-frozen bran muffin. At lunch, these atypical cafes offer a mature alternative to banal fastcasual spots. And come happy hour, they provide the best of all possible worlds with respect to boozy sips and cheffy bites.

Trends are gonna trend and the absolute explosion of Korean barbecue and hot pot joints has been nothing short of astonishing. Long relegated to a few mom-andpop Asian eateries with portable tabletop burners, these under-theradar foods are now taking center stage at flashy new restaurants all over town. Fiyah downtown finally arrived after a three-year gestation, Gogi En brings comfort and panache to tabletop cooking in Solon, and One Pot will soon offer guests an all-you-can-eat BBQ and hot pot experience on Coventry. Buy: Cincinnati Chili Parlors To the untrained palate, Cincinnati chili is a food to be mocked, derided and belittled. To those who grew up eating it, the humble dish deserves the same honest appreciation as other immigrant foods like Polish pierogies, Irish colcannon or Jewish knishes. When it comes to comfort food, it’s tough to top a plate of tender pasta topped with aromatic, Mediterranean-spiced chili and a mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese. With the recent closure of Skyline, there now are zero places in town to indulge. Buy: All-Day Cafes At places like the Judith, Patron Saint and Edda, time has a pleasant way of slipping by unnoticed. Not quite coffee shops, not quite bistros, these welcoming third places offer so much more flexibility and range. Pop in for your morning brew and

Sell: Smash Burgers It’s official: we have reached the summit of Mt. Smash Burger. For fans of this ubiquitous double cheeseburger, the days have never been brighter. At places east, west, north and south, line cooks are bearing down on helpless blobs of ground beef, smooshing them into lacey submission. But what of us burger lovers who enjoy a thick pub-style burger cooked to a rosy medium-rare? We are left to pound sand. Buy: Culinary Creativity When was the last time you picked up a menu and smiled? There was a time in the not-so-distant past when chefs sought to stand out from the masses by having some fun in the kitchen. Every dish wasn’t a winner but at least an adventurous diner could take a stab at something that wasn’t a taco, burger, pizza, fried chicken sandwich or steak. Yes, there are exceptions, but their numbers have never been fewer.

dtrattner@clevescene.com t@dougtrattner

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

EAT

BITES

Doug Trattner

First look: Banter, opening January 2024 in Gordon Square By Douglas Trattner WHEN MATTHEW STIPE closed the original Banter in Detroit Shoreway back in 2020, he vowed to return, ideally in the very same neighborhood. Two years later, he announced that he had found that spot in the former home of Minh Anh in Gordon Square, which had closed the previous year. “When we wanted to reopen, there was no other neighborhood that we wanted to be in,” Stipe explains. “We looked at a number of spots, but this feels like home. I do feel that we are the right stewards to take over what was such an important restaurant for so many people in this town.” Now, a little more than three years after closing down the street, Banter (5428 Detroit Ave.) is preparing to welcome its first guests. The official company line has progressed from “soon” to “imminent,” with an opening slated to occur within the next week or so. Like the original, and unlike the fast-casual version that resides in the Market Hall at Van Aken District in Shaker, the Gordon Square Banter marks a return to sit-down, full-service dining. “Here, we wanted to reestablish ourselves and elevate both the

cuisine and dining experience back to what people expected at the original restaurant,” adds Stipe. “The experience out in Shaker is wonderful, but it’s different. I think that our guests are looking forward to a more traditional dining experience.” The completely renovated double storefront is broken up into two main spaces: the barroom and dining room. The occupancy has risen from about 60 to 95, including a larger bar, new booths and more tables. A side patio will come online in spring. Chef Nick Dlugoss has taken the menu back to its classic framework of poutine, sausages, corndogs and starters, with more options in each category. The fried cheese curds are back, joined by a Polish Boy, Mexican street corndog, chicken shawarma poutine and others. Every bottle of champagne comes with a free side of fries. In addition to the beer and wine lists, there is an all new cocktail list this time around. One of the most notable changes can be found in the retail selection, which has been pared down to 40 beers and 120 wines. Those items are available for on-premises

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

enjoyment with a small corkage fee or to-go. “Even before we closed the old restaurant we had the discussion that, for numerous reasons, we would limit it,” Stipe says of the retail offerings. Banter might have some of the coolest windows in town. With the help of counterweights, the four street-facing windows raise to awning height, bringing in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood beyond. As Stipe readies the space for its first guests, he can’t help but feel a little anxious given the lengthy delay. “I am excited,” he says. “There’s always some trepidation but I’ve opened up enough restaurants — either for myself or others — that I feel pretty calm. You can never be 100-percent prepared, but you can be prepared enough.”

Collision Bend Production Facility in Euclid to Open Taproom Friday, Jan. 5 Two years ago, Collision Bend Brewing (1250 Old River Rd.,

216-273-7879) announced plans to open an off-site production facility to take some brewing pressure off the Flats-based brewpub. The goal was to move top retail sellers like C-Town IPA, Hope Flows Kolsch and the best-selling Pale Wheat Ale Lake Erie Sunset to an off-site facility, which would free up some brewhouse space for more smaller runs. “The plan is to pull some of the larger fermenters that we have in the brewpub out and move in smaller tanks so we can turn them quicker and get more variety going,” Luke Purcell, brewmaster-partner of the 7-year-old brewery, explains. “When you’re trying to draw people down, that’s a big thing; people want to try new beers.” That facility — a massive former industrial building at 1261 Babbitt Road in Euclid — is nearing completion. This weekend (assuming the final inspection hoops are cleared), the pub portion of the operation will come online. The kitchen will be under the direction of Collision Bend (and Alley Cat) chef Andy Dombrowski. “We built this menu to go along with the relaxed environment of this taproom; it is approachable for

all guests and offers something for everyone,” Dombrowski explains. “You can expect a menu with great pub fare and a lot of shareables to complement our lineup of great beer.” Guests can expect starters like clam chowder, chili with cornbread, Swedish meatballs, and jerkseasoned fish fingers. Larger plates include taco salads, pizzas, burgers, wraps and subs. Until the brewhouse side of the facility is up and running, which is expected to happen in late January, the beers will be coming from the downtown location. Those beers will be joined at the taproom by wine and cocktails. “This new facility allows us to increase our production capacity, experiment with new brews, and, most importantly, connect with our community on a greater level,” adds head brewer Ben Northeim.

Gogi En Korean BBQ Now Open in Solon This summer, the team behind Sushi En restaurants in Cleveland, Columbus and Twinsburg took over the Solon property long home to Akira Sushi and Hibachi. The former hibachi restaurant was the ideal starting point for their next project — a Korean BBQ concept — because of the existing hood systems installed throughout the dining room. On Friday, Dec. 29, the company will open the doors to Gogi En (6025 Kruse Dr.), the first Korean barbecue restaurant in the region. Korean food in general is trending in the U.S. thanks to contemporary pop-culture media. Manager Mark Chun attributes the rising popularity of Korean food to bands like BTS, movies like Parasite, TV shows like Squid Game and social media like TikTok, all of which highlight the food. More specifically, Korean barbecue (KBBQ) is having a moment. Locally, we’re seeing a proliferation of these restaurants, where the communal cooking experience is attracting a whole new generation of diners. While some mom-and-pop shops still rely on tabletop burners, more and more places are going high-tech, with built-in grills and proper ventilation. While the exhaust hoods are the same, the grill tables are all new. More than a dozen tables feature built-in cooktops imported from Korea. But unlike many others that use metal grills, Gogi En’s cooktops are outfitted with large flat stones

that are not unlike the earthenware bowls in which bibimbap is served. The modern dining room will pump K-pop through the sound system, air catchy music videos on various screens, and present the artwork of notable Korean photographers. “We’re hoping for a lot of immersion, which keeps people coming back and keeps people in tune and present when they’re here,” Chun explains. “We’ll show landscapes and cityscapes to try and get people immersed in a Korean feeling.” The menu offers a pretty typical lineup of meats bound for the grills. There’s galbi (marinated beef short rib), bulgogi (marinated ribeye), spicy pork bulgogi and marinated pork rib. An a la carte section of the menu lets diners select from more than a dozen beef, pork, poultry and seafood items ranging from thin-sliced pork belly to marinated shrimp. A handful of combos merge three different proteins. Gogi En also offers a lengthy and creative assortment of gimbap, the Korean rice rolls that resemble sushi rolls but without the raw fish. From a former sushi counter built into the restaurant’s lengthy bar will flow colorful rolls filled with items like fish cakes, bulgogi and shrimp tempura. Korean stews — or jjigae — starring brisket, pork rib and kimchi, and soft tofu join the everpopular bibimbap served two ways. The first is a classic presentation in a hot stone crock. The second, described as “deconstructed,” arrives on a hot stone slab. A lunch menu will offer quickserve meals like a gimbap and ramen combo. Gogi En has a full bar and will be offering a nice selection of beer, wine, cocktails and, naturally, soju. Despite the relative obscurity of KBBQ in the area, Chun and his team are confident that if you deliver a unique and immersive experience, people will respond positively. “We’ve never found an issue with trying to introduce people because when you talk about something passionately people love to listen and people love to learn about those things,” says Chun. “Anybody who is coming in here probably wants to learn a little bit about the food if they don’t know about it already.”

dtrattner@clevescene.com t@dougtrattner

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

ASLYUM ROOM

CLEVELAND’S HISTORIC MUSIC & EVENTS VENUE

TEMPLELIVE CLEVELAND

THE BROKEN HEARTS

THE ULTIMATE TOM PETTY TRIBUTE

SAT. MAR 9

THE DEAD SOUTH

MON. FEB 12

CHAINS & STAKES TOUR

JO DEE MESSINA

FRI. FEB 16

HEADS CAROLINA, TAILS CALIFORNIA TOUR

BLUE OCTOBER

FRI. MAR 8

SPINNING THE TRUTH AROUND TOUR

EDDIE GRIFFIN

SAT. MAR 9

GIMME SUGAR & MISTER BREEZE

TRIBUTES TO THE ROLLING STONES & LYNYRD SKYNYRD

SAT. APR 13

WQMX PRESENTS

TERRI CLARK

THUR. MAR 14

HAIRBALL

SAT. MAR 16

ARENA ROCK CELEBRATION

THE CELTIC TENORS

TUES. MAR 19

BLACKBERRY SMOKE

FRI. MAR 29

3615 EUCLID AVE. CLEVELAND | TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS AT TEMPLELIVE.COM

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

BE RIGHT HERE TOUR

SPIRIT BOMB

ANIME MUSIC EXPERIENCE WITH PYRO KITTEN, BASSDRIP & CRAZY8THEGREAT

SAT. APR 20

MUSIC MELODY MAKERS

Punk rockers Story of the Year revisit their 2003 debut for 20th anniversary tour By Jeff Niesel IN THE LATE ’90S, ST. LOUIS become a hotbed for hip-hop as acts such as Nelly and Chingy stormed the Billboard charts. At the same time, the emo/pop-punk act Story of the Year cultivated a much different fanbase. Having caught the attention of John Feldmann, who served as a talent scout for Maverick Records and fronted the punk band Goldfinger, the group inked a deal with a major label and had a hit right out of the gates with its 2003 debut, Page Avenue. “There wasn’t much of a rock scene in St. Louis at the time,” says singer Dan Marsala via phone from his St. Louis home that’s just about a mile from the Page Avenue referenced in the debut album’s title. On tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Page Avenue, Story of the Year performs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Agora. “There was one band called the Urge that was signed. They were signed and toured. But we were the biggest rock band to come out of here at the time. There has always been a cool small scene. That was an advantage and disadvantage. The fans we built are so diehard. It’s one of our best markets, and we love it here, and it’s amazing to play here. It’s a cool thing to be from a smaller not huge music scene town.” Prior to releasing Page Avenue, the group issued an EP called Story of the Year. At the time of that release, the band was known as Big Blue Monkey. “That EP was the first full recording of the four of us with the same lineup as we have now with me on vocals and Josh Wills on drums,” says Marsala. “That was the first thing we officially put out. The technology was not there yet. It was just a raw band playing rock songs. It’s cool to hear now, but it’s not very polished.” Marsala says Page Avenue

STORY OF THE YEAR. | Courtesy of Big Picture Media

STORY OF THE YEAR, WE THE KINGS, YOUTH FOUNDATION, 6:30 P.M. SATURDAY, JAN. 6, AGORA THEATRE, 5000 EUCLID AVE., 216-81-2221. TICKETS: $34.50-$55, AGORACLEVELAND.COM.

became a huge leap forward if only because Feldmann brought a different level of production to the table. “I had no idea the genius he was,” says Marsala. “We knew he had done the Used album, which was really cool. He was so new in his career. We lucked out on all of that. His production was so ahead of everybody that it still sounds good 20 years later. He was good at telling us what we could do. We were 20-year-old kids and just wanted to run around and scream at people. We didn’t know about proper song structure. He was much wiser than we were. He told us to put this part here and there. It was a learning process for us.” Part of a burgeoning emo scene that included acts such as At the Drive-In and Quicksand, the band benefitted from its ability to mix melodies and chugging guitars on songs such as “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” a track that begins with gentle guitars before distorted guitars and heavy drums kick

in. The song balances its pop and punk tendencies perfectly. “It was such a weird, evolving time,” says Marsala. “Refused and At the Drive-In and Glassjaw were on the heavier side and Taking Back Sunday weren’t doing as much screaming. I grew up on ‘90s punk. We were in between all of that. I grew up on ’90s punk stuff like Bad Religion and NOFX. We also loved Deftones and Rage Against the Machine. We were all over the place, and we met in the middle. We didn’t want to be pigeonholed in one scene or another.” Marsala says the band still aims to avoid being pigeonholed. “We just did a tour with Yellowcard and Mayday Parade, and right before that, we did Knotfest with Slipknot and Megadeth,” he says. “We’re all over the place. I always loved melody. I’m not into super-metal stuff. For our band, we never wanted that to be our thing. I love a big chorus and big catchy parts of rock with

innovative riffs. I like weird stuff too. I’ve always been a singer and always loved harmony and all of that, and that’s definitely been an inspiration.” For the upcoming Agora show, Marsala says the band plans to play Page Avenue in its entirety (but not in the same order as the songs appear on the album). The album, he says, still feels fresh, and he’s excited to revisit it again. “It doesn’t seem that long ago at all,” he says. “Time goes faster the older you get. Our parents told us that our whole lives, and now, it’s real. We’re so lucky to have a record that is that impactful that we can still revisit. It’s awesome to have that stable rock of a first record. Everyone knows that that’s who we are as a band. I hope to do the 40th anniversary tour, and we can come out with walkers and canes. I’m never gonna stop.”

jniesel@clevescene.com t@jniesel January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

LIVEWIRE

Real music in the real world Alison Scarpulla

Cleveland’s Wish Queen plays the Beachland. See: Saturday, Jan. 6.

FRI

01/05

Mark Gamsjager & the Lustre Kings Gamsjager and Co. have played alongside the likes of rockabilly heroes such as Wanda Jackson, Bill Kirchen and Robert Gordon, and tonight at 8, they bring their musical expertise to the Beachland Tavern to play a special set that pays tribute to Elvis Presley. The local rockabilly act Whiskey Daredevils open the show. They’ll celebrate the release of their new album, Good Times, which has just come out on vinyl pressed right here in town at Gotta Groove Records. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

Mania: The ABBA Tribute Each month seems to bring with

it another tribute to the influential Swedish pop act ABBA. Tonight at 8, Mania swings into town to perform ABBA songs at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

Motion City Soundtrack Motion City Soundtrack, an indie rock act that formed in Minneapolis in 1997, has hit the road this new year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its debut, I Am the Movie. Songs such as “Cambridge” and “The Future Freaks Me Out” feature dynamic guitar riffs and high-pitched vocals. They reveal a sophistication not found on many emo/punk debuts. The group performs tonight at 7 at House of Blues. 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583,

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular

houseofblues.com.

SAT

01/06

Wish Queen Signed to a small record label located in North Carolina called Schoolkids Records, Wish Queen’s Grace Sullivan is a local act on the verge of becoming a national one. Her vocals shine on her debut album, Saturnalia, and recall her influences such as Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple and Lana Del Rey. She performs tonight at 8 at the Beachland Tavern. UNBYUL and Charity Evonna open. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SUN

01/07

Elvis impersonators Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter and Ryan Pelton will appear at this annual event that celebrates the music of the late Elvis Presley. The Blackwood Quartet, the Nashville Dreams and the Fabulous Ambassadors share the bill. The concert begins at 7 at the State Theatre. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

THU

01/11

Martin Sexton The word prolific is often thrown around when talking about singersongwriters, but with Martin Sexton, it’s no exaggeration. He got his start in Boston, playing open mics and busking

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

in subways and on street corners. He’s released numerous albums, received awards for his music and reaped praise from the likes of John Mayer and Dave Matthews. Sexton’s music is difficult to categorize due to his fusion of country, soul, folk rock, gospel, jazz and other genres, but he blends them all seamlessly. He performs tonight at 7:30 at Music Box Supper Club. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

Voices of the Land: Acoustic Showcase In case you haven’t noticed, Northeast Ohio currently has cultivated some terrific singer-songwriters. Tonight at 7 at the Beachland Tavern, some of the best of them, including Taylor Lamborn, Ester Fitz, Lauren Lanzaretta, Andi Chakraborty, Jordan Laird and Jordan Urban, will perform. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

FRI

01/12

LILIEAE LILIEAE’s Lydia Puccini and Kayleigh Hyland took an art class together when they attended Westlake High School several years ago. At the time, they had no idea that they’d wind up a band together. A mutual acquaintance made that happen and brought them together to form LILIEAE. The group, which plays a mix of hard rock and ’90s-style alternative rock, released its first EP in 2019. Its latest EP, the hard-rocking ‘90s alternative rockinfluenced Pretend & Dare, came out last year, establishing the group as one of the better indie rock acts on the local circuit. It performs tonight at 9 at the Happy Dog. The Paper Earth and Buffalo Ryders open. 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com

SAT

01/13

The Dreadnoughts This rowdy folk-rock band formed in 2006, drinking and playing in the roughest dive bars in Vancouver. Songs such as “Polka Never Dies” are designed to rile up a hard-drinking crowd, something the group will likely attempt to accomplish when it plays tonight at 8 at the Music Box Supper Club’s Concert Hall. Captain Tom & the Hooligans open. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

20th anniversary with this show at the Agora Theatre. Psyclon Nine, Psychostick and Crossbread open. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Alex Williams This alt-country singer-songwriter draws from influences such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Reed, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. His 2022 album, Waging Peace, features barnburners such as “No Reservations” and “Double Nickel,” both of which feature gruff vocals and snarling guitars. Williams performs tonight at 8 at the Beachland Tavern. The Morning Bird opens. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SUN

01/14

FIDLAR The pandemic really derailed this SoCal punk rock band that toured steadily since releasing its debut in 2011. The group took the time to reset and pare down from a quartet to a trio. Last year, it finally returned to the studio with producer Dave Sardy (Oasis, Band of Horses, Fall Out Boy) and released new material. Known for its rowdy live shows, the group comes to the Roxy at Mahall’s in Lakewood tonight at 7. Local rockers the Rosies open. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts The honky-tonk band Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts played the Cleveland area on the regular before taking their talents to Nashville. As a result, their return home for this gig at the Beachland Tavern is cause for celebration. The music starts at 8 p.m., and Folkfaces open. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

TUE

01/16

The Steel Wheels

Ventana

This Virginia-based Americana band draws from bluegrass and country blues. It formed way back in 2005 and now hosts its own Red Wing Roots Music Festival in the Shenandoah Valley. Expect to hear songs from throughout its decades-long career at tonight’s show, which takes place at 7:30 at Music Box Supper Club. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

Closely aligned with the local-turnednational metal act Mushroomhead, this local hard rock act with a predilection for the theatrical celebrates its

scene@clevescene.com t@clevelandscene January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

SAVAGE LOVE LOAD BEARING By Dan Savage Have you ever seen a successful relationship when the sex was difficult from the start? Or even stopped pretty early in the relationship? I have been with my boyfriend since August and I honestly lost my desire for him early on. He’s a bit of a hoarder and has some self-care and cleanliness issues, which I only realized some way into the relationship. It has killed the sexual vibe for me very early, but I do feel very safe with him, very connected emotionally. Is there hope? Or should we call it friends? Only Doomed Or Real Shot? I’ve definitely seen relationships succeed despite sex being difficult at the start. In some cases, the couple broke up, found new partners, and remained in each other’s lives as friends. But the couples that succeeded in the way you most likely meant — the sex was difficult at the start but they’re still happily together years later — had at some point redefined their relationships as companionate. Some of these companionate relationships were ethically non-monogamous, e.g., one or both partners were allowed to seek sex outside the relationship, but some were strictly monogamous. What I haven’t seen much are two people who didn’t share a strong sexual connection at the start manage to create one. And when I have seen that happen, ODORS, there was always some shared interest or dynamic or kink — there was always at least one thing that worked or clicked — and the couple focusing on their overlapping interests/ dynamics/kinks and on that rock built a goodto-great sex life together. But what I found myself wondering as I read your question, ODORS, was why you would wanna make things work with this guy. If he can’t be bothered to bathe and brush his teeth and use a little deodorant when he’s trying to win you, ODORS, he’s not going to make the effort once he’s won you. There may be some underlying mental health issue here that he’s struggling with. You can offer him your friendship and moral support — provided you can spare the emotional bandwidth but don’t offer him a blowjob. Sucking this guy’s dick would not only be unpleasant for you, ODORS, but it would send the wrong message to him, e.g., that he’s in good enough working order (proof: he’s getting his dick sucked) and doesn’t need to get help and make changes. P.S. The sexless monogamous relationship — as a concept — has aways broken my brain. If being in a monogamous relationship means you don’t have sex with other people… wouldn’t being in a sexless monogamous relationship mean only don’t have sex with other people? It has always seemed to me that if monogamy means, “I’m not fucking anybody but you,” sexless monogamy

means, “I’m fucking everybody but you.” Perhaps someone who doesn’t wanna have sex with their partner but insists on sexual exclusivity — someone who thinks celibacy is a reasonable price of admission — can jump into the comments thread and explain how this works or is supposed to work.

My husband is the Membership Chair of a nonprofit in town. The organization has about 100 members. Some are cute/hunky/sexy. We’ve got an open relationship, but I feel that, given his position, he shouldn’t be having sex with these members because it might lead to jealousy issues among the others. He disagrees and brushes off my concerns. I’ve considered playing with a couple of them as well, but I have not because I feel like as “the husband of” one of the club’s main organizers Am I wrong in expressing reservations about his playing with some members? And what about my doing the same? Messy Ethical Matters Block Enticing Recreational Sex What kind of nonprofit org are we talking about? If it’s a group that works with at-risk youth (painting murals on underpasses or whatever) or some sort of social justice org (shutting down roads to airports right before Christmas or whatever), MEMBERS, the Membership Chair fucking his way through the members rolls could prove problematic. That goes double if being a member in good standing is a route to future professional success. If remaining in the good graces of org leadership means getting the kind of letters of reference or recommendation that help people land jobs or promotions, the leaders of the org — and their spouses — need to be conscious of their power and refrain from fucking members to avoid abusing that power. But if we’re talking about some sort of gay social club organized around a shared non-sexual interest (snowboarding, softball, kickball, etc.) or sexual interest (leather, pup play, kicking balls, etc.) — if we’re talking about a club that exists to help gay men break the ice and find like-minded friends and/or sex partners and/or romantic partners — then I don’t think the leaders or their spouses have to swear off fucking the members. Indeed, if the org was created to bring guys together socially and/or sexually, demanding vows of celibacy from the leadership not only punishes the men who step up to do the work (recruiting members, finding venues, scheduling events, setting everything up, breaking everything down, etc.), it makes taking on those responsibilities on less appealing. And if no one steps up to do the work, the organization falls apart — and who does that help? I’m a 28-year-old woman and I’ve never had a boyfriend and I’ve never had sex. Up until this year, I didn’t focus on dating in order to prioritize my education, career, and mental health. I am doing very well in my life overall. I have two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree, I have a job that I love, I live

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024

Scene archives

in a great city (Chicago), and I’m doing well enough financially to buy a condo this year. The only thing I’m lacking is relationship and sexual experience. I am putting myself out there and going to social events to meet guys, but I’m holding off on having sex until I’m actually in a relationship and I’ve formed an emotional connection with someone. Casual sex has never interested me. I’m in therapy and I’m working with my therapist on my confidence as I navigate the dating world. My anxiety is my biggest roadblock. Nobody in my life has reacted negatively to my lack of experience but my anxiety tells me that no one will accept me and that there is something wrong with me. My anxiety tells me that I am the butt of everyone’s jokes and that I’m a loser. I know that doesn’t make sense. Literally no one has ever criticized me for my lack of experience. My friends don’t care and have been supporting me as I navigate the dating scene for the first time. However, some of my friends have been encouraged me to have casual sex in order to gain sexual experience but casual sex isn’t something I’m comfortable engaging in and some of my friends just don’t to understand that. I guess if I had to boil this down to one question, it would be this: How do I stop being insecure and embarrassed about my lack of dating and sexual experience and be confident? Nervously Experiencing Wonder Own the choices you’ve made about sex with the same confidence you own the choices you’ve made about your education and career. You were no doubt nervous AF when you got to college… and you nailed that shit. (Three degrees!) You were no doubt nervous AF when you got your first big job… and you nailed that shit. (Buying a condo!) Give yourself permission to be nervous AF during your first sexual experience, NEW, and trust your track record. You may have flunked a test or two, but you got those fucking degrees. You may have washed out during at

least one job interview, but you got a fucking job. Your first time may be awkward, NEW, and you’ll definitely be nervous AF, but you’re gonna nail fucking like you’ve nailed everything else. I know it sounds like a paradox — or maybe it sounds like gibberish (or maybe it is gibberish) — but a person can be secure in her own insecurities. You’ll feel more confident if you don’t feel like you have to pretend to be any more confident than you actually are. And since you have a good idea who you want and what you want and how you want it, NEW, you’re starting from a better place than a lot of people whose first experiences came earlier in life. Just don’t make the rookie mistake of pretending to be anything you’re not. Allowing or encouraging someone to think they’re more experienced than you actually are will only make you feel more nervous and insecure. Instead of worrying they can tell, NEW, tell on yourself: “I’ve never been with anyone sexually — I poured all my energy end effort into my education and my career — so we’re going to have to take it slow.” Some guy head for the door (of your condo) when they hear that, NEW, and not one of those guys will be the right guy. Remember: When you tell someone you’re inexperienced, you’re telling him one thing about you. His reaction will tell you everything you need to know about him. P.S. You don’t have to make your friends understand, NEW, you just have to make it clear to them that you appreciate their friendship and their advice.

Got problems? Everyone does! Send your question to mailbox@savage.love! Podcasts, columns and more at Savage. Love

mail@savagelove.net t@fakedansavage www.savagelovecast.com

INSUR ANCE

PHONE LINES

SR22 INSURANCE ALSO Call David Young (440)779-9800

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

CAR INSURANCE BEST PRICES

PHONE LINES

EXPLICIT CHAT WITH SEXY LOCALS Get your FREE TRIAL! 18+ CALL The Night Exchange NOW! 216.502.4388 / 440.499.6400 www.nightexchange.com HOT LOCAL URBAN SINGLES! Are looking to hook up now! Try it FREE! 18+ 216.367.1010 / 440.424.0303 www.metrovibechatline.com

CALL NOW,

100's OF SEXY LATINO SINGLES Meet Hot Latin Locals! Get your FREE trial! 18+ 216.626.7777 440.325.7777 www.questchat.com MA SSAGE - CERTIFIED CARING MASSAGE Days & Evenings, weekends. Warm candlelight atmosphere. Lakewood/West Suburbs Linda 216-221-5935

January 3 - 16, 2024 | clevescene.com |

supporters

Hey, you must love local journalism if you’re seeing this.

Community Engagement and Connection to The Scene Team Our newsletter and stories straight to your inbox Member Discounts to our events, merch, and services

Empower us to empower you… and Cleveland. With your membership, you have a direct effect on strengthening the role of local and independent journalism in our community.

BECOME A SCENE SUPPORTER TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $7/MO

Are You a Business Owner and a Scene Reader? We spotlight important Cleveland events and businesses like yours.

FOR MORE ABOUT THE SCENE BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS, EMAIL US TO DISCUSS. 28

| clevescene.com | January 3 - 16, 2024