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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 3

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2015 • VOLUME 46 N O 21 Dedicated to Free Times founder Richard H. Siegel (1935-1993) and Scene founder Richard Kabat Publisher Chris Keating Associate Publisher Desiree Bourgeois Editor Vince Grzegorek

CONTENTS 41

Upfront

Editorial Managing Editor Eric Sandy Music Editor Jeff Niesel Staff Writer Sam Allard Web Editor Alaina Nutile Dining Editor Douglas Trattner Contributing Dining Editor Nikki Delamotte Stage Editor Christine Howey Visual Arts Editor Josh Usmani Interns Xan Schwartz, Brittany Rees, Brandon Koziol

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Catching up with the county’s HR reshuffling, Cleveland Clinic to drug-test employees , and more

Framed

10

Feature

15

Our favorite photos we’ve shared with you this week

Advertising Senior Multimedia Account Executive John Crobar, Shayne Rose Multimedia Account Executive Kiara Hunter-Davis, Joseph Williamson, Savannah Drdek Classifi ed Account Executive Alice Leslie Creative Services Production Manager Steve Miluch Layout Editor/Graphic Designer Christine Hahn Staff Photographer Emanuel Wallace

In which we report on the growing pains of Hingetown

Business Asst. To The Publisher Angela Lott Sales Assistant/Receptionist Megan Stimac

Get Out!

Dozens of events spanning the next week in Cleveland

29

Circulation Circulation Director Don Kriss Euclid Media Group Chief Executive Offi cer Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Offi cers Chris Keating, Michael Wagner Chief Financial Offi cer Brian Painley Human Resources Director Lisa Beilstein Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon

Art

38

Stage

39

Film

41

Dining

43

www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising Voice Media Group 1-800-278-9866, voicemediagroup.com

Genghis Con shines light on Rust Belt comics and cartoonists

It’s all good at the beginning in Bob: A Life in Five Acts at convergence-continuum

Cleveland Scene 737 Bolivar Rd, #4100 Cleveland, OH 44115 www.clevescene.com Phone 216-241-7550 Retail & Classifi ed Fax 216-241-6275 Editoral Fax 216-802-7212 E-mail scene@clevescene.com Cleveland Scene Magazine is published every week by Euclid Media Group.

Verifi ed Audit Member Cleveland Distribution Scene is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader Copyright The entire contents of Cleveland Scene Magazine are copyright 2015 by Euclid Media Group. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

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A slew of new releases open at area theaters this week

Besides a new pop-up series, Mely’s Kainan is the only place in Northeast Ohio to score Filipino cuisine

Music

Pepper Keenan’s return reinvigorates hard rockers Corrosion of Conformity

Savage Love

How and why to air out a penis

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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Photos by Eric Sandy

UPFRONT ONE YEAR LATER

Questions Linger in Shooting Death of Tamir Rice

THIS WEEK

HUDDLED TOGETHER AGAINST blindingly cold breezes, friends and family and general supporters congregated at Cudell Commons on Nov. 22 to memorialize Tamir Rice.

The day marked one year since the 12-year-old boy was shot and killed

by Cleveland police officer Timothy Loehmann. And while the entire galaxy has shifted in the interim, the fundamental problem remains unresolved.

“Why?” is the question. Silence is the answer.

Or were it only.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty, in whose hands the much-delayed grand jury process is guided, has been pretty busy with his talk-hole lately. He’s made a habit of landing front-page headlines in recent weeks, via weird “independent reports” that fully support the childish and churlish Loehmann in his shooting and via bizarre public statements admonishing the Rice family as having “their own economic motives” in the yearlong search for something resembling a just endpoint.

“They’re very interesting people — let me just leave it at that,” he famously said of Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, and her attorneys.

McGinty, the toothy pilot of criminal justice in a county not wanting for bad guys, has made a mockery of the past 365 days. And so we arrive on this past Sunday, on a very cold afternoon to spend outdoors in prayer, wherein the Rice family reiterated their calls for McGinty to step aside and allow a “special prosecutor” to come in and shepherd

6

The crowd begins to gather on Nov. 22.

The memorial for Tamir Rice grows at Cudell Commons.

the Loehmann case into impartiality.

As though audibly LOLing, McGinty has shrugged off those demands to date. Even as protesters arrived downtown on Monday with some 200,000 signatures supporting the move to a special prosecutor in

ROCK ‘N’ TROLL

RNC releases logo featuring elephant prancing across guitar. GOP Chairman Reince Priebus reportedly banking on crucial Michael Stanley fanbase voting bloc.

FIRST DOWN

this case, McGinty isolated himself further from the growing will of the people. He was not available to speak with the protesters.

Although, there’s not much to say at this point. The public has duked it out over this story for the past year,

Johnny Manziel takes heat after being seen holding bottle of champagne during bye week. OC John DeFilippo just happy that Johnny completed passes from bottle to mouth.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

KILLER BUD

ResponsibleOhio director cites marijuana mascot as “big mistake” in Issue 3 campaign. Later tells reporters that an anthropomorphic dab might have been more effective.

and Cleveland has found a new rift to supplant the decades-old eastside/ westside mindlessness. The city awaits the grand jury’s response, but the dividing lines run very deep by this point. All that’s left to do is to have McGinty push the domino

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he’s been aching to tap.

That’s sad. Samaria Rice, chastised by a public official, stood at Cudell Commons this past weekend and shared a handful of memories of her son. A crowd of more than 100 braced against the wind and worked tirelessly to keep small candles lit in the wind.

Sunday’s vigil was not a particularly long or involved affair. In sum, the event clocked in at perhaps 15 minutes. Actions were set in motion long ago on this score -- the court of public opinion wrangled its layered verdict, the family of Tamir wrestled with a void, the city swept its certain malfeasance into the uncertain history books. And now, we wait for the next thing to happen.

OH, HEY, CUYAHOGA COUNTY’S HR DIRECTOR LEFT A MONTH AGO

DIGIT WIDGET

Interim Cuyahoga County HR director Lisa Durkin had been on the job since previous HR director Elise Hara left the day after the election that ushered in Armond Budish into the executive chair a year or so ago.

She’d also been with the county in some capacity for more than a decade.

That’s no more. Durkin departed more than three weeks ago (Nov. 2) to take a position leading HR at CMSD. (In addition to her day job, Durkin is also a fabulous romance author, by the way. Worth your time.)

Human resources in general is no easy job, let alone overseeing HR for Cuyahoga County, where the ills created by Jimmy Dimora and his band of steak-eating, free-wheeling, bribe-taking merry underlings lingered until Cuyahoga County was blessed with the era of Ed “What’s a Driver’s License?” FitzGerald.

The book on Budish’s administration is yet to be written and, because no one covers the county despite what they might tell you (or maybe because they don’t have time for it while they regurgitate years-old Dimora nuggets), one year into his tenure we still hear very little about

8

200,000

Photo courtesty of Weston

UPFRONT

The proposed development would massively change the Warehouse District’s makeup.

the workings of his government.

Anyway.

Who’s been running the ship since Durkin left? Ed Morales, doubling up on duties with his regular gig as assistant law director.

Who’s next?

That’s a good question. Budish had previously said a couple of positions were the subject of a nationwide search — funded by the GCP, for what that’s worth. Unfortunately, nothing has been announced yet, which isn’t entirely a surprise — Durkin is still listed as HR director on the county website despite having been gone for about a month. The new Chief Talent Officer, which is what the position will be called going forward, hasn’t been announced yet.

Messages left for a county spokesperson last Thursday and Friday haven’t been returned.

Durkin didn’t respond to a message for comment.

CLEVELAND CLINIC TO BEGIN RANDOM DRUG-SCREENING Beginning Jan. 1, the Cleveland Clinic will randomly screen all employees for drug use.

“Our CEO wanted to do this for patient and employee safety,” a media spokesperson told Scene.

One employee told us that CCF

Number of signatures delivered downtown this week in support of a special prosecutor in the Timothy Loehmann case.

4.2 PERCENT

Expected increase in November-December holiday retail sales over last year, a $600-million jump.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

management has been citing a 2014 op-ed that lays out the drug-testing case: “We believe hospitals should be required to perform random drug tests on all health care workers with access to drugs. The tests should be comprehensive enough to screen for fentanyl and other commonly abused drugs and must keep up with evolving drug abuse patterns.”

At the Clinic, though, all employees will be subject to the new policy (not just health care workers with access to drugs). We’ve also been told that this applies only to employees in the U.S. “We’re not going into detail about what we’re testing for, but [the testing] will be broad,” the spokesperson explained. Already, she continued, the Clinic screens for nicotine use, as a policy has long since prohibited hiring smokers.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT PARKING LOTS COULD BLOSSOM INTO MAJOR DEVELOPMENT Weston Inc. publicly presented plans this morning for “one of the largest mixed-use developments in downtown Cleveland,” though it’s not like that’s an empty playing field anymore.

The plan is to fill the parking-lot footprint that spans West 3rd to West

368

Days since Tamir Rice was shot and killed by Cleveland police officer Timothy Loehmann, as of Wednesday.

6th between Superior and St. Clair.

A covered parking garage is part of the proposal, which features 3 million square feet that will include 1,200 high-end residential units (and a rooftop bar, deck and pool) and some 100,000 square feet of retail.

The first phase — and leasing opportunities — should be open by 2017.

“This is going to be the most exciting thing to happen in downtown Cleveland in a very long time; it’s what we’ve all been waiting for,” Weston CEO T.J. Asher said this morning.

A very long time, indeed. We certainly haven’t been this excited about mixed-use development since the folks behind the Huntington building sale announced their plans in June. Before that, we’d have to go all the way back to November 2014 when the nuCLEus team laid out their downtown proposal. You can scoot back to 2013 and remind yourself of the excitement stirred by plans for the Ameritrust complex — “The 9,” as we know it today. That was kind of a very long time ago.

Visit clevescene.com to get a sense of what the plot would look like in the future compared to the sea of asphalt that graces the six acres now.

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 9

FRAMED!

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

FEATURE

HINGETOWN THROWDOWN The growing pains of Cleveland’s newest westside neighborhood

By Sam Allard

THE VICAR Even if he weren’t a deacon at St. Patrick’s Church on Bridge Avenue, Franklin-Clinton Block Club president Bill Merriman would be held in saintly regard by his neighbors. He’s a former mailman with the U.S. Postal Service and the owner of multiple homes on Church Avenue between West 29th and West 32nd. For years, Merriman has charged low rents to his tenants (which include the annual crop of Jesuit volunteers) to preserve and protect what has long been considered a core value on Cleveland’s nearwestside: diversity.

Merriman is a short, bespectacled, older man who walks with a slight forward hunch and is rarely seen without a beatific smile. His goodness and humility would be ripe for parody if they weren’t so sincere. But they are.

On the morning of Nov. 2, 2015, Merriman sat patiently at the Board of Zoning Appeals on the fifth floor of City Hall. He was there to offer a voice of dissent on a variance that

would allow the owners of the Schaefer Printing Building on Detroit and West 28th Street to convert the second and third floors into apartment units without on-site parking. The zoning code requires eight parking spaces, but none were shown in the plan.

The owner of the Schaefer Printing Building is, for the moment, Bob Schaefer, but will soon be Graham Veysey and Marika Shiori-Clark, the married co-developers and christeners of Hingetown. Veysey and ShioriClark told me later that the variance was essentially a technicality. People park in the gravel lot adjacent to the Schaefer Building all the time, they said. The lot is even rented out on weekends to Bounce Nightclub.

The city just doesn’t recognize it as a parking lot.

“We’re excited about redeveloping the whole property,” Veysey told BZA chair Carol Johnson at the meeting.

“In addition to the lot, looking at those mixed-use plans and having a ton of ... having a long runway in order to figure out what are the needs of the

community.”

Some members of the Franklin Clinton block club — Bill Merriman, in any case — are worried that the variance is not a technicality at all.

Once it’s in place (and it’s granted in perpetuity), Veysey and ShioriClark will have license to develop the lot however they please. That could mean more bars, more restaurants, more apartments. It certainly won’t be a parking lot for long. And though Veysey and Shiori-Clark have insisted that they won’t do anything without a “robust community process,” some are yet to be persuaded. (The fact that Veysey wasn’t keen on voluntarily postponing the variance request, or making a presentation to the block club, were interpreted as stormy portents.)

“I feel humbled in the shadow of something great coming in,” said Merriman, after both Veysey and Shiori-Clark had spoken. “It’s with great trepidation that I present my case before you, Madame Chairman.

I’m requesting a postponement and

I’m suggesting that an unfavorable decision would be appealed, the reason being that the request for a zoning variance is being presented by the Schaefer Printing Company. Yet we’re hearing a case not from the owner, but from a developer who probably has had more favorable coverage in the Plain Dealer and Vanity Fair and elsewhere than anyone I can think of, maybe even more than [councilman Joe Cimperman] — I feel like I’m a devil’s advocate, perhaps.

“But in light of that, if I can only suggest that as an adjacent property owner (we live on Church Avenue adjacent to Transformer Station, Tea Revival, to a variety of successful businesses that have graced the neighborhood over the past few years because of Marika Clark and Graham Veysey, there’s absolutely no doubt), but part of the package of this entertainment or gathering space, like a piazza in Florence or something like that ... is that it has its challenges. I think the challenges should be heard by the board this morning.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 15

FEATURE

“The harm that we expect is because my wife has dementia, and there are others in the neighborhood who are challenged by the crush of hundreds and sometimes thousands of people who come into the neighborhood to celebrate and to enjoy good food and good wine and beer and fine music. But what has happened, occasionally — and these are extreme instances — my wife has cringed at 9 and 10 o’clock at night wondering what has happened to her life as the music pounds through our 6-inch insulated walls and double-pane glass, as the entertainment district celebrates and draws in so many people from around the area, and enlivens the imaginations of people about life in Cleveland ...”

“Mr. Merriman, I have to stop you,” Johnson interjected. “We’re discussing the fact that they’re going to change it to residential. Two floors of residences only. There’s no entertainment, there’s no bar here. There’s no restaurant here, there’s nothing.”

“I hear you, ma’am,” Merriman responded. “And I’m only speaking for myself, not as a representative of the block club, but this is an entertainment district of which this is going to be a key component. I anticipate that this is going to be developed as well as they’ve developed the Striebinger Block on West 29th Street. And questions have not been answered in terms of how to deal with the huge crush of crowds and loud, amplified music at 9 and 10 o’clock at night.”

“That’s something you’ll have to discuss with them,” Johnson said.

16

“And if there is a development project, maybe in the spring, we’ll see it.

You’ll certainly get a notice and come back again to make your comments. But what we’re okaying today is putting in residences.

That’s it. Six residences. And that’s all.”

“Yes ma’am. But again — and I hate to use this word — this is a Trojan Horse. This is the beginning of something that is even more than we currently have, even more of a challenge to the residential community that has not had these basic questions answered. The developer and his business partner have great things in store for all of us, but it needs to fit into the larger context of what’s happening to a neighborhood that is no longer residential. And as such I offer my objection.”

Ben Trimble, director of real estate and planning for Ohio City Inc., chimed in to register support for the variance on behalf of the CDC. “I think Mr. Merriman is expressing some trepidation by the community because they haven’t heard a full plan for this building. But I think it’s the case that there just isn’t one yet,” he said. “We realize that there are a lot of unanswered questions, but there’s a lot of work to be done before we come back.”

“Really I think the unanswered questions are ones we’re still trying to figure out ourselves,” Veysey said in conclusion. “But the six apartments, that’s the thing we know can give us the runway in order to look at how to responsibly redevelop, with immense community input.”

THE POWER COUPLE “We’ve got to get these apartments done,” Graham Veysey is saying, walking the length of the Schaefer Building’s third floor. “Right now, there’s not a lot of there, there.”

He’s not kidding. The empty second and third floors look like something out of Saw. They’re dusty and dark and littered with printing company antiques: typewriters and boxes of metal letterpress type. But when complete, with new windows and snappy interiors, these six units figure to be hot commodities. Among other assets, they’re exactly one mile from Public Square, less than a mile from the Happy Dog, and a short walk to the Market District. It’s on the nearwestside’s proverbial hinge.

“Then the lot,” says Graham, “which is an exciting opportunity, we’ll be able to dive deep into ‘What

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

is that?’ And it’ll also be right around the time that Rick Foran and Chris Smythe’s [West 25th Street Lofts] project is coming on board.”

Graham and Marika walk to the roof of the building that will soon be theirs, both jacketed against the November wind. Marika carries a Mason jar with a coffee-cup lid.

Graham gazes out and down. In every direction, he can point to an imminent residential project cropping up on this, the north end of Ohio City.

“You’ve got 83 units there,” Graham says, gesturing to the forthcoming lofts on Church Avenue between West 25th and West 28th. “You’ve got 250 units right there.”

“Snavely,” Marika elaborates, referencing Peter Snavely’s Chagrin Falls-based construction company.

They’re set to break ground in early 2016 on their ‘superblock’ on the northwest corner of West 25th and Detroit — currently a vacant lot — which will also house the Music Settlement school. “Thirty or 40 will be affordable units, above Massimo de Milano [across the street].”

“Then you’ve got Mariner’s Watch,” says Graham, pointing west on Detroit. “Which is 64 units. And that’s fully occupied. Then on the other side of that, you’ve got the Vintage Project, which is the Marous Brothers — the actual brothers. They’re building a sixstory building with 60-plus units.”

“It’s the old Club Cleveland,” says Marika.

And directly across Detroit, of course, is the Federal Knitting Mills Building, 66 “authentically redeveloped,” “industrial-chic” lofts, which have been on-line and indemand for years.

“When you add all those up,” says Graham, “it’s more than 500. There’s no place in Cleveland, other than the downtown core and University Circle, that’s seen the urban density that we’re seeing in this immediate area.”

Graham is quick to point out, however, that almost all of these properties are redevelopments of vacant buildings or lots. They fit into Ohio City Inc.’s strategic plan to prevent the further cannibalization of the interior neighborhood’s historic housing stock. There’s plenty of room for growth, academics and developers say, and Veysey and Shiori-Clark are eager to continue being a part of it. But they’re also particular about the way they present themselves, anxious to be viewed not as real estate developers or gentrifiers, but as “responsible redevelopers” and “community builders.”

Iterations of Graham and Marika’s story have been repeated — to the extent that Hingetown’s story has

been repeated — in the pages of local and national publications. It goes something like this: A boomeranger and a frisbee — Graham, a University School alum, is originally from Shaker Heights; Marika’s from Berkeley, California — both of them young, white, college-educated and terribly fashionable, have created a trendy sub-neighborhood out of thin air. And, go figure, their hearts seem to be in the vicinity of the right place. They don’t just want profits, they want to establish roots. Since the arrival of their projects, the prostitutes and drug traffickers who had imperiled the local environs are no more, and the businesses and the residents and the weekend tourists are all more or less equally pleased about the spirit of collaboration and innovation that now abides. And have we mentioned the amenities?

Graham, targeted by a realtor for his “OHCITY” license plates, bought the old firehouse on the corner of Church and West 29th Street four years ago and converted it to a livework space. Rising Star Coffee and Urban Orchid are now anchor retail tenants on the first floor. Graham’s video production company and Marika’s design studio are on the second.

Then, with backing from Fred Bidwell — the modern art collector and force behind Transformer Station, soon to be a Hingetown resident himself — Graham and Marika bought the Striebinger Block building on Detroit and West 29th.

“The building was about to go into foreclosure,” Marika told me. “It was owned by this predatory lending company in L.A. and if we hadn’t bought it, I’m positive they would’ve torn it down and turned it into a Wendy’s or something.”

With vision and elbow grease, Graham and Marika physically renovated the building and secured tenants that jibed with the vibe: Harness Cycle, Beet Jar, Tea Revival, Jukebox Tavern. Dean Rufus’ House of Fun, a longtime tenant, is still going strong.

In short order, they beefed up the intersection’s “programmatic side” — Ohio City Stages, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s weekly summer concert series; the Hingetown Hoedown, a bluegrass music festival; the Hingetown Hygge; and the Cleveland Flea’s Sunday Market — and solidified the Hingetown brand: logo, signage, website, the whole deal. There was vibrancy in the air.

“It’s one of the things we’ve talked about from the beginning,” Marika said. “How to responsibly redevelop by filling in the missing teeth between

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FEATURE these pockets of vibrancy [West Side Market, Gordon Square, etc.], to kind of knit together a larger, more vibrant near-westside.”

The headlines have practically written themselves: “Can One Young Guy Lift Cleveland Out of its Misery (No, Not LeBron James)”; “How One Young Couple Turned a Toxic Corner of Cleveland into a Development Hotbed”; “How One Young Couple Led the Renaissance of a Cleveland Neighborhood”; “Welcome to Newly Revitalized Hingetown, Cleveland’s Latest Hot Spot.” (It’s the favorable coverage that Bill Merriman was alluding to.)

But Graham told me in our first phone conversation that he’s been uneasy with the some of the coverage, and of being painted as a sort of savior.

“I didn’t write those headlines,” he said. “And there’s an element of trying to get people to click. I shouldn’t be blamed for what an objective editor or digital editor puts in a headline. I mean, have you ever had a headline written by any of your subjects?”

No indeed.

Graham said that any good piece of journalism about Hingetown should strive to be a “holistic narrative” that talks about “the Bill Merrimans,” and, among other things, the residents of Lakeview Terrace public housing on the other side of Detroit Avenue.

“All I can do is talk about my firsthand accounts and celebrate the social justice history of this community,” Graham said. He referenced his and Marika’s work with Station Hope and Cleveland Public Theatre (where they are both board members), and said that when he speaks with reporters, he often tries to talk about poverty issues and urban policy — Graham was, in fact, recently appointed to Policy Matters Ohio’s board of directors — but that reporters, almost without fail, end up writing stories about him and Marika instead.

“I don’t know if it’s better to just not call attention to what I think is a beautiful thing [Hingetown], this amazing collaboration, or stay silent.

But I don’t write any of these articles.”

THE ANTAGONIST Graham Veysey certainly did not write “My Issue with Hingetown,” a harshly worded screed written by neighborhood resident Ben Hess in the aftermath of the Vanity Fair piece.

“Graham Veysey is a pompous piece of shit,” Hess wrote (not what you’d call burying his lede), “and any lasting

20

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

impact he’s had on the Ohio City area is far more toxic than anything that was happening on West 29th before he branded it ‘Hingetown.’”

Hess has lived next door to Bill Merriman on Church Avenue for most of his life. He’s 24 now — a Benedictine alum who spent time at both Ohio University and Cleveland State — and works at the Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square. While he cares deeply about the neighborhood in which he lives, you wouldn’t confuse him for a neighborhood spokesman.

He told me over coffee that he’s never been particularly active with or vocal about community issues. Still, he said, the sentiments expressed in his blog post had been simmering for some time, and the Vanity Fair coverage, (and the Plain Dealer’s coverage of the coverage), was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” He said that whether or not Graham claimed to be seeking credit for the neighborhood, the unmistakable impression from the articles was that it’s credit he was owed.

“Graham is so far up his own ass that he can’t even fathom the idea that maybe there was a thriving, inclusive community that has existed on the near-westside of Cleveland long before he was born, and that his ideals help no one outside of his elitist posse,” Hess wrote in the post. “Graham, in action, is building barriers and lengthening the divide between classes in a city that is far too segregated as is, and is shutting down anyone and everyone working to ensure people of all different backgrounds can live peacefully together.”

Hess acknowledged that his post was hostile, and that the name-calling was a “low blow” (though he rolled his eyes at Graham, in an email, calling him a “cyber bully”). He even published a sanitized “Radio Edit” when he learned his post was being widely shared, and recognized that the language discredited the contents for a lot of readers. But he stood by the aggression in principle: “When [Graham] insults my neighborhood and the people I love,” he wrote, “all that I have left to do is stoop to his low; to sling insults.” (FWIW: It was Fred Bidwell, not Veysey, to whom the “nowhere, toxic corner” quote was attributed in Vanity Fair).

For his part, Graham sees little profit in talking about what Hess wrote, classifying the post as angry, hurtful, cyber- bullying, “with about as much value as a reader comment on Scene or Cleveland.com.”

That said, both parties are trying to meet. Their schedules have been uncooperative thus far, and even if they do get together, neither seems

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 21

FEATURE to be anticipating an especially productive conversation about the future of the neighborhood.

“Other than the language, the one big criticism I got was that people thought I had an issue with wealthy people coming into the neighborhood in general,” Hess told me. “That’s not my issue. Nor is my issue with the business owners. I really like Rising Star in particular. One of the things I really like about the community is that it’s diverse. I like the idea of poor people living in harmony next to middle-class people and rich people.

My issue is with people who use money and influence to build up the barriers and make a bigger divide.

“At best,” Hess said, “there’s just a lack of consideration for people who don’t fit into their bracket.”

Graham and Marika both feel that Hess’s view occupies a radical fringe and said that depicting Hess as representative of a larger groundswell would be journalistically irresponsible. But nonetheless, several people responded positively to Hess’ posts. On Facebook and in informal conversations, Hess was lauded for speaking out. A few told me that though they weren’t personally offended (or affected) by Hingetown’s developments, they found the idea of an intersection masquerading as a neighborhood — and the “placemaking” rhetoric — pretty ridiculous.

(See also: “SoLo.”) Graham was hurt and saddened by the post, and anyone who’s been targeted by vindictive online commentary can sympathize. But he interpreted the blog post as a baseless personal attack, suggesting that the accusations were neither grounded in fact nor in “any of the realities that [he’d] seen.”

“I just wanna get this right,” Graham told me. “I care passionately about the work that’s being done here, and I want to make sure there’s fairness in how that’s reflected.”

That’s a desire Graham and Ben are likely to share.

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

Turning, then, to a more holistic narrative, and the idea of responsible redevelopment that can benefit the whole community: Here’s what Richey Piiparinen, the region’s go-to expert for population dynamics and demographic research, had to say: “You can’t manufacture economic restructuring through lifestyle amenities.”

Piiparinen said that Cleveland, where only 16 percent of the population is college educated, has plenty of room for the type of development we’re seeing in Ohio City, but that policy makers need to get ahead of market forces if they want to plan for good neighborhoods.

And the key to good neighborhoods, Piiparinen said without equivocation, is “diverse

Fred Bidwell

demographic makeup, not only racially but in terms of household formation.

Anything that goes away from catering to one type of person. And that type of person, in America’s urban revitalization, has been young, white, college-educated, and largely from the suburbs. So anything that creates the amenities much broader than the classic creative-class-ification model, which consists of microbreweries, bike paths and art galleries.”

Piiparinen said he doesn’t blame Veysey and Shiori-Clark for bringing precisely that type of development to Ohio City — “Four years ago,” the Vanity Fair piece began, “Graham Veysey and Marika Shiori-Clark set out to develop and cultivate their ideal neighborhood.” He said that this problem is much bigger than Cleveland, and that it’s probably academics and policy makers, not developers, who should be responsible for ensuring the growth of equitable communities. “[Graham and Marika] are making money. And they’re in the wrong business if they’re not trying to make money off of real estate,” he said.

But if it is indeed “responsible redevelopment” they’re after, Piiparinen wasn’t convinced that Hingetown will have positive effects on the residents in Lakeview Terrace or the neighborhood’s poor and minority populations.

“There’s an isolation of psychogeography,” he explained.

“When you’re building amenities largely for white suburbanites, are you going to feel welcome as a minority

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 23

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going into these places? You’re not. So when they say, ‘What are the things that people want?,’ it sounds simple; but the playbook of urban regeneration has been creative-class-ification, and that has created huge divisions.

So pivoting away from that, and developing neighborhoods for people, instead of for a demographic, is hugely important.”

Piiparinen’s No. 1 prescription?

Affordable housing. He said that Cleveland is a long, long way off from places like Brooklyn or San Francisco, where residents get priced out of rental units. The bigger problem is that as a newer neighborhood gentrifies, it becomes exclusionary, and low- and even middle-income people don’t get access to an area “thick with opportunity and amenities.”

So the big issue that policymakers need to think about is the diversity of the housing stock.

“Are we just gonna build oneand two-bedroom luxury condos?”

Piiparinen asked. “Or are we going to capture the fact that millennials are going to want kids just like every other generation? Are there going to be single-family homes? And is there the land to build single-family homes? And is there a concerted effort to do so?” (Graham, in followup correspondence, said one policy he thought was worth exploring in Cleveland was Philadelpia’s program of tax abatement for longtime homeowners).

From a demographic standpoint, Piiparinen saw one clear positive: “Cleveland needs circulation; it needs demographic dynamism. So one of the really good things about these projects [like Hingetown] is you get a lot of outsiders, people who may have been living on the coasts who come in largely for job reasons and who want to live in products that they’re used to.

It helps to change this kind of insular, parochial mentality that we’ve had.

“One way to look at this is that rising conflict [between old neighbors and new developers] might actually be a metric of success, like the tension is actually a good thing. It’s something that we’ve been missing for a long time.”

Graham and Marika, in a quiet moment back at the Firehouse, admitted that there’s always tension as neighborhoods evolve.

“I think it’s a balance, right?” said Marika. “Is it better to have a neighborhood with a large number of abandoned parking lots and places where there’s trash and nobody gives

a shit about it? I think that there are places like the Bay Area and Brooklyn where there really is a scary level of homogeneity, where every single place is a very expensive restaurant. But the situation here is so far from that.

And of course this is an important conversation. We need to be smart about directing the changes in this neighborhood. But we have no intention of skirting the block club or anything like that.”

“We’re really excited to meaningfully engage.” said Graham.

“It’s a necessary dialogue.”

THE NEIGHBORS At a community meeting at Franklin Circle Community Church one evening in early November, residents gathered for this sort of meaningful engagement. Matt Hils, a principal from Behnke Landscape Architects, presented a conceptual framework, commissioned by the Snavely Group, for streetscape improvements in the area surrounding the new residential development on Detroit and West 25th. The presentation focused primarily on safety and connectivity, and during a lively Q&A, that’s what residents sank their teeth into first.

Ohio City Inc.’s Kerry McCormack and Destinee Henton (community outreach and affairs, respectively), marshaled comments from a diverse pool of congregants. Bill Merriman was there. When called upon, he said that the Snavely Group might consider a comfort station on the corner of West 25th and Detroit. It’s the second busiest RTA hub in Cleveland, and an important intersection for commuting cyclists as well. Mayor Jackson’s chief of staff Ken Silliman was in attendance. Graham and Marika were there too, listening intently.

Residents were curious about green space, about public art, about the mechanisms for safe crosswalks, about traffic patterns for the student dropoff at the new Music Settlement school (on the first floor of the Snavely development), about the long-term sustainability of infrastructure, and about the trajectory of development — “I think having stores that are more neighborhood feeling and not just, you know, 10 more restaurants, would be great,” said one recent Kent State alum, to applause.

Mike Fiala, a longtime Ohio City resident, asked Ryan Nagel, the Snavely rep, about what sort of subsidies the project stood to receive from the city. Nagel responded that they’d applied for typical tax abatements.

“And how much are you charging

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 25

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

FEATURE for the apartments?” Fiala asked.

“For the 194 units, they’ll be consistent with Mariner’s Watch, about $2 per square foot.”

“What’s that,” asked Fiala.

“So for a one-bedroom, 750-foot apartment, you’re at $2 per square foot, so that’d be $1,500,” said Nagel, who remained even-tempered throughout the Q&A. “We also will have some studios, the first studios on the near-westside, between 500 and 600 square feet, and those will run $900 to $1,000.”

“If I can just make the comment,” said Fiala. “I’m stunned, that in Ohio City, we are subsidizing $1,500 apartments. You could say that this market doesn’t need that anymore. It would be sensible to rethink how we’re doing that.”

Another resident piggy backed.

“You’ve touched on diversity and being welcoming to all, and yet the proportion here is 194 units compared to 30 to 40 affordable. I’d love to see more affordable units.”

Nagel responded that he would too, but the bidding process at the state level for low-income tax credits is extremely competitive.

Another resident said he thought having the low-income units across the street created a physical division tantamount to segregation.

At this, Kerry McCormack, Matt Hils and Ryan Nagel all responded at once about the legal complexities of mixed-income housing. Residents began talking amongst themselves as well until a woman in the back stood to speak her mind: “I love where I live,” she said, speaking with conviction. “I live in Lakeview Towers and I’ve got a view of the lake. I love my apartment. I love it.

I appreciate what people are trying to do to improve the neighborhood. People are talking about affordable units, but how many people do we have down in Lakeview? 1,500? We got plenty of affordable housing all around here. We going to be here. All y’all are gonna be gone and we’re still gonna be here. We want to see this whole area improve.

And if they’re gonna do that, they’ve got to make money.”

It occurred to another woman to ask who would be maintaining all these wonderful, exciting developments in the long-term.

“That’s our responsibility,” Ryan Nagel said. “This is a $60 million project, and maintenance is paramount.”

“Can I ask, how long-term is your commitment?” the woman continued.

Nagel said that terms with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency had been established at 15 years (for the affordable units) and that, with respect to the ‘superblock,’ Snavely was in it for the long haul.

“We’ve taken steps during the design of this building — it’s going to be brick masonry, the windows are going to be high quality — this is a building designed to last 40 to 50 years on Cleveland’s lakefront. We’re moving our offices to this building.

This is a long-term investment in the neighborhood.”

“And like I said, I’m excited about

the project,” the woman responded, after Matt Hils interjected to sing the praises of public-private partnerships.

“But I look at the Flats and I look at the Warehouse District. I look at all these places where Cleveland spends time and effort and money making them look wonderful, but they’re always short term. In 10 to 20 years they die. I’ve lived here for 40 years and I’d like to see ... I’d like to die seeing this one stay fresh and good.”

In a later conversation, Graham commented on that idea: “I think the city has a lot of work still to do to understand what it takes

to be a 21st-century urban area, and I think that the mayor’s emphasis on being equitable is admirable. I don’t know, but sometimes I get the impression it’s a zero-sum game mentality, that if something’s happening in one part of the city, it’s taking away from another. The truth is we, as a city, can prosper in many parts. And we should celebrate all those points of progression.”

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 27

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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The 2015 Peanuts All-Star Jam For decades now, Peanuts — the seemingly ageless, selfproclaimed Host of the North Coast — has hosted his annual All-Star Jam on the night before Thanksgiving. The affable writer and local music fan recruits a number of local musicians to come out and jam at an informal concert. Once again, the host band will feature bassist Jim Bacha (Clearlight/Masque) and guitarist Cy Sulak (My Old School, Sweetleaf, the Dynasoars), guitarist Jerry Zsigo (BMZ, Clue), singer George Yunis (Souvenir, Champion), drummer Jon “J.D.” Darling (Wish You Were Here, the Brothers Blues Band) and keyboardist Debbie Z (Bradford White Band). Tonight’s affair takes place at 9 at Ace’s in Middleburg Heights. Admission is free. (Jeff Niesel) 6849 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440-845-1800, acesgrille.com.

NIGHTLIFE

Art After Dark Veteran local promoter Arnold Hines is the man behind Art After Dark, a pre-Thanksigiving party that takes place tonight at 8 at Red Space. DJ Knyce and DJ Walk will spin, and there will be a martini lounge. Admission is free but an RSVP is required.

Got to the website for more info.

(Niesel) 2400 Superior Ave., themartiniexperience.com.

COMEDY

Chuck Booms Once mentioned as one of six comics who could replace David Letterman, the infamous Chuck Booms was best known for being the loudmouth on Sports Radio 92.3 before he got canned. The Cleveland native has appeared on national television more than 150 times and has had spots on the Today Show and Larry King Live. He brings his opinionated brand of sports talk and comedy to the Improv stage tonight at 7:30. Tickets are $17. (Niesel) 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.

11/27

THEATER

MUSIC

SPORTS

Groove Is in the Heart: ’90s Dance Party Tonight at 10 p.m. at Mahall’s, Cattitude Vintage presents the fourth iteration of its Groove Is in the Heart: ’90s Dance Party.

DJ Rachel H. will start the night with a set of grunge anthems.

Then, DJ Castronaut will deliver a set of pop hits. And finally, DJ Ape offers a set of hip-hop. Vintage clothing, focusing on ’90s styles, will be on sale throughout the evening in Cattitude’s dedicated space inside Mahall’s.

Tickets are $3. (Niesel) 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

Monsters vs. Manitoba Moose The Lake Erie Monsters spent much of November on the road, but the team returns home tonight to play the Manitoba Moose in a two-game series that continues on Friday. They beat the Moose twice this month so they should have a good shot at winning these games. The puck drops both nights at 7 at the Q. Tonight is College ID night, so students with a valid college ID can purchase $6 tickets. Friday’s game features $1 sodas, $2 hotdogs and $3 beers. There’s also a free postgame skate. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel) 1 Center Ct., 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.

COMEDY

Hometown Heroes In case you haven’t noticed, Cleveland has a great comedy scene. It’s not just that national acts regularly come here.

There’s a ton of local talent too.

Tonight, six local comics, including Bill Squire, Mike Paramore, Juanda Mayfield, Nelsin Davis, Charlie Wiener and Brian Kenny, will perform at Hilarities comedy club in a show dubbed Hometown Heroes. The club advertises that the bill is stacked with “Cleveland favorites.” The event starts at 8 p.m.; tickets are $10 general admission and $15 for preferred seating. (Niesel) 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

THUR 11/26 MUSIC

Escape From the Family Thanksgiving means family time. And family time can mean stress. While many bars shutter for the holiday, Now That’s Class opens today at 5 p.m. so you can “escape from your family or bring your family.” The place has a great beer selection and a talented crew of attentive bartenders. To celebrate, the jukebox is free all night long.

(Niesel) 11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.

A Christmas Story A Christmas Story, a neargenius piece of American reminiscence, is so period-perfect and charming that the squishy sentimentality (of which there is plenty) never leads to saccharine reflux. Philip Grecian is listed as the playwright, but everyone understands that the bulk of insights and telling detail comes from the mind of Jean Shepherd, who wrote the original story, co-authored the movie, and narrated the flick in his distinctive, triple-wry voice.

The Cleveland Play House’s production of Story rides a twohour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. The play opens tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre.

Performances continue through Dec. 21. Tickets are $20 to $100.

(Christine Howey) 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

COMEDY

Max Dolcelli Fast-talking, chrome-domed comic Max Dolcelli likes to joke that he finds it strange that two women can share a bed but two men will often panic when faced with the same situation. His material tends to rely upon gender stereotypes as he talks about the ways in which men and women respond differently to things like getting engaged and going on trips. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 p.m. at the Hard Rock’s Club Velvet. He also performs at the club at 7 and 9:30 tomorrow night. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Niesel) 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.

COMEDY

Brandon T. Jackson Straight outta Detroit, which he refers to as the “Bankrupt City,” comedian Brandon T. Jackson started performing when he was

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 29

GET OUT only 14 years old. He’s had roles in numerous films since then — he had a significant role in the terrific comedy Tropic Thunder that helped launch his acting career. Jackson, who relies on urban slang and makes references to racial stereotypes in his routines, performs tonight at 7:30 and 10:15 at the Improv and has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $20. (Niesel) 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.

paintings. They’ll be on display today as Rhythmless, a new exhibit featuring his work, opens at Dead Logic Creative Space.

For tonight’s opening, which takes place from 7 to 10 p.m., local DJ Mister Bradley P. will spin. Complimentary food and drinks will be served. Admission is free. (Niesel) 5340 Hamilton Ave., #106, 216-309-1352, deadlogiccreative.com.

his mini-memoir of his days as an elf named Crumpet in Macy’s Santaland complex has become as ubiquitous during the holidays as fruitcake jokes. This is a can’t-miss satire of Christmas crazies, with just enough heart to make you wish there really were a Santa and a battalion of elves. The Cleveland Public Theatre production opens tonight at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre on Playhouse Square, with perfor-

COMEDY

Jay Oakerson Comedian Jay Oakerson likes to observe people, and he’s crass.

His observations are so spot-on that he says the things you’re thinking but are too embarrassed to say. Favorite topics include making fun of white people who are rich and wear plaid shorts, hooking up audience members, becoming a king in Ireland and “sugar daddies.”

No, really: This guy is actually pretty funny. He used to work as a bouncer for a strip club and as a children’s party entertainer; how could he not be a hoot? The show starts at 7:30 tonight at Hilarities and he performs there through Sunday. Tickets start at $28. (Liz Trenholme) 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

composer Hector Berlioz tried to represent his visions of dreams and opium-induced nightmares.

Tonight at 8 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra performs the piece along with the world premiere performance of a newly-commissioned concerto for the English horn. “Fantastic Visions,” a free pre-concert talk, begins an hour before the concert. Meaghan Heinrich, director of conservatory connections at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, discusses the piece with composer Bernard Rands.

Concert previews are free to all ticketholders. Tickets to the concert, which repeats at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, start at $79. (Niesel) 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

FILM

Top Spin Three ping-pong wizards are profiled in Top Spin, a new documentary by directors Sara Newens and Mina T. Son. The film follows the three prodigies — one dude from Long Island and two Chinese-American girls — as they try to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. It screens tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $9. (Niesel) 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.

SAT

11/28

ART SHOPPING

An Open House Anyone looking to shop local this Black Friday is invited to 78th Street Studios for a special sale after all the doorbusters have ended. Several galleries and artist studios will be open today from 3 to 7 p.m. The event features discounts, demonstrations and a raffle. Bring proof of a purchase of $50 or more to Eileen Dorsey Studio for a chance to win an original work of art. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani) 1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.

ART

Rhythmless Brooklyn-based DJ, producer and artist Terry Urban depicts human faces in his unique

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Next Week! www.wizardofozthemusical.com

December 1-6 Call 216-241-6000 Group Sales 216-640-8600 playhousesquare.org THEATER

The Santaland Diaries When David Sedaris wrote The Santaland Diaries, a humorous, slightly acidic commentary for public radio, he never could have envisioned that it would become a Christmas staple. But

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

mances through Dec. 20. Tickets are $30. (Howey) 1407 Euclid Ave, 216-640-8669, playhousesquare.org.

MUSIC

Symphonie Fantastique In his “Fantasy Symphony,”

365 Days of Plein Air Hudson-based painter Michelle Darvis spent every day of 2014 creating paintings outdoors in Northeast Ohio. The resulting collection of 365 paintings has previously been exhibited in Monterey and Scottsdale.

Today, the works return home to Hudson where they will be on view through the end of the year at Hudson Fine Art and Framing Company’s exhibition, Michelle Darvis: 365 Days of Plein Air. The show will be the final time the works will be on view together (many are already reserved). In celebration, the gallery hosts an opening reception from noon to 6 p.m. today.

It’s free. (Usmani) 160 North Main St., Hudson, 330-650-2800, hudsonfineartandframing.com.

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film

theater

The American Friend One of the key leaders of the New German Cinema, director Wim Wenders has put together a remarkable resume over the course of a career that stretches back to the 1960s. The guy has shot movies all over the world and filmed in exotic places such as Berlin, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Cuba, Moscow, Tokyo and the Australian Outback. With some help from Janus Films, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque pays tribute to the auteur this month in a series dubbed With Portraits Along the Road. The series continues tonight with Wenders’ 1977 effort The American Friend, a movie about an American (Dennis Hopper) living in Hamburg.

It screens at 6:50 tonight and at 8:40 tomorrow night. Tickets are $9. (Niesel) 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens was a hell of a writer, but he could be a tad verbose. So it’s convenient that there have been so many great stage and screen versions of his classic ghost story. One of them — required viewing for anyone with a Netflix membership — is the 1951 movie starring Alastair Sim as a Scrooge for all eternity. And the other is this Great Lakes Theater Festival production, which never fails to engage and delight. Framed cozily as a story-within-a-story, this Gerald Freedman adaptation really comes alive once the ghost of Jacob Marley appears, dragging his chains and creaking eerily with every movement. This annual tribute to knee-jerk liberal sentiments like compassion for the downtrodden is always a must-see, whether you’ve seen it before or not. It opens tonight at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre.

Tickets are $28 to $65. Performances continue through Dec. 23. (Howey) 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

theater

The Nutcracker In the past, Akron Beacon Journal readers have voted the Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s production of The Nutcracker as Akron’s No. 1 holiday show. Set on Christmas Eve, the ballet — as you well know —centers on a young heroine and her doll. As the clock strikes midnight, magical things begin to happen. Today’s performances takes place at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 5. Tickets are $34 to $46. (Niesel) 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com. sports

Cavs vs. Brooklyn Nets Because the Cavs play in the weak Eastern Conference, they get to square up against teams such as the hapless Brooklyn Nets. The Nets lost the season opener to the Chicago Bulls and then proceeded to lose their next six games before getting a win.

Granted, the team pushed the reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors, to overtime, but the squad is off to a rough start.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Q. The Cavs stay home over the weekend and then take on the Washington Wizards at 7:30 on Tuesday night. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel) 1 Center Ct., 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

art

Closing Reception From 6 to 8 p.m. today, Lakewood’s Good Goat Gallery hosts a closing reception for its Lucha Libre Meets the Dead group exhibition. This unique art exhibition combines imagery of traditional Luche Libre masked Mexican wrestling with Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The juxtaposition of cultural iconography creates intriguing and often quite funny subject matter. The show includes work by artists from Cleveland, California, New Jersey, France and Italy. It’s a perfect stop before the Genghis Con pre-show “Dance & Draw” (dance party and drink ’n’ draw) at Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Admission to the Good Goat Gallery is always free. (Usmani) 17012 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-799-0675, thegoodgoatgallery.com. holiday fun

Winterfest To celebrate the holiday season, the folks at Playhouse Square and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance have teamed up to present Winterfest. The family friendly event includes free horse-drawn carriage rides, a variety of live

Proud DTW Movember participants BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR

12 Reasons To Make It To DTW This Season!

12. The spirits of the Holiday: All the bar and restaurants are filled 6. Park & Walk: Everything is less than a 5 minute walk in safe neighborwith fun new tasty holiday dishes, ales, cocktails and shots that you just can’t get year round.

11. Holiday Music: The streets have the sounds of these seasons to help keep you in a cheerful mood.

hood with the friendliest police force in Lake County.

5. Endless Variety of Food: From hand crafted burgers, south American

cuisine, sushi, Italian dishes, vast variety of pizza and options for vegan and gluten free folks.

10. Santa is here all season long: You are bound to run into some one 4. Uber & Cabs always close: Be a rock star of indulgence. Don’t drink and you know even old St. Nick. He is stationed in our square during festive hours.

drive

9. Holiday Cheer. The city has such pride in the décor of our square.

distilleries to imports from far off lands the variety of sprits have no bounds.

Excellent light displays....They may double before you leave.

8. Variety is the Spice of Life: You’ll never get bored being stuck in one place. Over 16 bars & restaurants to choose from. It is an entertainment district for all ages.

7. No Cover Charges & Free Valet: Save money for once during this season and experience entertainment and great service....then by your pal a pint.

3. Great Cocktail, Craft Beer and Wine Options: From local brewers and 2. Chose Your Atmosphere: If you like it loud and crazy or quaint and cozy

there is a place for you. There is a different feel in every location, live music, jukebox heroes, dj’s and soft background music. Your style, your choice.

1. Shop. Eat. Repeat: Buzz buzz buzz your way through your holiday gift

list and hit up our unique and eclectic shops. It’s the holidays, it should taste good and be fun.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 33

GET OUT entertainment, tasty treats and more. Activities in Winterfest Village in Playhouse Square start at 1 p.m. Then, at 5 p.m., downtown gets lit up in holiday lights accompanied by lively musical performances, fireworks and an appearance from Santa.

Winterfest shares the day with Small Business Saturday. Start holiday shopping at the Holiday Pop-Up Shop in Playhouse Square; local retailers with the Cleveland Bazaar will set up at the 5th Street Arcades. In Tower City, children can enjoy Holiday Express train rides, Kringle’s Inventionasium, Bruce the Talking Spruce, and the Toy Solider and Fairy Godmother holiday show, while the Old Stone Church Choir performs.

The Cleveland Public Library will have toy trains in the lobby and will host a holiday-themed family music program and children’s activities throughout the day. Later in the evening, adults can enjoy wine, beer and cuisine from downtown restaurants at the sixth annual Winter Wine & Ale Fest. Those tickets are $65 and include parking. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com/events/ winterfest.aspx.

hosted the Cleveland Improv Jam for four years now. A few years back, Scene described the show as “fierce, formidable and very funny.” The women have some serious experience too.

Katie White-Sonby is an actress who’s performed at Clague Playhouse, Karamu and Kennedy’s Cabaret. Marjorie Preston is an alumna of Something Dada and Rockwell 9 improvisational comedy troupes. Dionne Atchison is a theater artist with Cleveland

at 7:30 if you want to sign up and perform. Admission is free.

(Niesel) 4485 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-381-5706, coffeephixcafe.com.

MUSIC

Cleveland Pops Orchestra The holiday season brings with it a soundtrack of songs about Christmas and winter. Today at 2 p.m. at Connor Palace, Cleveland Pops Orchestra and

#SonicSesh

THURSDAY JAN. 28, 2016

7 PM Doors 8 PM Show

NIGHTLIFE

COMEDY

Cleveland Improv Jam The Angry Ladies of Improv has

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FILM

Counting A veteran indie filmmaker who’s known for blending formats and working with alt-rock musicians, New York-based filmmaker Jem Cohen has built quite a resume over the past 20 years.

During that time, he’s worked with bands such as R.E.M., Godspeed You Black Emperor!, Blonde Redhead and Fugazi.

His latest movie, Counting, is equal parts film diary and essay film and includes footage from New York, Moscow and Istanbul. It screens at 6:30 tonight at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $9.

(Niesel) 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.

MUSIC

SUN 11/29 B-Side Sundays Probably the best way to kickstart the week is by shaking your ass uncontrollably at BSide Sundays, B-Side’s bitchin’ Sunday night electronic show.

DJs Eso and Corey Grand join forces to spin anything and everything: Funk, soul, hiphop, trap, drum and bass, and all sorts of similarly ill shit.

Grand’s cred speaks for itself: “Sucka Free Since ’88.” And that same sentiment goes for the Sunday-night throwdown as a whole. Work your way across Coventry all weekend and wrap up the party at B-Side. The DJs start spinning at 10 p.m. (Eric Sandy) 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.

ater lobby. Tickets are $12 to $37. (Niesel) 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Gospel Brunch The monthly Gospel Brunch has been a spiritual Sunday staple for years at the House of Blues. This week, the local artist Lafayette Carthon and Faith performs. The all-you-can-eat musical extravaganza features Southern classics like chicken jambalaya, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. It takes place at 11 a.m. Tickets are $39.

(Niesel) 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

MUSIC

with

TICKETS: $ 5.50 (including fees)

On sale now at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame box office, or online at rockhall.com 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44114

Public Theatre, and Brenna “MC” Connor is an actress and improviser. The evening kicks off with a set of short-form improv games, followed by a longform improv set. It begins at 8 tonight at Coffee Phix. Arrive

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

Chorus, plus a slew of special guests, will lead the audience through a sing-along as it revisits several of the classics. Family friendly activities, including a campaign to adopt homeless pets, will take place in the the-

Mystikal A horrible disease that affects millions of people, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can attack any part of the body. Tonight at 8 at House of Blues, several local acts have come together to perform as part of Mystikal: Lupus Awareness Purple Concert Benefit Series. The FootPrint Band, Donnie Lynee, Humble G Tha Fiddla and Johnny O will perform.

Tickets are $42.50 in advance and $45 at the door. (Niesel) 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.

NIGHTLIFE

Toxic Toys for Tots Benefit Locals Toxic Burlesque, Hot Sauce Cabaret and Ava Adore have teamed up to present a Toys For Tots Burlesque and Comedy benefit. The event also

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 35

Spend Christmas Downtown at Trinity Cathedral

GET OUT includes comedy by Yusuf Ali and James Earl Brassfield. Hosted by celebrity comedian James Pequignot, it takes place tonight at 8 at Brothers Lounge. Admission is a new unwrapped toy, gift cards or cash. All proceeds go to the Marines Toys For Tots campaign. (Niesel) 11609 Detroit Ave., 216-226-2767, brotherslounge.com.

MON 11/30 ANNUAL MESSIAH SING Wednesday, December 16

12:10 p.m.

Trinity Chamber Orchestra, soloists, and YOU in the massed choir! Todd Wilson, conductor Sponsors: Robert and Judy Barnhart

CHRISTMAS EVE

Thursday, December 24 5 p.m.

Family Eucharist and Pageant 10:30 p.m.

Prelude Carols for choir, organ and trumpet 11 p.m.

Choral Eucharist The Very Rev. Tracey Lind preaching at all services.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Friday, December 25

FOOD

Blue Moon Brewery Beer Dinner The chef from District, a restaurant on Playhouse Square, will will guide you through his “sophisticated yet whimsical” menu tonight as part of a Blue Moon Brewery dinner. Featured dishes include “Christmas Eve in a Glass” and “Prime Rib Eye Burger Benedict.” For $55, you receive five courses, each paired with Blue Moon Brewery’s finest selections, including Ginger Spiced Ale and Cinnamon Horchata Ale. Call the number below for reservations. (Niesel) 1350 Euclid Ave., 216-858-1000, districtcleveland.com.

TUES 12/1

the food. Eventually, she tries to become a sushi chef but gets denied because of her race and gender. That’s the storyline to East Side Sushi, an indie flick that came out in limited release last year. It screens tonight at 7:30 at the Capitol Theatre.

Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel) 1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.

SPOKEN WORD

Happy Dog Takes on the World On Sept. 25, all 193 countries in the U.N. ratified the Sustainable Development Goals that focus on “eliminating poverty and hunger, reducing inequality, addressing climate change, creating sustainable cities and communities, and encouraging responsible consumption — all by 2030.” But are these goals realistic? The Cleveland Council on World Affairs, IPM, and the Northeast Ohio Consortium for Middle Eastern Studies debates the topic tonight at the Happy Dog’s regular series, the Happy Dog Takes on the World.

Panelists include smart people like Ben Fitch-Fleischmann from Oberlin College, Eclatant Consulting’s Amanda McCoy and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s Milena Sterio. WCPN host/producer Tony Ganzer moderates. It starts at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free. (Niesel) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.

BOOKS

10 a.m.

Eucharist with Carols The Very Rev. Tracey Lind, preaching

BOAR’S HEAD AND YULE LOG FESTIVAL Saturday, December 26 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Freewill offering boarsheadcleveland.org

Cosmopolitan Comics Every other week in the Cleveland Public Library’s literature department on the second floor, Cosmopolitan Comics, a graphic novel book club, takes a look at world history through the medium of comics. The Holocaust, revolution in Iran, and genocide in Rwanda — all are “documented from the personal perspective of these artists and writers in graphic narrative form.” Today’s talk takes place at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

(Niesel) 325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org.

THEATER

The Wizard of Oz This new production of The Wizard of Oz promises to be an “enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally re-conceived for the stage.” Developed from the MGM screenplay, the play includes new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. All the characters — Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and Toto — appear as well. The play opens tonight at 7:30 at the State Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 6. Tickets are $10 to $80. (Niesel) 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-2416000, playhousesquare.org.

FILM

2230 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 216.771.3630 www.trinitycleveland.org

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

East Side Sushi After working at a fruit-vending cart for years, a Hispanic woman takes a job at a local Japanese restaurant and tries to add a little Spanish flavor to

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1163 FRONT AVENUE - FLATS EAST BANK - 216.417.6222 magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 37

ART OUR GENERATION

Genghis Con shines light on Rust Belt comics and cartoonists

By Josh Usmani IT’S NO SECRET THAT NORTHEAST Ohio has a rich history of comics and cartoonists. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s Superman, Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, Zap Comix’s R. Crumb, Derf, Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor (with Gary Dumm) and Marvel Entertainment’s Brian Michael Bendis all got their start in and around Cleveland. Less familiar are the countless artists, cartoonists and writers currently living and working in Northeast Ohio. This new generation of comic creators inspired local artist John Greiner (better known as John G., and for his Lake Erie Monster comic, Draw Hard documentary and Melt Bar & Grilled posters).

Now in its seventh year, Genghis Con is back — bigger and better than ever. This year’s convention includes more than 80 exhibitors: mostly local and regional, but some from as far away as Philadelphia and New York.

“Genghis Con continues Cleveland’s unique and often overlooked history with the comic book medium, and provides the pro platform new artists and writers need to get exposure for their voices,” says Guide to Kulchur’s RA Washington. “I can think of no better example of direct action arts advocacy.”

Genghis Con 2015 takes place at the Screw Factory (13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood) from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. The convention is an opportunity for creators and fans to interact and connect on a very personal level. Guests have the opportunity to meet these artists and support them directly. Attendees can even request autographs and commission sketches and original artwork.

“Genghis Con is all about the independent, small press, underground comics and ’zines, with a focus on the Rust Belt region (and beyond!),” explains organizer John G. “What we’re celebrating is the artists, writers, and cartoonists who have been, and are currently, making and publishing comics and ’zines of their own unique design with interesting and original perspectives. These are storytellers and creatives making

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work that comes from the here and now. We’re getting these people in a big room together — and turning on the lights. We want that room to be as accessible as possible for anyone to be able to join us. That’s why it’s free to get in, and Lakewood is a great place for that.”

Following half a decade at the Beachland, the free convention moved to the Screw Factory last year. The venue offers more space and allows for more exhibitors. Additionally, Barrio’s food truck will once again be parked outside to feed hungry guests.

“Genghis Con originally came out of the need for a small, closeknit, comic convention in Cleveland,

focused on and celebrating the independent voices in the region between Detroit, Pittsburgh and Columbus,” reflects John G. “That first year, in 2009, we crammed just short of 50 exhibitors into the Ballroom at the Beachland. The intimacy of that space really inspired more engaging interactions between the exhibitors and the attendees. That was our objective. Since then, the show, and the community, has grown considerably. When we jumped to the Lake Erie Building last year, it gave us a lot more breathing room but the paradigm has been established. While we now have over 80 exhibitors, in a much bigger space, that just means it’s more comfortable for everyone to have that more open and engaging dialogue. We more than doubled our number of attendees and it never felt crowded or claustrophobic.”

This year’s exhibitors include Czap Books, Derf, Gary Dumm, Amber Esner, John G., Guide to Kulchur, Jake Kelly, Clare Kolat, Angela Oster, Nix Comics, Ashley Ribblett, Tim Switalski, Nathan Ward and many, many more new and returning

GENGHIS CON SCREW FACTORY, 13000 ATHENS AVE., LAKEWOOD SCREWFACTORYARTISTS.COM

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

creators.

The night before (Saturday, Nov. 28), organizers are kicking things off with a free Dance-N-Draw preconvention dance party and drink ’n’ draw at Mahall’s in Lakewood (13200 Madison Ave.). Beginning at 8 p.m., this party will begin the celebration with music, dancing, drawing, drinking and socializing.

Blick Art Supplies will provide materials for guests to draw with a beer, their friends, and dozens of local and regional artists. (Guests are encouraged to bring their own materials to draw with) “The kick-off party at Mahall’s is about giving ourselves, and our out-of-town guests, something fun to do the night before the show,” says John G. “What could be more fun than a dance party/drink ’n’ draw at a bowling alley? We lined up some great DJs (DJ Mimi Lean, DJ White Rims and DJ Rachel H of WRUW’s Guilty Pleasures) for the dance party side. As far as the drink ’n’ draw, it’s another component of the community outreach side of Genghis Con. It’s fun to draw, and even more fun to draw with friends, at a bar! We also want to encourage people that maybe don’t draw all the time to come and have fun giving it a whirl.”

If you’re familiar with their work, Genghis Con is an opportunity to meet your favorite underground artists and writers, pick up their latest and greatest work and have it signed —maybe even talk them into drawing something for you. However, if you’re new to underground comics, you’ll experience the thrill of wandering from booth to booth discovering an overwhelming variety of artists, with exciting stories and intriguing characters.

“Genghis Con is the ultimate conqueror and ruler of the Cleveland comix and indie publication scene and has been for seven years running,” says legendary local cartoonist and comic creator Gary Dumm. “Artists and self-publishers travel here from the wilds of Cuyahoga County, the vast southern reaches of Columbus and even the exotic Far East (Philadelphia and further on) to pay homage and present their creative wares for sale. I’ve attended almost all of them and found these gatherings to be a potpourri of fun, inspiration, new art and publications fit for a world ruler (or even those who are just fans of indie comix, books and art of a strange and original flavor).”

jusmani@clevescene.com t@cleveland_scene

STAGE MAX START, MEH FINISH

It’s all good at the beginning in Bob: A Life in Five Acts at convergence-continuum

By Christine Howey IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A play having too good a beginning? If it’s possible, a case in point might be the start of Bob: A Life in Five Acts

by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, now being produced by convergence-continuum.

In this play that attempts to paint a panoramic mural of optimistic American dreams on the hoof, a baby is born in the bathroom of a White Castle burger joint in Louisville, Kentucky. On Valentine’s Day. Then, the baby boy is abandoned by his mother, Helen, and is immediately adopted by a softhearted employee, Jeanine, who names the little boy Bob and starts him off on his life journey.

This initial scene, staged inventively by director Geoffrey Hoffman, captivates as Doug Kusak, who plays Bob, slips out from underneath the platform where Helen sits, creating a White Castle slider of an entirely different sort.

It’s a thematically spot-on opening, with Hoffman creating the illusion of a baby by having Kusak hold a doll body up to his neck and moving its little arms and legs—a witty riff on Julie Taymor’s animal puppetry in The Lion King. Turns out, though, that this boffo launch to the two-hour play is a theatrical version of the salesperson’s mistake of “spilling your candy in the lobby” — expending the good stuff too soon.

In short, nothing Nachtreib writes in the rest of the play comes close to the perfection of those first scenes, as we follow Bob on his lifelong quest for “greatness.” (This greatness was foreordained, you see, by a disturbingly intentional fortune cookie prediction that Jeanine read one day.) Although there are scenes and characters that work, with the five-person cast laboring as diligently as possible, the story of Bob ultimately feels like a long trip that never culminates in a satisfactory way.

Kusak projects an endearing openness and perseverance as Bob, growing through adolescence into a man who knows he’s destined for great things. He knows this, even after Jeanine succumbs to an enlarged liver when he’s 12 and, a bit later, when he lives in a tent behind a rest stop by a major freeway. Bob busies himself with diligently keeping the rest stop clean (“The most cared-for

rest stop in the country!”), until he meets a young woman, Amelia, who has her own very specific goals in life. But she disappears too soon, after finishing her life’s wish-list a bit too efficiently.

intrudes on those dreams. But if a key rule of good writing is “kill your darlings,” which means eliminating characters or scenes you love if they don’t function well for the play as a whole, then all of Nachtrieb’s

play multiple roles as the people who meet and influence Bob. Each of the chorus actors have their vibrant moments: McLaughlinLublin as the warm Jeanine, Sever as a gay dude from Florida and as

Photos by Tom Kondilas

Eric Sever, Katie Nabors, Robert Hawkes, Doug Kusak, Nicole McLaughlin-Lublin

Along the way, Bob accidentally bumps into his birth father, Gunther Roy, a former animal trainer and current wastrel who sacrifices himself for his son’s safety before they can bond. Indeed, Bob’s life is a series of interrupted relationships that turn him into a craven materialist, living in a lush casino he won while playing roulette. But his breakingbad moment doesn’t last and soon the

darlings appear to be alive and well.

One example: The casino where Bob finds his fortune is called the Martin Luther King-cino, the world’s largest civil rights-themed casino with the blinking message: “What’s Your Dream?” Sure it’s funny, but come on. By being unwilling to cast aside any of his wink-wink jokes for the greater good, Bob tends to bob along on the surface instead of digging in.

BOB: A LIFE IN FIVE ACTS

THROUGH DEC. 19 AT CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM AT THE LIMINIS 2438 SCRANTON RD., 216-687-0074, CONVERGENCE-CONTINUUM.ORG

aging Bob is back to being his old touchy-feely self.

Nachtrieb knows how to craft funny lines. Plus, he has interesting things to say about how we Americans deal with the dreamscape this country presents us and how reality often

As the story progresses, a chorus of four actors — Nicole McLaughlinLublin, Eric Sever, Katie Nabors and Robert Hawkes — poke their heads through a black curtain, singing, cooing and commenting on the proceedings. Then they come out and

Bob’s butler, Nabors as squirrely Helen, and Hawkes as a hilarious Deadhead-like stoner. But each also fails to make some of his or her other characters as sharp and distinct as they should be. It feels as if the actors are groping for an overall style of acting that never quite gels.

It’s a complicated production that is choreographed well by Hoffman, with lots of odd props (an umbilical cord, for one) and quick costume changes. And some projected photos help anchor a few scenes. But perhaps more time should have been spent on shaping a raft of vivid supporting characters that could have made Bob’s life more entertaining and sustainable, theatrically speaking,

scene@clevescene.com t@christinehowey

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 39

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

S

MOVIES

in theaters

FILM FEAST

A slew of new releases open at area theaters this week ’TIS THE SEASON WHEN THE holiday film release schedule heats up. This week alone, a handful of new movies open at area theaters. There’s something for everyone: animation for the kids (Good Dinosaur, which didn’t screen in time for us to review), period pieces (Trumbo, Brooklyn), action (Creed) and horror (Victor Frankenstein). Here’s a rundown of several of the new releases currently showing area wide.

Brooklyn Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Brooklyn artfully combines art house sensibilities with a chick-flick motif. It centers on Eilis Lacey (Atonement’s Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish girl whose older sister Rose (Fiona Glascott) makes arrangements for her to go to the States where she can hopefully escape Ireland’s poverty and find employment. The voyage to America proves difficult as Eilis gets food poisoning and struggles to stay composed. Once Stateside, she settles into a nice boarding house in Brooklyn and begins working at a department store. Initially, she’s extremely homesick, but after she meets a courteous young male suitor (Emory Cohen), she begins to adapt. When she has to unexpectedly return to Ireland, she finds herself second-thinking her decision to live abroad and questioning whether she should be so far away from her elderly mother (Jane Brennan). While the film comes across as a rather gentle immigrant story — Eilis never encounters the kind of hardship that many Irish immigrants often did in the 1950s, and there’s not even a hint of the racism that existed during the time period — the movie still works as a love story thanks to another fine performance by Ronan. — Jeff Niesel Creed The flimsy premise to this Rocky reboot revolves around Adonis Johnson Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the illegitimate offspring of Apollo Creed, Rocky’s late rival-turnedfriend. Adonis works an office gig

Trumbo

by day but moonlights as a boxer and hits the circuit in Mexico on weekends. He knows he wants to take things to another level, so he lures the aging Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) out of retirement. Content to work at his Italian restaurant, Rocky doesn’t initially show any interest in training Adonis. But the kid talks him into it, and it’s not long before they’re going through Rocky’s regimen of training, chasing chickens and running through Philly’s city streets. Of course, it all leads to one big, seemingly unwinnable fight against Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), the cocky British fighter who owns the world title. Stallone delivers a fine performance as the crotchety former fighter, and the toned Jordan certainly looks the part of a fighter even if he doesn’t quite have the appropriate swagger. And yet, the film, which arrives on the 40th anniversary of the original Rocky, lacks the inspirational, againstall-odds moments that turned the original film into a blockbuster. One particular scene that finds Adonis running through the streets while accompanied by a motorcycle gang comes off as incredibly staged and unnatural. — Niesel

Trumbo Anthony Hopkins is said to have emailed Bryan Cranston at the conclusion of AMC’s Breaking Bad, more or less at a loss for words. “Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen — ever,” he wrote. And though Cranston’s star continues to do little but rise, I remain

in the ever-more-radical camp which holds that, other than in Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad, Cranston hasn’t been anything special on screen. He’s got a stage actor’s tendency to over-express. In Trumbo, he plays screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, the ringleader in a contingent of Hollywood writers who are jailed and blacklisted for communist views. And with the exception of Louis C.K., the film succeeds in capturing the era.

The costumes and production design (including replicated footage from the House Un-American Activities Committee) are on-point, as are the bevy of actors tasked with portraying Hollywood legends (Oscar-season regular Michael Stuhlbarg as Edward G. Robinson, JAG’s David James Elliot as John Wayne, The Hobbit’s Dean O’Gorman as Kirk Douglas). The film is less successful at turning the act of writing into something visually interesting. Trumbo enlists his family in a mad-cap enterprise. He wants to churn out endless scripts for lowbudget films to take over Hollywood pseudonymously. And though John Goodman delivers a very John Goodman-y performance as a B-movie studio exec, Cranston banging away at a typewriter turns out to be less satisfying than this year’s better film about writers (The End of the Tour) and this year’s better film about mid-20th century political paranoia (Bridge of Spies). — Sam Allard

Victor Frankenstein In Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel Frankenstein, the creation scene takes place in a matter of minutes on

a dreary November night when Victor Frankenstein manages to reanimate a corpse he’s cobbled together with a few spare body parts picked up at the local cemeteries. Rightly concerned more with the events that led to the monster’s creation and the destruction that takes place in the wake of its creation, Shelley chose to focus on the human desire to want to be god and the complications of such tendencies. In subsequent films based on the novel, the creation scene turns into a centerpiece. That’s certainly the case in Victor Frankenstein, yet another version of the classic horror story. This particular incarnation has little connection to the novel.

Rather, it focuses on Igor (Daniel Radcliffe), a circus freak fascinated by the human form. Victor (James McAvoy) discovers Igor at the circus one day and takes him under his wing, quickly curing him of his hunchback and making him a partner at his lab. Trouble is, in rescuing him, Victor caused a bit of a commotion, and now Scotland Yard is hot in pursuit. While the creation scene here features all the bells and whistles as it takes place in a remote castle during a wicked lightening storm, it arrives too late to redeem the film. The creature doesn’t make an appearance until the very end of the movie, which comes off more like a second-rate Sherlock Holmes flick than a monster movie. — Niesel

scene@clevescene.com t@cleveland_scene

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 41

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

FILIPINO FLAVOR

Photos by Douglas Trattner

EAT Besides a new pop-up series, Mely’s Kainan is the only place in Northeast Ohio to score Filipino cuisine

By Douglas Trattner WHEN WE WALK INTO MELY’S Kainan, the lone seat in the shop is occupied by Violeta, sister to namesake Mely. She is hunched over a small table cluttered with a cutting board, a bowl of seasoned ground pork, and a never-ending stack of spring roll wrappers. With the instinctive moves of a Cuban cigar maker, Violeta stuffs, rolls and seals a battery of slender lumpia, or Filipino spring rolls, which will be deep fried to order throughout the forthcoming lunch service.

Just three miles away from the Philippine American Cultural Center in Parma, Mely’s offers a welcome taste of home for the large and growing number of Filipino expats living in and around Cleveland.

Before Mely Gregorio opened this modest little cafe three years ago, the Filipino community had precisely zero restaurants to call its own despite comprising one of the larger AsianAmerican demographics in Cuyahoga County. The only other place to enjoy Filipino food outside the home is at Parma Heights-based Nipa Hut Oriental Food Mart, a grocery that has been hosting popular Saturday lunch buffets for years.

I ask my Filipino lunch companion, whose parents immigrated here before he was born, why he believes it took so long for somebody to open such a restaurant.

“It’s not my theory, but they say the mindset of being colonized is so ingrained in Filipino culture, they always put assimilation before nationalism,” says Tom Madrilejos.

have been selling out thanks to high demand.

It’s a bit of a stretch to call Mely’s “a restaurant.” It’s more of a (cashonly) carry-out shop located in a small shopping strip on State Road. Before opening this storefront, Mely already had been known to many within the community thanks to her catering, which still finds its way onto tables at festive Filipino family gatherings.

Fans of the place know that it’s always wise to call the shop ahead of time to see what’s cooking for lunch or dinner. The menu changes daily, with weekends offering the widest selection. But with the right encouragement, Mely will make just about anything assuming she has the ingredients.

“They call up and ask what’s special today,” Violeta says mid-lumpia roll. “We tell them we have this, this and this.”

Thanks to all that conquering, Filipino food evolved into a delicious amalgam of Spanish, Asian and American influences. The foods range from those very approachable lumpia (50 cents), which are thinner, crisper and meatier than your typical spring roll, to the more challenging dinuguan ($7), a stew of pork cooked with its own blood.

“I’m so psyched,” Madrilejos says. “I haven’t had dinuguan in years.”

The dish is delicious, with tender pieces of pork languishing in a complex, tangy sauce. Like most Filipino dishes, this one benefits from a healthy dose of vinegar, which balances the earthy richness of the

MELY’S KAINAN 5382 STATE RD., PARMA, 216-741-1332 LETSEAT.AT/MELYSKAINAN

But times — and trends — change.

Diners these days are so hungry to experience something new that they’re seeking out unfamiliar cuisines in out-of-the-way places as a matter of course. That’s precisely why Madrilejos, a self-taught cook, began hosting twice-weekly Filipino pop-ups at the Spotted Owl, events that

blood. Mely also crafts numerous versions of Philippine’s most famous dish, adobo, a vinegar and soy-based brew that can be built around pretty much anything. One of the most unique and surprisingly appealing is the adobong pusit ($7), or squid adobo.

The whole baby squid have just the right meaty texture, and the ink-black

Violeta stuffs, rolls and seals.

sauce is briny, mineral and bright.

Like practically every dish on the menu, this one is served with steamed rice, which soaks up that amazing liquid.

“It’s such an important part of our meals” Madrilejos says of rice. “Every home has a rice cooker. I even took one to college with me. When I met my roommate, I asked him where his rice cooker was.”

Beef caldereta ($8) is like a Filipino pot roast, a slow-cooked beef stew with potatoes and carrots. The secret sauce in this dish is the mashed chicken liver paste, which is used to thicken the gravy and boost its flavor.

Mely’s also prepares about a halfdozen versions of pancit, often called Filipino-style pad Thai. Made with rice noodles and any number of proteins and sauces, the dish is extremely versatile.

Weekends usher in specials like fresh lumpia, which swap the deepfried commercial wrappers with fresh housemade crepes. Kare-kare is an oxtail stew spiked with peanut butter and umami-rich fermented shrimp paste. Menudo, not to be confused with the Mexican version, is a flavorful stew of pork, liver, chickpeas and raisins.

This isn’t fancy food, but rather the kinds of soul-satisfying dishes Filipino families have been making and enjoying at home for decades.

Well, some of them anyway.

“Now they are too busy with family and careers to cook at home,” Violeta comments. “That’s why we opened up!”

dtrattner@clevescene.com t@dougtrattner

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 43

EAT

BLOODY GOOD Where to build your own Bloody Mary

By Nikki Delamotte WHEN IT COMES TO THE beloved Sunday ritual of the Bloody Mary bar, people are so set in their ways that Francesca Harris had to steer devotees to something new the only way she knew how: by telling little white lies.

As beverage manager of Flat’sbased craft rum bar Portside Distillery, Harris jokes that more often than not she was greeted with, “Rum? In my Bloody Mary?”

“I started just asking them the infused flavor they wanted and wouldn’t bother telling them it’s rum until after they tasted it,” she laughs.

Bloody bars like Portside’s have been spreading across the city ever since West End Tavern first launched its version in 1989. Behind each one is somebody like Harris who is eager and willing to hand over the reins to do-it-yourselfers. Here’s a rundown of well-stocked options for day drinkers.

PORTSIDE DISTILLERY 983 Front Ave., 216-586-6633, portsidedistillery.com When available: Browns home games 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Price and Pour: $8 for 2 ounces in a 14-ounce glass Garnishes: Celery, pickles, lemon, lime, sport peppers Liqueurs: Rum infused with cucumber, olive, jalapeno and even hops.

Quote: “You look at Bloody

44

Marias, they have tequila. Blood and Sand is made with Scotch,” says Harris. “Rum is becoming a nice little trend.”

STERLE’S COUNTRY HOUSE 1401 East 55th St., 216-881-4181, sterlescountryhouse.com When available: Sundays 11 a.m.

– 2 p.m.

Price and Pour: $7.50 for 2 ounces Mixers: Local Pope’s Bloody Mary mix Garnishes: Downtown-based Randy’s Pickles, pickled red onions, banana peppers, mustard seeds Hot sauces: Pope’s line plus sauces picked up at neighboring AsiaTown markets Vodkas: Absolut Peppar for a little kick, Tito’s, Grey Goose, Stoli and Belvedere Quote: “People just love Bloody Marys,” says executive chef and GM Jeff Jarrett. “It has such a following and it’s almost like a Cleveland thing too. You can go to other towns and they have them, but the ferocity of people wanting them is never as much as it is here.”

THE RED LANTERN 17446 Lorain Ave., 216-331-1458, redlantern.us When available: Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Price and Pour: $6 for 1.5 ounces

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

in a Mason jar Mixers: Housemade original and herb. Seasonally, tomatillos and cucumbers become a “green” variety.

Garnishes: Smoked jerky from Fligner’s Market in Lorain, thick-cut bacon, pepperoncini, banana peppers Vodkas: In-house infusions of Tito’s Vodka such as habanerobacon, dill, lemon-garlic Quote: “We moved into the Kamm’s Corners area, which has a lot of history and nostalgia,” says owner Cory Rowland. “We wanted to do something that no one else was doing at the time.”

TOUCH SUPPER CLUB 2710 Lorain Ave., 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com When available: Saturday and Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Price and Pour: $4-$8 (depending on call) for 1.5 ounces served in your own shaker. “We let you be your own bartender.”

History: Touch has offered its Bloody bar since 2005. After a one-year hiatus due to remodeling, they’ve expanded the bar to both upper and lower levels due to popular demand.

Garnishes: Pickled egg, charcuterie stems, kimchi Hot Sauces: More than 100, including bacon, habanero and Dave’s Original Insanity Sauce

Vodkas: House infusions of tomato-basil, potato-bacon, wasabi, mango, horseradish, jalapenos Quote: “We’re going to start right where we left off with the Bloody Mary bar,” says owner Robert Ivanov. “But this time around, we’ve really upped our game.”

A BAR AND KITCHEN 850 Euclid Ave., Ste. 110., 216-644-8954, abarcle.com When available: Sundays 11 a.m.

– 3 p.m.

Price and Pour: $10-$12 for 1.5 ounces in a pint glass Mixers: House-made concoction Garnishes: Corned beef, eggs, Slim Jims, salami, bologna, pepper jack cheese Hot sauces: House-blended mix with Frank’s and habanero Vodkas: Paramount, Tito’s, Absolut, in-house pepper-infused Quote: “It’s Sunday morning, people have gone out the night before,” says owner Clarence Wilson, who’s seen a recent uptick in the morningafter elixir. “Sometimes there’s nothing better than a nice Bloody Mary to bring you back to a normal state.”

scene@clevescene.com t @cleveland_scene

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   magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 45

EAT bites URBAN WINERY HEADED TO HEART OF CLEVE HEIGHTS

By Douglas Trattner

THE DON(FORCORLEONE PIZZA A LIMITED TIME) Red Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Cappacola Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, and Oregano

Don Corleone

Pizza

IF DESTINY BURNS HAS HER way, Cleveland Heights will become the newest “Wine Country” region of Northeast Ohio. She and winemaker Dave Mazzone are in the process of launching CLE Urban Winery, a working winery and tasting room that will open this spring in the Cedar Lee District of the Heights.

Following in the footsteps of small craft breweries, urban wineries are popping up across the country. This small-scale commercial winery will source high-quality juice from around the world, but will handcraft all wine on site.

“We’ll be making, bottling and selling about 20 different varieties,” Burns explains. “It will be just like going out to taste wines in the farmlands of Ohio, but without the two-hour drive.”

Taking shape in the 4,400-squarefoot garage space that once was home to Studio You pottery (2180B Lee Rd.), the winery will feature a tasting bar and highly visible production area, where wines will be vinted throughout the year. The spacious rear section of the winery is perfect for events and fundraisers while the front seating area with garage door will be ideal during warm weather.

“Since we are not tied to any specific growing cycle, we will be making wine year ’round,” says Burns. “The wines are not meant to be snooty; they are meant to be urban and gritty and accessible and fun. Our motto is, ‘Good wine made fun.’”

A small kitchen will put out winefriendly small plates like meat and cheese boards, dips and spreads.

Burns expects to begin making wine in March and selling it in May.

HERB’N TWINE SANDWICH CO. OPENING IMMINENT Herb’n Twine Sandwich Co., at 4309 Lorain Ave., is on track to open before the end of the month.

Owner Brendon Messina, who last worked alongside chef Jill Vedaa at Rockefeller’s in Cleveland Heights, describes the shop as a casual quick-serve stop for local residents, commercial tenants, and anybody else

46

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

Photo by Douglas Trattner

A terrific example of Herb’n Twine’s sandwich aesthetics

looking for a wholesome, delicious lunch or dinner.

“There are a lot of places to sit down and eat in Ohio City, but there aren’t a lot of grab-and-go spots,” he explains.

The menu features soups like tomato bisque with Maytag blue cheese croutons, and salads like the chicken curry with mixed greens, golden raisins, candied pistachios and maple vinaigrette. A half-dozen sandwiches plus a daily special run the gamut from a grilled cheese to a Porchetta loaded with pork shoulder, “chili-churri” sauce and chicharron.

The Korean fried chicken sandwich has barbecue sauce, sesame slaw and cilantro. A handful of grab-and-go sides like orzo with tomato and caper berries, and seasonal hummus round out the menu. Salad prices are around $5 and sandwiches are $9 to $10 each.

Messina will rely heavily on local producers and suppliers.

It’s taken half a year to convert the 1,400-square-foot space into a clean, simple and straightforward sandwich shop with a “modern-meets-distressed” look. An open kitchen, sandwich bar and a few dining room tables is the long and short of the operation.

A play on “urban,” Herb’n Twine is just the latest indie startup launched by locals to serve the immediate neighborhood.

“That street is definitely going to become a lot more popular,” Messina predicts. “I wanted to get in there early and make my presence known.”

dtrattner@clevescene.com t @dougtrattner

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

MUSIC BACK IN THE SADDLE

Pepper Keenan’s return reinvigorates hard rockers Corrosion of Conformity

By Matt Wardlaw SOMETIMES YOU GET WRAPPED up with a certain project and lose track of time. If you’re Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity, before you know it, nearly a decade has gone by.

At the time that the North Carolinabased band released its 2005 album, In the Arms of God, it had been working at a steady pace recording and touring for more than 15 years (with Keenan at the helm on vocals since 1993).

But after wrapping up the tour cycle for the album, the members went their separate ways and Keenan found himself increasingly more wrapped up with Down, the sludge metal collective that first developed as a side project for Pantera’s Philip Anselmo and an all-star cast of players, including Keenan, who handles guitar duties for the group.

After releasing albums in 1995 and

2002, Down continued to build steam, touring and releasing new music.

The remaining members of Corrosion of Conformity regrouped in 2010 as a power trio with bassist Mike Dean handling the vocals and brought drummer Reed Mullin back into the fold for the first time since 2001.

As Keenan reflects now, life moved forward for all involved at a pace that felt natural and everybody kept in touch.

“The label [Sanctuary Records, who had released In the Arms of God] folded, and I just kind of stepped away and focused on Down for a while and moved back to New Orleans,” Keenan recalls in a phone interview. “I wasn’t in North Carolina anymore. I started working with Down and doing all of that stuff and you know, that just grew into a giant behemoth and the next thing I know,

it was years later. And we always talked, we played festivals together when they were doing the three-piece thing and I’d get up and jam with them and you know, it’s just timing, man. I’m not going to beat myself up and down about things. It was time to do it and the pressure was building between us and the opportunities were there. Some people suggested we go to Europe and we went to Europe and it went really well. They brought us back two more times over the summer to play different festivals with, like, three week’s notice, which was unheard of. We’re playing well.

It’s not rocket science, you know, we’ve still got it.”

Conversing with Keenan and taking a quick look at recent YouTube footage of some of the blistering performances since they’ve come back, it’s clear that it didn’t take

much time for the band to shake off any musical rust that might have been present since the last time it played shows with Keenan nine years ago. A hefty chunk of the current set list comes off the 1994 album Deliverance, a fan favorite, which found Keenan, who had been with the group since 1989, taking on the role of frontman for the first time. That proved to be a great move and the band went on to release three more albums in that configuration prior to the break. They’re focusing on the old stuff on this run, but the veteran vocalist will be the first to tell you that the reactivated group isn’t on a nostalgia trip.

“I’m not a nostalgic person. I never thought I’d be that band doing the reunion shit,” he admits. “And to be honest with you, we don’t even look at it like that. But I can understand

Photo courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Vanessa Carlton, in a contemplative mood.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 51

MUSIC that, because some of the songs are fuckin’ 20 years old. I’m really bad with time.”

Happily, the band is mapping out plans to record new music for an album that will be released

by Nuclear Blast. Veteran A&R man Monte Conner, well known for his legendary 25-year stint at Roadrunner Records, signing artists like Slipknot, Sepultura, Type O Negative, Machine Head

Corrosion of Conformity is a different process compared to how Keenan has been used to working with Down in recent years. With Down, he points out, there are no producers. “We just do our own thing, which is fine, but I enjoy having an outside opinion that I admire and trust, to make sure that you’re not getting too cornered into something. Sometimes you don’t realize it until you’re already stuck in the corner.

“Doing an entire album with C.O.C. is a giant order,” he explains. “It’s gotten to be a well-organized novel by the time it’s done. It’s not just a

“I’m not a nostalgic person. I never thought I’d be that band doing the reunion shit, and to be honest with you, we don’t even look at it like that. But I can understand that, because some of the songs are fuckin’ 20 years old.

— Pepper Keenan and countless others (including Cleveland’s Chimaira), put a heavy push on getting the group locked in to record new music for the label.

“They came to us, man,” says Keenan. “Straight up. I mean, Monte was emailing us, ‘How are you guys doing? Are you writing songs?

What’s happening — keep me posted.’

Way above and beyond any other label out there. We were talking to a bunch of labels and he was adamant and there was no question. We didn’t even think about it once those guys were in the picture. It’s a great label and I like it a lot. I like the way they

collection of songs — it’s got to have purpose and flow. It’s an extremely difficult thing to do at the level that we’re shooting for. We don’t just spit ’em out and throw ’em on tape.”

But no worries, he’s got no shortage of ideas on tap for new music. As it turns out, even during his time away from the band, he kept stockpiling musical thoughts.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on that for a long time. I’m kind of ahead of the game,” he says. “You know, we’ve got riffs and lyric ideas and things that I’ve been saving. In the Arms of God is kind of the catalyst of where

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, BRANT BJORK, SAVIOURS, MOTHERSHIP 6 P.M. SATURDAY, NOV. 28, ODEON CONCERT CLUB, 1295 OLD RIVER RD. TICKETS: $15, TICKETWEB.COM

operate, they’re giving us freedom and a very fair record deal, which is probably pretty rare these days. It’s great, man.”

Keenan says that they’re working with a loose timeline — or perhaps even no timeline, when it comes to establishing when the album will come out.

“I’m not really sure [when we’ll have something out],” he says. “Even the Nuclear Blast people, they’re like, ‘We don’t care — just give us a great record.’ Nobody remembers when the good records came out — they just remember the record down the line.

It won’t be that long, but it’s going to take time and effort for sure.”

Recording an album with

52

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

we take off from there. That record’s about as good as I can do it. I’ll tell anybody that. I was on my A game at that point with all different types of songwriting all of the time.”

For the moment, Keenan is stoked to bring the C.O.C. army back to Cleveland.

“I’ve been there so many times, I can’t even count,” he says with a laugh. “I’m glad to be back with C.O.C. and I hope everybody comes and enjoys the show. We don’t take it lightly.”

scene@clevescene.com t@cleveland_scene

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53

A NATIVE SON

Photo courtesy of Kid Logic Media

MUSIC Prolific singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur shows no signs of slowing down

By Jeff Niesel WHEN SINGER-SONGWRITER Joseph Arthur, an Akron native whose career has been characterized by heaps of critical acclaim, released the epic two-part album The Ballad of Boogie Christ back in 2013, he told us he wasn’t worried about what he’d do for an encore. Turns out, he didn’t really have reason for concern. In the wake of that release, he released two albums, 2014’s Lou: The Songs of Lou Reed, and this year’s Days of Surrender. He also recorded a new studio album that’s coming out next year, and he teamed up with Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament for an album that will also arrive in 2016. Dubbed RNDM, that group has just issued a new single, and Arthur says he’s excited about the album because, “Frankly, it kicks ass.”

Despite its whimsical genesis, his tribute to Lou Reed came off particularly well.

“That was a record that Bill Bentley at Vanguard asked me to make,” he says via phone from his Brooklyn home. “I honestly wouldn’t have thought to do that.

I would not have been so bold on my own volition. I more just did it rather than thought about it. When I thought about it, I thought not to do it. But I did ‘Coney Island Baby’ on acoustic guitar, piano and acoustic bass, and it sounded really good. I did another one and that’s how it went. I kept it really simple and, after a few days, it was done. I sent it to Bill, and he thought it was wonderful. I was really mourning

continued to release albums at a rapid pace throughout the 2000s, and The Ballad of Boogie Christ marked his return to Real World, the label run by former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, a guy who’s been vocal about how much he likes Arthur’s music. Having Gabriel as a fan certainly provides a good dose of credibility.

With The Ballad of Boogie Christ, Arthur, who recalls that he would go to Akron Jewish summer camp even though he’s not Jewish, works out his obsession with religion.

The title track evokes Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” as Arthur talks more than he sings and imagines that if Christ were to come back today, he would be the kind of guy who would eat pizza and love hip-hop. “Christ would be rockin’/Christ would be free,” he sings. Woozy horns and backing vocals give the song a soulful vibe.

His lack of religious upbringing aside, Arthur says he’s not simply trying to be irreverent and flippant about the man many consider to be the Messiah. Rather, he says he tries to humanize Christ with the album’s songs.

Days of Surrender, a “made-italone and mixed-it-myself kind of record” with psychedelic rock overtones, represents yet another triumphant moment for Arthur.

The tender opening tune, “Pledge of Allegiance,” finds Arthur evocatively mumbling, “We’re running out of time,” over and over.

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my friend through that process and celebrating him and getting to know him on an intimate level.”

Initially, Arthur made quite an impression with his 2000 full-length debut Come to Where I’m From. One of the year’s best-reviewed albums, it ended up on a number of Top 10 lists. After its release, Arthur

54

“On one level, it’s kind of apocalyptic,” he says of the song.

“It’s vague and impressionistic apocalypse. It’s a stream of consciousness poem piece. There’s no specific agenda in the song, you know what I mean. The lyrics wrote themselves. I haven’t really analyzed it. I like what it’s vibe is. It’s Mad

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

Joseph Arthur says his “alone show” has been developing.

Max-like.”

The album isn’t all doom and gloom, however. The jangly “I Don’t Know the Way” starts slow but finishes strong as Arthur, who sneers more than he sings on the tune, sounds a bit like Tom Petty on the track. Hissing guitars give the song a real edge.

“It’s like a psychedelic exploration mood music groove record,” he says. “It’s a homemade production, one guy vibe. The songs are like that too. There’s an innocence to the songwriting. In general, I look at that album as a whole. I was making an album that was almost a throwback to how I used to write records. The songs are more unconscious and free and sometimes they miss the mark, but that’s okay

too. I thought it really achieved that.

I wanted to put it out, but not as my next statement. I could have fleshed it out, but I liked it how it was. I wanted to just let it go and be what it is. The creative spirit in making it was super fun and super free. I was having the time of my life making the album.”

For the current tour, Arthur will perform solo, something he’s done plenty in the past.

“My alone show has been developing and evolving over the years,” he says. “I feel really good about bringing it to town.”

jniesel@clevescene.com t @jniesel

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 55

Photo courtesy of the Exchange

MUSIC ALL IN THE FAMILY

Despite changes in the record-buying public’s habits, the Exchange has continued to thrive

By Jeff Niesel The friendly folks at the Lakewood Exchange

INDEPENDENT RECORD STORES aren’t just stores. They’re places where music fans can connect with other music fans as they dig through stacks of CDs and crates of vinyl. With the decline of the music business, those types of stores are now a rarity.

Despite the change in the recordbuying public’s shopping habits, the Exchange, a chain of local stores owned by John Shahinian, has continued to thrive, and the chain now boasts close to 30 stores and features locations in four states. This year marks the store’s 40th anniversary.

Shahinian clearly still loves the job. During a recent stroll through the Mayfield Villlage office and warehouse, he jokes with employees and talks about the number of years each person has worked for the company. He’s even created a chart on a couple of pieces of cardboard chronicling the longevity of each employee. A few workers have even crossed the 25-year mark. His sister Marina, brother Richard and mother Katherine started working with him at the very beginning. Other family members work there now too, and Shahinian treats his employees as if they were family.

Shahinian initially moved to Cleveland in the early ’60s. Though only a child, he quickly started buying records.

“I love the way the music took you on a journey,” says Shahinian, who recalls buying his first record in 1963 when he purchased the Johnny Rivers single “Memphis” and fondly remembers going through the 9-cent stacks at Silverman’s Surplus City in search of other 7-inch singles. “When I found that Chuck Berry was from St. Louis and Johnny Rivers was from Memphis and all this stuff was coming out of Chicago, like Chess

56

Records, it made me realize it was all connected.”

Shahinian would get into the business on a whim. One day while he was a student at Ohio State University, he walked into a record store and asked for a job. The clerk told him he had just opened and said he couldn’t pay him. So Shahinian offered to work there on a volunteer basis.

“No record store would ever hire me at that time because they always told me I had to know something about classical music, and I liked rock music way too much,” he says one recent afternoon from a conference room that has vintage rock posters on its walls and stacks of Star Trek toys on the floor. “I knew all the people who worked at the stores from haunting the local record stores.”

Inspired by the experience, he returned to Cleveland for the summer and opened the first store, then called the Record Exchange, on Coventry in 1975.

“That summer, my brother and I decided to start our own store,” he says. “It was difficult without any real backing. We made a deal to rent a space to sell records at the back of Sun Tree Arts Center, which was at the corner of Mayfield and Coventry.

The promise was that we would give the landlord $125 at the end of the month whether we succeeded or not.

She took the deal. We just put up a sign that read, ‘We buy, sell and trade records.’ We had a few things from our collection and things that we had acquired from haunting all the record stores.”

“My record collecting addiction started with the Record Exchange when they first opened,” says WJCU DJ/Auburn Records owner Bill Peters, who now works for the Exchange. “My dad used to drive me and my friends

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

out to Coventry from the west side on Saturdays to shop. He would drop us off and return to pick us up three hours later. I was only 15 at the time. I would usually end up bringing boxes of albums home. I was just starting to build my collection back then, which now totals over 50,000 albums. It was always such a rush looking through the used album bins. Sometimes my friends and I would find an album we both wanted and reach to grab it out of the bin at the same time. We would literally be in a tug-of-war match in the middle of the store for it. I usually won those battles. On one occasion, though, we accidently tore a rare import Budgie album cover in half. I still have half the cover in my collection today. You just don’t get this kind of excitement and fun shopping online. Retail is where the action’s at.”

Since they had to return to college in the fall, they hired Tim Hellwig, a guy who lived across the street, to manage the store in their absence.

Their mother, sister and father would help out too.

“When I first walked into that store, I saw maybe four crates of records and the free box on the floor,” Hellwig says. “I started there about five months after they opened up. I think I made a dollar an hour and could take whatever I wanted home.

That was like the Golden Goose.”

Shahinian says he didn’t want the store to have the hipster vibe of other record shops.

“One of the first revelations I had with my brother was that girls wouldn’t go into them,” says Shahinian. “We knew if we could get girls to come into the store, the guys would follow. It was important to be girl friendly. Most record stores were like dungeons. That was very cool. I loved Melody Lane and the

Music Grotto and, of course, Record Revolution. But let’s be honest. Postwar parents didn’t want their children going into those places. The smell of incense and the darkness was more rock ’n’ roll. We just tried to keep our stores neat and orderly and well-lit.

And we didn’t play a steady diet of Uriah Heep and Ted Nugent. We tried to be more accessible for everybody.

We didn’t want to referee what people were purchasing.”

Shahinian opened a second store in Maple Heights and opened a Pittsburgh store in 1995. Along the way, he created his own computer program to keep track of inventory.

He’s proud of the company’s selfsustaining approach and boasts that he’s never bought a box because he’d rather recycle old boxes than buy new ones. The Exchange always supports the local music scene and charity events for the community. It regularly sponsors the Cleveland Metal Holiday Food Drive, WNCX’s annual Blood Drive and WJCU college radio fundraisers.

“It’s all based on people,” Shahinian says. “There’s just something magical about shopping at an independent store. It’s the element of surprise. It’s something you won’t get at a Target or Walmart. We’ve been lucky enough that our customers can still find magic and it’s a positive experience.

It knocks me out how many people will come in with kids and grandkids.

You can watch people grow and, fortunately, we’ve grown together.

When we say we’ve been here for 40 years, we mean 40 years together. You just can’t beat independent shopping.”

jniesel@clevescene.com t@jniesel

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 57

LIVEWIRE

all the live music you should see this week Photo courtesy of Front Porch Lights

WED

11/25

Front Porch Lights EP Release (in the Supper Club): This new music project was launched by Conor Standish of Burning River Ramblers renown. Front Porch Lights leans into the moodier side of Standish’s songwriting. (You may recall the contemplative “Where We Were At” > “I’m No Ghost” pairing from the Ramblers’ 2013 album.

Take those feelings and light them gently like a candle; Front Porch Lights is music for dim lighting.)

The EP’s opening track, “Blue Eyes and Red Poison” casts Standish’s voice across washes of guitar and deep keys. From there, the album dances across a dynamic range of moods and colors; “Kill ‘em with the Kindness” borrows from the poppier side of today’s electronic music, and “On a Little Screen” sounds like it could be a more soulful cover of a Ramblers tune. (Eric Sandy), 7:30 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.

Papadosio: Ohio natives Papadosio have carved out a reputable niche in the jamtronica scene, and their arrival in Northeast Ohio is always welcome. Just last month, the band dropped their latest, Extras in a Movie, an album that tightens and updates the Papadosio sound.

“Epiphany,” for example, strips away a lot of the sonic layers that characterized earlier tunes; what you’re left with is a simple ballad, in a way, that very nearly doesn’t even sound like the Papadosio of yesteryear. Prior to all that, the band was standing tall on the neo-legacy of T.E.T.I.O.S., a twodisc collection that spans a wide variety of textures. Drummer Mike Healy told us in 2013 that the double album was a huge step in the band’s development: “It’s just such a culmination of our lives as musicians and as a band together.

It ranges from every different kind of music - you can find an influence everywhere.” (Sandy), 8 p.m., $18 ADV, $20 DOS. House of Blues.

10 X 3 Hosted by Brent Kirby (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

All Grateful Dead Show with JiMiller Band/Syrup: 7 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.

Joseph Arthur: 8:30 p.m., $25-$30.

The Tangier.

Beau Coup 30th Anniversary: The Encore: 7:30 p.m., $25-$45. Hard

58

Locals Front Porch Lights celebrate the release of their new EP at Music Box. See: Wednesday.

Rock Rocksino.

The Faceless/After the Burial/Rings of Saturn/Toothgrinder: 6 p.m., $15.60. Agora Ballroom.

The Floorwalkers: 9 p.m., $10.

Beachland Ballroom.

Ghost Town/Dangerkids/Palaye Royale/Bad Seed Rising: 5:30 p.m., $15. Grog Shop.

Michael Glabicki: 8 p.m., $15 ADV/$22 DOS. The Kent Stage.

Gobble Get Down with Uptowne Buddha and Curly Chuck: 10:30 p.m., $8. Grog Shop.

Joe Hunter: 7 p.m., Free. BLU Jazz+.

Jimmy Jack’s All-Star Jam/Double D: 8 p.m., Free. Brothers Lounge.

Lovedrug/Royalties: 9 p.m., $10.

Musica.

Roller Girl/DJ White Rims: 9 p.m., Free. B-Side Liquor Lounge & Arcade.

Wallace Roney Sextet: 7 p.m., $20.

Nighttown.

This Way Out’s 10th Anniversary with New Planet Trampoline/ Brainwave: 9 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern.

Tricky Dick and The Cover-Ups: 9 p.m., $5. Vosh Club.

THU

11/26

Vicki Chew/Bob Sammon: 8 p.m.

Barking Spider Tavern.

Chris Hatton’s Musical Circus (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

Thanksgiving Takeover Hosted by Ray Jr.: 9 p.m., $10. Grog Shop.

FRI

11/27

The English Beat: When the English Beat emerged in the late ‘70s, the UK group fused punk rock brashness with old-school Jamaican ska beats. The results were striking and the band delivered hits “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Too Nice to

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

Talk To.” Though the band took a long break in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, singer Dave Wakeling managed to get the group going again in the late 2000s and regularly brings the band to town for engaging, highenergy shows. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $25 ADV, $28 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.

Ki Allen Quintet: 8:30 p.m., $15.

Nighttown.

Breakfast Club: 9:30 p.m., $5.

Brothers Lounge.

Ekoostik Hookah/Jones for Revival: 8:30 p.m., $15 ADV, $17 DOS. Beachland Ballroom.

Hollywood Slim Band/InGroovement/ George Foley & Friends: 5:30 p.m.

Barking Spider Tavern.

Sam Hooper Group: 9 p.m., $5. The Euclid Tavern.

Kamelot/Dragonforce: 7 p.m., $25.

The Agora Theatre.

Dennis Lewin: 10:30 p.m., free.

Nighttown.

Lowly the Tree Ghost/Maura Rogers/ Cheap Clone: 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog. Tony Monaco Trio Featuring Dan Wilson: 8 p.m., $20. [edit secondary] 8 p.m., $20. BLU Jazz+.

Motown Night with Moss Stanley and Nitebridge/DJ Scott G (in the Supper Club): 7:30 p.m., $8 ADV, $10 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.

The Promise Hero/Blacklister Album Release/Muteboy/Gomez Addams: 8:30 p.m., $7. Grog Shop.

Relient K/Run River North/ Cardboard Kids: 7:30 p.m., $18 ADV, $20 DOS. House of Blues.

Kenny Rogers Once Again It’s Christmas — Christmas And Hits/ Linda Davis: 8 p.m., $49.50-$85.

Hard Rock Rocksino.

So Long, Albatross EP Release/ Erienauts/Golden Streets of Paradise: 12 p.m., Free. Beachland Tavern.

Sorry Please Continue Skanksgiving: 8:30 p.m., Free.

Mahall’s 20 Lanes.

Soul Music and Other Music for the Soul with DJ Lawrence Daniel Caswell: 6 p.m., Free. Happy Dog. Three Seas Record Release: 9 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Mahall’s 20 Lanes.

Travelin’ Johnsons (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

SAT

11/28

Celebration of 100 Years of Frank Sinatra Featuring Michael Sonata & the Dave Banks Big Band: Canton native Michael Sonata has always been involved in plays and choirs and was a member of the University of Notre Dame Glee Club.

In 2004, he auditioned for a role in a Sopranos spoof that required a character based on Frank Sinatra.

Sonata got the part and has been imitating Ol’ Blue Eyes ever since.

He includes some 90 songs in his repertoire and covers all eras, including the Columbia years and the Capitol years. He even takes requests from the audience. (Jeff Niesel), 7 p.m., $25 ADV, $28 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.

Blizzard Bash: 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog. Cities & Coasts Single Release Show/Dan Miraldi and the Chaos Band/Uptight Sugar: 9 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Beachland Ballroom.

Walsher Clemons/Essential Groove/ Jul Big Green: 8 p.m., $8 ADV, $10 DOS. Beachland Tavern.

Corrosion of Conformity: 6 p.m., $14.50. Odeon.

Danksgiving Featuring a Set of Grateful Dead by Dave Katz, Jim Garibaldi, Jim Tauscher, Luke Bergan, Tony Kazel and Jim Fultz: 8 p.m., $10-$12. The Kent Stage.

Paul Fayrewether: 9:30 p.m., $10.

Brothers Lounge.

Travis “The Moonchild” Haddix Blues Band: 8 p.m., $7. Music Box Supper Club.

Hour 24/Titans in Time: 9 p.m., $5.

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 59

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Friday November 27 George Foley & Friends 5:30 (jazz) InGroovement 8:00 (jazz, rock) Hollywood Slim Band 10:00 (blues, jazz)

Call 216-241-7550 for more information.

Saturday November 28 Mary Martin & Betsy Marshall 8:00 (blues, rock) The Silver String Band 10:00 (bluegrass, country, swing)

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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LIVEWIRE The Euclid Tavern.

I-Tal/That Poor Girl: 9 p.m., $10.

Grog Shop.

Charles Kelley/Maren Morris: 8 p.m., $32.50 ADV, $45 DOS. House of Blues.

KRS-One/J. Rawls/ Matthewmatticus/DJ B-Nyce: 9 p.m., $10. Club 4X. The Rust Belt Sound System: 9 p.m., Free. Now That’s Class.

The Silver String Band/Mary Martin & Betsy Marshall: 8 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.

The Bottom Line: 9 p.m., $5. Vosh Club.

Walkin’ Cane (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

Jackie Warren: 10:30 p.m., free.

Nighttown.

SUN

Idle Bloom/Captain January/Joey: 9 p.m., $5. Now That’s Class.

Jessie Cope Miller & Friends: 7 p.m., $10. Nighttown.

Velvet Voyage (in the Wine Bar): 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

TUE

12/1

The At Odds Couple: An Evening of Acoustic Squeeze: Two of pop music’s sharpest songwriters, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook wrote many of the hits associated with Squeeze, the British power-pop/

new wave act that had a good deal of commercial success in the ‘90s.

The band broke up in 1999 but has since reconvened for various tours and to record Cradle to the Grave, the just-released new album. Expect to hear tracks from it tonight as Difford and Tilbrook team up for an acoustic show that should also reach into the band’s terrific back catalog. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $35-$60.

Beachland Ballroom.

Frnkiero and the Cellabration/Roger Harvey/Jared Hart: 8 p.m., $17 ADV, $20 DOS. Grog Shop.

Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday

Big Band: 7:30 p.m., $10. Vosh Club.

Monica: 8 p.m., $25. House of Blues.

Mr. California/Bad Noids: 5 p.m., Free. Now That’s Class.

Three Man Cannon/Meridian/Heart & Lung: 7 p.m., $8. Mahall’s 20 Lanes.

Two-Set Tuesday Featuring John Davenport: 7 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

scene@clevescene.com t@cleveland_scene

11/29

An Evening with Joe Augustine Trio: As the artist-in-residence at the University of Akron’s School of Music, Joe Augustine has had a great opportunity to share the psychological benefits of music with students from all over the world.

(His lectures touch on, for instance, “Music as a Business and Anxiety and Performance.”) Even more than that, though, Augustine is a longtenured Steinway Artist, a master of jazz piano. Tonight, he and his trio light up BLU Jazz, dishing up an array of originals and standards.

(Sandy), 6 p.m., $15. BLU Jazz+.

4 Door Theatre/An Honest Year/ Monday’s Mona Lisa/Goodnight Tonight/Home for Fall: 7:30 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Grog Shop.

City Limits: 3 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.

Matt Harmon: 6 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.

Northlane/Volumes: 6 p.m., $16.64.

Agora Ballroom.

Mike Petrone (in the Wine Bar): 5:30 p.m. Brothers Lounge.

Rotary Club Holiday Sing-Along (in the Supper Club): 5 p.m., $10.

Music Box Supper Club.

The Schwartz Brothers: 8:30 p.m., $6. Beachland Tavern.

MON

11/30

Skatch Anderson Orchestra: 8 p.m., $10. Brothers Lounge.

Eric Burdon and the Animals: 8 p.m., $32.50-$62.50. The Kent Stage.

The Gage Brothers/Ian Sanderson: 7 p.m. Barking Spider Tavern.

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 61

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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THU 12/17

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Palaye Royale Bad Seed Rising

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SAT 12/19

SUN 1/17

MR CARMACK

The Hill Band feat. David Hill Theta Waves The Scenic Route

SUN 11/29

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Fresh Produce • LMNTL

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FRNKIERO & THE THE MODERN CELLABRATION ELECTRIC Roger Harvey • Jared Hart

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THE ARK BAND Wildlife Soundz

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THU 12/31 FRI 12/11 A FUNK NASTY NEW YEAR’S EVE

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TROPIDELIC Tom Evanchuck & The Old Money VIBE & DIRECT The Methodrones WANYAMA DRUNKEN SUNDAY

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TUE 12/15

PUNCHLINE The Missing

My Mouth is the Speaker

Too Close to Touch Trusting Obscurity

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NEW PLANET TRAMPOLINE SHALE SATANS BUMMED OUT JOYFRAME SUN 1/3

MORGAN MECASKEY OLDBOY AKU AKU

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THE GROG SHOP PRESENTS AT

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Nick D & The Believers • Polars

SUN 12/13

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MON 2/29

THE LIGHTHOUSE FRI 2/12 & THE WHALER SKIZZY MARS

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THU 1/28

HOUSE OF BLUES

WED 12/30

4An DOOR THEATRE Honest Year

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Blaka Watra Aaron Dilloway Public Squares Vanilla Poppers

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MONDAY 11.30 BSide BREAKROOM Industry Dance Night 10PM House, Techno, Underground Club Special Guest: SILKMAN + Glacial 23 b2b Hosted by Broken Keys TUESDAY 12.1 LYRICAL RHYTHMS 7:30PM Open Mic | Live Band | Drink Specials

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 63

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

By Jeff Niesel MEET THE BAND Nathan Hedges (vocals, guitarist), Michael Gould (drums), Mike Drury (bass, vocals), Scott Griffin (saxophone), Stephanie Trivson (guitar), Anthony Zaro (vocals), Jon Bryant and Bri Bryant (vocals) IN THE BEGINNING Back in 2007, Hedges was signed to a small Virginia label and released a solo album. As he started to put a backing band together, he recruited Welshly Arms’ drummer Michael Gould, who, in turn, helped him put a band together. Last year, they started recording as Cities & Coasts; the line-up continues to shift with each recording session.

“I wanted it be a revolving cast,” says Hedges, who cites old-school punk acts such as Bad Religion and Offspring as well as classic rock acts such as Beatles and the Who as influences. He’s particularly happy with the current line-up, which includes many members of other local acts. “The whole point is to embrace the scene. We have friends in different bands, and it’s great to get out there and support each other. It keeps us on our toes, and people in the crowd can see different influences working their way into the live show. Jon and Bri Bryant are always with us and they add a huge depth and dynamics, and the sax adds another texture.

It’s a really fun group that we’re playing with right now.”

GAINING MOMENTUM After releasing its debut last year, the band had a busy summer. “We played a lot of shows and did a good job of promoting ourselves

and doing the shameless selfpromotion,” says Hedges. “We got asked to do a lot of summer festivals and that helped us. We kept getting invited to do more and that exposure helped us grow our fan base. We are a relatively new band, but the amount we played helped us define our sound, which has really expanded.”

WHY YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM “Finer than Gold” features husky vocals and a jangly guitar riff. The sax makes it sound like vintage Springsteen. “We kept a retro vibe, but I would say it’s got more a Motown-vibe,” explains Hedges.

“There are Motown undertones on the first record. All of the influences that we define as our sound on the first record are still there. On the forthcoming fulllength, each song will sound like us because of the harmonies and hooks; but the songs will have new elements that were not on the first record.” The single will be available on iTunes and through purchasing download cards.

WHERE YOU CAN HEAR THEM facebook.com/citiesandcoasts or citiesandcoasts.com WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM Cities & Coasts performs with Dan Miraldi & The Chaos Band and Uptight Sugar at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Beachland Ballroom.

jniesel@clevescene.com t@jniesel

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 65

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66

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 67

SAVAGE LOVE FRESH AIR

By Dan Savage

Dear Dan, A couple of months ago, I got candida (a fungal infection) under my foreskin.

I went to the doctor, picked up some cream, and used the cream as directed.

The infection went away for about a week and then returned. I got this idea that maybe the cream didn’t work the first time because it’s so naturally moist under the foreskin. So I used the cream a second time — but this time, after each application I would “air out” my penis, i.e., pull back the foreskin and leave the head exposed to the open air for a little while. The candida cleared up, apparently for good. What surprised me, though, was that I really enjoyed this twice-a-day airing out. I’ve continued doing it. I have no idea why I find this enjoyable. I’m not masturbating while I’m doing it. I just use that flap on the front of my underwear to help keep the foreskin back and leave my glans exposed for about 15 to 20 minutes.

(This is likely the first time in history that anyone has actually used that flap on the front of men’s underwear.) I’m wondering if, by airing out my cock in this way, there’s any risk of causing damage. From reading the all-knowing Internet, it seems that this amount shouldn’t cause any problems, but I’d like to get an expert opinion. I have noticed a slight decrease in sensitivity, but that has been a positive thing, as I’ve always been quite sensitive.

This airing out of my penis seems to accomplish a slight desensitizing that I find beneficial. Can I continue to do it?

— Apparently Into Retraction

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

“This shouldn’t be a problem,” said Dr. Stephen King, a urologist and one of my go-to guys on all things dick. “It sounds like he found a unique solution to a couple of issues: infections and sensitivity.”

So you can continue airing out your cock with Dr. King’s blessing — and congratulations on coming up with a successful foreskin hack, AIR. But Dr. King wouldn’t recommend your foreskin hack to uncircumcised/intact dudes with a very particular medical condition. (I’m using “hack” here in the “life hack” sense, obviously — perhaps a poor choice of slang, considering that humanity has been needlessly hacking away at foreskins for millennia.)

“The only time keeping a foreskin pulled back for a prolonged period of time becomes a problem is when someone has phimosis,” said Dr. King. An adult with phimosis either can’t retract their foreskin over the head of their penis or has a very

difficult time doing so — a condition an adult may develop as the result of an infection or some other trauma that scarred the foreskin. “In patients who are elderly or demented, the foreskin can get stuck in the retracted position,” said Dr. King, “trapping blood in the head of the penis like a tourniquet, causing severe pain — we call this ‘paraphimosis.’”

Paraphimosis is some serious shit — gangrene can set in, and the head of the penis might have to come off.

“I don’t think this is an issue for AIR,” said Dr. King, “so he can continue as desired. Just tell him to be careful with that zipper!”

Dear Dan, Gay 20-year-old boy here. I want some ideas on what kind of anal toys are best for beginners like myself. I’ve already used my fingers, but I want to move up to an actual toy before moving on to an actual boy. A recommendation from you would be great!

— Boy Undertaking Tushy Toys They’re not glamorous or groundbreaking, BUTT, but the old reliable butt plug is still the best bet for anal-play newbies — gay, straight, or bi.

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— The Wronged Party “Bye.”

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 69

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015

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magazine | clevescene.com | November 25 - December 1, 2015 71

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