Cleveland SCENE 7/2/25

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Featuring Free Live Music at 25 Venues, Including:

Wallace Coleman Band

SMP Acoustic

Backstareet Blues Band

Erin & The Chill Factors

The Greasy Boys

Taylor Lamborn Band

Buffalo Ryders

15-60-75 (The Numbers)

Armstrong Bearcat Band

Gene Schwartz & The G-Force

The Delta Hand

ET King and the Determnation

Stakhouse featuring Max Stak

Andrew Bonnis

BC Hudson & Sonny

Leach Ray Flanagan

Ian Penter

Jon Mosey

Little Steve-O & John

Markovic

Sam Hooper Group

Cleveland Fats

The Bluestones

Stamper-Starr

Bob Frank Blues

Blues Deville

Guy Pernetti Trio

Xtra Crispy

Erin & The Chill Factors

Luther Trammel

WINTRIP Evolution

Gregory Garwood

Like Flinn

Paul Falstad

Austin Walkin Cane

Memphis Cradle

UPFRONT LAKEWOOD, CLEVELAND HEIGHTS AND SOLON AMONG SUBURBS LOOKING TO CRACK DOWN ON SMOKE

SHOP OVERSATURATION

EARLIER

THIS YEAR, Cleveland passed a suite of laws to help curb the oversaturation of smoke shops proliferating around the city and regulate the ones that are currently operating.

Going forward, permits will be required, inspections will need to be passed, and limits exist on where new businesses can open.

Similar laws are now being put on the books or considered in Northeast Ohio suburbs to deal with one of today’s chief retail conundrums -determining how many vape shops any given community wants or needs.

“I think neighboring jurisdictions will be, and are, following our lead,” Cleveland Public Health director David Margolius told Scene in a call Wednesday. “They’re seeing what we’re doing. It’s like a response to the oversaturation of smoke shops in their communities.”

And the laws being mulled over, from Lakewood to Solon and in Cleveland Heights, are pretty much copy and paste. One, place a halt on new shops as soon as possible. And two, draft precise language on where new shops can go.

On June 5, Lakewood City Council passed a ban on new smoke shops to give them time, legislation read, to “review zoning regulations.”

“I counted more than ten in Lakewood along our commercial corridors,” Councilman Kyle Baker told the Sun Post Herald on Monday, referring to a trove of calls from residents complaining about them. But, Baker added, “we’re not expressing some moral judgment on vaping.”

It was the same case three days prior in Solon, when a smoke shop-related memo from City Planning Director Michael Ionna was referred to Solon City Council.

Solon’s three shops—Vapor House, Solon Tobacco & Vape and Smokology—were too close (all in and around the same intersection), produced “excessive lighting and glare,” and raised, Ionna wrote, “significant concerns about exposure and influence on minors.”

To put a halt to “overconcentration,” Solon’s planning commission is set to weigh recommendations that no

new shops can open within three miles of another, among other restrictions.

In Cleveland Heights, the procession is clear: three stores—Vitrium, Urban Clouds and Coventry Vape— have popped up in the past year on Coventry, a neighborhood that has struggled in recent years to keep its retail spaces full.

“So many were bubbling up overnight, we had to take a step back and say, ‘What’s going on here?’” Councilman Anthony Mattox told Scene. “Because we don’t have many regulations or restraints, it’s easy for them” to rent storefronts.

“We need to pump the break,” Mattox added. “How many do we want? And where exactly should they be?”

Unlike Lakewood or Solon, Mattox said he wants to try and be fairer to storeowners in the legislative process, as well as quell the concerns of some Heights residents that feel, Mattox said, “Coventry is starting to look a lot like Vegas.” A workshop in July, he said, will do just that.

“And then,” Mattox said, “hopefully we’ll get something passed.”

And passed not just for the sake of preventing oversaturation.

In May, the Green House on West 150th St. and Puritas was raided by police, who were seen removing product from the store, Channel 19 reported. Twenty shops in total, Margolius estimated to Scene, were raided across Northeast Ohio last month.

And last year, a VIP Smoke Shop warehouse in Norwood, Ohio, was raided by the Warren County Drug Task Force, a raid followed by an indictment of the company’s owners for marijuana trafficking, among other charges.

On the state level, a hemp regulation bill, Senate Bill 86, is designed to force all sales of “intoxicating hemp products”— whether it be Delta-8 gummies to CBD softgels—to be only legally sold at adult-use dispensaries. And slapping a 15 percent tax on those products, as well.

“If it were to pass, I suppose many [shops] would go out of business,” Margolius said. “We suspect a lot of them, and I’m being serious, are currently selling straight up marijuana.” – Mark Oprea

Petition to Recall Kahlil Seren Approved, Will Be on Ballot in September

Embattled Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren will serve only one term in office after failing to collect and submit enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot in November, and it’s possible he will be forced to leave office even sooner.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections last week approved the recall petition submitted by a coalition of Cleveland Heights residents to force vote a on the September 9th ballot on whether to remove Seren

Those critics were able to gather 3,845 valid signatures to approve the recall movement, nearly ten times the amount of signatures Seren himself gathered to try and make the ballot as a candidate.

Josie Moore, an organizer and former mayoral candidate, told Scene that she owes such a resounding turnout—getting 75 more signatures than their target count—to a sentiment amongst Heights residents that Seren’s contentious approach to his office is past its expiration date.

In early June, Moore and a handful of colleagues traversed Cleveland Heights to try and rally signatures for a recall they all felt was long overdue.

Seren, they claimed, was harming City Hall’s reputation and ongoing ability to function. There were the issues of allowing his wife, Natalie McDaniel, in on important decisions. There were the alleged antisemitic remarks she made. There were the run-ins with police and staff. There were abrupt resignations at City Hall, lawsuits, and tension with council and the law department.

There was, Moore and others wrote in a letter, “a pattern of leadership failures that place the city at risk.”

“Many people are very concerned about Seren’s willingness to enable a smooth transition to our next mayor,” Moore told Scene in a text message Tuesday.

“They want our next mayor to be set up for success,” she added, “not inheriting a shell-shocked skeleton crew and a 2026 budget that limits their ability to put their vision for our city into action.”

Seren himself denied most of the accusations against him in a town hall meeting last week, framing the undertones of the ousting as a political “lynching” against Black mayors like himself. He did however agree that McDaniel maybe shouldn’t be a regular presence at City Hall, as an independent investigation into the matter suggested.

If Seren leaves, or he’s recalled in the fall election, City Council President Tony Cuda will take his place. – Mark Oprea

Photo by Mark Oprea

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Announces $2 Million in Grants to Help Keep Cleveland CDCs Afloat.

Earlier this year, Cleveland’s CDCs were staring down a future complicated by possible HUD cuts that would lead to widespread layoffs and closures.

Some $8.5 million that the local nonprofits relied on was in question during the spring.

“The Trump administration’s policies have created chaos across the country and weakened the social safety net,” Mayor Justin Bibb wrote in an email to Cleveland’s CDC directors in April. “And this, not any policy from the city or other organization, has put us in the challenging place we find ourselves in.”

While those fears proved to be unfounded -- the bulk of the $8.5 million will arrive from HUD this fall -- there is still anxiety about the funding and operations of the 17 CDCs that operate across the city.

Last week, they got some pretty good news: Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, announced it would be handing out a combined $2 million raised from local foundations to bolster budgets and keep CDCs afloat.

“These dollars are flexible and timely, providing a backup assurance that they won’t have to close their doors,” Jason Powers, CNP’s vice president on CDC advancement, told Scene on Tuesday. “It’s manna from heaven compared to waiting for a check from the government.”

CNP took a progressive approach to spreading this $2 million around town. Nonprofits in the poorest and most marginalized neighborhoods got the most money—NuPoint, in Union-Miles, will get $168,500; Famicos in Glenville, $157,00; Metro West in Clark-Fulton, $142,500. (While Little Italy, already a developer’s playground in recent years, will get a meager $35,000.)

CDCs have to spend those dollars on one of four areas of work— real estate, planning, engagement or marketing. HUD reimbursements, on the other hand, are more regulated when it comes to how CDCs use them, Powers said.

“In Cleveland, CDCs are there 10 years before the restaurant opens and 10 years after the restaurant is open,” Powers said. “They are what cities have as a development arm. Look, Tremont is not what it is without Tremont West. Ohio City not Ohio City without Ohio City Incorporated. Our neighborhoods just aren’t the same.” – Mark Oprea

Disciplinary Counsel Recommends Suspending Judge Leslie Celebrezze From Practicing Law

The Ohio Disciplinary Counsel called Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze dishonest, and said she had left a stain on the judicial system and that arrogance likely led to her legal troubles.

Disciplinary Counsel Joseph Caligiuri blasted Celebrezze in a 13-page brief after the judge asked the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct to only give her a public reprimand for 15 rule violations. She has already admitted to steering hundreds of thousands of dollars in receivership work from lucrative divorce cases to her longtime friend Mark Dottore.

“To protect the integrity of the institution, (I urge) this panel to recommend an actual suspension from the practice of law,” Caligiuri wrote on June 13.

Celebrezze did not reply to a request for comment.

Caligiuri’s reply to Celebrezze’s request comes days after a visiting judge ruled that Dottore must repay hundreds of thousands for unauthorized expenses and overbilling to a Strongsville couple. He vowed to appeal the ruling.

Dottore and Celebrezze are both at the center of an FBI investigation, which started after The Marshall Project - Cleveland began investigating their relationship in 2023. Celebrezze has admitted to assigning lucrative cases to Dottore. She approved nearly $500,000 in fees for his company, Dottore Cos. LLC, between January 2017 and June 2023, The Marshall Project - Cleveland reported.

Caligiuri’s terse filing criticizes Celebrezze for how she behaved both as a longtime judge and during his investigation.

“During the hearing, respondent — a sitting judge — invoked her Fifth Amendment right against

self-incrimination in response to (the disciplinary counsel’s) limited questions, thus ending any inquiry into her conduct,” Caligiuri wrote.

Celebrezze was captured on video by a private investigator after spending hours at Dottore’s home and office on workdays. The private investigator also recorded them kissing outside a restaurant. She also spent over 300 hours talking on the phone with Dottore in one year, Caligiuri wrote.

Celebrezze has admitted in court papers to being in love with Dottore, but both have denied a romantic relationship. Celebrezze is playing the victim, Caligiuri wrote.

Caligiuri said that it was reasonable for people to conclude, “based on the intimate kiss, the undisclosed daytime encounters at Dottore’s home, and the undisclosed nighttime encounters over drinks, that the two were engaged in a sexual relationship.”

In urging the board to suspend Celebrezze, Caligiuri cited a previous case involving a judge and quoted, “The primary purpose of judicial discipline is to protect the public, (and) guarantee the evenhanded administration of justice.”

“There is simply no place in our justice system for dishonest judges,” he wrote. “Such dishonesty has a profound impact on the public’s perception of our judiciary.”

– Mark Puente, The Marshall Project

There’s a “Significant Challenge in Securing a Sustainable Future” for the Cleveland International Film Festival, Board Chair Says

From the outside, the 49th iteration of the Cleveland International Film Festival went pretty well.

Three-hundred films were shown by filmmakers from across the globe. Records were broken: One, for the number of attendees on opening night; and two, for the film “Lost & Found in Cleveland,” which topped the number for single-screening attendance, with 2,247 tickets.

But the reality behind the curtain, as detailed by a recent Ideastream report and a reaction email from CIFF Board Chair Joe Marinucci, is a lot more convoluted.

“Despite those gains, the overall financial results of this year’s festival were below projections,” he said, “and did not get us to where we need to be for the organization’s long-term success.”

He added, “I am acutely aware that we still have a significant challenge in securing a sustainable future for CIFF.”

Marinucci’s letter to festival friends and fellow board members comes after the Ideastream report detailing anonymous complaints about a “toxic” work environment under new CIFF Director Hermione Malone, who’s been accused of a “belittling” management style and an “embarrassing” recognition level of festival sponsors, as one worker said.

“I genuinely don’t even think that it’s going to make it to the 50th next year,” one former worker told Ideastream, “because of the way things are going.”

Employee cynicism doesn’t seem disconnected from reality. Festival visits from 2022 to 2025 were roughly a third of what they were pre-Covid. And CIFF revenue has plunged by about $1 million since. There are also now far fewer full-time, non-contract employees -- from eight under Marcie Goodman’s tenure down to one.

The move from Tower City to Playhouse Square hasn’t helped, as the new venue features fewer screens and, as Scene has detailed in the past, an atmosphere that feels almost completely separated from the fest’s roots.

Marinucci blames the usual suspects in a world seemingly still figuring itself out. Low movie theater turnout. Meager festival attendance worldwide. And the growing pains of shifting CIFF’s move.

Still, CIFF’s board chair says the film festival is planning to see its 50th anniversary next year. Which means cutting overhead costs by leaving their Ohio City office (and going virtual), along with hiring outside consultants to sort out the toxic from what’s working. And also ways to make more money.

All needed work that “reflects our shared commitment to manage through the pressures and challenges currently facing the festival,” Marinucci wrote, “while also working to ensure a healthy, sustainable foundation for its future.”

– Mark Oprea

Shaker Square, which has seen increased attention in recent years Photo by Mark Oprea

SEASON OF THE SWITCH

After a contentious redistricting process, campaigns for Cleveland City Council’s new wards heat up with a mix of challengers, open seats, and incumbent-on-incumbent races. By

CLEVELAND CITY COUNCIL is going to look different come next year. To what degree is left to be seen, but for starters, there will be just 15 members after a charter-mandated redistricting to decrease the body by two seats in line with Cleveland’s falling population.

Those 15 wards – each with about 24,800 residents – are also geographically different from the 17 that currently exist after the contentious remapping process, led by Council President Blaine Griffin, sliced, diced and cobbled together neighborhoods.

There was plenty of criticism to go around– two east side wards were eliminated, west side wards were reshaped, Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer was gerrymandered out of most of her constituency, Ward 12 was split into five pieces, and opponents lobbed allegations that the entire process was secretive and rushed.

Griffin, for his part, defended what he and council’s consultants came up with.

“All I will tell you is that we gave it our best effort,” he said during a meeting in early January when council voted 14-2 to approve the new maps.

Six months later, we’re in the heat of the summer campaign season as the June 11 deadline for candidates to submit petition signatures has come and gone, leaving Cleveland with some intriguing storylines ahead of the September 9. We have incumbent-on-incumbent battles, two completely open seats, members with historically strong support running for reelection in the wake of controversies, new faces and challengers aiming to win upsets, and the possibility that Mike Polensek – the longest-serving councilmember in Cleveland and perhaps America – might not be back.

It’s not boring!

Here’s a rundown of where each race stands.

Ward 1

Incumbent Joe Jones, who was the subject of a City Council internal investigation into allegations of misconduct, is looking to retain his seat after the recent controversies. He still enjoys support on council –both Anthony Hairston and Richard Starr came to his defense – and in the ward, but is facing challengers including Aylwin Bridges, Marc Crosby, and current state representative Juanita Brent.

Brent looks to be the staunchest competition.

“Ward 1 has been home for my entire life,” she told Scene. “When I thought about what my professional life will look like down the road, I looked at other opportunities, and even out of state, but everything kept coming back to pouring into a place that has poured so much into me. It’s not about the incumbent. It’s about how I can make this change here.”

For Brent, the biggest issue facing the ward is making people feel connected and “bringing a connection between City Hall and the community.”

Aylwin Bridges, a Navy vet and retired consulting executive, had plenty to say about Jones when he ran against him four years ago, and none of it good. And his previous complaints about Jones haven’t abated. In fact, he has more.

“The ward has been abused and left unrepresented,” Bridges told Scene. “Joe Jones is a chronic liar. He’s not transparent. And, as you’re aware, his current treatment of women at City Hall... that’s not the type of person I and several other people want to represent us.”

Bridges, who earned the endorsement of Cleveland.com’s editorial board back in 2021, said proper development in housing and business is his priority.

Meanwhile, Marc Crosby, a busi-

nessman and longtime resident, said he’s running “because I live in the community and I see it’s decaying. With houses being empty and people concerned they’re not getting the attention from city leadership they should, I want to use my skills in business development and bring a community perspective” to the job.

Ward 2

Incumbent Kevin Bishop is running unopposed.

Ward 3

Cleveland Councilwoman Deborah Gray faces two challengers in Sharon Spruill and Erch Stubbs.

Spruill is a born and bred Clevelander -- a Buckeye native, a John Hay grad, a longtime employee at both Burten Bell Carr and the Fairfax Development Corporation -- and has seen her community and the surrounding neighborhoods suffer nothing but disinvestment and decay for decades.

“I’ve seen it go from sugar to wherever it can go from there negatively,” she told Scene. “There’s been a total disinvestment from Buckeye to Kinsman to Union. We can’t do another four years or 30 years of people not trying to do something different.”

Ward 4

Incumbent Krish Harsh, who has been one of the more active members of council including conducting a recent survey of all housing in his ward, is running against challenger Rehan Waheed, MD.

Waheed, according to his LinkedIn profile, is “a purpose-driven visionary entrepreneurial executive equipped with a broad leadership background in public and private organizations serving education, healthcare, and technology sectors for almost two decades.”

Ward 5

This race features one of two incumbent-on-incumbent battles as Rebecca Maurer and Richard Starr square up, along with challenger Beverly Owens-Jackson.

Maurer, who was forced out of her current district in the redistricting process and who has drawn the ire of fellow councilmembers for breaking with traditional and speaking publicly on council issues, told Scene there’s still a lot she feels she can do for Cleveland.

“I feel my work isn’t done yet,” she said. “I’m ready to get back in and fight for the Cleveland I ran to create in the first place. I feel really clear-eyed that I’m not running against anybody. I’m running for a vision of Cleveland that isn’t her yet and that I believe is possible. I believe I can make a difference in people’s lives, I believe council can do that.”

As for running in the majority-Black ward against Starr, who enjoys widespread support there and didn’t respond to a request for an interview for this story, Maurer told Scene: “I’m navigating how to be a white woman in this diverse ward where we have Central, a majority African-American neighborhood that’s the home of Black political power in the city. Where I ultimately landed was that the center of Black political power was in the voters. I’m going to lay out who I am to the voters and let them decide.”

Owens-Jackson, who’s worked at Tri-C for decades and been involved with SEIU since 2002, told Scene she’s running to improve the sense of community in the ward.

“This is me: I’m a recovering addict, a victim of domestic violence, I was homeless, after rehab I landed at Tri-C, had a baby, got my first degree, watched her graduate Tri-C. I’m a homeowner and I’ve had to fight for 10 years to stay in my home. My income has increased but life has become harder because of the increases in everything we need to survive. We have no stores in the area, we have nothing that would contribute to the things a community needs to thrive,” she said.

Ward 6

Council President Blaine Griffin, after deciding against a mayoral run, is unopposed in his race.

After Kerry McCormack announced he would not seek reelection and would not step down early to appoint a successor who would enjoy incumbent status, the race for the west side ward became an open one. Three challengers have emerged.

Austin Davis, a senior advisor to Mayor Justin Bibb, championed McCormack’s tenure and said it’s time to carry the ward into the future.

“These neighborhoods need someone to see them into the next chapter,” he said. “These places where young families are setting down roots, where people are starting careers, and all these community members who have been anchors for a generation who feel pressured to leave or change their living situation. There’s so much energy and life in these neighborhoods.”

As for priorities for his campaign, Davis told Scene they start with the paramount issues in the neighborhoods he would serve -- housing, safety, transportation, parks.

Mike Rogalski previously ran against McCormack in 2021, finishing a distant third behind the sitting councilmember and challenger Ayat Amin. He points to gentrification as the chief issue facing the ward, which includes Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway and a slice of downtown.

“It’s decimated the fabric of the ward over the past 20 years, and that’s upsetting to residents,” he said. “It’s displacing all sorts of people; it’s not allowing people to remain in the neighborhoods. It’s upended places that have always been tight knit.”

Mohammad Faraj is an Eco Village resident, attorney, and enterprise manager for Bitcoin Depot.

A first-generation Arab American who is Palestinian, Faraj told Scene he’s been very much engaged in local and national issues -- advocating on behalf of Palestine, getting more involved in community organizing, and listening to what residents in the ward want.

As for campaign priorities, Faraj said he’s still listening to voters but wants to focus on accessible city services, dependable infrastructure, reliable public safety, flexible economic development and sustainable small businesses.

“Are folks stably housed? Do young people have access to good jobs and training? Do neighbors know and trust each other? Those

are some of the things I’ll be talking about,” he said.

Ward 8

Incumbent Stephanie HowseJones will face four challengers: Leon Meredith, Charlotte Perkins, Teri Wang, and Tony Perry (a writein candidate). Not a ton of information is available about them with the exception of Wang, who was formerly the head of the Cleveland Community Police Commission before being removed from the body.

Ward 9

Incumbent Kevin Conwell will face challengers Alana Belle, one of four progressive candidates backed by the A Better Cleveland for All PAC, along with Tony Evans Jr.

Belle, who has worked in community organizing for 15 years and as a professional non-profit electoral organizer for 10, told Scene she’s running because she’s passionate about her community.

“I’m passionate about reproductive justice, and one of the pillars there is making sure we have safe, sustainable neighborhoods,” she said. “Glenville, the area I grew up in and where my parents still live… looking around the ward at all of its different changes, it’s exciting and disappointing. The pieces of the ward that are disappointing have simple fixes. It’s about intention and paying attention and connecting neighborhoods to each other.”

Knocking doors, she said the biggest issues she hears about are gun violence and housing. “Gun violence is pretty straightforward, the housing issue has a lot of different factors including affordability, maintenance, safety, potholes, downed wires, empty lots and abandoned homes,” she said.

Tony Evans Jr. has a background in management and fitness and said his experience makes him a viable leader. Economic development and safety are his two biggest priorities.

“I feel like there’s been a lack of leadership and representation,” he said. “No new ideas. We want to do community policing. And as far as development goes, there are a lot of abandoned buildings that could be revitalized. In general, my ward has been neglected.”

Ward 10

In the second possible incumbent-on-incumbent race, both Anthony Hairston and Mike Polensek are currently on the ballot.

Could Polensek, who has served on council since the Cleveland baseball team was named the Spiders, step down? That seems to be the thought right now amongst close watchers of city politics, but he’s told various reporters voters still love him, that he’s got a garage full of campaign signs, and that he’s still ready to do the job. Challenger Keith Hemphill is also vying for the seat.

Ward 11

A second westside ward where the departure of a sitting councilperson has left an open race as Jenny Spencer’s decision to step aside has left only challengers Nikki Hudson and Andrew Fontanarosa on the ballot.

Hudson was part of the Friends of Cudell Commons Park group that pushed Mayor Justin Bibb and CMSD to delay the construction of a new Marion Seltzer school that would have felled dozens of mature trees. She also serves on the board of the Northwest Neighborhoods CDC, as she did on the board of the Cudell improvement CDC before the merger, and has chaired her local block club.

“I’m a big believer in strong neighborhoods,” Hudson said. “If we want to make the city a great place to live, we have to focus on creating strong neighborhoods. To me, that means safe and green neighborhoods. I also believe in a government that works for the people. I’m interested in the public service aspect of running for office; it’s not my lifelong goal to be a politician.”

Fontanarosa is a lawyer at an immigration firm and Gordon Square resident. At a recent candidate forum at the Happy Dog, he said he’s running because, “I love living in the city of Cleveland” and that his various experiences with city government have proven that city services can be improved. “I’m running to bring a maniacally dedicated focus to the provision of services to residents across the ward and likewise across the city at large.”

Ward 12

Incumbent Danny Kelly might be among the few vulnerable council members come this fall as he faces off against challengers Tanmay Shah and Andrew Defratis.

Shah, a former attorney at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland where he helped lead the recent unionization efforts, is now a truck driver for Rust Belt Riders, a career

decision he says he made after becoming disillusioned with the criminal justice system and to give him more time to work as a community and labor organizer.

A seat at the table on council is his next goal.

“Council is not speaking to the reality working class people are facing,” the Jefferson resident and Indian immigrant told Scene. “I was representing low-income tenants who were not able to afford $500 or $600 in rent, and all I see are townhomes and luxury apartments going up. There’s a disconnect. Officials aren’t up to the challenge right now. They haven’t really laid out a vision for the challenges the city is facing.”

For Shah, that vision should include the basics -- food, shelter, transportation.

Andrew Defratis is a Northeast Ohio native and lives in Clifton-Baltic with his partner. He currently works for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center as the Director of Public Affairs. He’s a lifelong Democrat who’s been involved in the Ward 15 Democrat Club, the county Dem party and previously worked for the Summit County ADAMHS Board.

He’d like to bring that expertise to the ward in an official capacity.

“I think there are a lot of informed advocates and informed experts in the progressive space and the ward deserves an elected official that responds to democratic advocacy,” he said. And he’d like the city to continue to focus on health-driven policies that improve the lives of everyday Clevelanders. “From Project NOIR to the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition, building up the tree canopy, there are a lot of ways to make Cleveland a better place to live in safety aspects and health aspects.”

Ward 13

Incumbent Brian Kazy is running unopposed.

Ward 14

Incumbent Jasmin Santana is running unopposed.

Ward 15

Incumbent Charles Slife is running unopposed.

GET OUT Everything to do in Cleveland for the next two weeks

WED 07/02

Hamilton

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the Broadway hit returns to the State Theatre. Performances take place today at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., and the play runs through July 6. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

THU 07/03

Boston Mills Artfest

This nationally recognized fine art and fine craft show features more than 300 different exhibiting artists and their work. The Boston Mills Artfest consists of two separate shows held on two consecutive weekends. Tonight’s Preview Party features fine wines, craft beers and hors d’oeuvres; it’s the first opportunity to view and purchase the weekend’s artwork.

7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, 800-875-4241, bmbw.com/bostonmills_artfest.html

A Salute to America

The Blossom Festival Band plays at this special patriotic concert that’s an annual tradition. Michelle Rak-

ers conducts, and the concert will conclude with fireworks. It begins at 8 tonight and tomorrow night at Blossom.

1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

FRI 07/04

2025 Fourth of July Fireworks

As part of a Fourth of July celebration, at 7 p.m., the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School’s Youth Rock Orchestra, will perform at the Bandstand at Lakewood Park. Then, the city of Lakewood will launch fireworks at Lakewood Park at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Admission is free.

14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, Lakewood, lakewoodoh.gov.

Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers

The Guardians got the better of the Detroit Tigers when the two teams met in May for the first time this season. Expect this threegame series to be another battle between the division rivals. Fireworks follow the game, and it’s Dollar Dog Night as well. The game begins at 7:10 p.m. The series concludes on Sunday. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.

Light Up the Lake

This free Fourth of July celebration will begin at dusk over Lake Erie from the Port of Cleveland.

MON 07/07

The Winchester Presents Locals Only

This event that takes place the first Monday of the month at the Winchester in Lakewood will showcase local bands. The $5 cover will go directly to the band. Doors open at 7 p.m.

12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/ TheWinchesterMusicTavern.

TUE 07/08

Food Truck Tuesday

This weekly event that takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Public Square will feature live music and some of the city’s best food trucks. It’s free, but the food will cost you.

Rockwell and Ontario, downtowncleveland.com.

Organizers suggest viewing from Settlers Landing, Flats East Bank, Superior Viaduct, Voinovich Bicentennial Park, Kirtland Park, Gordon Park, Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island and other parks throughout the city. The fireworks will last about 20 minutes.

End of E. 9th St. clevelandohio.gov.

SAT 07/05

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Under the direction of Brett Mitchell, the Cleveland Orchestra plays the John Williams score to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while the film screens. The event takes place at 7 tonight and tomorrow night at Blossom.

1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

SUN 07/06

Reggae Sundays

This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series is a summer highlight. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Music Box. The venue will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series.

Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

WED 07/09

City Stages: Yeison Landero

This musician from the Montes de Maria region of the Colombian Caribbean brings the folkloric sounds of his homeland to the Transformer Station today as part of the Cleveland Art Museum’s City Stages concert. Admission is free, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 1460 West 29th St., 216-938-5429, transformerstation.org.

Midnight Rental Presents Secret Movie Night

Hosted by Lenora from the internet hit-series Midnight Rental, this movie night features what it deems to be the best in VHS horror, thriller and campy classics. The event begins tonight at 8 at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, and the club will feature a special movie night menu for the occasion. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

THU 07/10

Mozart & Strauss

The Cleveland Orchestra plays Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni as well as his Violin Concerto No. 3 and Strauss’s Symphony in F Minor at this concert that takes place tonight at 7 at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

Yeison Landero performs at the Transformer Station. See: Wednesday, July 9 Credit: Courtesy of Yeison Landero

FRI 07/11

Cain Park Arts Festival

The annual curated arts festival returns to Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, where it continues through Sunday. There will be live entertainment, an interactive mural painting for children, and a variety of food trucks and concessions.

14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

Chagrin Arts Presents Blind Injustice

With music by Scott Davenport Richards and a libretto by David Cote, this opera combines jazz, rock, hip-hop, blues and gospel to tell the story of six Ohioans who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated through the work of the Ohio Innocence Project. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through Sunday.

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

SAT 07/12

Carmina Burana

The Cleveland Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Chorus and the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus team up for this special concert featuring a performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana. It begins at 7 p.m. at Blossom.

1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival

Mead and wine vendors from across Ohio will be on hand for this two-day festival that takes place at Hale Farm & Village in Akron. The folk group Hunter Skeens and the Forerunners will also perform. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2686 Oak Hill Rd., Newton Falls, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.

Wax Mage Records Anniversary

The locally based boutique record label celebrates its 10-year anniversary with this special show at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Songs for An Unknown God, Wish Queen, Pal, Radderall and Chayla Hope will perform, and doors open at 7 p.m.

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs

SUN 07/13

Beachland Flea

Vendors who specialize in vinyl records, retro clothing and handmade jewelry will be on hand for this flea market that takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Beacland Ballroom.

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

Sammy Obeid

The self-described Lebanese-Palestinian-Syrian-Italian-American brings his standup show to Hilarities. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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

MON 07/14

Memorial Monday

Every Monday through Sept. 30, Fort Huntington Park hosts food tracks and live music between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for this special event. Admission is free, but the food will cost you.

West 3rd St. and West Lakeside Ave., downtowncleveland.com

TUE 07/15

Kimberly Akimbo

This musical about a 16-year-old who is about to move to a new town with her family features a Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Performances continue through Aug. 3.

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

The Cain Park Arts Festival returns this week Courtesy Photo

Cordelia team to open new restaurant in former Alea space in Ohio City

SINCE OPENING ON EAST

4th Street three summers ago, Cordelia has won over local diners, attracted national attention, and garnered multiple James Beard Award nominations for chef-partner Vinnie Cimino. It seems that the “Midwest Nice” quality of hospitality paired with the “Modern Grandma” style of cuisine is a winning formula for co-owners Cimino and Andrew Watts.

So it was only a matter time until those two indefatigable operators would be in search of another project. And this week they announced that they will indeed be expanding their restaurant portfolio. Cimino and Watts will be taking over the former Alea space (2912 Church Ave.) in the Hingetown neighborhood of Ohio City. That restaurant officially has been on hiatus since winter but obviously will not be reopening. The plan is to open the new eatery sometime this fall.

While the two did not share many details about the as-yet-unnamed eatery’s concept or cuisine, we can assume that live-fire cooking will be central to the theme. Alea, which opened in late 2019, is an intimate 33-seat space that boasts a wood-burning cooking suite directly behind the bar.

“This new restaurant will be an extension of who we are as culinary professionals,” says Cimino. “We’re excited to build on the success of Cordelia, but in a hyper-intentional way, focusing on what we love most - the sourcing, the storytelling, the purpose behind every dish. With a smaller, more intimate space, we can be more methodical and adventurous at the same time. It’s a chance to continue and celebrate everything that drives our passion for hospitality, but in a way that lets us dive even deeper into our craft.”

As the grand opening grows nearer, we can expect to learn more about the project. Until then, we can keep enjoying ourselves at Cordelia.

Our mission has always been to give back to this incredible community while creating meaningful opportunities for our exceptional team,” says Watts. “This new location offers the perfect combination of space, scale, and neighborhood character to further our commitment to fostering community connections and providing pathways for growth. We’re thrilled to introduce another restaurant that will exemplify both outstanding hospitality and chef-driven culinary excellence. I couldn’t be more excited to show Cleveland what we have in store as the follow-up to Cordelia.”

Lava Lounge in Tremont to Close, Edison’s Pizza Kitchen to Open In its Place

There are few more notable brands in Cleveland than Edison’s Pizza Kitchen, which was a steady presence in Tremont for 15 years. The beloved pizza shop enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with Edison’s Pub, the next-door saloon of the same name but with a different owner, until it closed in 2023.

Although the Tremont pizzeria is closed, the pies and slices have lived on at a pair of Edison’s Pizza Kitchen outposts at Lucky’s Market (11620 Clifton Ave., 216-651-9511) and Dave’s Market (2700 Carroll Ave., 216-307-2730). Recently, founders Karl and Beth Nickel sold

spots are Bar Louie and California Pizza Kitchen and the new concepts are The Legacy and EVOO, respectively.

Once again, longtime operator Friedlander is looking to the past for culinary inspiration. Over the past couple years, he has revived both Lopez and Moxie, two restaurants that enjoyed much success in previous years. Lopez is now Lopez 44 and Moxie ultimately reopened as Odd Fellows, both are in Chagrin Falls.

For The Legacy, Friedlander says that he is taking cues from other erstwhile restaurants including Café Brio, Moxie, RED, and Cut 151 – as seen through the eyes of happy customers.

the operation to Donna and Evan Bailey, and Mike Beder, who have been heavily involved in the business over the past few years.

Now, the new owners are poised to bring the brand back to Tremont. In the coming weeks, the pair will take ownership of the Lava Lounge, another iconic spot that has been a Tremont mainstay for 25 years. Launched in 1999 by Ricardo Sandoval and Jack Anfang, the trend-setting bar and bistro had quietly been on the market for some time.

“We’re bringing Edison’s back home,” said Donna.

The plan is to open the doors to Edison’s later this summer. At first, no major changes are planned for the space, but down the road the property could see some more ambitious renovations.

“26 years – it goes fast,” said Sandoval, who has been quietly shopping the property for some time while holding out for the right buyer. “I wasn’t in this for the money. I was holding out for the right person to come along.”

Fans can look forward to a few going-away events at Lava before the property changes hands in early July.

Brad Friedlander and Cleveland Restaurant Management Group to Open Two New Concepts at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst

Cleveland Restaurant Management Group and Brad Friedlander have announced that they will be taking over two spots recently vacated at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. Those

“The Legacy is a love letter to the diners who’ve shared their lives with us,” Friedlander says. “I’ve always been touched by how we’ve become part of people’s most meaningful celebrations. With this new concept, we hope to share in the next generation’s milestones, too.”

Fueling this latest expansion from CRMG, the ever-expanding restaurant group operated by a contingent of area entrepreneurs, is partner Michael Dubois and executive chef Julian Kuczma.

The former Bar Louie space (24337 Cedar Rd.) will be fully renovated and offer seating for roughly 120 guests in multiple dining rooms and on the patio. Cocktail fans will have a new place to sip spirits and gather when the onsite speakeasy opens. Both are shooting for a Thanksgiving opening.

EVOO, which is described as a “modern Greek-Mediterranean concept,” is expected to open in the former CPK space early next year. EVOO, as any Rachael Ray fan will tell you, is short for extra-virgin olive oil. That star ingredient will be the backbone of a menu that blends traditional dishes with modern tweaks.

The two new concepts are a big win for Legacy after those two prominent, long-term restaurant tenants departed.

“We are excited to welcome The Legacy and EVOO as new anchors in our Restaurant District,” says Susan Windle, Legacy Village General Manager. “Brad and his team’s long history of culinary excellence in Northeast Ohio, combined with their local, chef driven approach is sure to create a dining experience that our Legacy Village guest will enjoy for years to come.”

Vinnie Cimino and Andrew Watts Courtesy Photo

Rewind Diner Now Open in Brooklyn

Speaking of the Cleveland Restaurant Management Group, “it’s staying busy.”

Last week, the group opened the doors to Rewind Diner (6850 Biddulph Rd., 440-568-4040), which is located in the Biddulph Plaza Shopping Center in Brooklyn. Billed as a `50s-themed diner, Rewind opened on Wednesday June 25.

“Complete with checkered floors, red booths and counter stools, and fun 50s themed décor, Rewind Diner is a fantastic slice of Americana,” say reps.

Executive chef Julian Kuczma has crafted a classic diner menu filled with smash burgers, Polish boys, chicken clubs, fries, onion rings, milkshakes and more.

“We’re so excited to finally open Rewind in Brooklyn,” said Martin Moran, VP of Operations at CRMG. “From the food to the ambiance, we’ve put a lot of work into making Rewind feel like an authentic 50s dining experience.”

Rewind Diner will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.

Salted Dough Out in Little Italy, Agostino’s

Bistro & Pub to Open This Summer

For nearly 40 years, Agostino’s Ristorante in Brooklyn maintained a loyal following for its soul-satisfying Italian fare. That restaurant held court from 1978 until 2016, when the Gallo family sold the business to a new operator.

Now, Joe Gallo is reviving the family legacy. The restaurateur already was in the process of opening Agostino’s Bistro & Pub in Avon and Parma Heights when he stumbled upon a space in Little Italy that was too good to pass up. Gallo said that while dining in that neighborhood, he saw a sign in the window of the Salted Dough space, which recently closed after about two years in business.

“I’ve always loved it down here and I always wanted to have a restaurant in Little Italy,” says Gallo. “Even when I had Ridge Road I always kept looking to see if I could find a spot. It was just sheer luck.”

As it happens, the Little Italy space (12308 Mayfield Rd.) will be the first of the three to open.

That should happen sometime next month. Gallo is building a bar, which will bring the occupancy to about 110 diners, with room for more on the patio. Diners can look forward to many of the classic Italian dishes that attracted so many to the Brooklyn location.

“I’m bringing back some of the stuff that we had back in the `80s and `90s that I don’t see many places doing,” he explains.

One of those dishes is the “famous calamari” starring flashfried wild-caught squid with marinara sauce. Also coming out of retirement are the stuffed middle neck clams oreganata and clams Giuseppe, which are sauteed in garlic, olive oil, white wine and butter.

There will be plenty of fresh pasta dishes, chicken and veal parm, chicken and veal Marsala, fresh seafood and meats. Gallo says that every single ingredient in the kitchen will be organic.

Looking ahead, Gallo says that the Avon location on Lake Road will open in late-summer while the Parma Heights location at Southland Shopping Center is on pace for a late-fall, early-winter opening.

The Little Italy location will be open for lunch and dinner Friday through Monday and dinner only Tuesday through Thursday.

music to the facility – and they are not ruling that out. But the halcyon days “play and pass the hat” are no longer viable given the shift in demographics in the area, they say.

Cocky’s Bagels to Open in Former Zina Greek Street Food Spot in University Heights

Demetrios Atheneos closed Zina Greek Street Food (13898 Cedar Rd.) in University Heights last month. Come August, the space will be home to Cocky’s Bagels. This will be location number four for the bagel-fueled sandwich shop that started with a food truck parked outside Around the Corner bar in Lakewood.

Cosmic Dave’s Rock Club (11310 Juniper Rd.), an offshoot of Dave’s Cosmic Subs, which opened in the former Barking Spider Tavern property just prior to the Covid pandemic, closed last summer.

Earlier this spring, Jolly’s Pizza & Pub opened in the iconic carriage house space on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. The new shop builds upon the success of the original Jolly’s, which opened three years ago in North Royalton (6120 Royalton Rd., 440220-4353).

Like the original, Jolly’s in University Circle offers 12-inch round pies and square-cut Sicilian. The round pies feature edge-toedge cheese, giving the crust that crispy-cheesy Detroit-style feel. Owner Simon Peck, a professor at Weatherhead School of Management, is hoping to add square-cut, tavern-style pies down the road.

All doughs are made at the Jolly’s commissary in Strongsville, which also offers pizza to go. In addition to the pies, Jolly’s offers wings and salads, but sandwiches will be added in the future. To drink, there is beer from nearby Jolly Scholar, wine and batch cocktails.

For now, Jolly is open for weekday lunches only, but that will change in late August when the students come back to campus. Then, service will run from noon to midnight seven days a week.

Management understands the desire by many longtime Barking Spider fans to see the return of live

Since launching about eight years ago, owners Natalie and Keene Cockburn have opened shops in North Olmsted (26703 Brookpark Ext., 440-455-1205), downtown Cleveland (1127 Old River Rd., 216-353-9400) and Columbus (1484 N. High St., 614-246-0175).

When it opens later this summer, the newest shop will be more akin to the North Olmsted shop than the one downtown, which offers booze and late-night hours on the weekends. East-side diners can look forward to classic bagel sandwiches like the Wake ‘N Bacon, starring bacon, egg, cheese and garlic herb cream cheese; the Lox, with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion; and the signature Cocky’s, stacked with grilled turkey, salami, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Sandwiches are joined by sides like fresh-cut fries, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bites, and Buffalo chicken dip served with bagel chips.

Now Open: Jolly’s Pizza & Pub in Former Barking Spider Tavern Space in University Circle.
The Barking Spider space gets new life
Photo by Doug Trattner
Cocky’s Bagels is coming to University Heights Courtesy Photo

MUSIC Music with a Message

Local singersongwriter Jesse Jukebox delivers a concept album for kids

ON HIS NEW ALBUM,

Jesse Jukebox Sells Out, local musician Jesse Jukebox teams up with Grammy Award-winning producer Dean Jones and local DJ and friend Terkey Sandwich (also known as DJ Aaron Terkel). The resulting album “uses heart and humor to demonstrate the duality of daily emotional landscapes amidst social pressures of consumerism,” as Jesse Jukebox puts it.

The album follows the exploits of a satirical corporate overlord, SqueenCorp, which hawks everything from “Squeens Beans” to legal services by Perrywinkle & McClack, who you can call if you’re ever in a “top-bunk dispute.”

At SqueenCorp’s insistence, listeners will hear ads for absurd products scattered throughout the album.

Local producer Jim Stewart mixed the record, and local musicians guest on the album too. The sing-along new single, “Afraid but Brave,” has a twangy, alt-country feel to it and nicely represents how the music appeals to both kids and adults.

At 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at the Blue Windmill Stage, Jesse Jukebox and Terkey Sandwich will perform as part of a special free Waterloo Makes Music program featuring educator and musician Mr. Jeff. In this recent conference call, they talk about the project.

Talk about this new music video you guys are making?

Jesse Jukebox: It is for the song called “Farted on the Bus.” We are working with these two filmmakers from New York called Double Solitaire.

Terkey Sandwich: [Double Solitaire’s] Lydia [Fine] is actually a Beachwood High alum. We were

on swim team together, and I DJed their wedding. Their previous credits include stuff with Unknown Mortal Orchestra and big name commercial stuff. Prior to picking up our project, they were doing an ad for Hims and Hers. They did a regional Superbowl ad this past year. They have a bit of cred, and their aesthetic is playful and DIY. They use practical effects and lighting. The video is like a set in a middle school play. Everything

I was performing by myself and booking myself, but I kept trying to find a way to make it sound better. I tried putting a band together. That was difficult. I knew Aaron was doing a lot of DJing.

Terkey Sandwich: We’re at the schvitz and sitting in the steam. Jesse turned to me. He said he knew I was a DJ, and he asked if I would consider backing him up with the kids stuff. My mind immediately went to DJ Lance Rock from

is made out of cardboard. It’s produced locally. We’re using the theater at Wiley Middle School and Heights Youth Theater.

Jesse Jukebox: We’re working with the community. We are working with kids who have an interest in theater and filmmaking. I think it will be a cool experience. It’s a great way to connect with the community.

Talk about the origins of Jesse Jukebox.

Jesse Jukebox: I’ve been doing this for over ten years now. Something I struggled with was that I was doing everything by myself.

me to record my new record. We went to the Hudson Valley area to work with Dean Jones, who is the kids’ music producer. He has had prolific career. He famously rejected a Grammy nomination in 2020 because it was all white men, and he didn’t think that was right. I brought DJ Terkey Sandwich with me. That name originated from the first gig we did together at Larder Delicatessen and Bakery.

What was it like working with Dean Jones?

Terkey Sandwich: Working with Dean was great. His studio is just a barn behind the house. He has his own approach and Dean-isms. When you work creatively with someone new, it takes some time to feel them out. By the first afternoon, I figured him out, and he was beginning to trust me a little more. It was off to the races. It was a creative explosion. It was five straight days of 12 hour days in the studio. We very quickly found a rhythm. Jesse Jukebox: He can make everyone comfortable. He’s very receptive to everyone. Aaron kept saying he was along for the ride. I said, “You’re actually in the driver’s seat with us.”

How did the concept for this album come about?

Yo Gabba Gabba! There is a space for DJs in kids’ music, but it’s not explored so much. Lenny Pearce is starting to do it. I immediately said yes and started digging for hip kids music that’s not just nursery rhymes or cheesy music. Of course, there is a whole circuit of indie artists that are operating in the same space. It works for me. It’s short gigs and early hours.

Jesse Jukebox: That was my pitch. I thought Terkey would do the instrumental tracks, so I could do my thing. But Aaron found a calling for it. He’s pitching ideas, and I thought he should come with

Jesse Jukebox: It’s a bunch of things. It a homage to the Who, which I always wanted to do, but it’s a kid friendly version and even sillier and even more satirical. I always try to have a concept. The last one had one-minute songs and the one before that was about having ADHD. With this one, I wanted to explore the duality of being a kid and make the album the most fun and introspective at the same time. I thought, “What if in between the songs there would be funny ads?” What if we write songs about farting on the bus, which on the surface is about farting on the bus, but it’s a reminder that they are flawed and awesome. When I’m writing songs, I go by the three “h’s”: heart, humor and humanity.

jniesel@clevescene.com t@jniesel

Jesse Jukebox and Terkey Sandwich. Courtesy of Jesse Jukebox
Waterloo Makes Music: Mr. Jeff and Jesse Jukebox with DJ Terkey Sandwich, 1 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Blue Windmill Stage, 15515 Waterloo Rd. FREE clevelandrocksppf.org.

THU 07/03

The Trouble Notes

This world folk fusion act has performed in more than 35 countries and has performed live on national television in the U.S., Japan, Brazil, and Europe. It performs tonight at 8 at Negative Space Gallery. 1541 East 38th St., 216-470-6092, www.facebook.com/Thinknegativespace/.

SAT 07/05

Robin Trower

The veteran singer-guitarist who’s been touring since the 1970s performs tonight at 8 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. Earlier this year, Chrysalis Records released an expanded edition of Trower’s 1975 album, For Earth Below, featuring newly remastered music and a disc of outtakes, rarities and BBC sessions. Songs such as “Shame the Devil” feature Hendrix-like guitar work. This tour celebrates the album’s reissue and Trower’s lengthy career as well. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

SUN 07/06

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour

The R&B singer comes to Rocket Arena as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of her debut album, The Way It Is. Four singles from the album became hits, including “I Should Have Cheated,” a slow jam that finds Cole showing off her soulful voice. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tink, Amerie and Elijah Blake open.

One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

Killer Queen

The tribute act to the great British glam rock Queen performs tonight at the Akron Civic Theatre. The band formed in 1993, and frontman Patrick Myers enjoyed playing the classic rock band’s music so much, he has kept at it. The band’s setlists often include covers of tunes such as “Tie Your Mother Down,” “Under Pressure” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” Tonight’s concert begins at 7:30 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

MON 07/07

Real music in the real world

311

The veteran alt-rock band performs tonight at 7 at the Agora. The group mixes ska, punk and rock on its latest release, ‘90s Throwback EP: Vol 1 (Live from the Vault), the first in a special two-part collection of never-before-released live recordings. Badflower and Sitting on Saturn open.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

THU 07/10

POP 2000 TOUR with Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMak

Doors open at 6 p.m. at House of Blues for this concert featuring NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick as a host. The show will feature performances by boy bands O-Town and BBMak as well as singer-songwriters LFO and Ryan Cabrera.

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

FRI 07/11

Luke Bryan: Country Song Came on Tour

The country music superstar performs tonight at 7 at Blossom. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bryan has delivered 31 No. 1 singles, 17 of which he co-wrote. This tour celebrates the release of the rootsy ballad “Country Song

Tobin (Hopeless Records) and Michael Kaminsky (KMGMT) founded this traveling music festival that channels the ethos of Warped and old-school Lollapalooza. The concert features seven up-and-coming bands who play alternating set times each night. The bill features Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands, Arrows in Action, Rain City Drive, If Not for Me, Beauty School Dropout and Huddy, and the show starts at 5 p.m. at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

MON 07/14

Tyler Hilton: Celebrating the Music of One Tree Hill

The singer-songwriter celebrates the music of One Tree Hill with this special show that takes place at 7 p.m. at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood. Hilton famously played the recurring character Chris Keller on the program and has written his own material since the early 2000s. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.

TUE 07/15

Came On,” a tune that celebrates the party hearty attitude of his fans. Mae Estes, Cole Goodwin and DJ Rock open.

1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

St. Paul & the Broken Bones Eccentric singer Paul Janeway fronts this soul band out of Birmingham, AL. The group famously caught the attention of major record labels after self-releasing the alternative soul debut, Greetings from St. Paul and the Broken Bones. The group performs at 7 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The Wood Brothers, a terrific blues/folk/Americana act, open.

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

Yelawolf 45 Tour

The narrative-minded rapper brings his latest tour to House of Blues. Up-and-coming urban country artist J. Michael Phillips will open. He and Yelawolf just released their moody new single, “I Swear,” and they’ll perform it live together. Doors open at 7 p.m.

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

SUN 07/13

Idobi Radio Summer School Tour Kevin Lyman (Warped Tour), Eric

Wiz Khalifa & Sean Paul — Good Vibes Only Tour

The two rappers team up for this concert at Blossom. It begins at 6:30 p.m. For Khalifa, the tour supports his new album, Kush + Orange Juice 2, his eighth studio album and the follow-up to his 2010 mixtape, Kush & Orange Juice. The album features collaborations with Genasis, Ty Dolla $ign, JasonMartin, Luh Tyler, Michael Prince, LaRussell, Terrace Martin, Curren$y, Max B, Juicy J, DJ Quik, Larry June, Chevy Woods, rmr, Don Toliver and Smoke DZA. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes

Singer-guitarist Chuck Prophet brings His Cumbia Shoes, a band that features two members of the Salinas, CA-based cumbia band ¿Qiensave? along with Prophet’s long-time band, the Mission Express, to the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights in support of the recently released Wake the Dead. The group will play selections from Wake the Dead as well as tunes from Prophet’s other solo albums. Expect plenty of between-song banter from the cordial Prophet too. Doors open at 8 p.m.

2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

Wiz Khalifa returns to Blossom. See: Tuesday, July 15.|Daniel Kelly

SITUATION CRITICAL

I’m 27-year-old Italian guy. I just got out of a situationship with a woman five years older than me. It was a total mess. She wanted everything to revolve around her and be in control of everything because she had bad relationships in the past. She wanted to date other people, but I was always against it. Not because I wanted to control her, but because she literally said she enjoyed “betraying and lying for fun.” We argued a lot about her love of talking about her exes. That was her favorite argument. She thought I was jealous, but I was just annoyed about being constantly compared to guys from her past and those comparisons stung because — spoiler alert — the sex we had wasn’t that great.

To make matters worse, she would complain to me during sex that all the men in her life had “performance issues” with her. Sometimes when I couldn’t get hard — mostly because images of her exes were playing in my head — she would have a literal panic attack. And then there was this double standard: She would go on and on about how big this ex’s cock was and how amazing sex with this other ex was, but she didn’t want to hear about any of my past sexual encounters. I told her all of this made me feel bad about myself, but she felt that since we weren’t a “real” couple she didn’t have to take my feelings into consideration.

Every one of her stories was about she betrayed her exes and messed up these monogamous relationships but somehow she was the victim. I finally told her that I didn’t want to hear another word about her past. She didn’t like that and expected me to apologize for what I had said, but I never did. After that, I left her. Do you think I did the right thing? Am I an asshole for leaving her?

Unpleasant Situationship Ends Disastrously

You’re not an asshole for leaving, USED, but staying as long as you did — well, I don’t wanna call you an idiot (as you’re a reader), but staying with this woman for more than five minutes was a pretty idiotic thing to do.

She bragged about betraying her exes and lying to their faces for fun. She compared you to her exes (unfavorably!) during sex and

then had a meltdown when you couldn’t stay hard. She claimed she didn’t owe you consideration or even kindness because you weren’t a “real” couple. (Decent people are kind to their one-night stands.) That’s not the behavior of someone who’s had some bad experiences with previous partners and needs a little extra care and consideration from their current partner. That’s the behavior of an emotionally abusive asshole in victim drag.

Now, usually when someone sticks around despite their partner being awful, USED, it’s because the sex is amazing or they did something stupid that makes walking away impossibly hard they married the awful person or scrambled their DNA together with theirs. But in your case, USED, the sex was lousy, she was lousier, and you weren’t married and didn’t have kids. This woman wasn’t even your girlfriend! So, the question you should be asking yourself isn’t, “Am I the asshole for leaving,” but rather, “Why the fuck did I put up with this shit for so long?” You’re gonna need to figure out the answer to that question before you get with/on/in someone else — and you gonna need to promise me you’ll grab your pants and run the next time someone puts down your dick while you’re trying to use it. (Some men like that sort of thing you’re not one of them.)

Again, you did the right thing by leaving. Now you need to do the hard thing: learn from this experience. Drama is not romance. Traumatic past experiences (real or imaginary) are not Get-Out-ofHuman-Decency-free cards. And if someone you’re fucking only has shitty things to say about their exes — if someone is the common denominator in a whole bunch of shitty relationships — then the person you’re fucking is the shitty one.

I’m hoping you can put me in a better headspace about external pressure on my relationship. I’ve got a fantastic partner; we are sharing a life together and we are very happy. The challenge I face is that we own a nightclub where we encounter loads of single people. There’s music, there’s alcohol, there’s dancing — it all sounds fun, I know. Shockingly, I am not worried that my partner has a wandering eye. He’s well known in our little island town and respected here by everyone. But on many occasions, some woman has openly flirted with him, touched him suggestively, looked at him seductively or worse — right in front of me. He deflects these advances, and he always tells these women that he is mine. My issue is with my anger I have towards these women as I feel they are testing me. I’m doing my best to let it go, even though it still gets to me. I would like to not let my emotions make me their bitch but some of these girls are clearly testing me. What can I say in these

situations that is both diplomatic and firm without creating friction?

Peace Not Beast

Are you sure these women are testing you?

I mean, if the women who’ve hit on your boyfriend at the club are locals who know you’re together — and they know you’re exclusive — they may be testing you. But if these women are strangers or tourists, how are they supposed to know the hot guy serving them drinks has a girlfriend?

If we’re talking locals, you shouldn’t worry about being polite or diplomatic — you have every right to blow up — but you don’t wanna drive off regular paying customers either, right? And the alcohol isn’t “there,” PNB. You’re selling alcohol and profiting from it. Since booze is known to lower people’s inhibitions in ways that can impact their judgment, some tolerance for mild boundary violations and party fouls — and flirting with a hot-but-taken guy counts are a cost of doing business. So, if we’re talking local bitches, I would advise you to stick to withering looks and let your boyfriend continue doing the shutting down.

If they’re tourists… yeah, a tourist isn’t gonna know your boyfriend is taken; a tourist who makes a pass at your boyfriend is only guilty of shooting her shot. And as sex-and-relationship problems go, PNB, “everyone wants to fuck my boyfriend” is a pretty good problem to have. So long as your boyfriend can be trusted not to bang two tourist girls at a time in the walk-in beer cooler — and it sounds like he can be trusted not to do that — I think you should take the high road and the compliment. Laugh and tell the tourist your boyfriend is taken, offer her a shot to toast her great taste in men, and then point her in the direction of someone who might wanna fuck the shit out of her in your beer cooler.

I’m an elder millennial who’s been with a beautiful guy for fifteen years. We’ve been open for half of that, starting with DADT but then becoming more transparent very recently. We navigated a few tricky episodes where he suspected emotional infidelity on my part. In hindsight, I was acting out in frustration with the DADT setup. For what it’s worth, the pivot to transparency has done us good. I don’t think we’ve ever felt as confident or secure in our bond as we have in the last few months.

My issue involves another guy: a very young millennial (late twenties) guy I met on Recon fairly early into the “Dom” journey I’ve been on for the last two years. (My husband is staunchly vanilla and enjoys teasing me about my new “hobbies.”) I’ve explored a laundry list of kinks with this boy. We have great sexual chemistry and we’re both pretty intellectually compatible. It’s fair to say I’m a little smitten

with him — but it doesn’t feel like a romantic bond and I’ve never discouraged him from dating other men. Still, I ache a bit when it’s been too long since I’ve seen him last.

This guy just accepted a job offer a few time zones away. I’d like to make the effort to see him once in a while after he moves. Dumping this news on my spouse could upend the amazing vibe we’ve recently established. But it feels like a conversation worth risking. But I feel like I should maybe reach out to the other guy first to see if he’s even interested in staying connected after he moves away. Which of these conversations should come first: the one with the other guy or the one with my husband?

Deliberating Over Move

You’re gay, you’re married and open, and you and your husband both see other people. It’s obviously easier for your vanilla husband to find other partners, DOM, as most gay guys are vanilla and even the kinky ones enjoy vanilla sex from time to time. But it’s harder for you: you not only have to find guys you’re into who are also into you, DOM, you have to find guys who share your kinks — and not just share them, but who are essentially the (sub) lids to your (dom) pot. So, while the guys your husband hooks up with are easily replaced, the guys you hook up with are gonna be harder to come by, on, and in. If your husband knows you’re kinky and wants you to explore your kinks with guys you can trust, he should be able to wrap his head around your desire to stay connected to particular subs that were good-to-great matches, even if it means a little travel. But seeing as you’re only a few months into your transparency era — you’re sharing everything (or almost everything) now — I wouldn’t blame you for avoiding this convo for the time being.

So, start by asking this boy if he wants to keep fucking with you after he moves away. If he’s not interested, you don’t need to have an awkward discussion with your husband about some hypothetical sub you might meet in the future. If this boy does wanna keep fucking with you, then you’re gonna need to talk with your husband about your travel plans.

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