Issuu

september 2026 volume 58 issue 3

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 • VOL. 58 No 3 Up Front......................................6 Feature........................................7 Get Out......................................10 Eat �� 22

Music.........................................26 Livewire.....................................28 Savage Love...............................30

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COVER ILLUSTRATION BY APRIL BLEAKNEY.

September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

UPFRONT DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND’S PARK BUILDING HAS TWO DOZEN OWNERS. WHO’S LIABLE TO PAY FOR URGENT REPAIRS? WHEN SCOTT NICHOLS MOVED INTO his condo on the eighth floor of the Park Building, a sense of optimism carried him and his wife through the $373,000 purchase. It was 2016. Cleveland was on the national stage, its downtown on the upswing. They could see a renovated Public Square right outside the bedroom and living room windows. After a 2009 takeover and conversion into 21 luxury condos, the Park Building, with its turn-of-the-century wood trim and brass stylings, fit the elegance those seeking city center living were willing to pay for. At least until they discovered how bad of shape the building was actually in. “My wife and I decided, ‘Well, let’s buy it, and then, you know, if we really don’t like it, you know, we can sell it even if we lose a little money,’” Nichols, a retired federal investigator, recalled recently. “After we bought it, that changed,” he said. “I didn’t do the proper due diligence on the physical state of the building like I should have.” “People assumed the building was structurally sound,” Kyle Tipton, a retired anesthesiologist who moved to the fourth floor in 2016, added. “But that obviously wasn’t the case.” As years of litigation against the building’s then owner, Howells & Howells, unveiled, the Park Building’s façade, roof and basement garage were in need of repairs. The penthouse suite originally planned for its ninth floor had not been touched since Howells opened the building for tenants in 2009. They would sell most of the property about a decade later (and keep the ninth floor). In their place, a revised Master Association, a collective of tenants, took control of the building. When it came down to brass tacks, the 122-year-old structure became mostly the responsibility of the Park Building Condominium Association. Today, it’s an HOA on urban steroids. Most suburban homeowners groups deal with lawn-care disputes or front-yard signage rules. But, in an age when most downtown buildings are maintained by large management groups, the Park Building has had to rely on the hope and pockets of a handful of tenants. Which has put the condo owners of the Park in a bit of a predicament as they trudge through their third court case in 12 years: how to come to terms with who pays when, as a 2023 engineering survey revealed, its brick is breaking off, its masonry is bowing, its lobby and garage are flooding and its roof is in dire need of fixes.

Photo by Mark Oprea

“When I heard that, I wanted to cut my throat,” Nichols said. “That’s just how I felt.” “We’ve spent a lot of money to stay downtown. We really made a financial commitment,” he added. “Some of us have put in over half a million dollars in these condos.” “We weren’t leaving,” Nichols said. Park’s 21 condo owners were told it could cost some $2.5 million to finish the roof, redecorate the lobby and keep the façade from collapsing onto the sidewalk. An untold amount would need to go into the basement garage to remedy its peeling paint, cracked floors, leaking water lines that formed puddles and crumbling posts now wrapped in duct tape. The only problem was that the garage’s owner, a Miami-based real estate investment group, was unwilling to pay for it. On October 23, 2025, all of Park’s condo owners received a letter in the mail informing them they had a week to move their cars out. They were shocked. After all, a master agreement dictated that not only did the garage owner, MK Park Investments, LLC, owe 10 percent towards

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

the façade repair; it also could not simply push Park’s condo owners out of the garage it owned, according to a complained filed in Nov. 2025. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Department of Building & Housing was working on its own case. All of Park’s garage problems— floor to ceiling—were in violation of city code that would result in MK Park being charged with “multiple” first-degree misdemeanors, Building and Housing Chief Sally Martin O’Tolle told Scene. Charges that ultimately stem from Park’s scattered responsibility. “They have this convoluted ownership structure that makes it somewhat challenging,” Martin-O’Toole said. “They’re litigating whose responsibility is it, they’re pointing fingers at each other. And so I’m sure that is creating some struggles.” “Either way, they need to fix the garage,” she said, “and the falling façade.” An appeal for the code violation listed a Christina Rubbiero, a Miami-based realtor, as signatory. When called, Rubbiero told Scene she would have to consult her laywer, Stephan Babik, about speaking to press.

In a phone call, Babik told Scene that mediation is to be attempted to resolve the case. “Beyond that,” he said, “I can’t comment any further.” For now, Nichols and Tipton, the condo owners, seem resolute they’ll have to cover a decent portion of costs to keep stable the building they want to live in indefinitely. Those costs over the past three years, Nichols said, have been “about $100,000 per unit.” “We got to fix the roof. We got no choice,” he said, sitting across from Tipton at his kitchen table overlooking the square. A faint jackhammering wafts in, but for the most part its quiet. “We got to fix the facade,” Nichols said. “We’ve got no choice.” At least that’s what those two have decided. Three other tenants, they said, are planning to leave their Park Building homes in the near future, strung out on its ownership structure and legal drama. “No one wants to sell until the scaffolding is down,” Tipton said. –Mark Oprea

YOUR GUIDE TO CLEVELAND BOOK FEST

FEATURE THE NATION’S BOLDEST AUTHORS ARE COMING TO CLEVELAND Cleveland Book Fest kicks off a full month of activities and events. By Cleveland Book Fest Partners

No matter what you’re interested in, something is on tap

FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, Cleveland will transform into one of the nation’s most literary cities. Thousands of avid readers and writers will attend dozens of literary events hosted by eight official partners. This year’s Cleveland Book Fest headliners include: Colson Whitehead: MacArthur Fellow, National Book Award Winner, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the 2002 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award fiction winner for his second novel, John Henry Days Jesmyn Ward: The only woman and the first person of color to receive two National Book Awards for Fiction, named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and the 2018 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award fiction winner for her novel, Sing, Unburied, Sing Kevin Young: Winner of the 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize, poetry editor of The New Yorker, served as the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture from 20212025, and the 2018 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award nonfiction winner for his title Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug,

Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News Marlon James: Booker Prize winner, New York Times bestselling author, named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, winner of the American Book Award, and the 2015 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award fiction winner for his novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi: Leading historian and antiracist scholar, the founding director of Howard University’s Institute for Advanced Study, and the acclaimed author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist. He is also a MacArthur Fellow and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people. Glory Edim: Founder of Well-Read Black Girl, a podcast and digital literacy platform that celebrates the uniqueness of Black literature and sisterhood, edited the Well-Read Black Girl anthology which was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, and the winner of the Innovator’s Award from the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes Justin Ellis: Journalist and co-owner of Defector, a worker-owned media company. His work has appeared

at ESPN, the Atlantic, The New York Times, Boston Globe and GQ. His TV credits include the Netflix docuseries

for you. By Cleveland Book Fest Partners

How to Fix a Drug Scandal and Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas on HBO. He is the GLAAWC Cleveland Langston IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE

Hughes Literary Keynote. Nell Irvin Painter: Acclaimed

LITERARY NIGHT OF THE YEAR:

historian and author of books including

Toni Morrison. Colson Whitehead.

the New York Times bestseller The His-

Walter Mosley. Maxine Hong Kings-

tory of White People; Sojourner Truth:

ton.

A Life, A Symbol; and the National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over. The Great Lakes African American Writers Conference 2026 Alice Dunbar Nelson Lifetime Achievement Winner and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards 2026 Lifetime Achievement Winner and the full Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards Class of 2026 - Gbenga Adesina, Bench Ansfield, Sarah Aziza, and Carrie R. Moore.

talks, poetry readings, publishing panels, and more, Cleveland Book Fest has grown into some of the most ambitious literary programming happening in our nation. From the literary night of the year to the nation’s largest free writing conference, there are so many events to choose from this September. With over three dozen visiting authors, Cleveland Book Fest will have something for every genre lover. on

have come to understand race, justice, and our relationships with one another. And they have all joined us in Cleveland for the honor and presentation of the Anisfield Wolf Book Award as part of a celebratory ceremony that is always the literary night of the year. Attend our annual signature ceremony at the Maltz Performing Arts Center on September 18 as this year’s

With a full lineup of over 20+ author

Pulling

These award winners are some of the most defining voices on how we

Literary

Cleveland’s

2026 Inkubator theme—freedom is a community—this guide to Cleveland Book Fest showcases the power of Northeast Ohio’s literary community to come together and bring some of the

Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winners join the esteemed canon of America’s only juried book prize focusing on works that address racism and diversity. There isn’t an evening like this anywhere else: international debut authors and literary powerhouses together in one room, reading and celebrating works that challenge and expand our connections to the world around us. And thanks to the generosity of Edith Anisfield Wolf, the Cleveland philanthropist who established and funded this award, the evening is free and open to all . Friday, Sept 18th 6:30 p.m. // Milton and Tamar Maltz

world’s boldest thinkers to Cleveland.

Performing Arts Center, 1855 Ansel

We hope during this month-long cele-

Road, Cleveland, OH 44106

bration of renowned literary voices, you

Tickets free but required. There

discover the power of the pen and the

will be a standby line at the venue.

boundless possibilities of literature.

Reception, book sale, and author

To learn more about Cleveland Book

signing, following the ceremony. For

Fest and to see the full schedule of

tickets and additional information,

events, visit clevelandbookfest.com

visit Anisfield-Wolf.org. September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

GET UP CLOSE IN CONVERSATION WITH THIS YEAR’S AWBA WINNING AUTHORS: At the City Club of Cleveland on September 18 and all day on September 19, we will host a series of intimate author events featuring readings and thought-provoking conversations featuring AWBA winners and contemporary thought leaders who are fundamentally shaping how we think about race relations and cultural diversity. Friday, Sept 18th: Doors at 11:15 a.m. / Lunch at 11:30 a.m. / Forum begins 12:00 p.m. Sarah Aziza in Conversation with Nadeen Abusada The City Club of Cleveland Join the City Club as we hear from Sarah Aziza, the 2026 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winner in memoir, for a conversation on generational displacement, ancestral memories, and finding a way forward in ‘the land of the living.’ CityClub.org Saturday, Sept 19: Bench Ansfield in Conversation with DeRay Mckesson and Tara Raghuveer 11:00 a.m. // Ohio City Room at Market Garden Bench Ansfield, 2026 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards nonfiction winner for their book Born in Flames, joins civil rights activist and Campaign Zero Executive Director DeRay Mckesson and Director of the Tenant Union Federation Tara Raghuveer for a fireside chat on arson, insurance fraud, and tenant organizing in the Bronx and beyond. Tickets are free but required. Learn more at Anisfield-Wolf.org.

Moore, winner of the 2026 Anisfield-Wolf

free somebody else. If you have some

an Dr. Ibram X. Kendi for a conversation

Book Awards fiction prize for Make Your

power, then your job is to empower some-

about his new book, Chain of Ideas: The

Way Home in dialogue with writer and

body else."

Origins of Our Authoritarian Age.

cultural worker Stevona Elem-Rogers. Tickets are free but required. Learn

rican American Writers Conference

more at Anisfield-Wolf.org.

(GLAAWC) will take the form of a sum-

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR

mit in Cleveland, Dayton and virtually,

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:

Gbenga Adesina in Conversation with

with three keynotes, book signings, a

This year’s Cleveland Book Fest fea-

Ajanaé Dawkins at The Foundry

workshop, an award luncheon, and au-

tures a suite of family-friendly program-

3:30 p.m.

thor-vendors who are self-published.

ming. On September 10, inspired by the

The Foundry (Tank Room)

The year’s conference theme, “Celebrat-

work of Nell Irvin Painter, Lake Erie Ink

Debut poet Gbenga Adesina reads a

ing Our Labors,” will honor the work

will host an intergenerational storytell-

selection of pieces from his prize-winning

of African American writers, artists,

ing event. Teens, adults, & families wel-

collection Death Does Not End at the Sea.

scholars, and storytellers whose cre-

come. Come together to talk, create, and

Adesina is joined by poet, performer, and

ativity, perseverance, vision, and legacy

explore the stories that shape us. The

educator Ajanaé Dawkins for a conversa-

continue to shape our communities and

event will celebrate the places we come

tion rooted in grief, migration, borders,

our world.

from, the places we live, and the stories

faith and the power of the sea. Tickets are

Sarah Aziza, winner of the 2026 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards memoir prize for The Hollow Half, will be joined by members of Cleveland Public Theatre's Community Ensemble Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi and three-time Arab American

Cleveland Public Library welcomes IF YOU'RE A READER:

field-Wolf.org.

Philip Metres and Masrah Cleveland Noon // Jaja

that connect us.

free but required. Learn more at Anis-

Sarah Aziza in Conversation with Al-Arabi

The ninth annual Great Lakes Af-

IF YOU'RE A WRITER: For writers – novelists and novices; journalers and journalists – Cleveland is

award-winning author, publisher, and

For everyone looking for a deeper

editor Andrea Davis Pinkney to the Mar-

dive into some of their favorite authors,

tin Luther King, Jr. Campus on Septem-

Book Fest partners are hosting readings

ber 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for

and author talks through the month of

a special celebration of Toni Morrison.

September.

This featured event highlights Pinkney’s

home to two of the literary world’s favor-

Cuyahoga County Public Library

children’s book And She Was Loved: Toni

ite, free craft conferences: Great Lakes

hosts author events all month, most no-

Morrison’s Life in Stories, a poetic and ar-

African American Writers Conference

tably Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner

tistic tribute to Morrison’s life and legacy.

and Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator.

Marlon James on Friday, September 11.

Then, on September 20, join the Rust

Literary Cleveland's Inkubator Writ-

The William N. Skirball Writers

Belt Humanities Lab and Literary Cleve-

ing Conference is the largest free writ-

Center Stage Series brings new and

land for a free book giveaway at the West

performance and conversation on Arabic,

ing conference in the country, providing

established authors and books to the

Side Market. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there

translation, and the politics of language.

workshops, craft talks, panel discus-

Cuyahoga County community to in-

will be a books and comics giveaway in-

Tickets are free but required. Learn

sions, readings, and more to empower

spire learning, conversation and a sense

side the market. Then, at 1 p.m., Tessa

more at Anisfield-Wolf.org.

writers, celebrate literary excellence,

of fellowship. This year’s series kicks

Hulls, the creator of Feeding Ghosts,

and amplify diverse voices.

off September 14, with a conversation

which

This year's Inkubator is part of the

between Jesmyn Ward, Anisfield-Wolf

Award, Pulitzer Prize, Eisner Award, and

Stevona Elem-Rogers

yearlong statewide program Beloved:

Book Award winner and the only woman

National Books Critics Circle Award, will

2:30 p.m. // The Foundry (Carriage

Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison. The

to receive two National Book Awards for

be on site for a book signing. The first 25

House)

theme, "Freedom is a community," comes

fiction.

guests in attendance will receive a com-

Book Award winner Philip Metres for a

Carrie R. Moore in Conversation with

A conversation on writing Black

from The Underground Railroad by Col-

On September 16, Cleveland Public

romance, faith, and the American South

son Whitehead and echoes Toni Morri-

Library’s At the Table series welcomes

will feature debut fiction writer Carrie R.

son's call: "If you are free, you need to

National Book Award-winning histori-

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

won

the

Anisfield-Wolf

Book

plimentary copy of Hulls’ book. See the full schedule of events and learn more at clevelandbookfest.com

IN CONVERSATION WITH NELL IRVIN PAINTER By Dr. Leah Lewis, J.D.

NELL

IRVIN

PAINTER,

EDWARDS

the past as what happened in the past,

Professor of American History, Emeri-

and also seeing how we, today, constantly

ta, Princeton University, is the author of

re-interpret that past in light of our own

books of history including the New York

times.

Times bestseller The History of White

I’ve sometimes said that I’m the

People; Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Sym-

wrong kind of Black person, and when I

bol; and the National Book Critics Cir-

see depictions of what Black people are

cle Award finalist Old in Art School: A

like, I don’t measure up, certainly not in

Memoir of Starting Over. A fellow of the

terms of racial authenticity. This is to say

American Academy of Arts and Sciences

that I don’t feel qualified to wish stipulate

since 2007, she has received honorary

what subsequent generations take from

degrees from Yale, Wesleyan, the Uni-

what I write and draw. I just wish people

versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,

to read/see my work and recognize the

and Dartmouth. After earning a PhD in

care that I have put into it.

history from Harvard, she also complet-

So much of your scholarship has

ed degrees in painting from Mason Gross

involved challenging the stories Amer-

School of the Arts at Rutgers and the

icans tell about themselves—particu-

Rhode Island School of Design.

larly stories about race, identity, and

In rare fashion, Dr. Nell Irvin Painter

power. What do you believe Americans

is both the Great Lakes African American

most urgently need to unlearn about

Writers Conference (GLAAWC) 2026 Al-

their history right now?

ice Dunbar Nelson Lifetime Achievement

I’d like my fellow-sister citizens to

Winner as well as the 2026 Anisfield-Wolf

understand that history isn’t some rock

Book Award Lifetime Achievement Win-

situated unchangeably back there. Sure,

ner. Attendees of the free Great Lakes

basic facts like dates and places of birth

African American Writers Conference

and death aren’t likely to change. But the

(GLAAWC) can enjoy Nell Irvin Painter's

meaning we make about what’s import-

Alice Dunbar Nelson award ceremony on

ant in what happened in the past chang-

Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at

es according to who “we” are and what

the MLK Branch of the Cleveland Public

we consider “important.” One hundred

Library, 10601 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH

years ago the “we” of Americans who

44106

wrote about Reconstruction were priv-

infinitely richer than when I was a gradu-

person—or the artist, writer, scholar,

ate student in the 1970s.

or citizen—they imagined themselves

You have written extensively about

becoming?

Sojourner Truth, and you are now

My dear mother Dona Irvin taught

working on a new book that promises

me the possibility of beginning again at

to revisit her life and some of the things

sixty-five. She also taught me the value of

that have been attributed to her. What

ourselves as individuals, not just as units

happens to a historical figure when the

of sex-race: we are interesting in and of

person becomes an icon? And what do

ourselves and our own experiences. I

we lose when the complexity of a real

urge my fellow Old People (in art, any-

human being is replaced by the version of that person we find most useful? The process of icon-making is, of necessity, one of flattening, of simplifying. In terms of Sojourner Truth, flattening her into a phrase—that she did not utter and that has been southernized— cheats us of access to an amazinspiring

milial

printing

caret-de-visite

responsibili-

of—your

children,

your spouse, your parents. Second, check your

used recent technologies and

offers a good deal of instruction

ties are taken care

thors. Sojourner Truth (stereotype

leges and night schools. The internet also

make sure your fa-

lished author who au-

through classes in local community col-

tions in mind. First,

Truth was a self-pubother

to try as many things out as they want

But two cautions:

examples: Sojourner

inspire

I urge those wanting something new

keep material condi-

reotype. Just three

self-published

ability to do something new, to start over.

phone or laptop.

than

the widely evoked ste-

can

the great offerings of American life: the

right at home through your

ing life that can be even more

body over thirty-two) to embrace one of

finances, especially if you

plates

want to go to art school, which

photography)

to shape her representations in public. I call that “self-fashioning.” And Sojourner Truth was a knitter who can inspire knitters of all background as a hero proud of our craft. In Old in Art School, you described the remarkable decision to return to school in your sixties to study painting. What did becoming a painter teach you about history—and what did being

You are coming to Cleveland this

ileged, conservative, White men. This

September to receive two very differ-

was even before W. E. B. Du Bois’s mag-

ent—but deeply complementary—life-

isterial Black Reconstruction. Between

time achievement honors: the GLAAWC

one hundred years ago and now the civil

Alice Dunbar-Nelson Lifetime Achieve-

rights revolution and affirmative action

ment Award and the Anisfield-Wolf

in academia enlarged the “we.” And “we”

The first thing art school did for me

Book Awards Lifetime Achievement

asked, answered, and published addition-

was teach me the difference between dis-

Award. When you look back across your

al answers regarding what qualified as

cursive meaning—what comes through

work as a historian, writer, and artist,

“important.”

text and speech—and visual meaning,

a historian teach you about making art—that you could not have learned by remaining within either discipline alone?

what do you hope your work has made

As for unlearning, please unlearn the

which comes through images and sight.

possible for the generations coming af-

demeaning (to historians of all races and

This is also a difference that helps under-

ter you?

genders) that history and “the archive”

stand the contrast between history and

It’s hard for me to look backwards

have nothing to offer Black Americans.

art. Even between nonfiction and fiction.

across my work, because here at the

Black historians and our allies have

Not being tethered to archival facts, art-

end of August 2026, I’m still doing my

been writing and publishing history for

ists can make things up. And their art

work my way, writing and drawing with

well over a century, so there’s no need

can inspire historians to bring new, un-

readers and viewers in mind, but as col-

for “wake work” about history. Rather

foreseen questions into their archives

laborators rather than successors. As

than bemoaning what seems not to be

and even unearth new historical facts. I

I’m writing Sojourner Truth Was A New

there, let us read the work that already

appreciate the valuable roles of history

Yorker, and She Didn’t Say That, I’ve been

exists in print and images. And there’s

and of art. We need both. But they aren’t

inserting my own work (images as well

no such thing as “the archive.” Histori-

the same thing, and that needs to remain

as words) and my own experiences, but

cal archives are living things that grow

clear.

not as possible influences on my read-

bigger with every bit of research and all

You have demonstrated that rein-

ers. More as means of welcoming them

the new questions we ask. I don’t use “the

vention does not have to be a young

into my life and Sojourner Truth’s life, as

archive” in the singular, preferring to

person's game. What would you say

means of bringing us all together. I hope

speak of “archives” in the plural. Those

to someone who believes they have

they would embrace what happened in

archives, those historical resources, are

missed their opportunity to become the

is expensive without leading to a paying career. And, last, be realistic about your own body. I was strong and resilient in my sixties, able to commute to New York City and New Brunswick, New Jersey, from Newark and stand up for hours to paint. But I couldn’t do that physically now, in my eighties. I still write and make art, but I know better than to entertain dreams of fame as an international artist. You are being honored twice in Cleveland this September—by GLAAWC and by the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. Cleveland has a remarkable tradition of using literature and the humanities to ask difficult questions about race, history, identity, and American life. What does it mean to you to receive these honors in this particular city and within this particular literary community? I’m just so pleased and grateful and honored for recognition from GLAAWC and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. Thank you. This will not be my first time in Cleveland as an artist. But this time, for GLAAWC, I thank my former Newark colleague, Jeremy Johnson, erstwhile director of Newark Arts. For Anisfield-Wolf, I’m grateful at the least to Natasha Trethewey and Tiya Miles, who were already familiar with my work. All three of these comrades have labored with me in the vineyards of race, history, identity, and American life for many years. I thank them and also my supporters whom I don’t know personally.

September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

EVERYTHING TO DO IN CLEVELAND FOR THE NEXT MONTH

GET OUT WED

09/02

The Cleveland Orchestra at Cain Park Anthony Parnther conducts the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays this special free concert at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. The event begins at 8 p.m. 14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com

THU

09/03

Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays made it all the way to the World Series last year, but the chances of that happening again this year seem slim since the Blue Jays are under .500. The team comes to Progressive Field for a three-game series that concludes with today’s game. First pitch is a 1:10 p.m. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb. com/guardians

FRI

09/04

Cleveland Oktoberfest The annual Cleveland Oktoberfest returns today to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, where it also takes place next weekend. The fest features more than 15 different types of Oktoberfest-style beers, German and European restaurants, tribute bands, vendors and local

artisans. Consult the website for a schedule and hours of operation. 19201 East Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440-243-0090, clevelandoktoberfest.com

Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers The Guardians take on their division rivals the Detroit Tigers for the last time this regular season. The four-game series starts with this double-header. The first game begins at 2:10 pm., and the second starts at 7:10 p.m. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians

SAT

09/05

Cleveland National Air Show This annual event returns to Burke Lakefront this weekend. It continues through Monday. This year’s Air Show features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration. The Air Show will also feature an array of military demonstrations, parachuting and aerobatics. 2301 N. Marginal Rd., clevelandairshow.com

SUN

09/06

Reggae Sundays This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series continues. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine

with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. Music Box will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series.

SAT

1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com

Fresh Fest Cleveland

THU

09/10

Inkubator 2026 Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference, a free writing conference that features workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, kicks off today at 5:30 p.m. with a mixer at Zygote Press. Events continue through Saturday. 1410 East 30th St., 216-621-2900, zygotepress.com

FRI

09/11

Blue Water Chamber Orchestra: “Flute and Strings” Expect to hear compositions by the likes of Alessandro Scarlatti, J. C. Bach, Reinhold Glière, Maurice Ravel, Joseph Haydn and Charles Koechlin at this free concert featuring Cleveland’s BlueWater Chamber Orchestra. The group performs at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

09/12

Rakim and the Rebirth Brass Band headline this annual event that takes place at Rid-All Farm + Otter Park. There will also be food trucks, arts and crafts, health and wellness workshops, and kids activities. It all begins at 1 p.m., and it’s free. 8129 Otter Ave., 216-961-4646, freshfestcleveland.com

Lang Lang in Concert The famed pianist and educator plays a special show at Mandel Concert Hall. The program will feature pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Granados and Listz. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Studio-A-Rama WRUW 91.1 FM’s annual showcase for local music takes place today at Mather Memorial Courtyard The day-long music festival begins at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and you can also watch on WRUW’s YouTube channel or listen to livestream on WRUW. 11220 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-2208, wruw.org

SUN

09/13

La Macchina Molto Bella Car Show This event at Hale Farm & Village in Akron will feature rare and exotic sports car as well as costumed interpreters who’ll recreate life in the 19th century in the Western Reserve. The event begins at 10 a.m. 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Akron, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org

MON

09/14

Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox All season, the Guardians and Chicago White Sox have battled for first place in the Central Division. The White Sox return to Progressive Field this week for a crucial three-game series the begins tonight. First pitch is at 6:40. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians

TUE

09/15

Song Recital Project: Fictional Lieder Baritone Jason Fuh and pianist Betty Meyers will perform as part of this special lunchtime concert celebrating Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. The event begins at noon at Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland National Air Show is back at Burke Lakefront. See: Saturday, Sept. 5. | Photo: Courtesy of Pam Menhenett

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

WED

09/16 THU

09/24

Kellen Erskine

Brahms’s Second Symphony

Famous for his viral clips on Dry Bar Comedy, comedian Kellen Erskine comes to Hilarities tonight at 7. He’ll perform at the venue tomorrow and Saturday too. Check the Hilarities website for more info.

Music Director Franz Welser-Möst leads the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays Brahms’s Second Symphony as well as Liszt’s ode to Orpheus. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where the concert repeats at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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

THU Public Square Movie Nights

09/17 FRI

Feature-length family friendly films screen on a monthly basis at this event that takes place at 8 p.m. at Public Square. Food trucks will be on hand, and there will be a pop-up bar and interactive activities. clevelandpublicsquare.com.

Strauss & Shostakovich Music Director Franz Welser-Möst begins his final season with the Cleveland Orchestra with today’s concert at Mandel Concert Hall. It begins at 7:30 p.m. South African soprano Golda Schultz guests. The concert repeats at 3 p.m. on Sunday. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

FRI Third Friday

1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com

09/19

Pandemonium 2026 Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual fundraiser returns with the theme of “under construction.” Expect theater, dance and visual art at this self-proclaimed “feature for the eyes, mind, appetite and imagination.”

09/25

SAT

Tuesday

- $1 Hot Lather Day Shave/Beard Trim of with a purchase any haircut

Inaugural XCSB Flea Market The Beachland Ballroom will host this fundraising event for the college radio station. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Wednesday

- ”Ladies Day” cut Buy a basic hair e at $8 and reciev rows a Shampoo, Eyeb or Facial for $1

09/27

Browns vs. Carolina Panthers After playing their first two regular season games on the road, the Cleveland Browns finally come home. They’ll face the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. today at Huntington Bank Field.

Thursday

- $1 Facial Day se with the purcha of any haircut

100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, huntingtonbankfield.com

MON

09/28

REGULAR MEN 'S HAIRCUTS $7 00 . HAIRCUT WITH LINE-UP $8 00 . FADES $10 00 .

Laughter and Healing Sickle Cell Fundraiser This event designed to raise money for the MCS Fund that fights sickle cell will feature both comedy and music. It begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com

Cornelius & Karre: Violin and Percussion Duo in Concert

198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7570, ejthomashall.com

DAILY SPECIALS

09/26

TUE

Based on Tim Burton’s film, this musical centers on a teenager who “meets” a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron.

Expires 10/31/26

Must Present Coupon

1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, 440-366-4040, lorainccc.edu

WED

Beetlejuice

EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 11AM TO 3PM

Inspired by the Margery Williams story, this musical comes to the Stocker Center in Elyria. A student matinee takes place at 10 a.m. today, and performances also take place at 2 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

6415 Detroit Ave, 216-631-2727, cptonline.org

09/22

HALF PRICED HAIRCUTS AND $1.00 FACIALS

The Velveteen Rabbit

09/18 SUN

From 5 to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free.

SAT

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

09/30

Percussionist Ross Karre and violinist Emily Cornelius give a free show in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium. The show begins at 6 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

scene@clevescene.com @clevelandscene

THE STORY CONTINUES @ CLEVELSCENE.COM

THE SCHOOL THAT BARBERS RECOMMEND! STORE HOURS Tues-Sat 9am-5pm 2546 Lorain Ave, Ohio City One block west of the Westside Market

216-241-6684

allstatehairstyling.com September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

'S CEDAR POINT NDS HALLOWEEKE 29 CELEBRATES YEARS! The air is crisp and pumpkins abound. Corn maze anyone? Northeast Ohio’s fall calendar is packed with activity. Pick a farm, brave a haunt, hit a festival or simply find a good place to wander. This is the season to get out and fall for it all.

COURTESY ISTOCK: IULIIA BESSONOVA / CEDAR POINT

SCREAMS THIS WAY

FROM PUMPKIN PATCHES AND AFTER-DARK SCARES TO FESTIVALS, NEIGHBORHOOD HANGS AND COZY BOOK CRAWLS, HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF AUTUMN IN NORTHEAST OHIO. Stories by Kristen Hampshire

There’s no shortage of haunts to check out this season. “Ohio has the most haunted houses in the country,” McDonald points out. “There is a lot of lore in the state, and a natural spookiness about October here.” Fun by day, fright by night. HalloWeekends at Cedar Point returns Sept. 17 through Nov. 1 with daytime trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, games and pint-sized farm fun before darkness brings haunted mazes, scare zones and nighttime coaster rides. New for 2026: DIABLO: The Infernal Path, joining returning scares like The Conjuring: Beyond Fear. Find old-school scares with a feel-good mission at the Hudson Haunted House. Run by the Hudson Jaycees since 1972, this nonprofit haunt sends visitors through an extensive indoor blackout maze packed with rooms, twists and turns — while giving a majority of its proceeds back to local charities.

Pick your poison at Fortress of Fear ScreamPark in Alliance. The flagship attraction winds through castle ruins and dark backwoods, while Fearanoia and Skittlez Fun House add themed indoor-outdoor mazes. Need a breather? The Fear Fair Scare Zone keeps the midway buzzing with roaming characters, games, concessions and rides.

SCARE TACTICS

“We scare because we care.” Borrowed from the Monsters Inc. movie, it’s the unofficial mantra at Bloodview Haunted House, where the scare squad are volunteers, the haunts are improvised and guests’ knee-wobbling falls to the ground are sign of a job well done. “From the time you walk into the facility to the time you leave, you are part of the show,” says Ed McDonald, director of communications for the Legion of Terror, the acting troupe behind Bloodview. The Broadview Heights haunt has been turning fear into funds for more than 40 years, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes through the Broadview Heights Lions Club. For McDonald, now entering his 22nd season, that makes the months of preparation and late nights worthwhile. “It’s a labor of love,” he says. Even the line is part of the action. Trained actors work the queue, keeping visitors entertained — or sufficiently unsettled — before they ever make it through the door. >> Pick Your Poison Bloodview changes themes throughout the season, from Medical Madness and September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

CHOOSE YOUR NIGHTMARE

At 7 Floors of Hell at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, seven separate haunts designed to scare are dispersed among a Midway with carnival games, concessions, roaming characters and photo ops. “You get a taste of different themes,” says co-owner and creative director Joe Borkey. Now entering its 29th season, the longtime Cleveland Halloween fixture lets visitors explore various themes, from a sinister circus and bloodsoaked slaughterhouse to an asylum, alien encounter, haunted mansion and swamp. Then there’s Anubis’ Revenge. Enter the ancient Egyptian pyramid-themed haunt, get handed a flashlight and prepare to find your own way through the darkness. There is enough entertainment on the campus to fill your entire night, Borkey says, with a midway of carnival games, concessions, photo ops and roaming characters keeping the scares going between stops

FEAR, FULLY IMMERSED

Nightmare Cleveland is designed to make you forget you’re walking through a haunted house. “We want you to feel like you are stepping into a movie,” says Gavin Lekan, who runs the Brookpark Road haunt with his father, Vaughn. Nearly 40,000 square feet of custom-built sets, cinematic audio and live actors

create an immersive experience designed to pull visitors out of the real world and into theirs. The attention to set design goes deep. Nightmare Cleveland has worked with veteran special effects and prop professionals. “We are heavily interactive,” Lekan says. Want to dial up the fear? An optional Touch Pass gives actors permission to take the encounter further — including separating willing victims from their group. >> Lights Out Save some nerve for Nov. 7. During Nightmare Cleveland’s Blackout event, the lights go off and each group heads into the fully staffed haunt armed with just one flashlight.

A GRISLY BACKSTORY

Before there was Nightmare Cleveland, there was Chippewa Lake Slaughterhouse. The Lekans’ original haunt sprawls across more than 70,000 square feet in Chippewa Lake, where Hollywood-quality sets and professional actors bring the fictional tale of Karver Meats to gruesome life. According to haunt lore, the family-run meat operation opened in 1948, closed four decades later amid mysterious employee disappearances — and the Karvers haven’t been heard from since. >> Reserve a Spot Limited nightly ticket sales keep groups smaller and the experience up close. Buy a ticket online in advance.

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

NICKAJACK FARMS CELEBRATES 22 YEARS! FIELD DAY

Carve out time to explore Nickajack Farms’ Pumpkin Days , a 22-year tradition chock full of activities and all-things-autumn. “The family can come out and stay the whole day,” says Cara Crecco, a staff member at Nickajack Farms in North Lawrence, Stark County. From Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, pick-your-own pumpkins and sunflowers. Check out wagon rides, a corn maze, barnyard animals and enough kid-powered entertainment to keep the crew moving. Then things get a little more creative. Play gourd golf, where mini gourds sub in for golf balls. Fire away at the corn cannons. Dig into the corn pit, hit the playgrounds or strike a pose among photo ops scattered around the property. New this year: giant cornhole plus gem mining and a Dinosaur Egg Roll that sends kids rolling a mystery dinosaur egg through a maze to find out what might hatch. Weekends bring food trucks, fair style treats and live music. Crecco’s personal pick is a walk through the sunflower field, which generally stays in bloom into October. “You can get food and walk around, see all the flowers and enjoy the season,” she says. >> Lights Out! Don’t miss Nickajack after dark. Bring a flashlight and take on the corn maze during its annual Flashlight Maze nights Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 17. The 7 to 10 p.m. outings include a bonfire, s’mores and wagon rides in the dark. No haunted-house antics here. “It’s not spooky,” Crecco says. “It’s a fun night activity for any age.”

COURTESY NIGHTMARE CLEVELAND / NICKJACK FARMS

Classic Monsters to Zombie Outbreak, Cryptid Creatures and Hellfire and Brimstone. Doors open Sept. 11.

COURTESY NIGHTMARE CLEVELAND / NICKJACK FARMS

GO BIG FOR FALL

At Mapleside Farms, Pumpkin Village is marking 50 years and includes more than 20 attractions spread across 100-plus acres, including multiple corn mazes, Ohio’s largest jumping pillow and a slide billed as America’s longest. The Brunswick farm has been around since 1927, making fall traditions something of a family tradition here. >> For 21+ Vino the Way Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 11 through Oct. 31, Vino the Way turns a dedicated wine-themed maze into a walk-and-sip experience featuring local wines and craft beers. Keep it classic at Patterson Fruit Farm’s Family Fun Fest, Sept. 16 through Nov. 1. The Chesterland tradition channels the simple pleasures of farm life with a giant covered straw pile, corn maze, pedal tractors, wagon rides and slides galore. Over at Red Wagon Farm, harvest season comes with a pour. Along with fresh-picked produce and bakery treats straight from the ovens, the farm serves ice cream plus beer, hard cider and seltzers brewed right on-site. At Ramseyer Farms in Wooster, get lost (or found) in a corn maze design that’s an ode to 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh. Take a hayride, pick pumpkins and, on select dates, wander the sunflowers. Or, milk a cow, mount a straw tractor and climb into the giant rocking chair for a fallfamily selfie. Corn crib chutes and a jump pad will wear out the younger set.

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

OHIO MART 0+ FEATURES 14 TS JURIED ARTIS

COURTESY STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS / CLEVELAND PICKLE FEST / AKRON ZOO FACEBOOK

DOWN ON THE FARM

ART IN THE GARDEN

Come for the art. Stay for the scenery. Ohio Mart returns to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Oct. 1-4, featuring a spread of more than 150 juried artists and makers who set up shop on the historic estate’s lawns and gardens. “You get to meander through 150-plus artists and see what they’ve made and their unique wares and take in the gardens that are still in full bloom,” says Erica Hoosic, external relations, communications at Stan Hywet. Now in its 59th year, the four-day tradition brings jewelry, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, garden art and other handcrafted finds to the 70-acre estate, where fall color, blooming sunflowers and seasonal displays of pumpkins, mums and cornstalks provide the backdrop. >> Don’t Forget the Gingerbread Grab a Stan Hywet gingerbread cookie while you’re there. The 59-year tradition started with a volunteer’s recipe and has a historical connection of its own: Gertrude Seiberling, the estate’s original matriarch, was known to serve gingerbread to guests during the holidays.

KIND OF A BIG DILL

Pickle pizza. Pickle beer. Pickle cotton candy. Pickle donuts. Even pickle-loving pups. Cleveland Pickle Fest takes over Mall C Oct. 3 with a full day devoted to all things briny. The festival is a fundraiser for Greater Cleveland Volunteers, which works with more than 100 area nonprofits to connect people with opportunities to give back. “Our volunteers are a big ‘dill,’” says Stefanie Merkosky, development director for Greater Cleveland Volunteers. And from that pun, a festival was born. First held in 2019, Pickle Fest now draws thousands downtown for food, live music, contests and some serious pickle fandom. Come hungry. Vendors get creative with pickle-flavored cotton candy, donuts and popcorn, while Great Lakes Brewing Co. supplies the beer. Then watch competitors race to polish off a 16-ounce jar in the pickle-eating contest or

bring your four-legged sidekick for the Pickle Pup Pageant, where costumed canines compete to become festival prince or princess. New this year: the first official Cleveland Pickle Fest 5K, stepping off at 10 a.m. for runners and walkers before the festival opens at 11. “It’s a good time for families to come out and not only have fun but support a great cause,” Merkosky says. >> Relish the Opportunity Greater Cleveland Volunteers will host volunteer fairs Oct. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Fairview Park Library and Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to Noon at South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library, where visitors can connect with local nonprofits looking for help.

WILD ABOUT HALLOWEEN

Costumes encouraged. And there’s plenty of laughter to go along with the “boo.” Akron Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo returns Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 with trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, games and a Monster Dance Party, all while the zoo’s regular residents carry on around them. “It’s a non-scary family event,” says Elena Bell, director of marketing and events at the Akron Zoo. “We encourage everyone to dress up in their Halloween costume.” “The best time to visit is on a cool, drizzly day,” Bell says, noting that many animals become more active as temperatures drop. Snow leopards and red pandas appreciate the cooler weather, while river otters and grizzly bears are happy in either season. The zoo welcomed several species to its new Primate Passage this year, including a white-faced saki, golden lion tamarins and cotton-top tamarins. Two orphaned mountain lion cubs rescued in Washington state also found a permanent home in Akron. At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Boo at the Zoo takes over Thursday through Sunday evenings in October with trick-or-treat stations, character meetand-greets, a Monster Mash Dance Party and festive paths throughout the grounds. Then lace up — and dress up — for the Halloween 5K Oct. 24, when costumed runners and walkers take on a morning course through the zoo.

September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

FALL FEST FEATURES 35+ LOCAL VENDORS

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

Fall is settling into Van Aken District , and this year it comes with bratwurst, brews and a little European Vacation energy. The Shaker Heights district launches its first Van Aken Oktoberfest Oct. 2, transforming its outdoor spaces with communal tables, German flags and live music. Banter Beer and Wine and Craft Collective will pour Oktoberfest brews, while Banter gets into the spirit with bratwurst and other specials, and Haute Donuts will have fresh-baked pretzels.

“I like to think of it as European Vacation without the fighting,” jokes Jesse Rathner, assistant general manager of Van Aken District. Fall Fest returns Oct. 17 with pumpkins, hay, cornstalks, seasonal merchant specials, music and pumpkin decorating. Later in the month, On Oct. 25 Treat Street invites costumed kids to trick-ortreat their way around the district. >> Keep It Local Come back Nov. 28 for Small Business Saturday, when Van Aken puts the spotlight on its locally owned shops with specials and a DJ spinning in the Market Hall.

COURTESY ALL IN NICOLE PHOTOGRPAHY

AUTUMN ABOUT TOWN

BOOKED FOR FALL

Fall is prime time to cozy up between the covers — book covers, that is. Whether you’re looking to travel the world through a translated novel, get lost in the stacks or settle in with a latte and a new read, Cleveland’s indie bookstores are ready for browsing.

COURTESY LOGANBERRY BOOKS

READ AROUND THE WORLD

No passport required. At downtown’s Clevo Books, the shelves are an invitation to travel by way of literature translated into English from around the globe. Owner Cathryn Siegal-Bergman opened the shop four years ago with Cleveland itself in mind. “We have over 100 ethnic heritage groups in the city,” she says. “That is why I thought a translation bookstore could work well here.” Literary fiction dominates the shelves, alongside history, philosophy, biographies and mysteries. Graphic novels are having a moment, particularly titles coming out of France, while Asian literature is moving quickly as readers explore stories from Japan and Korea. Occasionally, a book arrives from somewhere especially unexpected

— Uzbekistan or the country of Georgia, for example.

CONTINUE THE PAGE CRAWL

In Larchmere, independently owned shop Loganberry Books has been around since 1994 and packs more than 100,000 new, used and rare books into its shelves, plus an eclectic mix of cards and tchotchkes. Over on Coventry, Mac’s Backs gives book lovers three floors to explore, with new and used titles spanning classics, mysteries, science fiction, contemporary fiction and nonfiction. The longtime Cleveland Heights shop doubles as a literary gathering place with readings, author events, book clubs and writing workshops. And in Ohio City, Visible Voice Books has more room than ever to linger. Its new Lorain Avenue home pairs an expanded selection of new and used books with a cafe and restored historic stage hosting readings, book signings and live music. Grab a coffee, browse the stacks and see what finds you.

September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

CRUSH SEASON

During fall in the Grand River Valley, grapes are ripening and release an aroma that begs a taste. “You can smell the grapes driving down the road,” says Cindy Lindberg, owner of Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant. One of the best ways to taste that transformation is during Grand River Cellars’ Crush Tastings, offered Wednesdays Sept. 23 through Oct. 14. Fresh-pressed grape juice from that week’s harvest is poured alongside the finished wine it will eventually become, with four small-plate pairings completing the experience. Grand River Cellars is also a full restaurant. Longtime favorites include bourbon-glazed salmon cooked over an open-flame grill, bourbon-and-blue steak and the popular brie-and-pear appetizer with house-made blackberry or caramel sauce. The winery also has a full liquor license and mixes cocktails — some featuring its own wines and spirits from local distilleries — along with craft beers. >> Try the Flight Keep an eye out for the fall sangria flight, expected to feature four seasonal pours with flavors like apple, citrus and spice.

A TASTE OF TRADITION

At Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, harvest season is a family tradition. The Ferrantes have been making wine since 1937, and today a fourth generation is carrying on a legacy that started in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood before moving to the vineyards of the Grand River Valley. Outdoor fire pits invite guests to settle in with a glass overlooking the vineyards. “You get that aspect of being in the middle of Ohio wine country and a bit of that fall sweater weather,” says Alyssa Ollis, Ferrante’s marketing director. Inside, the tasting room flows into a full-service restaurant where the family’s lasagna recipe remains a must, along with steamed mussels prepared in Ferrante Chardonnay broth. >> Make a Sunday of It In October, the Covered Bridge Cavatelli Dinner combines visits to three of Ashtabula County’s covered bridges with a traditional Sunday cavatelli dinner back at the winery. Reservations are required for the event.

RIVER VIEWS & BREWS

WINE COUNTRY, COMFORT FOOD AND LOCAL BREWS SERVE UP A TASTE OF THE SEASON. 20

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

At Collision Bend Brewing Company in the Flats, grab a table on the sprawling waterfront patio and watch freighters navigate the Cuyahoga and bridges do their work. The brewery opened in 2017 inside the historic Hausheer Building on Old River Road and takes its name from the notoriously tricky bend in the Cuyahoga that commercial ships have navigated for

generations. Look for Collision Bend’s award-winning Oktoberfest, which took top honors for both best Oktoberfest and best overall beer at Berea’s Oktoberfest in 2025. >>Art on Tap Collision Bend regularly taps Northeast Ohio artists to create its beer artwork, resulting in designs that range from Cleveland cityscapes to colorful illustrations.

RAISE A GLASS IN BIRDTOWN

Birdtown Brewing opened in April inside a former Lakewood church, following a 12-year journey to bring the brewery to life. Church pews were sourced to replace those removed from the property, a prayer candle area was restored and new stained glass was created based on historic photographs. Flooring from the old Lakewood High School gym was repurposed into tables and a bar top, with former bleachers incorporated into the space. “We’ve had a lot of cool stories from people who were married here or whose parents were married here,” says general manager Ryan Grammerstorf. On tap, Birdtown typically pours six to eight house beers from brewer Zach Deltiriore, whose background includes Platform and Market Garden. Two early favorites have emerged: Quail American Lager, named for the street Birdtown calls home, and Basement Jacuzzi Hazy IPA. That second name? When the owners bought the property, the neighboring rectory came complete with a carpeted basement room — and a hot tub in the corner. Birdtown partnered with the 70-year-old Geraci’s, pairing its pizza and Italian favorites with the brewery’s own pub-inspired additions. The hot honey pie with sausage, pepperoni and hot honey is the runaway pizza favorite. >> Prost! Birdtown goes all in on Oktoberfest Sept. 26 and 27 for a two-day bash with grilled German sausages, German-inspired pizzas, live music, games and a stein-hoisting competition.

COZY UP, CLEVELAND

When sweater weather arrives, Prosperity Social Club already has your agenda: comfort food, cold drinks and a neighborhood tavern that feels like it’s been there forever. The Tremont institution has been in continuous operation since 1938, and when Buildings & Food acquired it in 2021, preserving that history was part of the deal. This fall, Vice President for Culinary Operations Jill Vedaa is leaning into the old-world Eastern European food that helped put Prosperity on the map. Expect favorites like stuffed cabbage and mac and cheese alongside smaller plates and shareables, with sauerkraut balls, German potato salad, roasted beet salad, cucumber salad and schnitzel among the ideas in the works. Check out the patio with string lights, a mural, vintage TVs playing old movies and a wood-fired hearth — preferably with an apple cider margarita. >> Stay Late Prosperity keeps its menu available until midnight Monday through Saturday, so that cabbage roll, schnitzel or round of shareables.

COURTESY GRAND RIVER CELLARS WINERY & RESTAURANT / FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE / COLLISION BEND BREWING / BIRDTOWN BREWING

Head to wine country for harvest season, cozy up with comfort food or raise a glass at a local brewery.

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September 2026 | clevescene.com | SCENE

EAT

polean cake are displayed for self-service.

on metal skewers, but the kitchen excels

Shelves are stocked with jarred pickled

threaded with char-grilled pieces of juicy, medium-rare meat. Ground-meat kebabs like the chicken lula ($8.99) are handshaped onto metal skewers and grilled. They are exceptionally moist and flavor-

Marakand Steak House brings the tastes of Uzbekistan to Northeast Ohio By Douglas Trattner NOT

cream pastries and many-layered Na-

out of place here, where most meats arrive at grilling. The lamb kebab ($13.99) was

FLAVOR ROAD

IT’S

The “steak house” moniker might seem

UNCOMMON

FIND

lamb, onion and warm spices. They are

a restaurant sitting side-by-side with a

garnished with fresh dill and served with

food market that shares the same cui-

plenty of tangy sour cream. Crisp, glossy

sine: the taqueria next door to the Latin

and flaky meat pies called samsas ($4.99)

grocery, the Korean marketplace sharing a plaza with the Korean barbecue spot, or the Indian restaurant connecting via an open doorway to the colorful Indian bazaar. In symbiotic arrangements like these, the market serves as the restaurant’s pantry while the restaurant acts as the market’s kitchen, preparing many of the foods sold therein. That scene can be found on busy Mayfield Road in Mayfield Heights, where a

are filled with cumin-scented ground beef and onion. Every table is graced by a loaf of non ($4.99), a shiny round of simple Uzbek bread. Plov ($16.99), the national dish of Uzbekistan, is a celebratory dish of longgrained rice cooked with tender carrots,

vegetables, tinned fish and packaged cookies and crackers. A couple of notes about my restaurant experiences. During both my visits, many items on the menu were unavailable. Some

ful. Kebabs are served with vinegar-mar-

were X-ed out with tape, others mentioned

inated onions that add crunch and slice

by our server. But the setback compelled

through the richness.

us to shift gears, landing on one of our

While I’m sure you can order takeout

new favorite dishes. The fried laghman

meals from Marakand restaurant, the re-

($16.99) is a stir-fry starring thick, savory

tail market two doors down makes that

noodles, beef, lamb and vegetables. It is

move unnecessary. A large warming station is stocked with items such as plov, grilled chicken kebabs, grilled lamb, and ground beef kebabs, all sold by the pound. Other foods are sold by the piece, such as flaky samsas, steamed manti and blintz-

topped with a thin omelet that is rolled and cut into ribbons. Another note: on my first visit, I failed to notice a 10-percent service charge included on my bill. This was on top of the

like pancakes filled with seasoned ground

gratuity that I punched into the machine.

beef. A variety of cold salads is also on of-

I didn’t realize it until I looked at my re-

fer.

ceipt later. On our second visit, that serBut the prepared foods are just the

icing on the cake here. There are loaves of fresh-baked Uzbek bread, smoked fish,

onions and raisins, which lends a pleas-

tubs of briny pickles, frozen dumplings

ant sweetness. On top is a large portion of

and a butcher shop with fresh meats and

braised beef, so tender it melts into shreds.

sausages. Desserts like crispy baklava,

vice charge had climbed to 18 percent, but I knew to look for it.

dtrattner@clevescene.com @dougtrattner

sizeable Russian/Ukrainian/Uzbek population continues to shape the culinary landscape. First there was Marakand Meats and Deli, which opened approximately two years ago. This spring, Marakand Steak House opened two doors down, serving as an introduction to both the market and Uzbek food in general. It was only while visiting the restaurant earlier this summer that I stumbled into the market, which has quickly become one of my favorite stops for prepared foods. Both are named for the ancient city in Uzbekistan, a significant stop on the storied Silk Road. That position along the world’s great trade route shaped the cuisine over the course of centuries, drawing from Russia, China, Central Asia, Persia and beyond. Those foods are skillfully prepared and artfully presented in the restaurant, which might be the best showcase for Uzbek food in Northeast Ohio. What had been a fast-casual shawarma spot is now a colorful and cozy full-service eatery. Fortunately for us diners unfamiliar with the cuisine, the pictorial menu offers a visual roadmap to those Silk Road classics. Brightly painted platters of food are wheeled to the table on a cart as part of a free-flowing family-style meal. Ours began with a salad ($7.99) of sliced ripe tomato, crisp cucumber and vinegar-doused onion seasoned with fresh dill. Dumpling lovers will die over the manti, large steamed dumplings sold by the piece ($3.99). The delicate, paper-thin wrapper is filled with a mix of ground beef,

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

Courtesy Photo

MARAKAND STEAK HOUSE | 5722 MAYFIELD RD., MAYFIELD HTS. | 440-544-2825

The space has been completely remod-

EAT

eled into a spacious and comfortable family-style restaurant that seats 165, up from the 110 available in Slavic Village. It’s an uplifting next chapter for im-

BITES

migrant owners Lou and Pete Skantzos,

LBM to close in October

It’s a Deli in Lakewood and then, in 1999,

who started out with a pair of hot dog carts downtown. They went on to operate taking over the Red Chimney, which originally opened in 1982.

By Douglas Trattner LBM

(12301

Jossi’s Bakery Now Open in Tremont MADISON

AVE.,

The wait is over for coffee and pastry

216-712-4692), the neighborhood cock-

lovers as Jossete Rivera opened the doors

tail bar with a Viking spirit, will close its

to Jossi’s Bakery (720 Literary Rd.) in

doors on October 10. That date happens

Tremont. Rivera will be running the shop

to be the 9th anniversary of the bar’s earli-

with her son Carlos. The new café joins

est days in business.

the three-year-old Jossi’s Bakery (9210 Broadview Rd., 440-736-7048) in Broad-

With six weeks to go, it gives fans of

view Heights.

the one-of-a-kind watering hole a chance

“After months of hard work, love, and

to roll through to say goodbye and thank

dedication, we are finally ready to open

you to staffers, both present and previous,

our doors and welcome you,” the family

who will be making guest appearances

announced.

until the end. Courtesy Photo

“We knew that if a situation like this

“A lot of the old Slavic Village custom-

er send off by giving our wonderful staff and our amazing guests an actual notice

Red Chimney Now Open in Parma

and time to say goodbye and get our afnever want to be in a situation where we realized we should’ve closed last week.” The catalysts behind the closure were financial, says Ho.

“It’s been a long road to get to this point,” says Manny Skantzos. The Red Chimney opened the doors to its new restaurant last week. It’s been one year since a fire forced the 43-year-

“Basically we were up for lease renew-

old family restaurant in Slavic Village

al and the insurance requirements were

to close. Since then, the Skantzos family

raised where the increased premiums and

opted to relocate to a new property in Par-

potential risks to us due to a dial back in

ma, the former Pappou’s building at 8320

coverage wasn’t going to make operating

Snow Road.

sustainable anymore.” The future is unclear, for the bar and its people, but for now the focus is on giving LBM the tribute and send off it deserves. “We have no plans to relocate or rebrand,” Ho says. “That feels weird to have

Last summer, the family was riding high from a flood of fresh publicity and media attention surrounding the release of James Gunn’s Superman, says Skantzos. “A scene from the movie was filmed at the old restaurant,” he shares. “They even let me and my cousin be in the kitchen as

LBM anywhere else. Another concept is

extras. Right after that movie came out,

possible but it’s all still ideas in our heads

there was big buzz around it. And then the

and we mainly want to focus on sending

fire. That very, very bad day. It was tough.”

off LBM respectfully.” Nine years of doing things their own way, while doing so with passion, excellence and a generosity of spirit that truly welcomed all, is a legacy that every bar should strive for. LBM will be missed. “We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished and are truly grateful to ev-

Originally, the family planned on repairing the damage and reopening, but the numbers didn’t pan out. “We weren’t set on leaving Slavic Vil-

ers who grew up going to Red Chimney now live in this area. The response we’ve been getting from people is amazing.” A fresh start is always an opportunity for change. And for the Red Chimney folks, that means taking a good, hard look at the menu and making some updates and improvements. All your favorites will be there, they promise, including breakfast all day, baby beef liver and onions, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash, city chicken, fried chicken, meatloaf, pierogi platters and made-from-scratch soups like

“Before coming here, we were living in Trinidad and Tobago but it was always my dream to open a bakery in United States.” Rivera says that over the course of her life and travels she has been exposed to a broad range of cultures, flavors and cooking styles. While she identifies as Latina, the pastry chef looks much farther afield when it comes to preparing her roster of sweet and savory foods. “My style is a fusion of European and Latin American flavors,” she says. Examples of her craft include a take

chowder.

she fills with dulce de leche. She prepares

Some of the staples will be vastly im-

South American alfajores, Puerto Rican

proved, such as the chicken cutlets sub,

polvorones and Italian cannoli, but also

chicken parmesan sandwich and chick-

red velvet cupcakes from the American

en parm platter, which will no longer be

South. Her Argentinian-style empanadas

made with previously frozen product.

are available with various fillings, she

Other items, such as the veal parmesan,

makes Greek-style spinach and feta pies,

will be moved from the daily menu to the specials roster so that can also be improved. Those items are joined by a large selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and even a few steaks and chops. “Our goal here is to keep it reasonable,

insurance would cover on that building

improve what we can, and stick to what

and the time restraints on how long we

people come here for,” says Skantzos. Red Chimney’s new home, fittingly enough, started out life as a Red Barn

eryone who’s come through our doors,”

is preparing to welcome its first guests

restaurant. In the early 1980s, it became

says Ho. “Don’t cheers us too hard because

back. Many of them, says Skantzos, are

home to Laurel’s Family Restaurant and

we’re all in our mid-late 30s and 40s now.”

old and new neighbors.

later, in 2001, Pappou Café.

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

ways pushing me to do this,” she explains.

on the Portuguese pastéis de nata that

lage, it was just the restraints on what the

could afford to be closed,” he adds.

was pure love from my family, who were al-

chicken noodle and New England clam

Now, 12 months later, Red Chimney

years ago as a home-based business. “It took me 18 years to get here, but it

ever arose we wanted to give LBM a prop-

fairs in order,” says owner Eric Ho. “We

Rivera’s culinary journey began many

and flaky potato puffs. The new shop will be geared to breakfast and brunch service with great coffee, breakfast empanadas and a host sweet and savory bites. The family asks for patience as they introduce the café to their new neighbors. “As this is our soft opening, we’ll be learning, growing, and making final adjustments with the support of our wonderful community.”

dtrattner@clevescene.com @dougtrattner

MUSIC FOUR MORE SONGS South Africa’s Golda Schultz returns to Cleveland for Franz Welser-Möst’s swan song ByJeff Niesel Ten-plus years ago, soprano Golda Schultz met Cleveland Orchestra conductor Franz Welser-Möst, and the two immediately hit it off. “He was coming to conduct a concert that I was singing,” says Schultz via Zoom from her home in Munich, Germany. Schultz joins the orchestra for performances on Thursday, Sept. 17, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at Mandel Concert Hall. In January, she’ll return to town to play again with the orchestra on Thursday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 16. “It was a Strauss gala. It was the first time I had met him. He was so kind and so professional. There is this wonderful calmness about him that I find so soothing. He trusts the people around him to do their best work. That trust he gives you is such a gift. To have a conductor give me trust intrinsically was great, and I didn’t have to prove anything. It was like he knew that I belonged in the room.” So when Welser-Möst asked her to come to Cleveland in the dead of winter for a 2019 concert featuring Haydn’s The Seasons, Schultz naturally agreed, even though experiencing the cold and snow that Northeast Ohio delivers in January certainly was not on her bucket list. “It was a horrifically cold winter that only you in Cleveland can survive,” she says. “I don’t know how you do it. For the concert, there were three soloists — a tenor, a bass and a soprano. On the day of the concert, the tenor and bass were sick. We weren’t sure if we needed to cancel the concert.” Because there was a snowstorm, the orchestra couldn’t fly in subs for the sick tenor and bass. “Franz called me and said, ‘It is just you and me and the chorus and the orchestra,’” Schultz recalls. “I said, ‘How does that work?’ He said, ‘Trust me. It’ll be fine.’ We did that first concert. He was a wonder to behold. He talked the audience through the whole Seasons, and I sang my parts, and the chorus sang their parts. When it was supposed to be the bass or tenor,

South Africa’s Golda Schultz. | Photo: Vittorio Greco

Franz would turn around and explain the

“I started playing violin when I was

parts to the audience. It was hilarious,

5,” she explains. “My mom took me to my

and it was just fun and creative. He stayed

first lesson, and I still have my little violin.

calm and collected and trusted everyone.

There are good memories associated with

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and

Cape Town. My dad was studying mathe-

it still remains one of my insane memories

matics in Germany. He wasn’t home a lot,

of crazy things I have done for my job.”

but it was still a lot of family. That was the

Schultz came to her “job” as one of the

thing I always associate Cape Town with.”

world’s foremost sopranos in a roundabout

After dabbling in journalism in high

manner. Born in Cape Town, South Africa,

school, Schultz quickly made the switch

she initially studied violin before realizing

to singing and headed to New York to

stringed instruments weren’t her thing.

study at the Juilliard School.

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

“What became apparent was the question of asking the right question to open up a person became more interesting in terms of music [than journalism],” she says. “I think, ‘What is this opera saying to us as people and as humanity? How can I open it for them and help them hear the music differently?’ I have kept the journalism mindset.” She describes Juilliard as “culture shock” but says she cherishes the time she spent there with artistic-minded colleagues. “People have this understanding that Julliard is a competitive school,” she says. “I think that’s the furthest thing from the truth. It’s competitive to get into the school. It’s one of the most competitive experiences as a musician you will ever face. That’s the audition process. Once you get through those doors, it’s an inspiring and collaborative and challenging space — and not just because I was around other musicians. I was around other artists and dancers and jazz musicians. I think to myself, ‘Those were the good years.’ I was just there for two years, but those were, like the TV show, The Wonder Years. That was when I discovered my wonder.” After Juilliard, she moved to Munich in 2011 and entered the young artists program at the Bavarian State Opera. She honed her skills as part of an ensemble where she received a monthly salary that was “a good living wage,” as she puts it. She then began starring in opera productions at high-prestige venues, such as the Vienna State Opera, London’s Royal Opera House and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. She also recently hosted a portion of the BBC Proms classical music season. She says Four Last Songs, the Strauss piece she’ll perform with the orchestra, represents a perfect ending to her lengthy collaborative history with Welser-Möst. “[Welser-Möst] told me he was ending his season with Cleveland and wanted to end it with people he loved working with,” she says. “He said he wanted to do Strauss. I thought, ‘That is the best thing anyone could say to me. It’s like he said, ‘I respect you as an artist, and I want to hear you doing something I like.’ The Strauss piece is a meditation on ending. It is about our end of days as people and how we meet our ending.” Schultz describes it as “a love letter to the [Cleveland] Orchestra and this city with which he has such a deep relationship.” “I feel absolutely honored and thrilled to be part of that,” she says. “I also feel pressure. I want it to be a good memory. I want people to hear and feel through my performance the love he has for his orchestra and for Cleveland.”

jniesel@clevescene.com @jniesel

LIVEWIRE FRI

REAL MUSIC IN THE REAL WORLD

09/04 SAT

Thomas Rhett: The Soundtrack to Life Tour

Elle King The daughter of actor and comedian Rob Schneider and former model London King, Elle King spent some time in Columbus, OH before moving to New York. Her 2014 single “Ex’s & Oh’s” became a huge hit and established her as a household name. She performs at 8 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. 14591 Superior Rd., Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com

WED

09/09

Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber The hip-hop supergroup brings its farewell tour to Blossom. Founded in State Island, the group famously became a sensation after its 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), showed off the talents of its various members and yielded grimy singles such as “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Nick.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Cleveland’s Bone Thugs-N-Harmony opens. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

THU

09/10

The Pretty Reckless — Dear God Tour The hard rock band fronted by singer Taylor Momsen comes to House of Blues. The tour supports the group’s new album, Dear God, which balances mid-tempo rockers like the title track with punky numbers such as “When I Wake Up.” The show starts at 7 p.m. 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com

TLC & Salt-N-Peppa with En Vogue — It’s Iconic The ‘80s and ‘90s R&B and hip-hop acts unite for this tour that swings into Blossom at 7:30 p.m. Salt N Peppa and En Vogue date back to the ‘80s and became hitmakers thanks to regular rotation on MTV. The same goes for TLC, which formed in Atlanta in 1990 and had crossover hits out of the gate with tunes such as “Creep,” Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.” 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

FRI

09/11

O.A.R. Three Decades Tour The jam band that initially formed in Columbus, OH brings its 30th anniversary tour to Blossom. Expect to hear the band’s best-known tunes — “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” “Love and Memories,” “Peace,” “Heaven” and “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

09/12

The country singer-songwriter returns to Blossom. Rhett’s latest album, About a Woman, includes collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmore. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Vincent Mason and Emily Ann Roberts open. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

SUN

Rush: Fifty Something The Canadian progressive rock trio brings its anticipated reunion tour to Rocket Arena. Expect to hear hits such as “The Spirit of the Radio” and “Limelight” alongside deep cuts from the concept album 2112. The group performs at 7:30 tonight and Saturday night at the venue. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

09/13 FRI

09/18

Ziggy Marley: Brightside Tour 2026

Black Label Society Singer-guitarist Zakk Wylde started this hard rock group way back in 1998. He’s kept it going even while playing on several Ozzy Osbourne albums and even touring with the late rocker. Tonight’s show starts at 6:30 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel open. Sept. 13 2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com

Elvis Costello & the Imposters A Rock Hall inductee, the British singer-songwriter performs at 7 p.m. at the Agora. Dubbed Radio Soul!: The Songs of Elvis Costello From the Early Days to the Late Hours, the tour will feature songs from 1977’s My Aim Is True to 1986’s Blood & Chocolate. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

Billy Idol Given new life thanks to a documentary film, singer Billy Idol comes to Blossom. Idol first emerged with Generation X, a legit punk band that formed in London at about the same time as the Sex Pistols and Damned formed. He left that group in the early ‘80s and had a successful solo career thanks in part to the contribution of his talented guitarist Steve Stevens. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Susanna Hoffs opens. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

WED

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

Son of the late reggae superstar Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley has established himself as a reggae artist of some stature. HIs career as a singer, songwriter and producer now stretches back nearly 40 years. His new album, Brightside, features a solid collection of new tunes, including the spirited, horn-driven songs “JAH We Give Glory” and the bluesy “Hey People Now.” Marley performs tonight at 7 at the Goodyear Theater in Akron. 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com

Punch Brothers The bluegrass group with a 20year career performs at 7:30 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. Mandolin player Chris Thile is a virtuoso who’s also ventured outside of the group with acts such as Mutual Admiration Society and Nickel Creek. 14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com

FRI

Bryson Tiller Presents: The NEO Trapsoul Tour Louisville-based rapper Bryson Tiller headlines this multi-act bill that includes Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign and Austin Millz. Last year, Tiller celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his debut, Trapsoul, and released the double-album Solace & the Vices. Additionally, Bryson recently worked with Chris Brown on the hit tune “It Depends.” The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Blossom. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

09/19 WED

SAT Killswitch Engage

According to press materials, Killswitch Engage “pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics” and combined that with “East Coast hardcore spirit, onstage hijinks and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed.” The hard rock group performs at 5:30 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil and Judiciary open. 2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com

09/25

09/30

Modest Mouse

The veteran indie rock group out of the Pacific Northwest most famous for the undulating 2004 emo-ish hit “Float On” performs at 7 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Singer-songwriter Caroline Rose opens. 2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com

scene@clevescene.com @clevelandscene

09/16

Pitbull The Latin rapper and singer brings a party atmosphere to his live shows. Known for anthems, he delivered another over-the-top tune in 2024 with Bon Jovi on the track “Now or Never.” He performs at 8 tonight at Blossom. Lil Jon opens. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

THU

09/17

Bikini Kill A feminist punk band that put the Riot Grrrl movement on the map in the ‘90s, Bikini Kill reformed a few years ago to tour in support of the reissue of two major albums, Pussy Whipped and Reject All American. The group performs at 7 p.m. at the Agora. Ganser opens.

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue bring their blast from the past tour to Blossom. See: Thursday, Sept. 10. Photo: Charlie Pryor

SAVAGE LOVE

keep things casual” is a magical incanta-

dangles a professional opportunity in

sistant fiber” and the benefits of some-

tion that frees them from having to treat

front of someone they wanna fuck — and

thing called butyrate. But increasingly,

their casual sex partners like human be-

quite rightly so — you’re in a better posi-

the man has become fixated on the trium-

ings with feelings and needs of their own.

tion to judge what this couple is doing,

phant result of his fibermaxxing exploits:

So, you could’ve done a lot worse where

FLAGS, given that they’re doing it in

his bowel movements. I’m happy to listen

FLAGGING

your first experience with ENM is con-

front of you. If a young woman is interest-

to him hash out the differences between

cerned.

ed in fucking this couple and this couple

mole poblano and mole negro; I have, at

is interested in fucking that young wom-

his behest, learned to distinguish between

an and if that young woman knows what

north and east Highland whiskies. But

this couple does for a living (so many ifs!)

I do not want to hear him describe what

then the offer of a photoshoot — once mu-

takes place for him behind the bathroom

tual attraction has been established — will

door, Dan, and I flatly refuse to divulge my

most likely be received as a flirty, sexy,

own such information, despite his pleas.

and obvious value-add. But if a woman

This attitude drives him nuts!

By Dan Savage

Now, the way you learned this couple was seeing another woman — running into her when you arrived for your shift — was far from ideal, of course, but I wouldn’t classify it as a betrayal. If you’d

BI FEMALE HERE. I’VE BEEN SEEING

already had your first DTR convo, FLAGS,

an ENM M/F couple for almost four

then you knew this couple wanted to keep

months. The F was an acquaintance of

things casual. While they shouldn’t have

mine for about two years. We are all close

allowed you to assume you were the only

in age (late thirties, early forties). This is

other woman they were seeing, FLAGS,

my first ethically non-monogamous rela-

you also shouldn’t have made that as-

tionship.

sumption. Still, given that you were new

Here are the pros: they are charming

to ENM and therefore likely to be carrying

and attractive; the sex is great; we get

monogamous assumptions and autopilot

along very well as friends; they are affec-

settings into this relationship (“If we’re

tionate with me in public and introduce

fucking and seeing a lot of each other that

me to their friends as someone they are

must mean we’re exclusive!”), FLAGS, this

dating; they invite me to sleepover at their

couple should’ve made it clear to you that

place, they cook for me, and show other

they were still seeing/dating/fucking oth-

acts of care; they have come over to care

er women.

for me when I am sick; we have many friends in common.

And while it sounds this couple is giving you a lot — a lot more than some “keep

And here are the cons: they have said

it casual” couples give their secondary

they want to keep things light; anything

partners — it also sounds like you want

close to a “define the relationship” talk

more. I have a hunch that you’re the one

only happens when we are intoxicated;

who initiates those drunken “define the

they started dating someone else around

relationship” conversations, FLAGS, in

the same time as me, which I only found

the hope of getting a different answer out

out when I arrived at their place for a

of them at some point. And that’s not an

scheduled visit and their other partner

entirely irrational hope, FLAGS, as prov-

hadn’t yet left; they flirt with other women

en by the huge number of people in com-

in front of me when they’re intoxicated;

mitted relationships who said they want-

their other partner — the one they started seeing at the same time they started seeing me — is in her early 20s, as are most of the other women they flirt with. I also believe there’s a worrying power dynamic in play where these younger women are concerned. This couple often flirts with these women by proposing modeling/ photoshoots, and these younger women often seem starstruck. They both have significant social media followings (she’s a model, he’s a photographer), so the young women often seem starstruck. Since I am new to ENM I am not sure what parts of these stresses are just learn-

has no interest in fucking this couple un-

Recently, out of the blue, in a state

til they toss out the idea of photoshoot…

of joyous excitement, he urged me to fol-

yeah, that’s creepy and manipulative.

low him — he had something for me to

That said, FLAGS, if a young adult

see. When he led me into the bedroom, I

wants to fuck a photographer and his

thought he might have something fun in

model girlfriend because she wants to ad-

mind. But he led me through the bedroom

vance her career… or if she wants to fuck

and the bathroom, where he delightedly

a photographer and his model girlfriend

showed me the contents of the unflushed

because she’s them… or she wants to fuck

toilet. (He didn’t seem to consider how I’d

them because she’s into them and wants

receive the stench.) I screamed. I have not

to advance her career… that’s her choice.

recovered from this. I cannot see him in

Adults are capable of consenting to sex,

a sexual way when I think about this foul

and adults consent to sex for all sorts of

incident. He is not a toddler; I am not his

reasons.

mommy. There is now an icy chill between

Still, FLAGS, if what you’re seeing is

us. Do I wait for this phase, too, to pass?

making you uncomfortable, address it the

Or is this development a sign that the ro-

next time you have one of those drunken

mantic part of our relationship has run its

heart-to-hearts: “I know you guys would

course.

never wanna fuck anyone who didn’t wanna fuck you… and there’s clearly no shortage of people who wanna fuck you… but do you guys ever worry that one of these aspiring models might fuck you for the wrong reason?” I married my beloved college boy-

ed to “keep it light” at the outset. (I was

friend twenty years ago. I’ll call him

pretty adamant about “keeping things

Alfred. I (mostly) still adore him. We can

casual” when I met my husband three

talk for hours about art, film, and poli-

decades ago.) So, you can keep shaking

tics — and it’s actually fun and productive

that Magic 8 Ball, FLAGS, but if you don’t

when we disagree. We have a variegated

get the answer you want in the next eight

and satisfying sex life. When you’re mar-

months — or if you don’t realize before

ried to Alfred, you tag along with him

your first hookup anniversary that their

on the passionate interests he takes on

brand of not-so-casual casual is exactly

every few years. Some of them fade away

what you want — then you’ll need to chuck

completely, but many linger in the back-

that Magic 8 Ball in the trash and (hope-

ground, often quite pleasingly: gourmet

fully) end this relationship on a positive

cooking, vinyl records, Scotch whisky.

note.

To this day, years away from his all-con-

As for the younger women this couple pursues…

suming initial infatuations, I can still occasionally be presented at dinner with an

Dangling professional opportunities

expertly crafted cassoulet and a dram of

in front of young women they wanna fuck

old Caperdonich with The Clash raging

is a red flag. A professional photographer

on the hi-fi speakers. (We’ll not discuss

Fretting Lately About Getting Serious

and a model with significant followings

the mountain of dirty dishes or the cof-

on social media have the ability to con-

fee-sloshed countertops.)

You’re fucking your first couple —

fer professional opportunities on others.

It’s his latest obsession that’s driv-

achievement unlocked — and they en-

They have clout, FLAGS, and if these two

ing me insane. Alfred, you see, has been

joy your company outside the bedroom,

are leveraging that clout to get women

bitten by the “fibermaxxing” bug. Now, I

they’re open about you being a part of

who wouldn’t wanna fuck them into their

can tolerate — and probably benefit from

their lives, and they show up for you when

bed… yeah, that’s not great.

— joining him in consuming various chia

ing curves for me, what parts I should talk to the couple about, and what parts are simply beyond my boundaries/red flags.

you need them. As pros go, FLAGS, that’s

But is that what they’re doing?

puddings and pungent homemade fer-

not a bad list. God knows there are too

While the world is disinclined to give

mentation projects (again, the guy can

many open couples who think “we want to

the benefit of the doubt to anyone who

cook). I can deal with the lectures on “re-

SCENE | clevescene.com | September 2026

Tired Of This Shit

I was tired of Alfred’s shit before I got to the end of your letter, TOTS, and, if I’m going to be perfectly frank, I was tired of your shit by the time I got to the end of your letter, too. My advice: You don’t need my permission to tell your idiot husband you never want to see another one of his fibermaxxed turds ever again. As for your sex life: If you can’t see your husband in a sexual way when you think about this foul incident, TOTS, try your best not to think about this foul incident. If you can’t help yourself — if you can’t not think about it — a few CBT sessions with a skilled provider might help. P.S. Your husband’s turds might be variegated — “varied in appearance or color; marked with patches or spots of different colors” — but unless you’re wearing a cheetah fursuit to bed and/or you have an untreated sexually transmitted infection, TOTS, your sex life isn’t variegated. Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love! Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan! Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love

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