9” 6-cut pizza with ZigZag or thin crust, marinara sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, chopped garlic, provolone & mozzarella cheeses, parmesan cheese and parsley.
(use promo code CleSPP when ordering online)
CHICKEN ALFREDO $ 10
9” 6-cut pizza with choice of ZigZag or thin crust, creamy Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, spinach, onions, chopped garlic, provolone & mozzarella cheeses topped with fresh basil and oregano herb blend.
(use promo code CleALF when ordering online)
BIANCO $ 10
9” 6-cut pizza with choice of ZigZag or thin crust, Aglio E Olio garlic white sauce, ricotta cheese, chopped garlic, fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, shredded provolone & mozzarella cheeses, fresh basil, oregano herb blend.
(use promo code CleBIA when ordering online)
REWIND: 1986
Bruce Springsteen has always been near and dear to our hearts at Scene, and Cleveland in general. With “Deliver Me From Nowhere” in theaters now, a look back at the Boss’s cover appearance in the mid 1980s.
12” FRANKIE’S FIRE PIZZA
Sicilian Tomato, House Grated Provolone, Pepperoni, Chopped Onion, Fresh Basil, Finished w/ Chef Jimmy’s Hot Honey on Mario Fazio’s Hand Stretched Dough
12” CLASSIC CHEESE PIE
Sicilian Tomato Sauce, House Grated Provolone, on Mario Fazio’s Hand Stretched Dough
UPFRONT
DAVIS, HUDSON JOIN INCUMBENTS IN CITY COUNCIL ELECTION WINS; SHAH LEADING KELLY IN RACE TOO CLOSE TO CALL
THE NEW 15-SEAT VERSION OF Cleveland City Council will look a lot like the previous iteration of the legislative body, according to unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. But it will have at least two new faces, two familiar incumbents will be gone, and if one major upset stands, a new progressive voice. That one major upset is in Ward 12 where Tanmay Shah, who mounted the only significant campaign by a challenger in any ward across the city, holds a single-digit lead on incumbent Danny Kelly — 1,463 votes to 1,456.
Provisional ballots, if there are any, won’t be counted for weeks and regardless, the razor-thin margin means there would be an automatic recount. In other words, it’ll be awhile before the Board of Elections certifies the results.
But if the result holds, it would represent a stunning upset by the Democratic socialist candidate. Despite Kelly’s unimpressive Council record, he enjoyed support from both Council President Blaine Griffin and Mayor Justin Bibb.
Meanwhile, all the other Council incumbents on the ballot running either unopposed or against challengers will be returning to office, soon be joined by two new members who ran and won in wards with no incumbents.
The first of those additions is Austin Davis, who won Tuesday’s election for the Ward 7 seat in a hotly contested and expensive campaign. An attorney and former senior advisor to Mayor Justin Bibb, Davis comfortably bested fellow challenger Mohammad Faraj 62-38 in the battle for one of two open seats. He will soon represent the near west side, including Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit-Shoreway.
Joining Davis as a fresh face for Council’s next term is Nikki Hudson, who ran unopposed after challenger Andrew Fontanarosa dropped out of the race. The Edgewater Parke resident has been a neighborhood activist and member of the Friends for Cudell Commons Park group, a board member of the Northwest Neighborhoods CDC, and chair of her block club.
With wards being redrawn earlier this year, reducing Council from 17 to 15 seats due to population loss, two races featured incumbent-on-incumbent battles.
In what became the most expensive and contentious one in the city, Ward 5 elected Richard Starr over fellow incumbent Rebecca Maurer. The new ward, which includes Central, parts of Slavic Village, and a section of downtown, opted for Starr by a 65-35 margin.
And in Ward 10, the second race featuring two sitting members ended with yet another term for long-long-long-longtime Councilman Mike Polensek. The elder statesman of the body prevailed easily over Anthony Hairston, leading with over 67% of the vote in the race to represent Collinwood after a summer that saw he-said, he-said drama over allegations whether Polensek, who was first elected to his seat in 1978 (!), would or would not seek another four years.
In Ward 1, Joe Jones, the Councilman lately besieged by a series of controversies and an official censure by his fellow Councilmembers for various incidents of misconduct, nevertheless outlasted Ohio House Rep. Juanita Brent by a breezy 63-37 margin.
In Ward 9, Kevin Conwell likewise coasted to victory against challenger Alana Belle with more than 75% of the vote.
In Ward 8, Stephanie Howse-Jones earned another term as she bested Perkins 75-25.
In Ward 4, Kris Harsh dispatched challenger Rehan Waheen, leading 71-29.
In Ward 3, Deborah Gray emerged victorious with more than 80% of the vote.
Incumbents Charles Slife (Ward 15), Jasmin Santana (Ward 14), Brian Kazy (Ward 13), Blaine Griffin (Ward 6), and Kevin Bishop (Ward 2) all ran unopposed. – Vince Grzegorek
“They Don’t Want to See This Type of Change at City Hall”: Tanmay Shah’s Election Night Message
City-owned grocery stores, revisions to Cleveland’s 311 service, clear help with the city’s lead crisis and the dreams of affordable rents were all on the minds of those packing Bosworth Tavern on Tuesday evening.
As was the City Council candidate undoubtedly the most outspoken on actually making such a policy wish list happen in a city like Cleveland.
Shortly after 10 p.m., as all the early votes and election day ballots were counted, Tanmay Shah led by just seven votes in one of the most surprising Council races in Cleveland. The upstart Democratic socialist was on the verge of upsetting incumbent Councilman Danny Kelly. Provisional ballots, if they exist, will still need to be counted, and the razor-slim margin means there will be an automatic recount.
But for the moment, the 29-year-old housing attorney and truck driver with the most progressive agenda on the ballot was championing the momentum, regardless of how the final vote shakes out.
“I’m so proud of this movement that we’re building. It’s not going to be done tonight. Whether or not I get sworn into City Council, the victory is what we built right here, right now,” he said to the crowd.
Shah, who built a ground game in the new Ward 12 and received a host of support, including the endorsement of the Better Cleveland For All PAC, attracted hundreds of volunteers under a burgeoning trend of Democratic socialism. (Which seemed to fare pretty well in New York City last night with the victory of Zohran Mamdani.)
“I mean, this is a people-led movement,” Zeyd Khan, 35, a father-of-one and volunteer, said sitting at a high table at Bosworth’s. “And it’s amazing to see someone who’s speaking to our actual concerns: Can we continue to fund our schools? Can we keep the lights on?”
Over near Bosworth’s bar stood Ronald Watkins and his friends—all members of the Democratic Socialists of America and Shah volunteers. Just a few of many: The Cleveland DSA chapter got 200 new participants since the primary election in September.
Watkins, a recent graduate of Garrett Morgan High School, wanted to help Shah bring his ideas—ideas reminiscent of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign—into City Council somehow.
“The thing is, to me, socialism is inherently democratic,” Watkins, 18, told Scene.
People like Shah, he added, “are not just in it for themselves, but helping to advance the party’s interests, and helping to, like, push for better living standards in general.”
Born in India, Shah’s family moved to America when he was 10. Raised in Akron and then the suburbs of Cleveland, he studied political science at Kent State, then grabbed a law degree at Case Western. Come 2022, Shah merged two growing interests—law and the working class—and got a job as a Legal Aid lawyer, helping Clevelanders secure affordable housing.
Which was one of his main campaign platforms.
“Council is not speaking to the reality working class people are facing,” Shah told Scene earlier this summer. “I was representing low-income tenants who were not able to afford $500 or $600 in rent, and all I see are townhomes and luxury apartments going up. There’s a disconnect. Officials aren’t up to the challenge right now. They haven’t really laid out a vision for the challenges the city is facing.”
Food, shelter, transportation.
“We have to get those fundamentals right before we talk about bigger things,” he told Scene. “I don’t think the city’s in a place where we’ve done that for the working class.”
But can Shah survive City Council? Like many idealists, his political resume is thin;
Austin Davis | Courtesy Photo
Tri-C® Performing Arts Series presents
ENDEA OWENS & THE COOKOUT
Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Cuyahoga Community College | Metropolitan Campus Auditorium
For tickets, scan the QR code or visit tri-c.edu/EOConcert .
Groups of 10 or more receive $10 ticket each with promo code 10for10.
UPFRONT
he has never held office, and, at 29, would be the youngest member walking into Council Chamber in January. And, of course, actually convincing the other 14 councilmembers to pursue action on his agenda is a whole other rodeo.
“I think he can do it,” Jheel Shah, his older sister, said, wearing a white T-shirt with her brother’s name. “He has compassion for people and a strong sense of justice, which he got from my parents.”
His father, Vijay Shah, worked as an attorney in Gujarat, India (where the Shah family originates) before migrating to Akron to run a motel. Both him and Shah’s mother, Hemal, expressed support for his ability to achieve his goals.
“There is a kind of clarity in his mindset,” Hemal said. “He is strong in the heart.”
“What I know is that if you do anything with intention, you will be successful,” Vijay added nearby. “He has a burning desire to help the needy and the common man.”
Around 10:30 Tuesday night, as votes from Ward 12’s precincts shuffled in, Shah gathered the crowd at Bosworth’s, those who were anxiously gazing down at laptop screens or scrolling the Board of Elections’ website on their phones.
“We are winning by seven votes,” Graham Ball, Shah’s campaign manager, said. “This is a testament to ever door that was locked. To the efforts of every one of our 150 volunteers that worked on our campaign in the last few months. That it’s possible to elect a Democratic socialist to City Council.”
After applause and shouts, Shah entered the circle. Phones came out to record.
How many of you volunteered? he asked. Everyone in the house raised their hands.
“This scares a lot of people. We talked about this, right? That they don’t want to see this type of change at City Hall, because we pose an existential threat,” Shah said. “We’re only scratching the surface.” – Mark Oprea
With SNAP Benefit Freeze,Clevelanders Face Question of How to Feed Themselves, and Their Pets
After a little more than two decades working as a software engineer, making well into the six figures and even owning his own company, Jay found himself unemployed and out of a job in January, a byproduct of AI.
That began an era of loss. Job applications went unanswered. His savings dwindled while trying to keep up with his and his wife’s home in Brooklyn. He lost his car insurance. He forever gave up his confidence in the White House. “I voted for Trump,” Jay, 41, told Scene. “This is my fault.”
By August, Jay’s pride fizzled. He needed help. He applied to the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
casually known as food stamps, and got approved for $759 a month, to feed himself, his wife and their three-year-old daughter. (They used the funds mostly on pasta and frozen meatballs.)
Yet, in light of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s impending freeze on SNAP funds come Nov. 1, Jay now has another bundle of anxiety: How to feed his cat, Nebula, and his two dogs, Sandy and Jinx.
“It costs a ton already,” Jay said in a phone call. “I can’t even say. I hunt down which of the dollar stores has the cheapest dog food and cat food. But it adds up; it’s not cheap.”
Democrats and Republicans are currently, as of Friday, in a standstill as far what it will take to end what’s been so far the second-
right?” Anne Konarski, a SNAP policy expert who studies hunger for a Cleveland nonprofit and owns three dogs, said. “Do you feed your kids or do you feed your pets?”
In interviews with four local pet food pantries, all of them told Scene that they’ve strengthened their relationship with regional food banks and the Hunger Network, the largest food distributor in Cleveland, in the past year—both out of necessity and an empathy for pet owners that walk in on a routine basis.
A routine that’s become more dire in the past week or so, as a subset of their clientele wonder how they’re going to make it to Thanksgiving while keeping their pets healthy and nourished to see December. Or, as some expressed to Scene, whether they might be
longest government shutdown in U.S. history, at 30 days and counting.
Cities, counties and states are trying to make up at least some of the difference, but SNAP benefits are expensive, and more than 42 million Americans rely on them. In Cuyahoga County, there are some 190,000 residents who need their EBT cards to keep pantries and refrigerators stocked.
As of September, SNAP gives its receivers up to $297 a month per person, which amounts to $9 a day, or roughly $3 per meal. But throw two teenagers in the mix, maybe a border collie or two, a hamster and a goldfish, and those leaning on D.C. to keep them alive this fall are heading towards the previously unthinkable.
“People are gonna have to make a choice,
been running Paws For Purpose’s pet food pantry in Lake County for the past five years.
Donors haven’t been as reliable this year, he said. And as a result, PFP is in more need of supply (amid climbing grocery costs) and facing more demand.
All while trying to keep true to PFP’s mission: keep pets out of and away from shelters.
“I mean, we used to give out 80 bags of cat food, 80 bags of dog food with dry treats and canned food, and we’re up to about 160 now of each,” he said. “It’s just, you know, the need is getting greater and greater.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday signed an executive order providing $25 million in emergency relief in the face of the impending food disaster, with $7 million going to food banks and $18 million going to about 63,000 Ohioans directly. But it’s a small drop in the bucket. About $34 million would be needed to fully fund just Cuyahoga County’s portion of SNAP benefits for November.
Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials are convening Friday morning to announce what will be their proposal to help cover the gap left by the SNAP freeze. Leaders will, a press release read, “discuss the urgency of addressing the needs of Cuyahoga County residents.”
As for their pets?
Over in Slavic Village on Thursday afternoon, Becca Britton helped lug in boxes of canned tuna and dried dog food, kibbles her volunteers soon scooped into Ziploc bags and handed out to the dozen or so waiting in line in the lobby. (A quarter of which were on SNAP.)
“It’s heartbreaking, even just right now,” Britton said, as her volunteers shuffled around her, some bagging pellets or tending to clientele. “We just don’t know. But I do think— sad as it is to say—that it’s going to get to the point where people are going to have to surrender their pets.”
Close by was Taymar Ethington and her two boys, who stopped by Neighborhood Pets on Thursday to pick up food, toys and a leash for their puppy, Prince.
forced to give them up to a local shelter, many of which are already at capacity and facing budget issues of their own or let them loose on the street.
“They can and will turn to animal shelters and say, ‘I can’t afford my pet anymore’,”
Sharon Harvey, president of the Cleveland Animal Protective League, said. “Or, ‘If you can’t help me with what I need for my pet, can you take it and find it a new home?’”
Harvey, like the others that bring in boxes of food, relies primarily on donations to bag and distribute food to pet owners. Times have gotten harder. Harvey helped dole out 17 tons of pet food last year; near the end of September, they had already sent out 20 tons in 2025.
The same is true for Wayne Campbell, who’s
Ethington, a single mom living at a nearby apartment building, said the up-in-the-air situation with SNAP has propelled her to extend her gathering outward: to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, to churches, to the Salvation Army. She even set up a pantry nook in her building to help out fellow SNAP receipients.
“I’ve been stocking my pantry, filling up my deep freezer,” she told Scene, as her boys waited nearby. “Things like that. Filling up my canned goods.”
As for Prince, Ethington said he’s going nowhere.
“He’s just a little puppy,” she said. “He doesn’t cost too much to feed.” -- Mark Oprea
Tanmay Shah on election night. |
DEALS ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT
Cleveland Pizza Week returns Nov. 10 through 16with $12 pies all around town. By Scene Staff
RED OR WHITE, thin crust or thick, circle or square, loaded with toppings or plain jane, Cleveland Pizza Week has got you covered.
It’s seven days of celebrating everything ‘za, with dozens of Northeast Ohio’s best restaurants dishing up their own spin on the wheel, from signature pies to chef specials, all for just $12 or less.
Don’t forget to grab the Cleveland Pizza Week app and get a guide to all the action right on your phone.
What’s on tap? Great question. Let’s dig in.
27 CLUB COFFEE
All regular pizzas on the menu are just $12 with four new offerings just for Pizza Week – Flat Breakfast Pizza, Flat Prime Rib, Flat French Dip, and a Flat Mango Habanero Chicken Pizza.
ANGELO’S PIZZA
Any large two-topping pizza for $12.
BALLANTINE
Three specials are on the menu – Get Figgy With It (garlic oil, mozz, bacon, figs, arugula, balsamic glaze); W.T.M. & Sausage (truffle cream sauce, mozz, mushrooms, sausage, arugula); and Charcuterie Board (San Marzano, mozz, salami, mixed olives, fontina, Gruyere, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes).
BIGA WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA
The Brooklyn – 12 inch, Creamy burrata cheese, fire roasted tomatoes, pickled red onion, finished with Parmesan, fresh basil and balsamic glaze.
CITIZEN PIE
Choose from either the 12-inch New Yorker (fresh and shredded mozz, parmesan, basil and red sauce) or the 12-inch Smoked Pepperoni (fresh and shredded mozz, parmesan, pepperoni, oregano and red sauce).
DANNY BOY’S PIZZA
Ten-inch Believeland pies (traditional olive oil pan crust, five-cheese blend, crispy Ohio pepperoni, herbs and garlic drizzle).
DANTE’S PIZZA
Three nine-inch pies are up for the taking – Hot Honey Pie (olive oil,
provolone, mozz, drizzled sauce, ricotta, pepperoni, fresh basil, Mike’s Hot Honey); Bada-Bing (white garlic sauce, provolone, mozz, pepperoni, garlic, oregano, parmesan, garlic butter parm crust); Pam-pam (red sauce, provolone, mozz, pepperoni, and then more provolone, mozz and pepperoni).
DAWG HOUSE BAR & GRILL
Hot Honey Ricotta Flatbread – crispy flatbread layered with melty mozzarella, dollops of creamy ricotta cheese and uncured pepperoni, baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of hot honey, fresh arugula, and basil for $12. “Sweet heat meets savory bliss!” Any one-topping pizza for $9.
DEWEY’S PIZZA
Sgt. Peppers 11-inch pie for $10 (red sauce, mozz, Anaheim chilis, jalapenos, red bell and banana peppers, crushed red pepper, chopped pepperoni and Mike’s Hot Honey).
DIRTE PI
Choose from the Buffalo Chicken Dip (Buffalo blue, house blend cheese, herb roasted chicken, toasted cream cheese, Kooler ranch, ranch spice blend); the Italian (red sauce, mozz, house blend of cheese, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, balsamic glaze); and the Mexican (house blend of cheese, spicy red sauce, bruleed jalapenos, cilantro parm aioli).
ELEVENTHREE BREWING
The 12-inch Cleveland Marg, a classic margarita pizza with a house made basil pesto swirl.
ETALIAN
A 10-inch ETalian Pizza (red sauce, pepperoni, tomato, basil, onion, mozza and OG dressing).
GOOD PIZZA
Choose either four slices of Margherita ($10) or four slices of Pepperoni ($11).
HAIL MARY’S FOOD AND DRINK
The 12-inch Gong Show (pizza sauce, pepperoni, sausage, banana peppers, aged provolone and whole milk mozz blend).
JACK SPRATT’S PIZZA
A large 16-inch, one-topping pie.
JIM ALESCI’S PLACE
Choose from a 12-inch Hot Honey Pepperoni, Old Fashioned (sweet onion and tomato sauce, sprinkled with pecorino Romano, Sicilian-style), or Tomato Basil (melty provolone cheese, chopped tomatoes, EVOO, balsamic reduction and fresh basil).
JOJO CARLONI’S
The 12-inch Perfect Pepperoni (family recipe dough, homemade sauce, provolone and mozz mix, pepperoni cups).
LA PECORA PIZZABAR
The 12-inch New Haven-Style Pizza (Vesuvius D.O.P. tomato sauce, fresh garlic, oregano, shaved pecorino cheese).
LAVENDER JONES MACARONS
Your choice of a 12-inch Charlie’s Supreme (layered mozz, provolone, creamy Gruyere, jalapenos, chicken, crispy bacon, red onions) or the Vegan Mediterranean (vegan mozz, artichokes, red onions, green and Kalamata olives, spinach, garlic confit, fresh tomatoes and creamy vegan feta).
LEO’S ITALIAN SOCIAL
Any full-size pizza for $12, including Pepperoni, Sicilian, Mushroom, Rosemary Chicken and Margherita.
MARIO FAZIO’S
Offering a 12-inch Frankie’s Fire Pizza (Sicilian tomato, house-grated provolone, pepperoni, chopped onion, fresh basil, Jimmy’s Hot Honey) and a Classic Cheese.
MASTER PIZZA
he Pepperoni Passion – Award winning traditional pepperoni, Cup’N Char Pepperoni & finished with maresan on top of our original pizza sauce and 50/50 provolone/mozzarella cheese blend. The Ultimate Cheese Pizza – garlic sauce, extra white cheddar blend, extra provolone/mozzarella blend & finished with parmesan.
MIKEY’S PIZZA
Three choices including a 12-inch White, a 12-inch Cheese, and a 12-inch Hot Honey (pepperoni, spicy vodka sauce).
MIMI’S PIZZA
A 14-inch thin Hot and Crispy (sauce, cheese, pepperoni).
OLD SCHOOL PIZZA & WINGS
Two choices: The Mac Attack (house made dough topped with creamy mac and cheese, mozz, provolone, cheddar, grilled chicken, bacon and house buffalo sauce); The Fun-Guy (five kinds of mushrooms, garlic olive oil base, melty mozz, provolone, topped with truffle oil).
PIZZA (216)
Choose between the Margherita (classic red sauce, fresh mozzarella, local basil, pecorino romano) or The Hot Honey (cupping pepperoni, basil, goat cheese, pickled jalapeno, hot honey).
RIDGEWOOD KITCHEN & SPIRITS
Hot Honey Pepperoni – house-made dough, red sauce, pepperoni, provolone, sesame seeds, topped with hot honey. Applewood Pizza Pie – apple butter sauce base, sharp white cheddar, applewood bacon, poached apples & candied pecans. Butternut Pizza Pie – butternut squash cream, provolone, crispy pancetta, toasted pepitas, ricotta & hot honey drizzle.
SAINATO’S AT RIVERGATE
Either a 12-inch Mexican Street Corn Pizza (garlic butter base, sweet corn, mozz, jalapenos, house made chipotle mayo sauce, garnished with cilantro), or a 12-inch Chicken Tikka Masala (grilled chicken, red onion, mozz, house tikka masala sauce).
SAUCED WOOD FIRED PIZZA
Bulldog – hand stretched 11 inch – 6 slice wood-fired pizza topped with house sweer and savory tomato sauce, house sausage, fresh shredded mozzarella cheese, roasted garlic, pepperoni, peppadew peppers & fresh basil. Pizza Bianca – hand stretched 11 inch – 6 slice wood-fired pizza topped with house made garlic butter, fresh shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta, oregano, fresh basil & fresh grated parmesan.
SAUCY BREW WORKS
Ten-inch Bee’s Knees Apizza (Saucy red sauce, mozz, provolone, spicy capicola, red pepper flakes, honey drizzle).
TEAMZ RESTAURANT AND BAR
The Team Italiano (garlic butter base topped with mozzarella cheese blend, meatballs, Italian sausage, salami, green pepper, white onion, basil, and an Italian dressing drizzle)..
A 14-inch Margherita (basil, balsamic reduction, fresh mozz).
TONY K’S BAR & GRILLE
The Jalapeno Popper Pizza (cream cheese blend base topped with our mozzarella cheese blend, sliced jalapenos, bacon, crispy chicken and sprinkled with cheddar cheese).
VALLEY PIZZA CO.
Either a 12-inch Woodfired Margherita (San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, mozz, olive oil), or a 12-inch Woodfired Street Corn (white sauce base, roasted and spiced sweetcorn, red onions, red peppers, poblanos, topped with white cheddar cheese, lime crema and cilantro).
ZEPPE’S
Ten dollars for a nine-inch Sausage Pepperoni Parmesan (Italian sausage, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, chopped garlic, provolone, mozz, parmesan); Chicken Alfredo (creamy Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, spinach, onions, chopped garlic, provolone, and mozz); or Bianco (garlic white sauce, ricotta cheese, chopped garlic, mozz, tomatoes, provolone, fresh basil, oregano herb blend).
Danny Boy’s Pizza. | Courtesy Photo
GET OUT EVERYTHING TO DO IN CLEVELAND FOR
WED 11/05
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho
The Cleveland Orchestra plays the score while the film screens during this special performance that pays tribute to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
The Christine Jorgensen Show
Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Michael Barakiva, who directed the show’s off-Broadway premiere, brings this show about the person who reportedly became “the first transgender celebrity in America.” Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theater, where performances continue through Nov. 16. 1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Dial M for Murder
Great Lakes Theater presents its take on the classic thriller adapted from the original by Frederick Knott. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 9. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Much Ado About Nothing
Beatrice and Benedick forge a partnership to defend house and honor and salvage the true love of Hero and Claudio in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Tonight at 7:30, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Play House present their version of the classic play. Performances continue through Nov. 15. 1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
PlayStation: The Concert
Composers such as Gustavo Santaolalla, Bear McCreary, Ilan Eshkeri, and Joris de Man have reimagined the music from many of PlayStation’s most famous games for this concert. It takes place at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre. 1519 Euclid Avenue, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 11/06
USA Women’s Hockey vs Canada Rivalry Series
The two national women’s hockey teams face off in this special rivalry series that comes to Rocket Arena tonight. The puck drops at 7. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
FRI 11/07
Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo Afred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller that
stars James Stewart and Kim Novak explores obsession and identity against the backdrop of 1950s San Francisco. It screens tonight at 7:30 at Mandel Concert Hall with live accompaniment from the Cleveland Orchestra. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci Star in Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis
The two veteran improv comedians bring their latest show to the Mimi Ohio Theatre. Expect to hear the duo make up songs on the spot in the midst of their comedy routine. The show begins at 8 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre. 1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
GlamGore: The Tarantino & Burton Ball
Cleveland’s self-proclaimed Vixen of Versatility, Anhedonia Delight, presents this monthly themed drag show series at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Tonight’s show takes its team from two iconic directors. Doors open at 8 p.m. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
MIX: Renaissance to Revolution
This monthly event at the Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates the opening of Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses, the largest CMA fashion exhibition in the museum’s history. DJ Lily Jade and DJ Black Unicorn will be on hand to provide the music. The event begins at 6 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Monsters vs. Providence Bruins
The Monsters kick off a two-game series against the Providence Bruins with tonight’s game at Rocket Arena. The puck drops at 6. The two teams meet again at 1 p.m. tomorrow. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
SAT
Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
11/08
The Cavs go up against a Chicago Bulls team that’s still in the rebuilding process. The two teams face off at 8 tonight at Rocket Arena. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
Mozart’s REQUIEM: A Tapestry
Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra delivers this special concert featuring music by Mozart, Damien Geter, Eric Gould and Jessie Montgomery. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
SUN 11/09
Homeless for the Holidays Too
The veteran local act Drumplay headlines this special benefit concert for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. The concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Winchester Music Tavern in Lakewood.
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/ TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
MON 11/10
Cleveland Pizza Week
Scene’s annual pizza week is back. Participating restaurants will offer $9 pizzas through the promotion. The event runs through Sunday. Consult the website for more info. clevelandpizzaweek.com.
TUE 11/11
Elf the Musical
The funny musical that became a hit in the wake of the hit film of the same name comes to E.J. Thomas Hall just in time for the holidays. Tonight’s performance begins at 7:30, and a performance takes place tomorrow night at the same time and at the same venue. 198 Hill St., Akron, uaevents.com.
Six
The six wives of Henry VIII turn into pop princesses in this imaginative musical written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Nov. 16.
DJ Lily Jade performs at MIX at the Cleveland Museum of Art See: Friday, Nov. 7. | Credit: Juan Goodwin
WED 11/12
Midnight Rental
Presents Secret Movie Night
Hosted by Lenora from the internet hit-series Midnight Rental, this movie night features what it deems to be the best in VHS horror, thriller and campy classics. The event begins tonight at 8 at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, and the club will feature a special movie night menu for the event. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
THU 11/13
Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Cavaliers kick off a lengthy homestand with tonight’s game against the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors struggled to notch wins last season, and the Cavs should have the advantage. The game begins at 7. The Cavs will return to the arena on Saturday to face the Memphis Grizzlies at 5 p.m. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
Alex Edelman
Film director, writer and comedian Alex Edelman had a Broadway hit with his standup show Just For Us. He brings his latest show, dubbed What Are You Going to Do, to the Hanna Theatre. The show begins at 7 p.m. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 11/14
Grace Helbig: Let Me Get This Off My Chest
The comedian and actress who hosts her own podcast, This Might Get Weird, brings her latest show to the Hanna Theatre. In it, she talks about being diagnosed with breast cancer and what it was like to receive treatment. The concert begins at 8 p.m. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
T Murph
A part of the Chicago comedian scene who’s done a bit of acting as well (he has a role in the Hulu show Woke), comedian T Murph performs at 7 and 9:30 tonight and at 6:30 and 9 tomorrow night at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
SAT
In the Same Tongue
The Uncle Louie Variety Show
The comedy group brings its latest show, Wooden Spoon Survivor, to the Hanna Theatre. The comedians explore their Italian-American heritage in sketch comedy bits, some of which include live music. The show begins at 7 p.m. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SUN 11/16
Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens trounced the Browns when the two teams played in Baltimore earlier this season. The Ravens have struggled since then, and the Browns should be able to take this game at Huntington Bank Field a close one. Kick-off is at 4:25 p.m. 100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, huntingtonbankfield.
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
Now in its 30th season of touring, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas attempts to recreate “the joy and innocence “of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in the west of Ireland in the 1950s. The performance takes place at 2 p.m. at the Hanna Theatre. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
My Love Letter to Food
Comedian Samantha Woodman wrote, directed and produced this show about her relationship with food. Tonight’s performance takes place at 6 p.m. at Imposters Theater. 4828 Lorain Ave., imposterstheater.com.
MON 11/17
Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Cavaliers take on a very good Milwaukee Bucks team that’s led by star center Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game begins at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
TUE 11/18
Outlab: Experiments in Improvised Music
11/15
DANCECleveland presents this piece by Cleveland native Dianne McIntyre. It aims to explore “how language creates worlds of beauty, alienation, harmony, tension and piece. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Musicians are invited to bring instruments or any sound making device (drum kit and keyboard provided) that can be used to explore collective group improvisation. Please bring your own amps if needed. The monthly session begins at 8 tonight at the Bop Stop. Admission is free.
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
scene@clevescene.com @clevelandscene
EAT
COMING SOON
21 new restaurants and bars debuting soon around Northeast Ohio
By Douglas Trattner
IT MIGHT BE HARD TO BEAT THE excitement of the last year around the Cleveland dining scene, but if the nearly two dozen new openings slated for late 2025 and early 2026 are any indication, it’s certainly possible.
Expansions, transitions, cocktails, burgers, plenty of Asian fare, new ventures from the city’s best chefs, and a bevy of new downtown bars await around the corner.
Here’s what we’ve been keeping our eye on.
Lao Sze Chuan, Strongsville
Since opening at Pinecrest in 2023, Lao Sze Chuan has continued to attract Asian food fans thanks to its elegant interior, tantalizing Sichuan cuisine, and first-to-market standing in the state. Ohio’s first Lao Sze Chuan soon will be joined by its second when Sheng Long Yu opens another location in Strongsville. The famed Chicago-based eatery will open sometime this winter in the former Red Lobster space at SouthPark Mall.
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse, Lyndhurst
Sheng Long Yu did not get where he is today by sitting still. Since opening the original Shinto in Strongsville 20 years ago, he has gone to open more than a dozen other concepts in Northeast Ohio and beyond, including a second Shinto in Westlake. Shinto number three is slated to open this winter at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. Work currently is in progress in the spacious former home of Granite City near Dick’s Sporting Goods.
EVOO, The Legacy, Lyndhurst
In the coming weeks and months, EVOO and The Legacy will open in the former Bar Louie and California Pizza Kitchen spaces at Legacy Village, respectively. The restaurants will be operated by Brad Friedlander and Michael DuBois, principals in the quickly expanding Cleveland Restaurant Management Group. EVOO is described
as a “modern Greek-Mediterranean concept,”while The Legacy is a “love letter to the diners” who have enjoyed Friedlander spots like Café Brio, Moxie, RED, and Cut 151.
Saffron Patch, Lyndhurst
Also at Legacy Village, the former Wild Mango space presently is being rebuilt into a splashy new Saffron Patch Indian restaurant. The original opened 35 years ago in Orange Village, before relocating to Shaker Heights. While that location is expected to close prior to the Lyndhurst opening, there will be no changes to a second location in North Olmsted. This new location is billed as an “upscale Indian restaurant experience and vibe that is typical in Los Angeles and New York.”
Le Burger 4304, Jaja, Ohio City
Jaja and Pioneer restaurants have been closed since Halloween last year when a car crashed into Intro in Ohio City. JJJ hospitality, the new group in charge of food at Intro, will replace Pioneer – and its livefire cooking suite – with Le Burger 4304, a gourmet burger, sandwich and salad concept that JJJ hospitality launched last year in Minneapolis. After Le Burger opens later this fall, Jaja will reopen a couple weeks later with an all new menu and chef, Logan Abbe.
Nightjar, Woodmere Village
Nightjar, an intimate cocktail and jazz bar, will debut later this year at Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere. The owners are Sam Friedman, founder of the City Goods project in Hingetown, and Michael Paley, who runs the cocktail bar Cent’ Anni in Little Italy. The pair is aiming for a timeless interior reminiscent of a French Quarter jazz
club. Live and vinyl music will be joined by wine, cocktails, snacks, tinned fish platters and dessert.
Domo Yakitori and Sushi, Ohio City Domo Yakitori and Sushi, which existed at Van Aken District in Shaker for three years, will make its return later this fall in Ohio City. This version is built largely for takeout, but will offer seating for around 20 guests. Owner Carmen Paponetti prepares made-to-order sushi, yakitori and okonomiyaki, the popular Japanese street food consisting of savory pancakes filled and topped with any number of ingredients.
Hereafter, Ohio City StarChefs “Rising Star Bartender” Gabriela Holzer will open, Hereafter, an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant this winter in Ohio City. Presently lead bartender at Thyme Table in Bay Village, Holzer is building a “minimalist space that removes distracting visual noise and allows our guests to feel calmness, and therefore be more present with the cocktails, food, and company.” In addition to the beverages, Hereafter will offer a full food menu that focuses on small plates.
Noble Beast Biergarten, Ohio City
This coming spring, Shaun Yasaki, brewer-owner of Noble Beast Brewing, will unveil a new year-round, indoor-outdoor destination for beer, food and fun in Ohio City. He is merging multiple parcels on Lorain Avenue to fashion a compound that combines an alfresco beer garden, greenhouse, restaurant and cocktail bar. Chef-partner James Redford will offer food inspired by European beer gardens that relies on seasonal local ingredients.
Crowley’s Dive Bar, University Heights Crowley’s Dive Bar, the “unapologetically unglamorous” home to killer smash burgers and more, is just days away from opening its newest location on the campus of John Carroll University in University Heights. Since launching two years ago in Eastlake, the owners have expanded to Kirtland and Painesville. The draw is exceptional pub grub, attentive service and an unpretentious vibe that appeals to a wide audience.
Masa, Flour, Brecksville
Valor Acres, the mixed-use living community taking shape in Brecksville, has attracted Dante Boccuzzi and Matt Mytro, both of whom will open new restaurants in the coming months. First to completion will be Masa, a Japanese restaurant by Boccuzzi that will focus on fast-casual sushi rolls and bowls. Soon after, Flour owners Mytro and Paul and Lisa Minnillo will open a new location in which to enjoy the same chef-driven Italian fare that has made it a success in Moreland Hills since 2011.
Joe’s BBQ, Brimfield
True barbecue fans know that some of Ohio’s best brisket, ribs, pulled pork and smoked chicken are cooked and sold on a gravel parking lot in rural Brimfield Township. Since 2017, Joe Menendez has more than made do operating from an alfresco smoker and food truck, but he has been plotting to erect a brick-and-mortar establishment on the same site for years. When the structure is completed in the coming months, diners can look forward to a fast-casual setup with indoor and outdoor seating.
Crowley’s | Photo by Doug Trattner
New Cordelia Joint, Ohio City
Not much still is known about the new project from Cordelia owners Vinnie Cimino and Andrew Watts, which was announced this past summer. Building off the success of “Midwest Nice” hospitality coupled with “Modern Grandma” cuisine, the owners plotted expansion by snagging the former Alea space in the Hingetown area of Ohio City. When it opens later this year, the as-yet-unnamed eatery “will be an extension of who we are as culinary professionals,” says Cimino.
Witch Doctor, Old Brooklyn
The Old Brooklyn neighborhood will be on the receiving end of a new botanically themed cocktail bar called the Witch Doctor, which is expected to open in the coming weeks. “I get a lot of inspiration from herbalism,” explains owner Matt Luebert. He goes on to describe the vibe as “witch doctor in the forest,” with stained glass windows, live plants and a garden growing out back.
Urban Myer’s Pint House, Downtown
It’s been a year since Saucy Brew Works CEO Brent Zimmerman announced that the company had purchased Urban Meyer’s Pint House and planned to open a location in downtown Cleveland. That Buckeyes-themed sports bar is taking shape inside the former Winking Lizard space in the Gateway District. The latest estimates peg opening day early next summer.
Tom’s Watch Bar, Downtown
Willoughby’s K & D Group is bringing Tom’s Watch Bar, a nationally recognized leader in the sportsbar category, to downtown Cleveland. The bar is taking shape in the Electric Building at 700 Prospect Ave. Founded in 2014, Tom’s Watch
Bar is known for airing everything from college football games to prize fights on a massive stadium-style screen alongside hundreds of other panels to create a 360-degree viewing experience.
Cosm, Downtown
Cosm, an immersive sports and entertainment venue, will rise as part of Bedrock’s new mixed-use Rock Block development in downtown Cleveland. Our location will join others in in Los Angeles and Dallas, and soon, Atlanta and Detroit. Cosm employs “Shared Reality” technology and wraparound displays to transport guests into real-time sporting events, concerts and other live-action entertainment.
The attraction is slated to open in the first half of 2027.
Mason Social, Mentor
Mason Social, another creation from the Cleveland Restaurant Management Group, is taking shape in the former Melt Bar and Grilled location in Mentor. The concept is described by the owners as “sports bar meets honky-tonk.” When it opens in December, the restaurant will offer scratch-made bar food, cocktails served in mason jars, and dozens of TVs for sports viewing.
Pin High, Bay Village
Dan Deagan is putting the finishing touches on Pin High, a golf simulator facility in Bay Village.
The 13,000-square-foot, two-level complex is located in the old Bay Lanes bowling alley just steps from Deagan’s Wolf & Co. In addition to a dozen cutting-edge golf simulators, Pin High will offer top-flight beer, wine and cocktails alongside a “simple but good” menu of snacks.
Paper Tiger, Tremont Hangry Brands continues their rapid growth with the addition of Paper Tiger, a contemporary “American-Chinese” restaurant that will open in the former Crust space in Tremont. Like most of their other concepts, this one will be immersive, experiential and fun. Think Chinese zodiac cocktails, complimentary shrimp chips, glowing red dragons, and a mix of traditional and creative Chinese foods.
STEAK, Chagrin Falls
The success of STEAK in Tremont, with its bold décor, playful vibe and all-inclusive price structure, has spurred expansion on the concept. Next up for parent company Hangry Brands is a location in Chagrin Falls, specifically the former Burntwood Tavern on Washington. Following a complete transformation of the building, inside and out, STEAK Chagrin will open sometime in 2026.
Le Burger 4304 |
Photo by Doug Trattner
Noble Beast | Photo by Doug Trattner
EAT BITES
By Douglas Trattner
LAST
SPRING, SOHO CHICKEN AND Whiskey owners Nolan Konkoski and Molly Smith announced that they had found a new location for their restaurant, which had been a fixture on West 25th Street for 14 years. Rising rents led to a decision to decamp as the landlord opted to welcome a future Chipotle location to the space.
In June, they ceased operations at their original home and began renovating the former Xinji space on Lorain, a process that took a bit longer than expected.
But last week, after a roller coaster ride that began last February, Soho officially reopened in its new home (4211 Lorain Ave.).
“We’re very happy with the location, with the building,” says Konkoski. “I don’t think we could have ended up with a better situation.”
The beautiful new restaurant looks and
feels like Soho, but in a mature, elevated sort of way. Overall, the restaurant gained a total of four seats, two at the bar and two in the dining room, but that was never a goal, Konkoski states.
“We didn’t want to be a lot bigger,” he says. “We liked our old size.”
Apart from the room, Soho reopens with the same concept, people and hospitality that diners have come to love since 2011. Keen regulars will notice a bit more variety on the menu, mainly with the addition of new appetizers, salads and vegetarian items.
The move comes at a time when West 25th Street continues to evolve in ways that crowd out the little guy, leaving small independents like Soho scrambling for new homes. For many local operators, Lorain Avenue has become that haven.
“We always stayed true to our neighborhood roots, but the neighborhood was changing over there,” says Smith.
Phoenix Coffee Finds a New Downtown Home at Skyline 776
Last month, Phoenix Coffee closed its last downtown café, a location that had been in business since 2007. At the time of the announcement, the local coffee roaster teased that a new downtown home was already in the works.
“We had irons in a couple fires,” says general manager Toby Reif.
As it turns out, none of those irons panned out. But an even better opportunity did when a friend suggested a nearly turn-key space at
by Doug Trattner
Skyline 776, the brand-new luxury apartment building in downtown Cleveland.
“It was serendipitous,” adds Reif. “It was one of those things that felt too good to be true: right size, still close to the old space, it’s bright in ways that our old space wasn’t.”
Reif says that while it was bitter-sweet to leave the downtown space they had called home for 17 years, that space no longer served the current needs of the coffee company.
“It was a challenging space to operate, and it was built with a very different Cleveland in mind,” he says of the café at 1700 E. 9th St. Reif described the former café as cavernous, dark, and located on the ground floor of a parking garage attached to an office building.
At roughly half the size, the new café is right-sized for today’s downtown coffee consumer, says Reif. There will still be enough room for in-house seating as well.
When it opens in the coming days or weeks, Phoenix Coffee store number five will offer the same lineup of fresh-baked cookies, muffins and scones supplemented by Cleveland Bagels and gluten-free and vegan treats from Philomena Bake Shop.
dtrattner@clevescene.com @dougtrattner
Photo
MUSIC THE OLD SCHOOL APPROACH
By Jeff Niesel
WHILE CORY GRINDER PLAYS OLD school country music now, he didn’t group up listening to that style of music. He heard country-pop on the radio but didn’t care for it at all. He played violin at a young age but wasn’t crazy about classical music. In high school in the early 2010s, he started to discover gypsy jazz and bluegrass and country music like Hank Williams, material he was never exposed to as a child.
“I would goof around with friends, and we would busk,” he says via phone from his Akron home prior to heading into the studio to work on some new tunes. His latest album, And More, arrives next month, and Cory Grinder and his backing bank, the Playboy Scouts, play a release party on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Beachland Tavern.
At that time, he met the local country/ bluegrass outfit Johnny & the Apple Stompers. They inspired him to start listening to old school country music and bluegrass.
“I was starting to listen to that music at the time anyway,” says Grinder. “But it fast-tracked my exposure to that style of music. Hank Williams really led the way in the songwriting department. Fiddle playing and bluegrass and old-time Appalachian jams and things like that were really inspiring. At that point, I wasn’t writing music myself, but I started hanging out with great writers.”
Grinder would join Johnny & the Apple Stompers and would also play with the local honky-tonk act Rodney and the Regulars.
“When those groups fizzled out, I was hooked on it and tried my hand at writing music,” he says. “I never really thought I would be a songwriter, but I have now recorded at least 60 of my originals. I guess I am a songwriter.”
He recruited a few of those former band mates to join him in his band, and he would go on to release Cahoots and Other Favorites in 2018, Honky Tonkin’ Beauty Supreme in 2021 and Snacks in 2022.
For And More, he wanted to try a different approach to recording and went to the Electric Company in Akron, a studio built into an old hospital.
“I met with Robert Keith there, and he really loves recording,” says Grinder. “He’s super enthusiastic, and he pushed me to record to one-inch tape. Sometimes, musicians fantasize about that because it feels like an old school way. What I found that was really cool was that everyone was really in-the-moment and really there. Everyone was really in it. That
was such a cool feeling. From top to bottom, everyone put their best foot forward. It was a really cool experience and a step forward with the sound, for sure. The writing was getting strong, and I loved getting into a big room with the guys and record most of it when we were together.”
The record begins with a somber tune, “On Time,” and then picks up with “Feeling It Too” before embarking on a honky-tonk and old school country roller coaster ride.
“I think a lot about the way an album flows,” says Grinder. “I love an album as a piece of artwork. The world has moved back to a singles world. Even with albums I like, I don’t want to hear this song without hearing this song first. A lot of thought goes into it. I would love to do a concept album where the songs go right into each other. You really prevent yourself from getting any radio play.”
The record features the distinctive guitar work of Anthony Papaleo, pedal steel from founding member Tebbs Karney, and vocal
contributions from Grinder, Karney and local musician and producer David Mayfield. Karney even sings lead on “The Lights of Angel Falls,” a Grinder-penned ballad.
“Anthony and Tebbs have played on every album I have made,” says Grinder. “Anthony will locally play with me. Tebbs will go on the road with me to do shows. They’re both on the next one too. When I made that first record and wanted them on it, I thought if I could put them in a room together, it would be magic. That approached has worked ever since.”
The album will come out on vinyl and be for sale at the upcoming Beachland show.
And while the album features Grinder’s latest collection of tunes, loyal fans already know many of the songs. He’s road tested them during live shows he’s played for the past several months.
“People have been hearing a lot of these songs for year,” he says. “Now, they’re finally getting the recorded versions.”
Cory Grinder embraces old school country music. | Credit: Cory Grinder
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LIVEWIRE REAL MUSIC IN THE REAL WORLD
THU 11/06
Austin Snell
This Nashville singer-songwriter rolls into the Beachland Ballroom tonight at 8 as he brings his tour supporting his new album, Home Sweet Hell, to town. The guy draws equally from Nirvana and Alan Jackson and has called his sound grunge country. 15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
FRI 11/07
Austin Meade
Raised by a Southern Baptist preacher, this singer-songwriter listened to everything from gospel to AC/DC and Journey while growing up. He brings his tour in support of his new album, Almost Famous, to the Winchester in Lakewood. The show starts at 7 p.m. 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/ thewinchestermusictavern.
Ty Myers
This Austin, TX-based singer-songwriter takes a soulful approach on his debut album, The Select. Ballads such as “Ends of the Earth” and “Worry Is a Sickness” effortlessly mix R&B and country. Myers performs at 7 tonight at the Agora. Singer-songwriter Harper O’Neill opens. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Thrice
The hard rock group that first formed in the ‘90s performs at 7:30 p.m. at Globe Iron. The current tour supports the new album, Horizons/ West, a companion to 2021’s Horizons/East. Songs such as “Blackout” find the band in good form as Dustin Kensrue’s vocals never sounded more powerful and menacing. Modern Color and Downward open.
2325 Elm St., globeironcle.com.
SAT 11/08
Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour
The Southern rock band that released its debut back in 2003 has continued to regularly tour and record as it’s built a cult following of alt-country fans. Last year, it returned with the Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell)-produced Be Right Here. The group
brings its latest tour to the Goodyear Theater in Akron. The show begins at 8 p.m. 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.
Jack’s Mannequin
The indie rock outfit reunited this year to celebrate their 20th anniversary and release new music, Everything in Transit: Strings Attached EP. The group performs tonight at 7 at the Agora. Indie rockers hellogoodbye and verygently open. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
The comedian and actor turned blues singer brings his band to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. Murray, who launched this current tour with performance last year at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas, has performed at events such as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, John Prine & The Steeldrivers at the Grand Ole Opry and Love Rocks NYC at The Beacon Theatre. The show begins at 8 p.m., and comedian and musician Dave Hill, a Northeast Ohio native, will open and might jam with the guys too.
The singer-songwriter celebrates the 30th anniversary of her album Relish with this show
at EJ Thomas Hall. Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb, who’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Tails, shares the bill.
198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7570, ejthomashall.com.
Weakened Friends
Earlier this year, this Portland, ME-based trio debuted its new album, Feels Like Hell, at Riot Fest in Chicago. The prickly tunes possess a Sleater-Kinney-like intensity. The group performs at 8 tonight at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Rodeo Boys and Cool Party open.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., 216-321-5588, Cleveland Heights, grogshop.gs.
SUN
Chicago
11/09
Decades into their career, the jazz-rock-pop band continues to tour. The Rock Hall Inductees perform at 7:30 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
Earlier this year, this jazz musician released his latest effort, Day Trip, and it hit the top of the jazz charts. The album draws from jazz,
funk, R&B and pop. Culbertson performs at 7:30 tonight at the Akron Civic Theatre. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
TUE 11/11
Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Greetings from Your Hometown
This special tour will feature music from the pop band’s entire career, which now stretches back 20 years. The show will also include material from solo projects like Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick Jonas’s solo career, Joe Jonas’s solo career and the sideproject DNCE. It begins at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena. 1 Center Court, 216-420-2200, rocketarena.com.
WED 11/12
Keb’Mo’
The veteran singer-songwriter has received a slew of Grammy nominations and won an Americana Lifetime Achievement Award during the course of a career that goes back to the 1970s. He collaborates with the likes of Vince Gill, Darius Rucker and Old Crow Medicine Show on his latest album, Good To Be. His tour in support of the release brings him to the Mimi Ohio Theatre tonight at 8. 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The hard rock group Mammoth plays the Agora. See: Tuesday, Nov. 18. | Credit: Javier Bragado
CLEVELAND PIZZA WEEK NOVEMBER 10–16
12” CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
Grilled chicken, red onions, mozzarella cheese with our homemade tikka masala sauce.
12” MEXICAN STREET CORN PIZZA
Garlic butter base with sweet corn, mozzarella andjalapeno’s topped with housemade chipotle mayonnaise sauce and garnished with cilantro.
Minus the Bear — Menos El Oso 20th Anniversary Tour
The Seattle-based indie rock group just reissued its 2005 breakout album, Menos el Oso, and played the LP in its entirety at a surprise show in its hometown. The current tour celebrates the album’s anniversary. Tonight’s show at House of Blues starts at 7 p.m. 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
THU 11/13
Thomas Dolby
The ‘80s synth-pop star who had a massive hit in 1982 with the tune “She Blinded Me with Science” comes to House of Blues. Over the years, he’s been an innovative musician who’s played synthesizers for the likes of David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Roger Waters and Foreigner. The show starts at 7 p.m. 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Rhett Miller and Bob Schneider
The singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of alt-country icons Old 97s, Rhett Miller comes to the Music Box Supper Club in support of his tenth solo album, A lifetime of riding by night. Austin, TX-based singersongwriter Bob Schneider shares the bill. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.
FRI 11/14
Cory Grinder & the Playboy Saints
The local honky-tonk heroes perform at the Beachland Tavern to celebrate the release of their new album, And More, which they recorded at the Electric Company in Akron. Doors open at 8 p.m.
The duo that merges classical music and hip-hop returns to its roots with this show that takes place at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre. Singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander, who’s toured with the likes of Leon Bridges and the Lumineers, joins the group. 1519 Euclid Avenue, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Queensryche — Volume and Vengeance Tour
The veteran hard rock group perhaps best known for the 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime brings its latest tour to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The group released new material back in 2022 when it
put out Digital Noise Alliance, an album it cut with its longtime producer Zeuss. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Wish You Were Here
The Pink Floyd tribute act returns to the Agora. The 10-piece band plays cuts from classic Floyd albums such as Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. The multi-media stage production features lasers and moving lights, vintage videos, flying inflatables and various sound effects. The group boasts that it is the longest continually-performing Pink Floyd tribute act in the world. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The former teen pop star who inked a record deal when he was still in high school comes to the Goodyear Theater in Akron. The show starts at 7 p.m., and it’s billed as a “live music and storytelling” event, so you can expect to hear Cassidy reflect on his lengthy career. 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.
TUE 11/18
Mammoth
The hard rock group led by Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of guitar hero Eddie Van Halen, comes to the Agora. He launched a solo career back in 2015 with the release of Mammoth’s self-titled debut, which drew comparisons to AC/DC, Foo Fighters and TOOL. Singer Myles Kennedy opens the show, and doors are at 6 p.m.
The Canadian rock group touring to celebrate its 25th year as a band comes to House of Blues. The group just released two new albums, Pink Moon and Antibloom, and has hand-picked the openers for this final leg of the anniversary tour. Doors open at 6 p.m., and Thursday, Free Throw and Bloom share the bill.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
scene@clevescene.com
Bulldog
Hand stretched 11”- 6 slice wood-fired pizza topped with house sweet and savory tomato sauce, house sausage, fresh shredded mozzarella cheese, roasted garlic, pepperoni, peppadew peppers & fresh basil.
Pizza Bianca
Hand stretched 11”- 6 slice wood-fired pizza topped with house made garlic butter, fresh shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta, oregano, fresh basil & fresh grated parmesan.
The Pepperoni Passion (9”) Traditional Pepperoni, Cup’ N Char Pepperoni &
with Parmesan on top of our Original Pizza Sauce and 50/50 Provolone/Mozzarella Cheese Blend. The Ultimate Cheese Pizza
Garlic Sauce, Extra White Cheddar Blend, Extra Provolone/Mozzarella Blend & Finished with Parmesan.
Cleveland Pizza Week returns November 10-16 with $12 pies at 30+ local spots. From inventive twists to classic favorites, there’s a slice for everyone. Download the Cleveland Pizza Week app to map your route, earn rewards and share your pizza adventures.
PIZZA WEEK SPECIAL
Any large (8 cuts) two topping pizza for $12.
Not combinable with any other offers.
HOURS
Sun–Thurs: 11am–11pm Fri–Sat: 11am–1am
DINING ROOM HOURS
Sun–Thurs: 11am–10pm Fri–Sat: 11am–12am ** last seating is at 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends **
SAVAGE LOVE QUICKIES
by Dan Savage
1. I’m a 34-year-old woman who has been with a man I really enjoy for three years. There are a few reasons I don’t think we’re going to last forever. Most importantly: I’m not planning to have kids. He knows that but he wants them. Do I need to cut it off or do I let it run its course?
Allowing someone to live in hope is fine… so long as there’s hope. Allowing someone to live in false hope by making vague statements that could be interpretated more than one way… that’s selfish and manipulative. So, if what you mean by, “not planning,” is, “never going to,” you need to make that unambiguously clear to the man you’re enjoying.
2. If a guy refers to his wife as his “wife” in quotation marks… what does that mean?
It could mean she’s his wife in name only… or it could mean he wants you to believe she’s his wife in name only… but it doesn’t mean his marriage is open or that this woman’s “husband” can be trusted.
3. I am sexually active at 87. I can’t find any gay men in Olympia, Washington, where I live. Where is a good place to start?
Music mogul David Geffen was in his eighties when he met his husband David Armstrong on seekingarrangements.com (“the premier dating site for success-minded singles”) two years ago. Geffen and Armstrong are now getting divorced. Armistead Maupin was in his seventies when he met his husband Christopher Turner on daddyhunt.com (“where you never have to lie about your age to meet other men”) eleven years ago. Armistead and Christopher are still together.
4. I’m married to the woman I gave my virginity to. After decades together, we have decided to experience others to spread joy in this dark world. Is there a term for someone who is not a virgin, because they’ve had sex thousands of times, but they’ve only ever had sex with one person? If there isn’t, can I propose “monogamy virgin”?
“Monogamy virgin” sounds like someone who’s had sex with tons of people but never made a monogamous commitment to anyone. So, your proposed term isn’t going to work — and even if I could pull a better term to describe you out of my ass, years could go by before it came into wide use. And we need you out there spreading the joy right now, not ten years from now.
5. Cis 28-year-old female from somewhere in the desert. My question is this: Do you have to be attracted physically to someone to be in a BDSM relationship? Specifically, a Dom/ sub relationship?
Blindfolds are your friend!
P.S. A good blindfold might help you enjoy
a BDSM play session with a Dom you aren’t into physically, but a non-companionate relationship requires some spark of physical attraction. That said, lots of people wind up with partners they weren’t physically attracted to at first because they had other things in common — and a shared interest in BDSM is an important commonality, one you might be able to build on.
6. Any clever tricks for avoiding Cialis side effects like headache/congestion?
Flonase is your friend!
7. No question! Thank you!
No answer? You’re welcome?
8. Queer, non-binary AFAB person here. Why am I obsessed with m/m erotica? It’s so fucking hot OMG.
My first thought — the quick answer that popped into my mind — would get me in trouble if I were to share it. (And like a lot of initial thoughts, it might not be the right one!) So, I’ll share my more considered second and third thoughts: If you’re into men/males/ AMAB persons, you might enjoy m/m erotica for the same reason so many cishet men enjoy w/w erotica, e.g. more of what you came for. Additionally, m/m erotica — which is mostly created by and for AFAB persons (women, cis and trans, binary and non, etc.) — allows you to enjoy male sexual aggression without feeling complicit in the sexual objectification of women. In short, some find it easier to enjoy boys being boys when boys are doing boys.
9. I’m a 40-year-old single woman ready to be a mother. I don’t want to pay for jizz and the two friends I asked live abroad and don’t want to make a kid they can’t be present for. So, I posted on Feeld and now I’m drowning in free jizz! Men are literally lining up. Meeting a male life partner has been hard. Existentially and practically, what do you think about all this? The clock is ticking!
“It’s painful to pay for sperm after a life of fending it off,” said Diana Adams, Esq., executive director of the Chosen Family Law Center. “But going with sperm off apps runs the risk in these conservative times of the donor being declared a dad who has parental rights. Only choose someone responsible and reliable enough to sign a Known Donor Agreement drafted by a lawyer in your state — that’s only a few thousand dollars well-spent to protect you and your child.”
Follow Diana Adams on Instagram @ DianaAdamsEsq.
10. I have a crush on a friend and I’m not sure they’re interested in me. Do I say something and risk the awkwardness? Or is it not worth it?
“If they’re into you, you’ll know. If they’re not, you’ll be confused.”
That quote gets passed around a lot — I’m not sure who said it first, so don’t know who to credit — but I don’t this it’s good advice. It may be true that confusing signals usually indicate disinterest, but you never know. P.S. I recently ran into a guy I had a crush on when he was a waiter at one of my favorite restaurants. As it turns out, he had a crush on me. But I was giving off confusing signals
(I didn’t wanna creep on this pretty waiter, so I was reserved) and he was giving off confusing signals (he didn’t wanna hit on a customer, so he was businesslike), and neither of us were willing to risk a moment’s awkwardness. There wasn’t a friendship at stake, I realize, just a hot waiter, but now I wish I’d done more than tip 30%.
11. Confession: I’ve been giving blowjobs to a friend’s boyfriend. She’s just a friend, not my best friend. I feel bad but don’t want to stop. I wish there was some detail that made me feel better — I asked if their relationship is sexless (it’s not), I asked if she gives him blowjobs (she does), I asked if they’re open (they’re not) — but he’s got the most beautiful cock I’ve ever seen. Can I still think of myself as a good person? Does it make any difference that I’m gay and I might be meeting a need that my friend can’t?
Are you Good? No. Are you giving? Yes. P.S. “But the dick was amazing” doesn’t win you a “Get Out of Shitty Friend Jail Free” card.
12. Is there such a thing as a hetero leather daddy with no misogynistic tendencies?
Is there such a thing as a homosexual leather daddy with no homophobic tendencies? P.S. A lot of internalized homophobia gets externalized and purged when gay men engage in D/s sex play. But both men involved are victims of homophobia, and homophobic tropes are consciously invoked, exaggerated, and purged. I could see straight men into D/s sex not being as consciously aware of their misogyny and unconsciously reinforcing it through play rather than purging it. That said, there have to be some hetero leather daddies out there with no misogynistic tendencies. Just because you haven’t met one yet doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
13. Which would you choose: a man in uniform or a man in a finely tailored suit?
If I had to choose, I’d choose a man in uniform over a man in a suit every single time.
14. Any secrets for dry mouth when it’s time to give sloppy head?
Keep some of those Del Monte fruit cups in the fridge — the kind with the alarmingly red cherries in them — and have a quick sip of the syrup before you begin.
15. Why are we obsessed with big things? Big tits, big dicks, big butts, big balls?
The big things you cite are markers of fertility and/or the kind of primary and secondary sex characteristics that light up our reptile brains. We are not obsessed with big things generally — no one is into big earlobes, big kneecaps, big foreheads, etc. (I mean, big earlobes exist, as does Rule 34, which means there’s probably someone out there jacking off to big earlobe porn right now. Still, my point stands.)
16. We enjoy sex in public places — we’ve done it in a hospital, a club, offices, hotel pool, highway overpass — but don’t want to get caught by security cameras.
No one looks at security camera footage unless a crime has been committed and reported — so, if you’re careful not to commit crimes yourself (or any additional crimes) and don’t have sex where other people are committing crimes, it’s unlikely that anyone will review the security camera footage you’re almost certainly been caught on already.
17. Are men worth marrying?
I married my husband twice and would marry my boyfriend if I could, so you can count me as a yes.
18. Is a bulldyke topping gay men a kink?
If you’re jacking off to porn featuring bulldykes topping gay men and you’re neither a bulldyke nor a gay man, you’ve might have a kink. But if you’re a bulldyke who’s topping a gay man… or a gay man being topped by a bulldyke… you’re proof that the horseshoe theory doesn’t just apply to politics: a person — two people — can be so queer they wind up having what looks like (but arguably isn’t) straight sex.
19. I’m a 35-year-old cis het woman with vaginismus. I’ve only had one PIV partner. We made it work, but it was challenging and years ago. Since then, I’ve only been with one person, and he couldn’t have PIV for religious reasons, so it wasn’t an issue. I’ve met someone new and will need to broach the subject. Do you have any advice on how and when to talk about it? And any advice for treatment would also be great. I have dilators. I don’t have resources for a sex therapist.
“Dilators are a great start,” said Dr. Rachel Gelman, a pelvic floor physical therapist and the founder of Pelvic Wellness. “But I strongly recommend consulting with a pelvic floor therapist. They can make sure you are using the dilators correctly, as well as teach you other exercises and use various treatment techniques to address any tension of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles that contribute to vaginismus. They may also help with strategies to approach the conversation with this new partner, which ideally you want to have before you enter the bedroom. Certain conversations tend to be easier when you are both fully dressed.”
Follow Dr. Rachel Gelman on Instagram @ PelvicHealthSF.
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!
