Garlic LOVE! (09/11-12)

The North Union Farmers’ Market is proud to present the first ever Cleveland Garlic Festival at historic Shaker Square! This grassroots food and music event will take place Saturday, from 1:00-10:00 PM., and Sunday, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 each (can be purchased online or at the show) All proceeds will support North Union’s mission of championing local foods by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets in order to:

- Supply the community with the freshest garlic – harvested ripe and brought fresh to market
- Support growth and incubate over 300 small businesses in Northeast Ohio
- Stimulate the local economy by keeping money in our communities
- Keep Ohio land producing food and supporting families, which saves farms from destruction



The Cleveland Garlic Festival will be the place to be for “all things garlic” in the Midwest Great Lakes region. Attendees will enjoy garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs including everything from ice cream to oysters, an onsite celebrity chef Grill-Off, live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, taste and grow tents for children, and many more events and activities.

Get out the breath mints – the Cleveland Garlic Festival arrives this weekend!

Wierd Al (09/03)

I know that this Friday is the anticipated Rock Hall Ball..but has anyone heard the news? Wierd Al Yankovic is also performing in Cleveland on Friday! Remember him?

I can vividly remember singing the Madonna tune to the lyrics of "Like a Surgeon" as I pranced around my parents home as a young kid. Since those days "Al" has gone on to write and perform many hits such as "Canadian Idiot" and "Polkarama," a parody on polkas.



You can find Mr Yankovic at this years Taste of Cleveland running from Friday September 3rd through to Monday the 6th at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. Everything from Polish cuisine and spicy Cajun fare to Grammy Award-winning artists and radio rock stars are on the menu...fingers crossed no rain for the holiday weekend!!!

Inked for Ohio & weekend fun (08/13)

Hello CLEVELAND!!!!

I have been traveling for work a bunch as of late and I am SO SO SORRY for being a little slacking on letting you know what the scoop around the 'hood is.

First off, I want to introduce you to Nichole. I ran into her a few weeks ago and couldn't help but notice her artwork on her arm. She said it came to her in a dream, that's her and her best friend on a great day in our city. Thanks Nichole for sharing your "tat," it seems like a wonderful dream to me!!!

Now, onto this weekend...

- It's the second weekend of the month, so you know what that means...the evening art walk in Tremont. Hip hip horray!!

- Have you tried the new RoseAngel? I hear the drinks are to die for, so beat the heat with a mojito or margarita before the labor day weekend!

- 100 days, 100 nights....To know a man's heart....Ms Sharon is coming to the Rock Hall...don't miss her.

- There once was a great friend who gave me an even better book...she recommend I read it while eating chocolate & drinking wine...And so...the movie comes out this weekend...not too be missed!

Just a few little somethings to keep you busy in the land of Cleve the next few days!

XOXO -iheartcleveland

Feast (08/13-15)

This weekend...it's FEAST-TIME!!!

Time to put on your italian horn necklace...splash on your extra thick cologne...tie on your pasta eating bib and head up to Murray Hill for this weekends "Feast of the Assumption."

The four-day Feast of the Assumption is a wonderful mix of religion and secular fun. The entire length of Mayfield Road, between Euclid Avenue and Cleveland Heights is closed off to traffic. In their place are carnival rides, delicious Italian food vendors (and a random other few,) arts and crafts booths, and live music stages, playing everything from classic rock to "It's Amore."

"Detesto l'uomo che manda giù il suo cibo non sapendo che cosa mangia. Dubito del suo gusto in cose più importanti." ("I hate the man who eats without knowing what he's eating. I doubt his taste in more important things.") -Charles Lamb

Badda bing, badda bang...Gnochhi, Cannoli, Lasagna, Chianti and linguine for all.

Summer weekend!

How did it get to August already? Weren't we just planning our afternoon trips to the beach? Or what we'd pack on our evening picnic? Well, not to worry, we still have all of August and most of September keep up warm and enjoying the Cleveland outdoors.

This weekend what are you doing? So many great area events it makes me wish I could be in two places at once.

This weekend, not too be missed...

> Artists from all over Ohio will meet to sell their work in Lakewood...check out the Grey Cardigan pop up shop!

> E.T lands at Huntington Beach, while Dorothy and the munchkins take over Playhouse Square.

> A memorial show to our dear Cleveland friend, Harvey Pekar at the Beachland Ballroom.

> Grab your bike and take an evening ice cream ride to your best neighborhood ice cream shop!

> Cheers on our area athletes at this years Cleveland Triathlon.

> I've been craving a crepe, a pot of french press and the Sunday morning paper in the city.

> A big street bash in the Warehouse District!

> Rent a kayak and paddle through the Rocky River to keep cool!

> How about a $5 Mojito to ring in the new week?

Well, whatever your weekend has in store for you, make sure you are happy, healthy and surrounded by those you love. Happy iheartcleveland weekend!

Lakewood Art Festival (8/07)

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

Don't miss the amazing music lineup! For details on the bands, visit the Festival Website.

Ale Fest (07/24&25)

2010 Scene Ale Festival Lincoln Park, Tremont, OH

Burning River Fest (07-24 & 25)

http://www.burningriverfest.org

Made in the 216 (06/11&12)

I shouldn't have to remind you, but just in case "the 216" is less than 4 days away! (Friday June 11th & Saturday June 12th)

For up to the minute show details visit miss mastermind Danielle's blog I'm sure she will have fun stuff to say this week. We are so excited to see what creative displays and new artists she has unearthed. Hope to see you there.

Food & FIlm Fest

So here we are, in the midst of this years Cleveland Film Festival...

Over the weekend I had the privilege of screening five fantastic films; from “Ingredients” to “A Matter of Size.”

While the festival committee requests of the viewers that all cell phones, audible watches and even pagers (do people still carry pagers?) be turned off during the film...what about growling stomachs?

Yes, this past Sunday as I sat and enjoyed the afternoon film, my stomach let out a loud, whining growl, and man was it long. Was I hungry? Did the walk through the “food” court of Tower City entice me? I think not. Had I not stuffed enough sweets into my pocket to satisfy my afternoon hunger? I had no idea why my belly was making such a scene.

Then I thought about it, although there is the “food” court and the traditional movie supplies (popcorn, twizzlers, m&m’s, etc) you often see film goers darting from theatre to theater with a small cooler in tow...what did they know that I didn’t? Even if you don’t think you will get hungry, YOU WILL! Watching movies is a hard sport and one that needs to be fueled strategically.



So, with that said, here are a few ideas for you to munch on as you plan your trip to the film fest this year....

Wine & Chocolate for those late night films...stop in at Lilly’s in Tremont to pack your purse with a “juice box” sized servings of vino and pair it with the perfect truffle for you and your movie sweetie. A big step up from diet coke and snowcaps.

Lunch on the go...put your emergency flashers on and run into Nate's Deli (on W 25th, near the Market) for a hummus or shawarma rolled pita sandwich ($3-$5). Both sandwiches could be devoured during a film if you quietly roll down the paper and offer your neighbor a bite. Otherwise schedule a few extra minutes prior to the film and have a Tower City “Nates” fountain picnic in order to have that extra energy to wait in the stand by aisle

Taking a break between films...there are many places close by that you can escape the crowds of tower city and enjoy a quick food fix. If you want to stroll around Tremont to stretch your legs, stop by Dish Deli for the lemon scented tuna salad and daily veggie special. Thinking you’ll meet your friends for the next movie for a drink or a bite first? Flying fig and Momocho both have great happy hours, check them out. Need to run home to let your dog out between movies? How about a smoothie from Liquid Planet? If you want to take a break, but aren’t looking to loose your parking space...when is the last time you’ve enjoyed the bar at the Hard Rock Café or sipped a manhattan at Mortons? Check it out!

Speaking of food...I’m hungry; for more films and for some good food. Happy Film Fest, happy eating to you!

Roller Disco Bash (8/28)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

clevelandrolls.org



7-10pm : Leff Electric building, 1163 East 40th St., Cleveland, 44114 : Free!

Burn River Burn (8/15)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Every August, people from all over the Great Lakes region raise a pint at the Burning River Fest to salute the "watershed moment" that raised a new level of eco-consciousness - the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River. In recognition of the River's 40th "rebirth-day", 2009's party will feature live music, food from local and organic farms and eateries and, naturally, Great Lakes Brewing Company craft beer.



Proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways. 4-11 PM at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. Help celebrate the "Year of the River" and spark a new level of environmental awareness.

For the music lineup, and celebration details visit www.burningriverfest.org

$15 Online Presale, $20 At the Gate (food, craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages & merchandise will be available at an additional cost inside Burning River Fest.) FREE parking will be available (while spots last) on Whiskey Island. Carpooling is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (4 or more people per vehicle.) The Ohio City Bike Co-Op will provide Valet Bike Parking for bicyclists.

The "FEAST" (8/13-16)

Thursday, August 13th through Sunday, August 16th, 2009

Cleveland's Feast of the Assumption, is held each year in mid-August in the city's Little Italy neighborhood, it's a four-day street fair that celebrates the Catholic Day of Assumption (August 15), when the Virgin Mary died and assumed her place beside Jesus. Although the hill is a complete "MOB" scene, the Feast is a fun-filled Italian street party with rides, food (Gnocchi & Cannolis), live music and the traditional parade.



The four-day Feast of the Assumption is a wonderful mix of religion and secular fun. The entire length of Mayfield Road, between Euclid Ave and Cleveland Heights is closed off to traffic. In their place are carnival rides, delicious Italian-themed food vendors, arts & crafts booths, and live music stages, playing everything from rock to "It's Amore." In addition, there are fireworks at night and a parade on August 15. The event draws over 100,000 visitors each year. Admission is free.

Thursday Aug 13, 6-11pm
Friday Aug 14, 6-Midnight
Saturday Aug 15, 10-Midnight
Sunday Aug 16, Noon-9:30pm

Movie Madness (8/06-23)

August 6th, 2009

Looking for a cool summer afternoon escape? Head to the Palace Theatre for the annual Cinema at the Square movie celebration.

This summer the Palace Theatre’s famous screen (a 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen) will feature 15 film favorites as The Twelveth Annual Cinema at the Square Series returns to the Palace Theatre at PlayhouseSquare August 6-23.



On my list of MUST see's...
8/06 : Young Frankenstein (FREE!!!)
8/13 : West Side Story (SING ALONG PRESENTATION)
8/14 : Breakfast at Tiffany's (because I LOVE Miss Hepburn & her updo')
8/23 : Muppets Take Manhattan (because they are silly)

Moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1928 Kimball organ that contains 13 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals. The organ, donated to PlayhouseSquare in 1975, was painstakingly restored by volunteers and is the perfect complement to your evening at Cinema at the Square!

For the full film listing visit Cinema At The Square

Motown Fun (7/31-8/02)

Friday, July 31st -August 2nd, 2009

Top 10 Motown Songs to be celebrated.....
1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
2. My Girl by the Temptations
3. Reach Out I'll Be There by the Four Tops
4. Where Did Our Love Go? by the Supremes
5. What's Goin' On? by Marvin Gaye
6. Dancing in the Street by Martha & The Vandellas
7. I Want You Back by the Jackson 5
8. Superstition by Stevie Wonder
9. Please Mr. Postman by the Marvelettes
10. My Guy by Mary Wells

Make time to "dance to the music" this weekend as the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame celebrates Motowns 50th Anniversary Weekend Celebration. Free performances, screenings of rare Inductee footage and more will focus on Motown artists including the Jackson 5. The weekend will surround the Museum’s exhibit MOTOWN: The Sound of Young America Turns 50.




The 50th Anniversary of Motown’s weekend of events will include...

Friday, July 31
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 2-3pm : Special in-depth presentation by curatorial director Howard Kramer examining the historical significance and influence of artifacts in the Motown Exhibit.

Saturday, August 1
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 1-3pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment, DJ Dance Party with Interactive Motown choreography demonstrations and the Hollywood Dazzlers Dance/Skate Spectacular with Maurice Cook
- Noon -1 pm : Special in-depth presentation by curatorial director Howard Kramer examining the historical significance and influence of artifacts in the Motown Exhibit.

Sunday, August 2
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 1-2pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment
- 2-3pm : Special performance by Cleveland R&B group, Retrospect, in tribute to Motown.
- 3-4 pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment

**Throughout the weekend, visitors can register to win tickets to Cleveland Indians games, a Sirius/XM radio and three-month subscription, Motown box sets courtesy of FYE and memberships to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

For more information on the weekend event visit www.rockhall.com

Lakewood Art & Music (8/01)

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

For over thirty years, the Lakewood Arts Festival has brought local and national artists to the streets of Lakewood, Ohio the first weekend in August.



On average, over one hundred and sixty artists are selected to exhibit. Awards, funded through the help of local business, are presented to artists in categories of Best of Show, First, Second, Third and Fourth Place, Best Creative Presentation and Best New Artist.

Every year a line-up of fine musical entertainment is scheduled throughout the day. This year there is something very special for everyone, young to old!

10-11am : Chip Richter : music for the younger artists, fun family tunes. (Ladybug Lounge!)
11-12pm : Neil Jacobs : a 12-string nationally acclaimed acoustic guitarist
12-1pm : Rachel Roberts : singer songwriter female soloist
1-2pm : Lounge Kitty : kitschy sassy lounge singer extrodinare (meow!)
2-3pm : Return of Simple : classic indie original music
3-4pm : Kelly Wright : soulful songstress (Lakewood High Graduate, GO RANGERS)
4-5pm : jj magazine : poprock indie fun, great to dance too.

For more information on this years festival visit the new website www.lakewoodartsfest.org.

Want some Irish? (7/24-26)

Friday, July 24th through Sunday July 26th, 2009

If you are craving some corn beef & cabbage, or perhaps a bit of "river-dance" plan to attend this weekends Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds

I think the highlight of the festival should be the irish girl band, The Screaming Orphans. The lassies are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in the magic of Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland. Don't miss em. (Friday & Saturday on the "thunder" stage @ 5:30pm)



For the other musical acts, dance troupes, food vendors, ticket prices and more visit www.clevelandirish.org

Made in the Where? (6/26-27)

Friday, June 26th & Saturday June 27th, 20009

In case you haven't already planned your outfit and planned to be there...

The MADE IN THE 216 event is THIS WEEK! Created by ROOM SERVICE (RS) owner and my friend, Danielle DeBoe to highlight just how many talented designers are choosing to STAY and build their businesses in CLEVELAND; And to underscore their high level of talent by merchandising the Cleveland-made designs seamlessly amongst the items RS purchases from NYC, LONDON, LA, SAN FRANCISCO and PARIS-based designers. There are no ‘booths’ or traditional craft/trade show set ups that differentiate the designers’ wares. They are integrated in the same creative, narrative-driven way that RS merchandises their products year round.




Miss Danielle curates this event so all of the participants, while representing a wide weft of types and styles of merchandise still fall under the umbrella of design that represents the aesthetic that RS carries year-round. The other thing that makes this show different is the diversity of the products being offered at the show. The show features a wide weft of creations from men and women’s apparel, jewelry, t-shirts, totes and personal accessories; to stationary, photography, screen-prints, household goods, FURNITURE and music. These Cleveland-based creators represent all levels of entrepreneurship, from the craft circuit, to etsy shops, to international sales….all people who have chosen to stay and build their business in the 216 as opposed to leaving for bigger cities…And RS thinks this is worth celebrating.

Personally I am so excited to see the work of my friends B. Jasinski (look for...freakin adorable octopus prints) and Stash Style (creative vintage jewelry) they have been so busy I know their work will be HUGE sellers. And...as always, small screen designs has "whipped" up some amazing work including pink, kitchen-aid mixer notecards, a "must have" for any seasoned baker.

Along with art and shopping there will be 10 bands including many from the CLEVELAND-BASED record label Exit Stencil Recordings playing at various locations, including the neighborhood’s live music venue, HAPPY DOG and under the marquee for the soon to open, CAPITOL THEATER. While you’re here stop by our EAT IN THE 216 location which will feature savory and sweet food items from independent local caterers and bakers. This summer event will get people out and walking around the neighborhood.

MADE IN THE 216 will be held THIS Friday JUNE 26 from 4-9pm & Saturday JUNE 27 from 11-9 with bands playing at HAPPY DOG both evenings starting at 9pm.

Burton Antique Fair (6/06)

For more show details visit www.geaugaantiquesmarket.com

It's Blossom Time (5/21-25)

Thursday May 21st - Monday, May 25th, 2009

Looks like this weekend is going to be SPECTACULAR! I am so excited because I am going to experience Blossom Festival in Chagrin Falls for the very first time! Hot air balloon races, pie eating contests, music, carnival rides and a race (Sunday @ 9am), my kinda weekend!

Join the residents of the Chagrin Falls as they welcome the arrival of warmer weather to the Falls. With flowers and trees in full bloom, the Chagrin Falls area is transformed from a winter wonderland into a warm, peaceful, enchanting place to spend your lazy summer evenings. After shopping, eating, rides, and games at the festival, don't forget to spend some quality time enjoying the natural beauty of the area homes, gardens, parks, and the Chagrin River.

I think the best part of the weekend (besides the cotton candy) will be all the hot air balloons scattered over the village sky. There is something about a hot air balloon that hypnotizes me. Perhaps it’s the purring sound of the rush of flames being thrown into the sky, or the quiet calmness that hovers over the crowd as they watch in astonishment. Anyone want to get up early and meet me out there to watch the balloons take off Sunday morning, 6:00am, I will bring the coffee?



For those of you who think they are as cool as I do, check out these few fun facts....
• the most popular balloon is as tall as a 7-story building
• the average balloon costs $20,000 to $40,000
• ideal times to fly are just after sunrise and just before sunset
• a hot air balloon can land in water
• balloons can stay up for 1-2 hours depending on conditions and occupants
• inflating a balloon takes about 15 minutes
• invented back in 1783 in Paris, France (GO PARIS!)

For the full schedule and race application