Street Level

Welcome to Street Level, where you'll find a fresh perspective on all things 216 when it comes to who to meet and what to eat. We'll also check in with unique local businesses and a few things you may not know about Cleveland venues and favorite haunts. Also, look for our monthly calendar picks in our "Over the river" posts.

The birth of Rock & Roll: Heckling Frankie Avalon at a dance
While hanging around at a church dance in Euclid one night, Ralph Horner recalls the unsavory reaction he and his friends displayed toward icon Frankie Avalon when the star stopped in.
Break out the squirt guns and pussy willows! Dyngus Day is on its way
The 14th annual Dyngus Day promises a fusion of Polish tradition and local culture on closed streets in Gordon Square Arts District, around Happy Dog, and in Gordon Green. Revelers will enjoy polka, pierogis, and beer, while showing city spirit and a strong community bond.
Thinking spring: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes launches annual Plant Sale
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes launched the online portion of its annual plant sale this week, with hard-to-find native plants that attract and support local wildlife available. A free lecture series on native plants will be hosted by Curb Appeal Painting and Bartlett Tree Experts through April, with the in-person and the Home Grown sales happening in May and June.
The birth of Rock & Roll: DJ Bill Randle and Elvis’ CLE debut
Ralph Horner recalls listening to Walkin’ and Talkin’ Bill Hawkins on WJMO radio, discovering his love of Elvis Presley, and the Rock & Roll music scene in Cleveland in the 1950s.
The Birth of Rock & Roll: Discovering Bill Haley & His Comets
In this first installment of Ralph Horner's newest column, Birth of Rock & Roll (and those who brought it into the world), Horner waxes nostalgic on his discovery of Bill Haley and His Comets when he was a teenagers in he 1950s.
‘Eve:' CMNH hosts author Cat Bohannon in honor of Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) will host researcher, scholar, and bestselling author Dr. Cat Bohannon on Wednesday, March 20 to discuss of her book, “Eve” and how modern medicine, neurobiology, evolutionary biology, and feminism are all undermined when research focuses primarily on the male body.
Literary thrill: Explore Cuyahoga County Public Library's Writers Center Stage this spring
Cuyahoga County Public Library launched the second half of its Writer Center Stage Series last week with author Hernan Diaz. Attendees can look forward to hearing the stories of Rebecca Makkai, Kiese Laymon, and Imani Perry later this spring.
New tastes: Cleveland Restaurant Week is underway at 40 area eateries
Cleveland Independents has launched its annual Cleveland Restaurant Week, with $39 prix fixe three-course dinners offered by 40 area restaurants, like The Reserve Chagrin Falls and Batuqui, through Saturday.
All about the women: CMA’s MIX celebrates women in DJ culture
Just in time for Women's History Month, the Cleveland Museum of Art will host MIX: Women on Wax this Friday, when groundbreaking DJ Minx and Cleveland DJ Red-I keep the Ames Family Atrium hopping while celebrating women in the DJ culture.
Flying bullets: Local filmmaker Johnny Wu releases newest work
Filmmaker Johnny Wu's newest film, "Bullets, Brothers and Blood," featuring a diverse cast, delves into a gripping tale of mistaken identity amid a crime-ridden town. The film premieres this Saturday.
Keeping it short (and sweet): CLE’s largest short film fest returns for 13th year
The 13th Short. Sweet. Film Fest returns to Shaker Square, featuring nearly 300 short films from 23 countries across four screens at Atlas Cinemas. The event includes a diverse genre range, filmmaker appearances, local talents, and international works, promising something for all. Highlights include Mayfield Heights native Anne Hu’s 'Lunchbox' and the Swiss film 'Lose me not.’
Poetry + Art Intersections: Cleveland Poetry Festival announced for April
Literary Cleveland announced today it will host its third Cleveland Poetry Festival in April at Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Center in Tremont. This year's festival celebrates the overlapping influence of poetry and visual art with workshops and events with local and national poets and artists.
Bringing history to life: Ohio's history museums offer free admission for fourth graders
Earlier this month, officials with America 250-Ohio gathered at Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center to announce the launch of 4th Grade History Pass. Through 2026, Ohio fourth graders get free access to more than 20 museums and institutions across Ohio as a complement to the fourth-grade history curriculum.
Art, stories, and fun: Lake Erie Ink Kids’ Comic Con returns, bigger than ever
Lake Erie Ink's 12th annual Kids' Comic Con: Ignite you Imagination takes place on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2 at institutions like Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art's Pivot Center, and MoCa. Kids, teens, and adults are encouraged to ignite their creativity all weekend!
Labor of love: Malley’s Chocolates muses over Valentine’s Day prep
Malley's Chocolates is bustling with activity as Valentine's Day approaches. CEO Mike Malley shares insights on seasonal demand during one of the chocolatiers' busiest times and the joy he finds in selling memories and happiness to customers.
Woof Woof: Destination Cleveland’s ‘Dog’s Day Off’ spot touted the city during Puppy Bowl
During the Puppy Bowl 2024 yesterday—a highlight for many during Super Bowl LVIII between San Francisco and Kansas City—Destination Cleveland aired its 30-second sport "Dog’s Day Off” to promote Cleveland as a great place to live, play, and visit. The ad featured places like North Coast Harbor, Studio West 117, East 4th Street, Grog Shop, and the Capitol Theatre in the Gordon Square Arts District.
Gardening withdrawal cure-all: Nature Center offers class to start seeds now for spring planting
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes recognizes that many people’s green thumbs are itching to get outside and dig in the soil during this cold, dreary period of winter. So, it is hosting a Winter Seed Sowing Workshop, using seeds from the Nature Center's Native Seed Library, to get people ready for spring plantings.
Nature Center, Shaker Historical Society to host tour of sites involved in 1960s 'Freeway Fight'
This weekend, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and the Shaker Historical Society will host a Historical Homes & Building Tour, with presentations from local historians on the 1960s fight to stop construction of freeways over the wetlands and greenspace in Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights.
Winter, retreat! It’s time to chase away winter at annual Kurentovanje festival
It's time to scare away winter this weekend with the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival—when the mythical Kurenti appear, their bells loudly ringing as they dance around a bonfire to chase winter away and welcome spring at the Slovenian National House in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.
Steps and Stages: Y-Haven Theatre Project, CPT mark 25 years with ‘Troubled Waters’
Celebrating its 25th year, the Y-Haven Theatre Project—a collaboration between YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre—will present "Troubled Waters," a play based on the lives of Y-Haven Treatment and Recovery Center residents.