Sat 2/15 @ 1 – 9pm
It’s a perfect time for a convention celebrating everything “Cleveland.” For those of us lucky enough to call ourselves native Clevelanders, the recent physical and metaphorical changes to the landscape of Northeast Ohio are as exciting as they are game-changing.
The symbolic walls separating East, West and South are dissolving as “Cleveland” becomes more of a region than a city. With this connected population, the region is becoming more and more relevant both politically and economically.
Obviously, it’s not a perfect city, but one that once had little to boast about has seen a recent surge in both positive feedback from out-of-town visitors and civic pride from (most of) its residents. It’s certainly an exciting time to be a Clevelander.
CleveCon is a convention celebrating everything we all love about our hometown. They promise something for everyone; no matter your tastes – including food/drink, theatre, movies, TV, sports, fashion, radio, photography, Cleveland history/present/future and more! Vendors will be selling memorabilia, apparel/accessories, autographs, artwork and more. There will also be various awards presented.
“I recently moved back to Cleveland after working in the arts and entertainment industry in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami,” says Rich Stimac, artistic director of Land of Cleve Productions and producer of CleveCon. “Wherever I went, I would always run into fellow Clevelanders who spoke passionately about our hometown and the things they missed about living here. After I returned, I realized that among the other noteworthy festivals and trade shows being held, there was not one event focusing specifically on the Greater Cleveland area and all it has to offer.
“Now that my production company Land of Cleve has teamed up with McCarthy’s Downtown, we are able to do just that. This time around, we will be shining the spotlight on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Superman’s creators, local TV legends, sports and concert highlights, and our first annual Land of Cleve Achievement Awards. We hope that CleveCon will grow each year until all the corners of Cleveland’s creative community — including actors, authors, athletes and artists — are represented and recognized.”
The day will begin with an opening concert featuring Downtown Tommy. A Superman panel discussion will follow at 2pm with special guests including Michael Sangiacomo of the Plain Dealer, Shuster and Siegel Society President Mike Olszewski, James Harmon of American Greetings and entertainment writer Rich Stimac.
Other highlights include an award ceremony, a panel discussion on favorite local concert memories, Cleveland’s Got Talent hosted by Clevedge Comedy Troupe, a discussion of historic (and infamous) sports memories, a special CleveCon auction, a conversation on local TV history and an after party beginning at 9pm.
A number of local productions will be recognized with Achievement Awards – including 33 Variations and Annie at the Beck Center, A Christmas Story the Musical at Near West Theatre, Cabaret at Cleveland State University, Pirates of Penzance at Baldwin Wallace University, Sweeney Todd at Great Lakes Theatre, Black Comedy at Case Western Reserve University and many of the cast and crew.
Come check out the first ever CleveCon and support this fantastic new idea. Celebrate your city while browsing a wide variety of CLE-themed products for yourself, your friends and family. Most of Cleveland’s best local businesses are independently owned and operated by your talented, passionate neighbors. Be sure to check out our ShopLOCAL guide for a comprehensive list of options.
Tickets are free if you preregister or $5 at the door. Email inthelandofcleve@gmail.com to RSVP.
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