Northeast Ohio is now the unenviable epicenter of COVID cases and hospitalizations. Why? Ohio is still the 16th least vaccinated state in the country, for one thing. Is that something we can work on together?We can recommend outdoor events, such as skating on Ohio’s largest outdoor ice rink at WinterBlast in downtown Akron. Or join the Hunt of the Month at the
Cleveland Metroparks Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, searching for the ubiquitous beaver. Or watch the giant Popcorn Ball Drop in Chagrin Falls.You and the kids can enjoy virtual events such as New Year’s Eve at Noon at CMNH. The ladies from Veganish are back with a fun video showing you how to make vegan appetizers and scrumptious handhelds for New Years. Even if it’s just for you and your circle.
We urge care, vaxxing, masking, and testing, if you’re planning any indoor activities. Our own shows next week celebrating the 75th birthday of David Bowie in Akron and Cleveland will be safe affairs, featuring limited seating, with all in attendance showing a vax card or recent test. We rise together or we fall apart.
Last year, the nonprofit foundation Cleveland Verses, formed by local band The Modern Electric, recruited local artists to cover Bob Dylan songs to raise money for musicians and venue employees out of work. Currently, they’re asking people to vote on which of four artists they should invite musicians to cover this time — and what charity the money raised should benefit. Read More
Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual Station Hope, paying tribute to the Underground Railroad and social justice movements through art, returns Saturday May 28. Currently it’s looking for artists and performers in all disciplines who want to participate. Check out what they’re looking for and attend a Zoom informational meting Saturday January 8. Read More
Jilly’s Music Room in Akron is a gem, offering unparalleled hospitality and a 100% gluten-free, locally sourced and “Made Fresh to Order” menu from a full-service kitchen. Experience table service, craft cocktails, comfortable seating, excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art electronics and exceptional service. Plus new safety protocols like plexi around the band, ionized air, deep cleaning and socially distanced seating.Reserve your limited, SAFE, in-person seating now at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron, or at the equally fabulous BOP STOP in Cleveland. You’ll experience a live performance like no other: exclusive interviews with members of the Spiders From Mars, Bowie’s band during his epic Ziggy Stardust era. Plus a photo exhibit with rare shots (like the one above) by Anastasia Pantsios from Bowie’s first U.S. performance, right here in NEO.
The evening delivers cathartic, soul-shaking original music from Vanity Crash, along with Bowie favorites and deep cuts. Bring proof of vax or a recent negative test. Reserve your seats today. Read More
Having a quaint gathering to bring in 2022?! These appetizers will not disappoint! Shhh don’t tell anyone they’re vegan, they will never know the difference! Who knew food could be fun and plant-based?
Veganish was established by three friends, Ashley Smith, Michele Jefferson and Tinishia Moore, in 2021. Ashley is the daughter of the late Mansfield Frazier, community activist and longtime contributor to CoolCleveland.
Twice a month, you can catch a new episode of Veganish on YouTube where they share creative, delicious, yet easy, vegan recipes. Read More
Dining at a restaurant with friends? Ordering carry-out?Cleveland Independents’ member restaurants have got you covered. Many of our members are offering options guaranteed to make your New Year’s Eve a spectacular celebration.
SAT 1/1 Downhill Thrills A lot of things are closed today, anticipating the usual New Year’s Eve hangover. But if sitting in the house is getting you down, head out to Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run to take a ride down the 70-foot toboggan chutes.
MON 1/3 Birds in the Field Go on a short hike with a Summit Metro Parks naturalist to observe the birds that stay with us year-round. They’ve also got a National Bird Day hike on Wednesday.
TUE 1/4 Looking for Dam Builders Cleveland Metroparks’ Erie & Ohio Canal Reservation’s “Hunt of the Month” invites people to come down any day in January to search for industrious beavers.
PHOTOSTREAM 2021 in review: We share photos from winter walks in January, blossoming gardens in the spring, a return of summer festivals including Juneteenth, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations, all the way to the final holiday markets of the year.
