When we travel throughout the U.S., I always feel there is something slightly off. And it’s not till we return that I realize what’s missing elsewhere: the diversity of our region. While it brings its own challenges, and we don’t always agree, deep down we know it makes us a stronger and more vibrant community. It’s more interesting, there’s more culture, and the food is better because of it.
As we welcome the Republican Party to Cleveland during a shocking and unexpectedly difficult summer, Cleveland and our region can shine simply by doing what we do best: appreciate the people around us, respect each other and get on with things. And boy, do we have a lot of things going on this week. Even the RTA is in on the act, hosting local artists at transit stops.
For those about to demonstrate, we wish you the best, and for the rest, we offer you a Progressive’s Guide to the RNC to help promote peace, justice, love and understanding. Many of your neighbors are planning to Circle The City with Love. Literally. Thomas Fox was instrumental in Brite Winter Fest, Creative Mornings and Bad Racket Studios, this week his latest fantasy comes true at Dunham Tavern Museum with the inaugural Agumboot Music Festival: we offer a couple interviews to get you up to speed.
AP moves up South temporarily, AAM unveils a new outdoor space, the best kid’s plays are at Cain Park, you can yoga at Melt, and dance is everywhere this summer. We’re digging soul in Oberlin, opera at the Music Box, punk at the Beachland, lo-fi at the Grog, and Appalachian folk from Avon to Novelty. With all due respect, we’re going to have quite a week. —Thomas Mulready