📰 Asian Festival Takes Over Cleveland 🏮

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Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop where the dumplings are hot, the clinic copays are hotter, and the cats have more real estate than you do. From goth dance-offs to burlesque Broadway flips, and a marathon that’ll make your calves cry 🏙️🐾 🖤

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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition:

• Festival season is here: Cleveland Asian Festival kicks off summer of celebrations

• Backlash! Cleveland Clinic new copay policy sparks controversy, condemnation

• Three meows for the ‘Cat Lady of Collinwood’

• Burlesque goes Broadway: Titillating twist on classic musicals

• Break out the black lipstick: World Goth Day dance party

• Get your running shoes: It’s the Cleveland Marathon

  
  
  John Petkovic & Victor Takakura

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IN THE NEWS

Festival season is here: Cleveland Asian Festival kicks off summer of celebrations

The sun rises on festival season, and it starts with the 16th annual Cleveland Asian Festival.

On Saturday and Sunday, the two-day bash will bring 50,000 people to AsiaTown to absorb the sounds, sights and tastes of the Asian community.

It rolls out a wide array of music, performers and events, from acrobats and martial artists to K-pop dancers to cosplay to the Colors of Asia Fashion Exhibition.

Of course, there’s also food – lots of it.

The celebration – called one of the finest in the Midwest by Midwest Living – has played a key role in re-branding the neighborhood as one of the area's most vibrant dining districts and culturally unique destinations. It’s a Pan-Asian collage of colors and flavors stocked with six markets, countless shops, three dozen eateries and bars.

“Every year, we do a survey and find that 30-40% of the visitors had never heard of AsiaTown,” says co-founder Johnny Wu. “The festival has been instrumental in bringing business and economic growth to the area.”

For decades, the area was known as Chinatown – until 2007, when Cleveland officially changed the name to AsiaTown to reflect growing diversity of the Asian population in the area.

“We also have Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants and shops here,” says Wu. “All it took was familiarizing people with the area, and the festival has helped a great deal in doing that.” More info here.

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Backlash! Cleveland Clinic new copay policy sparks controversy, condemnation

The backlash to a controversial new policy by the Cleveland Clinic is growing.

Beginning June 1, the hospital will require patients to pay their copay before receiving any services – or they will have their appointments canceled.

No other major hospital has such a policy, and it has been criticized by healthcare advocates.

Former Ohio Senator and Cleveland City Council member Nina Turner called it “an attack on patients who are working class” and demanded the Clinic to reverse the decision.

“At a time over 60% of Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck, it is immoral for Cleveland Clinic to implement a policy that targets those facing financial targets,” she said.

The average wait time for specialists is 26 days in large U.S. cities – and the policy could compound the hardship for patients forced to reschedule due to inability to pay, according to UHCAN Ohio, a state-based health policy organization.

Scrutiny has increased following a report that the ranked the clinic’s main campus as the worst in Ohio and fifth worst in the U.S. for community spending.

The backlash comes as anxiety mounts over health costs and amid reports that insurance giant UnitedHealth is being investigated by the Department of Justice for Medicare fraud.

Three meows for the ‘Cat Lady of Collinwood’

The Cat Lady of Collinwood couldn’t ignore the meows of desperation any longer.

It was 2009 and the economic crisis had resulted in mass foreclosures in the city. People were losing homes and dumping their cats onto the streets.

Debbie Gulyas knew that something needed to be done, shortly after opening Blue Arrow Records with her husband Pete, in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood.

“It was so upsetting seeing all these cats wandering the neighborhood – many were sick and getting hit by cars in the road,” she says. “One day, I opened the back door and saw 20 cats in the parking lot and I realized I had to take care of them.”

Raise a paw for Waterloo Alley Cat Project.

In 16 years, the non-profit organization has cared for more than 1,000 stray and feral cats around Waterloo Road. It offers spay and neuter programs and finds homes for abandoned and friendly felines.

“Cat overpopulation was a big problem and now it’s under control,” says Gulyas. “It’s about doing something good for the neighborhood, but also humane for the animals.”

At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, WACP will host its 16th annual fundraiser at Waterloo Art, 15605 Waterloo Road. The bash features raffles, giveaways and music by DJ Jim Lanza. More info here.

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The 216 Rundown

Burlesque goes Broadway: A titillating twist on classic musicals

Bella Sin has always had a soft spot for drama, theater and larger-than-life pageantry. So, it’s no surprise that Broadway would end up in her sights.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the Cleveland Burlesque troupe she founded will bring Feathers and Follies: A Tribute to Broadway to the Beachland Ballroom.

The show features 10 area burlesque queens – and special guest Isabella Ivy from Las Vegas – performing to showtunes from Broadway hits such as Cabaret, Chicago and Wicked. More info here.

Break out the black lipstick: World Goth Day dance party

World Goth Day is May 22 and the black-clad disaffected among us can’t wait to celebrate.

Turn out the lights and light up a candle for Dark Wave Dance Cave. At 9 p.m. Saturday, the monthly party will celebrate the Goth holiday at the Winchester Tavern, 12112 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.

DJs Mimi Dromette and Matthew Darkstar will roll out a mix of darkwave, synthpop, post-punk and, above all, Goth classics. The party includes a, um… Goth cake? Yup, along with spooky photo backdrops and gifts. More info here.

Got chalk? It’s an art party in the park

Everyone has a bit of an artist buried inside them. Madison Park Chalk Fest is providing the canvas to get it out. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the festival will let attendees fill up the pavement at Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, with chalk drawings. Chalk is provided, along with refreshments and music. More info here.

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NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Get your running shoes: It’s the Cleveland Marathon

All that cold and nasty weather has created a lot of pent-up energy.

More than 11,000 world-class athletes and weekend warriors from 48 states have registered for the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon.

The two-day event gives runners a chance to tour the city while getting their steps in.

On Saturday, the 5k,10k, and the Kids’ Run hit the pavement. On Sunday, it’s the full and half marathons. For times and maps, go here.

VINTAGE CLEVELAND

The show poster for the July 28, 1979 World Series of Rock concert at Cleveland Stadium featuring Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Journey, Thin Lizzy, and AC/DC.

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WEATHER

Friday, May 17

74 🌡️ 65 | 🌧️ | 60% | 💨 SW 14 mph (12 knots)

Saturday, May 18

67 🌡️ 57 | 🌧️ | 55% | 💨 W 18 mph (16 knots)

Sunday, May 19

60 🌡️ 55 | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 NW 12 mph (10 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Live Shows in the 216

🗓️ Friday, May 16th, 2025

• Abbey Rodeo | Hooley House | 8:30 PM

• Aaron Lee Tasjan | Beachland Ballroom | 8:00 PM

• Baci Winery | Maria Petti | 5:00 PM

• Baroness | Grog Shop | 7:30 PM

• Cowboy Princess Brigade | Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

• Dennis Van Crash | The Fairview Tavern | 8:00 PM

• Four Times Louder | Mahall's | 7:00 PM

• Grady Miller | Prime Vine Winery | 6:00 PM

• Joe List | Hilarities | 7:00 PM

• Michael Sanzone | House of Blues Cleveland | 7:00 PM

• Pajamas | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 7:00 PM

• Pete Correale | Hilarities | 6:30 PM

• Sean Benjamin | Flat Iron Cafe | 7:00 PM

• Sqwerv | Mercury Music Lounge | 8:00 PM

• Toronzo Cannon | Music Box Supper Club | 7:30 PM

🗓️ Saturday, May 17th, 2025

• Austin Hamilton Music | FOSSIL CREEK WINERY - UNPLUGGED | 6:00 PM

• Baldassarre Rock Orchestra | Robins Theatre | 8:00 PM

• Bleed | Mahall's | 6:00 PM

• Clouds Over Midgar | The Foundry Concert Club | 7:00 PM

• Daphnique Springs | Cleveland FunnyBone Presents | 9:00 PM

• Elyria | Church of the Open Door | 6:00 PM

• Footballhead | Mahall's | 6:00 PM

• Fubar | Nelson Ledges Quarry Park | 12:00 PM

• Goodmorning Valentine | Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

• Hollywood Mafia | Slim N Chubbies | 8:00 PM

• Istvan Medgyesi | Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

• Joe List | Hilarities | 6:30 PM

• Mosquito Bitten Bastards | The Foundry Concert Club | 7:00 PM

• Old skool | Private Wedding | 5:00 PM

• One Step Closer | Mahall's | 6:00 PM

• The Morning Bird | Jenks | 8:00 PM

• Tim & T.J. Gang | Cherry Road Winery | 7:00 PM

• Vexatious | OHIO UNDER FIRE FEST 2025 | 4:00 PM

• Victor Samalot | Mayfest Fine Art Show | 11:30 AM

• World Zen'd Band | STRONGSVILLE | 8:30 PM

🗓️ Sunday, May 18th, 2025

• A Place to Bury Strangers | Grog Shop | 7:00 PM

• Calico | The Winchester | 7:00 PM

• Danny Christian | Market District Supermarket | 12:00 PM

• Dave Landau | Hilarities | 7:30 PM

• Grady Miller | Vermilion Valley Vineyards | 2:00 PM

• JustDeeDeeMusic | Acoustic Open Mic at Das Weinhaus | 3:00 PM

• Justo Guitar Saborit | Baci winery (duo) | 2:00 PM

• Maria Petti | East End Bar & Grill [4-7 PM] | 4:00 PM

• Moon Walker | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 7:00 PM

• Rodeo Boys | Mahall's | 7:00 PM

• The Needhams | Canaan Free Will Baptist Church | 5:00 PM

• Waitress | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

_{For tickets and more info}

The 216 Sports Area

Upcoming Games

Guardians

Away vs. Cincinnati Reds, Friday May 16th, 6:40pm EST

Away vs. Cincinnati Reds, Saturday May 17th, 6:40pm EST

Away vs. Cincinnati Reds, Sunday May 18th, 1:40pm EST

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