📰 CentroVilla25 Grand Opening 🌮

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Good morning, Cleveland! Why did the punk rocker bring a book to the Latin food hall during the Art Walk at Aut-o-Rama? Because he wanted to rock out, chow down, and get well-read all in one day — talk about a triple threat! 🎸📚🌮

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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition:

• Aut-o-Rama turns 60: A timeless slice of Americana still going strong

• CentroVilla25: Grand opening of a Latin food hall a decade in the making

• Little Italy’s annual Art Walk kicks off summer arts season

• Punk’s not dead: Whatever rocks back with new album, Happy Dog show

• Symphony for the sun: Chamber music & a natural light show

• Literary nirvana… The oldest, biggest book bonanza in the Midwest

  
  
  John Petkovic & Victor Takakura

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IN THE NEWS

Aut-o-Rama turns 60: A timeless slice of Americana still going strong

Streaming is king. Box office takes have tanked. Countless obituaries have been written.

And yet it’s this charming movie theater that once resided on the endangered species list that is surviving and thriving.

Under the starts, under the moon it’s Aut-o-Rama Drive-In Theater -- a timeless slice of Americana that has been going strong since 1965.

Now in its 60^th year, the North Ridgeville drive-in is an old-timey hoot that serves up classic thrills, a vintage concessions stand and retro movie trailers.

Aut-o-Rama has just switched over from showing movies on weekends to every night – which means that summer is here, regardless of what the calendar or meteorologists tells us.

After all, drive-ins have been the ultimate signifier of summer since the 1950s. That is, until they seemed dead for good – due to smaller cars, multiplexes, DVDs and streaming.

There were once four thousand around the country. There are currently 321 in America and 24 in Ohio – the third most of any state.

Aut-o-Rama has thrived because it offers more than movies. It’s a nostalgic experience, from the carnival treats to themed events, like Retro Tuesdays.

The latter pairs cult classics to honor Richard Hollingshead – the New Jersey man who hatched the idea for the drive-in back in 1928, when he stretched a bed sheet between two trees in his backyard and projected a movie onto it.

Then a light went off in his head: The drive-in theater was born, and movies and cars were pronounced married.

The love affair is still going strong at Aut-o-Rama. More info.

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CentroVilla25: Grand opening of a Latin food hall a decade in the making

Call it a grand opening or even a festival. But the Saturday Grand Opening of CentroVilla25 is also a testament to perseverance.

It took more than a decade of planning, building and waiting to transform a 32,000-square-foot-warehouse into a Latin-themed market and food hall in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood.

The idea for such a concept goes back even further. Perhaps, the time is right now – given the openings of numerous Latin restaurants on near west and south sides of Cleveland in the last five years.

CentroVilla25, the result of a $12 million project, features a dozen kiosks showcasing the cuisines and products of Cuba, El Salvador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Mexico.

At 10 a.m. today, it will celebrate the long road to realization with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The real party is Saturday, when CentroVilla25 hosts Sabor y Ritmo – a block party that rolls out live music, performers, vendors, games and activities. (1-10 p.m.). More info.

Little Italy’s annual Art Walk kicks off summer arts season

You're just as likely to hear the broken English of an exchange student as that of an Italian immigrant. And the neighborhood is home to more cocktail sippers than stonemasons.

But no place in Cleveland has retained the historical look and Old World charm more than Little Italy.

Here come Little Italy’s Annual Summer Art Walk. The three-day event – Friday through Sunday – kicks off a rush of summer art fests and parties.

It features galleries and studios and street exhibits showcasing painting, photography and painting from area and national artists. The walk also dovetails the past and present by showcasing Little Italy's blend of artful spirit and epicurean sensibilities.

Unlike many neighborhoods, Little Italy hasn’t experienced radical makeovers or gentrification. Art and crafts have coexisted with pasta, wine and cannoli for decades – and the art walk showcases the interconnected vibe of Little Italy.

In other words, have a cappuccino and pastry at Presti’s, check out Tara Seibel and Amore galleries and Moonstruck Vintage, have a cocktail at Cent’ Anni, Ca Cacio E Pepe at La Dolce Vita and a late-night hang at TOLI.

Art Walk hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. More info.

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The 216 Rundown

Punk’s not dead: Whatever rocks back with new album, Happy Dog show

Punk enjoyed a resurgence in 1990s and Whatever was central to the Cleveland scene with its mix of chugging and charging guitars; melodic and shouted vocals; and a sound that connected ‘70s hard rock, first-wave punk, hardcore and pop-punk.

Formed in 1991 by drummer Matt Fish and guitarist Ben Wrecked, the outfit was proficient on stage and in the studio culminating with the release of its 1997 album, “Youngsters.” The band broke up two years later.

Well, it took a while to get the band back together, in 2023, but Whatever has hit the ground running. At 9 p.m. Saturday, it will play a record party for “Darker Days” – an album that recalls the band’s personal take on punk. More info here.

Symphony for the sun: Chamber music & a natural light show

Few bands have a more powerful light show. Bring on Summon Symphony at Sunset – a Sunday series in Voinovich Park at North Coast Harbor that starts June 1 and runs through August 24.  It features chamber music by OPUS 216, The popular strings-based ensemble performs 7-8:15 p.m. – the warm-up before the sun hits the stage. More info.

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NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Literary nirvana… The oldest, biggest book bonanza in the Midwest

No one reads books anymore? OK, we could point to some numbers, but it would be much more fun to go to the 77tth Annual ACE-CWRU Book Sale. One of the oldest and biggest book extravaganzas in the Midwest, it features tens of thousands of collectible hard covers and cheap paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, vinyl albums, sheet music and literary ephemera. Some books command 50 cents, others, a wad of dough. The show runs Saturday through Tuesday at 3631 Perkins Avenue in AsiaTown. The first day is an early-bird preview with a $20 admission. Other days are free. More info.

VINTAGE CLEVELAND

June, 1975: The Freedom Train passes through Cleveland. In 1975 and ’76, it toured the country to commemorate the Bicentennial, carrying more than 500 priceless American artifacts, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, Judy Garland’s dress from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @216Scoop on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

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WEATHER

Friday, May 30

66 🌡️ 55 | 🌧️ | 60% | 💨 W 8 mph

Saturday, May 31

63 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 W 15 mph

Sunday, June 1

68 🌡️ 55 | 🌧️ | 25% | 💨 W 8 mph

_{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 30th

• Act Casual at Jilly's Music Room, 8:00 PM

• Alt95 at Solid Gold Lounge, 8:00 PM

• Badfish - Sublime Tribute at Spring Badfish Festival 2025, Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, 12:00 PM

• Blossom Reynolds at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 8:30 PM

• Blue Fiasco at Seeing Double Speakeasy Bar, 8:00 PM

• Brian Bacon at Gibb’s Butcher and Brews, 7:30 PM

• Ceci Taylor at Youth Room Fundraiser at Unity of Massillon Church, 7:30 PM

• Company Housing at Medina Brewing Company, 7:00 PM

• Dan ET at Spring Badfish 2025, 7:00 PM

• DJ Teddy Eisenberg at Golden Hour @ The Fairmont Creamery, 5:00 PM

• Dreadlock Dave at Beerhead Bar & Eatery, 7:00 PM

• Driftwood at The G.A.R. Hall, 7:30 PM

• Exhale at The Foundry Concert Club, 7:00 PM

• Life In Idle at Mahalls (Cleveland), 6:00 PM

• Mud Whale at No Class, 7:00 PM

• Ravenwood at Rockin on the River, 6:00 PM

• Sounds From the Cellar at The Basement Sprts Bar & Grill - Northfield, Ohio, 8:00 PM

• TRUNK RIDE at 5 o’clock Lounge, 8:00 PM

• Uvula at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 8:30 PM

• Whispers at Grog Shop, 8:00 PM

• Winston Hightower at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

Saturday – May 31st

• 1988 at The Local Bar, 9:00 PM

• 512: The Selena Experience at 512: The Selena Experience, 5:00 PM

• Alt95 at Lakewood Country Club, 6:00 PM

• Annadale at B Side Lounge, 6:30 PM

• Aviated Keyaan at Cleveland Canna and Music Expo 2025, 12:00 PM

• Badfish - Sublime Tribute at Spring Badfish Festival 2025, Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, 12:00 PM

• Ben Gage at Centering Space, 6:00 PM

• Big Loser at CODA, 9:00 PM

• Cocktail Johnny at Zeppe's Tavern & Pizzeria, 8:00 PM

• Company Housing at The Wine Room, 7:00 PM

• E 5 C 4 P 3 - Escape - The Journey Tribute at E5C4P3 Returns to Middleburg Heights!, 6:30 PM

• Fashen at FWD Day + NightClub, 9:00 PM

• Jeneen Terrana at The Treelawn, 7:00 PM

• Jesse Terry at Barnegie Hall, 7:00 PM

• Jimmy Failla at Agora Theater & Ballroom, 8:00 PM

• Joe Vitale Jr. at Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery, 6:00 PM

• Loni Love at Cleveland Funny Bone Comedy Club, 9:00 PM

• Madison Cummins at Madison Cummins at the Wine Mill, 6:00 PM

• Mister Breeze at Mister Breeze @Whiskey Island, 6:00 PM

• Mud Whale at No Class, 7:00 PM

• Peter Dante at Mercury Music Lounge, 8:00 PM

• Pretty In Black at The Winchester, 9:00 PM

• Rhinestones & Rust at The Treelawn, 7:00 PM

• SABON at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

• Sounds From the Cellar at The Basement Sprts Bar & Grill - Northfield, Ohio, 8:00 PM

• The Hipocrats at The Hipocrats & Izzy Burns at CODA, 7:00 PM

• The Ladies Night at Wild Eagle Saloon, 10:00 PM

• The Mourning After at Mahall's, 7:00 PM

• The Shootouts at Switchback Album Release Concert w/ Jim Lauderdale, 7:30 PM

• The Wonder Years at The Roxy, 7:00 PM

• Uvula at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 8:30 PM

• Whispers at Grog Shop, 8:00 PM

• Winona Fighter at House of Blues Cambridge, 7:00 PM

• Winston Hightower at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

Sunday – June 1st

• Ben Gage at Green Valley Brewing Co., 4:00 PM

• Brood X at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 8:00 PM

• Casket Robbery at THE HELLHOWLER TOUR, 7:00 PM

• Creek at The 5 O'Clock Lounge - Cleveland, OH, 7:00 PM

• Dreadlock Dave at Castaways River Tiki Bar, 5:00 PM

• Foxy Shazam at Grog Shop, 8:00 PM

• Grady Miller at Vermilion Valley Vineyards, 2:00 PM

• INOHA at Mahall's, 7:00 PM

• Justo Guitar Saborit at Havana nights at Mulligan’s, 3:00 PM

• Kazha at Kalahari Resorts Sandusky, 10:00 AM

• Kilynn Lunsford at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

• Marc Lee Shannon at MLS Solo - The Still House at Gervasi Vineyard, 7:00 PM

• MATTEO MANCUSO at The Kent Stage, 7:30 PM

• Meduza at FWD Day + NightClub, 12:00 PM

• Mothcock at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

• My Own Will at The Foundry Concert Club, 7:00 PM

• NICOLAS CAGE FIGHTER at The Foundry Concert Club, 7:00 PM

• Phoneboy at Mahall's, 7:00 PM

• Peter Slavov at Jamey Haddad Quartet, 7:00 PM

• Porches at Jacobs Pavilion, 7:30 PM

• Sam Waltemyer at Bristol Community Church, 10:30 AM

• Shilpa Ray at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 8:00 PM

• SLUGG at Happy Dog, 9:00 PM

• Wallows at Jacobs Pavilion, 7:00 PM

The 216 Sports Area

Upcoming Games

Guardians

Home vs. Angels, Friday, 7:10pm

Home vs. Angels, Saturday, 4:10pm

Home vs. Angels, Sunday, 1:40pm

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