📰 Hilarities Turns 40 — Cleveland’s OG Comedy Club 🎭

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Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop. ✈️ Hopkins is glowing up, 🍝 Gina’s is dishing Italian dreams, 🦖 the museum’s a global beauty, and 🎭 Hilarities still slays after 40 years. Let’s go, 216! 😎

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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition:

• Still laughing after 40 years: Hilarities triumphs with comedy magic

• Much-needed Hopkins renovation ready for take-off

• Natural History Museum honored as one of world’s ‘most beautiful’

• Gina’s brings taste of Italy to Parma Heights

  
  
  John Petkovic & Victor Takakura

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IN THE NEWS

Still laughing after 40 years: Hilarities triumphs with comedy magic

Three years into his new career, Nick Kostis knew he was onto something big.

Jerry Seinfeld was performing at his upstart Warehouse District comedy club Hilarities when a fax rolled in informing the comedian that NBC had picked up his new show, yes, “Seinfeld.”

"I believe in magic, in entertaining and elevating people and making them laugh," says Kostis. "And that night was magical.”

But it’s more than magic that has fueled Hilarities, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this month.

Kostis has used guile, charm and heart to survive economic downturns so grim that he had to borrow against his home and go deep into debt to keep his comedy dreams going.

He has come out of it all thriving.

Hilarities, now located in the 27,000-square-foot Pickwick and Frolic complex on East Fourth, is one of America’s top comedy clubs. It has hosted legends and been instrumental in breaking upstarts -- from Seinfeld to Bill Burr Marc Maron, Steve Harvey, Louis C.K., Frank Caliendo, Drew Carey and Rita Rudner.

The complex houses a 350-capacity Fourth Street Theater, a restaurant-bar that seats 220, a cabaret and a swank martini lounge in the basement.

Opened in 2002, it was the first major project on East Fourth Street -- a left-for-dead strip full of wig shops, where the closest thing to fine dining was a Wendy's on the corner.

“People thought I was crazy when I opened this spot,” says Kostis, a former psychologist, educator and vending machine operator. “Then again, they thought I was crazy when I opened a big club in 1985.”

Perhaps. But his wide-eyed dream to bring new life to the city and the comedy scene was infectious.

“I was too stupid to be scared,” says Kostis. “I believed you have to create something big and special that makes people get in their cars and come to you.”

It was a belief born in childhood – when Kostis, a Greek American was growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“We had a railroad apartment, like many people coming over from Greece,” says Kostis. “We didn’t have much – but we had people coming over all the time and there would be stories and laughter and joy.”

He was 7 then. He’s 82 now. And little has changed for Kostis, who works long hours and stops by tables in the restaurant and seats in the club to welcome guests.

“I want to create a place where humanity can gather and laugh and get away from their problems,” he says. “This business is all about creating magic – and the magic of laughter is why this place is still going 40 years later.”

Check out this month’s anniversary shows and celebrations here.

Much-needed renovation of Hopkins ready for take-off

Cleveland has earned high marks for transforming downtown buildings into residences. A much-anticipated West Side Market makeover is underway. Plans for the lakefront are accelerating.

Then there’s Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which has been left in the dust.

No more. The airport is getting a new terminal as part of a $1.1 billion renovation, Mayor Justin Bibb has announced.

The structure – whose wide-open glass and metal design will stand in stark contrast to the current terminal – will be built on the current Smart Parking Garage. It is expected to open in 2032.

Since 2021, the city has kicked around plans to renovate Hopkins, which routinely ranks one of the worst mid-size airports in the country.  

In December, it launched a survey to field opinions and impressions about the airport. It also announced the demolition of the former Sheraton Hotel.

Hopkins, which celebrates its 100^th anniversary in July, has forecast 10.4 million travelers in 2025 — a 3%+ increase over last year. The renovation is seen as a multi-phase plan that would cost upwards of $3 billion.

“I couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate 100 years of having an airport owned by our city than to honor and celebrate this new bold departure for our airport," said Bibb.

Natural History Museum recognized as one of world’s ‘most beautiful’

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has drawn raves for stunning transformation that accompanied its $150 million, decade-long renovation.

The New York Times calls it a leader in revolutionizing the teaching of science. National Geographic says it’s a big reason Cleveland is a top family-friendly vacation destination.

Now it’s getting international acclaim for its beauty and architectural design.

The museum has been named to the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Museums List 2025. The prestigious award is presented by UNESCO and honors excellence in architectural design for newly created or renovated museums.

It is one of seven museums recognized by Prix Versailles, the France-based group that honors architectural wonders that captivate and inspire.

CMNH is in esteemed company, joining acclaimed institutions like Grand Palais in Paris, Saka Museum in Bali, Indonesia and Kunstsilo in Kristiansand, Norway.

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The 216 Rundown

Black Sabbath meets McDonalds’s at Beachland Ballroom

They dress like Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar and cheeseburgers. They perform the songs of Black Sabbath. Egads, it’s Mac Sabbath. Since 2014, the heavy-metal parody act has served, well, OK, not billions, but clubs full of fast-food-music fanatics that go nuts when they hear “Frying Pan.” At 7 tonight, the troupe hits Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. Also on the bill: Flummox and Dollar Drafts. More info here.

Get lost, make art

Most art shows come with tightly knit themes. Let’s Get Lost is ambiguous with intention. It’s about being lost – as in, exploring and navigating through social and cultural unknowns and reflecting the journey with art. At 5:30 Thursday the show will exhibit the results of those journeys at YARDS Project in Worthington Yards building, 725 Johnson Court, in the Warehouse District. The show features 11 area artists. More info here.

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Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Gina’s brings taste of Italy to Parma Heights

It’s 4,000 miles from Parma, Ohio to Parma, Italy. Jeff Caro and Gina Lloyd have built a long bridge between the cities.

It’s called Gina’s Gelato and Java, 6201 Stumph Road, Parma Heights – which celebrates its grand opening at 7 a.m. today.

The café and gelateria boasts 15 different gelatos, to go sorbettos, mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, chai and tea lattes. It also serves smoothies and Italian sodas and pastries.

“We wanted to bring the look and feel of an Italian Café to the community and provide the best gelato and coffees,” says Lloyd.

VINTAGE CLEVELAND

Record Revolution,1982. The Coventry record store opened in 1968 amid a hippie heyday in Cleveland Heights. It helped define the neighborhood for decades and closed in 2022.

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WEATHER

Wednesday, May 7

63 🌡️ 50 | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 N 11 mph (10 knots)

Thursday, May 8

53 🌡️ 48 | ⛅ | 67% | 💨 N 6 mph

Friday, May 9

56 🌡️ 47 | ⛅ | 16% | 💨 N 12 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

🎶 May 7 (Wednesday)

• Ben Fuller Music – The Jesus Music Tour | 7:00 PM

• Blooms – Red Wagon Farm | 6:30 PM

• Cain – The Jesus Music Tour | 7:00 PM

• Caleb & John – The Jesus Music Tour | 7:00 PM

• Carl Verheyen – Carl Verheyen Band Live Recording Tour | 7:00 PM

• Cristina Vane – Globe Iron | 8:00 PM

• Dreadlock Dave – Private Event | 6:00 PM

• Flummox – Mac Sabbath 10th Anniversary | 7:00 PM

• George Clanton – The Roxy | 7:00 PM

• Gringo Star – Grog Shop | 7:30 PM

• Jon Reddick – The Chapel, Akron Campus | 7:00 PM

• Joseph O'Brien – The Jesus Music Tour | 7:00 PM

• Katy Nichole – The Jesus Music Tour | 7:00 PM

• Mac Sabbath – Mac Sabbath | 7:00 PM

• Pressing Strings – The G.A.R. Hall | 8:00 PM

• Savak – Cave | 7:00 PM

• Slater – George Clanton Live | 7:00 PM

• Steven Curtis Chapman – The Chapel, Akron Campus | 7:00 PM

• The Crane Wives – Globe Iron | 8:00 PM

• Thor Platter Band – Solo Acoustic at Treehouse | 6:00 PM

• Trauma Ray – Mahall's | 7:00 PM

🎶 May 8 (Thursday)

• 156 – The Foundry Concert Club | 6:00 PM

• 156/Silence – The Foundry | 7:00 PM

• Allt – The Foundry Concert Club | 6:00 PM

• Austin Hamilton Music – JAMBOREE AT REDHAWK GRILLE | 7:00 PM

• Bendigo Fletcher – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

• Blue Hour – Musica | 7:00 PM

• Chad Daniels – Hilarities | 7:30 PM

• Dear Maryanne – Mahall's | 6:30 PM

• Don Jamieson – The Winchester | 7:00 PM

• doan – Mahall's | 6:30 PM

• Five By Five – Mercury Music Lounge | 6:00 PM

• FiveByFive – The Immolate Tour | 6:00 PM

• Fontaines D.C. – Agora Theater & Ballroom | 8:00 PM

• Forest Ray – Musica | 7:00 PM

• Jadu Heart – Agora Theater & Ballroom | 8:00 PM

• Jon Garey – Dragonfly Winery | 6:00 PM

• Little Hag – CODA | 7:30 PM

• Lucero – House of Blues Cleveland | 6:30 PM

• Maria Petti – Crowley’s Dive Bar Kirtland | 7:00 PM

• Mason Jennings – Grog Shop | 7:00 PM

• Maya de Vitry – The G.A.R. Hall | 8:00 PM

• MIDNITE HELLION – The Winchester | 6:00 PM

• Mike E. Winfield – Hilarities | 7:00 PM

• Monét X Change – Cleveland Funny Bone Comedy Club | 7:00 PM

• Morgan Mecaskey – Grog Shop (with Mason Jennings) | 8:00 PM

• Nefesh Mountain – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

• Normundy – Mercury Music Lounge | 6:00 PM

• Novela – Mercury Music Lounge | 6:00 PM

• Producing A Kind Generation – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

• Queen of Jeans – House of Blues Cleveland | 6:30 PM

• Summerbruise – Mahall's | 6:30 PM

• The Menzingers – House of Blues Cleveland | 7:00 PM

• The Voyagers – The Treelawn | 7:00 PM

• Thor Platter Band – Solo Acoustic at Quinn's Kitchen Bay Village | 7:30 PM

• TRSH – Mahall's | 6:30 PM

• sugar mules – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

🎶 May 9 (Friday)

• Austin Hamilton Music – RED CREEK WITH DAKOTA RAY PARKER | 7:00 PM

• BIG IN JAPAN – The Hooley Pub & Kitchen Mentor | 8:30 PM

• Blue Radio – Buzzbin | 7:00 PM

• Brigitte Calls Me Baby – House of Blues Cleveland | 7:00 PM

• Chad Daniels – Hilarities | 7:30 PM

• City of Invention – Water Street Tavern | 6:00 PM

• Country Honk – Collision Bend Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

• Dakota Ray Parker – RED CREEK WITH AUSTIN HAMILTON | 7:00 PM

• Dana Cooper – The Treelawn | 8:00 PM

• Dave Hause – Mercury Music Lounge | 7:00 PM

• Eliades Ochoa – Cleveland Museum of Art | 7:30 PM

• Frank Turner – Mercury Music Lounge | 7:00 PM

• Half Me – The Winchester | 7:00 PM

• Jimmy Mrozek – Laurentia Vineyard & Winery | 4:30 PM

• Kieran Kane – The G.A.R. Hall | 8:00 PM

• Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert – The G.A.R. Hall | 8:00 PM

• Maria Petti – Brunch + Bingo @ SOL | 12:00 PM

• MESSMAKER – Buzzbin | 7:00 PM

• Ms Pat – Hilarities | 7:00 PM

• Orchestra Noir – Agora Theater & Ballroom | 7:00 PM

• Rayna Gellert – The G.A.R. Hall | 8:00 PM

• Remember Sports – Mahall's | 7:00 PM

• River & Rail – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 8:00 PM

• Saint Motel – House of Blues Cleveland | 7:00 PM

• Sasha McVeigh – Welcome To The Farm | 10:00 PM

• Smokeshow Entertainment – RED CREEK | 7:00 PM

• Susan Carson – Wakeman Elevator | 7:00 PM

• Swisher – Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

• Tacarra Williams – Cleveland Funny Bone Comedy Club | 9:30 PM

• Talons' – Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

• The Arcadian Wild – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern | 7:00 PM

• The JiMiller Band – Afterlife Live in Akron | 7:30 PM

• The Ladies Night – The Local Bar | 8:30 PM

• Thor Platter Band – Collision Bend Brewing Co. | 7:00 PM

• Victor Samalot – Edgewater Yacht Club | 5:30 PM

• WINGED WHEEL – Happy Dog | 9:00 PM

The 216 Sports Area

Upcoming Games

Cavaliers

Home vs Pacers, 7:30 PM EST, Friday, May 9th

Guardians

Away vs National, 12:05 pm EST, Wednesday, May 7th

Home vs Phillies, 7:10 pm EST, Thursday, May 8th

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