🎸 Why Cleveland Got the Rock Hall

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: A Michelin-starred chef is bringing Italian food to town. Somewhere in Northeast Ohio, an Italian grandmother just crossed her arms and said, "We'll see about that." 🍝 👨‍🍳 ⭐

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

The cradle of rock is now a cannabis shop. And there is no official historic plaque honoring the building on 300 Prospect Avenue for its musical significance.

But Record Rendezvous is central to Cleveland’s claim as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Go to Google and type in "Why is the rock" and the search engine will fill in the rest of the question... "Why is the rock hall in Cleveland"

It's a question music fans around the world still ask after Cleveland was chosen, in 1986, to host Rock Hall.

After all, we don’t have Graceland or Sun Studios, Haight-Ashbury or anything remotely resembling a record industry.

But we had Record Rendezvous.

Opened by Leo Mintz in 1939, it was one of the first places in the country to sell “race records” that attracted kids of all colors.

He also sponsored Alan Freed’s radio show, "The Moondog Rock & Roll House Party” – and sat alongside him with slabs of wax to play.

They popularized the term “rock ‘n’ roll” and sponsored its first concert -- The Moondog Coronation Ball, March 21, 1952, at the now-closed Cleveland Arena.

On Saturday, the Rock Hall will host its annual induction ceremony in Los Angeles.

It has also opened an exhibit honor the Class of 2026 that features artifacts, instruments and apparel belonging to the acts -- Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Oasis, Sade, Iron Maiden, Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross and Joy Division/New Order.

Is there a more diverse chef than Dante Boccuzzi?

Since opening his flagship eatery Dante in Tremont in 2010, the restaurateur has explored American, Asian and European cuisine with flair while making his menus approachable to Cleveland’s palette.

He’s Cleveland’s only Michelin-starred chef, was the head chef of Nobu Milan (co-owned by Giorgio Armani and Robert De Niro) and worked as the personal chef for De Niro.

He also plays in bands and operates music club CODA in Tremont.

Boccuzzi’s eateries like Ginko, Masu and Inferno are beloved in the area.

So was Goma – until the East Fourth sushi spot closed in August after a five-year run.

Enter Cosa Nostra.

Italian for “our house,” it’s a more-approachable “red sauce” style restaurant that takes inspiration his D.C. Pasta Co. in Strongsville – which opened in 2011 and closed during the pandemic.

It’s a “classic Italian comfort food in a warm, family-table setting, featuring house-made pastas prepared daily, signature polpette, and hearty favorites,” says Boccizzi.

Just in time for the winter, when Cosa Nostra is expected to open.

Guardians fans rejoiced when Major League Baseball’s proposed new salary cap would force teams to have a minimum of $180.2 million.

Which means the Guards -- ranked 30^th in 2026 payroll -- would have to increase theirs by $100 million.

Larry Dolan must be freaking out — or not.

The team wants to spend money on free agents.

“We’re looking to add starting pitching,” says President Chris Antonetti. “Trade, free agency, if we can add a starter, we want to do that.”

FRIDAY

Hedwig and the Angry Inch: The cult play and film about an East German drag transvestite celebrates its 25^th anniversary with a screening and a Q & A with star-creator John Cameron Mitchell. Ohio Theatre. 7 p.m. Info.

Wizard Fest: All things wizard at this celebration of fantasy, from the drinks to the costumes, games and tunes. 8 p.m. The Winchester. Info.

Cleveland Vintage Boutique Market: The shopathon at the Spot rolls out vintage home décor, clothing and accessories. 6 p.m. (Also Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.) Info.

SATURDAY

Dizgo: The jam band from Indiana brings its psychedelic riffs, danceable grooves and funky ‘jamtronica’ to the Beachland Ballroom. 7 p.m. Info.

SUNDAY

Low Cut Connie: The Philly rockers led by Adam Weiner bring their foot-stomping, high-energy show to the Grog Shop. 7 p.m. Info.

Cash Money & No Limit Tour: The pioneering hip-hop label rolls in with a tour headlined by Master P and Birdman. 7 p.m. Rocket Arena. Info.

👉 View Listing on Progressive Urban Real Estate

“Lost & Found in Cleveland” set attendance records when it drew 2,500 people for its Midwest premiere in March at the Cleveland International Film Festival.

After all, the heartfelt indie flick about five locals whose lives collide at an antiques show was shot all over town in 2023: Playhouse Square, Public Square, Malley’s Chocolates, West Side Market, Bartleby’s and Kiln restaurants, Discount Drug Mart.

Now, the love letter to Cleveland that stars Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert and Liza Weil is steaming on Prime Video. It comes out on Blu-ray on Tuesday.

Frozen Cleveland streetcar during the White Hurricane. The Nov. 7–11, 1913 storm dropped 22 inches of snow on the city, and a record-setting 17.4 inches in a single day on November 10.

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43 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | ☁️ (Cloudy) | 24% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 15 mph N (≈ 13 knots)

44 °F 🌡️ 43 °F | 🌧️ (Showers) | 61% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 19 mph NW (≈ 17 knots)

46 °F 🌡️ 42 °F | 🌧️➡️⛅ (AM Showers) | 44% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 14 mph NW (≈ 12 knots)

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

Home vs. Texans, 1 PM November 15 (Sunday)

Away vs. Heat, 8 PM November 13 (Friday)

Home vs. Mavericks, 7:30 PM November 14 (Saturday)

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