Guitar ManIt was a thrill to meet the one-and-only Guitar Man on East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland. The superhero alter ego of native Clevelander Eli Fletcher, Guitar Man delights local crowds and passersby with musical offerings created on his acoustic Ibanez guitar. Fletcher has been honing his skills as a local street performer for thirty years, introducing his popular Guitar Man persona about a decade ago. It was great to chat with him about his music.
Steven LittSteven Litt has been an influential advocate for excellence in architecture, urban design, city planning and the visual arts in Greater Cleveland for more than 32 years. Winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize’s 2010 Robert P. Bergman Prize, Litt was initially drawn to Cleveland by the city’s outstanding art museum. Litt’s passion for Cleveland is palpable in every piece he writes.
Dan MoulthropRaised in New Jersey, Dan Moulthrop moved to Cleveland nearly two decades ago to host The Sound of Ideas on WCPN 90.3 FM. Since 2013, Moulthrop has served as the CEO of the storied City Club of Cleveland. Known as "America's Citadel of Free Speech,” the City Club annually presents a diverse array of speakers who enrich the public’s understanding of the consequential issues of our time. Moulthrop is also a published author, as well as the President of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Debate Commission.
Hannah HinesI met the delightful and well-known Instagram and TikTok personality Hannah Hines on West 29th Street in Cleveland. Since relocating to Cleveland more than four years ago, Hannah has maintained a die-hard dedication to covering the city's cultural life and fashion scene. She is also a DJ at Mahall’s in Lakewood, where she hosts themed dance parties. As if that weren't impressive enough, Hannah also holds a full-time marketing position in town.
Al StoneEstablished in 1980 and located at 5393 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Erie Tavern is presided over by its famous mascot: Smokey the Cat. Native Clevelander Al Stone stops in regularly to check on Smokey and the tavern’s other familiar faces.
Ice or Rice CafeI had the pleasure of visiting Ice or Rice Cafe at 3713 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, and speaking with husband-and-wife co-owners Rachel He and Brian Ng. The food at Ice or Rice Cafe was truly exceptional. I tried the traditional musubi and the okonomiyaki — a delicious cabbage pancake. It's fantastic to see a place in Cleveland serving new and unique culinary offerings.
FrankieLynn Hot Dogs
Old Brooklyn resident Rachel Ventura started FrankieLynn Hot Dogs just over a year ago. The day I visited, Ventura was dishing out amazing dogs at the West Park Farmers Market. I was even more impressed after taking my first bite — it was the best hot dog I've had in Cleveland since Steve's Hot Dogs closed.
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