There is an intriguing lineup of musical entertainers set to perform at Wade Oval Wednesdays! (WOW!) in University Circle this summer. But concert attendees, who often come with their own chairs or blankets to sit on the grassy area, will also be amazed and amused by roving performers. Think stilt walkers, aerialists, jugglers, magicians and a few surprises.
“These performers will be out among the crowd for people to experience and see along with the music,” says Heidi Hudak, chief marketing and experiences officer for University Circle Inc (UCI). “They will add something special. WOW! is already really a communal, fun, safe atmosphere where you see people from all walks of life enjoying what I believe is one of the fundamental needs of life — music.”
Now in its 20th year, WOW! begins June 18 and concludes August 20. Opening acts and headliners perform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year’s musical schedule includes reggae, soul, hard rock, rock and roll, Latin fusion, country rock jazz, funk and more. Popular local favorites include Carlos Jones, Apostle Jones and The Michael Weber Show.
WOW!’s themed nights include: June 25, LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration; July 16, Disability Pride Celebration; and August 6, International Night, in partnership with Cleveland Cultural Gardens. In addition, two evenings (check universitycircle.org for date updates) will feature free, indoor/outdoor admission to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Wade Oval. The Garden will open its Kohl Gate On-edge, a work by sculptor Albert Paley that was installed in 2004, to WOW! attendees.
“It’s believed to be the first time the gate will be open,” says Hudak, who along with UCI President Kate Borders and Experiences Manager Maya Cundiff, lead WOW! strategies.
Tourists, university students from around the globe, local residents and employees who work in University Circle (all groups that enjoy WOW!) are welcome to bring a picnic to WOW!, but a variety of food trucks and vendor tents will be on hand. Your choice include carnival food, vegan offerings, BBQ, Jamaican chicken, seafood and more.
UCI encourages taking public transportation to WOW!, walking or riding a bike. But parking for a fee in nearby institutional lots and city meter parking on streets is available. There is no parking along Wade Oval during WOW! Also, CircleLink is University Circle’s free shuttle; it requires no pass or registration.
“WOW! is such a special event. We have so many attendees who have been coming for the entire 20 years,” says Hudak. “They come back no matter what genre of music is being played. We try not to cancel unless there is pouring rain, lightening or heavy winds. Dress for the weather and bring a hat or sunscreen on really sunny days. People come early on WOW! nights and get those limited shady spots early.”
New UC Master Plan Seeks Community Engagement
Have you always loved University Circle, but felt it needed a few improvements? This is your chance to have your voice heard.
Now in its initial stages, Connecting the Circle is a master plan to be created by University Circle Inc. (UCI) and its partners. According to Heidi Hudak, the community service organization will spend this year collecting public comments through surveys and in-person opportunities.
“It’s been more than 20 years since the last comprehensive University Circle Public Realm Master Plan,” says Hudak. “This plan will serve for the next 15 to 20 years.”
The significant project is led by: Sasaki, an architectural, planning, landscape and design firm in Boston, whose Principal-in-Charge Michael Grove grew up in Cleveland; Toole Design Group (transportation and mobility); ThirdSpace Action Lab (community engagement); and Nelson/Nygaard (parking). To take the survey and learn more about Connecting the Circle, visit connectingthecircle.engage.sasaki.com.
