Harvey Pekar's "Cleveland"

Harvey Pekar is a Cleveland legend. As a comic book writer, media personality and music critic, he made a name for himself in Cleveland.

Pekar is best known for his autobiographical "American Splendor" comic series, which inspired a film adaptation in 2003.

Before Pekar passed away in 2010 at age 70, he finished the script for "Cleveland," a graphic narrative. His collaborator and artist Joseph Remnant pushed forward and finished the illustrations for the book.

"Cleveland" follows a similar style to Pekar's previous novels, but weaves in Cleveland history including the Indians winning the 1948 World Series and the burning of the Cuyahoga River in 1968.

The graphic novel is finally being released this week, and Big Dog Theater in Coventry Village is celebrating the release with a launch party Tuesday evening. Remnant and Pekar's wife Joyce will be present at the big night, along with the publisher and editor of the book. The event will include a reception followed by a panel discussion with a brief Q&A session from audience members.

Admission to the event is free, and copies of "Cleveland" will be available to take home for $21.95.

"Cleveland" launch party:
Tuesday, May 1 from 7-9 p.m.


Big Dog Theater is located at 2781 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

Rock Hall Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is right around the corner. To celebrate the occasion, the Rock Hall is offering free admission on Saturday, April 13 to all attendees.

The newest exhibit at the Rock Hall is dedicated to the Grateful Dead. Titled "The Long, Strange Trip," the exhibit includes manuscripts, handwritten notes, artifacts and select pieces of clothing from the band.

Other exhibits at the Rock Hall include an expanded Beatles collection, photographs of Cleveland DJ Tommy Edwards, and an exhibit dedicated to Otis Redding.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hours:
10 a.m.-5:30 pm.

For more information about the Rock Hall, or the Induction Ceremony, visit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Full Moon Hike

Take advantage of the bright night sky created by this month's full moon by venturing on a Full Moon Hike at Squire's Castle.

The hike will begin at Squire's Castle picnic area in the North Chagrin Reservation. This 2-mile hike will allow hikers to spot wildflowers and forest creatures under the night sky. This month's full moon is called the "pink moon," named for the wildflowers that are beginning to bloom.

The Full Moon Hike will take place on April 6 and April 7. The hike begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call (440)473-3370.

Family Movie Night at CSU

As a student at Cleveland State University, there are always plenty of events happening on campus for me to choose from. Although a majority of the events are catered to CSU students, oftentimes the events are opened up to the community.

One such event is happening this Thursday, April 5 as Campus Activities Board (CAB)  hosts a family movie night. A screening of the 2011 film "The Muppets" will be played on a projection screen in the Student Center ballroom. The event will double as a traditional breakfast night, including pancakes, bacon, eggs and orange juice for all attendees.

CAB is responsible for programming social, recreational and educational co-curricular events and activities on campus.

The movie screening and the meal are free to both students and guests. The event begins at 7 p.m.


For more information, visit the Facebook event page at Family Movie Night.

Cleveland Restaurant Week

Cleveland Restaurant Week is a popular time in Northeast Ohio, and for the first time ever Clevelanders can enjoy the festivities during spring.

Starting today, Cleveland Restaurant Week will last until April 14 (excluding Easter Sunday). About 60 restaurants are taking part in the festivities, spanning from Mentor to Akron. Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe three course meals for just $33 per person. Some of the restaurants may vary slightly in price, depending on the menu options.

Restaurant Week is hosted by Cleveland Independents, an organization that strives to promote dining in independently owned restaurants and to serve the interests of the independent restaurateur. Member restaurants are locally owned and operated.

Some of the restaurants will only offer dinner options, while others will offer both lunch and dinner deals.

Explore the unique cuisine of Northeast Ohio restaurants without breaking the bank by taking advantage of Cleveland Restaurant Week.

For a list of participating restaurants, or to find out more information about Cleveland Independents, visit Cleveland Restaurant Week.

I-X Indoor Amusement Park

It's that time of year again. The jingle can be heard all over the radio and TV:

"It's here today, not gonna stay, go right away to the I-X Indoor Amusement Park, gotta get to the I-X Indoor Amusement Park!"

Well known by kids and parents alike, this jingle signals the return of the indoor amusement park to the I-X Center. The annual amusement park brings thousands of people to the I-X Center and ushers in the spring season.

This year's event will feature over 150 amusement park rides. Children can enjoy themselves in KidzVille while teens and adults soar and fly through the air in Thrill City.

There will be plenty of entertainment for the eyes as well. A new performance called Cirque Shangai will take center stage this year. The performing troupe will leave you in awe as they perform high wire acts and dangerous motorcycle stunts.

Rescued tigers from Sarasota, Fla. will return in this year's Tiger Show, and the Latino community will be celebrated on April 14-15 during La Fiesta Latina.

General admission is $24 for adults and $21 for children under 48" at the box office. For a $3 discount, purchase tickets online or at your local Marc's store.

Hurry in to the I-X Center before this amusement park leaves town!

The park opens at 11 a.m. daily and closes between 9 and 10 p.m. Check online for times and closing dates.

The Indoor Amusement Park will be at the I-X Center until Sunday, April 15.

For more information, visit I-X Indoor Amusement Park.