Things to do

Have you heard? The tall ships are returning to Cleveland in July. Make your plans today for a ride on a ship. Don't have your sea legs? Then you can enjoy the majestic ships from a nice, solid dock downtown. The Tall Ships Challenge is a great excuse see what all the fuss is about. ...

Go native this year. The Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio encourages folks to use and appreciate native plants. Use them the way nature does and reap the benefits. If you're new to gardening, or just new to natives, you might be surprised at the variety of easy-to-grow plants that you can incorporate into your backyard flowerbeds. Resistant to pests and diseases, natives are no-fuss additions that bring texture and color to yards. You won't have to worry about the vagaries of Ohio's weather when you stick with plants and trees that grow here naturally. From milkweed to trout lily, it's not difficult to find something that will work with your garden plan. ...

The grand re-opening of the remodeled upscale resale Thriftique Showroom is Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at 5055 Richmond Rd. in Bedford Heights, this large store now boasts a new and easier-to-navigate floor plan, new fixtures, fresh paint, engaging wall designs, new signage, new carpet, a brand-new selection of gently-used merchandise at affordable prices, plus extended business hours (now open Wednesdays-Saturdays).

For more information about this store owned by the National Council of Jewish Women/ Cleveland’s (NCJW/CLE) and to read about weekly promotions, visit www.thriftiqueshowroom.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @ThriftiqueShowroom. All proceeds support NCJW/Cleveland programs and initiatives, changing the lives of women, children and families.

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Welcome to our Music Issue.

With our feature story on, and incredible photography by, long-time Cleveland rock-and-roll photographer Janet Macoska, we’re honoring the region’s role in rock history. She’s got tales — plenty of them — and she shares a few in our music section that starts on page 30

We also know that music covers many genres. We’ve put together a list of places to enjoy for free, or mostly free, outdoor music. From folk artists to opera singers, one of the best places to listen to music is outdoors, in a park or sitting around a community bandstand, letting a warm breeze push the notes through the summer air.

Many of us indulge our love of music later in life. We’ve got profiles of several Northeast Ohio residents who’ve rekindled their passion and reframed it for the second stage of their lives, sharing it with others along the way.

And our music issue wouldn’t be complete without our pop culture columnist Mike Olszewski weighing in. He talks about NEO’s music venues and the personalities who performed there. We’re also happy to print an excerpt of his latest book, co-written with his wife, Janice, “Smoky, Sweaty, Rowdy, and Loud: Tales of Cleveland’s Legendary Rock & Roll Landmarks.”

 

Don’t Judge

 

Some people can’t imagine life without music. I’m not one of them, or at least I don’t think I am. As the first of four kids, I didn’t have older siblings to influence my musical development. The best we had was a console stereo and hand-me-down albums from my bachelor/ cool, Uncle Don. He owned a Corvette. I remember a Marty Robbins album with the song “A White Sportcoat and a Pink Carnation” — and that’s it; a sorry foundation for a ‘70s teen.

A high school friend — an enviable only child —  introduced me to The Beatles.

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The National Senior Games start next week in Albuquerque, and Northeast Ohio will be well-represented in more than a dozen events. Athletes gathering in New Mexico -- all 50 and older, have been training for months, sometimes years, to prepare for the 20-sport, 800-event National Senior Games. From cycling to archery, pickleball to volleyball, the athletes will compete throughout the Albuquerque region. Cleveland hosted the games in 2013, sparking local interest among age 50+ athletes. Get to know some of them in our story. ...

 

 

If you want a case of dog envy, check out the All-Around Dog Agility Championships, July 4-7 at Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Chagrin Falls.

The free event brings in more than 200 dogs and their handlers who will cajole, encourage and coax their canine charges to jump, climb, run, see-saw and weave their way through agility challenges.

No, your dog probably can’t do what they do. And, yes, it’s perfectly fine if yours takes power naps and begs for treats. Stop by anyway. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to watch as long as they’re on a leash. See how yours stacks up. You can test their agility aptitude on Saturday and Sunday in the Agility 101 ring for a $5 donation. Proceeds benefit Geauga County Humane Society’s Rescue Village.

To learn more about what your dog probably can’t do, but could if either of you really tried, go to usdaa.com

 

Tall Order

Ship Shape

You can enjoy the thrill of tall ships this summer without swabbing a deck or hoisting a sail.

The Tall Ships Challenge returns to Cleveland’s waterfront on July 11 for a four-day festival of live entertainment, historical exhibits, food and tours of the traditionally rigged sailing ships.

The event starts with a dramatic Parade of Sail at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 with 10 ships from Canada, the United States and New Zealand. The Captain’s Reception and Opening Ceremony are at 7 p.m.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. July 12, 13 and 14 with festival activities, exhibits and public ships boarding from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Ninety-minute excursions aboard the Appledore IV, Appledore V and Inland Seas ships are available for an extra charge over regular admission.

You’ll find the Tall Ships Challenge just north of FirstEnergy Stadium. Buy discounted presale tickets at tallshipscle.com.

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Where to begin...fresh flowers, the first strawberries of the season, or a dozen eggs right from the hens that laid them? It's farmers market season in Northeast Ohio. The best part? You don't have to be a gardener or farmer to take advantage of the region's best fruits, vegetables and more. Plan your week accordingly; you'll likely find a market within easy driving distance whenever you get a hankering for fresh produce. Bring cash, a sturdy bag and an open mind. You never know what you'll find at a the farmers market. ...