Cleveland named world's Top 100 city

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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition: 

• Cleveland named one of the world’s Top 100 cities

• Aer Lingus extends direct flights from Cleveland to Dublin

• Guitar Man has played his last chord

• One Star Bar opening brings dive attitude to Lakewood

• Are TikTok’s days numbered in the U.S.?

by John Petkovic, Mark Espinosa, Victor Takakura

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IN THE NEWS

Cleveland named one of world’s Top 100 cities

OK, so it isn’t Paris or Tokyo or Singapore or 67 other cities. But Cleveland is more enticing than, say, Sao Paolo, Glasgow and Taipei – according to Best Cities, a Canadian site that determines a city’s score based on its “livability, lovability and prosperity.” Here’s why Best Cities ranks it 70^th in the world: “Increasingly diversified universities and colleges welcome students with open arms, and the city boasts 40-plus breweries, growing urban wineries and lauded restaurants.” It praises EDWINS in Shaker Square, the Guardians, Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland’s affordable housing and practical ambition.

Here we go, directly to Dublin

Raise a pint to Aer Lingus. The Irish airline is extending direct flights from Cleveland to Dublin to the end of 2027. The flight started in 2023, supported by a subsidy program by JobsOhio, city and county governments and Destination Cleveland

Guitar Man has played his last chord

Superman was born here, but Cleveland had another caped-crusader. He appeared in a blue cap and mask, a red t-shirt and an acoustic guitar at public events and entertainment districts like East Fourth to raise spirits with music. Sadly, those days are no more. Eli Fletcher, aka Keith Thornhill – and best known to the public as “Guitar Man” – has passed away. He was 64. For three decades, the musician and street performer was a mainstay in Cleveland. He was loved by friends and strangers alike.

One Star Bar opening brings dive attitude to Lakewood

There’s a new bar at the corner of Detroit and Elbur avenues in Lakewood where you watch games on the big screens, indulge in meaty sandwiches and absorb old-school vibes.  The One Star, 13601 Detroit, just had a soft opening and will host a grand opening party on Dec. 21.  The bar -- located in the former home of O’Toole’s Pub and Mad Mac’s – embraces dive sensibilities, from the décor to the pool table to the canned beers to the name. They serve vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and a cocktail list is coming. So call it a dive with some class.

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The 216 Rundown

Muppets, Cleveland Orchestra team up for Christmas show

Will those cranky Muppets Statler and Waldorf appear in the balcony to heckle the band? At 7:30 Wednesday and Thursday, the Cleveland Orchestra will hit Severance Hall for a performance that accompanies a screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” For tickets, call 216-231-1111.

A brassy night with a 17-piece big band

For 30 years, the Swing Time Big Band has performed in all kind of venues to all kinds of audiences – in theaters, for governors, at soirees with the tuxedo-and-gown set. Don’t worry; you don’t have to get dolled up to see them. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the 17-piece group and singer Dianne Palmer will bring their repertoire of big band, swing and Latin classics to Forest City Brewery, 2159 Columbus Avenue, Cleveland. No cover – what a deal.

One last chance to check out Tick Tock Tavern

The clock is ticking. The Tick Tock Tavern will close today.  For more than 75 years, the iconic family restaurant with the glowing red neon sign has been a mainstay at 11526 Clifton Avenue in Cleveland’s West Side.

NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN! Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Are TikTok’s days numbered in the U.S.?

On Monday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew met with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago to make the case for allowing it to operate in the U.S. The social media app is at risk of being shut down after Congress passed a law that would force its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell it by Jan. 19. If not, the law would require Google and Apple to stop supporting TikTok on their platforms. Trump told reporters, “We’ll take a look at TikTok,” when he was asked about the potential ban. “You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” he added. TikTok has asked the Supreme Court to block a law that would ban the app in U.S. by Jan. 19.

Now we root for them to lose?

Cleveland eagerly awaited Sunday’s arrival of Taylor Swift. Bars and clubs threw themed parties. The Rock Hall host a “Taylor Swiftmas.” But Cleveland was Swiftless. She never showed up -- just like the team Brown fans were expecting this season. Early on, they cheered for the Browns’ competitors to lose. Now, they’re hoping for them to win – so the Browns can snag a higher draft pick. They’re currently tied with four other teams at 3-11.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

A place where old trains left for dead are brought back to life…

Every edition, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Cleveland (and surrounding areas 😉). Where are we? Only true Clevelander will know. Tell us your guess on Instagram or Facebook, or simply reply to this email.

And don’t forget! Tag @LiveMusicInCleveland or @The216Scoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

WEATHER

Wednesday

41°F 🌡️ 32°F | 🌧️❄️ | 80% | 💨 SSW 12 mph (10 knots)

Thursday

35°F 🌡️ 33°F | ⛅ | 20% | 💨 SW 10 mph (9 knots)

Friday

38°F 🌡️ 28°F | ❄️ | 60% | 💨 SW 14 mph (12 knots)

Live Shows in the 216

Wednesday

MusicBox | Peter Mayer | 5:30 PM

Grog Shop | The Wonderfool + Clare Feorene + Dallas Brake | 7 PM

Immigrant Son Brewery | Thor Platter Band | 7 PM

Thursday

Beachland Ballroom | Apostle Jones | 6:30 PM

Beachland Tavern | Bill Kirchen | 7 PM

House of Blues | Bone Thugs-N-Harmony | 7 PM

Friday

Beachland Ballroom | Apostle Jones | 6:30 PM

House of Blues | Bone Thugs-N-Harmony | 7 PM

Grog Shop | Cellophane Jane + Whiskey Daredevils + Public Squares | 7 PM

For tickets and more information visit: livemusicincleveland.com

The 216 Sports Arena

Upcoming Games

Cavaliers
Home vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20

Cleveland Monsters
Home vs. Utica Comets, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18
Home vs. Utica Comets, 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19

Cleveland State Vikings Men's Basketball
Home vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies, 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who went to the Cedar Point Amusement Park recently.

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