AP 7.9.14
In 1978, Dave Smeltz founded I-tal, the band that opened up the local rock scene to reggae. After some of its members split off in 1983 to form the even more popular First Light, Smeltz took I-Tal on the road, playing resorts like Charleston and Hilton Head.
But even as he was enjoying a successful music career, he was spiraling into substance abuse. How he came out of it and the project he is currently working on to give back to the recovery community are the topics of his new book Clean: From Reggae to Recovery, A Memoir. He and his publisher Jennifer Coiley will be at Mac's Backs on Coventry to talk about the book and autograph copies. Sat 7/12
AP 7.9.14
So the hot Brooklyn band scheduled to open this year's Summer in the City free music series at the Rock Hall canceled? No problem: just move the hot local openers, Seafair (pictured), to the headline slot, and add three more great local acts — NIGHTS, Obnox, and Pleasure Leftists. Wed 7/16.* Music Settlement open house introduces new era for Bop Stop. Sun 7/12.
* Reconfigured Vanity Crash debuts new music at the Beachland. Thu 7/10.
* 2nd annual Groove N Brew celebrates local music, local beer & local food. Sat 7/12.
* Bobby Selvaggio's 11-piece ensemble plays Kennedy's. Fri 7/11.
* Cle rapper King Chip cruises back into town at the Agora. Fri 7/11.
Read more picks by Anastasia Pantsios here
AP 7.9.14
Seeing other people's gardens is a great way to get inspired & pick up ideas. The two-day GardenWalk Cleveland provides a chance to check out 200 farms, gardens, orchards & vineyards in five neighborhoods and talk to the owners, as well as master gardeners. Sat 7/11-Sun 7/12.* Spice Kitchen's Ben Bebenroth will soon become the only Cleveland restaurateur to own his own full-scale farm to supply his business.
* The mysteries of canning and other forms of food preservation will be revealed by farmer Heather Walters at her Basket of Life Farm in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thu 7/10.
* Learn to make fruity, summery cocktails at this month's Hunt & Gather workshop at the Cleveland Flea, popping up this month at a new location in Tyler Village. Sat 7/12.