I did not want to end the year on a depressing note, so I'm back to tell you about a super fun evening out with my husband and Middle Child:
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| We spent a Saturday evening at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. Playhouse Square consists of five historic theatres along with six other performing spaces. A little known fact is that Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts district in the United States after New York City. |
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| In addition, North America's largest outdoor chandelier hangs in the theatre district. I took this photo a few summers ago, but there are ALWAYS orange cones/barrels downtown to ruin your picture. |
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| Our show that evening was in the State Theatre, opened in 1921. The style is Roman, Greek, and European Baroque. The lobby is 320 feet long, which is enormous. |
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| Before the show, we stopped to see the Festival of Trees in the Allen Theatre lobbies. It is sponsored by numerous Cleveland institutions. |
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| The tree in the center is always magnificent, under the beautiful Italian Renaissance ceiling. |
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| Then it was off to the show! I tried to capture the grandeur of the theatre before many people arrived. |
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| We were there to see Straight No Chaser, a popular a cappella group who originated at Indiana University in 1996. They posted a Youtube video of their comical version of 'The 12 Days of Christmas' in 1998 which went viral and the rest is history. Middle Child has seen them four times now (it was my third) and can tell you all about them. According to her, only four of the initial nine members are still performing, with new people substituted in. Fun memory: The first time I saw SNC, our son went along. Both of us sort of thought the show would be lame, to be honest. The minute we heard them sing the opening line to 'Creep' by Radiohead, both of us looked at each other and burst out laughing. We were NOT expecting that! |
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| We have only ever seen them at Christmas. We were supposed to see them in April 2020, but we all know what happened then. So for us, the show is always the same: the first half consists of popular music and the second half is all Christmas. This year, they did a Toto medley, some Elvis, Taylor Swift songs, and an amazing mashup of Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' with Bel Biv Devoe's 'Poison.' The show always includes a demonstration by the 'vocal percussionist.' It is mind blowing how he can make every percussion sound with just his voice and a microphone. The final encore was the Christmas Can Can pictured above. Here is the YouTube version for your enjoyment. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwanzaa to All! |
"A little known fact is that Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts district in the United States after New York City."
ReplyDeleteWow, I did not know that!? And having been theater performer myself, I'm surprised I didn't. You know, the more you share about downtown Cleveland, the more I see what a REALLY cool-looking town it is!
That State Theater (both inside (the marquee) and out (the lobby) are GORGEOUS! That tree IS magnificent. And so is the ceiling.
The photo of the actual theater reminded me of some of theaters I've been to in NYC. They have so much history!
I've heard of Straight No Chaser, but didn't know much about them. Before I left my comment, I went to YouTube and found that clip from 1998. WOW!!!!! I love a cappella!
And thank you for sharing the video clip at the end of this post. They are A-MAZING!
*clapping*
Merry Christmas, my friend! Much love to you and your family!
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P.S. I would love to see more photographs of downtown Cleveland in 2024. Thanks X
People are always surprised by that fact, but 100 years ago, when the theatres were built, Cleveland was one of the biggest cities in America. It really doesn’t get the recognition that it should. I’ve always said it’s a great place to live, except for the weather! Lake effect snow REALLY does suck.
DeleteAren’t the theatres magnificent? My kids’ high school graduations were held in one of them. Sure beat my high school gymnasium graduation! 🤣
Straight No Chaser is such a treat. They are very talented, and funny too. Very family friendly. I will try to post more downtown photos here or on Instagram in the future. Merry Christmas! XO
That sounds like such a fun evening. I love reading about everyone's Christmas activities and events this time of year. :-) And those Christmas trees! Wow!
ReplyDeleteIts definitely interesting to read what holiday activities everyone is doing around BlogLand! Have a wonderful holiday, Danielle.
DeleteWow, what a gorgeous theatre! I love it. I hadn't heard of this group, and you always have such interesting musical tastes! I am going to definitely look into them. Half popular music, half Christmas music - I would absolutely love that. Happy holidays to you, I wish lots of joy and peace for you. I know that it is probably a hard time, what with your mom and everything you deal with every day, but I am sending lots of love over the miles. xo
ReplyDeleteStraight No Chaser has been Middle Child's favorite group for many years. I remember when she first started talking about them (maybe she was a freshman in high school?) and we were like, what's this alcohol band you are talking about? LOL! Thanks for sending your good wishes. You're the best! XO
DeleteI really enjoyed all of your photos. The theaters are gorgeous and all of the trees are stunning. A friend of mine lived in Cleveland for a number of years and always talks about how awesome the food, the culture and the people were. She moved here to take care of her Grandmother and really misses Cleveland. I've never been but now you've convinced me maybe a trip there is needed.
ReplyDeleteI know it's been a year of many ups and downs. I'm wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and may 2024 be a wonderful year. Hugs my friend!!
We are always disappointed when the 'Best Restaurant/Chefs,' etc. lists come out and Cleveland rarely gets a mention because we do have great food and culture. Plus, people here are very chill (that's the best way to describe them). Friendly and helpful when needed, but never nosey or pretentious. Thank you so much for all your kind wishes! XO
DeleteThat does sound like fun. I love the christmas tree pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. Merry Christmas!
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ReplyDeleteCleveland is a fantastic city. It certainly does not receive the attention it deserves. I appreciate you sharing this. If you can believe it, I've never seen photos of Playhouse Square. I've heard of friends and family members attending events there over the years, but I've never been myself. It's just as lovely and cool as I expected.
We love Straight No Chaser! That's awesome that you've seen them so many times! Dan Ponce, one of the founding members, is a news anchor in Chicago! But you probably already knew this! ❤️
Happy Holidays to you and your family, my friend! 😘
I knew you’d appreciate this post, Kari. It’s always exciting to go to Playhouse Square! My first time was to see Phantom of the Opera in the ‘80’s with my sister-in-law. I was blown away by the whole experience. I’m so glad to hear you guys like SNC, too. I did not know about the news anchor, but Middle Child probably does. She’s a super fan! Merry Christmas ❤️
DeleteSo fun! I've never heard of these guys, but I love their name, and they sound amazing. (P.S. Stiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllll Betsy!) ;)
ReplyDeleteI think Straight No Chaser is mostly a Midwest thing, but maybe they perform in California. Thanks for reading* and commenting. I hope you have a great holiday! XO
DeleteA blessed holiday to you as well, Bijoux! :)
DeletePretty sure I remember that Square from our years-ago visit to downtown Cleveland. Cleveland and Detroit are pretty similar in having once-upon-a-time been a lot bigger and more vibrant than they are now. And both are slowly recovering some of their long-lost vitality. . .
ReplyDeleteYes, besides proximity, there is a sister city vibe between Detroit and Cleveland. Merry Christmas!
DeleteLooks like a fun time and a beautiful place to visit! Loved the YouTube video!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Jeanette!
DeleteThe Christmas Can Can was AHHHMAZING. Thanks for sharing that--it put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love it when you expect something to be lame and it's the opposite. I've never seen them in person, but they've created some sort of entertainment phenomena and I'm so happy you were able to find the time to see them this year.
The chandelier is all sorts of awesome too.
Merry Everything to your family. Praying things are going as well as they can with your Mom. XOXO
I really wasn't expecting to like them, so it was quite a surprise to me. Their songs are so clever and fun. Thank you for your kind wishes and same right back at you! XO
DeleteDowntown Cleveland looks so lovely. Great photos. The Christmas decorations are amazing. It sounds like such a wonderful evening out. The singing must be good, if you've seen the group repeatedly. Ed went to Indiana. I wonder if he's heard of them. There is a newscaster from my fav Chicago station, WGN, Dan Ponce and I recognized him in the YouTube video. I googled it and it turns out he founded Straight Up No Chaser. That's crazy. The WGN morning news program has shared clips of him singing, but I wasn't aware of the name of the group or the fact that they're still performing. So wild.
ReplyDeleteYes, Kari said that Dan Ponce is now a newscaster. I would never have heard of them except through Middle Child. She is on YouTube a lot, plus she's a music connoisseur of sorts. I hope you have a great Christmas. LMK when your blog is back!
DeleteNot sure how it works, but I sent you an invite to be able to see my blog while it's on private mode. ;)
DeleteOk thanks!
DeleteSounds like you had an awesome evening. Love all the pictures. I've made a note and need to ask my friend Jane (lives in Cleveland) why she's not mentioned this before. Must put it on my list of things to do sometime. Merry Christmas to you and yours and all the festive holidays as well.
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I hope you get to see something at Playhouse Square some day. Merry Christmas!
DeleteWho knew Cleveland had such a vibrant performing arts district? Tara and I were super impressed when we visited a few years ago, and it seems like we barely scratched the surface.
ReplyDeleteAny vocal group that leads off with Radiohead is a winner in my book. I'll have to keep an eye out for any Wisconsin dates in the future!
We don't take advantage of Playhouse Square as much as we should, probably because my husband and I are not into musicals or the ballet. But, we really do have a lot of choices in cultural activities. Wishing you and Tara a marvelous Christmas!
DeleteWow, I had no idea that Cleveland was such a rockin' place! And that theater is beautiful! I've heard about SNC, but I've never heard this music. Sounds like you had a nice time!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and all you hold dear!
Thanks, Rob. Have a wonderful holiday!
DeleteSounds like a fun show. The theatre is amazing, likewise that spectacular outdoor chandelier. Would you believe, I'd never heard of Kwanzaa, even though it started in 1966! I've never read anything about in our media, even in the right-on Guardian. Well, I know all about it now!
ReplyDeleteOh, I’m surprised you’ve not heard of Kwanzaa. It’s been talked about here for more than 20 years, but I don’t know how many African Americans celebrate it.
DeleteWaving hi, as I make my blog rounds. Hope you're staying warm.
ReplyDelete<a href="https://4ccccs.blogspot.com/2023/12/raindrops-on-roses-no-whiskers-on.html:<Sandy's Space</a>
I’m trying to, but Satan dumped a load of snow on us overnight.
DeleteWhat a great places. Especially picture of outdoor chandelier looks beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family dear friend. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteThank you and happy holidays to you.
DeleteA collection of very lovelys photographs, of this city and your lovelys activities. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting.
DeleteHappy Holidays to you. Best of luck with your mother.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteIt looks like a wonderful time was had by all. Merry Christmas, Bijoux!!!
ReplyDeleteSame to you!
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed this holiday post, Bijoux, thank you for all the cheer and that Christmas Can Can was such fun. I have heard of the group but never watched any of their YouTube videos, but will after reading this post. Playhouse Square is amazing and I didn't know that it's the largest performing arts district in the United States after NYC, and fortunate that you live so near it. That 1920s era State Theater is amazing and the festival of trees certainly beautiful. Sending best wishes to you and your family for a very Merry🎄and all the best in the New Year🎉
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog this past year and look forward to 2024.
You are so kind! Thank you for reading and I wish you a happy, healthy 2024. I’m glad to introduce people to Straight No Chaser. They are very talented and always bring good cheer.
DeleteWhat a fabulous time you had. Those Christmas trees are amazing. Seasons Greetings Bijoux, and very best wishes for 2024.
ReplyDeleteI hope your new year is filled with health and happiness.
DeleteThat chandelier is fantastic! I have been to Cleveland many times, but never saw that before. Going to have to look for it next time we go.
ReplyDeleteStraight No Chaser, seems like a really fun group. I don't think they've ever come to South Bend, but if they do, I'm going to get tickets. Our theater looks eerily similar to yours. I had to do a double take thinking you came to our area LOL
I sort of thought you’d know all about Straight No Chaser, as they are Indiana famous. I’m sure you’d really enjoy seeing them. Playhouse Square is a very fun area of Cleveland. And if you’ve never been to a Hofbrau Haus, there’s one right there.
DeleteI was excited to tell my friend in Cleveland about your post. Tried to convince her we should go while in town just after Christmas, but she's doesn't like to go downtown. So, maybe next year we'll go downtown to check things out and then go to her house.
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A lot of people don’t like to go downtown. I hope you get to visit some day.
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