Dazzle the District

[Ride On_17]

At first I just planned on posting some pictures in the random picture thread, but decided to just create this whole topic due to the amount of pictures and information I wanted to share. Friday night (May 2nd), Cleveland hosted an event called Dazzle the District. Cleveland is home to the world's 2nd largest theatre district, only next to New York City's, called Playhouse Square. Playhouse Square has been in the process of major renovations and enhancements to the theatres and the surround area. In addition to new signs, arches, and interior theatre work, one of the main new features is the world's largest outdoor chandelier made with tons of crystals. I still question whether or not it will last without getting vandilized, but sure hope this won't happen.

So my mom and I picked up my grandparents a little after 5 and headed to downtown Cleveland. There was tons of traffic and it took forever to finally get into the city and to find a place to park. We saw some stilt walkers and the St. Eds trash Talkers (a group of kids from St. Edwards High School who have become locally famous for using anything and everything as drums) and they were as fun as always. We then made it Playhouse Square where the event was taking place. The roads were closed, there was music, and lots of excitement was in the air. As we walked in my my mom and grandma went through the bag checks, they were passing out free blinking and light up goods. I got red light up glasses. Even though it wasn't dark yet, lots of people were already wearing them.

We walked around and admired the chandelier. Even in the day without being all lit up it was very impressive to see, and it made quite an impact. Between it and the new Playhouse Square arches, Cleveland was proudly boating to anyone who goes through that area that we have an amazing theatre district. We were starting to get hungry so bought some food tickets. There was a whole street lined with tents of food. Local restaurants provided the food which ranged from sliders to Mediterranean wraps to mac'n'cheese. I got a Mediterranean wrap and loaded tots (tater tots with lots of melted cheese, pickled cabbage, corned beef, and bacon). They were both delicious. Since it had started to get really windy and we were cold, we went into Starbucks to warm up and get something to drink. It was PACKED in there. The line filled the entire store and wrapped all around. After probably about 20-25 minutes in line we finally ordered. I just felt like a simple hot chocolate and it warmed me up right away. Side not, but I really can't wait to go to CP's new Starbucks. I'm glad they're getting a full service one.

Anyways, after hanging out for a while in there it was starting to get dark. An alternative/rock band I like called Hot Chelle Rae was about to put on a free, outdoor concert soon we we went out to find a spot to watch. By this time, the entire area was super busy. It was mobbed with people, but everyone was happy, friendly, and having a good time. It was time to turn on the light up glasses and soon Hot Chelle Rae came on stage and put on a great show. No auto tune for them. They sounded just as good as their studio recordings.

There was a bunch of speeches and some more performances by various singing and dancing groups. A local band, Shaw High School, also arrived and got to march through the crows of people. What a thrill for those kids to experience something like that. Eventually it was finally time for the lighting ceremony. There was a performance from the actress who stars in Wicked, and throughout her performance of "Defying Gravity," at certain parts during the song the new Playhouse Square lights and signs would turn out. It started at the far side of the street and slowly worked its way up toward the chandelier. Once by one the new signs lit up and the whole area looked amazing already. Then at a big moment in the song, the chandelier suddenly came to life followed by cheers and yells all around. Immediately, an awesome fireworks show began. It was the best fireworks show I've ever seen. No Fourth of July show has even come close to how amazing it was. Everyone was speechless by the end, and then a whole bunch of upbeat music was played as people slowly filed out of the area.

The entire night was just so much fun. The atmosphere was electric (da dum ching ) and everything was very well done. I especially needed a break from all of my school work and studying which I've had a lot of lately. I had a blast spending time with my family at a great event, including a free concert. Later we found out there were around 20,000 people there, which is really impressive. Plus Playhouse Square and the area around it is just so special and recognizable. People may complain about Cleveland but it truly is a great city.

[Ride On_17]

St. Eds Trash Talkers

This obviously caught my attention.

The chandelier is massive and is really cool.

It wasn't too busy when we first arrived but people were making there way there.

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Inside the crazy Starbucks.

Hot Chelle Rae

People were watching from the windows of all the surrounding buildings.

Shaw's band comes blasting through the crowd.

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After Shaw's band plays, a group called the Singing Angels performs, followed by several other groups.

Then it was finally time for the lighting ceremony! Everything, especially the chandelier, looks so amazing lit up.

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Some fireworks were shot off from the roofs of buildings, and the main show took place down at the end of the street. I still can't get over how awesome the fireworks were.

All of the lights and new signs looked incredible.

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The entire night was such a blast and I was proud to be a part of it.

And this isn't my picture, it's Playhouse Square's, but the chandelier is an official Guinness World Record for world's largest outdoor chandelier!

https://www.facebook.com/playhousesquare?fref=photo