Nitty Gritty City

In 2013, half of Cleveland shut down to make way for (the) Captain America (movie). For most of us, all that meant was a longer commute and the chance to see some cars blown up downtown. Captain America wasn't here to save Cleveland. He wasn't real, after all. Guitar Man showed up in town right around that same time. Erumpent with panache, clad in the colors of our country and the spirit of days past, he began kicking around Ohio City and making merriment in the neo-hip corners of town, the parts with the bars and restaurants and people. GUITAR MAN blazed across his chest in bold letters. He could brighten your day with a smile or a well timed G-chord or a,"Hey, good lookin'!" Like right now: These four guys...were trucking back to the hotel before Guitar Man calls out: "How's it goin', fellas!" "What's your story? Howyadoin?" "I'm Guitar Man, Cleveland's only real superhero. I'm out here saving Cleveland one song at a time. You guys want to hear a tune?" Hooked. Guitar Man launches into one his classics, "Free Beer," and the guys whip out smartphones, snapping photos and shooting wobbly video. One of them shuffles his feet in rhythm. A Mercedes honks, breaking up the dance party as the driver tries to make his way to a garage entrance. The guys eye the luxury car warily, returning to the fun as Guitar Man reaches the final verse. You know the one. - Taken from the Cleveland Scene cover story entitled 'Guitar Man Was Here' - April 1, 2015.