Pavement & Pierogi: Parma businesses band together for unique musical event getting national attention
Bob Nastanovich, of legendary indie band Pavement, will visit for a DJ night hosted by Rudy’s Strudel, The Current Year and Schnitz Ale Brewery
Three small Parma businesses are banding together to put on one of the most unique musical events to be held in the southern suburb in memory — and all for a good cause.
Two of the businesses are women-owned, two are immigrant-owned, and all three are in fields where growth is tough: Rudy’s Strudel bakery, owned by Lidia Trempe and her mother Eugenia Polatajko; The Current Year Records and Tapes, owned by Marie and Michael Stutz; and Schnitz Ale Brewery, opened last year by the Djurin family, who immigrated to America in 1999. It’s Parma’s first brewery.
The event takes place Friday, August 19, when Trempe and the Stutzes are bringing Bob Nastanovich of the acclaimed rock band Pavement to spin a blend of indie rock vinyl from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Schnitz Ale Brewery, 5729 Pearl Road. The evening will be completed by five Pavement-themed pierogi crafted by Rudy’s Strudel in conjunction with the band. The quirky event has been getting national attention, including from music world bible Pitchfork this week.
The Pavement pierogi will be available in paired beer flights, and Schnitz Ale’s signature German beers and European small plate food will also be available. There will be two meat pierogi, two vegetarian pierogi and one dessert pierogi. Ingredients include sour cherries, date-infused sour cream, Parma prosciutto, sweet Italian sausage, ricotta, fresh basil, marinara and more (not all in the same pierogi!).
Pavement is in the midst of a sold-out world tour, with the nearest stop in Detroit on September 24. But because of the strong love of Pavement by Trempe and The Current Year’s owners Michael and Marie Stutz (who founded the Parma for Pavement International Committee in 2021 for the purpose of booking Pavement for an outdoor show at Byer’s Field), Nastanovich offered to visit the city and spin tunes on vinyl for an evening. All proceeds will be donated to All Faith’s Pantry, which provides food assistance for the Parma senior community.
The event has roots in Trempe’s past.
“I was the big geek in high school, still am in my 40s. Pavement, the amazing lyrics, music, heart and absolute kindness that is true and comes from the heart, is probably the reason that I skipped my senior prom to see them at the Agora Ballroom in 1995. I don’t regret it a day of my life.
“Pavement is timeless and representative, indie pioneers who continue to inspire music to this day. I am beside myself humbled and beyond freaking out with crazy glee that I get to make pierogi based on the band. “
Her passion convinced Nastanovich to visit.
“I’ve been thrilled and amazed by a group of Pavement enthusiasts striving to get our band to play at a local football stadium for some time,” said Nastanovich. “Led by Lidia at Rudy’s and the Stutzes, the effort has been heartening. I figured the least I could do is come visit, spin a variety of weird tunes and try to raise some dinero for a good cause. I love the Cleveland area and it’s been too long.”
Seating is limited and advance tickets are available online at meowsold.com. The event has a $10 general admission.
Formed in Stockton, California, in 1989, Pavement is hailed by many prominent music critics as the best band of the 1990s.
“Pavement is the golden crown and heightened epitome of American rock music,” said Michael Stutz. “As a band they cleanly encapsulate the very essence and spirit of the indie rock scene of the 1990s.
“Authentic German craft beers, an acclaimed Eastern European bakery’s pierogi, and indie rock via Pavement: that sounds like an incredible evening, and we’re very pleased to be able to make it happen.
“I’m grateful to be part of the Parma community where we’re actually doing it, and where so many local businesses are eager and happy to work together to create these kind of things — bringing world-class talent to the city for an event that is already garnering international attention. I’m long on Parma.”
Resources
For complete event information
Pavement
Schnitz Ale Brewery
Rudy’s Strudel
