Cleveland’s Sweet Symphony: Splice Cream Truck Scoops Up Stories and Serves Up Harmony
Forget your average ice cream truck jingle. In Cleveland, a vibrant melody of community spirit rolls down the streets, courtesy of the Splice Cream Truck. This ain’t your typical frozen treat dispenser; it’s a mobile recording studio, a rolling confessional booth, and a melting pot of artistic expression, all wrapped in one.
Imagine a rainbow-hued truck pulling up, not just with sugary delights, but with an open mic and a listening ear. That’s the magic of Splice Cream. Ben Smith, the mastermind behind this sweet symphony, believes everyone has a story to tell, a song to sing, a rhyme to drop. And his truck provides the platform, the free vinyl recording the souvenir.
From soulful operatic arias to freestyle rap battles, the Splice Cream Truck captures the kaleidoscope of Cleveland’s voices. It’s not just about the music, though. It’s about sharing, connecting, “splicing us together” as the truck’s motto proudly declares. Indulging in a scoop of ice cream not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers an opportunity to connect with others, bridging gaps and celebrating our common humanity.
This wasn’t always a reality. Nearly a decade ago, Smith recorded stories the old-fashioned way, one conversation at a time. But inspiration struck, a divine sketch brought the truck to life in 2015. It wasn’t just about serving the community; it was about conquering his own social anxiety. And conquer he did.
The impact transcends recordings. A dormant opera singer found her voice again after 20 years. Hip-hop trivia nights at Zanzibar Soul Fusion transform into vibrant showcases of talent, seasoned artists mingling with wide-eyed beginners. With each story, each beat, the tapestry of Cleveland’s cultural landscape grows richer, more vibrant.
As the city evolves, the Splice Cream Truck remains a constant hum of creativity, a testament to the power of connection. It’s not just an ice cream truck; it’s a movement, a sweet symphony uniting Cleveland one story, one song, one scoop at a time. So roll on, Splice Cream Truck, keep scooping up stories, and keep serving up that delicious harmony called community.
