A small

12.10-12.17.08
A small, useful act

In this week’s issue:
* iPod Winner Meet Jamie Carpenter, our first Click to Win winner
* Holiday Guide You love it! You really, really love it! Start your holiday shopping here
* Kids Taking on the holidays in an old fashioned, old-school sorta way
* Ingenious Kathryn Hall @ CMNH’s RACE urban professionals night
* Comment Lev Gonick asks, “Cleveland: Too Big To Fail?”
* Brain Gain Pondering Brain Drain vs. Brain Remain in NEO
* BFD Weekly How’s Mayor Jackson’s leadership? Soak up the comments
* Straight Outta Mansfield Seven Dwarfs Cave to Religious Charlatans
* Sounds New releases by surf-flavored Spy-Fi and jazzy Roy King’s Court

I held the door for a young man at the Y the other day, and then I watched him hold it for the woman behind him. People ask, what can we do to help our communities and help turn our economy around? At CoolCleveland.com, we’re convinced that a series of small, useful acts have a ripple effect that can and will make positive change. Our popular Holiday Buying Guide points you to local artists & entrepreneurs, so you can take some small, useful steps in stimulating our local economy this season. Cool Cleveland reader Jamie Carpenter clicked on our SPONSORED videos and links last week, and found herself the winner of a new iPod Nano in our Click to Win contest. You could do the same with this week’s issue, but don’t stop there. By clicking on more links below, you’ll take a small step towards a dose of holiday cheer, hearing some smart ideas about retaining our best brains, and being turned on to our hand-picked selection of cool events and things to do for business folks, parents and young professionals. These are small, useful acts, but they can have profound consequences. –Thomas Mulready

Our first winner of a brand-new iPod nano is Jamie Carpenter who has worked at the Metroparks Zoo and COSE, and now runs web services for Advanstar.

When she heard that she won Cool Cleveland’s Click to Win contest and she was about to take ownership of a recently-released iPod nano, she was jazzed, telling us that her old iPod, an earlier model, was starting to show signs of wear and tear. “I just once again wanted to say thank you not only for the great iPod Nano but for keeping all of us Clevelanders in the know. Cleveland has amazing activities and organizations and you always have your finger on the pulse. I look forward to reading your next email and appreciate you keeping me and all my friends informed on the latest and greatest in Cleveland.”

How did she win? It’s really very simple. For a chance to win an iPod nano or other great prizes, just click on our Sponsored links and Sponsored Video links:

Pretend you’re on a digital scavenger hunt, and look below for our Sponsored Videos (look in the colored banners) and the SPONSORED: tag and click on the link that follows to visit our cool sponsors’ web sites. It’s that simple.

The more you CLICK the better your chances of WINNING prizes ranging from complimentary admissions to our exclusive Cool Cleveland parties, to an iPod or iPhone! You can even pick your favorite color! Watch this space for announcements of winners. Click to WIN.

Hey! There’s one less week to act on that list of people you need to buy for. Has the panic set in yet? Chill, peeps. We got ya covered. Think outside the (Big) Box (stores) with our growing list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors. Got somebody hard to buy for? Pffft. No time with your busy social schedule and work commitments? Please. We make things quick, easy AND help you support NEO’s artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types in NEO. Buying local is smart, equitable and sustainable. So you support your local economy and keep jobs in the region; we’ll keep ya pointed in the right direction. Check out the “New for 12/10” listings by clicking here

To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list. Learn More.

Actor Will Smith visits Open Door Academy on a recent trip to Cleveland and the details are here
Check out Cleveland SGS blog where new stories on Cleveland psychics, boxers, councilman, gentlemen clubs, churches, and videos were presented recently. Click
Are you ready to get in shape for the New Year? Check out the 1-2-1 Fitness Challenge here
Local label Telarc and affiliate Heads-Up earn 19 Grammy nods this year! Learn more
Computers Assisting People (CAP) are on schedule to refurbish and donate about 600 PCs to needy schools, community centers and other non-profits in Cleveland in 2008. But they’re running out of PCs. Have one to donate? Click
Artists build world’s largest sculpture dedicated to global peace. Click
Historic Warehouse District receives Heritage Ohio Grant of $25K as part of their Ohio Main Street Grant Program. Click
Early Review of La Strada on E.4th St.? In a word, it “rocks.” (So sez Mrs. Managing Editor). Click
An interesting Cleveland link with news and info can be found here at Cleveland Metro News
Nine-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion Joe Gordon was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame today by the Veterans Committee. Former Tribe Player
Renaissance Cleveland Hotel celebrates 90th anniversary and you can learn more here
No holiday spirit yet? Maybe you need a Christmas Cabaret to warm you up. Jingle
The Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from Heritage Ohio as part of their Ohio Main Street Grant Program. Learn about the program

HOT “Oh Christmas Ale” This comedic musical tribute to Great Lakes Brewing Company’s winter warmer is making the rounds. If you haven’t seen this YouTube viral video, it’s a must for your Wednesday. Really, who doesn’t have a Christmas Ale story? (Warning to parents: plug the kids’ ears). Watch it here.

HOT Larry @ CityBuddha.com asks us all to support local independent retailers in a recent blog post at brewedfreshdaily.com. When you’re done reading this important public service message, start your shopping with our CC Holiday Guide here. Then head to Larry’s site: http://www.citybuddha.com.

Did you miss the Cleveland Sketch Crawl? If so, perhaps you should think about a visit to their blog to learn about all the cool 2009 stops in the city. If you’re artistically inclined, curious about intriguing pockets of the city, or perhaps even a full-blown sketch artist looking for something fun to do, start putting this on your calendars. We certainly will be. http://www.clevelandsketchcrawl.blogspot.com.

Equality for Cleveland In the full Cleveland City Council meeting on Mon 12/8, Council members voted to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry. The registry is open to any couple who meets the criteria and will be in effect 120 days from now. Cleveland joins Toledo and Cleveland Heights as the third city in Ohio — and the 77th jurisdiction in the nation — to enact such a law. Members who voted for the Domestic Partnership Registry: Santiago, Cimperman, Polensek, Brancatelli, Cummins, Mitchell, Conwell, Kelley, Zone, Westbrook, Brady, Sweeney and Keane. http://www.equalityohio.org.

Resource bar, wi-fi & coaches The University of Phoenix’s Cleveland campus is expanding to its third learning center above Brio at Crocker Park, featuring a state-of-the-art facility with computer stations & a support bar for their 5500 far-flung Northern Ohio students to register for classes, meet coaches, share a freshly brewed cup of coffee, and take part in professional development to complement their online courses. Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough will welcome Gina Cuffari, the Director of Ohio Campuses to their new 9000 sf location on Wed 12/10 at 4PM. Contributing to economic development are the 85 staff and 100 faculty from the region, many UofP alums, helping to educate, update the skills & retain the brains of area students of all ages. Check their You Tube vids, or explore http://www.Phoenix.edu/cleveland.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.profile.to/thomasmulready, and follow us on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/thomasmulready.

SPONSORED: If You Enjoy Photography as an amateur or a professional you’ll love the (RE)Imaging: Photography exhibition now at CIA. Regionalism goes global in this unique, exhilarating exhibition of still and moving images by photographers from 10 countries around the world. Artists include Sze Tsung Leong, Richard Renaldi, Barry Underwood, Mary Jo Toles and others. Now through Tue 12/23 at CIA, 11141 East Boulevard. Info: www.cia.edu.

Kathryn Hall
RACE urban professionals night @ CMNH

Were you there? On Wed 12/3, Cool Cleveland, along with a handful of other YP groups, hosted the first Multi-Cultural Reception at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in conjunction with the groundbreaking exhibit, RACE, Are We Really That Different? And as Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready found out in speaking with Kathryn Hall, Resource Specialist, the answer to that question is, “No!” But don’t take our word for it: check out the cool exhibits for yourself. The stacks of money that show how race as a construct has affected economic opportunities; how Thomas Jefferson, the author of “all men are created equal,” was able to be so eloquent (and so right), while owning over 200 slaves. This show will blow your mind. And hopefully change it. www.CMNH.org

A Dose of Holiday Cheer
Going it Old-Fashioned Warms the NEO Cockles

As wearisome 2008 draws to a close, our land has been gently covered with a blanket of white snow. The year of financial catastrophe, national political campaigning, local corruption, and rusting infrastructure flows into warm holiday parties and family merrymaking. While the uncertainty of the future will haunt our festivities, the greater Cleveland is still a place of wonder and hope. A visiting co-worker from Bratislava, Slovakia, once described how the people of her country flock into a decorated downtown for an outdoor party on the square during the holidays. Hot chocolate and hot toddy and pastries and cookies warm the body as the folks greet old friends and meander past vendors selling handmade gifts. My co-worker was looking forward to going home so she could be a part of the festivities…

Read more from Claudia J. Taller here

Blazing River Freedom Band will present their annual holiday concert on Wed 12/10 from 8 – 9:30PM at Franklin Circle Christian Church. It will be a performance of some traditional and contemporary holiday music. For info, call 916-2125 or e-mail info@brfb.org. http://www.franklincirclechurch.org.

The Chalet Toboggan Chutes in the Metroparks Get your heart racing as you take the plunge down the twin, refrigerated ice toboggan chutes – over 700 feet long with a vertical drop of approximately 70 feet – the only public ice chutes in Ohio! It only happens once a year; check out the schedule at http://www.clemetparks.com/recreation/tobogganing/index.asp.

HOT Paul Green School of Rock The rockin’ students of the Paul Green School of Rock Music, Rocky River chapter, will present three new shows this December at the Jigsaw Saloon (5324 State Road, Parma). The Cream of Clapton (Fri 12/12 at 6:30PM and Sat 12/20 at 6:30PM); Women Who Rock (Sat 12/13 at 3:30PM and Fri 12/19 at 6:30PM) and The Music of Black Sabbath (Sat 12/13 at 6:30PM and Sat 12/20 at 3:30PM. For tickets, call 440-333-ROCK (7625). http://www.schoolofrock.com.

Celebrate your creativity on Sat 12/13 at noon at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Kuumba Cultural Arts Festival. With the cold weather here, this cultural event will be sure to warm your soul. Kuumba is the sixth of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and means “creativity.” Enjoy dance, music, and theatre arts. Call 781-ROCK or visit http://www.rockhall.com.

Don’t forget that Tower City has some great programming for kids during the holidays. It’s worth a surf over here to learn more.

Stop The Hate Believe it or not, the Maltz Museum is offering a $100K college scholarship for the best 500-word essay by a middle or high school student grades 6-12 in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties. The deadline has been extended to Fri 1/2/09. Plus, comp admission while you’re working on your essay. “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing…” Edmund Burke. http://www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 12-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.

SPONSORED: Ralphie, You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! Celebrate the holiday with friends and family and experience the live version of the classic holiday comedy that is a sweet tale of growing up in the 1940s. “A Christmas Story,” based on the motion picture filmed in the downtown Cleveland Higbee’s Department Store, shows Ralphie Parker in his quest for the “Holy Grail of Christmas presents” – an official Red Ryder. Showing Now through – Sun 12/21. Info: www.clevelandplayhouse.com/showinfo.asp?eventID=41.

Cleveland: Too Big To Fail?
by Lev Gonick, VP for Information Technology, CWRU

As Cleveland Goes, So Goes America.

Cleveland is the story of America in the 21st Century.

After the Obama Stimulation Plan of 2009 works, we will have 2.5 million new jobs. If they are to be jobs that will position America to compete in the 21st century, we will need to transition from an analog economy and largely fragmented and disconnected education system. The 21st century belongs to those who fully embrace the knowledge economy and one that is informed by a more fully connected and integrated education system. It is all about focus on the transitions. If the stimulus is to work it must have enough dry powder to enable the necessary investments to transition us forward into the 21st century. We have seen the first wave of legacy interests lining up to extract public largesse to support the 20th century…

Read more at Lev Gonick’s blog Bytes from Lev

Cool Cleveland is hiring experienced salespeople to help fuel our growth. Send an excellent cover letter and resume to InfoATCoolCleveland.com

A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Scot Rourke, Pres./CEO of OneCommunity details recent trip to Seoul, South Korea. Details. Did ya know they’re relocating to the Warehouse District?
Are you hipt to the Knight Center of Digital Excellence in Akron? If not, you really oughta click here
Sen. Sherrod Brown weighs in on Big Three automaker situation and you can hear it here
Key to participate in FDIC liquidity programs and details are here
Mayor Jackson making waves at the Port Authority. Click
Strongsville lumberyard falls victim to the credit crunch and details are here
CNN focuses on Brunswick for story on how people are scaling back on holiday expenditures. Watch
Med Mutual CEO dies in plane crash in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Details

The Cleveland ConneXion Hmmm… Sounds mysterious and perhaps even a little suspicious by name alone. The name might conjure spies and counterintelligence, but this combo of over 25 Cle YP groups are working to create consensus amongst themselves and other young professionals on actively engaging Cleveland and participating in decisions related to its future. Check out who’s involved and then see if it’s for you. We’re guessing it just might be. Get Active!

Greg Golden
Principle Engineer, Emerson Process Management
Cleveland Plus

Greg Golden was recruited here from Oklahoma, after graduating with his Masters in Physics from North Carolina. After experiencing Southern hospitality, Greg says, “People here are very, very friendly in the Cleveland Plus region. I haven’t come across someone that’s the typical Northerner that everyone dislikes…” Why? Maybe because this region is so family-friendly. And Greg’s met lots of other young professionals through his involvement in groups like the 20/30 Club, church organizations and other charity groups. As a bonus, Greg also loves to cycle the rolling hills of Cleveland Plus. With the area’s art galleries, or music, or professional sports, he says, “There’s a lot to captivate…” http://www.ClevelandPlusLiving.com

engineering roundtable launches at Sheraton Independence Hotel, 5300 Rockside Road, Independence. on Thu 12/11 featuring keynote speaker Dr. Bahman Ghorashi, Interim Dean for Engineering, Cleveland State University. Register
JumpStart will offer their 4th seminar of the Growing Bright Ideas Lunch Series on Thu 12/11, Hiring Smart: Advice on How to Hire Top Talent. Registration and details
December Roundtable Luncheon The next Akron Roudtable hits Thu 12/11; Call 330-571-4148 for details
Manufacturing a Win: Beating the Current Financial Downturn is a MAGNET event Tue 12/16 feat. Anthony Turcinov, SVP, Fed Reserve of Cle. Details
Healthcare Marketers Panel Topic: “Healthcare Marketing And Advertising In An Age Of Emerging Consumerism” hits Wed 12/17 at 11:30AM. Register

HOT Telling Your Story: Nonprofits and the Media Meet Thomas Mulready, the creator of CoolCleveland.com, George Nemeth, the catalyst behind BrewedFreshDaily.com and others as they talk about NPOs and Media on Thu 12/11 starting at 8AM. Expect the unexpected and learn how new media can help push your org into the stratosphere! Register

Michelle Tomallo
Co-founder & VP, FIT Technologies

Things just keep getting better for FIT Technologies & their VP & co-founder Michelle Tomallo. FIT scored big as a runner up to the Ernst & Young for Entrepreneur of the Year, partying in Palm Springs with Jay Leno, Jack Welch & a whole list of who’s whos and talking about the recent economic announcements. In these challenging times, FIT Technologies can assist their partners with an IT assessment and outsourcing of some critical IT functions. Their new partnership with Key Bank allows FIT to be able to finance their tech hardware, software & training on affordable terms. And FIT continues to work with schools on their web-based student information systems, and now offers uniforms & accessories for K-12 with their new CampusOutfitters.com. For 2009, they will continue to help customers with SharePoint implementation. Looks like everyone’s getting FIT. http://www.FITtechnologies.net

Brain Drain vs. Brain Remain
Keeping Our Local Talent Right Here in NEO

“I can’t wait to get out of here,” the all too familiar rally cry for undergraduates clawing at those last elusive credit hours. But after they get out of here what comes next? The popularized and well-documented “Brain Drain” concludes that all area talent scatters across the nation. So that must mean that upon graduation, all of Cleveland’s sons and daughters exit Ohio almost immediately after their graduate’s handshake.

Because nobody works downtown or the surrounding suburbs. In fact most buildings contain mirage-type businesses, with cardboard cutouts of people wedged between their window and workspace; the electric bill becomes a problem as the lights are kept on for “looks sake” or specifically for nationally-televised sporting events. The Starbucks on every corner aren’t filled with young professionals overpaying for morning lattes, these people dress up for no reason at all and think Starbucks has a 9AM dress code… right?

Enough…
Read more from Wesam Elrabadi here

SPONSORED: Michael needs your help. Adoption Network Cleveland is working to recruit at least 50 new adult mentors for youth in foster care by the end of 2008. A mentor termed a “permanency champion” can help a youth just like Michael transition to adulthood successfully, who might otherwise be alone in facing the prospect of aging out of foster care without a permanent family. To learn more about Adoption Network Cleveland’s Mentoring Program, call Julia at (216) 325-1000 or visit http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Reading Race: Poetic Expressions at MOCA MOCACleveland and The Lit co-sponsor this excellent event Wed 12/10 at 6:30PM. Exploring the interplay between words and images, race and culture, creativity and subversion, acclaimed area poets Q-NICE, Kazim Ali, Katie Daley, Ray McNiece, and Michelle Rankins present and perform original works of poetry inspired by MOCA Cleveland’s exhibitions, Sheila Pree Bright: Suburbia and Facing Race. This is where you’re gonna find the literary community tonight, so head on over. Details here.

Historic Warehouse District Annual Holiday Tour On Wed 12/10 don’t miss this rare look at the coolest condos and lofts in Downtown Cleveland. This “Annual Holiday Tour” offers participants the opportunity to personally see and experience the fabulous residences that are becoming the most coveted places to live in Cleveland. Details here.

Peter Chakerian The Managing Editor of Cool Cleveland will be discussing and signing his new book, The Browns Fan’s Tailgating Guide this Wed 12/10 at 7PM at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lyndhurst. Chakerian (with masked pal) celebrates the tradition of Cleveland’s “dysfunctional family picnic” known as Cleveland Browns tailgating in the book, which is “Part history lesson, part sociological study, part user’s guide” (Cleveland Magazine). Sure, the Browns are stiffing this year, but the book is not just for fans and tailgaters; if you love Cleveland history, you’ll get a kick out of it, too. http://www.josephbeth.com. http://www.grayco.com.

Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? The Cleveland Museum of Natural History hosts author/co-founding editor of Catalyst Ohio magazine Wed 12/10 at 7PM. Charlise Lyles will discuss her book Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? — a memoir of race and education, the Cleveland projects, race riots and neighborhood murder. She also hosts a book signing and Q&A, all part of the CMNH’s brilliant RACE: Are We So Different? exhibition. 1 Wade Oval Dr., University Circle. http://www.cmnh.org or call 231-1177.

HOT SOUP Annual Holiday Party hits Fri 12/12 at 5:30PM at Jac’s Restaurant, 1303 W. 6th St. For the past 4 years SOUP (the Society Of Urban Professionals) along with many other professional organizations, join together to celebrate the holiday season and raise funds for a worthy cause. A host of particpating organizations continue the tradition this Holiday Season, with all proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots. Click here to RSVP. http://thesoupnetwork.com.

HOT Celebration of Coventry On Fri 12/12 at 8PM at at UUSC, “A Salute to Dobama Theater’s Night Kitchen” features former NK Director David Hansen’s new work This is the Time. The evening features special guest appearances by Harvey Pekar & Joyce Brabner (American Splendor movie and comics). Hansen’s play is a one-act comedy detailing the impact the House Committee on Un-American Activities had upon an improv comedy troupe in 1954. UUSC in Coventry Village, 2728 Lancashire Blvd., Cle Hts (between Coventry and Euclid Hts. Bldv. Call Joyce Brabner at 773-0444 or by e-mail: jbrabner@aol.com.

Cafe Bellas Artes @ CMA Come be a part of this fun filled evening event Fri 12/12 at 6:30PM at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Celebrate the holiday season with guest presenters will share holiday traditions from Puerto Rico, Peru and Guatemala. CMA Galleries are open for self-guided tours during the evening. Refreshments include cash bar. Call 707-2671 for more info.

Winter Party Several community organizations, including the LGBT Professional Networking org Plexus, have come together to sponsor a holiday party Fri 12/12 from 7 – 11PM at the Tregoning & Co. Art Gallery. The LGBT and supporting community will love the party at this great venue — definitely a must-see if you haven’t been there. Festive attire is appreciated; cash bar, appetizers, live music and more round out the night. http://www.thinkplexus.org.

David’s Redhaired Death is the winner of the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, and is filled with imagery of red hair, fire and fairy tales. Jean and Marilyn are redheads in a world of mousy blondes and easily manipulated men, and they find in each other the self-recognition that they have searched for all their lives. Directed by Sean McConaha, this stage play runs from Fri 12/12 through early January at the Bang and the Clatter’s Sometimes in the Silence… stage at 224 Euclid Ave. Don’t miss this one. http://www.bnctheatre.com.

Diva Night in Little Italy This Fri 12/12 and Sat 12/13 have officially been declared your “Diva Night” in Little Italy! Did you ever want to be a Diva (the nearly nice variety)? Here’s your chance! Dress up, look the part and partake in a night of fun and frolic! Special “Diva” drinks and refreshments await you along the way at locations including the Anne van H. Boutique, Brian Jones Gallery, Class Act Resale, Galeria Quetzal and nearly a dozen other locations. Great in-store/gallery raffles, prizes and more round out a night to remember. Call 721-6633 for more info.

Tremont ArtWalk It happens every month; explore Cleveland’s local artistic talent at the latest installment of the long-running Tremont ArtWalk this Fri 12/13 starting at 6:30PM. If you’ve never been, get out there and check this indie institution out! http://www.tremontartwalk.org.

Fix the Roof Fundraiser Coffee House Event St. Paul’s Community Church offers good cheer, holiday spirit and camaraderie with Fair Trade Coffee, homemade goodies and thoughtful people Fri 12/12 at 7PM. They need to fix their leaky roof over the thrift store behind the church and have enlisted singer-songwriters Peggi Cella, Deborah Van Kleef, Joe Seeholzer, Charlie Mosbrook and Jaya Bidari and the “Glimpse of India” dancers as the entertainment. Come help out and enjoy live local entertainment at its finest, and for a worthy cause. 4427 Franklin Blvd. (at W. 45th & Franklin). Call 651-6250 for more info.

Deep Cleveland Poetry Hour Joshua Gage will be launching his new book, breaths, a collection of Cleveland-based haiku. As an author of haiku, Gage has been published internationally and is the author of the forty chorus poem Deep Cleveland Lenten Blues, available as a chapbook from Deep Cleveland Press. He stomps around Cleveland in a purple bathrobe where he hosts the monthly Deep Cleveland Poetry hour. Check the man out Fri 12/12, then stick around to steal away the open mike! Details on the night are here. Learn about the book here.

SPONSORED: This Friday, 12/12, at 8PM, WCLV 104.9 FM presents the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory holiday concert. On Sat 12/13 at 10PM, it’s the Mighty Wurlitzer Radio Hour Holiday Program. To simplify your holiday shopping for classical music lovers on your list, click on the ArkivMusic link on the WCLV website at ”’http://www.WCLV.com. This will take you to 95,000 CDs and DVDs.

HOT Roy King’s Court “Actors will often tell you that it is harder to make someone laugh than to make them cry,” begin the liner notes on this jazz act’s recent local release (reviewed in this week’s CC). Drummer Roy King and his cohorts do their brilliant best to do both with the work on Trios. RKC has been something of a house band at Nighttown recently; they’ll deliver the disc live Sat 12/13 at 8:30PM (repeating the following Sat 12/20) at the Cle Hts jazz club. No cover charge either night. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

HOT Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland The area’s biggest and best indie craftstravaganza is back with a stunning 80 vendors this year. Check it out Sat 12/13 from noon – 9PM and Sun 12/14 from noon to 6PM at the 78th Street Studios (back entrance from parking lot), 1300 W. 78th St. Score handmade, one of a kind items from area artists — get all your shopping done at once! New this year: on site gift wrap, and much more. BTW: It’s the same building as the former 1300 Gallery, just with a different entrance. Ya gotta get there! Call 220-4808 for details. http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/cleveland.html. http://www.stitchcleveland.com.

30th Ironman/30th Anniversary Kona Party For the quickly growing triathlon, multisport and running community in Cleveland, this NBC broadcast party is always an award winning effort. Check out the celebration at Euphoria Health and Fitness, 20445 Emerald Parkway Dr. just off of I-480 and Grayton Rd. The party starts at 2PM and will be fully catered with door prizes from Gatorade, Euphoria Health and Fitness, Zoot sports, Hammer Nutrition and more. Info/RSVP to http://www.euphorihealthandfitness.com.

An Evening in December This concert performances will be held on Sat 12/13 at 8PM and Sun 12/14 at 3PM at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood. The North Coast Men’s Chorus, with over 20 years of great vocal and dance entertainment under their belts, will deliver holiday favorites, classics and standards. http://www.ncmchorus.org.

HOT Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ed “Citizen” Hauser Citizens Vision and the Beachland Ballroom host a benefit event

celebrating the well-loved Cle activist Hauser (left) Sun 12/14 at 6PM. Pot luck dining and cash bar, plus music by The Effect and DJ Dave Hindulak. Door Prizes, Side Boards, Chinese Raffle and more round out the evening. 15711 Waterloo Rd. Call 383-1124 or visit http://www.beachlandballroom.com for more info.

Milk Experience a private screening of the new Sean Penn film Sun 12/14 at 7PM. Milk, which stars Penn in the title role, profiles one of America’s pioneering LGBT activists, Harvey Milk. This event is a benefit for the 2009 John T. Carey Memorial AIDS Walk, and is co-hosted by a wide range of NEO orgs. A special dessert reception follows the film at Abrash Gallery (courtesy of Stone Oven), 2150 Lee Rd., Cle Hts., with the movie beginning across the street at the Cedar Lee Theatre at 7:20. For more info, contact jrembrandt@atfgc.org, or call 621-0766, ext. 275. http://www.aidstaskforce.org.

Western Reserve Chorale On Sun 12/14 at 7:30PM at Grace Lutheran Church on Cedar Rd in Cle Hts, the group offers its 17th Annual Holiday Concert. Conducted by new Artistic Director, Dr. J.D. Goddard, the no-cost event will include a capella and accompanied works by Mendelssohn, Rheinberger and Lauridson, as well as works for brass, chorus and organ by Gallus, Praetorious, Schutz, Gabrieli and Pachelbel. A reception will be held immediately following the concert. Info by calling 791-0061 or visit their site at http://www.westernreservechorale.org.

Peter Dominguez & Ki Allen at Sundown The next Cleveland State University Sundown Jazz Concert hits Sun 12/14 at 4PM and features bassist Dominguez and vocalist Allen in an intimate performance at CSU’s Drinko Recital Hall in the Music and Communication Building at East 21st St. and Euclid Ave. No cost, open to the public. http://www.csuohio.edu.

Salsa Shines Looking for a workshop to brush up on those salsa dance skills? On Tue 12/16 at 7PM, Cleveland Swing and Salsa will have the first of two Salsa Shines workshops — open to people of all levels of skill. They promise the workshops will move slow. Call 440-350-9969 to register. http://www.clevelandswingandsalsa.com.

Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall annual holiday celebration continues through Sun 12/28 from 5-8pm on Sundays and Tuesdays. Area music ensembles perform in the Music Room of the Manor House at 5:30PM, 6:30PM and 7:30PM. Check out the St. Cecilia Choral Society of Tue 12/16, then revel in the High St. Christian Church Choir, Cantores Cleveland and the Brass Choir of Stan Hywet’s Goodyear Concert Band during the remaining dates. Full schedule of Deck the Hall events at http://www.stanhywet.org.

Anne E. DeChant at Brothers The Cle expat singer-songwriter has been in town recently and will deliver a fine show at Brothers Lounge this Wed 12/17. Nevermind that DeChant is always good; this is a beautiful venue with three unique bars — all with a different feel. It’s a spectacular place for a show. Brothers’ Music Hall stage, 11609 Detroit Rd., Lakewood. Call 226-2767 for more info. http://www.brotherslounge.com. http://www.anneedechant.com.

Marty Stuart On Wed 12/17 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum will host “An Evening with Marty Stuart.” This event, which will take place in the Museum’s 4th Floor Theater at 7PM is part of the Museum’s popular, no-cost From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits series. The country singer-songwriter recently donated a slew of artifacts to the hall; all are worth checking out beforehand. http://www.rockhall.com.

Young, Hip New Acts Check out the bands Saint Ohio, Hayden Calling, Professor Greenhouse and up-and-coming sensations Blast Shields Up! this Wed 12/17 at 8PM at the Grog Shop. The latter mentioned group has got a pop style that will get you moving, with just the right amount of indie vibe (think Rogue Wave) to keep you anchored in and bobbing. And they love drums. Lotsa fun, so don’t miss this. http://www.grogshop.gs.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Seven Dwarfs Cave to Religious Charlatans… and more

To my mind, a religious charlatan is some preacher who’ll selectively quote and twist the Bible to fit his own small-minded ends. Seven Black members of Cleveland City Council caved to the pressure of such kooks by voting against the creation a domestic partner registry Monday night. Since the Bible also calls for stoning (Leviticus 24:16), perhaps that’s what voters will do to these cowards if they ever run citywide. The Bible also approves slavery (Leviticus 25:44), which just might explain why these mental midgets voted they way they did. Note to the seven Council members: Free your minds… and your asses will follow….
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

“Cleveland has a balanced 2008 budget and is proposing a balanced budget for 2009 without layoffs or service cuts” writes Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in a recent Op Ed. BFD readers have this to say:

OK… I’ve crawled out from under my rock to address the fact that I practically blew my morning coffee out of my nose when I read this in today’s fishwrap. I’m glad the Mayor didn’t sign the letter, because there’s no way he wrote it. Memo to the Mayor’s staff — if you’re ghost writing for your boss, it helps if you write in their voice. “Waxing poetic…” seriously, you expect me to believe those are his words? comment by Wendell Robinson

Read more Brewed Fresh Daily Weekly here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Vote to get Start-Up Weekend to Cleveland next year.
Sometime in November we were thinking “the lawn needs to be mowed one last time and once the leaves stop falling….”
In 1907 Cleveland was home to the largest skating rink in the world.
Clevelanders need to know how lucky you are to have direct public transit service to the aiport.
What changes are we prepared to make to improve our region’s ability to cope with the short-term crisis and prosper in the long run?

Black Tie Spy
Spy-Fi
Style Records

Trios
Roy King’s Court
Self-Released

Winter is all about mood. For some Clevelanders, all that white stuff and cold gets ’em (you?) down. Might this reviewer recommend two discs to perk them/you up and move those corners of your mouth upwards? Black Tie Spy is the third long-player from Spy-Fi — a NEO-based “spy-detective band” that lives for movie soundtrack dynamics. If you love rock, surf guitar, Bond-like spy intrigue, jazz, and latin, you need this disc with zaftig pinup Kay O’Hara on the cover. BTS is a natural extension of their first two efforts — Music for Spies, Thighs and Private Eyes (Volumes 1 and 2), with original compositions peppering covers that include “The Perry Mason Theme” by Fred Steiner, “Rumble” by Link Wray and more. Press play and it’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in your Aston-Martin…

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Will Smith: Seven Pounds @ Cinemark Valley View Cle Premiere 11/20 Hey, you can have a red carpet premiere in LA or NYC any time, right? But Will Smith picked Cleveland as part of his five-city tour promoting the film, because Ohio was so instrumental in the recent election. The premiere of Seven Pounds was held at Cinemark Valley View; hundreds of adoring fans waited for hours (some in the cold and snow) to get a glimpse of their favorite screen star. Seven Pounds is a drama about a man tormented by a tragedy before devoting his life to helping seven strangers. It’s a beautiful love story with gripping, unexpected twists beginning with the opening scene. I walked out at the end realizing I’ve never seen a bad Will Smith movie. (Hint: take tissues.) Smith addressed the audience beforehand, offering a shout-out to LeBron James, sitting a mere couple of rows away. Seven Pounds hits theatres next Fri 12/19. Watch the trailer here.

From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com

CityMusic Cleveland @ Fairmount Presbyterian 12/2 One of the nicest holiday gifts was presented last Tuesday at Fairmount Presbyterian Church when CityMusic Cleveland and conductor James Gaffigan presented their Not Your Usual Holiday Concert. If one wanted another name for this concert, it might be “an evening of delicious bon-bons.” Most of the eight pieces that comprised the program are very seldom heard, which is not fair — to the music, or audiences. They’re delightful and deserve to be heard much more often! Bravo CMC and Mr. Gaffigan…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

CSU Chorus and Choral @ Cleveland State 12/5 The stars were out at Cleveland State University Friday evening, especially in Waetjen Auditorium, when the CSU Chorus & Chorale under the direction of Betsy Burleigh, combined with The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, directed by Frank Bianchi for a varied and well-done concert of music of the season Behold the Star. All the music programmed (from a variety of sources and eras) belonged to the season, although much of it is heard at other times of the year, also. Stars were mentioned frequently…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

MUSiC Brunch/Recital @ InterContinental Hotel 12/7 Providing young musicians with performing opportunities is the primary function of one of the newer presenters in the Cleveland area: MusicalUpcomingStarsintheClassics. MUSiC sponsors several recitals each year, in a variety of spaces, but the big event of the season is a Brunch/Recital at the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland at the Cleveland Clinic. This year’s recital took place on Sunday with the newly-opened Table/45 hosting the excellent brunch. Another change from previous years was the addition of several first-rate music students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. It is no stretch to suggest that all of them will have a career in which we’ll have the opportunity to hear them again. More than once!
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here


Cool Cleveland readers write
All letters must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional).
Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com

On Cool Cleveland As a former clevelander now in sf ca, you keep me in touch with the city. i run a website called www.artbusiness.com, by the way, and i’ve covered periodic art events in cleveland over the years.
from Cool Cleveland reader Alan Bamberger

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Holiday Shopping Guide local artists & entrepreneurs offering art, books, music, film, wearable art, health& wellness, fashion, sustenance & sundries. WOW! 3rd week in a row!
CoolCleveland.com

2) Obama cool Garrison Keillor feels cool in the Midwest because of Barack.
CoolCleveland.com

3) Straight Outta Mansfield It would be an Obamanation to let the “Law of Unintended Consequence” affect Barack.
CoolCleveland.com

4) Susan Goldberg laid off more PD writers last week. Roldo comments.
Here and here.

5) Cleveland Culinary Champs The word is out, people. Our local chefs rock.
NewsHerald.com

Doing the act Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Claudia J. Taller, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Mansfield B. Frazier, Lev Gonick, Roy Berko and introducing Wes Elrabadi. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

What’s your small act…?
–Thomas Mulready
LettersATCoolCleveland.com
Cool Networks LLC / 14837 Detroit #105 / Cleveland, OH 44107

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