20/30

2.28-3.07.07
20/30

In this week’s issue:
* BizTech Profile Stephanie Jansky and Dan Young of the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club
* Kids Comment Why Cleveland is Cool for Kids Fun AND Healthy Food
* Comment A Bike Path Along Lake Erie from Toni Chanakas
* Road Trip Exploring The Winery at Wolf Creek
* Previews Diana, A Celebration at the Western Reserve Historical Society
* Sounds Dark Eye from Kassaba
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Honor thy children. Or they may move to Seattle. Cleveland’s Professional 20/30 Club is having fun hosting events, hooking up young people with community projects, and generally making the case for YPs to stay and thrive here. This week, we interview a couple 20/30 Club members, and I’ll be helping out at a pair of their events. Of course, paying attention to Cool Cleveland each week might also convince a young person to stick around. In fact, we received an e-mail from a recent grad of Oberlin College who had returned to NYC before receiving her first issue of CC. She said if she had been reading Cool Cleveland during her college tenure in NEO, she might have considered staying. And so we continue to highlight things like a road trip to Ohio wine country, biking along Lake Erie, more Cool Cleveland Kids & BizTech stuff. And whether you’re in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s or more, whether you have kids or not, whether you’re building Cleveland’s new hi-tech economy or not, we offer one more message, one more e-blast, one more collection of stellar goings-on, news and profiles to keep you coming back for more. One week at a time. —Thomas Mulready

Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club
Stephanie Jansky and Dan Young

The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club says they want to retain young professionals in Cleveland, but sometimes it seems like all they really want to do is have some fun. Maybe it’s the same thing. This week, they’ve got two events planned: on Wed 2/28 a networking meeting for how to get involved with area non-profits. Then next Wed 3/7 a community event called “10,000 Little (Micro) Ideas to Keep You Believing In Cleveland,” a facilitated group discussion to determine a shared agenda, where attendees bring their good ideas and everyone gets to vote on the best ones. Both sessions will feature Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready as speaker or facilitator. In this brief video, Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club members Stephanie Jansky and Dan Young talk with Mulready about their social mission, their philanthropic events, and what happens when you turn 39 and a half. http://www.Cleveland2030.com

A sizzling selection of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Loans for your new product Millions available from the County, for companies under $50M Register
Bring Back Euclid Avenue University Circle Inc. plans $7M effort on signs, visitors center, lighting Read
Cuyahoga Community College recognizes, rewards high school students who design and/or develop web sites through its Click! Web Comp. Read
StreetIQ Dot Com picks up on Great Lakes Geek podcast w/ Tech Czar about Cle kicking in the Tech Door. Listen

Midtown Brews Join Cathy Panzica, Beta Strategy Group & Meet The Bloggers Thu 3/1 5:30-7:30PM Info
COSE Tech Fair feat. plenty of zazz, drops at LaCentre in Westlake on Thu 3/1 4-7 PM. Read
55th Annual Design & Construction Conference Tue 3/6 at LaCentre presented by Cle Engineering Society addresses regional vision through roundtables and showcase. 7AM-4PM. Info
LGBT networking Plexus connects biz com and allies through proactive biz devp’mt with event Tue 3/13 at 6PM @ Great Lakes Sci Ctr. More
Lake Communicators luncheon on Wed 3/14 will teach effective strategies and methods for staying organized. Feat. spkr Marge Hogan Mackey. Comfort Inn, Mentor. More
FIRST Buckeye Regional Robotics Comp @ CSU Wolstein Ctr Thu 3/22 – 3/24. Intense multinat’l competition teams professionals and young people solving engineering design problems. 25K students on over 1.1K teams in 35 regional comps! Info

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Our Barn Door’s Open! Visit the Children’s Technology Workshop “Technology Barn” in Chagrin Falls and see how your kids (grades 2-8) can make real projects: Computer Game Design, Video Animation, and Video Production. We’re open Wednesdays after school (3:30 – 6) and Saturdays from 10 – 3, with projects starting every hour! Themes include History, Mission to Mars, F1 Car Racing, Fashion Design and more! Right now, until April 1, Cool Cleveland readers get an Early Bird discount when they register for summer camps, after school programs or parties – in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street, 44022) or our other locations. Call Karen at 440.484.2222 – or visit www.ctworkshop.com/glc. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of the Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us – a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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Snow White The Thu 3/1 performance is already sold out, so don’t miss your shot at the delightful Ms. White and her 7 dwarf friends in the Solon Center for the Arts production on Wed 2/28 at 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Calvetta Bros. Floor Show Theater, Solon Center for the Arts, 6315 SOM Center Rd., Solon. Call 440-337-1400 for info. http://www.solonarts.org.

CHABAM Birthday Bash The Woodmere-based, extra-curricular learning center for children is hosting a no-cost B-day party for children and their parents on Fri 3/2 at 7PM. Kids from birth to age 12 discover music, art and movement at CHABAM; their facility looks like it popped right out of a children’s book. Refreshments included. http://www.chabam.com.

Super Hero Health Fair Test your super hero strength and agility at this Playhouse Square/Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital joint event on Sat 3/3 from 12-5PM. Learn how staying healthy keeps those “super powers” at their peak! Event coincides with performances of Sesame Street Live: Super Grover Ready for Action. http://www.playhousesquare.org/SuperHero.

Mommy Millionaire Author Kim Lavine signs her insightful St. Martin’s Press work Mommy Millionaire on Mon 3/5 at 7PM. Founder and Pres. of Green Daisy, Inc. and creator of Wuvit hot/cold therapy pillows offers real-world advice, secrets and lessons she learned while turning her “kitchen table gift idea” for her boys’ teachers into a multimillion dollar business. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Legacy Village. http://www.josephbeth.com. http://www.mommymillionaire.com.

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Get Inspired and have fun with museum art classes for children and families. Monet and More – Six Saturdays, 3/10 – 4/21, 10-11:30AM and 1-2:30 PM for ages 8-10. Inspired by the works of Monet and the Impressionists, students will learn various techniques of using color in their own art. They will experiment with pastels, paints and colored pencils. Fee: $60 CMA members, $72 non-members. Monet and Impressionist Art – Two Sundays, 4/1 and 4/15, 2-3:30 PM. Ages 5-up. Children and parents will visit the exhibition to observe the master’s techniques firsthand. Then they will apply that newfound knowledge to their own pastel and paint creations in the studio. Fee: $32 per child/adult pair. For more info contact the Education Department at 216-707-2182 or go to www.clevelandart.org.
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Why Cleveland is Cool for Kids
Part Three of a 4-part series
Fun AND Healthy Food

If you have kids along, chances are it won’t be too long until you are hearing the words, “I’m hungry!” When those words spring up, it is good to know that Cleveland offers an abundance of choices that moms (and dads) can feel good about. Mom knows best is the philosophy of one locally owned east-side eatery. Locally owned, Mom’s Diner, located at 21849 Miles Road in Orange Village, offers the great comfort foods that moms make in their own kitchens: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, breakfast served all day and more. Best yet, Mom’s uses quality products including locally grown produce, organic Ohio milk, eggs and dairy products and homemade ice creams. Want to know more? Call (440)248-6669.

Another locally owned restaurant, Liquid Planet, has locations on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland and now at Crocker Park in Westlake. With the motto “Great food and juice. For life!,” the menu features…

“grown-up drinks” (coffee, teas and espresso), as well as great smoothie drinks (30 different varieties) that the kids will love. It is a delicious—and sneaky—way to get more wholesome fruits into your kids’ diets. In addition, Liquid Planet’s menu offers toasted pita sandwiches and salads served in a classic, funky, family-friendly eatery. Check them out at http://www.liquid-planet.com or call 631-2266.

If you are still hungry or just need some additional places to walk off that great food, think about heading into one of Cleveland’s diverse, culturally rich, family friendly neighborhoods. The offerings of quaint (and cool) neighborhoods will keep a kid busy for an hour or for a day. From Ohio City (http://www.ohiocity.com) to Tremont (http://www.restoretremont.com), to Cleveland’s Little Italy (http://www.littleitalycleveland.com) to the inner suburbs like Shaker Heights (have you ever visited the farmer’s market at Shaker Square?), Cleveland Heights (Coventry! What kid wouldn’t love a milkshake from Tommy’s?) or simply a trip to downtown Cleveland (Tower City, not to mention Great Lake Science Museum and the other amenities of the downtown lakefront) you will find plenty for the kids to do. And, to help you get around, don’t forget about the The Rapid (http://www.gcrta.org), which connects many of these destinations (kids love to ride a bus or train, and what parent doesn’t like the convenience – no parking dilemmas!).

Editor’s Note: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A., is not only a “kid at heart,” but also a brand new mom. Contact her at the address below.

From Cool Cleveland Contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford fleminggiffordATyahoo.com

Cool Cleveland Kids You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids03.02.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Natalie Ronayne named Botanical Garden director after national search. Was director of Cle Parks Dept Read
Cle Foundation looking for a new logo Competition for graphic artists could bag you $10K, due 3/19 Enter
Regionalism in action 6 cities share $1M grant for emergency radio system for fire crews Read
Got a design solution for Irishtown Bend, the hillside along Cuy River’s west bank in Cle Industrial Valley, for cash prizes? Read
CWRU dumps Case Returning to former brand, logo and full name: Case Western Reserve University Info Read
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Link. iTunes or other.
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.
Grandmaster Flash headlines Ingenuity 2007 in a comp, outdoor perf on Sun 7/21 combining art & tech Info
Kucinich hits Newsweek The only presidential candidate to oppose the war gets positive ink Read

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Celebrate African American History Month with “A Day with the Music of R. Nathaniel Dett,” award-winning composer, pianist and choral director, at The Cleveland Public Library Sun 3/4 at 3PM. The program, with no admission fee (open to the public), will feature the Cleveland School of the Arts’ R. Nathaniel Dett Chorus and Lower Campus Dancers. Dett was the first black student to complete the five-year course at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he explored the idea of using spirituals in classical style music. Dett served as president of The National Association of Negro Musicians. His compositions include Don’t Be a Weary Traveler and The Ordering of Moses. Join us in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium of the Main Library located on East Sixth Street and Superior Avenue.For information contact (216) 623-2800 or www.cpl.org.
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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Lousie and Safreeta Mae by Karani Marcia Leslie premieres at Karamu Wed 2/28. Voted one of the top Off Broadway plays, production is directed by Tony Sias and runs through Sun 3/25. Bristling political satire puts racial stereotypes on trial – literally. Karamu House, 2355 East 89th St. http://www.karamu.com.

HOT Cle 20/30 NPO Network Discuss volunteer and leadership opportunities for young professionals at this local non-profits connectivity event on Wed 2/28. Panelists include CC Creator/Publisher Thomas Mulready, Debbi Perkul from Hard-Hatted Women, Ron Soeder from Boys and Girls Clubs and Laurel Domanski from Int’l Partners in Mission. http://www.cleveland2030.com.

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A New Twist on Tremont: Clarence Court Grand Opening! Please join us tonight, 2/28 from 5-8PM to celebrate the grand opening on the Clarence Court Townhomes at 2575 W. 9th Street in Tremont (at W. 9th and Brayton. Take Starkweather to W. 8th to Brayton). These townhomes offer affordable new construction in the heart of Tremont. Priced from the low $200’s, units feature a fun, neo-industrial design, open floor plans, large windows, first floor bonus room/office, 1 car garage with carport, and a roof deck with views – all steps away from Tremont hotspots! There is also a 15-year tax abatement. Tremont’s own Prosperity Social Club will be providing the refreshments. Please stop by! For more information, please visit www.progressiveurban.com.
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Cle Bridge Builders’ Flagship & Open House Explore the org’s skill-based leadership development program for rising civic leaders on Wed 2/28 at 5:30PM at MOCA Cleveland. Learn how CBB develops critical leadership skills through assessments, small group discussion, presentations from community leaders, engagement in team projects, etc. MOCA, 8501 Carnegie. http://www.clevelandbridgebuilders.org.

Christoph von Dohnányi The former Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra returns to lead a one-night concert to benefit the Orchestra’s educational programs on Wed 2/28 at 8PM. Program features Schumann and Beethoven. A post-concert dinner reception follows the performance. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Thoroughly Modern Millie The Tony Award-winning stage production opens to preview audiences at Carousel Dinner Theatre on Wed 2/28 with a Gala Opening March 2nd. Dates, times, details: http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com.

Die Fledermaus David Bamberger returns for his 3rd year to direct Johann Strauss II’s insanely popular and entertaining Die Fledermaus with the Cle Institute of Music Orch under the direction of Harry Davidson on Wed 2/28 thru 3/3 at 8PM CIM.edu

A Midsummer Matinee Check out the Beck Center for the Arts’ special matinee production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a special two-show performance: choose either 9:35AM or Noon this Thu 3/1. Studio Theater at Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Av., Lakewood. http://www.beckcenter.org.

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Make a Wish at the Nature League’s tenth birthday and “Night Under the Stars” event this Fri 3/2 from 8PM until midnight at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Join us for an evening of out-of-this-world entertainment with Astronomer Clyde Simpson who will host planetarium shows throughout the evening. Explore the Museum’s galleries and the traveling exhibition, “A T-rex Named Sue.” Nibble on delicious hors d’oeurves, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Fountain and moonwalk to the sounds of the Armstrong Bearcat Band. Sip on adult beverages from our $2 Mars Bar, featuring a Black Hole Martini and Great Lakes Brewing Company beer tasting until 11PM. Admission includes all of the above with two drink tickets! Discount Tickets Now: $35, Nature League Members $25, or at the door $40. Call 216-231-1177 or order online www.cmnh.org (under special events).
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Stars Fell At Night Six Feet Under meets Touched By An Angel during this strange and wonderful new play on Fri 3/2 thru Sat 3/17. www.cptonline.org.

HOT Issues of Immigration SPACES Gallery hosts a bountiful panel discussion Fri 3/2 at 6pm on complexities of global immigration and other related topics and experiences inspired by the gallery’s current exhibition, Legal Aliens. SPACES, 2220 Superior Viaduct, West Side of the Flats. http://www.spacesgallery.org.

Under Night Stars Celebrate 10 years of the Nature League of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History with this fun shindig on Fri 3/2 at 7PM. Experience an evening of fun with the Armstrong Bearcat Band, a legendary T-rex Named “Sue,” out of this world astronomer Clyde Simpson’s planetarium shows and the wicked Black Hole Martini. Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer tastings until 11PM. Call 231-1177 or visit http://www.cmnh.org for info.

Sultans of Bing 10th Anniversary Check out the grooves of long-standing Cle scenesters as they celebrate Fri 3/2 w/ special guests Kevin McCarthy and Beautiful Loser. Lights by the Solar Fire Light Show. Agora Theatre, 5000 Euclid. http://www.sultansofbing.com.

Lost Landscape: Moments in Time Check out the recent prints by artist Pamela Carberry on Fri 3/2 from 6–9PM. Carberry’s work explores what modern habits and technology have done to the natural world around us. Zygote Press, 1410 E. 30th St. http://www.zygotepress.com.

Piano Men From the opening chords of “Your Song” through to the rousing finish of “Piano Man,” Jim Witter’s stage show is full of classic Billy Joel and Elton John hits. Fans of Movin’ Out should head to the Akron Civic Theatre for this Fri 3/2 extravaganza. Starts at 8 PM. Be prepared to sing along! http://www.thepianomen.net.

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WCLVnotes ArkivMusic.com is WCLV’s new music partner – offering more than 68,000 titles, dedicated exclusively to classical releases. Browse by composer, conductor, performer, ensemble, opera, label or catalog number to easily find the CD or DVD you’re looking for. In addition, the company has added more than 2,000 custom-burned CD-Rs of otherwise unavailable recordings. Buying your CDs at ArkivMusic.com through the WCLV website helps support classical music on the radio. Go to www.wclv.com and follow any of the ArKivMusic logos.
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Foundations of Faith tours Cleveland’s Sacred Landmarks and emerged from a partnership between Cleveland Bridge Builders and the City Club New Leaders group. On Sat 3/3 at 10 AM the group visits the Islamic Ctr of Cleveland. Tours are affordable; package deals available. http://www.cityclub.org.

Growing Up Brady “The Brady Bunch” star Barry Williams talks about those groovy days and helps the Cleveland Advertising Association raise money for student college scholarships on Sat 3/3 at 7PM. Get retro and hear all about Johnny Bravo, Marcia’s nose, that “Time For Change” puberty song and more. Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square. http://www.playhousesquare.com.

Uva Ursi The Kent-based group attempts to resuscitate Mitzi’s bar on St. Clair Ave. — dear Mitzi passed away last year — with a show Sat 3/3 at 8PM that features Paul Michael and Marianne, both formerly of the popular local act The Adults. Mitzi’s (aka Jerman’s Cafe), 3840 St. Clair Ave. 361-8771. http://www.myspace.com/uvaursionmoonbase.

HOT Textile Arts and Collector’s Choice 2-4-1! Heights Arts opens two exhibits in Cle Hts on Sat 3/3 beginning at 6PM: a comprehensive Textile Arts Expressions 2007 showcase at Heights Arts at the Library, 2340 Lee Road; and the Collector’s Choice at Heights Arts Gallery, 2173 Lee Road. Demonstrations are only part of the fun. http://www.clevelandart.org/taa. http://www.heightsarts.org.

Paula McLain Award-winning poet and author of the memoir, Like Family: Growing Up in Other People’s Houses presents lecture “The Shape Truth Takes: A Close Look at Contemporary Women’s Memoirs,” on Sat 3/3 at 2PM in the Lit Dept., 2nd Floor Main Library. Cle Public Library, 325 Superior Ave. http://www.cpl.org.

Youth Challenge Annual Benefit and Auction “Growing Toward our Future” hits Windows on the River Sat 3/3 at 6PM. The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, auction and performances by the young people of Youth Challenge. Contact Megan at 440-331-2050 or visit http://www.youthchallengesports.com.

HOT Get W.A.R.M. Silent art auction and exhibition to benefit Epitome Magazine shares photos, paintings, sculpture, ceramics and more on Sat 3/3 at 8PM. Co-sponsored by Women’s Art Recognition Movement (W.A.R.M.) Auction closes at 5PM on Sat 3/31. North Water Street Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent. http://www.standingrock.net. http://www.epitomemag.com.

Spring to Life The weather might not feel spring-like, but the Cleveland State University Dance Program is pushing for things to heat up. Their annual Spring Concert hits Sat 3/3 at 8PM and features new works created/performed by Company members, faculty, and guest artist Tammy Metz-Starr. Drinko Hall, CSU Music & Comm Bldg. Euclid Ave. at East 21st. http://www.csuohio.edu/dance.

Kassaba CD Release Cle multi-instrumental “world jazz quartet” releases Dark Eye, their sophomore effort, Sat 3/3 at 8:30 PM at the Rockefeller Center bank lobby in Cle Hts. Call 321-2100 for info/tix. Check out a review in this week’s Cool Cleveland Sounds by Kelly Ferjutz further down the page. 3099 Mayfield, at corner of Mayfield and Lee. http://www.kassaba.com.

R. Nathaniel Dett Spend the afternoon with the composer, pianist and choral director on Sun 3/4 at 3PM. Event features Cle School of the Arts’ Dett Choir. Cle Public Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium. 325 Superior Ave. http://www.cpl.org.

CleveWest Music Consorte Check out these 40 professional artists in their latest gig at Avon Lake United Church of Christ on Sun 3/4 at 7:30 PM. Features 18 voices, The Solid Brass Ensemble, The Cleveland State Dance Dept., Blues-Gospel Violinist Obie Shelton, The Cleveland State Graduate String Quartet and Dave Morrison on Harmonica. CleveWest is an affiliate of the Cleveland State University Music Department. http://www.clevewestmusic.com.

The Verdehr Trio Symposium The CIM New Music Ensemble plays works commissioned by the Trio on Tue 3/6 at 7:30PM. http://www.cim.edu.

Tree Survival School Join the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in March for dinner and “The Homeowner’s Tree Survival School” beginning Tue 3/6 at 6PM. This weekly event features urban forester Alan Siewart and ISA certified arborist Jennifer Braman, who explain all the nuances of trees: selection, planting, care… the whole nine yards. Space is limited! Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd. http://www.shakerlakes.org.

Argentine Tango Every Tuesday, Oberlin instructors Tim and Joanne Pogros teach the Argentine Tango at Alegria (a.k.a. their home in North Ridgeville) and teach NEO’ers everything from basic steps to full-tilt tango. Check them out this Tue 3/6 from 7-10PM and every week from here on in. Light refreshments available. Call 440-748-2204 or visit http://www.tangocleveland.com for details.

Frankie Starr One-time leader of Chill Factor one of the hardest working blues musicians in all of Ohio, NEO native Starr plays Tue 3/6 at 7PM. A teenage guitar-slinger in the late 80s, he has matured into a gifted bluesman who can make a guitar cry like a baby. Enjoy the gig at no-cost… which means more scratch for deep fried pickles! http://www.fatfishblue.com.

Cuarteto Cascals on Tue 3/6 at 8PM. http://www.ClevelandChamberMusic.org.

Chamber Music Concert Hear works by Margaret Brouwer and Donald Erb etc. and the world premiere of the CIM student composition that won the Verdehr Trio/CIM Composition Competition during a concert on Wed 3/7 at 8:00PM. Guest Artists: The Verdehr Trio. http://www.cim.edu.

HOT 10,000 Little (micro) Ideas UCI president Chris Ronayne and The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club, plus other professionals, including Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, lead break-out discussions on how little ideas can help CLE/NEO residents revitalize and believe in Cleveland on Wed 3/7 at 5:30 PM. Topics include nonprofits, lifestyles and economic growth. Bring your ideas, and vote on them to create a community agenda. Cle Athletic Club. http://www.cleveland2030.com.

Slankard Wood Rohan Three great singer-songwriters, one night of great music at the Beachland Ballroom on Wed 3/7 at 7PM. Megan Slankard headlines, supporting her A Little Extra Sun CD. She’s supported by NEO natives Doug Wood (folksy jazz) and Joe Rohan (roots rock). And the tickets are a song, too. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

Roofs and Trees, Dark and Dusk The works by Bonnie Dolin and Barbara Gillette are featured at The Gallery of the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve beginning Wed 3/7 at 10AM. Explore relationships between urban, suburban and natural experiences in the Western Reserve. 1834 East 123rd St. http://www.artistsarchives.org.

Ann Simonton Media activist gives a talk on “Sex, Power and Media” at Strosacker Auditorium in Case Western Reserve University Wed 3/7 at 7 PM. Once a top fashion model, she now presents her compelling expose on consequences of corporate owned media. http://www.case.edu/provost/centerforwomen.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A Bike Path Along Lake Erie

I feel lucky that I live very close to Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland. I enjoy the sunsets when I remember to walk down the end of my street during the summer months… and think about those moments often during the winter months. I could almost see the rippling waves as I begin my twenty-two mile bike ride along Lakeshore Boulevard, a weekly trek that I gives me joy. It can be both exhausting and exciting when the northern wind is either pushing me forward or thrusting me backwards. Talk about a powerful, leg burning aerobic workout. What is amazing to me as I ride along Lakeshore are the beautiful, historic mansions in Bratenahl compared to the hollowed out apartment buildings harboring the same Lake.

Why do I do this ride? For the simple fact that I am mesmerized by the majestic beauty, and vastness of Lake Erie that people take for granted. I ride past women and men either walking their dogs, or jogging or a brisk walk after dinner. I see the Shoreby Club and so many iconic visions that I wish others knew were here. I see a glass house, a modern structure that reflects the Lake’s currents, my head bobbing left to right, in order to see it all.

Sundays are my favorite biking day because I see people jogging along Burke Lakefront path and mainly the congregation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. People walk along or sit at Voinovich Park to gaze out into the Lake. Simple entertainment. I often think to myself, as I park my bike long the railing to get a better look of the Lake. Once I got a question from an out of town guest to our city, “Madam, where can I get something to eat? I scratched my head, “You can go to Hornblowers?” That is the only restaurant along the Lake. Can this be true?

If only there were restaurants, more green space or kiosks to keep people entertained. More Clevelanders will also see the value of this great Lake that is under utilized. The most important visual aspect that Cleveland has is Lake Erie. It can be much more than a water way for freighters or the Goodtime III. It can be a place where we can picnic with our families and tell our friends, “I will be back next weekend.” Maybe I’ll check out a new restaurant.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Toni Chanakas tchanakasAThotmail.com

Wine in Ohio’s Heartland
Exploring The Winery at Wolf Creek

Spending time at a good winery is one of the most relaxing and social of experiences. So we had no qualms about accepting my parents’ invitation to drive with them from their home in Wadsworth over to Norton. Notice how when goes to a winery, one “visits,” like when one visits someone in their home.

The turn off the quiet road is easy to miss because the sign for The Winery at Wolf Creek is unpretentious. The driveway winds through a pine forest and along a tall wooden fence scallop-strung with white lights on Twelfth Night, the end of the holiday season. Surprisingly, cars filled the parking lot of the secluded rustic getaway on a winter afternoon.

When we visit wineries we always wonder what is it exactly in this location that allows grapes to flourish? What winds prevail, where does the frost fall, and why do they grow better in the valley than on the hilltop? We’ve been told that if an orchard of peach trees can grow on farmland, grapes can grow as well.

On approach at this winery, there are no vineyards, and I hoped it wasn’t a ruse, a place that calls itself a winery but isn’t. A gangplank to the right leads to the tasting room, and the party room presides down stairs to the left. Simple sophistication presides inside the doors of the tasting room: white walls, subtle lighting, high ceilings, wooden floors, and stylish tables for four. Grapevine branches garnish the high walls above the back windows. The polished tasting bar graces the right wall. Windows line the back wall and glass doors lead to outside wraparound decking furnished with picnic tables. To the right of the bar is a door leading to tiered decking with seating, a great place to while away time with friends or family any time of year.

The location of this winery is exquisite. One is drawn to the back windows where the property slopes down into the valley heaved by Wolf Creek. The fantastic view of a large expanse of field bordered by young grapevines, acres away and down to Wolf Creek is breathtaking. The water lies serene. The land seems untouched and bountiful. It feels like a dream of what Ohio can be and has been, a land rich in soil, and should remain so. The creek has become a lake at this juncture because it’s damned to create the Barberton Reservoir, not a trickle, but a solid body of water. Even people who don’t appreciate wine will want to go along for the ride, just to witness the dramatic scenery, as my father did.

Daniel Dobravetz and Katie Mallady were at our bidding as our servers and informative hosts, but the owners are Andy and Deanna Troutman, who also own Troutman Winery in n Wooster. My husband and I tasted Nouveau, a red blend, and Syrah, a dry red. The grapes were not described on the wine-tasting card, but the Nouveau tasted like a soft young Pinot Noir and the Syrah was drier, more blackberry, a Cabernet Franc with a tad of Chambourcin. We also sampled Blind Faith, their dry white Pinot Gris type wine, but chose to purchase glasses of Syrah, because of its velvety deepness and berry-dark fruit, to take back to our table overlooking the valley. My mother is happiest with sweeter wines, so she settled on Redemption, the semi-sweet red, and we toasted her idea to come to this winery close to their home.

The wines were well made and very drinkable. All the wines are made with local grapes on the premises, but there are no tours. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food or buy a cheese basket. The Winery at Wolf Creek, established in 1980, is located at 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Norton. You can find it at www.wineryatwolfcreek.com or 1-800-436-0426.

Back at home I consulted Patricia Latimer’s book Ohio Wine Country Excursions. I found out that the creek moderates the temperatures so the climate at Wolf Creek is similar to the Loire Valley. The vines produce Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Pinot Gris and Vignoles. The 500-acre property is large enough for hiking and picnicking. I’ve already made plans to re-visit the winery in the spring when we can hike and picnic. It will be glorious on a mild and sunny day, Troutman Winery, the sister winery of Wolf Creek, is located 40 minutes away in Wooster. It would be another stop along the wine trail stretching through fertile ground for grapes and peaches. On the table on our way out the door of Wolf Creek, we found brochures for Myrddin Winery at the bottom of Lake Milton in Berlin Center, Mastropietro Winery, Inc., which is also in Berlin Center, and Maze Valley Market & Winery in Hartville.

To me, that sounds like a gorgeous drive, starting in Wooster at Troutman and driving east to Wolf Creek, then to Hartville, and finally arriving in Berlin Center. Or the other way around, depending on where dinner is to be had. While driving right through the center of Ohio’s heartland, discovery opportunities abound at antique shops, farmer’s markets, and country diners. What a wonderful way to escape mediocrity for a day.

The Canal way vineyards Spring Fling weekends takes place during the last weeks in March and the first weekend in May. The wineries will be at their best and the people-connection possibilities will be high.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller ctallerwritesATwowway.com.

Diana, A Celebration
Western Reserve Historical Society

It’s hard to believe that August 31 of this year will mark the ten-year anniversary of Princess Diana Frances Mountbatten-Windsor’s death. Do yourself a favor and visit her exhibition, Diana, A Celebration, now on display through June 10 at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The comprehensive, touring exhibition celebrates all parts of her life, from kindergarten teacher to a celebrated icon.

Being such a public figure in the media, we frequently heard about the young Diana Spencer’s marriage to the Prince of Wales, her problems in the Royal family, their sons Prince William and Prince Harry, her male companions after the marriage, and her sudden and tragic death. Diana, A Celebration presents a whole new side of the woman – as a humanitarian championing causes to improve the world.

From childhood home movies, her school report card and uniform, tap shoes and handwritten notes, to the “crown” of the exhibition, the famous wedding dress with the 25-foot train, Diana, A Celebration does a first-rate job of chronicling her life. Not to be missed, the 28 designer (Gianni Versace, Jacques Azagury, Karl Lagerfield, Giorgio Armani) gowns and suits on display that she wore to international fundraising and political events. And which was more beautiful – the diamond, silver, and gold tiara or the Riviere necklace, 46 diamonds set in silver and gold? But as the exhibit pointed out, Diana wanted to be thought of as a workhorse, not a clotheshorse. She loved clothes, they were a passion as well as a duty.

One of the more unusual items on display was an official wedding cake box from the 1981 Royal Wedding. The decorated cardboard box held an individual piece of their wedding cake and was given to guests as a souvenir. The cake, made by the Royal Navy Cookery School, had five tiers, measured more than four feet high, and weighed 1.5 hundredweight (close to 175 lbs).

British Prime Minister Tony Blair described Diana as the “People’s Princess, and that is how she will stay.” She used her celebrity status to support charities and causes related to landmines, mental health, refugees, learning disabilities, palliative care, and prisoner families. By the end of walking through the 10,000-square foot WRHS exhibition seeing 150 of Diana’s mementos, I felt privileged to be included into her personal life, I felt like I knew her better.

Arts and Exhibitions International, a company located in Aurora, Ohio, is responsible for bringing this show to the United States, and in doing so has brought national media attention to the city as well. Based on interest and attendance in other cities, company president John T Norman estimates 150,000 will visit Diana, A Celebration display at the Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Boulevard, in University Circle.

Proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit the local charity, Shoes and Clothes for Kids. Diana also was a strong advocate for children. Diana, A Celebration, is a traveling exhibit on loan from the Spencer Family. In 1997, her brother, Charles Spencer said, “Diana was the essence of compassion, of duty, of style, and of beauty.”

For more information, visit the Western Reserve Historical Society website at http://www.wrhs.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Stars Fell All Night
CPT 3/2-3/17

Cleveland playwright Mike Geither is troubled by traditional theatre. “When I was in graduate school at the Iowa Playwrights Workshop in 90/91,” he confided in an exclusive Cool Cleveland interview, “that traditional theatre of pretending to be someone else was suffocating.” So he experimented with performance art, and one of his early works, the intimate audience-interactive Map of My Mother, was featured at Cleveland’s Performance Art Festival. “Then I did a bunch of autobiographical solo performance, but that can be suffocating, too.”

He did solo performance until a couple years ago, but “performing is difficult. It’s too time-intensive.” Does he feel that performing is harder than writing? “Writing is satisfying. Few things make me feel better than having written. But I’m used to working collaboratively in rehearsal for 4 or 5 months, maybe without a script. I like collaborating with someone who can physicalize the words.”

Eventually he found a way to return to script-based theatre. “So now that my writing has come around back to writing plays, I’ve found it allows me the freedom to go in more directions.” His newest work, Stars Fell All Night, at Cleveland Public Theatre starting Fri 3/2 and running through 3/17, is directed by Jacqi Loewy, and features a bizarre plot. “The main character is obsessed with his sister’s death, and to deal with his grief, he re-enacts scenes of her life with her corpse in the funeral home. He re-enacts her first date: he straddles the body and humps it. He cares for her daughter, his niece, until she, too, dies. Then he blackmails her boyfriend and re-enacts scenes from their life together. Then he is visited by the Virgin Mary. So there is some redemption in it.”

Based on a poem by James Tate about a child coming to realize the world is a dangerous place, Geither admits writing the play offered a personal connection to the theme of grief. “My best childhood friend died, and the play became about dealing with death. The main character has lines like, ‘I feel dead,’ and ‘grieving isn’t a process for me, it’s a way of life.”’

The playwright is still suspicious of entertainment-style art. “I don’t like when artists waste their time, when their heart isn’t in it. When it isn’t absolutely vital.” Geither doesn’t like to waste his own time either. “I probably see about 40 plays a year, and I have to say, I have a good experience at about 5 of them.” Although a dedicated playwright on staff in the Theatre Department at Cleveland State University, he would often rather be doing something else than watching bad theatre. “I was in Vancouver seeing work by a really hot playwright, but it wasn’t any good, and I thought, I could be out walking around this great city instead of seeing this.”

Preview by Thomas Mulready

Stars Fell All Night is at Cleveland Public Theatre from Fri 3/2 to 3/17 http://www.CPTonline.org

Uva Ursi
Mitzi’s aka Jerman’s Cafe 3/3

Uva Ursi lead singer and writer Avril McInally is wide-eyed with excitement. “Some kid from Greensboro, North Carolina says he wants to be my friend on our MySpace page that we just put up (http://www.myspace.com/uvaursionmoonbase), and says if you ever want to come play down here…” So now their planned one-night tour to NC, with the erstwhile and newly resuscitated My Dad Is Dead, has turned into two.

But let’s back up. At one time, the two NEO bands were one. Mark Edwards, the one-man boy wonder behind the seminal My Dad Is Dead, successful enough at one point to tour Europe behind The Pixies, was Uva Ursi’s first drummer when the band was formed in Kent in 1993, along with lead guitarist and writer Tim Gilbride, still McInally’s main songwriting partner. Rich Ellis played drums, and original bassist Jeff Curtis was replaced with accordionist/bassist Joe Milan, also an actor who will be appearing in Cleveland Public Theatre’s production of Our Town in the Spring.

“We used to fight over the boom mic when I was pregnant,” allowed McInally in an exclusive Cool Cleveland interview. Now a librarian living in Ohio City, McInally admits to being in love with her town and its amenities for her 2 kids. “Near West Theatre is one of the things keeping us in the neighborhood. My 12-year-old was in Music Man, and my 7-year-old works concessions and paints scenery. Talk about community and bringing people together!” McInally and her kids also participate in Parade the Circle, and take “all the Zoo classes.” They tumble at the Y Without Walls Program, and hang out at the Zone Recreation Center. “We access the community through our kids. We did Passport Project, and the kids took Hip-Hop classes. Next thing, I started Bhangra dance classes, and I’m bloody awful!”

Once a member in the always-gigging Cats On Holiday, what’s it like for McInally to be in a band that spends more time rehearsing in the basement than performing live in front of their cult of adoring fans? “There’s a natural ebb and flow with this band. We make beautiful music together, then Joe goes off and plays his accordion, and Tim goes off and does his thing. Then we come back and get together.” She also acknowledges that she adores the recording process, as they slowly lay down tracks for their upcoming CD, The Roadside Geology of Uva Ursi.

Gilbride has been “quietly and patiently” teaching her guitar recently, but McInally senses her limitations. “When I became a mother, I thought I could do it all- I can be a mother, I can be a musician. But it’s all bullshit.” However, she does feel that it’s essential to keep her artistic fires alive. “It’s good if my kids see me going out and working for a living, then getting my guitar out and tuning it up. It’s a good example for my kids.” What’s it like writing collaboratively with Gilbride? “He brings these 4-traack and 8-track tapes of insect sounds, and he’ll say, ‘I like this rhythm.’ Then I add the lyrics and melodies.”

Gilbride will play with Mark Edwards in My Dad Is Dead both in Cleveland at bela dubby in Lakewood on Fri 3/16 doing double duty with openers Uva Ursi, then again on their mini-tour to North Carolina in May. “I’ve always wanted to go on tour and never have,” confessed McInally. “I’m looking forward to this little tour. I’ll go see a movie I want to see, I’ll go to a museum. Not getting woken up by my kids saying, I’m hungry.'”

Preview by Thomas Mulready

Uva Ursi plays on Sat 3/3 at Mitzi’s aka Jerman’s Cafe, 3840 St. Clair Avenue, along with Paul Michael and other members of The Adults. Uva Ursi plays on Fri 3/16 at bela dubby, 13321 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, along with My Dad Is Dead. Uva Ursi’s CD Matter is available on CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/uvaursi. MySpace page for Uva Ursi is http://www.myspace.com/uvaursionmoonbase and for My Dad is Dead is http://www.myspace.com/mydadisdead. More info on Uva Ursi can be found here: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=88955.

Links to interesting NEO blogs
This week is Entrpreneurship Week How do you plan on celebrating it?
Two of Cleveland’s native sons are in Mumbai doing economic development.
3 million That’s how many page views Lou Muenz’ photos have received.
Toledo wants to offer free WiFi but only two companies responded to their RFP.
Micro-multinationals are small companies with a presence and people in multiple countries from a report cited by Anita Campbell.
The Cool Cleveland/Red {an orchestra} event gets rave reviews from Gloria Ferris.
Comedy showcase in Youngstown uses Turning Technologies voting system allowing audience to vote for funniest comedian.
Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian promises to comment on the loss of Lentine’s and the Town Fryer, offers kudos to the Brew Kettle, wonders about the Cleveland Arts Prize and post-Issue 18 life in Cle. And some other stuff. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Dark Eye
Kassaba

Imagine yourself skipping along and you run into a tree. That’s sort of what happened to Greg Slawson, except he wasn’t skipping. He was riding his mountain bike and not paying attention! It reminded him of a medieval joust, and the tree was his opponent so down he went! Jousted is infectious, imaginative, improvisatory, jazzy—you name it, they’re all in here. It’s a great beginning to this new album Dark Eye, which is rather far removed from their celebrated first album Zones of two years ago.

This album is not nearly as structured as the first one, mainly because the music isn’t either. Almost all of it is still written by Greg, but if the first one was his master’s thesis, then this one is clearly his Ph. D. The instrumentation is still the same, although one player is different. Greg Slawson and his wife Candice Lee take turns on piano and percussion; sax man Mark Boich expresses himself wonderfully on various saxophones and percussion and Chris Vance mans the double bass—and percussion. You should know, however, that the word ‘percussion’ encompasses many different varieties, with almost nothing from the standard drumset—no bass drum, no real cymbals.

There’s the bongo-like instruments that are played with one’s fingers or fists—or things that are shaken and sound like a handful of gravel inside a cardboard container, for instance, sometimes sounding like ocean waves rolling to the shore and out again. There’s a cymbal-like bell or two, and sticks that get smacked against each other producing an incredible variety of interesting sounds. To be honest, I’m surprised Greg hasn’t devised a piece for just percussion, with no other instruments! Considering they have an assortment of 25 plus percussion pieces to choose from, there’s more than enough for the four of them! Some of them have definite pitch values. It could work!

There used to be a category called ‘easy listening’. This isn’t it. Oh, it’s easy enough on the ears—wonderful, in fact. But ‘easy listening’ was almost background music, somewhat easy to ignore. This is NOT ignorable, believe me. Just when you think you might wander off and do something else, the music reaches out and grabs you, forcing you to pay attention.

Impact adds just a hint of the blues to the jazzy improv from the sax in an always-changing, swirling, light-hearted and rhythmic piece. Possessed has an interesting duet featuring pizzicato bass and the talking drum, along with the bongos over and around a somewhat constant phrase repeated by the piano. Extensions displays the diversity of creative and musical talents of the group. Cat Suit could be (but isn’t) an imaginary visit by a cat burglar. It’s just funky, jazzy Kassaba. Dark Eye has the musicians going in all different directions, trying to solve the mystery of the title. Larimar is Caribbean in nature; the name comes from a light-blue gem stone mined there.

For the first time, Kassaba has included a piece not composed by Greg, but he did do the arrangment of The Montagues and Capulets from the ballet Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev. You can very clearly hear the progression from the medieval teen-aged lovers to early-mid-20th century Russian version to the mid-century West Side Story. I do believe that both Prokofiev and Bernstein would have loved this short story version!

If you use a computer keyboard, then you have most certainly created a Hin Rizzy—a cluster of odd characters when you accidentally hit more than the key you’d intended. Greg and Candice never do that on the piano! Indeed, not.

Dark Eye will be officially unveiled on Saturday night, March 3 at the Rockefeller Building, Mayfield and Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights. A fitting venue, as part of the proceeds will benefit the Reaching Heights Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. The admission price of $10 entitles one to a $5 discount for the CD (priced at $15) at the door. For $20, one can hear the concert and get the CD! There will be a cash bar, as well. Doors open at 8:30, music starts at 8:45. For a preview, visit the group’s website: http://www.kassaba.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

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

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what’s really happening. We’d love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com

CityMusic Cleveland @ Fairmount Church 2/21 CityMusic Cleveland is a mostly volunteer-driven, but highly-professional chamber orchestra with a most unusual mission. It brings marvelous music to the community as a gift – no admission fees! Supported by numerous foundations, city councils and the churches in which the group plays, the goal is to share great music of the ages with all ages of listeners. Even babies, who are welcomed, either in a church nursery or just to stay with their parents during the concert. The orchestra considers Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights as home base, so it is the site of the first concert of each touring series. The sanctuary at Fairmount has amazing acoustics, partially due to all the wood on the walls which offsets the stone ceiling and gothic arches throughout. The sound is warm, and not at all dry, yet there is little reverberation time.

Some of this quality may be due to the placement of the musicians—mostly rather close-quartered in the chancel, with only a few on the floor at the front of the sanctuary. This arrangement leaves a bit to be desired visually, but the sumptuous sound more than makes up for it.

This program featured guest conductors—yes, two of them. Danail Rachev led the opening work, Mendelssohn’s Overture to the Fair Melusine, which rippled merrily along, accurately portraying the watery scene of the legendary and romantic tale. Melusine was a mermaid six days a week, and warned her lover not to try for that seventh day, but curiosity got the best of him, and so he lost her forever. Mr. Rachev was firm and decisive in his conducting of this happy and reasonably familiar music.

He also was in charge of the final work on the program—a brisk reading of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 36. According to the composer this work should mostly be played ‘fast’ or ‘very fast’ and happily, the musicians were more than equal to the task. They were ultra-responsive to the conductor, who drew precision and delicacy from them, alternated with periods of robustness as required. It was a fresh and vibrant performance.

The other conductor on the program was also the soloist—cellist Matt Haimovitz in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C. Most of the orchestra was seated behind him, but they seemingly had no difficulty at all in following his head or body movements. His cello—a 1760 Matteo Gofriller—delivers a warm, rich sound, and the acoustics allowed his masterful articulation to shine on every note, no matter how fast it was played. He had no trouble whatever in projecting over the sound of the other string players, and, at times, he established a terrific visual and musical intensity with the concertmaster, Michi Wiancko.

As is the custom with CityMusic Cleveland, a slightly longer than normal intermission features a reception at which musicians and audience-members mingle and chat while perusing the art on display for the occasion. For this performance, the show-cased artist was Sarah Curry.

The next series of concerts will be March 28 through April 1. Detailed information – locations, concert times [which differ] and phone number for child care reservations – is available at their website: http://www.citymusiccleveland.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Tonight We Love: Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 2/22 Some 50 or so years ago, many of the great classic pieces were converted into pop songs. A melody from Chopin became “I’m always chasing rainbows” while the first four notes (played by the horns in the original) of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 formed the basis of “Tonight we love”. Indeed. I think it’s safe to say that everyone at Thursday evening’s concert by the Cleveland Orchestra did love every note they heard. If audience reaction and ovations are any measure, it’s a certainty. And not only the audience! The orchestra applauded the soloist in the concerto, even as he was vigorously applauding them! It was a total love-in!

Guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya was in charge, as he will be next month when the orchestra returns to Florida, etc., for another week. And no wonder! He’s a bright, beguiling and very active presence on the podium, with a clear idea of where he wants the music to go, and the ability to convey this to the orchestra.

He explained during the pre-concert interview that, in his opinion, this concerto is very symphonic in nature, which is why he programmed it in the spot usually reserved for a symphony, on the second half of the program. Of course there wasn’t a symphony as such to be performed last night, but it would have been very difficult for anything to have followed the sparkling pianism of Horacio Gutiérrez.

Mr. Gutiérrez is a commanding force at the keyboard, handling the crashing chords and massive octaves with great ease, yet able to play the more delicate parts with exquisite sensitivity. Whether it was piquant little cascades of notes or passionate melodies, it mattered little; everything received intense devotion to what was asked for by the music. The gentle flute solo, gorgeously played by Marisela Sager over muted strings opened the second movement in startling contrast to the conclusion of the opening movement. Desmond Hoebig contributed a lilting cello solo, as did Joella Jones on the piano.

The same composer’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture began the program in a lush, almost languid rendition before heating up to display the passion of the story that inspired the music. A subtle roll of the tympani (Paul Yancich) got things going in that direction, followed by the beautiful love theme, played by the cellos. Robert Walters’ English horn contributed a lovely counterpoint which was added to by the horn obbligato of Michael Mayhew. Overall, the music doesn’t match the play’s drama, escept for the passion and intensity incorporated into it by the composer. This was a heroic performance, indeed.

Between the two Russian works was a ballet from sunny Spain—almost as different as possible. Manuel de Falla’s suite from the ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat tells a different kind of love story—one sprinkled throughout with humor and slightly oafish characterizations. Mr. Harth-Bedoya assembled the suite from various set-pieces of the ballet, which like so many others, was commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for his Ballets Russe. Like much ‘Spanish’ music, it is redolent with the French influence. No matter.

The members of the orchestra clapped in rhythm and shouted olé as directed by the conductor/arranger, and seem to enjoy the adventure as much as did the audience. The Miller’s Wife was sweetly portrayed by the piano of Ms. Jones, while the Miller himself was full of swagger as demonstrated by the horn of Richard King, and the English horn of Robert Walters. The exotic sound of the castanets contributed to the color which was all over everything. The harp of Trina Struble was prominently featured in each piece, and she distinguished herself and her instrument in fine fashion.

All in all, it was a truly wonderful evening of gorgeous music. What was there not to love?

The next subscription concerts are March 8-10, when Kurt Masur returns as guest conductor. For tickets or other information, call the Cleveland Orchestra ticket office at 231-1111, or visit their website: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Red Light Winter @ The Bang and the Clatter 2/23 Akron’s off-off Broadway theatre, The Bang and the Clatter, is presenting Adam Rapp’s controversial play, Red Light Winter. This show is not for the feint of heart. It’s not for those who can’t tolerate full-frontal nudity, gross language, depiction of graphic sex, or don’t like to have their senses assaulted.

To be honest, I don’t like the script, but I can’t and won’t deny that the raw smells, tastes and visions got into my senses and won’t get out. I don’t like the people. I don’t like what they represent. I don’t like that they can’t and or won’t save themselves from their destructive paths. Yet, I can’t get them out of my mind.

The name Adam Rapp may sound familiar, even if you aren’t a theatre person. A novelist, film maker and playwright, his book The Buffalo Tree was brought to national attention when it was censored by the Muhlenberg School Board in Reading, Pennsylvania for its language and subject matter.

Rapp uses graphic language, sexual content and themes that are repulsive to some. Personally, I’m not shocked or turned off by his language or subject matter. But I am turned off by his style. I just think he writes speeches which don’t sound like they would be spoken by a normal person, writes characters that are overdrawn, and puts shock before substance. I find that he throws in gimmicks to move along the plot that often make no sense.

Red Light Winter begins in a small bedroom in a hostel in Amsterdam, where nerdy, unsuccessful playwright Matt attempts to kill himself. Right after his half hearted attempt fails, his traveling mate Davis turns up. The two are friends from college and are vacationing together in Europe. Davis has a present for Matt: a prostitute named Christina.

Christina appears to be French but, as Matt deduces, is actually an American. She undresses Matt, takes him to bed, then she exits, leaving behind a tape recorder and the fancy red dress she changed into just before bedding the somewhat shy and inexperienced young man.

Act Two takes place in New York, in Matt’s apartment. If any more of the plot is revealed the effect of the evening will be ruined, so I’m stopping here with just the comment that the play has no curtain call and that is one of the dramatic highlights of the evening.

Okay, here are my issues with Rapp and his script. Yes, opposites may attract and people turn to those who are unlike themselves in order to get some thrills. But, that obsessive-compulsive insecure Matt would be friends with Davis, who has no redeeming qualities, is questionable. As written, Davis wouldn’t be an actual friend to anyone, least of all Matt, whose girl friend Davis stole some years back.

As for Christina, she’s something of an enigma throughout. At first I thought that it was the fault of Laurel Johnson, who plays the role. She has a bad French accent, is a weak singer, and her lines often lack unity of thought. Nope, it’s not Laurel’s fault. The character is poorly and manipulatively drawn by Rapp. Her language and lines don’t ring true.

Questions abound: Why the false French accent? Why does she leave her dress and the tape recorder behind? Of all the people in the world, why does she seek out a scumbag like Davis when she comes to New York? The answer is that these are all plot development devices.

What is surprising is that Winter was one of the finalist for last year’s Pulitzer Prize. With the quality of this script, no wonder no award was given.

As they are apt to do, the Bang and the Clatter gives the play a good production. In fact, the production, outclasses the material, though trimming the first act (one hour and thirty minutes was way too long) and picking up the pace in the second act, would have helped.

Doug Kusak is generally on target as Matt. He probably has the clearest of the characters to interpret, even with the question of his loyalty to Davis. I found his interpretation of the closing scene a little unclear, but otherwise, it was a good acting exercise.

Mark Mayo knows no boundaries as Davis. He is way, way over-the-top. It can only be assumed that Director Sean McConaha really, really wanted us to hate Davis. He succeeded. I wonder what would have happened if Mayo had pulled back the character a little. If he had not screamed almost every line, over-acted ever gross action and syllable that spewed forth from his mouth. The second act confrontation scene between Davis and Christina was so finely tuned it was pure emotional agony. It was almost unwatchable because of the uncompromising reality of the performers.

Gorgeous Laurel Johnson does what she can with the poorly written role of Christina/Christine/ Annie. Her physical change between the first and second acts is amazing. She perfectly transforms into a Keene painting of a hollow-eyed child looking at finality.

Capsule judgment: This has to be one of the, if not the most disturbing productions I’ve ever seen. I’m writing this 24 hours after having seen the show and I’m still in a state of shock!

Red Light Winter runs through March 25 at The Bang and the Clatter Theatre, 140 E. Market Street, Akron. For tickets call 330-606-5317.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka @ Allen Theatre 2/24

Presented by the Kennedy Center’s Imagination Celebration, these matinee performances, part of the Playhouse Square’s Discovery Theatre Series for Families, were a success on many fronts: the low cost allowed a child and adult to attend for a mere $20, then attend a workshop after the show to exercise their imagination by designing, naming and packaging their own candy confection. The 75-minute performance, obviously attended by children (and parents) who had little live theatre experience, was just about right: slim on the sets and costumes, but heavy on the singing, acting and dancing entertainment value. With puppets manipulated by live puppeteers visible on stage, and an abbreviated but satisfying theatrical presentation, the consensus was “mission accomplished.” Thousands of kids and their parents “discovered” live theatre and had a blast in the process. Next up in the Discovery Series: Dr. Seuss Shadow Puppets in April. PlayhouseSquare.org.

Ramsey Lewis & Friends of CSA 25th Ann. @ John Hay 2/24 Passion. Participation. Preparation. Performance. These ingredients were on plentiful display at John Hay High School Saturday night as the Friends of the Cleveland School of the Arts celebrated their 25th year of advocacy. It was a love-in and a great party all rolled up into one event. Following displays by each of the five major curricula offered by the school—dance, music, theater, visual arts, literary arts—everyone went to the beautifully-restored auditorium for the feature event—a concert by the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

Bobby Jackson of Ideastream served as the Master of Ceremonies for the sold out evening. Mayor Frank Jackson (who had visited some of the student displays) presented a proclamation to Sam Johnson, president of the Friends. Then in a major surprise to nearly everyone, Cecilia Carter of USB presented a check to Barbara Walton, Principal of CSA. The check, for $200,000. was a grant to keep on doing what they’ve been doing so spectacularly.

Then Cle Schools Superintendant and CEO Eugene Sanders — who, with multitudes of helpers, spent most of the day marching through the city to encourage 10th graders to study for the State exams coming up next month — appeared briefly, to receive an original artwork produced by Hector Vega.

It was also by way of being a surprise one-day-late birthday celebration for Dr. Sanders, who readily admitted to being 39, as a giant cake was wheeled onstage and ethereal voices from the rear of the auditorium proceeded to serenade him. It was the R. Nathaniel Dett Concert Choir marching peaceably down the aisles by (electric) candlelight as they sang an original birthday song composed for the occasion by student Chandra Turner. As the choir assumed a formation on bleachers at the rear of the stage, Ms. Walton and Anthony Vitenza, the first principal of CSA were also presented with plaques. Dr. William Woods then led his choir in Ride on King Jesus in a performance that would have graced any auditorium anywhere in the world.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio consists of three men who absolutely love what they do—if you can believe the ever-present smiles on their faces. Mr. Lewis, of course, is the multi-honored piano man at the helm. His more than able sidemen are Larry Gray on upright bass and Leon Joyce on percussion. The 90 or so minute performance was pure bliss! Wade in the Water (twice—to open the program, and the second time including a bit of boogie, honky-tonk, and blues plus a stunning, brief unison duet between the piano and bass); Close Your Eyes and Remember; Coltrane’s Dear Lord, and the ‘Yet to be named Joffrey Ballet #1’ which featured bowed bass and an absolutely manic—and fabulous—display of drumming.

They did a ‘spiritual medley’ of Amazing Grace, Take My Hand, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and a gospel version of Let it Be. Throughout the evening, the three of them took turns on solo riffs or just being part of the group—providing a lesson on knowing when to improv and when to not.

The Dett Choir and Dr. Woods came back onstage for a rousing finale, accompanied by the Trio – Happy Day. Indeed, it was.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Joe Goode Performance Group @ Ohio Theater 2/24 Real human beings dancing… no fairies, no princes or princesses, no tutus, no tiaras; you couldn’t smell greasepaint. Joe Goode Performance Group unwrapped like gifts, two stories on the stage of the Ohio Theater that may well have changed the way many Cleveland audience members view dance. Just the word, “dance”, for many, summons images of half clad strippers not unlike the ones you might see while changing channels on your TV during primetime, the standard fare of music videos, or little girl ballerinas in black and pink with their hair in buns, or grown-up ballerinas in grown up ballerina costumes with their hair in buns. Dance is so much broader, so much deeper, and Saturday night, a midsized Cleveland audience was treated to a genre of dance not often available in our town. Thanks to the efforts of Cuyahoga Community College and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, with a few stragglers who got the show as an “add on” item on their Dancecleveland subscription series, Cleveland’s dance audience was educated. There was not a grand jeté, pirouette, or battement to be seen. Instead, bodies were put to good use, telling deeply felt, personal stories.

So, Joe Goode is apparently a gay man, but for straight me that was not the point of the evening; these are not dances or stories that are about gay life specifically; these are stories about life and the things that happen to all of us. In the opening of Stay Together, we see a woman seated in front of a camera, her face, larger than life, is projected on a large screen located upstage. An off stage voice gives her direction, “Lift your shoulders, look to the side, break your neck…” she talks back to us, telling us how it feels. She begins to reveal ever more deeply, with movement and words, until she is confessing her disappointment about never really being close, her loneliness in that she has tried to become close, but has instead concentrated on her work as the go between, the manager if you will, for the “artist”, the one who “falls in love”, the one who allows himself to feel deeply, to give himself over to passion and commitment. Another live video frames other dancers with close-ups while the omnipotent voice conducts interviews.

The dancers confess, reveal, touching parts of us that ring true, sting, slap and resonate with memory, or the reality of similarity to a moment remembered from past or current relationships. Throughout the work, other characters are invaded by the cameras; one woman confesses her enjoyment of “playing with” lovers as if they are objects, reversing the stereotype that it is men who play with hearts as toys. After we have felt sufficiently invaded by her shocking confessions, the black and white video of her face is manipulated in collage, reminiscent of Edward Steichen’s portrait of Gloria Swanson’s face covered in black lace; the vixen, the siren, an abandoned icon. In the end, after the issues of relationships have been laid out for our consideration, it is not the “big stuff”, the usual milestones in relationships that are essential, but rather the little things that make relationships. Goode evokes the fragments of feelings and the awkward moments we share with others; not just lovers or life partners, but also colleagues and family members; those we choose and those we don’t.

This is not the 1950’s Ozzie and Harriet Hollywood mythology that our government promotes as “family values.” The work raises questions for the viewer about commitment, sharing time and sharing simple things like toast in the morning. There are stretches of beautiful movement sequences throughout to give respite to the brain. Joe Goode or one of the multi-talented, singing, speaking, dancing members of his group has just delivered a wallop of poetry, and it is buoyed and carried along by a video projection braced with partnering, or a pedestrian movement pattern that is performed with complete ease, as if it had evolved in the moment. The work has a fresh feel as though we are witnessing a life revealed, poetry writing itself, thoughts given voice for the first time, and they are accurately aimed straight at the heart of each viewer. The work is crafted with such reality as to seem like a story told to us by a longtime friend very late at night, a confession of want, of want for companionship and commitment; a plea to stay together.

After intermission we return for more impact. Deeply There (stories of a neighborhood) is a work that the group has been performing for almost a decade. Joe Goode gets it even more right here, where he accesses his own drawer of personal experience to walk us through the advent of accompanying the dying. In the beginning, a very young girl and Joe perform a duet. She climbs on him, and he tosses her and playfully twirls her while relating a description of a landscape where one can rest and do nothing, “where mud seeps up through your toes and moss grows on your face”. This landscape is at once revealing of a natural cycle of death and rebirth, of resting in the acceptance that one can find comfort on the stillness of swamp-like primordial ooze, while at the same time it is the sort of story that intrigues the imagination of the child. The work is not morbid, nor graphic in the way that we are made to think of death by our popular media, but touching in a way that anyone who has lost a loved one can feel. Goode combines choreography and text, singing and set changes, home movies and the subtle use of props, into such a well woven and seamless fabric, that the action ceases to be a stage production and begins to pour over the audience like life itself.

A projection of a window with the curtains blowing outward toward a blue sky completes the effect, and we are drawn deeper and deeper into the reality of the events. There are issues with other family members, in this case, the estranged sister of the dying man. There is the advent of death experienced not just by the waiting partner, but also by the dog, the neighbors, a community of friends. Each character is so fully developed through movement and text, choreography and theater, that they share with each of us some aspect of what we have experienced as we sat by the bed of one who would leave us shortly, or felt so deeply after they were gone. Each character has their way of asking us to be OK. They are actually coping themselves by helping Joe, and us, to cope as they say repeatedly, “You will be fine.” Joe passes through the stages of grief; set pieces are moved on and off stage to create a sense of time passing; horrible, unkind words are hurled at Joe by the anguished sister; there are moments of heart wrenching tenderness; there is a hilarious send up where every cast member is dressed as “Jackie O” replete with Joe in the 1960’s widow’s black Coco Chanel garb, pillbox hat, veil, straight-cut mini with a boxy jacket, dark glasses and flats. At the end of the work, autumn leaves fall quietly onto the stage and Joe emerges, saying it has been six months, and speaking to his departed partner tells him, and us, not to worry; he “will be…”

In Cleveland, where audiences still subsist on dance as mere athleticism and expensive evenings fraught with physical tricks and the sort balletic technical prowess that has its roots deep in the nineteenth century European tradition of elitism, it is refreshing to see powerful and accomplished dancers who are real human beings, revealing themselves in the masterful storytelling theater of the Joe Goode Performance Group. Kudos go to Tri-C for bringing us this most amazing opportunity to see where dance is today. If we could see more work by artists who are eagerly and successfully pushing the envelope of dance traditions, Cleveland might indeed find a way to cultivate a larger audience for dance.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Miller millerbowenATadelphia.net

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy @ Paul Daum Theatre, UofA 2/24

Solo performer Charles Ross returned to NEO with a series of shows at the intimate Paul Daum Theatre on the campus of the University of Akron. If you or your kids are fans of Star Wars, seeing and hearing Ross cycle through virtually all of the critical dialogue of the first three films in about 20 minutes each is mind-bending. Playing on the brain’s ability to fill in the empty spaces, complete the phrases and visualize the settings, Ross’ minimalist costume (a black jumpsuit), absence of props, and a single lighting effect (the explosion of the Death Star), lend a Warholian obviousness to the project. These are the bits that millions of people know and love; Ross is just leaving out all the boring text and visuals. From a movie franchise that is almost solely built on visual effects. More a conceptual art piece than tribute re-enactment, Ross connects deeply with his audiences, and he’s performed it for everything from geek fests to late-night TV to George Lucas’ official release party to Sir Ian McKellen. http://www.OneManStarWars.com

Verdi Requiem @ First Baptist Church 2/25 For nearly 8 years, the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland has served the temporarily unemployed and homeless by supplying jobs, housing and food through a network of some 60 congregations of all faiths. As a fund-raiser for this effort, three of the biggest of the city’s east-side churches combined in a superlative performance of one of the greatest and most glorious musical works in the repertoire, the Requiem of Guiseppe Verdi. Nearly all the compositions of the Italian master were for the stage, but none of them contain any more drama or passion than this setting of the Catholic mass for the dead.

The host church was First Baptist Church, which is also the largest. Music director Robert Schneider combined his choir with those of Fairmount Presbyterian Church, led by Robert Moncrief and Plymouth Church, directed by James Riggs. A 58-piece orchestra was formed of local professional musicians, including a few former members of the Cleveland Orchestra. As conductor of the Requiem, Robert Page, now of Pittsburgh but formerly in charge of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, returned to conduct this huge work which has become somewhat of a speciality during his long career. He is as energetic as ever on the podium, and it was nice to have him back again, even if only for a day.

Three local soloists—one from each of the churches—soprano Lisa Litteral, mezzo-soprano Lucia Leszczuk and bass Michael Parry, were joined by tenor Douglas Ahlstedt, also of Pittsburgh.

It was a perfectly splendid performance. The church’s acoustics were on the reverberant side, but not overly so. Positively hushed sections in the opening movement contrasted mightily with the dynamic Dies Irae, which might well have shaken the rafters of a less sturdily-built edifice. The off-stage trumpets which were to the rear of the sanctuary, drifted ethereally toward the front, with all blending seamlessly.

The soloists were all top-notch, but I’ll readily admit to being captivated by Ms. Litteral’s exquisitely sweet soprano, soaring high over the massed forces with seemingly no effort on her part, but always with a smile on her face. Mr. Ahlstedt’s tenor has a bright, ringing tone which carried easily, most notably on his big aria, Ingemisco. Mr. Parry sang his portions with authority, providing a solid foundation for the solo quartet, when required. Ms. Leszczuk delivered her arias with a well-placed mezzo that blended nicely with the other soloists.

The 124 voices of the chorus blended well together, displaying excellent diction and intonation. Intermittently, rays of sunshine came through the huge west-facing stained glass windows as though in approval of the glorious musical effort. And why not? It was truly superb, after all.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net


Cool Cleveland readers write
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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On John Carney’s reappointment to the Port Authority I was disappointed to learn about John Carney’s reappointment to the Port Authority board as its chairman. The recent media coverage about Carney’ conflicts of interest, the Port Authority’s unusual spending and the follow up raised questions about Carney’s alleged conflicts of interest and extravagant spending habits. There should have been an investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission and an audit of his expenses, prior to the reappointment.

Alleging a public servant of violating Ohio’s ethics law and an investigation of violations is a very serious matter. That’s because the publics’ trust and confidence and the reputation of the public servant are at stake. This matter cannot be determined by public officials, citizens or the media. It’s the Ohio Ethics Commission’s duty to investigate and determine if John Carney has violated or abided by Ohio’s ethics law.

Another important matter that needs to be addressed immediately by the appointing bodies (mayor and county commissioners) is the difference between the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (Port Authority) and the Port of Cleveland, which are very different entities. The Port of Cleveland includes seventeen private dock operators (Mittal Steel, Cargill Salt…) along with the Port Authority docks. The Port Authority’s rules and regulations do not mention any duties to represent the private dock operators or the Port of Cleveland.

The Port Authority continues to misinform the public by misrepresenting itself as the Port of Cleveland and conveniently uses those larger statistics to promote itself. In fact, both entities are listed on its letterhead. That would be like the mayor of Cleveland using Cuyahoga County statistics to promote the city. This is misleading to the taxpayers because the Port Authority uses the inflated statistics to pass its tax levy every five years, which may be on the ballot this year. The tax levy is for the Port Authority! From Cool Cleveland reader Ed Hauser ejhauserATameritech.net

On Cool Cleveland Kids and Cool Cleveland parties I have the day off today, and I want to take a small piece of it to say how much I love Cool Cleveland. I LOVE the fact that you are creating this concept for kids. I believe right down to every strand of my DNA that investing in kids is our future. Allowing them to be drawn into the arts at an early age is so important to keep them patrons all their lives. It enriches education and no where else is diversity and international culture at a greater crossroad for them to experience. I live in Akron, but I regularly come to the Cool Cleveland events because they are absolutely wonderful. Almost everyone is half my age, but I don’t feel out of place or fail to have a perfect evening. Every facet of the night is well planned and executed without a hitch. I’m sure there are lots of glitches that come up, but if they do, your creative instincts cover them well. The recent Oberlin event was incredible! Thank you for a fascinating evening. The stark contrast between the gothic church and the innovative style of the play was stunning. I promise I will pass Cool Cleveland Kids on to all my friends with kids, and will continue to be faithful to your programs myself. Keep up the fantastic job you are doing. You may not see it, but you are investing in the future one event at a time.
from Cool Cleveland reader Deborah Dockery DDDockeryATaol.com

You guys continue to do a great job with Cool Cleveland. I really like the emphasis on kids. Good for you.
from Cool Cleveland reader Don Iannone dtia@ix.netcom.com

Just wanted to comment and say this is wonderful! Keep up the good work!! Thanks.
from Cool Cleveland reader Chris Salem csalem2003@yahoo.com

*very* cool to see some extended attention to kids’ activities on CC. As the mother of a 6yo, I depended on the west side’s wonderful (and, alas, discontinued) Mama Says newsletter for leads. Hopefully, CC will help fill the void for new Cleveland parents. Two small notes on your listings: the wonderful Hershey Garden is closed for the winter, reopening in the spring. The Rockefeller greenhouse on East Boulevard is a sweetly modest (and free!) alternative to the CBG (take the first left off MLK from 90, following the “city greenhouse” signs). The Chalet toboggan chutes are for kids over 42″ – and parents should be aware that it’s a very steep, fast and exhilarating ride that might scare younger or more sensitive children.
from Cool Cleveland reader Mati Senerchia senerchiaATsbcglobal.net

On Voices and Choices (See Voices and Choices and now …actions! here) Thanks again for a great newsletter, every week it seems to get longer. I just wanted to emphasize that the conversations among citizens regarding the future of our region are not complete. The process that began with Voices & Choices and engaged more than 20,000 people in helping set priorities for the region will have no end. Indeed, I hope that we can expand it to include many thousands more and ultimately result in the residents of our region talking often with each other about how they can help build a brighter future — and hold all of us accountable if we let them down.
from Cool Cleveland reader Chris Thompson cthompsonATfuturefundneo.org

On a Cool Red Zappa Just wanted to thank you for creating such an awesome event Red {an orchestra} does Zappa @ Masonic Aud 2/16. How cool that was! Where else can you meet awesome people, sip wine, eat fun appetizers-(the stuffed grape leaves were fab!)- then sit and enjoy a tribute to Zappa, Conductor Pierre Boulez was just wonderful! Loved G-spot really had me going. It was like a private concert! Then on to salsa at the view. Just stellar, thanks for making great things happen in Cleveland guys!
from Cool Cleveland reader Gloria O’Neil arcancientaroma@yahoo.com

You can see the photos from our Cool Red Zappa party here.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Comment Obama’s Cleveland Visit Mansfield Frazier examines Substance vs. Symbolism.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) WSJ: Cleveland Orchestra best in U.S. The Wall Street Journal is talking about the best orchestras in the world, and the only one they discuss from the U.S. is the Cleveland Orchestra.
www.ClevelandOrchestra.com

3) Strongsville’s Brew Kettle Taproom & Smokehouse ranked #1 in nation.
www.RateBeer.com

4) Cool Red Zappa photos
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Michael Symon’s Kitchen Third week in a row for this event.
www.LolaBistro.com

Stick Around That’s our motto. There’s a lot going on in this cool town we call Cleveland. And if you stick around and do your part in convincing others, the enthusiasm will spread. Kudos to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Susan Miller, Susan Schaul, Claudia J. Taller, Kelly Ferjutz and Roy Berko. 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.

Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

One week at a time,
–Thomas Mulready
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