American Stories

8.15-8.22.07
American Stories

In this week’s issue:
* Intervivew Rob Lucas, Writer/Director and Creator of American Stories
* Positively Negative Seen on the back of a milk carton
* BFD Weekly Conversations that end up with race in it
* Interview Gilberto Alvarez & Adriana Matos of Tropical Rhythms
* Sounds Changing Times from the Northcoast Jazz Collective
* Previews Local Indie Film Fest
* Straight Outta Mansfield People Change
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

American Stories may be the title of Rob Lucas’ film being featured at the Think Local! Filmfest at the Cleveland Institute of Art this week, but it could serve as the theme for this entire issue of Cool Cleveland. Or for that matter, any issue from the past 4+ years. Or it could represent the cumulative events on any given week in Cleveland. My video interview with Gilberto Alvarez and Adriana Matos of Tropical Cleveland shows how truly international a city like Cleveland is, sporting a true Brazilian Carnivale with their upcoming event, in the heat of summer. While our CC KIDS events reflect the Back To School mode of the younger set this week, a quick peek below reveals that Cleveland culture doesn’t slow down for any season. Have fun at the Kar Kulture show, the Red Cross’ Biker’s Ball, street beat culture from Sparx In The City, or the wildly anticipated return of All Go Signs at Cleveland Public Theatre. They’re all American Stories, because they are all Cleveland stories. And those, in our opinion, are the best kind. —Thomas Mulready

Local Filmmaker Rob Lucas
Writer/Director and Creator of American Stories

Indie filmmakers are a different breed. They’ve got enormous vision to be carried out on a shoestring time-and-money budget. Add a diminutive group of acting talent, slapdash location changes and complicated shots to be completed in very limited windows of opportunity, and one must wonder how any nano film project makes it to the finish line. For American Stories director Rob Lucas — pictured here with the film’s Tim Regan and Brian Winterrowd — the answers to overcoming obstacles are your best friends, humble persistence and time management.

Or forgetting about the clock altogether. See, Lucas has a lot going on. On top of being a filmmaker, he’s an assistant editor at local boutique publisher Gray & Company and the founder of the Akron Independent Film Festival — which is gearing up to celebrate its fifth anniversary this coming spring. American Stories is the Akron native’s first feature-length comedy, which started as a 2002 grad school project. Written and directed by Lucas, the flick offers a window into four members of the fictional indie band the Little Devils — in the midst of an Ohio tour when they encounter some mechanical problems with their ride. Hilarity ensues. Jon Favreau, eat your heart out.

During a recent interview with Cool Cleveland, Lucas talked about what it takes to keep all the plates spinning in the air, offered insight on what it took for him to complete his hilariously lo-fi road movie, offered why road movies endure and explained the importance of the upcoming “Think Local” Film Festival this Friday and Saturday, August 17-18 at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque…

Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

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Celebrate Man’s Best Four-Legged Friend during the “Dog Days” of summer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Sat 8/18 from 10AM to 5PM and Sun 8/19 from noon to 5PM. The Museum will go to the dogs for this annual weekend celebration devoted to our “everyday heroes.” See demonstrations and programs, try activities and crafts and, of course, meet lots of dogs. Both days will conclude with a Parade of Pooches. Free with Museum admission. For more info contact www.cmnh.org or (800) 317-9155.
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Affectionately Yours We’re cool, you’re cool, help us spread the vibe. Turn us on to your friends and you will both be eligible to win an iPhone or Video iPod compliments of Cool Cleveland. No purchase necessary. Enter as many friends as you wish. The more friends you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Sign up by going here.

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

Inner Belt cap deserves a closer look, says architecture critic Steve Litt. Read and Read
Chris Carmody leaving the Cle Film Commission. Hollywood producer VP Ivan Schwartz takes over. Film
American Greetings’ mobile cards delivered to your cell phone, “at the forefront of new technologies…” Read
Sheryl Hoffman takes over as ED at SPACES, taking over for Susan Channing, leaving Art House. SPACES
Lakewood opens four new schools on it’s way to renovating or rebuilding every school in their district Read
X-treme rafting in Downtown Kent 3000 ft of whitewater from Kent Dam through Heritage Park Read


TechSkills career wkshp feat. Aaron Boyce. “What is the Net Worth of Your Job Network?” hits Fri 8/17 at 2PM. Amphitheater of the Crown Center, 5005 Rockside Rd., Independence. RSVP to Bob McDonald at 216-446-1010 or at rmcdonald@techskills.com

MotivAsians presents 2nd Annual Picnic on Sat 8/18 at 3PM at Lower Egdewater Park, right off the Shoreway. RSVP by today, Wed 8/15 along with request for vegetarian option if necessary. More
Webinar feat. Dr. David Cooperrider on “Becoming a Green Company for Profit and Value” Tue 8/21 at 11AM. Register at 368-0927
E4S Network celebrates Jon Jensen w/ Third Tuesday Network Event Tue 8/21 at 5:30PM. Great Lakes Brewing Company, Tasting Room, 2701 Carroll Ave. RSVP
CAAO Black L’ship Retreat feat. Paul Hill, ED of East End N’hood House Sat 8/25 Read
The Future of Design explores Biomimicry with Janine Benyus on Tue 9/25 at CIA. Part of E4S Third Tuesday series. Details
Make the B2B Connection w/ no-cost B’wood COC show Mon 10/8 starting at 2:30PM. Hilton Cle East, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood. Call 831-0003, e-mail mail@beachwood.org. More
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marriott Downtown at Key Center Fri 11/2 at 6PM Details

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Calling all Business Professionals! Are you looking to advance your career while staying at your current job? Would you like to gain the skills and knowledge that make you a vital component of your organization’s success in the global marketplace? If so, the Nance College of Business at Cleveland State University is offering Professional Development Programs to professionals like you. Choose from programs in global business, human resources, marketing and management. We partner with industry experts, top regional businesses and experienced training/development organizations to deliver courses, seminars, research, and other outreach programs that meet the changing needs of business. For program details, check us out at www.csuohio.edu.
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Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
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PutItOnTheBallot.com You knew it would happen, especially when taxes are involved. A collection of citizen activists varied backgrounds and political party affiliations is going strong and gaining momentum every minute of every day in Cuyahoga County. The subject? The proposed tax increase for the Med Mart/Convention Center. Though not opposed to the tax, the Med Mart or the Convention Center, nearly all involved in http://www.putitontheballot.com want the ability to vote on something with such broad impact to taxpayers in the community. The opposition must be concerned, because a telephone “push” poll, airplane banners, and leaftlet drops — all telling people not to trust the organizers and that they’re trying to kill the Medical Mart project — has already started. With over 10K signatures already, the folks at PutItOnTheBallot.com are optimistic that their momentum (and their list) can keep growing. Visit their site, find out where you can sign a petition and to volunteer to work one of their upcoming rallies and events. Step up. Be a part of democracy and protect your right to vote.

It’s the Weather. Yes, the weather I moved to Cleveland from Atlanta 13 years ago. My parents are now in Memphis, TN. It is 100+ degrees there – they are stuck inside all day. The summer is perfect in Cleveland. My husband, one-year old daughter and I just had a great summer vacation right here in Cleveland – why leave when the weather is perfect and there’s so much to do? We went to the zoo and Memphis Kiddie Park and just enjoyed our back yard. Yes, January and February are a little tough, but that’s when you make a nice cup of hot chocolate, light a fire and enjoy a good book. from Cool Cleveland reader Lori Rupert, responding to our offer to receive a cool Euro-style CLE+ bumper sticker if you tell us why U love Cle. Read ’em all here and send your idea and your mailing address to ClevelandPlusATCoolCleveland.com to get your own comp sticker.

Event Planners: Event Planners: Are you looking for new ways to get a new audience to your shindigs? Then you should know that as a result of reading Cool Cleveland 78% of our readers have attended an event. That’s 78%! For more info about advertising contact us at Info@CoolCleveland.com or click here.

Real Hot Attitude Cle org encouraging women to embrace change of life with a positive attitude, launched a “real hot” website recently featuring menopause survival tips and apparel to help women “embrace change”. Click.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Cleveland Collectivo K-12 Forum “How Should We Invest in Cleveland’s Children?” is the subject of the K-12 Education Forum sponsored by the Cleveland Colectivo. It hits Wed 8/15 at 6PM at Parish Hall Cleveland, and includes education experts who will share their experiences, talk about how the major challenges and opportunities facing our community’s youth development professionals and discuss how everyday citizens can make a difference in the lives of Cleveland’s youth. Panelists include Piet van Lier of Catalyst Magazine, and Kristien Marquez-Zenkov, Education Professor at Cleveland State University. And Meet.The.Bloggers* will be there recording for a future podcast on their site as well. 6205 Detroit Ave. More info at http://www.clevelandcolectivo.org. http://meetthebloggers.net.

Hank LoConti The owner of the Agora, along with famed Cleveland International Records catalyst Steve Popovich, will discuss Cleveland’s historic rock venues, what made them important nationally, why Cleveland was an essential stop for touring artists, and the live rock and roll experience in Cleveland Wed 8/15 at 6PM at the Agora Theater, 5000 Euclid Ave. http://www.cityclub.org. http://www.clevelandagora.com.

Anya Marina The singer-songwriter performs her indie pop music Wed 8/15 at 9PM Her record “Miss Halfway” earned a San Diego Music Award for Best Recording, with select tracks ending up on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy as well as the show’s soundtrack and MTV’s The Real World. Winchester Tavern & Music Hall, 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net.

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You’re Invited to the Blue Planet Café reception and grand opening party on Thu 8/23 from 6-8PM at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The Museum’s new restaurant will feature sample selections from their new menu of foods made with natural and organic ingredients by A Taste of Excellence Catering. Enjoy a cash bar, entertainment and more. There is no admission fee, but reservations are required. Call 216-231-1177 by August 22. For more info about CMNH go to www.cmnh.org.
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Sparx Street Beats The venerable weekly summer arts exposition continues on E. 4th St Thu 8/16 at 6:30PM with SAFMOD Percussion, 216 Beatriders and Stilting by Pick Up Sticks. Then check out the tasty latin soul of guitar maestro Justo Saborit and Saborit Latin Soul with Dancers Fri 8/17 at 11:30AM at the Galleria at Erieview. Complete Sparx schedule and details at http://www.cleveland.com/sparx.

Conscious Reading Join author Jack Ricchiuto for an evening of readings and dialogue on the new release of his 6th book, Conscious Becoming (Reviewed last week by Peter Chakerian here) at 7PM on Thu 8/16 at Tremont’s new bookstore, Visible Voice, located at 1023 Kenilworth Avenue, just a block and a half east of W 14th Street. The event will follow a Meet.The.Bloggers* interview there at 6PM, which is open to the public. To preview the book, visit www.ConsciousBecoming.com. Please RSVP ASAP to JackATDesigningLife.com.

HOT AllGoSigns The long awaited return hits Cleveland Public Theatre starting Thu 8/16 and runs through Sat 8/18. The AllGoSigns crew of East 4th /Ingenuity fame will “brand” the Gordon Square Theatre with a one-of-a-kind sensory shifting event — featuring SAFMOD, Mifune and a host of Northern Ohio’s best artists, performers, and musicians. The 3-day experimental artistic event is a wealth of the forward-thinking artists that enrich our region. http://allgosigns.com.

HOT Cuyahoga County Arts and Culture Roundtable A meeting of the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Roundtable is scheduled for Fri 8/17 at 8:30AM at the Great Lakes Science Center. The subject of the Roundtable will be a presentation by Fred Nance, chairman, Greater Cleveland Partnership on the development of Cleveland’s Medical Merchandise Mart and Convention Center Complex. This is an opportunity to hear first-hand about the benefits the Complex can provide to the community. RSVP’s are required; call 575-0331 to do so.

HOT Red Cross Biker’s Ball Local and regional motorcycle enthusiasts should head over to Jacobs Field on Fri 8/17 from 7:30–11PM to raise funds for the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter. Wear your favorite denim and/or leather and jam out to Danielle Peck and Cle’s own No Name Band. Auction, motorcycle raffle and great food are included 2401 Ontario St. http://www.redcrossbikersball.org.

Calling all Writers that call Clevburg “home.” Interested in writing for Cool Cleveland? Let us know your area of interest, cause we’d love to hear from you. LettersATCoolCleveland.com

A Fashionable Block Party! on Fri 8/17 and Sat 8/18 hits courtesy of Pinky’s Daily Planner and others @ the Tower Press Bldg. Fast fashion, hot looks, cool couture. We don’t have enough room here to tell you just how cool it’s gonna be, so check it out for yourself! http://www.pinkysdailyplanner.com. http://www.busybroad.com. http://www.alysonfox.com.

Amore d’Vino: For the Love of Wine at Stan Hywet is an opportunity to sample specially selected wines from around the world in the splendor of a beautiful country estate. Travel to a different region of the world, enjoy live music and appetizers this Fri 8/17 at 7PM. For wine lovers and beginners alike, this a grape fun. Advanced ticketing is recommended. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. http://www.stanhywet.org.

Sammy DeLeon Y Su Orquesta It just wouldn’t be summer without the bandleader and former Impacto Nuevo member. Check out his group’s signature blend of latin musical jubilation during the Cleveland Museum of Art’s ongoing Summer in the Courtyard concert series, which draws an average of 500 guests per show! Go get your groove on Fri 8/17. Courtyard opens at 5PM; show from 5:30–8:30PM. Check the CMA website for other excellent gigs every Wednesday and Friday through the end of summer… all without a cover charge. http://www.clevelandart.org.

HOT Think Local! Filmfest The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque is undertaking their first ever “Think Local!” Film Festival Thu 8/17 and Fri 8/18. Five shot-in-Ohio features by local filmmakers will be featured; the directors will all be on hand for the screenings. Check out all 5 flicks for a superfrugal “Think Local!” pass, on sale now at the box office. The featured films on Thu 8/17 are Cordoba Nights by Luke and Andy Campbell at 7PM; Madness by Bill Johns at 9PM; on Sat 8/18 check out American Stories by Rob Lucas at 6PM; Hero Tomorrow by Ted Sikora at 8PM and The Horror Convention Massacre by Joe Ostrica at 10PM. See Peter Chakerian’s reviews in CC Flicks and his interview with Lucas in this week’s issue. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.

The Bang Group Workshop Class GroundWorks Dancetheater, in Partnership with Cleveland State University’s Dance Program, is offering a free Master Class with guest artists David Parker and Jeff Kazinfrom The Bang Group on Fri 8/17 at 10AM Enrollment is limited and is on a first come basis. Please reserve a space in this master class via email to: l.deering@csuohio.edu. Cleveland State University Dance Studio, Physical Education Building, Basement level Room 71.

Collie Buddz This surging reggae artist and music download sensation performs at the Grog Shop on Euclid Hts Blvd. in Coventry Village Fri 8/17 at 9PM. 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd., Cleveland Hts. http://www.colliebuddz.com. http://www.grogshop.gs”’.

Something Dada Improv Comedy Since 1994, Something Dada has challenged the concepts of theater and comedy to present a furiously paced “in your face” comedy based on audience suggestions. Each show is completely different, with an eclectic menagerie of improvisational structures, songs, theater games and audience interaction. They’re fast, flexible and frighteningly funny. Check them out Fri 8/17 at 8PM at the Tower Press Building. http://www.somethingdada.com.

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WCLVnotes If you’re the kind of person who belts out show tunes in the shower, you might qualify as a “Blossom Broadway Baby” at The Cleveland Orchestra’s Sat 9/1 concert, “Rodgers and Hammerstein on Stage and Screen.” WCLV’s Bill Rudman will introduce the concert from the stage. For a chance to win a pair of tickets, send an email to bbb@wclv.com or postcard to: “Broadway Baby” c/o WCLV, 26501 Renaissance Parkway, Cleveland, 44128. You’ll receive a “Broadway Baby” costume depicting a character in one of the featured musicals – from The Sound of Music to South Pacific and more. A sense of humor is mandatory. At intermission, we’ll visit Kulas Plaza to toast your newfound stardom. Entry deadline: 5 PM, Fri 8/24. Details at www.wclv.com.
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HOT Put It On The Ballot Rally With over 10K signatures already in place, the folks at Put It On the Ballot are making a big push. They’re trying to get the necessary numbers for a proposed increased sales tax in Cuyahoga County (for the Medical Mart and new Convention Center) on the ballot. People on the other side of the issue are getting nervous; an airplane at Jacobs Field circled recently with a banner telling the crowds massed below not to sign the petition. Have you ever thought how counterproductive it is telling Clevelanders NOT to do something? Come to Oldenburg and van Bruggen’s Free Stamp located in Willard Park downtown on Lakeside on Sat 8/18 starting at 5PM and see what the noise is about. Sign your name to protect your right to vote. Let your politicians know it’s not okay with you to have your rights circumvented. http://www.putitontheballot.com.

University Park Art Fair at Grace Park More than 100 regional artists will showcase their fine arts and crafts at the event Sat 8/18 starting at 10AM. Presented by the University Park Development Corporation (UPDC), the art fair hits Grace Park on Perkins Street, in the resurgent neighborhood located in the central part of Akron. Fun for everyone. Don’t miss it! http://www.universityparkartfair.org.

Stockyard Stampede This 6th Annual 5K Run/1M Walk in the Stockyard Neighborhood on Cleveland’s West Side benefits the Stockyard Redevelopment Organization, a non-profit 501(c)(3) assisting the area’s resident, business and industrial communities. Get your heart rate up and do some good for the city as well Sat 8/18 starting with 7:30AM registration. Race begins at 8:30AM; walk begins at 8:45AM. St. Boniface, 3545 W. 54th St. http://www.hmapromotions.net.

HOT Lakewood Kar Kulture Show It’s not just an auto geek’s wet dream come true — it’s a rockin’ good time as well. Check out all the classic cars and hot rods (all vintage, pre-1972) and a rollicking live rockabilly music lineup, capped by Cle lo-fi garage icons Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival. It all revs into Lakewood on Sat 8/18 from 11AM-7PM. Madison Avenue between Lewis Dr. and Clarence Ave.

Three Stooges Festival Larry, Curly & Moe take a bow in Coventry Village this Sat 8/18 (a new date) at 9PM at Coventry Peace Field, at the corner of Coventry and Euclid Heights Blvd. This event, which was rescheduled due to rain, is an outdoor event featuring a film festival of Three Stooges classics, followed by a pie fight (yes, you read that correctly!) Bring a blanket and a radio to get all the great audio. Sponsored by Big Fun.

HOT Walk+Roll Cleveland Every Sunday this August including this Sun 8/19, experience University Circle, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Martin Luther King Blvd in a whole new way – without your car! Explore and enjoy Rockefeller Park by walking, biking, unicycling, jogging, rollerblading, wheelchairing or baby strolling. MLK Jr. Blvd comes alive with friendly folks starting at 10AM, creating another amazing outdoor experience and unique destination in Cleveland. http://www.walkroll.com.

Csárdás Hungarian Dance Workshops Learn basic steps of Hungarian Dance with the Csárdás Dance Company on Sun 8/19 at the Fairmount Center for the Arts. Experience the infectious exuberance with an emphasis on learning a simple dance from a Hungarian Village. Registration is required for all sessions through Fairmount Center for the Arts at 440-338-3171 or online at http://www.fairmountcenter.org. Fairmount Center for the Arts is located near the intersection of Route 306 and Fairmount Blvd. in Novelty, Ohio.

10th Annual Fiesta Latina Rabbit Run Community Arts Association presents this one-day festival celebrating Latino culture in all its vibrancy Sun 8/19 at noon at Stanton Park in Madison. Musical trio Sentir Latino, colorful folkloric dancers Colombia Viva, guitar maestro Justo Saborit’s Latin Soul band and Mariachi band Joya de Mexico all perform. Family fun features include ace-painting, flower-making, piñata and a jalapeno pepper-eating contest. Food and beverages available. Rain or shine. Stanton Park, 5585 Chapel Road, Madison from noon to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Call RRCAA at 440-428-5913 for info. Stanton Park, 5585 Chapel Road, Madison.

Some Girls The Bang and the Clatter offers up another edgy stage offering in Some Girls on Sun 8/19 at 8PM. This portrait of a young seducer casts a truthful, hilarious light on a typical young American guy “as he wanders through the heart of darkness that is himself.” Sound like a mouthful? With director/ co-founding artistic/managing director Sean Derry at the helm, Some Girls is sure to be an earful and an eyeful as well. Runs on weekends through Sun 9/9. 140 E. Market St., Akron. http://www.bnctheatre.com.

Filipino Fest The 2nd annual Filipino Festival will be held on Sun 8/19 from 10AM-6PM at the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center, 1975 West Ridgewood Dr., Parma. This event features a wealth of Filipino vendors, cultural dances and performances and authentic Filipino food. Featured performances by Retome’s Band. For more info, contact Dr. Rolando A. Santos at rsantos@lakelandcc.edu or call 440-525-7417. No cost, open to the public and family friendly.

Professor Murder NYC’s popular punk funk band returns to Cle to play at the B Side Liquor Lounge in Coventry Village on Sun 8/19 at 9PM. Last time here, they opened for Ratatat at the Beachland to rave reviews. http://www.professormurder.com. http://www.bsideliquorlounge.com.

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Special Offer to CC Readers: 50% discount – that’s right, half-off for the Cleveland Orchestra’s final concert of the summer at Blossom Sat 8/25 at 8PM. Picnic on beautiful grounds before the concert (up to 2-1/2 hours prior) to fully enjoy the final Cleveland Orchestra concert of the Blossom season under the stars. Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” and the Sibelius Violin Concerto — a rhapsodic, lyrical, rhythmic and above all extremely virtuosic work will be played by Russian violinist Valeriy Sokolov. Discounted lawn tickets are $10. Discounted Pavilion seats start at $11. Use promo code 3836 and order online at www.clevelandorchestra.com or phone 216 231-1111 or 800-686-1141.
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Chucklef*ck Comedy Night It’s a comedy show with a name that pretty well sums it up. Every Monday night at 8PM (including Mon 8/20) host Jim Tews offers the stage to 5 stand-up performers, all in an attempt to amuse you. If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself. While you’re there, catch your beer or coffee buzz and latch onto some free Wi-Fi. bela dubby in Lakewood. http://www.myspace/beladubby.

Ozomatli is a very dynamic band. They are diverse in their music as well as in their line-up. Their music is a fusion of different Latin style (salsa, cumbia, flamenco) mixed with Hip-hop, R&B and funk, which by the end the show will culminate into a frenzied crowd participating in a Brazilian Carnivale style conclusion. This is definitely one cool Cleveland show! Check them out Mon 8/20 at 7PM at the House of Blues on Euclid. Local faves Mifune open. http://www.ozomatli.org.

HOT ukanhavyrfuckincitibak Bottom Dog Press and Mac’s Backs will co-host a reading at Art House to celebrate the release of two new books related to d.a. levy., the poet who grew up down the street on Denison in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. This event features works from d.a. levy and the mimeograph revolution and the tribute to levy ukanhavyrfuckincitibak as read by both books’ editors — including former Clevelander Russell Salamon. Check it out Tue 8/21 at 7PM. 3119 Denison Ave., Old Brooklyn. http://www.arthouseinc.org.

Michael Koryta Cleveland Public Library’s Literature Department and the Friends of Cleveland Public Library host a reading and book signing by the award-winning author of the Cleveland-based Lincoln Perry crime novels on Tue 8/21 at Noon, on the 2nd floor of the Main Library, 325 Superior Avenue. Koryta became the youngest winner of the annual St. Martin’s Press/Private Eye Writers of America Best First Private Eye Novel contest, which has launched the careers of such well-known mystery writers as Steve Hamilton, Les Roberts and Charles Knief. http://cpl.org.

Ron Burdick & Margaret Baughman sign their book Historic Photos of Cleveland on Wed 8/22 at 7PM. From John D. Rockefeller and James A. Garfield, the Great Lakes Exposition and the burning Cuyahoga River, this book showcases a photographic history collected from the areas top archives. With around 200 photographs covering 2 centuries, this coffeetable book shows the historical growth from the mid 1800’s to the late 1900’s. A must have for any long-time resident. Joseph-Beth Booksellers. http://www.josephbeth.com.

You’re Welcome! There’s no cost to you, and you don’t have to shuffle to the front stoop to retrieve it in your bedroom slippers! If you dig the CC vibe, could you help us continue our mission by forwarding this issue to a friend, relative or neutral third party? Simply use the link at the top of this email and put your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up. Thanks, in advance, from the gang at CC.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com


Heritage Days Discover Historic Olmsted Falls and the restored Victorian Village from Thu 8/16 – Sun 8/19. A timewarp for kids with old time shopping, family activities and great food, arts and crafts. Grand Pacific Junction, 8062 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls. http://www.grandpacificjunction.com.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers an inspiring presentation by Investigator Gordon S. Thompson and his accelerant dog, Tahoe on Thu 8/16 at 6:30PM. This no-cost, open to the public event highlights the work of Tahoe, a dog trained and certified by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. He is available to Northern Ohio Police and Fire Departments, and is a member of the ATF’s National Response Team and the Lake County Fire Investigation Unit. Prepare to be fascinated. Please call Jeanne Dregalla 440-235-3515 or visit http://www.gebcuyahoga.org.

Back to School Blast Enjoy a 3-Day weekend filled with fabulous fun at The Children’s Museum of Cleveland beginning Fri 8/17. This end-of-summer celebration will transform the museum’s Pinzone Pavilion into a weekend festival of clowning, face painting, raffles, games and prizes. Activities will be entertaining, fun and educationally appropriate for families with children ages birth to 8 years. For schedule and details, visit http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

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Paint the Town Red, Blue, Green or Purple with chalk making and street painting in a preparatory workshop on chalk artistry on Sun 9/9 from 2–4:30PM or Wed 9/12 from 6–8:30PM. Make chalk using an old world recipe with new world materials. Practice professional techniques for masking, stenciling, shading, and enlarging a picture. $25/individual, $75/family. Children under 15 must register and attend with someone older. Fee includes materials and reserves chalk and a square for the festival. The 2007 Chalk Festival is Sat 9/15, 11AM-4PM and Sun 9/16 from Noon-5PM. The Chalk Festival is sponsored by CMA Community Arts Partner, Medical Mutual of Ohio. It is a featured event on the Sparx Gallery Hop, a Downtown Cleveland Alliance program. For more info call 216–707–2483 or go to www.clevelandart.org//educef/chalk/html/.
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Kiss Summer Goodbye Beach Party Kids from all over NEO are invited to come soak up the sun’s late rays in a fun evening fling of swimming, fun and games Sat 8/18 from 5-11PM. Huntington Beach & Reservation, Bay Village, Cleveland Metroparks. http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com.

Voyager: The Grandest Tour Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Voyager satellite space missions. Get celestial and learn what has been discovered about our solar system on Sat 8/18 @ NASA Glenn Visitor Ctr. http://www.glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

Meet A Hawk Get up close to an awesome and inspiring hawk as these daytime birds of prey are featured as a part of the no-cost Meet An Animal series at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on Sat 8/18 at 3PM. The Center’s seasoned wildlife staff guides this nose to beak look at live birds and discusses fascinating facts. 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village. http://www.lensc.org.

A CHABAM Family Festival Lots of arts and crafts, music, pottery & pottery wheels, plus an interactive treehouse, puppet theater and suspension bridge will be open for exploration during CHABAM’s no-cost family-friendly fest Sun 8/19 starting at 11AM. Come check out Cleveland’s super cool music, art and movement program (a locally-owned start-up with an all degreed teaching team that is passionate about every child exploring the arts. 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. http://www.chabam.com.

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/CoolClevelandKids08.17.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Commentary by Cleveland cartoonist Ralph Solonitz
More of Ralph’s work at www.RalphStuff.com


BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth, scans hundreds of area feeds to provide links and commentary on a range subjects

Derek Arnold writes, As many of you that have met me in person know, I am an African-American. I grew up here in Cleveland, even though I live in Akron now. I just read Mansfield Frazier’s most recent article on Cool Cleveland, Race in America. In it, Mr. Frazier, who is also African-American, talks about how debate and conversation that isn’t specifically about race ends up with race in it…

* In the present, in the United States, if all the mechanisms are in place to facilitate equality, then why does it still “feel” so odd? Why do we still make the black/white distinction so often? Why do we point to our differences instead of to our commonalities? It takes our collective eye off the ball. We have common enemies and common problems, and somebody is constantly dredging up the racial differences to distract us from issues of class and money, access and education, privilege and indenture… comment by Tim Ferris

* At work, I’ve been writing captions for historical video clips. A lot have them have been from the civil rights era – usually newsreel type stuff. Lots of footage of the Watts Riots, Detroit riots, etc., all with dramatic, scary music in the background – essentially saying “white people, you must fear the angry black man! fear him!” And that’s entered the collective unconscious – white people are *still* terrified of angry black people. comment by Christine Borne

* What did you think of Ken Blackwell’s campaign ad last year that showed a black man putting his hands up in fear (or mock fear – I don’t remember)? Do you remember that? Some people thought that he was using that very image against type or something. If you didn’t see it, I know it’s still around somewhere on the ‘net, but there was a lot written about it at the time – do you recall that? How do things like that figure into all this, if at all? That’s a person running for Governor of the state. comment by Jill Zimon

* People are tired of the racial debate in this country and they should be…as presently framed, it is an intellectual cul-de-sac. It’s time to move on in different directions. There are many more practical and valuable ways to approach this issue. comment by Ed Morrison

Read and add your comment here

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“Bellissimo” and “Delicioso!” Everybody’s talking about the delicious “Taste of Tuscany” running now through Wed 10/31 at Cleveland Botanical Garden. Experience the beauty of the Geis Terrace designed with Tuscan plantings and statuary – the perfect place to get away for an al fresco lunch or Wednesday evening glass of wine. While you’re there, witness the American debut of Giardini di Toscana, a photographic exhibit of Tuscan gardens, villas and landscapes (photos through Sun 9/30) and check out the special line of Tuscan products in the Garden Store. Visit www.cbgarden.org for more info on special Tuscan-themed programs and events.
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Gilberto Alvarez & Adriana Matos
Tropical Rhythms

Gilberto Alvarez & Adriana Matos of Tropical Rhythms Productions not only have their finger on the pulse of Latino culture in Northern Ohio, that finger is tapping out rhythms as they produce music, events, and their own cable TV show. For months, they’ve hosted Funky Salsa Fridays at The View on Prospect Avenue near E. 4th Street, along with Sizzling Salsa Saturdays at Sunset Lounge on W. 9th Street in the Warehouse District, next to Mallorca restaurant. On Sat 8/25, they turn up the heat with an authentic Brazilian Summer Carnivale, featuring a live Brazilian band, a Carnivale Drum Line, and Brazilian DJs, all on The View’s rooftop Cabana Lounge. As a special offer to Cool Cleveland readers only, they are offering to give away 5 pairs of tix to Carnivale when you register at http://www.tropicalrhythms.net/CoolCleveland.html. Watch the video interview with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready on the streets of Cleveland in front of The View, and hear how these two cool entrepreneurs Gilberto & Adriana are putting the city back in diversity. http://www.TropicalCleveland.com.

Links to interesting NEO blogs

When PD columnists get lazy, bloggers notice.
“Give a person a keyboard and a little anonymity and watch what comes out of their mouth.”
Kucinich has a primary challenger
More flooded basements around the region. Maybe we should do something?
Ohio’s beaches are the worst in the nation, due to flooding.
PD publisher on the board of the Cleveland Clinic may be a conflict of interest?
The right to vote is essential to democracy.

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Let’s Misbehave . . . Hey, Cole Porter fans – don’t miss your chance to experience the music of this colorful composer. Admission only $5! Students from Beck Center’s Teen Musical Theater Workshop will perform “I Get A Kick Out Of You, The Music of Cole Porter,” featuring many of his famous Broadway tunes and Hollywood movie melodies this Fri 8/17 at 7:30PM and Sat 8/18 at 2PM and 7:30PM on the Mackey Main Stage. Call today to reserve your tickets: (216) 521-2540. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. On-site parking available. For more information, visit us online at www.beckcenter.org.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Changing Times
Northcoast Jazz Collective

If you’re a Fat Fish Blue fan, or a regular patron of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s “Summer in the Courtyard” series, you are undoubtedly aware of Northcoast Jazz Collective. The group features Dan Maier (piano), John Gallo (bass), Dave Frank (tenor sax) and bandleader Mark Grey (drums) and offers a delectable blend of accessible jazz standards and “straight-up” original jazz material that is clever and intuitive and has modern ambience. They’re one of the gems of the Northeast Ohio jazz scene.

Their self-titled CD featured 9 original compositions, drawing on a wide range of tasty phrasing, smoky chops and lilting rhythms. While moving in some new directions with the new 11 tracks on Changing Times — and writing all the material save for Charlie Haden’s “La Pasionaria” — the next verse is just as intriguing as the first. This disc’s 11 tracks are everything you might expect of the lauded quartet…

Read the review by 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

Think Local! with 5 Flicks at the Cinematheque

This week, we interview local American Stories filmmaker Rob Lucas. He’s but one of five featured directors in the Cleveland Cinematheque’s “Think Local!” Film Festival running this Friday and Saturday, August 17-18. The festivities include screenings of Joe Ostrica’s B-movie homage The Horror Convention Massacre, the Campbell Brothers’ action-packed comedy Cordoba Nights, Ted Sikora’s quirky superhero decoupage Hero Tomorrow and Bill Johns’ psychokiller suspense thriller, Madness. Sound intriguing? Then head to http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque and learn how you can soak up all five local flicks for one low price. Want to know more about these cinematic works? Read Peter Chakerian’s capsule previews of all the films shown this weekend.

Created by Cle filmmaker Sikora, Hero Tomorrow centers on a ganja-lovin’, dreadlocked comic-book artist named David (Perren Hedderson) who brings a masked crusader called Apama to life from the pages of his self-penned comic book. A Cle-based artist, David is your prototypical slacker – lackadaisical, unmotivated, unwashed, and doing yardwork and other odd jobs to make a living because he’s just not great at marketing and self-promotion. But things change once he decides to dons the suit and hit the streets. The results are oddly hysterical and inquisitive. What begins as a precise view into David’s world expands into a comical pseudo-superhero flick. http://www.herotomorrow.com

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

People Change

People do change… just not all that much. This truism was brought home to me once again at a family reunion I attended over the weekend. I wish I could claim this family as my own, but, alas, I’m merely what’s known as a “shirt-tail” relative, one with tenuous, tangential ties to this clan of diverse Black folk.

I couldn’t help but overhear a much beloved and respected 93-year-old aunt dropping some wisdom on her recently engaged grandniece. In fact, everyone under the pavilion who was paying any attention could hear her … which was exactly what the elder wanted. The 22-year-old, recent college graduate had been defending her selection in a future husband to her male cousins, who evidently knew the dude in question fairly well, and didn’t have a high assessment of him…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

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

A Little Night Music @ Cleveland Play House 8/10 It was all (bitter) sweetness and light at Opera Cleveland’s A Little Night Music. The smart Stephen Sondheim score sounded like, well, Sondheim–talky and witty. Partners, married or otherwise, changed (sometimes this meant finding a new love; sometimes merely adjusting the balance of power). It was all very Swedish and sophisticated, especially the second act which took place during a summer weekend in the country that involved picnics, running about under the trees, and what seemed to be full male nudity (but since he was lying face down on the stage one could not be sure).

Director Paul Gurgol set the large and nicely balanced cast on a leisurely pace. Fredrika Armfeldt (played by Lucy Anders) and Madame Armfeldt (Kathleen Huber) held the story together as a granddaughter and grandmother who were both much wiser than anyone else. Marla Berg (as actress Desiree Armfeldt ) sang the well-known “Send in the Clowns” as if she meant it (and she gets points for competing with well-known versions by Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and the like bouncing around in listeners’ ears). Near the end of the second act Jody Brinkman as Petra the maid summed up Sondheim’s “carpe diem” theme with a wryly humorous “The Miller’s Son.” A smartly dressed and voiced chorus introduced the action and commented on it. The dancers, choreographed by Michael Medcalf were (as usual) splendid.

Erhard Rom’s set was simple, but gorgeous. Lit by a never-setting peach tinted sun and (often) draped with leaves and vines hanging beguilingly from the ceiling, it was enchanting eye candy–best yet for Opera Cleveland. Betsy Burleigh conducted an outstanding ensemble of musicians outstandingly (but of course). The house was full; the audience seemed delighted with this very romantic night music. It continues August 17 and 18 at 8PM and August 19 at 2PM.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly LKennellyATgmail.com

Some Girls @ The Bang & the Clatter Bang 8/11 North Coast’s creative little theatre, is now staging Neil LaBute’s Some Girls. LaBute is the red-hot playwright who penned such gems as In the Company of Men, which became a hit movie; The Mercy Seat, which was one of the first major theatrical responses to the September 11, 2001 attacks; and Fat Pig, which was given a compelling staging earlier this year by B&C. LaBute, who is noted for writing “revenge plays,” in which women get even with a man who has wronged them, again skewers a man in Some Girls.

The story centers on Guy. We watch, well, kind of eavesdrop on him in various hotel rooms, as he revisits five major ex-girlfriends—as well as several others we don’t see—prior to his forthcoming marriage. According to Guy, his motive for the visits is to apologize and make up for the breakups. In reality, he is acting out a much deeper psychological problem… his obsessive love ‘em/leave ‘em/feel no regrets way of life.

As the plot develops we start asking about Guy’s real intentions. Is he a “good guy” trying to make amends, or, is he a “bad guy” looking for new material for a tell-all story like the one he recently published, and with which some of the girls were not thrilled.

As is true of LaBute’s writing, each woman we meet has a highly individual language and personality. Eventually, true to LaBute’s theme, each repays Guy in her own way as reconciliation turns into retaliation, one with a slap, another through seduction, a third via guilt, a fourth via humiliation, and the fifth walking out when he expresses deep love for her.

The play opened for a professional run in 2005 in London with David Schwimmer of TV’s Friends playing the lead. When the show was transferred to NY in 2006, Schwimmer had another commitment so he was replaced by Eric McCormack of Will & Grace notoriety. The off-Broadway cast also included Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Judy Reyes (Scrubs) and Maura Tierney (ER). The play, in both productions, was a smash hit.

The Bang and Clatter production is quite acceptable, but not sterling. Its pace is too languid in many scenes, in fact most of the first act. Some of the tensions and laugh lines are lost due to the lack of keying of lines. The audience was forced to work too hard to grasp LaBute’s message and keep involved in the action.

Daniel McElhaney, though he tries hard, as can be witnessed by the cascades of sweat pouring down his face, isn’t totally up to the role of Guy. He does not have the charisma or physical appeal of Schwimmer nor the good looks or quirkiness of McCormick. It is rather difficult to believe that McElhaney was able to attract and bed all of these women. To be a “chick magnet” he needs to have some deep appeal, charisma and warmth. What is McElhaney’s? As for his acting, many of his lines, especially in the important ending of the play, seem undeveloped, without a concept of understanding nor clarity of meaning.

Sam (Margaret Morris), was Guy’s high school sweetheart whom he left with no explanation. She is now in an unfulfilling marriage and saddled with multiple children. Morris conveys an attitude of being properly angry, but much of her angst is displayed with contorted facial expressions that detract.

Tyler (Rachel Roberts) is a free spirit, nonintellectual and promiscuous. She and Guy enjoyed some kinky sex, and their breakup apparently suited her just as much as him, but she, too, makes him pay! Roberts physically fits the role of the beautiful Tyler, but seems a little uncomfortable with the demands of the part. This is the most talky scene, which seems to drag on and on.

Reggie (Laurel Johnson) was 12 when 18-year-old Guy kissed and inappropriately touched his best friend’s young sister. She was both confused and enthralled by the action. Johnson shows all the signs of someone in deep conflict, conveying the mood swings that are the results of the conflict between desire and guilt.

In Boston, where Guy was a college instructor, he had a clandestine adulterous affair with Lindsay (Laurel Johnson), an older colleague who was married to another academic. When their carryings-on were discovered, Guy fled and left her to face the humiliation alone. Johnson is excellent as the wronged Lindsay. She embodies the role and seems to have the clearest understanding of the whys of the revenge she plots.

Finally, in Los Angeles, there is Bobbi (Alanna Romansky), another who was loved and left. She may have been Guy’s real love, but he was unable to rid himself of his love ‘em but leave ‘em past. Romansky develops her role well and is generally believable.

Sean Derry’s set design and the set changes by the female members of the cast are quite clever. As Guy stays in hotels of the same chain, the rooms in which the encounters take place are marked by the same furniture, but through slight shifts of the scenery, they become superficial like Guy.

”Capsule judgment: This is a thought-provoking play with an interesting premise. Though acceptable, the production needed a leading man who more fit the physical and personality needs of the role, and who also understood the underlying motivations of the character. As is, it’s a show worth seeing, but is far from what it should be.”

Some Girls runs at The Bang And The Clatter through September 9, 140 E. Market Street in Akron. For tickets call 330-606-5317. Visit them online at http://www.bnctheatre.com.

(By the way, Bang and Clatter’s next production is Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s The Dead Guy, which runs from September 21 through October 21. The plot: You have $1,000,000.00 to spend in several days. At the end of the week, you die! And, guess what? The audience gets to decide how you meet your end.)

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.

Othello @ Ohio Shakespeare Festival 8/12
Clear as a bell: Outdoors and unmiked at the gorgeous lagoon setting of the Stan Hywet estate, Terry Burgler’s old-fashioned Shakespeare company features actors who project the language so beautifully you can follow every blessed word. And with Burgler in the role, the play should rightfully be titled “Iago”: the actor/director makes the play about male competition and oneupmanship, with the women as hapless props. He also assembles a decent cast, especially Deric McNish’s comic fall guy Rodrigo, Andy Nagraj’s handsome, volcanic Othello, and Lara Mielcarek’s fiery Emilia.
Caveats: Burgler doesn’t cut a line, which makes the show long at 2 hours 45 min., and Lisa Marie Schueller makes for a colorless Desdemona.
Details: Thru 8/19 @ Stan Hywet, Akron. http://www.stanhywet.org/
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Some Girls @ The Bang & the Clatter 8/12
Reasons to go: This tale of a narcissistic user who checks in with old girlfriends before his upcoming marriage is all about the women, and these 5 are terrific: from Margaret Morris’ still-steaming high school dumpee and Rachel Roberts’ feline sexpot, to Lisa Siciliano’s schizzy wounded bird & Laurel Johnson’s vengeful feminist professor — but especially Alanna Romansky’s grounded, complex Bobbi, the one who got away.
Caveats: Though he’s a good enough actor, Daniel McElhaney is egregiously miscast as a patented Neil LaBute “emotional terrorist”. He’s way too fumbling and doughy to be credible as the hot bad boy women still dream about 15 years later — like casting Paul Giamatti in a Tom Cruise role. Nevertheless, it’s still fun to watch.
Details: Thru 9/9 @ Summit Arts Space, Akron. http://www.bnctheatre.com/
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

A Little Night Music @ Cleveland Play House 8/12 At some point in the future, Cleveland audiences may well look back at OperaCleveland’s production of A Little Night Music as the new opera company’s ‘coming-of-age’ party. And what a splendid, stylish and sophisticated party it is, too! Everything works here, just as it should, from beginning to end. Perhaps by design, this is largely a Cleveland production: director Paul Gurgol, conductor Betsy Burleigh, choreographer Michael Medcalf, sound designer James C. Swonger, plus newcomer Mary Schilling-Martin who did the wig and hair design, all claim Cleveland as home. In addition, soprano Marla Berg (Desirée) is a faculty member at CIM. Several of the singers have appeared here previously, and the dancers are mostly local as well. It’s neat to have so many local people involved in a production of this sort. Not everything has to come from elsewhere!

Stephen Sondheim wrote music—and lyrics—to the story from Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles of a Summer Night, with a book by Hugh Wheeler. It takes place in Sweden around the turn of the 20th century. It’s a very wry look at the foibles of love—in all its guises. Fredrik Egerman (Kenneth Derby), a man in his forties has a second wife, Anne (Erin Stewart), who is just 18. The 11-month long marriage has yet to be consummated. She is younger than his son, Henrik (Philippe Pierce). Years before, Fredrik had a romance with a famous actress Desirée Armfeldt (Marla Berg), which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Fredrika, of whom Fredrik is unaware.

Desirée’s mother, Madame (Kathleen Huber), was a noted courtesan in her day, and is now raising her grand-daughter at her country estate, freeing the actress for more liaisons. But still Desirée thinks of Fredrik, as he dreams of her. Her current lover, the soldier Carl-Magnus (Christopher Vettel), has a wife, Charlotte (Meghan Moroney). Jodi Brinkman as Petra, the flirtatious maid of Anne, indulges with Madame’s butler Frid (Justin Tatum). As these characters play out the story, they are assisted by a chorus of five singers, or liedersingers, who swirl in and out of the story. They are: Darren Perry, Susan Wallin, Marian Vogel, Timothy M. R. Culver and Michelle Rice

The costumes by Kim Brown are superb, and immediately convey the time in which the story is set. Generally, the women are garbed in white or cream or other light pastels, while the men are in either a tailsuit or outlandish (on purpose) military uniforms. Some scenes are all in white, including the dancers, making for a gorgeous overall appearance. Wigs by Mary Schilling-Martin greatly enhance the costumes, adding to the ambiance.

The set of moveable furniture and sliding panels, created by Erhard Rom, works very well, instantly creating a variety of backgrounds for the multiple scenes. Lighting by Benjamin Pearcy and superb sound by James C. Swonger (the best I’ve ever heard at the Bolton, which usually swallows everything whole!) contribute greatly to the overall effect.

However, all these components mean little if the music isn’t right. Director Paul F. Gurgol exhibits his genius at casting for appropriate appearance as well as talent. The singers here were all excellent actors, not always the case. He emphasizes the human aspects of love while yet keeping everything moving forward. Conductor Betsy Burleigh allows the music time to breathe without dragging or moving so fast one can’t understand the words. Diction was uniformly excellent throughout—every word was intelligible.

Any new organization has growing pains, but it appears that OperaCleveland has really hit the mark with this production! Bravo!

For ticket availability, visit the website: http://www.operacleveland.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net


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

On Ingenuity I drove up from Akron for the Ingenuity Festival and was not disappointed. Keep up the effort. The word is getting around. I know I will promote it heavily from the South, way down here……. I loved the modern dance, the classrooms at Cleveland State, the 3-D classes were GREAT with the Martian Rover film. I was sad that more people weren’t there. I think it will get better every year. I loved that the selection of food was more than the typical “fair food” also. You did an incredible job. Don’t give up the ship! From Cool Cleveland reader Deb Dockery

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) Burning River Fest Organic food, beer from sponsor Great Lakes Brewing Company, local artisans and bands, and a wide range of booths and demonstrations from area environmental education groups.
www.BurningRiverFest.org

2) Tremendous Treehouses Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens hosts this exhibit of 11 distinctive treehouses installed throughout the landscaped gardens and grounds.
www.StanHywet.org

3) Chrissie Hynde to open VegiTerranean at Northside Lofts and plays concert with Bizarros & 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band) at Akron Civic.
www.NorthSideLofts.com

4) RoldoLINK Should Hagan Have Recused Himself from Vote?
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Interview Cain Park Artistic Director Russ Borski.
www.CoolCleveland.com

Get in the Van We’ve got our Hard Corps band together and we want you to do the tour of Cleveland with us every week. Plug in and join us? Mad props to Peter Chakerian, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Mansfield B. Frazier, Linda Eisenstein, Kelly Ferjutz, Roy Berko, Laura Kennelly and Grandma Bagdasarian. 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 podcasts and videos each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com
Join the conversation at Brewed Fresh Daily http://www.brewedfreshdaily.com
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
Receive your own copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com

Tell us your American Stories, Cleveland,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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