Change Of Venue

4.28-5.05

Change of Venue

Dear Friend,

Cool Cleveland party has been moved to a new location Our first party of 2004, Downtown Underground, will take place on Thu 4/29 from 4-8PM, but now in a new location. Just weeks after shuttering his Shaker Square location, Phil The Fire owner Phil Davis has closed his Downtown location as well. Not cool. But the Cool Cleveland party goes on! Join us down the street at Abbasso Underground Lounge, 1222 Prospect (right across from Gray’s Armory) starting at 4PM and going as late as you care to go. From 4-8PM, enjoy open bar with beer & wine, hors d’oeuvres from a dozen killer Downtown restaurants, and the company of Cleveland’s coolest citizens. Tour the nearby Pointe at Gateway condos and dream about your own place Downtown. Then, stick around for a smokin’ after-party with DJ Deviant. Register by midnight on Wed 4/28 for only $10, after that, show up at the door for $15. Tell your friends about the change of venue. Check the details and register now by clicking here: http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd7/index.html

Cool Cleveland Interview with Anthony Houston Since he became the director of the Cleveland Empowerment Zone in October of 2003, Anthony Houston has kept a low media profile, focusing instead on serving the 50,000 residents in the EZ. The Empowerment Zone is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program designed to help reinvest in the urban communities of Fairfax, Glenville, Hough, and midtown Cleveland for which the City of Cleveland received $177 million dollars of loan and grant funds over a ten year period. It’s anything but easy. Anthony Houston grew up in Glenville, “surviving” (as he puts it) the Cleveland Municipal School District during one of its darkest hours – desegregation. After living and working in New York, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia for fifteen years, he recently returned to the city he vowed never to return to. Cool Cleveland’s Information Officer had coffee with Anthony one Saturday morning to find out why. Cool Cleveland: Why didn’t you want to come back to Cleveland? Tony Houston:Too many bad memories. My brother was killed in a black on black shooting, and my other brother is a substance abuser. My father passed in 2002, and my mother in 2003. When I graduated from Oberlin in ’87, I felt like I had to leave and not come back. I knew I couldn’t live here and not become a victim. I’d rather have myself die than hurt another brother. All of the people I grew up with are either on drugs, in jail, or dead. What happened when you got back into town? The folks I knew were all gray, ashen shells of people. All of the guys I grew up with said “Man, you sure look good.” They all had problems. One was like, “I just got out of jail,” another was like, “I ain’t got a job.” I asked them, “What are we gonna do?” I’ll never forget what they told me. They said, “Man, we ain’t gonna do nothing. We CAN’T do nothing. You’re gonna do it.” That stuck with me ever since…
Read the Cool Cleveland interview with Anthony Houston here.

London’s Manhattan Project for the arts The Mayor of London, England is proposing to spend $75 million over 10 years launching Creative London to build 10 “creative hubs” (small offices where arts entrepreneurs can work and seek advice), in an effort to raise the value of London’s art industry by a third to $50 billion and create 200,000 new jobs. The fund will support business growth and provide venture capital, plus advise on local policy and planning issues, including help with intellectual property, marketing to attract private sector support, and a space brokering agency to access vacant space for exhibitions, marketing and showcasing. They are taking it pretty seriously. “London’s future social, economic and cultural health will depend on how well we support creative industries today,” says Creative London chairman Michael Frye. See BBC News here. See The Guardian Unlimited here.

$1 rent in Slavic Village? Have you checked out the beautiful 20,000 square feet octagonal-shaped Broadway Free Library Building in historic Slavic Village at the corner of Broadway and 55th Street? Here’s the offer: pay $1 a year rent for five years, and open up a full-service restaurant and lounge with conference, banquet and performance facilities in a magnificent historic building. You could lease the main and secondary dining rooms, rotunda, bar/lounge area and kitchen with equipment for operation of a full-service restaurant. There’s also a D-5 liquor license available, and the owner prefers that the facility remains a smoke-free environment. The lower level auditorium could be available on a cooperative basis for banquets, meetings and/or performances. http://www.libraryrestaurant.net

$1 Stephen King film? In order to encourage young filmmakers, author Stephen King has sold dozens of his stories as Dollar Babies to such filmmakers as Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont. Cuyahoga Falls resident James Renner, who graduated from Kent State University in 2000, paid $1 for the rights to King’s All That You Love Will Be Carried Away, with the stipulation that the film be shot within a year and not released commercially. Shooting, which takes place in Kent, Lodi, Wadsworth and East Cleveland, also features local celebs writer Harvey Pekar and musician Michael Stanley. Read more

Get a degree in filmmaking in Cleveland? It’s not as far off as you might think. Now Cleveland State University is offering an undergrad degree program in filmmaking, one of the few film programs in the state. Read more. In other news, CSU has announced the opening of their new campus in Solon, complementing the Westlake campus they opened last year, attracting 700 students in its first two quarters. Read more. Meanwhile, back downtown, CSU students are protesting the closing of Cafe 101, the last independent cafe on campus (owned by a CSU alum, no less), which is being handed over to corporate giant Aramark. Another one bites the dust. Read more.

Independent Media Center engages hundreds of independent journalists, filmmakers, and broadcasters in grassroots reporting on globalizations, protests, and other community issues. http://www.indymedia.org

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Get to the Pointe Cleveland’s hottest downtown neighborhood just got better! The Pointe at Gateway offers affordable, 1 and 2 bedroom condominiums that place you at the center of the historic Gateway neighborhood. Take your pick of light-filled one-bedroom units and spacious two-bedroom units with two full baths. Units feature historic details and plush carpets, with available upgrades to hardwood floors. Other features include lofty ceilings, modern appliances, ceramic kitchen tile and large windows, some with views of the Terminal Tower! Pointe buyers can walk to the Jake, dine on sumptuous food from Historic Gateway restaurants or catch a show at Pickwick and Frolic. One bedrooms start at $77,900 and two bedrooms start at $129,900, plus tax abatement and special financing. Don’t miss the Pointe Grand Opening and Cool Cleveland party at Abbasso Underground Lounge, Thu 4/29 4-8 PM. The Pointe at Gateway is also open this Sun 5/2 2-4 PM. Visit our website at
http://www.progressiveurban.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland African-American artists and authors living in the greater Cleveland area have recently gained several new venues for their work due to the efforts of Sankofa Fine Art Plus, a nonprofit organization formed to create opportunities that support and educate the community about fine ethnic art. In addition to showcasing local artists, the Cleveland-based Sankofa organization provides funding for African American youth art scholarships and sponsors programs that encourage and educate artistically gifted students, while providing exposure to works by master and contemporary artists. For info call 791-2437 or visit www.charityadvantage.com

School cuts 500 Cleveland school employees who plan on retiring or resigning this summer will not be replaced, according to Cleveland schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who is offering to take a different job in the district to help pass the levy this Fall, returning her $278,000 salary if asked by the board or Mayor Campbell. Read more

Ignoring Entrepreneurs As director of the Entrepreneurs Association at John Carroll University and former head of the Council on Small Enterprises (COSE), John Polk knows about entrepreneurs and small businesses. So he knows that small business generates 70% of new jobs, which we’re going to be hearing a lot about during the upcoming election season, then shunned after they get into office. Why do entrepreneurs get ignored by politicians? Possibly, it’s because they are too busy growing their businesses that they don’t have time to be politically active like big business, labor and the senior citizen lobbies. See CrainTech here.

Corp Watch is an online magazine that monitors corporate-led globalization. The website educates and helps mobilize citizens to work on environmental justice, labor rights, and human rights issues. http://www.corpwatch.org

Merge the libraries Jim Rokakis has some guts. Amidst the flurry of regionalism proposals being floated almost daily, he has done the analysis as County Treasurer to find that if the eight other library systems merged with the Cuyahoga County Public Library they would definitely save some big bucks for taxpayers. Already the county is doing the job for 1/3 to 1/5 the cost of the smaller systems, while maintaining high rankings and “almost no displeasure” expressed from users through surveys. It’s a matter of politics and “civic pride,” according to some, but surely we could even be prouder of an excellent library system that does the same job for a fraction of the cost. Read more

Regionalism means helping Cleveland Schools Speaking at The City Club last week, Cleveland City Council President Frank Jackson said that any talk of regionalism (and there are at least six groups working on it), must include pooling our resources for the Cleveland Public Schools, unemployment and homelessness. His will be an influential voice in this debate. Read more

Regional detectives When you compare Cleveland to Jacksonville, FL (which has 1/2 the population with 2X the size) the numbers are startling: we have 2.4X the number of total police officers, 8.5X the number of dispatch centers, 2.8X the budget. Could we better serve the public and save a ton of money by regionalizing our SWAT teams, detectives, jails and dispatchers? Read more

Race for cities to merge Get over yourself, Cleveland. We’re not the only city to be talking about regionalism. We’re in a race with cities like Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton and Erie to see who can more quickly and efficiently transform themselves from a collection of tiny competitive burgs into a “genuine regional government that works smarter, better and cheaper.” Pittsburgh wants “a new reputation for innovation” for itself. A televised public “Buffalo Conversation” starts in June. “Let’s be bold and get away from nit-picking,” says Buffalo’s mayor. See Washington Post Writers Group here.

Cellphones may boost forces on biological tissue Mobile phone radiation may cause significant increase in the forces that living cells exert on each other. Research could answer whether the radiation from mobile phones cause cancer or other health problems. Read New Scientist here: www.NewScientist.com

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Warehouse district apartment living! Distinctive city living in the heart of downtown Cleveland’s most desirable neighborhood! The Bingham, opening for occupancy May 1st, boasts spacious loft living and full-scale amenities in the Warehouse District’s most recent renovation. Available units feature 1 and 2 bedrooms, or choose from two-story or 3 bedroom penthouses! All models feature contemporary kitchens with wheat-burnished cabinetry, brushed chrome fixtures and a complete array of modern appliances. Neutral decors offer move in ease and all apartments feature individually controlled HVAC, laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. Live in Cleveland’s busiest neighborhood and enjoy the convenience of restaurants, clubs, shops and galleries; all within a short walk from your door. Visit http://www.thebingham.com or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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RTA buys Euclid Corridor vehicles The newly created Euclid Corridor Transporation Project has purchased 21 vehicles with low-floor articulated coaches boasting leading edge hybrid-electric propulsion and design. The result is cooler, cleaner, and quieter transportation. Board Vice President Beverly Burtzlaff says this purchase is “a huge historic moment.” Read more

PHS christens 14th Street Theatre Now that Playhouse Square has assumed full operation of the small theatre which Second City Cleveland was using, it’s now running six theatres: Allen, Ohio, State, Palace, Hanna, plus Kennedy’s basement performance space. The new 14th Street Theatre will open on Wed 5/5 with Menopause The Musical. All in all, Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts complex next to Lincoln Center in NYC. http://www.playhousesquare.com

Cleveland remains The Dirty City Cleveland’s nickname dates back to the 70’s when it was heard crackling across CB radios. Recent developments insure the moniker will stick. International Steel Group of Richfield got their way last week when a US Bankruptcy Court judge in Wheeling, WV accepted their pennies-on-the-dollar bid to take over beleaguered Weirton Steel Corp., which has lost $100 million a year since it was bought by employees in 1984 before declaring bankruptcy in 2003. The deal would make ISG the largest steel producer in the US. Notice the air in the Cuyahoga Valley smell a little nicer lately? Well, forget about that. This deal is “going to secure steel making in the upper Ohio Valley for a long time,” said Mark Glyptis, president of the Independent Steelworkers Union. Lucky us. Read more

Neurotechnology: mind control is a reality New technologies on the market, such as Hypersonic sound, direct beams of sound to deliver marketing or other messages when it enters your personal path. Other subversive breakthroughs include brain fingerprinting, a new alternative to the polygraph. Read New Scientist here: www.NewScientist.com

Arts Collinwood Art and Drama Day Camp Arts Collinwood will be offering an Art and Drama Day Camp this summer for children. Drama activities will occupy half of each day, and will include making puppets, scenery, costumes and props, as well as putting together a script and acting it out. In the second half of each day’s session, children will work on pottery, painting, paper mache, printmaking and drawing. Classes begin Tue 6/15 – Thu 8/12 with drama and stage teachers on hand. Weekly field trips will round out the program and include visits to the Great Lakes Theater Festival at Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Sculpture Center, the Glass Bubble Project, Zygote Press, and Euclid Beach Park. To take full advantage of the program, students are encouraged to sign up for the three weeks dedicated to each project. Call 531-8161 or Arts 491-1785 or http://www.artscollinwood.org or nankennedy@yahoo.com

Here we go again What a surprise. The Cincinnati-based “Ohio Campaign to Protect Marriage” is promising to get a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage on the November ballot. They still have to get 323,000 signatures from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, because “watching Massachusetts and what the courts are doing there is terrifying.” Others see a political motivation. “I think it is part of a strategy in Ohio to win the presidency for George W. Bush by scapegoating gay people,” says David Caldwell, who helped push for Cleveland Heights’ domestic partner registry, which, no doubt, is equally terrifying to some people. Read more

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Getting by…
Cleveland Public Theatre, in association with Great Lakes Theater Festival, is proud to bring the much-anticipated Nickel and Dimed, to CPT’s historic Gordon Square Theatre. This riveting new play, based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s best-selling book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, is an eye-opening view about the underside of making a living in America. Experience what the Philadelphia Inquirer has called an “Involving, important and urgently topical” play, previewing Wed 4/28 and Thu 4/29 with two opening nights, Fri 4/30 and Sat 5/1. Tickets for Nickel and Dimed are going fast with already 12 shows sold out! Along with the play, check out CPT’s website for a series of community events entitled Not Getting By: Views on Working in America, highlighting economic justice issues. Also playing in CPT’s Old Parish Hall: experience The Cult. CPT, 6415 Detroit Ave., 631-2727. Bring It On!
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Schools more racially segregated, not less It’s a fine thing to realize on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education: “Since the late 1980s, public schools in the U.S. are becoming increasingly segregated again,” said Christopher Edley Jr. of the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University, at a symposium at John Carroll University. Read more

First Energy likes their monopoly and high rates But others are fighting their “rate stabilization plan” that maintains the highest energy prices in the state while delaying market competition. “A bad decision in this case could have devastating effects on the economy of northern Ohio,” says Glenn Krassen, a lawyer for the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, which buys power for nearly 500,000 customers at a discount. Read more

Madcat Women’s International Film Festival exhibiting provocative and visionary films from around the world, they’re currently taking film submissions; deadline is 5/21. Get more info and an entry form at http://www.madcatfilmfestival.org

Carry a poem in your pocket to celebrate National Poetry Day, Fri 4/30 and learn more about the vital importance that poetry has in our lives. Check out more info on National Poetry Month here

+Cool Cleveland ‘This Week
[
‘4.28-5.05.04”+]

Please send your cool events to eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

New Petrarch Translations Poet David Young will read from his newest book translations from the seminal poet Petrarch. Young also translated poetry and writings of Rilke, Miroslav Eugenio Montale and Yu Xuanji. He’s authored nine books of poetry, and pocketed the 1999 Cleveland Arts Prize, a Guggenheim fellowship, and an NEA Fellowship in Poetry. Get acquainted with this area poet and his book The Poetry of Petrarch Wed 4/28 at 7PM. Call 330-653-6658. Hudson Library, 22 Aurora Street. http://www.hudsonlibrary.org

Nickle and Dimed a riveting new play based on the book, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America tells the story of author, social critic and journalist Barbara Ehrenreich’s undercover journey as a minimum wage worker. Posing as a server, cleaning person, and retail clerk, Ehrenreich thrusts herself into the struggles of the working poor. This fascinating adaptation is one woman’s view about self and the underside of making a living in America Wed 4/28 thru 5/29 at CPT in association with Great Lakes Theater Festival. Call 631-2727. 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.cptonline.org

Downtown Underground Get ready to get out of hand with Cleveland’s artists, activists and business professionals for an afterwork event with excellent edibles, fine entertainment and local wine from MyOhioWine at Cool Cleveland’s Art/Tech/Dance party. Dine with new friends, hang with old ones and network at Abbasso Underground Lounge, 1222 Prospect Avenue, across from Gray’s Armory, near East 14th Street, this Thu 4/29 from 4-8PM; check the exceptional price that’ll get you fabulous food, open bar and hours of progressive music. www.corpmeetings.com

Tactical Magic Aaron Gach will unveil his knowledge gained while studying with a private investigator, a magician, and a ninja. His fusion of magic and surveillance explores the relationship between security information and the mystification of technology. See this noted performance, installation, and new media artist sharing his works while collaborating with students and the public for one evening only Thu 4/29 at 7:30PM. Call 440-375-7452. B.K. Smith Gallery located on the east side of Lake Erie College on Gillett St. http://www.lec.edu http://www.tacticalmagic.org

Senenkunya: Living in Peace and Harmony lecture with Dr. Ousmane Macalou from Stanford University who will talk about the African traditions that break down barriers and build bridges of understanding between people of all ethnic backgrounds and ages Thu 4/29 at 7PM. Call 231-1177 for reservations. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Dr. http://www.cmnh.org

Spontaneous Art by PAD Circle (poetryartdrama), is an informal group of diverse individuals comprised of urban artists and academics sharing talent and time to promote awareness, explore, accept and applaud diversity in art and artists. Artists and audience share talent and empower each other in the spirit of synergistic collaboration through poetry, art, drama, photo-film-video, music, motion, storytelling and more. Get involved every last Thursday of the month, including this Thu 4/29 from 9PM-1AM, and check out clevelandmetronews to learn more about art in Cleveland. Call 421-9007. Algebra Tea House, 2136 Murray Hill in Little Italy. http://www.clevelandmetronews.com

Market Under Glass Don’t miss the annual tasting event serving up Cleveland’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors who donate their time, talents and staff to serve up culinary delights and thirst-quenching beverages. Get cooking tips from Celebrity Chef Chez Ray, who has been seen on the Food Network and HGTV. Make the event to help out Cleveland’s Food Bank Thu 4/29 from 6-9PM with an afterparty afterwards. Call 696-6007, ext. 145. The Galleria, East 9th St. http://www.cleveland.com/marketunderglass

Connectivity & Conviviality JumpStart Inc., Northeast Ohio’s new entrepreneurial development and funding organization, will hold its first Akron-area networking event to foster connections between entrepreneurs, supporters of growing companies, deal makers, investors, and leaders from large corporations in Northeast Ohio. Come by and learn the finer points of speed networking, and listen in on Akron entrepreneur Harvey Nelson who will discuss his experiences as a Northeast Ohio entrepreneur Thu 4/29 at 5:30PM. Jillian’s, 363 South Main St in Akron. Register at http://www.enterprise-development.org

Something from the Heart, Something from the Soul a performance art journey through recovery is presented by the women of Transitional Housing, Inc. Drawing on their deepest personal experiences, these women express their journey from recovery to empowerment through drama, music, dance, song, poetry and art. The THI Women’s Art Exhibit and Sale will also showcase the creativity of women at THI. See their only performance Fri 4/30 at 6PM. Call 781-2250. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. http://www.trinitycleveland.org

Spring Fling with Don King Ohio artist Don King uses music to link his emotions with the movement and rhythm of his gorgeous abstract compositions. Teaming conscious experimentation, spontaneity, and unconventional painting methods, King works with polyurethane glazes and spray enamel on hardboard and linen. Accompanying artist David Szekeres provides breathtaking, provoking images ranging from cityscapes to dreamscapes, along with Gisela Towner’s pastels focus on the beauty found in the industrial heart of our city. Catch opening night Fri 4/30 from 7-11PM. Call 554-5548. Paradise Gallery, 2199 Lee Rd in Cleveland Heights. paradisegallery@sbcglobal.net

Dine with the Artist This series of dinners is all about getting intimate with the artists. Each month features an artist that presents their work to a small intimate group to expose the artist in a fashion that is comfortable yet daring through the exhibition and demonstration of their work. This is an ongoing event held on the last Friday of each month. This Fri 4/30 features Toronto glass blower Eva Milinkovic. Dinner starts at 7PM. For info on location and to make reservations, call 861-9088 or email cquigs999@aol.

WCLVnotes This Sun 5/2 at 4PM, WCLV 104.9 has another archival broadcast by George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra. It’s a Severance Hall concert from December of 1967, with David Oistrakh as the soloist in the Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Then Oistrakh conducts Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. Szell was not thrilled with Oistrakh’s idea of doing the Shostakovich. In correspondence, he referred to the work as a “piece of s—.” At 1PM on Sun 5/2, WCLV will broadcast live the final rounds of PIANO OHIO, a competition for area high school aged pianists. Robert Conrad will host the event from Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art. A Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com

Heading Out A Lifestyle Event and Benefit where you can experience young professional lifestyle-related activities. Cook up a storm in a demonstration kitchen, sip and learn about wine, then dance the night away after taking salsa lessons. Sample hors d’oeuvres while meeting other like-minded individuals Sat 5/1 at 8PM. Proceeds from this event will sponsor Junior Medical Camp scholarships for Cleveland school children. 521-9686. HealthSpace Cleveland, 8911 Euclid Ave. http://www.healthspacecleveland.org

Images Italia Opening night reception unveiling new works by Gretchen Gaede, see for yourself her photography of rural and urban Italy and browse new objets d’art: rare Badash Crystal perfume bottles, martini sets, Glass Bubble Project’s dreamy blown glass creations, Raku pottery and fab hand crafted jewelery. Stop in for a glass of imported wine, gourmet edibles and shopping Sat 5/1 from 6-10PM. Call 440-946-3313. Finestra Gallery, 4076 Erie St in downtown historic Willoughby. http://www.finestragallery.com

Unclothed A mixed media runway event, it’s a fashion abstraction with film shorts by Robert Banks, artistry by Patsy Kline, ArtMetro, and performance art courtesy of Groop and Move Art Audience?. The evening will be rounded out with musical mixup and entertainment by DJ Impure and Go Sat 5/1 from 8PM-12AM, event is free. Call 696-1942. The Colonial Artcade, 530 Euclid Ave. http://www.theclevelandfashionshow.com

Rebel, Rebel – A Glam Rock Revolution a rocking benefit for Bad Epitaph’s upcoming production, The American Revolution. Dance the night away with Vanity Crash, smash up the Sinatra piñata for adults, and play hysterical party games while enjoying tasty offerings from the best Cleveland restaurants and cash bar Sat 5/1 at 8PM. SPACES, 2220 Superior Viaduct. Call 556-0919. Make your reservations online at http://www.badepitaph.org

Contemporary Visions Series Performances with Janet Bi combining traditional African dance with the contemporary world of modern dance, with new and powerful images that delight the mind and eye. It’s part of the Showtime at High Noon Performance Series Sat 5/1 at 8PM. Call 987-2543. Allen Theatre, 1501 Euclide Ave. http://www.tri-c.edu/ca http://www.playhousesquare.com

Art House’s Second Annual Home Tour In recognition of National Preservation Week, Art House is presenting its Brooklyn Preservation Fair and Home Tour; artists will be on site selling paintings, stained glass, jewelry, silk scarves and other crafts. Catch demonstrations on the making of stained glass and ceramics while enjoying refreshments Sun 5/2 starting at 11AM-5pm. The Art House is located at 3119 Denison Ave. 398-8556. For info artthouseinc@aol.com or visit http://www.arthouseinc.org

Dead Horse Gallery & Avon Lake Public Library Gallery present the paintings of Enid Williams, Paul Yanko, Christopher Berry, and the ceramic work of Mark Yasenchack. Enid Williams’ works uncover unpredictable disjunctures of time and space; Paul Yanko’s densely woven interlaced paintings reflecte desires to reconcile formal painterly styles with imagery derived from pop cultural references. Head out to make the opening reception Sun 5/2 from 2-4 PM. Call 440-943-8128. At 32649 Electric Blvd. in Avon Lake http://www.alpl.org or http://www.deadhorsegallery.com

Authentic African dance classes Find out about the new Super Sunday series, then come dressed and ready to experience Africa through creative movements where you’ll dance bare-footed. “Kickoff” classes begin Sun 5/2 from 11:30AM-12:45PM The normal class schedule will start on Sun 5/9, classes are taught by guest Traditional Master Artists from Africa. For info call 413-0143. The Dance Studio, 1916 Lee Rd or email dancewithidrissa@hotmail.com

The Working Poor: Invisible in America Author David K. Shipler will discuss problems of the working poor; he’s won a Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction, worked for the New York Times, an served as senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Hear him address the real issues that affect American workers Sun 5/2 at 2PM. Call 623-2800. Cleveland Public Main Library, Building 888, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th St and Superior Ave. http://www.cpl.org

Finding Funding Workshop Attendees will learn about funding available for individual teachers or for classroom and school projects. Presenters include The Foundation Center Library and several grant-making foundations including the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council and the Target Foundation presented by Playhouse Square in partnership with ideastream will take place Mon 5/3 from 3-4:30PM prior to Fair on the Square; reservations are suggested. Call 348-7909. 1519 Euclid Ave. http://www.playhousesquare.com/faironthesquare

Peter Ujvagi at The City Club luncheon program with State Rep. Peter Ujvagi who has proposed legislation in the State House to require voter-verified paper receipts if electronic voting is used in Ohio. He’ll explain why voter-verified printed “receipts” are necessary for honest, accurate elections, on Mon 5/3 from noon-1:30PM during a special program at the City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. For reservations call 621-0082. http://www.cityclub.org

Playhouse Square’s 11th Annual Fair on the Square offers Northeast Ohio educators the opportunity to meet over 50 top cultural organizations to learn about field trip and curriculum enhancing opportunities directly from a collection of arts, science, and cultural organizations located throughout Greater Cleveland. It’s a free, one-stop field trip expo held in Playhouse Square Center’s State Theatre Lobby Mon 5/3 from 4-6PM. 1519 Euclid Ave. http://www.playhousesquare.com/faironthesquare

Eating locally Heather McClure, education coordinator of Crown Point Ecology Center in Bath, Ohio will help us understand the importance of eating locally and why this is a prime environmental issue Tue 5/4 from noon-1PM. It’s part of the Environmental Town Hall Brown Bag Lunch Series. Call 321-5935. Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd. http://www.naturecenteratshakerlakes.org

Nickel and Dimed: Working Poor in America Roundtable Discussion on welfare reform and low wage jobs that are impacting Northeast Ohio. Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Policy Matters join together to address issues raised by the Cleveland Public Theater/Great Lakes Theater Festival production Nickel and Dimed. In 1998, a columnist went “undercover” as a newly divorced unskilled woman seeking to make a living in modern America. Her minimum wage journey made for one of America’s most engrossing and popular social commentaries. Event is free Mon 5/3 from 4-6PM. Registration is required, call 523-7330. Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Atrium, Cleveland State University, 1717 Euclid Ave. http://urban.csuohio.edu

Email Marketing in the Age of CAN-SPAM Leading local and regional firms will help you learn how to use email to reach prospects and grow your business and create messages that comply with legislation and get through to the inbox to generate your desired response. A panel of email marketers will discuss their efforts to create messages that generate desired responses while rising above the din of spam Tue 5/4 at 11:30AM. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St. Pre-register and learn more at http://www.webassociation.org and visit http://www.windowsontheriver.net

Please send your cool events to eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

+‘My Brain is Crying
[
‘Dueling dialogue that’s unsafe at any speed”+]

Tisha Nemeth: The past couple months I’ve been exploring Western culture’s fascination with physical perfection, specifically in Cleveland due to the overwhelming media fascination with voluntary plastic surgery. Does this mean that individuals with scars are not on the same level as those with plastic surgeon enhanced, idealized bodies? I thought idealized figures were limited to classical statuary…are people now attracted to fake, exterior appearances, to the point of imitating statues?
Deb Remington: It depends – do you allow artificial enhancements to the body to be a part of the definition of perfection? Another question related to that theory of self modification is, why are Americans afraid to age? Why can’t wrinkles and scars be celebrated – they define our journey through life. Shouldn’t we take ownership of our experiences instead of being ashamed of our bodies?
TN: From the scar standpoint, it’s a feeling of not being “whole.” But I’ve given up on completeness; to be entirely whole and unblemished is almost a sacred thing. Realistically, most people are not whole, but fragmented (either physically or mentally). Deb, you’re a teacher, and witnessing an interesting juxtaposition occuring with some of your students who are on the opposite spectrum, those who cut themselves to feel whole. The “SI” (self-infliction) behavior type, placing little or no value on being scarless.
DR: They insist that cutting is a validation of life. It is a way for them to visually express their pain and to punish themselves for behaviors they don’t understand, but you’ll deal with the scar issue in your Kafka, Corsets and Beautiful Scars commentary this week in the Cool Cleveland Book Review (below). As for the perfect body, it’s important to realize that the most dangerous scars are usually held inside the self (psychologically), and not necessarily represented on the outward body. A wounded spirit can be lurking in even the most outwardly “perfect” body…
Read My Brain is Crying

+Cool Cleveland Book Review
[
‘Kafka, Corsets and Beautiful Scars
by Tisha Nemeth+]
Feeding the Eye
by Anne Hollander‘ Cleveland has long neglected to take ownership of its unease pertaining to artists’ perspectivism involving mental, visceral, and creative conflicts. But there also exists in Cleveland groups on the fringe who frequently dissect these topics; artists who immerse themselves in the re-naming of cultural and personal psychological experiences into formative expression. Navigating these perceptions of self can be agonizing as well as unnerving, and yet these unconventional conversations are gaining popularity in this region. What better way to smash trivial conversations of the conservateurs and the local media? Penetrating and divergent, Feeding the Eye,” gorges the mind with psychological investigations, artistic expression and its relation to fashion, community, thought and sexuality. Drawing on controversial and irresistible topics, Hollander’s essays enlarge one’s vision via identification of cultural theories supported by abundant research, taking on a personalized approach with the inclusion of quotes and letters from Simone de Beauvoir, Kafka, Chanel, the artist Titian, and others whose works and lifestyles embraced unorthodox ideologies…
Read Kafka, Corsets and Beautiful Scars by Tisha Nemeth

+‘Instant Karma
[
‘Quik reviews of recent events”+]

NOTACON 4/23-4/25 A sober warning from an Internet industry leader of many growing threats to our civil liberties and personal and business security was the keynote presentation at NOTACON Northern Ohio Technological Advancement Conference. Held at the Select-Center City Holiday Inn on Lakeside Ave. in Downtown Cleveland–this “con” also offered several other presenters who provided additional warnings of the digital age. This was amidst a rollicking romp of mostly young geeks, DJs, digital musicians and artists. Read the review by Lee Batdorff

The Zawinul Syndicate: Highs and Lows @ Metro Campus Auditorium, Tri-C Jazz Fest 4/23 Joe Zawinul, who jazzes up a stage with his electronic keyboards, has played with great artists that include Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Zawinul is best known for his involvement with Weather Report, an important jazz collaboration of the 70’s and early 80’s that introduced fusion jazz to the world. His work today with The Syndicate includes world music and musicians from several different continents. Their effect fuses jazz and funk, including African music elements, which creates a penetrating sound. Highlights of the show included bassist Lindley Marthe, a striking young man who displayed a mastery of his instrument that got down under my skin. He jammed, slammed and otherwise made sweet love to a base guitar in a way I’ve never seen before. Vocal solos of Sabine Kabongo and Amit Chatterjee were other highpoints; Kabongo has a hypnotizing voice that playfully intermingles with the fusion of African music spiced with rockin’ jazz. Together and apart, Chatterjee and Kabongo’s vocals bring a distinct and spiritual flavor to the Zawinul sound. Although I enjoyed their unique sound, the group seemed to be struggling with several technical difficulties due to the lighting and sound in the auditorium. I noticed that when Zawinul joined the group with his keyboards, it often overshadowed the other good things happening on stage. His synthesizer added a harsh edge, which was not in keeping with the art of fusion he’s famous for. Overall, the group offered a powerful performance last Friday night, and Zawinul has proved that his niche in the electric arena has quite a following. He packed in an audience that was ecstatic to have him here in Cleveland, and received several standing ovations as a testament to their loyal appreciation. From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion

The Last Five Years @ Dobama Theatre 4/23 Start with an award-winning intimate (small) musical, add in two of Northeast Ohio’s best singing actors, Sandra Simon and Scott Plate, mix well with an award-winning director and professor of Musical Theatre, Victoria Bussert of Great Lakes Theater Festival and Baldwin-Wallace (and elsewhere) and if you’re lucky, you’ll end up with it as currently seen at Dobama Theatre. Jason Robert Brown is a most unusual phenomenon in theatre—he does it ALL by himself. He writes the words, the music, the book. It all fits, it all works, and very well, too.
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz

The Last Five Years @ Dobama Theatre 4/23 Dobama Theatre was near capacity for the Ohio premiere of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s musical of a relationship told from two perspectives and from opposite starting points. Cathy (Sandy Simon) sings her version from the end of their five-year relationship toward its blissful beginning. Jamie (Scott Plate) sings his version from their first giddy date to its painful end. Her opening number is delivered with haunting and heartfelt vocals and warns us she is “Still Hurting”. Jamie immediately follows in his over-sized cowboy hat and Fozzy bear stuffed animal singing his amorous feelings to his fresh, new “Shiksa Goddess”. So begins this smart, funny and touching portrayal of a young relationship.
Read the review by Tom Perrino

Top 5

We use IdeaStar.com tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1. Dim Witticisms Expressions that are neither fresh nor witty do nothing but “dull our reason and dim our insight.” Phrases such as “first things first,” or “24/7” are included in The Dimwit’s Dictionary.
http://www.chicagotribune.com

2. Shoot the messenger After being rightly criticized for poor media relations, Mayor Jane Campbell has replaced press secretary Celeste Glasgow with David Fitz
www.Cleveland.com

3. Cool Cleveland exclusive interview with Dennis Kucinich
www.CoolCleveland.com

4. What goes into the ranking of America’s “most livable cities”? Robert Mc Nulty?, president of Partners for Livable Communities says, “It’s the attractiveness, the architecture, the design…”
www.USAtoday.com

5. The Downtown Life Gracious urban living in the heart of downtown’s Warehouse District! The Bingham — urban loft living and full-scale amenities in the Warehouse District’s newest renovation
http://www.thebingham.com

+‘Addendum
[
‘Follow ups and follow ons”+]

On the Cool Cleveland feature Room With A View from 4/14, click here.

I would like to submit the following comments from Kim Steigerwald of the City of Cleveland Heights Department of Planning and Development. Her comments provide a contrasting view to that expressed by Julie Langan of Future Heights in the article, A Room with a View. Steigerwald touted the city’s efforts to help local businesses to grow, and to attract new ones. “We receive two million dollars annually from HUD in Community Development Block Grant funds. Our programs for commercial owners include the storefront renovation program and the mixed use renovation program. Currently, we’re working with several business owners, including the owners of the old Free Times building on Coventry.” Steigerwald also cited the city’s commercial revolving loan fund, available to businesses that are acquiring a new or larger property, completing substantial renovations, or both. The loan offers reduced rate financing, and is designed to supplement funds from a bank – which might not provide full funding for a risky, entrepreneurial project. She added that the city’s partnership with Coventry and support of SID’s at Cedar-Fairmount and Cedar-Lee “are evidence of a willingness to partner with merchants.” She also stated regarding the Cedar-Lee development planned by Peter Rubin: “We had every intention of putting out an RFP and making this a more public selection.” When negotiations with Ohio Savings began to sour, she stated, Rubin stepped in and picked up an option on the property. (The parcel adjacent to the bank branch is the site of a former gas station, so it has an underground storage tank that has to be cleaned up before development can take place.) She added that, “Neighborhood involvement is very important.” From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Chilcote

Corrections

The exhibit Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art, will highlight the private collection of local Clevelander Robert H. Jackson with many items on display from the CMA that are seldom on view Sat 4/24 at 10AM. Call 721-5722. While some pieces included in the exhibition are from the Cleveland Museum of Art, the exhibit is being displayed at the Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Boulevard, 721-5722, http://www.wrhs.org

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The Hard Corps’ love for Cleveland manifests itself week after week, finding & kicking out content that you love hearing about. Props to Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, DJ Hellerman, Kelly Ferjutz, George Nemeth, TL Champion, Lee Chilcote, Lee Perrino and all our contributors networking to get you the real deal. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-mail newsletter, go to http://www.coolcleveland.com

See you
Thursday!
(:divend:)

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