Cleveland Life

7.02-7.09.08
Cleveland Life

In this week’s issue:
* Ingenious Mike McCartney in our craziest video interview yet
* Kids Taking High School to Whole New Level
* Biztech Profile Geof Pelaia of Virginia Marti College of Art & Design
* Straight Outta Mansfield Bye, bye, Pete…
* Tuning In Demonica, the DJ from really far Down Under
* Sounds Gettin’ Step Into Home (Act 1) from Below Jupiter
* RoldoLINK Jacobs, Ratners Get Reductions on 20-Year Loans…

* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

What is Cleveland Life? You probably know it when you see it. It’s people like Geof Pelaia, the cool head of digital media at Virginia Marti, training the brains of our next generation. Cleveland Life is transplanted Australian DJ Demonica, pulsing the radio waves on WRUW. It’s experiential learning at a brand new high school in University Circle. It’s Roldo calling the old-boy network on the carpet for giving away city tax dollars. Or Mansfield wishing a departing editor good riddance. It’s the weird (and good) sounds of Below Jupiter’s latest release. And you know what? It’s even the occasional visiting celebrity like Mike McCartney visiting our Rock Hall to show his photos of Liverpool Life. That’s life here in Cleveland, and aren’t we just exploding to tell you about it? —Thomas Mulready

Mike McCartney
Mike McCartney’s Liverpool Life
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Bloody hell. Not only is he an amazing photographer, musician and comedian, he just happens to be Paul McCartney’s brother! Listen in while he reveals why he wasn’t in the band with “the kid” (his affectionate term for his older brother), hear what happened when he found out he wrote the Queen Mother’s favorite record, and other tales behind the spectacular rare photos in the Beatle-less collection Mike McCartney’s Liverpool Life, on exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum now thru Sun 9/21.

Through these B&W gems and McCartney’s witty captions, you can have a peek into Liverpool circa 1960. McCartney’s lens captured the likes of Little Richard and Gene Vincent and this hilarious interview with Thomas Mulready of Cool Cleveland captures the wit of this charming Liverpudlian through his non-stop (yes, there must be significant caffeine in that Lipton) descriptions of some rarely heard details of rock-n-roll history.

http://www.RockHall.com http://www.MikeMcCartney.co.uk

A Peek Inside Mike McCartney’s Liverpool Life

If you were a kid who was a Beatles fan in the mid- and late ‘60s, and almost every kid back then was, then you understand how different the world was at that time. There were so few media outlets – three TV networks (period), maybe three national magazines that covered celebrities (at all), three or four radio stations (AM only) in any major market that played pop music, and practically no coverage of pop music or “celebrities” in any newspaper – that, first, if you followed pop music, you knew who just about every pop music artist was, because there weren’t that many; and second, information about any public figure was tightly controlled.

The results were that (a) there could be only a few really big pop music stars at any one time, (b) the biggest stars, like Elvis Presley and the Beatles, were more popular than anyone who wasn’t around then could imagine today, and (c) no one really knew very much about them. Any information or photos about most public figures consisted of only what they or their public relations people wanted known, whether it was true or not – and we had no way of knowing, either way.

Today, of course, there are more than 100 cable TV channels, dozens of national magazines and thousands of websites focusing on celebrities, and celebrity coverage dominates what used to be (and is still called) the “arts” sections of most newspapers. There’s no way for celebrities to hide any part of their lives any more. And all of these outlets have created a “need” for more and more “celebrities.” So now, not only do we know much, much more about Britney Spears than we need to, but we also know everything about her sister and her mother.

That’s what’s so fascinating about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum’s newest exhibit, Mike McCartney’s Liverpool Life
Read more from David Budin here

What could online links do for your business or organization? Talk with Cool Cleveland about online video, sponsored links and other new ways to communicate with your audience. Info@CoolCleveland.com

Taking High School to a Whole New Level

Remember being bored out of your skull in high school? No? OK, maybe that’s just me. I remember feeling overloaded and under-challenged a lot of the time, and guided by math and science geniuses who, while they might have known the coursework well, surely didn’t do a great job of conveying it in a meaningful way. And all that was neatly packages in a vanilla classroom with so-called “lab” experiments. So, when I first heard about the Montessori High School (MHS) in University Circle, I was intrigued. News of this cutting-edge educational experience for young adults has been floating out there for quite a while; this fall, the curriculum is set and the first students will take the experiential learning plunge…
Read more from Peter Chakerian here

Continental Cup Int’l Youth Soccer Tournament feat. AC Milan Two teams from the AC Milan Academies will participate in the 2008 tournament Wed 7/2Sun 7/6 at Lost Nation Sports Park in Willoughby and John Carroll Univ. in University Hts, along with nearly 30 other int’l teams. Over 100 teams (U10 – U19) from across the U.S. and around the world are expected. If you’ve got soccer buffs/ fans/ players as kids, this is where you need to be! Details and more at: http://www.clevelandsports.org/events/continental_cup.

Rock out with Thaddeus Rex! Instead of “Party like a Rockstar” why not “Read Like a Rockstar” with award-winning songwriter and rocker Thaddeus Rex at Cain Park’s Alma Theater Thu 7/3 at 7PM. T-Rex as he is known by his groupies, will perform a fun-filled show enlightening kids on the power of imagination and reading. TimeOut Kids magazine describes him as “…reminiscent of David Bowie – flashes of Monty Python, Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.” (And if 7PM is too late for the little ones, you can also check out him out in Kidzart at Cain Park from 1-2PM). http://www.cainpark.com.

Fourth Festival Fun and Fireworks The 2008 Blossom Festival opens with two performances of a program titled An American Salute by the Blossom Festival Band conducted by Loras John Schissel on Thu 7/3 and Fri 7/4 at 8PM. These traditional, old-fashioned holiday band concerts will feature Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture; both concerts will feature fireworks (weather permitting) and the Thu 7/3 performance will be simulcast on WCLV-FM 104.9. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

HOT Cleveland Flats July 4th Waterfront Festival and Fireworks This no-cost, open to the public festival is great for the whole family and drops on Fri 7/4, starting with an RTA-sponsored activities. Enjoy a Sousa band, prizes, refreshments and snag some great viewing spots for the fireworks at Settler’s Landing. BYOB (bring your own blanket!) Everywhere from the “Nautica” Pavilion complex to Shooters and the Nautica Boardwalk on the West Bank and Settlers Landing on the East Bank make great spots for viewing. Fireworks start at approx. 9:45PM. http://www.gcrta.org. http://www.clevelandflats.org.

Meanwhile, on the S.S. William G. Mather… you can check out their “Rock and Boom” celebration on board Fri 7/4 at 7PM. Enjoy fireworks from the deck of the Mather and tour the ship before the show. Food and drinks will be available for purchase; fireworks at dusk. http://www.greatscience.com.

Old Angle Family Fun Festival St. Malachi Center will host this cool shindig Sat 7/5 from 11AM – 3PM at 2416 Superior Viaduct, directly behind St. Malachi Church. Full of family activities, entertainment, and community resources, the fest celebrates the history of the Old Angle neighborhood in an old-fashioned carnival way. Games of skill and chance will be offered along with tasty food, prizes, crafts, music, and more. Part of the July 4th Waterfront Festival. No cost, open to the public. http://www.stmalachicenter.org.

HOT Cleveland’s National Youth Poetry Slam Team will perform on Tue 7/8 at 6:30PM in the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre in the Idea Center at Playhouse Square. The event is no-cost, open to the public. Six students earned a place on the team by participating in SlamU, the annual series of no-cost poetry workshops and slams for teens held by Playhouse Square’s Arts Education Department. Local artists provide training to prepare students for the competition that determines the members of the team. Info on SlamU and this event is available by calling 348-7909 or visiting http://www.playhousesquare.org/artseducation.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

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

SPONSORED: Complimentary Sci-Fi Writing Workshop Science fiction and fantasy authors Geoffrey A. Landis and S. Andrew Swann (Steve Swiniarski) will discuss the nuts and bolts of writing science fiction and fantasy, the state of science fiction publishing today, and more at the Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library on Mon 7/14 from 7 to 9PM. No charge, but please register by calling 440-234-3600 or online at http://CuyahogaLibrary.org.

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Will a $500K grant slow, stop foreclosures in Cleveland n’hoods? Read
Dennis Lewin program to debut on Cle station WCLV-FM. Click
Are you hip to Cleveland’s premier bilingual Spanish newspaper? If not, we offer you a click
Great reading on Invasive Species in the Great Lakes region. here
Akron named All-America City and Akron paper offers proper nod here
Boston Mills Brandywine Arts Fest is doing brisk biz. Are you going?
Cleveland State junior Nedim Nisic of Tuzla, Bosnia has earned a spot on the Bosnian Olympic Team and will represent his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Stroke!
Got photo chops? Annual Cuyahoga Valley Photo Contest might be just the thing for you. Click
Cle’s 20th Pride rocks the house. Click
Deadline draws near for First Night performers One week from today, to be exact. Application
A call for all artists can be found by clicking here
The Cleveland LGBT Center’s Garden Party is just over a month away, feat. Elizabeth Kucinich! Click
Lots happening at Eells Gallery at Blossom Music Center. Read about some of it here
Think we’ll ever see one of these in Cleveland? The Future
Local marketer/promoter ReGina “G Styl” Crawford has a new book out and it’s all about romance! Triple Threat
NEO Expat singer-songwriter Michael Jantz headed back to town this weekend. Click

CSU Receives Largest Award Among Ohio Colleges Cleveland State University is awarded $480K in funding support from the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN). It’s the largest grant made to any Ohio college through the competitive Ohio Can! Go to College funding process. http://www.csuohio.edu.

Prelude2Cinema is seeking entertaining productions for a new channel to launch Fall 2008. If you have a website or the movie online, please send a link or contact dark@prelude2cinema.com for submission guidelines. http://www.prelude2cinema.com.

Big (branding) news from Playhouse Square Soak it in by Watching This

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

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

Cool Cleveland is growing and looking for experienced salespersons looking to put the passion back in their careers. If you’re a top performer ready to engage your community, send resume and comprehensive cover letter to: Info@CoolCleveland.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Heima Part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Midsummer Melodies film series, this captivating music film and road movie screens Wed 7/2 at 7PM. Directed by Dean DeBlois, it features the Icelandic rock band Sigur Rós traveling through its scenic homeland (read: “heima”) during the summer of 2006 — offering free concerts in unusual settings like a town square, an abandoned fish factory, a cave, etc. This is a stunning flick, not to mention the Cle theatrical premiere. With subtitles. http://www.clevelandart.org.

A Time to Dance A reception celebrating the publication of A Time to Dance — The Life of Heinz Poll will be Wed 7/2 from 4:30 – 6:30PM at the University of Akron’s Center for Dance and Theatre at Guzzetta Hall, 139 Buchtel Ave. A 5:30PM program will feature Barbara Schubert, who edited Poll’s compelling memoir of how a teenager forced to spend the last two years of World War II in the German navy eventually became the artistic director of the acclaimed Ohio Ballet. Books will be available for purchase. A Time to Dance is also available at http://www.uakron.edu/uapress. Call 330-972-7948 for details.

Music in the Meadow Grab a blanket and a picnic dinner, and bring your family to hear this no-cost, open to the public music performance in Cuyahoga Valley National Park Wed 7/2 starting at 5:30PM. Jessica Lea Mayfield is indie rock, she’s country, she’s folk, she’s soul. Mayfield’s sweet sound is at once haunting and soothing. She and her band present a blend of different styles that results in a very unique brand of music. BYOB is prohibited. Concerts begin at 6:30PM. Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Cuyahoga Falls. (In case of rain, 500 W. Streetsboro Road (SR 303), Peninsula). Part of a series. http://www.cvnpa.org.

Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert & Festival It’s a tradition for families from all across NEO. Check out the Cleveland Orchestra and their pomp, circumstance and fanfare at Public Square in downtown Cleveland Wed 7/2. Expect fireworks of all kinds — musical and otherwise! http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

SPONSORED: Star-Spangled Spectacular . . . Hear it on 90.3 If you can’t make it to Public Square for The Cleveland Orchestra’s concert on Wed 7/2 at 9PM, tune to 90.3 WCPN ideastream. The concert and festival hosted by ideastream’s Dee Perry will also be presented by ideastream on the Jumbotron at Public Square. Info: www.wcpn.org.

Transitory + Persistent Photographer Garie Waltzer shows her beautifully crafted carbon pigment prints in the exhibit Transitory + Persistent: Photographs of the Inhabited Landscape. Her images of civic spaces – pools, plazas, parks and busy streets – in Europe, Asia, and the Americas reveal the simultaneously transitory and persistent nature of the landscapes that people inhabit. Highly detailed, large-scale views… truly an eyeful. The exhibit runs now through early September, but if you check it out on Thu 7/3, some of you might just bump into each other. Humphrey Atrium Gallery at University Hospitals, 111 Euclid Ave. Call 691-9653 for info.

A True White Affair It’s a pre-Fourth bash where the attire adheres to one theme: dress in white. On Thu 7/3, hit the Sunset Lounge (1382 W. 9th St.) for a cool celebration featuring music by DJ Majette. And folks, be elegant, classy and tasteful about the outfits — you don’t want the doorman to refuse you! Come and dance, enjoy libations and set yourself up for one spectacular weekend here in C-town. Call 535-0001 or visit http://www.sunsetlounge.com for details.

An American Salute and a Cleveland Tradition The 2008 Blossom Festival opens with two performances of a program titled An American Salute by the Blossom Festival Band conducted by Loras John Schissel on Thu 7/3 and Fri 7/4 at 8PM. These traditional, old-fashioned holiday band concerts will feature Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture; both concerts will feature fireworks (weather permitting) and the Thu 7/3 performance will be simulcast on WCLV-FM 104.9. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Red, White & Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers special discounts, patriotic animal activities and festive music as part of its first-ever “Red, White & Zoo” weekend. The fun runs from 10AM – 7PM on Fri 7/4 and carries on all weekend long. Wear red, white and/or blue and save on admission; then check out the patriotic animal activities. Visitors can watch rhinos and bears enjoy red-white-and-blue ice treats, check out the elephants’ patriotic painting, meet the eagle keeper and see seal and sea lion demonstrations set to patriotic tunes. Family fun! http://www.clemetzoo.com.

Amps II Eleven Reunion Cle rust rock legends Amps II Eleven will be reforming to celebrate Independence Day with the Jigsaw Saloon and Stage (5324 State Rd., Parma) on Fri 7/4 at 5PM for the First Annual Union Local 00 Barbecue. Joining them for this all day musical extravaganza will be many of the regions strongest punk and rock acts. http://www.jigsawsaloonandstage.com. http://www.myspace.com/amps2eleven. http://www.myspace.com/unionlocal00cleveland.

Alice… Porthouse Theatre (on the grounds of Blossom Music Center) celebrates the 4th in style with the world-premiere opening of the exciting adaptation of Alice in Wonderland with Matthew Earnest’s interpretation in Alice… running Fri 7/4 through mid-July. This hot, official opening night party features lawn games (croquet, volleyball, Frisbee and badminton), a post-show reception with food, wine and refreshments and live music courtesy of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. http://www.porthousetheatre.com.

CSU’s Summer Dance Workshop & Summer Dance Concert will be held Mon 7/7 and runs through late July. It features guest artists Maurice Fraga, Helanius Wilkens, Jennifer Keller and many others. Information and registration at http://www.csuohio/dance.edu. In addition, their Summer Dance Concert will be Sat 7/12 at 7:30PM in the Drinko Recital Hall in conjunction with the CSU Imagination Writers Conference. Three weeks full of exciting dance? We think that’s cool.

July 4th Weekend Veterans Memorial Bridge & Subway Tour The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office opens the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge and subway to the public July 4th weekend with no-cost, self-guided tours. Visitors experience the original streetcar station & tracks and unique views of the river, lake & downtown Cle. Gates open at 9AM, with events ending at 3PM. Reservations not needed. Call 348-3900 for details or visit http://www.cuyctyengineers.org.

The Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival hits the banks of the Cuyahoga on Sat 7/5 and promises to be a thrilling take on Asian culture. Spectators can get an eyeful of “dragon boat” races and a bevy of other related events. This is a lot of fun, especially for kids, and there’s something for everyone. Sponsored by the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and the Flats Oxbow Association, things kick off on the patio deck of the Waterfront Restaurant during the opening ceremonies at 9AM. http://www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com.

Rootstock Folknet’s 14th annual Rootstock 2008 celebrates the tradition and beginning of American music and will take place at Cain Park’s Alma Theater. This no-cost, open to the public concert series will be held on Sat 7/5 and Sun 7/6 at 7PM. Folknet artists who will perform Saturday include Elaine Ohm, Cabbage Creek, Deborah Van Kleef, Tom Connor & Jan Hammond, and Jim Gill & Doc Dreyfus; Sunday features Sarah Goslee Reed, Tina Bergmann & Bryan Thomas, The Erie Travelers, and Rio Neon. http://www.cainpark.com.

Back to the Future This Heights Arts House Concert spearheaded by Isabel Trautwein (violin, Cle Orch) hits Sun 7/6 from 3 – 7PM. They’ll present two concerts to two audiences in two very special Cedar-Fairmount homes simultaneously. Then each audience will cross the street to the other concert, and everyone will join together afterwards for a light supper with the musicians. Advance reservations “are a must” they tell us. RSVP: 371-3457 or email register@heightsarts.org.

HOT Fourth Annual Daniel Thompsonathon This two-day event celebrates the life of the late Cuyahoga County poet laureate, Daniel Thompson. On Mon 7/7 starting at 5:30PM, enjoy a potluck dinner and poetry reading at at Horseshoe Lake Park Pavilion, Shaker Heights. (Rain or shine, on Park Dr. east of Lee Rd. between South Park and North Park Blvds). There will be featured poets and and open reading. Call 291-3424 for details. Then the next night, Tue 7/8 from 6 – 8PM, check out featured poets and an open mic at the Barking Spider Tavern, 11310 Juniper Rd., University Circle. Hosted by Ray McNiece with his Tongue in Groove band. Info for event #2 at http://www.barkingspidertavern.com.

SPONSORED: An “amaZIN” Night Bring your friends to sample over 100 Zinfandel wines at WVIZ/PBS and Heinen’s extraordinary Zinfandel tasting –“It’s amaZIN” – Sat 7/19 at 7PM. Enjoy delicious cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and desserts! Held at Idea Center, 1375 Euclid Avenue. Tickets: $50 advance, $60 at door (if available). Info: www.wviz.org or 216-916-0110.

HOT Collaboration: Great Lakes Manufacturing Advantage Regional leaders from the eight Great Lakes states and Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec gather at the Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Center Wed 7/9Fri 7/11. Togetether, they’ll work out collaborative plans and programs that address issues facing business in the Great Lakes Region. http://www.greatlakesmanufacturing.org.

65 Revisited Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, and featuring Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Nico, this is a newly-assembled film companion to Pennebaker’s landmark portrait of Bob Dylan, Don’t Look Back. It consists of outtakes from that 1965 classic and reveals even more of the legendary troubadour and icon — all captured at the height of his “voice-of-a-generation” fame. See it Wed 7/9 at 7PM in the Cle theatrical premiere as a part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Midsummer Melodies film series. http://www.clevelandart.org.

Meet Wu Shangwei: Shaolin Monk On Wed 7/9 at 7PM, check out the the Lee Road Library (Heights Public Libraries) for a rare opportunity to meet Wu Shangwei, a 34th generation fighting monk. Wu is one of just 100 Shaolin fighting monks in the world. These special people train from early childhood in the martial art they developed over centuries of time. Wu will talk about his experiences and give a demonstration that you don’t want to miss! Details/ directions at http://www.heightslibrary.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Jonathon Sawyer
Chef/Partner Bar Cento

Jonathon Sawyer owner and chef of the new restaurant Bar Cento, located next to The Bier Markt and across the street from the West Side Market, talks about how 5 days of Auto-CAD convinced him to drop out of his engineering studies, follow his passion and study the culinary sciences. The rest is history.

Honing his skills at a long list of respected restaurants around the country, he returned to Cleveland, met Michael Symon and the two embarked on yet another successful and award-winning restaurant adventure in NYC.

He has now returned to Cleveland, again, and will soon open Ohio’s first nationally certified green restaurant, Greenhouse Tavern on E. 4th St. This tree-hugger will be serving locally grown produce and meats as well as taking every step possible to recycle and reuse, including using restaurant waste to fuel the actual greenhouse on the roof! Check out one of his and wife Amelia’s many blogs: http://chefsawyer.blogspot.com; http://www.thegreenhousetavern.com; http://catchercrazyface.blogspot.com; http://www.chefswidow.com

Wondering about Sponsored Videos? They are a fast, easy and reasonably priced way to promote your message & public image. Contact Cool Cleveland for details: Info@CoolCleveland.com.

SPONSORED: Advance Your Career, and Be a Champion of Northeast Ohio. Consider an MBA in Economic Development from Cleveland State University – there is a substantial and growing demand for skilled professionals who can create synergy between business and government to advance our region’s economy. If you’re interested in entering this growing field and want a broad range of career opportunities, we offer a globally-focused MBA with local economic impact. The program combines the expertise of our Nance College of Business Administration and Levin College of Urban Affairs, so you’ll gain the experience and perspectives you need to succeed. Classes start in August. Financial Aid and graduate assistantships are available. To learn more, visit www.csuohio.edu/business/mba or talk with a program advisor at 216.687.3730 or cbacsu@csuohio.edu.

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

Smart state biz: Strickland wants to buy in bulk and combine buying power to save the state some cash. Smart guy
A great story on why you should kill that screensaver on your computer. Drain
Progressive offering Big Brother discounts with hi-tech tracking of your driving habits says the WSJ
NEO making waves In Jerusalem, Tel Aviv with media mention on Ohio Delegation. Click
A Cle biotech lands $1.3M for equipment, employees, development. Click
CardioInsight Improves Therapy for Heart Disease and you can learn about them here
Hey, Bloggers! Big Media is watching you. So is Big Biz. Click
Zoo teams with local businesses to help the environment. Click
Think you can turn your green into gold? You might be right. Click
Legislation would kill income tax in Ohio, according to Columbus Dispatch article here
Potential for green jobs in Ohio is “high” according to this story
Hopkins feels Continental’s pain and there’s little doubt that business here will suffer as a result. Click and then Click Again
See how the House and Senate are planning to tackle foreclosures by clicking on the weblinks here and here

SPONSORED: FITTech Alert – Do you need IT Technical Support? FIT Technologies offers technical support and Help Desk expertise for customers of all sizes. FIT’s Help Desk support is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year through a simple phone call. IT systems never take the day off — why should we? Learn more @ http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/video/helpdeskFIT.html.

A Prescription for Growth MedMart is subject of Landerhaven luncheon Wed 7/9, feat. MedMart’s Mark Falanga, Cty Comm Peter Lawson Jones and GCP’s Fred Nance. Register
Great Lakes Manf’g is the subject of 3-day conf Wed 7/9Fri 7/11. Register
Effective eMarketing Strategies for Nonprofits on Wed 7/11 starting at 9AM. Learn how to supercharge your outreach, advocacy, events and impact! Register
“How to Really Blog” feat. George Nemeth, founder of Brewed Fresh Daily, Tue 7/15 from noon – 1:30PM Register
Social Media Part II focuses on Micromedia, spon. by Web Assoc. Understanding biz/tech implications of social media and mobile web? If not, be there Tue 7/15. Luncheon
Biz Emergency Planning Assoc. 10th Ann conference hits on Thu 8/14 and Fri 8/15. Register
Manf’g woes? Can’t find qualified workers? Hear from a panel of employers who have identified unique strategies to address workforce challenges. Wed 9/17 at 7:30AM, Corp. Coll East. Register
3rd Ann NEO Energy Conf Learn energy cost-cutting/savings strategies, help save on bottom line and learn ESPs and MROs on Tue 9/30. Details

Geof Pelaia
Virginia Marti College of Art & Design

Geof Pelaia has one of the coolest jobs in town. He runs the new Digital Media Department at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. His energetic focus is on teaching core design skills as well as storyboarding, computer animation, flash technology and web design. Through it all, they emphasize storytelling, scripting and developing an artistic voice over sheer software skills.

Tour the hip studios at VMCAD as Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready chases Geof through the halls, and see for yourself how students are learning traditional drawing and illustration, interior and graphic design and fashion design, all in a collaborative setting. Founded in 1966 as a fashion school, the college is now a multi-faceted fully accredited college with 94% job placement, due in part to a strong involvement with the business community through internships and guest educators.

http://www.VMCAD.edu

Goodbye, Pete

It’s difficult to discern if Pete Kotz, the former editor of the Scene, was a victim of the merging that publication with the Free Times, of if the joining of the two alt-weeklies gave him the opportunity he was seeking to move on to Nashville where he’ll continue as an editor for the Village Voice syndicate. In the end, the circumstances under which he left is of little consequence, what matters more is that I will miss his razor-sharp political humor writing.

I’ve done satirical writing on occasion and use barbs, ridicule and snarky comments on a regular basis in my work, so I know how difficult humor writing happens to be… especially good humor writing. It’s a skill few writers possess in abundance — at least at the high level where Kotz practices the craft.

However, Pete’s exceptional talent made him a complete enigma to me. I’d been reading and enjoying him for a quite a while before I heard some pretty negative things about him. I tried, without success to talk to him about what I’d heard, but to no avail.

I knew that, except for the rare occasion when a minority was transferred to the paper from out of town, the staff of the Scene was usually all-White; what I didn’t know was how far Kotz would go to keep it that way…
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here


This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

WalkScore.com is a great example of the programmable web in action according to Doug Craver. It will only increase in popularity and usefulness as gas prices go up. Comments from BFD readers:

This is a great concept but my neighborhood ranked much better than it should have. There were all kinds of goofy things listed that don’t really exist. It claims there’s a Taco Bell a quarter mile from my house right in the middle of a park. I’d have to drive 10 miles to find a Taco Bell! It has a hardware store in the middle of a residential area. Not very accurate. comment by Jill McCauslin

I live in the “hood”, one would think that we would score at least a 50, that right this is Lorain, a whooping 42 and some of the stores they have listed one would only go there as a very last resort, not. We don’t have a book store, the computer store doesn’t count. Jill is correct some of this is not accurate, but here in Lorain things come and go at the blink of an eye. So actually our score should be much less. comment by Michele Bakalar

Mine was a 25 and yet, I’m barely a mile, maybe less from two shopping areas, the library and the schools. BUT – we have NO sidewalks and a LOT of traffic. comment by Jill Miller Zimon

Comment on the walkability of your neighborhood on Brewed Fresh Daily

All About Demonica, the DJ from really far Down Under

Demonica is not a new goth band front-woman. Nor is she a new form of electronica that, played backwards, summons the ghost of Aleister Crowley from his fiery environs for 6 minutes to do your bidding. She’s actually a DJ and producer for a cool radio show at Case Western Reserve University that specializes in Australian and Kiwi (New Zealand) rock music. She’s opinionated, well traveled, insightful, and has a big history with Australia and Rock & Roll and Art, as well as delightful red hair and an interesting amalgamated accent – part ‘heartland,’ part ‘Down Under.’

Cool Cleveland’s Daiv Whaley spoke with her about being a transplanted Clevelander in Australia, and about being a transplanted Aussie in Cleveland. And about the music scene in both places. Kangaroos were never mentioned; Men At Work, alas, was.

Cool Cleveland: So you were born in the Cleveland area, then moved to Australia, then returned to the states many years later. What took you there originally, and how long did you reside there?

Demonica: Well, I left Cleveland as soon as I was legally old enough to leave home, to study and travel in New York and London. I went to Australia years after all that to do a Graduate Diploma in Painting. I knew that a student visa would give me a year to really check the place out, and it checked out just fine for the next 20 years.

Why Australia?

If I went any further away, it would’ve been closer to Cleveland from the other side. And, at the time, I was hoping Ronald Reagan didn’t know the place existed. The political and social climate under his charge was akin to a burning building and Disneyland seemed more reality-based in my estimation, kinda like the Bush administration actually, and having enough sense to leave was a top priority…
Read more from Daiv Whaley here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Date Night In the District is the special promotion that’s running in Cleveland’s historic Warehouse District every Friday night through August.
What might green collar jobs look like in Cleveland?
NE Ohio fares better than other areas according to a Nat’l Housing Report.
Ever spend a day without yr car, riding the RTA?
Rising fuel prices and falling sales tax revenue may force RTA to make cuts in service despite recent ridership increases.
Roldo wonders where is that Medical Mart that is costing us $40M a year?
Towpath Trail recommended by MSN City Guides.

Step Into Home (Act 1)
Below Jupiter

They’re all over the road, and that’s a good thing. If you’re looking for something eclectic, bluesy and very much unique in vibe and presentation, then you’ve gotta get your hands on Below Jupiter’s debut disc. I fearfully add to this urgent request: Step Into Home (Act 1) is a concept record, and I sincerely hope that won’t scare you off. Below Jupiter features Josh Emmet (vocals/piano) and Chris Russo (drums) in a strictly minimalist affair and philosophical/existential journey of a human life. The story actually hangs together pretty well, but it’s the well-crafted, melodic songs and dramatic elements that really grab the listener. From the opening strains of “Political Robots,” the duo finds all of the nether regions between the Black Keys, Moldy Peaches, Adults, Pavement and Soft Machine (?!?). I know. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? You won’t even begin to know until you hear them. This is one of the better efforts to come out of C-Town in ages. Piano-based rock, jazz, blues, folk, and gospel never sounded so good. Or weird.

Below Jupiter performs at the Cleveland Matinee with special guests Let Lions and Scout this Thursday, July 3 at 10PM. Cleveland Matinee is located at 2527 W. 25th St. More information on the band can be found by visiting http://myspace.com/belowjupiter.

Hear a sample of the band’s “Political Robots” by clicking here. Purchase their disc at CD Baby by clicking here.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

Jacobs, Ratners Get Reductions on 20-Year Loans…
Made by City and at a Zero Interest Rate

Cleveland’s rush to get cash from downtown developers who received UDAGs – essentially free money – nearly 20 years ago could cost the city $750,000 to $1 million a year on each of three major gift-loans to wealthy developers.

In all, the city will receive $14.4 million less on $36.7 million worth of loans that would be repaid now rather than in 2010 and 2012. The lesser repayment relates to the discount developers will get for paying sooner than the due dates.

The tragedy lies in the likelihood that the funds will be quickly re-loaned to other downtown developers in much the same manner – no payments for years and no or little interest on the loans. Would that people facing foreclosures on their homes could get such generous terms.

Council members believed that they had a deal that each ward would get $100,000 from the payback kitty. Unfortunately, this is a drop in the bucket and there was talk last week that Mayor Frank Jackson may renege on those prior commitments…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

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

The Desert Song @ Ohio Light Opera (Wooster) 6/21 This operetta has a lot going for it. Not just the romance of a mysterious lover who sweeps one away to the threat of unlawful passion in the desert (will dear Margot, our virtuous heroine, end up in a harem?), but the ear-delighting melodies of Sigmund Romberg make this show work. The cast and orchestra present fetching versions of “One alone,” “The desert song,” and “Then you will know” (which reminds one a bit disconcertingly of Disney’s Enchanted) and the plot doesn’t really get in the way (unless you try to understand it). Oh, who cares? It’s operetta. And director Ted Christopher understands that, as evidenced by well-paced performances by Dennis Jesse (as the nerdy Pierre and his alter-ego, The Red Shadow) and Amanda Kingston (as Margot) and the ensemble cast. More performances of this classic from 1926 are set for July 6 (2 p.m.); July 10 (2 p.m.), July 12 (8 p.m.); July 18 (2 p.m.); July 24 (2 p.m.); July 26 (2 p.m.); July 30 (8 p.m.) and Aug. 9 (2 p.m.).
From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

M.U.S.i.C. @ Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development 6/22 After several years of being a successful presenter of recitals at various venues around town, Jodi Kanter formed a non-profit organization, cleverly titled M.U.S.i.C. (Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics). Some of her presentations are in private homes, but some are in bigger spaces as well, i.e. the InterContinental Hotel on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic, and the Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development in Shaker Heights. The purpose is always to provide performance opportunities for young local professional musicians. (Hint: they are paid for performing!)”’

This latter space is one of the miracles of our community, being a nearly-perfect acoustical space for musical performance. It was, in a former life, known as Malvern School, and this room served as the gymnasium. The maple floor is surrounded by brick walls with a lovely skylight in the high ceiling overhead, and for whatever reason, the combination provides incredible sound qualities. Instrument or vocal—it makes no difference—music is entirely clear and understandable from close up, or the far back wall. It’s especially good for vocals, actually, as no matter where you are, you can easily see the singer’s expression…

This particular event featured music of Spanish-speaking countries—plus the Frenchman Maurice Ravel, who qualifies because his mother was from the Basque region of Spain. The outstanding performers were Jason Vieaux, guitar; Regina Mushabac, cello; Javier Gonzalez, piano; Jung Eun Oh, soprano, and dancer Saundra Stavis Bohl”’.

In spite of a heavy downpour that began about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time, a huge walk-up crowd delayed things a bit more, but no one cared. Once the music began, it was absolutely worth the wait! The first half featured Mr. Vieaux as part of a duo, with each of the artists (except Mr. Gonzalez) while the second half presented Mr. Gonzalez as both soloist and accompanist, while Mr. Vieaux was page-turner!

The Sonata for Guitar and Violcello by Radames Gnattali prompted one to wonder why this beautiful combination of instruments is not heard more often! Ms. Mushabac and Mr. Vieaux took turns playing the melody or accompaniment, with long melodic lines and/or plucked notes. It was by turns langorous or brisk, but overall, infectiously joyous.

Manual de Falla’s Quatro Canciones Populares Espanolas were gorgeously sung by Ms. Oh, whose effortless manner combined with vocal clarity for the four songs. These ranged from a charming miniature to a love song, both happy and sad. This was followed by a perfectly lovely rendition of the Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. This work (one of a series) was supposedly inspired by J. S. Bach. In my opinion, had Bach known how beautifully his works translated into Spanish, he’d have been on the first boat to Brazil!

One is not often treated to dance on a music recital, and this pairing was nothing short of genius! Ms. Bohl is a co-founder of Flamenco Fire, in residence at Fairmount School of the Arts. Costumed in bright pink with black polka dots and black lace trim, she was stylish and sultry, as she treated us to an exhibit of fiery Flamenco dance to the strains of Sevilla and Asturius by Isaac Albeniz. In addition to swirling her cape in matador fashion, her rapid footsteps and graceful hand gestures prompted shouts of ‘Olé!’ here and there and loud applause for her and her musical collaborator at the conclusion.

It was perhaps to signify a different style of Spanish music—switching from guitar to piano—as the ladies changed colors as well. Ms. Oh’s white shawl became a bright red, and Ms. Bohls ruffled dress became red. Her black shoes suddenly sported bright red heels! But the quality of the music did not change from the superb high standards of the first half.

Mr. Gonzalez began with a scintillating rendition of Amor y Muerte from Goyescas by Enrique Granados. The music is dreamy or passionate, and the performance demonstrated those qualities with great sensitivity and intelligence. Ernesto Lecuona’s Andalucia featured Ms. Bohl, who also used castanets to great advantage in this portrait of the sunny province.

Ms. Oh sang Cinco Canciones Mexicanas by Manuel Ponce with great attention to the composer’s settings: beseeching one’s love, gratitude, adoration, accusation, or a declaration of love. Mr. Gonzalez was a spirited, yet thoughtful collaborator.

Ms. Mushabac (who is of Spanish origin, a few generations back, to be sure) displayed that fiery temperment to great advantage in the final three selections. First, Zapateado by Pablo de Sarasate which is nothing short of perpetual motion! This was followed by the Habanera of Maurice Ravel, in a rhythmic, yet dreamy setting. de Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance (known to most piano students) sounds like a different piece entirely when arranged for cello and piano. No less dramatic or demanding, it was rather more dignified, perhaps. Nana was a lullaby, which should certainly accomplish its goal of sending the child to slumberland. But he would waken again to the strains of the Miller’s Dance from the Three-Cornered Hatfor which the composer is possibly best known.

Tapas followed with wine and a big surprise! The sun had come out again, perhaps to join in the celebration!

Information about upcoming events may be obtained from Ms. Kanter via e-mail: kanterM.U.S.i.C.08@gmail.com

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

The Mikado @ Ohio Light Opera (Wooster) 6/24 The dynamic trio made up of Ko-Ko (the Lord High Executioner), Pooh-Bah, and Pish-Tush played by Frederick Reeder (also stage director), Dennis Jesse, and Boyd Mackus, respectively, brought life to this production, bouncing jokes and comic reactions against each other in this latest version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s masterpiece. Additions to “I’ve got a little list” included jokes about the orchestra and conductor as well as local events. The richness of Sullivan’s score, including the beautiful “The sun, whose rays are all ablaze,” as sung by Karla Hughes’s Yum-Yum, shines above the slapstick (not that there’s anything wrong with slapstick!). Hughes gets extra “best in show” points for valiantly singing for 15 minutes or so while her right hand was stuck in her costume after a quick onstage change into a fancy wedding kimono. Despite serious struggles trying to wave her fan (BTW: good fan action throughout for men and women) with her hand wrapped into her sleeve lining, she finally ripped viciously at the offending piece of material and emerged victorious and (seemingly) unflapped. It’s times like that which make live theatre live. More “Mikado” will be served July 3 (2 p.m.); July 5 (8 p.m.); July 13 (2 p.m.); July 18 (8 p.m.); Aug. 1 (2 p.m.) and Aug. 7 (2 p.m.).
From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

Amplify Event – CBC Magazine @ LaCentre 6/25 I’ve seen a lot of speakers in my day, but Jill Buck is a powerhouse. In 2002, Buck authored the Go Green Initiative, which is now the largest and fastest growing comprehensive environmental education program in the nation, operating in 50 states, Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, Mexico and the United Kingdom. She spoke last Wednesday afternoon at CBC Magazine’s Amplify event and we walked away with practical ways to save money and energy while saving the planet for human beings instead of from human beings. Her tips ranged from large to small initiatives and included ideas for saving energy by adding motion detector lights that go on/off when entering/exiting rooms to reading the recycle stamp on the bottom of your shampoo bottle before you buy it, so you know if it will fit into your community’s recycling program. What’s her motivation to be the greenest she can be? The health and future or her three children, and a passion to teach kids (and adults!) good environmental behavior. Her advice for companies looking to save a buck and take on a leadership role? First, she suggests that if you’re going to go green, don’t keep it a secret. Let people know how many barrels of oil, stacks of paper, gallons of water, etc., that you are saving by streamlining your processes. Start by measuring where you are now to create a baseline. Then measure your success and tell the world your results: “We used to use 100 gallons of water per week. Now we use only 20.” Become your industry’s leader in eco-friendly business practices and encourage your B2B partners to go green. You will establish yourself as a leader, have a competitive edge, and show that you’re concerned about the planet for generations to come.
From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com

Opera Per Tutti @ Italian Renaissance Cultural Garden 6/27 During one memorable scene, Hollywood legend Gene Kelly, starring in the 1952 movie classic Singin’ in the Rain, sang and danced his way through the rain, down the street, and into our hearts. With Friday night’s performance of Opera in the Garden, in a different musical tradition, the Opera Per Tutti company equaled Gene Kelly’s grace and style. Music director Andrea Anelli and the professional quality opera troupe performed their way through clouds, sunshine, and rain drops as they sang excerpts from operas by Puccini, Mozart, Donizetti, Rossini, and Verdi. Andrea Chenoweth, Andrea Anelli, William Marshall, Timothy Culver, and J.R. Fralick, and Brian Johnson, dressed in formal opera gowns and tuxes, earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert.

The Italian Renaissance Cultural Garden, opened in 1930, with an upper level including a large piazza and Renaissance fountain, walkways and a balustrade connected to the lower level by two winding staircases was the perfect setting for this impressive outdoor performance. Ignoring the questionable forecast, close to 200 people brought their umbrellas and drove down East Blvd. to attend the event.

A brave endeavor, hats off to the audience and the performers, and I look forward to hearing them again at the Italian Cultural Gardens next year under sunny skies. Visit http://www.operapertutti.org for more information.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Groundworks @ Cain Park 6/27 David Shimotakahara’s innovative dance company showcased its newest company member, Kelly Brunk, at their recent Cain Park performances. In addition, Lights Up, a creative humorous piece, was added to the group’s repertoire. During the last two years Groundworks has gone through major changes in their composition. Damien Highfield and Sarah Perret joined the company last year. Kelly Brunk, who blended well with the rest of company, was impressive in his recent debut. Tall and thin, Brunk, who graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, has danced in Austria, Vietnam and San Francisco. He has choreographed as well as performed. He displayed the necessary proficiency and discipline to meld into Groundworks’ controlled dance form.

Lights Up, the third number in the recent program, is a welcome addition to the repertoire, which often tends to be very serious. This piece, performed to live music composed and played by Gustavo Aguilar, Nathan Douds and Howie Smith, was both humorous and creative. Shimotakahara’s choreography, which was a collaborative work created by the entire company, centers on interesting combinations of duets and trios. It was fresh, happy and joyful. It contained an excellent jazz segment performed by Sarah Perrett. As always, Amy Miller and Felise Bagley sparkled.

The program also included Annie Redux, choreographed by David Parker, which used music from Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun. The songs were recorded for the 1950 MGM film adaptation of the Broadway show which was to star Judy Garland and Howard Keel. Before the movie was completed, Garland had to withdraw, but her vocal renditions had been recorded. Though it was exciting to hear Garland’s versions of the song, Parker’s choreography is lacking. As a friend, who had not seen the piece before commented, “The words and the movements didn’t match.” I had stated this the first time I reviewed the piece. The movements were creative, with the use of interesting angles, arm lifts, freezes and poses. The quality of the dancing was excellent. However, the lack of parallelism between meaning and actions was distracting.

Migration, the program’s other dance number, was performed to live music composed by Gustavo Aguilar and performed by Aguilar and his wife Gaelyn. The plaintive sounds were pleasingly interpreted by the sarong clad duo of Amy Miller and Damien Highfield. About ‘things in flux, the motion of change, how far can we journey and still be connected to a place, to each other,” the overall effect was compelling. The dancers were physically disconnected, though emotionally connected, through most of the piece, moving in separate spheres. As is often the case with Aguilar’s compositions, the number was too long, causing connect exhaustion between the dancers and the audience.

Following the performance Shimotakahara announced that the company would be in New York in residence sometime during the 2008-2009 season.

Capsule judgment: Groundworks Dance Theater is one of the area’s shining cultural lights. Welcome to Kelly Brunk, who appears to be a fine talent addition to the company. And save these Groundworks dates: The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival (August 8 & 9, 8:45PM Cascade Plaza-Downtown Akron); Lincoln Park (August 15 & 16, 8:45PM, in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, West 14th and Kenilworth). Both events are no-cost and open to the public. For information go to http://www.parkworks.org. Visit Groundworks at http://www.notsoobvious.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

New Blood @ Arts Collinwood 6/27 The exhibit entitled New Blood at Arts Collinwood, which is part of their emerging artists series, shows some inspiration and could use some editing. The most interesting of the pieces are two paintings by Emily Moores in which color glowes with intensity as it moves across the canvases, changing texture and tone. Melissa Spainhourd’s exploration of positive and negative wallpaper patterns and her tiny color prints on watercolor paper embellished by being painted over with additional color and glitter shows imagination and attention to detail, and Rich Zarobell’s geometrically-patterned jewelry and corresponding poster-like paintings are resplendent with vivid color and energy.

The other artists featured have works which show some promise. Some of the pieces on display by Ryan Serafin and Nicholas Moenich appear to be purposed works and show creative inspiration. In particular Ryan displays what appears to be photographic prints of previously painted, cut and reassembled triangular shapes which end up looking like photos of street scapes, and Nicholas’ giant three-dimentional jumble of torn paper. The remainder of what is displayed by these two looks to me to be more like random accidents or artist’s explorations, not ready for public display. Dustin Nowlin’s two paintings appear to be a jumble of visual thoughts and random notes painted in black over mostly-nuetral washes of color which has you taking time to read and try to unscramble, but his face painted on an old mangled muffler is less interesting.

What is most inspiring about the exhibit is exploring the neighborhood immediately surrounding the gallery on Waterloo Road between East 156th and East 160th Streets, just North of I-90 in Collinwood. The opening of New Blood had people spilling onto the sidewalk, which is punctuated with outdoor sculpture, and tables from the ethnic bakery next door. The commercial gallery across East 156th Street displayes photographic and photo-manulated works for sale. A few doors down Waterloo Road we discovered Shoparooni, a boutique full of nifty stuff for everyone (that’s what it says on the ad!) – creatively retro and otherwise altered accessory clothing and gifts. A few more blocks East we found another gem; a building which houses the Waterloo 7 studio and gallery, which has a sculpture garden as well as rooms full of paintings, sculptures, metalworks and more; ReVamped which sells vintage resale clothing and more fashion items; and the studio/gallery of A. A. Fudge, who is himself a work of art, even more full of interesting stories than his paintings can contain. Come to Collinwood for the exhibit New Blood at Arts Collinwood which runs through July 19th, but leave time to explore the neighborhood, you’ll leave feeling transfused with inspiration.

Visit Arts Collinwood online at http://www.artscollinwood.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Carol Drummond carolATdrummonddesign.com

Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound II: A 1968 Coffeehouse Concert @ Cain Park 6/29 Actually, unless we were in a time-warp, it was more like a retrospective of songs (mostly by singer-songwriters) that were first heard 40 years ago, in 1968. Last year it was a tribute to 1967, so presumably next year will be about 1969. So what was it anyway? Well, if the names Tim Hardin, Phil Ochs (who had a sort of Cleveland Heights connection), Tim Buckley, Jackson Browne, Tom Paxton and Leonard Cohen don’t ring any bells for you, how about this batch: Woody Guthrie, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson (of Ian and Sylvia), Joni Mitchell or Dylan Thomas? Even if you didn’t recognize any of these names, you’d still have greatly enjoyed the trip down memory lane presented to a reasonable-sized, but enthusiastic audience at Cain Park’s Alma Theater on Sunday afternoon. (The show was repeated that evening at 7:30PM).

Local writer/editor, singer-songwriter and Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin spearheaded this reprise, enlisting several local and/or Ohio musicians to bring their talents and their instruments for this (thank goodness!) acoustic program. It was very enjoyable, with no loud shrieks or thumps (other than those caused by the wind and the rain.) Budin sings in a pleasant mid-range voice, between baritone and tenor, and plays guitar. He also strives to be a stand-up comedian, but we won’t go there this trip. (Drooling banjos, indeed!)

Local guitarists Kevin Richards (who doubled on mandolin and fiddle) and Bob Sandham along with bassist Ray DeForest were joined by Celia Hollander Lewis (guitar, banjo, autoharp, Irish harp, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltry and vocals) and her husband, Charlie Lewis, who on this occasion, only added vocals. The Lewises hail from Athens, Ohio, and are well known in folk music circles. In addition to a terrific voice, Celia has a smile that could easily light up the stage all by itself. It’s very obvious that she truly enjoys what she’s doing. Which means, of course, that the audience does, as well.

All told, the group performed 21 songs, many of them familiar in memory, even if not heard for lo—these many years. Just a few titles: Daddy Roll ‘em – featured a dandy guitar lick by Richards, not too surprising as it was written by perhaps the first big name singer-songwriter, Bob Gibson; Tom Paxton’s Bottle of Wine; Pastures of Plenty by Woodie Guthrie; Tim Hardin’s If I Were a Carpenter; Michael from Mountains and Urge for Going by Joni Mitchell and Dwain Storey’s Windego gorgeously sung by Celia.

In a slightly different incarnation, the group has also performed locally as Long Road. Regardless of your age, you won’t want to miss their next appearance, whenever and wherever it might be.

For more information about upcoming events, visit any of these sites: http://www.davidbudin.com. http://www.charlieandcelia.com. http://www.RootsofAmericanMusic.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com


Cool Cleveland readers write

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Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com

On promoting through Positively Cleveland Organizations throughout Cleveland Plus are welcome to add their events to the PositivelyCleveland.com online calendar, regardless of membership, by going to http://www.OhioEventFinder.com. If you enter the event there, it will also be sent to Ohio Magazine’s website (which happens on a monthly basis). Please share this opportunity with others in the community who may have an event that would be appealing to visitors of the city. Instructions for entering an event can be downloaded at http://www.PositivelyCleveland.com/pdf/Quick_Event_Entry_Instructions.pdf. The calendar can be accessed on http://www.PositivelyCleveland.com by going to Visiting Cleveland, then events, or directly at http://www.PositivelyCleveland.com/visiting/things_to_do/events/. from Cool Cleveland reader Lorelei Sugano lsuganoATPositivelyCleveland.com.

Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.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) Who is donating to which Presidential campaign? Seems someone is keeping track. The results might surprise you.
Crains.com

2) Another Perfect Day in Our Wine Country.
CoolCleveland.com

3) TeamNEO report on salary provides some very interesting stats.
TeamNEO.org

4) It looks like Scene and Free Times are going to merge.
Crains.com

5) Wanna get CrossFit, Cleveland? Then get your workout clothes on and click here:
CrossFitCleveland.com

You’re Livin’ It Up courtesy of the hard-driving, hard-rocking, hard lovin’ Hard Corps. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Douglas O’Bryon, Kelly Ferjutz, Laura Kennelly, Roldo Bartimole, Susan Schaul, Roy Berko, Mansfield B. Frazier, David Budin and Daiv Whaley. 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.

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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com
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Have a Great 4th!!!
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