Cool Lakewood

Cool Lakewood

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Night Out in Lakewood 8/11, get $15.50 tix by midnight Wed 8/10 here
* Cool Cleveland Sounds The Damn Thing from Minor Setback
* Cool Cleveland Ingenuity Bash at the Galleria 9/2, get $12.50 tix by midnight Thu 8/11 here
* RoldoLINK What If… we took school funding seriously by Roldo Bartimole
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

‘Til It Hurts!
Cool Cleveland Night Out in Lakewood on Thu 8/11
Get $15.50 tix before midnight Wed 8/10 here!

You get all this: Join cool Clevelanders this Thursday after work for unlimited complimentary beer and wine, tours of the sweet Rockport Square townhome lofts (pictured), a never-endingsupply of hors d’oeuvres by Zeppe’s, and a rockin’ party at The Remix Lounge in one of the Cleveland area’s rockin’-est neighborhoods. Catch the DJ Throwdown with four of Cleveland’s top DJs spinning in two locations, organized by Grand Poo-bas Record Shoppe, the source for the hottest DJs vinyl and tunes. Learn about LakewoodAlive, the group that’s bringing economic development to Lakewood. Join the complimentary tour of Rockport, Lakewood’s newest townhomes, and introduce yourself to one very livable and lively neighborhood. Stick around for the CD release party by the hot young band Minor Setback (see review just below) and the food & bev all around. At this low cost, bring your friends, or meet someone there. Get discount tix before Midnight Wed 8/10 now by clicking here. Get details here and join us this Thu 8/11 from 6-8PM at The Remix Lounge, 11794 Detroit and party with us ’til it hurts!

http://www.CoolCleveland.com/tickets/nightoutseven

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Minor Setback
The Damn Thing EP
Waffle Mouse Records

For those attending the Cool Cleveland party this Thursday, or the Taste Of Cleveland, the Taste Of Tremont and other victual carnivals later this summer, Minor Setback’s offering might be right up your alley, as it is an appetizer of what the group is eventually trying to dish out when it comes to their originals. Included in the line-up is former Lacy Underal keyboardist Marty Mordarski (some will remember that band’s 11-cut release, In the Blue, back in 2000) along with the acoustic guitars of Greg Bajbus and Mike Scharf and drummer Darak Lascko, who, according to their biography, have been influenced by Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, Oasis, Ben Folds and others of that stylistic family tree. And that’s not false advertising in their collective history, as the three cuts on The Damn Thing will remind many of the four acts mentioned, yet the band has also been listening to their classic rock favorites over the years, shown via the opening of “Manual Transition” having a power chord sliver of the Who in it. Billing themselves as power pop, Minor Setback delivers on that promise as the three cuts are filled with wistful and longing hooks put to music. “Your Driveway” is steered by Mordarski’s piano and, the third example of the release, “Thursday Nights With Kelly” has a harder edge than the other two numbers, but still fits into the same audio terrain. The Damn Thing is a good sample of their work, but the question will remain what else does Minor Setback have in their bag of written tricks. One thing is for sure: if I were Nick Lowe, I’d check my back pocket to see if my stylistic wallet had been picked and given a new look by Minor Setback. Visit their website for samples and photos: http://www.MinorSetback.net. See them at the Cool Cleveland party on Thu 8/11 by clicking here.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Peanuts hostofthenorthcoast@yahoo.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14387 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107. Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Ingenuity Party!

Cool Cleveland hosts Ingenuity after-work bash… with comp tix!

Get $12.50 tix before midnight Thu 8/11 here! Join Cool Cleveland for all the fun you can stand during the most exciting summer weekend in Cleveland. Come Downtown to the Galleria on Fri 9/2 from 5:30 – 7:30PM and with your purchase of a Cool Cleveland party ticket you will receive a complimentary all-access, all-weekend pass (a $25 value) to Cleveland’s Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology, going on all Labor Day weekend long. Check out the cool Ingenuity art-tech exhibits at the Galleria. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drink specials provided by Cafe Sausalito at their restaurant on the second floor and down in Center Court in the Galleria, plus pizza provided by S’Barros. To top it off, take advantage of the complimentary parking at the underground Galleria lot for the party and all weekend long!

You get all this: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Cafe Sausalito, drink specials all night long, and a weekend pass to the Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology ($25 value). Parking is complimentary.
http://www.CoolCleveland.com/tickets/nightouteight

Ingenuity on TV Check the new TV spot here. How cool is that?

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Cultural Mecca That’s what you’ll be surrounded by in the new homes and townhouses at Heritage Lane. This brand new community of spacious, single-family homes and contemporary townhouses is located just minutes from University Circle and Rockefeller Park. The historic homes feature magnificently restored exteriors, hardwood floors, 4+ bedrooms, 2+ baths, full front porches and 2,000 – 4,000+ square feet of living space. There is only 1 unit left in Phase I, priced at $279,900. The Heritage Lane Townhouses feature contemporary design, 2-3 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 baths, vaulted living rooms, bay windows, finished basements, second story decks and two car garages. These units start at $169,900 and offer 1.5% below-market financing and 15 year tax abatement. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com.
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School levy fails, BBB resigns Just a few days after the dismal failure of the Cleveland school levy, Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced that she would leave her position as CEO while disingenuously claiming that her decision was made some time ago and was not influenced by the failure of the levy. Local board members, city and state officials all sing Byrd-Bennett’s praises for improvements in the school system during her tenure, all of whom could have done more to help pass the levy. And so could we. Cool Cleveland published an endorsement for the school levy and allowed ads in support of the levy, but we all could have done more. Read the series of PD articles here. Right out of the box, Mayor Jane Campbell and school board chairwoman Margaret Hopkins each claimed the right to select the next school’s CEO, which poses a concern to everyone (see columnist Sam Fulwood III’s response here). Let’s hope they come together to find someone even half as qualified and passionate as BBB (see story here). Send your comments about the failure of the levy and Barbara Byrd-Bennett leaving her post to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Lakewood goes Wi-Fi? Lakewood has requested pricing estimates from Cox Communications in an effort to go Wi-Fi. The city wants to keep up with technological advances while attracting new businesses and working professionals. Council members feel that offering Wi-Fi in public places like Madison Village and Lakewood parks and Downtown Lakewood could be a big boost to economic activity in the city. A mini-conference is scheduled for this evening Wed 8/10 at 7PM at the Lakewood Public Library to discuss the move further. See the Lakewood Sun Post story here then tell us your thoughts about Lakewood going wi-fi at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Emissions from the blogsphere On the Cool Cleveland blog this week, Peter Chakerian shares his perspectives on moral-model capitalism, his heroes and the Seven Circles of Geekdom, the Medina County Fair, the Lakewood Arts Festival, the Madison Car Kulture Show, and the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. Read reviews of the Cleveland International Piano Competition from a local Cool Clevelander here and here. Elsewhere, Tim Russo of DemocracyGuy.com and Bill Callahan of Callahan’s Cleveland Diary interview Cleveland mayoral candidates James Draper and Robert Triozzi with Cool Cleveland’s CIO here. Tune in to the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where you can add your own comments, questions and attitude in the comments section! If you’re not that adventurous, send them to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Convention center wake-up call Was the failed Cleveland school levy the bell that tolls for the Convention Center plans? Figures for the renovation project continue to climb, leaving many wondering if the Convention Facilities Authority’ is losing touch with reality in light of the current economic climate. Do current plans just aim high, or are they a bit too “pie in the sky”? Check out the PD editorial here. Then send your thoughts to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Equality Ohio A new statewide education and political action group kicks off with the goal of “making Ohio more friendly to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people,” according to the Gay People’s Chronicle, here. The difference? This group has a F/T paid director and is organized in eight statewide regions, rather than just the three urban centers. They plan to address state and local legislation, conduct public awareness campaigns, endorse candidates and issues, and ultimately, work to repeal the unfriendly marriage ban amendment. Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

The war comes home Maybe this is what it takes. Since 7/28, 16 Ohio sons have been sacrificed in Iraq. Columnist Phillip Morris, who, like many, has refrained from comment on the war, wonders if we have reached a tipping point, asking ourselves, “how much, how long, for what purpose…” See his comments here, and read the letter to Cool Cleveland below in Yr Turn, and then let us know how you feel: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland Kids It’s time we turned things over to Cleveland’s kids. Listen to 9-year-old Max Mulready as he explains his picks for family-friendly events this week by clicking here (no special software needed), and check below for the CC KIDS tag for non-boring stuff to do in Cleveland this week. Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here.

Huang takes first The $50,000 top prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition was taken home by Chu-Fang Huang, a 23-year-old Chinese pianist who studied at Julliard. Ms. Huang will also play in more than 40 recitals over the next two years, record a compact disc and play in Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall…all a part of the grand prize. Second and third place winners also took home hefty prizes of $25,000 and $15,000 respectively making the Cleveland competition a pretty sweet one for both the city and top international pianists. See the wrap-ups here. Send your observations about the competition to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

MOCA & CC collect phones for charity MOCA Cleveland is partnering with Green Sweep on a unique fundraising campaign that will have a positive impact on our environment while simultaneously supporting the arts. The campaign is called the smART (Support MOCA And Recycle Technology) Campaign. If you’d like to help, just clean out your bottom drawer of all those retro cool “retired” cell phones you’ve been collecting. Just remember, it’s to a far, far better place they go. So bring them to MOCA, any Cool Cleveland event or Ingenuity and for being such a good sport you will get absolutely no cost passes to the Ingenuity Festival and complimentary general admission passes to MOCA! Visit www.MOCACleveland.com for more details and additional drop off points.

Tri-C Extreme Enrollment Have you been dragging your feet about registering for fall classes and now you fear it’s too late? Tri-C’s all-night enrollment event on Fri 8/12 at 8AM through Sat 8/13 8AM is designed to get procrastinators back on track. The event will run concurrently on all three campuses to get prospective students prepped for Fall Semester classes which begin Mon 8/29. You can register for Fall classes, fill out a Tri-C application, take required placement tests, and speak with College counselors and admissions staff. The 24-hour Extreme event will feature plenty of food and beverages, and Tri-C giveaway items. There will be music, DJs, and other entertainment at each campus from 6:00PM-midnight on Friday. Register for the 24-hour Extreme event on-line at http://www.tri-c.edu/open, or call 800-954-TRI-C (8742) for more information.

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The Vibrant Pulse of the City, the serenity of nature. Living in the city has never been so good. Only at The Courtyards of Severance can you surround yourself with the vibrant pulse of city life, yet have the serenity of nature at your doorstep. The Courtyards of Severance features a natural preserve with a tranquil pond to enjoy in all seasons and a wealth of cultural and culinary jewels at your doorstep. Coupled with the five award-winning floor plans, liberating maintenance-free living, 50% tax abatement, and exquisite designer-quality finishes, The Courtyards of Severance has become the place to live in Cleveland Heights. Off Mayfield Road between Warrensville Center and South Taylor Roads, The Courtyards of Severance is open Saturdays through Wednesdays, 1PM – 5PM, and by appointment. Visit www.theCoralCompany.com for more information.
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The Intimacy of Your In-box Besides the content, Cool Cleveland readers like having their weekly news distributed through the most important workspace: their computer. Our clients call it “The intimacy of the In-box.” And the proof is in the numbers: Tens of thousands of loyal subscribers and growing. Contact info@CoolCleveland.com for details about advertising.

Cool Cleveland This Week
8.10-8.17

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Whose Idea Is It? Dan McMullen, Partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP will give developers of new software, applications and technology ideas on how to protect their intellectual property during a Webcast on Wed 8/10 at 11AM. He will address: How you can protect your best ideas, when you should apply for a copyright or a patent, and when you should not and what “patent trolls” are and why should you care. Click here to learn more or register.

CC KIDS Chalk Circle Cleveland Public Theatre’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) will present open community theater in Cleveland city parks. The Chalk Circle is a family friendly tale of a child whose fate hangs in the balance as his birth mother and adopted mother struggle for control of his destiny. Gather the family and a few lawn chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic and spend an evening of highly entertaining theater. Catch performances on Wed 8/10 at 12&6PM in Downtown Mall B, Thursday 8/11 at 7PM in Sam Miller Park, Fri 8/12 at 7PM at Sterling Recreation Center and Sat 8/13 at 7PM in Artha Woods Park. Visit www.CPTOnline.org or call 631-2727.

DanceAway Check out the Eastern European dance music of Harmonia in this open community event on Wed 8/10 from 7-10PM. Party goers are encouraged to bring their favorite dance tunes so they can show off their moves while building community with music, rhythm and fun. TOPS Market will provide tasty munchies. Visit http://www.PassportProject.org for more community events during the week, including a sample belly dancing class. Call 721-1055. Passport Project Global Community Arts Center, 12803 Buckeye Rd.

Mayoral Candidates Forum Hear the views and opinions of the candidates in the City of Cleveland mayoral race during the Thu 8/11 forum from 6:30-8:30PM, hosted by the Black Women Political Action Committee (BWPAC). There is no cost to attend the forum and it is open to the public. Myers University Club, 3813 Euclid Avenue.

The Dark Room: Where New Work Develops Take part in an exciting evening of music, theater and poetry on Thu 8/11 at 8PM. Playwrights, poets, performers, and musicians can come at 7:15PM and sign up to perform a 10 minute piece. Artists can perform themselves, bring their own troupe or bring enough copies for the required number of actors plus the stage manager and actors will be recruited from the audience. This ongoing project happens the second Thursday of each month so bring your project and see what develops. Old Parish Hall, Cleveland Public Theatre Campus, 6203 Detroit Avenue http://m.d.sep.home.att.net/drkroomflyer2.pdf.

Cool Cleveland Party in Lakewood Talk about your great value. For one low price, you get open bar with beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres and a DJ Throwdown featuring four of Cleveland’s top DJ’s in two locations: the new Remix Lounge and across the street at Grand Poo-bas Record Shoppe, where all the area DJs get their vinyl. Join the fun this Thu 8/11 from 6 to 8PM. Plus, get in on the complimentary tour of the awesome new Rockport Square townhomes and lofts, and be treated to a CD launch party for Minor Setback’s new release, The Damn Thing (see review above). The tickets are discounted if you register before midnight Wed 8/10. Remix Lounge, 11794 Detroit, http://www.coolcleveland.com/tickets/nightoutseven.

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All Fired Up and Ready to Go The Rockport Square sales center in the newly renovated firehouse (1422 Hopkins Avenue in Lakewood) is now open. Perfectly situated on Detroit Avenue, Rockport Square is a new urban community blending 126 modern living units, including townhomes and live-work lofts with nearly 30,000 square feet of specialty retail space. The exquisite loft living starts at $185k and townhomes $259k, residences include open floor plans with two and three bedrooms, private porches and rooftop terraces, private interior courtyards, up to 2,500 square feet of living, and a 5 year tax abatement with special financing. Rockport Square is a great combination of location, quality and price. Named One of the Best Communities of the Year at the 2004 HBA Cleveland Choice Awards. For more information call 216-210-2182. Taking reservations now. Visit us online www.RockportSquare.com
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All People are Me features new and classic work from Creative Growth Art Center, the first independent visual arts center for adults with developmental, physical, mental and emotional disabilities. The exhibition will be on display from Fri 8/12 through 10/8 at Cleveland’s first and only gallery devoted to the exhibition, promotion and sale of Outsider Art ranging from contemporary folk art, third world art, visionary, naive, and self-taught art. Call 866-304-9438 for hours and info. Headfooters, 12610 Larchmere Boulevard http://www.Headfooters.com/ http://www.CreativeGrowth.org.

Dress for Success Benefit Share an evening of delicious foods and exciting fun while benefiting a wonderful local cause. The organization provides career clothing for economically disadvantaged women that will enable them to acquire employment and succeed in the mainstream workplace. The Fri 8/12 event at 5PM will include a silent and live auction with cool items like wearable denim art either designed or signed by celebrities like Jay Leno, Star Jones Reynolds and Debra Winger. There will also be theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates and a Goodyear Blimp ride up for grabs. Call 391-2316 or visit www.DressForSuccess.org to learn more.

CC KIDS Groove With a View This high-funktatude, free event on Fri 8/12 from 5-9PM features the art troupe, The Heavyweights. The trio will blend music, art, culture and politics as they create painted canvasses before a live music audience while getting inspiration from the blazin’ sounds of DJ Language, and Cleveland’s 5-piece Latin-funk ensemble, The Afrocubists. Bring your energy and your friends, to this unique performance. Then head over to the after party at Mercury Lounge from 9PM-2AM to see the completed art and hear more high octane music. Mall B, next to the Cleveland Convention Center. In case of rain: 1300 Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street www.MOCACleveland.org http://www.ClevelandPublicArt.org.

Tom Haverfield Step into rural America, Florida landscapes, bustling city scenes and ventures into the abstract during this exhibit of watercolors by the accomplished Youngstown artist. The opening reception on Fri 8/12 from 5-10PM offers visitors the opportunity to hear the artist, who has been described as the “Master of the Stroke,” as he discusses his work, and provides demonstrations. Enjoy cheeses, hand crafted Merlot, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio and red Zin during the no cost, open event. Preview the exhibit which runs through 9/30 at www.Studioof5Rings.com. Call 771-0830. Studio of 5 Rings, 2400 Superior Avenue East, #201 (2nd Floor of the Futon Factory).

Indy Cleveland 2005 Listen as a villainous cad warns women how to avoid becoming his prey, see a powerful modern day urban crime drama and follow the story of a girl growing up in Cleveland in Slavic Village. The Bad Guy Speaks, Finale, & Annie’s Way are but three of the five short films that will be shown during this festival presented by CSU students on Fri 8/12 at 7PM. For info call 687-4630. CSU, Music and Communication Building, Room 107, 2001 Euclid Avenue www.CSUOhio.edu.

Learning to Crawl Did you miss the opening reception for this exhibit featuring DC artists Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn Kaufman? Then come for the Tremont Art Walk reception on Fri 8/12 at 9PM to hear musical performances by Beaten Awake, Rabbit at Rest, and Wisconsin for a nominal cover charge and view the exhibit which runs through Tue 8/30. Take a peek here. Call 623-8510 for more info. Inside Outside Gallery, 2688 W 14th Street.

Solomon Burke The Grammy® winner and Rock Hall inductee, considered The King of Rock n Soul, will perform songs from his recent release, Make Do With What You Got, which reflects his past achievements while reaching a higher artistic plain. The Fri 8/12 performance at 8PM will delight fans both old and new. Call 241-555 or visit www.CainPark.com to purchase tickets. Cain Park, Evans Amphitheater, Goodnor Road & Superior Avenue, Cleveland Heights. http://www.TheKingSolomonBurke.com.

Chaka Khan With an amazing career that has spanned several decades, this diva has managed to remain a staple in the music game for over 30 years. Part of the pre-eminent funk group Rufus, her dynamic vocals contributed to the outstanding success of the group and propelled her into a successful solo career. Numerous hip-hop artists have sampled her songs and she has collaborated with artists like rapper Kanye West. Enjoy an evening of classic hits like Tell Me Something Good, I’m Every Woman and Ain’t Nobody on Fri 8/12 at 8PM. Purchase tickets here. State Theater, 1519 Euclid.

Infinite Number of Sounds Looking for something different? Hear INS perform at their CD release party on Fri 8/12 at 9PM. The electro-rock / media-art performance group will knock your socks off. See what people are saying about them at www.InfiniteNumber.com. They will be joined by Machine Go Boom and 20goto10 for an incredible night of music that will cost you less than the price of an extra value meal so pass on the calories and buy your tickets here or you’ll have to hear about it on Monday from the Cool Cats who actually did go. Call 383-1124. Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road www.BeachlandBallroom.com.

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Down on the Bayou Blues! All weekend long, Fri 8/12 and Sat 8/13 starting at 9:30PM experience a gifted harp player, a tight band, & an all around good time! Since it’s formation at Mardi Gras in 1995, the Rockin’ Jake Band has backed up blues and R&B stars like Billy Boy Arnold, Guitar Slim Jr. & Tab Benoit. The band has opened for Dr. John, Junior Walker & The All-Stars, Branford Marsallis & Buckshot LeFonque, the Dirty Dozen, the Neville Brothers and B.B. King! $5 at the door. For more info contact www.FatFishBlue.com.
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CC KIDS Black Culture on Parade invites all to join those of African descent in a celebration Carnival and Parade themed Honoring Our Ancestors. Nigerians, Jamaicans, Haitians, and African Americans will parade through Downtown Cleveland while paying homage to this year’s honoree Marcus Garvey. The festival will include cultural exhibits, food, amateur and professional performers from various countries, art and artifacts along with health screening and information booths. This magnificent celebration will be held Sat 8/13 at 7AM. Call 921-2892. Parade will begin at Mall C-Downtown Cleveland.

CC KIDS Creature Comforts Ever wonder what the zoo animals do all day? This interactive exhibit will demonstrate 24 different enrichment programs that help keep the zoo resident’s instincts keen, minds alert and bodies active…it just looks like they laze around all day…really. See a grizzly taking swipes at live fish, a lion pouncing on papier-mâché “prey,” monkeys making and using tools and a puzzle-solving octopus on Sat 8/13 from 10AM-5PM. Try your hand at the Training Game after each Dr. ZooLittle’s Wild Animal Show at 2&4PM. Call 661-6500. Cleveland Metroparks, 3900 Wildlife Way www.CleMetZoo.com.

CC KIDS Burning River Fest Check out the blazing hot sounds of Joe Rohan, the Aphrodesiatics, Roberto Ocasio’s Latin Jazz Project and much more during this environmental festival in Voinovich Park on Sat 8/13 from 12-7PM. Sample the tasty fare of a variety of local eateries and see green exhibits and demos by local agencies. The festival will bring awareness to environmental issues facing our region by celebrating the champions of our local, natural resources. The event is doubling as EcoCity Cleveland’s annual member party so festival participants will witness the presentation of their Bioregional Hero Awards. Voinovich Park, behind the Rock Hall and Great Lakes Science Center. www.EcoCityCleveland.org.

CC KIDS CHABAM Family Festival Kids, treat your parents, grandparents or favorite babysitter to a great openhouse/party for families on Sat 8/13 from 1-5PM. This costless event will give you an opportunity to listen to cool music, experiment with clay, show off your cool yoga moves, learn how to speed stack, create art, and climb up in an interactive treehouse. Call 464-8500. CHABAM, 28700 Chagrin Boulevard http://www.CHABAM.com.

The Four Freshmen Hugely influential, their complex, four-part vocal harmonies are responsible for everyone from the Beach Boys to Stan Kenton. They were the first male vocal group to put the lead voice at the top of the chord, and their sound is as distinctive as a fingerprint. Catch the 27th incarnation since 1948 of this landmark act at Nighttown at 6 & 8PM on Sat 8/13 and at 5 & 7PM on Sun 8/14. 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Hts, 795-0550 http://www.NighttownCleveland.com

Dialogues on Leadership Join Chris Carmody, founder of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission for this speaking engagement. The GCFC has brought in more than $32 million dollars to Northeast Ohio’s economy by promoting our region as a great location for film, television, video and still photography production. Carmody, who has also served in various capacities in Mayor Mike White’s administration, will share his experience and insights on leadership on Tue 8/16 at 8AM. Call 621-0082 or visit www.CityClub.org. City Club, 850 Euclid Avenue.

Sustainable Transportation Choices Are our transportation choices making Northeast Ohio sick? Decisions ranging from our mode of travel and fuel of choice, to whether or not we locate our business near a mass transit line can have a great impact upon the region’s health. Join David Beach of EcoCity Cleveland, Stephanie Strong of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and Ryan McKenzie of CityWheels on Tue 8/16 at 5:30PM to learn about some very promising transportation initiatives. Call 509-9776 or visit www.E4Sustainability.org to register for this open event. Great Lakes Brewing Company, Tasting Room, 1947 West 28th Street, Entrance on Carroll Avenue.

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The Voice of George Did you ever wonder about the fascinating business of voiceover and acting in Hollywood? See George Guidall, an actor and talented and captivating narrator of audio books, share insights into the fascinating business of narration on Tues 8/16 at 6PM. His projects include Frankenstein, Don Quixote, Steven King’s Dark Tower, The Gunslinger and The Killer Angels. See Guidall at The Plain Dealer, 1801 Superior Avenue. Tickets are $15, must be purchased in advance and include wine, hors d’oeuvres and book signings. Limited seating. For tickets contact 216-749-9486. For details visit www.CuyahogaLibrary.org.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

RoldoLINK
What If…

Wonder if you gave all Cleveland homeowners 100 percent tax abatements on their homes – instead of just new condos and houses – would the school tax have passed.

Wonder if Barbara Byrd Bennett had told people before the recent levy loss, this is so important to the children that I’m going to make a sacrifice: I’ll pay full property taxes rather than take my tax abatement on my home. Would the tax levy have passed?

What if BBB had said, this is so crucial to the children in my charge that I am going to return $100,000 of this year’s salary. They need it more than I do. Would the tax levy have passed?

Would people respond to self-sacrifice by those who would be hurt very little by giving something up?

This society asks little of those in positions of power. They are asked no major sacrifices. However, those same people expect others will always make up the difference and fill the breach.

This has become the essence of our corporatized society…
Read RoldoLINK by Roldo Bartimole here

WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM continues its presentation of the BBC Radio production of “Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (the original superb version of the movie perversion) this Sat 8/13 at 10PM on “Weekend Radio.” Also featured is one of the classic comedy bits by the late Canadian team of Wayne and Shuster. It’s called “Frontier Psychiatrist.” At 2PM WCLV presents an attractive program of performances recorded at the famed Concert Hall in Amsterdam. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt with violinist Thomas Zehetmair, plays Schumann’s “Manfred” Overture and “Spring” Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E. And “From the Top” at 5PM features really talented teenage musicians, this week from Hawaii. Details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found at www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

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

Point of Departure @ Cain Park 8/4 “A perfect summer evening,” was a phrase we heard more than once on the way out of the Pointe of Departure concert at Cain Park last Thursday; Co-Artistic Directors Karen Gabay and Raymond Rodriguez had delivered a crowd-pleasing finale, exceeding reasonable expectations for a pick up company with a three-week rehearsal period. Their all-new program closing out the summer arts park’s dance card was, as usual, completely different from their other three area concerts.

Although the first half of the program was somewhat unsatisfactory (more about that in a moment), Thursday’s concert concluded with an hour-long premiere, Hooray for Hollywood. In Gabay’s sure hands, this frothy premise was transformed into the perfect medium for the dancers to connect with the audience.

First, Gabay picked compelling, danceable treatments of music from the movies and arranged them into a theatrically effective score. From a bombastic orchestration of No Business like Show Business for an overture through a succession of short numbers in which the ballet dancers variously play off the movie music to a triumphant finale (That’s Entertainment in a medley with Let Me Entertain You from Gypsy) with a choreographed encore, Gabay’s choices gave the piece shape and pace…
Read the review by Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas here

Songs for a New World @ Cain Park 8/7
What: A song cycle of cabaret tunes by Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown, ably performed by a quartet of fine singers and staged with panache by director Carol Dunne and choreographer Janiece Kelley-Kiteley.
Reasons to go: You’ll probably never see a better production of this musical revue. The staging is thoughtful, the backup combo is hot, and the three young singers do a fine job — Hannah Laird has a lovely voice, tenor Mitch McCarrell is a bundle of energy with killer high notes and high kicks, and baritone Neal Mortimer scores with a natural delivery. But the unquestioned star is Tracee Patterson, whose sophistication, maturity, and incredible range from broad comedy to aching human tragedy make her four solos a master class in cabaret performance. She’s worth the price of admission, especially for her hilarious Marlene Dietrich impression in “Surabaya Santa” and her anxious military mother in “The Flagmaker, 1775”.
Caveats: While Brown’s lyrics are clever, his melodies get repetitive. And Patterson makes the drama of her solos so compelling, at times the material surrounding it pales to insignificance, especially the peppy closing number.
Backstory: This production is a showcase for the excellence of Baldwin Wallace College’s musical theater program: two of the performers are current students, one is a recent grad, and most of the artistic staff are BW faculty. That’s due in no small part to Victoria Bussert’s dual role as Cain Park’s Co-Theater Artistic Director and head of BW’s acclaimed professional training program.
Target audience: Teens & up.
Details: Cain Park’s Alma Theatre, Cleveland Heights. Thru 8/14. http://www.cainpark.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com

Waiting for Lefty @ Voinovich Park 8/6
What: Charenton’s taut touring production of Clifford Odets’ hour-long drama about impoverished cabdrivers arguing for a strike, free in various city parks.
Reasons to go: You’ll rarely get a chance to see a revival of this 1930’s pro-labor movement piece, and director William Hoffman does a fine job of keeping it exciting and making us see the parallels to today’s Bushonomics. Among a generally strong cast, several performances are outstanding. Lelund Durond Thompson and Bailey Varness burn up the stage as reluctant striker Joe and his flinty wife Edna. Both Allan Byrne and Brian Pedaci ooze corruption in their villain roles — Byrne as an arms manufacturer making poison gas, and Pedaci as racketeer labor boss Henry Fatt. Magdalyn Donnelly has a dignified sorrow as a store clerk whose beau can’t afford to marry her.
Caveats: Though Odets’ script contains compelling human drama, it also has plenty of creaky agitprop, which can get repetitive. Free outdoor theater is always a challenge, as plucky actors must hold an audience’s attention amidst potential distractions from helicopters to whooping Goodtime II patrons and a nearby Browns practice. Kudos to the company for maintaining focus and interest.
Backstory: This is the fifth year of Charenton’s free outdoor summer tour. Venues to come include Cudell Recreation Center (West Blvd.), CWRU (near Thwing Center), and the Superior Viaduct.
Target audience: Anyone interested in good theater: I saw a dozen passersby get hooked and stay for the whole show.
Details: Charenton Theatre, Thurs-Sat. 8 pm, thru 8/27. FREE. http://www.charenton.org.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

Twilight at the Zoo 8/5 For the polar bears, it’s all about the music. At least that’s the rumor at the Cleveland Metropark’s Zoo. Last Friday night’s Twilight at the Zoo had most of the four-leggeds complaining about the decibel level, while some even sported ear plugs leftover from the Grand Prix’s last visit. But not the polar bears. These Arctic creatures really dig the downbeat. While everyone else was partying hardy, I felt I had some investigative journalism that needed to be, well, investigated. So I snuck back by their cages to discover the truth behind the rumor, and to my amazement I witnessed a natural act that seemed so unnatural that I nearly dropped my Sam Adams beer. There, in all their glory were the world’s largest land carnivores strutting their stuff to the tunes of Disco Inferno’s Sister Sledge (I believe the song was “We Are Family”). I always wondered how they kept warm in those sub-zero climates. As daylight became dusk I caught a glimpse of their shadowy figures making their way to Roberto Ocasio’s stage to partake in the Latin rhythms because, as it turns out, polar bears prefer the Merengue over all other forms of dance!
From Cool Cleveland contributor T. L. Champion

Yr Turn
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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

An open letter from Frank Sinatra Hey there swingin’ Cleveland-town. I used to have a lot of close friends in your neck of the woods. Sure, lot’s of “friends of mine” hail from your parts… good people like Carmine “Crazy Walleye” Fishaghetti, Dominic “Carp Nose” Scungilli, Sonny “The Anchovy” Permatella and Bob Hope. Unfortunately the Feds decided that anyone with four Cadillacs, a villa in Tuscany and no visible source of income needed to be put under surveillance. So, a lot of my “good friends” moved to that pecorina West Virginia… specifically to the Lewisburg Federal Prison area. But hey, that’s life… without parole! I’ve reunited the Rat Pack here in the “Strip In The Sky” and Dino, Sammy, Joey and me have also “made” some new members… John “Bonzo” Bonham from “Iron Blimp”, or something like that, and Sid “Tiny Tuna” Vicious.
Read the letter from Frank Sinatra to the citizens of Cleveland, as channelled through Clyde Miles clyde.milesATgmail.com here

On American Pharaohs [here] It’s often that a feeble attempt at creativity crosses the line. I understand that freedom to cross the line is drawn in the blood of the American Military. I expect the line to be crossed, but not all at once, in the form of a poem. I’m not so much complaining about the poor references to media hype, or the outright finger pointing at the administration. But Terry, are you really that lost in your own little world? Do you really think my son serving in Iraq is a murderer? Are you willing to take off your flowered sandals to stand next to someone who is giving you the freedom to call him a murderer, and say thank you for my reedoms? Forget the fact that Cat Stevens, AKA Yusuf Islam, was a known financial supporter for Muslim charities with terrorist connections, the media forgot even as he was deported. Forget that we are at war with Terrorism, and the supporters of it. Saddam Hussain would pay $2,500.00 to the family of any suicide bomber, I think that might link his regime to supporting terrorism without any other evidence, but maybe I am reading too much into it. Forget that Bush enforced the Iraqi Liberation Act in the process he followed, a document signed into law by Bill Clinton, and referenced in the Joint Resolution to go to War with Iraq. Forget that the reservists are Military, drawing a paycheck on the chance there might be a war. Taxpayers pay to keep this land safe, and as a reservist, it is your duty to answer that call. I feel for every man and woman who has given his or her life for the freedoms that are found in no other country in the world. I pray for my son, but know he made the choice to become a Marine. I am proud that he serves, I am even prouder to know that he had to change units to get the chance to go back to Iraq for a second tour. Writing this the day after 7 of Americas best were lost hurts deeply. I am sorry, but I felt insulted, therefore compelled. Forget the fact that School started this week in Iraq, boys and girls are now allowed to learn more than just what Saddam tells them to. Oh, I’m sorry, you always leave out the good we have done. Your writings don’t seem to remember that little girls were not allowed in school, Uday Hussain seemed to like them, though. What happened to liberal writings on Human Rights? Should we forget the violations in Iraq? Oh, I forgot, this is a political statement. If we had not gone to Iraq, you would be complaining about the administration doing nothing about rape and murder. The extreme liberals get to have the best of both worlds. Forget the fact that the terrorists of 9-11 were not screaming ‘Go Saudi Arabia,’ they follow religious radicals, not a flag. Could it be your accusations, and the thousands of other accusations that keep oil prices so high? Keep on telling the biggest oil exporter, and leader of OPEC that they were responsible for 9-11. I wonder if they bat an eyelash as they raise oil prices. Thank you for helping them look down at the US, though. Which brings me to my question, Terry. If the Pharaohs have returned, why do you have the right to free speech? I can answer that… Because of my son, and many other brave Americans defending your rights every day. So write your poetry, Terry, just remember to thank every US Military member you see, instead of asking them, “Since when did murdering people become patriotic?”
from Cool Cleveland reader Alex Forbes AForbesATapplied.com

Nice interview with Terry Provost… but I’m wondering how someone who advises being a ‘promiscuous and voracious’ reader and ‘keep[ing] the doors as wide open as you can’ to inspiration can unselfconsciously list influences that are all men – and all but one Western…?
from Cool Cleveland reader Mati Senerchia senerchiaATsbcglobal.net

Someone needs a nap. Does anyone else think Terry Provost would be just as cranky even if the world was going his way?
from Cool Cleveland reader Kate Rein katereinATyahoo.com

On retail in Cleveland [See Thinking outside the Big Box here] Let’s be serious here folks. In the poorest large city in America, I would venture to guess that the majority of people can not afford these new lifestyle centers. I for one enjoy browsing at a Crate and Barrel every once in a while, but unless I’m going to be winning the lottery- or creating my bridal registry, I won’t be shopping there. Take Legacy Village for example. They do have a variety of shops there, but the pricing of these stores is not varied, it is very high. Why would anyone buy a pair of designer jeans at one of these chic boutiques for $300 when they could get the same pair, at the not quite as highly priced nearby Beechwood Place. It’s just not a reasonable match. These new lifestyle centers are serving an elite few while the rest of us can only stop by once in a while to split a piece of cheesecake at the factory with our loved ones. So my point is, yes these lifestyle centers are attractive, and psuedo-Europeanesque a visual break from strip malls, shopping malls, and big box Walmarts out there- but I can’t forsee these stores staying open in the near future unless we ship in some more wealthy people from out of state. I’m Definitely not an advocate of Walmart either, but I have to think that the reason shopping malls like Richmond Center are empty is because the majority of people in Northeast Ohio are at home trying to figure out how to pay their bills when the cost of living rose this year but our wages didn’t.
from Cool Cleveland reader Regina Piunno PiunnoATplayhousesquare.com

Here’s what I think. i think I was wrong 25 years ago. Back in 1980, when then-mayor Voinovich wanted Euclid Avenue declared “slum & blight” area, a letter of mine was printed in the PD. It started with a question: whatever happened to “Cleveland – you gotta be tough?”, and ended with my cocky assertion, “real Clevelanders want a real downtown, not a ‘Citiland’ theme park.” Nope. These lifestyle centers are the Citilands. Really, they are dressed-up malls, the same old commercial islands circled by moats of asphalt, unrelated to any neighborhood. How is it that the opening of Legacy Village was covered a if we had acquired a new cultural institution? Are we so gullible? As someone who still believes one ought not get into a car to buy a quart of milk, and in great downtowns where commerce & culture can meet, I am unimpressed.
from Cool Cleveland reader Juliana Sadock Savino jujy54ATyahoo.com

Lifestyle Centers and Wal-Mart- almost an oxymoron. There’s nothing Wal-Mart says about lifestyleother than… umm…eh… well, nothing actually. I guess it could be looked upon as an upscale Marc’s, couldn’t it?
from Cool Cleveland reader Robert Salladay bobATsmileyhanchulak.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Cool Cleveland People Peter Chakerian interviews area poet Terry Provost. www.CoolCleveland.com

2) Cinema at the Square Is it the wacky movies or the crazy cocktails? www.PlayhouseSquare.com

3) Coit Road Farmers Market Readers must be tired of scarfing the same old fast food or frozen, canned, bland imposters masquerading as food. http://www.CoitMarket.org

4) Twilight at the Zoo A Cleveland classic. www.ClevelandZooSociety.com

5) Bikinis and Martinis Makes the Top 5 a second week in a row. Have you clicked thru yet? http://www.myley.com

Hard Corps thanks to Roldo Bartimole, Roxanne Ravenel, Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas, TL Champion, Peanuts, Peter Chakerian, George Nemeth and everyone who partners with us. Wanna contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Pardon us for Being so Forward Is there an extra zing in your step on Wednesdays? If reading Cool Cleveland makes your day (or, dare we say “week”) then consider passing it onto a friend or family member and spread the love. http://www.CoolCleveland.com

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

See you tomorrow?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved

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