Daniel Thompson,
poet warrior
Dear Friend,
In this week’s issue:
* Honoring Daniel Thompson with tributes from Cool Cleveland and area writers, plus upcoming events in his honor.
* They Say talks to dancer, dramatist, singer, and educator Chloë Hopson
* Cool Cleveland People featuring Case economic development guru Ed Morrison, presenting the Making Change workshop @ the Ritz-Carlton on 5/17
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Utne magazine editor Jay Walljasper, speaking @ Trinity Cathedral on 5/12
* Mark Your Calendar for upcoming Art/Tech/Dance events on 6/17 and 7/29
Honoring Daniel Thompson Daniel Thompson was a Clevelander. One of the best we ever had. He was a poet. One of the best we ever had. He was an organizer. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He was a friend, a confidant, a sage, a sounding board, a wise cracker. He was a cracker jack, a jack of all trades and master of none. Except poetry. He was a friend to those who had no friends and a shining beacon to those who saw only darkness. He was a man. He was a good man. He was a good friend to a good many people. Daniel bridged the generations in a way that no one else could match. He was an inspiration to young people with his quiet self-confidence and intuitive organizing powers. Young artists naturally flocked to him as a guru, not only because of his impressive frame, his wise demeanor and his full beard, but because of his gentle nature and quiet enthusiasm for art and artists. He loved Cleveland poetry and Cleveland poets, especially Hart Crane, Langston Hughes and d. a. levy, and was always organizing memorials, readings and special events in their honor. But he also honored all living Cleveland poets active today. One of his main roles was to organize readings and poetry events for emerging young artists and poets. And he started doing this long before the current coffeehouse poetry slam renaissance. Organizing is a role that few artists can play, and one that will be sorely missed…Read Honoring Daniel Thompson
Commuter tax for Cleve schools We’ll say it one more time: the way Ohio funds its public schools is unconstitutional, illegal and immoral. But if you don’t have enough Downtown residents, tax the people coming in from the suburbs. At least that’s the idea behind Mayor Campbell’s proposal to ask voters for an income tax increase for the cash-strapped schools. City residents have the power to approve the tax on suburbanites who work Downtown. Back in the American Revolution, it was called taxation without representation. Read more.
Safety dance Last year, when Cleveland laid off 250 police officers and 70 firefighters to help plug a budget deficit, we learned that our town had more safety officers than other similar cities. Now, in a cynical and political move, the police and fire unions have started gathering 5,000 signatures to boost the tax from 2 percent to 2.25 percent, generating more than $30 million extra for the city, to put those safety workers back on the payroll. But it would surely crush any chances of passing the all-important Cleveland Public Schools levy, scheduled for the same November ballot. Read more.
Cleveland Chaos spring sale Visit their site for unique and warm weather “show off your arms” shirts that celebrate the positive power of our town’s chaotic past, present and future. Because from chaos comes greatness…or at least a damn fine T-shirt. Confidently and playfully express what it means to be a Clevelander. Let’s dump the phony boosterism, get over our inferiority complex, and honestly celebrate what makes our town the best. Cool Cleveland’s favorite: “Stop by anytime… we’ll leave the river on for you.” http://www.clevelandchaos.com
Introducing The New Cleveland Press Not to be confused with the old Cleveland Press, this version is a free, weekly 12-page broadsheet. Randy Nyerges paid $50 for the rights to the paper that folded in 1982 (word was that the PD paid in the 7 figures for their subscription list at the time), and is printing the new paper in large-print type so he can sell subscriptions targeted at 50+ year-olds. http://www.clevelandpress.com
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Some of the Best Views in Tremont… can be had at Literary Bluffs, luxury townhouses in historic Tremont. These contemporary units feature four levels; fantastic views from two rooftop decks; a brick façade; an open kitchen/dining room; hardwood floors; bedroom-level laundry; luxury baths and more! When you’re not at home, you can enjoy what Tremont has become famous for – charming, tucked-away neighborhoods, mouth-watering restaurants like Fat Cats and Lola, the dog walkers’ paradise at Lincoln Park, the gritty beauty of the industrial Flats. And it’s so close to downtown! Literary Bluffs starts at $326,800; special financing and 15 year tax abatement sweeten the deal. Check out the open house Sun 5/16 2-4PM at 2298 W. 5th Street. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit http://www.progressiveurban.com
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No Cleve art at Children’s Games The budget won’t allow a big, city-wide professional arts fest featuring Cleveland arts groups like we’d hoped, although there’s still going to be ethnic arts and culture at the International Children’s Games this year. Early on, it was hoped that there’d be a budget to commission original dance and art pieces from some of the area’s top arts professionals. “Everything, culturally and artistically, has been cut to smithereens,” says Robin Van Lear, who was supposed to be the artistic director for the festival. James Levin of Cleveland Public Theater shares her sentiment about the offer to work for free. “It just didn’t sound all that alluring to us,” Levin said. “There just wasn’t anything in the budget for the arts.” Always the diplomat, Tom Schorgl of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture is a bit more upbeat, “I think it’s the start of something… the fact that they’re establishing a cultural festival is absolutely great.” Read more.
New glassblower in town The time is right for the arts in downtown Cleveland, and area artist Brian Benchek, who’s shown work at Artmetro for two years just opened a new 3,000 sf glass blowing studio/gallery, with state of the art equipment. The studio is highly visable with large street front windows at 2218 Superior Avenue, and to kick it off Brian will be collaborating with Joan Perch and Debra Erska on an opening glass show to be held in late July. Put an end to the quiet crisis; any artists interested in finding out more about the studio/events can get involved and call 214-2120.
Crazy, or just in love? Research shows that falling in love is just like going crazy, as levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin dips below normal, and as a result couples may obsess over each other. The University College London research suggests that the hormonal changes could just be due to increased sexual activity. So maybe we’re not all crazy in Cleveland, we’re just all in love. www.NewScientist.com
CD rot What happens when CDs won’t play? Ever noticed a “constellation of pinpricks” on the data side of your CDs? Dan Kosre, a graphic and web designer for Queens University in North Carolina realized that some of his CD collection was suffering from “CD rot,” a gradual deterioration of the data-carrying layer. It’s not known for sure how common the blight is, but it’s just one of a number of reasons that optical discs, including DVDs, may be a lot less long-lived than first thought. www.newscientist.com
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Urban apartment living Quiet and spacious loft apartments in the center of downtown Cleveland’s busiest neighborhood! The Bingham, located in the revitalized Warehouse District is now open for occupancy and is complete with full-scale amenities. Unique spaces abound in this first class renovation – exposed brick walls, original posts, high ceilings and large new windows. All models feature neutral decors, contemporary kitchens with all conveniences, laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. Plus, enjoy amenities such as indoor parking, landscaped gardens/patio and a brand new market, complete with gourmet deli and coffee shop. Enjoy the beat of Cleveland; nightclubs, galleries, restaurants and shops all within a short walk from your door. Plus, move in by 6/30 and receive one month rent free! Visit http://www.thebingham.com or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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A step (on the promenade) in the right direction If you had $2.2 million in state and federal funds, would you create a seven acres park and a tree-lined promenade or would you leave it an asphalt lakeside dock with a squat warehouse? If you chose the park and promenade, you’d be putting into place the first step in Mayor Jane Campbell’s plan to connect Clevelanders with seven-plus miles of lakefront at Dock 32 behind the Science Center. A 50-year master plan that includes neighborhoods, parks, walkways and marinas along the shore would be great for the community. Will a plan like that survive 12 elections? Only if it’s the will of the community. Read more.
Gore TV? Former Vice President Al Gore and a group of investors have purchased Newsworld International, a 24-hour cable news channel. They said they would turn it into a news channel intended for young adults. The programming would not carry a heavy political message but would be influenced by what younger viewers wanted to watch, with the intention to provide an alternative to networks owned by large corporations. “This is not going to be a liberal network, a Democratic network or a political network,” said Mr. Gore, who worked seven years as a journalist before entering politics and that the trend toward consolidation in television programming “needs to be countered by more independent voices.” A partner in the project is Ohioan Joel Hyatt. See the NY Times?: here.
Passport Project Global Community Arts Center is building community through the arts. Passport Project is a 501(c)(3), multicultural, literacy-based arts education company that reaches children, adults and the community through residencies, performances, workshops, and electronic and print media. Receive education experiences that build community through the arts, encourage respect for diversity and rejection of racism, and experience excitement for learning and the global community. Passport has already served thousands of children and adults in various settings; now you can register for classes open to the public on Sat 5/22 beginning the first 6-week session at the new Global Community Arts Center located at 12801/12803 Buckeye Rd. Read They Say below about founder Chloë Hopson, get familiar with this amazing group and register for classes. Call 721-1055 or email cloemar18@aol.com and keep your eye out for a website forthcoming at http://www.passportproject.org
The Authority to plan a convention center Thought you’d heard the last of the convention center? Think again. Now that the Cuyahoga County commissioners have voted to form the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Convention Facilities Authority, the city, county and Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association have 30 days to name appointees to the 11-member authority. The two ham-handed attempts last year makes it more imperative they appoint “community leaders from a broad spectrum, who have a high level of respect,” as County Administrator David Reines suggests. Read more.
May is National Tourism Month reminding the public about travel and tourism’s contributions to America’s economy. To mark the occasion, 40 area attractions and manned exhibit tables will be on display around the large fountain at Tower City as part of Attractions Awareness Day at Tower City Center this past Thursday. According to the Travel Industry Assn of America, Ohio is the 8th most-visited state, with 158 million visits last year. Read more.
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Bicycle the Towpath at Night Glide through the night shadows on the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley and experience the valley from a whole new perspective! Century Cycles (Peninsula, 800-201-7433 for information and directions) sponsors and invites you to these fun and free events. All skill levels are welcome! Meet at Century Cycles in Peninsula Sat 5/15 at 8PM; if you can’t make it this week, see our website for the entire season’s schedule. Parking is available at the Lock 29 Trailhead around the corner (follow the signs). Rides are usually 15-20 miles in length; helmets and lights are required for the ride. Visit a Century Cycles location in Rocky River, Solon, Medina or Peninsula; from first trikes to custom bikes, trust Century Cycles…and remember, browse globally, buy locally! http://centurycycles.com/site/intro.cfm
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Maybe it’s just not a Cleveland thing Wondering whether Cleveland politicians really believe in economic development, departing CrainTech editor Chris Thompson says, “something resembling socialism is the city’s preferred economic policy,” when the biggest news in town is constructing a county government building. The good news is this: our city has a plethora of excellent assets to support various opportunities that could very well generate real economic growth. But we still don’t have that pro-business, pro-growth attitude here. Will we ever? See CrainTech here.
Money to study regionalism We tried going just one issue without mentioning “regionalism,” but Cleveland’s potential-solution-du-Jour is never far from the collective lips of our town. Cuyahoga County’s development director Paul Oyaski thinks the county should provide “an inducement for serious collaboration.” A chunk of money, such as $500,000, with local foundations to putting up similar funds, would provide the incentive to study and implement consolidated services. The bottom line: lowering the cost of government also makes the region more attractive to business. Read more.
Brain-watching helps reduce pain A new study finds that people can teach themselves to suppress pain while viewing activity of a pain-control region of their brain, and this biofeedback technique could also prove to be useful for treating other conditions like epilepsy and ADD. www.NewScientist.com
Grace Factory Farm Project is working to eliminate factory farming by implementing sustainable food production systems that are humane, healthy, and environmentally sound. Read their activist tips at http://www.factoryfarm.org
RIP Daniel R. Thompson This respected poet and social activist was a staunch advocate of poetry as a performance art in Cleveland. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Cleveland, he earned degrees in English, philosophy and sociology. Daniel conducted readings at all types of venues, and organized numerous events to recognize both famous and unknown poets. The Cleveland Heights resident mastered the art of unconventional poetry delivery, with readings for the incarcerated, and he brought area poets together to compete when he organized Cleveland’s first Poetry Slam in 1991. In 1992 he was declared poet laureate of Cuyahoga County at a ceremony in the Virgil Brown Human Services Building, and compiled Famous in the Neighborhood, and Even the Broken Letters of the Heart Spell Earth. He mixed poetry with performance and music, most recently touring Europe with Cleveland percussion group Drumplay. Daniel was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2002 yet continued supporting poetry. Read more.
Daniel Thompson related events What’s Up All Cleveland area poets are invited to submit a poem to the list What’s Up in Northeast Ohio whatsup-neohio-subscribe@igc.topica.com, to be published on Fri 5/14 on the list. Please include your full name and telephone number. Phone number will not be included in the final posting. Send one poem to jkmiller@igc.org. Hessler candelight vigil Of all the regular area events, the Hessler Street Fair most closely exemplifies Daniel’s spirit. At this year’s fest, a candelight vigil will be held on Sat 5/22 at dusk at the Hessler Street Fair Stage, on Hessler Road & Court between Ford and Bellflower Roads, one block north of Euclid & Mayfield in University Circle. Bring your own candle. Celebration/Performance in honor of Daniel from 3-7PM on Sat 6/5 at the Barking Spider, 11310 Juniper Rd, all poets & performers are welcome. Peek-a-Buddha will highlight all things funky (and Zen some) at Arts Collinwood in conjunction with CSU Art Gallery’s Buddha Project Sat 5/29 from 2-6PM at 16001 Waterloo Rd, dedicated to the honor and memory of Daniel.
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Love, betrayal, uncontrollable passion… all at Cleveland Public Theatre! Check out the world premiere play Dojoji: desire overpowers the human form when a woman sheds her skin to pursue a love that has spanned centuries. Dojoji melds Japanese Noh and Kabuki traditions, contemporary performance styles, and live music with a world premiere score. Opens Fri 5/21 and runs through Sat 6/5. Extended by popular demand… Nickel and Dimed, produced in association with Great Lakes Theater Festival, has added six performances, now playing through Sun 6/6! Experience what all the critics are calling a “must-see!” Call now for best ticket availability. Along with the play, check out CPT’s website for a series of community events entitled Not Getting By: Views on Working in America. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., 631-2727. Bring It On!
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Mark Your Calendar
PDA-worthy events forthcoming
A Moveable Feast Cool Cleveland parties are semi-legendary for discovering interesting and cool party spaces in Cleveland. Now we’re making plans for our first foray into the Inner Ring! Mark Your Calendars for Thu 6/17 from 4-8PM for a wild after-work event that will take over the intersection of Cedar and Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights. We’ll be partying in the outdoor Mini-park, watching Cleveland films in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, checking out art in the galleries and snagging great hors d’oeuvres and open bar drinks. The best part: our after-party includes free admission to Cain Park at 8PM! You can’t register yet, but mark the date in your Palm Pilot and stay tuned to http://www.coolcleveland.com.
Urban Living Folks have been clicking on Cool Cleveland sponsored links for The Bingham Building. They just announced their cool new apartments (350 of ’em!) opening right now, including a much-needed grocery store on the first floor. We’re planning an Art/Tech/Dance event right inside the place on Thu 7/29 from 4-8PM, with an after-party nearby. Expect the usual neighborhood hors d’oeuvres and open bar, and as usual, expect the unexpected. Hold the date and spread the word. Downtown living is here to stay. Check back for registration information at http://www.coolcleveland.com
Cool Cleveland This Week
5.12-5.19
Send your cool events to: eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom
Falling in Love with Cities All Over Again Learn to love Cleveland once more when executive editor of ODE, Jay Walljasper, speaks on urban and community issues. Walljasper was previously editor of Utne for 19 years, where he frequently wrote about urban and community-based topics. This event is open to all Wed 5/12 at 7:30PM followed by a light supper for a nominal cost; children and students are free. Call 771-3630. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, E. 22nd & Euclid. http://www.trinitycleveland.org See Cool Cleveland Interview with Jay Walljasper below.
Plug In Cleveland 1.0 Digital Vision Cleveland’s recognition event for those who’ve made major contributions to closing the digital divide in our city. They’ll spotlight progress that’s been made in an effort to bring our city’s people and neighborhoods into the Digital Age. Roll out to participate in the celebration and concurrent fundraiser for the work of Cleveland Digital Vision and Computers Wed 5/12 from 5:30-7:30PM. Cleveland Midtown Innovation Center, 4415 Euclid Ave. http://www.clevelanddigitalvision.org/plugin.htm
Alternatives to violence through media in our schools, homes and our community is calling all teens, mentors and teachers! National Public Radio’s Frank Stasio will address issues in a keynote speech: Pushing Peoples’ Buttons: We Can Sell You Anything! A variety of breakout groups will follow, challenging teens to find creative ways to express their concerns and their choices of alternatives to violence. Adult workshops will address similar topics Thu 5/13 from 8:45AM-1:30PM. Call 361-5890. Trinity Cathedral, East 22nd and Euclid Ave. For info email davidh3748@aol.com
Small Business Resource Starting a new business?…or are you trying to get some help with an existing venture? Then check out the Community Microenterprise Network of Northeast Ohio’s trade fair, Resource Central this Fri 5/14 from 10:30-4PM at Windows on the River at the Powerhouse in the Flats. Sponsored by COSE, this free event brings together banks, government agencies and non-profit organizations that can help you with all your business issues from financing, business planning, personnel issues, taxes, government contracting and everything in between. http://www.cose.org
Deborah Woolfork Trunk Show This Cleveland artist’s spring/summer jewelry collection features beautifully faceted gemstone teardrops along with more natural gemstone nuggets, pink african opals and freshwater pearls with 22k gold bead accents. You’ll find combinations of contemporary, vintage and ancient materials hand constructed with silver finishings and intrinsic value. Opening reception begins Thu 5/13 from 6-9PM. Call (440) 946-3313. Finestra Gallery, 4076 Erie St. in Willoughby. http://www.finestragallery.com
Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family lecture series with Dr. Fred Smith from Kent State University will discuss compelling large-scale West African public structures, mystical shrines, domestic architecture, decorations, wall paintings and wall reliefs Thu 5/13 at 7PM. For tickets call 231-1177. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Dr in University Circle. http://www.cmnh.org
Carousel Artistic Director Paul F. Gurgol has assembled a thrilling cast to bring his dream show home to Cleveland’s new Kalliope Stage. Make your way out to see artists of the highest caliber performing one of the greatest musicals of all time. Opening night will be Fri 5/14. The theatre is located at 2199 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights. Call 321-0870. http://www.Kalliopestage.com
SlamU Playhouse Square’s poetry slam designed for students to speak their minds in an uncensored environment while learning to write and perform their best. Teens will create original works and perform with Cleveland’s leading poets in a professional atmosphere with exercises focusing on writing and performing. Participants finish off the evening with a slam demonstrating their learned skills Fri 5/14 from 7-9PM. Kennedy Center at Playhouse Square,1501 Euclid Ave. For info 348-7912 or visit http://www.playhousesquare.com/minisites/images/education/SLAMBRO.PDF
Salsa Dance Contest at Club Modä with a ‘Jack & Jill’ competition where dance partners are determined by the luck of the draw prior to the competition. There’s no registration fee and decent cash prizes will be awarded Fri 5/14 with doors open 9PM, contest starts 11:30PM. Tropical Rhythms hosts a Latin night at Modä every Friday. Call 781-3805. Modä, 1871 West 25th St. For info go to http://www.TropicalRhythms.net or visit http://www.modanightclub.com
Three Artists: Figurative Approaches This exhibition will showcase the talents of artists Megan Dull, Tricia Kaman, and Maria Zanetta; their paintings and sculptures capture the visual beauty of the human figure with different perspectives and media. Sister Megan Dull is a studio artist concentrating on clay sculpture, and Tricia Kaman creates oil paintings, pastels and watercolors featuring figurative and portrait compositions. Opening reception is Fri 5/14 from 7-9PM. Artists’ Dialogue is 6/9 from 7-9PM. Call (440) 646-8122. Ursuline College’s Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery, 2550 Lander Rd. in Pepper Pike. http://www.ursuline.edu/wasmer
“eMpower ~ eMbellish “ The public is invited to the new Gallery M, hosting their sophomore show with emerging jewelry and wearable metal artists Michelle Pajak and Jesse Mathes. Each woman uses wearable metal in her art; Pajak’s work combines precious metals, fine fabrics and glass beads to create one-of-a-kind haute couture garments, while Mathes is inspired by Elizabethan pageantry and creates cage-like body sculpture that draws attention to personal space. Opening reception is Fri 5/14 from 5-9PM. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Call 773-8277. Gallery M, at the Loftworks Building at 1667 East 40th St.
Jar the Floor Four generations of African American women gather to explore the sometimes hilarious and often heartbreaking effect each generation has on the next in this play directed by Caroline Jackson Smith Fri 5/14 at 8PM. Call 795-7070 x226. Arena Theatre, 2355 East 89th St. http://www.karamu.com
WCLVnotes The Cleveland International Piano Competition, which happens every two years, is expanding its radio activities beyond the live local broadcasts on WCLV. A series of 13 one-hour programs drawing on performances from the 2003 Competition has been produced by WCLV/Seaway Productions for distribution to stations across the country. As of this writing, some 91 stations will be carrying the series. WCLV 104.9 FM begins its broadcasts this Friday at 9PM. The 2003 competition was held 7/30 – 8/10 at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and featured exciting new talent and the promise of tomorrow’s stars. The series presents musical selections from the preliminary, quarter-final and semi-final rounds and concludes with the Winner’s Recital featuring Kotaro Fukuma, Soyeon Lee, Konstantin Soukhovetski and Andrius Zlabys. Mozart’s Sonata in Eb, Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 7 in Bb, Corigliano’s Etude-Fantasy, Brahms’ Sonata No. 3 in f and Chopin’s Sonata No 2 in b-flat are just several of the musical highlights. WCLV’s Mark Satola is the host and producer. a Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com
Rock Your World: All-City Arts Festival A positive arts talent event showcasing Cleveland school children; see why this collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a colossal event attracting over 10,000 spectators. Cleveland students gain impactful experiences through performances that include dance, drama, theatre, music and visual arts as an integral part of their comprehensive learning curriculum. Head out for a day of uplifting and local entertainment Sat 5/15 from 10AM-5PM. Call 574-4326. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1 Key Plaza http://www.cmsdnet.net/artseducation/events/festival.htm and http://www.rockhall.com
Cleveland Entertainment Conference You’ll want to scope out this one-day event that promotes the regional entertainment industry by offering an educational forum and the resources needed to develop Cleveland talent while incorporating community support. With 15 panels covering acting, aspects of production, and marketing, it all happens Sat 5/15 at The Blind Pig, Velvet Dog and Cabaret Dada. Hollywood producer Alan Schecter will also discuss his experiences working in L.A. as a producer. This is the largest event of its kind to be held in Cleveland; swing by to hear panelist Thomas Mulready bringin’ the CC mojo. For registration, times, and list of panelists, visit http://www.clevelandentertainmentconference.com
Rumba Tabaco y Café a jam session paired with tobacco and coffee; get away and immerse yourself in European string based instruments and African hand drums that echo five centuries of love, pain, dreams, and disillusions suffered and celebrated in Latin America. This performance is a gathering of friends and family with an invitation to sing and dance Sat 5/15 at 8PM. Call 321-1119. Venuu Off Coventry, 2728 Lancashire Rd in Cleveland Hts (The Unitarian-Universalist Society of Cleveland, downstairs) http://venuu1.tripod.com
Writers & Their Friends now in its fifth biennial celebration, join with the literary community at The Cleveland Play House to honor the many writers who live and work throughout Northeast Ohio. This event unites community leaders, the media, actors, performance artists, and the public to pay tribute to our area’s finest writers by dramatically reading their work in a staged production Sat 5/15 at 7PM. Get tickets in advance at http://www.pwlgc.com or call 421-0403. Bolton Theater at The Cleveland Play House. http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com
The Same River Twice A Cleveland film premier! Film maker Rob Moss takes a poignant look back to 1978, when a group of carefree, communal, naked hippies take an idyllic month long rafting trip down the Colorado River. Twenty-five years later, catching up with this formerly adventurous group relays the toll that intervening jobs, children, divorce and marriage has on these individuals’ once beautiful bodies and once unencumbered free spirits Sat 5/15 at 8:15PM. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. Call 421-7450. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque
Thief’s Knot A World Premiere! Four individuals become hopelessly yet uselessly intertwined as they discover the repercussions of opening up to another human being. A lyrical and poetic play, Thief’s Knot deals with love, rejection and regret. What happens when you say “I love you,” and how does it change everything? Find out Sun 5/16 at 7PM. Call 932-3396. Dobama Theatre, 1846 Coventry Rd in Cleveland Hts. http://www.dobama.org
Cleveland Restoration Society and Preservation Resource Center of Northeastern Ohio is doing a trolley tour covering three historic sacred landmarks in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Stops include Pilgrim Congregational Church, St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and St. Michael Catholic Church Sun 5/16 from 1:30- 5PM. A local architectural historian and life-long Cleveland resident will lead the tour; presenters include Christine Krosel, Director of archival research for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Refreshments will be served after the tour at the Sarah Benedict House. Call 426-1000 to register and receive directions. http://www.clevelandrestoration.org
Digital Filmmaking – The Production Process During this seven-week hands-on class, students will be introduced to the basic production steps used in film and television production. You will work and learn in a crew structure and be delegated roles in pre-production tasks outside the class. Course concludes with the actual digital shoot of a two minute short; classes begin Mon 5/17, 6:30AM-9:30PM. Call 987-5875. Corporate College, 25425 Center Ridge Rd. in Westlake. http://www.tri-c.cc.oh.us/cc/default.htm
Making Change Last November, REI@Weatherhead hosted a Making Change event kicking off a process to strengthen our civic networks and develop a new approach to regional economic development in Northeast Ohio. Attend the follow-up meeting Mon 5/17 from 8:30AM-1PM; feel free to come in at any time and go whenever. Why should you attend? You’ll get more insight into our evolving networks of civic entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio, and see how our colleges and universities are coming together to accelerate the regional economic transformation. Most importantly, you’ll meet some really interesting people. For info, visit http://www.weatherhead.cwru.edu/rei/makingchange_networks.htm and to register https://www.123signup.com/event?id=hzrr See Cool Cleveland People interview with REI head Ed Morrison below.
Getting Ahead and Managing Stress A part of Cleveland Bridge Builder’s Leadership Lifeline Series will present former Lincoln Electric CEO, Donald F. Hastings, with his guidelines for career success to help participants stand out from the crowd and manage stress. Don will also share some valuable stories and regrets he has from his professional career; check it out Tue 5/18 5:30-7PM. Call 436-2100. United Way Services, 1331 Euclid Avenue http://www.uws.org
African and African American fiction The Rice Branch Reading Club will review Promises to Keep by Gloria Mallette, covering the issues of social justice and family solidarity when a murder nearly destroys a close-knit family. She is author of the novels Shades of Gray and When We Practice To Deceive; get out and gather with other book lovers on Tue 5/18 from 6-7:30PM. Free refreshments will be served. Call 623-7046. Rice Branch, 2820 East 116th St. http://www.cpl.org
Send your cool events to: eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom
They Say
Conversations with Lyz and Kristin Bly at their home/gallery
Forget everything that’s negative about globalization for a moment to reflect on the scrupulously sincere worldview that drives Chloë Hopson. Chloë is a globe-trotting, culture-loving, heart-of-gold artist who lives her life and shares her trade under oath of a central yogi precept – namaste (the great perfection within me honors the great perfection within you). As an accomplished dancer, dramatist, singer, and educator, Chloë is well-known for her work as an artist-in-residence and for her diversity seminars that touch the hearts and minds of young people from around the world. As the founder and driving force of the collective Passport Project, Chloë Hopson has precious few moments to catch her breath. Luckily, she’s perfected the technique of breath meditation in simultaneity with other activities – which she was able to do during a recent chat at Limbo on Larchmere (a cool Cleveland cornerstone). They Say-er Kristin Bly checks in to find out what drives Chloë Hopson. This week, register in advance for Chloë’s classes open to the public, starting Sat 5/22 at the new Global Community Arts Center located at 12801/12803 Buckeye Rd. Call 721-1055Kristin Bly: Tell me about Passport Project.
Chloë Hopson: The mission of Passport is “to build community through the arts, encourage respect for diversity and the rejection of racism and negative bias, and to inspire excitement for learning and the global community.” Ultimately, we are interested in getting kids enthusiastic about creative learning, and open to the appreciation of diversity. Our programs are literacy-based so we often start with a story, a folktale, or poem and develop events and residencies from that point. We facilitate the exploration of the stories through movement, visual art, theatre, and music…
Read They Say by Kristin Bly here
Cool Cleveland People: Ed Morrison
Making Change
Ed Morrison has had his hand in the economic development efforts of cities, regions and communities nationwide, from Oklahoma City to Kentucky to Mississippi, and his work won the first Arthur D. Little Award for Excellence in Economic Development. Currently, he heads up The Center for Regional Economic Issues at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. This week, REI presents Making Change workshop from 8:30AM-1PM on Mon 5/17 at the Ritz-Carlton. What do you see as the biggest impediments to economic growth for our region? The biggest impediments are the lack of civic leadership, which includes the lack of leadership historically by the business community, the political leadership, the foundations and the universities. All that is beginning to change, especially in the universities, where there are new levels of cooperation between Case’s president Ed Hundert and Cleveland State University’s president Michael Schwartz, who have made it known that they are partners in economic development. It’s starting to change with the foundations in regards to their extraordinary Fund for Our Economic Future. Now we need to build a strong connection between our foundations and our universities. In your opinion, how does the Cleveland Municipal School District play into the region’s economic future?
The Cleveland Municipal School District is perhaps the biggest opportunity and the biggest potential liability that we have. We are starting to make strides in improving the performance of the school system, but we have an enormously long way to go. The fundamental challenge is for the community to embrace the schools system and realize that these challenges cannot be met by the school system alone. We have 14-year old kids dropping out of school without any adult supervision. They are making the most important decision of their lives, yet we allow these kids to make this decision, which has long-term consequences for our community and region… Read the Cool Cleveland People interview with Ed Morrison here
Cool Cleveland Interview: Jay Walljasper
Falling In Love With Cities All Over Again
Writer and editor Jay Walljasper is familiar to anyone who’s been reading the award-winning Utne magazine, which serves as a digest of alternative and progressive journalism everywhere. Jay served as editor of Utne for 19 years, and has recently taken on the role of executive editor of Ode magazine, a news and culture magazine published from the Netherlands for an international audience that appears in English-, Portugese-, and Dutch-language editions. This week, Jay will be speaking at Trinity Cathedral on Wed 5/12 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, E. 22nd & Euclid. His talk is entitled, Falling In Love With Cities All Over Again.
What can you suggest for a town like Cleveland that has great authentic neighborhoods, an overabundance of arts and culture and a super-low cost of living, but doesn’t seem to appreciate it or know what to do with it? That’s where the theme of my talk goes. Cities have to be proud of cities, and not apologetic because they are not a suburb; I’ve even seen cities build a shopping mall in the middle of the city. Cleveland will fail miserably if it tries to become a suburb, but it can be a really good city. So if you’re five four, weigh 110 pounds and you want to be a linebacker, it won’t work. Maybe you should be a ballet dancer. If there’s a lot of excitement, cultural activity and places where urbanites can take a walk, problems like crime rate will go away, and reducing crime is the single most effective way to revitalize a city. What are your thoughts on Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland, who is running for President in the Democratic party on a platform of peace and social justice? You know, it’s really interesting because I was able to speak with him, and my wife and I were Kucinich supporters. He doesn’t have a chance to win and hasn’t from the beginning, just like Jesse Jackson in 1988, John Mc Cain? in 2000, and Jerry Brown in 1992. For some reason the media has never taken him seriously, and I think Howard Dean stole some of his thunder. Kucinich’s Department of Peace is a wonderful concept, and his involvement with the Progressive Caucus to challenge the Heritage Foundation was really great. I think he’s been able to reach people and fire them up… Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Jay Walljasper here.
Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
On new and unusual ideas “Just a thought: Have you considered a forum or ‘artists classifieds’ here? It may be a bit early to think about, but a forum might be a way of attracting regular traffic, as well as providing artists and the like with a place to converse. For example, I myself am interested in finding someone who is focused on making music/sound with air. I would like to incorporate new and unusual ideas into existing pipe organ technology. Sounds cool to me, anyway. Thanks for the site. I love the clean design.” from Andrew MacGregor cam@apk.net
Instant Karma
Quik reviews of recent events+
Daniel Thompson Memorial Service @ Church of the Covenant 5/10 The small sample of people that Daniel Thompson touched was a preacher’s envy that packed the Church of the Covenant, Monday, as they came to pay respects to the late Cuyahoga County Poet Laureate. The crowd was a who’s who of poets and activists with a smattering of former homeless or recovered substance abusers, all who owe a debt of gratitude to the man who was called “a great servant of the people around him.” The aged former hippies sat with the middle-aged activists along with the young inspired poets as they listened to those who were fortunate enough to closely share their life with Daniel, even if that meant going to jail with him. A young man who brought his family to the service, answered his son’s curiosity by replying with great reverence, “He’s a poet.” Dedicated to the power of words and always looking to celebrate those Clevelanders who excelled in shaping them, Daniel hoped to have the water fountains downtown named for poets like Hart Crane, Langston Hughes, and d.a. levy…
Read the review by Cool Cleveland contributor Steve Goldberg here
Cleveland Orchestra 5/6 @ Severance Hall This evening of music could have been titled “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concertos; The B Sides.” Or maybe just a formula like Mitsuko Uchida + Cleveland Orchestra + Mozart Piano Concertos = Perfection. Anyway, thank goodness for gravity, the audience remained in their seats. Pianist Mitsuko Uchida returned to Severance Hall this past week to continue her multi-year project of performing and conducting form the keyboard all of the Mozart piano concertos. This round of Piano Concertos was an evening of lesser known works; Concertos 11, 12 and 13. These pieces are all more subtle than the late Piano Concertos, but no less beautiful. Concerto No. 11, which opened the program, is a wandering introspective piece which has no need for a grand statement. This subdued tone continued through Concertos No. 12 and 13. Though No. 13 contained moments of festivity and No. 12 hinted at grander romantic statements, neither worked themselves into boisterous music heard in the late concertos. Mitsuko and the small group of orchestra members performed effortlessly and brilliantly through out the evening. This Mozart Piano Concerto project with Mitzuko Uchida continues next season with two more installments. If you like Mozart Piano Concertos, it can’t get better than this. from Cool Cleveland contributor Brian E. Schriefer, CPA briancpa@msn.com
In Honor of Daniel Thompson
There aren’t enough digits in cyberspace to hold all the good wishes expressed this week by Clevelanders for Daniel Thompson. But a selection of Cleveland writers, editors and artists wrote to Cool Cleveland to express their thoughts in poetry and prose. Read Markk Kuhar’s Requiem below, then click the link to read poems from Peter Dillard, Christopher Reynolds, Katie Daley, Leatrice Tolls, Jim Miller, and Stewart Robinson, plus rememberances from Larry Smith, Nina Gibans, Bill Kennedy, Carol Steiner, Maryjo Muser, Peggi Cella, and Ferne Clements.
requiem for daniel thompson
by Markk Kuhar
you, white bearded saint of
the sad cleveland streets,
with yr twinkling eye
& fireworks of the mind,
chanting yr heavy words
over the beast of the city,
o prophet of many hats, the
music of yr soul like a fine
mercury swirl, awash upon
lost neighborhoods, a beacon
of hope in a twist of whispers,
down where the cuyahoga flows
gentle giant of junkyard poems,
in a pearl road salvage joint
where the word resurrected
the rust of axles, silent engines
motoring our forgotten names,
w/a top hat standing on a flatbed,
legendary ghost of the west side
market, weaving in and out of
vegetable stands, sausages
hanging like uncooked poems
from the rafters, all yr clean
fresh bread of the moment,
king of the coventry hours,
telling tales at a table at
tommy’s, rattling the bones
of the ages, the civil rights
wars of the 1960s, you the
mask of hughes, crane, levy,
with yr diamond sharp scythe
of images, poems that erase
every ancient moment, suspended
in time like a golden elixir,
dueling with drumplay, how
you would laugh at my words,
on a sunny cleveland afternoon
where the birds speak of spring,
the dogs sing symphonies, today
is a holy day, a timeless may 6th,
(can’t believe yr gone) I offer this
requiem for you, daniel thompson
Click here to read Clevelander’s memorials to Daniel Thompson
Top 5
We use IdeaStar.com tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) Hard to believe some politicians never seem to stop feeding at the trough of the taxpayers. Lib or conservative, this should piss you off.
http://www.yahoo.com
2) Ohio school funding is unconstitutional and illegal The Ohio State Supreme Court has ruled no less than four times: basing school funding on property taxes is wrong.
Read more
3) Euclid Corridor on track Bike lanes, high-tech traffic lights, and hybrid diesel-electric buses called BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) all add up to an excellent effort to link Downtown Cleveland to University Circle and East Cleveland.
Read more
4) Cleveland on sale The beleaguered Convention & Visitors Bureau has a daunting task, as our fair city has to deal with the sometimes unappreciative locals who may not always notice the advantages of our area as easily as transplants.
Read more
5) Roldo Link The real problem with the high spending from a special fund by Cleveland CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett wasn’t totally about what she extravagantly spent. More important was where she got the dough.
http://www.coolcleveland.com
Infinite coolness Thanks to everyone for spending lots of time referring people you know to CC.com. We appreciate all the CC love, and if you know someone who’d dig our e-zine, send ’em off to http://www.coolcleveland.com (and check out the new site) or tell them to send an e-mail to signupatcoolclevelanddotcom
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Hard Corps roll out every week to find positively bangin’ events and original material that differentiates us from the other guys. Huge thanks to Lyz and Kristin Bly, Brian Schriefer, Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth and all our contributors who help make Cool Cleveland absolutely killer without the filler. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: eventsatcoolclevelanddotcom
Thank you,
Daniel (:divend:)