Elevation
In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland People with artist and gallery owner Guy-Vincent Ricketti
* Birol’s Business My Big, Fat Cleveland Fantasy by business columnist Andy Birol
* Cool Cleveland Sounds CD review of Assah Mahtak Afakt by Echo Grove
* RoldoLINK Smart Guys Take But Make Believe They’re Giving by columnist Roldo Bartimole
* Cool Cleveland Commentary Fusion, Cleveland’s women’s tackle football team
* Cool Cleveland Writer Nectarines by George Bilgere, winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize in Literature
Cool Cleveland People
Guy-Vincent Ricketti
Guy-Vincent Ricketti, an award-winning artist with 20 years experience, trained at both the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Columbus School of Design. Like many artists, he’s worked the gamut of jobs in the artworld, from freelance design to photosetting to corporate consulting. Internationally acclaimed, his recent exhibitions include La Vie Moderne which traveled to Rome, Termoli, and Spoleto, Italy. In the Spring of 2004, he opened his gallery Elevation Art, which this week presents Chroma, a solo exhibition featuring the vibrant and dynamic prints and paintings of retired CIA instructor Julian Stanczak, world renowned for his work as a perceptual abstractionist, with an opening reception this Fri 4/22 from 5:30-9:30PM. Cool Cleveland CIO George Nemeth spoke with Ricketti about technology and developing an avant-garde gallery in Cleveland that’s exploring arts and business relationships internationally. Cool Cleveland: I have a sense that what you’re trying to do is elevate the art community and Cleveland artists internationally. Is that why your gallery is named Elevation Art, or is it serendipitous?
Guy Vincent Ricketti: A little of both. It was definitely a cognitive decision to use ‘elevation’ to send out a message, but as it’s an organic process, much like creating a work of art. You have a concept, you start working on it, things change, happy accidents as it were… The idea of elevating Cleveland artists, there are great artists here. I recently went to the Armory Exhibition in NYC, and our artists here can compete with anyone. It’s a matter of having the voice, the forum locally, combining all the elements – the artists, the dealers, the collectors – getting a common goal, and uniting what’s been so disparate in Cleveland, just from a logistics standpoint, even. There are galleries spread out all over Cleveland. I’m also exploring international relationships right now.
How did you develop those?
Some of them were the results of exhibitions in Italy. I’m talking to the curator of the museum of contemporary art in Zagreb, Croatia. I sent him some work from a couple artists in Cleveland, and we’re having a dialog to see if we can do something. Part of my plan is to get the work of Cleveland artists out there in the world, and to get their work here and expose it to Cleveland. It’ll consist of emerging artists just out of school, and seasoned veterans, like Julian Stanczak…
Read the interview by George Nemeth here
Ingenuity builds a robot (and momentum). For proof, click here to read the latest article on Ingenuity, Cleveland’s first annual Festival of Art + Technology, coming to Lower Euclid this Labor Day Weekend, co-directed by Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready and CPT’s James Levin. To help us build our robot, we’re looking for the following parts: 1 ballet tutu, 1 space suit glove, a hospital gurney, 1 collapsable tripod, a saxophone, a turntable, various outdated prosthetics, flutes, various 6″ or 8″ speaker cones, a miniature keyboard, video cameras. If you’ve got any spare parts to offer (they don’t have to work, and you won’t get them back), drop us a note, and be a part of Ingenuity now: Thomas@IngenuityCleveland.org
The business of entertainment Cleveland’s king of club culture, Terry Barbu, is a young professional responsible for invigorating the Warehouse District with his collection of nightclubs: Fusion, Liquid, Tramp, Funky Buddha, and the new Tequila Ranch. His desire is to maintain the Warehouse District as a quality neighborhood with exceptional entertainment, and his investments are personal commitments to lead the area in the right direction. With over ten years in the industry, he hopes to see the Warehouse District thrive. Read the profile here. Inside Business also examines how developers and the city of Cleveland are facing the mistakes made with the Flats; commercial development increased without the same growth in the residential sector; both are needed for a balanced neighborhood. Exciting improvements for the Flats are in works for a mixed-use development plan, based on about 30 acres of land north of the Main Avenue Bridge. Read the story here. Send your opinion on the Warehouse District and the Flats to Letters@CoolCleveland.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Moving On Up in Midtown The Montana Townhomes offer ten, contemporary townhomes with airy, open designs, 1200-1800 square feet, a striking brick and stone facade that extends to the edge of both streets, 2-3 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 baths, 15 year tax abatement, special financing and much more! The Montana Townhomes also now start at a very affordable price – $139,900. Get in now on this neighborhood revival! You can live close to downtown, University Circle, the Clinic and much more. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Broadband’s Suptnik? Lev Gonick, Case’s VP for Information Technology Services, makes note of the race for next generation leadership in the area of research, engineering and medicine, enabled by ultra broadband network connectivity in both our workplaces and homes. But recent results indicate the U.S. is slipping in this area. According to the newest issue of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. moved from 4th to 13th place in the rankings of broadband internet usage, making the U.S. the only advanced industrial country without a national policy promoting broadband. Read Lev’s blog here. Your thoughts? Send them to Letters@CoolCleveland.com
Pass The Pump Crank it out with Century Cycles and ClevelandBikes to bike it during future Bike-to-Work Days on the last Friday of each month: it’s an attainable activism to make Cleveland a cleaner and healthier place to live and work. On Earth Day, Fri 4/22 do your part by walking, jogging, or taking public transportation to work, as walking, cycling and running groups throughout the region are coordinating activities for participants of all ages. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will be distributing free fare cards for commuters to use public transportation, and you can stop by the morning rally downtown on Public Square from 6:30 to 9:30AM for Friday fun, including music and a chance to enter a competition to snag a summer package and a year of free rides on RTA! Try out public transportation or just hop on your bike to help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Public transportation reduces oil consumption by 50 million barrels of oil every year, and removes 50,000 vehicles from Northeast Ohio roadways – and that’s news to notice. http://CenturyCycles.com/site/intro.cfm and http://www.ClevelandBikes.org
Mostly Lip Service Because the popularity of our e-letter is based on viral advertising (passed on to others by word of mouth), Cool Cleveland offers the best kind of advertising there is referrals! And we prove it with testimonials from our clients, who are selling out of their products when they advertise with us. Examples: After a Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party, the real estate clients weve worked with have sold out of their luxury loft apartments, condos and penthouses featured on our tours. Read our testimonials here , and let us help you sell out of your products. Contact Info@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising and sponsorship.
Summer on the Cuyahoga Replace Northeast Ohio’s “brain drain” with “brain gain” through an innovative internship program that provides 75 undergraduates from around the U.S. with experiential learning opportunities and internships at major Cleveland-area businesses. Case is co-hosting the regional Yale, Colgate, Case, Smith, and Princeton alumni associations’ 10-week, “Summer on the Cuyahoga 2005” program and promoting Cleveland as the place to live, work, learn and play, attracting students from the four hosts and other universities to settle in Northeast Ohio. The program brings talented undergraduates to Cleveland for high-quality paid internships, community engagement, alumni mentorship and social events. http://www.SummerOnTheCuyahoga.com
Literature matters and it’s linked to reading skills, as younger populations who avoid reading pay the price at work. Corporate America’s complaints about writing and reading skills are increasing. Last year, the College Board reported that corporations spend $3.1 billion a year on remedial writing instruction for employees, and are especially dissatisfied with the writing of recent college graduates. Read Boston.com here.
Get Late gets press National Public Radio has tuned into Cleveland, praising Cleveland tourism officials who offer new solutions to reinvigorate local arts. The program, “Late Out, Late In”, featured two weeks ago in Cool Cleveland here, allows employees to arrive at work two hours late if they attend any arts event the night before. Read the NPR story here.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Well Miss You! Bid a fond farewell to some of the areas art treasures during The Cleveland Museum of Arts “Cool Fridays” bon voyage events. Open till an irregular 11 PM these Fridays only, the museum prepares to begin construction for its expansion and our treasures must be moved into storage for safekeeping. Mark these last chance viewing opportunities now in your calendar: Fri 4/22 French/German decorative arts, Renaissance manuscripts and tapestries; Fri 4/29 Project 244 and contemporary art (upper level of Breuer), Fri 5/13 Asian galleries; Fri 5/27 The Armor Court Fri 7/8 Islamic and classical galleries. Bring family and friends and enjoy music, performances and Bon Voyage movies showing at 9PM. Free parking after 8PM. Food and beverages available. For more information contact www. clevelandart.org or call 421-7350.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Play House wins Theatre Residency Playwright Heather McDonald was awarded one of eleven available 2004 NEA/TCG Theatre Residency Programs for Playwrights. She’ll spend the residency writing an original play for the Master of Fine Arts candidates in the Joint Professional Actor Training Program. The Cleveland Play House was honored to be recognized by the NEA/TCG, developed and administered by Theatre Communications Group (TCG) in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and supported in part by The Ford Foundation. It affords playwrights the opportunity to create new work while in residence at a host theatre. As a host theatre, The Cleveland Play House will receive $4,500 to enhance its ability to support the residency. Read the story here.
Jump In The Pan It’s Cleveland’s newest restaurant, and it’s a Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis for 5th-year CIA student Sarah Lohman. Check out food from past and savor new and revolutionary flavors at the new culinary effort, Jump in the Pan, located in the Cleveland Institute of Art Joseph McCullough Center for Visual Arts. Lohman links historical re enactors and living history museums, with a restaurant as a vehicle for reinterpreting history as open and layered. You’ll want to make reservations since it is only open Mon 5/2 thru Thu 5/5. You can also check out other students’ thesis projects the same week. http://www.JumpInThePan.com
More students apply to creative-writing programs It’s an increase that can’t be explained, as the opportunities to teach this type of literature is shrinking. Survey of academic positions note a steady decline in academic jobs for creative writers; the total number of academic positions this year was 393, half of what was available in 2003. Read Denver Post here.
Share Our Strength If you love food and also love to make a difference for those in need, indulge your foodie passion to support one of the nation’s leading anti-hunger orgs. Marlin Kaplan, chef and owner of One Walnut will join with San Francisco’s Acquerello and Columbus’ Basi Italia to host a 20th anniversary of Share Our Strength. A tempting seven-course Mediterranean-themed extravaganza will begin with passed appetizers, as well as seafood, beef, and vegetable entrees on Tue 4/26. Make your reservations by calling 575-1111. http://www.Strength.org/act/latestnews/200410/01705
Communicating with unconscious minds A writer and psychoanalyst debate the differences between and the therapeutic values of their professional disciplines. These articles will challenge how you view the mind, creativity, and unconsciousness! Read the story here and here.
Sorry it didn’t work out Not every young 20-something that moves to Cleveland from New York City for a job at the local daily paper will fall in love with Cleveland. Sometimes it’s the exceptions that prove the rules: we’ve heard ten stories of people who’ve fallen in love with Cleveland for every story like this. But worth reading if we collectively learn something: our town can do a better job of rolling out the welcome mat to young people; employers can do a better job of helping young employees find the right place to live and get involved in activities; and we have to work harder to get young transplants plugged into local events– maybe a subscription to Cool Cleveland would have made a difference? See ”Wall Street Journal Online here. Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com
SPACES’ season application deadline Submit your best ideas to one of Cleveland’s most surprising contemporary galleries. Since 1978, SPACES has provided over 8,000 artists an arena to present challenging visual ideas. SPACES is accepting applications from artists working in all media, including video, installation, web art and traditional media. Deadline is Fri 5/6; for more information, call 621-2314 or find applications online at http://www.SPACESgallery.org
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
The Rock Hall’s “From Songwriters to Soundmen” event pays tribute to two Cleveland music legends: Steve Popovich and Hank LoConti. Popovich and LoConti will speak at the Rock Hall Wed 4/20 at 7PM about the music scene in Cleveland from the 1970s until now. Popovich founded Cleveland International Records and signed the likes of Ronnie Spector and Meatloaf. LoConti opened the Agora 39 years ago and grew it into one of the nation’s most important venues for new music. Tickets are $5 and are available through Ticketmaster. For more information contact the Rock Hall at 216-515-1286 or www.rockhall.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Cool Cleveland This Week
4.20-4.27
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
The Legend of Farinelli Listeners can now explore the repertoire sung by the famed castrato Farinelli (1705-17820, whose voice was thought to have cured the depression of Spain’s King Philip V. Hear one of today’s great, contemporary countertenors recreate the drama of a historic, European performer during this program on Wed 4/20 at 7:30PM. Call 421-7350. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.ClevelandArt.org
Theodore Croker Quintet featuring Gary Bartz in a jazz collaboration featuring two smoking instruments, as trumpeter and Oberlin student Croker meets sax legend Gary Bartz. Hear new jazz and remember the classics at this JazzFest after party on Wed 4/20 at 9PM. Receive half off with your Tri-C Jazz Fest ticket stub, and call 795-0550. Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.GaryBartz.com and http://www.NightTownCleveland.com
IMBA Networking Event Looking for ways to make new business connections while promoting cross-cultural partnerships? Grab your business cards and come prepared to share your business aspirations while partaking of light appetizers and a sampling of beers of the world at a complimentary networking event organized by the Northeast Ohio Immigrant & Minority Business Alliance on Thu 4/21 from 5-7PM. Call 235-3946. Jason Lins Omni Square, 3167 Fulton Road, Suite 103.
Northeast Ohio’s Regional Transformation Conference opens up topics concerning the role of health and human services, in which participants will explore the impact workshops and featured speakers. Stop in for stimulated thinking and productive dialogue at this conference that will connect the health and human services sector to the regionalism discussions which are occurring in the business and philanthropic communities. Event happens on Thu 4/21. For event time and info, call 432-7200 x322 and see here. Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College, 1005 Abbe Rd. North in Elyria http://www.c4fc.org
Intellectual Property vs. Antitrust Laws “Do Intellectual Property Laws Promote Competition and Innovation?” is a lecture to be given by international antitrust attorney Douglas E. Rosenthal on Thu 4/21 at 5PM. This esteemed authority on the subject will explore how our countrys patent and antitrust laws often work against one another, particularly when ownership of intellectual property is at stake or when one corporation achieves market dominance. Want to hear his proposals for reconciling the two? Attend the lecture at CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 18th Street & Euclid Avenue. Call 687-2290. For more info, read here.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Great Zoo, Great Value: Zoo membership is the best family value in town! Looking for exciting, enriching family entertainment at a great price? With a year of free Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest admission (a $30-per-visit value for a family of five) plus VIP member benefits, the Zoo brings you the dazzling stars of the animal kingdom, up close and personal. It’s a trip around the world that’s also close to home – without the hefty gas prices! Join the Zoo today and as Cool Cleveland readers you will receive a special discount – 10% off all NEW memberships until May 7th! Click here and use the code “CC” to get your family discount and become enrolled today! Just Zoo it! For more information call (216) 661-6500 x4421 or x4426 or go to www.clevelandzoosociety.org
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Daniel Thompson 70th Birthday Benefit Honor Cuyahoga Countys Poet Laureate by attending this celebration benefiting Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless empowerment project, The Homeless Grapevine, which gives a voice to the issues of the homeless. Tasty Libyan style vegetarian meal will be served on Thu 4/21 at 7PM. More than half the proceeds going to this worthy cause. Call Ayman at 421-9007 for reservations. Cant attend? Send an email to neoch@neoch.org to make donations. Algebra Tea House, 2136 Murray Hill Rd. in Little Italy.
Forgotten Space & Drumplay Talkies Film & Coffee Bar will be a happening scene for live music and exotic photographs this weekend. Forgotten Space, a unique mandolin and bass duet will perform Thu 4/21 from 7 to 9PM, Drumplay will perform on the Patio Fri 4/22 from 7-9PM. View striking prints during the exhibition of Closer to the Sun Photographs of Ecuador and Columbia, with Tim Harrison on Sat 4/23 from 6-8PM. Call 696-FILM. Talkies Film & Coffee Bar, 2521 Market Avenue, Ohio City. www.TalkiesCoffee.com
Eitetsu Hayashi a Japanese national treasure and acclaimed Taiko drummer, is presented by OAC in a lecture and demonstration. For the past year, Hayashi has trained lots of new Taiko drummers throughout the state: in Dublin, Ohio working with a group of students at Davis Middle School and also at Capitol University working with their new music program. Increase your percussion knowledge on Fri 4/22 at noon. He also has an upcoming fall residency that will include CCC/Metro, Playhouse Square, Cleveland School of the Arts, Trinity and Cleveland State University. Call 771-3630. See it at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. http://www.TrinityCleveland.org
Singles, meet your match at Yappy Hour Wanted: Singles seeking two or four legged companions. Meet Mingle & Match LLC and Cleveland Animal Protective League collaborate to match single people with dispossessed pets and likely human counterparts. Enjoy tasty appetizers, an open beer and wine bar, a Chinese auction and live music provided by the Cleveland Institute of Music while benefiting the APL. Those uncommitted and over the age of 21 should meet at the newly refurbished APL on Fri 4/22 from 68PM. Call 406-6417. APL, 1729 Willey Avenue. http://www.TheAPL.org and www.MeetMingleAndMatch.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Sergio Mendes, “The Swinger From Rio,” at the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland Two weeks of star-studded performances, one great jazz festival: When Bossa Nova pianist Sergio Mendes and his group showed up at the doors of A&M Records in 1966, Herb Albert was so impressed he immediately signed them to a record contract. The result, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, which was wildly popular, spawning hits on both the jazz and pop charts. Mendes, a brilliant pianist, arranger and composer, combines Brazilian bossa nova with traditional jazz and a pop sensibility. Hes equally at home with the music of Cole Porter or Lennon & McCartney as he is with Brazilian samba legends like Jorge Ben. For more information on Sergio Mendes Brasil 2005 at Severance Hall and the rest of the stellar JazzFest lineup, visit www.TriCJazzFest.com or call 216-987-4400. For tickets to Sergio Mendes visit www.clevelandorchestra.com or call 216-231-1111. The 26th Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland ALL THATS JAZZ!
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Mozart & More Join a celebration of the joy of spring with a complimentary chamber music concert on Fri 4/22 at 7:30PM featuring a preview of Opera Circle’s main spring production, the opera Il sogno di Scipione by Mozart. Soprano Dorota Sobieska will be accompanied by Hristo Popov on violin and Jacek Sobieska on piano. Call 441-2822. Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Road. http://www.OperaCircle.org
Fresh and Fast Vegetarian-Style Have your comfort food re-styled in a healthy, fresh and fast way without compromising taste and texture. In this class you’ll be guided through vegetarian cooking with a memorable menu: Spinach Madeline, Devonshire Potato and Mushroom Pie, and Sweet Potato Georgian Crunch. Take a journey into new tastes that improve health and wellness for two classes on Fri 4/22 from 6:30-9PM, and Fri 4/29. Please register in advance; call the Adult Education Department at 529-4082. The Cooking Room, Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Blvd. http://www.Lnoca.org/lakewood/lhs
Battery Charge it up at the season opener as convergence-continuum comes out from their winter hiatus to bring audiences another season rife with dysfunctional families, gunshots, and the occasional alien from another galaxy. See a modern mayhem in the new play, Battery, where you’ll meet Rip, an ace electrician and womanizer. If it’s electric, it can stop working; and if it can stop working, it can be found at Rip’s Electric along with Rip’s short-circuited apprentice, Stan, and his highly charged girlfriend – sparks are guaranteed to fly. Opening night happens Fri 4/22 at 8PM; show runs thru 5/21. Call 687-0074. Liminis, 2438 Scranton Rd. in Tremont. http://www.convergence-continuum.org
Jazzed Desserts Got a sweet tooth and an ear for fine jazz? Then dont miss this PRYME Youth Media event featuring Delores Parker Morgan, one of the last vocalists to perform with the amazing Duke Ellington, and the Jesse Dandy Duo. The unique affair benefits a project helping youth find their voice and speak out against violence through various media including radio, television and print publications. Call PRYME Youth Media at 361-5890 for ticket info for the Fri 4/22 event scheduled from 8 to 9:30PM. Euclid Avenue Congregational Church, 9606 Euclid Ave. http://www.PrymeTime.org
Step into The Lab Ready to step outside of the ordinary? This distinct event for the 21 and over set allows participants to experience the unique including live tribal fusion style belly dance by the Hareem Shareem Middle Eastern dance troupe, electro DJ, Dan McLeod and various other live performances as well as ground breaking art. Ambience is compliments of Isaac Coblentz whose inimitable sculptural lighting installations will transform the space. Dare to experience this cultural explosion on Sat 4/23 from 8PM to 2:30AM at B Side Liquor Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd. in Coventry. Call 932-1966. www.BSideLiquorLounge.com
Innovations ’05 This fashion show presents the collective work of nearly a dozen Ursuline College students representing all styles of apparel. Fashion enthusiasts will see sophisticated, beaded eveningwear studded with rhinestones, and unusual separates for women made entirely from men’s neck ties. Dig the designs by these forward-thinking fashion students on Sun 4/24 at 2PM, and a celebrity reception with Carl Topilow, Cleveland Pops Maestro, at 1PM. Call 440-646-8142. Ursuline College, O’Brien Athletic Center, 2550 Lander Rd. in Pepper Pike. http://www.Ursuline.edu
Peek into spring paradise with master gardener Phil Iannarelli, as he inspires you to play in the dirt. An informative slide show and lecture will take you on a visual journey to spectacular Cleveland gardens. Discover methods to make your own backyard oasis on Sun 4/24 at 2PM. Call 421-2665 Ext. 3035. At Wade Chapel, Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave. http://www.LakeViewCemetery.com
WCLVnotes The Oberlin Chamber Orchestra conducted by James Gaffigan comes to Severance Hall this coming Friday. And WCLV 104.9 FM will be there to bring the program of Debussy, Stravinsky and Mussorgsky to you live at 8:00 PM. The venerable Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival is this weekend, and because of an embarrassment of riches the Metropolitan Operas live broadcast of Wagners Die Walkuere on Saturday afternoon, and the Cleveland Orchestras Saturday evening broadcast of three Mozart Piano Concertos with Mitsuko Uchida – WCLV will record the Bach Festivals performance of the Mass in b and air it on Sunday at 12:00 Noon. And for something completely different, at 3:00 PM on Sunday, the spring time broadcast of The Mighty Wurlitzer Radio Hour will originate from the WCLV Theatre of the Air at 3:00 PM. A Cool Cleveland partner http://www.WCLV.com
Spring Break 2005: Business Gone Wild Let go and loosen up at Northeast Ohios premier business-to-business networking trade show. Over 100 exhibitors and 800 attendees are expected to be attendance; plan on being there for island music, tropical drinks and a Caribbean buffet that awaits you. Reserve your exhibiting space while they’re still available by calling 592-2207 or email mailto: aflood@cose.org, and be at the event on Tue 4/26 at 4-7PM. Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University, 2000 Prospect Ave. http://www.CSUohio.edu/wolsteincenter
Pulitzer Prize Winner Connie Schultz Want to know how Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz was able to win such a prestigious award while still providing a voice for those underrepresented? Come hear her speak at The City Club of Cleveland on Wed 4/27 at 12PM. She will be accompanied by her writing coach, deputy features editor, Stuart Warner, editor Doug Clifton and managing editor Tom OHara. This event is open to the public; register in advance by calling 621-0082. The Cleveland City Club, 850 Euclid, 2nd Floor. www.CityClub.org
Itzhak Perlman at Severance Hall Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Itzhak Perlman, master of the classical universe, and one of the greatest violinists of our time. As a soloist, Mr. Perlman continues to delight audiences in major cities throughout the world, and the Wed 4/27 8PM show will benefit the Alta House, which provides superlative services to youth, families and seniors in the Mayfield-Murray Hill and University Circle Community. Display your sophistication and generosity by calling 231-1111. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue. Order tickets here.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Birol’s Business
My Big, Fat Cleveland Fantasy
By Andy Birol
On one of this years first warm nights, I was having dinner with clients in the West Flats. The river glimmered, trains roared across the bridge, and the first brave boaters cruised by. As we enjoyed a good meal, a decent Chardonnay, and the attentions of a vivacious waitress doting on three middle-aged men, I gazed out at the shuttered East Flats and started to fantasize about what was and could be for Cleveland and business. I remembered my perfect Cleveland moment; Labor Day Weekend 1995, when the Concert for The Hall of Fame played at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium, and I took the Friday off to walk around downtown stargazing at Bruce Springsteen, Eric Burden, Yoko Ono, and Johnny Cash as they checked into our town before the show. What at fun it was! And it struck me that our energy and excitement was why Cleveland was then a top national destination and could be one again if only…
And so I started dreaming about what could happen by 2010.
With national interlopers taking risks and threatening local politicos, emerging leaders come off the sidelines to help build and support the burgeoning casino, restaurant, entertainment complexes and ensure that the waterfront is developed in exchange for giving the interlopers the free hand they need to put their experience to work. The convention center is easily incorporated into the new complexes and Browns stadium is domed, increasing its ability to attract entertainment events tenfold.
To sustain its growth, The Cleveland Clinic buys Kaiser Permanente and other large patient groups. As the regions most powerful incumbent business, CCF aligns itself with the casino developers to attract wealthy and foreign patients looking for a destination recreation as well as premium health care. Some spin-off medical and technology companies take hold and grow…
Read My Cleveland Business Fantasy by Andy Birol here and here
Cool Cleveland Sounds
Echo Grove
Assah Mahtak Afakt
FameTrack
Over the years, the phrase “there’s a lot of musical talent in Cleveland” has been thrown on the table during a debate. But, it’s rare for an original band to hang on to what it wants to do for a very long time. Many area musicians start out doing their own music and eventually morph into playing classic rock or, even worse, lounge music. Reggae, jazz and blues bands in Cleveland seem to live forever, but when it comes to original rock, bands seem to have a short shelf life. Then there are the exceptions like the band Echo Grove. They don’t play out every week-end at some club where you have to sell tickets like a Ponzi scheme to all your relatives just to get a gig. Echo Grove doesn’t put out a lot of music, with Assah Mahtak Afakt being only their second released disc. Yet, after meeting in school twenty plus years ago, the core of the band is still together, hanging out and putting their ideas into the grooves. Assha Mahtak Afakt will throw some people off, due to the cover art work, many thinking it is some kind of raga rock fare a la Kula Shaker. Although some overtones are there, thanks to Billy Sullivan’s guest sitar, the disc is what I would call old school eclectic. There’s hard rock and pop and country (old brick house school, on that one) dotted throughout the project that is a potpourri of styles. Sounds include music to get a serious beating by during “I Like You Too” to the aforementioned country tune “I’ll Never Know,” with an assist from Brian Hukill’s piano and Bob Feinberg’s pedal steel work. “Go To The Womb” has a psychedelic overtone to it as “5th Of May” is a throwback to when pop wasn’t a dirty word. Guest Ron Latare welds some trumpet into “It’s Me (It Isn’t You)” and Echo Grove shows off their roots via the Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart-written “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone,” the latter tune so juiced, it would probably be called to Congress to testify against Barry Bonds. Jethro Tull once had a release titled Too Old To Rock n’ Roll, Too Young to Die! Thanks to their latest release, Echo Grove proves that theory very, very wrong. from Cool Cleveland contributor Peanuts hostofthenorthcoast@yahoo.com
Attention Cleveland Musicians Send your CD (one year old or less) to: 14837 Detroit Ave #105, Cleveland, OH 44107
RoldoLINK
Smart Guys Take But Make Believe Theyre Giving
By Roldo Bartimole
The importance of being able to influence public opinion especially among the young cant be overstated. After all, reputation depends on what the public thinks of you. The Smart Guys have it all figured out. Its not hard. Its habit. Theyve been doing it for years. The rest of us live and think in the short term.
The Cleveland Indians Charities gave $250,000 to the fund-depressed Cleveland schools. The money saved the softball and baseball programs from cuts due to scarce school finances. The move won good feelings for the ball team. (The charity usually gives $100,000 a year anyway.) The gift giving got the Smart Guys priceless exposure from the Plain Dealer, including front-page coverage in the opening game write-up…
Read RoldoLINK here
Cool Cleveland Commentary
Cleveland Fusion
Cleveland’s women tackle football
By Kelly Ferjutz
Real Women. Real Football. For those who think the words women and football so close together, or even in the same sentence is an oxymoron, the Cleveland Fusion would like the opportunity to say, taint so! For the fourth year, women from Cleveland and the surrounding area will don football armor just like the men do; shoulder pads, helmets, mouth guardsand the occasional bandageto do battle with an opposing team of like-minded females.
2005 will be a season of change for the Cleveland Fusion, as well as the other teams in the National Womens Football Association. Due to a realignment of the teams by the NWFA, there are just two divisions this yearNorth and Southas opposed to the previous six. Consequently, each team plays a mixture of familiar rivals and new-to-them existing teams or sometimes completely new expansion teams…
Read the Cool Cleveland Commentary by Kelly Ferjutz here
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
Percussion Ensemble @ CSU Waetjen Hall 4/18
Last night I witnessed the first percussion ensemble I’d ever seen perform. I was right in the heart of the city at our very own urban public university. While I’ve been attending Cleveland State for two years now, I’m ashamed to say this is the first time I’ve stepped foot in Waetjen Hall, a modern masterpiece of acoustics and design! I’d heard lots of good things about CSU’s music department and they were all verified last night. Most of these events do not charge an admission. As a service to CC readers and lovers of music, please post this link to the CSU Music Department Calendar: http://music.csuohio.edu/calendarmonth.php
from Cool Cleveland reader John Mc Govern? mkailto:johnmmcgovern@gmail.com
Charles Lloyd @ Tri-C JazzFest 4/17
Charles Lloyd cant recall when he last played the Cleveland area, though Willard Jenkins, program director for Tri-C JazzFest, said it was in Oberlin God knows how many years ago. No matter. People who saw the great musician perform at Cuyahoga Community College Metro Auditorium Sunday night will talk of his show for a long time to come. It was a concert of astonishing stamina and spirit and spirituality. Lloyd, who is 66, doesnt speak easily; his problematic throat can give out on him mid-sentence, he said backstage. No matter. He played this memorable JazzFest show effortlessly, whether on the oboe relative known as the taragato, the tenor saxophone, or the flute. He ruled on all of them (and shaker) Sunday night, navigating authoritatively and organically through six pieces. Then he played an encore, the Georgia Bright Suite, even more driving than the formal set.
Read the review by Carlo Wolff here
Ten Minutes From Cleveland @ Dobama Theatre 4/17
Eric Coble should be added to the list of wonderful things in Cleveland. He has the most astonishingly accurateand wickedeye and ear on society and it’s foibles of any current writer, in the opinion of this reviewer. This particular effort is really a set of ten short (ten-minutes or less) vignettes that take place within one twenty-four hour period. One daya Wednesday in Aprilin the City of Cleveland…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here
Mozart & More
@ Faith Lutheran Church 4/16
At no charge? Theyre doing this at no charge? They should be charging $50 a ticket for a concert like this, not putting it on for no charge. Granted, a free-will offering was collected during intermission, but you have to hand it to Opera Circle, theyre taking this whole as your means allow thing pretty far. From the opening note of the Ave Maria by Schubert to the closing runs of the Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saëns, the program of their Mozart & More
chamber concert captivated the ears & imaginations of their audience in the welcoming interior of Faith Lutheran Church in Kent, Ohio, last Saturday. And thats not all. Theyre bringing the show to Cleveland this week. Enclosed between the instant enchantment of the two aforementioned entries, the rest of the program featured some pretty serious selections by Beethoven & Mozart. While soprano Dorota Sobieska graced the evening with her unmistakably luminous phrase, the driving force of the concert sprouted from the complex collaboration between pianist Jacek Sobieski & violinist Hristo Popov that indubitably demonstrated the hallmark of true instrumental chamber music. The artistry of Popov, born in Bulgaria, was completely beyond any human measure, while Sobieski, husband of Dorota, joined him in a display of excellent musicianship for a performance that is bound to linger with the listener for a little bit of lifetime to come. Just track down someone who heard them in Kent to get their two cents on it
or simply catch them yourself this Fri 4/22 at 7:30PM at Grace Lutheran Church on Cedar Road. 441 2822. http://www.operacircle.org
from Cool Cleveland reader Clueless
Madame Butterfly @ Cleveland Opera 4/15
A change of management in an arts organization can sometimes be traumatic for all concerned, especially the audience. Happily, the changes at Cleveland Opera should allow its traditional audience to both relax and rejoice in the new faces to be seen both on and off stage. The theme now seems to be new!. New repertoire, new productions, new singers. In addition, Robert Chumbley, new general director, promises a new excitement to accompany all the other new items. One might also wish for a newor at least improvedamplification system in the State Theater. One better suited to operatic voices, that is…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here
Tri-C JazzFest, Al Jarreau 4/15 and Charles Lloyd 4/17
My substance of choice: Jazz. The thing youve gotta love about jazz is the loose factor. Whether you had the chance to catch Al Jarreaus scat singing on Friday, or Charles Lloyds homage to improvisational solo performances Sunday, you may have witnessed a sensation that soothed your body right down to the core. Jazz is something you can drink in, inhale or inject in great quantities to forget the stressors of your world without severe consequences, and, in fact, hangovers are welcome. Between the two concerts, I must admit that Jarreaus brand of entertainment was my preference. At 60 years old hes just getting started. But both performers gave diverse, creative jam sessions that regenerated cells that my antioxidants have missed, quite possibly reversing the effects of aging. Although I enjoyed Charles Lloyds free form, avant-garde performance, it included lengthy pieces that made you wonder where the last one ended and the new one started. His cast of incredibly talented musicians starred in continual solo performances that included his pianist, bass player, drummer or himself (flute, taragato and tenor sax). Jarreau, on the other hand, made my whole night. Perhaps my week. Hes got cool down in such a way that he melts an audience. A singer who truly uses his voice as an instrument, Jarreau doesnt seem to take anything too seriously, which adds to the flavor of the concert. After learning lessons as a boy from his father, a minister, Jarreau imparts words of wisdom in how to live ones life carefree without the hassles of worry and sprinkles these teachings throughout his performance. And his music tells the real story. Upbeat, melodic and smooth, a night with Al Jarreau can really get the kinks out naturally. (Chiropractors beware.) from Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion TL@CoolCleveland.com
Mariana Sadovska @ CPT Orthodox 4/9
It amounted to much more than just the Olde Worlde meeting the New World this past weekend at the Cleveland Public Theatre. You could say it was a triplicate of Olde, New and Otherworldly all interwoven into one. Ukrainian-born singer/actress Mariana Sadovska, 32, now of Cologne, Germany, gave a spine-tingling 70-minute performance of traditional Ukraine/Slovak folk songs with modern twists and turns and unique vocalisations…
Read the review by Ginny Parobek here
Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your email address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail email address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
On gaming in Cleveland (See Poker plan pitched for the Flats here) OK, think of all the cities that have legalized gambling. Now, ask yourself, “Would I like to live in any of these places?” If Cleveland becomes a gambling town it may bring in cash, but it’s not going to bring in what we really need: educated, motivated, and creative people. Worse yet, it may encourage some of our best to move away from Cleveland. Leave charity gambling in the Catholic Churches, where it belongs!
from Cool Cleveland reader Carol Hunt
On a Business Improvement District for Downtown (See Cleveland’s Business Improvement District here) The late P.D. columnist Mary Strassmeyer had it right when she called Cleveland “The All-American Filthy City” for many years. I’m ashamed to think what it must be like for visitors to downtown to see all the litter on our streets. Bring on the folks walking behind the Billy Goat vacuum cleaners!
from Cool Cleveland reader Richard Sicha anccats@yahoo.com
It is about time!! I always think that doing the easy, simple stuff must happen either before or during these big grand plans of casinos, convention centers, lake front improvements, etc. How about picking up the Styrofoam containers on the street? Now there is a crazy thought…You travel to other cities and one of the first things you comment on is the cleanliness of that city. What must our visitors be saying about Cleveland? I would actually like to get more involved in this as a volunteer. I was at the park near my house (Impet Park) this weekend (with my 11 and 2 year old nieces). The graffiti on the brand new playground was so disgusting I was embarrassed. The councilman for my district in Cleveland has apparently been approached numerous times to get it cleaned up the answer to date, Sorry, no money for that kind of thing! Not good enough!!!!
from Cool Cleveland reader Laura Koballa lkoballa@TeamNEO.org
If the example of Playhouse Square isn’t enough to persuade Downtown property owners, I would like to provide further positive impressions. I am currently sitting on a BID Steering Committee in Brooklyn, NY. New York City is home to over 50 BIDs, whose successes have been noted nationwide and whose effects can be felt by residents, tourists and other users of their neighborhoods. Whether or not we’re aware of the nature of their existence, almost all New Yorkers have probably spent time in a neighborhood that is served by a BID. We see people in uniform cleaning a sidewalk, a trash can with a familiar neighborhood logo on it, a series of catchy banners displayed throughout a district, or a security guard with a walkie-talkie and a handy set of maps. Most people probably assume these services are paid for by the city…or at least should be. However, with receding funding levels, many of these city services become more of a luxury than a sure-thing. The burden then falls on the owners in a community. The cost may initially be viewed as a burden, but consider that the commercial property owners pay the fee and they alone get to choose how the money is spent. The funds don’t go to the city for distribution, as with other taxes. This “tax” goes directly into the local BID coffers, where the members are able to decide how it is spent. Under these circumstances, they can decide that they don’t need extra trash removal services…what they need is a marketing program. Or, people know about the district, but the district needs a facelift, so lets put this money towards facade improvement grants. These decisions are more localized than other taxes and as the PD articles have mentioned, the BID fees should be viewed more as an investment than “just another tax.” In my experience, neighborhoods served by BIDS have more identity, more visibility, more activity, and are generally more pleasant to visit. This is a result of extra people on the streets, less trash, more amenities, all the result of a concerted effort by members of the community who have set their minds and hearts on the enrichment of their surroundings. It’s better for the owners, their businesses, and their residents and it’s better for visitors and everyday users. This is a no-brainer Cleveland! Get on the BID bus! Concerned and coming home soon,
from Cool Cleveland reader Chris Bongorno cbongorno@hotmail.com
On the Cool Cleveland Jazz Night Out 4/15 (see photos here) I just wanted to thank you for hosting the Cool Cleveland Jazz Night Out, I think a great time was had by all! The music was entertaining, food and wine were tasty and it was nice to have somewhere to go before the show. The entire staff was very friendly and Chris and I had a lot of fun 🙂 Next time you need volunteers, let us know as we’d like to keep these events going!
from Cool Cleveland reader Carrie Drozdz CDrozdz@Penton.com
On Cool Cleveland This issue Cleveland is not just cool but VIBRANT!
from Cool Cleveland reader Clurie Bennis cluriebennis@yahoo.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 Interview with County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones www.CoolCleveland.com
2) Jacobs Field makes Top 10 Finally, Cleveland has joined the ranks of the highly-rated. Our city grabbed 3rd place for Jacob’s Field, in the Editor’s Choice selection at MSN.com. www.MSN.com
3) CMJ Music Fest This year, Cleveland gets a healthy serving of music that’s hyping up the city’s summer. http://www.CMJ.com/rockfest
4) Intel WiFis Cleveland Cleveland is setting the pace for information tech trend making. Our city’s progressive WiFi infrastructure, created by the outstanding OneCleveland project, lured officials from Intel to include Cleveland. www.Cleveland.com
5) Pixies lead off the CMJ Music Fest This year, Cleveland gets a healthy serving of music that’s hyping up the city’s summer. Alt rock from The Pixies will lift off CMJ’s opening on Wed 6/8 at 7:30PM at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. www.Cleveland.com
Hard Corps connect the creative content Cool Cleveland recognizes its contributors who coordinate the e-zine and newsletter into your inbox each week. If you’re loving the literary bits and bites, thank CC’s content connectors: senior editor Tisha Nemeth-Loomis, marketing director TL Champion, Deb Remington, Carlo Wolff, CIO George Nemeth, Andy Birol, Rachel Jacobs, Roxanne Ravenel, Peanuts, George Bilgere, Marcus Bales, Kelly Ferjutz, Roldo Bartimole and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com
Cool Cleveland Writer
George Bilgere
In 2003 George Bilgere was the winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize in Literature. He is the author of three books of poetry, the most recent, The Good Kiss was chosen by Poet Laureate Billy Collins as the winner of the Akron Poetry Prize in 2001. George teaches at John Carroll University and has a progressive radio show, Wordplay, on WJCU 88.7 FM.
Nectarines
By George Bilgere
The gay man standing next to me
At the organic food store
Is sqeezing the nectarines
With the same concentration
I would give a womans breasts
Or he would give
Or might giveI dont really know
The weight between his lovers legs.
He is trim, fortyish, wearing a pair
Of vaguely European loafers
And the kind of perfect haircut
No stylist has ever felt I deserved.
His slacks and T-shirt exist at a point
On the spectrum of casual elegance
Just beyond my ability to actually detect it
But which nonetheless makes me feel,
In my jeans and JC Penneys sports shirt,
Like a shambling, half-trained circus bear.
When standing next to a woman
In a supermarket I sometimes feel
As if we were back in the Garden,
A realm of fertile ferment
Where we walk in a kind of heady sexual buzz
Among the ripe fruits and frozen dinners of the world,
Temptation everywhere
As we scan the zebra codes
Of our deliciously
Unfamiliar flesh.
And when I pass a straight guy
In the aisles, we nod, or raise an eyebrow
To acknowledge our place
In the hairy fellowship of predators.
But when this man and I
Look briefly into the Sanskrit, the blank
Scrabble tiles of each others eyes,
We smile briefly and go back
To thinking, quite seriously,
Of nectarines.
What elevates your thinking?
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com
all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
(:divend:)