Fly Away

9.12-9.19.07
Fly Away

In this week’s issue:
* Party Come to Akron, Win a weekend vaction
* Ingenious Markk Kuhar of deep cleveland press
* Interview Parish Hall/Exit Stencil catalyst Ryan Weitzel
* BFD Apple & the City of Cleveland
* Sounds Arrows Are All You Know from Mystery of Two PLUS Jeremy Bible’s i am very uncomfortable most of the time
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

NEO is a great place to call home. It’s great for kids, as evidenced by our Cool Cleveland Kids picks below. Plus, this region affordable for young people just starting out. Take this week for example. Ryan Weitzel tells how the ascendancy of his Exit Stencil record label is forcing his tough decision to close Parish Hall Cleveland, one of the region’s top music venues. Such is the price of success around here, that a guy can afford to run two major music projects and be in his own band, until success forces his hand. Our feature on Markk Kuhar of deep cleveland press displays a passion for Cle poet d.a. levy, who also loved all things Cleveland, and who would have been a blogger if he were alive today. But Cleveland’s also a great place to leave. Many young adults relocate, acquire skills, then return to add to our talent pool. Even leaving Cleveland temporarily is fun, as our Cool Cleveland partygoers will find on 9/28 at the Akron-Canton Airport, when we give away two tickets to a mystery destination, plus hotel for two nights. So pack your bags and enjoy the open bar, the snacks and the private concert by deSol. Fly away, Cleveland. But come back soon. We’ll be waiting for you. —Thomas Mulready

What a Trip!: CC Party 9/28
One lucky pair will fly away for the weekend
Super low price until Thu 9/13 midnight here!

Pack Your Bags The party starts at the Akron -Canton Airport at 5:30PM on Fri 9/28 with mega food, fun and libations. Then, at 7PM, one lucky Cool Cleveland partier will win two round-trip tickets and overnight accommodations for two (Fri and Sat nights, return trip on Sun) compliments of the Akron-Canton Airport and AirTran Airways to one of seven mystery destinations: Denver, Cancun, Boston, New York, Vegas, Orlando or Tampa! Where will you go? This week’s hint: Pack some SPF 15. Winner must be present to win at 7PM, and will depart immediately on a jet from the party with the friend/lover/significant other of their choice, returning on Sunday. So pack your bags and be ready to fly away!

Everyone is a winner Whether you win the trip or not, you’ll enjoy open bar (beer and wine) and delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared to perfection: Salmon Pinwheels (savory Cajun cream in flour tortilla), Cajun Chicken Puffs (with andouille sausage, Cajun spice and puff pastry), New England Crab Cakes, Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Crust ), Zucchini Napoleon (with tomatoes, mushrooms, scampi butter and provolone cheese), Steak and Portabello Satays (marinated in balsamic vinaigrette), all provided by the 356th Fighter Group Restaurant & Banquet Center. Order your discount tix by Midnight Thu 9/13 here.

Let the concert begin Catch New Jersey’s deSoL, a bilingual-flavored, Latin rock band in the humungo MAPS (Military Aviation Preservation Society) museum hangar at 7:30PM, for a live concert, courtesy 91.3FM The Summit,‘ Akron-Canton’s classic rock/pop/acoustic/alternative radio. Join us, and groove on the fly, surrounded by the museum’s awesome WWII fighter planes.

Don’t Wanna Drive? Grab the complimentary Cool Cleveland bus, departing from the Warehouse District, and leave the driving to us. Bus departs Cleveland for Akron at 4:30PM, returning after the concert. Park near the Mallorca Restaurant on W. 9th St. and look for the Rockin’ Cleveland bus, Cleveland’s premiere party bus service. It’s all part of the package when you order by Midnight Thu 9/13 here.

You Get All This!
* Open bar with beer & wine & hors d’oeuvres from 5:30-7:30PM with Steak and Portabello Satays, Salmon Pinwheels, Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Crust, Cajun Chicken Puffs, and Zucchini Napoleon. Yum!
* Chance to win two nights hotel and airfare to Vegas, Cancun, Denver, Orlando, Tampa, Boston or New York!
* Latin rock by deSol direct from New Jersey, courtesy 91.3FM The Summit, at 7:30PM in the museum hangar!
* Comp bus ride back and forth from Rockin’ Cleveland. Sign up for the bus here

Fly Away with your Cool Cleveland party tix here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/092807/index.php

Markk Kuhar of deep cleveland press
Preserving d.a. levy and Cle’s poetic historiography

You could walk right past Markk Kuhar on the street and miss him. You’d never know he’s one of the most tireless writing advocates in the entire city if you weren’t looking for him. He doesn’t carry himself with that quotient of “hip sophistication” that some artists and writers do; he’s a straight-shooter. The keeper of Cleveland’s poetic and literary flame sports a black shirt, black boots, a shaved head and goatee, a great sense of humor, sharp insight… and no pretenses. Like everything he’s involved in, he lets his work speak for him.

Kuhar is responsible for deep cleveland press, llc, a boutique publishing house he operates to perpetuate “post-industrial literary culture & other types of cosmic enterprise in the service of the arts.” He operates the d.a. levy center for progressive poetics poet, “which exists to perpetuate the legacy” of the famed Cleveland artist, publisher and cultural icon, responsible for the city’s “mimeograph revolution” poets. He works with the Poets and Writers League of Greater Cleveland and edits their Ohio Writer Magazine – a bi-monthly repository with a calendar of literary activities and writing opportunities throughout the state. He runs a monthly poetry deep cleveland poetry event in Strongsville, is a business-to-business trade press editor by trade, a visual artist, and is the custodian of record for the famed Cleveland poetry anthologies called ArtCrimes – the brainchild of writer/editor Steven B. Smith. And believe it or not, Kuhar has even more literary projects in the pipeline.

When does he sleep? Eat? Chill out? Search us. He’s everywhere. And if you’ve attended a poetry or literary event in town, odds are Kuhar was responsible for it, a part of it, behind the organization of it, written about it, or, at very least, most certainly in attendance. He sat down with Cool Cleveland Managing Editor at Visible Voice Books in Tremont recently to talk about the flurry of it all, chapter by chapter…

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

From the Bottom of our Hearts Cool Cleveland grew to where it is from people like you who have forwarded it to relatives and neighbors. Please continue to support us now by doing the same today and send this to your favorite member of society. Put your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up and you’ll both be eligible to win an iPhone or video iPod here. Winners announced in future issue.

SPONSORED: Give Your Opinion. Get Rewarded! With a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. You’re invited to complete periodic online surveys regarding health and wellness topics. It’s easy! Just fill out one survey to get started and My Health Views will send you a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. After that, participate in only the surveys that interest you. It takes very little time to offer a fresh perspective and you’ll have the chance to win other great prizes. To get rewarded for your opinions, sign up now at myhealthviewsoh.com/signup.

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

Mulready interviewed on video at Tampa Bay’s Media Talk here
Cuyahoga Community College’s Corporate College® is currently enrolling students for its eMarketing Techniques Series. Classes meet every other Monday beginning Mon 9/17 thought mid-November at Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Hts. http://www.keyentrepreneurs.com.

Get Growing 2007 Business Expo hits Corp College East on Wed 9/19. Learn More
The Future of Design explores Biomimicry with Janine Benyus on Tue 9/25 at CIA. Part of E4S Third Tuesday series. Details
Web Assoc’s 3-pt series begins with The Role Of Paid Search Marketing feat. Sage Lewis of SageRock.com & Cleveland SEO at Windows on the River Tue 9/25 at 11:30AM. Register
AAF Clambake feast adv networking event Wed 9/26 at 5PM. Register
Cisco’s SVP Howard Charney talks “Collaboration: Maximize Business Interactions and Increase Productivity” on Thu 9/27 from 8AM – 3:15PM at the State Theatre. Register
Make the B2B Connection w/ no-cost B’wood COC show Mon 10/8 starting at 2:30PM. Hilton Cle East, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood. Call 831-0003, e-mail mail@beachwood.org. More
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details
Crain’s CFO of the Year Awards hit the Hyatt at the Arcade d’town Thu 10/25. Register
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marriott Downtown at Key Center Fri 11/2 at 6PM Details

SPONSORED: Desperately Seeking Leaders FACT: There is a managerial and leadership gap in the public sector. And You can make the difference in the community. How? Earn a Nationally Ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Cleveland State’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. The MPA prepares leaders and managers for careers in federal, state, county and local governments, nonprofit and public service organizations, community development corporations, health and human service organizations and criminal justice agencies, to name a few. The Levin College’s MPA curriculum gives students new skills to improve their employment prospects, enhance their professionalism, or make a career change. The accredited MPA Program accommodates part-time, mid-career students, as well as full-time students. Courses are offered primarily during the evenings, and some are online. For more information www.urban.csuohio.edu/academics/mpa.shtml.

County Commissioners want primary postponed. Read
County also forks over $1M for Flats lot cleaning. Read
Bob Taft is the subject of an amazing article. Where was he when he was Governor? Read
New Lake Erie Travel Guide launches, powered by Lake Erie Living magazine. Read
Cle Clinic explores dropping Case link for Columbia Read
MemberHealth voted #1 fastest growing private company in the US, according to Inc. Magazine. Read
Progressive also gets curtain call as one of NEO’s best co’s to work for. Read
Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY features Cle artist Artemis Heber’s work this weekend! Click. Click Again
Rabbi Rona Shapiro is first the first woman rabbi to lead Cle congregation. More
Local site grayboxx.com provides a unique way for Cle residents to find rankings and recommendations about local businesses. Click

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

City Seen The Cleveland Clinic Art Program launched an exhibition at the end of last month that simply must be seen to be believed. Currently on view in the hospital’s H Lobby, the exhibit features the work of David Bergholz, Laurence Channing, Michelangelo Lovelace and the late Masumi Hayashi. The four local artists translate their experiences of Cleveland to tell bits and pieces of the city’s story. Check it out Wed 9/12 during regular clinic hours. On display through Tue 12/11. http://www.clevelandclinic.org.

The Great Lakes Water Wars In this First Thursday Forum on Thu 9/13 at 7PM, The League of Women Voters-Cuyahoga Area offers their fifth season of forums, the dialogue subject being the the environment. This launch features investigative journalist and author Peter Annin, whose book The Great Lakes Water Wars has received high praise and critical acclaim. West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. For more info, call 781-0555.

SPONSORED: Latino-style Music, Dancing and Storytelling The Cleveland Public Library announces its programs celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Main Library and various branch locations Thu 9/13 – Wed 10/31. The programs have no admission fee and are open to the public. The kickoff event on Fri 9/14 from 6PM – 9PM at the Carnegie West Branch, 1900 Fulton Road will include live music, dancing, and storytelling. Other celebration events include a book display, Hispanic music, crafts workshops, Latin dancing demonstrations, and a film festival at no charge. This month-long celebration honors our Nation’s Hispanic heritage with the traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America, and the Caribbean. For more information, contact www.cpl.org or (216) 623-2800.

HOT Catherynne M. Valente will be reading at the deep cleveland poetry hour on Fri 9/14 at 8:30PM. She is the author of the Orphan’s Tales series, as well as The Labyrinth, Yume no Hon: The Book of Dreams, The Grass-Cutting Sword, and four books of poetry. She is the winner of the 2006 Tiptree Award and the 2006 Million Writers Award, is nominated for the World Fantasy Award this year, and has been nominated for the Rhysling and Spectrum Awards along with the Pushcart Prize. She currently lives in a very full household in Chagrin Falls with a small menagerie of animals. For more information, go to http://www.deepcleveland.com/borders.html or visit Catherynne’s webpage at http://www.catherynnemvalente.com. And read more about deep cleveland and catalyst Markk Kuhar in this week’s issue.

Party in the Village features music by Abby Normal and the Detroit Lean. Tickets to this fun little shindig benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland and to raise awareness about the clubs, their new arts & culture programs and their young professionals board, The Bridge. Food and your first cold bevvie are covered w/ your ticket; a special student rate is available for current college or graduate students. 21 & over only. http://www.clevekids.org.

Rolling on the River Casino gambling, live music from The Knock-Offs, raffle prizes and a silent auction are part of this event to benefit The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Join area young professionals who comprise the Friends of the Hunger Network for a fabulously fun-filled night of Roulette, Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, and Craps Fri 9/14 starting at 6:30PM. Tickets include play money for casino games, complimentary food, wine and beer. Funds raised from the event will enable the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland to continue providing food and linkages to vital services for the 58,000 hungry Greater Clevelanders who enter its emergency hunger relief locations every month – nearly half those served are children. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St. For information or reservations, call 619-8155 ext. 18 or order tickets online at http://www.hungernetwork.org.

HOT Tremont ArtWalk & Arts and Cultural Fest The Fri 9/14 edition of the ArtWalk joins up with the Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival and Sparx in the City for a weekend of arts celebration across the City of Cleveland. James Messina March opens with new paintings at Asterisk* Gallery, which also features the Postcard Diaries – prints by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo. Mostly Men and an exhibition of photos by Larry Coleman is on display at Studio 11, in Lemko Hall, along with The Language Foundry – “a temple of poetics not for sale.” Ebb, new prints by Pamela Dodds opens at Brandt Gallery, and “Exposure Cleveland” is closing at Kelly Randall. And then there’s all the great food and entertainment. For more info and details visit http://www.tremontartwalk.org or call 522-0006.

Chiplis & Lang Jeffry Chiplis and Jacob Lang showcase their works in a joint exhibition, celebrated with an opening reception at Arts Collinwood Gallery on Fri 9/14 at 6PM. Chiplis, an established and widely exhibited Cleveland artist and trustee of SPACES since 1978, continues his work with “found neon”, utilizing previously manufactured neon and argon tubes that cannot be reshaped or their colors altered. Lang, founder of the former Pangea Press, utilizes his printmaking background to explore technology, materials and collaboration, aiming tocreate objects that have as many possible interpretations as there are potential observers. Stick around the neighborhoos for an after-party at the Beachland Ballroom, featuring live music by Suicide Day, Short Rabbits and The Angry Young Men. Arts Collinwood Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Rd. http://www.artscollinwood.org.

Theater District Block Party & Tour East 14th St. from Brownell Ct. to Euclid Ave. will be transformed into a giant party Fri 9/14 at 5:30PM. The 8th annual Theater District Party and Tour is truth in advertising — a city block party with brats hot off the grill, food and beverage tents, cornhole games an entertainment stage featuring DJ Hank Smith, Double Dutch Will Take You Hire and Sky’s the Limit. A tour and treasure hunt game at featured neighborhood buildings and businesses is also a part of the fun. Check out Liggett Stashower and Halle Building; Foundatia Technologies and Sterling Building; Hanna Tech Hotel and flourish. Tickets are available at http://www.playhousesquare.org. Playhouse Square.

Cleveland AIDS Walk Kickoff Rally This after-work social hits Fri 9/14 from 5:30-7:30 at the Blind Pig. After-work food, music, and the opportunity to meet others devoted to ending HIV/AIDS in Northeast Ohio will be provided. This no-cost event features a cash bar and will also serve gather participants for the first Red Ribbon Ride Ohio — a family friendly bicycle ride through Rockefller Park and the streets of Cleveland on Sun 9/23. Call 621-0766 for more info. Blind Pig, 1214 W. 6th St. And for info on the Red Ribbon Ride, visit http://www.walkroll.com/specialevents.

Ebb This series of black and white prints is artist Pamela Dodds’ ongoing exploration of the gestural and symbolic expression of human form to convey the experience of intimate human relationship. Isolation within intimacy is the theme of this exhibition at Brandt Gallery, which opens with a reception during the Tremont ArtWalk Fri 9/14 at 6PM. The show continues through the ArtWalk on Fri 10/13. Brandt Gallery, 1028 Kenilworth. Call 621-1610 for details.

Vicki Escarra The president and CEO of America’s Second Harvest, will speak about hunger in America, efforts to reduce food insecurity, and the potential of the Farm Bill to increase significantly the amount of food available to low-income families at noon on Fri 9/14 at the City Club of Cleveland. Escarra heads America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization with more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations in its membership around the country. http://www.cityclub.org.

Southern Cross Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens continues its 2007 Wine Tasting Series on Fri 9/14 September 14 with Southern Cross: Splendid Wines from Chile, Argentina & South Africa. Wine Tastings at Stan Hywet are an opportunity to sample specially selected wines from around the world in the splendor of a beautiful country estate. All wine tastings take place from 7 – 9PM. Live entertainment and appetizers are included. Call 330-315-3287 or visit them online at http://www.stanhywet.org. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron.

Gallery in the Garden Drawing from the fresh part of the talent pool, independent art consultant Ken Chapin and Ann Whalen of AMW Dimensional Art breathe life in to the gardens of the former Café Limbo this weekend starting Fri 9/14 at 6PM. With works by some of their favorite contemporary artists working in sculpture, painting, photography and installation, Gallery in the Garden runs in conjunction with Sparx Gallery Hop; a portion of sales will be donated to the Cleveland Bar Foundation. Featured artists include: Judy Brandon, Melissa Daubert, Rebecca Hartman, Craig Horseman, Lisa Kenion, Alice Kiderman, Doug Meyer, Bijon Notash, Abe Olvido, Ed Raffel, John Ranally, Jerry Schmidt, Kathy Skerritt. Even runs Sat 9/15 from 11AM – 5PM and Sun 9/16 from noon – 4PM. 12706 Larchmere Blvd (formerly Café Limbo).

O’Jays Northeast Ohio’s own R&B group returns home Fri 9/14 at 8PM at Playhouse Square. A soul music staple for more than 40 years, the group will perform hits from their long catalogue of songs, as well as a tribute or to the late crooner Gerald Levert, son of founder Eddie Levert. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

SPONSORED: WCLVnotes The Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur take place from Sat 9/15 – Sat 9/22. Also Thu 9/13 at 9PM, WCLV 104.9FM will present a special broadcast “In Celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper.” With narration by long-time Cleveland radio personality and executive Norman Wain (WIXY 1260), the program explores the roots and rituals of these sacred Jewish observances. Next Wed 9/19 at 8PM WCLV presents the first of this season’s CIM Live broadcasts with Carl Toplow conducting the CIM Orchestra at Severance Hall. Chaoyin Cai will be the soloist in Rachmaninoff’s very romantic Piano Concerto No. 2. Also on the program, Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Full details on all of WCLV’s programs at www.wclv.com.

HOT Chrissie Hynde’s VegiTerranean Concert & Foodfest are just a part of the Northside District’s Metropolitan Experience and Akron Art Walk on Sat 9/15 starting at 11AM. A Metro Living Tour showcases 14 housing options in and around downtown Akron; several galleries at the Northside District will show off works at different times through the day; the new acclaimed Akron Art Museum offers a new view; resterateur-rocker Chrissie Hynde and celebrity guests dedicate her new restaurant in Northside Lofts @ 21 Furnace St.; local musicians and restaurants offer a tasty feast… and it’s all capped off with “Chrissie and Friends” benefit at/for The Civic Theatre. Check back for last minute information and changes: http://www.northsidelofts.com/index2.html

4th Annual Sausage Festival Vote for the top klobasa at the 4th annual Slovenian Sausage Festival, a benefit event for the National Cle-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, Sat 9/15 starting at 1PM. This year, polka bands and sausage shops return to SNPJ Farm in Kirtland for a marathon, 8-hour party of non-stop music and munching. Sample Slovenian sausages from six makers, then cast your vote for the tastiest. Dance to the finest Cleveland-Style polka bands, including Brian Novak, Joe Novak, Milan Racanovic, Joey Tomsick, Trontel-Zagger Orchestra, Eddie Vallus II, and Ken Zalar’s Captain’s Crew. A variety of down-home treats and refreshments awaits you between musical numbers. The 2007 King of Klobasa is announced at 7PM. 11000 Heath Rd. in Kirtland, Ohio, off Chardon Road (Route 6), three miles east of Rt. 306. Call 261-FAME for tix and details.

HOT 2007 Sparx Gallery Hop On Sat 9/15 and Sun 9/16 Cleveland’s art community will be hopping as Sparx Gallery Hop, Ohio’s largest art walk, celebrates its 5th anniversary. There’s a ton to do, and if we listed every single event here, the publisher would tell us the newsletter is just too darn long. We can tell you that the gads of art events all across the city are connected by public trolley and that for more info on the Hop weekend — including locations and times — you can contact the Downtown Cleveland Alliance at 736-7799 or go to their official website http://www.cleveland.com/sparx. Take our word for it, Sparx will pack your dance card!

24th Annual Western Reserve Writers’ Conference will be held on Sat 9/15 from 9AM -4:15PM at Lakeland Community College. This all-day conference will feature presentations and workshops, booksale and signings, and a Q&A panel at conclusion. The day features top-notch writers and editors and cover many areas in fiction, nonfiction, business of writing, poetry and creative writing. Presenters include poet Ray McNiece, writers Deanna Adams, Greg Cielec, Kathy Dawson, Dr. Bessie House, Erin O’Brien, Michael Olszewski, Barbara Snow, LakewoodBuzz.com’s Steve FitzGerald, writer/editors Cinda Chima, Sandra Gurvis, Kristen Hampshire, Steven Hayward, Paul Martin, Nancy Piazza and Cool Cleveland founder/catalyst Thomas Mulready. Contact Deanna Adams for details or questions at deencr@aol.com. Conference fee includes lunch. Register by calling Lakeland at 440-525-7116 or 800-589-8520, refer to CRN# 70164. 7700 Clocktower Dr. Kirtland. http://www.lakelandcc.edu/comeduc. http://www.deannaadams.com.

SPONSORED: Like Dancing on Air If you’ve never seen Verb Ballets, here’s your chance! Their performances often sell out, so get your tix now for “Nature Moves 3,” the latest installment in an ever-popular ongoing series. See two world premiere dances and performances of Heinz Poll’s “Duet” and crowd-pleasing “Bolero.” Come to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Fri 9/28 and Sat 9/29 at 8PM and see why crowds keep coming back for more. Verb Ballets is Cleveland’s national repertory dance company, returning for two public performances in the Museum’s intimate Murch Auditorium. Reserved seating, free parking and tix are $25 per person, with performance and reception on Saturday $40. Additional charge ($5) for tickets purchased day of. Contact (216) 231-1177 or 800-317-9155, ext. 3279, or www.cmnh.org.

HOT Pandemonium Don’t miss Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual fundraising extravaganza and the party of the year Sat 9/15 at 7PM. Featuring dozens of area theatre, dance, visual and performance artists along with fabulous food and drink, Pandemonium is a benefit like no other — with action taking place in unexpected places throughout the campus. Sample amazing food from area restaurants including Momocho, Bice, Marlin Kaplan and One Walnut, the Old Angle and many more! Click here for tickets. http://www.cptonline.org.

On Stage at Severance Hall The Cleveland Orchestra’s Opening Night Gala will take place on Sat 9/15 at 6:30PM, beginning with a cocktail hour. Celebrating the beginning of the Orchestra’s 07-08 season, this black-tie, red-carpet event will be hosted by Distinguished Chair Norma Lerner. After cocktails, enjoy an extraordinary concert with members of The Cleveland Orchestra, and dinner served on the stage of Severance Hall. Following dessert, the event will conclude with dancing in the Bogomolny-Kozerefski Grand Foyer. Proceeds benefit The Orchestra’s education and outreach programs; a limited number of special ticket prices will be available for Young Patrons ages 35 and under. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Open Studio Cle artist Michael Greenwald will open his studio to the public on Sat 9/15 and Sun 9/16 from noon – 7PM. On view will be many of the artist’s landscape paintings, including several new works. Greenwald’s paintings depict a semi-abstract distillation of the natural world into its basic elements of land, water and atmosphere. Greenwald’s works have been exhibited at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland State University’s Art Gallery, The College of Wooster Art Museum, The Wayne Center for the Arts and The Massillon Museum of Art. The event is held in conjunction with The Sparx Gallery Hop and City Artists at work. 1900 Superior Ave., Tower Press Building #113. http://www.cleveland.com/sparx. http://www.cityartistsatwork.org. http://www.greenwaldstudio.com.

Tinko, Yawns, Straw This Cleveland indie triple bill at Bela Dubby in Lakewood is headlined by Tinko (Brian Strazek, Nicholas Cross, Anthony Cross, and Michael McDonald) — who also provide entertainment in other rock groups including Coffinberry, Clouds Forming Crowns and Interoffice Romance. The Dreadful Yawns perform work from their new release Rest in the “minimalist psychedelic folk/rock” tradition. And local artist Brian Straw rounds out the bill Sat 9/15 at 3PM. Yep, a matinee show — so no excuses for not getting out to see who’s rockin’ the city. http://www.myspace.com/beladubby.

Deadly Crossings Local Girl Gallery proudly continues it “Meet the Author” series with Deadly Crossings, a mystery by Lakewood resident Gemma Bloom on Sat 9/15 at 6PM. When a woman flees to an island to escape her past and reclaim her life, she encounters love and murder in this thrilling mystery. Gemma will be reading from and signing her new book, copies will be available, so treat meet the author and treat yourself to a great thriller and welcome in Autumn! Complimentary appetizers and beverages. Local Girl Gallery, 16106 Detroit, Lakewood. http://www.localgirlgallery.com.

SPONSORED: Flower Power Come to Cleveland Botanical Garden’s hot new event, “Iron Floral Arranger” – its first-ever amateur flower arranging competition inspired by the popular “Iron Chef” TV show and featuring local celebrities like Jimmy Malone, Kenny Crumpton, Dee Perry, Donny Iris, Hector Vega and Sergio Ambramof. Weed out your fav on Fri 9/28 from 6-9PM at Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard. Grand Master: Don Vanderbrook, Cleveland’s legendary floral designer. Partake in a Tuscan Wine Tasting throughout the evening and a raffle to win a week at Villa Zingale, a 450-acre wine and olive oil producing estate set in the Tuscan countryside, 20 minutes outside of Florence. Price: $45/Member and Nonmember/$55. Make paid reservations now by calling (216) 707-2846. Visit www.cbgarden.org for more info.

Survivor Africa Break out your mudcloth hat, safari jacket and animal prints and get ready to party safari style to support the non-profit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road in Bay Village! “Survivor Africa” (based on the popular TV show) is the theme for the Center’s annual benefit on Sat 9/15 from 6:30 – 10PM. The evening includes dinner by Arrabiata’s, beer, wine and a signature drink, music by Oasis (not the UK band), a safari treasure hunt and crackling bonfire. Win round-trip airfare, Cavaliers floor seats and other cool loot in the raffle and jam-packed silent auction. Help keep the family-friendly programming there alive! http://www.lensc.org.

The Art of Living in Cleveland Heights paints a pretty picture for the 31st Annual Heights Heritage Home and Garden Tour, presented by Heights Community Congress. Kicking off Sat 9/15 from 6PM-midnight, this end of summer gala features a “sneak preview” sunset tour of some of Cle Hts’ most spectaular homes featured on the Sun 9/16 Home and Garen Tour. The event starts at The Oakwood Club (1516 Warrensville Center Rd., Cle Hts.) with a champagne toast and reception with reknowned artist and Honorary Chair, Hector Vega. From there, things get really exciting. Visit http://www.heightscongress.org for more info or call 321-6775 to make reservations.

Icons of American Photography at the Cleveland Museum of Art ends Sun 9/16, so if you’ve been procrastinating, this is your last shot at the CMA’s landmark exhibition. 116 iconic photographs representing every major American photographer during the period 1850-1960 is offered for your perusal. The works of more than 60 artists, including Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke-White, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks and others illustrate the rise of photography in America as an artform. http://www.clevelandart.org

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Bass On Sun 9/16 at 4PM, the 2007-2008 Cleveland Institute of Music Concert Season kicks off with a no-cost recital by double bass faculty members Jeff Bradetich and Maximilian Dimoff (principal bassist of The Cleveland Orchestra). Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Bass will also feature pianist Pi-Ju Chiang. Bradetich and Dimoff will be assisted in this concert by members of The Cleveland Orchestra double bass section: Thomas Sperl, Henry Peyrebrune, Scott Dixon and Charles Carleton. Works by Bruch, Bottesini, Piazzolla, Frank Proto, David Anderson, Jean-Philippe Viret and Christian Gentet will be performed. http://www.cim.edu.

SPONSORED: Get Away from the Stress of Everyday Life with a relaxing trip (only 30 minutes from Clev) to an extraordinary garden vista that will rejuvenate your soul (and entertain the kids). Visit Holden Arboretum, quite possibly the most beautiful 3,500 acres you’ll ever witness! The kids will dig the Holden Express: A Garden Railroad, now through 9/23. Don’t miss it – only 12 days left! Marvel at beautiful, enchanted gardens set in an outdoor wonderland with 2,000 feet of winding track. Holden Express will be open from 10AM to 5PM (and until 9PM Wednesdays) daily through Sun 9/23 and has no-cost admission for members; Nonmembers: $6 adults, $3 children ages 6-12 and $2 children ages 2-5. Seniors: no-cost admission each Tuesday. Holden Arboretum is located at 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland. For more info contact www.holdenarb.org.

The Bad Plus Considered one of the most forward-thinking groups in music, The Bad Plus hovers in the fascinating space between indie rock, postmodern jazz and intelligent pop. Making their Heads Up International/Telarc debut with the CD Prog, The Bad Plus will perform their newest cuts live at Nighttown on Tue 9/18 and Wed 9/19 starting at 7PM. Hearing is believing. Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd., Cle Hts. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

Jerry Sue Thornton, Ph.D. The League of Women Voters of Cleveland has been making democracy work in Cle for over 87 years. They celebrate with a luncheon honoring the 2007 recipients of the Belle Sherwin Democracy in Action Award. Guest Speaker Thornton, President of Cuyahoga Community College, speaks at the event Tue 9/18 at 11:30 AM. Proceeds from the benefit will support the LWV Cleveland Area Voter Information Center for Cuyahoga County. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St.

Marketing Directors: According to BizReport, online advertising for 2006 hit a new record high of $16.8 billion, a 34% increase over the year before. If you want to add online advertising to your marketing mix, consider our reader demographics: 50.3% are Professional/Managerial, 69.1% have a Bachelors Degree or better and as a result of reading Cool Cleveland, 45% have become more involved in their communities. For more info about advertising contact us at Info@CoolCleveland.com.

The Grog Shop’s 15th Anniversary celebration kicks off with a week’s worth of spectacular live music starting Wed 9/19 with underground hip-hop MC Aesop Rock. During the rest of the week, Martin Sexton, Turbonegro and the Brian Jonestown Massacre will rock it out on Euclid Hts. Blvd. Check their website for dates and times on the remainder of the shows and don’t miss out. They’re a great club that continues to push the envelope and they’ll only turn 15 once! So get out there and shake something loose. Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cle Hts. http://www.grogshop.gs.

d.a. levy reading As part of The Art Gallery at Cleveland State University’s exhibition The Ineffable Object — featuring works of conceptual art and material evidence of aesthetic thoughts and ideas — there will be a poetry reading celebrating levy, whose artwork is included in the exhibition. It hits Wed 9/19 at 7:30PM. The gallery is located at 2307 Chester Ave. The reading will be hosted by Markk Kuhar of deep cleveland, with other featured readers and an open mic. http://www.csuohio.edu/artgallery

Barber of Seville Led by conductor Carl Topilow and pianist Chaoyin Cai, the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra will delight with a portion of Rossini’s masterwork Wed 9/19 at 8PM at Severance Hall. Along with the Barber Overture, the group will offer Rachmaninov’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Following the concert there will be a reception in the Smith Lobby at Severance Hall. http://www.cim.edu.

PSP Oktoberfest Playhouse Square Partners – one of Cleveland’s premier young professionals groups – kicks off a new season of fun, networking and assisting the performing arts at Playhouse Square with their Oktoberfest at Star Plaza Wed 9/19 at 5:30PM. This no-cost event features German-themed food, live DJ, raffle prizes, give-a-ways, activities and a cash bar. Attendees will learn about the Partners’ initiatives and bustling 2007-2008 season, with opportunities to join; be be first “in the know” about their expectedly hot upcoming event, the Jump Back Ball. RSVP by Mon 9/17 and get a cold bevvie voucher! Star Plaza, Playhouse Square Center, downtown. Call 348-5265 or visit http://playhousesquare.org/partners for more.

SPONSORED: Lookin’ for a “Freewheeling Romp” with a good laugh, good food and a great show? Try “Pump Boys & Dinettes” playing at the Carousel now through Sat 10/27. This concert-style Broadway musical has all 8 actor/musicians on stage playing instruments from bass guitar, to electric guitar, to an old washboard. Dinner plus this phenomenal production – all for under $55.00! Purchase tickets online at www.carouseldinnertheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 800.362.4100!

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A Boychoir Audition Auditions are now being held for the Ohio Boychoir 2007 season for its Concert Choir and Training Choir programs. Membership is open to boys ages 9 to voice change for the concert choir and to boys ages 7 & 8 for the training choir. Contact the Ohio Boychoir at 556-2222 or via email at membership@ohioboychoir.org. Ohio Boychoir has been training boys to develop an appreciation for music, the arts and vocal quality for over 34 years. Choir members are prepared to present a series of concerts across NEO. Membership in the Ohio Boychoir is open to boys regardless of race, creed or economic status. No previous choral experience is necessary. http://www.ohioboychoir.org.

Lakewood High School Marching Band Fest It’s that time of year! Lakewood High hosts their 21st annual Ranger Marching Band Invitational Festival on Sat 9/15 at 7:00PM at Lakewood Stadium, 14100 Franklin Blvd. This year the festival will feature high school bands from Fairview, Parma, Maple Heights, Streetsboro, St. Ignatius, Brooklyn, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Hudson and Lakewood. The Parade begins at 7PM with a pass and review introduction of each band. The individual field immediately follows in Lakewood Stadium. Admission is charged and tickets are only available at the gate. For more info, call 227-5980.

Chalk Festival Presented by The Cleveland Museum of Art, this weekend-long event runs Sat 9/15 and Sun 9/16 is inspired by the I Madonnari Italian chalk tradition. During the 16th century, beggars, using chalk on the plazas outside cathedrals, copied paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries. With these street painters, an artistic tradition was born. Participants can create their own masterpieces while working alongside featured chalk artists. The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Fine Arts Garden. No-cost, open to the public. Call 707-2483 or visit http://www.clevelandart.org for times and details.

Green Does AC-DC Check out the kids in the Paul Green School of Rock’s revue of the music of Rock Hall inductees, AC-DC. The all-ages shows hit this Fri 9/14 and Sat 9/15 at 6:30PM at The Phantasy, 11802 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Watch these kids kick it old school like Angus & Co. Call 440-333-ROCK or visit http://www.schoolofrock.com for details and showtimes. http://www.phantasyconcertclub.net.

SPONSORED: Bring out Your Inner “Picasso!” Join us at the CMA Chalk Festival on Sat 9/15 11AM – 4PM and Sun 9/16 Noon to 5PM. Individuals, families, schools and neighborhood groups are all invited to participate! Enjoy chalk artists and entertainment, at no charge, that includes Blues de Ville (Sat) and Panic Steel Ensemble and Hue People (Sun). Create your own chalk pictures. Small square and 12-color box of chalk, $8 each; large square and 24-color box of chalk, $16 each. Children under 15 must be accompanied by supervising adults. Sign up when you arrive. Groups are encouraged to pre-register by calling 216–707–2483 by Wed 9/12. The Chalk Festival is sponsored by CMA Community Arts Partner Medical Mutual of Ohio. It is a featured event on the Sparx Gallery Hop, a Downtown Cleveland Alliance program. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org/educef/chalk/html/.

Space Memorabilia Show Check out space artifacts from then and now in collaboration with collectSPACE.com Sat 9/15 @ NASA Glenn Visitor Ctr. Speakers include Scott Carpenter, the famed Mercury Astronaut, who will share stories about his orbital flight aboard Aurora 7, as well as his participation in the Navy’s Man-in-the-Sea Project as an Aquanaut and team leader in the SEALAB II program. You’ll find out what future explorers might learn from our early experiences in outer space and beneath the seahttp://www.glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

Buckeye Reads Literature Fair In conjunction with Neighborhood Connections and CityWorks (City of Cleveland) the Buckeye Area Development Corporation presents this event Sat 9/15 starting at 11AM. Meet local authors and participate in Q&A sessions with them, withess the Poetry Slam and “Lyricist Lounge” on songwriting, a workshop on “Self Publishing 101” and learn about E-Zine’s and Blogging 101. Also, kids can partake in the Children’s Writing Workshop and Young Reader’s Pavilion, along with an Artwalk featuring Arterial Artists and Sun Down Cinema. Art Park (E. 118th St. and Buckeye Rd. http://www.badoc.org.

Zoobilee The Cleveland Metroparks ZOObilee offers activities for all ages, including children’s crafts, costumed characters, “Get Close Animal Encounters,” a self-guided historic tour of the Zoo, “Meet the Keeper” sessions, animal enrichment demonstrations and much more. What’s the hub-bub? Why, the Zoo’s 125th anniversary, of course! A special animal-themed concert by Red {an orchestra} at the BP Amphitheater is only the beginning of the all-day affair Sat 9/15. SAFMOD Performance Ensemble, Panic Steel Ensemble, Jacobs Field Dixieland Band and Radio Disney round out the entertainment. ZOObilee also offers kids and their parents one last shot at the DINOSAURS! and TOUCH! Amazing Rays & Sharks exhibits, which close on Sun 9/16. http://www.clemetzoo.com.

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids09.14.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth,

Apple (yes, that Apple. Of iPod/iTunes/iMac fame) approached the CMSD with an idea that would train high school kids to do digital media production, and the school system had no idea what to do. At least they knew enough to introduce Apple to “Tech Czar” Michael DeAloia. The bad news is, no one at the city had the where with all to say “yes, and…” Instead, they decreed the idea “not baked”. Here’s how some BFD readers responded:

Read and add your comment here

Parish Hall/Exit Stencil catalyst Ryan Weitzel
Saying goodbye to one of Cle’s brightest venues

After a stalwart two-year run, Parish Hall Cleveland (located at 6205 Detroit Ave., in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood) closes for good Monday, October 1. The indie art space was programmed by the nonprofit group Detroit Avenue Arts, which hosted arts, culture and music events there.

The location was also home to the Miller-Weitzel Gallery and to the Exit Stencil Records recording studio and offices. The label’s roster includes hot, locally-based acts like New Lou Reeds, Roué, Coffinberry and the Dreadful Yawns. The sad passing of this edgy local venue came on the heels of another regional loss – Akron’s rock club, the Lime Spider. But to hear Exit Stencil/Detroit Avenue Arts catalyst Ryan Weitzel tell it, this is no time to be morose about Parish Hall.

“We worked on the venue really hard and I certainly didn’t take the decision to close Parish Hall lightly, but had to make selfish decision in some ways and decide what to focus my energy on,” said Weitzel, who’s one of four board members and also runs the Exit Stencil label and plays in a rock trio called Mystery of Two. “Running a space is relentless and I guess this is just an unfortunate circumstance of both the venue and the Exit Stencil label and artists picking up in popularity at the same time…

Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

How the Cuy Co Commissioners could possibly make money earmarked for the Medical Mart disappear into the general fund.
What’s a “gadfly” like Kucinich to do when challenged to a debate?
Also regarding Kucinich, Johnny Rotten says “He ain’t no sex god”.
Giving up on the Browns, Roger is open to suggestions for which team to root for.
“If you’re under the age of 40 and have yet to become jaded by the ineffectiveness of the listless leadership of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party, take note…”
Forbes Magazine lists Cleveland as the 2nd cheapest place to buy a house in the country.
Pictures of this year’s Urban Harvest Garden Tour.

Arrows Are All You Know
Mystery of Two
Exit Stencil Recordings

i am very uncomfortable most of the time
Jeremy Bible
Experimedia

Mystery of Two’s sound is the pure Cleveland. Several years in the making, this band’s sound began as a 7″ vinyl dream in bandleader Ryan Weitzel’s mind. The trio’s crosshairs are brusque avant-pop and indie experimental rock; the band’s been compared to Pere Ubu in some circles. The flair this trio offers on their full-length debut Arrows Are All You Know certainly recalls David Thomas & Co. (odd rhythms, gritty vocals) but they owe as much to the Feelies, Pixies and fIREHOSE. Gritty, jangly and full of tension, Weitzel, bassist Lonn Schubert and drummer Nick Riley deliver an urgent and intimate sound that sucks you in and tosses you around like flotsam in some stormy Erie undercurrent. There’s a lot musical pivoting that has gone into the group’s 10 track affair; Weitzel’s stormy vocals feel at once Waits- and Vedder-esque, decorating melodic jangle and careening noise-rock moments alike with aplomb. Schubert and Riley do well pivoting with him. If “Pitfalls,” “Relics” and “Desolate” don’t get you, set-stopper “Quick” surely will.

Some three years in the making, Cantonite Jeremy Bible’s latest effort i am very uncomfortable most of the time is a largely atmospheric effort — one that straddles the line between Vangelis’s Blade Runner soundtrack, and Brian Eno’s minimalistic approach to electronic music. Some of the material comes across as influenced by early 1980’s keyboard pop purveyors (Jones, Human League, Dolby); most of the disc’s 10 tracks are steeped in processed electronic, acoustic and “found sounds.” Ambient music incorporates many elements from many different styles and genres, but its most identifiable quality is also Bible’s laser-like solitary focus: creating atmospheric soundscapes and moods. From the opening strains of “oscarkestra” through high points “grestwrd,” the haunting “insoma” and “strand,” Bible succeeds admirably. He calls his style “abstract electronica.” I call it pure indulgence, worth all those years of tweaking.

Mystery of Two celebrates the release of their new CD Friday, September 14 at Parish Hall Cleveland, which is also the farewell show for the venue. Visit Mystery of Two online at http://www.myspace.com/mysteryoftwo. Bible opens up for Thomas Dolby at Tangier in Akron Friday, September 14. Visit him online at http://www.myspace.com/jeremybible. Details for both shows appear on their respective sites.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

The Write Moves Interested in writing for Cool Cleveland? Let us know your area of interest, cause we’d love to hear from you. Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Snitch power, Part I

Those readers with long enough memories perhaps can recall the sordid case of one Arthur L. “Art” Feckner, a lying, drug-dealing scumbag who, in the mid-1980s, was running a wholesale drug operation out of a house on Woodland Avenue. It later came out in court testimony that he was doing so with the permission of (actually in cahoots with) members of the Cleveland Police Department. Feckner, a White guy who had the disheveled and unkempt look of a derelict, had been running a junkyard on the Eastside of Cleveland for years. He got into selling drugs as a sideline, and when he got busted he cut a deal to set up his supplier. But the catch was, he would need a large sum of money to close the deal with his “Cuban Connection,” in Miami, so he and his police handlers came up with this madcap scheme for Feckner to literally flood the Eastside of Cleveland with drugs so they, in turn, could come up with the necessary money for the “big buy.”

Now any drug dealer that’s been around the block a few times knows that all he has to say to a narcotics officer upon arrest is “Cuban (or Columbian) Connection” and that officer is instantly salivating like Pavlov’s dog. Tired of just busting people for having a roach in the ashtray, or a couple of rocks in the pocket of their sagging jeans, these cops daydream of that “big bust” involving dozens of kilos of narcotics that will catapult them to “super-cop” status among their peers. In the drug game, bigger is always better. To them, concepts like “rehab” and “demand reduction” are for wusses, sissies…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

SPONSORED: New Sites, New Sounds, New Season Be inspired by a new generation of classical musicians this year at the Cleveland Institute of Music. With talented young students and a distinguished faculty of internationally renown musicians. CIM is an exceptional local resource. Be there as our concert season kicks off at Severance Hall on Wed 9/19; call 216-231-1111 to reserve tickets for this performance that has no admission fee (open to the public). Enjoy hundreds of CIM events this year including Orchestra concerts, Operas and faculty recitals (including performances by members of The Cleveland Orchestra.) In addition to the concert series there are hundreds of student recitals held each year. Visit our website www.cim.edu for the most up to date concert information or call 216.791.5000 for a 2007-08 Concert Guide.

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

The Cleveland Orchestra @ Blossom 8/25 The evening began with frog-strangling rains an hour before the concert started and ended with a calm full moon peeking through clouds. In between, The Cleveland Orchestra in its last summer 2007 appearance sounded its usual lushly beautiful self. Opening the program, conductor Ward Stare cut a neat figure in a lapel-less white jacket (OK, it’s a fashion note, but it’s so LA) as he conducted Samuel Barber’s “Essay No. 2, Opus 17.” Under Stare’s conducting the Cleveland Orchestra set forth Barber’s whimsical lyric in a finely articulated, romantic evocation. Stare, appointed American Symphony Orchestra League Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic by music director Esa-Pekka Salonen, looks to be a great choice–lucky LA.

Next, Ukrainian Valeriy Sokolov, a whiz-kid of 21, showed keen technical mastery as soloist in Jean Sibelius’s “Violin Concerto in D minor, Opus 47,” conducted by Aspen Festival’s David Zinman. The lonely and angst-ridden aspects of Sibelius’s work seemed more glossed over than felt, but time should add the requisite nostalgia to the promising young violinist’s interpretation.

To conclude the concert, the Orchestra happily romped around in the musical toy box that is Edward Elgar’s “Variations on an Original Theme. Elgar’s piece is called the “Enigma” because its fourteen variations are supposed to mean something–at least according to the legend that’s grown up around it. The only clear meaning was “If you don’t like this part, stick around because in a minute it will change.”

At concert’s end Zinman recognized departing associate concertmaster Ellen dePasquale, second clarinet Daniel Gilbert (going to the University of Michigan), and acting principal trombone Steven Witser (to become principal in the LA Symphony). Waves of applause were sent their way during many bows.

The audience also gave dePasquale a sustained standing ovation when the night began as she took her place as concertmaster. A sizable portion of Cleveland Orchestra audiences (including this one) regret her departure and wish her well in future endeavors.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

A Reading by 2007 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Winners @ Trinity Commons Art Gallery, 9/5 The Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the only national award for excellence in writing on race in America, is the legacy of Edith Anisfield-Wolf, a Cleveland poet and philanthropist. Decades ahead of her time, Anisfield-Wolf established the award in 1935, twenty years before the Civil Rights Movement gained full stride and issues of racial justice were elevated onto the national stage. This past Thursday night, 2007 award winners Martha Collins (Poetry, Blue Front), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Fiction, Half of a Yellow Sun), Scott Reynolds Nelson (Nonfiction, Steel Drivin’ Man), and Taylor Branch (Lifetime Achievement Award) accepted their awards on the stage of Bolton Theater at Playhouse Square. The night before, Collins and Adichie gave an intimate reading to a standing-room audience at the gallery at Trinity Cathedral.

Collins became interested in the horrific tradition of lynching in the American South when driving with her father through his hometown of Cairo, Illinois. “I saw a man hanged there,” her father told her, pointing to a steel arch with electric lights that extended across a main street in the town The statement stayed with Collins, who later discovered that her father’s cryptic statement elided the event’s tragic details. What he didn’t mention Collins recreates through her book-length series of long-form poems – the crowd of 10,000 that witnessed and participated in the brutal spectacle of lynching a young black man who, although never brought to trial, was thought guilty of raping and murdering a white woman; the fact that almost nothing was known about the lynched man who, not having any family, had “no one left to tell his story.” Collins’ book, a collage of events, places and people across the South, seeks to understand and tell the story of the legacy of racism and how it impacted herself and her family.

Fiction writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who grew up in Nigeria and is currently pursuing graduate work at Yale University, read from her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun. The book deals with several characters that grow up amidst the struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria, and it chronicles how war changes them as well as their country. “I grew up in the shadow of war,” Adichie explained in her introduction, “with grandparents who were always saying things like, ‘I used to have that, before the war’. They lost the opportunity to pass things down. This book is my attempt to understand my history, and to pay tribute to others.”

More information about the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards can be found at http://www.anisfield-wolf.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Chilcote leechilcoteATgmail.com

The Magic Fire @ Ensemble, 9/8 The Magic Fire, which is now in production at Ensemble Theatre, is a semi-autobiographical saga by actress and playwright Lillian Garrett-Groag. It centers on the life of her immigrant relatives (both the Italian and the assimilated Jews from Austria) who have moved to Argentina to escape the Nazi onslaught in Europe. The play itself takes place in Buenos Aires in June and July of 1952, during the reign of Juan and Eva Peron. The family had perceived Argentina as a land of hope, freedom and unbridled entrepreneurship.

Unfortunately, the rise of Peron, much like the rise to power of Hitler and Mussolini, destroyed that illusion.

The family tries to insulate itself from reality by turning to the arts. They discuss opera, classical music and drama. They listen constantly to the waltzes of Johann Strauss and soaring arias of Giuseppe Verdi. In spite of blocking out the sounds and sights around them, reality eventually hits home.

Beyond the family’s protective cocoon, Eva Perón, referred to by family members as “that woman,” lies dying, and police sirens disrupt the night and innocents are dragged away, never to be heard from again. The family is spared because of the protection of their neighbor, General Fortannes, who is a high-ranking member of the Perón regime.

The play, which examines family ties and the effect of politics on the individual, asks whether art and culture are necessarily opposed to political struggle? Eventually, we see that “art separated from life withers and dies, or enters the sterile service of the elite.”

The script is overlong and riddled with clichés and abstract musical illusions. Only in a fast-paced and well-envisioned creation will the audience be captivated. Unfortunately, the Ensemble production is plodding and poorly conceived by director Licia Colombi. It is almost painful to watch the quality actors in the cast struggle to keep their heads above water due to poor blocking, lack of clear character development and misplaced accents which come and go or are never there. No one seems to completely understand what’s going on. There’s a lot of emoting, with little underlying meaning coming through.

All is not lost. Lee Mackey, one of the dowager empresses of Cleveland theatre, is delightful as the old Italian grandmother who insists that she was kidnapped by her husband (spit, spit) and brought to this country where “even the cows are too big.” She keys many of the play’s laughs.

Tween-aged Sarah DiGirolamo, gives the right tone to Young Lise, whose acid tongue and incessant questions (e.g., “What’s a foreskin?”) is a perfect metaphor for youthful naïveté. (She alternates with Camille Rekhson in the role.) Annie Kitral, as the frustrated old maid Paula, has some wonderful moments.

The rest of the cast tries hard, but never quite hits the right pace or allows the audience to feel the feelings of the people they are portraying.

”Capsule judgment: This is not an easy sit. Between the talkiness of the script and the lack of concept by the director, there is little to grab and hold attention. The magic is missing. The fire doesn’t burn”.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

The Magic Fire @ Ensemble 9/8
Reason to go: Lillian Groag’s Chekhovian memory play about an immigrant family trying to get by in Peron’s Argentina is rich and textured. I loved it at the Shaw Festival last year, but this production is good enough that I enjoyed it all over again. The able cast works as an ensemble, but there are scene-stealers: Lee Mackey as a comically spiky Italian great-grandma, Annie Kitral as a dotty-sad aunt, and spunky 10-year-old Sarah DiGirolamo as the narrator’s younger self. It weaves the personal with the political in a truly interesting way, especially with likable Paul Floriano as a helpful neighbor who turns out to be secret police.
Caveats: The 3-acter is long, and Pandora Robertson has an awkward start with her monologues as the fish-out-of-water protagonist trying to make sense of her childhood memories — but she grows as the play progresses and deepens.
Details: Thru 9/23. Brooks Theatre at the Cleveland Play House. http://www.ensemble-theatre.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On Nighttown’s patio (See Eats here) Thank you SO much for the kind, wonderful words about Nighttown in this week’s Cool Cleveland Newsletter. I cannot tell you how you made the day for me and other members of the Nighttown staff. Nighttown is a great restaurant with a great outdoor patio with great food and great music. It is also very much a labor of love for the people that work there, all of whom know that Nighttown occupies a special place in the heart of Clevelanders and jazz lovers (not for nothin’ is it on Down Beat’s List of the 100 Best Jazz Clubs in America). Not sure if you know, too, that recently, Nighttown became home to The Press Club of Cleveland (great story about that here). Your recognition of their efforts is really appreciated. from Cool Cleveland reader Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications LLC advocateATstratos.net

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Eats Enjoy the outdoors before summer’s over.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) RoldoLINK County Spending us to Poor House
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) The Lake Front Ghost Tour Hear bone chilling ghost stories and local folklore that even keep true sailors awake at night.
www.HauntedCleveland.net

4) Kids Another Walk to Help You Soak Up More Cleveland History.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) NewsLINKS “Ace of Cakes” coming in Nov.
dbusiness.net

Soaring Start your Wednesday with us and you’ll be flying high all week long. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Roy Berko, Linda Eisenstein, Mansfield B. Frazier, Lee Chilcote and Laura Kennelly. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

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Get your wings, Cleveland
–Thomas Mulready
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