12.12-12.19.07
Hot Salsa Holiday
In this week’s issue:
* Party Celebrate the holidays with hot spicy cool
* Mom’s Eye View Holiday Gifts To Combat Kids Gimmes
* Holiday Buying Guide Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries
* Road Trip A Weekend in Sandusky
* BFD Reactions to a speech from the City’s Reg Dev Tzar
* Ingenious Jazz Producer/Promoter Jim Wadsworth
* Sounds Christmas Vespers from Apollo’s Fire
* Previews Raspberries at Playhouse Square
* Reads The West Tech Terrorist from Peter Jedick
* Signs of Life Kucinich Is The Other Woman
* Straight Outta Mansfield The Payday Loan Trap
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here
Why Salsa? Actually, why not? With our region attracting immigrants and locals with roots all over the world, the Cleveland area sports a surprisingly large and vibrant Latino community. For proof, follow Adriana & Gilberto of Tropical Cleveland as they cook up the heat with events, video and networking for anyone who wants to share in the tropical rhythms that spell good times year round. For our 2007 Cool Cleveland holiday party, we’re partnering with them this Saturday at Sunset Lounge, and you are invited to join us for sizzling food, complimentary beverages, live music, Salsa dance lessons and a night in the company of the coolest people this side of Rio. Get discount tix here. But don’t stop there. In Cool Cleveland Kids, we offer a roadtrip to a nearby waterpark, and holiday suggestions for when your kids start asking, “Gimme!” You’ll read a CC profile of Nighttown’s ingenious promoter Jim Wadsworth, and enjoy reviews of the new CD of Christmas Vespers by Apollo’s Fire, a review of The West Tech Terrorist, and an incisive piece by David Budin on why Dennis Kucinich is “the other woman” among presidential candidates. Mansfield warns about the payday loan trap, and we tee up a holiday basket of links to cool events this week. Don’t forget to check out our own Holiday Buying Guide, chock full of hot local ways to spend that money burning a hole in yr pocket. How hot can it get? At Cool Cleveland, we’re already cooking. Thomas Mulready
Hot Salsa Holiday Party!
Complimentary Salsa lessons included
Discount tix online till Sat noon here
Get hot with Cool Cleveland and Tropical Rhythms, as we team up to bring you the most sizzling Holiday party of 2007. Be there this Sat 12/15 starting at 8PM for the non-stop open bar & buffet from Mallorca & Brasa until 10PM, a hot Latin band, and a roomful of Northeast Ohio’s glitterati. Then at 10PM, put on your dancing shoes, jump into the complimentary Salsa lessons, and burn the night away on the dance floor to the cookingest DJs this side of Brazil. We shot video of Gilberto & Adriana of Tropical Rhythms here. Map & details here. Burn it down this holiday season. Reserve your tickets now and save by clicking here before noon on Sat 12/15.
One hot price for all this:
Ticket price goes up Saturday at noon. Secure your discount tix online in advance here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/121507/index.php
Island of the Misfit Toys Akron Art Museum’s Family Drop-In Day allows you & your kids to give discarded, old toys a new life as unique works of art as you deconstruct Barbie dolls, action figures, teddy bears and doll houses, reassembling them into your own creations, from noon to 4PM on Sat 12/15 at Akron Museum of Art, 330.376.9186 x231 http://www.AkronArtMuseum.org.
From The Top Taped live from Cleveland and the Cleveland Institute of Music’s new Mixon Hall at 8PM on Fri 12/14 and then broadcast to 250 radio stations, and you can be there live. Hosted by Clevelander Christopher O’Riley and featuring talented 9-18 year-old kids playing beautiful classical music. Get tix at 791-5000 X411 or http://www.CIM.edu.
Julie Goulis The Cleveland children’s book author will be signing copies of her books this Fri 12/14 at the Banyan Tree in Tremont from 6:30 – 8:30PM. Her books are for children ages 2 to 7 and are designed to stretch children’s imaginations. During the Tremont Art Walk. 2242 Professor Ave., Tremont.
Messiah & Gloria The Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Chamber Chorus, conducted by Director of Choruses Robert Porco, will perform the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handels celebrated oratorio Messiah (along with the Hallelujah Chorus) and Vivaldis Gloria on Fri 12/14 at 8PM and Sun 12/16 at 7:30PM as a part of the Holiday Festival at Severance Hall. Vocal soloists will be sopranos Ellie Dehn and Marie Masters, tenor Scott Scully, bass-baritone Timothy Jones and mezzo-soprano Ellen Rabiner in her Cle Orch debut. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.
Family Fun Fest On Sun 12/16 at 1:30PM, CHABAM holds their no-cost family festival and open house. If you and your kids have never seen the locally-owned and operated child care and education facility — replete with its gigantic oak tree and play zones — you really don’t know what you’re missing. Learn about their programs, their staff and more! CHABAM in Woodmere. Call 464-8500 or visit http://www.chabam.com.
TubaChristmas Start with hundreds of tubas. Garnish with tinsel, garlands and lights. Place into one spectacular theatre and warm with favorite Christmas carols and sing-alongs. These magical and musical ingredients combine to create TubaChristmas, an Akron holiday tradition celebrating its 28th anniversary this year on Sun 12/16 at 4 and 6:30PM E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., at The University of Akron. http://www.ejthomashall.com.
Western Reserve Chorale presents their 16th Annual Holiday Concert featuring John Rutter’s Gloria and Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata plus other seasonal selections Sun 12/16 at 7:30PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Rd. Cleveland Hts. Bring the family and get in the holiday spirit. No-cost, open to the public. For more info, call 791-0061 or visit http://www.westernreservechorale.org.
SPONSORED: At the Museum, You and Your Child can learn from the masters – Monet, Picasso and Warhol – in classes that encourage creativity and learning. Our winter session runs for six weeks and is taught by artists and educators whose lessons highlight the permanent collection. Visits by the “Art to Go” staff bring actual art objects from around the world into the studio for children to observe. Winter registration opened to CMA members on Sat 12/8 and general registration begins Sat 12/22. Classes include: Drawing for Parents (Why let kids have all the fun?) and Art for Parent and Child (age 3). Other classes just for kids include: 2D, 3D, 4FUN! (ages 10-12); Teen Drawing Workshop (ages 13-17) and many, many more. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org.
Holiday Gifts To Combat Kids Gimmes
If theres a parent out there whose kids dont come down with a serious case of the gimmes this time of year, please step forward. Consider it a public service to the rest of us desperate parents hoping to make this years holiday season one that isnt completely dominated by rampant materialism and over-indulgence of the kids in our lives.
Seems right around the time local radio stations kick off their All Christmas Music, All the Time marathons and holiday catalogs start multiplying in the mailbox, most parents start to hear wails of I want that! at every turn. Though I havent figured out how to solve the problem of kids holiday gimmes, I do have a few ideas for making holiday gift choices that could make a lasting impression on the children in your life…
Read more from Jennifer Keirn here
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.
SPONSORED: Marketing Is Everywhere : a poem from thunder::tech:: Marketing mat::ters / From small ads to large billboards / Get your name out there. Okay, so its not the most poetic haiku. Its a little more utilitarian, but its true. Marketing mat::ters. From your letterhead to your logo, from your email to your event planning its everywhere, and its important. We know it can be overwhelming, and well help you out. Stop by the site, give us a call:: http://www.thundertech.com 216.391.2255
Toledo Investor giving away rehabbed mobile homes… with a catch. Could we see this approach in Cle with foreclosed homes? Read
CMA adds several key works to its collection. Read
Bonfoey Gallery artist Patrick Kelly named to the First American Delegation to be represented at the Carrousel du Louvre from December 13 16, 2007, in an exhibit organized by the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Details
New art gallery opens its doors this weekend, spearheaded by local arts champion Thomas Janout. Click
Brand new gift shop and extended holiday hours at “A Christmas Story” House & Museum in Cleveland. They’ve had well over 2,000 visitors each of the last three weekends! Click
Can regionalism stave off decline in region? One man thinks so. Read
American Greetings inks a deal with “The Greatest” boxer, Ali. Read
Chagrin Falls schools ranked in Top 100 nationally in recent U.S. News & World Report. Read
Summit Cty wraps $660K in JCP gift cards for needy children. Read
Cuyahoga Arts and Culture is accepting applications for 2008 Project Support (PS) Grants. The CAC PS grant program is open to a wide range of organizations that meet the eligibility requirements. PS grant eligibility is determined by Ohio law, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture’s By-laws and these grant guidelines approved by the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Board of Trustees. Organizations may only apply for one PS grant for one project per year. Organizations receiving CAC General Operating Support are not eligible to apply for a PS grant. http://www.cacgrants.org.
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Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.
SPONSORED: Its a New Years Eve Bash like non other with dancing on stage, a midnight champagne toast, and an elaborate hors doeuvres breakfast making it perhaps the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, only at Carousel Dinner Theatre. The extravagant evening begins with a champagne reception and delicious dinner, followed by Irving Berlins “White Christmas” (it snows throughout the theatre!). After the curtain closes, the luxurious Vegas-style showroom turns into party central with hats and noisemakers and you get to vote for the best dance couple at Dancing with the Carousel Stars! Join us for fine dining, a splash of Vegas excitement and the flair of Broadway all wrapped into an unbelievable evening. Contact 800.362.4100 or www.carouseldinnertheater.com.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
CityMusic Cleveland Complimentary concerts offered on Wed 12/12 at 7PM at St. Vitus Church; Thu 12/13 at 7:30PM at Willoughby United Methodist; Fri 12/14 at 7:30PM at Elyria First United Methodist; Sat 12/15 at 8PM at Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus; and Sun 12/16 at 7:30PM at Westlake Performing Arts Center. 321-8273 http://www.CityMusicCleveland.org
Dave Eggers and Michael Kimmelman in dialogue as part of Spectrum: The Lockwood Thompson Dialogues for no charge at 6:30PM on Thu 12/13 at the Louis Stokes Wing of the Cleveland Public Library. 621-5330 http://www.ClevelandPublicArt.org.
Linda Eder sings holiday songs, pop hits and Broadway favorites at 7:30PM on Thu 12/13 at the Palace Theatre. 241-6000 http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com.
HOT Demon Baby Wren and Art, are relocated to London, where Art becomes immersed in his new corporate lifestyle. The previously outgoing Wren retreats into an agoraphobic state, frozen by her fear until she is visited by a demon baby. Comic and surreal, the convergence-continuum production goes for “whimsical screwball” as the heroine turns her demon baby loose on her small circle of power couples. Runs Thu 12/13 – Sat 12/15 at 8PM, with performances again the following weekend. Liminis, 2438 Scranton Rd. For reservations and information call 687-0074 or visit http://www.convergence-continuum.org.
Martin Atkins has been a touring musician for nearly 30 years, since joining Public Image Limited in 1979. He’s been a member of Pigface and has also been teaching a class on The Business of Touring at Columbia College in Chicago since 2003. Now, after the release of his new book Tour:Smart (a nearly 600-page manual on all aspects of putting together successful live shows), Martin is touring the country again, this time conducting guest lectures. He hits the Phantasy in Lakewood this Thu 12/13 at 7PM. Don’t miss out! http://tstouring.com/index2.html. http://www.phantasyconcertclub.net.
Suburban Soloists A biannual showcase of Suburban Symphony Orchestra members, featuring Roy Hawthorne of Mayfield Heights, conducting Rossini’s Overture to the Barber of Seville, and Bonnie Svetlik of Pepper Pike, flute soloist performing Fantaisie for Flute, plus Mahler’s 1st Symphony rounds out the program on Thu 12/13 at 3:30PM in Beachwood HS Aud., 25100 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood. 440.248.8341 http://www.SuburbanSymphony.org
HOT Tremont ArtWalk is held on the 2nd Friday of each month, including this Fri 12/14, from 6 – 10PM. Many galleries and studios that normally keep restricted hours are open for ArtWalk. There is usually music or other performance art, fine dining and pub fun. Get all your holiday shopping done in one place! http://www.myspace.com/tremontartwalk.
Geoffrey A. Landis The scientist and award-winning sci-fi writer headlines the latest deep cleveland poetry hour Fri 12/14 at 8:30PM at Borders in Strongsville. Local poets and writers are encouraged to bring their work to the open mike following Landis. For more info: http://www.deepcleveland.com/borders.html.
LGBT Community Winter Dance at The Silver Grille on Fri 12/14 with cash bar, food, DJ. Info.
It’s Comedy! There’s a new/old comedy club back in town! Re-introducing the club you loved in the 90’s called It’s Comedy. Two comedians — Kathie Dice and headliner Demetrious Nicodemous — perform two nights, Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15 at 8:30PM. th, 5100 Pearl Rd. Call 749-5233 for details.
Lake Effect This “Cleveland Through Our Words” special event features music, food, and local authors (Montanari, Roberts, Wolff, Gregor) signing their books Fri 12/14 from 11AM – 5PM. Heartland Winery in the evening selling wine after 5PM. 10% of proceeds from book sales on this day will be donated to Cleveland Reads. Part of a larger art exhibit that opens Fri 12/21. Details on both events at http://www.lakeerieartists.com.
meat-jeffery paul gadbois This Artist Showing opens Fri 12/14 from 5 – 8PM with the show running through 1/9. Filled with intrigue, the artist’s work is not to be missed. Lucky’s Cafe, 777 Starkweather Ave., Tremont. Call 622-7773 for details. http://www.luckyscafe.com.
Derek Hess presents his latest exhibit Every Days A Holiday at the Kelly Randall Gallery on on Fri 12/14 and celebrates with an Opening Reception Sat 12/15. Part of the Tremont ArtWalk Details at http://www.derekhess.com Kelly Randall Gallery, 2678 West 14th St. 771-7724. Originals from Hess portfolio will be available for purchase.
A Baroque Christmas What are the holiday’s without Handel’s Messiah, at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Orchestra, including Vivaldi’s Gloria, on Fri 12/14 at 8PM & Sun 12/16 at 7:30PM. Link.
Councilman Joe Cimperman who announced his candidacy for the 10th Congressional District last week will speak about development projects in downtown Cleveland and the work he has done to revitalize his ward at noon on Fri 12/14 at The City Club of Cleveland. http://www.cityclub.org.
HOT Black Nativity This Karamu House holiday classic hits Jelliffe Theatre (2355 E. 89th St) Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15 at 8PM. Black Nativity was written by Karamu alumnus, Langston Hughes. This wonderful show tells the original story of the Nativity in scripture, verse, music and dance. Call 795-7077 for tix or visit http://www.karamu.com.
Winter Solstice Celebrations Music, dance, storytelling & multi-media meditation on ancient & contemporary takes on the solstice at UCC Amistad Chapel, 700 Prospect on Fri 12/14 & Sat 12/15 at 7:30PM. http://www.UCC.org.
HOT CIA Faculty Show Experience the impressive and provocative breadth of faculty artwork that includes an exhibition of photography, painting, sculpture, and work in glass, enamel, ceramics, fiber, metal and other media. Experience it all in The Cleveland Institute of Art’s “2007 Faculty Show,” running today through Fri 12/21, in the college’s Reinberger Galleries, located in the Gund Building at the corner of East Blvd. and Bellflower Rd. in University Circle. No cost, open to the public. http://www.cia.edu.
Beatles in Cleveland book signing by author Dave Schwensen on Fri 12/14 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at Borders Tower City & Sat 12/15 3-5PM at Borders Midway, with a rare 15-min. film of the 1966 Beatles riot at Municipal Stadium, and bonus CD giveaways. http://www.BeatlesInCleveland.com.
Epiphyte “… an organism that grows upon or is attached to a living plant.” But these new oils by spectacularly popular Cleveland painter Scott Miller are not rooted in soil, but his own imagination. Opening at Gray’s Auctioneers, 10717 Detroit on Fri 12/14 from 6-10PM. 458-7695.
Music The Way It Used To Be The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra works out on arrangements by Wade Marcus, who has won a Gold Record as Music Director for Stevie Wonder, and has other Gold Records as chief arranger at Motown for Diana Ross, Four Tops, Wilson Pickett & Marvin Gaye. The underutilized Bop Stop opens its doors on Fri 12/14 & Sat 12/15 at 7PM for 8PM shows. Get tix at http://www.clevelandjazz.org or 521-2140.
SPONSORED: This Friday, 12/14, at 8PM, the popular national radio program “From the Top” comes to Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music to record a program for broadcast on February 9th nationally and over WCLV 104.9. The hour long show will feature a number of very talented local teenage classical musicians as well as several from out of town. Tickets for the Mixon Hall seats are all sold out, but tickets at $10.00 for Kulas Hall with viewing on large video screens are available at 216) 791-5000, ext. 411, Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, or on line at http://www.cim.edu.
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concerts Between Sat 12/15 through Sun 12/23, be at Severance Hall for the best Orchestra in the world, their choruses, and Jayce Ogren & Robert Porco conducting. Not to be missed Link.
Swingle Bells Under the Musical Direction of Rich Cole, with members of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and lighting creations by Michael Rich you will be transported to an era where “swing is king!” Choreography by the talented Lora Workman will have you taping your toes to holiday tunes and reliving dances like the Foxtrot, Lindy Hop & Charleston. Music by “The Coastliners, NCMC’s own superb singing ensemble will accompany this night of boogie woogie revelry! Lakewood Civic Auditorium for two shows: Sat 12/15 at 8PM and Sun 12/16 at 3PM. http://www.ncmchorus.org or call 556-0590.
CAK in CLE Your fav gift this season might be two comp tix to your fav AirTran Airways destination, good for any time in 2008, when you spot the CAK Attack, a mobile fun-on-wheels van dispensing holiday cheer, complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, CAK (Akron-Canton Airport) merchandise (t-shirts, luggage tags) this Sat 12/15 at Legacy Village. Happy New Year, indeed. http://www.AkronCantonAirport.com.
Lilian Tyrrell Memorial Celebrate the life and work of Lilian Tyrrell in a Memorial at SPACES Gallery Sat 12/15 at 3PM. Bring your memories to share. Tyrrell gained international recognition for her work in tapestry in particular her monumental series of Disaster Blankets. In these extraordinary works, the blankets, which imply a sense of comfort, contrast with vivid images of the tragic consequence of the failure of human conscience. http://www.spacesgallery.org.
HOT Jazz Legend Clark Terry As part of its “Legends of Jazz” series, Cleveland State Universitys Black Studies Program presents the jazz legend in concert with the CSU Jazz Heritage Orchestra and Cleveland School of the Arts student performers on Sun 12/16 at 7PM in CSU’s Waetjen Auditorium. Tickets at Ticketmaster locations, through the web at http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 241-5555.
A Christmas Cabaret Bill Rudman’s holiday show runs Sun 12/16 through Wed 12/19 at 7PM and features Nancy Maier, Hannah Laird, & Jarel Leal — as well as beloved holiday music classics from every decade of the 20th century. Irving Berlin, Hugh Martin, Jerome Kern, Cy Coleman, Burt Bacharach, Rodgers & Hammerstein and more. Nighttown on Cedar in Cle Hts. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.
Western Reserve Chorale Holiday Concert No charge for this program featuring John Rutter’s Gloria and Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, and other seasonal selections at Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Road, Cleveland Hts on Sun 12/16 at 7:30PM. 791-0061 http://www.westernreservechorale.org.
Jingle Bell Swing Back by popular demand, transplanted Brit Helen Welch hooks up with the Dave Stevens Big Band and the Solon High School show choir Music In Motion on a selection of explosive Swing, Gospel and Big Band versions of your holiday faves, with Santa Claus himself making a cameo on Sun 12/16 at 3PM at Playhouse Square’s Palace Theatre. Catch her Cool Cleveland video here. 241-6000 http://www.PlayhouseSquare.org
Celtic Music Christmas Concert Listen to Forsythe Special, a 3-piece Celtic ensemble on Sun 12/16 at 3PM at River’s Edge at St. Joseph Center, 3430 Rocky River Dr. 688-1111 X251 http://www.RiversEdgeCleveland.com
SPONSORED: If Youre Flying Around doing your shopping this Saturday, you may end up flying around the country next year! Thats because a “CAK Attack” will be happening at Legacy Village! A what attack?! A CAK Attack that mobile fun-on-wheels van from the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). Itll be riding into Legacy Village this Sat 12/15 from 10AM to 4PM to dispense holiday cheer in the form of complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, CAK merchandise (t-shirts and luggage tags), and something to really put the yee-haa! into Christmas gift getting the chance to win two airline tickets aboard AirTran Airways, good for any time in 2008. (Which would pretty much guarantee you a Happy New Year!) Hope to see you there! For info go to www.AkronCantonAirport.com.
December Days Celebrate the 13 days of Christmas from Mon 12/17 thru 12/24 and 12/26 to 12/30, with live music, ice carving, crafts, Santa & more. 661-6500 http://www.CleMetZoo.org.
HOT City Fresh Monday With Urban Agriculture as the topic, City Fresh Monday is a monthly gathering of folks who want to learn, dialogue and collaborate on issues of food, health, community development and the environment. Presented by the New Agrarian Center (NAC), the no-cost, open to the public forum is hosted in the Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer Cellar on the third Monday (it debuts Mon 12/17) of every month at 6PM. Details
HOT Miracle on East 4th Hear a panel of people who helped make East 4th Street Cles newest hot spot speak about their vision for a mixed-use district, how they worked with local government representatives to get the financial and structural support to make it happen, and why business owners from outside Cleveland have relocated there at noon on Tue 12/18 at The City Club of Cleveland. They will also share ways in which Cleveland can use this miracle as a model for future development. http://www.cityclub.org.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries
The Holiday Season is HERE, and whether you’re prepared for it or not we here at Cool Cleveland are here to help you think outside the (Big) Box (stores). From Black Friday on, we’ll have a list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors to help you support NEO’s artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types across the region. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice that helps of support your local economy. This week, we hip you to A TON of new local stuff. And check our old listings, some have been revised. We’ve got ya covered! New listings come each week, so bookmark the link below and check back every Wednesday for updates. And be sure to pour through the entire list; there are still plenty of other excellent purveyors you should zero in on. — Peter Chakerian, CC Managing EditorClick here to start your holiday shopping, CC style!
A Weekend in Sandusky… or was it Kalahari
At the entrance to the lagoon footbridge that leads to Kalahari, Americas Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, is a sign about the real Kalahari. Kalahari is a large semi-desert in southern Africa. It extends 362,500 square miles across Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa where elephant, giraffe, lion and cheetah graze after heavy rains.
Its odd to be in Sandusky, which has the Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point and the proximity of Marblehead, Catawba, Port Clinton and the Erie Islands, but not be on the Lake. Even odder to be in a place that feels like Kalahari. A weekend combining the waterpark resort experience with some Sandusky Bay Firelands sightseeing can make everyone in the family happy…
Read more from Claudia Taller here
SPONSORED: A Gift of Hope This time of year means different things to different people: holidays, family gatherings, getting in touch with relatives and friends, religious observances, and of course, a season of gift giving. Give the gift of hope this season by donating to United Way. Your donation to United Way is a sound investment in our communitys health and human services. United Way funds 180 programs provided by more than 130 partner agencies that serve more than 400,000 Greater Cleveland residents each year. And you can invest confidently, because 88 percent of your contribution goes directly to help people in need in our community. Give the gift of hope today. Please donate safely online here.
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Stark downtown plan will need public money. Read
Goodyear outcome has positive benefit for many facts of NEO business. Read
Cle Clinic doc and Director of Robotic Urologic Surgery pioneers new breakthrough Read
Stem cell breakthrough may be happening here in NEO? Read
Cols Dispatch hits Akron with a bit of interesting press. Read
Working from home not a NEO trend with legs like it is in the rest of the country. Read
Three Akron entrepreneurs come up with a new bevvie: RooBrew. Click
CWRU wins $1.2M Gates Foundation Grant. Read
Tri-C Awarded State Grant to Create Bioscience Worker Training Center. Click
Ohio Ranks Best in Midwest for business climate. Read
Have you read the Ohio Means Business Blog yet? Read
What about the new Ohio Film Office? Might want to check this out as well… Click
LA finance firm steps in to Cleveland. Read
Is this what our Convention Center should look like? In all the hoopla over a new convention center and Medical Mart, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, now known as Positively Cleveland, has not been in the thick of discussions between County Commissioner Tim Hagan and Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The Commissioners recently passed a half-billion dollar tax to pay for the new facilities, and finally a report has been released by Positively Cleveland detailing the “Characteristics of a Successful Convention Center,” based on their research and experience, which can be viewed in full here. Highlights: Downtown, not University Circle, is recommended; 14 “concerns” about the Tower City site; a checklist for success: proximity to Medical Mart & HQ hotel, access to retail, restaurants, entertainment; eco-friendly & LEED certified; 200K sf of flexible, hi-tech Meeting Rooms; 300K sf flexible, column-free Exhibit Hall. Read the report and let us know your thoughts: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Networking at Noon feat. Jennifer Thomas of The Civic Innovation Lab Wed 12/12 at 11:30AM. Details
Meet The Champions Breakfast for Civic Inno. Lab winners Fri 12/14 at 8AM in Trinity Commons. Details
AAF-Cleveland welcomes Liz Garvey of USA Today Washington Bureau, for Wed 12/19‘ holiday luncheon/networking event that showcases Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival winners. Windows on the River. Details
Communications Career Day (CCD) The AAF event hits on Thu 12/20 at the Terrace Club at Jacobs Field. CCD features speakers with a wide range of backgrounds. Details
Cle Engineering Society announces meet and greet schedule starting Wed 1/9. Details and Winter Schedule
E4S Third Tuesday Networking Event hits Tue 1/15 Register
Acquiring Capital for Sm Biz keynote feat. Ray Dalton from PartsSource LLC Fri 1/18 at 7:30AM Corp Coll East. 3 Panel Forum of experts follows. Show Me the Money!
The Next eMarketing Technique Series starts up at Corp Coll East on Mon 1/28. Register
Benson Lee
Technology Management Inc.
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Benson Lee is a man on a mission. His bright ideas for fuel cells have been exciting everyone he talks with in Northeast Ohio, and now he has a NorTech Innovation Award to call his own. One of the most established technology companies in the region, his TMI was founded in 1990 for the sole purpose of commercializing Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) to be used for mobile, rural and remote markets. An early product is an auxiliary power unit for trucks that runs on biofuels, allowing the trucks to conform with state laws and turn their trucks off overnight. TMI is developing fuel cells that will operate on soy bean oil, natural gas, propane, biofuels, methane, digester biogas and traditional fuels such as gasoline, kerosene and diesel. In fact, TMI has attracted over $25 million in investment and is among the few companies that has demonstrated a kilowatt class fuel cell system that operates on ordinary fuel. Benson talks with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready discussing the challenges of introducing a “disruptive technology,” why they’ve had to invest in “missionary marketing,” and what the first of a cow’s four stomachs does. http://www.TMIFuelCellSystems.com http://www.NorTech.com
SPONSORED: All Right, Everyone . . . From the Top! The Cleveland Institute of Music is proud to host the popular NPR program, “From the Top” on Fri 12/14 at 8PM. This broadcast will feature performances by five young artists or ensembles, along with lively interviews, musical games and radio theater comedy. While tickets to the live taping in Mixon Hall have already sold out, you can still be a part of this exciting event! Tickets are now available for a live video feed in Kulas Hall. Audience members in Kulas will be greeted by esteemed host, Christopher ORiley and will participate in a Question and Answer session with the performers and staff after the show. For tickets or more information please call 216.791.5000 or visit www.cim.edu.
This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
Crain’s covers Chris Warren’s speech speech at the City Club. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jacksons chief of regional development delivered a message that was characterized as “more philosophical than practical”. Expanded on BFD as “explanations that sound incredibly vague and as if the department is letting others do the work of economic development”. Readers react:
Don’t miss Ed Morrison’s list of things that need to change. You can read that as well as add your own comment here
Jazz Producer/Promoter Jim Wadsworth
Who brings top named jazz talent to Nighttown in Cleveland Heights to perform? Music greats like the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Chuchito Valdes, and Freddy Cole (Nat King Coles brother). Jim Wadsworth and Steve Frumkin from Jim Wadsworth Productions (http://www.jwpjazz.com), thats who! Wadsworth started booking shows at Nighttown in June 1999. Before that, he had a track record of producing shows at Peabodys Down Under, Peabodys Cafe, Rhythms at Playhouse Square, Diamondback Brewery, and Wilberts. Always passionate about music, Wadsworth has turned this feeling into his profession. Having an interest in pop music, I learned its roots came from blues and jazz he says. I am self taught in piano, guitar, and harmonica, but somehow that never stuck. While in high school in the San Francisco Bay Area, he heard jazz greats like Charles Mingus and Horace Silver perform. And Wadsworth was hooked…
Read more from Susan Schaul here
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Richard Steubi travels to Berlin to attend the European Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition.
A book tour of a graphic novel about the Italian celebration of Christmas passes thru Cleveland and Youngstown.
A poem for Christmas from Don Iannone.
Ruthie & Moe’s has just reopened, under new management.
Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams wants a miracle.
Lou Tisler has some suggestions on solving the foreclosure crisis.
Christmas Vespers: Music of Michael Praetorius
Apollo’s Fire
Koch International Classics
Pop this CD in the player and delightful evocations of great and cold stone churches kept warm by the light of faith and sweaty bodies fill sonic spaces. From the opening Advent chorale Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland, with voices bright and defiant against the dark, to the festive trumpeters and joyous ending, Christmas Vespers magically evokes the truth of the album liners quotation from Martin Luther: Music is a precious gift of God. When I hear music, joy bubbles up inside of me. (And, lets face it folks, if it can make fiery Luther happy just imagine what it can do for those with more cheerful temperaments.) This selection of highlights from 17th-century church music by Michael Praetorius was intended, writes Jeannette Sorrell, founder and conductor of Apollos Fire, to present highlights from typical Lutheran Advent and Christmas Vespers service.And it succeeds. This recording made from 2005 performances features the mighty players of period instruments of the Apollos Fire Baroque Orchestra, Apollos Musettes, Apollos Singers, the Oberlin Choristers, and the Childrens Choirs of St. Pauls Church. Theres a true sense of seasonal fun and joy here that wont wear out quickly (or ever, perhaps). Even the smallest touches show genius and a desire to bring the 17th-century alive to the 21st. One example? The translation of O puer optime [referring to Jesus] as O best boy [in Dulci Jubilo]. The casual confidence of that translation speaks volumes about the winning approach Sorrell brings to music that was once pop. Apollo, god of poetry, music, and insistent lover, would be proud–heck, its probably on his iPod right now.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
SPONSORED: It’s Snowing Indoors? It even snows over the audience at Carousel theatre’s production of White Christmas, the highest-selling production in Carousel history. Order your tix before they sell out, good seats are still available. This live production is based on the romantic movie musical of two couples who try to save a nearly bankrupt New England ski lodge. There’s Broadway actors, gorgeous costumes, and large song-and-dance numbers including “Blue Skies,” “Happy Holidays,” “Snow” and, of course, “White Christmas.” Now through 12/31. Dinner plus this phenomenal production – under $55! Makes a great gift! Purchase tickets at www.carouseldinnertheater.com or 800.362.4100!
Fresh Raspberries in Season at Playhouse Square
Legendary Cleveland rock band the Raspberries will play Friday night, gracing the State Theatre in Playhouse Square with its first hometown concert in nearly three years. Expect a show featuring Raspberries favorites, a robust sampling of the ’60s rock songbook, and a “surprise or two,” says Eric Carmen, key vocalist for the group. While nostalgia will rule, power should figure, too, based on Live On Sunset Strip, the double album the group released mid-summer.Like partners Wally Bryson, a vocalist/guitarist who blended influences spanning Roger McGuinn and Pete Townshend into a slashing style all his own; drummer Jim Bonfanti; and bassist Dave Smalley, Carmen is in his 50s, no longer the starry-eyed Lyndhurst kid who in the mid-’60s ventured to the Painesville Armory to catch the Choir, the group that gave Bonfanti and Smalley their first taste of fame.
Nowadays, Carmen said in a recent telephone interview from southern California, all kinds of people attend the rare Raspberries concert (since the original band reunited in 2004, it has played about 15 shows). What unites its multi-generational audience is affection for power pop, a genre many critics credit Raspberries with establishing.
“We have gotten an awful lot of young kids, like in their 20s particularly, that discovered power pop via some of the newer bands like Fountains of Wayne and groups of that sort,” Carmen said. “We kind of expected it would be people our own age, but it’s not.”
Finding its audience has been a challenge. In the late ’60s, various members performed in bands such as the Choir, the Mods, Cyrus Erie and the Quick. In 1970, the group rose from the ashes of the Choir and Cyrus Erie, scoring hits in “Go All the Way,” “Overnight Sensation,” “Let’s Pretend,” and “I Wanna Be With You” before disbanding in 1975. “Creative differences” figured, of course; so did being out of tune with the times. While the Raspberries took their cues from the first British Invasion and the Beach Boys (and, of course, the Beatles), ’70s audiences were more likely to groove to the arch bombast of Queen and those designer cowboys, the Eagles. Nevertheless, smart pop never quite died.
“I’ve always maintained that Raspberries fans are smart people,” said Carmen, citing kudos from horror novelist Stephen King and rock icon Bruce Springsteen; fans as disparate as Jeopardy! supercontestant Ken Jennings and light-rock superstud Jon Bon Jovi attended some of the group’s 2005 shows. A few years ago, Carmen told me that in its original era, the Raspberries reached “16-year-old girls and sophisticated rock critics”-but no one in-between. “No self-respecting 18-year-old guy who was out buying Jethro Tull records wanted to like the same band his little sister liked,” Carmen lamented.
That seems to have changed. Now the issue is the music business itself, on a downward spiral due to downloads and distribution issues. While “Live on Sunset Strip,” released on the semi-commercial label, Ryko, is available in stores and online (early local distribution was spotty, however), Carmen is leery of recording new material. Even though “there’s talk” of recording new material, whether it will end up on Ryko is a question.
The music “business is in a very strange place right now, and I’m not sure how it’s going to shake out,” said Carmen, who enjoyed a healthy career as a solo performer after the Raspberries broke up. “It’s important to me that if you’re going to go through all the effort of recording and writing and making a record, people get to hear it. Right now it’s anybody’s guess as to how people are going to hear things. There’ s no filter anymore. Do you know what’s in the Top 10 now? Neither do I.
“Twenty years ago, we probably all knew what was in the Top 10. That’s the problem; the major labels do not have the market cornered on getting people into the public consciousness, and the people who do get in nobody believes.”
Take Rolling Stone. “Once upon a time there were people like Bob Dylan on the cover,” Carmen groused. “Now it’s Lindsay Lohan.”
From Cool Cleveland contributor Carlo Wolff carlo.wolffATgmail.com
Carlo Wolff has interviewed the Raspberries several times. Some Raspberries material is available in his book, “Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories” (Gray & Co.).
The West Tech Terrorist
Peter Jedick
PJE Books
Prior to the start of World War II, Nazi sympathizers in the United States attempted to lock up support for their movement by stealthily creeping into any and every organization they could including high schools. Rocky River author and West Tech High School alum Peter Jedick tells of one such effort in his latest novel, The West Tech Terrorist. And from the opening scenes at the 1941 National Air Races in Cleveland, he takes the reader on a gripping, intriguing period piece with his alma mater as the backdrop.Narrator Victor Blazek is a sports reporter for a pub called the West Tech Tatler, and he isnt at all interested in interviewing a WT chemistry teacher (whos working with the War Department) when a faculty advisor asks him to. All that changes with the shock-and-awe bombing of Pearl Harbor; suddenly, Blazek becomes obsessed with the secrets that teacher Mr. Fleming might be harboring. From there, the junior journalist adds the job private detective to his danc er, press card.
Cleveland references abound in this fondly staged representation of Jedicks school combined with a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew-style mystery and smartly crafted historical allegory. Even Eliot Ness works his way into the novel. In all, the West Tech Terrorist is as much a love letter to the region and its history, as it is a compelling period-piece read. Well worth checking out — a great, locally-focused read for those ravenous book fiends on your holiday gift list.
Find out more at http://www.westtechterrorist.com.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
Kucinich Is The Other Woman
I was talking with a friend about politics. She said, I was driving in my car and listening to the Democratic presidential debate on the radio, and you know who had the best answers for every single question? I hate to say this, but…
And I said, Dennis Kucinich.
She said, Yes!
I said, I knew it was going to be Dennis as soon as you said, I hate to say this, but…
Remember when you were in high school or middle school or college or even real life or, for some people, right now and you were dating a guy or girl and you were pretty serious about the relationship, but you knew in your heart that you really wanted someone else, someone that, for one reason or another, seemed impractical to want, so you kept trying not to think about the someone else and kept going through the motions in your real relationship?
Well, Dennis Kucinich is the political equivalent of that uncomfortable situation…
Read more from David Budin here
The Payday Loan Trap
The day after an overflow crowd packed a meeting room at Antioch Baptist Church on Clevelands eastside to attend a hearing on payday loans called by Attorney General Marc Dann, a disturbing report came out. Issued by a Washington, DC-based mortgage brokers association, the report stated that 1-in-9 Ohio homeowners are behind in their mortgage payments. No wonder many people are borrowing money at an annual rate of 391 percent (far above usury) just to stay afloat. A typical $800 payday loan balloons to a repayment of $912 in just two weeks, far outstripping what the Mafia charges.
David Rothstein, a researcher for Policy Matters Ohio, stated that payday lending locations in Ohio had increased dramatically from 107 in 1996 to 1,562 in 2006. In those 11 years, there was a 1400% increase in lending locations across Ohio. They now have locations in 87 of Ohios 88 counties. Payday lenders are now so common throughout the state they outnumber McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendys restaurants combined. Somebody is making a lot of money off of poverty and misery. Like the saying goes, It costs more to be poor.
The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) estimates that the vast majority of borrowers are repeat borrowers, taking out loans between seven and 14 times a year. States with reporting capabilities such as Michigan, Colorado, and Washington find that the majority of revenue comes from the repeat borrowers who take out more than 6 loans a year. Thus, the incentive for payday lenders is to keep customers borrowing. In other words, payday loans are designed to become a financial trap that people cant pay their way out of…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here
Quick reviews of recent events
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Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) @ Rock Hall 12/5 The world famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum played host to the Cleveland premiere of Columbia Pictures new release Walk Hard – The Dewey Cox Story and one of the country’s biggest stars was on hand to promote it. That’s right, the star of the film John C Reilly was on hand to promote the film and give a special live performance as Dewey Cox. The night started with a preview of the film, red carpet arrival of the star John C. Reilly and writer Judd Apatow, and a complete rock concert of Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers. The film, which also stars Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows and Kristen Wiig, presents the “up-and-down-and-up-again story of a legend whose songs would change a nation,” Reilly portrays Cox, a rock icon who “sleeps with 411 women, marries three times, has 22 kids and 14 stepkids, stars in his own ’70s TV variety show, collects friends ranging from Elvis to The Beatles to a chimp, and gets addicted to — and then kicks — every drug known to man.” The film is set to open on December 21 across the nation and the soundtrack was released on December 4. A tour is being performed around the country that finalizes the release of the film.
Watch Dewey Cox perform at the Rock Hall here.
From Cool Cleveland contributor David Kemp davidkphotoATgmail.com
A Christmas Story @ Cleveland Play House 12/6 As long as there are folks living in our city whove not yet seen this generally delightful Christmas treat, it should be brought back every year. A Christmas Story is a wonderful opener for the Holiday season, especially when combined with the colorful tree display throughout the lobbies and hallways of the Cleveland Play House.
Folks who live here and have seen it previously might be excused for thinking otherwise, of course, but thats only logical. Having seen it all three years, now, I do think last years production was a tad better, but I think I saw that later in the run when all the ingredients had settled in a bit. The story by Jean Shephard, turned into a play by Philip Grecian, and put on stage by director Seth Gordon is universal in its appeal, as it should be. Families need something of this kind to share with both their elders and their youngers.
But yet, one can wish for a slightly different twist perhaps, although I have no idea what that might be, other than a little more ooomph, maybe. Having the younger actors understudy one year and move up to a speaking role the next is well worthwhile, and its sometimes astonishing how good these young actors can be. This years standout among the younger set is Cameron McKendry as the bully Scut Farkas. His stage presence is enormous, and his use of the language entirely understandable, not always the case with some of the younger crew. Naomi Hill as Helen has become even brainier, I think, and so matter-of-fact about it all, she’s a delight to watch and listen to.
It hardly seems fair to quibble with the height of one of the youngsters, but — Billy Lawrence as Ralphie is past the age of believing in Santa, with the aspect of a teenager. He is, after all, as tall as his stage Mom, the delicious Elizabeth Ann Townsend. Charles Kartali returned as The Old Man with seemingly more alarming (yet somehow charming) invectives! His joy over receiving a big prize is contagious. Christopher McHale also returns as the grown-up Ralphie, but seems more sedate than last year. He did more John Wayne last year, I think, which matched the white cowboy hat he wears on occasion. Together, the three adults are the glue that makes the whole thing work so well. They should all be signed to life-time contracts!
Carole Monferdini is new to the role of Miss Shields this year, but entirely up to the task. Among her not-so-eager students are Kolin Morgenstern as Flick, who if he doesnt grow too much, too soon could be a Ralphie at some point. Lily Richards was good as Esther Jane, the girl who has a crush on Ralphie, and Schwartz is well-done by Justin Montgomery Peck. Joey Stefanko is excellently bratty as Randy.
Michael Ganios set design is marvelously enhanced by Richard Winklers lighting and the sound designs of James C. Swonger. Costumes by David Kay Mickelsen are a joy to behold, especially the pink bunny pajamas!
By the end, all the questions are resolved, no thanks to the Little Annie Rooney secret decoder ring. No, the answers come from Red Ryder, bless his heart! Go see for yourself and wallow in nostalgia while youre about it. A Christmas Story runs through December 23. For tickets call 795-7000 or visit the website: http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
Santaland Diaries @ CPT 12/7 David Sedaris, author of The Santaland Diaries which is getting its umpteenth local production, this time at Cleveland Public Theatre, credits his fame to the attention he got when he read his SantaLand essay on National Public Radio. In 2001, Sedaris was selected to receive the Thurber Prize for American Humor and was named by Time magazine as Humorist of the Year. He is the author of the best selling naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day, both collections of his personal life experiences.
The Santaland Diaries is a one-man show which is supposedly a true account of Sedaris stint as an elf at Macys department store in New York. First read as an on-air essay on December 23, 1992, the material was reworked into a play in 1996 by Joe Mantello. It has since become a staple of the holiday season on both professional and amateur stages. Under the direction of B. D. Bethune, Cleveland Public Theatres production, which stars Doug Kusak, is a pleasant evening of theatre.
Kusak has a mobile face, a good sense of comic timing, nicely underplays the role and is generally delightful as Crumpet, the elf in green velvet smock and red and white stockings. He interacts well with the audience, without making anyone uncomfortable. His highlights are a Billie Holliday interpretation of Away in the Manger, and his compassionate final speech when he relates a tale of what may be his working with the real Santa Claus.
Capsule judgment: If you are in the holiday mood, and can put up with another jolt of festive cheer, Cleveland Public Theatres production will entertain you. It plays through December 22 at Cleveland Public Theatre. For tickets call 631-2727 or visit http://www.cptonline.org. CPTs next major production (The Confessions of Punch & Judy) runs February 7-23. The show, which is in its return engagement, was an original work which was born on the CPT stage.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.
The Santaland Diaries @ CPT 12/7
Reasons to go: In this adaptation of David Sedaris’ dark comic riff on working as a Macy’s Christmas elf, Doug Kusak is no Sedaris clone: he comes across more as a working class doper-slacker than the fey soap opera writer-wannabe. Yet somehow that makes the wry misanthropy of this one-man show about parents in department store holiday meltdown feel more authentically Cleveland. He also has the acting chops to make the sentimental ending work.
Caveats: Kusak takes a while to warm up the material. But by the time he’s in the memorably ridiculous costume, imitating other characters, he’s in the zone, and he works the crowd (many seated at cabaret tables) well.
Details: Thru 12/23, Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Beauty & the Beast @ Beck Center 12/7 Theres a lot to love in this production at the Beck of Disneys 10+666. So many fine performances makes for such a long paragraph but here goes: A third seasons confidence in their roles and voices has made Dan Folino and Natalie Green even stronger in their performances as Beast and Belle in the Beck Centers third and final presentation of this crowd-pleasing show. Bob Abelman as Maurice is more charming and believable this year after last years shaky start in the part. Zac Hudak as Lefou is lovably rubbery all over the stage. Josh Rhett Noble as Gaston sings and strikes his poses, and Lefou, with a mastery he makes look easy by his long familiarity with the role. Doug Collier as Cogsworth once again catches the human yearning for the restoration of order in the world in the midst of degenerating chaos, and brings a cartoon character to a poignant life. Larry Nehrings Lumiere peers with insinuating humanity out from behind his characters cartoonish leering.
Tracee Patterson as Mrs Potts hasnt much acting to do, but whoa, can she sing, and she does. Babette, played by Aubrey-Kristen Fisher, and Madame de la Grande Bouche, played by Amy Christina Hall clearly enjoy their roles and perform them well. Lee Domenick as Monsieur DArque has a nice sense of timing, and brings a different kind of scary to the show than the wolves and the Beast.
This third version runs a little longer than in the past two years, and the increased time seems to be found mostly in the everyone-on-stage numbers such as the Gaston song in the tavern scene, and Be Our Guest and The Mob Song. Since Be Our Guest has long been my single favorite song in this show, I didnt mind, but those bringing young children might be well advised to make sure theres a potty stop immediately before the show opens, though, since the first act runs a little longer than its advertised 1 hour 20 minutes.
Its too bad that the Beck has decided not to continue this often-sold-out show, though no doubt that decision will be a boon to some other local theater company looking for a blockbuster Christmas show. Not just one but several crowd-pleasing shows a year on the Main Stage theater is what the Beck needs to support Scott Spences good eye for talent and material in the smaller Studio Theater. People love the theater for a variety of reasons, and its only sensible to provide Clevelanders with as many options as possible throughout each season. This show has had a couple sell-out nights already early in its run; if you want to see it, youd be wise to reserve seats.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Marcus Bales marcusATdesignerglass.com
A Christmas Story @ Cleveland Play House 12/7 The gentleman sitting behind me at opening night of A Christmas Story at the Cleveland Play House, seemed to be an expert on all things A Christmas Story. Unfortunately, almost everything he was telling his companions in a very loud voice, was mainly incorrect.
According to the self-anointed expert the play was written by a Clevelander and thats why it is set in Cleveland. Fact: The story on which the movie and play were both based was written by Jean Shephard who was a Chicago native. The play was written by Philip Grecian, a native of Topeka, Kansas. The play is not set in this area. It is located in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana.
The font of knowledge went on to recount how the movie was made in Cleveland. Well, he was almost right on that one. Some of the scenes were shot in Cleveland, but due to a lack of big snows during January through March of 1983, when the movie was being shot, most of the filming was done in Canada. Yes, it was at 3159 West 11th Street in Tremont, where The Christmas Story Museum is now located, that some of the exterior hourse shots took place. (The interiors were filmed in a studio in Toronto.) And, yes, the parade scene was in front of the now closed Higbees Department Store in downtown Cleveland. The film makers had to make fake snow for those scenes.
He also said that the majority of the cast of the film were Clevelanders. Again, nope. The leads were Hollywood professionals, including Darren McGavin who played the Old Man, Melinda Dillon as the mother and Scott Schwartz as Flick. His information on the role of Ralphie was also off-base. He stated that Tom Hanks played Ralphie. No, Peter Billingsley played the role. Hanks did appear on stage in Cleveland as a member of Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, but he was not in the movie of A Christmas Story. I guess if ou count all the extras in the parade scene (including yours truly) and other street scenes (which also included this reviewer) he might be right on the number of Clevelanders in the film.
And then there was his final pronouncement: The Chinese restaurant the Parkers went to for Christmas dinner is still in business here. Wrong, again. The restaurant scene was shot in Toronto. (Some locals have dubbed the C&Y Chinese Restaurant on St. Clair as the present day stand-in for the plays Bo Lings Chop Suey Palace).
With that out of the way, whats the play about? It relates a delightful, warm and fuzzy 1950s tale, about a mom who knows best; a dad who is a lovable boob; young Ralphie, who wants “an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and ‘this thing’ which tells time”; and the adventures of Ralphie and his friends.
There are subplots concerning the major prize the Old Man wins, how Flick is triple dog dared into sticking his tongue to a freezing metal pole, Ralphies disappointed reactions to his Little Orphan Annie Secret Society decoder pin, how Ralphie finally stands up to the bully Scut Farkas, and the next door neighbors’ hound dogs who create a worldly hell for the Old Man.
The CPH production, under the direction of Seth Gordon, is generally delightful. It is nicely paced and visually creates the right moods.
Charles Kartali, playing The Old Man for the third time in this venue, populates the role. His tirades, his over-reactions, his anti-Father Knows Best persona is one of lynch pins of the show. Local favorite, Elizabeth Ann Townsend is properly compassionate as Ralphies mom. Kolin Morgenstern is delightful as Flick. (He probably should have been cast as Ralphie.) Lily Richards as Esther Jane, the girl who has a crush on Ralphie and Naomi Hill as Helen, the class brainiac, are fine. Christopher McHale, in his third appearance as Ralph (Ralphie all grown up) is full of youthful spirit as the narrator.
It is always dangerous to critique the performances of children. But, since CPH is a professional theatre, which can draw its cast from the entire countrys theatre community, the level of expectations has to be maintained, no matter the age of the performers. So, here goes. Though Billy Lawrence was generally acceptable as Ralphie, he is a little long in tooth to be playing the role. He is more a teenager than a child in size and mannerisms. Some of his performance was robotic, making the audience aware that he was acting, not living the role. Justin Montgomery Peck (Schwartz) had some nice moments, but his poor articulation made it almost impossible to understand his lines. Cameron McKendry (Scut Farkas) was not menacing enough to be playing the bully. He showed good acting presence and would have been better cast in another role.
”Capsule judgement: This is the perfect holiday production to which to bring children and introduce them to the world of live theatre. Unless youre a theatre critic, the few flaws with the show should not bother you, and all should leave with a warm feeling of life in the good old days before Iraq wars, Fox news and the concern over terrorist attacks. Oh, for the street cars on Euclid Avenue and downtown with shopping at Higbees and May Company, and being able to have lunch at Mills Cafeteria.”
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.
Apollos Fire: Christmas Vespers of Prætorius @ St. Paul’s 12/7 With an abundance of musicians at her command, Jeannette Sorrell, music director of Apollos Fire, served up an amazing assortment of mostly Christmas music, all composed by the prolific German composer Michael Prætorius. In addition to strings and winds, there were vocal soloists, the Apollos Singers and Musettes (a younger female contingent) and a childrens choir, the Oberlin Choristers. Oh, yes, organ (at St. Pauls church in Cleveland Hts.) and even Ms. Sorrell at the harpsichord for a bit, in this delightful program titled Christmas Vespers.
Soloists were sopranos Kiera Duffy, Jolle Greenleaf and Nell Snaidas; mezzo-soprano Kirsten Sollek, tenors Scott Mello and Marc Molomot. plus bass Paul Shipper. If I counted correctly, there were twenty selections performed, in total, and no two of them had exactly the same contingent of performers. The first half was Awaiting the Messiah: A Lutheran Advent Service (hardly surprising, considering Prætorius was German) while the second half was: A Vespers Service for Chistmas Day.
There was so much glorious music I could write pages, but perhaps you would be better advised to just acquire the new CD release — Christmas Vespers — from Apollos Fire, which was recorded from the much-heralded 2005 concerts. That way, you can listen for yourself, and re-live the experience as often as you like!
For information about upcoming concerts, or their various CDs, visit the website: http://www.apollosfire.org or call 320-0012.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
Editor’s note: See CC Sounds further up the page for more Vespers.
Bugs on Broadway @ Severance Hall 12.7 When you consider that conductor George Daugherty has performed Bugs on Broadway to over 2 million people worldwide over the last 18 years, it means something when he stands on the podium at Severance Hall and after admitting he loves the indoor shopping at Tower City and that he he working his way through the entire menu at Lola, proclaims, ”You are lucky to have the Cleveland Orchestra as your very own.”
With airtight synchronization, provided by the headphoned Daugherty and his touring percussionist and pianist, the huge video projection of classic Warner Bros. cartoons (What’s Opera, Doc? The Rabbit of Seville) had the kids in the audience, no matter what age, enthralled from the first note. (See our exclusive interview with Bugs here). Showing how these Oscar-winning animated miracles referenced, poked fun at, and ultimately paid homage to some of the finest music in the classical repertoire, instrumental versions of Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries and Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin were performed sans video, highlighting the shocking difference between the pre-recorded orchestra soundtracks (usually performed by the LA Philharmonic doing their day jobs as studio musicians) and the glorious sounds of the Cleveland Orchestra live and in your face. The cartoon scores, by geniuses like Carl Stalling and Milt Franklyn, while riotously funny, can now be appreciated as unquestionably the most popular form of contemporary classical music ever written, with aggressive time signatures, adventurous instrumentation, unexpected changes, and contemporary social themes. WB cartoon director Chuck Jones’ daughter Linda offered the Orchestra an original work of art based on a still from What’s Opera, Doc? and asked the audience, “Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have this orchestra [here in Cleveland]?” By the time they closed with The History of Warner Bros. Cartoons in Four-and-One-Half-Minutes, to the music of Rossini’s ”William Tell Overture, all pretense had seeped out of the venerable Hall, and the kid in all of us had taken over. Next time they come to town, take a youngster in your life. http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com
By Hand Winter Art Festival @I-X Center 12/8 Clevelands annual winter fine art and craft show, now in its third year, is worth attending! Representing glass, clay, fiber, wood, metal, and mixed media creations, 180+ artists from Ohio and surrounding states, and even as far away as California, displayed their wares for sale at the By Hand Winter Art Festival last weekend at the I-X Center.
Talking to artists, it was fun to find out about their work. Bob and Marguerite Vonesh create unusual jewelry using Ohio River glass. Late in the 19th century and into the early 20th century, there were 100 glass factories along the Ohio River. There is only one factory operating there today. Much of the rejected or broken glass ended up as pieces embedded in the River banks.
Over the years, the sediment and water have combined to create a soft textured finish to these glass pieces. The brown, green, orange, red, aqua, and black glass shapes are natural, the lavender, lime, and copper pieces have additional help to reach their color. Then Marguerite Vonesh threads gold wire through fresh water pearls, Czech crystals, or Japanese glass beads, wraps the decoration around the glass pieces, and assembles them into stunning bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. We have always worked in recycled materials, she said, it makes the jewelry more interesting.
I was able to scratch three people off my gift list with a hand crafted, one of a kind wood box set, a painted giraffe picture, and natural aromatic soap. And of course I had to buy a pair of dichroic, sparkling glass earrings for myself. The By Hand Winter Art Festival is comparable to the summer Boston Mills and Cain Park art shows, just inside and warmer for this holiday time of year.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net
Bugs Bunny on Broadway @ Severance Hall 12/8 What a treat! Of course, any time one goes to Severance Hall, its a treat. Or it should be. But, still this was a different sort of treat, seeing the grand old lady of musical Cleveland kick up her heels a bit and frolic along with the rest of us!
The Cleveland Orchestra can do anything, as we all know, but seeing these marvelous cartoons with a new and different sound accompanying them provided an entirely new experience. This is not to take anything away from the orchestras that originally performed for the Warner Brothers Studios, but nothing beats live, especially when the live is so grandly performed. Guest conductor George Daugherty was in fine form, appreciative of his surroundings, and obviously pleased at the opportunity of conducting our great orchestra. He made those sentiments very clear to everyone in attendance!
The teal-colored lights in the soffits brought oohs and ahhs from the sold-out house, but then the music started. And such music it was, too. The sonic spectacular, Wagners Ride of the Valkryies soared through the space, filling every nook and cranny available with warm, lush sounds. It would be repeated later, drawing a much different response, but that was okay, too. This was, after all, an homage to Bugs Bunny, and his love for classical music.
Also on display was the extremely creative art of Chuck Jones, who led the animation teams in the very sophisticated art produced by Warner Bros. This was nowhere more evident than in High Note, based on a Strauss waltz. The way music was created in this so-called cartoon is beyond description. One really had to pay attention to catch all the subtleties. The tipsy note was beautifully accompanied by new principal trombonist Massimo La Rosa. (Im sure he never thought, when he came from Italy for this prestigious position, that hed be musically portraying a tipsy note in a cartoon! But it was a humorous and gorgeous performance, nonetheless.)
The large screen over the stage provided somewhat of the feel of old-time movie palaces, when audiences sat in theaters be-decked in gold leaf and red velvet, even for Saturday morning matinees. There was an extraordinary degree of coordination in the on-stage lighting, off when the orchestra wasnt involved, then back up with a few seconds to give the players time to find their place on the page in front of them.
The well-known Rabbit of Seville, set to music of Rossini, was the start of Bugs operatic career, and it was fun to see where and how it happened. He was most adept at the patter-song rhythms so loved by the composer.
Early in the second half, Mr. Daugherty pointed out an unusual instrument in the orchestra, next to the piano. It was the original slide guitar used when these films were being made. Think a minute about the well-known theme song for the Bugs cartoons, and youll recognize that distinctive sound; in this instance it was ably managed by Principal Pianist Marc Shapiro, part of the traveling musical corps required to put on this performance.
There was A Corny Concerto, Long-Haired Hare and Whats Opera, Doc? (a masterpiece, absolutely!) before the end of the program rushed at us. But not before one final tribute: the History of Warner Bros. Cartoons in Four-and-One-Half Minutes. This summary of all wed just seen was produced by the inimitable Mr. Daugherty, and acknowledged the fabulous musical art of composer Carl Stallings and visual art of Chuck Jones. It was a marvelous way to spend a Saturday afternoonbut in a concert hall, not a movie theater.
For the next two weeks or so, the Cleveland Orchestra presents a variety of Holiday concerts. For detailed information, visit the website at: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com or call the ticket office: 231-1111. Subscription concerts return on January 10.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
The Musical Box @ State Theatre 12/9 It’s time to get over your initial dismay and eye-rolling at the proliferation of tribute bands who ape, often in excruciating detail, the sounds, looks and mannerisms of pop music acts of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. What started as impersonators (Elvis, Streisand, Garland), has now become a veritable industry of copy bands offering instant nostalgia and one last toke on the time machine bong for boomers, who, in many cases, may have been there the first time around, but have only the vaguest recollection of the original concert.
And given the current age and income demos of these frozen-in-time fans, today’s ticket prices can afford lavishly reproduced stage shows, often surpassing historic production values with state-of-the-art lights, audio and special effects. The Beatles at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1966 were famously drowned out by rioting fans, but you can see Rain (“The Beatles Experience”) at the comparatively intimate State Theatre next month, and you’ll hear each musician as if you were sitting in the control room at Abbey Road studios with them. The Musical Box takes this phenomenon a few steps beyond. While Genesis was known for their musicianship, The Musical Box treats these classic tracks as if they were classical music scores, faithful to every nuance. Interestingly, to date they’ve only tackled Peter Gabriel-era albums, prior to the band’s mainstream breakout, although there is word that their next tour will revisit Trick of the Tail, when drummer Phil Collins took over lead vocals. The current tour we witnessed opened with Watcher of the Skies and segued into a sequential rendering of the album Selling England By The Pound, followed by a selection of the band’s early concert favorites. In order to faithfully play many of the unique sounds Genesis created, The Musical Box has chosen to use period instruments rather than hi-tech samples. ARP synthesizers, Gretsch drums, Rickenbacker guitars, Leslie speakers were put to the task, and tasteful, understated musicianship was employed to achieve the layered, multi-tracked orchestral sound the original band needed a studio and dozens of takes to create. Keyboard settings were especially impressive given that each individual sound had to be “set” on the analogue equipment, then changed after each passage, causing the band to be tuning up constantly, and authentically. The trademark Genesis low-frequency bass pedal hum by Sebastien Lamothe, who also played double-neck bass/electric guitars was a standout, and Denis Gagne’s re-enactment of Peter Gabriel’s flute playing, freakish dancing and between-song storytelling delighted everyone. Gregg Bendian handled Phil Collins complicated drum and vocal calisthenics with panache, and David Myers did Tony Banks’ multi-layered keyboard parts perfectly, while Francois Gagnon channelled Steve Hackett’s brilliant searing guitar almost flawlessly. While many acts rejected rote playback of their biggest hits when they played live in concert dozens of years ago, fans often felt cheated. Tribute bands offer what is essentially The Revenge of the Groupie, finally realizing, in precise detail, the beauty of seared-in-the-skull musical masterpieces. When a tribute band like The Musical Box is so well respected that the original members of Genesis get on stage with them at The Royal Albert Hall in London and the Olympia in Paris, offer the youngsters their original art work, slides and consulting, and state that the upstarts actually sound better than the original, it tells you we’ve crossed over from freak show impersonation to classical music reinterpretation. These tribute “experiences” offer a number of benefits: a nostalgia-triggered self-awareness ritual for mid-life culture buffs, a rediscovery of a lost community around pop music of specific eras, and finally, superior live performance of some of the greatest popular music of the 20th Century. And that’s not all bad. http://www.TheMusicalBox.net http://www.PlayhouseSquare.org
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On Holiday Eats (See Delicious here) Well Downtown and Tremont have always had some great choices, but why not venture out a bit for a bite? Because we truly don’t need valet parking, an exclusive roomful of Yuppies and $100 for every great meal in this Area Code.Tried Maria’s for Croatian on St Clair? How many fun and affordable spots come to mind as one nears Ohio City (Heck’s or Flying Fig) or Little Italy (many mmms)? The Grovewood Tavern off I 90. Sokolowski’s for a real throwback taste of Cleveland? What about the many small room gems scattered thruout the Emerald Necklace? My favorite is North Olmstead’s Wild Mango. Don’t forget Westlake’s White Oaks Shaker Square’s Sarava? The Grovewood Tavern off I-90 ? Sink your teeth in this for a column topic; Why oh why does no one have a clue as to what good barbeque is in my old home town? Bubba is doing fine but Gas is $3 and takeout from Avon is always cold by the time you get home. Where is his competition? Lawd don’t go mentionin’ any place with pizza on the same menu. Forget Whitmore’s, Mr Williams or Just Like Mom’s that’s all a bunch of inconsistent and overpriced sides propped up on chicken wings and hot sauce. Is it true the chain franchise Texas Roadhouse, off Ridge Road and I 480, is embarassingly better than all of the locals? From Cool Cleveland reader Susan Whiting qsuzie1ATcox.net
On the Buzzard (See Reads Review here) Just a couple of comments about Carlo Wolff’s review of John Gorman’s book, The Buzzard, about the ’70s/’80s heydey of WMMS. (By the way, thanks for the mention of my photos, Carlo!). Carlo says the book was “co-written by an incredibly patient Tom Feran.” There is some disagreement about who the “incredibly patient” party actually was, but there is no disagreement that Feran did not write or co-write any part of the book. He was brought into the project to edit what John had written.
On a slightly more subjective note, Carlo cites a myth and a complaint that has been going around in certain music circles decades when he says, “And even if you question his taste (some of the local bands he wanted to celebrate on 1980’s Pride of Cleveland weren’t good then and are badly dated now) and wonder why ‘MMS, for all its lip service to local talent, barely tapped the underground music scene…”
Needless to say, many bands from the late ’70s and early ’80s DO sound dated now and weren’t that good to begin with, including some of the critically beloved underground bands. And in fact, WMMS did play some of these bands though not to the extent that this extremely demanding and almost impossible to satisfy community might have wished. Part of the brilliance of WMMS in that era was that it understood its audience and its tastes and pushed the pocket just enough that the audience would follow rather than bail. Any station that put the Rocket from the Tombs, Mirrors, the Electric Eels and Frankenstein, or later, hardcore punk bands like the Pagans and the Lepers into heavy rotation would have quickly found itself plummeting in ratings and influence. To suggest that WMMS was somehow neglecting its duty in not doing so (a popular underground scene narrative) is to misunderstand what the station was, who its audience was and how it served the market.
That said, bands like the Dead Boys and Pere Ubu, much as they liked to play martyr and claim they got no support, were played on the station to a degree that made sense. In a way, these bands made an all-too-common mistake of the time of elevating WMMS to a position of inflated importance, thus neglecting the burgeoning college radio scene which did support them and was in fact their rightful turf. One significant underground musician complained in print of receiving no airplay in Cleveland and, when confronted by a college DJ I know whose station pushed his band relentlessly, said college radio didn’t count as airplay! By thus demeaning and insulting those who did support underground music, these musicians attributed to WMMS a singular power it didn’t possess. As powerful as it was, it didn’t have the power to take bands whose music intrinsically appealed to a small fringe and break them to a minstream audience. From Cool Cleveland reader Anastasia Pantsios apantsios@freetimes.com.
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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 Where to Take Those Holiday Out-of-Towners for Cle’s Finest Flavors.
www.CoolCleveland.com
2) Holiday Buying Guide A Big List of Excellent Purveyors of Holiday Gifts.
www.CoolCleveland.com
3) RoldoLINK Does Dick Jacobs deserve this honor?
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4) NewsLINKS Cle gets an interesting take courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch.
www.ColumbusDispatch.com
5) Emissions from the Blogosphere Thoughts on Downtown from a Clevelander who recently came back after a 3-year odyssey on the East Coast.
www.ChristineBorne.net
We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat! Things would not be possible without the hot salsa sharks in the Hard Corps. Kudos to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Claudia J. Taller, David Budin, Mansfield B. Frazier, Kelly Ferjutz, Roy Berko, Linda Eisenstein, Jennifer Keirn, Laura Kennelly, David Kemp and Marcus Bales. This episode was brought to you by Randal and Dante. 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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