How Cool Is That?

8.01-8.08.07
How Cool Is That?

In this week’s issue:
* BizTech Travelogue V2V goes to Shanghai
* How Cool is Cleveland? Stickers for big people
* BFD Weekly Councilman Brian Cummins on the Medical Mart—unedited
* Ingenious An Ingenuity Fest Volunteer’s POV Postscript
* Sounds Shortest Day of the Year by Bears
* Previews Pointe of Departure @ Cain Park
* Reads Cleveland: Down and Out and by Sean Santa
* Straight Outta Mansfield The Hate Letter That Shook up the World
* RoldoLINK Suckered Before, Why Not Again
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

How cool is it when you can get a CLE+ sticker just for telling us how cool Cleveland is? When you can get a straight opinion from Roldo on the Med Mart controversy? Or straight talk from Mansfield Frazier on Councilman Mike Polensek’s now infamous letter to a troublemaker. How cool is it when Jahja Ling returns to conduct the greatest orchestra in the world? Or when you can enter to get yourself an iPhone or iPod at no charge from your friends at Cool Cleveland? To tell the truth, it’s pretty cool. At least that’s how we see it. —Thomas Mulready

Ryan Gerber & V2V Design Visit Shanghai
Fact-finding Mission Helps Explore Biz Options

When Cool Cleveland last talked with Ryan Gerber of V2V Design, he and his organization were helping local educational supply store Holcomb’s realize their vision for Knowville, a fun and completely interactive childhood development experience. Who would have thought that their encore to the launch of Knowville would be a company trip to a not-so-Knownville — Shanghai, municipality to the People’s Republic of China?

“This was actually a repeat trip for us,” Gerber told Cool Cleveland in a recent interview. “We went out there at the same time last year to a different part of China with one of our customers in manufacturing… we met with members of the design and fabrication industry that time. I was in Hong Kong and Singapore on that last trip; I guess you could say that because some of my customers already have headquarters over there this was an exploratory, fact-finding mission to see about expanding our business even further.”

Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

Break Through We try to break through the clutter and negativity that seems to permeate Cleveburg at times. We distill it down to the good stuff, siphon it off and bring the bold news and events to you with the challenge of positivity. So if you dig this kind of commentary and know someone else who would enjoy a good, weekly read, please send us to your fav friend(s), in-law(s) or significant other(s) and you will BOTH be eligible to win one of several video iPods! Please include a personal note in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up at www.coolcleveland.com/ipodgiveaway. (iPod winners to be announced in a future issue.)

Here’s what Cool Cleveland readers had to say:

Wanna score your very own Cle+ Euro-style bumper sticker for your Hybrid or Humvee? Send your mailing address, along with your favorite reason why Cleveland is so cool, to: ClevelandPlus@CoolCleveland.com Your sticker will arrive in the mail before they’re available to the public.”’

I moved here from Houston, TX 20 years ago. I wanted to go east of the Mississippi and north of the Mason Dixon line, but not Cleveland. My former husband received a job offer we couldn’t refuse and here we are. I love Cleveland. The lake, the museums, great libraries, always something going on, the diversity, beautiful neighborhoods, amazing parks, great restaurants, friendly people and crazy drivers. Such an incomplete list for such a great city. I’d love to sport a CLE+ sticker on my Mini Cooper. —Crystal Daprile, Cleveland

My favorite part of Cleveland is University Circle. Having all the museums in one centrally located place creates the ability for a great afternoon of family fun. —Caroline Haas, North Royalton

Here’s to Clevelandia! Ethnic treats & eats! Gallories gallore! Fabulous orchestra! Theatre with all the glam! Sports…can’t wait for the Lake Erie Monsters! Outdoor natural areas all around the necklace! Millions of free things to do, see, visit and enjoy! Easy access from Huntington Park to Mentor Headlands! Amazing higher education facilities! Have been around the world twice and lived away a number of times and have ALWAYS COME BACK FOR MORE. My adult children have been around and about the world and the US and have come back. My Texan husband says he will never be far from Lake Erie. Clevelandia home! —(Rev.) Paula Maeder Connor, Lakewood

Read all the letters we received here

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

Cle approves plans for $7M East 12th streetscape project to enhance The Avenue District, a $250M million walkable neighborhood under construction in downtown Cleveland. http://www.zarembahomes.com. http://www.theavenuedistrict.com
Win the trip of a lifetime Tuscany, Umbria and Rome and $1K in spending cash. Info
State pumps $7M into redev projects Read
Cle Exec Fellowship announces new class More
Joe Mazolla tapped by Stark The director of Ohio City Near West Development Corp. joins Robert L. Stark Enterprises’ after heading up the community dev corp’s staff for 3 years. Read
Swagelok Rocks The Solon-HQ’d fluid systems giant gains momentum by commercializing a tech breakthrough Read
A Great (Lakes) article on reinventing the surrounding Lakes states. Great stuff, regionalism for the country. Read
Learn more about the proposed Med Mart through new website http://www.clevelandmedicalmart.com
Foreclosure (again) Home equity declines as source of household spending Read
Raskind succeeds Daberko at Nat City Read
Big venture $$$ for NEO 16 co’s drum up close to $200M More
Breuer Tower Design Comp results in a flickr portfolio View
Asst, Prof Thomas of UAkron says Mass Marketing is “adversarial, hostile,” each day, 80% of Americans are hit with 3K radio/TV ads, billboards, telemarketing, junk mail, spam and internet pop-up ads. Read
Continental Airlines to offer non-stop svc to Ottawa Read
Cable College Tri-C shoots a three with smart TV Read

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Kinda Like Broccoli that Tastes like Chocolate? CTW is the fun brain food your child craves – with all the essential ingredients to make your child’s mind into a masterpiece. Workshops start at $25 and we’re getting rave reviews from parents and kids all over town, so please join us! At Children’s Technology Workshop kids (grades 2-8) can design, make and take home, their own video games, movies, animations or other swell projects! We offer Lego® robotics too! Call now for late registration (same affordable price) for the month of August: 440.484.2222. We’re also scheduling now for September and beyond. CTW holds workshops and parties in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street, 44022), around Cleveland or at your place. Schedules: www.ctworkshop.com/glc. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of Beta Strategy Group, Ltd, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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Transforming America’s older industrial cities The Metropolitan Policy Program released Restoring Prosperity: The State Role in Revitalizing America’s Older Industrial Cities to significant media and political notice. The report is part of a broad campaign to shape a state and federal revitalization agenda that transforms America’s older industrial cities. Read the report and see if it sounds like anyone we know. Read

Med Mart referendum is under way, now that Cle City Councilman Zach Reed and others have filed with the Board of Elections. If 45,000+ valid signatures are collected by noon on Fri 8/24, the measure to increase Cuyahoga County sales tax by 1/4% for a medical mart and convention center, enacted last Thursday by a vote of 2-1 (with Peter Lawson Jones dissenting), would be placed on the ballot for a vote by the citizens. Cool Cleveland asked Reed why he was leading this referendum effort to force the tax onto the ballot. “The issue is not whether or not we should build a convention center or medical mart. The issue is whether or not the taxpayers of Cuyahoga County should have their taxes raised without their consent to build this much-needed project.” http://www.PutItOnTheBallot.com

Akron-Canton Airport is 6th lowest cost of all airports in the US. Why? Start-ups AirTran and Frontier Airlines keep the fares low, and have driven passenger boardings up 82% since ’00. Stay tuned for a Cool Cleveland party rumored to be planned for 9/07 at the Akron-Canton Airport, with one lucky party goer winning a pair of tickets to an undisclosed destination! http://www.AkronCantonAirport.com

Ingenuity wrap-up Cool Cleveland spoke with Ingenuity director James Levin and told him how much fun we had with the family at this year’s event, especially the Mindball game, the Mark Mothersbaugh exhibit (and all the art), and the mainstage shows, including Grandmaster Flash, who had thousands in the street in front of the Playhouse Square marquees wit their hands in the air for an hour. Did they exceed last year’s attendance? Yes, the total was around 70K. Did their revenue exceed their expenses? Not quite. “Am I forced to tap dance again?” asked Levin, “Yes.” http://www.IngenuityCleveland.com

Ubiquitous broadband Gov. Strickland signed an executive order last week establishing the Ohio Broadband Council and the Broadband Ohio Network, because “Ohio’s economic future relies on our ability to compete in a high-speed, high-tech global marketplace,” Strickland said. “This is the first step in bridging the digital divide in Ohio, and I look forward to working with industry providers, businesses and our local communities to take additional steps to provide superior broadband access to all of Ohio’s 88 counties.” Read

How Cool is That? Did you know that, according to our recent survey, 43.8% of Cool Cleveland readers spend, on average, 11-20 minutes reading about our events, news and reviews every week? It’s true. And, as a result, 22% have purchased a product that they discovered in Cool Cleveland. For more info about advertising contact us at Info@CoolCleveland.com.

Ohio #1 in health care investments in the Midwest. For the first time, Ohio raised $244.3M of private equity health care investments since January, more than doubling all of 2006, and topping MN’s $126M. Biopharm got 62%, med devices were 20%, health care software received 18%. “Coastal investors have clearly discovered the Midwest’s abundance of investment opportunities,” said Baiju R. Shah, President of BioEnterprise. Report http://www.BioEnterprise.com

Jane Platten new Dir of the Board of Elections talks Pepper Pike Democratic Club monthly meeting at the Orange Branch of the Cuy County Public Library on Chagrin Blvd. Wed 8/1 at 7PM
Midtown Brews feat. Habitat for Humanity’s Jeffrey Bowen, who will discuss the REstore program Thu 8/2 at 5:30PM. Webtego, 2530 Superior #600. Register
Morning Buzz focus on Importance of Corp Wellness Wed 8/8 feat. Dr. Thomas Stover Details
Plexus Networking Nights in Cle & Akron feat. John Kenyon from Ontario Gay/Lesbian CoC, Mon 8/13 and Tue 8/14. Register
TechSkills career wkshp feat. Aaron Boyce. “What is the Net Worth of Your Job Network?” hits Fri 8/17 at 2PM. Amphitheater of the Crown Center, 5005 Rockside Rd., Independence. RSVP to Bob McDonald at 216-446-1010 or at rmcdonald@techskills.com
CAAO Black L’ship Retreat feat. Paul Hill, ED of East End N’hood House Sat 8/25 Read
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details

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Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil See an updated listing of our region’s latest moments of exceptionalism, pride and glory at the Cleveland+ website. There you’ll find national press coverage that includes stories such as these: The Chicago Tribune reports about a $5 million estate left to the Twinsburg Festival by the world’s most identical twins, The Washington Post discusses the progress on the Akron Art Museum’s fascinating new building, and Reuters highlights a moment where U.S. President George W. Bush holds up a sticker promoting the Cleveland+ Campaign. To see all of the good stuff that living, working and playing in Cle conjured up in the month of July go to www.clevelandplus.com/gcma_media.asp or contact rbatyko@gcpartnership.com or 216.592.2225.
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CPT named by Charter One/FOX 8 as 2007 3rd quarter Champion in Action winner in Ohio. http://www.cptonline.org
Cool Cleveland columnist Mansfield Frazier appears in the Thu 7/26 news round table discussion on 90.3-FM WCPN Listen
Practical environmental advice for everyday people Read
Chapel, Court & Countryside: Early Music at Harkness celebrates 22nd year with 07-08 schedule of int’l early music performers More
Beck Ctr Dir of Dance Lynda Sackett retires after more than 40 years of service at end of Aug. New dance director TBA. Center
Ohio State v. CSU Basketball in “the Q” in December Read
Cle’s Drew Carey fills giant shoes of game show legend Bob Barker on Price is Right. Read
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.

Akron’s Lime Spider to close Sad day for fans of the rock club. “Yes, September 8th is the last show, more info soon on our calender,” owner Danny Basone told Cool Cleveland last Friday. Read More

Be the Change You Want to See It goes for Cool Cleveland just like in life. If you think we’re missing the boat on something, or want to alert your fellow residents about something super cool, maybe you’d like to write about it… for us…? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Summer in the City is back at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Wednesdays through the month of August! The schedule for these no cost, open to the public summer concerts is as follows: Chiodos and Never Say Die on Wed 8/1 from 6-9PM; Go Betty Go and Rebel Girls on Wed 8/8 from 6-9PM; New Bomb Turks, BERET! and Sappy Bell Wed 8/15 from 6-9PM (also Punk Rock Holocaust Day, featuring films showing all afternoon in the Museum’s 4th Floor Theater); The Junior Varsity, Nicholas Megalis and The TV Oh Dees on Wed 8/22 from 6-9PM. Non-alcoholic beverages, beer and food will be available for purchase at all events. In case of rain, the shows will move indoors to the Museum’s Main Stage. And go see the new Johnny Cash bus while you’re there! http://www.rockhall.com.

The Fire Inside The Story and Poetry of Nikki Giovanni written by former Clevelander, Susan Watson Turner and directed by Karamu’s Artistic Director, Terrence Spivey to be performed Wed 8/1 through Sun 8/5 at CSU’s Factory Theatre. As seen during Ingenuity. http://www.karamu.com.

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists The punk rockers hit the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo with guests The Jai Alai Savant and The Narrator Wed 8/1 starting at 9PM. In conjunction with the Grog Shop http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

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CC Special: Discount Tix at Cain Park for “NINE” Cain Park invites you to experience what the N.Y. Times has described as “a galloping fantasy [with a]…ravishingly inventive and tuneful score,” Thu 8/2 – Sun 8/19 in the intimate Alma Theater. Be seduced by “NINE,” a sultry and enchanting musical directed by Victoria Bussert, who, according to the P.D., is “unequaled in Cleveland in her direction of musicals.” Based on Fellini’s comic masterpiece of biographical filmmaking, “8 1/2,” “NINE” follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life. Introduce yourself as a Cool Clevelander at the Cain Park Ticket Office 216-371-3000 and you’ll get a cool $2 discount off full-price tickets August 8-19, while supplies last. Limit 2 tickets per person www.cainpark.com.
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Cinema at the Square Playhouse Square offers up another slate of classic film this summer with their 2007 installment of “Cinema at the Square” starting Thu 8/2 with 2 Angry Men (Free Screening) at 7:30 PM. Other classics include Rear Window, Superman, The Maltese Falcon, The Jerk, Funny Face, The Way We Were, Viva Las Vegas, To Sir with Love, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Annie Hall. For a complete schedule of films, visit http://www.playhousesquare.org.

HOT The Region’s New Vision The latest installment of Professionals in the City, the venerable news, knowledge and networking series offers a panel discussion on “The Region’s New Vision” Thu 8/9 at 6PM. Panelists include Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and Hon. Mayors Frank Jackson, Don Plusquellic (Akron), Jay Williams (Youngstown). Theme-focused discussion features a Q&A at the conclusion. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. Register

Nine With a book by Arthur Kopit, music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and adaptation from the Italian by Mario Fratti, this is a seductively heartbreaking masterpiece. Based on Frederico Fellini’s autobiographical film 8 1/2, Nine, the Musical is the story of a man who is growing older but refuses to grow up. Directed by Victoria Bussert, this show previews in Cain Park’s Alma Theater on Thu 8/2 and runs through Sun 8/19. http://www.cainpark.com.

StoryCorps The StoryCorps mobile StoryBooth, an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio, will be parked on the plaza in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum starting Thu 8/2 and will be open with plans to collect up to 125 interviews during its stay. StoryCorps is a national initiative to document everyday history and unique stories of America, and hits NEO as part of the program’s cross-country tour thanks to ideastream. http://www.storycorps.net. http://www.wcpn.org. http://www.wviz.org.

Anastasiy Safari Safari has toured the world with his camera, from his native Russia to the Baltic states; his photographs in The Russian Eye bespeak a worldly influence, and an interesting montage of perspectives. Come see not just a great photography show, but how Cleveland appears against a much more international landscape. His show begins at Loganberry Books with an Annex Gallery Opening Reception on Thu 8/2 from 6-8PM Show runs through Mon 9/3. 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Hts. http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

Put Some Clothes On! You don’t have to stand on your doorstep in your pajamas or haul recycling to the curb when receiving Cool Cleveland’s weekly news. Not only are we fashionably and environmentally conscious, but you can pass a free “green” copy onto friends or family members today.

HOT Starry Night & Lakewood Arts Festival Lakewood Hospital host the 2nd annual Starry Night, a patron benefit event to raise funds for the Diabetes Services at Lakewood Hospital and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund on Fri 8/3 starting at 7PM. Starry Night will kick off the widely acclaimed Lakewood Arts Festival, which has been held on the first Saturday in August for the last 30 years. Raffles will feature artwork from the VIP artists’ collections, tickets to Browns Training camp, a romantic dinner for two by a personal chef and Cavaliers and Indians tickets. Then check out the venerable Arts Fest throughout the weekend.http://www.lakewoodhospital.org/starrynight. http://www.lkwdpl.org/city/artsfest.

Morgana Trail Bike Ride & Ice Cream Social Join your neighbors for a fun bike ride along the Morgana Run Trail Fri 8/3 at 3PM. For all ages and all levels of experience. Start and end at the old K-mart/Tops lot at Broadway Ave. near Aetna Rd. Sponsored by the Friends of the Trail. Call Jacob at 216-429-9091, ex. 111 for details.

Twilight at the Zoo Check out one of the city’s largest fundraisers and the summer’s wildest rock and roll animal party Fri 8/3 at 7PM. Guests nosh on hors d’oeuvres and enjoy tasty beverages while winding their way through the Cle metroparks Zoo. Fourteen (count’ em) bands perform funk to folk and rock to reggae throughout the evening… and a one-of-a-kind night at the Zoo! http://www.clemetzoo.com.

HOT Pointe of Departure returns for their 7th season at the Evans Amphitheater in Cain Park in Cle Hts on Fri 8/3 at 8PM for one night only. Karen Gabay and Raymond Rodriguez, co-artistic directors of the classical ballet troupe, lead the eclectic ensemble for another evening of dance that has become an annual favorite among Cleveland audiences. Read more about the production in the Preview by Victor Lucas and Elsa Johnson in this week’s ish. http://www.cainpark.com.

Baila Litton The artist is featured at Gallery 1point618, for the gallery’s latest exhibit, Herstories. An opening reception for the exhibit hits Fri 8/3 at 7PM. The exhibit runs through Sun 9/30. 6421 Detroit Ave. (on street parking on Detroit Avenue or in the rear parking lot off of West 65th Street). Call 281-1618 or visit 1point618 for details.

Level Three Gallery presents the work of Mike Zellers, Maureen McNeely, Kara Stefanidis, Greg Pendolino and Patrick Anderson beginning with an Opening Reception Fri 8/3 from 7-10PM. Each artist explores their surroundings inclusive to nature and architecture, while focusing on its intrinsic beauty. Gallery hours are by appointment. For more info, visit http://levelthreegallery.blogspot.com, call 440-785-5409 or email Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com. Level Three Gallery, 3635 Perkins Ave.

HOT Prescription for Prosperity The case for a Medical Mart in Cleveland is made when key project supporters share their thoughts about it at The City Club of Cleveland. Cuyahoga County Commissioner Tim Hagan, Frederick Nance, Cleveland managing partner of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, and Baiju Shah, president of BioEnterprise, will argue the case for bringing a medical mart to downtown Cleveland at noon on Fri 8/3. http://www.cityclub.org.

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WCLVnotes The 2007 Cleveland International Piano Competition is nearing the finish line, with the four finalists performing piano concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra and Jahja Ling, two each this Fri 8/3, and Sat 8/4. And all of the excitement will be heard live on WCLV 104.9, each evening beginning at 7PM. Then on Sun 8/5, at 2PM, WCLV will be live – once again – at Severance for the Award Ceremony and a recital by the four laureates. Your blog comments on the CIPC are welcome at cipc@wclv.com .
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Atmosphere and Paul Duda Gallery host their first-ever Breast Cancer Fundraiser and Silent Auction this Sat 8/4 from 6-10PM. Over 30 pieces of original artwork and other items will be auctioned off, with proceeds to benefit breast cancer research and patients. A donation is required for entry. Paul Duda Gallery, 2342 Professor Ave. 685-9527.

Fear and Desire Stanley Kubrick’s Ultra-Rare First Feature is screened in celebration of the Cleveland Cinematheque’s 21st Anniversary on Sat 8/4 at 7:30PM. This almost-impossible-to-see first feature Fear and Desire is an indie, low-budget war drama that chronicles the exploits of a military patrol behind enemy lines during an unnamed, abstract war. It may not be 2001: A Space Odyssey, but it contains informs some of Kubrick’s later works. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.

HOT Krusty’s Summer Sauce Camp The 16th annual young adult benefit for Cleveland’s Malachi House hits Sat 8/4 at the Whiskey Island Marina. Proceeds from the event benefit Malachi House, a 22 bed, Ohio City home for the terminally ill, alone and indigent. The event kicks off at noon and runs to Dusk — admission includes all-you-can-eat summertime fare, adult libations, musical entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with over a 1,000 young adults from Greater Cle. Come catch a groove with the sounds of Shucking Bubba Deluxe and The Ark Band. http://www.campkrusty.com.

Hip Hop 216 AIDS Walk Concert It’s mos def gonna be hot at Peabody’s Concert Club at East 21st and Euclid when rising international star Jahi headlines a spectacular night in support of AIDS Walk Cleveland. A highlight of the evening will be first public play of a positive message HIV/AIDS awareness hip hop single, recorded by many of the region’s artists. All artists and Ante Up generously donated time and talent to help fight HIV/AIDS in NEO — all in advance of the October 6 AIDS walk in University Circle. Check out the block-rockin’ beats Sat 8/4 starting at 7PM. http://www.myspace.com/thecommittee07. http://www.cleveland.com/AIDSwalk.

Northside Arts District Art Walk August is a huge month for the visual arts in Akron; the new art museum is open and the local art scene is primed! Check out the latest installment of the Art Walk Sat 8/5 starting at 5PM. Northside Art Walks are held every first Saturday of the Month; plenty of no-cost parking and trolley service is provided by the city of Akron. For more info, call Akron Glass Works at 330-253-5888. http://www.unitedakrons.com‘.

Hollywood Confidential Cleveland-based writer Ted Schwartz, author of Hollywood Confidential: How the Studios Beat the Mob at Their Own Game, will sign copies of his work at Loganberry Books in Shaker Hts Sat 8/4 from 1-3PM. Hollywood Confidential is a dirty, in-depth look at the sexy, humorous, violent, and tragic history of the mob in Hollywood from the 1920s, when Joe Kennedy decided to buy a motion picture company, to the 1980s when the last vestiges of mob influence were revealed through investigations of former Screen Actors Guild President Ronald Reagan and his union backers. Schwarz has authored, co-authored, or ghost written more than 100 books, 2,500 articles and short stories, and has some 300 TV appearances under his belt. Learn what makes him tock. http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

King Richard III & the Shrew The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, celebrating its 10th year, presents Shakespeare’s King Richard III on Sat 8/4 and The Taming of the Shrew on Sun 8/5 at the Tri-C West Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Rd., Parma. Both performances are no cost, open to the public and begin promptly at 7PM in the Tri-C West Outdoor Amphitheatre. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held indoors. Call 987-5536 for more info. http://www.tri-c.edu.

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Make History with Your Story when 90.3 WCPN welcomes StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of America and Americans. Arriving Thu 8/2 in Cleveland to collect the stories of Northeast Ohio residents as part of the program’s cross-country tour, the StoryCorps mobile StoryBooth — an audio booth inside an Airstream trailer — will be parked on the plaza of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to record and archive stories from Thu 8/2-Sat 8/25. It’s all about the story. Whether it’s sweet, sad, funny, inspirational or touching, make plans with a loved one to be the interviewer (or interviewee) and share a story. It only takes an hour, but space is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.wcpn.org for more information or to schedule your interview.
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HOT Blues in the Barn This Sun 8/5 from 6-11PM, the supercool Mike’s Barn welcomes Cle’s legendary roadhouse bluesman Duane “DC” Carnes of the Robert Lockwood All-star Band. He’ll be performing solo acoustic blues from his newest CD Acoustic Country Blues, which was recorded live at Oberlin College this summer. Dynamic Jazz Diva Ki Allen is also expected to help host the evening’s “jam session” along with Hammond organist Mark Leach of the Buddy Miles Express and keyboardist Adam Constantine on piano. The folksy Gangus & Vera open. No cost, open to the public, BYOB all food and spirits! Contact michaelyates@alltel.net or visit http://www.mikesbarn.com for more info.

HOT Jahja Ling The music director of the San Diego Symphony and former Blossom Festival conductor returns to conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in a program featuring Schubert’s Symphony in C major at Blossom Music Center on Sun 8/5 at 7PM. The program will also include Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat major, K. 297b, with Principal Oboe Frank Rosenwein, Principal Clarinet Franklin Cohen, Principal Bassoon John Clouser, and Principal Horn Richard King as soloists. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Extreme Salsa Social Baila Duro Extreme 2007 is Baila Duro’s 1st annual event featuring salsa workshops and performances; social dancing with world’s top instructors and performers, backed by music from some of the hottest DJs in the Salsa scene. Get your groove on Sun 8/5 at noon. Baila Duro Salsa Social, 7001 Denison Ave. Call 856-1676 or visit http://www.bailaduro.com.

Subversive Surface The Kent State University School of Art Galleries examine counter use in a a ceramics invitational featuring the work of Scott Rench, Erin Furminsky, Scott Lykens, Kurt Webb, Marko Fields, Steve Hilton, Katie Parker and Laura Kukkee at the Eells Gallery located in Blossom Music Center. Subversive Surface: Counter Use begins Sun 8/5 and runs through Sun 9/2. This exhibition has been curated by Sherman Hall, Editor of Ceramics Monthly Magazine and Anderson Turner, KSUs School of Art’s Director of Galleries. http://dept.kent.edu/art/galleries.

Music at the Farmstead presents the Summer Festival Orchestra conducted by Roger Zahab with flutist Jane Berkner on Sun 8/5 at 6:30PM. This is the final concert in a summer series at the Conrad Botzum Farmstead, located at 3486 Riverview Rd. in Akron (between Bath and Ira Roads). Enjoy a premiere of new works by Zahab, plus a selection of wonderful older works by Edvard Grieg and Gordon Jacob. Bring a picnic and commune with the deer in the meadow before the concert! Tickets include a dessert reception and a shot at mingling with the musicians after the concert. For tickets or information, call 330-666-9686.

Hog Ride and Roast This Pig Roast and Motorcycle Ride to benefit Pathways Counseling & Growth Center starts at high noon Sun 8/5 at North Eaton Church, 35895 Royalton Rd. All makes and models are welcome; after the ride, late lunch will be served at 2PM. And ya don’t haveta be a biker to chow down… tickets for the meal are available from Kristy Piper at 440-915-3326 http://www.pathwayscounselingcenter.com.

Real Estate Developers: Are you looking for a way to drive people to your virtual tours online? Then you should know that, as a result of reading Cool Cleveland, 25% of our readers have looked at new condos, houses or lofts. Seriously – 25%! For more info about advertising contact us at [=Info@CoolCleveland.com.

Wunderbar Wonder Bar Wondering about the best new bar in Cleveland? Well, wonder no more and wander into Wonder Bar, Cle’s latest, swankiest and jazziest new club. They’re polishing the taps, stocking the bar, and tuning the baby grand for its grand opening Mon 8/6 at 7PM. Enjoy live jazz, complimentary beer, wine and hors d’oeurves prepared by Chefs Michael Walsh and Michael Fleming. Be among the first to see the gorgeous interior of the historic Krause building locale! 2044 E. 4th St.

Cuyahoga County Fair It’s a quintessential part of growing up here: August means it’s county fair time in Northeast Ohio. Pepper your “summer in the city” with your fill of funnel cakes, chili dogs, demolition derbies, fireworks, motocross, square dancing, merry-go-rounds, farmer’s bounties and a bevy of live music. The 100 food stations, 2,000 animals, 5,000 exhibits all adds up to 117 acres of family fun. Parking at no charge. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea. It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll and it hits full swing Mon 8/5. http://www.cuyfair.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Boo at the Zoo Advance tix go on sale Mon 8/6, even though Halloween is a ways off. Act fast, BatZ is always packed. http://www.clemetzoo.com.

Frances Strickland The final ArtWorks performance on Thu 8/2 features the First Lady of Ohio, who will visit the students. She may even play the guitar! Witness firsthand how ArtWorks helps students expand their artistic talents, create original works of art and gain skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Details. http://www.yaneo.org.

Wade Oval Angels Are you looking for something fun to do with the family mid-week? Come down to Wade Oval in University Circle to hear Cleveland’s own Singing Angels hit Wade Oval Wednesday Wed 8/1 from 6-9PM. Cleveland’s talented young performers MAY travel the globe each year, participating in more than 90 concerts and devoting more than 320 hours to musical training, but tonight they perform just for you. Other family-friendly activities include interactive crafts sponsored by CHABAM and The Western Reserve Historical Society. http://www.universitycircle.org.

American Family Day Every family is unique and special! At the Cleveland Childrens’ Museum, you will create a puppet representing each member of your family and then have an opportunity to perform on a puppet stage. At the end of the this fun day starting Sun 8/5 at both 11AM and 2:30PM, take your puppets home and continue the storytelling experience. Regular paid Museum admission required for all activities. http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

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Do You Have a Photographic Memory? With over 100 years and 60 Artists featured at the “Icons of American Photography” exhibit now through Sun 9/16 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, you’ll witness a highly selective group of photographic masterworks spanning from 1850 to 1960. Experience over 100 iconic images from the museum’s remarkable holdings of American photography, which illustrates the development of an art form and a nation in one exhibition. The artists represented include every major American photographer including Ansel Adams, Margaret Bourke-White, Imogen Cunningham, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Dorothea Lange, Helen Levitt, Gordon Parks, Aaron Siskind, Edward Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Carleton Watkins, Weegee, and Edward Weston. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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(Never) Heard From Again In this Cleveland Public Theatre in the Park work, a brave woodcutter leads her rebellious nieces and nephews into the forest — a mysterious otherworld where fearful villagers have gone for centuries to encounter a sacred truth. CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) performs this original work starting Thu 8/2 through Sun 8/12 at varying times and locations. No cost, open to the public. Come experience the song, dance and percussion infuse this timely re-telling of a coming-of-age classic. http://www.cptonline.org.

Nature Arts Festival Don’t miss an exciting weekend of fine arts on display and for sale by regional artists. Works will include masterful wildlife and woodcarvings, paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and other forms of nature art in various price ranges. Bring the kids for some great hands-on activities! Get outside Sat 8/4 and Sun 8/5 from 10AM – 5PM at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Rd. (Rt. 87), Russell Twp. No cost, open to the public. http://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

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/CoolClevelandKids08.03.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth, scans hundreds of area feeds to provide links and commentary on a range subjects—from coffee to economic development.

Cleveland City Councilman Brian Cummins wrote an Op-Ed piece for the Plain Dealer that was cut down to around 200 words or so. He sent BFD a copy of the full piece, which was posted as a PDF. Here’s some of the reactions:

Read and add your comment here

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Don’t You Just Love Murder and Mayhem? Then you don’t want to miss the gothic musical, “Jekyll & Hyde” at the Beck Center now through Sun 8/5. Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Jekyll & Hyde” explores man’s constant struggle between good and evil. Dr. Henry Jekyll believes he has found a way to separate the good self from the bad. Determined to test his ground-breaking formula, Jekyll takes it himself and unleashes the evil Mr. Hyde. Unable to control his darker side, Hyde goes on a killing spree and wreaks havoc on the streets of London. Final weekend – Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8PM; Sunday at 3PM with a special Thursday evening performance on Thu 8/2 at 8PM. To reserve tickets call 216.521.2540 or online at www.beckcenter.org. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of DT Cleveland.
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Links to interesting NEO blogs

MLK will not be closed this Sunday.
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Bloggapalooza according to Pho.
Another account of Bloggapalooza, all good, from Henery.
A Pee Dee editorial on Strickland’s broadband policy is “comical” giving their position on the Med/Con.
Will the Port Authority be able to get their levy passed now that the sales tax is higher?
Remember Ohio Learn & Earn? Here’s one account of how the campaign was ran.
Speaking of OL&E Michael DeAloia proposes something similar with the Med/Con.

An Ingenuity Fest Volunteer’s POV Postscript

I signed my name on the attendance sheet where many Clevelanders were already present anticipating how the Ingenuity Festival will unfold in two days. We received invaluable hand outs which included: a map, an agenda, schedule of events for the Festival and most importantly a pen to jot down the do’s and don’ts of any volunteer. Customer service and comfortable shoes were crucial elements to any volunteer.

My favorite element of the Orientation meeting was a brief overview by Executive Director, James Levin as he verbalized the main goal of the Ingenuity Festival; he described it as more than an Arts Festival. It is a strategic way for Cleveland to showcase all the creative talent, innovation and technology the city has available. Mr. Levin also wants this festival to reach beyond the boundaries of the city where visitors (Out of Towner’s) will want to travel into Cleveland to experience all the city has to offer, and capitalizing on the new branding concept, “Cleveland +.” The orientation concluded with a tour of the many venues that will be showcased…
Read more from Toni Chanakas here

Photo by Scott Muscatello from the Flickr Group with 1300+ photos. If you took pics @ Ingenuity, have you shared them yet?

Shortest Day of the Year
Bears
Self-Released

With equal parts bittersweet mawkishness and moonlit yearning, the new Bears EP is a full of palpable sentiment, drama and even a touch of gloom. Ok, a lot of gloom. But thankfully, it’s all contagious if not occasionally overwhelming. Like Felt and Belle & Sebastian before them, Craig Ramsey and Charlie McArthur revel in uncovering the desolate co-dependant soul; on Shortest Day of the Year, they bolster their efforts by offering gifts to that specter called the Sophomore Slump – a double dose of Ambien, a warm cup of tea and a goose down pillow. Soundtrack for Winter Solstice? Perhaps, as this follow-up to Bears was written during a cold Cleveland winter.

This much is true: tuneful, lo-fi indie-pop never had it so good…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

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

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Take Advantage of Pre-Construction Pricing and live in one of Cleveland’s most historic buildings at The Park Building. In the heart of downtown Cleveland, The Park Building has been converted to 27 luxury condominiums, priced from $189,900. These 1-3 bedroom condominiums offer refinished hardwood floors, oversized, light-filled windows, elegant historic details, granite countertops, secure, attached parking, outdoor decks on some units, and many other amenities. You can walk to the excitement of E. 4th and the Warehouse District! Buyers will also benefit from 12-year tax abatement and reduced rate financing. Act now to secure your unit at pre-construction prices! The Park Building is open Sundays from 2-4PM, and is located at 140 Public Square (corner of Euclid & Ontario). More info is available at www.progressiveurban.com
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Pointe of Departure @ Cain Park

Attention, ballet fans. Bunheads, step back from the ballet barre. Balletomanes, tear yourselves away from your collections of ballet dvd’s. Get out and support what remains of the live, local ballet scene.

Karen Gabay and Raymond Rodriguez with 11 beautiful dancers make their perennial summer appearance at Cain Park this Friday (8/03/07). In the 7 years since Cleveland San Jose Ballet folded up its base of operations in Cleveland and moved to San Jose, many in northeast Ohio have remained dedicated fans of Gabay and Rodriguez. For their part, the charismatic duo has exceeded all reasonable expectations, bringing rewarding programs year after year despite what must be a stressful (is it still only 3 weeks?) rehearsal schedule…

Read the preview by Victor Lucas and Elsa Johnson here

This year’s premiere, Tea for Two, choreographed by Gabay, is described as a lighthearted parody of famous ballet repertoire including Les Sylphides and Nutcracker. Much as we love ballet, we enjoy a good ballet parody and Tea for Two promises to be just that. In addition to their excellent track record performing and staging ballet classics on themselves and their dancers, Gabay and Rodriguez have an oft-displayed gift for comedy. We remember their beautiful, atmospheric production of Les Sylphides at Cain Park in 2002 as well as their antics in Cleveland Ballet’s Nutty Nutcracker.

Also on the program, a couple of pieces of Gabay’s choreography that we haven’t seen since 2004. 2-2 Tango, which had its premiere in that year, mixes tango with ballet to provide another example of Gabay and her dancers’ comfort with Latin style. One might expect 2-2 Tango to be a series of duets sandwiched between an ensemble beginning and end but, looking back at our program note, we’re reminded that it also has a couple of solos, a men’s trio and a women’s trio. Music is by an assortment of tango composers including Astor Piazzolla.

Gare du Midi is Gabay’s first choreographic effort. Originally danced by Cleveland Ballet in 1994, it depicts strangers waiting for a train. The music, Leonard Bernstein’s Divertimento for Orchestra, provides a waltz, a samba, a turkey trot – you name it – for a succession of mostly solos in which the dancers reveal their characters.

Yes, ballet fans, miss Pointe of Departure’s Cain Park performance at your peril, for it’s a long way to the next opportunity to see professional ballet in Cleveland, this season’s Nutcracker performed by none other than Ballet San Jose.

Tickets are available through the Cain Park box office at 371-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com in advance.

From Cool Cleveland contributors Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas vicnelsaATearthlink.net

Cleveland: Down and Out and
Sean Santa
RoseDog Books

A lifelong Clevelander, poet and troubadour Sean Santa has something to say about his hometown. He shares personal reflections, ruminations, blue-collar tales of wayward woe and quixotic backalley reveries in his collection of poetry and prose Cleveland: Down and Out and, but it doesn’t end there. He leaves the door open for the “and” as the graffiti art on the cover suggests; to wit, the collection of writing has its forlorn moments, but it can be romantic, violently honest and tender, with his two fists vying for drinking or fighting. He asks a lot of hard questions and leaves denizens of our city standing in mirrored vigil with nowhere to run to. If there’s a portrait of middle America and the rustbelt to be composed solely of words, I submit that Santa’s declaration could well be it…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

The Hate Letter That Shook up the World

It might eventually be called “The Letter That Launched a Movement,” and if not quite a movement, then at least a mayoral campaign. I’m referring to the letter that Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek (who describes his mailings as “hate letters”) sent to 18-year-old Arsenio Winston who was caught selling drugs for the second time in his Eastside ward. The in-your-face tone and tenor of the controversial missive struck a responsive chord with many frustrated Clevelanders both in and out of Ward 11 — and both Black and White — who are fed up with the thuggery, drug dealing and the attendant violence that has the city on track to set a new record in the number of yearly homicides…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Suckered Before, Why Not Again

Who wants to be labeled a Sucker? Hardly anyone, I would guess.

Then why do we allow ourselves so frequently to play “The Suckers” for all kinds of self-interest schemes?

Think Tim Hagan and Jimmy Dimora. Think maybe that they played their swan song as public officials with another tax. One more stab in the back to their constituents, before out the door…

Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

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

Verb Ballets @ Cain Park 7/20 Verb Ballets, in its recent Cain Park concert, again proved why it is heralded as Cleveland’s National Repertory Dance Company. Presenting a program consisting of three company favorites and a world premiere, the corps generally danced with their usual proficiency. Everything was basically positive except for an awareness that this was the last paid concert appearance of Mark Tomasic, the company’s premiere male dancer…

Read the review by Roy Berko here

Tomasic will retire and move to San Francisco shortly after Verb’s free concerts in Tremont (Friday and Saturday, August 24 and 25, at 8PM, Lincoln Park in Tremont, at Starkweather and West 14th St.). His presence will be greatly missed since much of Verb’s repertoire centers around his strong dancing. The company now has the unenviable task of trying to replace Tomasic.

The Tremont program, which will include most of the Cain Park offerings include: ‘PLANET SOUP,’ ‘BOLERO,’ and ‘POLKA MADNESS.’

‘PLANET SOUP’ is a flowing, joyous, fast paced piece which is performed to the music of Afro-Celt Sound System and Dead Can Dance. It contains a number of movement styles including Indian traditional, Irish reels and African rituals. Artistic Director Hernando Cortez has choreographed the dance to parallel to the ever-changing music. The high point of the program was the segment in which Jason Ignacio did fast paced tinkling, which is an authentic Filipino folk dance in which Ignacio steps between clapping poles.

When Heinz Poll decided to retire from Ohio Ballet, he gave rights to many of his choreographic portfolio to various organizations and dancers. ‘BOLERO,’ one of his most exciting pieces, was given to Xochitl Tejeda de Cerda. Many of those who hold the rights to the pieces grant permission to perform the choreography to various companies. The rights to ‘BOLERO’ have been granted to Verb Ballets. Their production, with restaging by Amy Miller of Groundworks Dance, is a sensual work, consisting of controlled movements, precise turns and flowing hand and arm actions. In one segment, using red capes, the dancers used the material to create a visual image much like a Chinese ribbon dance. The movement of the flowing material created an almost hypnotic effect. The conclusion of the piece was met with hushed silence and then a well deserved tremendous burst of applause.

‘WINGS AND AIRES,’ a duet also choreographed by Heinz Poll, and restaged by Jane Startzman, was presented by permission of Paul Ghiselin. A lovely flowing traditional ballet with modern movements, the number was beautifully danced by Catherine Meredith and Mark Tomasic.

Cleveland is known as the polka capital of America. Cortez choreographed a piece of dance to the live strains of the Johnny Koenig Orchestra based on music written by polka king Frankie Yankovic. The number, which may be forever identified as a “polka ballet,” was more of a nice diversion than a memorable dance. In spite of the fact that the dancing was not as polished as the usual Verb presentations, both the dancers and the audience seemed to have a good time.

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.

Hugh Masekela @ Nighttown 7/24 Last Wednesday was the first time I saw Hugh Masekela and his 8-piece band perform live. It surely won’t be the last time. The veteran South African jazz and world music star put on a performance that had the complete sold out audience standing and clapping for more at the end. Knowing that some of our audience might be unfamiliar with Masekela and his music, I kept a running list of comparisons/influences as the show went on. (Remember, he was/is a contemporary of some of these artists, so the influence probably went or goes both ways with many of them): Johnny Clegg; Paul Simon during his Graceland period; Santana; Chuck Mangione; Sergio Mendez; Herb Albert; Bob Marley; Dizzy Gellespie; Louie Armstrong; Tim Weisberg; Nat King Cole; and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. And that’s just a short list…

Read the review by Greg Cielec here

Masekela had an international hit with his instrumental version of “Grazin’ in the Grass” in 1968 (the Friends of Distinction had the first vocal hit). The dozen or so songs he and his band performed at Night Town included most of his better known ones, including a version of “Grazin’ in the Grass” that included several great solos by different members of his band, a heavy South African beat, and even a little scatting by Masekela.

The band’s sound includes Masekela on Flugelhorn and a variety of percussion instruments; sax, organ and flute; a soulful keyboard; lots of drums and bongos; and a guitar that flowed from smooth jazz to straight ahead rock and roll.

Most of the selections included a long instrumental introduction, lyrics in different African languages and dialects, and solos from various members of the band. But make no mistake, Masekela is the leader of the operation, whether soloing on his horn, banging a rhythm out on a cowbell, or leading the audience in chants and choruses.

The evening ended with the audience lending vocals to “Hail to Africa,” One of several tributes to the band’s homeland. It was another terrific show at Nighttown, with two sold out enthusiastic audiences. For more on Hugh Masekela and his music visit his official website at http://www.hughmasekela.com. For Nighttown’s upcoming schedule of concerts visit http://www.nighttowncleveland.com. There are a lot of good things coming up, including dates with Ollaballa on August 7; Cleveland’s own Alvin Harper and his Seven Piece Band on August 11; the Hot Club of Detroit on August 17; and Grammy winning trumpeter Wallace Roney on August 18.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

Cats @ Near West Theatre 7/26
Fun and touching: I’m not a Cats-lover: I actually fell asleep during the London original. So it’s high praise to report that Near West’s production featuring 40 high-energy teens is sassy, entertaining, yet truly touching — the only Cats that made me care about the outcast Grizabella (Sarah Hess). There are other cast standouts — especially Daniel Caraballo’s bump-and-grind Rum Tum Tugger — but it’s watching these kids work together as an ensemble that gives you the warm fuzzies.
Caveats: Now and then the sound gets spotty, when the rockin’ band drowns out the cast.
Backstory: This is Near West’s 30th annual summer youth theatre season: special kudos to Executive Director Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek not only for her splashy choreography but for her vision that quality theatre could literally change kids’ lives.
Details: Thru 8/5, http://www.nearwesttheatre.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Inlet Dance Theatre @ Cain Park 7/26 Bill Wade, founder and artistic director of the six year-old Inlet Dance Theatre must have been a happy man after the company’ recent (July 26) Cain Park performance. In spite of a rainy night, the Evans Theatre was packed. Contrary to many local dance concerts, the enthusiastic audience was mostly young and racially integrated. They were treated to an eclectic program which featured not only Inlet’ company, apprentices and trainees, but students from the Summer Dance Intensive…

Read the review by Roy Berko here

Inlet’ mission is ‘to create and perform innovative dance and movement theatre at a high level of artistry, speak creatively about human life issues, and bring about personal development in the lives of individuals through training and mentoring.’

Wade, a master teacher and motivator, believes that dance is a ‘vehicle for personal transformation.’ With this in mind, he brings in 12 to 20 year-old students from all over the country to study with the company. They learn release work (The Erick Hawkins technique which is the basis for Inlet’ choreography), nontraditional partnering, the collaborative creative process (invented by Pilobolus Dance theatre), hip-hop and improvisation. The six-and-a-half week program culminates in the yearly Cain Park free program.

As has been the case in the past, both the students and the Inlet ‘regulars’ displayed creativity, discipline and enthusiasm.

Though every section was interesting, highlights of the ten-segment program were: ‘For Margaret and Dan,’ ‘RubeWreck,’ ‘Performance Improvisation,’ ‘A Close Shave,’ and ‘BALListic.’

‘For Margaret and Dan,’ a duet piece, with music by Lifehouse, was performed as part of company member Margaret Ludlow’ wedding ceremony a week before the Cain Park concert, as a present from the company. The public debut was beautifully danced by Mikaela Clark and Justin Stentz (who I consider to be the area’ best young male dancer).

‘RubeWreck,’ which was danced to music by Animusic and the Beastie Boys, featured the twelve males of the dance intensive and the company. A total delight, it portrayed a young video gamer, creating a vision complete with human Rube Goldberg contraption-like machines which morphed into the concept of the new film ‘Transformers.’ The action brought many laughs from the audience.

‘Performance Improvisation’ demonstrated the ability of the dance intensive students to ad lib to music they had not previously heard. As a starting point, the corps was given two distinct gestures to use throughout the piece. The ability of the youngsters to stay in character while creating various stories and images was impressive.

A company staple, ‘A Close Shave, inspired by Patrick Morley’ ‘Man in the Mirror’ featuring Joshua Brown and Justin Stentz, ‘centers on a man confronting and wrestling with the proverbial man staring back at him every morning when he shaves.’ Brown and Stentz displayed both superb strength and consistency while performing the audience pleasing gymnastic piece.

‘BALListic,’ another staple in Inlet’ repertory, uses 1960′ pop art to probe into what happens when a group of dancers are given a number of huge red physio balls and let loose. With contemporary music by the very talented Ryan Lott (who has written for many local dance companies), the dancers slid over, cavorted under, and bounced around the stage with precision and energy. The Pilobolus-like piece was a fitting closing number for a well performed and creatively programmed evening of dance.

Capsule judgment: Bill Wade and his Inlet Dance Theatre are a unique company. They go outside the square by incorporating previously uninitiated dancers into company performances with positive results for both students and audience‘.

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.

Malicious Bunny @ Fourth Wall 7/27
Reasons to go: Matthew A. Sprosty’s noir comedy about a spoiled, bored bride who talks her husband into killing her parents has some delightfully funny parts, especially when dupey-dope Jonathon (Nate Bigger) gets to cross swords with his slacker pal (an energetic Dash Combs) and his father-in-law from hell (the uberbitchy Steven Hoffman).
Caveats: It takes way too long for the fun to ramp up; the first half-hour of the play is whiny, tedious relationship drama, which doesn’t set up the otherwise comic premise. But Sprosty is a writer to watch — his ear for the rhythms of dudedom is impeccable.
Details: http://www.fourthwallproductions.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Sweet Charity @ Porthouse 7/27 Sweet Charity, now on stage at Porthouse Theatre, is noted as a dancer’s show. In order for a production to be successful it must have a star who is not only a prima dancer, but can sing well, act proficiently, and has a personality that sparkles. There seems to be no question that the venue’s Artistic Director, Terri Kent, who also serves as director of the show, chose the script because she had the very talented MaryAnn Black available. Black, who has become the darling of Porthouse patrons, is the quintessential Charity. She is in the mold of Gwen Verdon, who starred in the original 1966 production, Shirley MacLaine who was in the 1969 movie, and Debbie Allen who was in the show’ 1986 Broadway revival…

Read the review by Roy Berko here

‘SWEET CHARITY,’ based on Federico Fellini’s screenplay for ‘NIGHTS OF CABRIA,’ has music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon. The plot centers on Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess. She longs to settle down, but the men in her life simply love her, use her and leave her. One steals her purse and throws her in a lake; another, a movie star who is trying to get back at his girlfriend, takes Charity to his apartment, but shoves her under a bed when his girlfriend appears. Finally, she is trapped in an elevator with Oscar, a neurotic who eventually seems to be the man she has waited for.

But… (Okay, the plot isn’t great, but I’m not going to ruin it by telling you how the whole thing turns out.)

The show’ excellent score includes ‘You Should See Yourself,’ ‘There’ Gotta Be Something Better Than This,’ ‘The Rhythm of Life,’ and ‘Where Am I Going?’

The Porthouse production is very entertaining. Though the script is dated, many of the cast are way too young and lack the necessary sleezy edge to be playing their roles, and the orchestra on opening night kept hitting musical clinkers, Black and Eric van Baars, as Oscar, Charity’ obsessive boy friend, make the negatives fade away.

Though she has matured to the place where doing all that singing and dancing can be draining, Black comes through once again. She lights up the stage. ‘I’m a Brass Band’ and ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ are definite show stoppers. The segment in which she gets caught in an elevator with van Baars has to be one of the most delightful scenes seen on a local stage. It’s worth going to the show just to see this ten minute interlude. And van Baars is excellent. He sings and acts well and shows comedic talent that is endearing.

Jim Weaver does a fine vocal job on ‘Too Many Tomorrows,’ and Sandra Emerick and Nicole Perrone add some nice bits as two of Charity’ fellow hostesses.

An added attraction is a cameo appearance by my former student, Roe Green, the patron saint of many of this area’ theatres. This is her first ever on-stage appearance. The casting is type perfect! (You’ll have to see the show in order to understand this reference.)

Some of the show is too slowly paced. ‘Big Spender,’ usually a dynamic music number dragged. ‘The Rhythm of Life’ was rather blah.

John Crawford’ choreography is generally creative (no, not of the level of Bob Fosse’ original stagings). Unfortunately Crawford was blessed with a dance corps, with the exception of Black, which shows little real dancing talent. This blunts the overall effect.

”Capsule judgment: This is the kind of show that, with a good production, is an audience pleaser. From the reaction of the opening night crowd, audiences will enjoy the Porthouse production. Sweet Charity continues at KSU’s Porthouse Theatre through August 12 . For tickets call 330-672-4102. or 800-304-2363.

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

Always… Patsy Cline @ Carousel Dinner Theatre 7/27 Fans loved Patsy Cline’s songs I Fall to Pieces, Your Cheating Heart, Sweet Dreams of You, and Honky Tonk Merry Go Round. Singing with emotion, she reached her audiences, connected with them, and became the first star to crossover, to reach the tops of both the country music chart and the rock-n-roll Top Ten. Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley in 1932 in Winchester, Virginia. She started singing in the church choir and at age13, she developed rheumatic fever and a throat infection which changed her voice forever to a rich expressive tone…

Read the review by Susan Schaul here

A strong singer, she possessed a great range of voice. Patsy could hang on to the long notes, have a sharp burst through, and then soften the sound with her signature short, two-note “yodel.” Remarkably, Patsy never took a singing lesson, couldn’t read music and did not know what key the band was playing in, she just loved to sing. Abruptly, her career was cut short when she died in a tragic airplane crash in March, 1963, at age 30.

At the Carousel Dinner Theatre, Christine Mild, performing in the star role of Always…Patsy Cline (July 4-August 26), sings these heartfelt songs in much the same warm style. Based on a true story, Patsy Cline’s life is poignantly told on stage by an ardent fan and Texas housewife, Louise Segar, convincingly played by Lily Mercer, who develops a touching friendship with the star early in her career. After they share personal stories in Louise’s kitchen late one night, Patsy resumes her tour but stays in contact with Louise and signs her letters “Always, Patsy.”

The six-piece back-up band on stage adds country flavor to the production. Christine Mild’s western clothing, boots, and 3-inch heels are something to behold. The large open stage easily accommodates the show’s set changes between the Grand Ole Opry and Louise’s kitchen. Yee Ha! Guys and gals, get your country on and see this sensational performance! For country and non-country fans alike. Visit http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

An American in Paris: Salute to George and Ira Gershwin @ Blossom 7/28 The musical genius of George and Ira Gershwin captured the ears of ready listeners Sunday night. The Blossom Festival Orchestra, with delightful contributions by vocalist Helen Welch and pianist Spencer Myer, played to a near-sold out pavilion crowd (and to countless others settled down on the lawn with blankets and picnics).

Read the review by Laura Kennelly here

Opening her set with the Gershwin brother’s hits “But Not for Me” and “Fascinating Rhythm, the silver/gray gowned Welch, an appealing presence with a classy voice all warm honey and spicy tea, enchanted the crowd. She sang two encores (“I’ve Got Rhythm and “Lady Be Good”). A few times, especially when Welch was scatting along with the orchestra, she was drowned out–which was a shame. Welch told the audience that when she moved to Cleveland four years ago she went to a Blossom concert and never thought she’d be performing on its stage. She said that the view was great.

Meyer played George Gershwin’s “Second Rhapsody for Orchestra with Piano” with a elan and clarity. Looking elegant in formal white tails, Meyer (who grew up in North Ridgeville) transported us into musical realms of delight without seeming to break into a sweat despite the humid July weather.

The terrific musicians who make up the Blossom Festival Orchestra played everything from Cuban instruments (for the “Cuban Overture,” what else?) to “Walking the Dog” (with peachy-keen clarinet playing by Kristina Belisle) and “An American in Paris” to encores, including “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Conductor Loras John Schissel stopped between numbers to tell stories about the Gershwins–especially George, whose death in 1937 at 38 was a major loss to American music. Schissel said that George taught himself to play by observing which keys went down on a player piano. When the family bought a piano, the little tyke walked over and started playing and everyone said “How did he know to do that?”

How do any of them know how to “do that?” Dunno, but I’m sure glad they do.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

Cleveland Int’l Piano Competition @ Cleveland Playhouse 7/31 The pressure and silence are palpable at the Bolton Theater at the Cleveland Playhouse where the contestants of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, now in the second round of performing, are running up and down the keyboards of the majestic Steinway Concert Grand pianos. Glorious sounds of Chopin, Beethoven, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Bach, and Schumann, interpreted and played by the contestants, are carefully being listened to by the panel of international judges…

Read the review by Susan Schaul here

A 6’4” bearded man with a pony tail sporting a Harley Davidson shirt and his woman companion said they listened to the piano performances performed on the radio as they drove their Harley down to the competition. Listeners are welcome. Sitting in the audience, no one unwrapped plastic covered candy, no one sneezed, and no one’s cell phone rang out. As I listened to the music, I cheered on every contestant. They have traveled many miles from around the globe for this opportunity to show their talent and compete against other highly trained musicians.

I volunteer as a Host Family for the Piano Competition, which has given me the opportunity to speak with these talented musicians and hear about this event. This year, my assigned competitor, Yukiko Sekino, from Japan but living in the U.S., cancelled at the last moment feeling she was not as prepared, not as confident with the material as she needed to be to perform. I was then assigned to Dmitri Levkovich, a Canadian who was born in the Ukraine, to cheer him on during the competition. He attends the Cleveland Institute of Music and has his teacher, his girlfriend, and many friends already cheering him on due to his enormous talent. Visit http://www.clevelandpiano.org for more info.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

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