Launch

11.18-11.25.09
Launch

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Party LimeRibbon.com launch party 12/7
* Holiday Gift Guide Get outside the Big Box this season
* Ingenious 3 Guys: One Cool Idea
* Interview Fraulein Maria: Nostalgia Trip or Snarkfest?
* Straight Outta Mansfield 11 more victims of the un-winnable “War on Drugs”
* RoldoLINK Jackson Slams The Little Guy, Avoids a Fair Tax
* Cool Cleveland podcast & BFD blog & Facebook & Twitter

Were you around in the late ’90’s when there was a dot-com launch party twice a week? It was a heady time, and we’re bringing it back with a Cool Cleveland party to help launch our new social shopping site LimeRibbon.com with a flexible group of NEO entrepreneurs we call The Virtual Incubator. We hope to launch a few new companies a year, and we hope you’ll celebrate with us on Mon 12/7 at CROP and be entered to win 2 tix on AirTran. We honor the entrepreneurial spirit of area artists and craftspersons with our popular Holiday Gift Guide, #1 on our Top 5 most clicked. We also invite you to tune in on Fridays @ 9PM and engage with NEOtropolis, our new PBS program on NEO’s emerging economy. The 3 Guys launch networking to a new level, Doug Elkins launches The Sound of Music to where it’s never been, Mansfield takes on the war on drugs, and Roldo gives his take on a new tax. Launch, anyone? –Thomas Mulready

Lime Ribbon Launch Party
Win 2 AirTran tix on Mon 12/7 at CROP Bistro

Right here in NEO, we’re launching a new social media shopping site that allows you to create your own gift lists, or “ribbons” for you, your family and friends, and share those Lime Ribbons with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. A NEO-based team of entrepreneurs, designers, marketers and idea people are inviting you to share in the celebration, log on and share.

LimeRibbon.com Launch Party special $10 admission includes:

* Unlimited Complimentary beer
* Unlimited Complimentary Spirited CROP Special Punch, tinted lime green in honor of the occasion!
* Raffle for two round-trip airline tix anywhere that AirTran Airways flies in the domestic USA!
* Hot hors d’oeuvres from CROP Bistro & Bar featuring:
* CROP’s savory Lamb Sliders, topped with blue cheese, pickled onions, fresh mint, and coarse-grain mustard
* Assorted Flatbreads dressed with seasonal toppings
* Veggie Kebabs with local, artisanal cheeses
* Chef Steve Schimoler’s signature popcorn, capped with a tasty toss of sauteed veggies, shredded Asiago, and balsamic glaze
* Cash bar will also be available for wine and cocktails

The launch party will be held at CROP Bistro & Bar, Steve Schimoler’s inventive American restaurant in downtown’s Warehouse District. at 1400 W. 6th Street on Mon 12/7 from 5:30-7:30PM.

Join NEO’s entrepreneurial class as we celebrate with an old fashioned dot-com launch party! Bring your friends, enjoy complimentary drink and delectable CROP hors d’oeuvres, and take a chance on winning a pair of AirTran tickets!

Score your special $10 ticket to this exciting event here: https://coolcleveland.net/tickets/lr09/index.php

Planning your online marketing? Your market reads and clicks on Cool Cleveland sponsored links and videos. Info@CoolCleveland.com

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. Learn More.

GREEN A bike path on the Innerbelt Bridge? Why not? [Bridge pictured, sans bike lanes of course.] Read the Plan

HELP Help United Way w/ innovative Text to Give campaign During halftime at the Sat 11/28 CSU Men’s Basketball game (or whenever), text CHANGE to 864833 and donate $5 to help United Way’s service programs. Really?

Mayor Jackson is hosting a holiday gala benefit and yr invited RSVP by Tue 12/1. http://holidaygala.eventbrite.com

CSU will give money to incoming freshmen in fall 2010 Well, only ones that qualify for CSU’s new scholarship that’s based on grades, not income. Learn More

Case ignites “gold standard” broadband to the community around campus, offering 1000 mb/sec connectivity to reduce violence, improve STEM subjects in high school, and identify monitor and reduce health risks. Read

Cle travel videos to be proud of Have you seen the Cle travel videos on Insider Perks? Click to See

HELP Want to work w/ puppies? Sure you do. Guiding Eyes for the Blind seeks folks dedicated to preparing GEB puppies for potential guide dog training. Classes start Thu 12/3. Tell Me More

HELP Eat at Johnny Mango and help animals Eat there on Mon 11/23 from 11AM – 11PM and 20% of sales go to Lucky Paws Animal Rescue, a no-kill, all-volunteer org rescuing abandoned animals. http://LuckyPawsRescue.org

GREEN You can make an old home a green home Learn how to go eco-friendly while preserving yr home’s character on Sat 11/21 at 10AM at the Benedict House. Tell Me More

Strongsville lands US Figure Skating Jr. Championships Hoover Arena will see its share of jumps, triple salchows and spandex jumpsuits from Mon 12/14 through Sat 12/19. http://ClevelandSkating.com/jrnationals/#

SPONSORED: Escape to ARTscape! Join MOCA for Cleveland’s hippest holiday shopping experience. More than 50 regional and national artists come together to showcase a variety of jewelry, fine art, and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone this season. Enjoy music, drinks, and light refreshments on Fri 11/20 while you shop. But hurry, because Sat 11/21 is your last chance to wow the art or style lover on your shopping list. Co-produced with Heidi Lingg of Lingg Productions. MOCAcleveland.org.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.

SPONSORED: Last chance to see A Christmas Story and save $10! The Cleveland Play House invites you to the final year of Cleveland’s beloved ”A Christmas Story.” Don’t miss Ralphie, the “leg lamp,” the bunny suit, and the genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle, all live on stage right here in Cleveland for one last time. Use promotion code “COOL” and save $10 per ticket on performance dates Fri 11/27 through Sun 12/6. Call 216-795-7000 or log on at ClevelandPlayHouse.com.

Still going to the [Big] Box?

Where are you buying holiday gifts? Check out Cool Cleveland’s popular Holiday Gift Guide, which points you to local, sustainable, small businesses in our region that offer quality gifts. We’ve got holiday gift ideas in every category: art, arts & crafts, books, music & films, outdoors, health & wellness, wearable art, fashion, style & boutiques, sustenance & sundries. We’ll be adding new listings every week through the end of the year, and we feature a tiny fraction below. Are we missing your favorite local shop or service? Send us a note at InfoATCoolCleveland.com. Check out the complete CoolCleveland Holiday Gift Guide here: Holidaygiftguide09

Artist Archives of the Western Reserve Holiday Show + Art Sale Purchase art, paintings, prints [pictured], photos and mixed-media works from a talented pool of NEO artists at the annual AAWR Members Show and Art Sale opening on Fri 11/20 from 5PM to 8PM. Show/sale runs through Sat 12/19. Go on–find that perfect piece for your best friend’s living room. 1834 E 123rd St. Call 216-721-9020 for info. http://ArtistsArchives.org/currentex.aspx

ARTscape2009 @ MOCA is billed as Cle’s hippest holiday shopping experience. If there are cool people on your gift-giving list, then find them a cool gift on Sat 11/21. Scope out the offerings of 40+ regional and national artists for jewelry, fine art and other unique items. Check it out from 11AM – 5PM at MOCA Cle, 8501 Carnegie Ave. Details

Shop Around the Heights Think global and shop local in Cle Hts on Sat 11/21 from 11AM – 4PM. Pick up a passport and shopping bag from one of the listed starting locations. Use your passport to discover new shops in the Hts and get it stamped at stores along the way for special treats and promos. The more stamps you get, the better chances you have to win the raffle. This is just proof that shopping local is full of cool perks. For store info click here

HELP Ten Thousand Villages offers a selection of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from over 38 countries. Shop there on Sat 11/21 from 10:30AM – 5PM and 15% of your purchase will be donated to the North Coast Men’s Chorus. The chorus’ small ensemble group the “Coastliners” will perform as you shop from 10:30 – 11AM. Just make sure you mention NCMC at the checkout. Visit the store in Trinity Commons at 2254 Euclid Ave. and check out the cool Galimoto from Kenya [pictured]. http://Cleveland.tenthousandvillages.com

Charm the Heart Art Sale Bring a friend to a good ol’ grassroots art sale on Sat 11/21 from 1 – 8PM and Sun 11/22 from 12 – 4PM. Peruse vendor tables of knit scarves, wooden toys, silver jewelry, wool hats, cloth toys, handmade purses, blown glass and paintings from the likes of Barb Cross, Melissa O’Grady, April Firstencel and more. Located at 3124 Corydon Rd in Cle Hts. Call 216-371-8845 for info.

SPONSORED: Holiday savings at your favorite stores Support arts education for children in Northeast Ohio and save money on your holiday shopping! Shop online at Aisle 19 and receive special discounts on your purchases from many favorite stores. Young Audiences receives valuable support for arts programming for children every time you shop! Click here to learn how: YANEO.org.

The Polar Express Kids, dress up in you favorite PJs and hop aboard the Polar Express! Ride the train and be treated to hot cocoa and cookies, a reading of The Polar Express, caroling, and a lighted North Pole Village–all while listening to tunes from the movie. It’s a magical trip and one of the most anticipated family activities of the year. Runs Wed 11/18 through Sat 12/19. Tickets at http://CVSR.com

GREEN “recreARTed” Holiday Creations Kids (and adults) ages 15 and up: Join Jan Urbanick on Thu 11/19 from 6:30 – 8:30PM to transform discarded objects (light bulbs, newspapers, pop bottles and the like) into clever holiday decor and gifts for your fam. Why buy cheapo decorations at big box stores when you can make them yourself from objects you already have?! $14 fee. The West Woods Nature Cntr, 9465 Kinsman Rd. (Rt 87) in Russell & Newbury Twps. http://GeaugaParkDistrict.org/events/index.shtml

HOT Billy Jonas Band Described as “Miriam Makeba and Igor Stravinsky meet Captain Kangaroo” and “Frank Zappa meets Pete Seeger,” the Billy Jonas Band creates music anyone (kids especially) could love. Oberlin-trained composer/performer Billy Jonas [pictured] creates a musical conversation w/ you on Fri 11/20 at 7PM. There are jingles on his ankles, sticks coming out of his shoes and a drum kit made of found objects. Stocker Arts Cntr @ LCCC, 1005 Abbe Rd. N. in Elyria. Tickets and http://BillyJonas.com

The Clever Clarinet Get to know the clarinet, that clever woodwind, at the 2nd Cle Orchestra Rainbow Music Series on Fri 11/20 at 10AM and Sat 11/21 at 10AM and 11AM. Local actress and singer Maryann Nagel hosts this 30-minute program that includes narration, demos, short solo selections and audience participation. For kids ages 3 – 6. Reinberger Chamber Hall @ Severance, 11001 Euclid Ave. Tickets

Preschoolers in the Park: Turkeys We all know turkeys say “gobble gobble” but what do they do? Find out more about these fine-feathered winter friends and step back in time for a look at the first Thanksgiving on Sat 11/21 from 10 – 11AM. Includes a hike and a craft. For ages 4 – K w/ adult. Call 440-473-3370 to register. North Chagrin Nature Cntr, 3037 Som Center Rd. in Willoughby Hills. Details

SPONSORED: Winter Holiday Camp fun! Looking for something fun and different for your kids this holiday season? Join the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for their Winter Holiday Camp, with a different themed program each day. Sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 days on Mon 12/21, Tue 12/22 and Wed 12/23 and explore dinosaurs, health science and a live animal program, plus hands-on activities and make-and-take crafts. CMNH.org

TiVo it, or watch it online or you can actually tune in on Fri 11/20 and every Friday night at 9PM on Western Reserve PBS 45/49.

NEOtropolis takes a fresh look at our economy and the business world, hosted by CoolCleveland.com’s Thomas Mulready.

Watch the most recent episode here, and get more info here.

Got ideas for businesses, trends or cool business people we should be covering? Friend us on Facebook, or drop us a line at Info@CoolCleveland.com

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

SPONSORED: Put Your Fingerprint on a Better World The Cleveland State Vikings Men’s Basketball Team will team up with United Way of Greater Cleveland to raise money through an innovative text-to-give campaign on Sat 11/28 vs. Wichita State. During halftime, fans will be asked to text the word CHANGE to 864833 and make a $5 donation to United Way. With your help, we can raise thousands of dollars with just a few taps of your finger! Go here to purchase tickets to the game. To learn more about the United Way mobile giving program visit http://UWS.org/mgive.

View materials from the All You Can Eat design event Project gallery and video of panel discussion located here and here. [Photo at left by Liz Russell.]

Ohio gets a boost as global leader in aerospace industry Alcoa’s plans to invest $110 mill to make Cle Works facility a leading producer of aerospace and industrial components. Info

Progressive’s net income down 26% in October ’09 from last year. Click

Startup firm Explorys partners w/ Cle Clinic to develop patient records search engine Product would quickly analyze loads of patient records and be similar to Google or Yahoo. Read

SPONSORED: Fly nonstop to Milwaukee. Service starts January 5 from CAK. http://AirTran.com

FLASH Friday Mix, mingle + network w/ Cle fashion industry pros and style icons at XO Prime Steaks on Fri 11/20, 6 – 9PM. [Event flier pictured.] Info

Startup Weekend is a 54-hour marathon where local entrepreneurs, developers and innovators go from idea to launch. Build Communities. Start Companies. No Talk. All Action. At IdeaCenter from Fri 11/20 thru Sun 11/22 nonstop. http://cleveland.startupweekend.org

Professionals Get Linked In Influence high schoolers to Believe in Cle w/ the Cle Apprentice Program. Network and link at Treehouse in Tremont on Mon 11/23 from 6:30 – 8PM. http://10000LittleIdeas.com

The Write Stuff w/ Wylie and Warner The Press Club of Cle all-day seminar at CCC Corp College E on Mon 11/30 from 7:45AM – 3:30PM. http://WriteStuff.eventbrite.com

NOCA Forum Revitalizing the MarCom Industry Begins by Securing the Home Market at the Plain Dealer on Wed 12/2 at 8AM. Info

Transforming the Landscape of Business in America A Minority Business Early-Stage Capital Summit at InterContinental Hotel Cle on Thu 12/3 from 7:30AM – 5PM. Register

SPONSORED: Tix are going fast for Holiday concerts at Severance Hall Share the tradition of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Christmas Concerts and experience carols, sing-alongs and festive cheer. PLUS, if you and the family have a hankering to experience Handel’s Messiah, the Burning River Brass, or An Irish Christmas with Eileen Ivers, you’re in luck: tickets start at just $26. Take your pick of good seats thru December 21 by calling 216-231-1111 or by visiting ClevelandOrchestra.com. Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Bedford. Enjoy the season!

3 Guys: One Cool Idea
Local entrepreneurs create a novel approach to networking

Bob Aber, David Akers and Jeff Nischwitz might be having too much fun organizing networking events in Northeast Ohio, but they’re not about to quit anytime soon.

After a successful gathering of local professionals on the 55th floor of Key Tower, the 3 Guys, as they call themselves, greeted 40 guests at Franklin Castle for a Halloween-time tour of the allegedly haunted mansion, an event which sold out in five days.

Now the 3 Guys are busy planning another event around Christmastime…

Read the story about 3 Guys by Diane DiPiero here

SPONSORED: Books make the best gifts, especially for kids. For the newest and best in children’s literature, check out Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Great Books for Kids, online this year, at http://www.CuyahogaLibrary.org. Find selections for preschoolers to age 14 in this annotated list. All of the books included are available for loan from the Library by visiting http://www.CuyahogaLibrary.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cosi fan tutte @ Oberlin When it comes to love, are all women the same? Find out at the opening of Mozart’s famous opera on Wed 11/18 at 8PM. Expect outrageous costumes, splendid music and a hilarious plotline… plus a wonderful performance by Oberlin Opera. Through Sun 11/22. [“The Magic Flute” photo at left by John Seyfried.] Hall Auditorium @ Oberlin College, 67 North Main St. in Oberlin. Tickets

HOT I Will Stay If… Cle develops the lakefront? One of our sports teams wins? We become green pioneers of sustainability? The Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE) wants to know what Cle must do in order to order to make you (want to) stay here. [Detroit event pictured at left.] Join a growing network of young leaders committing to revitalizing Cle while sharing yr dreams for our city on Wed 11/18. W/ presentations form Matt Zone, Cle Foundation’s Lillian Kuri and Policy Bridge chairman Randell McShepard. 5:30 – 8:30PM at Speakeasy (under Bier Markt), 1928 W. 25th St. http://IWSICleveland.blogspot.com or visit http://GlueSpace.org

Meat Puppets @ Grog Shop The Meat Puppets have been playing their unique blend of punk, country and psychedelic rock for over 30 years, influencing everyone from Dinosaur Jr., Nirvana and Pavement along the way. And after a few break-ups, they’re back. Their most recent album Sewn Together dropped in May ’09 and they’re coming to town on Wed 11/18 w/ Beaten Awake and Beardo Bandini. 8PM. 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd. in lovely Cle Hts. http://GrogShop.gs/events.aspx or http://MeatPuppets.com

SPONSORED: Taking a cue from the cable networks who offer marathons of TV series on holidays, such as Monk, NCIS and House, WCLV 104.9 presents All Cleveland Orchesta All Day, Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 6AM and running to Midnight. You’ll hear eight full length concerts from 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, with conductors Franz Welser-Moest, Robert Porco, Michael Tilson Thomas, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Mitsuko Uchida. Details at http://www.wclv.com.

Brendan Brazier is a tri-athlete and author of Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sport and Life. As one of the few professional athletes whose diet is 100 percent plant-based, Brazier [pictured] will let you in on the many benefits of a well-balanced vegan diet. Improved sleep, superior mental clarity and significantly enhanced overall physical and mental performance are just the beginning. Don’t believe it? Hear from Brazier himself on Thu 11/19 from 6 – 8PM at Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 West Clifton Blvd. in Lkwd. No charge but call 216-521-4600 to RSVP. Details

An Evening w/ Michael Symon Cle’s favorite chef comes to Lakewood Public Library on Thu 11/19 for conversation, chef-inspired tastings, and beverages starting at 6:30PM. Pick up a copy of his book Michael Symon’s Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen and see the Iron Chef icon for yourself. Proceeds benefit Lkwd Public Library Foundation. It’s happening at Lkwd Public Library Auditorium, 15425 Detroit Rd. http://LkwdPl.org/foundation/msymon

Cle Jazz Orchestra Mixer-Happy Hour w/ Sean Jones Meet Sean Jones, the new artistic director of the Cle Jazz Orchestra and mingle w/ other young professionals on Thu 11/19 at Cadillac Ranch. Hear how host Jones blends creativity, business success and artistic integrity into his daily life. 5:30PM @ 200 Public Square. http://ClevelandJazz.org

Sarah Rich, Editor of Dwell Magazine @ CIA Sarah Rich is an expert in sustainable architecture & design, food and trend forecasting. Plus, she’s editor of the super cool modern design magazine Dwell. Her previous job was managing editor of Worldchanging. Hear what she has to say at this comp lecture on Thu 11/19 at 6PM. Aitken Auditorium in Gund Bldg @ Cle Institute of Art, 11141 East Blvd. Register and check out http://Dwell.com

GREEN GreenLight Issue 6 Release Party @ Bela Dubby Add GreenLight [pictured at left] to the long list of cool NEO publications. This zine aims to “empower youth to promote environmental sustainability in their communities” and was started in ’07 by 2 Oberlin College grads. Celebrate the release of issue #6, aka the “Environmental Justice Issue” w/ an evening of mostly-acoustic music on Fri 11/20 from 9PM – 1AM. Features Letters to the Moon, American War, Uninvited Guests and more. Head to Bela Dubby for a latte or microbrew and enjoy. 13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://GreenLightZine.org

HOT Doug Elkin and Friends: Fraulein Maria @ Playhouse Square See The Sound of Music transformed into an edgy and entertaining cabaret romp as performed by DANCECleveland on Fri 11/20 and Sat 11/21 both at 8PM. Elkin’s riff on this beloved musical is hilarious and hip and was a big hit in NYC. You’ll hear Do Re Mi like you’ve never heard it before. Hanna Theater @ Playhouse Square. http://DanceCleveland.org/dougelkins.html

Noche de Gala Tropical Attend a black-tie gala to benefit the Spanish American Committee (SAC) on Fri 11/20. Nosh on tasty treats and dance to the rhythms of Latin Grammy award-winning artist Milly Quezada (aka the “Queen of Merengue”) and her orchestra. Proceeds support the SAC’s bilingual programs and services. 6PM – 1AM. Click here or check out http://www.SpanishAmerican.org.

the nurse and the police officer @ SPACES “Have you ever suddenly realized that you unconsciously stereotype people?” This is the question Elizabeth Emery asks in her latest exhibit. Using a variety of materials, she addresses social issues like feminism and power. This Cle Hts artist even recorded interviews with people from all walks of life about racism and discrimination. Challenge yourself about yr beliefs while viewing her installation at SPACES Gallery opening on Fri 11/20 from 6 – 9PM. Through Fri 1/15. 2220 Superior Viaduct. Info

First Waltz Join the Bright Side of the Road Foundation to raise funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) aka “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” research on Fri 11/20. From 7PM – 1AM, join the Foundation for a night of music, friends and auction items. Help them meet their goal of raising over $1 mill for ALS research by 2010! House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave. Tickets

HOT Wall Eye Gallery is a new gallery in the Gordon Square Arts District. Check it out at the opening event on Fri 11/20 from 6PM – 11PM. Housed in the only building with “eyes” on Detroit Ave., Wall Eye Gallery was created by 7 artists and art aficionados wanting to join Cle’s ever-growing arts scene. Their first showing features work from emerging and established Cle (and non-local) artists. Located at 5304 Detroit Ave. http://www.WallEyeGallery.blogspot.com

Browns Rules @ CPT is a show w/ a mission. Three performer musicians [pictured] and the audience must successfully name the 29 rules of being a Browns fans. The unthinkable will occur if the mission is completed: the Browns will win the 2010 Superbowl! Attempt to alter history and save our city’s pride w/ this interactive vaudeville/slideshow/variety show opening on Sat 11/21 at 7PM. Through Sun 12/13. Cle Public Theater, 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.CPTOnline.org/theater-show.php?id=88

Cle Grindhouse Film Festival See 7 horror flicks made by Cle indie filmmakers, including the premiere of dark psychodrama Clean, on Sat 11/24 from 4 – 11PM. Other titles include Video Psychotherapy, Killer Biker Chicks and Killer. (Notice a trend here?…) Plus, live music and underground horror movie stars. Large portion of the proceeds will help w/ the filming of a doc detailing the use of Ethanol as a clean source of energy. Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd with live music downstairs at the B-Side. Details

Holistic Psychic Fair Connect your body, mind and soul at Babara Anderson’s psychic fair on Sat 11/21 and Sun 11/22. Want to know if you’re in a dead-end job? Are you in a questionable relationship? Wonder where you’ll end up in 5 years? There will be 15 professional psychic counselors to answer your questions, along w/ tarot card readings, clairvoyants, palm readers, lectures on the hour and a metaphysical marketplace–all w/ no admissions fee. Both days from 10AM – 5PM. Lake Cable Rec Cntr, 5725 Fulton Dr. NW in Canton. http://AngelsInTheValley.com/psychicfairs.html

HOT Conya Doss in the Keepers Lounge Cle native Conya Doss is back w/ more explosive, sensual soul music. She performs on Sat 11/21 as part of Keepers Lounge, an educational + inspirational meeting of progressive minds. Brought to you by Keepers of the Art, a hip-hop advocacy org preserving hip-hop one mind at a time. Doors at 8PM. Show at 9PM @ Stage Door/E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Find out more here

Solaris Wind Quartet @ Univ. of Akron Travel back in time to 1920s Vienna w/ a perform A Viennese Salon bathed in full historical and cultural context. Not sure what the ’20s were all about? Expect poetry and art by Kandinsky, and pop music by Kurt Weill and Louis Armstrong and an enthralling string quartet performance on Sun 11/22 at 5:30PM. No charge. [Quartet pictured at left.] Guzzetta Recital Hall @ UA, 139 Buchtel Ave., Akron. Call 330-972-6575 for info or http://www3.UAkron.edu/solaris/concerts.html

To the Extreme, and Back: Heights Arts House Concert Head over to the downtown penthouse of Rick Maron and Judy Eigenfeld for an undaunted performance by the Cle Orchestra String Quartet on Sun 11/22. Beginning at 3PM, the Quartet will take you on a wild and crazy ride w/ music of Hungarian master Gyorgi Ligeti. The players are sure to explore their limits with this exciting, though extremely demanding, piece of music. It’s intricate music in an intimate location–what could be better for a Sunday afternoon? Call 216-371-3457 or email registerATheightsarts.org to register. http://HeightsArts.org/concerts

HELP The Best of Cle Comedy Night Have a few laughs while supporting a good cause on Mon 11/23 at 7PM. Hear sketch and improv comedy from Last Call Cle and Friends with Benefits, all hosted by David Wain [pictured at left]. Proceeds benefit Milestones Autism Org’s programs. Hilarities 4th Street Theatre–Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant + Club, 2035 E. 4th St. 21+ only. http://Milestones.org/comedy.php

Bird or Bust The robins and hummingbirds are out and the juncos, titmice and bluebirds are in. If you haven’t taken a gander at the new groups of birds flying through your backyard, head over to Parma’s “big backyard” on Tue 11/24 and take note what birds late autumn brings. Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield for a slow-paced walk (bring your binoculars) to see the birds willing to tough out the upcoming winter. [Photo of dark-eyed junco by Emmett Hume.] 9 – 10:30AM at West Creek Reservation. Call 216-341-9225 for directions. Info

Waterband’s Psychedelic Carnival Show! “The River may divide but eventually we’ll all end up in the same place, together.” Touching, right? If you’re in the need of positive vibrations and expressive musical improv (who isn’t?!) then check out the Waterband [pictured] on Wed 11/25 at 9PM. The band’s form is ever changing and flows w/ the mood of the night and was created to bring peace to the universe. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://MySpace.com/waterband

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Fraulein Maria: Nostalgia Trip or Snarkfest?

The Sound of Music had its Broadway premiere in 1954 and since then we’ve seen the cultural revolution of the 60’s, the end of the cold war, and the advent of the Internet. Songs from the venerable musical: Do-Re-Mi, 16 Going on 17, Climb Every Mountain – have long been standards, ripe for send up even as they continue to afford abundant avenues for reinterpretation.

Dance Cleveland brings Fraulein Maria to Cleveland’s Hanna Theater in Playhouse Square this weekend. Wondering what to expect, we arranged an interview with Elkins.

Doug Elkins: I think that’s probably why I used the vessel of Sound of Music. Think about the homeopathic essence of the plot. I remember being taken to my first musicals as a child.

I saw Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and Sound of Music and I remember wondering who this woman was who kept coming into families’ homes and healing them. And, if you look at Sound of Music it’s kind of like that.

This strange little trickster, in a way, an outsider who doesn’t fit in at the convent, who’s sent to the Von Trapp residence, helps the family to heal themselves by teaching them to put on little performances for each other. What better metaphor could you pass on to your kids about the love of art…?
Read the interview with Doug Elkins by Victor Lucas & Elsa Johnson here

Eleven more victims of the un-winnable “War on Drugs”

Fierce finger pointing continues unabated in Cleveland as law enforcement and social service agencies, family members, governmental departments, religious institutions, and an entire community attempts to place blame on each other for perhaps the most heinous ongoing crime spree ever perpetrated in the city’s history.

The body count of drug-addicted black women currently stands at 11, and now the FBI is involved as attention turns to the vacant house next door to where the first bodies were found. People are praying that no more bodies are discovered, but there is still a long list of Cleveland women missing…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Jackson Slams The Little Guy, Avoids a Fair Tax
Plus, It’s Fair Taxes for Honest City Revenue, Stupid…

See what I mean? Mayor Frank Jackson wants to charge $9.25 a month, or $111 a year for garbage pickup. Hitting the little guy because he’s afraid of tapping those who paid his campaign bills.

This is GARBAGE, Mayor Jackson! The same will go a weak-kneed City Council if it, as is likely, go along with it.

Is there a council member who has any regard for the people of Cleveland..?
Read more of Roldo Bartimole here

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

Mamma Mia @ Palace Theatre 11/10/09
Read the review by Roy Berko here?

CIM Opera Gala 11/11/09
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/12/09
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Suburban Symphony Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/15/09
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Most clicked

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

1) Holiday Gift Guide My guess is this holds the #1 spot through the holidays. Bag the Big Box and shop local. CoolCleveland.com

2) Little Italies? We got one of the best in the world. AskMen.com

3) Dennis Votes The Way Voinovich Will Vote- NO! Roldo clues you in. CoolCleveland.com

4) Fresh Out of Tears Could this have been avoided with better mental health care? CoolCleveland.com

5) Cool jobs at Natural History Museum Online Content Manager, and Media Services Manager Tell ’em Cool Cleveland sent ya!

On the launching pad Our contributors tee it up for you every week: Roldo Bartimole, Roy Berko, Diane DiPiero, Kelly Ferjutz, Mansfield Frazier, Elsa Johnson & Victor Lucas, and Sarah Valek. 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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