No Excuse

4.16-4.23.08
No Excuse

In this week’s issue:

You’ll excuse us if we’re a little torqued off when people don’t appreciate the bounty laid at their feet here in the Cleveland Plus region. We’re visited in this week’s issue by ex-pats who’ve left our neighborhood, many of whom have returned, in one fashion or another. Two of the Rockettes I interviewed in CLE recently are from Ohio; Trent Reznor of NIN started his career here— his latest digital release is groundbreaking. “Citizen” Ed Hauser implores us to appreciate our lakefront, and commentator Kelly Ferjutz asks us to look back from the year 2020, when we’re enjoying our water thanks to Hauser… and a Lakefront Commissioner. Families will have no excuse after reading our third installment on Kid’s camps, and we review a new book by ex-pat Scott Huler, and the debut effort from Lines Against Lines. Roldo outlines the carpet ride taxpayers are on, and Ward 6 is down to the wire, according to Mansfield. And speaking of fashion, don’t let yourself get sold out of u n c l o t h e d, our next Cool Cleveland party in collab with Fashion Week Cleveland on Sat 5/3. There’d be no excuse for that. —Thomas Mulready

Get ready for u n c l o t h e d
Cool Cleveland & Fashion Week Cleveland & you

Don’t be caught without a ticket to Cool Cleveland’s upcoming party, in collaboration with Fashion Week Cleveland: u n c l o t h e d: A Mixed Media Runway Event on Sat 5/3 from 8PM to midnight at Sammy’s in the Flats. Fashion Week in Cleveland is hot, and in past years, all events have sold out. Secure your seat now, and receive the special online pricing.

Unlike anything you’ve seen, this event is being called “a couture carnivale… an avant-garde parade.” Twenty hand-picked models collaborate with visual artists to create a runway fashion show of wearable art, special effects and never-before-seen creations.

Walking through the doors at Sammy’s, you’ll receive your choice of a complimentary Fashion Passion vodka martini, then peruse a delightful selection of couture hors d’oeuvres: Iced Raspberry Soup with Mint Creme Fraiche; Wonton Cones filled with seared Tuna served on Painter’s Palettes; Smoked Salmon on Herbed Cream Cheese & Black Bread garnished with Cucumber; Saint Andre Cheese in Phyllo Cups with Peach Marmalade.

Next, take your place near the runway for the wildest fashion show you’ve ever been this close to. Artists collaborating with fashion designers offer outrageous creations, worn by the areas top models. After the fashion show, dance to DJs Impure & GO, and rock out at the after-party until midnight. Info & map here.

Whether you’ve been to Sammy’s legendary digs, with its astonishing views of the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland at its best, or if this is your first experience, you’ll feel right at home with Cool Cleveland’s friendly vibe of engaged citizens involving themselves with an overflow of creativity from artists and models. Get more info on Fashion Week Cleveland. Savor the sights, sounds, cuisine and libations from the best Cleveland has to offer. Save off the $40 door price when you order online before Fri 4/18 here:

Tix: https://coolcleveland.net/tickets/050308/index.php

SPONSORED: Two Compelling Companies, Immersed in Dance, Dedicated to Elevating the Human Spirit! The Dancing Wheels Company and Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater present Double Exposure at Cuyahoga Community College-Eastern Campus Performing Arts Center on Sat 4/26 at 7:30PM and Sun 4/27 at 2PM. The concert will feature three world premieres: Big Trucks and Leverage, a collaborative work with both companies; Unconquered Warriors, a signature work by Nai-Ni Chen, with fiery and fierce movement creating imagery of warriors going into battle; and Sweet Radio Radicals, choreographed by Dianne McIntyre bringing to life female singers/songwriters from 1920s through 1975 whose soulful and radical songs brought power and energy to woman across America, featuring Mahalia Jackson, Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin and more! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for an entertaining and memorable experience (216) 432-0306. http://www.DancingWheels.org

A Conversation with “Citizen” Ed Hauser

Our lakefront is one big mess. It’s horrific hodge-podge of stuff that looks and acts like it was assembled by a committee. A committee formed of enemies to themselves and the people they supposedly serve. Ten years ago, Ed Hauser, a 30-something process control engineer at LTV Steel picked up his morning Plain Dealer and made an amazing discovery. He learned that the Port Authority was planning to acquire the Whiskey Island marina and parkland properties and make them a shipping dock. That pushed him into becoming an involved citizen. Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz had the chance to speak with Hauser recently; their in-depth discussion can be found by clicking the link below. It also inspired a commentary from Ferjutz on what Cleveland’s Lakefront might look like in 2020, which you’ll also find in this issue. We encourage you to check them both out in advance of Earth Day…

Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

A Cleveland 20/20 in 2020… and a Lakefront Commissioner

You wake up on Saturday, July 11, 2020, to find brilliant and sunny blue skies with no rain in the forecast, and you think – this is a day to go sailing! Your boat isn’t all that big, just enough room for two people—if they’re friendly—so you call your best girl and say, “I’ll meet you at Edgewater in half an hour.” Fortunately, she agrees, so you get yourself up and moving. Being so small, the boat doesn’t need to be in the water all the time, so you hook the trailer to the car and head off to the public launching ramp at Edgewater Park, the public park just off the West Shoreway at Lake Erie. Since you live at Battery Park, it takes all of five minutes to get there.

Another five minutes and the boat’s in the water, and you look up in time to see your friend on her bike. She fastens it to your car, and climbs in the boat to wait for you to park. Finally, you’re both ready for a fabulous day on Cleveland’s fabulous lake. You’ve heard tales of what the lakefront here used to be like, and you shake your head in wonder. Thank goodness for the Lakefront Commissioner who sorted it all out and made the necessary changes before the whole thing was lost…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

SPONSORED: The Loser Father from the movie “Back to the Future,” was portrayed by screen actor Crispin Glover. Glover, a cult icon, will present a unique evening at the Cinematheque at CIA on Fri 4/25 and Sat 4/26 at 7PM. He’ll begin with “Crispin Hellion Glover’s Big Slide Show,” in which the screen actor narrates images from each of his eight illustrated storybooks. Next is Glover’s directorial debut, the feature “What Is It?” – a darkly comic film in which a young man struggles with his psyche. Featuring actors with Down syndrome, porn actresses in masks and Glover himself as a demigod, the film is worthy of Glover’s iconoclastic status. There will be a Q & A session and book signing with Glover after the film. The Cleveland Institute of Art is located at 11610 Euclid Avenue. Info: 216-421-7000 or www.cia.edu/tomorrow.

Back by Popular Demand! Hot Summer, Cool Camps, Part 3

So, I see you’re back for more. Still looking for the right camp for your kiddo? Or perhaps you are just curious about what else Cleveland has to offer for kids this summer? Thanks to all who sent in submissions to Cool Cleveland. It’s definitely going to be a hot summer of fun for kids in Cleveland!

Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Two totally different types of camp experiences can be found in one destination this summer – the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. If curiosity describes your kid, the Junior Medical Camps developed for grades 3 and up (different weeks for different ages), may be just what you need. In a partnership with Tri-C, these medical camps provide hands on explorations with many things medical and a bit ooey gooey (what kid doesn’t love ooey-gooey!). Several sessions are offered throughout the summer and run Monday through Friday from 9/9:30AM – 4/4:30PM (depending on the camp)…
Read more from Jeannie Fleming-Gifford here

SPONSORED: Do the Math…It all Adds Up Your product or service + the WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction = Valuable TV Promotion and a Tax Deduction. And it’s all in support of WVIZ/PBS. Vacation packages, sporting event tickets, art, antiques, and wine are just a few examples of what you can donate today: 216.916.6100 or www.wviz.org.

Want a Comic Book, Gratis? Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop in Kamm’s Plaza will be giving away no-cost comic books on Sat 5/3 from 10AM – 8PM for “National Free Comic Book Day.” Call 252-0606 for more info. http://www.cnjcomics.com.

1776 Tri-C’s Western Campus presents the story of the days leading up to the signing of “The Declaration of Independence” with 1776, beginning Fri 4/18 and running through the following weekend. Witness Thomas Jefferson being convinced by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to write the Declaration. See the quest for America’s independence nearly ended. With music and dialogue taken from eye-witness accounts of the founding fathers, this seems pretty cool to us. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 8PM; Sunday performances start at 3PM. http://www.tri-c.edu/theatre/west.

Countdown to the Future! This no-cost family fun event at NASA Glenn Visitor Center on hits Sat 4/19 from 9AM – 4PM. Learn about NASA’s new Constellation Program and the Glenn center’s role in returning humans to the moon. Presentations on the Ares Launch Vehicle, The Orion Spacecraft, a Lunar Surface Access Module and living on the moon are part of the fun. Handouts, make & take crafts and access to a digital photo booth round out the fun. Reservations are required; call 433-9653 do cinch that up. As part of this event, we will have handouts for all, make & take crafts for kids and our free digital photo booth. 21000 Brookpark Rd. http://glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

The Cleveland Orchestra will perform its final Family Concert of the season on Sat 4/19 at 11AM and 1:30PM. This program, titled “Dancing with Dvořák,” will be led by Cle Orch Assistant Conductor Tito Muñoz. They’ll be joined by members of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet and Csárdás Dance Company Youth Ensemble for this concert that celebrates the folk-inspired music of Antonín Dvořák and the art of dance. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Young Women in Science Festival This Tri-C West event features a keynote speech by Dr. Elizabeth Balraj, a forensic pathologist. Students will hear professional women talk about careers and answer questions in panel discussions. They can also engage in hands-on workshops in Tri-C’s high-tech labs. For women in grades 8 – 12. Career panels and hands-on workshops are included in this Sat 4/19 at 10AM event. Western Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Rd., Parma. http://www.tri-c.edu/wis.

Jazz for Kids The 29th Annual Tri-C JazzFest presents this workshop, hosted by The Children’s Museum of Cleveland starting Sar 4/19 at 11AM. Jazz music is the genre, but education is the mission of this special offering, featuring jazz musician/educator Joe Hunter and his entertaining show. After the performances families will have the opportunity to create an artistic masterpiece of their own using paint to create a large-format “Jump & Jive Painting” at 12:30 and 3PM http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

Celebrate Safe Kids Week this Sun 4/20 with the Cleveland Children’s Museum. Check out all the details: http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

HOT City2City 5K Race and 2 Mile Fun Walk Support the babies and children at Providence House, Cleveland’s safe haven for children newborn through age 5 who are at risk for neglect or abuse. Run or walk from Tower City to Ohio City, home of Providence House, in this first-ever family fun event Sun 4/20 starting at 8AM. T-shirts, goody bags and post-race refreshments included. Awards will be given to the top finishers. Register on-line at http://www.hermescleveland.com. http://www.provhouse.org.

EarthFest The Party for the Planet at is back at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as the annual EarthFest celebration helmed by the Zoo and Earth Day Coalition returns Sun 4/20 from 10AM – 5PM. This is the largest environmental education event in the state and one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country. Food, music, activities and a great green educational experience for kids and families alike. http://www.earthdaycoalition.org.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

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

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Take action to protect our Great Lakes and let the higher-ups know that privitizing our greatest natural resource is NOT ACCEPTABLE to you. Click
Gel May Stop the Spread of HIV Head to http://www.woio.com and check out the “Video Stories.” A new report indicates that new research “could have a huge impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS,” and effective compounds could “give women a method to protect themselves.” Some of the microbicide research globally is being carried out here in Cleveland, at the Center for AIDS Research. Click. Click again
National Knight Center will help communities provide access to the Digital Town Square for their citizens; grant to OneCommunity creates Knight Center in Akron and foundation commits up to $25M over 5yrs to universal access. http://www.intelligentcommunity.org. http://www.knightfoundation.org. http://www.onecommunity.org.
And here’s what’s being written about this Akron Digital Town Square. Click
Save the Internet, support Net Neutrality by clicking here
A perfect storm in NEO budgets across the region? Read
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Unless, of course, that curtain is in Lakewood. Kids love Oz. Click
Spring has sprung! Are you ready for taking care of those gardens and plants? Read
New Strhess limited edition line debuts with added bonus for Derek Hess fans! Click
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve launch a brand new website. http://www.wrkids.org
Learn how CWRU is strengthening the community. Read
Free Clinic announces their 5th fundraiser. Click
Payday loans hits the Cle news in suggested lower interest rate cap move and Marc Dann getting ambushed by payday lending supporters
With that in mind, check out a Financial Literacy Seminar on Sat 4/19 at 10:30AM. Vocational Training Center at 2235 E. 55th St. RSVP required: 391-2316.

The best place to buy a home, according to Money magazine. You might be surprised.

21st Century Schools The U.S. ranks near the bottom of other industrialized nations in math and science education; kids in much of the industrialized world are so far ahead of American kids that some experts say only a radical restructuring of how we teach math and science will close the gap. In a special series, ideastream has presented a multimedia series, “21st Century Schools.” Missed them? Check out the podcasts of The Sound of Ideas and http://www.wcpn.org/futureschools or http://www.wviz.org/futureschools for more.

St. Baldrick’s on St. Patrick’s Day was another great success. A record 14 females shaved their locks along with close to 100 males — including ideastream’s Dan Moulthrop — all to conquer and raise awareness for pediatric cancer. At this point, over $150K has been raised; next year fundraising dollars will break the $1M over a 7-year at A.J. Rocco’s. Wow! http://www.ajroccos.com. http://www.stbaldricks.org.

Rock Hall Benefit Rocks! Patty Smyth (Scandal), Rob Parissi (Wild Cherry), the Sugarhill Gang, Lou Gramm (Foreigner) and others are gonna rock Public Hall with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum’s 7th Annual “It’s Only Rock and Roll” Benefit Sat 5/10 at 7PM at Public Hall, Cle Conv Ctr. It’s all for a great cause — proceeds benefit the Museum’s educational programs and ticket buyers have a shot at winning 2009 Induction tix and an Inductee Summer Concert Package! Schweet. http://www.rockhall.com.

Word Lover’s Retreat Held in historic Lakeside from Fri 5/16 – Sun 5/18, this writing and creative experience features muse chasing, quiet contemplation, listening to and writing words, stimulating conversation, and timeless walks. Held at Idlewyld in the heart of Lakeside — just a few blocks from Lake Erie’s Shore — the retreat is held in the tradition of Skyline Writer’s Retreats, in the Spirit of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and hosted by Cool Cleveland writer Claudia Taller. Award-winning veteran writer John Ettorre will be the writer-in-residence. Guests can stay the entire weekend, only one night, or just spend the day Sat 5/17. Learn more about the retreat at Claudia Taller’s blog http://claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com. For further info, call Claudia at 440-554-6406 or e-mail: ctallerwritesATwowway.com.

Getting ready your 08/09 marketing budget? Go online, where your customers are. InfoATCoolCleveland.com.

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: “A View From Washington” . . . Amidst the exciting 2008 presidential race, veteran Broadcast Journalist Chris Wallace will present “A View from Washington” on Tue 4/29 at 7PM in the Morley Music Building of Lake Erie College. Wallace is the host of FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace (FNS), Fox Broadcasting Company’s Sunday morning public affairs program. As host of FNS, Wallace has secured interviews with many leading newsmakers, including all the leading contenders for the 2008 Presidential campaign and his controversial interview with former President Bill Clinton. In 2004, Wallace wrote “Character: Profiles in Presidential Courage.” The book was widely touted as an informative study of American presidential leadership. This event is open to the public with no admission fee. To reserve your tickets visit www.lec.edu.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

John Gorman The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum presents an evening with the former program director at WMMS-FM. Gorman discusses his new book, The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio, and will participate in a book signing following the interview. The live audience interview is conducted by Jim Henke, chief curator for the Rock Hall. Hear all about those wild Buzzard days Wed 4/16 at 7PM. No cost, open to the public with a reservation. The Rock Hall Museum’s 4th Floor Theater. Please email edu@rockhall.org, call 515-8426 or visit http://www.rockhall.com to RSVP. Read more from CC Managing Editor Peter Chakerian here

Who’s Your Mama? This Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival hits Standing Rock Cultural Arts starting Wed 4/16 and running throughout the weekend. There’s a ton to view and learn about, so we’ll let the green folks do the telling. You’re sure to have a weekend full of knowledge. 257 N. Water St. Kent. Call 330-673-4970 for more details. http://www.standingrock.net. http://www.whosyourmama.org.

Scott Huler The NPR correspondent and Cle expat-author (now living in the Carolinas) signs and talks about his new book, No Man’s Lands: One Man’s Odyssey Through The Odyssey (Crown Publishers) Wed 4/16 at 7PM. The book follows the author’s true travel adventure as he attempts to retrace Odysseus’s every step, from the ancient ruins of Troy to his ultimate destination in Ithaca. 24519 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst. http://www.scotthuler.com. http://www.josephbeth.com.

The Qawwals of Pakistan The Cleveland Museum of Art’s (CMA) acclaimed VIVA! & Gala Around Town concert series presents the third concert in the “Music of Central Asia and the Near East” mini-series Thu 4/17 at 7:30PM in Murch Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. With just two instruments, a handful of voices, and a complex undercurrent of synchronized hand-clapping, this qawwali ensemble produces some of the most jubilant, devotional music you are likely to hear — in a style popularized Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn through his concerts and collaborations with the likes of Peter Gabriel. Details and Tickets.

MorrisonDance will close the DanceWorks 08 series at Cleveland Public Theatre starting Thu 4/17 and running through the weekend. They will deliver a collection of dances including new choreography by director Sarah Morrison, guest work by Antaeus Dance, and a crowd favorite by Maree ReMalia. World premieres are among the dances, including Tray Magnifique, Persephone, Sinews, and My Grandmother’s Lamp, all choreographed by director Morrison. Call 631-2727 for ticket info. http://www.morrisondance.com. http://www.cptonline.org.

Tri-C JazzFest The venerable jazz festival takes Cleveland by storm again starting Thu 4/17. This time out, Cleveland Salutes The American Classics with a lineup including Natalie Cole, John Pizzarelli & The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Nnenna Freelon, Jason Miles, Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, Joshua Redman Trio, Vijay Iyer Quartet, Marcus Roberts Trio, Eddie Backus, Sr., JD Allen Trio, Ernie Krivda Trio, Dominick Farinacci and many others (whew!) For a schedule, details and ticket info, as well as a list of no-cost, open to the public events, call 987-4400, or visit http://www.tricpresents.com.

A Night of Stars Celebrate 26 years of learning through play with Heights Parent Center at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center Thu 4/17 at 6PM. Heights Parent Center is an education resource and support center where parents and children play, learn, and share together. The gala will celebrate families and the org’s mission. Includes silent auction and presentation of the Carolyn Grossman Award for extrordinary commitment to families and children. For more information visit http://www.heightsparentcenter.org.

Dr. Sandra Harding The author, editor and UCLA prof asks Can Women Ever Become Modern? New Directions in Thinking about Gender, Science and Modernity in a Case Western Reserve University lecture Thu 4/17 at 4:15PM in the Mandel Center, Room 115. The familiar response to this question is that women already are modern in developed, industrialized societies; can the rest of the world be far behind? Yes? No? Why? She’s going to tackle all of it in under two hours, with a brief Q&A afterwards. Sounds completely compelling to us. Mandel Center on Bellflower Rd., between Ford and Juniper Rds. Call 368-0985 for more.

Cleveland Reads Annual Volunteer Reception This event recognizes and honors Greater Cleveland’s treasured literacy volunteers Thu 4/17 at 5:30PM. The “Volunteer of the Year” will receive an engraved plaque in recognition of his/her special contribution to literacy. Keynote Speaker for the event is Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz; Dan Moulthrop, host of The Sound of Ideas on WCPN 90.3-FM ideastream is the Master of Ceremonies. East Mt. Zion Baptist Church Education Wing, 9900 Euclid Ave. Call 436-2116. http://www.clevelandreads.org.

Ted Kooser Pulitzer Prize winner and 13th U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser will read his poetry Thu 4/17 at 7PM at John Carroll University, 20700 North Park Blvd., in Donahue Auditorium in the Dolan Science Building. Kooser was Poet Laureate from 2004-2006; he’s the author of 11 collections of poetry, including Delights and Shadows (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) and Weather Central. His poems have appeared in The New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly. No cost, open to the public. Parking is free, and plentiful. There will be a book signing after the event. Contact George Bilgere at gbilgere@jcu.edu for further info.

HOT Living in Your Imagination SPACES celebrates 30 years in 2008 as one of the longest-lived alternative art galleries in the United States. William Busta, Cleveland gallerist and cultural historian, curates this anniversary exhibition, featuring artists who have shown at SPACES since the 20th anniversary celebration in 1998. Addressing persistent themes in contemporary art and how artists mix personal and public identity is the crux. An opening reception for Living in Your Imagination will be held on Fri 4/18 at 6PM; the exhibition runs through early July. 2220 Superior Viaduct. http://www.spacesgallery.org.

Jiří Černický While you’re at SPACES (see the above listing) check out Czech artist Černický’s meditation on global consumer culture. The exhibition is on display starting Fri 4/18 through early July. 2220 Superior Viaduct. http://www.spacesgallery.org.

They’ll be Bach Baldwin-Wallace College presents their 76th Anniversary Bach Festival from Fri 4/18 – Sun 4/20. This Bach Festival is the oldest collegiate festival and the second oldest in the United States. Tickets are going fast, so log onto Bachfest, email bachfest@bw.edu or 440-826-2207 for info.

Paul Stranahan’s Insomnia The avant-garde jazz and improv act performs Fri 4/18 at 8:30PM at Pete’s Tavern, 1318 Warrensville Center Rd. Cleveland Hts. It’s their CD Release Party, too. Expect a lot of cool original compositions and improv, with Jeremey Poparard, Alan Gleghorn, and special guest saxophonist Chris Herald joining Stranahan. Get there early and grab a bite. Good food there. http://www.paulstranahan.com.

Don’t Call it a Comeback In celebration of Black Aspirations Week at Cleveland State University, the group Black Poetic will present Don’t Call It a Comeback: The Poems of Black Poetic, on Fri 4/18 at 7PM. This engaging, new multimedia performance is no cost, and open to the public. Dively Hall, 1717 Euclid Ave., in Glickman-Miller Hall on the Cleveland State campus. For more info, call Douglas Hoston at 322-SAGE. http://www.csuohio.edu.

HOT La bohème Been young? Been in love? That’s all you need to appreciate Opera Cleveland’s production of Puccini’s La bohème, playing Fri 4/18, Sun 4/20 and Sat 4/26. Performed at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square, the opera delves into the lives of young bohemians, in and out of love in 19th century Paris. La bohème will be sung in Italian with English “subtitles” projected above the stage. Featuring a youthful cast, this production pulls no punches, with stilt-walkers, jugglers, and a grimy artist garret transforming into a large artist’s cafe. 1519 Euclid Ave. http://www.operacleveland.org.

Esteban This magical guitar virtuoso blends the romantic sounds of acoustic guitar with the Cleveland Pops Fri 4/18 at 8PM. Hear the chart-topper deliver world famous renditions of “Fuego Malaguena,” “Sedona Sunrise,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Duende,” and many others. A cool musical “mash-up” for those who dig such things. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

SPONSORED: The neighborhood record store is no more. CD sales, such as they are, have been co-opted by the monster merchandisers who don’t know George Szell from Dave Brubeck. However, for those who love classical music, WCLV’s music partner ArkivMusic has some 75,000 titles available. Simply go to WCLV’s website, www.wclv.com, and click on the Arkiv logo found on all pages of the site. There you can peruse by composer, ensemble, soloist, and conductor. And every purchase you make through the WCLV website benefits WCLV. http://www.WCLV.com.

HOT Exit Stencil Recordings launches their new office space and recording studio in the Waterloo District Sat 4/19 from 7 – 10PM. The new home base for the Cle-based record label will be on display, along with some fun nosh, bevvies and (of course) tunes. Also happening on “The Street” that night? A party at the Music Saves indie record shop, a Scavenger Hunt from Shoparooni, a preview of the All-City Art Show at ArtsCollinwood and a concert featuring Exit Stencil recording artists Hot Cha Cha at the Beachland Tavern. Yes, all in one night. This is gonna be rockin’. http://www.exitstencil.org.

HOT Patricia Kambitsch The author of Looks Like Howard, will lead a workshop entitled “Truth, Lies, and Memoir: The Shady Experience of Writing and Sharing Personal Nonfiction.” The two-hour workshop, held on Sat 4/19 at 10AM at The Lit, 2570 Superior Ave., Suite 203. Call 694-0000 or visit http://www.the-lit.org for details. Then head over to Visible Voice Books in Tremont that night for an Sat 4/18 8PM reading/multimedia performance by Kambitsch — including members of Kambitsch’s own family. 1023 Kenilworth. http://visiblevoicebooks.com.

Kristy Hanson The Cleveland-born singer-songwriter graces the Wilbert’s stage this Sat 4/19 for an all-ages show starting at 9PM (doors at 7PM). Bassist, producer and long-time partner Mike Chiaburu joins her. The duo’s “marvelous chemistry” was praised by LA’s revered Music Connection magazine. The show opens with beloved local songwriter Jim Snively and the powerful Maura Rogers, who recently opened for Erin McKeown. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com. http://www.kristyhanson.com.

I Love Downtown! Call it a Downtown Cleveland Open House. On Sun 4/20 from 1 – 5PM, take a trolley tour of Cle’s coolest residential properties, loft apartments and condos. Along the way, grab a bite, do some shopping and and see first hand why so many people are making the decision to move downtown. Trolleys pick up and drop off at a choice of 18 sites. For tix and info, call 771-8088 [[http://www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/love_downtown.asp www.DowntownClevelandAlliance.com.

Paul Jacobs has reinvigorated the American organ scene with his once-in-a-generation gift as a performer. He has been applauded for his phenomenal technique and memory, charismatic stage presence, huge repertoire spanning five centuries, and the sense of showmanship he brings to an instrument more usually associated with staid and reserved performances. He performs at Trinity Cathedral Sun 4/20 at 2PM as a part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s VIVA! & Gala Around Town concert series. No cost, open to the public. http://www.clevelandart.org.

Earth Day Green Jobs Rally An expected 10,000 people will gather on Tue 4/22 from 4 – 7PM at the Great Lakes Science Center’s wind turbine to advocate for green manufacturing jobs in Cleveland. the group 10,000 Little (micro) Ideas to Keep You Believing in Cleveland hosts the rally and will provide petitions for attendees to sign. The petition is your chance to join thousands of other NEO citizens to send a clear message to government leaders for attracting green manufacturing jobs to the region. T-shirts will be distributed for a small donation. 601 Erieside Ave. http://www.10000littleideas.com.

91.3 The Summit’s Earth Day continues their efforts to help NEO “go green” in 2008. Check out their celebration Tue 4/22 at 4PM at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Learn how to get green, and bring recyclables such as aluminum cans, ink and toner cartridges, cell phones and more. Taylor Band & Orchestra will also be on hand collecting instruments for the “Music Alive” program, and Goodwill will be collecting items as well. The evening wraps up with no-cost “Summit Concert” with Razor & Tie Records recording artist Dave Barnes. http://www.913thesummit.com.

Jazz Cabaret Benefit for GroundWorks Dance Theater. This cool event at the Cleveland Bop Stop — one of the best sounding intimate rooms in town, by the way — features musical performances by Helen Welch with Mark Gonder, Glen Holmes and Rock Wehrman, as well as a GroundWorks performance with guest artists Gustavo Aguilar and Howie Smith. It all takes place Tuesday 4/22 from 5:30 – 9PM. Cleveland Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Rd. Call 691-3180 for details.

MOCA’s Talalay Lecture Series: Carolyn Strauss The founder of slowLab, a unique design and exhibition practice that seeks to advance slow design as a fertile and holistic approach to sustainability, is speaking Tue 4/22 at 6PM. Seating is limited, so call Andrea Kormos at 421-8671 ext 21 to reserve tix. Or visit www.mocacleveland.org/talalay for more info. Westfield Insurance Studio Theater at ideastream, 1375 Euclid Ave. To learn more, visit http://www.slowlab.com.

HOT One Water The Kent State University Stark Campus, led by Dean Betsy V. Boze, will celebrate Earth Day 2008 by sponsoring the U.S. premiere of the film One Water, a doc that celebrates our planet’s relationship to water. This will be the first public screening of the film, produced by the University of Miami. Filmed in 14 countries, One Water explores the global fresh water crisis and how this invaluable resource touches on every aspect of human life and culture. This special screening on Tue 4/22 at 7:30PM will be shown in the historic Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tickets are required for this no-cost event may be obtained by visiting the Palace Theatre Box Office or the Kent State Stark Main Hall Information Desk at 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township. Visit http://www.stark.kent.edu/CampusInfo/OneWater.cfm or contact Jenny Huth at 330-499-9600.

SPONSORED: STOP! Slow down. Be thoughtful. Design. MOCA Cleveland’s Talalay Lecture Series is demonstrating how contemporary design can drive social change. Take it “easy” as award-winning designer, curator, and founder of slowLAB, Carolyn Strauss shares insight on the emerging practice of “slow” design Tue 4/22 at 6PM. Program held off-site at ideastream. Tickets: MOCA Member $8; Non-member $10; Student $5. Contact 216.421.8671 or www.MOCAcleveland.org/Talalay.

HOT FusionFest For the 3rd consecutive year, The Cleveland Play House at 85th and Euclid presents this multidisciplinary performing arts festival starting Wed 4/23 and running through mid May. The festival offers a sampling of new and innovative works never before been seen in C-town. Performances by Judy Gold, Kim Wayans, former NFL star Bo Eason, and a collaboration with the Humana Festival of New American Plays are among the highlights. http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com for details.

The CIM Orchestra Director Carl Topilow conducts the group through works by Paul Schoenfield, Liszt, and Rachmaninov, with CIM Concerto Competition winner Eri Nakamura featured as pianist on Wed 4/23 at 8PM. The next generation of professional classical musicians is right in your own backyard; don’t miss them performing on the Severance Hall stage. http://www.cim.edu.

CIA Spring 08 Design Show Explore student designs in industrial, communications and interior designs at this three-day exposition starting Wed 4/23 at 9:30AM and running through Fri 4/25 at 5PM. See their incredible work, then interview them for internships, full-time work, or just explore their creativity. This CIA 2008 Spring Show includes a Closing Reception Fri 4/25 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. RSVP: events@cia.edu.

Feist Although singer-songwriter Leslie Feist was “(super) grateful to win the five Junos, she couldn’t help but announce that the best day of her life happened recently,” when she filmed her hit “1-2-3-4” with the Muppets on Sesame Street. A founder of Canada’s cool band Broken Social Scene, Feist’s record The Reminder ended up on many Top 10 lists for 2007. A critic’s darling, her work is starkly beautiful and compelling. Check her out live at Playhouse Square this Wed 4/23 at 7:30PM. http://www.listentofeist.com. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

Me as I Am, Me as I Will Be Cleveland Public Theatre Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan presents an evening of new work from the CPT/Elyria YWCA Women’s Voices Project Wed 4/23 at 8PM. An evening of insightful, delightful and powerfully original works of drama, story and poetry performed by women in transition. Established in 1999, the Women’s Voices Project is a collaboration between Cleveland Public Theatre and the Elyria YWCA’s Women’s Campus Project. The no-cost performance is open to the public; donations accepted. Post-show discussion and reception follows. http://www.cptonline.org.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. George A. Akerlof will present the 18th Emile Grunberg Lecture, titled “Economics and Identity,” on Wed 4/23 at 2:30PM at The University of Akron Student Union’s Gardner Theatre. The lecture is no cost and open to the public. For tickets, visit UA’s Bierce Library, or call the Department of Economics at 330-972-7546.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes
Visit Cleveland in April

Santa Claus in April is one thing. But when four members of the word-famous Radio City Rockettes marched on stage at the Idea Center with the big man for the announcement of Playhouse Square’s Broadway Series, you could hear the jaws of the usually-cynical Cleveland press corps hit the floor. When it turned out that two of the four were from Ohio, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready had to act. Flipping the “record” switch on his trusty videocam, he captured this brief interview with the high-stepping legends on the street under the PHS marquee, as they talked about the move from small town to big city and back home to Ohio, plus their upcoming Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Playhouse Square on December 4-28, 2008. Keep your eyes open, Cleveland, you never know what you’ll see next. http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com

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

Nine Inch Nails
Ghosts I-IV
The Null Corporation

Former Clevelander Trent Reznor laid down tracks at The Right Track studio on Brookpark Road in November of 1988 that, once remixed by the producer Flood and others, became Nine Inch Nails’ breakthrough first album, Pretty Hate Machine. Reznor opened the door to a new genre of take-no-prisoners 90’s industrial noise and it launched a brilliant career for the songwriter/ vocalist/ instrumentalist and a shifting array of NIN bandmates hired for touring — peaking in 1994 with The Downward Spiral and its massive radio hit Closer. In 2007, Reznor opted to not renew his contract with his label Interscope, and has instead released the 36-track instrumental Ghosts I-IV directly from his site, http://www.NIN.com. Taking his cue from Radiohead, whose In Rainbows was offered for free from their site months before it was released as a disc by their label (and still hitting #1 in sales that week), NIN fans have five choices for how to get Ghosts I-IV: a free download of the first 9 tracks as DRM-free MP3s with the accompanying PDF of graphics and liner notes; $5 for all 36 tracks in higher quality downloads, plus the PDF; $10 for two audio CDs in a six-panel digipak with a 16-page booklet, plus immediate high quality downloads; or $300 for an “ultra-deluxe limited edition package” that was sold out of the available 2500 units within a few days. Doing the math, former NIN manager and Clevelander John Malm Jr. marveled that Reznor probably earned $1.7M in four days, and Rolling Stone magazine estimated that NIN made more from Ghosts I-IV in a week than his previous Interscope release, Year Zero, for which he only received only $2 per unit, which so far has sold approximately 500,000 copies. So, how’s the music…?

Read more by Thomas Mulready here

A big trade deal with Costa Rica for the North Coast. Read
Cle’s two big banks are considered a rare asset. Read
Nat City’s Daberko examined in recent news. And yet Raskind is taking the blame?
Could Nat City’s latest potential “suitor” be Canadian? Scotiabank bid is seen as “plausible,” eh? Read and Read More
Eaton Completes Purchase of Bonn, Germany’s Moeller Group Read
Solar panels for 2000 Ohio school roofs? How about for EVERY school roof? This is a great idea that deserves its (natch) moment in the sun. Read
Y-town Biz Incubator, digital classroom gains national attention on ABC news. Watch
Nonprofit hospitals strike it rich, according to this WSJ story. Numbers are staggering. Read
Here are 5 tips for a greener workplace and some intriguing workplace trends.

Want tix to the ’09 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony? Go to this year’s benefit on Sat 5/10 for as little as $15 and you’re entered to win a pair for next year’s huge Induction Ceremony. Tix.

SPONSORED: Trading Lunches with thunder::tech :: we always have the homemade cookies:: We all bring something to the table—garlic bread, search engine optimization, website design… sometimes tangerines. Although we’ve always been taught not to play with our food, we’d rather mix everything together. You can’t beat the result when you combine public relations, green olives, graphic design and web development together with a whole lot of corned beef and ice cream. (Mmmm…ice cream…) And because our parents raised us right, we aren’t opposed to sharing. Let us mix it up for you—stop by the site, give us a call:: www.thundertech.com • 216.391.2255

Research ShowCASE 08 Scientists, scholars in 2-day collaboration highlighting research @ CWRU Wed 4/16 & Thu 4/17. More
AAF-Cleveland Hall of Fame luncheon will be Wed 4/16 at Windows on the River. Click
Noon at Nance @ CSU hosts Sally Breyley Parker from Currere and Brad Chase from Green City Blue Lake to discuss “Northeast Ohio: A Leader in Sustainable Business Practices” Thu 4/17. Worth checking out. Register
Cle Plus Selling Advantage: “License to Sell” forum, program and keynote hits Thu 4/17 from 8AM – 4PM @ Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown. Learn top secret tips and advice for selling your destination. RSVP: 875-6629 or email: cludwig@positivelycleveland.com.
CAAO’s Doing Biz Beyond Your Borders at Midtown Innovation Center, 4415 Euclid Ave., Suite 201 on Fri 4/18 at 9:30AM. http://www.caao.net. 2008 Perspectives: Women Who Excel Conference at the InterContinental is 6th annual panel w/ dynamic group of today’s leading women executives from across the nation. Moderated by PD Ed, Susan Goldberg Tue 4/22 at 8AM 9801 Carnegie Ave. Register via email: dbaughman@sbnonline.com or call 440-250-7048
Networked Approach to Building Prosperity in Regions 2-Day Wksp at Punderson Manor Resort beg Wed 4/23. Details
More than 40 agencies seeking employees are expected to attend CSU’s 1st ever Gov’t Career Fair Wed 4/23 from 9AM – 3PM @ Glickman-Miller Hall, Levin College of Urban Affairs, located at 1717 Euclid Ave. Click
Leading with Style OWBA (Ohio Women’s Bar Association) and the Rennillo Foundation will jointly host “Leading with Style” on Thu 4/24 from 5 – 8PM at 100 Erieview Tower. This cross-networking, shopping and pampering event aims at NEO’s top professional women. Call 574-9533 ext. 114 or 403-2341 for details. Click
SBIR/STTR and Grant Funding Proposal Preparation Workshop runs Mon 4/28 and Tue 4/29. Register online here, call 440-962-3141 or email: monicadumitriu@oai.org
Heights-Hillcrest Regional COC holds 14th annual Business Expo on Tue 4/29 from 3 – 7PM Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. Click
Innovation accelerator spon. Magnet/NorTech hits DoubleTree Hotel Cle South, 6200 Quarry Ln, Independence Thu 5/1 at 8AM. Info
YP Networking in the Middle – Akron Edition hits Musica, 21-23 Maiden Ln, Akron on Thu 5/8 at 6PM. Details
Cle hosts 2008 Economic Development Administration Regional Conference and you are invited to attend! It drops Mon 5/12 – Wed 5/14 at the Crown Plaza and features 300 economic development professionals from 19 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All you need to do is Register
Financial Decision Making forum helps newbie and longtime biz owner-ops navigate $ waters, find magnetic north Wed 5/14 at 9AM. Register
JumpStart Annual Public Mtg hits Corp College East Thu 5/15, celebrating entrepreneurship. Details and Registration
Cleveland Opportunity + Expo 2008 is designed to provide small and mid-size businesses in Cle an opportunity to promote and introduce products or services and establish new relationships. It hits Fri 5/23 at 10AM at the Galleria. Click

Velocity/2008 celebrates NEO companies accelerating our economy with innovative practices, strategies Thu 5/29 at 4:30PM at the Idea Center. RSVP? Call 375-7974 or email: danyoung@dxysolutions.com

Karamu goes Freaky-Deaky with The Blacks

The promotional material warns: “Do not come alone.” The audience members will be issued a mask to wear. The language gets so raw, the stage manager can’t make herself say the lines. The cast does freaky things with a corpse. The playwright was a thief and male prostitute serving a penitentiary life sentence – not to mention a bizarre white dude. How many ways can Karamu get “in your face” this week? Can we say “Must See Theatre?”

Artistic Director Terrence Spivey laughs. “[The Play House’s] Michael Bloom said to me, “I can’t believe you’re doing The Blacks! Nobody touches that.” But this has been on my top list of the plays I’ve wanted to do ever since I came to Karamu. It reminds me of The Rocky Horror Show gone extra-wild, but in a deeper, darker way. And the more we rehearse, the more contemporary things I see in the script, from the governor with the call girl to O.J. Simpson.” Not bad for a nearly 50-year-old script so politically incorrect, it might as well be radioactive…
Read more from Linda Eisenstein here

SPONSORED: Take One Health Step Watch WVIZ/PBS for “The Truth about Cancer” Wed 4/16, 9PM. Interspersed within this powerful documentary will be local presentations by The Gathering Place, and an opportunity for viewers to call in and speak directly with a health professional and/or receive a free resource brochure. Visit www.wviz.org.

One Cle Expat’s Odyssey Through… the Odyssey

Cleveland expat, author and NPR contributor Scott Huler delivered an essay on the show All Things Considered, not knowing that his comments would place a global trek squarely at his feet. Huler, who published a collection of Cleveland Browns essays called On Being Brown for local publisher Gray & Company a few years ago, made one simple statement — that he had given up trying to read James Joyce’s tale of Ulysses. His public claim landed him in a reading group “slogging through Joyce’s impenetrable modern masterpiece,” and also set in motion an obsession with Joyce’s source material… the ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey.

At the time of The Odyssey, the Everyman hero is in his mid-40s; so was Huler. As he continued to consume the epic, he found it to be as much a guidebook to the challenges of adulthood as it was about gods and monsters. And the more he read, the more compelled Huler felt to follow in the footsteps of Odysseus — literally. Armed with a backpack of with clothes, guidebooks, and (of course) The Odyssey, Huler travels and retraces every step. In his new book No Man’s Lands, he offers up many of the life lessons and literary ruminations he experienced along the way…

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Down to the Wire in Ward 6

Thankfully most of the ugliness that occurred early-on in the Ward 6 special election runoff has finally ceased. This is the contest where vicious anonymous emails were sent to journalists who had agreed to participate in a Candidates’ Night when there were six people in the race. The cowards behind the missives cast all sorts of aspersions on the integrity and fitness of most of the people who had filed to run, but singled out John Boyd because he was convicted of murder as a 16-year-old over 30 years ago.

I don’t want to take too much credit for stopping the underhanded tactics, but I did threaten to expose the names of the people behind the negative campaigning if they didn’t cut it out, and, just like the cowards I knew them to be, they crawled back under their rocks. And, as long as they stay under them, I’ll keep their names out of my column.

However, the frontrunner in the contest, current Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell, didn’t approve of, or have anything to do with, the dirty tactics…
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

The Cleveland Public Library’s book sale prompts Christine to write “Now, there’s been a lot of sappy stuff written about why you should like to read. I like to read because I am a really cheap person and reading is a pastime that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on. I also like to read because if you read a wide variety of books, you can’t help but get smarter. I encourage people to read stuff they don’t agree with, stuff that might make them angry or mortified or might make them accommodate more points of view than they were previously willing to accept…”

To this BFD readers replied:

What are you reading? Are you part of a book club? Would you be interested in joining? Read and add your comment here

Mac’s Backs on Coventry Celebrates Local Talents

A Coventry Village mainstay for over 25 years, Mac’s Backs in Coventry Village is full of reminders that it celebrates local talent. The walls are covered with posters promoting poetry readings, author signings, and local writers and events. The store regularly sponsors literary readings, mostly poetry, held in the no-frills basement. The independent bookstore is locally owned by a group of people including Suzanne DeGaetano.

One can wander from Tommy’s, the restaurant, through a side door that connects to Mac’s Backs. The space is full of books ranging from classics to mysteries to science fiction to collectibles, both used and new. Upstairs in a balcony area are mostly paperback books, but the main floor contains hardcover and new bestsellers, in addition to the used paperbacks for which Mac’s is known…
Read more from Claudia J. Taller here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Jewish Leaders are contesting the proposed move of the Jewish Community Federation from Downtown.
OhioBikeBuddies is an online matching service that can help you find fellow bike commuters.
OneCommunity is wifi-ing Akron.
The Networking Committee of the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club along with NEOSA, FIT Technologies and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland invite you and your company to participate in Velocity/2008 on May 29, 2008 at the Idea Center at Playhouse Square.
85,000 foreclosures in Ohio last year.
What issues have gotten you involved in your neighborhoods?
Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine requests money to keep Democrats from taking control and and spending tax dollars irresponsibly.
Public Square being closed meant enjoying an almost completely car-free, pedestrian zone that stretched from Public Square, past the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument to Mall B.
With close to 90% of Ohio’s electricity coming from coal and about 9% from nuclear, Ohio has some work to do on diversifying the portfolio.

Octopussy
Lines Across Lines
Turkeyhand Records

It stands to reason that the debut Lines Across Lines EP is a tech-savvy, MP3-only release and suggestively named after the James Bond novel/film character portrayed by Swedish born ex-model/actress Maud Adams. Where else but in 1983 could one find something that sounds so familiar (pinches of post-punk and New Wave juxtaposed against an indie pop-rock sound that recalls Hershey, PA’s the Ocean Blue) and yet need a “Q”-like gadget to be heard? You can’t miss the band’s melodic influences, but even as Octopussy could have been released to fanfare 25 years ago. With knockout numbers like “If People Could Be Reset,” “Instead of Lying Still” and the hot “House of 1000 Glances,” it still has a really nice edge to it. So does the coup de grace on the EP, “Letter to a Dying City” which is certainly about our hometown and singer Chris Wright’s feelings about it.

As mentioned earlier, this Lines Across Lines’ EP doesn’t come in any record store format: Octopussy is a digital-only release, which means that when you head to a show, bring your iPod, Zune or even that USB Flash drive with those PowerPoint biz presentations you’ve got on your keychain. Drop LAL a bill and they upload the whole thing for you from their handy-dandy laptop. How’s that for instant gratification? To paraphrase the dastardly Kamal Khan from the ’83 Bond movie, to Lines Across Lines CDs are indeed of a very rare breed… and soon to be made extinct.

Check out the band at the Beachland Ballroom Tavern this Friday, April 18 at 9PM as they support The Epochs and Red Beard. This is an all-ages show. Visit LAL on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/linesacrosslines. Visit the Beachland at http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

Hagan’s Record Leaves Taxpayers Naked

One of the factors we don’t know about the deal for the Medical Mart and Convention Center is what the lease will say or thereafter how often the lease will be ignored to the benefit of the developer.

Cuyahoga County has bestowed to private interests, in a memorandum of understanding, some $903 million for construction and operation of a Medical Mart and Convention Center. The public, however, doesn’t yet know what it is buying. The politicians have shown over and over that they don’t care.

With Commissioner Tim Hagan’s close association with the Kennedy family and its connection to MMPI (Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.) of Chicago, headed by Chris Kennedy, son of late Sen. Robert Kennedy, don’t expect much critical oversight.

Want some hints of what we may be buying…?

Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

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

Civic Innovation Lab Breakfast of Champions @ Trinity Commons 4/8 “I grew up in inner city Detroit so I can relate to these high school kids,” said Lizalyn Smith, an aerospace engineer from NASA Glenn Research Center and a recent $30,000 Civic Innovation Lab grant recipient. “I never liked math in school, didn’t know what engineering was, but an adult mentor helped me out and made all the difference,” she explained to the Civic Innovation Lab Breakfast of Champions audience.

Lizalyn Smith is president of Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Along with Mark Sorrels, another NASA aerospace engineer, they have spearheaded this initiative to create a junior affiliate for high school students, NSBE Jr. The grant funding will support their new project, a program to encourage math and science studies for African American high school students while exploring engineering careers.

The new organization already has 25 students, 9th and 10th graders, each signed up with a $10 fee to assure their commitment. The students attend monthly meetings where professional engineers give presentations about their areas of expertise. Smith is looking to grow the membership to 60 students. She is recruiting for more engineers to volunteer as mentors and more companies to provide sponsorship. For more information about NSBE Jr., email Smith: liza711@hotmail.com.

Eddy Eckart and Tom Dillon were the other Civic Innovation Lab grant recipients and entrepreneurs honored at this event. They have built a versatile and flexible housing assistance program delivering a packaged solution for organizations to offer prospective buyers financial assistance toward affordable housing. Their new non-profit organization, Sustainable Community Housing Assistance (SCHA), has developed a sustainable investment vehicle model that would provide funds for housing down payment assistance. Grants will be made available to participating groups’ membership (like government workers and unions) to purchase homes in Cleveland and its inner-ring suburbs. For more information, email: eddy@schanetwork.org.

The Breakfast of Champions is an award recognition event sponsored by the Civic Innovation Lab honoring the people behind the entrepreneurial business ventures and projects that transform the greater Cleveland community. Have a great idea for northeast Ohio but need help? Contact the Civic Innovation Lab at http://www.civiclab.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Golda’s Balcony @ Actor’s Summit 4/9 Dorothy Silver is the first lady of Cleveland theatre. Golda Meir was the first lady of Israeli politics. The two grand dames are gloriously coming together on the Actors’ Summit stage in Golda’s Balcony. The one-woman show, which was written by William Gibson, ran for play 493 performances on Broadway. It is an album of a seemingly fearless woman who was Israel’s first female Prime Minister.

Meir was in office when Egyptian troops stormed across the Suez Canal and Syria’s army drove down from the Golan Heights into Israel on Yom Kipper Day, October 6, 1973. The action overwhelmed the Israeli army. Much of the success of the Israelis during that conflict is credited to the almost superhuman efforts of Meir. Her perseverance saved the Israelis from being “driven into the sea.”

From the play’s first line, “I am at the end of my stories,” until the last line when she actually is at the end of her stories, we are immersed in Zionist history and Meir’s personal life and observations. We experience a failed marriage because of her need to be a leader rather than a wife and mother. We observe her struggles and frustrations with the Israeli generals. We want to get up, grab the phone out of her hand and plead with Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State, and then-President Richard Nixon, to send help to Israel. Send help or be responsible for the destruction of the country.

Not all is serious. Meir’s sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself lighten up the tale. When Kissinger tells her that he is “first an American, second, the Secretary of State, and third, Jewish,” Meir responds, “That’s fine. We [the Israelis] read from right to left.”

Several years ago Valerie Harper came to Cleveland in a tour production of the play to portray Golda. I commented that Ms. Harper lacked the “tam” (the rich taste, the touch, the soul) of Meir. She acted the role, she didn’t experience the person. This is absolutely not the case with Dorothy Silver.

Silver is mesmerizing. She does not imitate Meir. There is no prosthetic nose, no cigarette smoking, no attempt to recreate Meir’s manly voice. Silver takes the words, makes them her own, and gives a clear picture of the “grandma” of Israel, with all her foibles. And, she does it all masterfully. Her Golda is always focused and riveting — a characterization totally complete.

The use of real pictures of Meir and the people and places that populate her life have been painstakingly culled by co-director A. Neil Thackaberry. The production was supposed to be directed by Reuben Silver, Dorothy’s talented husband. When Reuben became ill, he and Thackaberry become joint directors. Reuben worked with Dorothy at home, Neil with her at the theatre. The outcome is totally satisfying.

Capsule judgment: This is an absolutely must-see production. The show has no intermission and is 95 minutes. Plan to stay for the fascinating talk back with Silver and Thackaberry following each performance. Due to well deserved ticket demand, which has resulted in an almost sold out run, Actors’ Studio has extended the run for two performances. Get on the phone right now (330-342-0800) or go to http://www.actorssummit.org and get tickets for the Friday, April 18 (8PM) and Sunday, April 20 (matinee). Actors’ Summit is located at 86 Owen Brown Street, Hudson.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Mister Marmalade @ convergence-continuum 4/9
Reasons to go: Noah Haidle’s hyperactive dark comedy about the soap-opera-fueled fantasies of a lonely latchkey kid and her bizarre imaginary friends has its ups and downs, but it has one truly stellar performance. As Lucy’s five-year-old neighbor Larry, Tom Kondilas has an authentic sweetness whether he’s playing doctor, licking Oreos, or contemplating suicide because life may not get better and it already majorly sucks. Lucy Bredeson-Smith and Teresa McDonough also have a terrific scene as manic houseplants — yeah, it’s that kind of con-con show.
Flat: The chemistry between four-year-old Lucy (Lauren B. Smith) and her coke-snorting imaginary friend (Wes Shofner) doesn’t really spark, and it doesn’t help that the title role is a tad too much like Shofner’s last role there — think Demon Baby Part II.
Details: Thru 5/3 @ The Liminis, http://www.convergence-continuum.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Cleveland Orchestra & Chorus @ Severance Hall 4/10 Robert Porco conducted the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus in two famous works in Severance Hall Thursday night that glory in the human voice’s beauty and flexibility. I was happily disconcerted when I realized that the opening work, Leonard Bernstein’s marvelous “Chichester Psalms,” began with a dance rhythm similar to “That’s How You Know” in “Enchanted” (a [really, yes it was] charming Disney film about a cartoon princess who gets hurtled into a real New York City). Both shared in the joyful noise celebrating life when all is well. Countertenor Paul Flight sung the second-movement pastoral solo (young King David) with such clarity, sincerity, and subtle force that I didn’t miss the usual little boy soloist in the part.

Ralph Vaughn Williams’ “A Sea Symphony” followed. There are few beginnings more thrilling than the large opening shout with the chorus: “Behold, the sea —.” It’s a very British piece celebrating the ocean itself (historic source of British wealth and power and a whole musical tradition of sea songs and symphonies). Soprano soloist Measha Brueggergosman immersed herself in the piece; she gave a nuanced and glowingly evocative interpretation full of passion and fire (fashion note: her hot pink evening gown was tres glam). Baritone soloist Brian Mulligan sang competently, but more formally (more like a recital), losing a chance to indulge in the Walt Whitmanesque mullings the work encompasses. It may have been where I was sitting, but the orchestra sometimes seemed too loud though, of course, as always, it sounded great. It was a marvelous evening for those of us who love listening to the very fine Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

Cleveland Orchestra & Chorus @ Severance Hall 4/10 Several times each season, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus appears on the concert schedule. It’s not so often that it is on stage for the entire concert and participating as fully as on this program. The disciplined and well-rehearsed group sang nearly every note heard in two choral masterpieces of the 20th century. There were equal mixtures of lion and lamb in the two pieces.

Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms is a slightly jazzy version of several Psalms set to music that only Bernstein could have written. Of course, he grew up hearing the spoken Psalms, but he made them clearly his own in this setting, commissioned by the Three Choirs Festival, held each year in southern England. The music at time sounds British, yet it is certainly not. Bernstein was ahead of himself, as usual, sending jazz off to church.

Using a full orchestra minus woodwinds, there are both lush harmonies and harsh stridencies, along with absolutely torrents of notes. Director of Choruses Robert Porco had the large forces entirely at his beck and call throughout the evening. The few sections in which the chorus sang a capella were sweet and confident. This was especially so near the end of the Psalms. Countertenor Paul Flight sang calmly and clearly, although a tad languid in manner.

A Sea Symphony presented all moods of the vast waters: turbulent, invigorating, furious, even tranquil near the end. Set to poems by the American Walt Whitman, it’s easy to see why the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was so taken with the words. One is inclined to forget that England is an island, with ocean on all sides. The music is so evocative of the sea in all its guises.

Soprano Measha Brueggergosman and baritone Brian Mulligan sang their parts with emotion and clarity, but overall it was the Chorus that was in the spotlight. One portion that made a big impression was near the end of the 4th movement – The Explorers – when the women’s voices were as one in a segment that was reminiscent of chant. It was gorgeous.

At various times, members of the orchestra performed excellently in a brief solo capacity, notably flute, viola and organ. All in all, it was an unusual, resplendent and thoroughly enjoyable performance.

The orchestra is engaged in educational programs this week. Next week guest conductor Peter Eötvös conducts music of his own, along with two works by Bartók. Piano soloist is Pierre-Laurent Aimard. For tickets or information, call 231.1111 or visit the website http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

Banff Mountain Film Festival @ Allen Theatre 4/11 Now in it’s 32nd year, and with a couple of years under it’s belt at Playhouse Square (previously hosted at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History), the Cleveland version of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, organized by Christine Russell, is as much a catalyst for community collaboration as it is a film fest. Doors opened at 6PM for 90 minutes of socializing with food by Mustard Seed Market and Chipotle, comp beer from Great Lakes Brewery, and a dozen booths from eco, green, outdoor, retail, parks and government groups. Attracting an impressive crowd to the Allen Theatre, the films themselves varied on Friday evening from a 60-minute B.A.S.E. jumping film to an animated flick about a badger disrupted by nuclear warheads implanted in his nest. All films relate to mountain culture in some way or another, and the Great Lakes-fueld crowd reacted enthusiastically to the xtreme new-school skiing acrobatics of the 11-minute Balance. In Flux captured kayakers going where kayaks were never meant to be. In Great Day for Climbing, an aging mountain climber has a bad dream and swears off the sport when his friend bursts into song. Wings On Your Feet, showcased skiers who leap out of helicopters at the top of a mountain and survive the slick slalom down.

But the highlight was the hour-long profile of 5 years in the life of Karina Hollekim life as a base jumper, leaping off cliffs with a small parachute. Most B.A.S.E. jumpers either eventually freak out and quit or die, so Hollekim’s ultimate crash landing, resulting in 25 open fractures in both femurs, when her single parachute failed at a routine demonstration. Because it was a public event, EMS were standing by, and because she hit solid rock, she didn’t roll and damage her head and spine. Now confined to a wheelchair, 20 Seconds of Joy allows Hollekim to ruminate on her high-adrenaline life in a way that most similar mountain films avoid. Less a cautionary tale than a psychological study of what drives people to jump off cliffs, the film won the People’s Choice Award for a good reason.
Review by Thomas Mulready
Comments? LettesATCoolCleveland.com

Golda’s Balcony @ Actor’s Summit 4/11 “Wars will end when our enemies love their own children more than they hate us.” These words are spoken near the end of the 95-minute, one-woman play Golda’s Balcony by William Gibson. Actors’ Summit in Hudson showcases Cleveland’s Dorothy Silver as the legendary Golda Meir, who fought and struggled to bring the State of Israel into existence. It is a not-to-be-missed experience, and to make it easier for more people to see the sold-out original run, they’ve extended the run for two more performances—Friday April 18 at 8 pm and Sunday April 20 at 2PM. Co-directed by A. Neil Thackaberry and Reuben Silver, this performance will surely head the list of theatrical bests at the end of the year. Call 330-342-0800 or visit http://www.actorssummit.org to snag any remaining tix. You’ll be sorry if you don’t!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

Apollo’s Fire @ St. Paul’s Church 4/11 The ensemble conducted by Jeannette Sorrell played on the concept of “Fire” with sparkling renditions of Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Fire” Symphony (No. 59 in A Major) and Mozart’s passionately spiritual Symphony No. 40 in G minor, but the evening turned really hot with show-stopping solos from Idomeneo and Lucio Silla by soprano Amanda Forsythe. Forsythe’s beautiful lyric coloratura truly soared (seemingly) heavenward.

The entranced and appreciative audience kept calling her back to tell her they loved the performance. Lucky for us, Apollo’s Fire was recording that night and will make a CD based on this offering so not only can we hear it again, so can you if you missed it. (Since we were cautioned to be quiet due to the recording equipment suspended near us, no one breathed and no cells phones went off during the performances–but between pieces it sounded like a sick ward with everyone releasing the coughs and sniffles they’d been holding in.) Summer’s delightful “Countryside Concerts” are next up for Apollo’s Fire with master fiddler David Greenberg, soprano Sandra Simon and hammered-dulcimer diva Tina Bergmann holding a Cape Breton-type “Scottish Snap” festival in the Baroque Music Barn (Hunting Valley) and the Happy Days Visitor Center (Cuyahoga Valley National Park) May 3 through June 4.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

All’s Well That Ends Well @ GLTF 4/12 Now in production at the Great Lakes Theatre Festival, this is one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays. Besides its lack of compelling plot, the script has a reputation for being an “unlucky play.” In one of its first productions, the actor playing the female lead fainted and had to be replaced, mid-show. Then the actor playing the king fainted and subsequently died. Other productions have also met with strange happenings. As far as I know, GLTF’s production hasn’t met with any tragedies, but the staging isn’t exactly filled with life and vim. In fact, it is plodding, uninspired and generally flat.

All’s Well That Ends Well is classified as a comedy, though it is probably a Bard problem play… neither tragedy nor comedy. It is also one of Shakespeare’s least produced plays. It simply does not have the power of such work’s as Hamlet or Macbeth, nor the delight of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The story concerns Helena, the orphan daughter of a famous physician, who is the ward of the Countess of Rousillon. She is hopelessly in love with Count Bertram, the Countess’ son. When the handsome and charismatic Bertram is sent to the court of the King of France, Helena is crestfallen.

Despite her beauty and goodness, Helena has no hope of attracting him since she is of low birth and he is a nobleman. However, when word comes that the King is ill, she goes to Paris and, using her father’s medicines, she cures the malady. In return, she is given the hand of any man in the realm. Of course, she chooses Bertram. Her new husband is appalled at the match, and after their unconsummated marriage flees France. And, as the convoluted plot develops, we know in advance that everything will be all right, as all’s well that ends well.

All’s Well, which is directed by GLTF’s artistic director Charles Fee, is a disappointment. Fee, who is noted for his over the top attitude when it comes to overblown farce, fails to turn on the jets in this production. The farce isn’t farcical, the comedy isn’t comedic, the drama isn’t dramatic. The one saving grace is that the languid pace does allow the audience to clearly hear each word.

The cast is generally weak. Markus Potter doesn’t seem to have the dramatic chops for bringing life to Bertram who is supposed to be charismatic, imbued with leadership talents and is a dominating physical figure. None of these characteristics were present in Potter’s performance.

Sara Brunner has some good moments as Helena, but is several steps away from developing a special young woman who inspires our desires for her to succeed in her quest. Much of the performance was on the surface.

Though amusing, David Anthony Smith, who I must admit is one of my favorite GLTF players, didn’t have fun with Parolles, the over-exaggerating liar and buffoon. The same with Jeffrey Hawkins, who has become the company’s “player of clowns.” He threw away lines that should have been funny and feigned prat falls.

Countess Rossillion, is one of the few good roles for an older actress in the Shakespeare canon. Modern productions have starred the likes of Judi Dench and Peggy Ashcroft. Laura Perrotta is perfectly acceptable in the role, but captivating, she isn’t.

The one bright shining performance is that of Aled Davies, as the King. He is character right!

And then there is the set. Gage Williams’ has loaded the smallish stage with a massive fortress that pushes the action so forward that the actors have limited space to move. The large pillars so dominate that those of sitting on the sides of the theatre cant see much of the action mid to rear center stage. Then there is the large box that pops up at various times from the stage floor for no apparent reason other than to shout, “special effect.” What was Williams’ thinking?

”Capusle Judgment: It is fairly common for GLTF’s opening night audiences to jump to their feet at the final curtain, yelling “bravos.” During the curtain call for this production, there was polite applause, no standing ovation and people left the theatre talking about the rainy weather and yet another loss by the Indians, who had just finished their game at Progressive Field. Those actions sum up the production. Want a great theatre experience? See GLTF’s mesmerizing production of The Crucible.”

All’s Well That Ends Well runs through April 25 at the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square in tandem with The Crucible, which runs through the 27th. For ticket information call 241-6000 or visit http://www.greatlakestheater.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Apollo’s Fire @ St Paul’s Church 4/12 It’s only fitting that Apollo’s Fire should perform Mozart & Haydn on Fire!!! And I’m sure that had the lights been dimmed during the Mozart Symphony No. 40 in g minor, K 550, we would have been able to see the sparks generated by the string players as their fingers raced up and down the fingerboards and bows went furiously back and forth. Music Director Jeannette Sorrell seldom spares the horses and this was no exception. The natural horns were bright enough to strike sparks on their own.

It was a splendid performance all around: joyous and brisk and vibrant. The cellos and basses were especially robust, keeping everything nicely grounded. The sweet little ritard at the end of the third movement Allegretto allowed everyone to catch their breath before rushing into the very presto finale. It’s nice to think that Mozart might have heard a rendition very like this one, at least on instruments with which he would have been familiar, but I’m sure he’d not have heard it performed nearly as well as we did.

This was one of two works on the program being recorded for an upcoming CD release. All the programs are recorded for broadcast at a later date, but live recordings do produce their own special kind of energy, which was well demonstrated here.

The other work, also by Mozart, was the second of two arias sung by the rising young soprano Amanda Forsythe. This was Giunia’s Parto, m’affretto from Lucio Silla, and the limpidly beautiful work was from the 16-year-old composer. Ms. Forsythe’s performance was delicate and seemingly effortless.

Previously, she provided ample evidence that here is a Queen of the Night in training. Mozart obviously remembered his Zeffiretti lusinghieri” written when he was 22 for Ilia in Idomeneo, some years later when it came time for the Magic Flute. Ms. Forsythe had no difficulty at all with the trills and vocal leaps required and her expressive face clearly displayed the various emotions of the piece.

Opening the program was a true ensemble piece by Haydn—his Symphony No. 59 in A Major, known as ‘Fire.’ The amiable work certainly creates sparks of its own, as it rushes headlong into the musical atmosphere. Not until the final movement does the composer ask for solos from the musicians: in this case the horns and other winds. All of these were performed excellently, as always with Apollo’s Fire.

Next on the schedule (after their benefit, that is—see the web-site for details) is Scotch Snap, their Countryside Concerts presentation for 2008. From May 30 through June 1, they’ll be at the Baroque Music Barn in Hunting Valley, and June 3 & 4, at the Happy Days Visitor Center of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For tickets or other information, call 320-0012 or visit the website http://www.apollosfire.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

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Earth Day, Just for Some? The idea that a relationship existed between human progress and environmental degradation”’ was seriously pondered in 1962 by then–Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The Senator approached President John F. Kennedy and persuaded him to go on a five-day, eleven-state conservation tour to promote environmental stewardship in September of 1963. Unfortunately, little attention was paid to those events. At that time, the notion that humans could impact the environment and cause health-related problems to all creatures of the natural world—human and nonhuman alike—had rarely been a topic for discussion, in either the public or the private sector. Milk was $1.15 a gallon, bread was 24¢ a loaf, and gas price was 36¢ a gallon; Vietnam War protests were raging; and, unbeknownst to most Americans, an energy crisis was looming. The OPEC Oil Embargo of 1973 may be considered the first time modern America felt relegated to second-class status by foreign countries. The oil-rich nations found both a political and an economic victory by using supply and demand to make record profits from the Western world, and they ultimately influenced our lifestyles.

The initial idea of Earth Day revolved around combining the anti-war spirit with growing public concern for the environment, shaping it into a cause which politicians would be forced to acknowledge. On the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million people participated in activities across the country. So many people were interested in this event that Senator Gaylord’s office actually opened an Earth Day satellite office in Washington, D.C. It was a staggering success. Since the pioneering efforts of the Senator, many organizations, schools, universities, and communities have held events to bring attention to the urgent issues facing the global population regarding sustainability: the very foundation we need to survive.

Recently, the United States has been in a frenzy over high gas prices. Once again we face the stark realization that we can be held captive by a finite commodity controlled by foreign suppliers. Outrage always leads to finger pointing. We are all upset because our family budget is being hit hard by escalating gasoline prices. When oil prices go up, so does everything we buy, from food to sporting-event tickets. But whom do we hold accountable? Is it the oil executives? The oil-producing countries? Our elected officials?

Or is the real reason for our anxiety and anger the United States’ long-term reliance on cheap fossil fuels? The global population now exceeds 6.6 billion people, all of whom will, in some form, rely upon a natural resource to survive. Developing countries will continue to establish partnerships with oil-producing nations in order to produce goods and services to compete in the global marketplace. Additionally, outdated environmental regulations offer us little hope that we can prevent the continuing demise of our sustaining global ecosystems. After all, clean air and water are two fundamental necessities for all life to exist.

The United States pioneered the advent of innovative technologies and manufacturing capabilities that kick-started the Industrial Revolution, an era of discovery with global influence and impact. The booming American economy, however, has hit a ceiling, a turning point, perhaps, as other countries have caught up and have begun to create opportunities for themselves by capitalizing on trade agreements and offering products more cheaply than American goods and services. In a large part, the economy drives decision making at all levels of government. In recent decades, we have seen many jobs being sent to foreign countries to take advantage of their cheaper labor. This process has weakened our economy. Arguably, America is at the heart of the global economy, and since we as citizens are not spending as much money, the entire global economic system is suffering.

So, what does all of this have anything to do with Earth Day? Health, prosperity, and hope are not political issues. They are human issues. The need to solve impending global sustainability issues should never be hijacked by political affiliation or used as a wedge to gain power or make decisions that impact the health of the global community. This country again is poised to carry the mantle of ingenuity toward a “green revolution.” We can engineer our way into the future by recognizing the interconnectivity between humans, environmental sustainability, future economic drivers, and the grave need for infrastructure revitalization toward renewable energy.

This April 22nd marks the 38th annual celebration of Earth Day. Just as we hope that the spirit of giving at Christmas continues to permeate our culture throughout the year, the essence of Earth Day should also not be diminished to a few days of the year. If we truly want to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem, we need to recognize that “Going Green” is not a just a catch phrase. It isn’t just about recycling, or what type of light bulbs you use. It is a way of life.

From Mike McNutt, Watershed Coordinator for Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, Cuyahoga County Board of Health mmcnuttATccbh.net

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3) Ted Gup’s piece on there being too much information for new students, younger gen is an absolute must-read
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5) Straight Out Of Mansfield John Boyd is Fighting for the Right to run for City Council.
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Your excuses are your own given the extraordinary talents in the Hard Corps, who work hard to bring you the good stuff every week. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Steve Copley, Kelly Ferjutz, Roldo Bartimole, Mansfield B. Frazier, Claudia J. Taller, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Laura Kennelly, Roy Berko, Susan Schaul, Linda Eisenstein and Mike McNutt. 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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