No Reservations

8.29-9.05.07
No Reservations

In this week’s issue:
* BizTech Profile Cavaliers President Len Komoroski
* Ingenious Award-Winning Choreographer Martin Cespedes
* BFD Weekly Pros and Cons on the Medical Mart
* Interview Kristine Jackson, The Broad Side of the Barn
* Positively Negative Stuff from Ralph
* Sounds Rest from the Dreadful Yawns
* Straight Outta Mansfield Frazier on Euclid, Education and Michael Vick
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

It always starts like this Someone hears some things about Cleveland. They may even be good things. Then they contemplate coming to Cleveland, then they arrive. At first, they have concerns, shall we say… reservations. They really don’t know what to expect, but their expectations are generally quite low. By the time they leave, they are ready to buy a house, start a family and join the legions who have made Cleveland their home. It happened to food critic and travel writer Anthony Bourdain this week on an episode of his show, No Reservations. It happens to a lot of folks. Just look at what we have lined up for everyone this week: a profile of the man behind LeBron and the Cavaliers’ success; a full line-up of cool BizTech events; an in-depth look at choreographer Martin Cespedes; a selection of cool kids events, blog comments on the Medical Mart; a video interview with Kristine Jackson previewing Broad Side of the Barn; another installment of Straight Outta Mansfield, and more links than most people will know what to do with. That should take care of your reservations about Cleveland. —Thomas Mulready

Cavaliers President Len Komoroski
On LeBron, Roundball and Branding Cleveland to China and Beyond

Len Komoroski is passionate about sports. He became President of the Cleveland Cavaliers in April, 2003 after spending the previous seven years as senior vice president and chief of operations for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. It’s his second stint with the NBA and the city of Cleveland. Having lived in the major markets of Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Komoroski shoots some straight talk about what it will take to revitalize Northeast Ohio. Read his position on the proposed Medical Mart/Convention Center Project and see if he scores some points, or has you calling “Foul!” As Northeast Ohio struggles to define its winning vision, Komoroski is one fan rooting for the region’s ultimate victory.

You’ve lived in other cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. What can Cleveland learn from these other towns?

It’s staggering in terms of the opportunities here in Cleveland. I’ve lived in the Twin Cities and it’s colder than here. The Mississippi River is a great asset, but pales in comparison to Lake Erie. I think Cleveland has more natural resources and even greater benefits to offer than Minneapolis/St. Paul, if we embrace them. Cleveland’s potential is scary in a positive fashion, if we can learn to unite regionally and have the leadership to make it happen.

What do you see as Cleveland’s biggest challenge today?

We need to establish a common mission, goal, and plan, with a common leader, much like we talked about with Philadelphia. They were able to crystallize it down to that level. You need to have a primary focus and a plan to achieve it. I think our marketplace is splintered. We lack the bold, common vision. We certainly have the passion but lack the vision which is our biggest challenge…

Read the interview by Tim Zaun here

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

No Reservations about Cleveland Billed as his best show ever, intrepid food critic and gastronomic traveler Anthony Bourdain (pictured here at the Sausage Shoppe) takes the advice of epicurean writer and Cleveland booster Michael Ruhlman (The Soul of a Chef) and finally visits Cleveland in the dead of last winter to shoot an episode of his popular No Reservations program for the Travel Channel, tasting our town’s sybaritic pleasures from Michael Symon’s Lola to Zubal’s Books to Skyline Chili with extensive shots of the West Side Market, the still-polluting steel mills, sausage shoppes, and the never-changing Sokolowski’s University Inn. Along the way, Ruhlman introduces Bourdain to Harvey Pekar, who accompanies the segment beautifully with his patented low-key comic text illustrated by Gary Dumm. Bourdain also hooks up with Marky Ramone (!) to tour the Rock Hall. Connoisseurs of food and Cleveland will love this episode, repeated on Sun 10/21. Make friends with someone who has cable. Check the site for Harvey’s strip, a vid of Marky & Bourdain, Cleve photos, a travel guide, recipes, and even a link to book your trip to Cleveland. Authentic? Unbelievably so. No Reservations

Regionalism triggers 911 cooperation To save money, Akron & Summit County will share 911 services Read
Regionalism boss urges shared taxes, mandatory green building, luxury tax on suburbs Read
Should Avon Sprawl? Fight over another exit on I-90 West. Even Westlake is freaking out. Read
OperaCleveland has new director Volatile artistic director position to be filled by veteran Dean Williamson Tix
Commuter rail from Cle to Sandusky All Aboard Ohio says a train RT is $10 vs. $30 by car Read

Fall TV Preview Party benefits American Ad Assoc Thu 8/30 at House of Blues Info
Managing the ABC’s of Special Events Planning forum hits Thu 9/6 at 3:30PM. Corp College East in Warrensville Hts. Details
AAF Clambake feast adv networking event Thu 9/13 at 5PM. Register
Get Growing 2007 Business Expo hits Corp College East on Wed 9/19. Learn More
The Future of Design explores Biomimicry with Janine Benyus on Tue 9/25 at CIA. Part of E4S Third Tuesday series. Details
Make the B2B Connection w/ no-cost B’wood COC show Mon 10/8 starting at 2:30PM. Hilton Cle East, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood. Call 831-0003, e-mail mail@beachwood.org. More
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details
Crain’s CFO of the Year Awards hit the Hyatt at the Arcade d’town Thu 10/25. Register
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marriott Downtown at Key Center Fri 11/2 at 6PM Details

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With over 150 Programs, We Have Your Field of Dreams: International Business. Environmental Science. Sports Management. And so much more. Join us at Cleveland State University on Sat 9/8 at 10AM for a First Saturday visit and discover more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs. Choose from courses, certificates and full degree programs at our downtown, Westlake and Solon campuses, with day, evening and weekend classes. Take a walking tour, visit our fantastic new Rec Center and luxury student housing, and learn more about how to study, live and play on our 82-acre campus. Begin a degree or finish it — increasing your professional success starts now! Visit www.csuohio.edu/admissions/visit or call 216.687.5411.
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Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.

Sparx Needs Volunteers The Gallery Hop is but days away… and there’s a need for help staffing trolley stops, selling trolley passes, assisting guests, and conducting surveys of the public in order to provide data for our economic impact study of the weekend. Complete training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering for this exciting event, please complete the Gallery Hop Volunteer Application and send it in no later than Sat 9/1. Email your application to: Rachel Stentz-Baugher, rachael@consultrsb.com. For details on the events, visit http://www.cleveland.com/sparx.

Correction: The Mars Hoax printed in last week’s issue naturally inspired gads of letters. This was obviously an error — a practical joke perpetrated on us by one of our favorite artists in the community. Ah, you trixter! And it’s not even April! We knew we should have called NASA! See, since 2003, this “disinformational” email has circulated, and apparently among many of you connected folks who read Cool Cleveland. Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond; we appreciate your attention and digress humbly. Our spam filters kept us from being suckered sooner. Anyway, we’ll have to lay off that green Martian Kool-Aid in the fridge. We also hope you shared the Total Lunar Eclpise with your friends and family early yesterday morning. (And yes, that one happened for real).

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

Hump This Wednesdays are all about being halfway there and making it to the end without incident, then celebrating with your peeps, right? Do your friends a huge favor and send this issue to them with your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up, and you’ll both be eligible to win an iPhone or video iPod here. Winners announced in future issue.

Meet Martin Cespedes
Award-Winning Choreographer Making Waves

Who is the best theatre choreographer in the Greater Cleveland area? There are a few names that come to mind; if awards and critical acclaim are the measuring stick, Westlake resident and Lorain Admiral King graduate Martin Cespedes might well be the correct answer.

The 46 year old Cespedes is the recipient of 9 Times Theatre Tributes Awards. He was nominated by Northern Ohio Live for their Theater Award in 2005, 2006 and again this year. He was named by Scene Magazine as Cleveland’s Best Choreographer of 2006. He was highlighted for his theatrical work by Bravo magazine.

Cespedes’s creativity has recently been seen in Cain Park’s Nine and Oliver, and Beck Center’s Equus and Jekyll and Hyde. He directed and choreographed Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Five Guys Named Moe at Beck and Ain’t Misbehavin’ and My Way (the music of Frank Sinatra) at Weathervane Playhouse….
Read more from Roy Berko here

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Final Weekend! Head down to the Great Lakes Science Center for “Baseball As America,” the largest traveling exhibition of baseball artifacts. With more than 500 artifacts on display, as well as a pitching cage, live demonstrations and additional interactive exhibits, “Baseball As America” allows the whole family to experience and understand the role of baseball in American culture and history. Hurry, “Baseball As America” is only at GLSC through Mon 9/3! Catch it before we reach home plate! Admission: $14.50 for adults, $10.50 for youth not in uniform, $13.50 for seniors/military. GLSC is open daily from 9:30AM-5:30PM. Contact (216) 694-2000 or www.GreatScience.com for more information.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT The Future of Education in Ohio The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce will hold a special luncheon forum on the Future of Education in the State of Ohio on Wed 8/29 at 11:30AM at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Road, Mayfield Heights. The Forum will be moderated by Dr. Richard Markwardt, Superintendent of Beachwood City Schools and will feature panelists – Eric Fingerhut, Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents and Dr. Susan Tave Zelman, Superintendent, Public Instruction for Ohio. For reservations call 831-0003 or visit http://www.beachwood.org.

Cut Piece Check out a performance of Yoko Ono’s 1964 work Cut Piece as delivered by John Noga — assistant curator of the Yoko Ono: Imagine Peace exhibition at the Myers School of Art and graduate assistant at The University of Akron. Ono, who has performed the piece herself a number of times, discussed the work as an attempt to move beyond the artist’s ego. Kevin Concannon, exhibition curator for the exhibition eace at the Myers School of Art, will offer a brief introduction. Check it out Wed 8/29 at 7PM. Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium, 60 S. High St., Akron. For more information, contact dwatt@uakron.edu or call 330-972-5951.

Pump Boys & Dinettes As American as apple pie, this giant slice of fresh-baked Americana is full of feel-good music (Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, Rock-a-Billy, Country, bluegrass) and high energy. Pump Boys and Dinettes features a 9-piece band of actor/musicians who weave through 18 songs that traverse the American musical landscape and bare their souls to the music. Opens Wed 8/29 at 8PM. Schedule, details and tickets at http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com.

Harriet Applegate the executive director of the North Shore Federation of Labor will sit down and discuss her new role Wed 8/29 at 6PM. Although the title is new, she has been a union member for 20 years. Most recently, she worked for AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. She has a passion for educating rank-and-file members on ‘common sense economics’ and the true cost of ‘free trade’. She brings a strong set of skills to the position and will share them with Meet*the*Bloggers at Gypsy Beans & Baking, 6425 Detroit Rd. Come be a part of citizen journalism! http://www.meetthebloggers.net.

Rick Stone The former Clevelander and noted jazz guitarist returns for a special one-night engagement at Nighttown on Wed 8/29, performing at 7PM and 8:30PM. It’s been 25 years since Stone packed his bags and made the move to the Big Apple, but he always tries to fit in a hometown gig. He’ll lead a trio with bassist Dave Morgan and drummer Ron Godale, Nighttown, Cleveland Hts. For reservations call 795-0550. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

A Special Breed? If you’re a writer with a fondness for the region, contact us with your area of interest, and have a voice about your town Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Master Moments Tony Award-winning author Bob Martin is slated to kick off the 2007-08 season of Master Moments, a series of one-hour conversations with masters in the arts, on Thu 8/30 at 1PM. He will discuss his Broadway debut as the co-author and original “Man in Chair” for The Drowsy Chaperone, as well as other projects and experiences. The Drowsy Chaperone runs October 16-28 as part of the KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

Dolly Varden The pop-rock act’s new CD The Panic Bell seems push all the right buttons in rock critics across the country — channeling comparisons to 1960s classicism of the Beatles, the Stones and the Beach Boys. Based in Chicago, Dolly Varden is touring for the first time in five years as a full-band. Soak up their great vibes Thu 8/30 at 9PM at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

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Take the “A” Train at Holden Express: A Garden Railroad at The Holden Arboretum now through 9/23. (Open Labor Day, Holden Arboretum is the perfect place for a family picnic!) Marvel at the Holden Express enchanted gardens set in an outdoor wonderland with 2,000 feet of track winding. Immerse yourself in the magic. Located just 30 minutes east of DT Cleveland, Holden Express will be open from 10AM to 5PM (and until 9PM Wednesdays) daily through Sun 9/23. Holden Express has no-cost admission for members; Nonmembers: $6 adults, $3 children ages 6-12 and $2 children ages 2-5. Seniors: no-cost admission each Tuesday. Holden Arboretum is located at 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland. For more info contact www.holdenarb.org.
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Corks in the Concourse The International Women’s Air & Space Museum is hosting a fab wine tasting event on Fri 8/31 at 6PM. Held on the eve of the Cleveland National Air Show, this fundraiser for the museum will be held at the Burke Lakefront Airport terminal building, among the museum’s exhibits. Wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a live raffle are just the beginning; several Cleveland National Air Show performers will be on hand to mingle with guests as well. Call 623-1111 for more info or visit http://www.iwasm.org for details.

HOT If I Remember Right This Front Room Gallery group exhibition of drawing and painting features 14 local and national artists. It launches with an opening reception on Fri 8/31 at 7PM, featuring music by DJ Still Life; the “post reception” event at 11PM celebrates the Gallery’s 2nd anniversary with and features This Moment In Black History, Double Dutch Will Take You Higher and DJ Irsten. Get inspired by the exploration of the malleable nature of memory and then make some of your own. Call 534-6059 for more info. Front Room Gallery, 3615 Superior Ave. #4203-A. % ewwin%http://www.frontroomcleveland.com.

HOT Susan Weber & Monet’s Orbit The Winchester Tavern & Music Hall hosts Weber and her band Fri 8/31 at 9PM. President Lincoln can get you in the door. Weber is a huge local talent; she recently won an “Honor Award” in the Great American Song Competition and has a new CD coming out next month, fittingly called Monet’s Orbit. You will, in all likelihood, hear some of it if you hit the show. http://www.susanweber.com Winchester Tavern & Music Hall 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net.

Gabriel’s Horns Saxophone Recital Explore the sonic craft of sax players with a program that featues Tom Lempner, Chris Coles, Frank Jones, Adam Gilbert, Dennis Campbell and Bob Kuebler this Fri 8/31 at 7PM. Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave. No-cost, open to the public.

HOT Great Lakes Oktoberfest Raise your steins! It’s time for Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Annual Oktoberfest, which begins this Fri 8/31 at 4PM and runs through the weekend. Live music will be served up by The Boys From County Hell, Project Mojo and The Joe Wendell Orchestra; German-inspired dishes will be served up by the Great Lakes kitchen. With a “Keep the Stein” special and the delectable Great Lakes Oktoberfest beer on draft, bust out your lederhosen and wooden shoes and come on down to GLBC Labor Day Weekend! Sponsored by The WineBuzz, http://www.thewinebuzz.com. 2516 Market Ave. http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com.

Blue Dots & Brown Fields Artchitecture Gallery presents an exhibition by Paul Rogers & Ryan Jaenke, and a video installation project by Scorpio Diamante starting Fri 8/31 with an opening reception from 8-11PM. 1667 East 40th Street, Unit 1A. Visit http://www.artchitecturegallery.com for directions and details, or call 533-5575.

Carlos Jones It’s been said that Carlos Jones “is to Cleveland reggae what Jim Brown is to Cleveland running backs.” Truer words were never spoken. Check out Jones as a part of the Summer in the Courtyard series at the Cleveland Museum of Art this Fri 8/31 at 5:30PM. As the sun sets on Cleveland’s summer, you can raise a glass to the guy who brings you the summer sun all year around with his island-inspired grooves! http://www.clevelandart.org. http://www.carlosjones.com.

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WCLVnotes This Labor Day Weekend, from Sat 9/1 through Monday 9/3, expect to hear music you’ve heard before on WCLV 104.9 FM. For the three days, WCLV will revisit that category of serious music called “warhorses”, the pieces we know and love. The WCLV Labor Day Warhorse Weekend will feature selections by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, of course, but also Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff and Ravel and Mozart and Mendelssohn, but no Messiaen. Feature of the Weekend will be all nine Beethoven Symphonies performed by the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. For programming details, check the WCLV Music/Programming Listings on the WCLV’s website, www.wclv.com.
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Rodgers & Hammerstein on Stage and Screen Guest conductor George Daugherty will lead the Blossom Festival Orchestra in the world premiere of this new program at Blossom Music Center on Sat 9/1 and Sun 9/2 at 8:30PM. The Blossom Festival Orchestra will provide live accompaniment to iconic scenes from R&H masterpieces The Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma!, South Pacific and Carousel. The film scenes, with stars including Julie Andrews, Deborah Kerr, Yul Brynner, Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae, will be shown on five large screens, located in the Pavilion and above the lawn.

Seeing to Understand This art exhibition features drawings and paintings by Dr. Linda B. Spurlock and Dr. Jon H. Sally. See how art and science intersect in a way that often goes unnoticed. See the scientist who gathers information and performs experiments to gain understanding, then translates that to sketch and shape to imagine something more complete. The exhibit opens Sat 9/1 at 8PM with an opening reception. North Water Street Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday 1-5PM, or by appointment. Exhibit runs through Sat 9/22. http://www.standingrock.net for updates.

Larchmere Sidewalk Sale It’s the last big sale of the season! It’s the chance for Larchmere’s merchants to clean house before the cold weather sets in, and you to score some seriously cool and artistic bargains and specials. Come shopping Sat 9/1 at 11AM and enjoy the stroll down a real community sidewalk. Support your independent shop owners! These sales are featured on Larchmere Blvd. twice annually, on the Saturdays preceding Memorial Day and Labor Day. Get started at Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd. in Shaker Hts. and work your way down the street! http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market On Sun 9/2 at 10AM, the KCFM hosts The Pearl of the Orient as its celebrity chef and The Wallace Coleman Band as live musical entertainment. The Wallace Coleman Band will play a mix of electric blues songs which features Coleman on harmonica. Cooking demonstrations start at 11AM. The market features weekly health and wellness education, live entertainment, and cooking demonstrations every Sunday until the end of October. The market is conveniently located off Lorain Ave at West 168th St. (municipal lot behind Walgreens) and is open to the public. http://www.kammscorners.com/farmersmarket.html.

HOT Americana Fest Americana is music for the soul; is succeeds admirably in Cleveland because of the heartbreak and subject matter riding so close to the pulse of the stories and people from the Midwest. Guitarist Clint Holley threw the first Americana fest in 2005 with area and regional Americana bands; the 2nd incarnation hits Sun 9/2 at 5PM and runs until midnight at the Cleveland Parish Hall, West 62nd and Detroit Ave. Acts the Silvertones, California Speedbag, Hayshaker Jones and Bobby Lanphier are confirmed. http://www.myspace.com/americanafest.

VHS or Beta This critically-acclaimed trio blends dance music and electronics with a surprisingly striking blend of organic instrumentation and 1980s/New Wave chutzpah. Their fall tour supporting the hot new CD Bring on the Comets hits the Grog Shop in Coventry on Sun 9/2 at 9PM. http://www.grogshop.gs. http://www.vhsorbeta.com.

HOT Salsa en Blanco This sizzling dance party offers a tribute to Hector Lavoe, with music played by the Cleveland Latin All Stars, Sammy de Leon, Noel Quintana and Alexis from Grupo Fuego (look for a review of the latter group’s CD in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland). Come get your groove on Sun 9/2 at 9PM. Club Shadows, 1360 W. 9th. All white attire is required. Call 443-1111 or visit http://www.latino-cleveland.com for details.

HOT The Broad Side of the Barn The one and only Queen of C-town-blues and scat-grooves Becky Boyd joins a stellar line-up for some fiery jams with Kristine Jackson. Both of these ladies will be performing at Mike’s Barn on Sun 9/2 at 9PM as a part of their 2nd annual Broad Side of the Barn production. Mike’s Barn is one of the single coolest venues in all of Northern Ohio; don’t miss your chance at some sizzling blues in one hot venue. This year, you can order tickets online and pay with a credit card. Visit http://www.mikesbarn.com for details and directions. And watch Thomas Mulready’s interview with Jackson in this week’s issue!

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Is That All There Is? . . . just one of the many songs made famous by the 1975 “Mirrors” album, re-released in 2005 as “Peggy Lee Sings Leiber & Stoller.” Award-winning actress and recording artist, Laura Theodore will perform in “Reflections (Peggy Sings Leiber and Stoller),” a world premiere production at Beck Center, Fri 9/14 through Sun 10/7. This new musical is the story of one women’s struggle to rediscover herself and her music in the 1960s, during the birth of rock and roll and a time of social change. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. Call today to reserve your tickets: (216) 521-2540 or www.beckcenter.org. Located at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland.
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Towpath Trail Dedication Check out the formal dedicatation of the Towpath Trail through Steelyard Commons on Tue 9/4 at 10:30AM. The event will recognize the wide and spreading support the project has received from many quarters — federal, state and local, along with the private contribution of First Interstate. Steelyard Commons, north of Home Depot.

Improv Comedy Jam Cleveland Jams, Cleveland’s Weekly Improv Comedy Jam, will begin performing every Tuesday at The Powerhouse Pub in the historic Powerhouse Building on the West Bank of the Flats starting Tue 9/4 at 7:30PM. Jump on stage and try your hand at stand-up comedy, or support the Cleveland Improv as an audience member. No-cost, open to the public and filled with laughter, this is a Tuesday to remember. Call 479-3353 or visit http://www.clevelandimprovinstitute.com.

HOT Showcasing Their Own The Cleveland Museum of Art launches their Staff Invitational Art Show, an exhibition shifting the spotlight from the work of timeless masters to artwork created by CMA staff on Tue 9/4 at 5:30PM with an opening reception. The show opens at the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and will run through Fri 9/28, showcasing the artistic talents of 12 CMA staff members. More than 30 works of art represent a variety of media from watercolors and photography to jewelry and oil painting. Tommy’s in Coventry Village and the Cleveland Museum of Art’s café will be providing refreshments. http://www.clevelandart.org.

The Muses Not to be confused with Kristen Hersh’s Throwing variety, these Muses will offer up a buoyant Celtic music concert at the Willoughby Library Wed 9/5 at 7PM. “Through our music you can feel the green shamrocks underfoot, catch the aroma of a distant salt sea and taste the highland rain upon your lips,” says Tanya Brody of the Colorado-based Celtic trio. That clinched it for us. Get a little green at this no-cost outdoor concert. 30 Public Square, downtown Willoughby. In case of rain, the performance will be inside the library. For more information call 440-942-3200.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A Wade Oval Revolution Pie With summer winding down, you won’t want to miss this Wed 8/29 installment of Wade Oval Wednesdays, featuring the dynamic and talented Beatles tribute, Revolution Pie. Fun for the whole family, Wade Oval Wednesdays includes tasty treats, live music, several local arts purveyors and a kids’ fun tent run by CHABAM. Bring a picnic, your blankets and lawn chairs and chill out! Don’t miss out! http://www.universitycircle.org.

Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Tour The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office unveils a new attraction at the final Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway tour for 2007 — a 1947 Presidential Conference Commission (PCC) streetcar. This new addition adds to the allure of the no-cost, self-guided walking tours of the bridge. Check out this formidable double feature of public transportation Sat 9/1 from 9AM – 3PM. County Engineer’s Bridge Garage, which is located at 2433 Superior Viaduct off of W. 25th Street. Cameras are encouraged. http://www.cuyctyengineers.org.

Ghoulardifest Learn all about the local TV icon during this weekend-long festival featuring Big Chuck and Lil’ John, starting Fri 8/31. Be a part of the past during a fun-filled weekend of TV legends, nostalgia, horror and sci-fi memorabilia. Event includes live entertainment, vendors and family-friendly games. Check it out Fri 8/31 from 5-9PM, Sat 9/1 from 10AM – 7PM and Sun 9/2 from 11AM – 5PM. Medina County Community Center, 735 Lafayette Road, Medina. Three-day passes are available; kids under 6 get in at no charge. Call 440-230-4600 for details, or visit http://www.ghoulardifest.com.

Dragon Boat Festival Dragon Boat racing is a 3,000 year old sport that originated in China on ornately carved/painted boats with dragon heads on the bow stem and the dragon tails at the stern. The boats are propelled with ordinary canoe paddles handled by between 18 – 22 paddlers. A drummer sits among them, keeping time for paddling and encouragement. See these amazing boats races Sat 9/1 starting at 11AM in Cleveland’s Historic Flats. Wanna race? Register as an individual and they’ll place you on a boat, or register as a team of 18 – 22 rowers and friends. For details/registration, visit http://www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com.

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Chalk It Up to Experiencing an ultra creative art form where individuals, families, schools and neighborhood groups are all invited to participate! Join us at the CMA Chalk Festival on Sat 9/15 11AM – 4PM and Sun 9/16 Noon to 5PM. Enjoy chalk artists and entertainment, at no charge, that includes Blues de Ville (Sat) and Panic Steel Ensemble and Hue People (Sun). Create your own chalk pictures. Small square and 12-color box of chalk, $8 each; large square and 24-color box of chalk, $16 each. Children under 15 must be accompanied by supervising adults. Sign up when you arrive. Groups are encouraged to pre-register by calling 216–707–2483 by Wed 9/12. The Chalk Festival is sponsored by CMA Community Arts Partner Medical Mutual of Ohio. It is a featured event on the Sparx Gallery Hop, a Downtown Cleveland Alliance program. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org/educef/chalk/html/.
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Wings + Wheels Explore Memories in Motion when the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum showcases the stories of their most precious artifacts starting Sat 9/1 at 10AM. Marvel at the beautiful vehicles, unique artifacts, authentic memorabilia and personal stories that evoke emotions from days gone by. Western Reserve Historical Society and Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, 10825 East Blvd., University Circle. For details and a complete schedule, visit http://www.wrhs.org.

Miles for Smiles 5K This Labor Day Run and family fun walk event begins and ends at Nighttown Restaurant on Cedar Rd. in Cleveland Heights Mon 9/3 starting at 9AM. As with last year’s event, the best post race party in town follows — featuring great music door prizes, a keg of beer, donuts and awards for all age groups. Proceeds benefit Operation Smile and The Heights Youth Scholarship Fund. Online registration is available at http://www.hermescleveland.com.

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids08.31.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

Jim Moran writes “I’m in the medical device business and per the following I don’t think the Medical Mart is a good idea. I submitted this to the PD Forum section last Friday but I do not know if it will ever see the light of day. I thought you might have some use for it. The Plain Dealer contends that a Medical Mart proposal from New York validates the concept. Unless you think Field of Dreams was a documentary the only credible validation is commitments by device manufacturers to exhibit. Here is an evaluation of the Medical Mart concept from a manufacturer’s perspective…”

Comments:

* At the end of the day in the short run Med Mart is not that big of a deal for the Clinic. What is a big deal for the Clinic is a declining population, and it can see that our stagnation is a problem for the Clinics long term viability. (What is bad for our largest employer is bad for us.) Med Mart for the long term in the Clinics eyes has got to be growing our competitive advantage in the medical device community, which brings in VC and entrepreneurs, which bring in money, which bring in people, which grows the population, which keeps the Clinic healthy. The Clinics health directly correlates to the communities health. comment by Adam Brandon

* What is the buying process for medical equipment and is it really that similar to household merchandise? Gloria’s correspondent argues that the process for buying medical equipment is significantly different. I’m still up in the air on the MM. I just don’t have enough information to form a position. I do know that the convention market is mature, overbuilt and slow growth. What I’m not sure about is whether a MM can provide enough baseline growth to mitgate the clear risks. comment by Ed Morrison

* I found the announcement yesterday that they were considering 13 (!!!) potential sites, or at least claiming to, as an indication that this project is many months if not years away from being ready for the allocation of financing, or possibly even a vote on financing. That tells me there really IS no medical mart project yet, just a general concept and a dream… comment by Anastasia Pantsios

* Forest City is not alone in its need for Tower City to succeed. We all need this. The decline of this central location is of no benefit to any of us. For instance, if we want public transportation to succeed and grow we need its hub (Tower City) to be a magnet, a desirable destination. This isn’t the case. In fact, it’s in decline. Tower City needs reinvestment. Currently, there’s little economics that encourage such behaviors. A med mart or convention can change this. Yes, our government leaders need to be more accountable about how they proceed with such an investment of public funds and trust but that doesn’t equate to distrust of Forest City’s motives… comment by Jim Kenny

Read more and add your comment here

Kristine Jackson at Mike’s Barn
Broad Side of the Barn

Kristine Jackson basically grew up at Mike’s Barn. She’s been showing up for Mike’s jams like a lot of the region’s best blues musicians at his barn in Southern Lorain County on Sunday nights, the only night musicians usually don’t have gigs. So they come to play for themselves, and for each other. The atmosphere is authentic, the beverages are BYOB, and the music is killer. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready interviewed Jackson just as she kicked off her set last week, and they talked about her musical sojourns in Amsterdam, her “Kick Me” box, and the big event this Sun 9/2, The Broad Side of the Barn, featuring some of the region’s finest female blues singers and players, like Becky Boyd, Tracy Marie, Mary Bridgett Davies, Kim Bryant, Jackie Warren, Ms. Butterscotch, Joy the Hippie Chick, and special guest and recent NEO transplant, Brazilian Luca Mundaca. http://www.MikesBarn.com

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Governor Strickland signs an Exec Order telling AG Marc Dann to provide administrative guidance on skill machines.
Casinos are more of an answer than the “Blue Light District” that the geniuses at Cleveland City Hall are promoting.
The battle for control of the Summit County Republican Party plays out in the blogosphere.
In both Cleveland and Buffalo banks that have outstanding judgments against them cannot foreclose on further properties.
Out in Lorain some bloggers feel their city officials are just goin’ thru the motions.
Some people still just don’t get it. Though apparently, others do.
One person’s take on a CPAC meeting re: the proposed Medical Mart.

Commentary from Cleveland cartoonist Ralph Solonitz

For more of Ralph’s work, visit his website at www.RalphStuff.com

Rest
The Dreadful Yawns
Exit Stencil Recordings

I’ve always liked Ben Gmetro and the Dreadful Yawns, but having consumed their latest, 10-cut affair Rest on a spectacularly dreary-and-rainy day a couple weeks ago, I’ve decided they are divine. The group’s blend of alt-country and “minimalist psychedelic folk” is as diverse as it is texturally rich. That mellow, melancholy singer-songwriter vibe is a dicey proposition for some — most musicians get too wrapped up in their influences to deliver something fresh and inviting. No so for our very own Dreadful Yawns, whose latest effort Rest feels like a seductive sedative and begs for repeat doses.

Guitarist/vocalist Gmetro and the Yawns transcend those influences, offering silvered threads of the folk pop movement (Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Ron Sexsmith, Fairport Convention) and a touch of alt-Americana (Wilco, Neil Young), woven into a chiming tonal tapestry. From the words “You’ve Been Recorded,” Rest feels like sleepy dreams and memories escaping into a cool fall evening. With delicate pedal steel runs, violin and flute solos and scrumptous vocal harmonies, Rest has everything in its right place — absolute torch and twang, acoustic jangle and heartfelt melancholia.

Highlights from this masterwork include “Changing States,” “November Nights,” a trippy “We Go Up” and the oh-so-appropriate anthem for this week, “End of Summer.” All are stunning and radiant. Gram Parsons once termed this kind of alt-country “cosmic American music.” After hearing the lilting chorale of la la la las in the chorus that closes out “Candles,” you’ll long for a dark, stormy afternoon to play this. Positively beautiful, and a huge, must-have local release.

Catch the Dreadful Yawns with labelmates Mystery of Two at the latter band’s CD release party Friday September 14 at Parish Hall Cleveland. It’s one of the final shows at Parish Hall, so don’t miss out. Visit Parish Hall at http://parishhall.wordpress.com. Visit the Dreadful Yawns at http://www.myspace.com/thedreadfulyawns.

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

Thoughts on Three Subjects
Euclid, Education and Michael Vick

Federal Judge Kathleen O’Malley’s recent ruling in a federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice, ordering the City of Euclid to cease using a voting scheme that disenfranchised Black residents at the ballot box in City Council races, offers that city its best opportunity yet to finally come into the 21st century in terms of race relations. However, well-meaning, fair-minded and justice loving Euclid residents (of all races) now have to make it happen. The Judge’s ruling opened the door for fair voting outcomes, but residents have to step through it by registering and voting in large numbers.

Euclid, with 30 percent Black residents and a currently all-White City Council, epitomizes the racially divided past most Americans are attempting to shake off, outgrow and move away from. Cultural conflict predicated on race has been more pronounced in this inner-ring suburb than in any other municipality in Cuyahoga County — and perhaps the entire state. The stories of racial clashing occurring in the city over the last three decades are legendary — and often exceptionally ugly. But that can all change now that the residents — finally — have their fate in their own hands…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here


Cool Cleveland readers write
All letters must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional).
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On dialog (See last week’s Yr Turn here) Cool Cleveland readers and the rest of the world, since when have people not been able to endure the OPINIONS of others, if only to agree to disagree. (this is cliche, but worth exploring), the public discourse has become, not a debate, but a dash to the silos of group-think. in the soul of every human being is a unique perspective, and until we respect that (with love… i know, i know), we will be stagnated in perpetual war. peace is the application of justice apart from self-interest. we have to be willing to LISTEN to other even if we disagree. the ones who feel unheard and disrespected are the ones who commit the atrocities we see around the world. and if you think you’re going to silence them with the gravity of economic, social and/or military oppression… remember, “pressure bursts pipes”. “the best influence is the transparency of example” From Cool Cleveland reader Arlin Wallace arlin.wallaceATgmail.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Eats Claudia J. Taller drafts a tale of draughts and Cleveland ale.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) RoldoLINK Take From The Poor, Give To The Rich.
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) Slavic Village Harvest Festival Traditional food, music, and dance creates a colorful, aromatic, joyous atmosphere for the whole family.
www.SlavicVillage.org

4) Straight Outta Mansfield Who’s Your Daddy?
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Yr Turn Kevin Patrick Murphy thinks we are “alienating those of your readers who do not share your or your bloggers specific thoughts and viewpoints.”
www.CoolCleveland.com

What’s Cookin’? With the Hard Corps, you know it’s something tasty and intriguing every week. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Roy Berko, Tim Zaun, Mansfield B. Frazier and Herb Ascherman. 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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Authentic? Unbelievably so,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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