Passionate

4.9-4.16.08
Passionate

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland party Unclothed at Fashion Week Cleveland
* Ingenious Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory’s Peter Landgren
* Kids A Hot Summer w/Cool Camps… Part 2!
* Interview Sari Feldman of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
* Straight Outta Mansfield Fighting for the Right
* Interview Radio guru John Gorman
* Sounds It’s a Weird Time to be Alive by His Hideous Heart
* RoldoLINK Telling the Truth on Med Mart Deal
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, BFD here

It’s become our mantra around here. A passionate life is one lived hard, experienced fully. Passion fed at full throttle is exhausting but never tiring. At Cool Cleveland, we’ve caught the passion for life in these parts, and our one mission is to share it with you. Join us at u n c l o t h e d, our next Cool Cleveland party during Fashion Week Cleveland on Sat 5/3. Hear Peter Landgren as he professes his love for his adopted town and new role as director of B-W’s conservatory. Read the follow-up to last week’s Top 5 story on cool kids camps. Meet Sari Feldman of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the top large library system in the country. Read Mansfield’s passionate plea for changes in a law against felons. Share in John Gorman’s love for music, media and radio. And check in with Roldo who keeps everyone honest when it comes to politics and money. Can you feel the passion, Cleveland? —Thomas Mulready

u n c l o t h e d
Cool Cleveland’s Fashion Week mixed-media event

Act fast to get your tix to Cool Cleveland’s next fabulous 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. 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.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive your choice of a complimentary Fashion Passion vodka martini, and a mesmerizing selection of couture hors d’oeuvres: Wonton Cones filled with seared Tuna served on Painter’s Palettes; Iced Raspberry Soup with Mint Creame Fraiche; Smoked Salmon on Herbed Cream Cheese & Black Bread garneshed with Cucumber; Saint Andre Cheese in Phyllo Cups with Peach Marmalade. After the fashion show, dance to DJs Impure & GO, and partake in the after-party until midnight. Info & map here.

Delight your eye with unmatched views from Sammy’s on the East Bank of the Flats, and by experiencing unparalleled creativity from artists and models. Savor the sights, sounds, cuisine and libations from the best Cleveland has to offer. Save 25% off the $40 door price when you order online before Fri 4/11 here:

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

SPONSORED: I Heard through the Grapevine that the Natural History Museum is having this amazing evening of tasting, sampling, sipping and overall demonstrative admiration to The Grape. Serious. It’s like this epicurean adventure that allows you to explore the natural history and cultural influences of different foods with a whole night dedicated to the grape in all its wild flavors. It’s on Sat 4/19 (reception at 6:30, dinner at 8PM). You already missed olives and chocolates, Man. Don’t be off target on the grape. (Asparagus is next!) Food is by the fab Sammy’s with a fantastic seven course meal! Dang! Learn from local experts on wine pairings and get your tix now before the grape event bursts at the seams (or sells out). Tix start at $150. Hail to the grape! RSPV: (216) 231-1177 or register online www.CMNH.org.

Peter Landgren
Director, Conservatory of Music
Baldwin-Wallace College

Peter Landgren loves it here in Cleveland. After 30 years as the associate principle horn player for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, he had the chance to serve as interim director of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University where he had been teaching. He loved management so much that he made accepted the offer to become the director of the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music last summer. In this candid video interview, he talks with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready about how much he loves Cleveland compared to Baltimore: great neighborhoods, his fabulous Ohio City loft, and the tremendous opportunity to lead one of the best music conservatories in the country. They also talk about Baldwin-Wallace’s Center for Wellness and Research in the Performing Arts, assisting artists in protecting their ears, limbs, and fine motor skills as they perform. Landgren expresses his passion for music as B-W enters a unique arts & management collaboration with Playhouse Square, and as the Conservatory prepares for the upcoming Bach Festival on 4/18-20, the 2nd oldest Bach festival in the nation. http://www.BW.edu

SPONSORED: That’s so Like, “Yesterday . . .” Do you ever wish you could relive your prom and maybe, this time do it with a little more style? Here’s your chance! GeneratioNEXT, a group of young professionals age 25-40 who support our community through United Way of Greater Cleveland, will hold PROMapalooza, its first gala fundraiser for the annual United Way campaign. This nostalgic evening of 80s glamour and glitz will take place at The Ritz-Carlton’s Silver Grille in the Higbee Building on Sat 4/12 from 7:30PM to midnight. Sponsorship packages are available. Contact Sarah Trimble at 216-436-2185 or strimble@uws.org for more information. Complete sponsorship information can be found at www.uws.org/promapalooza.

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

Ted Gup’s piece on there being too much information for new students, younger gen is an absolute must-read. Really good piece. Read
NEO snags $7.9M for advanced energy research. Read
County Admin plan for Ameritrust site received little examination, scrutiny. Read
Ohio a high-tech hot spot? Read on, true believers. Read
Foreclosing on a defunct steel company makes the headlines. Click
Grants for econ development in Ohio more than doubled. Read
Black Enterprise mag features Cle entrepreneurs in general carpentry and custom cabinets. Read
Local newspaper parent co. considers a sale, inc. The Morning Journal, News-Herald. Read
A possible Key/Nat City merger? Search our old blog if you still have a link… and you’ll remember we mentioned this 2 years ago. Watch
Well, wait. It could be WaMu or Chase… or hmmm… who knows. Read
Key named to Diversity, Inc. Top 50 list, 33rd for excellence in diversity. Read
University start-ups are on the rise…maybe even the future of biz in NEO. Click

You’ve been waiting and our politicians have been negotiating. Now it’s here. The Memo of Understanding between Cuyahoga County and Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. on the planned Medical Mart/Convention Center can be found here, and you can even leave your comments.

SPONSORED: An Innovation Celebration! JumpStart’s Annual Public Meeting is just around the corner and there’s no better time to celebrate our region’s economic accomplishments. Join us on Thu 5/15 at Corporate College East and hear firsthand how advances in entrepreneurship are having a positive effect on our region and beyond. Featured JumpStart Portfolio Companies will share their entrepreneurial stories while distinguished members of the economic development community provide valuable insight into the past year’s growth and offer predictions for what the future may hold. Expand your horizons – and your network – by attending the JumpStart Annual Public Meeting…it’s one you won’t want to miss! Click here for event details.

Preparing Summit County for a 21st Century Economy luncheon features Cavs Prez Len Komoroski Fri 4/11 at 11:30AM. RSVP online or call Jill Bacon Madden at 330-374-9470
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
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. Topic: Doing Business Beyond Your Borders Networked Approach to Building Prosperity in Regions 2-Day Wksp at Punderson Manor Resort beg Wed 4/23. Details
Innovation accelerator spon. Magnet/NorTech hits DoubleTree Hotel Cle South, 6200 Quarry Ln, Independence Thu 5/1 at 8AM. Info
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

HOT Green to Gold This seminar on “How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build High Performance Supply Chains” features Keynote Speaker Andrew Winston, a Corporate Environmental Strategist and Author of Green to Gold on Tue 4/22 starting at 8:45AM. This is part of the NA08 show at the I-X Center, Cleveland’s LARGEST CONVENTION. http://www.nashow.com/default.aspx.

SPONSORED: Mixing Up A Casserole with thunder::tech:: just add a can of cream of mushroom soup :: Everyone has preferences. High-definition, light blue, chicken, moccasins, and we know that not all of them will work to make the best combination-it depends on the recipe. Sometimes it’s a little bit of design with a whole lot of public relations, or a few cups of web development and a dash of marketing strategy that give our work just the right mix. Hungry for a new marketing approach? Stop by the site, give us a call:: http://www.ThunderTech.com • 216.391.2255

Fred Franks on Managed IT Services
FIT Technologies

Most companies have an IT department. But many of them might save money and increase their productivity if they let someone else manage their IT functions. FIT Technologies’ Fred Franks talks with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready about the many reasons their clients use FIT for what they call Managed IT Services. FIT manages the desktops, networks and servers for their clients, large and small. Modest-sized businesses may not want to keep an IT staff on salary full-time, or they might find that their small staff doesn’t have the expertise in the wide range of technology that FIT can offer, often with remote access. For larger clients, FIT Technologies might place a number of tech personnel onsite, to be available around the clock. Service levels can range from basic monitoring and maintenance, to break/fix and emergency response to full-time personnel on staff. http://www.FITtechnologies.net

Web video ads are catching on according to USA Today. Get yours from Cool Cleveland: InfoATCoolCleveland.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT In the Continuum The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is collaborating with Cleveland Public Theater to present a special advance performance of In the Continuum. The benefit performance will take place at the CPT campus on Wed 4/9 at 8PM. Preceding the play will be a reception and art exhibition Metacrisis beginning at 6:30 PM. This critically acclaimed two-woman show is making its Cleveland debut. Focusing upon the lives of two women who are quite literally words apart, the play follows the very different paths of a young woman in South Central, LA and a professional woman in Zimbabwe. Contact Sarah Stankorb at 357-2223 or email: sstankorb@atfgc.org for ticket info. http://www.aidstaskforce.org.

MaxedOut Give your credit card a break and join state and local leaders for a free showing of the award-winning documentary MaxedOut on Wed 4/9 at 4PM. To mark their second anniversary, the Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention Program is partnering with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at CSU to raise awareness of the looming credit card crisis that’s being fueled by easy credit and minimum monthly payments. No cost, open to the public but registration for the limited seating is requested. Levin College Atrium, 1717 Euclid Ave. http://www.urban.csuohio.edu/forum or call 523-7330.

HOT Determining Your Artistic Value COSE’s (Council of Smaller Enterprises) Arts Network will host an interactive panel discussion, Determining Your Artistic Value, on Thu 4/10 from 4 – 6PM at the Kent State University Museum’s Murphy Auditorium. Moderated by KSU art gallery director Anderson Turner, the panelists include Judith Mansour-Thomas, director of The Lit, William Busta of William Busta Gallery, and Steve Frumpkin of Jim Wadsworth Productions (Nighttown’s entertainment producers). Panelists will discuss issues like how artists determine the monetary value of their artistic work, how artists determine their market, and how an artist can begin to sell their work. Info and registration at http://www.cose.org or call 592-2472.

Delores P. Aldridge, Ph.D. The distinguished sociologist from Emory University will be the guest speaker at the 13th annual Butler A. Jones Endowed Lecture Series and banquet on Thu 4/10 at 5PM, with a dinner and lecture beginning at 6PM. The annual lecture addresses the topic of contemporary American race relations and honors the late CSU professor emeritus Butler Jones, Ph.D., for his many contributions to the causes of civil rights and social justice. Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave. http://www.csuohio.edu.

Double-Edge Dance hits CPT’s DanceWorks 2008 for a weekend run starting Thu 4/10. This “evening of nervy performances” focuses on contemporary dance performed by the company — co-founded by choreographer Kora Radella and composer Ross Feller in 1993. Cleveland Public Theatre 6415 Detroit Ave. You can read more about their production from Vic & Elsa in this week’s CC. Call 631-2727 or visit http://www.cptonline.org for details. http://www.double-edgedance.org.

Lauren Rich Fine The writer and news industry analyst talks about the future of newspapers and citizen journalism at the FutureHeights Annual Meeting — subtitled Tomorrow’s Paper: Hyperlocal — on Thu 4/10 at 7:30PM. Rich is a tremedous insight, so this should be an eye-opener — whether you’re a media type, or just intrigued by where it’s all headed. No cost, open to the public. RSVP.

Adoption Network Cleveland’s 20th Anniversary Benefit and Silent Auction is subtitled Creating Futures and that’s exactly what this organization has been doing for Cle families over the last two decades. Check out the festivities at the House of Blues Thu 4/10 from 5:30 – 9:30PM. Tickets and details are available online at http://www.adoptionnetwork.org or by phone at 325-1000.

Closing Reception/Aries Party We overlooked something really cool. It happens to the best of us. The Brandt Gallery’s opening reception for Beth Mastroianni’s exhibition was hugely successful and super cool. Over 200 people came out on a cold Tremont ArtWalk to check it out. The closing reception doubles as an Aries party and should be a blast, so don’t miss out Fri 4/11 from 6 – 10PM. Brandt Gallery, 1028 Kenilworth Ave. http://www.brandtgallery.org.

Tremont ArtWalk You know the drill by now. If not, then start your evening at the Brandt Gallery (see above) and start asking people where they’re headed to Fri 4/11 at 6PM. Soak in the best art on foot and participate in a Cleveland tradition. Tremont rocks. http://www.tremontartwalk.org.

Theater Ninjas Nevermind mixed martial arts, these Ninjas offer a mighty theatrical attack. They start their run of Peripheral Visions on Fri 4/11 at the Centrum Theater on Coventry and carry on until the end of the month. Check out all the details in Linda Eisenstein’s “Ingenious” preview and by visiting http://www.theaterninjas.com.

Dreadful Yawns One of our favorite bands here at Cool Cleveland hits the intimate stage at Bela Dubby in Lakewood this Fri 4/11 at 9PM. http://www.myspace.com/beladubby. http://www.myspace.com/thedreadfulyawns.

HOT The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits Cleveland Fri 4/11 and Sat 4/12 at Playhouse Square, with an Opening Night reception on Fri and a “High Altitude” party on Sat in the balcony with beer, goodie bags and live music, featuring different PG-13 films each night. Exhibits, raffles, and prizes for outdoor enthusiasts both nights. And this year, the event will have a “carbon neutral” rating, through the use of carbon credits. These credits will be permanently retired to the Clean Air Conservancy Trust. http://www.playhousesquare.org. http://www.theedgefilms.com. Partial proceeds from the local festival benefit City Fresh.

HOT The Great Lakes Water Wars Peter Annin, author and former Newsweek journalist lectures about the hot topic Fri 4/11 at 7:30PM. Annin will assess the battles being fought over the diversion of fresh water from the Great Lakes and explain the social, economic and environmental challenges that lie ahead for the region as humanity’s need for fresh water outstrips our supply. The lecture will be held at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Murch Auditorium. Open to the public, nominal admission. http://www.cmnh.org.

The Final Cut Ridley Scott’s vision of the future may not have arrived on time, but few can deny the power that his Alien and Blade Runner films have had on the pop culture consciousness, or how many saw the vision of the future. The latter of the two films runs at the CIA Cinematheque in its resplendant “Final Cut” version that was personally overseen by the director himself. Blade Runner: The Final Cut stars Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer and Edward James Olmos and screens Fri 4/11 at 9:30PM and again Sat 4/12 at 7:30PM. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.

1980s Promapalooza Cue up Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me” and relive your prom with GeneratioNEXT, a group of YPs (age 25-40) who support the community through United Way of Greater Cleveland. Their PROMapalooza — the first gala fundraiser for the annual UW campaign — has glamour, glitz and a full-on “I Love the 80s” vibe. The Ritz-Carlton’s Silver Grille in the Higbee Building hosts Sat 4/12 starting at 7:30PM. Oy vey, baby!! “Save Ferris!” Call 436-2185 or email: strimble@uws.org for info. http://www.uws.org/promapalooza. http://http://www.uws.org/promapalooza.

Tea & Poetry with T.M. Göttl In honor of National Poetry Month, enjoy a special book signing and celebration of local poet T.M. Göttl on Sat 4/12 from 1 – 4PM. She will be signing and reading from her first full-length collection of poetry entitled Stretching the Window. Göttl has won awards including the Wayne College Regional Writing Award for Poetry. Her material has appeared electronically and in publications such as The Mill, The Poet’s Haven and Deep Cleveland. Angel House Center for Art and Creative Life Change, 14217 Mill Hollow Ln., Strongsville. Call 440-846-1789 or email: carol@angelhousestrongsville.com.

Junior Achievement Pajama Jam Fashion your best pajamas and favorite slippers at the 2008 Pajama Jam held at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center on Sat 4/12. Keep your fancy bow ties and ball gowns in the closet for this fundraiser. Guests are invited to show off their slippers in the Marriott’s newly renovated Grand Ballroom. All proceeds from Pajama Jam will benefit Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland. It’s a pajama party for adults, for a great org. Full disclosure: CC Managing Editor Peter Chakerian has been a regular participant in Junior Achievement and loves having an impact on kids. http://www.jacleveland.org/pajamajam.htm.

The {Really} Big Show Wheeeeee!! No, really, nothing to do with that local sports show. This is truly a one-of-a-kind event. “The Big Show” hits Sat 4/12 A limited number of tickets are available. Some 147 musicians in Cleveland had a random drawing and created 33 new bands. These bands will all take the stage at the Beachland, showcasing what they’ve come up with together. Sounds freakin’ cool, doesn’t it? Hey, we don’t steer ya wrong. Read more about this amazing experiment here and here. You can take it from there.

The Gordon Square Experience A collaborative effort involving the best of the Gordon Square Arts District including Art Galleries, Artist & Design Studios, Art Auctions, Performance Theatres, Music & Entertainment Businesses, Retail Stores, Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Houses hits Fri 4/11 from 5:30 – 9PM and Sat 4/12 from 1 – 6PM. Start your journey at the Western end of the District at the Studios at 78th Street Building (the former American Greetings Creative Studios) No cost parking is available in the back of the building. 1305 West 80th St. Call 832-8212 for more info.

SPONSORED: WCLV 104.9 FM has a live Cleveland Orchestra broadcast from Severance Hall this week. On Sat 4/12, at 8PM, Robert Porco conducts the band, Orchestra and Chorus in two choral blockbusters – Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony. Then Sun 4/13, the Orchestra broadcast at 4PM has Alfred Brendel as soloist in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Full details about WCLV’s programming at http://www.WCLV.com.

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann will discuss the state’s foreclosure crisis in a no-cost public lecture, “The Predatory Lending Debacle, and What the State Is Doing to Stop It,” on Mon 4/14 at 4PM at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, located at the corner of East 18th Street and Euclid Ave. Q&A and reception follow his presentation. Visit http://www.law.csuohio.edu or call 687-6886 for more info.

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 Peter Chakerian’s interview with Gorman in this week’s CC.

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.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

SPONSORED: Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater join forces with The Dancing Wheels Company to present Double Exposure, a compelling concert of new works that will touch the soul and move the spirit in ways untold to Cleveland audiences. New works by both companies and a featured world premiere created by Stuart Pimsler entitled Big Trucks and Leverage will unite the two companies in a powerful theater work that explores highly-personal images and stories that reveal barriers as sources of humor, insight and challenges. The concert will also include world premieres choreographed for the Dancing Wheels Company by Dianne McIntyre and Nai-Ni Chen as well as Mr. Pimsler’s work Ways to Be Hold performed by his Company. The concert is at Cuyahoga Community College-Eastern Campus Performing Arts Center on Sat 4/26 @ 7:30PM and Sun 4/27 @ 2PM. For tix, call 216-432-0306. http://www.dancingwheels.org

Gina Vernaci
Playhouse Square Broadway Series

You don’t have to leave Cleveland to see the best shows in the nation. Playhouse Square’s Gina Vernaci is actually one of only 7 people outside of New York who sits on the Broadway League’s executive committee. So when it comes to the top Broadway productions, she is not only one of the top decision makers (she gets to vote for the Tony Awards), she is first in line for the hottest touring productions. Playhouse Square’s 08/09 Broadway Series boasts some of the best, like Spring Awakening, an edgy rock musical that just won 8 Tonys and a Grammy for it’s searing soundtrack. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready talks with Gina outside the theatres about the stellar line-up and her insight and personal touch, such as how she was sitting next to the Disney’s president when he decided to cast the star of the acclaimed Mary Poppins, now coming to Cleveland. Or how she tracked (stalked?) Mandy Patinkin & Patti Lupone around the country trying to schedule a run in Cleveland. Plus she give her insight on the revival of A Chorus Line, the new musical version of Legally Blonde, the intense drama Frost/Nixon and a PHS production of I Love You Because, with Cleveland’s own Victoria Bussert directing. When Santa and The Rockettes surprised everyone and suddenly appeared to promote their Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the only one not surprised was Vernaci. She’s literally seen it all. And so can you, since tickets are available starting today at 216-830-7221 or http://www.PlayhouseSquare.org/broadway

SPONSORED: “The Truth About Cancer” Watch WVIZ/PBS Wed 4/16, 9PM, for this poignant program that seeks to answer the question, “Why does anyone still die of cancer?” Free resource guides and the chance to speak to local health professionals will be available during the broadcast. Contact 216.916.6100 or www.wviz.org.

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Art on Wheels launches their new site. We love those guys. http://www.artonwheels.us.
Cle is 1 of 3 U.S. cities to get comprehensive Vatican exhibition at WRHS. St. Peter’s Basilica in C-Town? Yup. Read. See
The Ohio Cemetery Alliance is sponsoring a photography contest and exhibit. Click
A good piece on how Ohio wines are thriving, gaining respect. Read
And yet, Ohio “puts a cork” in the cross-border wine transfer. Read
Gourmets in the Garden returns to Cle Botanical Garden this summer. Love it! Click
The Rock Hall’s gala is gonna rock. We loved it last year. Read
Some very interesting coursework for people with open views. Click
Cle’s Drew Carey teams up with the Cle Orchestra this summer. Break out your Mulready glasses! Read
Cle Marathon, Half- and 10K is announced for mid-May. Ready to Run?.
Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE) starts their “Sticky City” series. Read
Oberlin received $1.2M gift recently. It’s pre-determined use? Pretty cool. Read
Hope is global for Darful in local rally this weekend. Click

Elizabeth Coquillette, a junior at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, achieved a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam this year. She is one of only two students in the state, out of a total of about 21,000 who took the test in February, to have earned this distinction. Congrats!! http://www.hb.edu.

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SPONSORED: It’s a Groundbreaking Collaboration between Playhouse Square and Baldwin Wallace College – which has one of the top music theater programs in the country. “Brooklyn the Musical,” is the collaboration that allows students to expand their understanding of the multiple disciplines within the performing arts industry. On sale now: “Brooklyn the Musical” includes soulful street-corner singers, storytellers and a mix of pop and soul. Experience a wondrous sidewalk fairy tale about a young girl searching for fame and the father she never knew, with just one clue to lead her, her name…Brooklyn. Directed by Victoria Bussert and performed Thu 5/1 – Sat 5/3 at Playhouse Square. Performances: 7:30PM. Special twilight performance on Sat 5/3 at 10PM. Tix: $20. Contact 216-241-6000 or www.PlayhouseSquare.org.

Forecast Part 2: A Hot Summer w/Cool Camps!

Hallelujah! It finally happened – a weekend with temps above freezing, and with sunshine. After a warm weekend in Cleveland, you may find yourself (and your little ones) with a little more “spring” in your step. If you still haven’t confirmed plans for summer fun, read on!

Cleveland Children’s Museum Summer Discovery Camps:

If you have a preschooler (ages 4-6), chances are you are answering a lot of questions (why does? what happens when? how about?). Put all this good inquiry to work by enrolling your child in the Cleveland Children’s Museum Summer Discovery Camps. Eight different thematic, weeklong camps (9AM-12PM daily) provide a little something for every little learner. Here’s a sampling: Superhero Science, Let’s Make Magic, Dinosaur Dig, Pirate Adventure and Crafty Chemistry. Space is limited (20 per camp), so register early. Children’s Museum Members receive a discount…
Read more from Jeannie Fleming-Gifford here

The Russian Duo performs as a part of Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio’s (YANEO) Showcase 2008. YANEO provides an opportunity for teachers, principals, parents, PTO/PTA groups, day care providers, after-school programming providers, and education administrators to learn more about Young Audiences’ artists and the great programming they provide. Enjoy a fun afternoon of music Thu 4/10 from 4 – 6PM. Shaker Heights High School 15911 Aldersyde Rd., Shaker Hts. http://www.yaneo.org. http://www.myspace.com/russianduo.

HOT Tunnel Tours of the Historic Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument The 114-year-old monument commemorates the men and women of Cuyahoga County who served in the Civil War. On Sat 4/12 from 10AM – 4PM, get the chance to tour the Public Square monument inside, outside and underneath. This is a rare shot and something that doesn’t happen too often, so get down to Public Square in Downtown Cleveland and take an incredible tour. No cost, open to the public, first-come, first-served. http://www.soldiersandsailors.com.

Soaring to International Heights The Pavilion Skating Club & The City of Cleveland Heights present a spring ice skating show Sat 4/12 at 1:30 and 7:30PM and Sun 4/13 at 1:30PM at the Cleveland Htss Community Ctr. The event features Regional, Sectional, and Junior National Competitors, as well as U.S. National Competitor, Victor Travis! 1 Monticello Blvd. Call 691-7373 or visit http://www.clevelandheights.com for more.

HOT Intro to Immersion’s Shipwreck Camp 2008 On Sun 4/13 from 2 – 4PM it’s “all hands on deck!” Families are invited to join in some hands on science focused on the Immersion Presents expedition to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and be introduced to Shipwreck Camp 2008, a collaborative program of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and Cleveland Lakefront State Park. Pre-registration is appreciated for this no-cost event. Call 881-8141 for details. 8701 Lakeshore Blvd. http://www.case.edu/artsci/csm.

Walk for Peace On Sun 4/13 at 9:15AM, Our Lady of Peace Church sponsors the 3rd Annual Run/Walk for Peace. The non-competitive race will start outside the church and school buildings, located at 12601 Shaker Blvd. (corner of East 126th Street). Proceeds of the race are used to enhance programs at Our Lady of Peace Elementary School, this year concentrating on tuition assistance and scholarships. Call 397-0626 for details.

Can Youth Violence Be Stopped In the aftermath of several high-profile violent crimes involving Cleveland-area youth, residents and community leaders throughout Northeast Ohio are left wondering: Why do these violent acts occur? Who should be held accountable? What steps can public officials, parents, family members and friends take to help stem this growing crisis? On Mon 4/14 at 7:30PM, Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Associate Dean and Professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, will address these questions as she describes a bold and innovative vision for preventing youth violence throughout Greater Cleveland and beyond. Attendance is no cost, open to the public. To RSVP, go to http://www.facinghistory.org/allstate or call 321-9220. John Hay High School Auditorium, 2075 Stokes Blvd.

HOT 7th Annual New Play, Poetry & Film Festival The Cleveland School of the Arts’ talented students write, direct, and perform original plays; write, direct, and edit their own films; and recite their own poetry. This festival of their work includes 7 staged student-run plays, 4 staged readings of plays, 6 student films, a couple dozen poems and a musical cabaret. It all hits the Cleveland Play House starting Tue 4/15 and runs through late April. Schedule and performance times at 421-7690 or http://www.clevelandschoolofthearts.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.

SPONSORED: TV Exposure Can Be Yours The WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction returns in May, but donations are needed now. It’s a unique opportunity to get your product in front of thousands of customers. Besides valuable TV promotion and a tax deduction, you’re helping to support WVIZ/PBS. Donate today: 216.916.6100 or www.wviz.org.

Meet CCPL’s Executive Director Sari Feldman
On National Library Week, Life as a Regional Asset and Being #1

Sari Feldman, Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Libraries (CCPL) recently hosted Cool Cleveland at the organization’s Parma Administrative Offices. We discussed the award-winning institution and toured its multi-faceted headquarters in honor of National Library Week next week (April 13 – 19). CCPL was recently named the #1 library system servicing a population of 500,000 by the Hennen Library Association.

Last year, CCPL supported a circulation of 16.4 million items and welcomed 7.2 million visitors system-wide. Statistically, that amounts to almost one visit per month for every Cuyahoga County resident. Nearly 85 percent of all Cuyahoga County residents owns a County library card, ranking it Number One nationally in terms of percentage of population as library card holders.

June marks Feldman’s five-year anniversary at the helm of CCPL, and its 28 branches servicing 47 communities. She is quick to acknowledge the professionalism of her staff throughout CCPL and advocates an empowering leadership style.

Feldman has a lifelong commitment to promoting literacy and serves on the newly established Literacy Cooperative Board. A South Fallsburg, New York native, Feldman has been a Clevelander for 10 years. She and husband Matt live in Shaker Heights, where they raised two daughters, Bridgette and Margaret. Both are Shaker Heights High School graduates…

Read more of Sari Feldman’s interview by Tim Zaun here

Fighting for the Right

John A. Boyd, candidate for Cleveland City Council in the Ward 6 Special Runoff Election that will be held on April 22 is a convicted murderer … there is no question about that. At age 16 he killed a store owner in a botched armed robbery. Upon his conviction he was sent to an adult prison to serve his sentence.

“I was one of only four 16-year-olds in a very tough, adult, maximum security prison,” said Boyd, “and the four of us made a protection pact: No one, and we did mean no one, was going to take our manhood, no one was going to rape either of us … not without a do-or-die fight.”. Boyd now states that they didn’t have to kill anyone to protect their honor and person… but once blood was spilled on the prison yard. The older and stronger prisoners soon got the message: Find easier prey… or put your own life at risk.

Even though Boyd was busy staying alive, he nonetheless obtained a high school diploma and an associate’s degree before being released at age 23. However, when his murder conviction prevented him from finding gainful employment, he went back to what he knew: The streets — and eventually back to prison where he earned a bachelor’s degree. After serving another four years he was once again released back to Cleveland, and back to no job. Arrested on a parole violation, he again went back to prison where earned yet another degree…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Theater Ninjas Ambush the Audience

It’s more than the cool name and their funky movie theater digs. Theater Ninjas just aren’t your typical theater company, insists founder Jeremy Paul and Associate Artistic Director Faye Hargate. “Hey – we’re on Coventry between a sports bar and a hookah bar. You can buy a pizza and bring it into our shows.”

The Ninjas are great conversationalists, I discovered when we hooked up at Phoenix on Coventry a week before their new show opened. They’re passionate and professional, original theater makers with blue-chip cred who know what they’re about — yet don’t take themselves too seriously.

In their new piece Peripheral Visions, Hargate and Paul lay it all on the line. They’ve created it from the ground up – starting in improvisations and finishing 6 months later with a script featuring just the two of them, each playing 8-10 characters. “It’s about two people moving through different universes,” says Hargate. “ Part of it is fantastic and dream-like, other parts are grotesque satire — a dark mundane Walmart-like place…”
Read more from Linda Eisenstein here


This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

Of recent PD headlines Case Law Takes A Hit In Rankings By Magazine and Patient Satisfaction Lags On Nursing In NE Ohio Joel Libava writes “Couldn’t the headlines for the negative ones be” Case Law Could Be Taking An Unfair Hit In Rankings and Nurses Are Overworked; That Is Why Patient Satisfaction Is Lacking. “Every little thing helps NEO. C’mon PD. Help turn things around here…” Readers react with:

* Newspaper editors don’t write headlines like bloggers do, Joel. comment by George Nemeth

* What about the tone on BFD? I can’t recall you ever taking anyone to task on here for being negative. And yesterday, you responded to a post entitled, “Is NEO in a Financial Crisis?” with a sarcastic, “No way. NEO having financial problems? Cmon!” The term “cognitive dissonance” comes to mind… comment by Tom Hitchcock

* Regarding Case Law Takes A Hit In Rankings By Magazine I’d suggest, Cleveland-Marshall Law Continues Rise In Magazine Rankings. comment by Brendan Doyle

* My favorite is how the media reports on the economy, and how that drives poll results, like this morning’s poll that 81% of Americans think we’re headed in the wrong direction. comment by J. Murray

* There’s something in other major city newspapers that – when I pick it up – I feel something; something inside – just by looking at the paper. I am “held” – long enough to be drawn to reading it. It has nothing to do what I am interested in – because a powerful newspaper MOVES PEOPLE to be interested in everything… comment by Georgia Reash

Read and add your comment here

Double Edge Dance floats the wildcards

We knew next to nothing about the upcoming Double Edge Dance program at CPT’s Dance Works so we jumped at a chance to see a preview showing. What we found was a virtual faculty concert from a grab bag of teachers at Ohio colleges and universities.

Double-Edge was founded in 1993 by choreographer / dancer Kora Radella and saxophonist / composer Ross Feller. This program includes performance by Emily Lawrence and choreography by Julie Brody, both teachers of dance at Kenyon College where Radella also teaches. Performer Kimberly Karpanty, whose work we already knew from Travesty Dance Group, teaches dance at Kent State University.

Two wild card additions to this mix are local Lisa K. Lock, whose multi-media explorations of avant-garde ballet so impressed us at last year’s Black Box and Ingenuity Fest, and Chris Seibert, Education Director at CPT…
Read more from Vic & Elsa here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Here’s a Google map of the home foreclosures filed in 2007-2008 in Cleveland and Euclid within a few blocks of the Senator George Voinovich’s house.
NYT Book Review raves about former Clevelander Fiona Maazel’s first novel Last Last Chance.
‘Diversity is really about integrating perspectives of the “majority” of people with whom a leader comes into contact. And, majority is defined as “everyone”.’
Is NEO in a financial crisis?
“Cleveland Municipal City School District students have a graduation rate of 34.1 percent ranking third lowest in the country. Cleveland suburbs combined for a 78.1 percent graduation rate… Any suggestions

Radio Genius and Former WMMS Guru John Gorman
Living Up and Down the Dial… Even Now…

John Gorman began his broadcasting career in Boston. In 1973, he moved to Cleveland to join WMMS, “a small, free-form FM station” then under new ownership. Over the next 13 years, he helped shape “The Buzzard” into one of the most popular and influential rock stations in the entire United States. He’s promoting a new book, called The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio (Gray & Company, Publishers) and will be a featured guest of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “From Songwriters to Soundmen” speaker series this coming Wednesday, April 16 at 7PM.

Rather than dig deep about Gorman’s WMMS memoirs — which are already written and sure to be talked about at the Rock Hall — Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian went in a slightly different direction with his line of questioning in the pair’s hometown coffeeshop. Among the topics discussed with the razor-sharp radio mind? Read on…

Cool Cleveland: Thanks for taking the time this morning. Talk about the release of your book The Buzzard back in November. When did you decide to write the WMMS memoir, how long did it take you to go through all of the materials that your assistant Rhonda Kiefer kept? What was your hope for the book on the other side of the process?

John Gorman: Good questions (laughs). Rhonda was my assistant for many, many years and she was as organized in all the ways I wasn’t. I am not an organized person. (laughs) If I file something myself, I am never going to find it. So she was very good keeping up all the details. Files were kept as a record to check something for dates; when a group of us left mms back in the mid 80s, she gave me all the files, which she had done in chronological order. Every file, note, memo… pretty much everything. I had these files for years just sitting in my garage, moved a couple times and regularly asked myself, “What am I doing with these?” I told Rhonda that she needed to write a book, but she kept pushing that back on me. I almost pitched all of those records at one point, and shortly after that, I got a call from David Gray [of Gray & Company, Publishers] and he asked me if I had ever thought about writing about my experience at WMMS. That’s when I decided it had to be done…
Read more from Peter Chakerian here

It’s a Weird Time to be Alive
His Hideous Heart

Teetering on an avant-rock precipice, this post-shoegazer pop outfit His Hideous Heart fortifies their sound with grand, sweeping choruses, powerful chords and a very British-sounding indie rock vibe. It’s delicate, electronic-acoustic at some points; solidified with rich, exuberant drama at others. If you are a fan of Explosions in the Sky, Broken Social Scene, Mogwai and Ben Gibbard’s All-Time Quarterback, you’re really gonna dig It’s a Weird Time to Be Alive. It’s only a little bit weird, actually, but very much alive and vibrant. In fact, it might be the best local effort I’ve heard all year to date.

HHH began as a solo project of local singer-songwriter Mike O’Neill’s, but after an EP of electronic-acoustic inclined work Remember the Days, the group began to take shape as a full band. With Brian Bohan (bass), Ben Austin (cello), Jeff Mather (drums), Bridget Davis (vox/percussion) and Aaron Popelka (guitar) the group takes on a miasma of approaches and makes perfect sense of them all. Highlights of this superb disc include “Everything There Is to Know About England,” the subliminal “On Your Left You Will See The Sun,” the “Midnight/Morning” suite and the gorgeous set-opener, “September Weather.”

They call it “polyphony,” with their derived rhythmic schemes and sensibilities; I’m not sure I wholeheartedly agree… but they definitely found my sweet tooth. After that first full spin, I wondered if I was sampling something from Cleveland or the Next Big Thing mentioned in New Musical Express. In a word? Sweet.

Listen to HHH’s “September Weather” by clicking here.

Purchase the disc here and visit them online at http://www.myspace.com/hishideousheart.

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

PD Can’t Tell the Truth on Med Mart Deal

I can’t understand why the Plain Dealer blatantly lies to us about the cost of the medical mart and convention center.

A PD editorial on March 24 says the project “… will be financed by $400 million in public money.” That is incorrect.

The memorandum of understanding between Cuyahoga County Commissioners and the no-bid MMPI (Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.) of Chicago states clearly:

The operator (MMPI) “will lease the Facility to the County under a 20-year lease-purchase agreement obligating the Count to pay annual rent in an amount equal to (a) $40 million during a period commencing with the signing of the lease and ending on Sept. 30, 2027 or on such earlier date as the financing agreements may permit such rent payments to end plus (underling in the document) (b) the supplemental payments (defined below) on a monthly basis during such term.”

Now $40 million times 20 years do not equal $400 million. It equals $800 million. The “plus” supplement mentioned in the lease document says that the County will pay amounts “equal to $6 million in years one through three and $5 million in the remaining years.” And that’s with three percent escalation “if certain financial targets are not met.” So it could be more…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here here

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

GroundWorks Dance Theater @ CPT 3/28 GroundWorks Dance Theater, which is presently performing as part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks Festival, is David Shimotakahara’s sparkling modern dance company. It is about to enter its 10th year of existence. It looks like it will be a year of excitement and possible change for the company. Next spring they will be performing in New York, allowing the Big Apple folk to find out what North Coasters have known for a long time… this is a very special and talented company with a talented and special Artistic Director.

There are questions, however. Company member Mark Otloski, who is presently injured, will fade permanently from the dance floor and spend full time on the company’s outreach program. That leaves only Shimotakahara and Damien Highfield as the ensemble’s male dancers. As good as they both are, they are of the age when it starts to get difficult to continue the hectic and physical pace required by modern dance. For example, both of them performed in three pieces in the present program. That would be a challenge for twenty year-olds.

So, the question must be raised, “Wither goest thou Groundworks?” New company members? Cutting down on the length and number of productions? A change in company philosophy? Only the next year will tell.

Their present program consisted of four highly entertaining pieces. For the Life of Me, a world premiere choreographed by Artistic Associate Amy Miller, combined six pieces of music which had no apparent theme and used a blend of contemporary bumps, lifts, flowing arms, and fast moves to create a cheerful collage. Maybe with a view of self-revelation, the choreographer used Amy Borkowsky’s comedy routine parody, Where’s Amila?, based on her mother’s over-possessiveness, as the highlight segment.

Sweet, a Cleveland premiere choreographed by Shimotakahara, used Gospel music as the center for sensual exploration. Felise Bagley and Damien Highfield skillfully intertwined bodies and melded together to create a wonderfully danced and interpreted number.

Several Truths Duet, choreographed by Gina Gibney, who has done a number of creations for GroundWorks, used pansonic and micizoscopic music to create a powerful piece which displayed unusual lifts, static interactions and compelling leaps and turns. Miller and Shimotakahara, two movement perfectionists, interpreted the concept with skill. Ironically, just before the dance came to its climax, a dark piece of gel floated out of a light above the stage and gently floated down in perfect time to the music. It was a wonderful addition to the composition. Too bad that accident of theatricality can’t be added on a regular basis.

The program ended with one of my favorites, Latitude. Developed to the music of Hal Walker, who plays a series of instruments in his live accompaniment, the piece takes on different attitudes according to Walker’s musical instrument and style. County music, twanging sounds, hand slapping, Eastern European folk songs, clinking balls and mouth organ reverberations, all were interpreted into appropriate movements which examined people in transition and the soul’s search for a place and the need for connection.

Capsule judgment: GroundWorks is a gem of a company. If you haven’t seen them in performance you should! Yes, you definitely should!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

The Crucible @ GLTF 3/29 A number of years ago, the faculty of the college at which I was teaching, decided to do a sit-in due to what we perceived to be an improper “witch hunt” aimed at the faculty leadership. I decided to spend my class time reading aloud from The Crucible, a play now being produced by the Great Lakes Theatre Festival. I did so because I thought it was a perfect lesson for young minds to hear the brilliant words of Arthur Miller regarding misguided attempts to manipulate and control people.

Miller, one of America’s greatest modern playwrights, used the theatrical concept of historification as his writing device for ‘THE CRUCIBLE.’ The technique is to write a play based on true or near true actions of a different era to represent a present day set of circumstances.

Miller’s script was penned in 1953 as a protest against Joseph McCarthy’s witch-hunt for Communists in the government and entertainment industry during the early 1950s. The country was in hysteria for fear of Russia and its emergence as a major power. McCarthy fed on that hysteria, much like the religious fanatics of Massachusetts colony set upon so-called witches because of the hard times facing the people of the late 17th century. Miller was questioned by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities and held strong feelings against the witch-hunting being done and how it had ruined many lives.

The play is relevant today as the Bush administration, using the hysteria of 9/11, has conducted witch hunts and taken away citizen civil rights. Much of this was based on a parallel to the play’s line, “You are either with us or against us.” You are a “good American” as defined by this administration, or you are a traitor.

The play also reflects attitudes of the present day religious right, who, much like the Salem religious fanatics, hunt out those not agreeing with their interpretation of what is “right and wrong.” They attack homosexuals, those who believe in abortion, and those who champion stem cell research, for “poisoning” the “good” folk.

The story concerns an accusation against Goode Proctor by a teenaged girl who, after having a sexual affair with Proctor’s husband, John, accuses Goode Proctor and others of being witches. The chief magistrate, much like Joseph McCarthy, closes his eyes to facts and is swayed by his own agenda. In the process, the question of one’s reputation comes center stage. Proctor cries out, after refusing to sign a document in which he would falsely agree that he has seen the devil, “Because it is my name. Because I cannot have another in my life.”

Great Lakes Theatre Festival director Drew Barr not only understands the underbelly of the play, but has the ability to develop the script’s emotional and logical meaning.

From Narelle Sissons’ stark and disturbing bare plank-wood set, to Rick Martin’s overly bright lighting, to Fitz Patton’s sometimes unnerving music, the entire production screams, “extreme!” I was uncomfortable from the start of the play. In this case, uncomfortable is positive. It made me aware of each of the emotionally tearing lines and each underscore of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man.

Andrew May is excellent as John Procter. His last set of speeches, the emotional fulcrum of the play, were stirring. He was, in fact, a man caught between his need to be a good father and husband, and live a life of purpose and self-respect. We saw his self-respect soar, as his resolve came forth.

Aled Davies, as the Deputy Governor, was scary in his reflection of what could well-be some of the present day Supreme Court judges, closed to all but narrow views of what it means to be just.

Jeffrey Hawkins transitioned well as the strongly opinionated John Hale, the reverend who eventually sees the light and realizes the harm caused by being stiff-necked.

As was needed, I hated Abigail Williams, the master manipulator, as portrayed be Sara Bruner. David Anthony Smith was also appropriately obnoxious as the self-centered Reverend Parris.

Capsule judgment: It is a shame and a blessing that a play like this has to exist. However, as witch-hunts continue, the theatre must have a voice like Miller’s to protest the taking away of rights. And, if such messages must be given a life, then they should be presented as effectively as the GLTF production.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Inlet Dance Theater @ CPT 3/31 Inlet Dance Theatre, which recently performed as part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks program, is noted for their dedication to personal and regional growth and outreach. As announced by Bill Wade, the group’s Artistic Director during a concert interlude, the company added “global” to their mission. Their global outreach was clearly in evidence at the CPT program last week. The dance concert consisted of six movement segments and a mini-lecture about Easter Island.

The first dance, Tides and Solitude, was choreographer Sally Wallace’s vision of the solitude, peace and harmony that takes place when breaking the traditional mold allows for the creation of joy. Using long poles and dressed in gauze costumes that took on the air of sails, the dancers catalapulted across the stage to Brian Eno and Robert Fripp’s flowing music. There was a soothing quality to the entire blend of sound and movements which was artistically performed by the corps.

Offaxis, in its premiere, was strongly danced by Joshua Brown, who collaborated with Wade on the choreography. Costumed in plumage, Brown broke outside the traditional box by allowing himself to not only look different, but move in creative and challenging ways.

Age of Isolation, a cleverly conceived Inlet premiere, danced to the atonal music of Philip Glass, found the cast starting a traditional dance sequence. But, soon, the performers found a computer, cell phones, iPods and electronic games pulling at their attention. Finally, each become so isolated in his or her own technological world, that the dance itself became non-existent. This was a definite audience pleaser.

Dances from Rapa Nui were a series of Rapa Nui dances. Rapa Nui is the the native name for what westerners call Easter Island. The performers, dressed in traditional Island clothing and emblazoned with tribal makeup, used traditional native music to give the audience a glimpse of the island’s culture. This segment was developed as part of an international artist exchange in which the Inlet dancers were taught Rapa Nui movements by Easter Island residents Akahanga Rapu Tudi and Joanna Pako.

The next phase of the outreach will take place later this month when eight company members travel to Easter Island for a two-week residency where they will not only learn more about the Rapa Nui culture, but expose the residents to their first dose of modern dance.

Dream of Sleeping, which was based on research provided by the National Sleep Foundation, was mostly danced with closed eyes. It found the dancers gyrating on the floor as they attempted to fall asleep, then sleep and then react to their restlessness, dreams and nightmares. Though a little long, it was another creative piece by Wade set to the music of former Clevelander, Ryan Lott.

The program ended with Out of Nowhere, performed to singer Ada Sari’s operatic solos, as well as segments of spoken words and some hip-hop. The lighthearted piece, centered, as most of the evening did, on how culture influences each of us. Choreographed by Stephen Wynne, the dance asks, “Are relationships and values always determined to change?”

”Capsule judgement: Bill Wade and his Inlet Dance Theatre are a unique company. They go outside the box looking beyond traditional roles of performers and use the medium to teach and enlighten. Their DanceWorks program was yet another well performed, creatively conceived and entertaining evening of dance.”

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Pride and Prejudice @ CPH 4/1 An interesting side-bit about Jane Austen, the author of the book which has been interpreted into a play, which is presently in production at The Cleveland Play House, is that her tombstone does not include any information about her being a playwright. In fact, her books didn’t even include her name as the writer. They are credited to someone named, “The Author.” But, in spite of those slights, Austin was undoubted the greatest woman author of the early 1800s. And her Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813, is considered to have been one of the first “romantic comedies” in the history of the modern novel.

Austin’s books and plays may seem like soap-operas by present day standards, but put in context, she mirrored the society about which she was writing. This was a period of pretense, class distinctions and proper marriages.

The book starts with the line, “It is truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” It is this want that pushes forth the script’s plot, a plot which centers on independent-minded Elizabeth Bennet and the efforts made by her mother to find husbands for Elizabeth and her sisters. When Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, the play becomes a contest between strong wills, pride and prejudices.

The Cleveland Play House production, under the wise and purposeful direction of Peter Amster is plush, focused and charming. In spite of its length, three acts and two intermissions, the movement flows effectively.

Amster develops a mood that is era correct. He is aided by Robert Koharchik, who has created an absolutely gorgeous and functional set and Gail Brassard’s equally glorious costumes. CPH has let loose the budget on this production and it shows!

Americans often have trouble creating the right sound and feel for British drama and comedy. No problem here. Dialect coach Don Wadsworth has the cast using the right accents, with sounds that are easy to understand and are consistent. Andre Hopson’s musical interludes and underscores highlight the moods and transition the set changes.

The cast is wonderful. The petite, lovely and perky Chaon Cross makes Elizabeth live. Though he seems a bit disengaged at first, handsome Jason Bradley grows into the role of Darcy so that at the end, he is totally on target. Bill McGough, is a delight in his underplaying Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth’s father.

Judith Day, as Mrs. Bennet, has the difficult task of playing a role that demands to be over-the-top, serve as comedy central, and yet not look like she is begging for laughs. She does the balancing act effectively.

The rest of the cast is up to the demands of clearly written characters and each makes their character distinct.

Capsule judgment: If you are a fan of British escapist literature, you can do no better than seeing the CPH’s fine production. Applause, applause to Peter Amster, his fine cast and technical crew.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Erin Bode @ Nighttown 4/2 All of the smaller music venues around town that book national acts have favorites that come back over and over. Erin Bode is one of my favorites, and she played her third show in three years at Nighttown last week. The jazz vocalist from St. Louis was once again backed by a three piece band, featuring Adam Manass on piano, who is also co writer of much of their original material. What separates Ms. Bode from a lot of the current crop of jazz singers is her song writing and unusual selections of covers.

She opened the first set with songs coming from an untitled album coming out this June. “Out of Time” featured a great bass introduction, and Bode added a little scatting to the lyrics. “I Won’t Be Chasing After You” is one of the several originals about broken relationships. She opened the second set with “Holiday,” one of the better songs from her 2006 album Over and Over.

This time around she gave her band a little more room to work, and it gave an overall better sound. The best instrument in the band, however, is Bode’s voice, either as a train whistle in the background or grinding out a lyric ala Ella Fitzgerald. Her range is terrific and she uses it to its potential.

Amongst the covers she did were two from Paul Simon, “Born at the Right Time” and “Graceland”; a wonderful almost naked version of U2’s “With or Without You”; a jazzed up version of Bob Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll be Staying with You”; and a beautiful version of Irving Berlin’s “Count All My Blessings.”

I really like Erin Bode. She has a great voice and is backed by a solid band, and her original material is very good and she does a great job with covers. Her stage presence is compelling, and the fans she does have adore her. She has spent the good part of the last few years fighting with her old record label and has just signed with someone new. Let’s hope putting those problems behind her will allow her to concentrate on the music in the near future and allow her to spread her popularity to a larger audience.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

Akron Independent Film Festival @ The Bang & the Clatter 4/3-6 Akron continued its burgeoning cultural renaissance the past weekend with the successful fifth annual Akron Independent Film Festival – a mix of features, shorts and documentaries selected from 105 submissions from 16 countries. Held on the campus of Akron University for its first four years, the event moved to its next stage of development this year by operating out of the Bang and Clatter Theater Company facilities on East Market Street. The larger space, with its artful environments and room for a video installation and local artworks, provided neat atmospherics for the innovative festival, which had its most successful run so far in its short existence.

“We’ve never sold out a movie before,” explained founder and Director of Operations Rob Lucas with a smile. “This was our first year for that – we sold out a movie every day. Saturday we were actually turning away dozens of people. We’ll definitely need a bigger venue next year!” Lucas, a filmmaker himself, started the festival five years ago and has watched the independent gathering grow larger and stronger each year. Now assisted by four other partners in crime who put the festival together and keep it running smoothly – Mike Honeck, Sara Lucas, Kendra Minadeo and Steve Felix – he’s feeling pretty good about the contribution the AIFF is making to culture in the city, and the opportunities for people to view independent film. “The enthusiasm was really a big thing. A lot of people had never heard of the festival before and they were happy it was here. They didn’t have to drive to Cleveland!”

Besides screening films, the programming of the festival also featured workshops for budding filmmakers such as classes on lighting, screenwriting and Super 8 use. Perhaps the most interesting part of the festival was the 48 Hour Challenge, which found 10 teams competing to make a short film in the space of 48 hours. The teams drew genres for their films out of a hat, and were also assigned to use chopsticks in their films in a non-traditional way, as well as to include the line, “That’s why they call it the Rubber City.”

Kendra Minadeo, Director of Arts Education for the festival, was quite pleased by the results of the competition. “All of the contest films were fantastic – which you don’t quite expect from a span of 48 hours. The 48 Hours Challenge had 10 teams – 40 people in total, and 8 teams completed their projects. They totally blew our minds.”

Sunday afternoon’s award ceremony featured the winning 48 hours Challenge film, made by 18 year-old Jason Piszczor, a high school senior from Broadview Heights, as well as several other films from the challenge. There were also awards presented in categories such as Best Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Film – won this year by Akron resident Ted Sikora for his co-written and co-directed feature, “Hero Tomorrow,” a movie about a comic book creator who gets lost in his creation and begins to believe he is actually a super hero. Sikora’s film has previously screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival as well as the San Diego Comic-Con and the Fantasia Film Fest in Montreal, among other locales.

With another year of planning ahead for Lucas and associates in preparation for next year’s festival, it is to be expected that year 6 will be even more enjoyable and more diverse for residents of Akron and northeast Ohio as spring comes to town and with it, independent films in the Rubber City.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Daiv Whaley Daiv Whaley dwhaleyATfathomseo.com

Tower of Power @ House of Blues 4/3 In over 40 years, Oakland, California’s Tower of Power has remained a sturdy act, soldiering on despite the evolution of tastes in music. TOP laid the foundation for horn-rock bands like Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire; they’re still on the radio after all this time; their horns are the archetype for all those “retro-swing” and neo-soul bands you’ve heard, and they’ve captured their lightning in a bottle for artists as diverse as Elton John, Rod Stewart, Eurythmics, Phil Collins and Phish. So why aren’t they in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after 25 years of eligibility? Search us. Sax player Emilio Castillo brought the act back for another round of favorites at the House of Blues Thursday, kicking out tracks from their most recent Oakland Zone. “Soul with a Capital ‘S’,” “Diggin’ on James Brown” and the requisite “What is Hip?” rounded out the fun, 100-minute set. After another great gig like this one, it makes you wonder what Tower of Power has to do to gain the attention of the Rock Hall voters. Remember that Daffy Duck cartoon… the one where he actually blew himself up with nitro-glycerin?

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes @ House of Blues 4/5 Except for Michael Stanley and the various outfits he has fronted (MSB, Ghost Poets, Resonators), no one has played more venues in Northern Ohio over the last 30 years than Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Starting with the old Agora, the Coliseum, Blossom, the Front Row, the Odeon, the new Agora, Nautica, Tower City, Cain Park and who knows where else over the years.

Last Saturday he did his first show at the House of Blues Cleveland, and it went like all the rest of the Cleveland Southside shows have gone over the years. He starts out doing his usual show, and believe me when I say this because I have seen him more than a few times in places other than Northern Ohio, it is different than a Cleveland show. But when he plays here by the sixth or seventh song the set list is trashed and he pretty much stays with the material from his first three albums, back when his popularity in our area put him on the some level as Bob Seger and other rockers of the era.

This time Southside brought an eight-piece band of old and newer Jukes, and they gave a solid and enthusiastic performance. Besides the material from the first three albums there were a few surprises and some newer material.

The most recent material included “In the Harbor” and “On the Beach” from recent albums. The surprises included a spirited cover of the J. Geils Band’s “Looking for Love”; a soulful version of Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on Home”; and a jazzy arrangement of the Frank Sinatra standard “Luck be the Lady.”

But it was the old songs the audience came to hear and the Jukes responded, including “Take it Inside,” “Love on the Wrong Side of Town,” “Without Love,” “I Don’t Want to go Home,” “The Fever,” “Walk Away Renee,” “This Time It’s for Real,” and “We’re Havin’ a Party.”

Southside and the boys will probably resurface in Northern Ohio sometime this summer, they usually do. You can check out their tour schedule http://www.southsidejohnny.com. The House of Blues as always has a lot of good things coming up. I’m really looking forward to the Asia show on April 19, featuring all four original members of the early 80’s super group.

The House of Blues was perfect for the Southside show. It was crowded but not packed, there was enough room to dance, sing along, and to “reach up and touch the sky.”

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

Sunday in the Arts @ CIM 4/6 The variety of art available to any resident of Cleveland is extraordinary. Sunday, April 6 was no exception, as with little effort and no admission fees, one could partake of a glorious art exhibit and a remarkable faculty composer recital at CIM. It was a grand day for women in the arts; while some of the musicians were men, the honored composer was a very talented woman, as were all five artists in the exhibition.

The Beachwood Community Center on Fairmount Blvd, just west of Richmond Road is a beautiful airy space well-suited to various displays. This exhibit – Inspired by Nature II – featured fiber art by Jodi Kanter, sculpture by Charlotte Lees, photography by Betsy Molnar, mixed media painting by Lynn O’Brien and acrylics by Ann Vandervelde. It was a colorful montage, thoughtfully arranged to present an array of each artist by turns, not just all lumped together on an individual basis.

Ms. Kanter’s fiber hangings are spectacular—a blend of mostly pastel fibers, with some metallics mixed in, to provide a luminous surface that is also deceptive. She loves butterflies which are a recurrent theme, but does gorgeous abstracts as well.

The sculptures of Ms. Lees are vibrant and happy in nature, whether free standing or small enough to be wall-mounted. Likewise the paintings of Ms. Vandervelde are vibrant, and colorful, whether her more traditional ‘botanical’s or a newer abstract. If you look closely, though, you’ll see the iris in this brilliant example.

Large silver gelatin photographs of Ms. Molnar are exotic and almost erotic as they examine amaryllis blossoms in varying stages of life. The enlargements offer spectacularly minute detail. Ms. O’Brien’s works are fascinating and playful collages of ordinary things we see almost every day. Her careful placement of these items in conjunction with their mates, turn them into extraordinary visions of delight.

The exhibit runs through April 28, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm; on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The Beachwood Community Center is located at 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122.

Monica Houghton is a composer who is rapidly gaining recognition for her varied, quirky and accessible music. Her first ever faculty composer recital was presented in the gorgeous new Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music. This little gem is a work of art in itself, and if you’ve not yet been there to experience a performance, what are you waiting for?

Five works of varying complexity were presented here. To open the program, CIM faculty member and guitarist Don Better performed a work he’d commissioned—one with an intriguing theme. Titled Blue Shuffle there are nine short movements, all with some connection to the word or theme of ‘blue’. The shuffle part is that prior to the performance, the stage manager or someone arranges the individual pages in no particular sequence and puts them on the music stand. It is this order in which they are performed! Talk about an unusual method! There was ‘bluebird’, ‘blue moon’, and even a ‘bluesy’ miniature. They ranged from languid to mystical to one unusual knocks and slides on the strings by the performer.

Here On Earth reflects the composer’s love of nature. It is for an unusual quartet, formed of clarinet, violin, cello and piano. Performers were guest artists Leah Goor, violin; Julie King, cello, Lindsay Wile Charnofsky, clarinet, guest artist, and CIM faculty member Eric Charnofsky, piano. The first two movements were meditative and ethereal with shifting clusters and harmonies, while the finale was more lively. It was beautifully performed.

Close (Far) was an another unusual mixture for horn, violin, cello, percussion (marimba and suspended cymbal) plus piano. There was also a conductor, Thiago Tiberio, a composition/conducting student at CIM. (He also served as Portugese narrator later in the program.) Performers were CIM faculty members Richard King, (principal horn of the Cleveland Orchestra) horn, Matthew Bassett, percussion and Linda Jones, piano, plus guest artists Amber Dimoff, violin and Julie King, cello. This fascinating piece featured echoes of open chords moving from one instrument to another accompanied by rhythmic variations. Again, the composer’s love of nature was prevalent.

Ms. Houghton was the ‘Composer of the Year’ for 2007 of the Ohio Music Teachers Association, which included a commission. She chose to set four Portugese poems for solo piano, and dedicated the piece to her teacher and mentor Dennis Eberhard, who died suddenly in 2005. Cleveland pianist ‘Halida Dinova performed the work–Corpo Sonoro at its premiere in Columbus last fall, and repeated the performance here. It is based on four poems by Brazilian poet, Maria Davico, which were read in the Portugese by Mr. Tiberio. By turns, the music was meandering, capricious and vibrant. In the third movement Almost a Sonnet the last line is ‘you returned with a bugle solo’ which was musically rendered by a slightly off-key version of TAPS, the military farewell—a fitting and graceful tribute to Mr. Eberhard. Ms. Dinova imbued each of the sections with emotion and intelligence, drawing beautiful sound from the Steinway grand piano.

Perhaps the most fully-realized work was the final song cycle In Singing Weather, lustrously performed by guest artist, soprano Andrea Chenoweth. Her sensitive collaborator was Mr. Charnofsky. The seven songs were written to poems by Kent poet Maggie Anderson. By turns, they were lyrical or languid in their story-telling, while two of them had a Latin or bluesy beat.

It was an impressive afternoon, all around. CIM has a very full and very versatile schedule of concerts, recitals and other events, most of which have no admission charge. For more details, visit the web-site: http://www.cim.edu or call 791-5000.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.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) Not loving “Progressive Field?” You’re not the only one.
StillTheJake.com

2) RoldoLINK 1968 – The Year that Changed it All
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) RTA is looking for artists for their Woodhill RTA Station.
www.GCRTA.org

4) Paola Morsiani Video interview with the new curator of contemporary art at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Cool Cleveland Kids Forecast for Cleveland: A Hot Summer w/Cool Camps!.
www.CoolCleveland.com

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? We’re not sure, but the Hard Corps dream passionately about Cleveland every night — when they’re not afflicted with insomnia over the replicants, anyway. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Steve Copley, Linda Eisenstein, Roy Berko, Greg Cielec, Kelly Ferjutz, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roldo Bartimole and Rick Deckard. 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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