Stand Up

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10.22-10.29.08
Stand Up

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Endorsements Print-and-go… to the polls

* KIDS party and you & yr kids are invited

* Brain Gain Christopher Lynn & Maria Samuelson on SPACES
* Ingenious Ray’s MTB with Civic Innovation Lab
* Preview A Haiku Death Match as part of The Joy of Text
* Straight Outta Mansfield Systemic Moral Cowardice
* Ingenious Vic & Elsa on a Verb Ballets collaboration
* Sounds Tommy Wiggins’ new release 10
* Comment Wind Power and the Birds
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

Now is the time to stand for what you believe in. Whether you follow our endorsements or not, we urge every Cool Cleveland reader to exercise their right and their responsibility to vote in the important November 4th general election. In the meantime, we’re standing for what we believe in, with a spotlight on SPACES’ new director and his wife, recently relocated to the Cle+ region. We’ve got a video of last week’s party at Ray’s and we’re gearing up for our first Cool Cleveland KIDS party with Superheroes, and you & your kids are invited. Big Barack is standing tall, a Haiku Death Match is taking place in Cleveland Heights, and Mansfield rails against our systemic moral cowardice. Verb, St. Jude’s, Dancing Wheels and the Human Fund (among others) are hosting fun fundraisers, and we consider if wind power is for the birds. Standing up for your community has never been so much fun. –Thomas Mulready

Cool Cleveland Endorsements
for the November 4, 2008 General Election
Complete endorsements click here.

President of the United States

VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA and JOE BIDEN More than a new leader, we need a new approach to solving our problems. More…

Cuyahoga County Commissioner: VOTE FOR PETER LAWSON JONES He was right on AmeriTrust & MedMart tax & Arts & Culture tax. His opponent, while competent, doesn’t measure up. More…
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor: VOTE FOR ANNETTE G. BUTLER A federal prosecutor with 24 years experience to take the place of incumbent Bill Mason, whose practices have raised too many questions. More…
U.S. House District 10: VOTE FOR DENNIS KUCINICH His stellar constituent services, plus his positions on the war & other progressive causes means he will get re-elected as often as he runs. Did we mention he takes care of his constituents? Opponent Jim Trakas is a good man in search of the right office. More…
Issue 1, Early Ballot Issue filing: VOTE YES Get it done early, and get it done right. More…
Issue 2, Clean Ohio Fund: VOTE YES No new taxes to help clean up our brownfields for essential economic development. More…
Issue 3, Water Rights: VOTE YES A formality to insure passage of the Great Lakes Compact. More…
Issue 5, Payday lender restrictions: VOTE YES Who in their right mind thinks 391% interest is a good idea? More…
Issue 6, Casino: VOTE NO Loopholes, side effects of gambling addiction, and besides, who wants their children to grow up to become croupiers? More…
Issue 39, Reduce Cleveland City Council: VOTE YES Even Cle City Council voted to put this on the ballot & reduce Council by 4 seats. More…
Issue 127, Cuyahoga County Public Library levy: VOTE YES Virtually the best library system in the U.S., free CDs & DVDs, all for less than the price of a $21 book per year. More…

Read & print the complete Cool Cleveland endorsements here.

Come to our first Cool Cleveland KIDS party!
Maltz Museum on Thu 11/6. Info. Tix.

You and your kids are invited to have some fun at our first-ever Cool Cleveland KIDS party at the Maltz Museum on Thu 11/6 from 5-7PM. For one special price ($15 for 1 adult & 1 kid, or $20 for up to 2 adults & 3 kids), you get admission to the cool Zap! Pow! Bam! exhibition on comic Superheroes, a ride in the Batmobile, unlimited cartoons in the museum’s theatre, hands-on cartoon making, plus kids refreshments.

Includes a copy of our new CC KIDS magazine. Reserve your tix here. More info on our Kids Party Page here.

Christopher Lynn & Maria Samuelson
SPACES Executive Director & performance artist

Christopher Lynn & Maria Samuelson met in Ohio when they were both going to college, he at OSU & she at OU. Now, Christopher has accepted the position as Executive Director at SPACES gallery, and they have decided to make Cleveland their home, along with their baby Moses.In this exclusive interview with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready on Superior Viaduct next to the gallery overlooking the Flats and the Lake, the couple discusses their peripatetic lives to date, Christopher’s goals for the next era of Cleveland’s leading alternative gallery, and the state of the arts in the epoch of digital media and the Internet. Art mavens will be celebrating at SPACES’ annual benefit blow-out Mambo Muerto! on Sat 11/1 coinciding with The Day of the Dead, features a full costume ball event, and the best silent auction in town. Come early for VIP treatment, fine dining, and to bid on packages like a Mexican getaway. www.SpacesGallery.org

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FBI extends county investigation and you can read about it here
Can Ohio compete for millions from film companies who want to produce here? All they need is a tax incentive: Read
A great local collegiate article about doing things on the cheap in C-town. Click
GREEN Actor/green advocate Ed Begley, Jr. coming to town and he wants to have dinner with you. Click
New program provides for homeless in Cleveland and has a lot to offer. Click
Meet rock legend/activist Melissa Etheridge at Dennis Kucinich fundraiser. Click
The FutureHeights auction page has some great stuff for a great cause. Bid
Keep state parks, preserves and forests great by getting involved here
WSJ scores CPH’s Noises Off! very highly in review here
For 20, Continue Life Inc. has held its doors open offering warm, safe, and secure shelter and a transitional housing program for pregnant and parenting women. They celebrate this weekend. Click
GREEN Is bottled water contaminated? Midwestbusiness.com story is pretty interesting here
C.L.E. Clothing Co. launches new designs and you can follow along here
There is still time to vote absentee and you don’t even need a good reason… just do it: Download your ballot.
An American Idol/Euclid Ave. reopening celebration? One AI fave is going to perform on Mall B. Read
Kent State Folk Fest tix are on sale now. Snap ’em up here
Local rockers Cobra Verde on nat’l TV again, gear up for new disc. Click
Tell USDA to choose artificial hormone-free milk in schools by clicking on the link here
Learn about a new east side comedy club by clicking on the link here
Rock Hall ballots for 2009 feature Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run-DMC, the Stooges, War, and Bobby Womack. Click

Devo, Hynde, Black Keys rock Akron Civic Three of Akron biggest bands came together to play a benefit concert at Akron’s Civic Theater for the Summit County Democratic Party and to support Barack Obama. Prominent party leaders addressed the crowd in between each of the musical sets delivered by Devo, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and the Black Keys. The latter went for their usual lo-fi delivery, while Hynde played an acoustic set with another guitarist. As for Devo, the band’s performance was nothing if not energetic — and yes, complete with requisite costume changes. Check out some shots of the gig by Janet Macoska Photography by clicking here

127 reasons we have the best libraries in the country. We’ve seen an uptick in recent weeks in visitors to our area libraries- could it be the ugly economy… and the fact that you can check out books, CDs, DVDs and other works for no charge! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of your election ballot to VOTE YES on ISSUE 127 to support the Cuyahoga County Public Library, with 28 branches in 47 communities, serving over 500K individual cardholders with 16.5 million items circulated last year. And CCPL is ranked #2 in the nation! Learn more & vote: http://www.ProtectOurLibrary.com or call 440-843-3206.

Peter Yarrow of the legendary folk music trio Peter, Paul & Mary is coming to the Beachland Ballroom on Sun 10/26 at 7PM. He’ll be performing a no-cost concert, called The Audacity of Votes: A Concert for Change. This get-out-the-vote event also features popular local artists including Carlos Jones (reggae), Kristine Jackson (blues), the Prayer Warriors (gospel), Noah Budin (original folk-pop) and Chuck Fink (folk). The concert is free, with an optional suggested $5 donation to help cover costs. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

Pinky’s Daily Planner goes Runway Lamenting the finale of Project Runway? Check out collections/pieces from Runway alumni Alison Kelly (Dahl Clothes) and Leanne Marshall (current season top-4 finalist Leanimal) at their store. The holidays are coming, in case you hadn’t heard; don’t be left holding the bag… unless it’s from Stephanie and the fine, friendly folks at her shop who always do it up right. http://www.pinkysdailyplanner.com.

Where can you get 10,400% return on your investment? Did you know that for every $1 spent on Positively Cleveland, the return to the region is more than $105? Your CVB celebrates the 1st anniversary of its new name with a video and bragging rights that you wouldn’t believe. Scroll down and click the Positively Cleveland logo to start the video.

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

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

Kids Playwriting Contest Solon Center for the Arts will be holding its First Annual Playwriting Competition in January of 2009. In an effort to give new voice to the youth of Northeast Ohio, students in grades 7 through 12 are asked to submit their own short piece of drama based on the theme of “Everyday Adventures.” These pieces will then be considered for potential production at SCA in the spring of 2009. For more information, call 440-337-1400 or visit http://www.solonarts.org.

Treasure Island Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime as Beck Center for the Arts Youth Theater presents Treasure Island on the Mackey Main Stage starting Fri 10/24 and running through the weekend. Directed by Russ Stich, this production is freely adapted by Phil Willmott from the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. With its dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, Treasure Island has enthralled audiences long before the days of Capt. Jack Sparrow and Pirates of the Caribbean. Show times are 7:30PM Friday and Saturday; 3PM on Sunday. Call 521-2540 ext. 10 for tickets. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. http://www.beckcenter.org.

Spooky Science Nights Great Lakes Science Center is hosting Spooky Science Nights Fri 10/24, Sat 10/25 and Sat 11/1. These evenings combine all that GLSC has to offer — the Steamship William G. Mather Museum, OMNIMAX Theater, 400 signature exhibits and science demonstrations – with a family-friendly, spooky twist. This overnight program gives attendees the opportunity to spend the night among the exhibits and explore the next day at no extra cost. All programs will include eerie stories told aboard the Steamship William G. Mather Museum, as well as the movie Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs and a late night snack. http://www.greatscience.com.

Visit the Cleveland Booootanical Gardens The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s family-friendly Halloween event takes place on Sat 10/25 in the beauty of the Hershey Children’s Garden. Dress the kids up (and it’s your excuse to wear your family-friendly costume too!) and head down for this spooktacular event that features stories, cider, entertainment and, of course, candy! Call 721-1600 (ext. 100) or visit http://www.cbgarden.org.

The Maltz Museum has teamed up with Cool Cleveland Kids to celebrate Superheroes and all things comic with a post-Halloween kids bash, complete with kids refreshments. This is one cool party you won’t want to miss! Kids can enter our costume contest and parade (prizes for best costume and best superhero), ride in a Batmobile that’s just their size, draw their own comics, watch cartoons and vintage serials and read as many comics as they wish. Comp admission to the Museum and their cool Zap! Pow! Bam! exhibit for kids on Superheroes & comics. Tickets are $20/family (up to two adults and up to three children), or special $15 admission for 1 adult & 1 child. Comp copy of new Cool Cleveland Kids guide for each family (pictured). Reserve your tix here. More info on our Kids Party Page here.

Aesop’s Fables, Anansi’s Folktales and Other Amazing Stories by Nina Domingue hits Studio One, The Cleveland Play House (8500 Euclid Ave.) starting Sat 10/25. You know the stories of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and others but you’ve never heard them told quite this way. In this imaginative retelling, Domingue uses masks, music, and a touch of theatrical magic to delight the audience with classic tales we know and some we might not. Call 795-7000, ext. 4, or visit http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com for more info and tix.

Halloween Costume Character Workshop As Halloween draws near, kids ages 6 – 11 and their families are invited to come and design their own Halloween costume/character and create costume pieces to wear Sat 10/25 at 1PM. After brainstorming and drawing, participants will create a Halloween treat bag, embellish a mask and decorate a perfect hat to bring their playful creation to life! Details at http://www.arthouseinc.org or by calling 398-8556.

Pumpkinpalooza The City of Lakewood youth service organization, Help to Others (H2O), co-sponsors the 9th Annual Pumpkinpalooza on Sun 10/26 from 1 – 4PM at Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Avenue. The culmination of a citywide pumpkin-decorating challenge and celebration of Make A Difference Day in Lakewood, a decorated pumpkin patch anchors the event. Festival goers can participate in a pumpkin raffle, nosh at the “Harvest Moon Cafe” and soak up “Autumn Adventureland,” where crafts, carnival games and a costume parade hit at 2PM. A not-so-scary storytelling in Sleepy Hollow rounds things out — all to benefit the Lakewood Christian Service Center and the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation. 14100 Franklin Ave., Lakewood. Call 529-6870 for details.

GREEN Wizard’s Ball The 2008 residency of P.R. Miller at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens culminates in THE WIZARD’S BALL, an afternoon of mystery, fun and magic for all ages on Sun 10/26 from 2 – 5PM. The centerpiece of this family-friendly afternoon is “Wizardly Creations” where The Grizzled Wizard (aka P.R. Miller) will lead a workshop in the creative and artful use of recyclable materials. Rounding out the afternoon are other surprises and activities, including a scavenger hunt along the GREAT GARDEN ADVENTURE trail. In the spirit of the season, costumes are strongly encouraged (but not required) for all who attend The Wizard’s Ball. A self-proclaimed “junkyard artist” and über-recycler, Mr. Miller has created installations during Stan Hywet’s 2008 season that are on display through October 31 in the gardens and grounds. For kids ages 3 – 17. Call 330-315-3287 or visit http://www.stanhywet.org for tix/info.

Pumpkin Carving Parties at Phoenix Coffee With three different locations, this is bound to work into your schedule. On Mon 10/27 from 4 – 8PM, bring the family and come in costume for this Heights Arts benefit. Pumpkins, tools, candles, cookies, and advice are all provided, but reservations are necessary. Option 1: 2287 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 932-8227 to RSVP. Option 2: 4441 Mayfield Road, South Euclid. Call 381-5705 to RSVP. Option 3: 1854 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 932-5282 to RSVP. Pumpkins generously donated by Heights Garden Center. See what last year was like here.

RAIN – A Beatles Experience The award-winning Beatles concert, RAIN — A Tribute To The Beatles, returns to PlayhouseSquare on Wed 10/29 at 7PM. In a show the Denver Post called “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,” RAIN boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” to classic hits including “Revolution” and “Come Together.” The concert now features surround sound giving audiences the ultimate Beatles sound experience! If your kids are into rock, this is a must. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 12-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

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

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

Win two round-trip tickets
With MyTravelingHat.com ticket giveaway
Akron-Canton Airport

Kristie Van Auken, who serves as marketing director of the Akron-Canton Airport, is wearing her floppy vacation hat today as she discusses with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready how Akron-Canton Airport’s Step2 PlayPort offers moms and dads an easy and convenient play area for little ones to burn a some energy before their flight. Kristie also explains how Akron-Canton Airport can start a family’s vacation off right with lower fares, shorter lines and a less hectic atmosphere so you can keep an on eye on those little ones. Plus, anyone can enter the “My Traveling Hat” contest to win two round-trip tickets on AirTran Airways! www.MyTravelingHat.com

PD shrinking again by 38 and the details are here
Nat City studies gov’t aid options/implications in the midst of crisis. Click
How are news and biz mags covering the very-present econ/financial crisis? Click
Need an intern? Then you might think about a click here
NorTech is narrowing its focus to two specific industries. Click
Journalism beacon/advocate Ted Gup is blowing town as chair of new journo dept. Click
GREEN FirstEnergy has a West Akron campus that’s “in the green” so to speak. Click
A boat trip from Lorain to Lake Erie Islands? After all this time, it’s finally gonna happen. Click
NOCHE Board Chair named Interim Dean of CWRU Law School. Read
PRSA Cleveland launches new site and you can check it out here
What makes Ohio an aerospace powerhouse? This is a good read. Click

Card Sorting vs. Texas Hold-em? What’s better for site navigation? Find out Thu 10/23 at this NEOUPA event by clicking Click
Hispanic CoC Ohio’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Banquet hits Sat 10/25 at LaCentre in Westlake. Details
Cleveland + Pittsburgh + Youngstown Regional Learning Network mtg hits Fri 11/7 and details are here
6th Ann Medical Innovation Summit This amazing three-day event starts Mon 11/10 and runs through midweek. Jim Tobin, Pres/ CEO of Boston Scientific headlines. Learn about it all here
Crisis Communications & Media Relations is a seminar for board and senior staff members of NPOs Thu 11/20 at 8:30AM. Call 736-7711 or email: ckotkowski@busvol.org with any questions. Register

HOT COSE Small Business Conference hits the I-X Center this week, connecting over 1,300 small business owners and entrepreneurs from Northeast Ohio Wed 10/22 and Thu 10/23. The interactive conference features educational seminars, national keynote speakers, exhibitors, resources, and networking opportunities. Learn about the event here or call 592-2222 for details. http://www.cosearts.org.

Crashing Through the Glass Ceiling Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Cleveland State University’s Center for Advancement of Women in Public Service are co-sponsoring the Women in Leadership Series workshop, Crashing Through the Political Glass Ceiling featuring Peggy Zone Fisher as the keynote speaker on Sat 10/25 from 8:30AM – 1:30PM. The non-partisan workshop at CSU’s College of Urban Affairs (1717 Euclid Ave) will seek to demystify the process of running for political office or assisting others in doing so. http://www.dstcleveland.org.

Robert Dubac
The Male Intellect: The 2nd Coming!

Robert Dubac has figured out exactly what women want. He did this in his first show The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron, and now he’s moving on to figure out the rest of the world in his hilarious follow-up, The Male Intellect: The 2nd Coming!, which is playing a limited run at the 14th Street Theatre at Playhouse Square.

One of his bright ideas is to eliminate the two-party system and combine them into one huge after-hours party called the Republocrats. Not to set the bar too high, but for The 2nd Coming!, Dubac promises that theatre-goers will actually learn the secret to life, including the five things men want: food, sex, money, power, happiness (in that order). He can hear his own voice of reason… because it calls him on his cell phone. Tickets: www.PlayhouseSquare.com

SPONSORED: Tiny Alice Rides Again (with Alex Bevan Riding Shotgun!) Lake Erie College is proud to present the 2nd annual John Bassette and the Spirit of Individuality Memorial Concert on Sun 11/9 at 1PM in Morley Music Hall. Local singer-songwriter Alex Bevan will perform an initial set, followed by a reunion concert of the 1970s Hessler Street group, Tiny Alice (comprised of virtuoso musicians Peggi Cella, David Krauss, Tom Marotta, Danny Mazza, Norman Tischler and George Woideck).The concert honors the second anniversary of the death of John Bassette (1941-2006), who worked in northeastern Ohio as a folksinger, poet and cable TV personality for three decades. The concert has no admission fee and is open to the public. For more information visit www.lec.edu.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Film (And Other Arts) Feasts The Cleveland Film Society presents 13 “deliciously hip” happenings beginning in October and continuing through February 2009. The series will kick off with a screening of Sideways Wed 10/22 at 7PM, hosted by Patrick Shepherd, Jennifer Vinson and Jason Lansdale at the historic Shaker Square Cinemas. After the film, enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts at Sergio’s Saravá where the rhythm, sophistication, and energy of Brazilian street life is evoked at one of Cleveland’s finest restaurants. Part of a great series. Details for all events at http://www.clevelandfilm.org or call 623-3456 ext. 14.

The Cleveland State University Poetry Center and the CSU Department of English will present a reading with poets James Allen Hall and Richard Siken on Wed 10/22 at 7:30PM, as part of the Center’s Writers / Reading Series. The reading will be held in the Fenn Tower Theater (FT 102) at 1983 East 24th Street (at the corner of Euclid). This no-cost, open to the public event includes a book signing. Call 687-3986 or visit http://www.csuohio.edu/poetrycenter for details.

Art Meets Fashion One-of-a-kind designs, plus creative hair and makeup, paired with jewelry from renowned wearable art designers, with everything in the fashion show offered for sale. Gallery 101 in the Cleveland Museum of Art, off the Museum Cafe in the North Lobby on Wed 10/22 from 7-9PM. http://www.ClevelandArt.org

Auctioning Americana Gray’s Auctioneers, Northeast Ohio’s premier fine art and antique auction house, launches its upcoming Americana, Fine Arts and Antiques Auction on Thu 10/23 with a weekend auction taking place Sat 10/25 at 1PM. Notable sought-after items include an 1885 Cast Bronze Bell by Meneely and Company, a Queen Anne figured maple fan-carved flat top highboy circa 1776, and a very large selection of Stick Spatter hand decorated tableware. The auction is anticipated to generate interest from international dealers and private collectors alike. Check out the buzz by calling 458-7695 or visititing http://www.graysauctioneers.com.

HOT CPT’s Little Box Cleveland Public Theatre presents staged readings of new work by six local writers starting Thu 10/23 and running through Sat 11/1 in CPT’s James Levin Theatre. As part of CPT’s commitment to local playwrights and producers, this series is modeled after the theatre’s successful Big [BOX] Series but on a much smaller scale — designed to foster works at an earlier stage of development. Six plays will be presented as staged readings over two weekends, including premiere performances. Starts at 7:30PM. Tickets.

SPONSORED: Meet best-selling author David Wroblewski at the Mayfield Village Reserve Hall, 6622 Wilson Mills Road, on Thu 10/30 at 7PM. Wroblewski’s first novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, was selected for Oprah’s Book Club. This Cuyahoga County Public Library event is free, but registration is required. Call 216-749-9488 or visit www.CuyahogaLibrary.org. Wroblewski’s story is a riveting epic of an American family living at the edge of the wilderness. The author will be interviewed by Seattle book expert Nancy Pearl. Afterwards, you can buy the book and have it autographed. www.CuyahogaLibrary.org

A Taste of Fall A limited number of tickets are still available for the next installment in the Ohio City Wine Tasting series Thu 10/23 from 6 – 8PM. Wines to be served will be matched with interesting hors d’oeuvres, including: cheese, fruit and savory crackers, roasted squash cappuccino, a corn pancake with smoked salmon, a pepper fried bosc pear with blue cheese, a pork loin stuffed with dried fruit and a cider glaze along with roasted seasonal vegetables, and concluding with a pumpkin mousse in a tuile with mascarpone cream. Tasting is limited to 30 people and admission is by advance purchase only. Tickets online at http://www.ohiocity.com or call 781-3222.

Reality Check – Election 08 Dinner Healthcare? Unemployment? Economic chaos? Foreign relations? Democrat or Republican? The Women’s Network of Ohio offers an info session and dinner Thu 10/23 from 5:30 – 8PM with a multitude of special guests at Papa Joe’s in the Valley. Get your details and tickets at http://www.womensnetworkneohio.com and select from three different meal choices available. Call 330-256-1122 for details.

David Byrne The actor/ musician/ composer and milti-talented multimedia guru performs his solo work and Talking Heads classics Thu 10/23 at 7:30PM at Playhouse Square. This rare (for him) six-month world tour, titled David Byrne, Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno, features exactly that — performances of songs from collaborations with Eno (including their latest collaboration, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today.) Get your groove on. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

Music for the Royal Fireworks Nicholas McGegan, music director of San Francisco’s Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in programs featuring Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks at Severance Hall on Thu 10/23 at 8PM, with the program repeating Fri 10/24 and Sat 10/25 at 8PM and Sun 10/26 at 3PM. The program also includes J.C. Bach’s Sinfonia concertante in C major, for which soloists will be Cleveland Orchestra Concertmaster William Preucil, Principal Cello Desmond Hoebig, Principal Flute Joshua Smith, and Principal Oboe Frank Rosenwein. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Buried Child This Sam Shepard-penned stage work, directed by Clyde Simon, winds down at convergence-continuum Thu 10/23Sat 10/25 at 8PM. Focusing on the dark side of the Midwest, this frightening/hilarious dark comedy/surrealistic mystery has been winning over audiences and critics alike. Check out what the raves are about. http://www.convergence-continuum.org.

HOT Freakishly Short Animation Festival The Akron Independent Film Festival will kick off a series of events to be held at the Akron Art Museum (1 South High, Akron) with the Freakishly Short Animation Festival on Thu 10/23 at 7PM. The program, taking place in the Charles and Jane Lehner Auditorium, will feature 70 minutes of Halloween-themed hand-drawn, stop motion, and computer animated films from around the world. Get all the details and see a trailer by visiting http://www.akronfilmfestival.com.

Cleveland Museum of Art curator and author Stephen Harrison will discuss and sign copies of his book Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Thu 10/23 at 7PM. This book coincides with the opening of the season’s premier exhibit by the same name at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Details and info at http://www.josephbeth.com.

Night of the Living Dead The zombies are here! Cleveland State University’s Stage, in conjunction with the CSU Dramatic Arts Program, will present a cult classic just in time for Halloween — the stage adaptation of Night of the Living Dead by Lori Allen Ohm starting Fri 10/24. The stage production at the CSU Factory Theatre is entirely student-generated, featuring student actors, designers, directors and administrators. Directors John Paul Soto and James Kosmatka are pulling out all the stops, with a provocative, in-your-face, multimedia production. Get the whole schedule and details at http://www.csuohio.edu/theater.

HOT Big Barack Downtown Clevelanders can hook up with “Big Barack” — the 13-foot puppet-promoter of “Getting Out the Early Vote” during lunch hour Fri 10/24 from 11:30AM – 1:30PM on Public Square. Big Barack (left) is the artistic creation of Robin VanLear and Linda Butler. The thousands of Clevelanders who might be taking a walk through Public Square Friday are being encouraged to get down to the Board of Elections at 30th and Euclid to vote early in this historic election. It took VanLear more than 50 hours to sculpt Big Barack’s face in clay, cover the clay bust with multiple layers of paper mache, separate the clay from the paper, paint his head, and attach the head and costume! Incredible.

HOT All-Ohio All-Stars! Dance Concert Verb Ballets, Cleveland’s National Repertory Dance Company, returns to the PlayhouseSquare Ohio Theatre for one night only, in collaboration with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) and Cincinnati Ballet. This “All Ohio All Stars!” themed evening takes place on Fri 10/24 at 8PM. All three troupes will perform; Verb is scheduled to perform a world premiere, a company premiere and a piece each by collaborators DCDC and Cincinnati Ballet in their program. Call 241-6000 or visit http://www.playhousesquare.org for tix.

HOT The Joy of Text Festival Presented by Heights Arts and ABC (Art Books Cleveland), this multi-tiered, two-day event hits Heights Arts Studio Fri 10/24 and Sat 10/25. Celebrate the page in a digital age! This arty celebration of text at Heights Arts Studio at the Heights Library, 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, showcases how artists express text. Hear local poets and be inspired to create your own unique books. Includes the intriguing Haiku Death Match where you decide who wins as haiku masters face off in an intense, one-up competition! Call 371-3457 or visit http://www.heightsarts.org.

SPONSORED: Get in FOCUS Contemporary music never sounded fresher than it will at Baldwin-Wallace College’s groundbreaking biennial FOCUS Festival of Contemporary Music on Fri 10/31 thru Sun 11/2 at the Kulas Musical Arts Building on the B-W campus in Berea. Featuring a selection of works by award-winning composer Chen Yi, the Festival showcases a student-run ensemble and for the first time, tickets are complimentary and open to the public. http://www.bw.edu/academics/conservatory/focus

Lake Erie Artists Gallery’s Trick or Troll Trunk Show launches Fri 10/24 and will run through the end of the month, finishing with a Haunting Party. Beads and bracelets are the call of the event, so check out all the deatils at http://www.lakeerieartists.com.

People’s Art Show Cleveland State University presents their 18th rendition of the exhibition starting Fri 10/24 and running through early December. An opening reception will be held at the CSU Art Gallery on from 5 – 8PM, with all at no cost and open to the public. http://www.csuohio.edu/artgallery.

Retrospective The contemporary works by Cheryl Lee are on display at Local Girl Gallery starting Friday 10/24 from 6 – 9PM with an opening reception. With musical guest Adam Lee performing as a backdrop, soak up Cheryl’s contemporary and sophisticated original artwork and meet the artist as she explains her inspiration. While there, check out Youngest Daughter Jewelry by Martha Lattie — the “funkeliscious” handbags and hats created from vintage fabrics of the 20’s and 30’s by Carol Bates. Local Girl Gallery, 16106 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Call 228-1802 or visit http://www.localgirlgallery.com.

SPONSORED: Are You Abby Normal? (Insert evil laugh here.) If so, then you are going to LOVE the Nature League’s Annual Halloween Party: “Bones, Bugs & Dead Animals.” It all happens Fri 10/31 from 9PM – 1AM. Don’t miss the best Halloween party of the year! Enjoy a costume contest (prizes!), live music by Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean, plenty of food, and $2 cash bar! Tickets: $25 Nature League members, $30 nonmembers, $35 at the door. Call the Box Office at (216) 231-1177 or go to www.cmnh.org.

Geezeroo III This benefit for the The Human Fund at the House of Blues Fri 10/24 at 6:30PM features the classic rock acts Jefferson Starship, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Big Brother & The Holding Company (Janis Joplin’s launching pad). Cash Bar. All proceeds this year will go to the All City Arts Program in the Cleveland Municipal School District. http://www.the-human-fund.org/events_geezeroo3.php.

HOT Ohio City Bicycle Co-op’s Ghost Ride This 7th annual event features a costumed group ride through Cleveland’s Flats, followed by bike-centric revelry with their “famous vegiscarian chili” on Sat 10/25 starting at 7PM. The ride promises the scariest cyclists and spookiest local points of interest around with a potluck afterwards (BYOB). Kids are welcome on the ride, but should leave at 9PM. Ohio City Bicycle Co-op, 1823 Columbus Rd., in the Flats. Call 830-2667 or visit http://ohiocitycycles.org for details.

Samhain on the Square Fall returns with Cleveland’s oldest public ritual, the 20-year-old tradition of Samhain on the Square, on Sat 10/25 from 1 – 8PM at the Northwest quadrant of Public Square on the corner of Rockwell Ave. and Ontario St. This year toiletries are being collected for Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (http://www.neoch.org) and this costumed event has a “Wild Hunt” theme. Merchants, entertainment, and the annual raffle round out the event. The ritual itself begins at 6PM. No cost, open to the public. No live steel allowed. Email: board@kindredspiritsanctuary.org for details.

SPONSORED: The Cleveland Institute of Music’s “Offbeat” program is reprising last spring’s series over WCLV 104.9, Saturdays at 11AM. This Sat 10/25 hostess Merry Peckham talks with famed composer Joan Tower.With a career that spans five decades, Joan Tower’s music is performed all over the world. Her bold, energetic music, known for its striking imagery, has won large and enthusiastic audiences. Details on all of WCLV’s programming at www.WCLV.com.

HOT Casino Royale Fundraiser President and Artistic Director of Dancing Wheels Mary Verdi-Fletcher is hosting a one of a kind fundraiser Sat 10/25 at 7:30PM. This classy evening has a James Bond 007 secret agent vibe; when you step into the Hermit Club at PlayhouseSquare, you’ll feel like you stepped into a Bond adventure. There will be gaming, martinis (shaken, not stirred) and some delectable nosh for 250 of Cleveland’s “exceptional secret agents.” Raffles and entertainment round out the festivities. Call 432-0306 for details and tickets.

Cleveland 2.0: Connected. Photography Exhibit In light of the RTA Unveiling, Alex Sukhoy will feature her Cleveland-based photographs, including some never-before seen pieces on Sat 10/25 from noon – 5PM at the Statler lobby, 1127 Euclid Ave. For additional information, visit http://creativecadencephotography.blogspot.com.

Blues Tie Affair Friends of St. Jude Cleveland is hosting their inaugural Blues Tie Affair Sat 10/25 at 7PM at the Club at Key Center. Join FOSJ for drinks, food, music and fun, all while supporting a great charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital! Silent auction featuring signed Cleveland sports memorabilia and other amazing items. Hosted by Mike Polk of Last Call Cleveland with performances by Vance Music Studios Jazz Band and Charlie in the Box. Visit http://www.friendsofstjude.org/cleveland for details/tix.

Capitol Steps They put the “mock” in democracy are back with a new show guaranteed to deliver pre-election laughs on both sides of the aisle. The Capitol Steps claim to be “the only group in America funnier than Congress” and they’ll hit PlayhouseSquare’s Allen Theatre Sat 10/25 at 7:30PM. Somewhere between Saturday Night Live and Second City, these comedic folks rock political satire like no one else can. McCain, Obama, Bin Laden, Putin, Palin… nothing is off limits. Witness their craft at http://www.capsteps.com. http://www.playhousesquare.org.

6th Annual Dia de los Muertos This art exhibition features paintings, sculptural installations, masks and a drum performance by Halim El-Dabh Sat 10/25 at 8PM. Celebrate this festive Mexican holiday with great music, food, drinks, paintings and sculpture. Like the celebration of a birthday, this holiday reconfirms annually the love, goodwill, and generosity that the beloved can count on, with no matter that they are dead. Coinciding with the annual downtown Kent Halloween parade, the exhibit runs through late November. North Water Street Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent. Call 330-673-4970 or visit http://www.standingrock.net for updates.

SPONSORED: Who Was He? Lake Erie College will celebrate St. Crispian’s Day (the patron saint of shoemakers and cobblers) Fri 10/24 from Noon-3PM with scholarly lectures punctuated by repeat readings of Henry V’s St. Crispian’s Day speech (IV, iii., 23-70). Shakespeare, following Holinshed, presumed that Henry V used the propitious day to inspire his undermanned British soldiers against the French in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Faculty, students and staff are already scheduled for readings of the speech, though slots remain for interested persons who should contact Mimi Pipino at 440.375.7079 or mpipinoATlec.edu. “And gentlemen in England now abed, Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here…” For more information visit www.lec.edu.

Introduction to Backpacking The Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s backcountry is the backdrop for this two-day event Sat 10/25 and Sun 10/26. The Adventure Center at Kent State University leads this overnight backpacking trip and educational forum — which includes info on proper packing, navigation, and wilderness safety. Student fees are available. Cost includes transportation, food, and equipment. To register call 330-672-4732 or visit http://www.recservices.kent.edu.

HOT Stuff Happens Dobama Benefit Stuff Happens by David Hare is the basis for a benefit for Dobama Theatre Sun 10/26 at 5PM at the Centrum Theater, 2781 Euclid Hts. Blvd. Hare’s play was taken from Donald Rumsfeld’s response to the widespread looting and pillage that followed the American conquest of Baghdad. Sounds politically-charged to us. A “Bi-Partisan Buffet Dinner” will be served in the Zooz’s Hookah Bar within the Centrum Theater Building. Call 932-3396 or visit http://www.dobama.org for details and tickets.

A Suzuki Violin Program Fundraiser at Chambers Elementary School organized by Global Awareness Through the Arts (& Sciences) hits Sun 10/26 at 3PM at the East Cleveland Theater, 14108 Euclid Ave. it includes One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show by Don Evans. In suburban Philadelphia, the Reverend Avery Harrison clings to his position in the local black elite. His upwardly mobile philosophy is avidly shared by his wife, Myra (whose hilarious malapropisms, however, continually betray her ghetto origins), and by his son, Felix, a strictly brought up private school product. Call 229-9125 for details.

October Surprise Movie and more… The first Mon 10/27 at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque is billed as an “‘October Surprise’ Movie,” and will start at 7PM that night. The title is being kept secret, but it is an English-language film, written by a highly-acclaimed television writer, that is unavailable on non-bootleg DVD (and maybe even video). The Cinematheque has never shown it before. Later that night (8:55PM) they’ll show Baghead, a new comedy-thriller by mumblecore moviemakers Jay and Mark Duplass. Aitken Auditorium of the Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Blvd., University Circle. Call 421-7450 or visit http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.

HOT Swing State It’s the political season and for so many of you who missed the screening at the Cleveland International Film Festival this past spring, you’ve got another chance at a great locally-minded documentary film. Swing State screens Tue 10/28 at 7:15PM and tickets are already being sold online. It all happens at Shaker Square. Details are here. You can also order the DVD on line now at http://www.swingstate08.com.

Please God Save Us Cleveland native and noted artist Derek Hess along with Euclid-based politician Kent Smith will discuss and sign their new, politically-based book, Please God Save Us, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Tue 10/28 from 7 – 9PM. This no-cost, open to the public event will afford the audience the opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts with both Hess & Smith about their illustrative and highly-charged political work. http://www.josephbeth.com.

GREEN From the Blue Bag Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Then check out this cool, green event Wed 10/29 from 5 – 9PM. Say “thank you” to your best friends, clients, etc. with an everGREEN gift in From the Blue Bag’s fine line of Eco-friendly gifts. You can even personalize your purchases. Enjoy wine, appetizers and see what CC writer Diane DiPiero was writing about in her feature last week. Wine and appetizers round out this one-night-only art event. Atmosphere Gallery, 2418 Professor Ave. (across from Fahrenheit). http://www.fromthebluebag.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

SPONSORED: The Vibe is Amplified on Wed 11/12 at 7PM. Join the members of the Cleveland Orchestra as they break out of the norm, plus a secret passage into MOCA’s exhibition Jorge Pardo: House. The performance includes modern and edgy works by Piazzolla, Frank, Mackey and De Falla. This concert will sell out quickly so get your tix by 11/5. Info: www.mocacleveland.org or 216.421.8671.

Cool Cleveland party
at Ray’s MTB with Civic Innovation Lab on Thu 10/16

When we first visited Ray’s Mountain Bike Park, we were a bit overwhelmed. So many ramps and bike paths and obstacles… who could navigate all this? Turns out, with a little practice, even those of us learning the art of mountain biking find ourselves getting better and better with each visit to Ray’s park. So it was nice to see the local riders on the track showing us how easy it can be, as they spun, flipped and rode their bikes during our Cool Cleveland party last week, celebrating the Civic Innovation Lab’s 5th anniversary. Lab-sponsored projects like Fresh Fork Market, Pop-Up City, Red Dot Project, and others had booths and tables set up amongst the ramps, and the Champions were on hand to talk about how their projects are stimulating economic development in our region. People raved about the food from Constantino’s Catering, sipped the PBR and grabbed a dog from Hot Dog Phil. Check this brief video and watch for the photos in an upcoming issue. www.CivicInnovationLab.org. Keep your eye open for the cameo by Digger, the miniature shephard. www.RaysMTB.com

A “Haiku Death Match” @ Heights Arts Studio

That’s right, the Haiku Death Match. Well, okay, it doesn’t have to be haiku — any short 17-ish syllable poem is ok; it’s not a match, it’s more like a mini-tournament, and there’s no death involved. Two poets stand on stage. Nervously sorting through their papers, ignoring the slightly rowdy audience, they endure the moderator’s explanation of how the game works, the pre-game coin-toss to decide who goes first, and then the excitement starts.

One poet reads a haiku, then the other tries to top the first poem in some respect, funnier, quirkier, sadder, in order to get more audience votes. A cat haiku may top another cat haiku, both topped by a dog or a parrot or an ex-spouse haiku, or someone may go off in an altogether different direction. Each round of the game is 11 or 15 haiku by each poet. The poems are short; the time goes fast; the audience ohs, ahs, laughs, applauds, falls silent in reprobation or appreciation, and then votes…
Read more from Marcus Bales here

Systemic Moral Cowardice

Journalist Bob Paynter probably deserves consideration for a Pulitzer Prize for his exhaustive, incisive and well-documented series Justice Blinded: Race, Drugs and Our Legal System. He has, in an amazingly detailed manner, proven what some of us have known all along: America’s so-called system of justice is broken… in far too many instances it doesn’t work when it comes to fairness and parity for minorities or the poor.

The problem is that, for the most part, the legal system is merely reflecting the basic unfairness and disparities minorities face in other aspects of American life and culture: Jobs, delivery of healthcare services, spending for education… you name it, the list could on and on…
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here


This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

Here’s a video message to undecided voters.

This type of manipulation of innocent children is one of the things that is most wrong with advertising. You would be outraged if Republicans put up children talking about the wonders of economic growth and freedom through capitalism, or the need to reduce foreign oil by building more nuclear power plants and doing more offshore drilling. comment by J Murray

Wow! You are offended by manipulation? I thought it sounded plausible that kids may want grown ups to think of their future. I found this less offensive that having a would be VP say on national TV that global warming was like “a warm hug from God” comment by Daniella

Using kids to convey messages about the future isn’t something that the political world has a monopoly on. Watch Sunday morning TV and you’ll see lots of kids being used to sell financial planning instruments and life insurance policies (with “the future” as their reasoning). And then there are the used car salesmen and the like, emblazoning pictures of their simply adorable, dimpled little grandchildren all over highway billboards… comment by Christine Borne

In my view, our self-absorbed politics has generally lost sight of our responsibilities toward future generations. comment by Ed Morrison

America’s kids are badly in need of a change in parties in the White House, and someone who will be serious about tackling real issues rather than a series of endless and idiotic distractions. Even most kids seem to understand this. Your defense of children is touching, but it would be significantly more meaningful if you espoused political views that actually suggested they — or any average Americans — really mattered. comment by John Ettorre

See the video and add your comment here

A Winning Collaboration
Verb Ballets teams up for Performance, Gala Benefit

What makes for a successful dance company? For Verb Ballets, the recipe is on display this Friday at the Ohio Theatre: an exemplary staging of a modern dance classic, genuinely exciting collaborations with two of Ohio’s best dance companies, and repertoire both new and old by Verb’s Artistic Director Hernando Cortez.

Verb has built much of its cachet on the acquisition of modern dance classics like Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring or Paul Taylor’s Esplanade, works that come with built-in buzz among long time dance enthusiasts like ourselves. Their latest acquisition, Vespers, is choreographed by Ulysses Dove, someone whose dances we’ve read and heard about since he began choreographing in the 70’s, but whose work we’d never seen live until Verb’s preview showing at Idea Center Studios last August…
Read more from Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Images of the tibetian monk cleansing ritual held at Asterisk Gallery in Tremont.
Prime rib has undeservedly gotten a bad rap.
SOS Brunner wins in Supreme Court — Ohio doesn’t have to produce voter ID conflict lists.
30 chambers of commerce adopt high-skill immigration reform proposal created in Cleveland.
Baldwin Wallace to host sustainability symposium.

10
Tommy Wiggins
Chilidog Records

Tommy Wiggins is many things. He runs the Recording Arts & Technology Program at Tri-C Metro and hosts the award winning television show “Crooked River Groove,” and in his spare time he makes his own music. He is a talented singer songwriter who just released his tenth effort appropriately titled “10” and it is very good. It is Wiggins’ best record yet, filled with catchy original songs and featuring a line up of talented musicians.

Wiggins’ music is rock and roll for adults — songs about long ago friends and events, dealing with the aging process, making sense of life’s mysterious. 10 features twelve tracks, all penned by Wiggins. “Sliver of Moon” is about a romantic night with a favorite woman. “Hang On” is trying to keep up as time goes by. “Skyline Drive” and “Summer of ’69” look back on childhood events both innocent and destructive. “Crooked River Groove,” and “Bible’s on the Table” are funky blues numbers. 10 has more of a blues feel to it than his more recent works, with some fancy guitar work by Wiggins and Al Moss, keyboards by both Wiggins and Jackie Warren that could be mistaken for Gregg Allman, and a blues beat laid down by bassist Derek Poindexter and drummer Jon Niefeld. Guests also include local reggae statesman Carlos Jones on percussion.

Tommy Wiggins and various friends are scheduled to perform at Wilbert’s Food and Music, 812 Huron Rd. E this Tuesday, October 28 at 7PM in a Concert for Change. The event is no-cost and open to the public. Soak up Wiggins’ sunny vibe at the show, then find him online at http://www.tommywiggins.com. Find out about the great events happening at Wilbert’s by visiting http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

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

But What About the Birds…?
Does Green Power Have Grim Consequences?

”’When the topic of wind power is raised in conversation, it is rare for everyone to embrace it unequivocally. It usually generates at least a few furrowed brows within the group of appreciative smiles. Top of the list of expressed concerns is nearly always the issue of whether birds will be killed by the turning blades. In fact, modern wind turbines have an impact on wildlife that is miniscule in comparison with that of other man-made objects. High-rise buildings, power lines, and cats kill 30,000 times more birds than do wind turbines in the US.

But even those hundreds of millions of deaths pale in comparison with the losses that will be caused as climate change engulfs us. A scientific study published in Nature magazine in 2004 considered species survival in 2050, and came to the conclusion: “Our analyses suggest that well over a million species could be threatened with extinction as a result of climate change.” And that was assuming only mid-range climate warming scenarios…!

Read more from Sarah Taylor here

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

Noises Off @ Cleveland Play House 10/8 Audiences get a peek (literally) at back-stage doings in the zany Noises Off. Michael Frayn’s farce about a hapless touring British theatre troupe is one of those plays that after you’ve seen it you can only really remember two things: 1) it was funny in a frat-boy sort of way and 2) the huge set is completely turned around in act two and then back again in act three…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 10/9 Liberace lives! Well, not really, but Chinese phenom Lang Lang’s facial expressions as he turned to the Severance Hall audience and his dazzling diamond-looking lapel pin did evoke the memory of the beloved pianistic icon. Lang Lang and the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Franz Welser-Most, earned a standing ovation in the crowded hall for their performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Opus 11…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here

Into the Woods @ Great Lakes Theatre Festival 10/10 Wouldn’t you know — on press review night the hydraulic lift didn’t work (fluid leaked). But that was the only thing that didn’t work in this fabulous production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” (No, this reviewer doesn’t always gush–ask me about the Live at the Met telecast 10/11/08 of “Salome” sometimes…)
Read more from Laura Kennelly here

Nick Lowe @ Beachland Ballroom 10/15 It was a fine night of music at the Beachland Ballroom last Wednesday, as Nick Lowe delivered a well received solo set featuring work from all stages of his illustrious career. He brought out a sold-out audience filled with mostly older fans, with more than a few local musicians and songwriters in the crowd…
Read more from Greg Cielec here

Wine Tasting Evening @ Sokolowski’s University Inn 10/16 Every so often they will the good people at Sokolowski’s University Inn in Tremont dress the place up for a special event. Last Thursday, they had their first ever wine tasting, and by the reaction of the sold-out crowd it was quite the success…
Read more from Greg Cielec here

STAR A Chorus Line @ PlayhouseSquare 10/17 As we reported to you in a recent Cool Cleveland issue here, we’re proud to be running reviews from the PlayhouseSquare STAR Reporters youth arts program, including this one: “From the opening number to the final dimming of the lights, A Chorus Line was a spectacular production. With stunning choreography that literally has you on the edge of your seat, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized from the very beginning…”
Read more from Claire Weibel and other PlayhouseSquare STAR Reporters here

Apollo’s Fire @ St. Paul’s Church, Cleveland Hts. 10/17 Apollo’s Fire may always be counted upon to do something different. This time, while still very involved in the tuning process, the timpani of Matthew Bassett erupted into a joyous march tempo…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

Goldstar, Ohio @ CPT 10/17 Michael Tisdale’s world-premiere play Goldstar, Ohio at CPT’s Gordon Theater requires a lot from the actors. In nearly three hours eight actors portray fifteen people across almost the full range of human emotion. But it also requires a lot from the audience, so bring a cushion, because the chairs in the theater are barely adequate, and it’s a long time to concentrate. The acting is excellent, and it has to be…
Read more from Marcus Bales here

The Male Intellect: The 2nd Coming @ 14th Street Theatre 10/18 After a week when very little seemed funny (I can hardly wait til the Election is over–how about you?), I couldn’t see how listening to some guy talk about men and women for a couple of hours would not only make me laugh (a lot), but also prove a very refreshing evening’s respite from “serious topics.” Boy was I wrong…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here

David McCullough @ Ohio Theatre 10.21 You can’t help but be impressed by David McCullough. Yet to hear him speak, extemporaneously, it seems, humbly, honestly, he comes off as a guy who came by all his wits through the simple act of reading books…
Read more from Thomas Mulready 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: LettersATCoolCleveland.com

On the Cool Cleveland party at Ray’s Well done on the CIL [Civic Innovation Lab] 5th anniversary event this evening! There was really good energy in the room and it was thrilling to see all of the superb ideas and terrific people breathing new life into the city.
from Cool Cleveland reader Bradley Whitehead

On Cool Cleveland endorsements Darn. I have my mail-in ballot in hand and can’t find the Cool Cleveland endorsements for the November 2008 elections!
from Cool Cleveland reader Randy Varcho varchorATmac.com
NOTE: The Cool Cleveland endorsements for the 11/4 election are posted here

Send your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.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) Signs of Life How hot is Alaska’s governor, according to our kids?
CoolCleveland.com

2) Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week and we can’t wait.
ClevelandIndependents.com

3) Rep. Dennis Kucinich is bringing Melissa Etheridge into town for a fundraiser at CPT.
Kucinich.us

4) RoldoLINK Leadership: Know enough to criticize it?
CoolCleveland.com

5) Bottled Up The Blue Bag’s Glass Gifts Are Pretty and Eco-Friendly.
CoolCleveland.com

Stronger in Numbers It’s one of the many mantras of the Hard Corps, who help guide you every week. Our thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, Laura Kennelly, Marcus Bales, Roy Berko, Linda Eisenstein, Greg Cielec, Mansfield B. Frazier and Sarah Taylor. 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.

Download the Cool Cleveland podcasts and videos each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com
Join the conversation at Brewed Fresh Daily http://www.brewedfreshdaily.com
Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: LettersATCoolCleveland.com
Receive your own copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com

Be counted,
–Thomas Mulready
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