Synergetic

4.25-5.02.07
Synergetic

In this week’s issue:
* BizTech Profile David Akers of NEOSO
* Interview Hacking the subconscious at NOTACON
* Kids There’s No Place Like Knowville
* Kids VIDEO Kelly McClelland of the Children’s Museum of Cleveland
* Kids COMMENT Work Missions pass it on
* Straight Outta Mansfield Fulwood’s Demotion
* Sounds Dual Core’s Zero One and Nine Inch Nails’ Year Zero
* Preview Cleveland’s BoyChoir
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

We all know it’s time to work together, now we just have to do it. Everyone senses that Northeast Ohio is underperforming when it comes to cooperation, and it’s costing us dollars, energy and karma. Interestingly, collaboration, if not outright regionalism, is already starting to happen. Whether it’s David Akers’ Northeast Ohio Sourcing Office saving the region big bucks with consolidated purchasing, or the joint collaboration between NEO companies Holcomb’s and V2V, or the value of youth work missions, or the incredibly life-changing, voice-raising Cleveland BoyChoir, everyday folks from our region are pulling miles ahead of the politicians, working together and making our region better. We’ve even got 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max pitching in with his first-ever video interview of Kelley McClelland of The Children’s Museum of Cleveland. So as it turns out, we already are working together, we just have to start giving ourselves credit, and kicking it into high gear. Welcome to your week on Cool Cleveland. —Thomas Mulready

A superb and synergetic array of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

David Akers
President, Northeast Ohio Sourcing Office

David Akers has a better idea. Rather than each of our region’s 853+ public and governmental entities doing their own individual purchasing, why not let Aker’s Northeast Ohio Sourcing Office consolidate purchasing and gain economies of scale to get the lowest possible prices on auto parts, janitorial supplies, and salt purchasing, saving 5-30% expenses that us taxpayers are footing the bill for. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready visited with David Akers in the center of the region at Route 480 for a quick video interview on the potential NEOSO offers to taxpayers in the region. Think of it this way: Northeast Ohio public entities spend over $40 billion a year, putting them on par with a Fortune 30 company such as Johnson & Johnson, and you know every large corporation has consolidated their purchasing to get the best possible price. Why not NEO? Next up: financial services, payroll, human resources, info tech, health care, and facilities management. See also the A&Q w/G from last year. http://www.NEOSO.org

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Hello Mama, Hello Pop Pop, I’m Diggin’ This Here Childrens’ Workshop! Kids from all over Northeast Ohio are signing up for Children’s Technology Workshop on University Circle (select weeks in June through August) and in Chagrin Falls. It’s not your standard “let’s make a belt” camp! At CTW, kids choose what they want to do, make cool things and take home their video game, movie, animation or other neat project! CTW is for kids grades 2-8. Space is limited, reserve your space now: 440.484.2222! We also hold workshops and parties in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street, 44022) or at your place. For schedules, visit: www.ctworkshop.com/glc. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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McClatchey and 3 other newspaper groups join Yahoo! Consortium, predictions for papers still show little improvement. More
Cle-based design gurus V2V Design help create, launch Holcomb’s Knowville @ 701 Beta Dr. #25, Mayfield Village. A kid’s play dream; an adult’s business dream. Look
SmartLink spreads medical expertise connects physicians Within3 Degrees. More
10,000 Little (micro) Ideas results, feedback and event scheduling for series of follow-up sessions announced, including session with CC Creator/Publisher Thomas Mulready. Engage
Kucinich plans to impeach Cheney It may be a campaign ploy, but if so, it’s brilliant Read
Third Federal goes public lets customers buy, stock rises 18% and CEO Stefanski rings the closing bell Photos

Ohio blows enough to power the state Especially in the North and West portions of the state, at 300 feet and higher, wind energy is sufficient to provide 66K megawatts of power, enough to provide the state’s full power needs. Pervious studies that showed insufficient wind were done at lower heights. Still to come: analyses of wind power available on the surface of Lake Erie. Read

Is ODOT out of control? The Ohio Department of Transportation has ticked off just about everyone in Northeast Ohio with their $1.5 billion Inner Belt project. First they suggest closing most of the exit ramps in Downtown Cleveland, apparently to expedite traffic zipping from Columbus to Erie, when even their own (belated) economic impact study reveals only a few hundred jobs gained over the next 30 years. Now, one of the most prominent bridge architects is speaking out because he wants to disassociate himself with the “ugly bridge” (his words) that ODOT is recommending. Read and Post your own comments.

Suburban mayors want regionalism Talk about your synergetic efforts. Nine suburban mayors are pushing for a streamlined form of County government that will save tax money and provide more timely service. They want a countywide economic development agency that would address regional needs quicker. The cities would also look into merging fire and safety services. Who are these leaders? Bay Village, Bedford, Broadview Hts, Lyndhurst, North Olmsted, Pepper Pike, Shaker Hts, South Euclid. Bravo. Read

The Jobs Revolution feat. workforce development guru Robert T. Jones in Summit Cty. Workforce Policy Board Mtg Wed 4/25 at 5:30PM. Dinner included. 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron. Info
Dr. Patrick Low chief economist for the WTO and adjunct professor with Kent State’s Geneva Program, speaks on global trade as it affects NEO Thu 4/26 at 7:30AM. Info
New Mktg Tech Blogs, podcasts and video for your biz, CSU Noon at Nance Thu 4/26 w/CC’s Thomas Mulready Info
SayYes! to Cleveland with their networking event Thu 4/26 at 5:30PM at Cle Mus of Nat His. Call 440-241-7449 for more info. http://yescleveland.org
Pillars of American Competitiveness feat. speaker DOC Sec Carlos Gutierrez @ City Club of Cle Fri 4/27 at noon. Info
Hot! Notacon 4 Hits! One of the most anticipated hackur/tech conferences in the Midwest hits Fri 4/27, with Cle Tech Czar Michael DeAloia as keynote speaker. Weekend-long event. Register
eCommerce Event @ Tri-C’s Corporate College East on Sat 5/4. Watch previews of all the breakout sessions. Info
Ohio Votes Brown Bag Lunch Mon 4/30 at the Cle Foundation Ctr talks about NPOs and the role they play in voter reg. 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 1600. Register
Proven Solutions to IT Disaster Recovery is subject of BlueBridge seminar Wed 5/2 at 8AM. Info
Women of Note luncheon spotlights NEO’s rising female business leaders on Wed 6/6 at 11:30AM. RSVP by 5/31. Register

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Kids and Teens! Five Awesome Reasons You’re Gonna Love the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice”: 1). It’s a family concert, for ages 7 and up performed by the Cleveland Orchestra; 2). Cool Cleveland readers get a special price of $5 tickets(!) for the 11AM performance on Sat 5/5 (a second concert at regular price is at 1:30PM, tickets are $10-$28); 3). You’ll recognize the music from the famous episode of the Disney film “Fantasia,” where Mickey Mouse is the apprentice; 4). The Enchantment Theatre Company will be on stage with incredible costumes, props and mime to accompany the musical program; 5). There will be fun, free activities beginning one hour before each concert. Call the Severance Hall Ticket Office at 216-231-1111 or go to www.clevelandorchestra.com and use promo code 3388 for $5 tickets, which are subject to seating availability.
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Cuy Cty Elections Audit Final Report released Thu 4/19. Definitely worth a look. Read
CAK/AirTran offers direct to Vegas Read More
Ohio Savings disappears Lender yields to new name AmTrust Read
VA Tech memorial fund set up; Cle residents begin outpouring of support, well wishes. Read
Cle poets/artists Kathy Ireland Smith and Steve Smith visit Marakesh, Morocco, chronicling travels on http://walkingthinice.com since they left NEO in August 06. Fascinating, good writing, beautiful photos.
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
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Marcie Bergman named ED of Cle Arts Prize Educator and arts advocate named new executive director of the NPO formed by the Women’s City Club in 1960 as a way to honor local artists. Learn More
Rock Hall Redesign Interior work to cost $3M Read

Love letter to Cleve on 30 Rock “We’d all love to flee to the Cleve'” says Jack Donaghy, Alec Baldwin’s character on NBC’s 30 Rock after Tina Fey’s character Liz Lemon is swept off for a whirlwind weekend in Cleveland by her boyfriend, who grew up in Lakewood, and wants to move back. Cleveland’s never looked better on prime-time TV, they even wrote a silly love song about our town, and the segment and the compliments are for real, especially the name checking of Cleveland landmarks. Why? In real life, Fey’s husband, who is a producer and composer for the show, attended Kent State University. The episode ends when Fey’s boyfriend takes a job with a major law firm… in Cleveland. View

Mittal Steel’s 390K neighbors are sending a message to Plant Manager Terry Fedor with their latest campaign, asking him to take immediate action to decrease air pollution. Fedor’s response? Neighborhood has “a myopic focus on our factory” that won’t solve the problem, Can Mittal do more to stop the 41 million lbs of pollution it pours into the air each year? letters@coolcleveland.com.

Hacking the Subconscious at Notacon

Local tech fiends take note: We Clevelanders have our own spectacular “tech-geek” event that is becoming bigger each year and represents those midwestern hackers with pride. Notacon draws from over a dozen states and a few other countries — and yet, it’s still relatively unknown to locals. This year, Notacon will feature even more events and the City of Cleveland’s “Tech Czar Michael DeAloia will help anchor Notacon to the region with a keynote speech. Peter Chakerian grabbed a cup of joe with organizers Dan “Muchomas” Washburn, Paul “Froggy” Schneider, his wife Jodie “Tyger” Schneider and Jim “Vitruvius” Eastman recently.

Cool Cleveland: Do you get a lot of kids who are interested in technology? Is it really a kid-friendly event anyway? Aren’t there some wild people who attend these hacker cons?

Froggy: There are portions of Notacon that are kid-friendly, but we keep it a really free environment — so it’s not exactly a family event, either. We try to keep a nice balance and haven’t had any problems; everyone who comes seems to enjoy. There’s a perception that there’s a lot of destruction at these kids of events. All negative stereotypes. People who come to our event know our history and nuture a positive construct–

Tyger: No one wants to screw it up… we try to make people realize that this is their event. Without responsibility, it ruins any event. We like it that participants take ownership and strive to be a part of something larger–

Froggy: It’s that Burning Man philosophy: “what kind of world do I want to live in?” Jodie and I do the Burning Man festival and sort of used that as a jumping-off point for Notacon as well.

Tyger: The hotel we hold Notacon at has dealt with much worse than us! (all laughs) The venue is very near Cleveland Browns Stadium, so you get a lot of game day fans… there are Policeman’s Balls, Browns games… they tell us there are people far worse than us who show up there for other events during the year. I think that’s why asked us to come back.

Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

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Dinosaurs Alive at the Great Lakes Science Center OMNIMAX® Theater Over 200 million years ago, they ruled the earth. Now, they’re back for an adventure for the whole family in “Dinosaurs Alive,” opening Sat 4/28 at the Great Lakes Science Center. Join the world’s foremost dinosaur hunters to uncover some of history’s greatest fossil finds on the giant screen. Then watch as prehistoric giants roar back to life bigger than ever in stunningly realistic life-size action. It’s a truly mammoth adventure . . . with teeth. Call (216)694-2000 for more information or visit www.GreatScience.com.
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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Timothy Rub Cleveland Museum of Art Director/CEO discusses its celebrated collection of European paintings and the renovation and expansion project on Wed 4/25 at 7PM at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. A special exhibition Masterpieces of European Painting from The Cleveland Museum of Art is on view at the Maltz until 7/8. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood. http://www.clevelandart.org. http://www.maltzjewishmuseum.org.

The Blue Planet The University of Akron’s Earth Day celebration features music, art, tree planting and a continuous showing of the film The Blue Planet in the UA Student Union Theater on Wed 4/25 beginning at 10AM. Environmental exhibits in the commons areas round out the day, along with music, exhibits and art at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. http://www.uakron.edu/info/green.

Hidden Treasures of Cleveland This trolley Tour (#21 of its kind) visits Ideacenter at Playhouse Square, Leimkuehler, Inc., Nottingham Spirk and Tower Press on Wed 4/25 at 9AM. A buffet luncheon follows in the Cleveland Play House Club. Trolleys depart promptly at 9 AM from the CPH west parking lot. For more info, call 440-247-1473.

Buster Williams Quintet Long considered one of jazz’s senior statesmen on the string bass, he brings his quartet Something More — featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris, pianist Danny Grissett, and drummer E.J. Strickland — to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music for a late-night concert Wed 4/25 at 10PM. Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St., Oberlin. http://www.oberlin.edu.

HOT Sister Suvi Tenor ukulele, drums, guitar, and voice create Sister Suvi’s sparse sound; it lives somewhere between Sean Paul and free jazz. Compact and percussive, with moments of intoxicating volume, Suvi can seem light and gay on the surface, but their humour is a thin veil for more macabre themes. Check them out with Mystery of Two at Parish Hall Cleveland on Wed 4/25 at 9PM. http://www.myspace.com/sistersuvi

Innovations Lilac Love, Body Conscience and Greek Goddesses are some of the themes represented in this year’s Ursaline College fashion show. Ursuline alumnae and Cle native Kimberley Osborne serves as guest commentator. Ursuline College, 2550 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike. http://www.ursuline.edu.

American Art Pottery Association Their Annual Convention focuses on ceramics and art of the Cleveland School beginning Wed 4/25. Two-day antique and contemporary pottery show and sale, auction and educational presentations are among the highlights. Guided bus tours to pottery and tile installations and collections are also a part of this no-cost event, which runs through Sun 4/29 Holiday Inn Cle South, I-77 & Rockside Rd. http://www.amartpot.org.

David Lindley Best known for his extended tenure as Jackson Browne’s guitarist, Lindley has also recorded with a venerable who’s who of rock royalty including Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Ry Cooder, Warren Zevon, Eddie Money, Linda Ronstadt, Bangles, The Youngbloods, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Bread, America, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Iggy Pop… you get the idea. See what he can do on his own Wed 4/25 at 7PM. 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. newwin%http://www.thewinchester.net.

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Lights, Camera, AUCTION! The wait is over. Anticipation is replaced with excitement as the 40th Annual WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction starts tomorrow, Thu 4/26 at 3PM, and runs through Sun 4/29. Tune to WVIZ/PBS (Watch It!) and place your bids by calling the number on the screen or going online (Web It!). The highest bid claims the “prize” (Win It!). There’s something for everyone at Auction: the traveler, the art collector, the handyperson, the food or wine connoisseur, the bargain shopper, and most importantly, the public TV supporter. Visit www.wviz.org now for a sneak peek and to make your pre-Auction bids on select items. Plus, don’t miss the Wine Auction on Fri night. There’s still time to donate! Call 216-916-6100 or visit the WVIZ/PBS Auction website.
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HOT Noon@Nance Session on New Marketing Technologies on blogging, podcasting, RSS feeds, e-mail & online video, featuring Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, Great Lakes Geek Dan Hanson & ReveNews’s Jim Kukral, at CSU Nance College of Business, 2121 Euclid Ave, BU 460 on Thu 4/26 from noon to 1:30PM. Register

Beth Kappa The artist’s series of paintings To Involved to Paint my Dress opens at Mojo’s with an Artist Reception Thu 4/26 at 7:30PM. The Red Brick Center for the Arts presents the works, on display through 5/21. 600 Dover Center Road, Bay Village. http://www.redbrickarts.org.

Watch, Web, Win Bid on a host of cool products and services from across NEO in the WVIZ/PBS Live Auction which starts Thu 4/26 and runs through Sun 4/29. Get your phone fingers ready to bid on everything from tickets and toys, to antiques, collectibles and vacation getaways. Best of all, you support commercial free public television that feeds your brain. http://www.wviz.org.

HOT Red Rock & Bowl Join Red {an orchestra} this Thu 4/26 at 6PM at the Corner Alley on East 4th Street for a great benefit event. Don’t forget those cool bowling shoes! http://www.redanorchestra.org.

Csárdás Dance Wine Tasting features the divine and complex wines of Hungary and Eastern Europe and benefits the Csárdás Youth Troupe trip to Hungary. Royal Vine Wine Bar, 12776 Royalton Rd., North Royalton. More Info.

Mostly Sunny Early, Then Clouds, Rain The University of Akron’s Theatre Guild presents the world premiere of Mostly Sunny Early, Then Clouds, Rain — winner of the first UA Playwriting Contest on Thu 4/26 at 8PM at the Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall. 157 University Avenue, on The University of Akron campus. http://www.uakron.edu/dtaa.

Quilters Actors’ Summit Theater offers up a musical tribute to the women who helped settle the American West with a preview performance Thu 4/26 at 7PM. Quilters depicts women on the frontier through girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death. But there’s a lighter side to it. Runs through Sun 5/13. Actor’s Summit Theater in downtown Hudson. http://www.actorssummit.org.

HOT Notacon 4 The venerable Cle Hackur conference returns for a 4th round on Fri 4/27 and runs through the weekend. Keynote speaker for the event is Cle Tech Czar, Michael DeAloia. Read Peter Chakerian’s roundtable interview with the Notacon gang and check out his take on Notacon musical guest Dual Core in this week’s Cool Cleveland. http://www.notacon.org.

Thomas Grafton Lee The CSU grad’s Suspended, a Window to Sculpture Emerging Artist Exhibition opens at the Sculpture Center with a no-cost reception with a meet-and-greet and informal Artist’s Talk in the gallery Fri 4/27at 6:30 PM. With found household objects and scrap metal from his neighborhood, Lee’s installations and sculptures are awash with social, political, and emotional post-modern commentary. http://www.sculpturecenter.org.

Dulce Pontes A beloved household name in her native Portugal, this captivating vocalist blends of traditional fado with contemporary styles to stunning effect. Experience her during a rare NEO performance at Fri 4/27 7:30PM John Hay High School, 2075 Stokes Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org/viva.

Young Audiences of NEO features two special speakers on Fri 4/27: Sir Ken Robinson, senior advisor for education policy at the Getty Foundation speaks about the development of creativity, education and the economy at 8:30AM at the Hyatt Regency Cle at the Arcade. Over at Jacobs Field, Aaron Dworkin, accomplished violinist and founder of The Sphinx Organization (which works to overcome the cultural stereotype of classical music) speaks on how Black and Latino participation in the field at noon. No-cost, though registration is required. http://www.yaneo.org.

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot A surreal romance by Jose Rivera finds young Army wife Gabriela stuck in a military town at the edge of the California desert. She waits for her soldier husband to come home on leave, but suspects they’ll make war, not love. She laments to the moon and her cat; they talk back and everything turns upside down. Opens Fri 4/27 at 8PM and runs through end of May. http://www.convergence-continuum.org.

HOT Grupo Salvaje One of hottest Latin bands out today, this Detroit outfit plays a hot mix of salsa and merengue, and sass it up with a little Guajira, Bachata, Cumbia, Bolero and Reggaeton, too. Say that ten times fast. Great sound and energy for your dancing jones on Fri 4/27 at View Nightclub and Sat 4/28 at Sunset Lounge. Call 280-0407 to reserve tickets. http://www.tropicalcleveland.com.

Society for American Baseball Research holds their 9th Annual Seymour Medal Conference, honoring the best book of baseball history or biography from the preceding year. Come chat up Cle’s biggest baseball fans and literary jinkies and learn about Dr. Harold Seymour and Dorothy Seymour Mills, the first historians to write baseball history, who came to prominence in Northeast Ohio. This year’s event begins Fri 4/27. Check out SABR’s Complete Schedule and Tickets.

HOT Namaste! This 5th annual benefit for the International partners in Mission takes place Fri 4/27 at 6PM. An evening of int’l food, wine and music benefiting the work of International Partners in Mission, a Cle-based interfaith org fostering justice, peace and hope through the empowerment. Call 932-4082 for more info. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. Call 932-4082 for more info. http://www.ipm-connections.org.

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WCLVnotes Tonight at 8PM, WCLV 104.9 FM is at Severance Hall for a concert by the CIM Orchestra under the baton of Carl Topilow. Walton’s Partita for Orchestra (commissioned by The Cleveland Orchestra for its 40th anniversary), Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations and Rodrigo’s “Concerto de Aranjuez” (remember the “rich corinthian leather” TV commercial?). The soloist is Cleveland’s own guitar superstar Jason Vieaux. There’s still another live concert from Severance this week. Sat 4/28, Franz conducts the band in Mozart’s Symphony No. 28, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and the world premiere of Richard Sortomme Rhapsody for Viola and Orchestra. Full details on all of WCLV’s programming are available at www.wclv.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.
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HOT A Taste of Coventry Check out the hot fundraiser to benefit the effort to save this summer’s Coventry Street Arts Fairs on Sat 4/28 at 7PM at the B-Side Liquor Lounge. Great restaurants from around the neighborhood will offer samples of their finest food; local roots-rock band Vital Mines (featuring vocalist Cool Cleveland contributor Leslie Basalla) will provide the rollicking musical backdrop. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cle Hts. http://www.coventryvillage.org/taste.html.

Dead Letter Room Check out the rockers with guests Venom Lords (from Chicago), Weener (Weezer tribute) and Jakeway at 9:30PM on Sat 4/28 at Verlie’s Café. 3355 W. 46th St. No-cost for those 21+. http://www.myspace.com/deadletterroom.

Peter Mayer the guitarist performs as a part of “Uncle Waldo’s Coffeehouse Concert Series” at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church for their Support the Arts program. His breathtaking guitar work has graced National Public Radio with beauty and mystery and will delight those in attendance Sat 4/28 at 7:30PM as well. 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. http://www.unclewaldos.org. http://www.wsuuc.orgwrites.

Wake Up and Live The group’s PlayActs features 3 plays by playwright Gary Webster on Sat 4/28 at 7:30PM at Gallery 324 in the Galleria. The romantic comedies You’ll Be Back, Prime Beef and Strictly Platonic offer insights on marriage, relationships and wedding rings; the program repeats with a Sun 4/29 matinee at 3PM. http://www.wakeupandlives.org.

A Rally to Impeach Check out the World Can’t Wait Impeachment Protest/Street Theatre, featuring a concert and rally Sat 4/28 starting at 5PM at Lincoln Park, followed by a march to Pat’s In The Flats for a rockin’ concert display. http://www.ohioworldcantwait.blogspot.com. http://www.impeach07.org. http://patsintheflats.com.

Colin John Band UK mag Mojo magazine calls them “Ferociously entertaining.” Check out the band’s uplift mofo party plan on Sat 4/28 at 9PM at Fat Fish Blue. Call it modern blues, R&B or good ol’ party music, but definitely call it a good time. Fat Fish Blue, 21 Prospect Ave. http://www.fatfishblue.com. http://www.colinjohnband.com.

HOT Moreland Mystique This benefit for the Cleveland Restoration Society showcases the amazing transformation of the Moreland Courts Condominiums — a beautiful and historical Cle architectural asset. Check out the Society’s work in a gala that includes cocktails, a paddle auction, Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings and an elegant seated dinner on Sat 4/28 beginning at 5:30PM. 13415 Shaker Blvd. http://www.clevelandrestoration.org.

Vinotherapy Zin & Zen Take a deep breath, grab a glass of wine, relax and treat your senses to a little Zin & Zen with the Cleveland Wineaux on Sat 4/28 at 7PM. This special wine tasting includes hors d’oeuvres, complimentary spa services, and a mini “wine shoppe” where patrons can purchase what they’ve tasted. http://www.clevelandwineaux.com.

Celebrity Art Auction Gala at LaCentre in Westlake helps support the American Diabetes Assoc. on Sat 4/28 beginning at 6:30PM with cocktails and a silent auction. Gala includes works by Hector Vega, Mark Howard, Michael Saxon and others. Black Tie admired, but not required. 25777 Detroit Rd., Westlake. Call Lindsay Silverstein at 328-9989 ext. 6761 or email lsilverstein@diabetes.org for more info.

Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band The 3rd Ann. Cleveland State University Alumni Association’s “Star-Studded Extravaganza” features Forrest Gump / CSI New York star Gary Sinise and his “Lieutenant Dan” Band. Classic rock rules with this joint CSU/House of Blues event on Sat 4/28 at 7PM. Also on the bill is the multi-talented local favorite Kristine Jackson & Basically Blue. Tickets.

Hermes 3rd Annual Cle 10-Miler Runners have a choice of the traditional 10-mile run or a short 5k race pn Sat 4/28 at 8:30AM starting at the House of Blues. After the race, participants and volunteers are invited to a free concert. A non-competitive Cle Kids Run will also take place. All races start and finish at the House of Blues, 308 Euclid. Benefits the City of Cleveland Department of Parks, Recreation, and Properties. http://www.heremescleveland.com.

The Struggle For Justice Examine the death penalty in two amazing plays: at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ on Sat 4/28. Clarence Darrow: The Search for Justice examines the man who saves 102 people from execution at 2PM; Lucasville explores the untold story behind the prison uprising at 7:30PM. http://www.aclu.org.

Richard Miller The Oberlin Conservatory vocal pedagogue retired at the end of the 2005-06 academic year, but joins 10 of his former students for a vocal concert celebrating his illustrious, 42-year career. No-cost, open to the public event hits Sun 4/29 at 8PM. Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor St., Oberlin. http://www.oberlin.edu.

Lake Erie Sesquicentennial Enjoy the Lake Erie College Spring Musical Arts Concert on Sun 4/29 at 4PM as a number of student and faculty instrumentalists and vocal soloists celebrate the 150th anniversary of the institution’s founding. No-cost, open to the public. Lake Erie College, 391 W. Washington St., Painesville. http://www.lec.edu.

Lyrical Rhythms is a weekly open mic filled with poetry and soul and hosted by local poet Q-Nice. Check it out Tue 4/30 at 9PM. B-Side Liquor Lounge, 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd. http://www.bsideliquorlounge.com.

14 Stories Dr. Jay Baruch reads and sign copies of his short story collection Fourteen Stories: Doctors, Patients and Other Strangers on Tue 4/30 at the B-Side Liquor Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd. in Cle Hts. The event is sponsored by Mac’s Backs, Kent State University Press and The Center for Literature, Medicine and BioMedical Humanities at Hiram College. http://www.macsbacks.com.

Jonathan Talbot the renowned painter and collage artist presents the interactive lecture Collage: Medium & Metaphor on Tue 5/1 at 7PM. Talbot’s program is no-cost, open to the public and will include an artist Q&A, work signing and refreshments. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, Peninsula. RSVP to 330-657-2248. http://www.peninsulaartacademy.com.

HOT Anonymous 4 The musical ensemble will interweave music with poetry and narrative with the help of special guests Darol Anger and Scott Nygaard on Wed 5/2 at 7:30PM. The final event of this year’s CMA Viva and Gala series, this is sure to please. www.ClevelandArt.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

There’s No Place Like Knowville

The year was 1872. In Mallet Creek, Ohio, James R. Holcomb started his namesake company as an educational products and school teacher’s resource store. They sold everything from school supplies to musical instruments. Holcomb’s has continued to evolve over the years — the employee-owned company has inspired teachers so much, that many of them in local Northeast Ohio will tell you, “If Holcomb’s doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.” Well, batten down the hatches, because the company is transcending art supplies, games, early childhood items and teaching aides again… and they’ve collaborated with another Northeast Ohio company to do it.

One thing is certain, your kids are gonna love it…

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

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Monet Packs It Up 4Real, Sun 5/20 Kids and Teens: Snag a cool class with “Monet To Go” and “Art To Go” while you wait to see Monet, before he leaves Clev 4-ever on Sun 5/20. The Cleveland Museum of Art invites you to chill with them for no-cost, drop-in, family events during the month of May. “Monet To Go” workshops let you be the artist. May dates include: Sundays, 5/6 and 5/20 and Saturdays, 5/12 and 5/19 from 1-4PM. “Art To Go” demonstrations give you a unique and close look at artifacts from our collection. Dates are: Fridays, 5/4 and 5/18, 6-8PM and Sundays, 5/13 and 5/27, 1-3PM. No tickets required. For info call 216-707-2483 or visit www.clevelandart.org The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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Kelly McClelland
Children’s Museum of Cleveland

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is the place to be for kids up to 8 years old, and even some of their older brothers and sisters. Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max conducts his first video interview with Manager of Guest Services and Volunteer Coordinator Kelley McClelland on the day The Children’s Museum of Cleveland hosted the Passport Project as part of the Tri-C Jazz Fest. They discussed that unique collaboration, plus the cool hands-on exhibits available everyday at the Children’s Museum, and some of the special exhibitions designed to delight young kids and their families. http://www.ClevelandChildrensMuseum.org

HOT Be Cool Teen Volunteers Shaker Heights Public Library is helping teens find the perfect volunteer opportunity, summer or year ’round, with their 3rd Annual Teen Volunteer Fair Wed 4/25 at 6:30PM. Meet with reps from The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Adoption Network, South Point Hospital, Montefiore, Menorah Park, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Great Lakes Science Center and Steamship Mather, along with other museums, hospitals senior centers, youth centers and more! Shaker Hts. Library, 2nd Floor, 16500 Van Aken Blvd. http://www.shpl.lib.oh.us.

T. Berry Brazleton Famed Harvard Medical School & Children’s Hospital of Boston child development specialist makes a rare public appearance at Stocker Arts Center at Lorain County Community College Thu 4/26 at 7PM. Parents: Learn how to relieve stress in your family and help your kids develop into healthy and emotionally well-balanced citizens of the world! http://www.applewoodcenters.org.

Singer/Composer Randy Newman joins The University of Akron School of Music for Silver Screen Sunday concert Thu 4/26 at 7:30PM. The Oscar winner has provided quirky songs for many feature films including A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Parenthood and, of course, Toy Story. Rescheduled date from February due to illness. E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. http://www.uakron.edu. Tickets.

Raiders of the Lost Ark Times Two Act One is a 35mm color and scope print of the greatest adventure film ever made on Fri 4/27 at 7:30PM! Act Two features a shot-for-shot remake of Indiana Jones’ quest for the Ark of the Covenant shot by 12-year-old friends Jayson Lamb, Chris Strompolos, and Eric Zala on a consumer-grade VHS camcorder. Check out the double feature Friday 4/27 beginning at 7:30PM; Zala and Strompolos offer a session for junior and high school film students and aspiring filmmakers the afternoon of the screening from 1-3PM on Sat 4/28. Their adaptation replays that night at 7:30PM. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.

Heavenly Harps is an energetic, 30-minute music program for ages 3 to 6. Join Trina Struble and Jody Guinn on Fri 4/27 at 10AM as they demonstrate how to play the harp. Children are invited to participate by singing, clapping, and interacting with the musicians. Then check out Wiggle and Giggle at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland at 1PM after you’re done. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Dinosaurs Alive! is a fascinating adventure of science and discovery offering a unique look at dinosaurs. Opening Sat 4/28 at the Great Lakes Science Center, this new Omnimax film, features animation and peers in on paleontologists uncovering new fossils—including the remarkable discovery of what may be the oldest dinosaur ever found in North America. http://www.glsc.org.

HOT Holcomb’s Knowville is a Cool Cleveland Kids interactive playdream and it celebrates a Grand Opening Sat 4/28 from 9AM-9PM. The facility is amazing with tons of fun, interactive activities and incredible use of imagery, color and signage designed to promote growth and learning. Radio Disney’s Street Team drops in with some cool tunes from 1-3PM. Cle-based design gurus V2V Design created this work of art and will be on hand to share in the excitement! 701 Beta Dr. #25, Mayfield Village. http://www.knowville.com.

Young Women in Science Ladies in grades 8-12 are invited to explore careers in science at Tri-C’s annual festival Sat 4/28 beginning at 8:30AM. Now in its 20th year, the program is part of an ongoing effort to motivate more young women to choose careers in basic and applied sciences and technology. The no-cost event includes lunch and a keynote speaker — pediatric dentist Safuratu Y. Aranmolate. Tri-C Western Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma.

Cheerful Achievement Ropes Check out the only climbing structure of this magnitude north of Columbus, staffed by the cool staff of Camp Cheerful. An all-new, exciting and challenging family-friendly activity that launched last week is yours for the taking Sat 4/28. Visit Achievement Centers for Children and Camp Cheerful online for scheduling hours and details. http://www.achievementcenters.org.

UA Steel Drum Band Join the group and special guests Pan Ramajay (feat. UA alumnus Tom Miller) on Sat 4/28 at 8PM. The popular big-screen “Pan Cam” will put you in the middle of the vibrant sights and tropical sounds. Bring your Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops! E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Info.

Wiley UpBeat Family Arts Fest Family fun day hits Heights Arts Studio Sat 4/28 at 1PM. Includes no-cost family activities, arts and crafts, live music, drumming and live instrument trials and a bake sale. Proceeds benefit Wiley Middle School Instrumental Music Department’s UpBeat program. http://www.heightsarts.org.

It’s the Los Straightjackets Kids Show! It’s a rare, rock en roll en Español performance by everyone’s favorite wrestling mask-clad foursome. Show also features American roots rocker Big Sandy (of His Fly-Rite Boys fame) on Sat 4/28 from 1-4 PM. (They play an adults show at 8PM that evening). Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo. http://www.beachlandballroom.com

Alice in Wonderland Dancing Wheels presents the allegorical story like it’s never been seen before — with Robert Wesner’s sassy choreography and contemporary DJ tunes on Sat 4/28 at 7:30PM and Sun 4/29 at 2PM. Geared to inspire dancing in the aisles and ideal for a field trip or school lecture performance! Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave. http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com. http://www.gggreg.com/dancingwheels.htm.

Breakin’ the Habit University of Akron holds a breakdancing and hip-hop benefit competition on Sun 4/29 from 5-10PM to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Features a “night club” for dancing, 1-on-1 breakin’ battles and a group hiphop routine competition. U of A Student Ctr. Call 216-403-7128 for more info.

Work Missions: Pass It On

Our first youth work mission planning meeting for trip 2007 is next Sunday at our church. I’m looking forward to it more than I anticipated I would be. And that gets me wondering why I get excited about a trip to an underprivileged area for a week of work with a bunch of teenagers, one of whom is my recalcitrant daughter. What’s funny is she’s looking forward to it as well. All the kids get into it. They come again year after year through high school and college and end up as adult volunteers because they’re connected with the vision, with the project…

Read more from Claudia J. Taller here

Tiny Tortoise Hatchling Northern spider tortoise offspring at Cle Metro Zoo is 1st in N. America to be successfully bred under artificial light only. More
Tremendous Treehouses get the royal treatment at Stan Hywet with display beginning 5/18. More
Pause to Click University Hospitals/Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital offers contests, activities to promote safety belt use with tween passenger safety campaign and multimedia contest. Finalists will perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Read More

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids04.27.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Fulwood’s Demotion

A recent change at the PD has caused quite a stir in Greater Cleveland’s African-American community for a couple of reasons. Long-time Metro Section columnist Sam Fulwood III has been “reassigned” (read: demoted) to an Arts & Culture beat by outgoing editor Doug Clifton (who in fact brought Fulwood here with him from the Miami Herald over seven years ago) and the allegedly stated reasons for the move somehow don’t ring quite true. And then there is the matter of Fulwood’s replacement, Phillip Morris, which opens another can of worms that I will address later.

Experience has taught me that when a person gives a bunch of reasons for a negative action usually none of them are the truth. Fulwood has shared with me some of the conversation he had with Clifton (who, by the way, is retiring in a week or so) and the reasons for the demotion supposedly were: (not necessarily in this order) He didn’t get out into the community enough; his writing wasn’t strong enough; and Clifton was concerned about his “legacy” at the PD.

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Links to interesting NEO blogs
The City of Cleveland has posted an RFP for a wireless broadband network.
Do Cleveland’s non-profits return calls and e-mails regarding volunteering opportunities when people contact them?
Are Doug Clifton’s comments in E&P on publishing th VT killer’s pictures the legacy he leaves as he retires?
Profiled in last week’s issue, this week Ron Finklestein is pondering social networks for businesses.
Senate Bill 117 significantly changes access to broadband. Learn more from: Lev Gonick, Matt Zone, Wendell Robinson, Bill Callahan, and Jill Miller Zimon.
Tim Ferris explains the importance of Open Source Software, after spending time with one of the authors of the definition.

Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comments on the news of the week in the Cool Cleveland e-blast. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Zero One
Dual Core
Dual Core Recordings

They were the winner of the Notacon 3 Talent Show and the hit of that weekend last year. This year, Nerdcore electro-rap outfit Dual Core returns to the computer hacker conference Notacon 4 with a debut release called Zero One under their collective belt. The group, which features an mc, int eighty, and producer c64 (digging those computer jargons?) really throws down the Nerdcore gauntlet — jamming in a fusion of broad hip hop influences, paired with sharp and supremely funny “geeksta rap” rhyming.

Nerdcore is certainly a niche genre, identified by a DIY work ethic and often computerized sounds to the self-published production. The songs reach back into the genre’s history, offering up witticisms that recall everyone from Frontalot and 2 Skinny J’s to MC 900 Ft. Jesus (whatever happened to that guy?) while covering subjects such as Star Wars (“A New Hope”), MySpace pages (the wacky “Try Space”), video games Mega Man and Counter-Strike, Matthew Broderick’s film “WarGames,” Lord of the Rings (“Rule Them All”) and computer hacking…

Read more from Peter Chakerian here

Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails
Interscope (Halo 24)

Former Clevelander Trent Reznor’s latest broadside is an expectedly paranoid, unexpectedly stymied look at the future. Fifteen to 20 years from now, Reznor opines in 16 largely chilly tracks, the world is bleak, underpopulated and hopeless. The original and still-standing Nailhead rants against George Bush (the sloganeering, militaristic “Capital G”), evokes the romance at the heart of George Orwell’s influential novel 1984 (in the first–and yes, catchy–single, “Survivalism”) and almost breaks on through to the other side in “My Violent Heart,” the scariest and most adventurous track.

Self-produced, as are virtually all other NIN efforts, this is a peculiarly single-minded and solitary CD. It’s even more hermetically sealed than other NIN productions, though it’s likely to be explosive live, when NIN frontman Reznor surrounds himself with the best young guns in the business. On the CD, there are occasional helpmates like a backup singer or two, “hyperdrummer” Josh Freese, and brass and winds on the virulently anti-Dubya “Capital G,” the tune that makes this sci-fi-oriented album somewhat topical.

Several tunes hearken back to early NIN, like “Head Like a Hole” from Pretty Hate Machine and “Happiness in Slavery,” one of Reznor’s darkest forays, from Broken. Certainly NIN’s longest single album, Year Zero also evokes The Fragile, his flawed, unexpectedly romantic double disk of 1999; instrumental tracks toward the end, when “Year Zero” settles down, lend the new CD an almost wistful cast.

What makes Year Zero less compelling than [With Teeth], its more pop-oriented 2005 predecessor, is that it’s beating a dead horse. Other rock auteurs like Roger Waters (in Pink Floyd’s The Wall) and even The Who (in the bloated Tommy) have tackled social distortion and alienation to more dramatic effect. Waters and Pete Townshend at least attempted storylines. Year Zero seems all point, no plot, and when the point’s the same in every tune–the world is getting darker and there’s not much we can do about it–the work begins to pall no matter how varied the soundscape.

And there is variety in the soundscape for sure; that’s what makes Year Zero worth listening to. Reznor, after all, is a master craftsman of addictive sonics. He downplays his voice here; there are virtually no solos and minimal guitar pyrotechnics (what is that shredder stuff startling the listener in “Violent Heart”?), and almost all the tunes build relentlessly and hypnotically. This is an album of sound far more than sense, and the sound almost carries.

Year Zero is beautifully sequenced and, as usual, very well built. How it was constructed remains opaque, much like the graphics in the disk booklet. Fans eager to explore other dimensions of Year Zero should scour the booklet for clues to online brand extensions, like http://anotherversionofthetruth.com. There, they’ll find a “banner” explicitly equating guns and God, the sick, all-American equation Reznor aims to explore in Year Zero. Too bad he didn’t take his probe farther.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Carlo Wolff carlo.wolffATgmail.com

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

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Checking in on the Cleveland BoyChoir

The foundation of anything determines the success or failure of changes to the structure. This holds true for buildings or organizations. Passing the torch from one generation to the next can sometimes be a beacon for failure. When the foundation is secure, however, continuity is assured. After all, success-ion is built on success.

Fifteen years ago, William and Carol Foley, looking for a way to contribute to their community in additional ways than had been their standard for many years, hit upon the idea of an urban-based boychoir. Yes, that’s urban as in ‘inner-city’. For an older white couple from Chagrin Falls, this might have been seen as a ‘gesture’ or token concept. IF, that is, you didn’t know the history of the Foleys. Instead, it turned into something positively wonderful because they knew firsthand the power of music in one’s life, whether young or old. As educators, they were very familiar with the history of the Boys Choir of Harlem, and saw every reason for such a concept to succeed here, as well.

The Foleys taught music in the Chagrin Falls school system for 30 years, as well as being co-music directors at Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, and other highly-respected and appreciated musical ventures in the valley area. They were about to retire from teaching in 1991, and mourned the loss of music (and other arts) education in municipal (read=inner-city) public schools. And so, with a little help from many of their friends, they launched the Cleveland BoyChoir at two schools in the city’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood.

And now, fifteen years, twenty-seven schools and twenty-five hundred young singers later, they have turned their fledgling effort over to new ‘management’ if you will. Ken Horner, who’d been involved with the Foleys at Federated Church, and on the board of trustees for Cleveland BoyChoir, is now the President of the Board. Last year, they added Carrie Wilson as executive director and in January, 2007, Sylvia Smith, became the new music director. Together with the young men of the BoyChoir, they aspire to scale new heights.

Tonight (April 25) Crescendo, a benefit for the Cleveland BoyChoir, will be held at the Cleveland Athletic Club, with a dazzling Silent Auction that you’ll be sorry you missed! Tickets may still be available at the door, but even if not, volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated. You don’t have to love music to volunteer, but once you’ve heard these amazing young lads, you’ll quickly appreciate the youthful ardor they bring to what they do. If you want to help continue this experience for the boys and yourself, the BoyChoir would like to hear from you. The Foleys are to be honored for their many contributions to the Cleveland BoyChoir.

The motto, ‘Raising Voices, Changing Lives’ is the ultimate goal, but the mission statement is even more comprehensive, as explained by Mr. Horner. “Our aim is to challenge inner-city boys to reach their full potential by providing life-changing opportunities through music.” He continues, “I’ve had so much enjoyment from music in my life, this BoyChoir has become my passion. It will continue for quite a while to come. I never want to stop serving this organization.”

Some of the boys come from disadvantaged households, making support from foundations and individuals all the more important. No boy is turned away for lack of funds. “For that purpose, we’re adding an Advisory Board,” says Mr. Horner. “We look at Crescendo (the benefit) as not just a fund-raising event—it’s also for friend-raising.”

All of the adults involved have cooperated to make the transition as easy as possible for the boys in the choirs, of which there are now three. Ms. Smith attended rehearsals and concerts during the last few months of the Foley’s tenure, familiarizing herself with the boys and the music. The SuperChoir which is the main performing choir has perhaps thirty boys, with sixty more in the apprentice or training program. These young singers, who may begin in second or third grade, sing soprano and alto parts.

A relatively recent addition is the Men of Tomorrow, for those boys whose voices have changed, and are now in the baritone or bass vocal range. Currently there are twenty young men in this group. Because they meet on different days of the week, they don’t often sing together, but that sort of combination on a more frequent basis is also in the plans for the next year or so. “They’re quite good at keeping up with the music, as they’ve had it throughout the year,” adds Ms. Smith. “Of course, the older singers have added interests; they’re looking at colleges and are into sports, but they still have—and enjoy—their music.”

Most of the boys have no background or training in music, but are very able to learn quickly. Once past that first hurdle, their entire horizon broadens, including their other school work It isn’t yet mandatory for good grades to be maintained in order to maintain eligibility for the BoyChoir, but it’s an unspoken arrangement. The boys do not need any additional discouragement. “When they enjoy the music, they learn more and apply it to their academics, so we definitely do not want to discourage them from being a part of the Cleveland BoyChoir,” says Ms. Smith.

The boys learn all their music by memory. They separate into sectionals for part of the rehearsal time, then regroup for the remainder of the rehearsal. Solfege is the usual training method in this situation; each note on the musical scale has a matching syllable. (Remember the song from Sound of Music ‘Do, Re, Mi’? Well, they continue with ‘fa, sol, la, ti, finally reaching ‘do’ again.)

Ms. Smith, along with new accompanist Brooke Hopkins, both of whom are experienced music educators, plan to implement a variety of music classes at the BoyChoir summer camp this year. The more the boys know of harmony, theory, even composition techniques, the easier it will be for them to learn new songs. And, it is to be hoped, they’ll then want to know more. If they had a keyboard or two, they could also teach the boys the basics of the piano. (Keyboards are on the wish-list, not only for the boys to learn on, but also for those performance venues that lack a piano of their own.) Ms. Smith continues, “In addition to deepening their knowledge of music, this experience will open other opportunities for creativity. Once they learn that the notes mean more than just dots on a page, it heightens intellectual capabilities, and learning everything else becomes easier.”

Sylvia Smith is a petite but energetic young woman who is almost entirely wrapped up in music. She started as a violinist, and discovered conducting while in high school. Her senior year at Reynoldsburg (on the eastern side of Columbus) she was given a mentorship program with Peter Stafford Wilson, conductor of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. As her ‘solo’ that year, she was allowed to conduct the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. She quickly decided on a career as a conductor.

Also, during her high school years, she toured with her high school orchestra to various colleges and other cities, including a summer camp at Bowling Green. Actually, this is how she ended up at Cleveland State University, where her main teacher was Betsy Burleigh, currently Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and Music Director of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. While she enjoyed Bowling Green, she knew she’d be happier with the atmosphere and excitement of a larger city, and has never regretted her decision. This exposure to various college situations adds to her determination to do this for the BoyChoir as well.

After graduation from CSU, she taught at Monticello Middle School in Cleveland Heights for two years, including one performance at Severance Hall, as part of a ‘Reaching Heights’ production. “It was awesome!” she adds, with a giggle.

The music learned by the boys varies widely as do the languages used: they make train noises in Get on Board, and share the experience of First Day of Choir, sing Latin in Gloria Deo, Swahili in O Sifuni Mungu, and gospel in Like a Mighty Stream.

Last year, the Cleveland BoyChoir hosted the All-Ohio BoyChoir Festival in Chagrin Falls, which was attended by Cincinnati, Columbus and Ohio Boy Choirs. This year, the festival is in Columbus, and some of the newer boys have never been that far away from home. They wear red plaid vests over a white dress shirt with dark tie when they sing in public. A few of the places they’ve appeared are the White House (for a Christmas concert), Cleveland’s Bicentennial in 1996, the 150th anniversary of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, the Cleveland Browns’ inaugural game in the new stadium, plus Indians and Cavaliers games. They’ve also appeared in Chicago, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

There could be more boys sharing the BoyChoir experience, but transportation to and from school to rehearsals and concerts remains an ongoing difficulty. Ms. Smith continues, “Anyone who hears them is easily able to discern the joy the boys have from singing. For some of them it has truly changed their lives, given them something to commit to. For some of them, their musical talent was a hidden treasure—they didn’t know they had it!”

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations are always appreciated, as are volunteers. Upcoming engagements are listed on the web-site. Should you wish to engage the BoyChoir for your event, please call 440-356-3936 or visit the web-site for more information: http://clevelandboychoir.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what’s really happening. We’d love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Our Town @ CPT 4/16 I consider Our Town, which is now being produced at Cleveland Public Theatre, to be one of the three greatest symbolic American plays of all time. It, along with Death of a Salesman and Long Day’s Journey Into Night, forces the viewer to think of his or her relationship with community and family while asking the question, “What is the best way to live?”

Thornton Wilder, the author of Our Town is the product of being raised much of his life in Asia by his missionary parents and his classical training, which includes a period of time at Oberlin College. His writing reflects the finite details of the Asian striving for order and balance. His use of the Greek chorus, often personified in one person, is a reflection of his classical understandings. He strongly illustrates a “powerful belief in the human spirit.”

Wilder has a very clear vision in Our Town. He wants to create a universal quality that transcends far beyond the New England setting of the play in the early 1900s. He is very specific in his descriptions. He tells the longitude and the latitude of Grovers Corners, the supposed setting of the story. He describes specifically where the drug store and the churches and Main Street are. Yet, probing an atlas indicates that his geographic markings are off. The designates are not in New Hampshire. And the drug store, churches and Main Street aren’t there… they are figments of our imagination.

Our Town broke from the traditions of realism when it opened in 1938. Wilder said that he took the approach because of dissatisfaction with the theatre of his time: “I began to feel that the theatre was not only inadequate, it was evasive.” He did away with real objects, specifically stating in the stage directions that pantomime, ladders, chairs and tables be used, with no scenery, per se. He did this because, “Our claim, our hope, our despair are in the mind—not in things, not in ‘scenery.”

As for the story, Our Town centers on character development that details the interactions between citizens of an everyday town from 1901 through 1913. Though the play mainly centers on the lives of George Gibbs, a doctor’s son, and Emily Webb, the daughter of a newspaper editor, it really is about the lives all of the folks of any place.

CPT has heralded Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan’s concept of Our Town to be kitschy, a new interpretation. And, in many ways it is. The stage manager, who is a one-man chorus, is replaced by the entire cast being the chorus. George, instead of being the traditional teenager, is portrayed by a grizzled senior citizen. Rebecca, his sister is also played by a mature adult. Much of the movement is choreographed, including the tossing of chairs and repositioning of ladders that draw attention to their presence.

The major question that must be asked in Bobgan’s interpretation is whether it aids in developing the meaning of the playwright or is just affect for affect’s sake. As much as I enjoy, even encourage creativity on the stage and breaking out of the traditional box, I didn’t find Bobgan’s innovations making much of a difference. In fact, I found some of the developmental and casting techniques distracting, taking me off message.

I cannot perceive why George was portrayed by such an old man. In the emotionally charged drug store scene, which I consider to be one of the most beautiful and touching in modern theatre, I found the age differences between the characters made much of George’s awkwardness and youthful realizations unreal. Several other things were distracting. In that same drug store scene, the characters moved from being seated across from each other in the drug store to sitting away from each other and then with their backs to each other. It broke the intimacy of the moment.

Why was this done? And, near the end of the play, after a day of rain, a mention is made that, “it is clearing up.” At this moment one of the characters, pokes a long rod against ribbons of material hung from the ceiling and snow begins to fall. The meaning is unclear. Often characters’ physical movements looked like kabuki movements, contrasting with the lines they were thinking. Again, I must ask, for what purpose? At times the actors moved as if they were robots. Why?

Many parts of the production were excellent. Allison Garrigan’s traditional white and mauve costumes worked beautifully. Chris Seibert was effervescent as Emily. Her “Oh earth, you’re too wonderful” speech was compelling. Sheffia Randall Dooley (Mrs. Webb), Steven Hoffman (Dr. Gibbs), Brian McNally (Wally), Elizabeth R. Wood (Mrs. Gibbs), Dennis Sullivan (Mr. Webb) and Rhoda Rosen (Rebecca) were all excellent.

The addition of underscoring music added nicely to setting the right tone for various scenes.

Capsule judgment: Raymond Bobgan’s stylization of Our Town did little to enhance a beautifully written script and, at times, distracted from the over-all effect. Creativity has its place in the theatre, but, when used it must enhance, not distract. I still love Our Town”. Anyone who has not seen a production of the play, should. If you’ve seen the play before, Bobgan’s concept should encourage much discussion.”

Our Town runs through May 12 at Cleveland Public Theatre. For tickets call 631-2727 or visit http://www.cptonline.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Traditional Magnificence: Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 4/19 When one thinks of ‘traditional’ classical music, certainly the names of Bach and Verdi must be considered as important contributors to that category. There are many others, of course, but any musical program with those two composers represented is off to a great start. And so it was at last week’s concerts, with music director Franz Welser-Möst leading the Cleveland Orchestra.

The youthful work of Bach, his Suite No. 3, BWV 1068, was given a performance that entirely matched the music’s intent: tuneful, joyous and bright. A smaller than usual orchestra, plus harpsichord illuminated the various movements beginning with the Ouverture, Air, Gavottes I & II, Bourrée and Gigue. Trumpets and tympani were special highlights, while the Air (on a G string, as it is better known) was dignified and sublime.

The other Bach work, Contrapunctus XIX from The Art of Fugue as orchestrated by the Italian Luciano Berio shortly after the turn of this most recent century in memory of Giuseppe Sinopoli, the Italian conductor who died in 2001, was a wonderfully inventive treatment of the 250-year old work left incomplete by Bach’s death.

Although Bach never heard of saxophones, Berio’s inclusion of two of them in his rather sparse orchestration made for most interesting harmonies. There was one harp, one violin, one cello, two violas, the two saxophones (James Umble, alto and James Kalyn, tenor) one bass, and generally one of each of the winds and brass.

Listening to some of the music of Igor Stravinsky, one might refer to him as a traditionalist. Not this time. His Movements for Piano and Orchestra, featuring principal keyboardist Joela Jones was a venture into atonality. While some might regret its brevity, I am not among them. It was interesting, to be sure, but not something with which one could easily fall in love.

The Four Sacred Pieces of Verdi, however, was ample reward for staying the course. It requires a huge orchestra and a huge chorus (in this case, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, wonderfully prepared by its director, Robert Porco) to do justice to these unconnected sections, written during a nine-year span. Two of them are for chorus alone, the Ave Maria being both ethereal and stately while the Laudi alla Vergine Maria is sung by only the women. Mr. Welser-Möst put down his baton the better to draw the poetry from the singers in this gorgeously transparent performance. In between these two segments, the orchestra produced dolorous chords for the dramatic Stabat Mater and the powerful Te Deum (with soprano Cathleen Bohn).

Mostly traditional, entirely magnificent.

Principal violist Robert Vernon appears in the World Premiere of Rhapsody for Viola and Orchestra by Richard Sortomme in this week’s concerts, conducted by Mr. Welser-Möst. Also on the program are two symphonies of the standard repertoire: No. 28 by Mozart and No. 4 by Tchaikovsky. For tickets or other information, call the Cleveland Orchestra ticket office at 231-1111, or visit the website: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Roulette @ Bang and Clatter 4/20 The bang and the Clatter, which is northeast Ohio’s new kitsch theatre, is staging Paul Weitz’s black comedy, Roulette. Originally, another show was supposed to be staged. That play was withdrawn when the production’s two leads were cast in a major motion picture and had to leave the cast. Going by the motto, “the show must go on,” ‘ROULETTE’ was quickly staged with the opening date pushed back a week.

Unfortunately, the limited rehearsal time shows in the B&C production. The theatre’s usual precision and clarity is missing. Instead, there are muffed lines, lack of clear character development, and a general uncertainty in the staging. Actors tripped going up a makeshift stairway with which they seemed not to have rehearsed. There were times when actors seemed uncertain as to which stage exit to use. Long pauses between scenes did nothing but accentuate the show’s haggard pacing.

Paul Weitz, the author of Roulette is best known for his raunchy American Pie movie. He is also the co-author of the films Antz and About a Boy. Don’t go to see Roulette expecting gags about bodily fluids, band camp, talking ants or teen angst. This may be funny, but it concerns much more serious stuff.

At the very start of the show, anyone who had a vision Weitz’s writing will realize that this is something quite different. Jon, who we learn is the husband and father of a very dysfunctional suburban family, enters, sits at a table, opens a brief case, extracts a gun, places one bullet in the chamber, spins the chamber, puts the gun to his head and pulls the trigger. There is a click, but no explosion. He smiles, puts the gun back into his brief case and exits. Ah, but the clue is laid that we may see this scene repeated!

In the course of the next two acts, we meet Jon’s wife Enid, who is having an affair with their neighbor, Steve, who is married to Virginia, who thinks she might like to be a nun. We also are introduced to Jon and Enid’s sex-driven, drug-using teenage daughter, Jenny and son Jock, who has more muscles than brains.

Reviews of the show’s off-Broadway run were mixed. The general trend was, “Roulette squanders its opportunity to have something to say by focusing on cartoonish situations. Without the je ne sais quoi that makes an impact on your emotions, the laughs leave you with a hollow feeling.”

It is difficult to evaluate the cast as they seemed so uncertain that it was impossible to ascertain who was throwing the wrong cues and who was dropping lines. None of the characterizations were truly on the mark.

The set was an impressive realistic kitchen. But due to a large table being placed at the very lip of the acting area, actors had difficulty maneuvering around the lower edge of the piece of furniture, making for some awkward movements.

Capsule judgment: Roulette” was not the quality production audiences have come to expect from The Bang and the Clatter. It probably would have been wise to hold the opening even longer so the cast could have been better prepared.”

‘Roulette” runs through May 12 at The Bang and the Clatter Theatre, 140 E. Market Street in Akron. For tickets call 330-606-5317. For one low price, you get to see the show, all the free wine & beer you want, and free parking. This is quite an entertainment buy!”’

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Roulette @ The Bang & the Clatter 4/20
Reasons to go: Sean McConaha leads a crack ensemble in Paul Weitz’s intriguing dark comedy in which a family gets blasted open by mom’s infidelity and dad’s daily ritual of Russian roulette. Everybody’s swell, especially Ralph Cooley’s gorked-out Dad, Margaret Morris as a delightfully loopy neighbor, and Tony Weaver as the stressed-to-breaking son.
Caveats: The play starts off in sitcom-land, but gets deeper and more interesting in the 2nd act. The late change in schedule made it hard getting the set finished on time: actors tripped on the stairway at least 3 times opening night.
Details: Thru 5/12 @ Summit Arts Space, Akron. http://www.bnctheatre.com/
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Salome Rules! @ OperaCleveland 4/20 It would seem that teen-agers have always been a bit of a problem for their elders. This is especially true when the teen-ager in question is just learning about the reality of becoming a woman, and has to deal with a lecherous step-father. Since time immemorial, that scenario has been a recipe for disaster. Oscar Wilde didn’t invent the concept, and neither did Richard Strauss. Wilde based his scandalous play on a story from the Bible; Strauss based his one-act opera Salome on the Wilde play. It’s been rattling cages everywhere since then, just over 100 years ago.

To have chosen Salome for their very first operatic presentation speaks to an adventurous spirit in the new OperaCleveland heirarchy. Hooray! I think it’s reasonable to say they’ve succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations. Except theirs, of course.

Having secured Lise Lindstrom to portray Salome was nothing short of genius, as one could easily think the role had been written with her in mind. To be sure, even though she looked the part, she’s no longer really a teenager, but she certainly has the world-class Salome vocal equipment and acting abilities. She didn’t fare badly in the dancing department, either. She was absolutely convincing Friday evening, in the role of the angsty teen evading the step-father whose lecherous tendencies are not secret from anyone, even her own mother, Herodius.

The rather plain set by Roberto Oswald of Orlando Opera allowed the characterizations to assume their rightful importance. The raked stage had the cistern (doubling as prison) in the center, allowing for the ever-present moon to illuminate the rear wall. Lighting was designed by Marie Barrett. For the second scene when Herod trots out his full court, the transition was easily accomplished with chairs, rugs and a table or two.

Curiosity is always a trouble-maker, and when a youngish female is confronted with the forbidden, all rules are quickly forgotten. One moment, Salome was turned off by the presence of Jokanaan, the next moment, she wanted him desperately, although she may not have realized what it was that she really did want. Regardless, he didn’t want her. Another pattern for disaster.

Ms. Lindstrom’s costume was designed by Esther M. Haberlen, and was simplicity personified, with a classical Greek look, except for the veils, which were tantalizingly removed during the famous dance. Other costumes were by Anabal Lapiz, also from Orlando Opera. Except for that of Herodius, they were all of the same general era. For some reason, the Queen looked as though she was left over from a Victorian drama. It was a gorgeous costume—it just looked like it was in the wrong opera.

That’s a minor quibble, to be sure, because opera is about singing, more than anything else, and in this regard, Salome was an unqualified success. Ms. Lindstrom still had plenty of voice left at the end of the opera (it’s just a tad more than 90 minutes in length – one long act) and could probably have done it all again, with a half-hour break to get cleaned up and re-dressed. Stephen Powell’s robust baritone was well-suited to the role of Jokanaan, and the unkempt hair only added to the required strangeness of the prophet of the wilderness.

As Herod, Timothy Mussard swaggered around the stage, coaxing and cajoling with Salome, blustery with his courtiers or his wife Herodius, who was marvelously sung by Luretta Bybee. Tenor Harold Gray Meers had both the stature and vocal range as Narraboth. In smaller roles, the five Jews and two Nazarenes were appropriately comic or serious—and in good voice—as required by the composer.

Although much larger than the usual opera orchestra at this theater, this orchestra acquitted itself very well. Conductor Paul Nadler kept the pace steady throughout, and neatly eliminated the balance problems in the process, (at least from where I was seated.)

There was an extra element of electricity in the house, which was only fitting for the debut of this new company. Good job, all around, as the saying goes!

There is one more performance of Salome, Saturday April 28 at 8 pm. CoolCleveland readers are eligible for a special deal, depending on availability. Just use the special discount code of CCZ, and you’ll get 50% off the price—buy one ticket for half-price, or two for the price of one! Tickets may be purchased online at www.clevelandopera.org or by phone at 241-6000 or 800-766-6048 from 7AM-9PM Monday through Sunday.

Next up from OperaCleveland will be the favorite La Traviata in mid-June at the Bolton Theatre of the Cleveland Play House. Don’t wait too long to order tickets, as several performances are already sold out!

From Cool Cleveland Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Our Town @ CPT 4/21
Exquisite: Raymond Bobgan’s spare, painterly production includes images of transcendent beauty, gorgeous a cappella singing, and two moving performances: the almost unbearably luminous Chris Seibert as Emily, and an impish 67-year-old Len Lieber as her gawky teenage swain George. Their strangely powerful Odd Couple chemistry turns this Our Town, set in a graveyard, into a haunting memory play of a man for his beautiful dead wife, many years lost.
Caveats: The first act can be confusing and overly busy, due to the choreographed movement and parcelling out the Stage Manager’s lines to a committed but uneven ensemble, and the in-the-round staging sometimes makes it hard to hear dialogue. But hang with it: it gets better and better until it breaks your heart.
Details: Thru 5/12, Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com


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On Jackson’s lack of transparency (See What is Jackson hiding? here) Given city and county leadership’s perpetual allergy to disclosure and to keeping the public informed on a timely basis about anything that matters, we would be surprised about this latest occurrence because……?
from Cool Cleveland reader Denise Donaldson zoonorthATnetzero.com

On the Inner Belt reconstruction project (See Inner Belt cluster here) Dear Mr. Hebebrand: I’ve been following the plans for Cleveland’s Euclid Corridor and Inner Belt for some time now, as I used to work for a business in Midtown that would be greatly affected by the restructuring. After hearing this recent news about closing down both the W 14th Street AND the E9th/Ontario ramps…and reading the article about Christian Menn’s designs being rejected, I just had to chime in. This is exactly what’s wrong with this city. Everybody is all about the “me” factor. It sounds to me that the Michael Baker Corp. is only concerned about itself, making a buck and making the news. They rejected a design that would save this city some money…MY TAX DOLLARS…and create a stunning landmark—which is supposedly what your committee people want. Where are the leaders and visionaries on this project? Sounds like too many people not able to think outside the box, passing on their flawed and expensive concepts without ANY consideration for the affects they may have on the community AND its economy. I’m sick of these kinds of projects being undertaken at the expense of Clevelanders! We should be known for our creativity and innovation—with one of the best art/design schools in the country and the best innovations/research in healthcare, technology and science…yet, too often we’re better known for our debacles and poor, narrow-minded ideas. As a resident of Tremont, and someone that takes the W14th Street entrance to the Inner Belt—exiting at Carnegie—in order to get to work every day, I am EXTREMELY concerned about your plans to do away with those exits. Do you travel this route every day? Do you have ANY idea how much traffic flows through there? I’ve seen the studies ODOT has chosen to discount, detailing the negative affects your plan will have on on the businesses and the flow of traffic in that area. NOTHING you have proposed so far makes ANY sense and will never be able to handle that high a volume of commuters!! People are going to be sitting for hours trying to get through those bottlenecks. What would originally be a 15 minute drive for people will turn into a 1 hour+ drive. The studies have shown you this! Why isn’t ODOT listening to the citizens, business owners and civic leaders about this issue? We are in enough economic trouble as it is and this plan will only make it worse. I know that Applied Technologies has already promised to move out of Cleveland if this goes through—has ODOT considered the economic affects of this happening? Are you ready to accept harsh criticism for “driving” these businesses out of town and further degrading our economic development? Additionally…think for one moment…you are closing the W14th Street entrance to the Inner Belt AND the E9th/Ontario ramp…AT THE SAME TIME. Tell me how people, especially the residents of Tremont, are supposed to travel in and out of that area? You are cutting off our access! Did ANYONE even think this through? Obviously not… Amazing, as a tax payer, I expect organizations such as yours to use my money to serve the community and help make it a better place to live…but instead, it’s making it more difficult to live here—economically and otherwise.
from Cool Cleveland reader Diann Mistelske dmistelskeATcia.edu

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Interview Cristi Cantel, Burning River Roller Girls kick off with their Maiden Massacre.
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2) Cle on 30 Rock The hit NBC sitcom “shows off” our hometown.
www.CrainsCleveland.com

3) RoldoLINK PD Bias Flagrant in Abatement Editorial.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Comment It’s a Dancevert World from Susana Weingarten.
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5) Interview Joshua Smith, Principal Flutist, Cleveland Orchestra.
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Hacking Your Subconscious That’s what the Hard Corps do every week. No need to thank us, just participate in your community and spread the collaborative vibes everywhere you go. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Claudia J. Taller, Mansfield B. Frazier, Carlo Wolff, Kelly Ferjutz, Roy Berko and Max “Video” Mulready. 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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‘S energetic,
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