A Testimonial Dinner

4.11-4.18.07
A Testimonial Dinner

In this week’s issue:
* Interview Lola creator Michael Symon brings it home
* Straight Outta Mansfield Two Cuy Co court cases, two very different sentences
* Cool Cleveland Kids Places for families to eat
* Kids Comment Birthday parties at the cool kids table
* Interview Jonathan Sheffer, Conductor/Artistic Director, Red {an orchestra}
* RoldoLink A City of Absurdities Offers Fresh Material
* Comment Wine, personalized
* Sounds Eponymous release from the Rhythm Syndicate
* Preview John Bassette/St. Herman’s Benefit Gig @ Beachland
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Pull up a chair, although I’m pretty sure you’re already comfy in front of your favorite computer, ready to jump into another blast of Cool Cleveland. While you’re at it, you might want to pick up the phone and make reservations, if you’re planning on enjoying one of Cle-town’s destination dining experiences anytime soon. Read the hard-boiled interview with Cle’s own celebrity chef Michael Symon. Learn how to “Dine Without the Whine” in Cool Cleveland Kids. And this week we introduce Mansfield Frazier’s Straight Outta Mansfield, a column focusing on urban issues that we tend to ignore, to our peril. Something to think about while you’re enjoying all that good food. Eat up, Cleveland, it’s going to be a big week. —Thomas Mulready

Chef Extraordinaire Michael Symon
Bringing It All Back Home

Don’t let that “celebrity chef” moniker fool you. Marquee chef and restaurateur Michael Symon really is a great guy. It’s no act. He hasn’t gone Hollywood. He’s witty, humble, candid… and very proud of his hometown. Even when he’s asked about his recent New York restaurant venture Parea (translated: “group of friends”) or his nomination for this year’s James Beard Foundation’s awards (“the food Oscars”) or his stints on the Food Network and as a Calphalon spokeschef, he always brings the conversation back home.

Home meaning Cleveland, of course. And Cleveland has certainly offered its hand of providence over Symon’s culinary journey since he was an 11th grade wrestler at St. Edward High School with a broken arm. That lucky break started the athletic Symon down the path to cooking. What started as a part-time job at Geppetto’s Pizza & Ribs to pass time on the sidelines became a graduation from the Culinary Institute of America and stints thereafter at local eateries Player’s, Piccolo Mondo and the Caxton Cafe.

By now, most Clevelanders know where the story goes from here: In 1996, Symon partnered with future wife (and longtime co-worker) Liz Shanahan, and Lola in the Tremont neighborhood was born. The restaurant earned Symon a slew of awards, including a nod as “One of Ten Best New Chefs in America” by Food & Wine magazine in 1998. The win pushed Symon and his hometown into the stratosphere. All of which brings us back to the Beard Foundation nomination: Symon was recently named one of five finalists for the category “Best Chef: Great Lakes” this year. We’ll know if he won any minute now.

It seemed like a good a time to debrief with Symon who, along with his partners Liz (now Symon) and Doug Petkovic, re-opened a new Lola in the classic East 4th neighborhood last fall and enjoys healthy traffic at their other hip eatery, Lolita, in the old Tremont location. Symon sat down with Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian at Lola to talk about everything from awards, his hometown’s finest peers and being a quote-unquote celebrity chef, to the needs of small business owners, his East 4th Street neighbors and who would win in a fight: Symon or bad boy New Jersey chef, Tony Bourdain.

We’ll give you a hint: Symon had No Reservations about answering that one. Read on…

Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

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Over 1,000 EMBA Grads from CSU? That’s right, over 1,000 professionals have chosen to get their Executive MBA from Cleveland State University because this is where it all comes together: a contemporary curriculum with an outstanding faculty, exceptional students and hands-on experience. At CSU you’ll find invaluable connections with a convenient format and unmatched tuition value – right in the heart of a dynamic, globally-connected business district. The EMBA program at CSU is designed to provide high-potential professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to advance into leadership positions. Learn more at an EMBA open house on Tue 4/17 in Westlake, Thu 4/19 in Solon, or Sat 4/21 downtown. Visit www.csuohio.edu/mba or email Pat Hite at p.hite@csuohio.edu for more info. Cleveland State University . . . This is where your future comes together.
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Over the last several weeks, we’ve been publishing some riveting commentary by local freelance writer Mansfield B. Frazier. A great conversationalist and author of the book From Behind the Wall, Frazier will share his ruminations regularly here in Cool Cleveland in the form of a new column called Straight Outta Mansfield.

Justice not colorblind in Cuyahoga County
Unequal sentences prove it

Robbie Moore, a 30-year-old Black woman, and James Skolsky, a 32-year-old White man, both from the Greater Cleveland area, did something reprehensible for which they should be severely punished: They drank themselves insensible, got behind the wheel of their vehicles, drove the wrong way down one-way Cleveland streets … and both caused accidents that killed two innocent people. Accidents they both walked away from virtually unscratched. However, the similarities of their respective cases — and particularly the sentences they received for their crimes — stops there.

Moore, who had no previous felony record, was originally sentenced to 20 years by Judge Kathleen Ann Sutula for her crime, while Skolsky, who had a previous DUI, was sentenced one day before by Judge Timothy McGinty to only six years behind bars. Both cases were handled by Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Carol Skutnik, who acquiesced in the six year sentence for Skolsky and the 20 year sentence for Moore. We are left to wonder how can two very similar cases produce such a huge disparity between the sentences…?

Read more from Mansfield Frasier here

Send your comments to Contact@JudgeSutula.com and Cc: us at: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

Lesbians invade Cleveland for NCAA Women’s Final Four, drop $25M, and the CVB rejoices Read
Zoo gets Wi-Fi uplink for video streams to urban & rural schools, using OneCommunity Read
Lake Erie & global warming Our fresh water will be in demand, but warming could dead zones, feedback spiral Read
Cleveland-Cliffs sez G’Day Australia w/ $109M investm’t in Queensland. Read
Income Plunges for Denver Dailies Revenue down over 5%. Another sign of the future of newspapers? Read

Medical Mart for Cleveland? Most people are thrilled that a Medical Mart is being considered for Cleveland, hosting 50+ medical trade shows a year, possibly generating $331M annually, and complementing a new convention center. But questions remain: why the secrecy, why is Forest City the only developer involved, and why does it need public tax money? Read & Comment

Sneak peek at Cleveland’s new brand Cleveland’s new marketing campaign will be revealed within a matter of weeks. In the meantime, you can get a sneak peak at the campaign targets (business & travellers outside the region), the launch date (April 26), who’s behind it (GCMA & dozens of key marketing professionals from NEO), and how you can get involved (you’ll have to click here to find out).

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University Circle to be Invaded by Army of Stop-Action Animated Action Figures Boys and girls (grades 2-8) will get to make real projects like Computer Games and Video Animations at the Children’s Technology Workshop at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art! During select weeks of June, July and August, CTW will be holding special University Circle camps. Space is limited, so reserve your space now by calling 440.484.2222! We also hold workshops, camps and parties in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street) or at your place. For schedules, and more information, visit: www.ctworkshop.com/glc. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of the Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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Dawn Ackerman CEO/founder of EcoToner and Pres. of LA Gay and Lesbian COC speaks at Plexus event Wed 4/11 at Square Nightclub. Info
ShowCASE 2 HUGE days of collaboration, creativity, and innovation @ CWRU Wed 4/11 and Thu 4/12. Details
This is ONN lunch Wed 4/11 in Mentor: Brian McIntyre of Ohio News Network on how to get news coverage Info
Downtown Comeback: Myths & Realities CSU Levin Forum features keynote by Alan Ehrenhalt, Exec Ed of Governing Magazine on Thu 4/12 at 4PM. No cost. Register
NEO’s Booming Health Care Economy New strategies for growth w/BioEnterprise and Generation Fdn. Begins Fri 4/13 at InterContinental Hotel and Conf Ctr. Info
Transfer of Development Rights w/TDR expert Rick Pruetz Fri 4/13 1PM, CSU Levin Forum Info.
Defrag Redux Quarterly conference connects digital leaders & learners Fri 4/13 & Sat 4/14 @ LCCC Details.
Gov. Ted Strickland and an esteemed panel have been invited to discusses health care as a powerful driver of economic growth across NEO on Tue 4/17 at 3PM at the InterContinental Hotel and Conf. Center. Info.
The (Future) State of Sustainability in NEO E4S Third Tues event Tue 4/17 5:30PM. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Tasting Room, 2701 Carroll Ave. Register
21st Ohio Employee Ownership Conf Econ Dev for Today and Tomorrow Fri 4/20 Fairlawn Hilton Register
New Mktg Tech Blogs, podcasts and video for your biz, CSU Noon at Nance Thu 4/26 w/CC’s Thomas Mulready Info
Duct Tape Marketing John Jantsch vet mktg coach/author at Tri-C East Fri 5/4. Info.

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Bragging Rights On Thu 4/26 the GCMA (Greater Cleveland Marketing Alliance) is launching a first-ever brand and marketing campaign to promote our region, capturing the full scope of what we have to offer for business, travel & tourism, and to residents. Northeast Ohio is a powerful, dynamic region with more to offer than many realize. We’ll be communicating a common look, feel and marketing message aimed primarily at people outside of our region who make or influence business and travel decisions. It’s a way to bring Northeast Ohio to the top of their thinking. Stay tuned for more details as Thu 4/26 draws nearer and check out this Q&A about the GMCA and the launch: www.gcpartnership.com or 216.592.2225.
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“Speed cameras” are really just cash registers generating 72K tickets for speeding and only 13K for red lights Read
Museum buys $4M Indian masterpiece 1000-year-old life-sized Shiva sold by Albright-Knox to raise endowment Read
Modern photos of food/sandwich wanted for local restaurant chain redesign. Call Bill Sanders 440-234-0991.
R.I.P. CMJ Rock Hall MusicFest Cited drain on resources, funding ends CMJRHMF “experiment” after 2 years. Read
Red {a virtually 3-D orchesta} The group’s Sat 4/14 performance premieres as the 1st ever digital live simulcast of an American orchestra on Second Life! More
CSU Nance Dean Robert Scherer, Ph.D. honored lifetime achvem’t award for global trade education. More
Oberlin Tenor wins Met Opera Nat’l Council Audition Info
AoKI accepting submissions for 1st ever NEO Young Filmmakers Short Film & Video Comp. Deadline: Thu 5/31 More Baseball As Discount Reduced adm to “Baseball As America” exhibit @ GLSC with Tribe Home Opener tix stub. More
Tom and Susana Evert, co-directors of Dancevert to perform in India, offer workshops throughout the region. More
Immigrants saving big metro areas from losing population More
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
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Honey, Where are You Taking Me for Dinner? Would you believe the Cleveland Museum of Natural History serves seven-course, delectable dinners featuring natural (of course!) ingredients by the top chefs in town? It’s true. And this sweetens the deal: This month’s featured food, “honey,” will be showcased by Sammy’s Executive Chef John Taylor! Don’t miss an unforgettable evening in the 2006-2007 Natural History of Food Series on Sat 4/21. Honey has sweetened the human palate for more than 5,000 years and is the only food we consume made by insects. Think about it! Attend a reception and presentation at 6:30, and honey-inspired dinner from 8PM to midnight. Tickets: single evening: $150 per person. For more info contact www.cmnh.org or (800) 317-9155.
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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

Akron New Music Festival 07 Features Beantown’s Gramercy Trio performing works from Cle Composers Guild, the music of Samuel Adler and Michael Albaugh and mezzo-soprano Laurie Lashbrook. Runs Wed 4/11 – Sat 4/14 at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron (across from E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall). http://www.ejthomashall.com.

Celebrating Great Design This unique fundraiser for The Cleveland Arts Prize offers a behind-the-scenes view of the newly renovated Nottingham and Spirk Innovation Center, as well as the historical carriage house of Kathleen and Dennis Barrie. The guided, timed tours run Wed 4/11. http://www.clevelandartsprize.org.

Research ShowCASE is the annual free-for-all on Case campus with no-cost public exhibits in Veale Convocation Center showcasing Case’s groundbreaking research. Hundreds of scholars & scientists get together to talk, collaborate and network in various symposia, discussions and informal talks. Wed 4/11 thru Thu 4/12 on Case campus. http://ora.ra.cwru.edu/showcase/default.html

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See Why BusinessWeek Named CIA one of the top design schools in North America and check out some of the work from the students who won top honors in the Chicago International Housewares Show at the Institute’s Spring Design Show, an annual public exhibition. View their award-winning work in housewares, automotive, interior, toy and graphic design Wed 4/25 – Fri 4/27 from 9:30AM – 5PM. Innovation, consumer-centered design and exposure to leading industry practices are key attributes of the Institute’s programs. If you would like to attend the reception on Fri 4/27, 5:30 – 8:30PM, please RSVP to events@cia.edu. The exhibit will be held at the Gund Building at the Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Blvd. For info about the Institute contact www.cia.edu or 216-421-7407. The Cleveland Institute of Art . . . Making Art Work.
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Making Sense of Place FutureHeights’ Annual Meeting features a screening of Cleveland: Confronting Decline in an American City feat. CC Creator/Publisher Thomas Mulready. The Thu 4/12 event starts at 5:30PM with opening remarks by Paul Volpe of City Architecture. Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd., Cle Hts. http://www.futureheights.org.

National Day of Climate Action includes picknicking, volleyball and a press conference at Cleveland City Hall on Thu 4/12 involving officials from the city, businesses, labor, and environmental groups. Edgewater Park and Cle City Hall. http://events.stepitup2007.org/events/show/163.

Travesty Dance Group Part of the DanceWorks 07 programming, Travesty continues its 10th Anniversary season with Travesty Rocks! inspired by classic rock n’ roll on Thu 4/12 through Sun 4/15. Relive the heyday through the work of co-founders Rebecca Malcom-Naib, Karen Stokes and Cle native Kimberly Karpanty. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. Scheduled times online at http://www.cptonline.org. http://www.travestydancegroup.org.

Baseball As America Organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, this national touring exhibition opens at the Great Lakes Science Center on Thu 4/12 at 6PM with a reception. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres will be served. Come meet members of the Baseball Hall of Fame! Note: Family friendly exhibit runs through beginning of September. 601 Erieside Ave. http://www.greatscience.com.

Poetry in the Woods features poets Dan Rourke Wendy Shaffer, Loren Weiss and Barry Zucker on Thu 4/12 at 7PM. Bertram Woods Branch, Shaker Heights Public Library, 20600 Fayette Rd., Shaker Hts. For info, call 991-2421.

King Kong Go absolutely ape over Ethan Buckler’s dance band project on Thu 4/12 at 9PM. The former bassist for underground 80s act Slint brings the fun to Parish Hall with very special guests Machine Go Boom and The New Lou Reeds. 6205 Detroit Ave. http://www.parishhallcleveland.com.

A Colored Funeral This is an hysterical, poignant, deliciously, irreverent look at death in the African American community and the creative ways Blacks cope with this universal phenomenon on Fri 4/13 thru Sun 5/6. http://www.Karamu.com.

Paul Volcker served as the chairman of the Federal Reserve under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He will speak about his investigation into the Iraqi Oil for Food program at noon on Fri 4/13 at the City Club of Cleveland. Sure to be enlightening. http://www.cityclub.org.

Tremont ArtWalk celebrates Easter Fri 4/13 at 7PM with the Ukrainian Museum-Archives’ Pysanky Exhibition, located at 1202 Kenilworth. Enjoy a visual exploration of Yoga practice in Lemko Hall, Exit Gallery’s That’s Nice exhibition of works by Kortney Niewierski and the Kelly-Randall Gallery’s feature of photography by Ana Markov and Bruce Billow. And much more! http://www.tremontartwalk.org.

HOT Banner–Rama is a benefit party celebrating the collaborative venture between City Artists at Work, RED DOT Project, and Zygote Press on Fri 4/13 at 7PM. All proceeds will be used by the 3 non-profit orgs to fund new pole banners for shared that unify/identify the Superior Arts District where they reside. Live music by Frase & Friends and delectables by Tastebuds. Convivium 33 at St Josaphat Arts Hall, 1433 E 33rd St. http://www.cityartistsatwork.org. http://www.reddotproject.org. http://www.zygotepress.com.

Kenneth Patchen Festival and Jam peaks with a reception and talks on Patchen’s life and art on Fri 4/13 at 6PM at Gallery 324 in the Galleria at Erieview. Part of a week-long celebration, the reception includes a showing of a group of paintings depicting scenes from The Journal of Albion Moonlight done by Doug Paisley with Kenneth Patchen’s text. Call 780-1522 or email mbales@oh.verio.com for more info.

Neptune Load Records artists play MOCA on Fri 4/13 at 9PM. http://www.mocacleveland.org.

Side By Side, Part Deux Cleveland Pops and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra are together again for another round of collaboration at Severance Hall on Fri 4/13 at 8PM. Program features CJO Artistic Director Jack Schantz on trumpet and the vocals of Susan Hesse offering up versions of ScheheraJazz and West Side Story. Feature a world premiere musical selection, Jazz Overture written by Paul Ferguson. http://www.clevelandjazz.org. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

HOT Defrag Redux This quarterly conference helps connect leaders and learners in the digital media realm. Check out the latest installments on Fri 4/13 and Sat 4/14 at Lorain County Community College Details.

Akiko Suwanai The youngest winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition is joined by Akira Eguchi on piano. Suwanai performs on the Antonio Stradivarius 1714 violin, “Dolphin,” on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation on Fri 4/13 at 7:30PM. www.ClevelandArt.org.

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WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM is live at Severance Hall this Sat 4/14. Franz is back on the podium to direct the home town band in Haydn’s Symphony No. 103 “Drum Roll” and that classical blockbuster, the Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The soloist will be Emanuel Ax. He’ll be the guest on the intermission of the concert. On a previous visit to Cleveland, Manny wanted to be the interviewer and ended up interviewing Klaus Roy, instead of the other way around. We’ll see what happens this time. On Sun 4/15 at 4PM, we’ll repeat the smash March concert with Kurt Masur and Sergei Khachatryan (pronounced ka CHAT tree ahn) with the Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 and the Bruckner Symphony No. 4. Full details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found at www.wclv.com.
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HOT That (Virtual 3-D) Red Guy Audiences will be treated to exceptional arrangements by Red {an orchestra} Artistic Director Jonathan Sheffer in That Red Guy — from his minimalist approach to Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier to a showy concerto for sax and orchestra. Two performances, Sat 4/14 at 8PM and Sun 4/15 at 3PM. Note: The Sat 4/14 performance will premiere as the first ever digital live simulcast of an American orchestra in digital virtual 3-D on Second Life! New to SL? No worries. The good people @ Red have prepared an excellent tutorial here: http://redanorchestra.org/secondlifehome.cfm. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get acclimated. Just like in the real world, seating is limited, so get there early. http://www.RedAnOrchestra.org.

The Rhythm Syndicate Blues, swing & R&B from local outfit with more than 10 years of performance! Enjoy them with a side of soul food at Fat Fish Blue this Sat 4/14 at 9PM. Learn more in Peter Chakerian’s CD review in this week’s CC Sounds. http://www.fatfishblue.com.

HOT Get Urban America Meet the author and Ohio-based urban planning firm founder Kyle Ezell at this event on Sat 4/14 at Shaker Middle School, 20600 Shaker Blvd. Shaker Heights. Learn how “living urban” can change your life from this trained cultural geographer and a nationally renowned, certified city planner. The first 200 get Ezell’s book Get Urban at no charge! http://www.heartlanddevelopers.com.

Irving Berlin Program The American Dream in Song is a lush musical feast celebrating the man and his music on Sat 4/14 at 7PM. Local radio personality Bill Rudman takes you on a musical journey celebrating the life of Irving Berlin, the American Icon whose 1500 songs have become a permanent and irreplaceable part of our culture. E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron. http://www.ejthomashall.com.

HOT Grand Re-Opening William Busta Gallery After 5 years, Cleveland’s leading gallerist re-opens at 2731 Prospect Ave, with Timothy Callaghan: First Time, Long Time featuring paintings and drawings of Clevelander Callaghan in his first solo show. Reception Sat 4/14 from 6-9PM. Gallery hours are 11AM-5:30PM Wed – Sat, and the show runs thru 5/12. 321-9165

Barynya [bah-rin-yah] A group of all-star performers from Russia, this passionate ensemble brings traditional music to life with raw energy on Sat 4/14 and Sun 4/15 at the Beck Center Armory in Lakewood. Ensemble director Mikhail Smirnov “Misha” trained at the Moscow State Academy of Culture and Arts is a self-taught player of the garmoshka — a small button accordion used in Russian folk music. The group’s program will include his playing in Russian, Gypsy, Cossack, and Ukrainian songs, as well as virtuoso instrumental pieces. http://www.beckcenter.org.

HOT The Phantasy Reborn The famed rocker niteclub celebrates a Grand Re-opening Sat 4/14 at 7:30PM. The Phantasy has undergone a decisive facelift with artistic flourishes courtesy of local businesses the Pop Shop Gallery and Star Nine Apparel. Beatles tribute band Revolution Pie will play all of the hits from A Hard Days Night to Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Star Nine will launch its new line of designer t-shirts that night as well. Phantasy Niteclub, 11802 Detroit Rd. Lakewood. http://www.phantasyconcertclub.net. http://www.revolutionpie.com.

Ohio Cheese Studio of 5 Rings invites Ohio cheese makers to participate in this wine pairing event and cheesy challenge on Sat 4/14 at 3PM. Get face-time with cheese makers and the people who love their work. This is a “Pro-AM” competition format, meaning it’s open to all cheese makers. We will add the names of the participating cheese factories soon! http://studioof5rings.com.

Stop Global Warming This Akron rally event is poised to be one of the largest in the country on the topic. One of 710 rallies being held across the US by nat’l grassroots group Step It Up 2007, this Sat 4/14 event seeks attention and legislative action to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. No-cost, starts promptly at Noon. Federal Building, downtown Akron. http://www.stepitupakron.org.

The Tragically Hip These Canadian alt-rock iconoclasts straddle the line between R.E.M. and Pearl Jam and decorate their sound with delta blues and No Depression styles. Lookit, see why the Hip share a unique relationship with Great Lakes cities: Canadians who can’t get tix to arena-sized shows up there will pull a roadie to Cle for a more intimate show on Sat 4/14 at 7:30PM. Sure to sell out. House of Blues, 308 Euclid. http://www.thehip.com.

Joshua Smith and Monet The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) presents a series of Monet in Normandy gallery concerts, a series of musical programs compiled by CMA guest musical curator Joshua Smith — principal flutist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Check out the latest installment on Wed 4/11 at 7:30PM. Future concerts feature works by Debussy, Ravel, Faure, and Takemitsu. http://www.clevelandart.org.

Akron Film Fest Explore the depth and breadth of films and videos made by independent artists from the Ohio area at this two-day indie flick event starting Sat 4/14 Includes shorts and features and your wallet-bound friend Abe Lincoln can get you access to the whole weekend! University of Akron Student Union Gardner Theatre. http://www.akronfilmfestival.com.

Do You Kendo? One of the largest Kendo Tournaments in North America is held right here in Cleveland! Check out the 19th Annual Cle Kendo (Japanese fencing) Tournament at Adelbert Gym, CWRU on Sat 4/14 beginning at 7:30AM. The all-day event is hosted by the Cle Kendo Assoc. Super cool. http://www.clevelandkendo.com.

HOT Banff Mountain Film Festival The collection of amazing outdoor-inspired films hits the road again, with a 10th Anniversary stop in Cle Fri 4/13 and Sat 4/14 from 6-8PM at the Allen Theatre, Playhouse Square. Receptions for both nights are replete with a raffle, outdoorsy exhibits, bevvies, appetizers and desserts, complimentary caffeine and a cash bar. Partial raffle proceeds benefit The Human Fund, supporting arts education programs for under-served Cle kids. http://www.theedgefilms.com.

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{Red} on SecondLife.com! On Sat 4/14, Red {an orchestra} in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, OneCommunity and the New Media Consortium, will deliver a live performance of Red’s concert, “That Red Guy,” in two venues on SecondLife.com, the online virtual environment. Join Red in person on Sat 4/14 at 8PM to experience for yourself in real life, what’s happening on 2nd Life. Both the Sat 4/14 and the Sun 4/15 3PM concerts will be held at the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid & E. 36th). Cool Cleveland Readers Special Offer: 2 Tickets for the Price of 1! Tickets start at $15. Just let us know you are a CC reader when you call Red {an orchestra} at 261.361.1733 or visit www.redanorchestra.org and type in Cool Cleveland in the comments.
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GroundWorks Brunch The troupe hosts a Gospel Brunch benefit party this Sun 4/15 at 11AM at House of Blues. Mimosas, yummy things to eat and a silent auction will be featured; GroundWorks will also perform with the HOB’s gospel singers. http://www.notsoobvious.com.

Michael Chabon Engage the Pulitzer Prize winning author during a reading and Q&A on Sun 4/15 at 2PM. For more information call 623-2800 or visit www.cpl.org for more info.

HOT Information Society Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at CWRU examines the meaning of information in our society with their 2007 Humanities Week kicking off Sun 4/15. Festivities include keynotes from NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday Host Scott Simon, a cell phone film contest, movies, special exhibitions and online digital projects. , the public can explore the many dimensions of the emerging information age. http://www.bakernord.com.

Akron Symphony Chorus 50th Anniversary Concert Celebrate the Chorus’ Golden Jubilee on Sun 4/15 at 2PM. The Chorus performed its first concert on April 17, 1957 and will honor that date with an afternoon of vocal virtuosity. http://www.akronsymphony.org.

Howard Lyman One-time cattle rancher and Oprah guest gives a special pre-Earth Day visit to Cleveland on Tue 4/17 at 6:30PM to give a lecture titled Eating the Earth: One Bite at a Time. Lyman will discuss how “the fork is humankind’s most dangerous weapon” and how the meat industry is partially responsible for global warming. No-cost lecture is open to the public. Pilgrim Church, 2592 W. 14th St. http://www.madcowboy.com.

Faith Foundations Those great tours of Cleveland’s Sacred Landmarks continue in partnership between Cleveland Bridge Builders and the City Club New Leaders group. On Tue 4/17 at 5:30 PM the group visits Synagogues The Temple-Tifereth Israel and Park Synagogue. Tours are affordable; packages available. http://www.cityclub.org.

HOT Beyond Beats and Rhymes The 2006 Sundance Film Festival selection anchors the CWRU Project on Men and Gender, focusing on Manhood in Rap Music. Film is shown Tue 4/17 at 7PM at the CWRU Strosacker Auditorium, featuring luminaries Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and cultural commentators Michael Eric Dyson, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Kevin Powell, and Sarah Jones. http://www.case.edu/provost/centerforwomen/calendar.html.

Towpath Trail Planning for the Towpath Trail from lower Harvard Ave. to Canal Basin Park has begun. Be a part of the first a series of public meetings and interact with the project’s planning team on Tue 4/17 at 4PM. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Admin Bldg. http://www.ohiocanal.org/index.htm.

Art Conservation at Home This no-cost, 6-part lecture series introduces conservation of materials and information, highlighting care and handling of personal artifacts and family heirlooms. Lectures start this Tue 4/17 at 6PM, presented by the Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA), America’s oldest non-profit art conservation center, based here in Cleveland! Carnegie West Branch, Cle Public Library. More Info.

HOT B’Ware! Miss the classic kitsch of the video shop in Madison Village? Well, you’ll relish the Bad Film Directors from the 50’s and Beyond in this Tri-C Metro film festival Wed 4/18 beginning at 6:30PM. Features 3 legendary film directors — Roger Corman, William Castle and Ed Wood — whose legendary “B-movies” tapped science fiction, horror and fantasy and sent them careening into the subbacultcha. Includes analysis of thematic content and pop culture impact. http://www.tri-c.edu/community/Bmovies.htm.

Re-turn An exhibition of art constructed from post-consumer and postindustrial waste, curated by Janice Lessman-Moss opens Wed 4/18. The artistic commentary touches on the aftermath of consumer culture. Downtown Gallery, 223 North Water Street, Kent. Call 330-676-1549 or email schoolofartgalleries@kent.edu for more info. http://www.kent.edu.

Dr. Merlin Donald CWRU chair and cognitive neuroscientist explores the evolution of culture and the “subtler capabilities” of the human mind Wed 4/18 at 4:30PM with no-cost talk. Goodyear Auditorium, Clapp Hall @ CWRU, 2074 Adelbert Rd. Info.

HOT Does Hip-Hop Hate Women? Panel discussion caps the CWRU Project on Men and Gender, with a focus on the hip-hop cultural movement forging a new dialogue around race. Panelists in this Wed 4/18 event at 7PM will be moderated by Bakari Kitwana. http://www.rapsessions.org. http://www.case.edu/provost/centerforwomen/calendar.html.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Dine Without the Whine
Cool Kitchens for Kids

Remember those days of leisurely dinners at fine restaurants? No? Then perhaps you recall those words of wisdom from friends and family who urged you to eat out often before your little one arrived?

And now, with kids in tow, are you afraid to enter a restaurant whose food isn’t delivered in a paper box with another fun toy? Looking to enjoy dinner without feeling like you will be scolded if your little one dares to squeal, move around, or make a mess? Luckily, there is hope for us all. Cleveland has some great restaurants with some cool folks who run their kitchens. Check out these family-friendly, fun, and worthwhile eateries.

Read more from Jeannie Fleming-Gifford here

Do you have to have a kid’s menu to be kid-friendly? Absolutely not! A visit to Pizzazz (two locations, University Heights and Mayfield Village) proves you don’t have to have a kid menu to provide great food that kids will eat and adults will value. Visiting either location, you will find a bustling neighborhood joint where the locals come together to swap stories and enjoy the tasty fare.

Noisy? Maybe a little, but just enough so that no one will notice when your little one decides to take up another conversation with himself. Sophisticated enough to offer Veal Marsala with a glass of wine, you will also find kid traditional favorites such as spaghetti and pizza. Check out the side dishes. You will find the standards of French fries, bread, meatballs and the surprise of baby vegetables (validating that this eating out experience is good for your child). High chairs? They have them. Changing tables? They do not (but don’t worry about it, even this excursion can’t last forever, after all the kids are along). Check out Pizzazz at either location http://www.pizzazzpizza.com.

Westsider? Don’t worry; there are restaurants out there for your family too. Located on Rocky River Drive in Cleveland, Gene’s Place gets high marks when it comes to family friendly dining. A quieter atmosphere, Gene’s Place to Dine is known by the locals as a great place to go with the family in tow. A kid’s menu (but not on the separate coloring sheet), Gene’s provides a fun atmosphere decorated with the nostalgia of old time movies and the stars that made them happen. Some nights, you can find a live piano player that keeps the young and young at heart entertained over the evening meal. With high chairs for the little ones and a bench in the ladies room (just in case you are dire need of the changing table), Gene’s makes for a fun and family-friendly outing. You can find out for yourself by visiting Gene’s located at 3730 Rocky River Drive in Cleveland. Call them at 252-1741.

Another locally owned restaurant, Liquid Planet, has locations on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland and now at Crocker Park in Westlake. With the motto “Great food and juice. For life!” the menu features “grown-up drinks” (coffee, teas and espresso), as well as great smoothie drinks (30 different varieties) that the kids will love. It is a delicious—and sneaky—way to get more wholesome fruits into your kids’ diets. In addition, Liquid Planet’s menu offers toasted pita sandwiches and salads served in a classic, funky, family-friendly eatery. Check them out at http://www.liquid-planet.com or call 631-2266.

If you are looking for a destination to have a meal, consider venturing out to Pickle Bill’s in Grand River. With a history that began in the Cleveland flats, Pickle Bill’s has quickly become a place where the locals and tourists converge in Lake County. With seating both inside and outside, the sheer collection of stuff is enough to keep most kids entertained (and if looking at it isn’t enough, how about a good old game of Eye Spy?). The kid’s menu notes that selections are served with Jell-O, French fries and a pickle. Choices include the standards: grilled cheese, hotdog, and chicken fingers. It is also a pleasant surprise to find prime rib, crab legs and shrimp on the menu for your wee little one. Pickle Bill’s is located on River Street in Grand River. Learn more by visiting them in person or online at http://www.picklebills.com.

See? There really is hope… enjoy! (And if you don’t, there’s always take-out!)

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford — a Mom to one cool kid — fleminggiffordATyahoo.com.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Do I Have to Paint You a Picture? Hey, kids: Have your picture taken with the CMA “Art Crew,” where treasured works of art come to life in the form of costumed characters. Sweet! CMA’s Art Crew, a group of life-sized costumed characters based upon masterpieces from CMA’s permanent collection, will visit the various CMA@ Starbucks locations throughout the year. The next gig: Sat 4/14, 10AM – 11AM, Starbucks in Shaker Heights at 3470 Warrensville Center Road. For more info about the Museum’s fun kids events go to www.clevelandart.org. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

CIM’s Zany Zoo Soundzzz School Show A special wildlife-themed performance on Fri 4/13 for school groups. Features classics by Saint-Saens (Carnival of Animals), Rimsky-Korsakov (Flight of the Bumblebee), Copland (I Bought Me a Cat) and others. Call it a musical safari! Repeats as a “Family Soiree” w/dessert reception on Sat 4/14. http://www.cim.edu.

Mummy Family Workshop Explore the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife as you assist in preparing a “Dummy Mummy” for eternal happiness on Sat 4/14 at 11:30AM. As a bonus, you will create and take home your own Mummy Mask! Limited to 15 participants. http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

Young Artists Exhibition Check out a selection of more than 300 pieces of art by students in the K-12 art classes of Cleveland Heights-University Heights public schools with an opening reception Sat 4/14 at 1PM. Exhibition runs through mid-May. Heights Arts at the Library, 2340 Lee Rd. http://www.heightsarts.org.

Walk & Run For the Kids Join the Cleveland Christian Home in the fight against child abuse and neglect with this benefit at the Metroparks Zoo on Sat 4/14 at 8:30AM. Pound the pavement in a 5k run, or stroll leisurely in a 5k walk to help CCH continue foster care, adoption services, outpatient counseling and other services. Teams, companies and orgs are invited to participate. http://www.cchome.org.

MonsterPianos! Wall-to-wall pianos and pianists from the campus and community are led by Philip Thomson and Mayumi Kikuchi on Sun 4/15 at 3PM. Galen Karriker, director of the Akron Zips Marching Band, conducts. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. Tickets.

From the Projects to Politics Learn the history behind Carl & Louis Stokes and their personal story of family, heroes, segregation and the will to succeed on Mon 4/16. Exhibit runs now through end of July at the Western Reserve Historical Society, covering the brothers’ ascendancy in Cleveland, in Ohio and in the nation. 10825 East Blvd. http://www.wrhs.org.

Who’s Your Mama? This 1st Annual Environmental Film Festival launches at the Kent Stage Tue 4/17 with children’s films and activities, Cherokee Storytelling with Edwin George, Green films, locally grown food and farmers, alt-energy displays and more. Live jazz by Bob Neiderriter. The Kent Stage 175 E. Main St., Downtown Kent. http://www.whosyourmama.org. http://www.standingrock.net.

Dr. Eugene TW Sanders CEO, Cle Muni School Dist speaks at Landerhaven Tue 4/17 at 11:30AM. Program followed by Q&A moderated by Leon Bibb of NewsChannel5. Register

CSU/OSU joint Summer teen prgm establishing Chinese Academy for 50 high school juniors and seniors. They’ll learn Mandarin Chinese in intensive, 3-week course (June 20-July 11) for 3 semester credit hrs. Deadline for apps: Tue 5/1. Call 687-4645 or email the Modern Language Dept at CSU: modlang@csuohio.edu

How Do Cleveland’s Coolest Kids Celebrate Birthdays?

Time to plan your kid’s birthday party. Doesn’t it raise your blood pressure just to hear the words? Seems most parents agree that kids’ birthday parties today are excessive, expensive and stressful. But we keep doing ‘em. Too often, the almighty birthday party becomes a playing ground for parental competition, as each party seeks to outdo the last with bigger inflatable castles, more elaborate goodie bags or the coolest new location. A slew of new business ventures have cropped up to serve party-burdened parents here in Northeast Ohio and across the country, from turnkey dress-up princess party planners to traveling live animal shows to the inflatable-playground franchise, Pump It Up.

Too much? Not enough? What do you consider to be a Cool Cleveland Kids birthday? What do you, the readers, do to celebrate those little ones’ birthdays? Have you found new ways of commemorating the day without all the excess? Or are you a die-hard party planner who’s found the theme that’ll have the neighborhood kids talking for years to come? What are your go-to party planning resources, favorite locations and entertainers here in Northeast Ohio?

Send an email to events@coolcleveland.com by May 1 with your coolest birthday party ideas, which we’ll use to create the first-ever Cool Cleveland Kids Guide to Birthday Parties for an upcoming issue. Please include your name, where you live and contact information. Thanks!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jennifer Keirn jenniferkATwowway.com

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids04.13.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Jonathan Sheffer
Conductor/Artistic Director, Red {an orchestra}

Jonathan Sheffer is in love with Lake Erie, his NEO musicians and the city of Cleveland. Thomas Mulready caught up with Sheffer on a beautiful spring day on the promenade in Lakewood Park. Overlooking the lake, Sheffer explains composing A Red Couch Floating in Lake Erie: A Symphony of Songs inspired by poets and poems written about Cleveland and published by the Poets’ and Writers’ League of Greater Cleveland. He also discusses the incredible opportunity a city the size of Cleveland offers a small orchestra. Finally, don’t miss Jonathan’s introduction of Wolfgang Mankowitz—his avatar in SL. http://www.RedAnOrchestra.com

A City of Absurdities Offers Fresh Material
By Roldo Bartimole

It’s hard to believe that Cleveland hasn’t produced a novelist of the absurd. There’s so much material floating around here for that variety of talent.

In the past week two long-time champions of self-interest have presented to someone enough material for several writers of the absurd.

First, we had Sam Miller in an entertaining interview with WKYC-TV’s Tom Beres. You can hear it in full here.

Sam wants action – as long as it benefits him. Watch a charlatan in action.

Then we had more fodder from my old buddy George Forbes, former Cleveland Council President. He’s working through the Call & Post where he’s the legal representative of owner Don King. What a combination.

Forbes’ C&P has been lambasting black council members for not speaking out on the poor state of police relations in the black community. The same Forbes represented police unions in the past and protected them as Council boss for years…

Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

Wine with a Personal Touch

Good wine, good conversation, good people. These are the social cornerstones and believe it or not, I’ve found all three in one place. The Olde Wine Cellar (or simply the “Cellar” if you will) is located in the historic Grand Pacific Junction section of Olmsted Falls, amidst a number of revitalized architectural joys. Inside their storefront, wine fans of all levels of experience often find more than simply what pleases their palates and pockets. The Cellar is often a stop for browsers of all the specialty shops in the neighborhood; it is also a favorite of locals from all across Northeast Ohio, who often place their special wine orders there.

When you park in front of the Cellar, the first thing you’ll notice is the down home feel of the place: simply stated and classic. As you walk across the wooden porch and into the store, you’ll feel that you’ve taken a step into a bygone era: Hardwood floors and rows of wooden wine racks line the Cellar giving the feel of a small town general store. Adding to the ambiance are barrel tables, replete with red gingham table clothes, and oak stools that lend themselves to the country store feeling. In warmer weather, patrons delight in the use of a back patio — actually, it’s more of a back porch — with a creekside view, barrel tables, comfy chairs and plenty of room for moving your tasting enjoyment outside. You’ll feel that you are in one those small out of the way places, one of your own personal discoveries.

Read the comment from Ernie Papp here

When you arrive, Jon Frederick serves as your greeter and host at the Cellar. He’s a very knowledgeable guy and knows a lot about a wide variety of wines and the varietals available. He’s there to please. Tell him what your personal tastes are and he is quick to offer several great recommendations. Not sure what you like? New to the exploration of wine? He’ll help you pick out a bottles that are great for everyday drinking, or as a gift for a special occasion.

Some of Jon’s Recommendations:

For everyday/after work: 2003 Red Diamond Cabernet or Michael Pozzan Cabernet or Chardonnay

Something unusual: 1977 Vintage Port, something you don’t find very often.

Jon’s Personal Favorites: Contrada and Santa Ema Merlot

Another great way to learn about the wonderful world of wine is to attend one (or many!) of the Cellars signature wine tastings. Tastings take place every Friday and Saturday evening from 6:30-9PM and are hosted by Jon. He features six different wines every week — either of the same variety, or a selection of wines from a particular region. He personally selects the wines himself to be tasted and enjoys telling each taster what they might expect from a particular bottle. Tasting notes are also supplied and are great for future reference. A plate of cheese and crackers is also included with the price of admission, a modest ten dollars. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get your tasting card and have it stamped.

Just a warning, these events get to be habit forming.

Don’t want to wait for the weekend? Tuesday thru Thursday, the Cellar runs their weekday wine and cheese special. That’s two glasses of wine and a cheese platter for ten dollars. Or select a bottle from the rack to enjoy on the premises. Either way, where else can you have a fun evening out for that kind of money?

For special occasions the Cellar offers gift cards and custom baskets. They will put together whatever you want for any occasion. There is also a wine of the month club. Special orders are also available. If Jon doesn’t have it in stock, he can usually get it. Nothing is too strange or unusual. Sound good? It is. Jon and The Olde Wine Cellar await your visit.

Check out Jon and The Olde Wine Cellar located at 7990 Columbia Road in Olmsted Falls for all of your wine needs. Their hours are Monday 12-5PM, Tuesday thru Thursday 10AM – 7PM and Friday thru Saturday 10AM-9PM. They can also be reached by phone at 440-427-1222. And when you visit, be sure to get on their e-mail list. Then, every week, you will receive advance notice of their tastings and what variety of wines will be tasted. Visit them online at http://www.oldewinecellar.net.

From Cool Cleveland reader Ernie Papp epappATssd.com

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Jeff Hess posts a picture to help us visualize what the Cuyahoga River might look like.
Ron McDaniels is proud that his daughter Alexandra (the CEO of KidzRoar.bix will be teaching a session on building and managing websites. Who can blame him?
Choice excerpts from the WKYC video of Tom Beres interviewing Sam Miller.
Jay-C enumerates what the NEO blogosphere needs.
Ron Finkelstein reminds us not to forget our neighbors to the south.
Chris wonders what else the staff at the Rock Hall is doing so that the CMJ Musicfest is so overwhelming.
Jeff asks if you’ve ever been the Greenhouse at Rockefeller Park?

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

The Rhythm Syndicate
The Rhythm Syndicate

A cup of laid back blues. Another cup of jazzy. Two tablespoons of swing. A little bit o’ soul. Add a whole lotta rhythm & blues. Then turn up the heat nice and easy. Sound like a winning recipe to you? Then it’s a safe bet that the Rhythm Syndicate’s self-titled debut is for you. With 10 years of gigging experience behind them, the Rhythm Syndicate really knows how to get things cooking. They may be the most underrated R&B band in town.

With a zippy, playful chemistry and grooves that recall the cosmopolitan cool of Chicago’s best blues clubs and shades of Motown, the band slides coolly into The Rhythm Syndicate’s 12 tracks, opening with the instrumental “Barfly Blues.” The lazy lead then gives way to the party vibes of “Too Much Information,” “Sunny Day,” and “Crawdaddy Walk” and “Funk-O-Matic”– all of which have a distinctive brassy feel and party atmosphere. The cool funk and jazz roots of “Soul Steppin” and “Tip Top,” which simmers with a clarinet lead, round out the best of the tracks.

Vocalist/guitarist Pat Sandy and the rest of the gang – Angelo Ciu (guitar), Kevin Dyckes(tenor sax/ bass guitar), Doug Hopkins tenor sax/clarinet) and John Yencha (drums) – have the fire and energy of an upstart band with something to prove. The instrumentation is all perfectly mixed; even the strategically placed ballad “You Never Know” seems to offer emotional countermeasure at just the right time. And yet they’re cozy and comfortable, like a house band, with Sandy’s laid back singing setting the tone. They can be my “jump blues” house band anytime.

The Rhythm Syndicate performs at Fat Fish Blue this Friday, April 13 at 7PM. For more information, visit Fat Fish Blue at http://www.fatfishblue.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

John Bassette/St. Herman’s Benefit Gig @ Beachland

John Bassette was one of the most influential singer-songwriters on the Cleveland music scene. A fixture on the folk circuit in the 1970s and early 1980s, Bassette, who released a few albums and played practically every club in the region, developed some health issues and fell on hard times.

When it was discovered that he had been living in a homeless shelter, and in very poor health, a few years ago Alex Bevan – the dean of the region’s singer-songwriter scene – put together a benefit concert for Bassette at the Beachland Ballroom, where many of Bassette’s contemporaries and singers whom he had influenced gathered to perform his songs. The show raised money for him and his care and he moved into St. Herman’s Monastery and House of Hospitality, on Cleveland’s West Side, where he was taken care of until he died a few months ago.

Bevan is presenting another benefit in Bassette’s honor – this time to raise funds for St. Herman’s – at the Beachland on Sunday, April 15, at 7PM The show will, again, feature many of the area’s top singer-songwriters – from the 1970s to the present – including Bevan, Michael Stanley, Charlie Weiner, Vicki Chew, Carlos Jones, Jim Ballard and several others, singing Bassette’s and their own songs. Admission comes with a nominal donation. Visit http://www.beachlandballroom.com and http://www.johnbassette.org for more info on the show and the man, respectively.

From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.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

A Media Coffee @ PR NewsWire, Penton Bldg. 3/29 Newspapers and magazines, websites, e-zines, and blogspots–we can access information in many different forms. While it’s a shame to know newspapers are in trouble, the give-and-take aspects of the newer media satisfy our need for interaction with others in an increasingly large world.

I was tempted into attending the media coffee hosted by PR NewsWire in the Penton Media Building last Thursday. PR NewsWire’s is “the world’s most comprehensive distribution network” designed just for the media. The event staged a panel discussion on today’s challenges in the delivery of news. The panel was made up of Jean Dubail of the Plain Dealer, Meet the Bloggers/Brewed Fresh Daily blogger George Nemeth, and Cool Cleveland editor Peter Chakerian. After a short introduction of panelist views on delivery of information, the room opened up for Q&A…

That in your face, right now impact of blogging versus grazing a website is as different as instant message was to e-mail. We want our information immediate and easily digestible. Many of us have a Blackberry or similar device because we don’t want to miss an e-mail anymore. On the various media, George Nemeth said (and I paraphrase), “We can all shovel stuff, but the difference is the tools.” I like hard copy, but most of us find hard copy is inefficient in today’s world. Our Sunday paper is on the floor underneath the coffee table in our family room, half read; we don’t sit in bed with the Sunday paper for half the morning anymore.

Does the typical mass media consumer log onto the internet and sit for hours reading blogs, sending and responding e-mails, reading the news that their internet service provides to them? Or do they sit down with a cup of coffee in the morning after getting breakfast for the whole family and leisurely read the paper?

We know the answer. And so do people like Thomas Mulready and Peter Chakerian, who bring you Cool Cleveland every Wednesday and Cool Cleveland’s blog of running commentary. So do George Nemeth with his Brewed Fresh Daily blog and John Ettorre with his Working With Words blog. The Plain Dealer and Northern Ohio Live and many other traditional print media newspapers and magazines have their on-line counterparts because they know the way we digest information has changed. There’s even a Breaking News blog written by the Plain Dealer Metro staff.

As Peter Chakerian pointed out, he gets 1000 times more information than he needs. Most people only read the first couple of paragraphs. The classical inverted pyramid style of writing with the most important stuff first is more important today than it’s ever been. Editors are deluged with information just like everyday people are. The white noise and frantic activity of a newsroom is overwhelming, and the competition to get noticed is intense. George Nemeth says he looks at headlines. Everyone agrees the news has to be timely—it has to be today’s headlines, not yesterday’s.

One of the questions posed was how the existence of blogs can be justified? George said blogs have indirect community and social benefits that provide a “rich environment for opportunities to happen.” Peter reflected that information put out in blogs dovetails back into mainstream media. Interesting. I concluded that since blogs are conversational and editorial, the open thought-processes of blog conversations can enrich cyber and print media. Media is becoming more and more about relationships and connections; it puts us in contact with each other as the world becomes more difficult to sort out.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller ctallerwritesATwowway.com

The Tempest @ GLTF 4/5
Reasons to go: Andrew May’s production emphasizes the comic, while still packing an emotional punch with Aled Davies’s moving journey from revenge to grace as Prospero. There are many entertaining moments and charming performances, especially Sara M. Bruner’s delightful Ariel (aided by her double, Christine Fallon) whose quirky, birdlike movements are a show highlight. David Gregory makes Ferdinand a beefcake Disney prince, and Jeffrey C. Hawkins and M. A. Taylor’s extended drunk scenes are a hoot.
Caveats: It takes a while for Davies and company to establish the show’s rhythms, but be patient: the show gets progressively richer as it progresses.
Details: Thru 4/20, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland. http://www.greatlakestheater.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Paul Ferguson and the CJO @ the Bop Stop 4/6 It was certainly much better to be indoors Friday evening at the Bop Stop, listening to the CJO and Paul Ferguson. That’s as opposed to being outdoors, frozen at Jacobs Field waiting for the snow to stop falling so the baseball game could be completed. Which it wasn’t. Too bad Ferguson hadn’t scheduled Snow Fall— the theme of Claude Thornhill’s big band from the 40s and 50s. It would have been a perfect match! As it was, though, in addition to a full evening’s worth of music, there was a bonus, of sorts. It was also the first time his new CD from Azica Records was available. Several of the selections from the CD were featured throughout the evening.

The first half featured mostly traditional big band jazz with a three number set by vocalist Barbara Knight. (Helen Welch was the songstres on Saturday evening.) Knight’s treats were And The Angels Sing in a classic big band style; What’ll I Do with a trip through the verse, not just the chorus and Just in Time in an up-tempo rendition. She is excellent at using her voice to put across the meaning of the words with inflection and dynamics. And of course, you can understand every syllable.

Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Ferguson wrote Dobbins Chest as a tribute to Bill Dobbins, a well-known jazz pianist and teacher in our area; John Klayman was the excellent tenor sax soloist, while Ferguson joined in on trombone. Russell Schmitt had some fiendish chords and down slides on the piano. He was really busy Friday night, having important notes in nearly everything. In African Skies, he plunked keys with one hand while holding strings with the other, creating an unusual, really neat sound along with the bass of Dave Morgan and drums of Jim Rupp. Mills came in a bit later, in this rhythmically propulsive and sometimes whimsical piece orginally by Michael Brecker, and arranged by Ferguson for an arranging competition. Judging by the audience response, it should have been a big-time winner.

Another original, Matter of Seconds also featured Mills and Schmitt. while If I Should Lose You was a mellow trip for Morgan and Schmitt. A high-flying Brazil – the samba by Ary Barroso, arranged by Ferguson ended the first half of the evening Tom Reed on sax and Jack Schantz on flugelhorn. This one really jumps!

Ferguson’s older sister Anne Wilson is the organist at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. It was her suggestion that he consider liturgical jazz arrangements. Several of these featured Ferguson’s wife, Mary Kay, a notable flutist in her own right who fit right in as though she’d always played with the CJO. The first piece Evening was as tranquil as its name, the group even occasionally sounding like an organ! Be Thou My Vision featured Ms. Ferguson’s alto flute with piano in a hymn-like opening, but then all of a sudden they all wake up and make a joyful noise.

Holy Manna was a bluesy sort of spiritual from a traditional Southern Harmony book, arranged by Ferguson, and featuring tenor sax, piano and bass. J. S. Bach’s music is so versatile, it adapts readily to a wide variety of arrangements. This is one that the composer would have loved! If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee, featured Jack Schantz after a piano intro. The band made a marvelous brass chorale with room for Morgan’s bass. Looking Around is another original, but this time in Gospel mode, and featured Kent Engelhardt on sax.

Perhaps the most unusual work of the evening was Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, which dates to the 15th century in France. Let me tell you, nothing in the 15th century ever sounded like this! Never. (I wasn’t there, so you’ll have to trust me on this one!) It stopped short of organized mayhem, being raucous and a bit rowdy, but with neat work from piano and bass (especially) once again.

There’s a new translation of the Bible available these days, which has different wordings for the Beatitudes—that well-known New Testament segment of (for instance) ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the world.’ This new version says ‘Walk Forth’ instead of ‘Blessed are’ which inspired Ferguson to write a ‘funk chart’ (his words) ‘with a New Orleans street beat’. It was pretty neat, actually, and on a night of better weather could have taken everyone around the block on a recessional.

Ferguson’s music made the Bop Stop a lovely warm (sometimes hot!) place to be on a cold, snowy night in Cleveland. In April. Nice.

The CJO will appear in a side-by-side concert at Severance Hall on April 13, with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. For tickets or other information, call the CJO office at 440.942.9525, or visit their web-site (where you may also sign up for their newsletter or buy a copy of their CD) http://www.clevelandjazz.org

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Passion @ Beck 4/7
Reasons to go: Victoria Bussert’s Studio Theatre production is way more effective than the Broadway original in showing the dynamics of sexual obsession. From the white-hot opening nude scene to the way Bussert keeps emphasizing triangles by inserting the absent lover into the scenes to her imaginative use of the chorus, the staging is fiercely engaging, as is Jodi Dominick’s sultry, sexy Clara.
Caveats: Sondheim’s repetitive score is more to be endured than enjoyed (I heard more than one patron complaint on the way out). As the physically repellent 19th century stalker/invalid Fosca, Sandra Simon has vocal chops but looks like a pretty girl without makeup, and Jared Leal does his best with the colorless role of the pursued male. But in general it’s an excellent production of a problematic script.
Details: Thru 5/6, Beck Center, Lakewood. http://www.beckcenter.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

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On Cool Cleveland in Tampa I have never lived in Cleveland yet I have heard of you down here. In fact, I met a lawyer this week moving from there to here and she knew all about you. She was very excited to find out there was something similar in Tampa as she depended upon your emails greatly.
from Cool Cleveland reader Eric Sturm ESTURM2ATtampabay.rr.com

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) RoldoLink There’s a hand in your pocket, and it’s not yours.
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2) Cool Cleveland Kids Relieving stress with Thai massage.
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3) Comment Cle Int’l Film Fest ’07 Debrief From a Volunteering Film Buff.
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4) Preview One Dozen Organ Grinder’s Ball Celebrations
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5) Interview Santina Protopapa of PAA and the Cuy Co Arts and Culture Board.
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A Moveable Feast We hope you enjoy the hearty platter of coolness the Hard Corps have served up this week. You’re welcome to seconds. Compliments to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Jennifer Keirn, Claudia J. Taller, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roldo Bartimole, David Budin and introducing Ernie Papp. 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 podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. 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: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

Supper’s Ready,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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