Authenticity

11.21-11.28.07
Authenticity

In this week’s issue:
* Party Salsa Sunset on 12.15
* BizTech Interview Jim Gilmore of Strategic Horizons
* Reads Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want
* Mom’s Eye View The Bubble Children… and the Cleveland Minus Crowd
* Interview Eric Olsen of Blogcritics.org on Blog World Expo
* BFD Congrats Iron Chef Michael Symon
* Ingenious Not one—three ingenious Clevelanders profiled
* Signs of Life State of the Arts
* Interview Nortech Innovation Award winner John Finley of MemPro Ceramics
* Sounds Workin’ Man from Cats on Holiday
* Holiday Buying Guide A smart, equitable and sustainable practice that supports CLE+
* Straight Outta Mansfield Frank Jackson: Hitting His Stride
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

Is Cleveland authentic? Is Loganberry Books on Larchmont (see our profile of owner Harriett Logan) more authentic than Joseph-Beth Booksellers, started by a Clevelander and HQ’ed in Cincinnati, with a massive store at Legacy Village? Which is the location of my video interview with Shaker Heights-based Jim Gilmore, talking about his new book, ”Authenticity,” at an outdoor “lifestyle center” so fake they have to hang signs reminding you to put coins in the faux/authentic parking meters. When Shaker Lakes hosts “Avoid The Mall Day,” and Winterfest attracts families Downtown to shop at Tower City, and most arts groups mount revivals of time-honored chestnuts, one can be excused for being a little buzzed by the dizzying mixed messages. We try to focus on the real people of our region, like stained glass artist Mary Zodnik and Jazz pianist Joe Hunter, married yet worlds apart artistically. Is blogging a way to bring you closer to culture, or the ultimate in self-referential affectation? Check my vodcast with BlogCritics’s Eric Olsen from the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center (itself a town built on fraud and insincerity), and decide for yourself. One thing we know is real: this town, and this region, are full of surprising and authentic people, places and events, collected here for your clicking pleasure. —Thomas Mulready

Celebrate your holidays Salsa style on 12/15
If you thought our last party rocked, get a load of this!
Crazy $14.99 online tix here until Midnight Fri 11/23

Salsa sensation! It’s back to the Warehouse District in Downtown Cleveland for our seventh (!) annual Cool Cleveland holiday party on Sat 12/15, and this one could top them all! We’re working with Gilberto & Adriana from Tropical Rhythms, the good folks who highlight Cleveland’s Latino culture with their regular newsletter and slammin’ events. Catch our video interview with them here. You know ticket prices go up each week, so get your lowest possible price before midnight Fri 11/23 here!

The chic Sunset Lounge will blow you away. From the outside, it appears to be a meek and mild Martini Bar. But at night, Sunset Lounge turns into a sublime night spot, with an eye-popping Sushi menu and dozens of specialty drinks like Singapore Slings, Tom Collins, Golden Cadillacs, and Zombies. Tickets.

When Cool Cleveland comes to town on Sat 12/15 the groove goes something like this: 8-10PM you can enjoy unlimited beer & wine while you explore a sumptuous buffet from the best Downtown restaurants. Be entertained by a live Latin band, and pose for photos for the CC party page here. But we’re just warming up. At 10PM, partake in complimentary Salsa lessons with the sexiest teachers this side of Rio. Hang out till all hours while the DJ pumps up the dance floor. Take advantage of the unbelievable low discount price if you order online here before midnight Fri 11/23. See map & directions here.

$14.99 gets you all this:

• Unlimited Open Bar with beer & wine selection from 8-10PM. Cash bar available with over 40 Martinis & specialty drinks.
• Live music with Latin band
• A sensational buffet with Calamari from Mallorca Restaurant, Sushi Rolls from Sunset Lounge, Delicious Shrimp Salad, Antipasto Platter, Spanish sausage & chorizo from Mallorca
• Complimentary Salsa lessons at 10PM
• Dancing till all hours with the hottest DJs in the region

Snag discount tix online here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/121507/index.php

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

Five projects get $30M in preservation funding. Click.
Setting the bar for “green” rehab and local building initiaitves thereto. Click
Dan Gilbert moves ops for Quicken from burbs to Downtown. Will Cle business leaders follow suit here? Click.
Cle Clinic gets a windfall with a foreign donation. Click.
Did you know Cleveland is being considered as a possible site for the 2013 Summer National Senior Games (a biennial competition for men and women over the age of 50 – largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors)? Birmingham, AL and Miami, FL are our competition. More.
BGSU program helps financial footing for students. Sounds like something that should be happening all across the country. Click.
FDA Clears Cle co for stem cell research, therapy. Click.
Entrepreneurs For Sustainability’s new B2B Directory is launched. http://www.e4s.org. Experts say new “most dangerous city” rankings twist numbers. Click.
CSU/UA collaboration in aid of jobs, collaboration, resource sharing. Click.
How about a WSJ article on Cle’s reviving office space market as it relates to health care? Click.

Interns for Entrepreneurs “Recruiting Interns for Small & High Growth Business” seminar Wed 11/28 at 7:30AM. Corp College E. feat. Keynote Speaker, Sandy Crocker. Click.
John M. Stropki Chairman, President and CEO of Lincoln Electric is Leadership B’fast spkr Fri 11/30. Visit http://www.cesnet.org to register or call 361-3100.
Join the Web Assoc. for food, drinks, bowling, & fun on Tue 12/4 at the private, 1st-level bar of The Winking Lizard/Lakewood. http://www.webassociation.org.
Digital Solutions Seminar from the AAAA/AAF Tue 12/4. Act fast, slots limited! Read.
ODOD Town Hall Meeting for Minority Business Owners Wed 12/5 at 6PM. Akron MCBAP, Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. Call 800-848-1300, ext. 2-8254 to register.

SPONSORED: This World AIDS Day, December 1, take action and reach out to our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS. Sponsor the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland Holiday Celebration, and offer a holiday meal and presents to 300 low-income families. A gift of $25 helps one individual with HIV/AIDS; $100 helps an entire family. Make a difference at http://www.AIDSTaskForce.org/donation.asp.

Jim Gilmore
Strategic Horizons

Jim Gilmore lives in Shaker Hts, and his business, Strategic Horizons, is based in Aurora, but he is much better known nationally by some of the largest firms in the world who are their clients. With the slogan, “Helping executives see the world differently,” Jim and his partner Joe Pine host the annual ThinkAbout conference , where they charge $2450 a head, (and a few hundred more if you show up a day early to help them set up and work!), and lead participants in a “Learning Excursion” to Nashville, simultaneously one of the world’s most authentic and fake cities in the world. While there, they visited 4 different musical venues, such as Tootsie’s, a down-and-dirty (i.e. “authentic”) nightclub, where everyone actually plays cover songs written by other artists. on the other hand, they went to the Wild Horse, a corporate-owned chain, with artists doing original material. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready met Jim Gilmore at Legacy Village, a paragon of the real/fake polarity, and they discuss the book, the conference in Nashville, and how Gilmore feels about the authenticity of his hometown of Cleveland. Moments later, mall security asked us to leave. The book is now available here See book review in the 11.21.07 issue of Cool Cleveland here. .http://www.Strategic Horizons.com

Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want
James H. Gilmore & B. Joseph Pine II
Harvard Business School Press

Reading the book Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want is like taking a litmus test for your own set of values. While marketing has become a “giant phoniness machine,” according to author Jim Gilmore (see Cool Cleveland video interview in the 11.21.07 issue of Cool Cleveland here), this book attempts the almost impossible: explain the desire for authentic and transformative experiences and products, show how all businesses deal in man-made (fake) goods and services, then offer advice on how to “render authenticity.” Page after page of eye-opening, often contradictory theory can make one’s head spin, offering a dense business read that cannot be consumed on the flight to Chicago. In fact, the very subjects of the book, “Deconstructing Authenticity,” the five real/fake, fake/real polarities, “From Marketing to Placemaking,” offer true fodder for examining one’s own business, business model, customer interaction and brand. The opening chapters on the demand for authenticity and the ironic over-supply of inauthenticity will elecit chuckles and nods of agreement, causing the reader to re-examine their own set of values and their own definition of authencity. Is Disney the most authentic (they perfectly conform to their own self-image), or are they the ultimate image machine, all visual bluster and no “real” heart? Today’s consumers are just as conflicted, and this new book is a dense and challenging account of how a business might map its own destiny in this age of authenticity. Buy the book here. http://www.StrategicHorizons.com

SPONSORED: It’s The Holiday Season:: an event planning song from thunder::tech:: Your logo’s connected to your brochure / your brochure’s connected to your website / your website’s connected to your user editing tools that power your email blasts that contribute to your event promotion and overarching PR campaign that mirror your invitations, signage and video presentation, followed up by thank you cards, blog postings, press releases, as well as future planning for next year…including a revamp of your logo. Don’t feel overwhelmed—we’ll take care of it for you. Stop by the site, give us a call:: www.thundertech.com • 216.391.2255

Ohioans don’t want Strickland to run for VP. Can you blame them, esp. after Kucinich’s 2nd presidential bid? Click.
Businesses in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood are planning to be open and stocked with lots of goodies for the day after thanksgiving. Click.
Cle Colectivo accepting proposals for 08; grant Seekers are invited to attend info session next week! http://www.clevelandcolectivo.org.
Asst. County Prosecutor Ed Corrigan killed in a tragic car accident; Corrigan was instrumental in the original incorporation (then the 501c3 status) for Computers Assisting People (CAP) Inc.
CVNPA “Bids for Kids” Online Auction is under way! Consider a purchase to help out their scholarship fund. Click.
CMT features Cle country artist Steven Flaughers on network, web with single “Wish Upon You.” Click. Click Again.
Meeting about building a skatepark in the Slavic Village neighborhood hits Wed 11/28 at 6PM. Click or call 429-1182 for details.
Create blacklight art to be shown at the International Blacklight Mail Art Exhibition at Summit ArtSpace in Akron! Click
CIA Advanced Studio class just finished up a project where they had to choose a location in Cle, choose a typeface that represented the location, and then render an image using only letters from the typeface. Click.
3000 cyclists in Wellington for a 20th Anniversary? Wanna join them? Click.
Cle Orch completes tour, shows financial improvement for 2ndyear. Click.
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The Cleveland Food Co-op needs your help Sales fell dramatically as the Euclid Corridor Project disrupted traffic flow and made access difficult. Over the last year, they have reduced labor costs through attrition and cut inventory but have not been able to prevent a deficit. The smaller staff has continued to take on more because of their belief in the mission of the org. Become a member. Think global, shop local and support a Cle institution that plans to celebrate their 40th anniversary next year. http://www.clevelandfood.coop.

Great Lakes Theater Festival’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with the classic theater company’s plans for a capital campaign. The Festival’s “Re-Imagine a Classic” campaign will “transform the Theater District’s historic Hanna Theatre into an innovative theater experience featuring a thrust stage and flexible 550-seat house which will become the permanent home for GLTF. The “Re-Imagine a Classic” campaign cements GLTF’s 25-year commitment to downtown Cle and Playhouse Square; it’s the first capital campaign in GLTF’s entire 46-year history. http://www.greatlakestheater.org.

Tri-C JazzFest is looking for artwork for the upcoming festival in April 08. An image of the featured artist’s artwork will be used in JazzFest promotional literature. Interested in entering? Submit photos, slides or prints of your entries either electronically, or via U.S. mail by Friday, December 14 to: Beth Rutkowski, Managing Director, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, 2900 Community College Ave., MTA 011, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, or email: beth.rutkowski@tri-c.edu.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Peanuts’ All-Star Jam Bring yr guitar or stix and sit in at the Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit in Lakewood on Wed 11/21 at 9:30PM and join the 33nd annual get-together.

Fergie & The Bog Dogs A night of revelry & fun at Mavis Winkle’s on Wed 11/21, 5005 Rockside Rd, Independence, with Irish Pub faves Fergie & The Bog Dogs http://www.MavisWinkles.com

Salsa Wednesday at Sunset Lounge Latin excitement & chic style kick off with Salsa lessons at 7:30PM with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, then yr on yr own, on Wed 11/21 at Sunset, 1382 W. 9th St. http://wwwTropicalCleveland.com

I am Not a Turkey The Winchester welcomes the JiMiller Band back for their 4th annual “I Am Not A Turkey – Day Before Thanksgiving All Grateful Dead show.” Miller was in the popular Cle act Oroboros and has been leading his own Jam Band for quite a while now. Check him out Wed 11/21 at 9PM. 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net.

The Deadward Goreys will perform live at the Phantasy Nite Club in Lakewood for the first time on Wed 11/21 at 8:30PM. The group’s successful debut was held at Cleveland Public Theatre in late September. The band is made up of long time fixtures of the Cleveland gothic scene; the five member group shares a passion for bringing back to life “old-school” goth/punk favorites originally by acts such as Siouxsie and Banshees, Bauhaus, and Joy Division. DJ Heretek spins before and after the band. http://www.myspace.com/deadwardgoreys.

Nativity Exhibit Check out over 600 nativity scenes from around the world displayed in the restored village of Kirtland, decorated in mid-1800’s style, with special children’s interactive display and antique postcard display, opens Wed 11/23 thru 12/16. http://www.KirtlandChristmas.org.

HOT Chasfest To honor the passing of Chas Smith, who taught at Cleveland State University, DJed on WCSB and played with Einsteins Secret Orchestra, The Clocks, Venus Envy, Cobra Verde and The Pagans. The benefit show features Cobra Verde, 14th Floor, Stardust Outlaws, The Fullbrights, Caelyn, Einsteins’ Secret Orchestra, with appearances by members of The Pagans, The Clocks and Venus Envy. Special guest drum circle by Halim El-Dabh (bring your drum), at the Beachland Ballroom on Fri 11/23 at 7PM. http://www.ChasTribute.com

Green Friday & the Slowspa-Ahhh Movement Forget Black Friday! What’s New At DayBreak’s Lavender Open House? The Slowspa-Ahhh Movement, “Green Gifts” and the Healing Essence of Lavender take center stage with the Fri 11/23 Preview from 9AM – 6PM. We’d need a whole separate newsletter to show you all the cool, calming events and discoveries you’re bound to find here. See for yourself. 2129 Frost Rd., Streetsboro. http://www.daybreaklavenderfarm.com.

ITAL (the final show!) Yes… this really will be the legendary Cle reggae outfit ITAL’s last performance ever. ITAL’s Dave Smeltz is a pioneer of our venerable reggae scene. Join him and the rest of the band Fri 11/23 at 9PM at the Grog Shop on Coventry. Don’t miss ’em! http://www.grogshop.gs.

SPONSORED: WCLV 104.9 FM presents two concerts each weekend by The Cleveland Orchestra, Saturdays at 8:00 PM (often live) and Sundays at 4:00 PM, both over the air and on the Internet. Now you can revisit selected WCLV Cleveland Orchestra broadcasts on demand, 24/7, on line at www.WCLV.com. Click on The Cleveland Orchestra button under “Listen.” There are two concerts available each week, generally each for a 14 day period. Full details on all of WCLV’s programming in advance can also be found on the WCLV website: http://www.WCLV.com

HOT 1,000 Notes The hardworking bands and musicians of Cle gather for a heartfelt concert and one-of-a-kind jam session benefit Sat 11/24 at 7PM at at St. Helena Hall. The marathon rock show features Collin Dussault Blues Project, JiMiller, “Walkin’ Cane”, a Rosavelt Reunion, Shurman, and many others who will be honoring the memory of Rachel Perez-Stable. The event will also feature food from several local restaurants and a silent auction. Tickets are available at The Bop Stop, Town Fryer, West End, The Tree House, Southside, Hanna’s Pub Melt and Tremont Taphouse. http://www.myspace.com/1000notes.

A First-Ever Christmas Story Convention Check out the two-day event celebrating A Christmas Story featuring the film’s actors, a “Chinese Turkey” dinner and unveiling of 1937 Oldsmobile and chalkboard used in the movie Fri 11/23 and Sat 11/24. One “Ralphie Parker” look-alike will even be chosen for a national promotion! Details and schedule at http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com.

An Evening of Words and Music Check out the Charity Book Signing and CD Release Party Sat 11/24 at 7PM. Meet Michael Heaton (for his new book Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit), Greg Cielec (the CC contributor for his new Home and Away Games novella) and the swamp popsters Cats on Holiday, who support their new CD Workin’ Man. Proceeds support of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services (http://www.blhs.org), who provide five centers in NEO for homes and day care for developmentally disabled children and adults. The Harp, 4408 Detroit Ave. For info, contact Denis DeVito at 577-6858 or Greg Cielec at 496-8286.

112th Dunham Tavern Museum Antiques Show With an emphasis on reasonably-priced furniture, cabinetry, and accessories, the Dunham Tavern Museum Antiques Show has become one of the longest-running shows in the country Sat 11/24 and Sun 11/25 starting at 11AM. 85 dealers, many new to Cleveland, offer a diverse selection of antiques. Shaker Heights Middle School, 20600 Shaker Blvd. Call 431-1060 or visit http://www.dunhamtavern.org for details.

Moscow Nights an award-winning ensemble of classically trained Russian folk artists, will perform at the Avon Lake UCC Sat 11/24 at 7:30PM. A reception will follow, with an opportunity to meet the four virtuoso musicians who are each considered masters of their craft. No tickets necessary, no cost, open to the public. 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake. http://www.thealucc.org.

SPONSORED: Thought-provoking, Impressive billboard and digital video art will add new dimensions to an impressive breadth of faculty talent that includes an exhibition of photography, painting, sculpture, and work in glass, enamel, ceramics, fiber, metal and other media. Experience it all in The Cleveland Institute of Art’s “2007 Faculty Show,” which opens Sat 11/24 through Fri 12/21, in the college’s Reinberger Galleries, located in the Gund Building at the corner of East Blvd. and Bellflower Rd. in University Circle. The Artist’s reception is Fri 12/7 from 6 – 8PM. There is no admission fee and the event is open to the public. Contact www.cia.edu for more information. The Cleveland Institute of Art . . . Making Art Work.

HOT Big Lebowski Bowling Party The Cedar Lee Theatre partners with the Corner Alley and fans of the cult classic are encouraged to show up in their best bath robe to enjoy a White Russian (the Dude’s favorite drink) and bowl a few games on Sun 11/25 from 5-8PM. Print out a coupon for comp bowling shoes & discounts on bowling at http://www.ClevelandCinemas.com

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), considered an outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color, and the economically disadvantaged – will deliver the keynote address at Case Western Reserve University’s annual public forum on public service Mon 11/26 at 5PM. She is the first woman to deliver the keynote talk for the series, now in its fifth year. The event is no-cost and open to the public, registration is required. http://www.case.edu/events/stokes/register.html.

Mustard Seed Market & Café Cookbook Author Bev Schaffer signs this scrumptious read — based on the popular Ohio market, cafe and cooking school founded in 1981 — on Tue 11/27 at 7PM. This cookbook provides more than 240 natural brunch, soup, salad, fish, meat, vegetable, grain, pasta, drink, and sweets recipes, along with indexes for gluten-free and vegetarian recipes. Perfect as a gift or inspiration for a diet and lifestyle change. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 24519 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst. http://www.josephbeth.com.

Cle Hts Housing Market Community Forum Home Repair Resource Center, the Cleveland Heights nonprofit dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the community’s houses to support its rich diversity, will host a community forum on current trends in the housing market during its Annual Meeting Wed 11/28 at 7PM. Cle Hts Community Ctr. To learn more, call 381-6100 or visit http://www.hrrc-ch.org.

Peter White Jazz Xmas For lovers of smooth jazz, “White Christmas” has a singular meaning… the holiday return of guitarist Peter White and his “Peter White Christmas Tour” for a Wed 11/28 8PM gig at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre. Jazz cohorts Rick Braun on trumpet, plus sax gal Mindi Abair join White for an evening that spotlights three of contemporary jazz’s top luminaries. Performances will include jazzy versions of seasonal classics, plus original holiday songs. http://www.playhousesquare.com.

Reflections Kalliope favorite singers swing into the season in style with a new jazz cabaret starting Wed 11/28. Kalliope Artistic Director Paul Gurgol showcases vocal jazz at its best with tight harmony singing, cool swing, and hot licks. Celebrate the holidays with all-new arrangements of Glen Miller, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and more! Runs through Sat 12/15. Kalliope Stage, Cle Hts — performances are Wed – Sat at 8PM, Sun at 2PM. http://www.kalliopestage.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Jean L. Petitt Memorial Music Scholarship competition is designed to give gifted young performing artists the opportunity to perform with The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and receive a cash award to be applied to their continuing studies. Applications must be received by Fri 11/23 at 5:00PM. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

World Hello Day Join The Children’s Museum for an international celebration Wed 11/21 at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. Design and construct a megaphone to shout “Hello!”, play hopscotch, and learn to greet people in over 10 languages. Families will also enjoy listening to rhythmic music from around the world and international story times. Call 791-7114 or visit http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org for details.

Avoid the Mall Day The Day After (Thanksgiving) is synonymous with roaming Big Boxes and Malls. Instead of spending Fri 11/23 bumping shoulders at the mall, avoid the zoo and bring your family to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Go on a self-led scavenger hunt, explore the beauty of the parklands, spend time at exploration tables, then partake in some bird watching. No-cost, open to the public. Starts at 10AM. Call 321-5935 or visit http://www.shakerlakes.org.

Winterfest 2007 Experience the city with the annual Winterfest Carriage Parade, lighting of the Public Square and fireworks Sat 11/24 at 6PM. This family event has been a tradition for thousands of Clevelanders for years. After the fireworks, 200 Public Square (@ BP Tower) hosts an after-party feat. music by the Uncanny XeLa. Kids can visit with Santa and Flower Clown for balloon art, and nosh on apple cider and sugar cookies. Details here.

SPONSORED: Have You Ever Been to CircleFest? The Cleveland Museum of Art presents the 14th annual “Winter Light Lantern Festival,” Fri 11/30 – Sun 12/9 . See lantern displays throughout the museum and the “Environment of Lights” artist installation on Wade Oval, inspired by the centuries-old, cross-cultural tradition of ceremonial lighting displays. And don’t miss: CircleFest on Sun 12/2 from 1:00-5:30 when the museum joins more than a dozen neighboring institutions for a day-long, no-charge, annual community open house at University Circle with lantern making, celebrity story-telling, music, curator’s gallery tour, and more. Highlighted at 5:30 by a Lantern Procession of dancers, giant puppets and handmade lanterns. For more info contact 216-707-2483 or www.clevelandart.org.

Xmas in Peninsula Return to the heart of the holidays and enjoy charming shops, restaurants, carolers, a schedule of winter hikes and walks, crafts, holiday train rides, concerts and more starting Fri 11/23 and running on weekends after Thanksgiving leading up to the ew Year. Add historical building tours, a Winter Solstice Festival and a chance to cut your own Xmas tree and you’re bound to find something that each member of the family will love. http://www.explorepeninsula.com.

WinterShow 2007: Walking in a Winter Wonderland The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual WinterShow is a Cleveland tradition that has warmed the holidays for years. The show includes the area’s best gingerbread contest with bakers from all over competing for top honors. This year, gingerbread houses will be displayed in a magical “winter wonderland” setting. Opens Fri 11/23 with varying times thereafter. Call 721-1600 or visit http://www.cbgarden.org for details.

34th Annual Larchmere Holiday Stroll The annual Thanksgiving weekend shopping spree continues on Larchmere starting Fri 11/23 at 11AM and continuing all weekend long. Three dozen locally-owned businesses on Larchmere welcome the holiday season with nostalgic fanfare, old-world neighborhood shopping horse-drawn carriage rides, food, Mr. Jingeling and more! Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights. http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

We Need a Little Xmas Conductor Carl Topilow and The Cleveland Pops offer a traditional concert of holiday music and fun with a Yuletide matinee at the Palace Theatre Sun 11/25 at 2PM. Enjoy your favorite holiday music, participate in carol sing-alongs and see kids picked from the audience play the “Toy Symphony.” The lobby will be filled with strolling singers and musicians, plus adorable, adoptable pets from local shelters. And of course, Santa Claus. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

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The Bubble Children… and the Cleveland Minus Crowd

It was one of those brilliant August mornings, when the sun is high and hot at 10:00AM and the most logical place to be is lying in a cool body of water. I had met a group of mom-friends at Hinckley Reservation, where Hinckley Lake’s bounty flows over a small dam into a swimming area and shallow watershed. Our preschool-aged children scampered about the watershed, catching crayfish in primary-colored buckets and rearranging rocks to alter the stream’s meandering flow.

Each of us kept one eye trained to our respective tots while conversation turned to what other outings we could schedule before the last precious days of summer slipped away. I listened as this group of mostly Medina-based moms ran through the usual list of close-to-home destinations ranking high with the pre-K set. A trip to bumper bowling to escape the August heat. Some playtime and a picnic lunch at a preferred neighborhood park. A playdate in one of our own backyards. And don’t forget the new McDonald’s that opened up just around the corner, with the cleanest, newest Playplace around!

No, I’m not lovin’ it.

“What about the Cleveland Botanical Garden?” I suggested, describing the treehouse, learning garden and koi-stocked pond of CBG’s Hershey Children’s Garden, as well as the acres of other trails through the lush vegetation ideal for little explorers. “I usually take my kids there at least once a summer, and we haven’t been there yet this year. Why don’t we take all the kids out there together next week?”

Reaction from the mommy gallery was less than enthusiastic…

Read more from Jennifer Keirn here

Eric Olsen
Blog Critics

Eric Olsen from Aurora, Ohio runs Blog Critics Magazine, an international online ‘zine that taps into over 2000 writers with topics on music, food, film, TV, sci/tech, sports, politics, gaming, theatre and comix. Their writers and readers are literate, but not esoteric. BlogCritics recently moved to a model where all their published pieces are edited by one or more of their 20 editors, and now they only publish original material. Eric was in Las Vegas to present a session on “So You Wanna Be A Critic” and a panel on “How do blogs influence and affect popular culture?” and vice versa. Eric brought approx. 25 people associated with BlogCritics to speak at the conference and man their booth, and it’s obvious that he was having a great time during this interview with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready right on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center. http://www.BlogCritics.org

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth,

Kelly Gruver writes of Michael Symon of “Lola and Lolita fame here in Cleveland, has been crowned the next Iron Chef America. I can’t imagine a foodie in town that doesn’t feel like the Browns just won the Super Bowl. Except … this really happened…” Foodies on BFD are just as jazzed:

Read and add your comment here

Open a Book, Open the World
A Conversation with Harriett Logan of Loganberry Books

The name of the game at Loganberry Books is customer service. Real people providing real service to customers who walk in, call in, or log in through the web. Really! They’ve proven that it is possible to be nearly all things to nearly all people, presuming of course, that books are in the equation somewhere. Harriett Logan has been in Cleveland almost long enough to qualify as a native. After all, she was only nine years old at the time, and had little to say about the move. Dad was from Massachusetts and Mom from South Carolina (and there’s still a trace of Southern Belle in her voice) so Harriett (who was born in Messina, NY) and her older brother sort of tagged along when the family moved. Even at the age of nine, it was the fourth place for her to live. Other than time away at college, she really put down roots. Right here in Cleveland.

She went back to Pennsylvania to undertake a double major in English and Theater at Lehigh University. Her emphasis was in directing, rather than acting. After that it was off to the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana for her Master’s in Theater. But a funny thing happened in the process. With her wonderful big smile, she says “I discovered that it was more fun hanging around in the library than writing endless papers,” and then adds, “I was never inclined to be a librarian.”

Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

Stained glass artist Mary Zodnik and Jazz pianist Joe Hunter

Maybe you’ve heard the jazz pianist Joe Hunter (47), playing at Nighttown or at Stages at the Cleveland Play House, or out in Hudson at the Inn at Turner’s Mill, he is so good on the keyboard that you remember him and his music. Having studied with jazz great Bill Gidney and performing professionally since 1979, this Cleveland Heights native loves Brazilian music and specializes in the Great American Songbook. Hunter has taught at the Conservatory of Music at Capital University in Columbus and presently teaches at Tri-C, Metro Campus, in the Jazz Studies Department…

Read more from Susan Schaul here

Pierre-Jacques Brault
A theatre founder with an eye on the future

In this age of diminishing corporate support for the arts, the tight economy, limited theatre venues and a competitive market for audiences, what would motivate a young college graduate and some of his friends to create a professionally based, not-for-profit community supported stock theatre?

The odds obviously didn’t phase creative and dedicated Pierre-Jacques Brault and his life-partner, Brian Marshall. In 1998, they dedicated themselves to providing entertaining, enlightening and high quality premiere or rarely performed works for the audiences of Greater Cleveland. Ten years later, while other well-intentioned theatrical venues have come and gone, Mercury Summer Stock (MSS) is alive and well…

Read more from Roy Berko here

State of the Arts

I think that Cuyahoga County should secede from the State of Ohio and declare statehood. And I think that state should claim the arts as its major resource. Cuyahoga County is the home of more than 100 non-profit arts organizations. These arts orgs add more than $1 billion dollars to the local economy, annually. These institutions employ 3,000 full-time workers; and more than 7,000 people who work in related businesses. That’s more than 10,000 people in Cuyahoga County whose work depends on the arts.

As you may know, the Cleveland Cavaliers made it to the NBA finals and the Cleveland Indians made it to the American League Championship Series. Both teams brought a lot of dollars into the community. And so do the Browns. But the economic impact of all of Cleveland’s major professional sports teams put together is not as great as that of the arts.

Cuyahoga County may be Number One in arts funding per capita in the United States. The $20 million per year spent for the 1.3 million people in the County comes out to about $15.38 per person – that’s every man, woman and child. Plus you can add in the Ohio Arts Council’s $11- to 15-million per year for the state of 11.5 million people; plus the National Endowment for the Arts’ $125 million for the US population of 300 million – both which bring the total up to $17 of arts funding per capita in Cuyahoga County. And there are major funders here as well, including the Cleveland Foundation, George Gund Foundation, and other foundations and corporations…

Read more from David Budin here

John Finley
MemPro Ceramics

John Finley started his company MemPro Ceramics in Summit County, Colorado, and, because of the research being done at the University of Akron, now has offices in Summit County, Ohio. They’ve combined polymer processing with ceramic production to create an innovative nanotech filtration technology that captures particles and removes gaseous pollutants from the environment. Their ceramic filters work in everything from trucks and buses to lawnmowers to ocean liners. Their filters are even used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready interviewed John Finely right after his company accepted a 2007 NorTech Innovation Award, and they talked about the history of his company, the challenges of finding capital, and the spirit of support in our region. It’s nice to hear Finley say, “The attitude of folks in Northeast Ohio is very encouraging…” http://www.MemProCeramics.com

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Links to interesting NEO blogs

To Live or Not To Live in the City is the question that many try to answer. Here’s Gloria Ferris’ thoughts on the subject.
We stand to make history here in Northeast Ohio, first with Jim Rokakis standing up, now with Chris Boyko jamming the cogs of the [foreclosure abuse] machine.
The NEA reports that in 2006, 15-to-24-year-olds spent just 7 to 10 minutes a day voluntarily reading anything at all.
Henrey Hawk does a handy job of fisking Dick Feagler’s latest blogger hit piece.
What will happen to Crocker Park when the malls close and kids flock to lifestyle centers?

Workin’ Man
Cats on Holiday
COH Recordings

Even if you don’t know them by name, even the most casual follower of the local music scene will know Cats on Holiday. Lead by a couple of guys whose musical resumes go back to the 70’s, the ‘Cats play well over 100 shows a year of mostly original material. They play regular gigs at places like the Parkview and the Savannah, have done some commercial work for the local media, and appear occasionally on Around Noon and the local morning TV shows. They have just released their third self produced CD Workin’ Man and it is a good one.

The heart of their “Cajun swamp pop” sound is the triple threat of Denis DeVito’s song writing, the guitar playing of Rick Christyson, and the violin of Kristine Jares. Their live shows attract a loyal audience, and this CD is made up of new songs they have been playing out for awhile. Recorded at Magnetic North Studios and engineered by Chris Keffer, it is their most polished and professional sounding effort.

DeVito’s song writing is still sharp and witty, and his voice has never sounded better. Most songs feature lyrics by a child of the Seventies growing deep into middle age in our modern world. Songs like “Goodbye Girl,” Gotta Be Down,” and the title tune will strike a chord with most of us in northern Ohio. Amongst the covers are three songs the Cats have done live for a long time, Hank Sr.’s “Hey Good Looking” features a great fiddle solo by Jares, Doug Kenshaw’s “Louisiana Man” with vocals and handy guitar work by Christyson, and Jares adds lead vocals to her fiddle work on “Warm Me Up.” “Workin’ Man” is an outstanding effort by one of the long time stall worth outfits on the Northern Ohio music scene.

Check out a Charity Book Signing and CD Release Party this Saturday 11/24 at 7PM at the Harp, 4408 Detroit Ave. Meet Michael Heaton (for his new book Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit), hear the swamp popsters Cats on Holiday, who support their new CD Workin’ Man and say hi to yours truly, Greg Cielec. The proceeds support Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services (http://www.blhs.org), who provide five centers in NEO for homes and day care for developmentally disabled children and adults. See the event listing in this week’s issue.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

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

Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries

The Holiday Season is HERE, and whether you’re prepared for it or not, we here at Cool Cleveland are here to help you think outside the (Big) Box (stores). From Black Friday on, we’ll have a list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors to help you support NEO’s artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types across the region. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice that helps of support your local economy. We’ll add new listings each week so bookmark the link below and check back every Wednesday for updates. — Peter Chakerian, CC Managing Editor

Click here to start your holiday shopping, CC style!

Frank Jackson: Hitting His Stride

Over 50 years ago, our favorite question — designed to confound, confuse and catch the Sunday School teacher flatfooted — was, “Can God make a stone so heavy that He can’t lift it?” No matter the answer, our follow up was always “But I thought He could do anything!” Of course we weren’t seeking an answer… our goal was to embarrass.

While channel surfing the other night I saw a resident of Old Brooklyn attempting to put Frank Jackson into that same kind of trick bag (when is the last time you heard that expression?) at a Town Hall meeting held at a rec center in his community earlier this month. The elderly gent was obviously well prepared with an arsenal of budgetary statistics and cleverly crafted questions. If I had to guess, I would say that he’s a retired police officer publicly pushing the agenda of Cleveland’s Men in Blue. He was throwing his queries at the mayor’s head high and tight. And Jackson was leaning into the pitches and knocking them out of the park with the Louisville Slugger he carries around with him named “Truth.” He did it all evening…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

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

Christopher Columbus @ Playhouse Square 11/9 Michel de Ghelderode, the author of the Christopher Columbus (or, Did You Say Sphere?) play now being performed by Cesear’s Forum, was a Belgian playwright who reached his writing peak between 1930 and 1945. He was quite prolific. In fact, no one is sure exactly how many plays he wrote. He gained an international reputation because of the controversial 1938 Paris production of Fastest D’Enfer (“Chronicles of Hell”), which explored the heights of religious exaltation. At the opening night it is reported that there was a near riot in the theatre.

His plays resound with violence, demonism, holy madness, and off-the-wall humor. Often it seems like the actors are ad-libbing their lines and the actions seem spontaneous. Most plays can be classified as dramas or comedies or musicals. Ghelderode’s works defy classification. Theatre of the absurd? Well, much of what goes on is absurd, but that’s not really the definition of “absurd” as it applies to “theatre of the absurd.” Absurd in that form of play script means out of sync, not ridiculous. It explains the works of Edward Albee and John Paul Sartre, not Ghelderode.

How about vaudeville? Maybe, kinda of. As the public relations for the play states, “a satirical vaudevillian farce.” I’ll buy that. Kind of.

Story line? You kid! There isn’t any storyline, per se. Christopher Columbus and his attempt to prove the world was not flat. Kind of. We do learn that Chris, who stumbled upon the Americas, did so supposedly trying to escape from the “erratics” of his age . As Ghelderode states, “Columbus escapes… man has always tried to escape.” Make no sense? Don’t worry about it. Don’t look for the production to make sense. Just go to see the production and go to have a good time. And, be sure that you go with the attitude of having a good time. AQ Three Stooges, Monty Python, Marx Brothers good time.

The Cesear’s Forum production, under the directorship of Greg Cesear, pulls out all the stops. John Kolibab, he of Zero Mostel mobile face and body, is hysterical as Columbus. His lines flow as if he is making them up on the spot. He is often as surprised by what he says as is the audience.

Jean Zarzour, known locally as the owner of Likschtick, lets out all the stops as The Woman. The woman who, as the show biz terms states, “eats the scenery” (destroys everything in her path) as she dances, sings and acts like someone one-step away from being deranged. She is hilarious.

The rest of cast tries hard, can’t keep up with Kolibab and Zarzour, but, again, it matters not as the entire happenings are so outrageous, it’s hard not to laugh at about everything that takes place.

Capsule judgement: If you are in the right mood (manic) and appreciate comedy (way out comedy) and the ridiculous (really ridiculous) you’ll fall off your chair laughing at this production. On the other hand, if you want a plot, and aren’t in the mood for mental chaos, you’ll not be a happy theatre-goer. Runs through December 16 in Kenndey’s Down Under, Playhouse Square Center. For tickets call 241-6000.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

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

Phantom of the Opera @ Baldwin-Wallace College 11/13 Baldwin Wallace’s Music Theatre Program is consistently recognized as one of the finest educational experiences for students interested in musical performing arts. Under the sage leadership of Victoria Bussert, graduates have gone on to successful careers in various phases of the theatre including starring on and off-Broadway. It is no wonder, with the reputation of the program, when there was an investigation to designate several schools to do the first amateur productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, that BW was chosen.

The show deservedly ran from November 6 to 18, to sold out houses. Performed by two different casts, this dual approach gave more students a chance to perform major roles. In addition, due to the vocal difficulty of the score, it allowed for conservation of the voices in training.

The Phantom of the Opera is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux. The music was composed by Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The story focuses on Christine Daaé, a beautiful young performer who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius known as “The Phantom of the Opera,” who terrorizes the Paris Opera. It was a smash hit in London and New York. Normally, I do not review college performances, but since the BW production was a world amateur debut, I am breaking the pattern.

Phantom is a difficult show. It has a very complex score. It requires massive sets, numerous special effects, many period costumes and a large and very talented cast. It is a challenge for professionals, let alone the limits of a college budget and on and off stage talent. Bussert wisely altered the script so that some of the special effects could be eliminated. The famous crashing to the stage floor of the chandelier was modified and the boat floating on water was eliminated. It mattered little. The overall effect was positive. This was a very, very good production.

Emily Leonard, who played Christine, was enchanting. Pretty and petite, her voice was radiant. Her acting was believable, even when saying Webber’s over-stylized lines. This young lady is Broadway ready! Handsome Paul Rawlings portrayed Raoul, Christine’s lover. He has a fine voice and a dashing air that fit the role well. Erin Childs belted out the role of Carlotta, the opera diva who Christine has replaced. She properly overdid the role. Why Bussert had Childs and several other members of the cast present their lines to the audience, rather than directing them at the person to whom they were speaking, is a mystery. Kate Merrick was excellent as the ballet mistress who has a special relationship with the Phantom.

Unfortunately, Javar Parker, who played the role of the Phantom the night I saw the show, was not as strong as needed. He has a pleasant voice, but the role requires more vocal abilities than he displayed. His acting stayed on the surface and he was often difficult to hear, in spite of being miked.

The singing and dancing choruses were excellent. The choreography by Janiece Kelley-Kiteley and Associate Choreographer Martin Cespedes was excellent. The orchestra, under the direction of Stuart Raleigh, was superb. There was a full sound, and the complicated musical arrangements were easily handled. Jeff Herrmann’s scenic and lighting designs were outstanding. Charlotte Yetman’s costumes, which were era correct, were amazing in their detail.

Capsule judgment: BW’s production, though not of professional level, was much more than anyone would expect from a college production. Bravo!!!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

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

A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Oberlin College 11/14 How can one not love an opera that exploits the comic possibilities of a beautiful woman enchanted by an ass? The Oberlin Conservatory of Music production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Benjamin Britten’s take on the Shakespeare classic, actually made Tytania’s choice to love Bottom (the transformed man with a donkey’s head) reasonable, given the nature of Oberon. But then, they were fairies, capable of enchantments both light and dark. Countertenor Nathan Medley with a vocal flair that belied his creepy, crouchy Oberon, King of the Fairies, set the story in motion by causing his Queen, Tytania, to fall madly in love with a humble workman/ actor, Bottom (played with comic genius by Joseph Barron). As Tytania, Olivia Savage (the night we saw it) looked queenly and sang her part with graceful flourish. The lovers lost in the forest (the whole plot is too complicated to give here) were appropriately ditzy; their quartet after a night in the forest (we see them magically changed into skimpy pjs) was nothing short of ravishing. Kudos to Sophie Wingland as Helena, Kimiko Glynn as Hermai, Benjamin von Reiche as Lysander, and Jeffrey Hill as Demetrius.

Barron, Chad Grossman, Elias Traverse, Colin Levin, Jason Eck and Doug Balkin as the actors who put on the very funny “play within a play” in Act III deserve special praise for capturing the silliness and earnestness of amateur theatricals. Bridget-Michaele Reischl conducted the always-good Oberlin Orchestra and Jonathan Field directed this blissfully romantic production. Just before the opera ended fairie sprites passed out glow lights to the audience, turning the whole area into a dreamscape of colored bubbles and, for an instant, including us all in the magic of music and story.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennelly@gmail.com

Civic Innovation Lab Breakfast of Champions @ Trinity Commons 11/14 The Breakfast of Champions is an award recognition event sponsored by the Civic Innovation Lab honoring the people behind the entrepreneurial business ventures and projects that transform the greater Cleveland community. Their 2003 roster of Champions includes our very own Thomas Mulready, creator and founder of CoolCleveland.com, who was part of the first graduating class. To continue his work in promoting the arts in northeast Ohio, Mulready received financial support and mentoring from the Civic Innovation Lab, funded by The Cleveland Foundation. The 2007 class of Lab Champions includes Ray Petro, Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park – awarded $30,000, and Lyn Cooper Tomaszewski, Homelessness Education Campaign – also awarded $30,000. Both recipients spoke about their challenges at the Breakfast recognition event at Trinity Commons.

Ray’s is an oasis in the desert for mountain bikers, a 97,000 square-foot enclosed warehouse with natural lighting converted into 2.5 acres of ramps, bridges, hills and valleys, banked trails curving to the right, and then curving to the left, a challenging obstacle course for any level mountain biker to ride. A cadre of devoted volunteers (nicknamed the Founders Club) was instrumental in getting this unique Bike Park constructed.

At the Breakfast event, we heard Ray’s story about his journey from mountain bike enthusiast to remodeling business owner to entrepreneur. One time traveling to Michigan with his buddies to bike ride, seeing warehouses for sale along the road, they joked about using the square footage for trails.

The idea was first spoken in 1996. Eight years later, the idea took shape and the Bike Park doors were finally opened. Being the only known indoor mountain bike park in this country, out-of-state mountain bikers, motivated to escape the rainy cold weather, are flocking to Cleveland for the experience. Visit http://www.raysmtb.com for more information.

Lyn Cooper Tomaszewski, formerly of Transitional Housing Inc., is spearheading the Homelessness Education Campaign, a new initiative from the Downtown Cleveland Alliance directed toward educating the downtown workforce to give to established homelessness social service agencies rather than to aggressive street panhandlers. This project is modeled after a program from Philadelphia.

Downtown stakeholders like businesses, property managers, and parking lot owners want visitors to feel at ease walking down the streets of downtown and not be misguided or intimidated into giving money to panhandlers. With the award money, the Education Campaign is creating posters and fliers to get the word out. Secure money receptacles will be distributed to provide easy donation access to established homelessness organizations rather than to random individual panhandlers. “It’s a complex issue,” said Tomaszewski, “we want to reduce the confusion about homelessness and how to help, but we also want people to feel more comfortable in a vibrant downtown Cleveland.” If you are interested in supporting the Homeless Education Campaign, contact the Downtown Cleveland Alliance at 216-736-7799.

Have a great idea for Northeast Ohio but need help? Contact the Civic Innovation Lab at http://www.civiclab.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Bug @ The Bang & the Clatter 11/18
Reasons to go: In Tracy Letts’ drama, a Gulf War vet and a lonely waitress get into a folie a deux that mixes political paranoia with cocaine-induced psychosis. The cast does a bang-up job with this knockabout piece — they’re all good, but both Mark Mayo and Andrew Narten know how to be threatening merely by breathing. As the couple descends into madness, keep this in mind: just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.
Misfire: Director Sean Derry makes one huge misfire: including live music by guitarist Rachel Roberts. Her original indie-chick songs, which would be fine in a folk club, are completely at odds with the text: puncturing the suspense, dragging down the pace, and literalizing what needs to stay ambiguous.
Details: Summit Arts Space, Akron. http://www.bnctheatre.com/
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Faculty Recital @ Cleveland State University 11/19 “An Evening of J. S. Bach” could be dangerously near to ‘too much of a good thing’ in the wrong hands. Monday evening’s recital at CSU’s Drinko Recital Hall didn’t go there, because of the artistry of the two soloists, and the variety of music presented.

Faculty members Nicole Keller, harpsichord and Arthur Klima, viola took turns at Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy in D minor, BWV 903. It’s an interestingly complex work, full of arpeggios and trills and scale-like passages. Since it’s chromatic, that means that even more notes than usual are presented. Ms. Keller’s organ background shows to good advantage in her adept handling of the keyboards. She has a sure, even-handed, yet delicate touch while still maintaining the requisite dynamics. This is a familiar piece, especially once the first few notes are heard by the listener.

The solo viola version of this work was commissioned in 1951 by the famous violist Walter Primrose from the noted composer Zoltán Kodály. However, with all due respect to those esteemed gentlemen, the piece just doesn’t work nearly as well for the solo viola as it does for the harpsichord. It’s definitely the same piece, but with a vastly different sensibility. After a slightly rough beginning, Mr. Klima gave it his all, and while it was a musically-satisfying performance, still it seemed to be missing something. Perhaps depth. On the other hand, Mr. Klima produced a beautiful, dark rich tone from his instrument in this fiendishly difficult work.

The Suite No. 5 for solo viola, BWV 1011, written in this manner by the composer provided a marvelous demonstration of a composed work versus an arranged work. Perhaps the Chromatic Fantasy, being a more showy piece to begin with, by its very nature didn’t allow for the various beauties of the viola to be so amply demonstrated as did the six movement Suite No. 5. Here we heard lovely harmonies created by the double stops, and dialogues between inner and outer voices, spoken with rich resonance in the intimate performing space.

The closing work was the Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027 for both performers. The four movements flowed in a stately and elegant manner. The two instruments were evenly matched for timbre and sonority, and the performers were definitely on the same wave-length. This listener was sorry to hear it end.

Music making on a spectacular level is regularly available at CSU. Nearly all performances are listed on their performance calendar (http://www.csuohio.edu/music/calendar.html) and many are free and open to the public, as is the parking. Amazing value. Call 687-5010 for further information.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

Most clicked

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

1) Two “genuinely nice guys” bringing something pretty darn edgy to CLE+.
MetBlogs.com

2) RoldoLINK How Much Can This Community Stand as Corporatized Pols Nourish Elite?
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) Symon Sez Congrats to intrepid cook/ chef/ entrepreneur and champion of all things Cleveland Michael Symon!
Michael Symon’s blog

4) Interview Tim Zaun scores a rare interview with Cleveland’s Mayor.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) La Tortilla Feliz is closing Get there one last time before 12/31.
Michelle V’s blog

Buzzed by the Dizzying Messages Yes they are. And each member of the Hard Corps is just as authentic as the fine Cle folks they profile. Props to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Jennifer Keirn, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Susan Schaul, Roy Berko, Mansfield B. Frazier, David Budin and Greg Cielec. 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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–Thomas Mulready
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