Cleveland has prepared me
Cool Cleveland exclusive interview
with Representative Dennis Kucinich
You’re still fighting for Deaconess Hospital to become operational, even though the bidder Diamond Health Care Holdings didn’t make a real effort on their own behalf. You’ve been known to fight the good fight. Is this simply a way for you to gain favor with the voters?
The fact is that Metro Hospital bid up the price, won the bid, then turned around and made the announcement that they had no intention of running a hospital. They shouldn’t be in the business of closing down hospitals. I’ve been very consistent in my career in keeping hospitals open.
Do you plan to work with the four residents who are challenging the restart of the Davis Besse nuclear plant?
I’ve been more involved in this issue than most people. I’m very concerned about the safety issues there. And the lack of oversight by the NRC [Nuclear Regulatory Commission]. A lot of people are very concerned about the safety of Davis Besse.It’s not a surprise, because the NRC doesn’t protect the American people, the NRC protects the nuclear industry. The question is, who protects us from the NRC? I guess that’s my job.
Before this Presidential campaign you’ve waged, your voting record was among the top in the nation, in terms of how many votes you cast in Congress. But you’ve obviously missed a few votes while you’re campaigning around the county. What has your voting record been?
Overall my voting record is well over 90%. People know that I’m very committed to public service, and that anytime there’s something in the district when people need help, I’ve been there. They know they can count on me when they can’t count on anyone else.
Because your campaign has taken you away from the District, do you think you’ll have any serious challengers for your seat?
We had a primary, and I was fortunate to get 86%of the vote, for which I’m grateful. That seat belongs to them, it doesn’t belong to me. Look at it this way, it’s because I’ve been responsive to the needs of the people that I’ve been able to lead nationally. The question I ask is, why can’t someone who comes from the Cleveland area take part in the decisions made nationally? Why shouldn’t people from Cleveland have a direct say in the issues? Why does that always have to come from the coasts? My candidacy takes the issues that I’ve been concerned with over the years, and takes I to the national forum.
It seems like the local Cleveland media has some kind of chip on their shoulder about your candidacy. It’s as if they have a blind spot that won’t allow them to comprehend that there is a candidate from Cleveland who is running for President. Do you have any explanation for this attitude?
I really don’t think about it at all. I don’t give it any thought at all. People have a right to their opinions. I know one thing, on Iraq, I was the first person in the U.S. Congress to challenge what the administration was doing and I was 100%right, and everyone knows it, in Washington, in the U.S. Everyone was silent and afraid to speak out, not me. That’s why people put me in there. Just take that issue alone. It’s because I come from Cleveland. It’s because I’ve taken an approach that says show me, prove it. And there’s a lot of people like that in Cleveland who are not afraid to stand up and take a stand. That’s why they sent me to Washington, not to go along with what’s happening, especially when it’s wrong. On this thing in Iraq, I was warning people. People are trying to figure out, what are we going to do now, and more and more people are looking at my plan. That’s what leadership is about it’s not just about going along with the crowd. It’s about taking positions. I’ve done it on Muny Light, I’ve done it on the hospitals, the steel mills, the war, health care, trade. The reason I’ve been able to do this is the people of Cleveland have prepared me to do this… Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Rep. Dennis Kucinich at Interview With Representative Dennis Kucinich 04212004
Time to party with Cool Cleveland Hundreds are already registered for the first Art/Tech/Dance party of the year, in the secret third floor party room above Phil The Fire’s new Downtown location. Admission to the party is only $10 if you register and pay in advance, and it features a ton of delicious hors d’oeuvres, open bar with beer and wine, and a free tour of the sweet Pointe At Gateway condos next door. Also included is free admission and your first drink at the after-party at Abbasso Underground Lounge down the street. Don’t get sold out and miss your chance to mingle with Cleveland’s coolest shakers and movers from 4-8PM on Thu 4/29 at Phil The Fire, 724 Prospect for Cool Cleveland’s Downtown Underground. Register now and save by visiting http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd7/index.html*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Courting Your Dream House is what you’ll be doing when you check out the new construction townhomes available at Courtland Courts, which are located in the Bridge Square area of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood on Cleveland’s near west side. These fabulous, tucked-away townhomes feature contemporary designs, open floor plans, 2-3 bedrooms, an optional 1st floor bonus room, 9′ ceilings on the 1st floor, and 1-2 car attached garages. With the reduced interest rates and 15-year tax abatement, it’s simply a steal! While you’re living in the neighborhood, you can re-discover Whiskey Island, Cleveland’s hidden lakefront treasure; mull over some of the edgy shows available at Cleveland Public Theater; and wheel on over to the new lakefront bike path that connects with Edgewater Park! For a complete listing of our open houses this weekend, visit our website at http://www.progressiveurban.com
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Digital Cities ideas pay $10K Lev Gonick, the CIO at Case, is putting together a massive Digital Cities conference in Cleveland on 7/30 & 31, targeting “effective practices on the digital transformation of life in the city of the future.” 100 cities are expected to come to town, offering 500 presentations on ways that digital applications and services are changing the way people work, live, study and play together. 18 digital neighborhoods will be built to illustrate how technology will work in the future, such as a Cultural District in which a dance company in NYC collaborates in real time with musicians in Cleveland. Got a great idea for a presentation? Apply before the 5/15 deadline by visiting http://www.digitalcities.org. The best of show will receive a check for $10,000 cash, and who knows, possibly even change the world.
Hallmark of our community? In a blunt op-ed in the PD, Steve Kaufman, president of the Cleveland Bar Association worries that our community’s “apparent inability to work together for the good of the whole” is stymieing their efforts to join with the League of Women Voters and the Citizens League to “study initiatives to reorganize government in Cuyahoga County.” He calls this divisiveness “the hallmark of our community.” He makes an effort to differentiate their plan from the Republican Party plan announced soon after. Finally, he urges everyone to stop being negative, put aside the politics of division, build trust and work to solve our problems ourselves. Read more.
Tech futures debated A Futures Forum on tech drew divergent opinions from panelists at the Peter B. Lewis Building at Case. Scott Rickert, president of Nanofilm, says Cleveland has “a tremendous chance to make a big run” on the burgeoning nanotechnology sector, while Dr. Manuel Glynias, founder of Netgenics says, “You don’t see a whole lot of really cool stuff going on in Cleveland” in the biotech and software sectors. Rickert pointed out that Cleveland was ranked in the Top Ten of nanotech states by the trade mag Small Times. See Crain Tech? here.
Censorship alive and well in Cincy? Cincinnati’s Know Theatre Tribe had their name removed from a $60K grant to renovate their space after complaints of “blasphemy” from the head of The Coalition For A Just Cincinnati, which has been leading an economic boycott of the city over police brutality and civil rights. At issue is the theatre’s recent staging of the controversial play Corpus Christi, touching on gay themes. A Cool Cleveland reader clarifies the situation in Yr Turn below. See Gay People’s Chronicle here.
New tax plan controversy Statehouse Republicans offer a plan to radically overhaul Ohio business taxes, including: eliminating corporate franchise tax; eliminating Ohio tangible personal property tax on business; replace the money schools would lose for 3 years, then a 12-year phaseout; plus more. “Our tax code is failing us, and it is failing our children,” says sponsor Rep. Sally Conway Kilbane of Rocky River. Others read it differently. “Too many of our schools are already in a difficult financial situation,” says House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, a Catawba Island Democrat. “Our fear is this plan could make it worse.” Read more.
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The Downtown Life Gracious urban living in the heart of downtown’s Warehouse District! The Bingham — urban loft living and full-scale amenities in the Warehouse District’s newest renovation. Choose from 1 or 2 bedrooms units, or 3 bedroom penthouses! Many different and unique spaces – curved walls, exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large new windows. All models feature neutral decors and individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Plus, enjoy amenities such as indoor parking with wash-rack, landscaped gardens/patio and a brand new market, complete with gourmet deli and coffee shop! Live in Cleveland’s coolest neighborhood and enjoy having a world of convenience at your front door. Visit http://www.thebingham.com for more information, or call 216.579.4000. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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What makes a city livable? What goes into the ranking of America’s “most livable cities”? Robert McNulty, president of Partners for Livable Communities says, “It’s the attractiveness, the architecture, the design…It’s cities that embody the creative economy…. It’s regionalism. It’s cities run by a team of different players–not just the mayor, not just the chamber of commerce, not just the convention and visitors’ bureau.” See USA Today here.
Shoot the messenger After being rightly criticized for poor media relations, Mayor Jane Campbell has replaced press secretary Celeste Glasgow with David Fitz, a policy analyst for City Council, but the office is still in disarray with responsibilities split between various staffers. Even those of us who want to effectively promote the city’s achievements have been thwarted. Read more.
Tech Czar moves on Tim Moran, who’s been the City of Cleveland’s point man on technology for 13 months, has been hired by the Cleveland Clinic to help commercialize their research on brain pacemakers and neuromodulation. One of his major accomplishments was designing a financing system where the City would lend money to startups, convert some of the debt to equity, then sell the debt to a local bank and receive more than if the company paid it back. No one has taken advantage of this yet, but hopefully his replacement, who Mayor Campbell has committed to hiring, will follow through. See Crain Tech here.
Urban Dialect’s First Anniversary One of the smartest, hippest and most real voices that a city like Cleveland deserves. Pick up their anniversary issue now available filled with thought-provoking and evaluative features analyzing why antiwar activists are categorized as terror suspects, and the controversy behind CSU instructor and Muslim cleric Fawaz Damra. Check out the lively interview with third wave feminist and Bitch Magazine founder Lisa Jervis, plus other tasty articles. http://www.urbandialect.net
The Wal-Marting of Oberlin In which we once again trace the by-now routine way that Wal-Mart challenges local communities attempts to control their own growth, health care costs and destiny. Just 2 weeks before the City of Oberlin was to vote on new restrictions on big box retail, the corporation filed their plans in an attempt to bypass local control. To complicate matters, Oberlin has a very high poverty rate, and the National Trust recently designated the town as a “distinctive destination” for historic preservation. See Free Times here.
The Civic Innovation Lab is looking for champions The Lab is ready to provide mentorship, connections and up to $30,000 to passionate and knowledgeable individuals with great civic ideas for fostering economic development in Greater Cleveland. Creative individuals with diverse ideas from all segments of the community are welcome to submit proposals. Cool Cleveland is a recipient of the initial round of awards, and we can attest that the mentorship has been invaluable. If you have a civic idea, find out more at http://www.civicinnovationlab.org
Techno art, tech culture The Notacon event will present new technical, musical and artistic talent this weekend from Fri 4/23 thru Sun 4/25 at the Holiday Inn Select Cleveland City Center Lakeshore, with three unique tracks: Technical talks, Creative talks, Impromptu/Birds of a Feather. Everything from DJs to conference sessions, the theme of creative arts and technology continues stron in Cleveland. Register at http://www.notacon.org
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‘Living in peace and harmony Noted linguist, Dr. Ousmane Macalou of Stanford University’s Special Languages Department will present his lecture, Senenkenya: Living in Peace and Harmony at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This event dovetails to the critically acclaimed exhibition Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family – currently on display at the museum. Dr. Macalou, a native of Mali, will discuss the concept of Senenkunya; an African tradition intent on breaking down barriers between people of different sexes, ages and backgrounds. One night only Thu 4/29 at 7PM in the museum’s lecture hall; for tickets call 216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Are you aware of the adult classes that we offer? Find out and discover the nature of your universe at Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600. http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
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Robot conducts Beethoven Besides conducting the Symphony #5, humanoid robots have recently performed martial arts displays and four robots have danced a complicated dance routine. A robotics researcher at MIT called it “damn impressive,” but what does he know about dance? See New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com
Dimwitticisims Expressions that are neither fresh nor witty do nothing but “dull our reason and dim our insight.” Phrases such as “first things first,” or “24/7” are included in The Dimwit’s Dictionary; 5000 Overused Words and Phrases and Alternatives to Them. At Cool Cleveland, we try hard not to use phrases from this book, and we hope that, through the use of stimulating language, we can help stimulate our region. See Chicago Tribune here http://www.chicagotribune.com
Youth speaks is dedicated to bringing socially conscious creative writing to thousands of youth by integrating poetry into classrooms all around the country and encouraging critical thought and active literacy. Projects include spoken word performances, published chapbooks and cool CDs. http://www.youthspeaks.org
Drumplay with Daniel Cleveland band Drumplay is returning to Europe on 6/4-20 for their third tour there, and they’ll be meeting with German filmmaker, Karl Wortmann, to work on a film about Drumplay and the band’s poetic companion, Daniel Thompson. If you have not heard, Daniel has to go back to the Cleveland Clinic for another round of chemotherapy on 4/22 for thirty days as his leukemia has returned. On Wed 4/21 at 7PM, Drumplay is hosting a birthday party for him at Algebra Tea House, 2136 Murray Hill Rd in Little Italy. This will be a pot-luck kind of thing, so bring food & desserts, too while paying tribute to the man who means so much to so many people. Drumplay’s sixth CD Dayshine to Stars-end includes Daniel’s talent. For info call 421-9007.
Recognition for local poets This month’s Northern Ohio Live makes good by providing much needed coverage of our region’s hardest working poets for National Poetry Month; read poems by award winner George Bilgere, Case Western Reserve University assistant professor Thomas Sayers Ellis, educator/activist Mary Weems and other talented wordsmiths. http://www.northernohiolive.com/archives/04-04apr/pfp.pdf
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Send your cool events to eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom
3-D: Devilish, Decadent, Delicious Feel the added dimension of works ranging in complexity and concepts; The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art’s exhibit features textural ceramics, metals and sculpture of eight national artists now on view Wed 4/21. Call 330-972-5950. The Emily Davis Gallery, The Myers School of Art, 150 East Exchange St in Akron. http://www3.uakron.edu/faa/schools/art/#
Narrative Practices in the Arts A round table style discussion will explore topics bringing visual artists together with writers to share creative processes and the role that story telling plays in our contemporary world. Discussions will cover ramifications and possibilities inherent in the link of dissolutions of media/art and life boundaries between art and storytelling, as well as entertainment versus healing: the idea of artist as shaman. Join the symposium of area artists and writers Thu 4/22 at 7:30PM. Call 440-375-7452 B.K. Smith Gallery located on the east side of Lake Erie College on Gillett Street near Phillips Osborne School. http://www.lec.edu
Tri-C Jazz Fest? clinics America’s premier educational jazz festival will host clinics and workshops, and this year the artist-in-residence is saxophonist Don Braden and members of his group who’ll serve as clinicians for young students from the region, Thu 4/22 thru 4/24 at the Tri-C Metro Campus. For info on the myriad of educational events call 987-4444. http://www.tricjazzfest.com
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What are you waiting for? Joe Zawinul, the keyboard and synthesizer master of the legendary 70’s Fusion group Weather Report, has the music, moves and showmanship that are a must see. Now he brings his latest group Zawinul Syndicate to the JazzFest for one fantastic night only. Or, as the UK’s Guardian Unlimited said of the band, ‘they are packed with musicianship and are hugely entertaining – it’s always show time.’ Josef Zawinul: mythical, mystical, legendary — a true jazz titan. Don’t miss this special one night only show; he kicks off his European tour in Paris next week. Be there on Fri 4/23, 8PM at CCC Metro Auditorium. Tickets for this show are on sale now at www.tickets.com and by phone at 800.766.6048. For a complete schedule of ticketed and free JazzFest events, go to http://www.tricjazzfest.com
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First Suburbs and the Work of the First Suburbs Development Council Executive Director of the First Suburbs Development Council, Lou Tisler, will speak about regional efforts to address issues facing inner ring suburban communities. He’ll also share new work in Cleveland Heights on Beechwood Road, where a two family house is being converted into side by side condominiums. Get in the discussions Thu 4/22 at 7PM; it’s free and open to the public. Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Boulevard in Cleveland Heights. Call 320-1423 or visit http://www.futureheights.org
Sustainable Communities Symposium Celebrating Assets, Recognizing Potential, Connecting for Change will focus on diverse assets of Northeast Ohio by engaging participants in an interactive discussion. They’ll pinpoint changes in our attitudes and policies that could make Cleveland a national model as an enviable place to live, work and play. Speaker Dr. John Hartig will discuss how public/private partnerships protect a natural asset which stimulates the regional economy Thu 4/22 and Fri 4/23 from 6-9PM. Register at 523-7495 to join the discussion. CSU Convocation Center, 2000 Prospect Ave http://www.scs2000.org/2004/registration.htm
Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation Movie mayhem ensues with Here Comes Dr. Tran, a film with 3-D segments that’s the outrageous highpoint of this fun & tasteless, adults-only cartoon collection from longtime purveyors of animation, Spike and Mike. It’s the festival that introduced Beavis and Butthead; this new showing may uncover the next Mike Judge – no one under 18 admitted! Make the Cleveland premier Fri 4/23 9:30PM, Sat 4/24 at 9:30PM and Sun 4/25 at 7PM. Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque and http://www.spikeandmike.com
Art House? presents The Aphrodesiatics This hot hybrid jazz ensemble will perform their signature funked out sound in partnership with the Tri-C JazzFest Fri 4/23 from 9-11:30PM. Call 398-8556. 3119 Denison Ave. http://www.arthouseinc.org
Researach your family tree Interested in tracing your family roots but not sure where to begin? Author Vicki Blum-Vigil will cover where to begin your genealogical research. Learn about useful local facilities (archives, libraries, churches, cemeteries, courts) in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio for uncovering family facts, and hear personal success stories of Clevelanders who’ve discovered life changing details about their ancestors Fri 4/23 from 12 noon 1PM. Free and open to the public. Cleveland Public Library, Louis Stokes Wing, Room 218 on 525 Superior Ave.. For info call 623-2821. http://www.grayco.com/cleveland/familyhistory
The Last Five Years is an intimate two-person romantic musical portrait of a five-year relationship, charting the journey of a young Jewish novelist making his way from unknown student to best-selling author. This acclaimed 2002 off-Broadway show humorously explores the modern state of relationships Fri 4/23 thru 5/16 at Dobama Theatre, 1846 Coventry Road, Cle Hts, 932-3396 http://www.dobama.org
Music of Thailand and Cambodia The Kent State University Thai Ensemble brings an evening of traditional instrumental and vocals with guest Cambodian musicians Bun Loeung and Jane Lanctot. Hear 10 different Cambodian instruments, including the khim, roneat and tro (two-string fiddle). Event includes a lecture by Master Cambodian musician Bun Loeung, who will discuss his life and journey to the United States Fri 4/23 at 8PM; entry is free. Call 330-672-3871. Kent State University, Carl F. W. Ludwig Recital Hall, Music and Speech Center Room D-106. http://www.ksu.edu
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Bring It On! http://www.cptonline.org has three new plays to round out its 2003-2004 season! Eager to acquire knowledge? Experience The Cult, directed by Raymond Bobgan, at CPT’s Old Parish Hall, opening Fri 4/23. Then, watch for the much-anticipated Nickel and Dimed, a riveting new play about one woman’s eye opening experience working minimum wage jobs in America’s underbelly, based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s best-selling book, opening Fri 4/30. CPT, in association with Great Lakes Theater Festival, is proud to present a work the Philadelphia Inquirer calls “involving, important and urgently topical”. Also, look for Dojoji, an adaptation of an 11th century Japanese legend about love, betrayal and uncontrollable passion, starting Fri 5/21. CPT, 6415 Detroit Ave., 631-2727. Bring It On!
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Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s 3rd Annual Benefit Make a night of it supporting their seventh summer season with Romeo & Juliet and The Tempest. Participate in a silent auction while sharing drinks, delicacies, and Shakespearean whodunits with this year’s honorary chair Les Roberts, mystery writer and author of The Irish Sports Pages. The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is northeast Ohio’s only free, professional, outdoor Shakespeare company; come by for a good cause Fri 4/23 from 8:30-10:30PM. Get tickets at 877- 280-1646. The Hermit Club, 1629 Dodge Court. http://www.cleveshakes.org
Creating Enterprise Igniting innovation through university-government-business networks. Learn how to build a competitive community by building networks; this conference will provide practices on how universities, governments and businesses combine to create innovation and entrepreneurial networks. Build your contacts among leading practitioners and academics in regional innovation, and learn how to implement practical initiatives to strengthen innovation connections among universities, governments and business Fri 4/23 and Sat 4/24 at 5:30PM. Register at 368-5542. Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University http://www.weatherhead.case.edu/rei/sba.htm
The Tales Of Hoffmann The beautiful Luz del Alba, Uruguay’s Ambassador of Culture will star as Antonia in this Cleveland Opera production. Alba made her American debut at the Washington Opera upon the invitation of Placido Domingo. She’s also sung in Rigoletto in Italy and Switzerland, as well as the New York City Opera. Experience her uplifting and rare voice Fri 4/23 at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave. For info and tickets visit http://www.playhousesquare.com
WCLVnotes The annual Bach Festival at Baldwin Wallace is this weekend, and WCLV 104.9 will be there on Saturday for Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. The Bach Festival is presenting the Passion in two parts, in the afternoon and in the evening. Because of WCLV’s broadcast of Goetterdaemmerung from the Met in the afternoon, we will tape Part One and broadcast it at 6:05PM, followed by a live broadcast of Part 2 beginning at 8PM. There’s a special archival Cleveland Orchestra broadcast on Sunday at 4PM. From the Orchestra’s fabled 1965 tour of the Soviet Union and Europe, WCLV will broadcast the June 24, 1965 concert given at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw conducted by George Szell. John Browning is the soloist in Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto. Also on the program: Wagner’s Die Meistersinger Prelude and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, the “Great C Major Symphony”. a Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com
Developing a writer’s eye Learn essentials of effective storytelling, how it attracts readers, and find out how to develop story ideas with depth, breadth and originality. Award winning editor Ellen Stein Burbach will provide a guide for writers Sat 4/24 from 9AM-noon. Register by caling 987-3074. Cuyahoga Community College, 2415 Woodland Ave. http://clevelandconferencecenter.com
Chain of Words CD Release The Infinite Number of Sounds Recording Company presents a showcase of its artists and CD release party with J Scott Franklin. Get into an intimate evening with live performances by Infinite Number of Sounds, To Box With Man, and J Scott Franklin who demonstrates his one man sound collage of acoustic guitar, percussion, vocals and jazz trumpet. Scott, David Mansbach and Ron Tucker of Infinite Number of Sounds will be hitting it hard at INS’s Recording Company’s first official artist showcase Sat 4/24 at 9PM. Event is free; stop by for killer mood music, food and beverages. All Go Signs’ Art, Design and Music environment, 1935 W. 96th St. For info and free mp3 downloads see http://www.infinitenumber.com and http://www.chainofwords.com and http://www.allgosigns.com
Standing on Ceremony:Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art, this exhibit will highlight the private collection of local Clevelander Robert H. Jackson with many items on display from the Cleveland Museum of Art that’s seldom on view Sat 4/24 at 10AM. Call 721-5722. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org
SPAZM Celebration designed after the Kokoon Klub, this benefit includes dinner, silent and live auction, grand raffle, cabaret singers and musical entertainment. In 1913, young Cleveland artists formed the Kokoon Club which regularly held art exhibitions and art auctions as the Cleveland version of the Armory Show. The vision led to exhibiting work of Cleveland artists along with the work of European modernists; this contemporary event celebrates artists and those dealers, corporations, institutions and individuals who’ve supported regional art in our community Sat 4/24 from 6-11PM. Call 561-0404 for tickets. Cleveland Grays’ Armory, 1234 Bolivar Rd at 9th and Prospect Rds. Contact 561-0404 or ninagibans@sbcglobal.net or mberardi@clevelandartists.org
Corcoran fine art auction The firm is the most active Ohio Associate of Sothebys.com’s internet auction venture, and has updated its auction strategy since Sotheby’s abandoned the online auction business. Auction items up for bid include 19th century British paintings, 19th and 20th century American and European paintings, plus a rare Roy Lichtenstein signed poster from an exhibition in Sweden. Grab your credit cards and head out Sat 4/24 at 10AM. Call 767-0770. Cocoran Gallery, 13210 Shaker Square. http://www.corcoranfinearts.com
Pop Life Saturdays Indulge and let loose with Cleveland’s sexy crowd where you can mingle on two floors with ridiculously fun vintage pop music you all secretly love, every Sat including Sat 4/24 at 9PM. Call 621-7907. Spy, 1261 West 6th St. http://www.spycleveland.com
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Salsa beat, meringue heat It’s Latin Night at the JazzFest with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and you’ll be able to leave your seat and head to the dance floor for a combined salsa concert and dance! Spanish Harlem Orchestra is a dynamic, high-energy 12-piece all-star band comprised from alumni of the great salsa bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon and Ruben Blades. Not only a concert, don’t miss this chance to dance the night away to high-energy salsa spiced with brass, vocals, percussion and driving bass beats. Sat 4/24, 8:30PM at La Center?, 25777 Detroit Ave. in Westlake. Free pre-concert salsa dance lessons begin at 8PM! Tickets for this show are on sale now at www.tickets.com and by phone at 800.766.6048. For a complete schedule of ticketed and free JazzFest events, go to http://www.tricjazzfest.com
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ArtCares develops awareness how artists can contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and spotlights the work of hundreds of artists affiliated with the Cleveland Institute of Art. Attendees will enjoy wine, hearty savories and ice cream bar provided by Ben & Jerry’s. There’ll be opportunities to bid on original works in a variety of styles and media, join forces with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland’s second annual benefit Sun 4/25 at 6PM. Purchase tickets at 357-2223, or jprice@atgc.org jprice@atgc.org. The Museum of Contemporary Art, (MOCA), 8501 Carnegie Ave. http://www.contemporaryart.org
Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express Blending jazz, rock and funky R&B into his own musical creation, Brian Auger has enjoyed a musical career stretching over four decades. He’s hailed as “The Godfather of Acid Jazz,” and is a quintessential musical fence straddler; Auger’s crossed over freely between rock, funk and jazz. The U.K. native was a Melody Maker magazine Jazz Piano and New Star category poll winner in 1964. In 1967 his affiliation with vocalist Julie Driscoll broadened when he formed the band Trinity, which headlined the Montreaux and Berlin Jazz festivals that year. Check it on Sun 4/25 at 7:30PM on the Museum’s Main Stage It’s part of the Tri-C JazzFest. Get tickets at 800-766-6048. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 1 Key Center http://www.rockhall.com
Invention for Two to Play One Lute Concert features lutenists Ronn McFarlane and Kenneth Be, performing duets and solos from England, Italy, France and Germany spanning the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Their musical combination takes full advantage of the exquisite timbres of the instruments. The Wall Street Journal says, “McFarlane, for his part, is a master lutenist who has seemingly distilled countless influences yet maintained the uniqueness of his instrument.” Mon 4/26 from 6:30-7:30PM. Call 231-1177 for info and tickets. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval. http://www.cmnh.org
Cookin’ at the Cookery The Music and Times of Alberta Hunter, an inspiring triumph over incredible odds revolves around the blues singer who had a gift for making people feel good, so much that it made her a Chicago institution in the ’20’s. She performed with Louis Armstrong, and her songs gave Bessie Smith some of her biggest hits; Ms. Hunter’s music and indominable spirit live on in the brand new Off-Broadway hit Tue 4/27 at 8PM thru 5/30. For tickets 795-7000. Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave. http://www.playhousesquare.com
Fly Fish Northeast Ohio’s Streams Learn the basics of steelhead fishing, you’ll review leaders, rods, reels, knots, equipment and flies essential to fishing for Great Lakes steelhead. You’ll also cover biology, fish habits and how to use this information to make you a better angler Tue 4/27 from 7-9PM. Garfield Park Nature Center, Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave in Garfield Heights. Call 341-3152. http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com
Your Marketing Sucks Millions of companies attempt marketing everyday, but are they increasing sales and making money? Maybe, maybe not. Attend this session and find out how to spend your marketing budget only in ways that will give you measurable return on your marketing dollars. Keynote speaker is Mark Stevens, author of Your Marketing Sucks. Marketers and entrepreneurs will garner insight and learn about effective marketing from leading senior marketing executives. Panelists include: CMO of ICI Paints, Director of Marketing of HUMMER, Vice President and General Manager of Abbott Labs Wed 4/28 from 3:30-7PM. Call 621-0082. The Cleveland City Club; visit http://weatherhead.cwru.edu/alumni/bios.htm or http://weatherhead.cwru.edu/alumni/marketing.htm
The History of People Who Were Not Heroes was the name of a series of installations of photography, sculpture, video and performance, created by multi-media artist Maria-Magdalena Campos-Pons, who was born in Cuba in 1959, immigrated to the US and was unable to return. Her work on memory, matriarchy, domestic labor, race, femininity and heritage is the subject of a free HeightsArts illustrated lecture by David C. Hart on Wed 4/28 7PM at the CH-UH Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, 371-3344. http://www.heightslibrary.org
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Galileo, lutes, stars, romance… An evening under the stars at CMNH’s Shafran Planetarium, complete with live lute compositions by members of Galileo’s family…yes, that Galileo, as in astronomy! View the sky of Galileo’s time, while listening to musical compositions by Galileo’s father and brother performed by master lutenist, Ronn McFarlane, whose been described as having “superb musicianship, achieved with ease, fluidity and flawless skill”. Performing with McFarlane will be accomplished local lutenist Kenneth Bé. Then, enjoy original compositions by McFarlane performed under a modern sky. Bring your love and get some romance Mon 4/26 6:30 and 7:30PM for this celestial/musical experience. For reservations to this event call 231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x279. While at the Museum, be sure to see the Museum’s current exhibition Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600. http://www.cmnh.org
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Cool Cleveland Preview
PDA-worthy events up-and-coming
Art/Tech/Dance @ Phil the Fire Thu 4/29 Experience the Downtown Underground excitement of Phil The Fire’s “comfort food for the soul,” right in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, along with the finest hors d’oeuvres from Downtown eateries. Help yourself to the open bar with beer and wine from MyOhioWine.com from 4-8PM on Thu 4/29 at the secret third floor space above Phil The Fire, 724 Prospect. Next, join the guides every half hour and tour The Pointe at Gateway next door, an urban jewel offered by Progressive Urban Real Estate. But the party doesn’t stop there; starting around 8PM you can join us down the street for free admission at Abbasso Underground Lounge for a wild after-party at 1222 Prospect. All for the sick price of $10 when you register online!
http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd7/index.html?p_aid=
+‘Instant Karma
[‘Quik reviews of recent events”+]
For Chrissakes: the Passion of Horace Silver @ Allen Theatre 4/18 I was resurrected from the stuff of everyday life as I sat in the Allen Theatre Friday night, experiencing the magnificent work of the legendary Horace Silver -composer, pianist and honoree of the 25th Tri-C Jazz Fest of Cleveland. Celebrating its milestone anniversary with a tribute called Silver on Silver, the Jazz Fest honored the retired Silver with awards and an unprecedented tribute – an evening full of his music played by other legends, which included Al Jarreau, The Brecker Brothers, Tommy LiPuma, Joe Sample, Cleveland’s Joe Lovano and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. It’s argued that Horace Silver is perhaps the most prolific composer in jazz history. It is agreed that he was a brilliant piano player and incredible writer and bandleader. His jazz is said to have a “sense of humor and wit.” Inspired at a young age to compose and write, Silver calls his passion for music “his life, his love, his everything.” My take on the concert was an incredible evening of music that was uplifting and powerful. Silver has written tunes that groove, soothe and reincarnate the soul. Friday night he definitely took my spirits to a new height. And, as a result, I am a believer. As the concert washed away the dust of everyday life, all of my troubles melted away and I enjoyed an out-of-this-world experience. From Cool Cleveland contributor TL Champion
Sanctioned Slam @ CMA 4/16 The Poetry slam at the Cleveland Museum of Art was a freestyle, edgy, energetic collaboration of spoken word and improvisational jazz. A responsive, urban crowd of music and poetry enthusiasts crowded the small room filled with candle-lit tables while Vince Robinson led the event with his smooth flow of spoken word addressing social responsibility, ghetto culture, freedom, politics, materialism and incarceration. His voice was backed up with trumpet, bass, congas, drums and keyboards accompanied by harmonizing, floating vocals. A multi-generational poetry feast followed, accompanied by jazz instrumentals. Vince explained that there’s a science to what they do; musicians listen to the poet’s voice to find their musical key, pick up on the tempo and adjust their improv music to fit the poet. The evening concluded with a sanctioned slam, and one factor that separated this event from other poetry slams I have attended (other than the instrumental and vocal accompaniment) was the “family” audience. Parents brought their children, some in strollers, to observe the performance of the poets, exposing them to the spoken word/performance environment at an early age. Perhaps it explains the abundance of talented African Americans who excel in this form of performance art. From Cool Cleveland contributor and assistant extraodinaire Deb Remington
Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 4/16 A Russian invasion took place this past weekend at Severance Hall with guest conductor Ivan Fischer sitting at the podium. Due to an injury to his leg Mr. Fisher conducted this weekend’s four nearly sold out concerts from a stool, but that did not seem to affect the response from the much appreciative audience. The concert’s appetizer was a lively and bold performance of Serge Prokofiev’s Three Movements from The Love for Three Oranges. Followed by a straightforward performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 with Stephen Hough at the Piano. I say straight forward because by playing the piece straightforward the piece is flamboyant and if the piece is performed flamboyantly it goes over the top. Mr. Hough kept the reigns tight throughout out resulting in a beautiful account of this much loved music. Following intermission was Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka, the most interesting work on the program. The piece is an odd mixture of rhythms and repetitions of sound that surely harvested ideas with composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass in the 60s minimalist movement. The Russian extravaganza concluded with Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasia after Shakespeare. A piece that sent the audience home humming the great love theme. I went home thinking how about Russian invasion II with Shostakovich, Gubaidulina and Schnittke, now that’s a real invasion! From Cool Cleveland contributor Brian E. Schriefer briancpa@msn.com
NEO Barometer @ CSU Levin College 4/15 Warren Wright of The Gallup Organization reported on the first of an annual series of “barometer” studies to take the pulse of the perceptions of NEO residents regarding regionalism; leadership; talent attraction & retention; healthcare, arts & education assets; educating the public and creating buzz. Most of the results were not surprising: Cleveland sucks at retaining its youth; NEO residents don’t recommend the region to others; they prefer a regional approach to tourism and economic planning, but not for water, sewer and land use. As a panelist (and probably representing the “creating buzz” contingent), I must confess to ranting a bit about Cleveland’s rich white old men who tend to control the dialogue and the agenda in town, but I was not alone. And I learned a few things: Cleveland has the 4th most municipal governments (9.2) per 100K residents in the country. NEOers ranked “cultural opportunities” as the #1 positive aspect of life in NEO. Find the full report here, and read it for yourself. And read Yr Turn below for another reader’s response. Review by Mulready
Jonathan Sheffer and red {an orchestra} @ Tri-C Auditorium 4/13 The final program of their second season was a tribute to Steven Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein from their sort-of protégé, Sheffer, who devised a program of previously somewhat unknown music written in their younger years by these two musical giants. In addition to a great musical talent, Sheffer has an enormous sense of curiosity, which led him to investigate the early works of Sondheim. He was rewarded by the discovery of a work for two pianos, produced by the 20 year-old Sondheim as his thesis. Sheffer then orchestrated it and voilá! A Concertino in three movements for chamber orchestra. Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz
Seamus Heaney @ the Ohio Theater 4/20 Kicking off the first in its “Writer’s Center Stage” series, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation sponsored an evening with Nobel Prize winning Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, at the Ohio Theatre. In his 1995 Nobel Prize in literature, Heaney referred to poetry as having “…the power to persuade the vulnerable part of our consciousness of its rightness in spite of the evidence of wrongness around it, the power to remind us that we are hunters and gatherers of values…” With readings, commentaries, and conversation, Heaney easily cast the spell of his charm and wit over a grateful Cleveland crowd, weaving a cloth of dream time and historical time throughout his poems. In rich visual imagery where nouns are infused with the character of verbs, his selection touched on the past 40 years of his poetry career. With straightforward lyrical narratives unpeeling layers of the human experience, his poems reveal wry humor and sweet sadness. In one of his direct references to writing within the chronic instability of Irish culture and history, Heaney suggests that the challenge of poets is to write in an authentic voice. Testaments to poetry’s power in lucidity and simplicity, his are poems of hope and courage in the face of life’s fragility. As for the inspiration, he says, “When poets talk about the muses, they’re talking about ways to dodge the social executive self … ways to get surprised.” And on poetry itself, which is still strong in Ireland, “Poetry doesn’t change the way the world goes; it gives us an image of what it might be.” From Cool Cleveland columnist Jack Ricchiuto
+‘Yr Turn
[‘Cool Cleveland readers write”+]
On Cincinnati theatre controversy Love your newsletter. However, as a Cincinnati resident, I have to clarify something you wrote in your last edition. Know Theatre still will directly benefit from the 60K grant awarded by the Arts Committee. Their name was taken off the grant because the grant is for capital improvements only, and the Know is not in ownership of Gabriel’s Corner, their performance space. To be sure, there was a little bit of controversy over the grant, but it likely would have been awarded even if the theatre’s name had been on it. Keep up the great work. From Cool Cleveland reader Nick Spencer nwspencer@yahoo.com
On Cleveland’s Old White Men I am one of the old white guys referred to yesterday by Tom Mulready yesterday, although I was never a member of the Union Club nor did I have a power position. I retired from the business and thought that I might be able to help rather than bitch. Presently I am a staff of one having a good time trying to aid a vital downtown district. I invite you to visit our website, http://www.thequadrangle.org to see what we can do on a very limited budget. Any suggestions are welcome. From Cool Cleveland reader Bill Beckenbach beckenbach@thequadrangle.org
Top 5
We use IdeaStar.com tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1. A Room With a View Read Lee Chilcote’s interview with Julie Langan of Future Heights
Future Heights
2. Development director resigns In a surprise move, Steve Sims, who has served as Cleveland’s Economic Development Director since 2002, abruptly resigned this week.
http://www.cleveland-oh.gov
3. Cool Cleveland People: George Carr He’s an accomplished trombonist who’s played with Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday Big Band, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and others.
Cool Cleveland People George Carr
4. CSU’s Levin College of Urban Affairs Ranks 2nd in U.S. U.S. News and World Report’s 2005 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks CSU tops in the nation.
http://www.usnews.com
5. Glass half empty Why is the story headlined, “Zoo loses money despite exhibits,” when everyone knows that zoos all over the country operate exactly the same way.
Read more
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Hard Corps work it like all get-out jamming on events & content y’all love. Lots of CC props to Jack Ricchuito, Steve Goldberg, Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Kelly Ferjutz, George Nemeth, TL Champion, Brain Schriefer and all our contributors collaborating to get you the quality stuff you’re into. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom
See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: EventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-mail newsletter, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com
Cool Cleveland Writer: Thomas Sayers Ellis
Thomas Sayers Ellis is an original; whether he’s improvising spoken word at open mics or teaching, this associate professor of English at Case Western Reserve University is pushing his brand of creativity on his own terms. Thomas has authored several books, including his most recent The Maverick Room to be released by Graywolf Press in January 2005. He has a poem in the current issue of Tin House as well as other literary reviews, and he performs & signifies with Vince Robinson & The JazzPoets. He co-founded the Dark Room Collective, a reading series for African-American writers in Cambridge, MA, and studied with Nobel Prize winners Seamus Heaney and Derek Walcott. Currently Thomas is editing Quotes Community: Notes for Black Poets. Check out this elusive poet and educator whose oxygenated language delivers its own verbal calisthenics.Cool Cleveland: When you boast to people outside Cleveland about Cleveland, what’s on your list?
Thomas Sayers Ellis: The Reverend Albert Wagner and his Post; Playa-Playa Salvation All Souls East Cleveland; Basement Congregation of Visual Folklore; And Grandchildren Choir; Lancers & Gookies & Empress Taytou & Timbuktoo; Urban Dialect–minus the ads for cultural capitalism, Na’meen, rest in peace; James Baldwin’a Mama’s House, shhh,Soul Vegetarian, rest in peace; Silver Beeeeeee & The Glenville Festival; Black Singles Network, Sankofa Fine Arts Plus & The Jazz Poets; Karen Job, rest in peace; The Statue of Russell Atkins at 112th & Superior; All those old world Hood Ornaments wrapped in Xmas lights, aluminum foil and mother wit who stopped pushing their grocery store carts and selling bootlegged flowers of evil just to direct black & white traffic for free when the power went out.
Read the interview with Thomas Sayers Ellis here”’
The Dollar Signs of Autumn
by Thomas Sayers Ellis from The Maverick Room (Graywolf Press/ January 2005)
Reprinted by permission of the author.
Dip a finger in a dark viscous substance and write on the window of our
world. OIL.–Nadine Gordimer
G-R-E-E-D did this.
Greed and fall, nature’s seasonal debris
of brilliant symbolism.
I, too, have prayed for more places to hide
in the shade
between stanzas.
Metaphorically warning students
Workshops are war,
I now wish life would stop imitating life,
and that I was talented enough to resist the images
of the S inside the eleven as a hero behind bars.
O but I am not.
The media’s cash register of bodies,
and the twin terrors at the center of the word dollar
have made me and my craft liar-cowards.
S for September, s for suffering, s for save us.
Damn you autumn,
flags are not flowers.
What’s yr contribution?
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