The Village On The Cuyahoga

The Village on the Cuyahoga

Dear Friend,

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview with CSU Urban Affairs dean Mark Rosentraub
* Cool Cleveland People interview with artist Debora Erksa
* Tuning In featuring Cleveland band Sputnik
* A Moveable Feast Cool Cleveland party on 6/17 in the Heights: registration now open

+Urban Village
[ CSU Urban Affairs Dean Has Lesson Plan for Cleveland
by Lee Chilcote+]

Mark Rosentraub, the Dean of the College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, likes to say he’s helping to create “a Greenwich Village between Cleveland State and Case Western.” A lofty goal, perhaps, but he should know; his accent betrays his Big Apple roots. Rosentraub came to Cleveland a few years ago to head up the highly regarded college. This week he’ll be moderating the Spirit of Immigration Series panel discussion exploring immigration as an economic engine for Northeast Ohio Tue 5/25 6:30PM-9PM at Cuyahoga Community College-Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Road. Recently, Cool Cleveland caught up with Rosentraub to talk with him about whether stadiums and convention centers are worth the public dollar, and whether Euclid Avenue will look less like Soviet Russia and more like Greenwich Village anytime soon.

Cool Cleveland: There’s been a lot written about “brain drain.” Yet many of your students stay here and climb the ranks to leadership positions in the city. How are you preparing them?
Mark Rosentraub: About two-thirds of our graduates stay in the region. Our goal is to give students a world-class education. We have students going into all three sectors, public, private and non-profit, and we have to remain competitive. One of the things we’ve done is to put together a series of advisory boards with local leaders, so that they can tell us what they look for in employees. This helps us to gear programs towards the needs of the real world.

I’m fascinated by the fact that the college, which offers a master’s degree in Urban Planning, sits on a stretch of Euclid that is a victim of poor planning and development. What’s going on with the university master plan? Is the Urban Affairs college playing a role in this?
I don’t know if it’s bad planning, or if we’re just surrounded by economic obsolescence. We’re working closely with the Playhouse Square Development Corporation… We want to create new housing that attracts students to live on campus. The lofts at 1900 Euclid Avenue are one recent development, and Fenn Tower is going to be converted into housing, too.
Read the Cool Cleveland interview with Mark Rosentraub by Lee Chilcote here.

A Movable Feast Our Cool Cleveland parties keep getting better and better, and the last fest in April was a kick. Next, we move to the Heights for the first time on Thu 6/17, with A Moveable Feast that starts at 4PM at the Lemon Grass restaurant and the outdoor mini-park at the corner of Cedar & Lee Roads. Grab a cold beer or smooth glass of wine from the open bar, nibble hors d’oeuvres from a dozen neighborhood restaurants (like the special beet cake from Jimmy O’Neill’s and short ribs from Brennan’s Colony), and soak up the East Side vibe with groovy sounds and smart conversation with other cool Clevelanders. The party moves to the Cedar-Lee Theatre for a loop of Cleveland filmmakers, and you can stroll along the block visiting art galleries, restaurants and shops. Then, catch the special preview of Grease at Cain Park at 8PM, free with your admission. Do we treat you right or what? Register online now and save: http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html

Cleveland Institute of Music: a $92 million cash cow Cleveland Institute of Music is making waves, since it was discovered that the institution considerably affects Ohio’s economy. A recent study reveals the economic impact CIM has in our region, generating an incredible $92.3 million in Ohio. The survey questioned students, faculty, staff and audience members to come up with the figure. Read the report yourself here.

FutureHeights volunteer opportunity The Clean & Green Program needs your help this weekend. Join with otheres to clean up two prominent public spaces: Cedar-Lee mini park, between Starbucks and Lemon Grass on Sat 5/22 at 9AM (the same location as our upcoming Cool Cleveland party A Moveable Feast on 6/17). Then, they’ll hit the corner of Euclid Heights Boulevard and Derbyshire Road on Sun 5/23 at 1PM. Bring your garden tools and gloves; no gardening experience is necessary and families are welcome. Meet and mingle with other community-minded Cleveland Heights residents while making a difference locally. For info call 320-1423 or visit http://www.futureheights.org.

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A Sincere Promise The Sincere Building Condominiums at Prospect and East 4th are at the center of an exciting entertainment district! These luxury condos feature urban views; gourmet kitchens with granite counters; large windows with original oak trim and hardwood floors; two spacious bedrooms; two glamour baths with granite counters and ceramic tile; in-suite laundry and a building elevator. Live at the center of Gateway and enjoy the eclectic comedy and cabaret-style shows at Pickwick & Frolic, or the blues and soul music and Cajun fare at Fat Fish Blue! Top off the deal with special financing and tax abatement. Visit our lunchtime open house this Fri 5/21 at 2077 E. 4th St. from 11:30-1:30 PM, or stop by Sun 5/23 from 2-4 PM. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit http://www.progressiveurban.com.
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County launches new arts grants Finally, our region is offering public support for the arts. Although the recent Issue 31 didn’t pass, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners created ACE (Arts and Culture as Economic Development), offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 to nonprofit organizations, helping groups with new or expanded projects and events. The program, which offers a total of $375,000, will “convince the public that tax dollars are well spent” on arts that effectively boost the economy, according to arts supporter Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones. Read more.

Rural Internet use increases The demographics of Internet users are evolving as websites and Internet-based materials become key tools by which organizations reach out to audiences. The percentage of Americans living in rural communities that report using the Internet is increasing, giving hope to businesses looking for an effective means of connecting with this population in our region. For the full story, see the current issue of ArtsOhio here.

Report blasts NRC for lack of oversight What will it take for our nuclear power regulators to reign in Davis-Besse? A rust hole the size of a basketball certainly means that owner First Energy had their head up their own hole, but the NRC, because of their lax safety culture, let them slide. Now they say our region came within 60 days of a meltdown as bad as Three Mile Island. Between their internal failures that caused the recent blackout, and their cluelessness on how to run a nuclear power plant, you’ve got to wonder why First Energy is allowed in the business at all. The scariest line in the report: “We do not yet have adequate assurances from NRC that many of the factors that contributed to the incident at Davis-Besse will be fully addressed.” That should help reassure anyone thinking of moving a business (or their family) to NEO. Read more.

Ruhe jumps in; Rohrs jumps up JumpStart is quickly ramping up to speed with the recent appointment of Tom Ruhe as Chief Marketing Officer. Ruhe leaves Optiem, where he served as president for three years, and Jeff Rohrs takes on the role of president at Optiem. Ruhe will have his hands full directing the marketing strategy of the fledgling JumpStart, which plans to invest $3 million per year in 10-15 area startups, in amounts ranging from $50k to $800k. Rohrs steps up from his role as VP of account strategy at Optiem and will likewise be busy with a firm that has evolved from a dedicated e-mail marketer to a full-service digital marketing agency. See BusinessWire here.

Cleveland adopts bike-lane policy Finally, using their new Bike Lane Design Guide, the city can push back and specify where bike lanes can be placed when using federal money. Especially critical is the bike path between CSU and Case that was specified as part of the Euclid Corridor Project. The Ohio Department of Transportation had originally removed the bike lanes until the city enforced their Design Guide. Next year, the city will install 500 bike racks with federal money, and visionary Downtown City Councilman Joe Cimperman says he will introduce legislation that new parking lots include bike parking spaces. Read more.

Crawford expansion Now here’s an idea. The Western Reserve Historical Society has announced plans to increase exhibit space for the Crawford car and airplane collection, proposing a $15 million of renovation of the unused Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Aviation High School at Burke Lakefront Airport. Plus, they’ll spend another $15 million for an auditorium at their University Circle site. Read morehere and here.

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The Quality is in the Details Cleveland’s newest renovation for elegant, city living is The Bingham. This classic Walker & Weeks designed warehouse (think Severance Hall and The Cleveland Public Library) has been lovingly restored and is open for occupancy. The details have been taken care of – exposed brick walls, original posts, high ceilings and large new windows. And all models feature neutral decors, contemporary kitchens with wheat-burnished cabinetry, brushed chrome fixtures, laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. Plus, enjoy amenities such as indoor parking, a brand new market, fitness center and the convenience of so much within a short walk from your front door. Plus, move in by 7/31 and receive one month rent free! Visit http://www.thebingham.com or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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d.a. levy site launched Cleveland State University Special Collection Library launches the d.a. levy website as the latest component of its Cleveland Memory website. Poet, artist and publisher d.a. levy was a major literary and underground figure in Cleveland’s emerging poetry and small and alternative press scene in the early ’60s until his death in 1968, and an inspiration for Cool Cleveland and other independent voices. The poet documented his love-hate relationship with the city and the politics of the day through his poetry and art work, which still resonates its political and social perspective of Cleveland during the 1960s. http://www.clevelandmemory.org/levy

Poetic potential All human minds possess potentials for poetry. “Human cognition is fundamentally shaped by poetic processes,” contends psychologist Raymond W. Gibbs, Ph.D., of the University of California at Santa Cruz. In The Poetics of the Mind, Gibbs says it’s no accident that the figurative language of poets permeates our speech and thought. He maintaines that poetic thinking mimics life itself. Read Psychology Today here

Listen to the Hessler Street Fair Each year, one of the smallest streets in the city throws one of the biggest parties. Overflowing with music, art, exploration, and fun for those in Northeast Ohio to enjoy the spirit of togetherness with family-friendly entertainment Fri 5/51 thru Sun 5/23. It’s also broadcast on WRUW FM 91.1 and listeners will have a chance to hear local politicians, artists, poets, bands, and more, as they take part in this historic weekend-long party. This year, Hessler will be overflowing with the spirit of recently passed poet Daniel Thompson. To keep you linked up, FM 91.1 will bring all the music, interviews, and poetry live. For info ring up the station at 368-2208 or visit http://www.wruw.org

Cleveland gays in FLA a growing gay mecca is taking over Florida, inspiring a group of friends from Cleveland to move there, looking for a place where their lifestyle “was a more comfortable aspect of life,” says 39-year-old anesthesiologist Dr. Ross Carson. “It is not that I experienced gay bashing or prejudice in Cleveland. But I wanted to live in a place where gay life revolved around more than bars on a Saturday night.” Read the New York Times here.

Radical mixed-income housing project in Ohio City Say what? Public housing right next door to for-sale properties selling for up to $400k? The national HOPE VI project has had similar success elsewhere (strict enforcement of code is a key), and with the selected to-die-for location on West 25th with a killer view of the valley and the Cleveland skyline, within walking distance of the West Side Market, this idea’s time may have come. Read more.

Cleveland’s next 13 years? This is why we’re going to miss Chris Thompson, who just resigned as editor of CrainTech. He looks back on the past 13 years that he’s lived in Cleveland, which he says haven’t been very “lucky” for the town, and then looks forward to May, 2017, and envisions a better future with e-books from Valley View-based Overdrive outsell hardcovers; Ford Motor Company converts its Brookpark engine plant to fuel cells developed at CWRU; and Progressive Insurance buys Allstate. More than luck, we’ll need this kind of vision. See CrainTech here.

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The best and brightest minds in Northeast Ohio meet at iCleveland. It’s where top students begin to forge their careers, and where employers jumpstart their internship programs. Sign up for (i)nk, a free email newsletter full of helpful tips and insightful articles on interning and internship programs. (i)Cleveland…from (i)ntern to (i)ntegral www.iCleveland.org
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Film Commission economic impact Since their inception in 1998, they’ve brought in film, television, and video projects that have spent over $26 million in our region on local crew hires, bed nights, equipment, office rental, supplies, construction materials, food, and entertainment. The Northeast Ohio region has been the backdrop for numerous film and television projects; recent feature films include Against The Ropes (Paramount Pictures), Antwone Fisher (Fox Searchlight), American Splendor (HBO Films), Welcome To Collinwood (Warner Bros.). Now they’re offering to producers free scouting trips including airfare, lodging, meals, and ground transportation; destination Cleveland tax incentive; corporate partnerships. They’re also tracking over 13 films in various stages of development that are written specifically for Ohio. In addition to monitoring their progress, they research the studio system database for other projects that could be potential fits for our region. http://www.clevelandfilm.com

US officials posing as intellectuals A recent investigation revealed that at least 28 high-ranking government officials have fake degrees from so-called diploma mills, according to a government report. This investigation identified 463 government employees who received degrees from three unaccredited schools. Is this bogus or what? http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,63436,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_6

Global Exchange website assists and promotes environmental, political, and social justice worldwide. Citizens can get involved and receive hands-on tools for creating global partnerships. Get away from the TV and start doing something for your neighborhood, community, and the world at http://www.globalexchange.org

Angle Magazine: tortured yearning, art and the Kokoon Club Angle Magazine’s newest edition covers it all: the historic and flamboyant Kokoon Club and Cleveland Artists Foundation Spazm fundraiser, psychological investigations of art, inherent madness, and obsessive desire in Artists of Gugging at Headfooters, and Linda Eisenstein’s razor sharp theatre review of Far Away at Cleveland Playhouse, as well as Nickel & Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. Grab the latest Angle at a gallery or coffeeshop near you for vivid visuals and cutting edge art criticism and commentary. If you subscribed when they launched a year ago, your subscription is up, and you need to renew. Click the secret link for Cool Cleveland readers only, and get the Internet-only article Serious Metal: Gallery M http://www.anglemagazine.org/0406_fea_gallery_m.asp Find Angle at progressive venues or visit them online at http://www.anglemagazine.org a Cool Cleveland partner

Humiliated writers Robin Robertson, a Scottish poet and editor has solicited authors’ reminiscences about their most humiliating moments for a book and the stories poured in from both famous and lesser known writers. The recently published Mortification: Writers’ Stories of Their Public Shame, lists the most disturing and hilarious. Read the NYTimes.com here.

Ohio school funding still unconstitutional Maybe if we keep reminding ourselves, and repeating it to ourselves, and relentlessly reiterating that the way we fund public schools in Ohio has been ruled unconstitutional four times by the Ohio Supreme Court, maybe eventually we’ll force our legislators to do something about it. At Cool Cleveland, we’ve recently received (and reprinted) letters from readers who are unaware that our property-tax based funding system is illegal, so apparently we shouldn’t give up mentioning it. PD Associated Editor Chris Sheridan’s head spins at our current arcane school funding mechanisms here, and Robert Triozzi’s op-ed here implores the Ohio Legislature to now address this “constitutional crisis.”

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The power of African music Dr. Roderic Knight, ethnomusicologist and professor at Oberlin College, will present his lecture Technology and Power in African Traditional Music at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This event coincides with the exhibit Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family (and features a wonderful interactive music display!) on display now at the museum. Dr. Knight, an authority on the music and drumming of the Mandinka of Western Africa, will discuss the technology of traditional musical instruments in Africa and the ways in which instruments and music empower African musicians and their audiences. One night only Thu 5/27 at 7PM in the museum’s Murch auditorium; for tickets call 216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Discover the nature of your universe at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 216-231-4600. http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
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Mark Your Calendar
PDA-worthy events forthcoming

A Moveable Feast Cool Cleveland parties are semi-legendary for discovering interesting and cool party spaces in Cleveland. Now we’re making plans for our first foray into the Inner Ring! Mark Your Calendars for Thu 6/17 from 4-8PM for a wild after-work event that will take over the intersection of Cedar and Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights. We’ll be partying in the outdoor mini-park, watching Cleveland films in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, checking out art in the galleries and snagging great hors d’oeuvres and open bar drinks. The best part: our after-party includes free admission to Cain Park at 8PM! You can’t register yet, but mark the date in your Palm Pilot and stay tuned to http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html.

Urban Living Folks have been clicking on Cool Cleveland sponsored links for The Bingham Building. They just announced their cool new apartments (350 of ’em!) opening right now, including a much-needed grocery store on the first floor. We’re planning an Art/Tech/Dance event right inside the place on Thu 7/29 from 4-8PM, with an after-party nearby. Expect the usual neighborhood hors d’oeuvres and open bar, and as usual, expect the unexpected. Hold the date and spread the word. Downtown living is here to stay. Check back for registration information at http://www.coolcleveland.com

Cool Cleveland This Week
5.19-5.26

Send your cool events to: eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

Intimate Encounter is the newest multimedia/performance/installation by Cleveland artist Mike Jones, it’s the first in a series combining the artist’s practice of Christianity with the interests of his previous work: mediated reality, social interaction, voyeurism, and public/private space. Drawing from the theoretical writings of Baudrillard and Debord, the artist investigates how reality is mediated in contemporary image-based culture. See what happens in this 12 hour performance art experience Wed 5/19; viewing will be available during business hours. Call 570-6026. Sweet Thirty Six Gallery, 530 Euclid Ave in the ARTcade at The Colonial Marketplace

Lakefront public meeting Mayor Campbell has rightly staked her reputation on Cleveland’s ability to plan and develop it’s under-utilized lakefront. This session will present ideas for lakefront development from Edgewater Park to the Cuyahoga River – from Edgewater Park to the Cuyahoga River. This area plan includes Whiskey Island, Edgewater Park, and the Old River Channel – it’s free and open to the public Thu 5/20 from 6:30-8:30PM. Call 664-2210. Sagrada Familia Catholic Church, 7719 Detroit Ave.

The Buddha Project delivers the first city-wide project examining how Buddhist ideas are transferred from Eastern to Western cultures and expressed through the visual arts. Elevate yourself to a higher level with works of George Fitzpatrick, Michael Greenwald, and Ken Nevadomi. It’s art that dares to explore deep spiritual questions and ideas; the community is invited to participate in the activities celebrating this inspired project. Opening reception is Thu 5/20 from 4-8pm. Thrive will be hosting a poetry reading, tara dance and gallery talks. For schedule and info call 479-0303 or 440-463-9425. Thrive – an artspace, 2nd floor of the Galleria, 1301 East 9th St.

Open space networking As part of Making Change regionally, REI@Weatherhead and Ryze Cleveland have connected to bring professional business networking to the premier business school of the region. Instead of the traditional speaker’s forum, this mixer is based on Open Space Technology, where participants create and manage their own agenda of parallel working sessions around a central theme – business. Bring yourself, an idea, and a willingness to participate in discussions that come up Thu 5/20 from 5:30-9PM. Call 440-527-0522. Peter B. Lewis Building on the campus of CASE, 11119 Bellflower Rd. For details and to RSVP, visit http://clevelandevent.ryze.com.

Marina Abramovic: Performing Body Call me biased, but this is one of the coolest artists of all time. International performance artists Abramovic is well known for her intense and body-based actions. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear her speak on Thu 5/20 from 6-7:30PM at Kulas Hall of the Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Boulevard, as part of the Talalay Lecture Series, as she explores the wide-ranging uses of the body as an art form over the last quarter of the century. For more info, call 421-8671 or visit www.MOCAcleveland.org

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Betrayal, love, uncontrollable passion…] all at Cleveland Public Theatre! Check out the world premiere play Dojoji: desire overpowers the human form when a woman sheds her skin to pursue a love that has spanned centuries. Dojoji melds Japanese Noh and Kabuki traditions, contemporary performance styles, and live music with a world premiere score. Opening this Fri 5/21‘ and running through Sat 6/5. [‘Extended by popular demand”… Nickel and Dimed, produced in association with Great Lakes Theater Festival, has added six performances, now playing through Sun 6/6! Experience what all the critics are calling a “must-see!” Call now for best ticket availability. Along with the play, check out CPT’s website for a series of community events entitled Not Getting By: Views on Working in America. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., 631-2727. Bring It On!
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Visual Manifestations of Buddhist Thought in the Western World The Cleveland State University Art Gallery, in partnership with Cleveland State’s Center for Sacred Landmarks and several local Buddhist groups, art galleries and churches, presents a major exhibition of contemporary visuals: paintings, photographs, works on paper, sculpture and new media. It explores three aspects of Buddhist tradition: images of the Buddha; reflections on the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and the experience of the Buddhist community Fri 5/21 from 5-9PM. Exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Art Gallery is located at the corner of East 24th Street and Chester Ave.

L’Age d’Or What does scandal look like? Co-written by Salvador Dali, Bunel’s classic unfolds with dream logic, cascading from one scene to another celebrating sex and l’amour while taking swipes at respectable society in general. It caused violent riots when first shown and was banned throughout France; it’s a fun, surrealistic shocker and scandalous movie Fri 5/21 at 7:30PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.kino.com and visit http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

Up Close and Paintable rockin’ benefit exhibition by internationally renowned celebrity artist Shannon. Attend the public preview and see art inspired by her plethora of interests: she’s built motorcycles, customized guitars, played in rock bands, and created artwork for many rockers. Head out for an evening of rock inspired creations Fri 5/21 from 5-9PM. Call 696-1942. ArtMetro, 530 Euclid Ave in the Artcade.

Rising Bound Groop and MOVE Art/Audience present a collection of new works by Charmaine Spencer that tests the flexibility of structural properties and reflects a shift towards architectural building blocks steeped in constructivism. Drop in for the opening reception Fri 5/21 from 5-9PM. ARTcade, 530 Euclid Ave. For info visit http://www.moveartaudience.org

5th Annual Cleveland Fine Art Expo event is family oriented with youth art pavilion, poetry corner, author’s pavilion, live radio broadcasts, youth art competition, awards and more. This weekend-long event also displays works of several local and national artists Fri 5/21 thru Sun 5/23. The presentation of Sankofa’s prestigious Emerging Artist Award and other special activities happen Sat 5/22 at 4PM. Event is free and open to the public. Call 791-2437. Tri-C’s Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Rd. http://www.sankofafineartplus.org

Philosophy and music with Leslie Adams A two-event series for music lovers with featured composer Leslie Adams; he’ll discuss his life and career as a full-time, free lance composer. You’ll also get a preview of his creativity through philosophic beliefs Fri 5/21 & 5/28 from 7-8:30PM. Call 651-5428. Aubrey Wertheim Institute, 6600 Detroit Ave.

subURBAN Art show dares to push art to unexplainable levels. How? By taking a piece of pre-existing suburban art, such as the black ceramic panther next to the fire place, a Bob Ross fruit basket in grandma’s living room, or the velvet matador in an uncle’s basement, then alter it in any way possible to bring it new life. Get into cutting edge creativity and hit the opening Fri 5/21 from 7-11PM. Show runs thru 6/12. Call 939-1300. Gallery 1300, W. 78th St. http://www.13hundred.com

WCLVnotes What does a radio station that carries the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday afternoon do when the Met season is over? Well, this Sat 5/22 at 1:30PM, WCLV 104.9 FM will present the first of three concerts featuring the Staatskapelle Berlin conducted by Daniel Barenboim. These are all Schumann concerts – the four symphonies, overtures, the Piano Concerto etc. For something completely different, this week’s Weekend Radio (Sat 5/22 at 10PM and Sun 5/23 at 7PM on WCLV; Sunday at 8PM on WRMR) will be devoted to cats, including the “back alley opera” Archy and Mehitable and Rossini’s Cat Duet as sung by Dr. Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket. Not to be missed. a Cool Cleveland partner http://www.wclv.com

Ultimate Italy Epicurean Evening of fine food and wine will take you on a whirlwind tour of delicacies from Europe. Meet Paolo Verzeni, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington D.C., sample exotic cheese and partake in an olive tasting. Afterwards, fuel up on a five-course dinner paired with sinful wines from the Italian Alps to the Island of Sicily Sat 5/22 at 6:30PM. Presented by the Cleveland Wine School, for reservations call 295-9583. The Ritz-Carlton, 1515 West Third St. http://www.clevelandwineschool.com

Everywhere and Here See installation artist Carmen Ruiz-Davila’s feats of materials and media. An American of Hispanic descent, Ruiz-Davila indulges in the whimsical, exaggerates and parodies social and cultural stereotypes with works that attack issues of consumerism, sex, and the media. She’s this year’s recipient of the Wendy L. Moore Emerging Artist award, recognizing women under the age of thirty with their first solo museum show. It’s now on view Sat 5/22 from 11AM-6PM, show runs till 8/8. Call 421-8671. MOCA, 8501 Carnegie Ave. http://www.mocacleveland.org

Cleveland Micro Film Fest celebrates the mini-film budget, and features screenings of small-budget films and filmmaker discussions. On Sat 5/22 hear Cleveland filmmakers Robert Banks and James Renner discuss how to produce films for under $10,000; the fest runs noon-midnight. Call 440-238-5023. Knights of Columbus Hall, 4730 Broadview Rd in Cleveland. http://www.TwistedSpine.com

2004 Hessler Street Fair It’s time for Cleveland’s coolest homegrown free festival, featuring three venues packed with music, dance, poetry and performances. The Fair will have a broad selection of exhibits, workshops and special events, plus numerous vendors offering food, refreshments, and fine handmade arts, crafts and clothing. The anticipated weekend events begin Sat 5/22 Noon-8PM and Sun 5/23 from Noon-8PM. Hessler Road & Court between Ford and Bellflower Roads, one block north of Euclid & Mayfield in University Circle. http://www.hessler.org

Douglass Street Boutique spring collection Models donning designs by Wendy Hil (Malibu, CA), Fork (NYC), Harvey’s (LA), and Ben Sherman (London) burn up the runway while DJ Ersuella spins the release of Epic Music recording artist Franz Ferdinand’s self-titled debut. Check out this fashion exclusive amidst the respectfully provocative nudes of David Alan Photography, replete with the CD release revelry and intimate runway event Sat 5/22 at 8PM. Call 344-9488. Douglass Street Boutique and Carpe Raci Gallery are located at 2379 Professor Ave. in Tremont http://www.moveartaudience.org

Whiskey Island River Day Event Celebrate and support the proposed park on Whiskey Island with free guided kayak tours, self-guided walking tours to the river pier and open volleyball. Find out about the future plans for Whiskey Island, and listen to speakers share exciting initiatives that can shape the future of our American Heritage River and our Great Lake Sat 5/22 from noon-6PM. Call 651-3476. West Shoreway (Rt.2) to the Edgewater exit, and follow signs to Whiskey Island Marina.

Pop The Star it’s the newest release from Cleveland’s fave folk fusionist Anne E. Dechant – bring yourself, friends, and family to rock locally at her CD release party, where you’ll have first chance to pick up her latest musical achievement. She’ll also share the stage with special guest The Echo Canyon Players Sat 5/22 at 10PM. Call 226-5681. The Winchester, 12112 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. For info http://www.anneedechant.com/printschedule.html and check out http://www.thewinchester.net

Thomas Frontini: New Paintings combines the natural with the fantastic; this Cleveland Heights artist combines comfortable technical sophistication with a persuasive and confident appropriation of art history. His oil paintings look like Renaissance Italy and a little like mid 20th century surrealism. Step out to support contemporary art that matters Sat 5/22 from 6-9PM at the always edgy Heights Arts Community Gallery. Call 371-3457. 2173 Lee Rd in Cleveland Hts. http://www.heightsarts.org

Where I Live An oratorio about the breast cancer experience performed by Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus. Accompanied by string ensemble and percussion, the work speaks both to and for survivors. Proceeds will benefit the Northern Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition and Minority Women with Breast Cancer Uniting with a rousing reception hosted by the North Coast Men’s Chorus Sat 5/22 at 8PM. For tickets, call 739-1928. Cleveland Institute of Music’s Kulas Hall, 11021 East Blvd in University Circle. KayMktg@aol.com

Farmer’s Market is Cleveland’s only farm fresh producer market at Shaker Square. This Saturday morning, come by and get loaded up on weekend essentials from local farmers, artists, patisseries, and flower vendors. Pick up a cup of fresh, locally roasted coffee from Lucky’s of Tremont while you hit the streets Sat 5/22 from 8AM-Noon. The North Union Farmer’s Market manager mentored under the best markets in North America, and this year they spent two weeks touring the best markets in California from Los Angeles to Sonoma, bringing new ideas and products to Shaker Square. For info and directions visit http://www.lkwdpl.org/farmersmarket

Dojoji tells the story of a spurned woman whose unrequited love transforms her into a fire-breathing serpent. It’s an effort of creative multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary work combining the performance traditions of East Asia and the West. With live piano, percussion, contemporary dance and precise acting, Dojoji explores the power of uncontrollable passion to provoke the supernatural. Enjoy a pre-show reception and post-show discussion to meet the artists and chat up this groundbreaking play Sun 5/23 at 2PM. Cleveland Public Theatre’s Upstairs Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.cptonline.org

Rock the Orchestra music education festival, with The Contemporary Youth Orchestra performing a concert with Jon Anderson, the lead singer of the progressive-rock group YES! Jon will be joining the 95 piece award winning CYO and the 35 member youth choir for 13 of his tunes. CYO consists of the best musicians in the area ages 12-18 and represents 42 schools in the greater Cleveland region. Get into inspired music by youths Tue 5/25 at 7:30PM. Get tickets at http://www.tickets.com or by calling 800-766-6048. CSU, Music and Communications Building, Waetjen Auditorium, East 21st and Euclid Ave. http://www.cyorchestra.org and http://www.paalive.org

Best of All Worlds The Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and NEOSA invite you to take a trip around the world of high technology in Northeast Ohio; talk to business leaders, network with peers, and get answers to questions about technology trends and issues. They’ll be featuring small, informal presentations by a number of area firms Tue 5/25 from 5:30-7:30PM. Holiday Inn in Fairlawn, 4073 Medina Rd. http://www.neosa.org/events/more_info/BestOfAllWorlds.htm

CAAO Non-Profit Empowerment Circle If you’re part of a staff or volunteer for non-profit organizations, you’re invited to learn about available and useful resources. Gain support from African American professionals of diverse backgrounds and business experience to offer you fundamental opportunities for growth and empowerment. Learn networking and partake in solution sharing sessions to stimulate new business relationships and develop economic opportunities for non profit organizations Tue 5/25 from 6-8PM. Seating is limited, please register in advance at 774-2282. At 1761 East 30th St. http://www.caao.net

Spirit of Immigration Series panel discussion explores the history, impediments and potential of immigration as an economic engine for Northeast Ohio. Several local area groups and institutions have joined together to examine immigration as a economic engine in Cleveland’s past and its potential in our economic future; check out our immigration history and how it shaped our economy, moderated by Dr. Mark Rosentraub, Dean and Professor of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Tue 5/25 6:30PM-9PM. Cuyahoga Community College-Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Rd, Performing Art Center in Building E2, in Highland Hills.

Send your cool events to: eventsAtCoolClevelandDotCom

Tuning In: Sputnik
by Daiv Whaley

Get a live listen to Cleveland-based band Sputnik at the Hessler Street Fair Sat 5/2 Noon-8PM and Sun 5/23 from Noon-8PM. Hessler Road & Court between Ford and Bellflower Roads, one block north of Euclid & Mayfield in University Circle.

In these days of ultra-lame “reality tv” programs, it can be forcefully argued that being on television is no longer a big deal. Actually, it might turn out to be an embarrassment instead. Even for musicians and bands eager to get their music heard by new audiences, the days of MTV glory are pretty much over; does that irritating institution even play rock videos anymore?

Enter FOX Television’s Wonderfalls, the pantheistic counterpart to WB’s “Joan of Arcadia.” In the FOX show, the cute female lead character gets promptings, not from an anthropormorphic God-in-disquise, but from curios, souvenirs, gift-rack rabble. And there’s a hip soundtrack going on in the background during the show. Fortunately, Sputnik was selected to have one of their songs featured on the show! Unfortunately, the show was cancelled, and the boys’ song never got the chance to be heard by American masses. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves… Alan Grandy of Sputnik will tell you about it in his own words.

Daiv Whaley: How did it come about that Sputnik was chosen for Wonder Falls?
Alan Grandy: The show was asking for song submissions through a company called taxi.com; we submitted and they chose Alienne.

What did you hope would come about due to the song being on the show?
We hoped that people would hear the song, naturally. Also that it would lead to other opportunities…

What kind of feedback were you getting about the upcoming show?
Lots of positive response – people were pretty knocked out about it.

What were you told as to why the show was being cancelled, and how did you feel about the cancellation in terms of the lost opportunity?
The music supervisor for the show was pretty candid from the outset about what it would take for the show to stay on the air: namely ratings and reviews. The reviews were great, the ratings weren’t. As far as how we feel about it, it doesn’t diminish the fact that our song was chosen – that’s definitely a positive. We’ve also heard that the show might come out on DVD or on another network, we’ll see… Read Tuning In: Sputnik by Cool Cleveland’s music correspondent Daiv Whaley here

Cool Cleveland People: Debora Erksa

Debora Erksa is an arts enthusiast, activist and gallerist in Cleveland’s ARTmetro gallery in the ARTcade; she’s curating memorable and controversial exhibitions such as Bitch: Verb or Noun; Viscous Arena and X,Y, & Sometimes V. This week, come out to see her at ArtMetro’s rockin’ benefit exhibition featuring internationally renowned celebrity artist Shannon at the Up Close and Paintable exhibition Fri 5/21 from 5-9PM, located at 530 Euclid Ave at the Colonial Marketplace Square in the Artcade.

What are the best things about Cleveland?
Debora Erksa: I have discovered incredible music venues, dining experiences, architecture, unique neighborhoods, and some wonderful people here. The quality of my life is better here than when I lived in NYC, due to the fact that Cleveland is more livable; one can actually live here rather than merely exist. I can travel easily, explore Midwest nuances (drive-ins, bowling, fish-frys), have studio space, and get to know the community where I work and live.

The worst?
I find that the public transportation needs improving. It has been my experience that the Rapid doesn’t travel as fast, far or wide as it should, and you have to be a mapmaker in order to figure out the buses. Things are spread out, and it’d be nice to hop a train and travel. I think I was spoiled by the subways of NYC (although I don’t miss how it smells in the summer).

Read Cool Cleveland People Debora Erksa here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

On Cool Cleveland I am very impressed! This is the most comprehensive news update about Cleveland issues and events that I’ve ever witnessed. This information is worth paying for. Congratulations for your new board post with the visitors bureau. You are good for our city. from Cool Cleveland reader Timothy L. Tramble

On Daniel Thompson “The article about Daniel Thompson was quite moving. Back in the late ’80s, I was in a group with him called the 3 dead poets, where he read poetry and another violinist and I played sound effects behind him. For a 18 year old (at the time), it was a trippy experience and one that I will never ever forget. I cried when he died. I will miss him.” from Cool Cleveland reader Liza Grossman director@cyorchestra.org

Nice tribute to DT. What I most remember from my early days on Coventry is that he never was anywhere without his dog. That means a lot to me. from Cool Cleveland reader Herb Ascherman http://www.ascherman.com

What happened to Daniel? I remember he was huge with the punk rockers. I used to run The Cleveland Underground and Daniel was a hero of a lot of the musicians there. Junkstock was a big thing. Robert Ritchie (aka: Dick Head) turned me onto him or actually his ex-wife did. We were in a band together at the time and Daniel was huge with thier crowd. Do you know how old Daniel was? I didn’t think much older than us but I wasn’t sure. I’d never met him. I’m not a big poety guy so I never went to Junkstock or any of that. But he did do a few things at the Underground and I think at Biggies too. I was always having to work sound or lights and missed all the socializing part of that stuff. I do remember he was loved in that crowd though.from Cool Cleveland reader Brian Dempsey bad513@netzero.net

On not being here I moved to NYC, but still have ties to Cleveland through friends and family. Miss Cleveland a ton! I still read the newsletter in the Big Apple! Keep up the good work. from Cool Cleveland reader Marilyn McDonald Hendricks

Instant Karma
Quik reviews of recent events

Making Change @ Ritz-Carlton 5/17 If you’re tired of the usual suspects getting together to bemoan the current state of affairs here in Cleveland [or the backroom politicizing that usually goes along with it], you were in for a shock at REI@Weatherhead’s event. Instead of rehashing the perceived crisis, Ed Morrison and the crew of Making Change joined civic entrepreneurs and CASE economists to share stories and build a positive buzz about the direction the region is heading in. Morrison opened with a refresher on his Innovation Roadmap, a model economic development based on cooperation in the civic space. A software engineer and social networking expert briefed the participants on connecting individuals to create a more innovative region. Scott Shane, the academic director of REI and author of Academic Entrepreneurship: University Spinoffs and Wealth Creation, spoke on what it would take to create an enviroment here in Northeast Ohio that would produce an IPO similar to the recent one by search engine giant Google. Best of all, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready had the crowd laughing and cheering as he led them in ”The New Cleveland Pledge”, promising “to promote the positive aspects of this fine city, taking my relatives on a tour… when they visit from their exile in Florida” and to “quit hanging around in coffee shops talking about it, instead of doing it”. From Cool Cleveland’s Information Officer George Nemeth georgeAtCoolClevelandDotCom

Organic Wine Tasting @ The Grovewood Tavern 5/11 For anyone who’s ever visited The Grovewood Tavern and Wine Bar in Euclid, they are aware of the incredible wine and beer selection available, along with bartenders who are experts in paring a customers taste with a selection from their offerings. But nothing can be compared to the Grovewood’s food. Award-winning chef, Tim Ogan, creates some of the most unique, delectable culinary offerings in the Cleveland area. That’s why, when Cool Cleveland received notice of an organic wine tasting dinner, we knew we had to attend.
Read the review of the Wine Tasting here

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) Cleveland Chaos spring sale Visit their site for unique and warm weather “show off your arms” shirts that celebrate the positive power of our town’s chaotic past, present and future. Cool Cleveland ‘s favorite: “Stop by anytime… we’ll leave the river on for you.”
http://www.ClevelandChaos.com

2) Honoring Daniel Thompson Daniel Thompson was a Clevelander. One of the best we ever had. He was a poet. One of the best we ever had. He was an organizer. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He was a friend, a confidant, a sage, a sounding board, a wise cracker.
Honoring Daniel Thompson

3. Introducing The New Cleveland Press Not to be confused with the old Cleveland Press, this version is a free, weekly 12-page broadsheet. Randy Nyerges paid $50 for the rights to the paper that folded in 1982 (word was that the PD paid in the 7 figures for their subscription list at the time), and is printing the new paper in large-print type.
http://www.ClevelandPress.com

4. Commuter tax for Cleve schools We’ll say it one more time: the way Ohio funds its public schools is unconstitutional, illegal and immoral. But if you don’t have enough Downtown residents, tax the people coming in from the suburbs.
Read more.

5. Crazy, or just in love? Research shows that falling in love is just like going crazy, as levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin dips below normal, and as a result couples may obsess over each other.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994957

Creatively cool We’ve got the best readers, and we appreciate everyone’s loyalty because it’s helping us grow week by week. How? By referring people you know at home and at work to CC.com. Now you can send folks to register themselves for our e-zine at http://www.coolcleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have ’em send an e-mail to signupAtCoolClevelandDotCom

Re-launch your marketing Revise your business plan with a fresh approach: CoolCleveland.com. Every week we reach tens of thousands of subscribers who support what we do by visiting the links to our sponsors. Check the Top 5 and you’ll see a sponsor or two almost every week or so. Find out more by dropping us a note to infoAtCoolClevelandDotCom and let us hear from you.

Hard Corps burn it up with their dedication to CC. They’re out and about 24/7 catching the good stuff in Cleveland for our readers every week. Props to Daiv Whaley, Lyz Bly, Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Lee Chilcote, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth and all our contributors who help make Cool Cleveland absolutely killer without the filler. 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-zine, go to http://www.coolcleveland.com

What would make you
turn off the TV?

–Thomas Mulready
lettersAtCoolClevelandDotCom (:divend:)