Movies & Shakers

In this week’s issue:
* Access:Cleveland Short interviews with drummer Hal Blaine and CIFF’s Patrick Shepherd
* Cool Cleveland Party @ Shaker Square on 3/30 Get discount before Midnight Thu 3/23 here
* Cool Cleveland Sounds People That I’m Wrong For by Warren Zanes
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

With all the benefits we enjoy in Cleveland: quality culture, security, a growing tech sector, a lake, a river, a central location… possibly the greatest advantage we have is our accessibility to some of the finest things in life. Housing, entertainment, fine dining, transportation, education, are all at our fingertips, at a reasonable price, and without long lines or delays. This is why secretly we know we’ve got it made, even though we’re cynical on the outside.

Dozens of awesome artists, business leaders, community activists and everyday people make extraordinary things happen in our town. Cool Cleveland aims to bring you this awesomeness in a relentless fashion. Just scroll down for our picks this week. Still, we long for the inside view, the backstage pass, the VIP treatment. Check out our new series Access:Cleveland that peels back the covers and gets inside the most intriguing and compelling people and events shaking things up.

This week, we bring you exclusive video clips from conversations with legendary Rock Hall drummer Hal Blaine, who played on many of your favorite songs, and Patrick Shepherd of the Cleveland International Film Festival, who offers tips and tricks to keep you golden. Don’t forget to register now for the 3/30 party on Shaker Square here, complete with movie and popcorn. You might just find yourself backstage at another legendary Cleveland happening. –Thomas Mulready

Cool Cleveland Party
Movies and Shakers: 3/30
Get discount tix here before Midnight Thu 3/23

It’s Hip at the Square with popcorn and a comp flick, suds and vino with a sampling of appetizers from Shaker Square eateries all for one low price (which goes up after Thu 3/23 at midnight). It all starts at 5:30 on Thurs 3/30 in the old Joseph-Beth bookstore in the NE quadrant of the Square, located to the right of Dewey’s Fair Trade Coffee. Suds in several flavors are provided by Thirsty Dog. Try Old Leghumper and see if Fido will still respect you in the morning. Nosh on munchies from the Square’s finest including: tacos and burritos from Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant, Sushi from Sushi on the Square, Chicken fingers, fresh fruit and cheese from Yours Truly Restaurant, Veggie and Pepperoni Pizza from Captain Tony’s, Mini Ice Cream Cones from East Coast Original Custard, assorted take-you-over-the-edge Brownies that include Speedball Mocha, Triple Choc, Cayenne Pepper-Pecan, and Buster Peanut Butter from Dewey’s Fair Trade Coffee, and more goodies from Dave’s Supermarket. Then take your pick of a complimentary film and popcorn at Shaker Square Cinemas‘ six-screen multiplex featuring major first-run motion action/adventure including: The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, 7:40PM; “V” for Vendetta – 7:35PM; Madea’s Family Reunion – 7:45PM; Match Point – 7:30PM; Inside Man – 7:50PM; CSA: Confederate States of America – 7:55PM. Get the total experience by checking out the shops and restaurants on the Square before and afterwards. No-charge parking is available in the NE quadrant behind Dewey’s – take the corridor through to the Square and get ready to show us how square you really are! Get your discount tix here. Get map here. See pics from the previous party here.

Get your discount tix before Midnight Thu 3/23: http://www.coolcleveland.net/tickets/033006

Access:Cleveland
Rock & Roll / Film Fest
Movies Behind the Scenes

Drummer Hal Blaine After cutting 39 Number 1 hits, drummer Hal Blaine, who worked with everyone from Elvis Presley to Brian Wilson, became the first sideman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As a member of The Wrecking Crew, so-called because they “wrecked” the business for the “blue blazer” bedecked studio musicians who came before them, Hal Blaine invented the architecture for the emerging rhythms of rock and roll as the backing band for Phil Spector and other seminal 60’s and 70’s tracks. Among the thousands of sessions he played on include these #1 smash hits: Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel, Mr. Tambourine Man by the Byrds, Strangers In The Night by Frank Sinatra, Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys, Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In by the 5th Dimension, A Taste of Honey by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, He’s A Rebel by The Crystals. As Hal Blaine arrives in Cleveland to speak at the Rock Hall, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready asks about his incredible career, his 12 drum sets, his musical technique, and how he worked with Barbara Streisand. View the video interview with Hal Blaine here.

MOVIE Drummer Hal Blaine (PC) (Mac)

Cleveland International Film Fest It’s hard to believe that Cleveland’s beloved Film Festival is now 30 years old. Going strong, settled in Downtown at Tower City Cinemas, this year’s installment features Midnight Movies, early morning flicks, valet parking, Local Heroes, and a record breaking opening weekend. To make the most of the final days of the Film Fest, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready speaks with Festival Development Director (and cinema crossing guard) Patrick Shepherd. He offers inside tips on how to avoid long lines, parking snafus and the dreaded sell-out.

MOVIE Cleveland International Film Festival (PC) (Mac)

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Blocks Away from Shaker Square and University Circle Wake up everyday to a spectacular view of the Cleveland skyline at St. Luke’s Pointe, a new community of 80+ homes near Larchmere, Shaker Square and University Circle. Amenities include 2-4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, distinctive architecture, front porches, skyline views and a 2-car garage. 15 year tax abatement, 1.5% below market financing, $10,000 second mortgage, and $2,500 credit towards upgrades or closing costs are also available. This will be the site of CitiRama 2006 – between May and September, 12 new homes will be built here, with more to follow. Take advantage of Phase I pricing starting at $154,900! Visit our open house this Sun 3/26 from 2-4PM at 11507 MLK (at E. 115th). For a complete list of properties and open houses, visit www.progressiveurban.com.
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Hundert resigns Under intense pressure from alumni, faculty and others, Case Western Reserve University president Dr. Ed Hundert resigned unexpectedly last week, effective 9/1. His resignation letter here states “It is clear that fully achieving the vision for our university cannot happen as quickly as I would have liked,” and notes “It is clear that the future of Case Western Reserve University and Greater Cleveland are inextricably linked.” View the Cool Cleveland Interview with Dr. Ed Hundert here. Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Arts funding OK’d The budget bill has made it out of committee, and if passed, would allow officials in Cuyahoga County to use a $.30 per pack cigarette tax to support arts and cultural activities in the county. See story here.

To abate or not to abate If Cleveland City Council doesn’t act, residential tax abatement will expire in 2007. So they, along with Mayor Frank Jackson are “revisiting” the issue, considering reducing this valuable incentive to move into the city of Cleveland, which currently abates 100% of all city tax for 15 years. See story here. Your comments? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Kids One of the coolest things about the Cleveland area is that it’s family-friendly. If you have any doubt, 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready will prove you wrong with his weekly picks. Hear his short podcast here even if you don’t have special software. If you’re a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids03.24.06.mp3. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

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Brash. Fresh. Fun-loving. Saffire — The Uppity Blues Women will wow Clevelanders in a performance full of sass, soul and humor, on Sat 3/25 at 8PM at the Tri-C Eastern Campus in Highland Hills. One of the hottest groups on the blues scene today, Saffire is as sassy as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace or Memphis Minnie, the original blues divas of the 1920s and 1930s. This acoustic trio brings a fresh new perspective to old blues with saucy additions of their own. Downbeat Magazine says “Their blues have the wit and irony of the blues divas of yesteryear, with an updated twist.” For tickets call 800.766.6048 or go online to www.tricpresents.com or www.tickets.com. Presented by Cuyahoga Community College Performing Arts.
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The Battle of Standing Rock will be a battle of bands from every genre of music. The preliminary rounds kick off on Tue 5/2 with the final round on Fri 5/26. The event, sponsored by CDCentric.com, offers prizes ranging from a 1000 CD Package to 10 hours of recording time at Moondog Studios and a CD release party at Club Khameleon. There is no sign-up fee, and no demo is required. Minimum age for band members is 14. So, crank up the guitar, drums, tuba, accordion, or whatever instrument suits your particular brand of mad genius, and register at http://www.BattleOfStandingRock.com.

Orchestra broadcasting nationally After 5 years of leaving national audiences CO-starved, the Cleveland Orchestra will be heard on the national airwaves once again, beginning on Mon 3/27. The newly syndicated series includes 20 broadcasts of Cleveland Orchestra performances conducted by Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, with additional broadcasts of performances led by guest conductors including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Pierre Boulez, and Lorin Maazel and historically significant performances. Read more at www.wclv.com. View the full schedule here. Your comments on how the Orchestra elevates Cleveland’s reputation nationwide? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland03.24.06.mp3. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

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LOCKWOOD! Fat Fish Blue is throwing Robert Lockwood, Jr.’s 91st BIRTHDAY BASH Sat 3/25. Lockwood is one of the last surviving 20th century bluesmen and his mojo is still working. Taught to play by his stepfather Robert Johnson (yes that Robert Johnson) Lockwood is a multiple Grammy nominee and WC Handy Award winner. Stop in and pay your respects to the Steady Rollin’ Man. Buy him a Hennessey. Swamp Boogie Band opens before Lockwood takes the stage. 8PM, $10 at the door. Contact www.FatFishBlue.com or 216.875.6000 for info.
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Blogging in Cleveland While Cool Cleveland tries to keep you plugged into some of the threads explored weekly in Cleveland-area blogs, this in-depth view of Cleveland’s blog community does a fine job of highlighting the interactivity, speed, and immediacy of this essential new medium, even admitting that generalizations about blogs are pointless. Northeast Ohio bloggers continue to make their presence felt in the political arena by taking on battles apparently too insignificant for the mainstream media in this town. Freelance writer and blogger, Jill Miller Zimon has been keeping tabs on the situation surrounding Eric Fingerhut’s withdrawal from the race for Ohio governor in her blog, Writes Like She Talks. The Meet the Bloggers group continues its crusade to give the little guy an opportunity to ask political candidates the hard questions, and get real answers. Read the story in Cleveland Jewish News here. Comments? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Emissions from the blogsphere Bridget donates art to help the Geauga Humane Society. Mindy blogs about the first rehearsal of NWT’s latest production. Hannah shares her St. Patrick’s Day experience. Sara is chronicling her travels thru China. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian wonders aloud about the day’s “non-news,” welcomes the coming of the power trio the Vex Pistols and asks Chicken Little to loan his “The sky is FALLING!” sign to city smokers. When you’re done, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland This Week
3.22-3.29

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Independent America Join FutureHeights on Wed 3/22 as the desperate battle for retail independence comes alive in the compelling documentary Independent America: The Two Lane Search for Mom and Pop. First, follow the 13,000 mile journey of two intrepid travelers through 32 states at the abbreviated viewing at 5:30PM, and then discuss its stunning impact at the reception to follow. Visit http://www.FutureHeights.org, or call 320-1423 for reservations or more information. Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

HOT PICK Cool Technology to Heat Up Your Marketing Efforts Join Cool Cleveland creator, Thomas Mulready, for breakfast on Thu 3/23 from 7:30AM to 12PM, as he shares his formula for the success of both Cool Cleveland and the Ingenuity Arts and Technology Festival. Learn how to integrate the latest technologies, including blogging, podcasting and streaming video, into your current marketing campaign, to rev up your results. Register for the event at www.smpsneo.org. Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel, 3180 West Market Street, Fairlawn.

Liberty or Death Speech Comes to Life Patrick Henry Jolly, a 5th great grandson of American Patriot Patrick Henry, and a native of Geauga County, will give a stirring performance as Patrick Henry on Thu 3/23 at 7PM. This commemorative event promises to entertain, educate and even motivate audience members. Call 440-352-3383 for info. Morley Library, 184 Phelps Street, Painesville.

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Is It Just My Imagination? Or are the Temptations performing their all out groove thing in downtown Cleveland’s House of Blues for one very special night, Sun 4/23? Help the CSU Alumni Association raise money (for current and future student scholarships) while groovin’ to the chart-topping hits that include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” This CSU Alumni Association Second Annual Star-Studded-Extravaganza is open to the public and also features Kristine Jackson’s Basically Blue and WMJI’s Jimmy Malone. For ticket information visit www.CSUohio.edu/alumni. Tickets are limited! Act before they sell-out! The 2006 Star-Studded Extravaganza is supported by Parker-Hannifin, Medical Mutual of Ohio, The Plain Dealer, GEICO and McDonald’s Restaurants.
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HOT PICK GroundWorks Theatre Dance enthusiasts will be treated to a spectacular evening of creativity with the premiere of works by two masters, KT Niehoff and David Shimotakara, on Thu 3/23 at 7:30PM; Fri 3/24 & Sat 3/25 at 8PM and Sun 3/26 at 3PM. Niehoff’s latest creation, Tipping Point, explores the relationship between intense isolation and group mind. The piece incorporates a darkly spacious and deliciously dense original score by Sarah Murat. Call 631-2727 or visit www.cptonline.org for tickets. Cleveland Public Theatre, Gordon Square, 6415 Detroit Avenue.

Cleveland’s Jewish Past: Woodland Join noted urban historian, John J. Grabowski, as he hosts a lively talk and slide presentation, on Thu 3/23 at 8PM, focusing on Jewish immigrant life in early Cleveland, particularly in the Woodland neighborhood. Call 593-0575 or visit http://www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org. Maltz Jewish Museum, 2929 Richmond Road.

Swim for Diabetes Swim laps, water walk, bob, or just stay dry at 65 indoor pools throughout Northeast Ohio on Fri 3/24, Sat 3/25 and Sun 3/26, to raise funds for the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland while having fun and earning great prizes. Participants raising more than $100 will receive a complimentary ticket to The Jake for the Sat 4/29 game against the Texas Rangers. Raise $200+ and you can parade the field before the game, too. Call 591-0800 with questions or visit http://www.SwimForDiabetes.com for more information. Not exciting enough for you? Then try http://www.ScubaForDiabetes.com.

Make Change in Ohio’s Land Policy Preview Go Ohio’s policy agenda for candidates and help set the priorities for changing Ohio’s land use policy by sharing your best ideas on Fri 3/24 from 9-11:30AM. The event is open to the public without charge, but registration is requested. Click here to register. Call 961-5020, x207 for more info. CanalWay Center, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Heights.

HOT PICK Welcome to My World Recent Paintings by David Szekeres allows viewers to venture into images the artist has recorded, either mentally, or through his camera lens, on Fri 3/24 from 6-10PM. These images reflect the intriguing way in which man and the environment interact to create beautiful and sometimes surreal scenes. His recognition of these occurrences and his choice of images invite the audience to capture a glimpse of David’s imaginative world. Call 554-5548 or visit http://www.ParadiseGallery.net. Paradise Gallery, 2199 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Slam U! Finals Find out who will comprise the Cleveland National Youth Poetry Slam Team that will travel to Brave New Voices, the 9th Annual National Youth Poetry Slam Festival, in New York City in April. Four finalists and one alternate will be chosen during the Slam U! Finals on Fri 3/24 at 7PM. There will be pizza at 6:30PM. Call 348-7909 to reserve your seat at the event. Idea Center, Playhouse Square, 1375 Euclid Avenue.

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Alvin and Artie Up to Half Off! Check out the Alvin Ailey (American Dance Theater) and Artie Shaw (Orchestra) at mega discounts with some of the best shows in town at www.CTix.org. There’s absolutely no cost for you to sign up, and you’ll be the first (every week!) to get the news about what’s discounted, how much and where it’s playing. See the coolest performances at Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Cleveland Opera, Cleveland Play House, Beck Center, Cleveland Public Theater and more. A service of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland. For more information about attractions and events in northeast Ohio visit www.TravelCleveland.com.
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CC KIDS Cycling Legend Bob Roll Meet the Cycling Hall of Famer and colorful commentator for Outdoor Life Network’s Tour de France coverage on Fri 3/24 at 7PM. Have some refreshments, enter to win prizes from Century Cycles and Kryptonite Locks, get an autograph from Bob Roll and ask him about the upcoming Tour de France and what it was like riding with Lance Armstrong. Call 440-356-5705 for info. Century Cycles, 19955 Detroit Road, Rocky River. http://www.CenturyCycles.com.

Speaking Volumes is a mixed media exhibit by artist, Lauren Herzak-Bauman. The artist uses found books and other objects and incorporates them into her use of clay to communicate powerful messages, and memories from her own life which will resonate with viewers. Attend the opening reception on Fri 3/24 from 7-10PM. The exhibit runs through Sun 4/16, Tuesday through Saturday, 12-4PM. 13hundred Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street. http://www.13hundred.com.

Smile on the rocks The illustrations, paintings and mixed media of Keith Warren Greiman & Keith Andrew Shore will be featured during this exhibit. The opening reception kicks off on Fri 3/24 from 7-10PM and the show runs through Sat 4/15. The artists share the same first name and home town (Philly) and share a similar aesthetic. Yet each artist infuses their work with a distinct style and sensibility. Greiman’s work is often vibrantly colorful, depicting a fairy tale world where humans and animals commingle. Shore’s work is full of rich and intense line work, focusing more on the drawing of characters and portraiture. Smile on the rocks is a collection of their most recent individual and collaborative works. Assemble Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street. http://www.AssembleGallery.com.

Coming Into My Years is a two-day mini-festival paying tribute to elder women in folk and roots music, on Fri 3/24 starting at 8PM and Sat 3/25 beginning at 1PM. Folk music legends, Peggy Seeger and Kristin Lems, will perform in concert. Call 321-9983 or visit http://www.DetroitAvenueArts.org to view the schedule and purchase tickets. Detroit Avenue Arts Parish Hall, 6205 Detroit Avenue.

HOT PICK Verb Ballet honors Heinz Poll during a two-day tribute, Fri 3/24 & Sat 3/25 at 8PM, which will feature two completely different programs. Friday’s program features Esplanade; the world-premiere of Six Easy Pieces for Piano by Artistic Director, Hernando Cortez, in collaboration with Red {an orchestra} and its Artistic Director Jonathan Sheffer, who composed the piano pieces, and Heinz Poll’s Wings and Aires. Saturday’s program features Chichester Psalms, Poll’s Elegiac Songs and Forever Fling. Call 241-6000 or click here for Friday tickets or here for Saturday tickets. Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Avenue. www.VerbBallets.org.

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Located Close to Countless Cleveland Landmarks in the heart of Cleveland’s cultural and medical hub, Woodhaven is close to Severance Hall, University Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic, Little Italy and Case Western Reserve University. Woodhaven’s 3-story townhomes range from $212,850 – $227,850 at 1901 – 2088 square feet. These 2-3 bedroom, 2½-bath homes have master suites, 2 car garages, second floor laundry rooms, separate living and family rooms, eat-in kitchens and formal dining rooms. They have low homeowner’s fees and feature private courtyards. Woodhaven’s three-story Classic Coach Homes, starting at $241,100, are currently available with 1930+ square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a full basement and optional bonus room over the garage. Enjoy a 100% 15-year tax abatement and discounted interest rates 1.5% below market. Contact (216) 231-5353 or www.WoodhavenCleveland.net.
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The Cabaret Sampler will feature some of the best performers Cleveland has to offer! June Lange from Menopause the Musical, Eileen Burns from Pickwick & Frolic’s Midnight Martini Show and Geoffrey Short from the a cappella vocal group Partners in Rhyme are just a few of the performers that will take to the stage each evening to perform their 15-minute sets, accompanied by a combo band under the musical direction of Charles Eversole. The Sampler begins on Fri 3/24 at 8:30PM and runs through Sat 4/15. Visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com for ticket info. Playhouse Square, Kennedy’s Cabaret, 1501 Euclid Avenue.

Spring Gardening Getaway in Geneva Treat yourself to a long-deserved weekend away while you cultivate that green thumb with a reservation to the Spring Gardening Getaway at the Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park Sat 3/25 & Sun 3/26. The getaway weekend includes eight gardening workshops, Saturday night stay, lunch, a gala dinner and Sunday breakfast for two. You can even get the weekend started a little earlier by checking in on Friday. Call 800-801-9982 or visit http://www.TheLodgeAtGeneva.com. Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park, 4888 North Broadway (State Highway 534), Geneva-on-the-Lake.

NTA Nsroma Awards The Cleveland Chapter of the National Technical Association, a professional non-profit technical society for minority scientists, engineers, and technologists, will be acknowledging the efforts of men and women of color who have made outstanding contributions to the community through their achievements in the areas of science and technology during the Nsoroma Awards Program on Sat 3/25 at 12PM. Call 433-8288 or email cleveland@ntaonline.org for ticket information. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street.

CMA at CIFF The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will sponsor a hand-picked “Museum mini-series” of six films at this year’s Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF). The six films, which reflect the incredible diversity of this international event, will show on Sat 3/25 in six different time slots, beginning at 12 PM and lasting beyond midnight. Visit http://www.ClevelandFilm.org to purchase your tix. Tower City Cinemas. www.ClevelandCinemas.com.

The Corner Shop Don’t miss the screening of the local documentary on Sat 3/25 at 12PM, which examines the mysterious culture of the neighborhood beauty or barbershop. What is it about these establishments that allow people to let down their inhibitions and share intimate details about themselves that they wouldn’t reveal elsewhere? Lauren Steiner’s documentary, part of the Cleveland International Film Festival, reveals the cathartic and intimate nature of The Corner Shop. Tower City Cinemas. www.ClevelandCinemas.com.

Meet the Artists Nite Peruse original works by more than forty artists on Sat 3/25 from 4-8PM. The artists will be on hand so you can meet them and chat about the motivation behind their stunning work before purchasing your favorite pieces. If that isn’t artsy enough, you can watch demonstrations of watercolor techniques, weaving and spinning, too. Call 330-657-2248 for info. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 West Mill Street, Peninsula. http://www.ExplorePeninsula.com.

Remember? The Local Girl Gallery presents an exhibition of figurative works in oil by John Carlson. The artist uses a limited palate of subdued yellows, grays and blacks and a pop of red for impact “to engage the viewer through a sense of longing for the past, but at the same time, question the reliability and function of our memories.” Meet the artist during the opening reception on Sat 3/25 from 6-10PM. Call 228-1802 for info, gallery hours. The Local Girl Gallery, 16106 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. http://www.LocalGirlGallery.com.

Ryan Lott of 2% Milk will lead a live improvisational music jam, and DJ Doc will be your MC during a multi-media party to celebrate creative expression, coffee, and cool people as the new Express-O Café season kicks off on Sat 3/25 from 7-10PM (doors open at 6:30PM). Studio You, 2180 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. http://express-ocafe.net.

Saffire These Uppity Blues Women, as sassy as Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, the original blues divas who serve as their inspiration, are one of the hottest groups on the blues scene. They will bring their fresh prospective and saucy additions to old blues themes on Sat 3/25 at 8PM. Call 987-4400 for tickets, visit http://www.TriCPresents.com for details. Tri-C Eastern Campus Performing Arts Center, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills.

HOT PICK Robert Lockwood, Jr. Birthday Celebration Take notes, Cleveland. Robert Lockwood, Jr. will show you how to really celebrate a birthday…especially your 91st. Jam to the sounds of Lockwood and his All Star Band while enjoying a savory array of Fat Fish Blue’s Southern and Cajun delights and tempting drinks on Sat 3/25 at 10PM. www.FatFishBlue.com/Cleve.

Views from the Street Peruse original watercolors painted en plein air by artist, Alix Hallman Travis of Bragg Hollow Studio and exciting jewelry pieces crafted by artisan, Deborah Woolfork. Entertainment, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be offered during the Sat 3/25 event from 6-10PM. Finestra Gallery, 4076 Erie Street, Willoughby. www.FinestraGallery.com.

Embracing the Hope and Understanding Innovation and expansion of cultural tolerance top the agenda for this second workshop in the OCAGC’s Discrimination and Hate Crime Prevention Workshop Series. Local issues in Greater Cleveland are on the agenda Sun 3/26 starting at 1PM with luncheon refreshments. RSVP via email at president@ocagc.org or call 373-3278. Asia Plaza 2nd Floor Conference Room, 2999 Payne Avenue. http://www.ocagc.org.

CC KIDS Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Join Music Director Franz Welser-Möst for a lyrical journey through music from three centuries. The Sun 3/26 program opens at 3PM with the world premiere of Poème, an exciting, new, commissioned work by Georg Friederich Haas. The second half will feature Tchaikovsky’s spirited Fifth Symphony. Call 231-1111 or visit www.ClevelandOrchestra.com for tickets. Severance Hall.

Get Creative with Lang Lang The internationally renowned, 23-year-old classical pianist will kick off his 2006 North American Piano Recital Tour with a performance at the Cleveland Advertising Association’s Get Creative gala on Mon 3/27 at 8PM. The benefit will raise funds for scholarships for Cleveland Municipal School District high school students who choose to pursue an advertising, communications, marketing or PR-related degree. Call 231-1111 for your tickets or visit www.SeveranceHall.com. Severance Hall. http://www.LangLang.com.

The New Black Woman Authors, and Hip-Hop experts, Bakari Kitwana and Yvonne Bynoe will discuss Hip-Hop, Politics, and the Black Woman during the American Civil Liberties Union event on Tue 3/28 at 6PM. Young black women across the country are organizing in conferences, on college campuses, and on the web to influence change in hip-hop and politics. The authors will discuss the role of black women in civil liberties, civic engagement, and hip-hop. The event is without cost and is open to the public, but reservations are recommended. Call 472-2220 or email contact@acluohio.org. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue.

CC KIDS Outdoor Skills A to Z Learn important outdoor skills during this ongoing series of workshops for participants age 11 and up (those under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult). Learn the art of knot tying on Tue 3/28 from 7-9PM. Workshop fee is $18. Call 341-1704 to register. Garfield Park Nature Center, 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights.

Remembering Edris Eckhardt Ruth Dancyger, author of the 1990 publication Edris Eckhardt: Cleveland Sculptor; Joe Kisvardai, co-curator of the exhibit and longtime friend of the artist; Frederick Tyler, Eckhardt’s personal attorney and longtime friend; and Mary Wawyrtko, artist and former student of Eckardt, will share personal reminiscences of the artist on Wed 3/29 at 7PM. The event, moderated by William Busta, is open to the public. Call 227-9507. Cleveland Artists Foundation, (inside Beck Center for the Arts), 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. http://www.ClevelandArtists.org.

Either/Orchestra The Grammy-nominated avant-garde jazz orchestra will conclude a five-day residency at Cleveland State University with an exhilarating concert of their 20th anniversary tour repertoire on Wed 3/29, beginning with a 7:15PM pre-concert discussion, followed by a 8PM performance. Drinko Recital Hall, Music and Communication Building, CSU Campus. www.csuohio.edu.

Black Bass Angler Event Lake Erie Smallmouth expert, Steve Clapper will be joined by FLW/BFL competitor, Jim Vitaro and other fishing experts to share the secrets of pro fisherman, and the skinny on the quality of Lake Erie’s waters, and the fish we eat. Call 246-2927 for tickets and info on the Sat 4/1 event which runs from 8:30AM – 3PM. Today, Wed 3/22 is the deadline for workshop registration. Email ncbbaawildbill@yahoo.com. NEORSD Environmental Main Service Facility, 4747 East 49th Street, Cuyahoga Heights. here.

WCLVnotes Next Monday evening, 3/27, the piano superstar Lang Lang plays at Severance Hall. As a preview, tomorrow, Thur 3/23 at 9PM, WCLV 104.9 will present a two-hour special featuring Lang Lang in a musical conversation. Fri 3/24 at 8PM, WCLV will present a live broadcast by the Baldwin-Wallace Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Saturday night’s 3/25 Cleveland Orchestra concert is also live. Franz conducts Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto with principal trumpet Michel Sachs as soloist, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Remember, WCLV probably presents more live music than any other radio station in the country. You can find out all about it in the WCLV Program Guide at www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a CoolCleveland partner.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Sounds
People That I’m Wrong For
Warren Zanes
Dualtone

Floored. That feeling came over me upon hearing the first few tracks of People That I’m Wrong For, a new offering from singer-songwriter Warren Zanes. Some of you know Zanes as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Vice President of Education, but if you’ve never heard him perform solo (or in the quote-unquote “obscure” band the Del Fuegos, which he steered with his brother Dan) you just don’t know what you’re missing.

Zanes’ new album is an expertly crafted pop-rock affair, one laced with roots-rock inflections, flashes of whip-smart melodicism and hints at everything from Wings-era McCartney and English Settlement Partridge (XTC) to Beck. What’s more, his wisdom has clearly powered a number of adult-alternative format darlings (Pete Yorn and David Mead come to mind immediately). You’ll hear where those folks and a lot of others found their sound, once the jangly strains of “Jr’s Bag of Tricks” spill from your speakers.

While “Tricks” could have easily been a McCartney b-side, Zanes concentrates on delectable grooves and broad brushstrokes. His idiosyncratic (nay, sandpaper) voice powers a number of lush pop ditties, including “Everyone Here is Made of Thunder,” “Things Nobody’s Named Yet,” and a steamy, dreamy and sparse ballad called (aptly) “Mating Calls.” All are tasty and addictive highlights, paving the way for the surefire up-tempo single, “Ella’s Arms.”

Once he’s pulled you in with that latter song’s main hook, you get the feeling there’s nowhere else in the world he’d rather be. And you’re right there with him.

People’s 11 tracks are picture-perfect and a fine pick-me-up, much like the espresso Zanes appears to be consuming on the cover. Though occasionally shrouded in lo-fi conventions, he simply never fails to delight. While it’s clear that Zanes is a craftsman, the fact remains he already has a full plate… all of which makes this reviewer wonder if we’ll ever get to hear the whole of People That I’m Wrong For in a live setting.

Maybe at this year’s CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest? Well, we can only hope.

Warren Zanes and his brother Dan discuss “family music” (guitars included, I’m told) at Case Western Reserve University’s Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities. April 3rd at 4:30 pm, Clark Hall 309, 11130 Bellflower Road. For more information, log on to http://www.warren-zanes.com/ or http://www.case.edu/artsci/bakernord/humweek/ataglance.html

From Cool Cleveland Contributor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

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

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

Contemporary Youth Orchestra @ Waetjen Auditorium 3/18 Suppose you heard about an orchestra concert that would feature composers such as Gershwin and Chopin. That’s fairly standard. But then, add in Brubeck and Bowie. Um…Bowie? Orchestra? Yes, indeedy! And don’t forget Garson.

Thanks to the extraordinary genius and incredibly nimble fingers of super-pianist Mike Garson, all these composers and a few more were featured in a concert presented by the Contemporary Youth Orchestra last Saturday night at Waetjen Auditorium on the CSU campus. Founding music director Liza Grossman kept everything together and moving smoothly—very smoothly—through this orchestral guided tour of blues and jazz and improv. Not your ordinary orchestral concert, to be sure, but without question—the most fun one of this season…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

The Full Monty @ Beck 3/17
What: The laugh-out-loud musical by David Yazbek & Terrence McNally about out-of-work steelworkers who decide to become male strippers to make money.
Reasons to go: This comic anthem to blue collar pride and male vulnerability is a “don’t miss”, thanks to the clever adaptation and Scott Spence’s sympathetic cast of ordinary joes and janes. It’s better than the movie because the live bodies make the stakes so high. Yazbek’s jazz-pop score has some home-run hits — especially “You Rule My World” (chubby Kris Hebble’s love song to his beer belly) and the male friendship parody “Big Ass Rock”. The story is utterly endearing, and the whole cast is a delight. Special kudos to Lenny Snively as the gravel-voiced pianist and buff Rob Mayes for his killer Chippendale imitation. If you haven’t seen a musical yet at the Beck Center, you need to get your butt in gear for this one.
Caveats: The script is full of cheerful expletives, but they’re spot-on for these dudes. On opening night the sound system was buggy, and Keith Faris’s Jerry had a little trouble with his top notes. But even the flubs don’t detract from this paean to making it through tough times.
Backstory: The adaptation moves the action from the film’s British locale to rustbelt Buffalo. Laid-off union guys trying to cope in a Walmart world? It’s a perfect stand-in for Cleveland and its economic challenges.
Target audience: Want an evening guaranteed to put a smile on your face? This one’s for you.
Details: Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. 216-521-2540. Thru 4/9. http://www.beckcenter.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Center 3/16 Imagine being just nineteen, and finishing your 485th work of art. Granted, some of them would probably be minor in nature, but still! Franz Schubert’s Fifth Symphony holds that spot in the canon of his work. Mind-boggling. It’s a charming, amiable work, and even if he did occasionally echo themes of previous composers—Haydn and Mozart among them—he made them uniquely his own by the way he incorporated them into his work. Even more difficult to comprehend is the lack of sturm und drang in his vast output, when one considers the difficulties he encountered in his daily life.

Music Director Franz Welser-Möst returned to the podium last week, and brought with him a brisk and lively program well suited to spring. Opening the program was the above mentioned Symphony of Schubert, which was given a reading that ranged from robust and exuberant in the opening movement Allegro to lively and crisp in the final Allegro vivace. The menuetto of the third movement was light and delicate, emphasizing the general amiability of the piece…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.

On Case’s problems (See Cool Cleveland Interview with Ed Hundert here) HUBRIS. Twice I have applied for employment positions at Case for which I was more than qualified. Both times the positions were referred to me by Board Members. Both times I was not even granted an in-person interview. The hiring manager on one of the positions told me they could not even consider anyone that did not have a background from “elite” Northeastern Schools. I graduated top of my class at Kent State on an Ohio Regents Scholarship. I now get to enjoy the irony of the mess at Case, but I don’t since it is another Cleveland Institution that is in deep trouble with major consequences for the area. It amazes me how Cleveland always looks outside for managers and solutions rather than having faith in its own people and thinking. I am also amazed at how these folks come into town with all of the answers, wreck what is working and people’s lives and depart town with large bags of cash. Anyone remember the McKinsey Consultant Crowd? Strange how so many of them became personally wealthy in the process of scraping Cleveland’s industrial base. Strange how no one raised an eyebrow to the massive amounts of money drained from the Cleveland School System by the legal bills of Jones Day and Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs in the busing litigation. Same story and were seeing it again in University Circle, I guess it is the last pile of money to be plundered in this town. There also seems to be a whole lot of scratch my back and I will scratch yours going on with the people that enable this. Sad.
from Cool Cleveland reader William R. Anderson BillATegcm.com

Dr. Hundert has, unjustly, come under a lot of fire lately because the alumni of Case (or is that Western Reserve?) have spoken with their wallets to voice their displeasure over, on the most part, the name change of the university. It always amazes me how against positive change the “money” people of Cleveland can be. For example, remember when the folks from the Western Reserve Historical Society stopped giving money because they were going to put a state-of-the-art building with exhibits never before seen in this country on the waterfront? Why? Because, instead, they preferred to have their little antique cars stored in the basement of an outdated building in University Circle. And lets not even get started with how many times we have had to listen to Peter Lewis whine about the fact that he won’t give money unless things are done his way…
Read the letter from Rubén García here

On tax abatement Tax abatements have their problems, but the solution is not to end abatements but to make abatement universal for buildings, so that the property tax is based solely on land value.All real estate development creates what some economists call “neighborhood effects.” This means that if one person improves his property, the value of the neighboring properties rises as well, because the whole neighborhood becomes more attractive. If this happens on a grand enough scale, a whole district may turn around as development becomes self-sustaining.The possibility of this revitalization, however, does not mean that the government should offer subsidies to, or special treatment of, developers or large employers…
Read the letter from Bill Pierce here

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) E-letter for Kamms Corners Keeping their residents informed.
http://www.KammsCorners.com/e-newsletter.html

2) Cool Cleveland Party Photos from our last party.
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) Schreckengost Centennial Exhibition Celebrating 100 years of “America’s da Vinci”.
http://www.ViktorSchreckengost.org

4) Cool Cleveland Interview Dr. Ed Hundert, President of CASE.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Cool Cleveland Interview The video clip of Dr. Ed Hundert on the Weatherhead School of Management.
www.CoolCleveland.com

The Hard Corps are definitely Shakers and if you’re reading this, they’ll be able to take in a movie before firing up next week’s issue. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

Will you be shaking it at the movies with us?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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