Soiree

Soiree

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Party @ Shaker Square on 3/30 Get discount before Midnight Thu 3/16 here
* Cool Cleveland Interview Part 2 with Case President Dr. Ed Hundert
* A&Q w/G Cleveland Executive Fellow Eric Wobser
* Cool Cleveland Preview The Cleveland International Film Fest
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Songs for Troubled Times by John McGrail
* Cool Cleveland People The Contemporary Youth Orchestra’s Liza Grossman
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Cool Cleveland Party
Shaker Soiree 3/30
Get discount tix here before Midnight Thu 3/16

Be There or Be Uncool Square off your Thursday evening with an unlimited selection of beer and wine plus a sampling of appetizers from Shaker Square eateries. Then end the night with a comp flick at Shaker Cinemas, and we’ll even throw in the popcorn. All for the price of about 2 martinis (which goes up after Thu 3/16 at Midnight). It all starts at 5:30 on Thurs 3/30 in the NE quadrant of the Square, located next to Dewey’s Fair Trade Coffee. Unlimited beer is provided by Thirsty Dog – the mega award-winning froth you crave. Munchies will include a variety of cuisine 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. Continue your evening with a complimentary popcorn and film of your choosing at Shaker Square Cinemas‘ six-screen multiplex including CSA: Confederate States of America, V for Vendetta, and Inside Man. Movies will run 7:30; 7:40; 7:50; 8:00 and 8:10. Get the total experience by checking out the shops and restaurants on the Square. No-charge parking is available in the NE quadrant behind Dewey’s – take the corridor through to the Square and get ready to party! In case you’re not convinced yet, take a look at pics of our last party here. Get your discount tix here. Get map here.

Get your discount tix before Midnight Thu 3/16: http://www.coolcleveland.net/tickets/033006

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World Class Ballet Returns to Playhouse Square American Ballet Theatre returns to Playhouse Square Center’s State Theatre with the swashbuckling adventure “Le Corsaire (The Pirate),” Thurs 3/16 through Sun 3/19. Audiences will discover a treasure trove of virtuoso dancing in this exciting tale of love, surprise and suspense. From the Pasha’s dazzling palace to a spectacular shipwreck on a windswept desert island, this exotic fable of a dashing pirate’s love for a beautiful harem girl never fails to delight. With several of American Ballet Theatre’s Principal Dancers performing each night, “Le Corsaire” contains all the elements to make your experience unforgettable. Tickets range in price from $15-$78 each. Purchase tickets for a weekday performance and receive a special discount. Call 216.241.6000 or visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com to purchase your tickets today.
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Cool Cleveland Interview, Part 2
Dr. Edward Hundert, President, Case

As one of the key drivers of our regional economy, Case Western Reserve University’s efforts are critical to the health of Northeast Ohio. From research that it spins off to start-up companies, to the potential brain gain the region can enjoy when its students and faculty reside here, to economic development provided by construction of new campus and neighborhood communities, Case’s success in many ways determines the future of our region. With the recent vote of no-confidence by some of the faculty on March 2, and the difficulties of the University to meet fundraising goals, the leadership of Dr. Edward Hundert, Case’s President, is in question. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready sat down with Dr. Hundert on 01.26.06 just before the recent vote and addressed some of the issues in play. This second installment includes a discussion of the controversial SAGES program, efforts to rebuild the weathered reputation of the Weatherhead School, and the potential of the groundbreaking OneCleveland project. All six interview chunks are available here. Send your thoughts to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
#4: On the SAGES program (PC) (Mac)
#5: On the Weatherhead School of Management (PC) (Mac)
#6: On the OneCleveland program (PC) (Mac)

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The Future of Integration The CIA’s Integrated Media 5th Year Student Portfolio Show is Wed 3/22 from 5 – 8:30PM. Join us for an event in the Future Center, where graduating students from IME (Integrated Media Environment) with majors ranging from Graphic Design, Illustration, Medical Illustration, TIME-Digital Arts, Drawing, and Printmaking will showcase their portfolios. The Cleveland community from the fine arts, nearby cultural institutions, non-profit organizations and businesses are welcome to join us as we showcase our graduating students’ work and help our BFA candidates make the next step into employment and showing opportunities. For more information call (216) 421-7407 or visit the Cleveland Institute of Art website at www.cia.edu.
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Light one up for the arts Tacked onto a huge state budget bill for school building construction, college aid and high-tech grants, is a provision to allow voters to increase the cigarette tax by up to 30 cents per pack, with the money going to support a countywide arts and cultural district. See story here. Your thoughts on raising cigarette taxes to support the arts in Cuyahoga County? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Help Teens at YMCA Summit The YMCA of Greater Cleveland will host the Midwest Black and Hispanic Achievers 2006 Teen Leadership this weekend Fri 3/17 through Sun 3/19 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown. More than 300 young people from across the Midwest will come to Cleveland for workshops and training to enhance their leadership skills and capabilities in four concentration areas that include education, leadership development, personal development and service learning. Spend the weekend helping teens that need you most. To volunteer, contact Viola Rembert 263-6859 or vrembert@clevelandymca.org or to become a corporate sponsor go to http://www.clevelandymca.org/teensummit.

Schreckengost Centennial Exhibition Let the celebration begin. Sat 3/18 will kick off an unprecedented national exhibition of one of America’s most important, influential, and inspired designers: Ohio native Viktor Schreckengost. Over the course of the following 100 days, more than 120 different venues will showcase Schreckengost’s art and design works, culminating in various Centennial Exhibition celebrations around Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The artist’s work has touched the lives of Americans for generations. His work includes impressive works of architectural sculpture, beloved toys, lawn furniture and the first cab-over-engine truck design, just to name a few. Learn more about this tribute to the man who has been called “America’s da Vinci” at http://www.ViktorSchreckengost.org.

Working on your marketing budget? Looking for more impact that you received last year? Why not give Cool Cleveland a call, and we’ll discuss how we drive traffic and attention to your website, programs and announcements. Every week. Info@CoolCleveland.com

Local Blues Legend Birthday Celebration Help Robert Lockwood, Jr. celebrate his 91st birthday with a raucous good time including a special performance by the blues legend and scrumptious vittles on Sat 3/25 at 10PM. Lockwood and his All Star Band will perform. www.FatFishBlue.com/Cleve.

E-letter for Kamms Corners Check out the new e-letter that the folks at Kamms Corners have launched here for Cleveland’s “Suburb in the City.”

Cool Cleveland Kids Pssst… it’s not just for kids. And you don’t need an iPod to listen. Just click the link and turn up your computer’s speakers, and hear 10-year old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max turn you on to some funfamily activites this week. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fabulous family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids03.17.06.mp3. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date.

Your right to know With a firm belief that open government is good government, many newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and online sources nationally are participating in the second annual Sunshine Week, running editorials, features and public forums, and generating discussion about the bedrock American value known as freedom of press. With a national government that admits to spying on its citizens, and a state government that has reecently tightened access to public records, it is incumbent upon us to be vigilant. Fortunately, the Plain Dealer is a strong proponent and is summarizing their coverage and local public information sources here. See the national effort here: http://www.SunshineWeek.org. Comments? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Podcast Click. Listen. Do. No iPod necessary. Just ears. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland03.17.06.mp3. Subscribe by saving this link in your iTunes or other podcast program.

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Be There! Fat Fish Blue is going to be Party Central on St. Patrick’s Day, Fri 3/17! Stop in for Kegs ‘n Eggs before the parade. Or after, check out the Irish Duo of MorrisonMcCarthy singing all your favorite Irish tunes. Cajun Corned Beef, high-proof Shamrock-Shakes-with-a-Kick Beads! Beer! Boogie! And at Fat Fish Blue the party goes all night long! Starting at 9PM, Tony O’Koussa will be on stage with sax-powered soul tunes that’ll have you out of your seat and dancing a jig in no time!! Oooooowwwwwweeee! Good thing it’s the weekend! Contact www.FatFishBlue.com or 216.875.6000 for info.
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Emissions from the blogsphere Mindy posts from the Wine Bar on a Monday night in Ohio City. Walter explains blogging. Heather ponders what Cleveland could learn from Toronto. Mr. Good Day raves about the Hyacinth Lofts. Sage posts a video of his salsa recipe. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian apologizes profusely for being a “bad, bad blogger.” When you’re done, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland This Week
3.15-3.22

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

PAND Banquet An evening of conviviality, excellent food and fine music by The George Foley Trio, hosted by Performers and Artists for Nuclear Disarmament on Wed 3/15 at 6:30PM. Enjoy a full course dinner for a great price, most of which is tax-deductible. Call 401-1034 for reservations. Massimo da Milano Restaurant, 1400 West 25th Street.

HOT PICK The i’s of March Help MOCA launch the intro of its new CyberLounge and ArtCast programs with a party on Wed 3/15 from 7 – 10PM. Designed as an on-site resource for Museum visitors, the CyberLounge and ArtCast feature downloadable interviews of the eight international artists featured in the current MOCA exhibit, All Digital; links to other exhibitions, and sites of computer-generated art. Explore these new cyber resources while you enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a donations bar. An iPod will be given away during the event – just keep the volume down. Learn more at www.MocaCleveland.com.

The Definition of Insanity is running the same local advertising over and over, even though it doesn’t yield desirable results. For fast, effective relief, try advertising in Cool Cleveland. Our clients are happy and our programs offer measurable results. Info@CoolCleveland.com

HOT PICK Hal Blaine & the Wrecking Crew Amazon.com calls him the most recorded musician in history. With his beats on seminal tracks by everyone from Sinatra to The Monkees to Cher to The Byrds, to Simon & Garfunkel to The Carpenters to Neil Diamond, to Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis Presley, to Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys, to Phil Spector’s Be My Baby by the Ronettes, possible the most important drum part ever played in pop music. Blaine is joined by Denny Tedesco, the son of Tommy Tedesco, guitarist for the studio band they called The Wrecking Crew, with a rare film. At the Rock Hall on Wed 3/15 at 7PM. Please rsvp to edu@rockhall.com.

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Contemporary Panache, Spacious Living, Exceptional Prices Now Available! New Village Townhomes are in the final phase at Chapman Grove. Enjoy a roomy, open floor plan, comfortable living spaces and architectural designs that recreate the charm and elegance of old-fashioned flair. Accentuated by distinctive rooflines, turrets, detailing, and muted colors, these three story townhomes range from $139,000-$145,000 with 1479 sq feet. They feature 2-car garages, with open kitchen, living room and dining room, 2 bedrooms and 2½ bath. There is one single family home priced at $181,000 with 1905 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 2½ baths, a full, unfinished basement, and 2-car attached garage. Homeowners enjoy beautifully designed community parks, private courtyards for barbeques, parties, or just relaxing with family, friends and neighbors. Shopping, movies and restaurants are just around the corner. Contact the Sales Manager at (330) 722-8815 or www.ZarembaHomes.com.
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Shaheen Premiere Exhibit Starting with a bang, the first new exhibit of 2006 at Shaheen features the high energy, eclectic styling of Miami artist Beatriz Monteavaro with a reception on Thu 3/16. Monteavaro’s works are hyper-imaginative narrative yarn spun from discarded bits and pieces of punk and pop music, film, personal history, contemporary popular culture and art history. Phone 830-8888 or email shaheenmca@ameritech.net for details. Shaheen, 740 West Superior Avenue, Suite 101.

This One Thing I Do Red Hen Productions presents a staged reading of This One Thing I Do, which takes the audience through the struggle for women’s rights from 1901 through the end of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Caddy Stanton’s lives on Thu 3/16, Fri 3/17 and Sat 3/18 at 7:30PM. Call 556-0910 for info. Don’t miss Linda Eisenstein’s Instant Karma below. Cleveland Arts Theater, 11619-23 Euclid Avenue. http://www.FeministTheatre.org.

Comings and Goings Enjoy a collection of three works choreographed and performed by area artists Joe Booth, Lynn Deering and Chris DiCello on Thu 3/16 at 7:30PM, Fri 3/17 and Sat 3/18 at 8:00PM, and Sun 3/19 at 3PM. Excerpts of That’s That Then, a story which follows nine decades of a woman’s life; Life In The Folds featuring live and projected duets, which reflect the ever-shifting relationship between the partners, performed to the poetry of French author Henri Manchaux and Family Outing, a painfully funny and deeply moving exploration of the oddball situations that occur during a young gay man’s search for sexual identity and meaning, will be performed. Call 631 2727 for more info or visit www.cptonline.org for tickets. Cleveland Public Theatre, Levin Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue.

Blackbird Akron’s newest professional theatre, The Bang and the Clatter Theatre Company, presents a production of Adam Rapp’s Blackbird on Thu 3/16 at 8PM. Set on Christmas Eve, in New York City, the play tells a bittersweet, evocative love story surrounding a disabled Desert Storm veteran and ex-junkie, and a teen heroin addict stricken with Hepatitis. The show will run Thursday through Saturdays at 8PM, with matinee performances on selected dates, through Sat 4/15. Call 330-606-5317 for info or directions. The Summit ArtSpace, 140 East Market Street, Akron. http://www.bnctheatre.com.

HOT PICK Cleve Intl Film Festival Catch the excitement of Cleveland’s largest and longest-running film festival, kicking off its 30th anniversary with a benefit screening of buzzworthy Akeelah and the Bee, on Thu 3/16 at 7PM, and continuing through 3/26 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center. We recommend local filmmakers featured in the Local Heroes series here. Check out Peter Chakerian’s ”Cool Cleveland’ Preview below for more other “must-see” standouts. Advanced tix for all films are highly recommended, or you’ll find yourself munching popcorn in the lobby after being sold out. http://ClevelandFilm.org

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What Could be More Tempting? Experience a night with your loved one(s) and The Temptations at the House of Blues and help CSU raise money (for current and future student scholarships) on Sun 4/23 while groovin’ to the chart-topping hits that include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do” — a true part of our musical heritage. The Alumni Association’s 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. Tickets are limited! Act before they sell-out! The 2006 Star-Studded Extravaganza is supported by Parker-Hannifin, Medical Mutual of Ohio and The Plain Dealer.
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CC KIDS The School of Viktor Schreckengost Experience the influence of a legend at the AAWR exhibit launching on Fri 3/17 through Fri 4/14. Master and student artistry combine in an explosion of art as three generations of designers come together in an eclectic and unusual exhibit celebrating Viktor Schreckengost’s centennial birthday and his amazing impact as an educator. Call 721-9020 for details and viewing hours. Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, 1834 East 123rd Street.

CC KIDS St. Patrick’s Day Parade Start the day off, on Fri 3/17 with Mass at one of several Cleveland churches, then head downtown for the parade; step-off is at 1:04PM. This long-standing Cleveland tradition is a high-point in the year for both the Irish, and honorary-Irish-for-a-day. The Irish community will honor those individuals who have given of themselves, selflessly, during a banquet at 6:30PM at the Crowne Plaza City Center Hotel at 777 St. Clair Avenue. Visit http://www.ClevelandsIrishParade.org for more info.

The Hills are Alive Music of the mountains will be featured during this concert, with a focus on the music of Bavaria and Switzerland. Works by Schubert, Brahms, and Bruckner, and popular favorites such as Edelweiss and Climb Every Mountain will be featured. Laura Nelson will introduce the audience to the sounds and traditions of the Swiss alphorn, and the Tirolean slapdancers, in alpine costumes will add visual excitement to the evening on Fri 3/17 at 8PM. CSU Campus, Waetjen Auditorium, East 21st Street and Euclid Avenue.

Avant-Garde Films Looking for something new and different? Check out the Avant-Garde and Experimental Films of Eastern Europe this weekend. See The Workshop of the Film Form (1970-1977): Early Film Work from Poland on Fri 3/17. Go back for The Films of Polish Women Artists in the 1970s and 1980s on Sat 3/25. Doors open at 8:30PM and the films begin at 9PM. Call 939-9099. The Miller Weitzel Gallery, 5304 Detroit Avenue. http://www.MillerWeitzelGallery.com.

HOT PICK Brazilian Carnaval 2006 – A Rainbow of Cultures Experience an exciting evening of: Live music by Chicago Samba, an authentic Brazilian band performing a blend of popular Brazilian styles including Samba, Olodum, Forro, Chorinho, Pagode & Batucada; Batucada Drummers, typical of those used in parading samba schools in Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval; Samba dance performances and lessons; and various performance artists, interspersed throughout the space during the evening. Come dressed in your best costume on Fri 3/17 from 9:30PM – 2:30AM – there will be several costume contest categories. Call 280-0407. Club Moda, 1871 West 25th Street. www.TropicalCleveland.com.

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C theater, C dance, C concerts with Ctix C-Tix was created for you – Clevelanders who want mega discounts (up to half off!) to some of the best shows in town. There’s absolutely no cost for you to sign up, just go to www.CTix.org and 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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Global Climate Change Symposium What’s up with the weather? This and other vital discussions will headline the multi-venue event. The public workshop will be held on Sat 3/18 from 9AM – 5PM, with behind the scenes tours, dynamic displays and impressive film footage that will provide food for thought and expand your mind on global climate considerations. Register at www.cmnh.org Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Murch Auditorium, 1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle.

CC KIDS Voyages to Mars Grab your favorite space cadet and venture into the depths of space on Sat 3/18 from 10AM to 3PM. Hear exciting lectures by real NASA scientists chronicling the latest discoveries on our neighbor planet and the methods used, including details on the robot explorer. Kids can make crafts to take home, and visit the “Picture Yourself in Space” booth to create treasures for a lifetime. Call 433-9653 or visit www.nasa.gov for further information. NASA Glenn Visitor Center, 21000 Brookpark Road.

CC KIDS Hands-On Activities in Akron Ready, set…create during hands-on workshops offered by the Akron Art Museum on Saturdays from 1 – 3PM, during March and April. Sat 3/18 – learn about shadow puppetry and create your own puppet stage; Sat 3/25 – Mobiles: A Balancing Act – create circus themed mobiles; Sat 4/1 – Adventures in Action Painting – Kids can splash and splatter paint without peeving their parents. Call 330-376-9186 x230 or email acaplan@akronartmuseum.org to reserve your complimentary workshop spot. Visit www.AkronArtMuseum.org for a complete schedule. Summit Artspace, 140 East Market Street, Akron.

Viktor Schreckengost Exhibit This exhibit, part of the Viktor Schreckengost National Centennial Exhibition, opening on Sat 3/18 from 4-8PM is one of over 120 taking place this year to commemorate the 100th birthday of this world renowned artist and designer. Art on Wheels will offer hands-on art activities for participants based on selected Schreckengost pieces from the exhibit, beginning Sat 3/25 from 1 – 4PM. Art on Wheels, 1148 Main Avenue, Suite 500, West Bank of the Flats. www.aowinc.com.

CC KIDS African Dance and Drum Class Bring the entire family for a cultural adventure that will boost your spirits, enhance your body and relax your mind, every Saturday until June. Attend a drum circle/class on Sat 3/18 at 5PM; an African dance class at 6PM and a Sabar Class and Celebration at 7:30PM. Tasty West African foods will also be available. Call 451-SOUL (7685) and ask about family rates. http://www.AfricanSoulInternational.org. Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Avenue, 3rd floor.

Women Artists Show Disappointed by the dominance of male artists in the typical gallery? This show is a small step toward redressing the balance. The show is eclectic, from small to large works, from urbanely sophisticated to down and dirty. Attend the Sat 3/18 opening reception for the show, from 5-9PM, which includes works by several local women artists. Parking is on the house for this show, in the Galleria Parking Garage, so save your chips to purchase fine art pieces. Gallery 324, Galleria at Erieview, 1301 East 9th Street.

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The Rebirth of Lakewood’s East End Rockport Square in Lakewood is a dynamic, mixed-use development of townhouses, lofts, shops and restaurants, close to everything. Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of the region’s most exciting redevelopment projects! The townhouses, which feature contemporary design unlike anything else in the region, are priced from the mid $200’s. They offer 2-4 levels, 2-3 bedrooms, expansive windows, granite countertops, maple cabinets, private porches, rooftop terraces, interior courtyards, full basements and two-car garages. The loft condominiums are priced from the $180’s and offer 1-3 bedrooms, granite countertops, sealed concrete floors, attached parking, concrete balcony with metal railings, and live/work opportunities. Five year tax abatement and reduced rate financing is available. The sales center is located at 1422 Hopkins Avenue. Open daily 12-5PM. Contact 216-226-5919 or www.RockportSquare.com.
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Battle of the Bands Hit the Hi-Fi Club for an all-afternoon Battle of Bands on Sun 3/19 from noon to 6PM. The winning band will get a cash prize, recording time and an opportunity to open for a national act. Call 469-2381 for tickets. The Hi-Fi Concert Club, 11729 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood.

Port Security Townhall Meeting Representatives from the US Coast Guard Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Patrol, and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will clarify questions relative to the national discussion on port security and provide a forum for Greater Clevelanders to understand more about our local port’s security on Mon 3/20 from 7-9PM. Call Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones’ office at 522-4900 for info. The IDEA Center, Studio One Auditorium, Playhouse Square,1375 Euclid Avenue.

I Hate This Remember the days when families were crouched around the radio waiting for the next installment of their favorite show? Yeah, neither do we, but here’s our chance to experience the excitement firsthand. Based on Northeast Ohio writer David Hansen’s life, I Hate This tells the story of the still birth of a child from the perspective of a parent. With surprisingly humorous undertones for such a serious topic, Hansen’s tale jumps in time describing the 36 hours before learning about a failed pregnancy, and the year that follows, detailing the frustration, recrimination, guilt, sorrow and ultimate acceptance of the loss. Tune in to the one-hour radio drama on Mon 3/20 at 8PM on 90.3 WCPN ideastream. http://www.wcpn.org. http://www.DavidHansen.org.

Noontime concerts at Messiah Church Bring your brown bag lunch and enjoy provided coffee, tea and cookies while you listen to wonderful lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays. The Daleys will perform music for horn, clarinet, flute and piano on Tue 3/21 at 12:10PM. April Salerno, James Dickason and David Gooding will perform arias and duets on Tue 3/28 at 12:10PM. The concerts are informal and without cost; freewill offerings are appreciated. Call 440-331-2405 or visit http://www.Messiahfp.org. Messiah Lutheran Church, 21485 Lorain Road, Fairview Park.

HOT PICK Design: Transform: Sustainability Greg Peckham and Nicole McGovern from Cleveland Public Art will share examples of how art, design and sustainability come together to create beautiful, sustainable communities both near and far on Tue 3/21 at 5:30PM. The floor will be opened to attendee questions, so bring along your design challenge whether it be a transportation systems challenge, product design trouble or building restoration opportunities. Registration required. E-mail your name, organization or business, and contact information to events@e4sustainability.org or call 451-7755. Great Lakes Tasting Room, 2701 Carroll Avenue.

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Band Submissions Underway – CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest 2006 The five-day music festival scheduled Wed 6/14 through Sun 6/18 in Cleveland will feature over 100 bands at eight local venues and two outdoor stages behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. We’ve begun accepting band/artist showcase submissions exclusively through Sonicbids as online EPKs (Electronic Press Kits). Please go to www.Sonicbids.com to create an EPK and submit online. Deadline for submissions is Fri 3/31/06. Over 1,100 bands submitted tracks for consideration to play in the 2005 CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest. For more info about the event go to www.RockHall.com.
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Women Sports Journalists will share their story during this Tue 3/21 event at 6PM. Plain Dealer sportswriters, Mary Kay Cabot and Mary Schmitt Boyer will be on hand, along with New York Newday columnist Johnette Howard, author of the 2005 book, The Rivals: Chris Evert vs. Martina Navartilova, Their Epic Duels and Extraordinary Friendship, to share info and the ups & downs of their careers, and advice on seizing sports career opportunities. Register for the event at http://www.WiseCleveland.com. The Plain Dealer, Downtown offices.

Evaluating The Success Of Your Web Efforts Kick your web promotion efforts into high gear with this jam-packed info session. Discover how industry leaders use web analytic tools to increase visibility and sales. Web analytics practitioners and providers from Little Tikes, Domino’s Pizza, ICI and Invacare Corporation will panel the discussion on Wed 3/22 at 11:30AM. Register here. Windows On The River (Cityview Room), Powerhouse at Nautica.

CIA Portfolio Event Would you like to see the work of students nearing graduation from the Cleveland Institute of Art? Then check out the Integrated Media 5th Year Portfolio Event on Wed 3/22 from 5 to 8:30PM. Work from the Design, Drawing, Illustration, Medical Illustration, TIME-Digital Arts, and Printmaking Departments will be on display. Call 421-7000. The Cleveland Institute of Art, JMC Building, 11010 Euclid Avenue. http://time.cia.edu. http://www.cia.edu.

Don’t pay for your next Cool Cleveland party We need volunteers for the next CC gig at Shaker Square. We are looking for a few good men and women to help with set-up, working the party and clean up. You will be rewarded with party access, a CC t-shirt, the ability to experience the inner workings of a CC gig, make new friends (our volunteers are the best!) and the chance to bring some good karma 360. For more info contact TL@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.

Maj Ragain & Tom Kryss will read from their latest writings on Wed 3/22 at 7PM. Ragain will read from his 5th full-length book of poetry, A Hungry Ghost Surrenders his Tacklebox. T.L. Kryss will read from The Search for the Reason Why: New and Selected Poems. Email info@pavementsaw.org. Barking Spider Tavern, 11310 Juniper Road, University Circle.

HOT PICK Akron Punk Mania Join Wreckless Eric; The Same Things and The Difficult for an evening of primo 70’s alternative pop tunes on Wed 3/22 at 9PM. Call . TheLimeSpider, 207 South Main Street, Akron.

WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM will broadcast two live Bach Birthday Bashes in honor of J.S.’s 321st birthday, one from Oberlin College, the other from The Cleveland Institute of Music. The first will originate at Oberlin College’s Warner Concert Hall on Tues 3/21 (Bach’s birthday) at 8PM. Michael Barone, the host and producer of the national radio program “Pipedreams,” will be the master of ceremonies for the event. The second Bach Birthday Bash occurs the next night on Wed 3/22 at Kulas Hall of The Cleveland Institute of Music. It will be recorded for broadcast on WCLV on the following night Wed 3/29 at 8PM, as part of the CIM Live series. Complete details at www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A&Q w/G: Eric Wobser
Cool Cleveland’s CIO gets some answers, has more questions

The deadline for this year’s Cleveland Executive Fellowship is less then a week away, but that’s plenty of time for you to start working on your application. What? You haven’t heard of the CEF? Well, until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t either. But when a few of my friends suggested I apply for it, I decided to find out more. I contacted Hannah Fritzman, the Program Coordinator, who put me in touch with one of them—Eric Wobser.

George Nemeth: Hannah Fritzman sent me bios of everybody. She said, why don’t you interview all eight of them? That would have been a lot of work for me and I wanted to get at least one done fairly soon so people could be familiar with the programs. I had a terrible time deciding! All the fellows are interesting people and they’ve done interesting work in the past year. I think the first thing I want to do is I want to get a bio. Could you give me a minute or two on who Eric is?

Eric Wobser: Absolutely. I grew up in Sandusky, I went to undergrad at Ohio University. I spent a year in Cleveland after OU and City Year, a broad Cleveland program, it’s part of AmeriCorps, a service program. Then went to law school at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. I spent a summer with a law firm in Cleveland between my second and third year of law school, had a great time and accepted an offer to go back but then in the midst of my third year the fellowship opportunity presented itself so I went back to Jones Day and said is this something I can do? They were great about it, they postponed my offer and they gave me this year.

George Nemeth: Hannah has told me a little bit about what you guys have done and I’d be interested in hearing about your experience with the Mayor’s transition team. Everybody worked on that, right?

Eric Wobser: Yes, we all did. Basically what we did is the Mayor put together this sort of list of community leaders for different departments. I, for example, was assigned to the economic development committee and they brought a number of people from diverse areas from Cleveland whether they be business leaders, civic leaders, and a few leaders from the faith community, and they put us in charge…
Read A&Q w/G here

Cool Cleveland Preview
The 30th Cleveland International Film Festival

Founded in 1977, the Cleveland Film Society has presented the Cleveland International Film Festival every spring for nearly three decades. No two ways about it, this is Ohio’s premier film event. This time around, the CIFF features more than 200 new films from over 40 countries on six continents. There are visiting directors, panel discussions, student screenings and an area filmmaker conference as a part of the festivities.

The Cleveland Film Society has always done both an admirable and incredible job of serving film buffs (like me). Some 1,500 people belong to CFS membership and subscription groups. You can find the complete schedule of events at http://Clevelandfilm.org. As for “critics picks,” this humble film junkie has a few picks of his own to offer cool Clevelanders. Aside from the completely buzzworthy Akeelah and the Bee, check these nuggets out:

Tsotsi
2006 Academy-Award Winner for Best Foreign Language Film. From South Africa. Tsotsi is a slang term for “thug.” The film is a powerful story of sin and redemption for a gang member who finds himself churning and twisting with guilt after killing the mother of a three-month-old baby in a car-jacking. Thrust into fatherhood, this sobering story of youth-to-truth unfolds masterfully. Fri 3/17th @ 7:15PM.

Screaming Masterpiece
From Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands. After bearing witness to the recent Sigur Ros/Amina performance at the Allen Theater, this was a “must-do” on my film list. We drop in on Iceland’s music scene. For a country with a population half the size of Cleveland, Iceland has 90 orchestras, experimental acts, rock outfits and choral groups. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. These are their stories. Fri 3/17 @ 9:45PM and Sat 3/18 @ Noon.

My Life As a Dog
Yes, it’s that 1985 film from Sweden. It’s a play on the “coming of age story,” albeit an early one for an unusual youngster. Your heart goes out to Ingemar during the course of the film, a Swedish dialogue work with English subtitles. You could watch this on IFC or Sundance some weeknight, but a lot of the subtle nuances are lost. Plus, this flick really holds up well, some 20-plus years later. Sun 3/19th @ 7:00PM.

Local Heroes
Be a part of the Local Heroes Series, the films for which are detailed here.

Relax, Cleveland, and take in the genius. We all know that V for Vendetta can (and will) wait until next week.

From Cool Cleveland Contributor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Songs for Troubled Times
John McGrail
Mind Fry Enterprises

Local singer-songwriter John McGrail tackles a lot of socio-political issues on his not-quite-new disc called Songs for Troubled Times. Not only is it his first solo release in almost a decade, he quickly sets out to tell you that not much has changed during that time. Except, perhaps, that he is an even better guitar player and lyricist than the last time you heard ‘em.

Fairly or unfairly, McGrail gets roped into the “folkie” category. Truth is, he has quite the historical handle on a lot of different musical genres—progressive rock, modern jazz, classical, folk, classic rock and world music. And to complicate things even more, he’s one hell of a guitar player who knows how to coax tones out in just the right way.

He gets a lot of rich, crystallized guitar tone on the set opener “Earthday,” which picks at Dubya’s dad even as McGrail himself picks at tone quality the likes of Eric Johnson would be proud of. He switches gears with the following modern rock track, “Sometimes We Just Forget,” which would make a fine bedfellow for the recent Push Stars disc.

It’s when McGrail really turns up the heat on the political issues that he tends to earn those folkie armbands he’s probably grown used to wearing. Not that it’s a bad thing. Tunes like “Losing Our Voice,” “Almost Funny,” “Just Like Tim McVeigh” and “What Would Jesus Say?” are weighted with folk rock leanings and rather obvious intent.

And then there’s “Genocide Johnny,” a song that McGrail wrote about a fictional (or not?) co-worker “jerk” who myopically wants to destroy all Muslims. “He said, ‘I’m proud to be an American because we’re always right/War is good so long as we get to pick the fight,’” McGrail growls, linking this particular Johnny to Saddam Hussein.

Maybe somewhere in Cleveland, McGrail has voice mails saved from Michael Moore and Bill O’Reilly—one asking him for the rights and one telling him he’s wrong.

John McGrail performs Fri 3/31, at 8PM at the Arabica on East 185th.

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.

Cool Cleveland People
Liza Grossman of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra

The story goes this way. When Liza Grossman was in the second grade at Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit, that city’s Symphony Orchestra came to visit. During the casual concert—the orchestra played while seated on the floor of the gymnasium—the conductor asked if anyone in the audience would like to try conducting. Hands shot up all over the place, but it was Liza who was selected. She bounced up on the podium and the conductor handed her a baton. She raised her arms, grinned, and launched a downbeat. The orchestra promptly played. Something. Liza doesn’t remember what, exactly, but it doesn’t matter. The little girl was totally captivated by the sound that enveloped her. From that moment on, Liza was in love—with music…
Read more here

An Open Letter
To the HOT Citizens of Cleveland
From Jessica Simpson

Oh my god! I’m the first alive person to have an open letter. I’m so proud. If you see Nick, tell him all about it. Frickin’ loogy loser-boy!

I feel so hot right now, and I know you do to. Maybe I’ll move there and our combined hot-ness will create a heat wave. As the band America sang in that song “That Horse Doesn’t Have A Name”…the heat was hot. K- Fed told me all about how hot you are. He knows everything.

You’re so pretty! Just like me! Let’s be pretty together. I saw pictures of the cool buildings and of the beaches. I can’t wait to hang at your (or should I say, my) sexy lakefront. Maybe we could surf into the salt mine, or crash the waves into that pyramid thingy. Let’s go shopping too. I heard about the fabulous downtown shopping. You have lots of Wig Stores? That’s sizzling hot.

The gondola ride on the river will be fun. Just like in Paris! Let’s have a special lunch at one of the many French bistros in that flat place. I’ll do your make-up and help pick out your shoes. Maybe we’ll meet some boys. Our shoes will be really important. My sister always says that “Feet Heat is Super Sweet Neat”. I think she’s right!

Well, it’s time for my yogurt class. It’s such a good workout, and so Middle Eastern. The Golly Llama does it, and so can you. Chow for now! Me
Channelled through Cleveland’s Leading Satirist Clyde Miles clyde.milesATgmail.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

This One Thing I Do @ Red Hen 3/12
What: A staged reading of Claire Braz-Valentine’s funny, rousing play about two early feminist icons — Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. In celebration of Women’s History Month, by Red Hen, Cleveland’s feminist theatre.
Reasons to go: The engaging script is anything but dry. It’s full of a spunky wit, as well as being extremely informative about women’s struggle for basic human rights. It’s anchored by 3 delightful performances: Sarah H. Kunchik as the spiky, gimlet-eyed Susan B., Elizabeth Wood’s feisty but more feminine Elizabeth, and the rollicking Allen Branstein as a variety of male antagonists. The scene where Cady Stanton interrupts her own wedding to argue about including “obey” in the vows is hysterically funny.
Caveats: The speech-making gets a bit thick in the 2nd act – but overall it’s a rousing call to arms.
Backstory: There are only a handful of feminist theaters left in the U.S., which makes Red Hen’s celebration of its 10th anniversary even more noteworthy. Author Braz-Valentine is an active member of the International Centre for Women Playwrights, a literary organization where Red Hen has gotten much of its work over the past decade.
Target audience: Bring your kids (middle-school and up): it’s an extremely entertaining but needed history lesson.
Details: Red Hen @ Cleveland Art Theatre, 11619-23 Euclid Ave. Thru 3/19. http://www.feministtheatre.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein lindaATcoolcleveland.com

BEFORE IT HITS HOME @ Karamu 3/11
WHAT: Cheryl West’s controversial drama about a bisexual African-American musician, and the explosions throughout his family when he finally comes home with AIDS.
REASONS TO GO: There’s a blistering honesty to West’s take on African-American homophobia — she manages to create a heartbreaking drama that is still leavened with humor, compassion, and endearing if infuriating characters. I can’t think of a more brilliant illustration of a corrosive double life than the simultaneous scene between Wendal, his married male lover (the affecting Michael May) and his fiance (fiery Angela K. Thomas). As usual, the Karamu production is filled with strong character actors: Abdullah “Jaribu” Bey as the crusty but ultimately sympathetic father, Mary Dismuke as trash-talking aunt Maybelle, and E. B. Smith as the Army sergeant brother are particularly good.
CAVEATS: Director Ray Allmond lets the pace lag too often, especially in the poky set changes and John Konopka’s stair-laden set is an actor minefield. Tremayne Mitchell’s bitter Wendal doesn’t show enough colors until his effective last scene. Nevertheless the “silence = death” message is still all too relevant and it’s a riveting, continually surprising piece, well-worth seeing.
BACKSTORY: Kudos to Karamu not just for a powerful production, but for hosting a significant community surround event: the 2006 Black HIV Awareness Expo. The hard-hitting two-day event included a performance by the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, seminars about homophobia, the church, women & girls, HIV & addiction, and appearances from pastors to sports figures.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Teens and up.
DETAILS: Karamu, 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, thru 4/9, http://www.karamu.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Gallery Ü Haul in front of Inside Outside Gallery, Tremont, 3/10 I visited five galleries and one small film festival distributing call for entry flyers for the upcoming Hessler 2006 Poetry & Prose Annual on Friday night.

As I was driving south on W. 14th St. in Tremont past the Inside Outside Gallery there was a parked U-haul with the big door open to a video showing inside.

I parked and visited Inside Outside for a while. Per usual, Inside Outside was intriguing. I placed five flyers for the Hessler 2006 Poetry & Prose Invitational on the front desk and after I looked around I found only one flyer left. I put three more flyers down. There will be a story about this show by Douglas Max Utter in some local publication because he was taking notes about individual pieces during the opening.

Then I visited the U-haul truck outside. I was surprised to find Patsy Kline, owner of Gallery Ü in the Artcade Downtown presenting ” Gallery Ü-Haul “don’t look back: site-specific works”.

There were several pieces of ethereal sculptures and paintings along one wall of the well-lit cargo space. The main work was a video projected on the front wall of the cargo space in a way I was unable to determine at my passing glance. The video was a maniacal loop taken from the view out the windshield of an automobile traveling the loops of the I-271-Mayfield Road interchange in Mayfield Heights. Having gone through this interchange many times I readily recognized apartment buildings and signs as they whizzed by.

The video installation by R Ferris, oil paintings by Michael McNamara, and sculpture installation by Steven B. Smith.

Ms. Kline said that Gallery Ü in the Artcade has been replaced with a sports bar type place. I can imaging the fun Patsy will have taking art to people with Gallery Ü Haul this summer.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff lbatdorff@adva.com

Inlet Dance Theatre at Cleveland Public Theatre 3/10 We went to see Inlet Dance Theatre at Cleveland Public Theatre’s Levin Theatre last Friday. The concert’s mix of three repertoire pieces by Artistic Director Bill Wade and two premieres by guest artists left us and – by the sound of the applause — the rest of the youthful, sold-out house satisfied.

Of particular interest was “Skirting the Heart,” a Cleveland premiere set on the company by Stephen Wynne. Currently a professor of dance at Belhaven College, Wynne’s performing career was spent in Europe dancing and choreographing in the style of tanz theatre or European Dance Theatre…
Read the review by Elsa and Victor here

Well @ Cleveland Play House 3/8 Did you ever try to tell someone your version of something that occurred in your life? Only your mother was right there, and her version differs from yours? Well – let me tell you… Actually, that’s the name of the new play at the Cleveland Play House. Well. And that’s pretty much a description of what happens on-stage.

You see, there’s Lisa Kron—a playwright—who’s trying valiantly to tell folks about her battles with illness and wellness, but her Mom is right there in the room beside her. Problem is Mom’s recollections don’t always match those of Lisa, especially as Mom has had her own difficulties with those same two topics…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

John McCutcheon @ Oberlin College 3/3 I panicked as my childhood memories were swept out from under the carpet where they had lain dormant for ages. Folk singer John McCutcheon, while performing at Finney Chapel in Oberlin College on March 3, managed to gather every bit of the dusty years and pile them heavily upon me. By the time he was strumming his way into his second song, I was yearning to be five and uncomplicated again. As a first year college student, I had to admit: it was a little ridiculous.

I had not talked to my family on the phone for at least a week. These were the same parents that sang me bedtime songs when I was convinced I could not breath because some invisible monster was sitting on my chest. The very same who played John McCutcheon tapes while we drove the grueling four hours to visit Grandma. Clearly, I had my priorities out of line…
Read the review by Laurel Fuson 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.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On tax abatement according to Roldo Giving up tax abatement will set development in this city back 20 years. Right now, despite Cleveland’s unbelievably soft market, there are at least six or seven major projects in the works for downtown Cleveland that could bring over 1500 market rate houses and new retail to downtown: Zaremba’s Avenue District that will bring over 400 market rate condos to East 12 and 13, Doug Price is looking to renovate Reserve Square, DDR’s Flats project will revive the east bank, phase V of Stonebridge will build on a successful community, the ambitious Stark project that would bring back retail to the inner city, Ferchill’s would like to build more condos in the flats, and Steelyards Commons would (like it or not) bring much needed big box retail to the inner city. The only reason for this investment in this market is because the city is willing to invest in these projects – and tax abatement is key part of that investment. These tax abetments are not lining the profits of rich developers, but rather making development (almost) worth the incredible risk. The reality is, even with help from the city, leaving these sites as parking lots could be more profitable. Despite that, these local developers are willing to take that risk. And without this development, Cleveland will continue to be a place of concentrated poverty and the inner city will continue to erode. I hope there is a time when the city doesn’t need to provide subsidy to developers to make projects happen in Cleveland. However, until the market solidifies, this is no time to stifle the glimmer of hope that has come because of the private/public partnership that is tax abatement.
from Cool Cleveland reader jonathan glance, aia jbglanceATalumni.virginia.edu

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) Died and Gone to Cleveland Barry Smith raves about his recent visit.
http://www.irrelativity.com/cleveland.html

2) Cool Cleveland Interview Video #1 of Ed Hundert: On the Great Universities conference.
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) RoldoLINK Jackson goes slowly, and that’s not bad.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Cool Cleveland Interview Video #2 of Ed Hundert: On neighborhood development
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Cool Cleveland Interview Video #3 of Ed Hundert: On Case’s greatest opportunity.
www.CoolCleveland.com

The list of contributors to thank gets longer every week. Our appreciation goes out to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Clyde Miles, Lee Batdorff, 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 joining us at the Shaker Soiree?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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