12.17-12.24.08
Instant Friends
In this week’s issue:It’s easy to be friends these days. Ask anyone who’s online. With just a click, you can “friend” anyone you want. But real friends are deeper than that. They’ve been around for a while. They are always there when you need them. We’d like to think that our part of the world is made up of good friends, the kind you go home to visit around the holidays. So whether you are just visiting for a few days, or here for good, our contributors and editors at Cool Cleveland have pulled together a hand-picked collection of resources we think you’ll find useful this week. If your holiday shopping isn’t over, you might find our Holiday Buying Guide helpful– it tops our most-clicked list for the 4th week in a row. Have a closer look at the Paul Green School of Rock, and Koula Callas of the Cleveland Sight Center, who we interviewed as she prepared food baskets for the blind. Plus, we’ve got links to blogs, commentary and a slew of cool holiday season events. So sure, friend us on Facebook, and feel free to follow us on Twitter. But know who your real friends are. Just click below. –Thomas Mulready
For a chance to win an iPod nano or other great prizes, just click on our Sponsored links and Sponsored Video links in this issue of Cool Cleveland. Pretend you’re on a digital scavenger hunt, and look below in this week’s issue of Cool Cleveland for our Sponsored Videos (look in the colored banners) and the SPONSORED: tag and click on the link that follows to visit our cool sponsors’ web sites. It’s that simple. The more you CLICK the better your chances of WINNING prizes ranging from complimentary admissions to our exclusive Cool Cleveland parties, to an iPod or iPhone! You can even pick your favorite color! Watch this space for announcements of winners. Read about our first winner, Jamie Carpenter, who has herself a new iPod nano, then Click to WIN.
Freaking out yet? Hey, not our fault. You’re the procrastinator. That list of people you need to buy for ain’t any shorter, is it? Has the panic set in yet? We got ya covered. Think outside the (Big) Box (stores) with our growing list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors. We make things quick, easy AND help you support NEO’s artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types in NEO. Buying local is smart, equitable and sustainable. So you support your local economy and keep jobs in the region; we’ll keep ya pointed in the right direction. It’s pretty darned hard to sing joyful holiday songs when you feel nauseous and behind the (Magic) 8-ball. And speaking of cool retro things, you’ll find ’em all at Big Fun (pictured) in Cleveland Heights. Owner Steve Presser has single-handedly captured (y)our childhood in a storefront. Our Managing Editor credits Presser with for his excessive expenditures on Kiss, Star Wars and Pac-Man stuff, long after it was probably sane to do so. What a guy!! Anyway, enough rambling… check out the “New for 12/17” listings by clicking here
Under the Covers with the Paul Green School of Rock
The Paul Green School of Rock is saving rock and roll one kid at a time. And with two locations in Cleveland and many others decorating the U.S. map, they might do just that. And while Jack Black might not be teaching them, the kids who enroll there engage in one of the country’s most hip-and-cool experiential music curriculums there is. It stands to reason that the Green’s School — founded in Philadelphia and celebrating a 10th anniversary this year — is as popular and successful as it is. With popular rock music serving as a launching pad, students at the School of Rock don’t just lean how to sift through a legendary songbook, they grow into professional musicians.Kids ages 7 – 18 who enroll at the School of Rock don’t just get to live out some rock and roll fantasy, they learn about the process of a musician play on professional equipment. They learn about musicianship, stage presence and performance and end up rocking out in many of the region’s coolest rock clubs. That’s right — these recitals are “real rock concerts at real rock venues in front of real rock audiences,” to quote the School’s website…
Read more from Peter Chakerian here
SPONSORED: It’s a Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s Zap! Pow! Bam! at the Maltz Museum! Relatives are in town, children home from school. They’ll love Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero, a wonder-filled look at the first superhero, Superman, created in Cleveland, Batman, Robin and their super-friends. Thousands here have already enjoyed stories of derring-do, vintage serials, comic art, kiddie Batmobile ride, try-on costumes, hands-on drawing studio and more. It’s gone in January, don’t miss it, bring the whole family – there’s a special family pass, up to two adults and three children, only $30! Open every day but Monday, including Christmas and New Year. http://www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org for details.
HOT bela dubby Children’s Puppet Show & Workshop Bring your kids to bela dubby this Fri 12/19 from 6-8PM for a special puppet show, puppet-making workshop, and kids concert. Little Caesar’s pizzas will be available for five bux. And, as always, there will be art, beer, coffee and wi-fi for the parents. 13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood. Call 221-4479 or visit http://www.myspace.com/beladubby for details.
HOT Kwanzaa Camp This 7-day cultural extravaganza features dance, theater, arts and a live performance celebration for youth ages 7-18. Explore African Dance, African Drumming, Hip-Hop, Drama, Crafts, Motivational Programming beginning the day after Christmas and running through New Year’s Day (Fri 12/26 – Thu 1/1) at Glenville New Life Community Church, 711 E. 105th St. Registration is on a Sliding fee scale and is required by Fri 12/19 so act fast! Call 224-5409 or 451-7685 for info/registration, or e-mail sistajewel@yahoo.com or sistajewel@aol.com. Final performance of the event takes place Thu 1/1 at 6PM. http://www.africansoulinternational.org.
Chalet Toboggan Chutes As cool for kids as for their parents! Get your heart racing as you take the plunge down the twin, refrigerated ice toboggan chutes — over 700 feet long with a vertical drop of approximately 70 feet — the only public ice chutes in Ohio! It only happens once a year in our very own Metroparks! Check out the schedule at http://www.clemetparks.com/recreation/tobogganing/index.asp.
HOT Paul Green School of Rock The rockin’ students of the Paul Green School of Rock Music, Rocky River chapter, will present three new shows this December at the Jigsaw Saloon (5324 State Road, Parma). The Cream of Clapton (Sat 12/20 at 6:30PM); Women Who Rock (Fri 12/19 at 6:30PM) and The Music of Black Sabbath (Sat 12/20 at 3:30PM. See Peter Chakerian’s feature on the School of Rock in this week’s CC Sounds! For tickets, call 440-333-ROCK (7625). http://www.schoolofrock.com.
CMNH + T. rex = Dino Day Join The Cleveland Museum of Natural History in welcoming Tyrannosaurus rex to its permanent collection. The Museum will host Dino Day to honor the newest member of its dinosaur family on Sat 12/20 from noon – 4PM. The full-size replica of one of the most complete fossil specimens of this dinosaur species in the world is right here in Cleveland!!! What a killer addition!!! And after your kiddos get their fill, there are plenty of other dino-related things to see and do. Word. http://www.cmnh.org.
Last Minute Drop & Shop Kids ages 6-9 can engage in their own last minute gift making, holiday celebrating, and cookie-making fun Sun 12/22 from 10AM – 1PM. As the Holiday season hums along, last minute shopping and errands need to be attended to. Drop your children off for a mid-morning art adventure while you shop or get things done in Tremont, Steelyard Commons, Ohio City, or the Detroit Shoreways all located within 10 minutes from Art House. Fee includes all materials. Art House, 3119 Denison Ave. Call 398-8556 or visit http://www.arthouseinc.org.
HOT PlayhouseSquare hosts the 2009 International Showcase of Performing Arts for Youth It’s the only one in the country dedicated entirely to live arts programming for youth. The PlayhouseSquare Arts Education Department is offering COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to the general public for Showcase 2009 performances. Tickets are required for admission and may be requested online at http://www.playhousesquare.org or picked up in-person at the PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office (1519 Euclid Ave.) beginning Mon 12/22 and while supplies last.
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 13-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
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Domestic Partnership Registry passes One small step for Cleveland… one giant leap for equality and social justice and the details are here
Council approves free parking meters downtown for day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Park it, baby!
Children’s Museum of Cleveland hires Sandra Louise Redmond, Ph.D. to replace retiring Pres/ED Jeffrey A. Saxon. Learn more about it and the CWRU/CMC study on how children play here
GREEN Cle Habitat for Humanity needs you and really, you need them, too. Be a part of their great work by clicking here
Renaissance Cle Hotel celebrates 90th Anniversary with a trip down memory lane. Read
The New Market Avenue Wine Bar is open for business. Check out the photos here then head over and have a sip
World Doctors Orchestra (who knew!?!) is coming to Cleveland in Feb 09. Learn more here
Friend us on Facebook: http://www.profile.to/thomasmulready, and follow us on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/thomasmulready.
TravelMaven blog by former PD travel writer David Molyneaux offers delightfully written tips, insights and travel price updates. TravelMaven.typepad.com.
HOT Steve Presser of Big Fun on Coventry’s letter on shopping and supporting local is picked up by influential political blog Daily Kos, run by pundit Markos Moulitsas (see CNN, MSNBC, et. al). Check it out here.
HOT Are you a frustrated rock critic? Out in the clubs three nights a week or more? Think you can cover the local rock scene here in Cleveland in a way that’s not currently being done? If so, our Managing Editor wants you. There are some (a few) guidelines that he’ll want to talk to you about, but this might just be your chance to rawk it out in digital print! Email him at peterATcoolcleveland.com and you can talk it all over.
Merry Mondays PlayhouseSquare is dropping the handling fees on tickets purchased on Mon 12/22 and Mon 12/29 at the PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office between the hours of 11AM – 6PM. For info and complete listing of shows, visit http://www.playhousesquare.org/merrymondays.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.
Fred Franks on Managed Services
FIT Technologies
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Fred Franks knows what his customers needs. Many companies, large and small, can’t afford to have full time IT staff with expertise in every discipline at all times. That’s why many of them rely on FIT Technology’s team of experts to be on hand when they are needed. In this video, shot near FIT’s offices at Playhouse Square in MOKO Cafe, Fred talks about how “outsourcing” any number of IT services to FIT’s experts can be a very smart move for many companies. As a bonus, can you spot Cleveland’s Tech Czar, Michael DeAloia, who serves as FIT’s Senior Director of Business Development, in the background of the video, sipping his beverage. http://www.FITtechnologies.net
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Does jolting the brain fight deep depression? Cle Clinic work makes CNN on the subject. Click
GREEN Billions of jobs on green jobs and transportation? Let your Preident-Elect know you want to see it and sign here
American Greetings eliminates nearly 300 jobs, with 2/3 of them being Brooklyn jobs. Click
Do you really need 35 reasons to give to the Cle Rape Crisis Center? We don’t think so — they do incredible work in the community and we suggest you donate to them — but just in case, here are all 35 reasons
St. Ives, Inc. Named Best Workplace for 2008 with Hollywood, FL and Cle facilities. Click
FirstMerit suspends its 401(k) matches for employees. Uh oh. Details are here
Fund gives $1.2 million to promote area growth and the details are here
GREEN Ohio guy and 6 employees launch net start-up FlyHoopty.com where surfers can snag a solid used car for under $15K. Ultimate Recycling
NatCity is holding onto name for a year Perhaps to soften the blow to the region? To save renegotiating advertising and other contracts? What other purposes could that possibly serve? Click
Assist families dealing with autism around you simply by visiting here
John Teresko celebrates 50 years with Penton Media The Senior Technology Editor has been uncovering and reporting on manufacturing trends spanning six decades for IndustryWeek magazine; he celebrated his 50th anniversary with Penton Media on Monday, December 8, 2008. Big deal? Yeah, it sorta is… especially when the average person is now expected to change jobs (average) of 8 times in their life. Congrats, John! Click
Healthcare Marketers Panel Topic: “Healthcare Marketing And Advertising In An Age Of Emerging Consumerism” hits TODAY Wed 12/17 at 11:30AM. Register
Building and Leveraging Diversity in the Nonprofit Boardroom is a BVU seminar that hits Tue 1/13 at 8:30AM. This is a seminar for nonprofit chief executives and board leaders. Click
Face/Off come to life at Cleveland Clinic?!? It’s not exactly an event that most people can/would attend, but we’ll be damned if it isn’t an event of tremendous magnitude — and one more sign that business and technology are off the charts in the medical industry here in C-town. Cle Clinic reconstructive surgeon Dr. Maria Siemionow has replaced some 80 percent of a woman’s face with that of a deceased female donor. Ponder that one for a while. Click
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Anne E. DeChant at Brothers The Cle expat singer-songwriter has been in town recently and will deliver a fine show at Brothers Lounge this Wed 12/17. Nevermind that DeChant is always good; this is a beautiful venue with three unique bars — all with a different feel. It’s a spectacular place for a show. Brothers’ Music Hall stage, 11609 Detroit Rd., Lakewood. Call 226-2767 for more info. http://www.brotherslounge.com. http://www.anneedechant.com.
Marty Stuart On Wed 12/17 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum will host “An Evening with Marty Stuart.” This event, which will take place in the Museum’s 4th Floor Theater at 7PM is part of the Museum’s popular, no-cost From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits series. The country singer-songwriter recently donated a slew of artifacts to the hall; all are worth checking out beforehand. http://www.rockhall.com.
Hip New Acts Check out the bands Saint Ohio, Hayden Calling, Professor Greenhouse and up-and-coming sensations Blast Shields Up! this Wed 12/17 at 8PM at the Grog Shop. The latter mentioned group has got a pop style that will get you moving, with just the right amount of indie vibe (think Rogue Wave) to kee you anchored in. Lotsa fun. Don’t miss this. http://www.grogshop.gs.
HOT Miracle on 25th Street Mark your calendars for Fri 12/19 for the annual Miracle on 25th Street Holiday Charity Event, kicking off at 6PM in Ohio City. Participating businesses will be offering a special discount or promotion to customers that make a donation to this year’s charity: Providence House, who offers emergency shelter to children (newborn through age five) actively living in crisis. They are also located right there in Ohio City. Further details are forthcoming here
Festival of Lights Come light up the darkest day of the year in Cuyahoga Valley National Park at the Festival of Lights Fri 12/19 from 6 – 9:30PM. Learn why many cultures observe seasonal days of celebration during December and on the Winter Solstice including: Christmas, Hanukkah, Persian Yalda, Soyal from the Hopi Nation, Buddhist Bodhi, Slovakian Soroksun, Hindu Diwali, and the Yule Log. Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. Call 330-657-2909 or visit http://www.cvnpa.org.
Shaker Lakes’ Celebration of Lights Bring your family to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes’ Celebration of Lights on Fri 12/19 from 5:30 – 8PM for their annual event honoring the use of light as a symbol of celebration to welcome winter. Families and individuals are invited to take guided tours through the woods where they will learn how a variety of traditions illuminate the darkest days of the year. 2600 S. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights. Call 321-5935 for more info/registration or visit http://www.shakerlakes.org.
SPONSORED: This Fri 12/19, at 8:00 PM, WCLV 104.9 FM will present A Cleveland Christmas featuring holiday music by local choirs and ensembles including performances from the 2008 “Jubilation” Choral Festival. On Sat 12/20, at 10PM, the “Weekend Radio” Christmas program features Nativity Play by Joyce Grenfell; caroling by Spike Milligan and a holiday story by Henry Morgan. Also, Dylan Thomas reading A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Complete details on WCLV’s holiday programming at http://www.WCLV.com.
HOT Nutcracker Reloaded Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland Youth Theatre and Walmart present Nutcracker Reloaded, an urban retelling of the classic tale. Travel with Naima as she and the Nutcracker journey to the Land of Beats where break dancers, krumpers, hip hop dancers, and Spanish and African dancers entertain. Great for the whole family and sure to be a holiday classic! Nutcracker Reloaded premieres Sat 12/20 with a performance at Cuyahoga Community College Metro Campus located at 2900 Community College Ave. The performance will begin at 2:30PM. Calling 883-2106 ext. 246 for tickets. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland Arts and Culture programs. http://www.clevekids.org.
Uncle Waldo’s Coffee House presents a special holiday family event and celebration of the spirit with the Troubadours of Divine Bliss Sat 12/20 at 7:30PM. This eclectic female vocal duo offers a spicy brand of eclectic folk, peppered with original and cover tunes, salted with the flavors of Kentucky and Louisiana, smokey jazz riffs and smooth harmonies. 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River at West Shore UU Church. Call 440-333-2255 ext. 100 for tix and details. http://www.wsuuc.org/community-events/unclewaldos.php. http://troubadoursofdivinebliss.com.
Winter Wonderland Mercury Summer Stock will present its first annual Winter Wonderland on Sat 12/20 from 5 – 7PM at Greenbriar Square, 6285 Pearl Rd., Parma Hts. Proceeds benefit My First Musical, a program that allows impoverished children under 12 years old to see their first musical at no cost. Call 771-5862 for more info. http://www.mercurysummerstock.com.
Hillbilly Idol Reunion NEO’s own rootsy, Americana rockers mark the end of 2008 with a big show at the Beachland Ballroom on Sat 12/20 at 8PM. The night will feature a reunion of the band’s classic line-up, with Paul Kovac & Dave Huddleston, Bill Watson, Al Moss & Roy King. Many special guests are expected to make cameo appearances throughout the night. http://www.hillbillyidol.com. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
HOT Sixth Annual Old Home Night for Joan of Art features live performances by Home and Garden, Jamie Klimek & Paul Marotta (Mirrors/Styrenes), the Kidney Brothers (Numbers Band), California Speedbag, and a reading by Mike DeCapite this Sun 12/21 at 7PM. This year’s edition is a benefit for Joan Deveney (aka Joan of Art) — the Cle artist, gallery operator and longtime CLE underground music scene luminary who was recently in a car accident. Proceeds will help her defray medical bills and other expenses. The show will also feature a silent art auction to benefit Joan. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra performs Here We Go a Wassailing, its family-friendly holiday concert on Sun 12/21 at 7PM at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls). Delight in the sounds of a 45-piece orchestra, playing all of your favorite Christmas carols as you sing along. Pre-concert guest performance by Jocelyn Chang on harp and Michael Leese on flute at 6:15PM. For tickets, visit http://www.cvlt.org or call 440-247-8955.
A Jazzy Christmas On Sun 12/21 at 4PM in the Sanctuary of the Federated Church, 76 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will provide the musical “icing on the cake” for your holiday preparations. Jack Schantz, the artistic director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (CJO), is a familiar name and presence at Federated where he has led a smaller jazz group at Rally Day services numerous times in recent years. Come hear the man and the band deliver some winter wonders! http://www.clevelandjazz.org.
Stories from Christmas Past Celebrate the holidays with this program at the Renaissance Center, 26376 John Rd., Olmsted Twp on Tue 12/23 at 7PM. Hear about Cleveland’s first Christmas tree, discover what teachers really disliked about the Christmas in Ohio in the early 1800s and listen to other tales from the season. This performance is no cost, open to the public. Call 440-235-7111 for more info or visit http://www.edenvalleyenterprises.org.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Koula Callas
Cleveland Sight Center
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Koula Callas of the Cleveland Sight Center is interviewed by Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready as they prepare food baskets for Cleveland Police to deliver to the blind. Koula talks about the Sight Center’s 100+ year history and how technology and medical advances, along with super volunteer care, help them meet their mission. http://www.ClevelandSightCenter.org
This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
When StartupWeekend.com was first posted to BFD by John McGovern, Cleveland had about 220 votes, and was ranking in the low 20s for the possibility of hosting a weekend bootcamp that typically launches several businesses or products in an intensive 54 hours. In about a week, Cleveland increased its votes to over 1000 and now leads Austin by 400 votes. Reader comment:
Read and add your comment on the BFD post Start-Up Weekend in Cleveland?
Question of the Week and Sloppy Seconds
Is Second Chance Act a Flop?
Before we get started, here’s your question of the week: With a few notable exceptions, virtually all of the politicians across the U.S. involved in current scandals have one thing in common: They’re lawyers. So, is it fair to ask law schools: If you can’t teach ethics, integrity and honesty, can you at least teach law students how to solicit and accept bribes without getting caught? It just might be easier. I’m presently writing the curriculum for the course, which I’ve entitled “Bribe Taking 101.” Sloppy Seconds: Is Second Chance Act a Flop?
President George W. Bush, on April 9, 2008, as he signed the “Second Chance Act” said: “I’m about to sign a piece of legislation that will help give prisoners across America a second chance for a better life… we believe that even those who have struggled with a dark past can find brighter days ahead. One way we act on that belief is by helping former prisoners who’ve paid for their crimes — we help them build new lives as productive members of our society.”
Not for nothing is he called “Uncle” Sam. He’s that kindly old relative, that dude who’ll come bail your ass out of jail when mom and dad are tired of your ending up in trouble — once again — due to your own irresponsible (and perhaps profligate) behavior. If it weren’t for you blowing all of your own money — like a drunken sailor on shore leave — you’d have some cash in your account to bail your own self out of trouble. But since you’ve got a deep-pockets uncle you can always depend on, why bother to do the right thing…?
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Rule Number One is never forget who you are.
Please consider making a donation — or a bigger donation than usual — to your favorite Cleveland cultural institution.
“I hate to crush your buzz, but this is NOT a ‘post-racist’ society”.
Why we must save print journalism.
What a terrific way to start your day.
Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com
Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 12/4 Mitsuko + Mozart might as well be carved inside a heart on one of Severance Halls’ marble columns. On Thursday The Cleveland Orchestra and Mitsuko Uchida collaborated in a glorious repeat of two Mozart piano concertos played in 2005. The sprightly Concerto in A major, K488 (No. 23) and the dramatic Concerto in C minor, K 491 brought listeners the joy we’ve come to expect whenever Uchida walks onto the stage. Conducting from the piano, she allowed herself to be a transparent conduit (it seemed) of Mozart’s genius. It wasn’t all about her as piano diva; it was all about the music…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here
TiE Event @ House of Blues 12/8 As Lt. Governor Lee Fisher announced at the TiE event last week, a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. And with the lackluster economy and bailouts abound, there couldn’t be a better time to introduce a network-based organization like TiE to help Cleveland move ahead. Cleveland is home to the newest chapter of TiE, or The Indus Entrepreneurs, a trade group that represents many of the people driving the new economy…
Read more from T.L. Champion here
STAR Radio City Christmas Spectacular feat. The Rockettes @ PlayhouseSquare 12/11 ‘Twas the night before Friday, when all through PlayhouseSquare / Not a Christmas decoration went unnoticed, not a refreshment made without care. / At the beginning, the Rockettes danced with antlers in their hair / And people were happy to see them at the State Theatre with their graceful air[s] / The children were smiling with grandparent and parent / But throughout the show I was bored, counting the days until I see Rent / My watch in my purse, my coat in my lap / I was starting to settle down for a nice long nap / After each dance number arose such a clatter / I finally woke up to see what was the matter…
Read more from Robyn Marcs and The other STAR Reporters here
Apollo’s Fire @ Trinity Cathedral 12/11 Trinity Cathedral’s nighttime shadows and heaven-reaching arches created an ideal space for Handel’s Messiah as interpreted by Apollo’s Fire. The baroque orchestra conducted by Jeannette Sorrell eschewed the mega-chorus model in favor of an 18th-century small ensemble one. The swift- fingered instrumentalists and nimbly voiced choral ensemble moved (often) at a breakneck pace that conveyed the urgency and force of the sacred oratorio. Tenor Ian Honeyman opened the proceedings singing words from Biblical prophet Isaiah…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concerts @ Severance Hall 12/12 With sing-alongs, Santa & silliness reigning, don’t come expecting a serious concert experience. But that’s exactly the point. From the opening strains of O Come, All Ye Faithful by the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, illuminated by brilliant cool blue lights, and conducted by Chorus Director (and admitted “shameless self-promoter”) Robert Porco, everyone in the room knew this was a special program for a special time of year…Read more from Thomas Mulready here
Peter Pan @ Beck Center 12/13 You can often get the unexpected from director Fred Sternfeld! He did not disappoint in his production of Peter Pan at Beck Center. Though the script centers on a little boy, the part of Peter is usually played by a female. The likes of Mary Martin (Peter in the 1954 Broadway premiere of the modern version of the show), Sandy Duncan and Cathy Ribgy are noted for portraying the role. Only one male, Jack Noseworthy, played Peter on Broadway, and he was an understudy. In the Beck production, Sternfeld selected John Paul Sato, a mature male, to play the role. And in many ways, it was a wise choice…
Read more from Roy Berko here
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals @ Beachland Ballroom 12/13 The Beachland was almost filled to capacity last Saturday night as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals took the stage in support of their second album Nothing But Water. The Vermont based band has a good buzz about them right now, appearing on most of the late night TV shows and an hour long feature on PBS, and they attracted a diverse crowd made up of hardcore fans, jam-rock fans, and music fans out looking for a fresh quality sound…
Read more from Greg Cielec here
Contemporary Youth Orchestra @ CSU Waetjen Auditorium 12/13 One of the surest bets available these days is that Liza Grossman and her Contemporary Youth Orchestra will provide an electric and inspirational concert. It will absolutely contain music that you’re not likely to hear every time you turn around, performed excellently and fearlessly by the young musicians who don’t seem to know the meaning of the words “fear” or “that’s too hard!” In short, they’re amazing…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here
North Coast Men’s Chorus @ Lakewood Civic 12/14 An Evening in December conjures up all sorts of memories. There will be visual images that bring to mind those persons most dear to us, whether we’ll be seeing them soon or not–or only in memory. Of course, there will be wonderful, delicious aromas of holiday goodies, and fresh pine, not to mention the sounds of holiday carols and songs. It’s that sort of image that was presented in this year’s holiday concerts by the North Coast Men’s Chorus, with music director, Rich Cole. This was perhaps the most straightforward (you should excuse the expression, please!) holiday program that the men have presented in the last few years. The emphasis was more on beautiful singing than the sometimes over-the-top production numbers which tend to bring down the house…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here
Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) Holiday Shopping Guide 4th week in a row! Local artists & entrepreneurs offering art, books, music, film, wearable art, health & wellness, fashion, sustenance & sundries. Are you hip to it yet?
CoolCleveland.com
2) Video homage to Great Lakes’ Xmas Ale @ bela dubby, feat. local comics Jim Tews and Mike Polk, leaves ’em in stitches.
YouTube.com
3) Is Cleveland really too big to fail? A stimulating essay from Case’s Lev Gonick raises important issues.
blog.case.edu/lev.gonick
4) La Strada on E. 4th St. rocks according to Mrs. Managing Editor.
LaStradaCleveland.com.
5) Brain Drain vs. Brain Remain Commentary by Wesam Elrabadi says, “Enough!” with the negativity around here.
CoolCleveland.com
Tick, tick, tick… All set for the holidays? You should be, thanks in large part to the Hard Corps. Many thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Claudia J. Taller, Kelly Ferjutz, Roy Berko, Susan Petrone, Greg Cielec, Laura Kennelly, Mansfield B. Frazier, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford and Susan Schaul. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.
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–Thomas Mulready
LettersATCoolCleveland.com
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