Cocktail Party Redux Raises Funds for Ingenuity Festival
Ingenuity makes Cleveland a great place to live. And not just the ingenuity of our inventors, scientists, artists and visionaries, but the IngenuityFest Cleveland, a weekend-long celebration of art and technology in Downtown Cleveland. Just ask James Krouse, Director of Programming, who spoke with Cool Cleveland correspondent Julie Cajigas in this exclusive video interview.
This important event unites local visual artists, performance artists, engineers, technology firms, colleges and universities, and internationally known designers and artists who come together to create an experience where Northeast Ohio residents and visitors from far and wide can immerse themselves in the creativity and inspiration of innovation. The 2011 IngenuityFest will take place Fri 9/16 – Sun 9/18, at the Detroit Superior Bridge, and will feature the theme Cu(Re)nts, exploring the way we have transitioned to harnessing and working with currents in nature and information, rather than conquering them like our predecessors.
In order to bring this celebration of the arts and sciences to Cleveland, IngenuityFest Cleveland has been hard at work raising funds to ensure that this year’s fest will be the best yet. On Thu 3/31, the organizers of Ingenuity held “Cocktail Party Redux,” a fundraiser with a unique twist. The evening was designed around the art and science of food and drink. Ohio City’s Light Bistro was the backdrop for this gastronomical event where partygoers were treated to four stations exploring the science and history behind beer, wine, and cocktails and their innovative pairing with food. Light Bistro’s Executive Chef / Owner Matthew Mathlage has created a tantalizing tasting menu including Bar Snacks 2011 Style, A Molecular Look at Cali Cuisine, France and Italy Deconstructed, and Ballgame Chic. If you missed the evening, have no fear! There are still plenty of opportunities to donate and volunteer for IngenuityFest Cleveland. To donate, volunteer or purchase tickets to the Fest, visit their website at IngenuityCleveland.com. The organizers of Ingenuity are also looking for entries for this years’ event. Entries are due by Fri 4/29. If you are an artist, engineer, scientist or performer who has something to add to the conversation, visit their call for entries page here: Call For Entries.
Are you ready to get geared up for Ingenuity? Check out our exclusive video interview with IngenuityFest Cleveland’s Director of Programming, James Krouse.
Another fantastic part of the evening was the music.
Ingenuity is all about performances, and none could top the gorgeous sounds of jazz and soul emanating from Light Bistro during the “Cocktail Party Redux,” provided by Dr. Elaine Richardson and her lead guitarist. Dr. Richardson, or Dr. E, as she prefers to be called, is a champion for the arts and for Ingenuity, having performed at such events for the Fest in the past as well. Born in the Cleveland area, Dr. E considers herself a Cleveland native, but as a professor at Ohio State University, she currently calls Columbus home. Her allegiance to Cleveland, however, is obvious in her numerous contributions to the Cleveland arts community with her time, talent and performances. Dr. E’s music combines a message of hope and triumph over adversity with a sound that evokes the deepest emotions. We caught up with her at the “Cocktail Party Redux,” to learn a little bit more about her, her life and her brand new album, “Elevated.”
To view the exclusive Cool Cleveland video interview with Dr. E, please click here.
To hear Dr. E singing at the IngenuityFest Cocktail Party Redux, please click here.
Want to find out why you “Can’t Keep a Good Girl Down?” Check out our video with singer and songwriter, Dr. E.
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Elaine Richardson and her album Elevated, or hear some of her music, check out her website www.giveusfreerecords.com. She can also be found on Facebook.
IngenuityFest Cleveland is a festival of art and technology that will move Cleveland forward as a city. Consider supporting it with your time as a volunteer, your talent as a performer or exhibitor, or your treasure through a donation. Your support will make a difference in Ingenuity and in Cleveland.
IngenuityFest Cleveland will take place Fri 9/16 – Sun 9/18 at the Detroit Superior Bridge. For more information, or to donate, visit their website at IngenuityCleveland.com. Submit an entry for the festival by Fri 4/29 for consideration at the Call For Entries Page. Dr. E has a number of upcoming performances. Find out more about Dr. E at www.giveusfreerecords.com, or on Facebook.
Julie Cajigas is a Cleveland girl who grew up on the East & West Side and now lives near Akron – she’s got the whole town covered. Cajigas holds degrees in Communication & Music from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication at CSU.