10.02-10.09.2019 Shapeshifting

10.02-10.09.19
Shapeshifting

Reinvention is an essential act, as necessary for cities as it is for people. Especially artists.

Craig Matis has been shapeshifting his art/music project Uzizi regularly since the early 1980s, and for the first time, they showcase at Nighttown this week. The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival has evolved over the past 10 years, as has author, journalist and musician Afi Scruggs, celebrating her 65th as Electric, Eclectic Afi.

Of course, getting things off the ground is always the first step. And we love being there to offer our support. Come vote to award $2000 to one of seven entrepreneurs selected to pitch their ideas at Crafty Mart’s Creative Catapult. Or witness student garden teams face off at Refresh Collective’s Freshtoberfest. Or be there as Sarah Davachi creates electroacoustic soundscapes at the Transformer Station. We’re all about transforming. –Thomas Mulready

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Uzizi Rising

Musician/artist Craig Matis has been fronting one version or another of his shapeshifting band UZIZI since the early 80s. Back then, its blend of world music, jazz, folk and rock, augmented with visuals based on Matis’ own art work, was like nothing else in Cleveland.

Expanding and contracting like a breathing organism, the group has ranged from 10-18 members over the last decade, with each incarnation providing a slightly different experience. Usually they play house parties and other off-the-beaten-path gigs but you can catch them this week at Nighttown. Fri 10/4.

Will You Be at the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Summit?

Ten years ago, Mayor Frank G. Jackson announced a 10-year initiative to engage all citizens to work together to design and develop a thriving and resilient region. While this initiative culminates in 2019, 50 years after the infamous 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, the work continues.

Join over 500 stakeholders on Wed 10/16 at Cleveland Public Auditorium for the Sustainable Cleveland Summit, featuring leaders from business, nonprofits, government, media and education. Together, we’ll celebrate celebrate and build off ten years of progress to create Cleveland’s sustainable future. Topics include re-growing the tree canopy, providing safe and equitable transportation options, reaching 100 percent clean energy, and much more. Join us!

A Feast of Real-Life Films

Do you see movies to be enlightened, outraged or entertained? No matter what your motivation, you’ll find plenty to suit your tastes among the 83 films screening over five days at the 10th annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, taking place at various venues in Chagrin Falls.

The Fest includes shorts and feature-length films, work by respected documentarians and student, topics such as the environment, history and culture, inspiring personal stories, horrific tales of genocide and extinction, and lighter fare such as Catwalk, a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cat shows. Wed 10/2-Sun 10/6.

SPONSORED: DANCECleveland presents Parsons Dance performing an evening of mixed repertory works that will include the visual illusion of audience favorite Caught. This family-friendly performance will showcase the uplifting dance company’s stunning dancers and effortless movement, making everyone, young and old, fall for dance. One performance on Sat 8/10 at 7:30PM at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall. Tickets 330-972-7570 or DanceCleveland.org.

Recently, the 60-year-old Columbus-based nonprofit Ohio Arts Professionals Network announced the appointment of Cain Park Social media/marketing coordinator Jessica Rosenblatt (seen here, left, with her wife, musician Diana Chittester) as its executive director. Rosenblatt hosted a networking event at Nighttown, with both arts presenters and performing artists in attendance.

Rosenblatt explained how the organization serves both sides of that equation, helping presenters book their seasons and artists find places to perform, and how she plans to work on expanding its membership and services even more to include media, licensing, legal work, videography and photography. With its ED based here in NE Ohio, hopefully more area performers (musicians, dancers, comedians etc) will connect with OAPN and take advantage of what it has to offer.

VIDEO: Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music at The Maltz

One of the greatest American composers of all time, Leonard Bernstein touched millions of people with his music. From his popular programs for children to his respected Classical compositions to his celebrated Broadway masterpieces, Bernstein’s legacy lives on.

Visit the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage through March 1, 2020 to catch Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music, a multi-media exploration of his life, his music and his enormous personality. CoolCleveland spoke with curator Ivy Weingram, who spent three years assembling the artifacts, photos, videos and interactive exhibits illuminating the life and work of this giant of American music.

Cleveland author, journalist and musician Afi Scruggs bills her upcoming show at the BOP STOP, where she’ll celebrate her 65th birthday, as “Electric, Eclectic Afi.” Go hear her live up to this description! Sun 10/6

* Cleveland Opera Theater presents vocal and harp duo at the Music Box. Sun 10/6.

* Punk & metal bands raise awareness of mental health & addiction at the Speedbump IV fest at Akron’s Musica. Sat 10/5.

* Local jazz ensemble Great Day pays tribute to Thelonious Monk at the BOP STOP. Wed 10/9.

* The Blazing River Freedom Band presents “G Is for Geek” at Tremont’s Pilgrim Church. Sat 10/5.

October 2019 at Melt Bar and Grilled

This October, make it a point to experience Melt Bar and Grill’s Voodoo Zombie Chicken Melt (pictured). Are you experienced? Start with grilled jerk chicken, add some fried and smashed plantains, a few pickled peppers, a splatter of peach habanero marmalade, a slathering of pepper-jack cheese, then dust the whole thing with a a double helping of special zombie dust seasoning!

Big News! The Vegan Macaroni & Cheese is here! Melt’s signature ultra “cheesy” vegan mac & cheese comes mixed up with some deliciousness! Check out the Maniacal Macaroni and Cheese and other dishes that are available vegan. Vegan mac & cheese is also available as a side with any sandwich. Finally: Calling all Pinball Wizards! Join the Melt Independence Pinball Tournament on Thu 10/17.

WED 10/2
Gamelan Cudamani comes from a village in Bali known for its arts-related tourism. But this ensemble of ethnic dancers and musicians isn’t waiting for you to come to them: they’re on tour and performing at Tri-C’s eastern campus.

* Rock Hall Nights series kicks off with “Let’s Dance,” which includes a silent disco.

Click here for more events on Wed 10/2

THU 10/3
Seven local entrepreneurs were selected to pitch their ideas at Crafty Mart’s Creative Catapult, where you can have food and drinks while you mull over who to cast your vote for to win $2,000.

* Svetlana & her NY Swing Collective bring the magic of the movies to the BOP STOP.

* Stan Hywet Hall & Garden’s Ohio Mart is back for its 53rd year, through Sun 10/6.

* Student garden teams face off at Refresh Collective’s Freshtoberfest.

Click here for more events on Thu 10/3

FRI 10/4
Catch Vanity Crash fresh off their show When Andy Met Lou, at a rare club gig at the Maple Grove Tavern ripping through their terrifying original material, plus Velvet Underground tidbits. Also Lords of the Highway and Soraia on Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records.

* Celebrate Polish heritage at Slavic Village’s Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus during its annual Polish Festival, through Sun 10/6.

* The monthly MIX party at the Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates Michelangelo and anatomy.

* Canton Museum of Art’s Art Harvest is an early trick-or-treat opportunity for kids.

* Gay/lesbian fund sposors tree planting in Lower Shaker Lakes area.

* Hudson Gallery Hop raises money for cancer support group the Gathering Place at “Pink-tober.”

Click here for more events on Fri 10/4

SAT 10/5
At the Morgan Concservtory’s fall party, you don’t just get to eat, drink and dance to a DJ, although you can do all of that too. You can also get your hands wet – literally – by doing some paper making, marbling, printmaking and indigo dyeing.

* The Cleveland Photo Fest hosts 24 photographers at the Sell and Show show at Lakewood’s Good Goat Gallery.

* Sip a taste of autumn at Put-in-Bay’s Island Wine Fest.

* Kids can feel like rock stars at the Rock Hall’s musical instrument petting zoo.

* Mac’s Backs on Coventry presents a small book fair and publisher panel.

* Bring your little goblins to Holden Arboretum’s Goblins in the Garden. Also tomorrow

* Heather Maloney returns to Oberlin’s Riverdog Barn with a “spiritual” new album.

* The Beachland Ballroom hosts a fall rock & roll flea market.

* Dozens of mobile eateries take the “Food Truck Challenge” at Crocker Park.

* Fear’s Confections’ “Birthaversary” features special events all day.

* Cleveland Museum of Natural History celebrates Earth Science and Archaeology Day.

* World premiere Rastus and Hattie at CPT looks at America’s racial legacy. Through Sat 10/26.

* Cleveland Heights Rock and Waters offers two days of education about Heights topography. Also tomorrow.

* Dance and drink in the street at Main Street Kent’s Oktoberfest.

* Upcycle Parts hosts recycled art workshops for kids and adults.

* Hale Farm and Village Harvest Fest offers a taste of 19th-century Ohio. Also tomorrow, Sat 10/12 & Sun 10/13.

Click here for more events on Sat 10/5

SUN 10/6
Despite what you may have heard, immigrants enrich our community both economically and culturally. The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates them during its International Day, which kicks off with a naturalization ceremony and includes performances, art tours and opportunities to interact with immigrant organizations.

* Cincinnati’s Madcap Puppets offer an interactive Pinocchio at the Akron Civic Theatre.

* Sarah Davachi creates electroacoustic soundscapes at the Transformer Station.

* Ferment your leftover veggies at a Pickle Party at Bottlehouse Brewery.

* Heights Chamber Orchestra plays free program of Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn & Brahms.

Click here for more events on Sun 10/6

MON 10/7
Through the end of October, the Akron Zoo is open seven days a week. That means more opportunities to see baby snow leopard Baya, who was born in April. She and mom Shanti are usually in their habitat each day from 10am-2pm (they have a page to keep you updated). And seriously, what better way to start your week than by checking out a couple of cool cats?

Click here for more events on Mon 10/7

TUE 10/8
The monthly Dark Room open mic at the Church at CPT gives writers of all types the chance to hear their work in progress read or performed by whatever willing actors/readers happen to show up.

Click here for more events on Tue 10/8

WED 10/9
Joe Bob Briggs is a persona created by a Texas writer who covers B-movies in the voice of a self-styled redneck. He’ll be at the Capitol Theatre talking (humorously) about the history, role & culture of the redneck in America.

* Dancing Wheels performs for Trinity Cathedral’s Brownbag Concerts.

* Belt University at the Happy Dog looks at what maps reveal about Cleveland.

Click here for more events on Wed 10/9

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

For the Love of – and Duty to – the Republic

If blacks that supported Obama had turned out for Clinton she would have easily won. The trick is, how can more blacks be convinced to get out and vote in 2020? One way would be to put one of two wildly popular black women on the Democratic ticket…

* Updating My Last Post In my last article, I suggested that either Michele Obama or Oprah Winfrey run for vice-president on the Democratic ticket. I suggest this simply because, while all elections are part popularity contests, our upcoming 2020 presidential election…

* The Demise of the Fanny Lewis Law One of the most despicable tropes echoed by enemies of black progress is that blacks don’t want to work, when those enemies often do everything in their power to keep us locked out of everything but…

* Mea Culpa Saving the republic has to be the order of the day, and to do that we have to win the upcoming election. But people like Candace Owens are getting paid to make sure that doesn’t happen…

Read other stories from Mansfield Frazier here