It’s time to take action. That’s why we started CoolCleveland 22 years ago. Not to make millions, not to capture your attention, not to steal your data, not to shill for corporate interests. We simply wanted to stop the whining and misconception that there was nothing happening around here. And to point out some cool ways for you to spend your time. None of them involving doomscrolling, shitposting or freaking out our readers with sensational clickbait. So find a few things to do below, get the information you need, and then get the hell offline and out into our community.Take CoolCleveland editor and photographer Anastasia Pantsios’ advice and attend the Resistance Fair at Heights High and get hooked up with one or more of the 30+ activist groups you can believe in, supporting the environment, gun safety, reproductive rights, and restoring democracy, among others. Come to the Happy Dog forum to hear how theater can challenge preconceptions. Or head to the Maltz to hear how Hitler used modern art for propaganda purposes. Or pop into the City Club to join a discussion on Cleveland’s immigrant/refugee community and hear the truth from four people in the know.
Akron saxophonist Justin Tibbs is bringing his ensemble JT’s Electric Blackout to CVNP’s Happy Days Lodge. Cleveland Bazaar’s Valentine Bazaar pops up at Lake Affect Studios. moCa holds a silent disco/fashion party. Cleveland City Hall mounts an exhibition on the theme of “African Americans and Labor.” WJCU’s Blizzard Bash raises money for the hungry. Hale Farm hosts stories of two women who fought slavery. Our band Vanity Crash performs a rare non-ticketed club gig this Saturday. It really doesn’t matter. Just pick something and get busy.
There are a lot of things going on right now — in the world, the country, and right here in Ohio — to be upset and angry about, things that exclusively benefit the wealthy and powerful and hurt ordinary working people. You can complain to your friends in long, circular phone conversations or argue with strangers online — or you can come to the Resistance Fair in Cleveland Heights, where you can meet people who are taking action.
More than 30 activist groups will be at the event at Cleveland Heights High School, sharing what they are doing and offering ways you can get involved. Find that one thing you care about the most, whether it’s the environment, gun safety, reproductive rights or restoring democracy in Ohio, and there’ll most likely be an organization there that’s working on it. Read more.
When Matthew Whitaker performs at Tri-C East’s Mandel Theater on Saturday February 8, ticket holders won’t just get to hear an exciting young jazz keyboard player, just 23 years old and already on his fourth album, perform. They’ll also be the first to hear the lineup for this year’s 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest, which will be announced before the performance. JazzFest takes place June 26-28 at Playhouse Square. Read more.
The Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival isn’t happening until September 20. But if you’re a filmmaker who’d like to take part, now is the time to start getting your entry in shape. And this year there are cash prizes! Early first-look submissions are $10 and open until April 1st. Final-look submissions at $25 and close on July 1st. Read more.
MON 2/10 Uncovering History
CVNP’s Low Power Happy Hour event offers drinks, networking and a panel discussion, this month about the reclamation of the history of the Green Book, a guide published from 1936-1967 that told Black travelers where they would be welcome.
WED 2/12 Midweek Chill
Akron sax player Justin Tibbs brings his ensemble JT’s Electric Blackout to CVNP’s Happy Days Lodge for a laidback evening of smooth jazz and soul music.
