11.07-11.14.2018 Shooting Stars

11.07-11.14.18
Shooting Stars

So many superstars in our town. First up, there’s Loren Naji who’s toured his EMOH (say it backwards) to NYC, MI, PA & Toronto, and now is raising awareness for the 40 homeless people in Akron who must vacate Tent City, so he’s created the Akron Tent City Compassionate Cookout. He’s teaching us what home is all about.

Then we have our own Anastasia Pantsios, editor of CoolCleveland and world-class photographer of real-life rock stars, teaming up once again with Joe Kleon to reprise their Rock/Roll Perspectives this weekend after 500 people came away stunned at last year’s show.

Matt Fish needs no introduction as the punk rock drummer and chef entrepreneur heading up Melt Bar and Grilled, who’s throwing his considerable influence behind the first End Hunger in Lakewood Day this Saturday, with all the coolest Lakewood restaurants donating 10%. We hope you’ll throw in too.

Our new PODCAST this week features an interview with Joe Milliken, author of Let’s Go!, the new biography of NEO native and co-founder, co-lead singer and bassist for The Cars. You need to listen.

View the latest VIDEO from our new correspondent Megan Alves as she throws the spotlight on sculpture Michael W. High. Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti features at Oberlin, play the pinball machines with a beverage at the new Rock Hall Nights. The Midwest Nerdlesque Festival makes its debut at Akron’s Tangier, Inlet Dance Theatre throws a Big Bash, and Bike Cleveland is throwing a Bike Summit at North Collinwood’s LaSalle Theatre. So many stars around here. –Thomas Mulready

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Photo by Thomas Mulready
CoolCleveland is dedicated to George Nemeth

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CoolCLE PODCAST #06: Ben Orr Biography

Joe Milliken, author of Let’s Go!, a biography of Ben Orr talks to the CoolCLE Show this week. Cleveland features heavily in the story of this co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band, The Cars. The book, Let’s Go! is available from Sun 11/11 from all major retailers.

And also music from Cleveland’s Michael McFarland and Bonnie Clydeman, both with new music releases this week.

At Home in EMOH

It was just around two years ago when Cleveland sculptor Loren Naji unveiled his project EMOH. The large hollow globe was constructed of bits and pieces of demolished houses in the area, reflecting on ideas of home and homelessness in Cleveland and beyond. Putting it on a trailer, he’s taken it to events like FireFish, Ingenuity and Rooms to Let, to NYC and to Art Prize in Grand Rapids, where he lived in it for 30 days and finished in the top 10 out of almost 1,500 entries.

Now he’s taking it to support a downtown homeless camp that’s being evicted by the city, even though the residents have the property owner’s permission to camp in his yard. He’ll host a cookout for the residents and “‘whoever shows up.” “Really, it’s just to open up awareness,” he says. Yes, he’ll be sleeping in it again, and the next morning serving donuts and coffee to anyone who stops by. Sat 11/10.

SPONSORED: Funky Winkerbean creator at BW Catch American comic strip creator Tom Batiuk in a free appearance at Baldwin Wallace University on Tue 11/13. Best known for his long-running comic strip, “Funky Winkerbean,” Batiuk will talk about creating the graphic novel, in particular Lisa’s Story: The Other Shoe, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2008. Part of BW’s “Voices of Imagination and Innovation” series. Tickets here.

Shooting Stars

Last year local music photographers Joe Kleon and Anastasia Pantsios pulled hundreds of prints from their vast collections and mounted the first Rock/Roll Perspectives show at AsiaTown’s Loftworks Gallery, with Pantsios showing her shots from Cleveland’s rock heyday of the 70s and 80s, and Kleon sharing his photos from the past 15 years.

More than 500 people attended, so they’re doing it again, with new shots by Kleon and Pantsios pulling out some never-printed shots, including backstage photos. Expect to see more than 600 images of artists such as Stevie Nicks, Rush, Queen, Tom Petty, Prince, Taylor Swift and more, all available for purchase. Plus Carlos Jones will do an acoustic set in the gallery Saturday and the classic rock duo of Jim & Eroc from Wish You Were will play Sunday. Fri 11/9-Sun 11/11.

VIDEO: Matthew Anderson on Cleveland Restaurant Week

With almost 90 local chefs participating, Cleveland Independents is the largest such group in the country, outnumbering even Chicago or New York. Cleveland Restaurant Week (Nov 5-16, 2018), now in its 12th year, is the flagship promotion that offers a prix fixe meal of 3 courses for $33 per person at participating restaurants.

CoolCleveland speaks with Matthew Anderson, chef de cuisine at Table 45 and current president of Cleveland Independents. “We have an incredible and vibrant food scene, and the independent restaurants we have are unbelievable. We are in a growth mode right now, with lots of jobs.”

Feast No Famine in Lakewood

When Melt Bar and Grilled owner Matt Fish was contacted by Lakewood Community Services Center executive director Trish Rooney about helping to reach out to other Lakewood restaurateurs and business owners to raise money to feed hungry people in their community, he didn’t hesitate to say yes. He never does!

“She knows I’m a charitable guy, so she was just trying to figure out a way to connect with the community a little bit more and let them know that there are a lot of people that are hungry in our backyard,” he says. So he went and rounded up three dozen local businesses for the first End Hunger in Lakewood Day. where each will donate 10% of their profits to LCSC. Sat 11/10.

Small Business Expanding Its Reach

The Room Service boutique in Ohio City features an array of carefully selected and beautifully displayed gift, home & apparel items for all ages, tastes and budgets. Husband-and-wife proprietors Jennie Doran and Andrew Worm curate the place like the artists they are to make you go “I need that” in any direction you turn. Or just “Can I please live here?”

Now they’re taking their stellar taste to a new location: Shaker Heights’ new Van Aken District. “We are absolutely committed to Ohio City as our home base,” says Jennie. “We’re also really excited to see how Shaker Heights molds and defines our second location. We want to become a part of the fabric of this neighborhood just as we are here in Ohio City.” Sat 11/10.

Think and Drink at CMNH: Prehistoric Cleveland

Raise a glass and increase your knowledge of the natural world at Cleveland’s brainiest happy hour!

Each #ThinkandDrink event highlights a different science topic and offers exclusive access to professional staff and researchers, unique experiences and interactive demonstrations. Enjoy a drink from our beer and wine bar, and grab a bite to eat at Exploration: A Zack Bruell Restaurant located off Wade Oval lobby. This month’s theme is Prehistoric Cleveland and takes place on Thu 11/8.

Think & Drink with the Extinct is from 6 to 10PM on the third Thursday of the month from October through May (with the exception of November which will take place on the second Thursday). The event is free for members.

VIDEO: Michael W. High’s Fantastic Creatures

Haunting and beautiful, Michael W. High’s sculptures blend human features with the whimsy of the animal world. High’s interest in clay began with an enrichment course at Lakeland Community College, where he returned to finish his bachelor’s degree during the Great Recession.

CoolCleveland correspondent Megan Alves visits Michael at his LCC studio to watch the unique way he creates these fantastic creatures. High’s work is currently on view in Recast: Curated by Mary Urbas at the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve until Sat 11/10 as well as in the 47th Annual Juried Exhibition at the Valley Art Center which runs until Tue 11/27.

Different Ways of Dancing

Holiday events are starting to move in on us. One early entry is Dancing Wheel’s version of Babes in Toyland, at the Breen Center this weekend. The lighthearted, colorful production will not only get you in a seasonal mood, but will help your little ones learn what people with different movement capabilities can do. And there’s a family “Toys & Treats” party in the lobby after the Saturday matinee. Sat 11/10.

Click here for more CoolCleveland Kids events

November 2018 at Melt Bar and Grilled

Sandwich Specials: Parmageddonator & Parmageddon (all month); The New Bomb Turkey (pictured) (11/1-21); The 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon Melt (11/23-30). Seasonal Sides: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli & Herb Roasted Potatoes. Bread Pudding: Cookies & Cream Bread Pudding. Beer Feature: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. Cocktail Feature: Gobbler Sangria.

Melt News: Awesome November Beer Features! Fat Head’s Brewery and Jameson Collaboration. Melt and Absolut Vodka partner for the November “Round up to Fight Hunger” Charity Drive. Join the Melt Family! Announcing the Melt Bar and Grilled Hiring Fairs for Cleveland, Columbus and Lake County.

Luna Bakery & Cafe has been a huge hit in its seven years in Cleveland Heights, dishing out crepes, paninis, soups and salads, and a distinctive array of sweets. Last June it opened a second location in Moreland Hills, and it’s now hosting a grand opening party for those who haven’t discovered it yet. Thu 11/8.

* Astoria Cafe & Market in Gordon Square specializes in foods and wines from Mediterranean countries. But its wine guy Steve Daniels is now offering products from Cleveland Heights’ CLE Urban Winery and he’s hosting a tasting to introduce them. Sat 11/10.

Read more of CoolCleveland’s picks for Eats and Drinks.

SPONSORED: Don’t Miss Out! Cleveland Restaurant Week Happens Now through November 16! It’s the dining event of the year. Cleveland Restaurant Week. Over 40 members of Cleveland Independents, locally owned, independent restaurants, are showcasing three-course prix fixe menus for only $33. Try someplace new. Return to your favorites. For menus, real-time online reservations and phone numbers, visit Clevelandrestaurantweek.com. Remember… Eat. Drink. Local.

The short opera Trouble in Tahiti is the centerpiece of Oberlin Opera Theatre’s tribute to Leonard Bernstein, which also features a revue of his hits from musicals like West Side Story and On the Town. Wed 11/7-Sun 11/11

* Legendary Cleveland blues guitarist Glenn Schwartz dies at age 77.

* Apollo’s Fire builds bridges across religious & cultural lines in “O Jerusalem.” Sat 11/10, Mon 11/12, Fri 11/16-Sun 11/18.

* Paul Kovac invites his friends to a bluegrass jam at Peninsula’s G.A.R. Hall. Sat 11/10.

* The Cleveland Opera presents Bellini’s Romeo and Juliet at Ursuline College & East Cleveland Library. Fri 11/9 & Sat 11/10.

* Ex-Throwing Muses singer Kristin Hersh performs Folknet concert in Lyndhurst. Sat 11/10.

Read more of CoolCleveland’s picks for Cool Events.

WED 11/7
Come play some pinball, some Rock Band or some drums, at the Rock Hall’s Play night. You can also hear Dr. Norma Coates talk about the 60s Shindig and Hullabaloo TV shows in the Foster Theater after catching the Rock on TV special exhibit.

* National Geographic photographer Steve Winter shares his images in “On the Trail of the Big Cats” at the Ohio Theatre.

* Gretchen Pleuss and friends honor the music of Joni Mitchell at the Music Box on her 75th birthday.

Click here for more events on Wed 11/7

THU 11/8
Cleveland Public Theatre’s Y-Haven Theatre Project gives a voice and the stage to formerly homeless men from the YMCA’s Y-Haven transitional housing. Outside the Mirror which they created, draws from their own experiences. Through Sun 11/11.

* Goth/folk duo Charming Disaster makes a return appearance at Lakewood’s Good Goat Gallery.

* Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Think & Drink with the Extinct looks at prehistoric Cleveland.

* Playmakers Youth Theatre takes on play about Edgar Allan Poe at Ensemble Theatre space. Also Sun 11/11.

* The Cleveland Orchestra plays three works by Ravel and a U.S. premiere, through Sat 11/10.

* African-American scholar Dr. Tuliza Fleming talks about Chicago’s AfriCOBRA movement of the 1960s.

* Winds of Change middle-eastern dancers perform at the Westlake Public Library.

Click here for more events on Thu 11/8

FRI 11/9
It’s getting a little chilly to do much walking at the monthly Walkabout Tremont. But the event will “Light Up Your Holidays” with stomach-warming food and drink specials and plenty of places to do some shopping and look at art such as prints by Jordan Wong (pictured) at Loop record store coffee shop.

* Midwest Nerdlesque Festival makes its debut at the Tangier in Akron. Also tomorrow.

* A big bash benefit at Gordon Square’s Parish Hall keeps Inlet Dance Theatre moving.

* The Movement Project presents its third annual Dance Fest in Tremont. Also tomorrow.

* Chicago’s Joe Policastro Trio brings its unique take on movie/TV music to Akron’s Blu Jazz+.

* The Cleveland Pops Orchestra pay homage to Sondheim and Lloyd Webber at Severance Hall.

* Eclectic nonet FunkyardX plays a cabaret-style show at the Akron Civic Theatre.

* 52 local artists showcased in 52-week calendar and exhibit at Baldwin Wallace.

* There’s no war on Christmas at the Christkindl Market at the Canton Art Museum. Through Sun 11/11.

* Afghan refugee turned aviatrix appears at Women’s Air and Space Museum dinner.

Click here for more events on Fri 11/9

SAT 11/10
The For Freedom town halls at MOCA have explored artist’s voices on political and civic issues. Today they move to Campus International School downtown for a program on teens and gun violence, including a teen workshop/movement-driven performance on the impact of gun violence.

* Folk legend Carolyn Hester makes a rare appearance at Avon Lake’s Barnegie Hall.

* The Yards Project takes a trip to artist/gallerist Gadi Zamir’s Negative Space Gallery in AsiaTown.

* NYC’s Ballet Hispanico is in town for two performances at Playhouse Square. Also tomorrow.

* BlueWater Chamber Orchestra program features the “Opulent Oboe” in Foss concerto.

* Hungarian scout folk ensemble showcases old-world traditions at Lakewood Civic Auditorium.

* Cleveland Film Commission holds Band of Brothers benefit at Browns Stadium.

* Orchid Thief author Susan Orlean and others in Facebook Live discussion at Cleveland Public Library.

* Sports mascot documentary, screening at Westshore UU Church, calls foul on Chief Wahoo.

Click here for more events on Sat 11/10

SUN 11/11
Bike Cleveland was formed in 2011 to push for safer streets and more bicycle-friendly policies, sponsor events and educational programs, and encourage bike use. It’s even helped birth a bike share. Now it’s hosting a Bike Summit at North Collinwood’s LaSalle Theatre to identify its future priorities and programs.

* Music for Miles offers brassy holiday music at Waterloo Arts.

Click here for more events on Sun 11/11

MON 11/12
What is the evolutionary reason that chimps and gorillas walk on their elbows? CWRU faculty member Scott Simpson explores this mystery at the monthly Science Cafe at the Music Box Supper Club.

* The Hudson Library presents light-hearted scenes and comic characters from Shakespeare’s plays.

Click here for more events on Mon 11/12

TUE 11/13
Authors R.O. Kwon and Huda Al-Marashi, who are the guests at tonight’s Brews + Prose at Market Garden Brewery, bring very different cultural perspectives, with Kwon born in Korea and Al-Marashi the daughter of Iraqi immigrants.

* Film Unlikely follows the issues faced by today’s college students; it screens at the Akron Civic Theatre.

* Funky Winkerbean’s (and NEO’s) Tom Batiuk at BW to speak on his Pulitzer nominated graphic novel.

Click here for more events on Tue 11/13

WED 11/14
Local printmakers Anna Tararova and April Bleakney recently did a residency as exchange artists in Dundee, Scotland. The two artists be talking about how their work was influenced by their stay there and showing it in a pop-up exhibit at the Cleveland Print Room. The work will be on view through Sat 11/25.

Click here for more events on Wed 11/14

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

When Prisoners Run the Joint

Prisons are places the average citizen never get to glimpse inside of, for a couple of reasons: One is that penal authorities are expert at keeping out prying eyes, and the other is because, let’s face it, the average citizen really doesn’t care to know what’s going on…

Read other stories from Mansfield Frazier here