Art is not optional. Even in a crisis. In fact, art is essential to life. It tells us who we are, why we are alive, what it means to be human. It inspires us, entertains us, teaches us and comforts us. This week we focus on ways our local artists and entrepreneurs are pivoting, evolving and responding to the current crisis with creativity and flexibility, and by offering new experiences.
Jump in. The water’s fine. –Thomas MulreadySUBSCRIBEPODCASTHELP Photo byThomas Mulready CoolCleveland.com
UPDATES Cultural Community Copes
CoolCleveland was created to promote and support the cultural community in our region. We are proud and humbled by the flexibility exhibited by our cultural groups, who are creatively and quickly pivoting to offering online resources, activities and events. Here are a few.
Cleveland Institute of Musichas just launchedFrom the Archives, sharing recorded performances on Facebook. Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 12:30pm. Details announced weekly here.
Western Reserve Historical Society remains committed to preserving and sharing the history of the people of Northeast Ohio. Stay engaged with stories, photographs, video, and learning resources online @clestartshere and www.WRHS.org.
KSU Cancels May 4 50th Anniversary replaced by a scaled-down online program. The annual commemoration of the May 4, 1970 shootings of students by the National Guard during an anti-war protest was scheduled to feature speakers including Jane Fonda, plus a concert featuring Joe Walsh, David Crosby and 15-60-75 The Numbers Band. Read More
Rock Hall Inductions Postponed to 11/7 and will still be broadcast LIVE on HBO for the first time ever, honoring Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., T-Rex, Irving Azoff and Jon Landau. Original tickets will be honored, and refunds are available. Meanwhile, Rock Hall EDU offers online resources for parents and teachers here.
With their doors closed by the state of Ohio, Cleveland eateries are looking for ways to survive. Many are promoting carryout and delivery, and what could be better when you’re stuck inside than a tasty dish from your favorite restaurant? How about a grilled cheese sandwich from Melt Bar and Grilled or dinner from one of the locally owned places that are part of Cleveland Independents?Read More
After Governor Mike DeWine announced the postponement of the March 17 primary election just hours before poll workers were due at voting locations, confusion ensued. Now secretary of state Frank LaRose says he’s open to moving to all mail-in voting with a late April deadline. The legislature has this change on its agenda and we should have more details soon. Read More
One of the good things about an extended election period (we don’t know for how long) is that we have a little more time to consider some of the less “glamorous” but critical races on the ballot, such as those for Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. CoolCleveland columnist Jenna Thomas tells us why Jennifer O’Donnell would be an asset to the local bench… Read More
THIS WEEK
WED 3/25 Keeping Profitably Busy Musicians are freaking out right now over lost gigs and income. Tonight two media pros, including a BW faculty member, offer a free online session on improving your pitch to attract the attention of bookers so you’ll be ahead of the game when things get normal again.
THU 3/26 Distance Listening Piano Cleveland, in addition to its long-running biennial competition for the world’s top young pianists, hosts
outreach and educational events and concerts. It’s currently streaming a series called “The Quarantine Concerts” each Thursday from the Steinway Piano Gallery.
SAT 3/28 Up in the Air Tri-C JazzFest is scheduled for June 25-27 at Playhouse Square & says it’ll make a decision on whether to move forward in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, its YouTube channel features a series of “Tommy Talks,” interviews with Tri-C students and alum.* Cats On Holiday livestream a basement concert tonight
SUN 3/29 Virtual Art Walk The monthly Third Fridays at 78th Street Studio are off for the foreseeable future. But one of the building’s longtime artists, Eileen Dorsey, is hosting weekly online segments called What’s on the Easel Wednesday where you can see what she’s up to and buy her work. They remain online afterwards.
MON 3/30 All Ages Learning Cleveland Metroparks’ Virtual Classroom, Monday-Friday, isn’t just for kids. Grownups can also join the zookeepers, naturalists & scientists to learn about animals, plants, insects, reptiles and outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy in the Metroparks once this is all over.
TUE 3/31 Stay-at-Home Sounds Apollo’s Fire barely finished its concert series, “O Jerusalem: Crossroads of Three Faiths,” when everything shut down. Today its new twice-weekly series, “Music for the Soul,” airs the final concert at Cleveland Museum of Art.
WED 4/1 Get Counted Today is National Census Day, when many events were scheduled to make people aware of the importance of filling out the census form. So, no events, but please fill it out. Our voting rights and our ability to get our fair share of COVID-19 funding depend on it. Yes, your information remains anonymous.
MANSFIELD
The Coming New Age of Anti-IntellectualismThe pandemic has given these anti-intellectuals all the reason they need to engage in their fantastic beliefs that their way of life is under attack and the solution is to once again rush out to buy more guns and ammunition… Read More
His latest tactic is to call the pandemic “the Chinese virus” so that the conversation can be weaponized. He knows how warlike some Americans are so now he’s attempting to turn a virus that can’t be seen without a microscope… Read More
The surest indicator that something is seriously wrong is when the black spokesperson is trotted out. When you see the brother taking center stage in an emergency situation, you know the feces is about to hit the fan… Read More
Holden Arboretum has closed for now, but before it did, we walked around the grounds, photographically collecting signs of spring, such as these netted irises, to share with you. Better days are coming!
