01.11-01.18.2017 Starman

01.11-01.18.17
Starman

David Bowie would have just turned 70 a few days ago, but his legacy is growing stronger every day. I’m honored to present a fast-moving portrait of his life and music this weekend at BOP STOP, complete with rare video & photos, insider info and a live music showcase by Vanity Crash. I personally invite you to join us and celebrate one of the most influential and entertaining artists of our time.

A star can be a celebrity like Akron’s Zach Freidhof or the legendary Glass Harp, or the subject of the hilarious Michael Stanley Superstar, all in performance this week. Or it can be the Cleveland police caught in the act of working with their communities, captured on film by four of our best photographers.

Rising stars like area multi-instrumentalist Marcus Alan Ward share the spotlight this week with venerable institutions like the Cleveland Public Library, ever evolving with new technology and community connections. Not all the stars are in the sky. –Thomas Mulready

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Photo by Anastasia Pantsios
CoolCleveland is dedicated to George Nemeth

Bowie Tix Still Available

Celebrating his birth and death dates, this acclaimed presentation on David Bowie’s life and music, featuring rare video, needle drops, archival photos and insider secrets by CoolCleveland’s Thomas Mulready on Fri 1/13 and Sat 1/14 at the BOP STOP, now in two sessions, presented back-to-back each evening. Tickets are selling briskly. Join us for An Evening With(out) David Bowie, including a live music showcase by Vanity Crash.

Part 1 begins with his half-dozen failed attempts at stardom in the 1960’s to worldwide “Fame” with Young Americans, during which Bowie bottoms out, as the excesses of mid-1970’s stardom threaten to engulf him. Part 2 covers his Mid- to Late-Period, from “The Berlin Trilogy” through Let’s Dance to his mysteriously choreographed death and his final recordings. Tickets are now on sale. Last weekend’s Bowieoke at Musica was a huge hit. Last year’s shows sold out four times. Join us!

FeelGood Music

Marcus Alan Ward used to be known as “Freeze-Tag,” and under that moniker became known for his exploratory electronic music. Reverting to his real name, the adventurous musician is casting his net even wider.

He’s already earned some national attention and hopes to garner more with his new release “BodyFeelGood,” the first of a string of singles he’s planning to put out. He debuts it tonight at the Grog Shop where he’s collaborating with an artist to bring a visual element to his show. Fri 1/13.

Make your organization the star Consider CoolCleveland Sponsored Links, Sponsored Features and Sponsored Videos. Info@CoolCleveland.com

SPONSORED: Cleveland Cinemas sees big savings in your future with the return of $5 Bargain Mondays starting January 5th. See the latest and greatest movies for just $5! Plus Marquee Rewards members get a second Bargain Day every Tuesday with the same great deals! You’re gonna save a fortune! ClevelandCinemas.com.

A Visual Dialogue

It probably won’t make a huge dent in the thorny issue of police/community relations in Cleveland. But the photo show Black & Blue Side By Side, showing this weekend at Ohio City’s Cleveland Collective Gallery, aims to make people take another look and see the humanity on both sides.

Four artists photographed cops and African-American men together for the show, organized by retired designer Al Wasco. John Benson tracks him down to find out how it came about and what he hopes it will accomplish. Fri 1/13-Sun 1/15.

Much More Than Books

Wintertime is the perfect time for cocooning with a good book – or exploring the Cleveland Public Library to learn how much more it has to offer than just books. From yoga classes to to concerts makers fairs to traveling exhibitions to conferences and classes to digital music downloads, the library is a wraparound resource.

Our reporter, writer, Claudia Taller, takes us on a grand tour of the library, sharing all the different forms in which it now connects the people with information. Checking out a book can be a multi-media experience!

A Far Cry

Hear A Far Cry, the 17-member Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble, heralded by Boston Magazine as “a thoroughly modern, century-spanning, globe-trotting sonic adventure,” at Baldwin Wallace University, Tue 1/24 at 7PM. At the forefront of a new generation in classical music embraced around the world, A Far Cry is expanding the boundaries of orchestral repertoire and experimenting with the ways music is prepared, performed, and experienced.

Presented by BW’s 85th Annual Bach Festival with generous support by the Scott & Julie Mawaka Charitable Foundation, the concert will feature Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043 and others. Tickets here.

Cold Fun in the Wintertime

It doesn’t matter if your family are hardy outdoors types or prefer to warm their feet by the fire. Geauga Park District’s Frozen Fest has something you’ll enjoy. For those who like brisk weather, there’s snowshoeing, ice craving, hikes and “bird in the hand” feeding demos. For the indoors types there’s live music, face painting and crafts. Everyone can enjoy the cookies and cocoa! Sun 1/15.

* Toddlers can make a mess to their heart’s content at the Akron Art Museum’s “Tots Create.” Sat 1/14

Click here for more CoolCleveland Kids events

SPONSORED: New semester and shows! Tell the winter cold to BRING IT ON (2/10 – 2/26) and then warm up by the fire with CARRIE (3/24 – 4/2). Beck Center for the Arts is the perfect place to discover your inner artist with classes in all art forms for all ages and abilities. Enroll today!

January at Melt Bar and Grilled

Sandwich Special: Potato Bacon Bomb. Seasonal Sides: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli & Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Bacon & Brussels Sprouts. Bread Pudding: CinnaBOMB! Bread Pudding. Beer Feature: Stone Brewing /Arrogant Brewery – Who You Callin’ Wussie. Drink Feature: The Sweet Side of Winter.

Melt Announces 8th location coming to Dayton, Ohio. No official grand opening date is confirmed but stay tuned to all Melt’s social media sites and website for updated information coming soon. A new staff hiring fair will be held at the location in early 2017. Now taking reservations in select Melt Bar and Grilled locations. Online ordering launching in January 2017!

The increasing numbers of Northeast Ohioans who like to buy their food directly from local growers and producers have more options available to them than ever before.

Five of the area’s popular summer farmers markets also run indoor winter markets – and four of those run every week. Check out our guide to these markets and what they have to offer, even during the coldest months of the year. One even dishes up free hot soup samples! Sat 1/14.

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

SPONSORED: Confront the Music at The Kent Stage with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dale & Ray, Sara Watkins, Taylor Hicks, Al DiMeola, Beth Hart, The Smithereens & The Motels, Norm Pikelny, Morgan James, Richard Thompson, plus more. TheKentStage.com.

Akron singer/songwriter Zach Freidhof is known for his sunny demeanor and the work he’s done to foster peace in the community as well as for his gentle, lilting tunes. He’ll be releasing his 17th album at the Rialto Theater. Sat 1/14

* Cleveland’s No Exit New Music Ensemble brings St. Paul’s Zeitgeist ensemble to town for a weekend of collaborative performances. Fri 1/13-Sun 1/15.

* Legendary Youngstown trio Glass Harp plays its first hometown show in seven years. Fri 1/13.

* Cleveland’s Carlos Jones shares a bill with Pittsburgh’s Jim Donovan & the Sun King Warriors at the Beachland. Sat 1/14.

* The Cleveland Orchestra fills Severance Hall with the drama of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. Thu 1/12 & Sat 1/14.

* An Evening With(out) David Bowie is presented by CoolCleveland’s Thomas Mulready at BOP STOP this Fri 1/13 & Sat 1/14

Read more of CoolCleveland’s picks for Cool Events.

Is Your Business In a CoolNEIGHBORHOOD?

If you own a local shop, restaurant or attraction that’s listed in one of our free CoolNEIGHBORHOODS, either in the ShopLOCAL or SUSTENANCE areas, you’re eligible to receive a free window cling, a sticker, and as many Favicards as you can hand out to your customers.

On the other hand, maybe your local business should be included on CoolCleveland, in which case, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to tell the world about you! Details.

WED 1/11
Talking about bees can put you in a summer state of mind. Tonight the Greater Cleveland Beekeepers Association hosts a program on how to collect and process wax – and how to make candles out of it once you’ve collected it – at the Rocky River Nature Center.

* Local author Pete Chakerian will talk about Cleveland’s pop culture icons from Superman to Gary Dee at the Music Box’s Cleveland Stories series.

* Music ranges from fun and lively to heart-wrenching at Hive Mind.

Click here for more events on Wed 1/11

THU 1/12
Local burlesque performer Rubi-Nesque’s teenage son almost died recently, so almost everyone who is anyone in the local burlesque scene is coming together at the Beachland Ballroom for a gala show to help her pay medical expenses.

* The Debbie Darling Duo does the Great American Songbook at Nighttown.

* Kenyon College women’s a cappella group the Owl Creek Singers performs at Mahall’s.

* Ben Shepherd tells stories in song at Hive Mind.

* There’s a reception this evening for the Curve of Color show which opened last week at American Greetings Gallery W at Crocker Park.

Click here for more events on Thu 1/12

FRI 1/13
Zimbabwe-born artist Chido Johnson comes to Zygote Press with his touring show in which 20 local artists were tasked to create “chapters,” using romance novels as their raw material.

* Painter Tricia Kaman opens her solo show Women in Reverie at Ursuline College’s Wasmer Gallery. Through Fri 2/17.

* The Tremont Art Walk is a great time to check out all the neighborhood’s offerings.

* Annual FRESH art show at the Summit Artspace reflects on current affairs and political climate.

* Portraits by six artists in different media comprise Likenesses at Heights Arts.

* Packy Malley’s annual Capricorn Party at the House of Blues features a pair of Columbus Bands.

* Last Call Cleveland revives its satirical Michael Stanley Superstar at PlayhouseSquare. Also Sat 1/14, Fri 1/20 & Sat 1/22.

* “Flapper Girl” Erin McDougald sings many styles of jazz at Akron’s BLU Jazz +.

* Hear some heavy, slow and joyful music at the Happy Dog.

* The Beck Center celebrates the legacy of jazz bassist Milt Hinton.

* Andrews Osborne School hosts “Music for Our Children” benefit for UNICEF.

* Mahall’s hold a Goth Prom for everyone who was a weirdo in high school.

* An Evening With(out) David Bowie at BOP STOP tonight Fri 1/13 & tomorrow.

Click here for more events on Fri 1/13

SAT 1/14
After a couple of years of anticipation and a false start, SPACES contemporary art gallery moves into its new facility at Detroit & West 29th with a dinner and dance party tonight and a free open house tomorrow afternoon.

* Torque … Full Throttle Improv offers hot comedy on a cold night.

* Bring your cat down to the PD to be photographed for its “Cutest Cat” contest.

* Up-and-coming jazz bassist/vocalist Katie Thiroux plays at BLU Jazz + in Akron.

* After 50 years, the Nitty Gritty Dirty Band is alive and well and playing at the Kent Stage.

* Two local bands offer an evening of free rock at the 5 O’Clock Lounge.

* Maples Lanes hosts noise music album release show.

* Work of London-based Esther Teichmann goes on view at the Transformer Station.

* Go back in time at CanalWay Center to the 1936-1937 Great Lakes Exposition.

* Last chance to catch David Bowie show at BOP STOP with rare video, photos & live music.

Click here for more events on Sat 1/14

SUN 1/15
Craft Beer & Conversation at Market Garden Brewery is a new free event where small groups of people will share tables to talk about a variety of issues while drinking beer – or whatever you like. You don’t need to be an expert, just interested in exchanging ideas.

* Join other puppet enthusiasts in Lakewood to re-form the Puppetry Guild.

* The Underworld Blues Band debuts a new album at the House of Blues.

Click here for more events on Sun 1/15

MON 1/16
There’s a whole host of indoor things to do on the MLK holiday. But if you’ll looking for something outdoorsy, there’s Ice Fest, with ice sculptures, face painting and costumed characters. It takes place between the Rock Hall and the Great Lakes Science Center, both free today, so you can go inside if you get cold.

* Maltz Museum honors MLK with its Hear Our Voices program.

* Music, films and family programming mark the MLK holiday at the Rock Hall.

* Editors of local anthology on race speak at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library.

Click here for more events on Mon 1/16

TUE 1/17
Harlem’s Norma Miller was known as the “Queen on Swing” in films and onstage back in her heyday. She’s now 97 so her dancing days are behind her, but she’s be at Baldwin Wallace to talk about how dance and swing music contributed to racial integration.

* The Rebirth Brass Band carries the sound of New Orleans to the Beachland.

* Violinist Sarah Chang joins the Prague Philharmonia at EJ Thomas Hall.

* Quartet from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performs at Shaker Heights’ Plymouth Church.

Click here for more events on Tue 1/17

WED 1/18
Photographer Ian Adams is a nature specialist, who has taken some stunning shots at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He’ll be at CVNP’s Happy Days Lodge to share some advice on how to get good nature photos using just your smartphone.

Click here for more events on Wed 1/18

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Dancing With the Devil

Of course some blacks (as well as whites) maintain that even attempting to enter into such negotiations with someone as detestable as Trump is scurrilously selling out. And while I’ll agree…

* The Internet Political Hustle During the presidential campaign I signed on to a couple of sites and before you could say “Super Pac” I was being inundated with emails from organizations such as…

Read other stories from Mansfield Frazier here

A look back at the last week
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

PHOTOSTREAM: 2016 in Photos

It was a big year for Cleveland, in which we welcomed (?) the RNC, celebrated the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art and basked in the city’s first major league sports victory in more than 50 years. Enjoy some of our favorite photos from events of the past year, taken by Anastasia Pantsios, Elisa Vietri and Dru Thompson.

PHOTOSTREAM & REVIEW: DayGlo Show @ Waterloo Arts by Dru Thompson

Read and comment here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/blog