1.09-1.16.07
A New World
In this week’s issue:
* Ingenious Rebecca Schweigert, Principal oboist for CityMusic Cleveland
* Straight Outta Mansfield Yr Turn and Other Thoughts
* BFD Dir of Econ Dev takes a permanent vacation
* Road Trip Exploring the Wing Watch and Wine Trail
* Sounds Saint Cecilia Sound System from Expecting Rain
* RoldoLINK Hagan Again Puts Taxpayers in Bind
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here
A new year, a new attitude, a new opportunity to explore the coolest things going in our part of the New World. Read on for Claudia Taller’s insightful spotlight on Ohio’s Wing, Watch & Wine Trail, combining bird watching and winery hopping. We review the new debut disc by Expecting Rain, and it’s a good one. Mansfield Frazier points us to a cool event supporting the good work of the black church in Cleveland, plus his comments on recent racial violence and the rise of Barack Obama. Roldo rants about our local government & business leaders, offering us more of the same. BFD posts about the changing of the guard (did you miss it) in the economic development office at the City. Look closely to find a rare 2-4-1 offer on the “New World” from the Cleveland Orchestra. Add in a selection of BizTech events and news, plus the Cool Cleveland Kids podcast, NewsLINKS and events, not to mention our weekly stew of cool events to liven your world, and you’ll see that every week is new in Cool Cleveland. Happy clicking. Thomas Mulready
Meet Rebecca Schweigert
Principal oboist for CityMusic Cleveland
Attending a CityMusic Cleveland concert is a treat, no matter where you are sitting, whether in the audience at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, or at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland, or at the Elyria First United Methodist Church, or at a number of other church venues across northeast Ohio. Is it the repertoire, the high level of performance by professional musicians, the talented music director James Gaffigan that makes the concerts so special? Yes, but it is also the accessibility to the musicians, the informal atmosphere, and the free admission. The church architecture places the audience just two steps away from the orchestra members encouraging an open, interactive concert experience. Rebecca Schweigert, an Oberlin Conservatory alum and a CSU faculty member, is principal oboist with CityMusic Cleveland. In talking about the 35-member group, her enthusiasm overflows. She was there at the beginning, over three years ago, playing at their first concert and has continued with them ever since. Driven by a volunteer board of trustees including Eugenia and Ronald Strauss, Sawsan Alhaddad, Clurie Bennis, David Krakowski, and Beverly Simmons, this group of friends and long time arts supporters joined together to make classical music more accessible in northeast Ohio. They were determined to take away any barriers, says Schweigert, and build audiences…
Read more from Susan Schaul here
SPONSORED: Celebrate the Creativity The Cleveland Institute of Art is proud to host the 28th Annual Cuyahoga County Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition. Nearly 1,700 pieces of artwork were entered from students in schools throughout Cuyahoga County with 74 pieces selected to receive Gold Key awards, 97 Silver Key Awards, and 132 Honorable Mention awards. In addition, 30 students will be acknowledged for excellent art and photo portfolios and 24 students will receive Regional Awards. Join us to celebrate the creativity on Sun 1/13 at a public reception from 2-4PM in Reinberger Galleries. The Scholastic Art Exhibition will be open to the public through Sat 2/2 (corner of East Blvd. and Bellflower). Gallery hours are: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10AM-6PM; Sundays 12PM-6PM; Closed Mondays. Contact www.cia.edu for more information. The Cleveland Institute of Art . . .Making Art Work.
Staring Down the 90s The Paul Green School of Rock based out of Rocky River presents this alt-rock program Fri 1/11 at 6:30PM and Sat 1/12 at 7:30PM at the HiFi Club, 11729 Detroit Rd, Lakewood. The original performance based, interactive music school is dedicated to teaching rock and roll to school age kids; their studies culminate in a live music show — this one featuring songs from artists like Rancid, The Offspring, Nine Inch Nails, Hole and more. http://www.schoolofrock.com.
New World Children’s Theatre Workshop Standing Rock Cultural Arts kicks off this excellent program Sat 1/12 from 2 – 3PM. This super-exclusive group event Ends with 3 performances in May. If your kids (ages 8-17) have theatrical aspirations, they should sign up. North Water Street Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent. Max: 10 Students. (Arrangements can be made for low-income families). To learn more or to sign-up, contact Jeff Ingram at 330-673-4970 or info@standingrock.net. http://www.standingrock.net.
Auditions for the Youth Theatre Production of ”The Jungle Book”, a full-length play by Joseph Robinette based on the Mowgli Stories of Rudyard Kipling, is offered by the FAA in Willoughby starting Sun 1/27 for April production run. Approx. 25 male and female actors, ages 6-18 are needed. Call Ann Hedger for appointment at 440-951-7500 x103.
Fun, fitness, and flying objects mark The Mandel Jewish Community Centers Annual Family Fun Day on Sun 1/13 from 11AM – 4PM. Special events include an edge-of-your seat balancing and juggling performance by Nels Cremean, a Mad Science: Fire and Ice demonstration, a Cleveland Museum of Natural History live animal demo and more. Wall climbing, Ga Ga tournaments, a giant inflatable slide, fitness and boxing demonstrations and fitness assessments round out the fun. http://www.clevejcc.org.
SPONSORED: Drop-ins Welcome at CMA on MLK Day Come and join us at The Cleveland Museum of Art on Mon 1/21 to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Make a collage inspired by the work of Romare Bearden. Join a book discussion of “The Bond” with co-author, Margaret Bernstein. Listen to the Cleveland BoysChoir, and have your photo taken with our Art Crew characters. These events have no admission fee and are open to the public. Drop-ins welcome. 10AM-4:30PM, most events from 1-4PM. For general CMA info contact www.clevelandart.org.
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
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Cle is 13th most litarate city in the US, up 5 spots from 2005. Read Proudly… and Perhaps Even Aloud
Geauga Lake’s coasters are on the block. Read
Local man is foreclosed upon; outcome is a pass for a decade without payments! Whoa. Read
Feeling fluffy after the holiday splurge? CrossFit Cleveland has got ya covered. Get in better shape by learning a better way to work out. Read
Gov. Strickland passes on Buckeyes while Brunner, Dann, Fisher make the trip to Nola for OSU’s BCS title game. Click
Cty Comms set deadline for Med Mart project, site destination. Read
An Apple at Crocker? The Store in the Park, we mean. Read
Rock Hall is a “must-see” rock and roll destination in 2008 as detailed in recent USA Today spread. We wholeheartedly agree. Click
Take action to protect consumers’ right to know how our food is produced – and farmers’ right to give us that information! Click and then Click Again
Support Cleveland & vote for the Cleveland Heights Gospel Choir in this national contest! Vote
Check out the new ArtOnWheels store on eBay, which just launched. Shop
Kalliope Stage is alive and well, staying in Cle. Click
Sports Illustrated gives Cle its props. Click
Two Cle-area businesses hit Y-Town for space at Fed Place. Read
Ski fans from near, far flock to NEO for fun, record-breaking temps notwithstanding. Read
2008 Mandel JCC Annual Photo Show entry deadline for submissions is Fri 2/29 for consideration. Click
GCSC launches Golden Ticket raffle will begin late last week. Want to win obscene access to season tix for Indians, Cavaliers & Browns? Register
Make a difference Do you have an idea that you think would make a difference in Cleveland? We’d like to help you make it happen. The Cleveland Colectivo, a giving circle, is currently seeking new projects to support. They welcome individuals, new businesses, and community projects to participate. Grant amounts will range between $500 and $5K based on the number of projects selected. The deadline for submissions is Tue 1/15. For more info and to apply, visit http://www.clevelandcolectivo.org.
SPACELab artist Chelsea Blackerby of Akron will present I Felt That (Rainbow Troop, crawl) starting next week. But she needs your help collecting materials for her experimental installation. Please drop off any kind of padding, sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc., at SPACES during gallery hours. At the closing of her SPACELab exhibition, all of the materials so generously donated by you will go to Good Neighbors for Greater Akron/Cleveland. http://www.spacesgallery.org.
Submissions are now being accepted to honor outstanding historic preservation projects in Northeast Ohio. On May 8, the Cleveland Restoration Society and the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Chapter will join together to host the Celebration of Preservation and present annual preservation awards. Details
A Charter Update In accordance to Section 200-1 of the City of Cleveland Charter, Cleveland City Council, under Council President Martin J. Sweeney, is undertaking the Charter Review process in 08. The Charter Review process is a chance to streamline outdated codes and procedures and rethink how the City operates. Charter Review Commission members are responsible for considering changes to Citys governing document. Have a suggestion… or several? Please send suggestions to webmaster@clevelandcitycouncil.org or to Attn: Charter Review, Cleveland City Council, 601 Lakeside Avenue, #220, Cleveland 44114.
SPONSORED: Feeling Down after the Holidays? Well, theres no better way to get yourself up than in a comfy jet rising into the sky at 400 miles per hour! Especially when its heading to a great hot spot like New York City! The plays! The shows! The nightclubs! . . . Whats that? Something about holiday spending got you all tapped out? No worries right now, you can get a great deal during AirTran Airways big airfare sale. And parking is cheap as can be at the Akron-Canton Airport. So stop by www.airtran.com right now. Then, pop on over to www.mustseenewyork.com and start making your big plans! See? Youre feeling better already, arent you?
STAIRS needs your old cell phone Formerly the Refugee Family Center, this nonprofit agency on Cle’s west side provides post-resettlement services to refugee youth and their families from Afghanistan, Burundi, the D.R. Congo, Liberia, Russia and Somalia. Got an old cell to unload? Proceeds from their cell phone recycling fundraiser will be used to support our Refugee Youth After School Program — including one-on-one tutoring. Drop off your used cell at: Penton Media Building 1300 E. 9th St. from now until Fri 1/11 at 6PM. Look for the red collection box & easel display in the lobby during regular biz hours. For other locations or pick-up, contact Emily Anderson (email: emily.c.anderson@gmail.com or 440-915-6979) until the end of January. Learn more at http://www.stairscleveland.org.
Cleveland Cinemas has a belated holiday gift for residents who live near four of its theaters. Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas, Solon Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas will each host a free movie night for residents who live within select zip codes. Qualifying residents who RSVP to the designated e-mail address for their neighborhood theater will receive a pass good for two free admissions to any film starting between 6:30 and 8PM on the assigned resident appreciation night. All RSVP e-mails must be received by Thursday, January 17, 2008. Limit two passes per household. Head to http://www.clevelandcinemas.com for details and links.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
HOT Intersection of Art & Technology The Council of Smaller Enterprises’ (COSE) Arts Network will host a forum for arts-related businesses Wed 1/9 from 4 – 6PM at The Idea Center at Playhouse Square’s Westfield Insurance Theater. Presented with the Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology, will examine how technology can help artists actualize their vision, assist with their process, and deepen the experience of their viewers and audiences. Includes featured panelist from Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center and Ingenuity participants. http://www.cose.org.
The Odd Couple Neil Simons comedy may be one of the funniest plays of all time. Carousel offers up the classic TV and movies scenes of the Friday Night Poker Games, The Pigeon Sisters, the famous Spaghetti Linguini Scene — not even to mention the timeless question: How do two recently divorced bachelors live together without driving each other crazy? The answer of course is, they dont! Starts on the Carousel stage Wed 1/9 at 8PM and runs through late February. 1275 E. Waterloo, Akron. Schedule and directions at http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com.
SPONSORED: Score Some Dough for Your Great Idea through IdeaCrossing, an online community resource from Jumpstart thats focused on helping entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio and beyond find the investment capital and business assistance they need to launch new business ventures. Theres no cost to register and create a profile – so theres no risk. IdeaCrossing is the place for Entrepreneurs, Investors, Service Providers, and Business Mentors to come together and create the connections they need. Check out IdeaCrossings newest success story from Shawn Barrieau, co-founder and CEO of DimpleDough, who received an angel investment within a few weeks of registering. Visit www.ideacrossing.org.
Proof Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award, Proof is a hauntingly powerful drama of family and mathematics. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. What follows teeters between madness and genius. Actors Summit launches this production Thu 1/10, directed by Wayne S. Turney. Complete schedule and details at http://www.actorssummit.org.
Music Director Franz Welser-Möst will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in concerts featuring Dvoøáks Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) and Haydns Lord Nelson Mass at Severance Hall on Thu 1/10 – Sun 1/13. Vocal soloists in the Haydn Mass will be soprano Twyla Robinson, mezzo-soprano Kelley OConnor, tenor Thomas Cooley, and bass-baritone Andrew Foster-Williams. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.
Celebration of Diversity focuses on current and historical experiences from diverse cultures and begins with a Reception Fri 1/11 from 6 – 8PM. The no-cost, open to the public affair includes music from the popular jazz/blues band the Joe Hunter Trio. The celebrated artists will include: Judith Albert, Tracy Ameen, Ronald D. Clayton, Terika Henderson, Linda Herman, Julius Lyles & Jerome White. Exhibit will be open to the public through Fri 2/22. 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls. http://www.valleyartcenter.org.
Barbara R. Snyder began her tenure as president of Case Western Reserve University on July 1, 2007. She will speak on the topic The Mission of a Modern Research University at noon on Fri 1/11 at The City Club of Cleveland. http://www.cityclub.org.
The Future is Unwritten Late rock legend Joe Strummer of the Clash is profiled in this acclaimed, wide-ranging new film by ace punk chronicler Julien Temple (The Great Rock n Roll Swindle, The Filth and the Fury). Features interviews with Bono, Johnny Depp, Jim Jarmusch, and many others. One of the two or three best films ever made about an artist or musician. (Salon.com) Cleveland premiere hits Fri 1/11 at 7PM, with addtl screening Sat 1/12 at 9:45PM. 35mm. 123 min. http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque.
Tremont ArtWalk The venerable multi-tiered exhibition drops Fri 1/11 starting at 6PM. http://www.tremontartwalk.org.
Ohio Design Centre Annual Sample Sale A highly anticipated sale allowing the general public to purchase home furnishings normally available to interior design professionals runs all weekend starting Fri 1/11 at 5PM. Consumers are offered a savings of up to 70% off list prices of furniture, accessories, lighting, rugs and artwork. Items are purchased directly off the floor. Also featured will be Art for Childrens Sake matted prints (artwork created by NEO children with cancer). Admission benefits The Littlest Heroes (a nonprofit organization serving children with cancer and their families). Runs Sat 1/12 from 9AM – 5PM and Sun 1/13 from Noon – 3PM. 23533 Mercantile Rd., Beachwood. Call 831-1245 or visit http://www.ohiodesigncentre.com.
Big Leg Emma is a nationally touring act that creates their music on feel, vibe, and deep hearted lyrics. The band’s tour schedule brings them to the Winchester Sat 1/12 at 8PM. With a strong following in the festival circuit sharing stages with Rusted Root, 10,000 Maniacs, Gin Blossoms, The Sam Bush Band, The Wailers, Keith Anderson, Los Lobos, Old Crow Medicine Show, Peter Rowan and Donna the Buffalo, just to name a few. 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net. http://www.biglegemma.com.
Uncommon Cure for the Cold The Holden Arboretum hosts a unique winter event this year with A Holden Winter: An Uncommon Cure for the Cold, starting Sat 1/12 through mid-Feb. Visitors are invited to soothe themselves surrounded by the tranquil sounds of a waterfall and the scents of hundreds of flowers, including orchids, begonia, African violets and more. Schedule of programs and events at http://www.holdenarb.org.
Brent Kee Young The internationally renowned artist launches an exhibition at Heights Arts this Sat 1/12 with an Opening Reception from 6 – 9PM. The head of the department of glass at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Cleveland Heights resident has been a teacher and mentor to a generation of glass artists. Heights Arts Gallery, 2171 Lee Rd. Cle Hts. Call 371-3457 for details. http://www.heightsarts.org.
The Cavalcade Continues An exhibition of recent paintings by Matt Dibble will be opening at The Studio of 5 Rings from Sat 1/12, beginning that night with an Opening Reception at 5:30PM. This show was curated by Jeffry Chiplis, a nationally recognized sculptor who invented and continues to explore sculptures made from recycled neon. 20160 Center Ridge Rd., 2nd floor, Rocky River. http://www.studioof5rings.com.
Snoop Around Town This Sat 1/12 Cleveland Restoration Society members will SNOOP once again, getting the behind the scenes scoop at the Whitney Stained Glass Studio for a very special demonstration as master artisans restore a late Victorian stained glass skylight. The completed work, commissioned by George Lucas (he of Star Wars fame), will be used as part of the ceiling at one of the seven screening theatres at Skywalker Ranch in Nicasio, California, the birthplace of the Star Wars films. http://www.clevelandrestoration.org.
National Stalking Awareness Month Event hits Local Girl Gallery (16106 Detroit, Lakewood, Ohio) to help support stalking awareness, education and prevention on Sat 1/12 at 7PM. Area artists will each add their unique touch to “light of hope” votive candle holders they’ll auction off at 7PM. Beverages, appetizers, and a silent auction are offered throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit the Domestic Violence Center. For more information go to http://www.domesticviolencecenter.org. http://localgirlgallery.com.
Tribe of Heart presents a free screening at Talkies Film and Coffee Bar of The Witness, a true story of awakening and compassion. The no-cost screening hits Sat 1/12 at 6:30PM. For more information call 338-7397 or visit http://www.tribeofheart.org. Talkies Film and Coffee Bar 2521 Market Ave., Ohio City. http://www.talkiescoffee.com.
SPONSORED: Be Inspired Cleveland Public Library will present The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Pastor of Clevelands Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, as its keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King Day commemorative celebration Mon 1/21 at 1PM at the MLK Jr. Branch, 1962 Stokes Boulevard. This event has no admission fee and is open to the public. The CPL Staff Chorus will perform and the African American Art Show will be on display in the Gallery. A reception will immediately follow the program. The Branch will be open from Noon to 4PM. Otis Moss, Jr. served as co-Pastor with Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church and had an abiding friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who provided great inspiration. For more information contact (216) 623-2869 www.cpl.org.
Musically Speaking The three-part concert series kicks off with From the New World Symphony No. 9 on Sun 1/13 at 3PM. Franz Welser-Möst conducts, featuring the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.
3 Generations of Cleveland Composers features live performance of new chamber music by Erb, Lissauer, and Auerbach-Brown on Mon 1/14 at 8PM in Cleveland State University’s Drinko Hall. Selected members of the Cleveland Orchestra perform, presented through a generous grant from the Bascom Little Fund. http://www.csuohio.edu/music. http://bascomlittle.org.
Avenue Q is the smash-hit Broadway musical about real life in New York City, as told by a cast of people and puppets through a hilariously irreverent, Tony-winning book and score. The three-time Tony Award winning musical will make the Cle debut at the Palace Theatre, with performances begining Tue 1/15. Avenue Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone’s looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that “the real world” isn’t so bad, after all! Schedule and tix at http://www.playhousesquare.com.
SPONSORED: Oh, Mickey, Youre so Fine, youre so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! Really got a thing for that lovable little character with the big ears who resides down south in the beautiful shiny castle? Hey, we all have our obsessions! Ours is providing you with a great travel experience so if youre burning to sneak in a trip to Orlando and visit that magical park, start by visiting www.airtran.com to book a low fare during AirTran Airways big sale. Then, enjoy the ease and comfort of flying out of the Akron-Canton Airport, where we go out of our way to make your travels more relaxing. Why? Because we like you.
Cook Up a Storm Tri-C will begin another session of Community Cooking Classes starting Wed 1/16. The schedule boasts 13 new and exciting hands-on cooking classes that are being taught by some of Cleveland’s top chefs, including Chef Brandt Evans of Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern, Chef Mike Piazza, Chef Brian Doyle, and Chef Jeff Fisher! Classes fill up quickly, so register soon! Call 987-3075 to register; more info by clicking here. All classes are taught at Tri-C’s Metro Campus.
Todd Rundgren The multi-instrumentalist and producer will perform in the Allen Theatre on Playhouse Square Wed 1/16 at 8PM. Eclectically accomplished as a musician and studio virtuoso, Rundgren has been recording for more than three decades and regularly sells out to Cle crowds. Todds most popular hits include, I Saw The Light, Hello Its Me, Can We Still Be Friends, and Bang The Drum. http://www.playhousesquare.com.
Aida… and Beyond Emerging Pictures has selected the Cedar Lee Theatre as the exclusive Northeast Ohio partner for its digital cinema presentations of operas from Milans Teatro alla Scala (“La Scala”) and other prestigious Italian Opera Houses, including Aida which runs starting Wed 1/16 at 7PM. La Scala, founded in 1776, is widely considered the Greatest Opera House in History. It has been the home to many of the most renowned composers, conductors, and virtuoso singers of the international Opera world. For a complete schedule of opera events and ticket info, visit http://www.clevelandcinemas.com.
Murder Mystery A gang of NYC sock hoppers, MM are playing Beachland Tavern Wed 1/16 at 8PM. The band is touring to promote their debut full-length, are you ready for the heartache cause here it comes, and they are WORTH getting to know, if you dont already! http://www.beachlandballroom.com. http://www.myspace.com/murdermysterymusic.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Econ Dev Chief Reilly on the way out. Read
Could a HB help coastal business in Northeast Ohio? Read
Time running out for Addy awards. Got a winner? Take a spin here and enter.
Former executive at KeyBank Michael Obi has found a way to deliver global business knowledge through educational workshops as part of his company, Spectrum Global Solutions, LLC. His Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Workshop is designed to help business owners, both new and experienced, realize competitiveness through globalization, understand the power of execution, develop and maintain customer loyalty and successfully strategize their capital requirements. Spectrums workshops are held at 2106 Barber Ave. and begin Mon 1/14 at 6PM. The workshop meets every other Monday through the end of March. RSVP: Beverly Johnson at 373-7622 or email: info@spectrum-global.com. http://www.spectrum-global.com.
CSU Across the Pond Cleveland State University biz students travel to London in May to conduct applied research projects. The students are part of the Nance College of Business Administrations study abroad program, participating in an international marketing and business research class with Dr. Thomas W. Whipple, chair and professor of marketing at the College. Designing research projects that focus on real-life business issues facing Cleveland area firms, they will be looking to partner with business clients next month. A limited number of opportunities exist for local companies to participate in the program; those interested should contact Dr. Whipple at 687-4770 or email: t.whipple@csuohio.edu.
Future of Design: Biomimicry An E4S Workshop with the Biomimicry Guild Mon 1/7 – Wed 1/9 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Details
Cle Engineering Society announces meet and greet schedule starting Wed 1/9. Details and Winter Schedule
Clashing Styles: Cant We All Just Get Along? Learn how to handle conflict at work w/ substance and style Thu 1/10 at 9AM. Details and Registration
Don Tapscott Author of Wikinomics speaks at EJT @ UofA Thu 1/10 at 7PM. Part of 2008 Forum speaker series. Details
E4S Third Tuesday Networking Event hits Tue 1/15 Register
Lynn Shepherd, CFP presents Creating a Path to Personal & Professional Success Wed 1/16. Details
Disaster Recovery is subject of Crain’s January 2008 Biz B-fast Wed 1/16 at 7:30AM @ City Club of Cle. Register
Acquiring Capital for Sm Biz keynote feat. Ray Dalton from PartsSource LLC Fri 1/18 at 7:30AM Corp Coll East. 3 Panel Forum of experts follows. Show Me the Money!
Will Pearson Prez of Mental Floss, LLC and co-founder of mental_floss magazine speaks Wed 1/16 at AAF-Cle function at Windows on the River. Register
Shape Up For Your Business in 2008 on Wed 1/16 at 11:30AM w/ Networking Luncheon and Webcast. Register
Web Assoc. examines State of the Web 2008 on Thu 1/31 at 11:30AM with group of panelists, discussion at Windows on the River. Register
Cle 20/30 honors top young professionals with in NEO Thu 1/31 at 5:30PM, CSU Wolstein Ctr. Register
The Next eMarketing Technique Series starts up at Corp Coll East on Mon 1/28. Register
Plexus CIFF Preview showcases the upcoming March event on the Feb Network Night Tue 2/12. Patrick Shepherd and Bill Guentzler will there to talk about it. More
SPONSORED: Special offer to the Cleveland Orchestra this Friday! 2-for-1 tickets to hear the thrilling Dvořák “New World” Symphony No. 9 — one of the most popular symphonies of all time — conducted by Franz Welser-Möst on Jan 11 at 8 pm. Get into the swing of things in this New Year with a memorable evening at beautiful Severance Hall. Order your 2-for-1 tickets today – use promo code 4558 at http://www.clevelandorchestra.com, or call the Ticket Office at 216.231.1111 – TODAY! Offer expires Thursday, Jan. 10 at 6PM.
Your Turn, and Other Thoughts
The rock-solid twin pillars that have supported Black advancement in America over the last 175-years have been the Black Press and the Black Church. The latter being the engine that drove the achievement, and the former being the vehicle that gave it voice, making the world aware of the setbacks, struggles and ultimate achievements. In the early days of the Republic, without the Black Press recording events for posterity, no one would have known if any African-Americans had been born or had died, gotten married or had children; and without the Black Church… no one would have cared.
While the Black Press has to some degree been subsumed by the majority press as a result of integration that began in the 60s, the Black Church has remained the cornerstone, the foundation, the rock that Black progress is built upon. I shudder to think where the Black race would be without this venerable institution…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here
This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
The City of Cleveland’s Director of Economic Development “resigns”. Readers react:
What’s your reaction? Comment here
Exploring the Wing Watch & Wine Trail
I missed the World Series of Wine and the Cleveland Wine Festival this past year. Thats fine with me because I love visiting wineries and talking to the wine makers. Wine makers are good peoplethey live by the weather and on the land, they are creative, and most of the time, they like to talk. They tell the stories of their lives as they talk about the wines they make. They live their dreams, many of which have been documented in Patricia Latimer’s recent book on the subject (pictured here). People still think of Ohio wine as sweet wine. Most people dont realize that Ohio was the leading producer of wine in the United States, along the Ohio River, until about 1890, and our wines were sweet because of the preferences of the immigrants who came to the area. Ohio was the first state to cultivate wines. The industry began along the Ohio River when Nicholas Longworth of Cincinnati planted his grapes in 1830. Longworth was the first successful commercial winemaker in the U.S., but the business was destroyed by the Civil War, real estate taxes, and grape disease. Prohibition completely corked Ohios wine industry…
Read more from Claudia J. Taller here
Links to interesting NEO blogs
The Tech Czar posts the second of a series titled “A Plan to Grow Cleveland’s Tech Industry”.
Zippy the mascot of the University of Akron wins the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.
What becomes of CMSD buildings when they aren’t in use any longer?
Does Cleveland Plus honor our regional hertiage well?
The Euclid Tavern is making its triumphant return this month.
New York Times Magazine’s comprehensive piece on concerns over electronic voting highlight Cuy Co.
Saint Cecilia Sound System
Expecting Rain
Nicking their moniker from Bob Dylans moving Desolation Row, local act Expecting Rain boasts a shimmering, folkified indie-pop surprise. With a pedigree that fraternizes local acts the Dreadful Yawns, Afternoon Naps, Return of Simple and others, the ensembles full-length debut effort Saint Cecilia Sound System is a luminous, warm and melodic surprise. Not quite the twee-pop of Bears, this groups loves its sparkling acoustic sounds and that West Coast psychedelic vibe that decorated much of the pop of the 1970s. They had me, quite frankly, at hello.
A vehicle for singer-guitarist Nick Tolar and lyricist Tony Vorell, Expecting Rain transcends any thought of being a pet project from the very first chords. Tolars warm, affective tenor can send even the coldest heart aflutter, backing simply strummed melodies on cuts like Randals Resume (love the vocal harmonies) and the sure single Birthday Girl. That pair of cuts lead the pack of succulent tunes. The latter-mentioned almost veers into country territory with piano-pop bedrock and almost sing-songy feel that sticks with you long after the record is finished. But fear not. This is no country record, as other highlights The Record Skip, the title track and leadoff cut Anna Says only begin to tell the beautiful tale.
With an ensemble cast that would make Paul Thomas Anderson and the Polyphonic Spree jealous with envy, the 14 tracks on Saint Cecilia Sound System find that Expecting Rain crafting a release that is evocative and charming full of beguiling melodies and touching narratives. Call them mellow or wistful, if you like. But dont dare miss them. What a way to start the new year.
Expecting Rain celebrates their release with a launch gig at the Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd., on Saturday January 12. Afternoon Naps and DJ Lawrence Caswell (This Moment in Black History) open the show. For details, visit http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
Hagan Again Puts Taxpayers in Bind
Its all too reminiscent. The stink, I mean.
County Commissioner Tim Hagan moans that the promoters of the Medical Mart who owe their position here to Hagan arent putting their money on the table.
Who woulda thought?
Why did Hagan put some $40 million a year in tax money on the table BEFORE the developer made a single penny of financial commitment? How typical. The developer is Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., (MMPI) of Chicago. Christopher Kennedy (yeah, of that Kennedy family), is MMPI president. Hagan loves to rub shoulders with the Kennedys.
(See Should Hagan Recuse Himself here and Suckered Before here)
Their offer to us was unacceptable. They have to say, Were going to sign a contact and spend X amount, Hagan moaned to the Pee Dee.
A little late, isnt it Tim…?
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here
Quick reviews of recent events
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Big [Box]: Modern Problems @ CPT 1/4
Funny, Funnier, Funniest: Steve Maistros’ evening of comic monologues and short plays has so many laughs, at one point I thought I was going to stop breathing. Better still, he has a compassionate heart, which makes his portrayal of ordinary working stiffs trapped in absurb but recognizable situations moving as well as delightful. Josh Brown and Joe Milan have to-die-for chemistry in their comic duets, especially as a desperate job seeker interviewing with a deranged serial killer who takes orders from a goldfish, and a slacker and his dad at “Take Your Son to Work Day”. And Allen Branstein is sublime as a Walter Mitty-like accountant whose quarterly report slides get progressively more bizarre, from a petting zoo to Mahatma Gandhi in a pirate hat. Nice directorial work by Christopher Johnston, too.
Backstory: Maistros is one of the young writers whose work has been developed via The Dark Room, the monthly new works cabaret cosponsored by CPT and the Cleveland Theatre Collective. Though not every sketch hits the bullseye, it’s a sure thing we’ll be hearing more from him: he’s the real deal.
Details: Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org. Big [Box] continues thru 2/24.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Bourbon at the Border @ Ensemble 1/5
What works: The reliable cast in this Ensemble/Karamu coproduction about a Detroit couple deeply scarred by their experience down South as Civil Rights workers does its best to get the pedestrian script over its many bumps. Joyce Meadows has a riveting 2nd act monologue, Abdullah Bey is her gently addled husband, and Stephanie Stovall brings high energy juice to the sitcomy neighbor.
Poky: Pearl Cleage’s script is full of padding — the 1st act’s all set-up — and Terrence Spivey’s direction is so poky, the show runs a good hour longer than it needs to. But the strong climactic moments prove why both theatres found it worth staging.
Details: Thru 1/20 @ Studio Theatre, Cleveland Play House. http://www.ensemble-theatre.com
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Bourbon at the Border @ Ensemble 1/5 At times, Bourbon at the Border by Pearl Cleage is a hard-edged, biting and profane look at our world as it was happening forty years ago. At others, its as warm and comfy as time spent in your own living room, with good friends and family. Its sometimes difficult to tell the difference, but yet it is all just two couples, in one modern-day setting with the action spaced out over a not-quite four week period.
Folks old enough to remember that year of 1964 will experience a degree of discomfort, for sure, regardless of skin color. Younger people might say what country is this set in, really? Well, its this one were living in today, and it aint pretty. Then or now.
Two idealistic, young Northern Black peopleMay and Charlieleave the security of Howard University to go to Mississippi for a voter-registration campaign in the summer of 1964. You might say theyre lucky, because theyve lived to tell the tale, but again, maybe theyre not so lucky. The United States fought its first Civil War in 1861-65, and its second almost exactly 100 years later, from 1964-68. Im not so sure its over yet, and for some folks, like May and Charlie, itll never be over. But if we forget our history, well keep right on making the same stupid mistakes over and over and over again.
Mans inhumanity to his fellow-man (and woman) is always a shocker when its brought out into the daylight, and Mays trauma is an excoriating example of what happens when brains fall way behind brawn in the human animal.
This collaborative production by Ensemble Theatre and Karamu Performing Arts Theater features a strong cast with Joyce Meadows as May, Abdullah Bey as Charlie, Stephanie Stovall as Rosa and Peter Lawson Jones as Tyrone. Karamu Artistic Director Terrence Spivey draws fully-fleshed performances from each of them, while keeping the pacing even, allowing breathing room.
Jon Konopkas set is one of the best Ive ever seen in the Studio One space at the Cleveland Play House. Costumes by Morris Cammon add color and personality to each of the characters. Sound design by Richard Morris and lighting by Cory Molner add vibrancy and vitality to the overall production.
If I could have one wish, it would be that every privileged (private) high school student of today could see this play. They are NOT responsible for what happened in previous generations, but they will be in charge of the next. They could learn an enormous amount from studying the foibles of their predecessors. The language is rough, but justifiable.
Bourbon at the Border continues through January 20. For tickets or other information, call Ensemble Theatre at 321-2930 or visit the website http://www.ensemble-theatre.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
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On Roldo (See Disgraced Visitors Bureau Fed $100 Million by Cuyahoga County here) After reading Roldo’s column about the $100 million given to the Convention and Visitors Bureau it brought up memories concerning, what I thought was a great idea, a way to make Cleveland a great town. After LTV folded and left that huge expanse of land vacant I told my wife that it would make a great place for a self-contained film industry; enormous sound stages, production studios, corporate film offices, temporary actor residences, post-production facilities, etc. With a handful of motion pictures already filmed in our town and probably a greater number of writers and directors calling Cleveland home, we would have had a leg up on establishing such an industry. True, coming up with the dough would have been tough but not impossible. Our low cost on services, goods, and housing would have been a good starting incentive. Plus just being a short plane trip to Chicago, Philly, NYC, etc would still maintain existing links that film industry types have established. The weaning of the motion picture off of New York and Los Angeles would not be painful. But what do we have instead? Build another disgusting collection of chain stores that do absolutely nothing to bolster our economy and just add further proof that Cleveland is another faceless town never to move up from second (and possible third) rate status in America. So sad but typical of Cleveland. No forward thinkers and no creative solutions. The best we can hope for is that the Cleveland Clinic pulls this town from the muck and realizes their plans of establishing a self-contained community between E55 and E105. From Cool Cleveland reader Charles Szabla cszablaATclevelandart.org
Viva Roldo, Viva Chavez ! They confront the same enemy……Corporate Welfare. Jacobs, Forest City, etc have enjoyed dining at the Cleveland Taxpayer Trough for decades and the result : impoverished schools, higher unemployment, lots of guns, and an endemic racial divide. Weller the synchophant, the Ratners, Jacobs, and other exploiters of Cleveland should have their photos displayed in all Cleveland Postal Offices. From Cool Cleveland reader Jerry Dolcini dolgoatAThotmail.com
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