Appreciation
In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Holiday Appreciation Bash on 12/15, get $9.99 tix by midnight Thu 11/24 here
* Tuning In on Cle glam rockers Cobra Verde
* RoldoLINK Bloggers, new to the civic discourse mix
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Peanuts reviews Dave’s Planet
* A&Q w/G: Madeliene Bruml Cleveland Brain Gain’s executive director
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here
This week, thankfully, we celebrate Cool Cleveland’s three-year birthday. Relentlessly, for over 160 weeks straight, we’ve brought you the best and coolest that this region has to offer. Has it made an impact? Certainly. We’re now enjoyed by tens of thousands of Northeast Ohioans, plus ex-pats and Cleveland fans from around the globe. Maybe we’ve helped to soften the edge of Cleveland’s legendary inferiority complex. In some ways, it’s surprising how little things have changed in three years. But we are making progress. If we’ve done anything, Cool Cleveland has offered a weekly rebuttal to “There’s nothing going on in this town…”, a phrase that no one has had the guts to utter to me in a long, long time. So join us, along with Ingenuity Festival guests as we celebrate with beer, wine, Cajun snacks and live music at our Holiday Appreciation Bash on 12/15, and offer one more good reason to come together and share good cheer. Plus, we help you celebrate the region by buying your holiday gifts locally, as we turn you on to Cool Holiday Shopping below. Read about a new Downtown development for the aging gay population, how Summit County is banning smoking and how your ideas for Downtown storefronts and civic projects could gain traction. The cultural community goes into overdrive with X-mas presentations both edgy (Santaland Diaries & Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge) and traditional (Peanuts’ All-Star Jam & A Christmas Carol). Bring the family down on Saturday for the Winterfest Kick-Off, stroll Larchmere, and check out the good things going on this week in Kent. We’ve got a long way to go, Cleveland, but we’re committed to being there, every week, looking on the cool side. And we thank you for your attention and your support! Thanks, Cleveland… –Thomas Mulready
Cool Cleveland Holiday Appreciation Bash 12/15
Cool Cleveland says, “Thank you!” and our readers get swag. We’re offering exclusive Cool Cleveland t-shirts to the first 50 people who register for our Holiday Appreciation Bash at Fat Fish Blue from 5:30-7:30PM on Thu 12/15 by clicking here. Plus, you get open bar featuring wine and Cleveland’s own award-winning Thirsty Dog beer, and unlimited heavy Cajun hors d’oeuvres that includes cornbread, jambalaya and more by FFB. If that ain’t enough, we’ll be handing out CC t-shirts and stickers at the party like it’s our birthday. ‘Cause it is! Hard to believe Cool Cleveland is 3 years old, but there ya go. Plus, meet some of the artists and movers and shakers that made this summer’s Ingenuity Festival of Art and Technology so specialthey will be our special guests mingling at the party and talking about their super-secret plans for the 2006 Fest. Best of all, we’re offering the whole shebang for an incredible $9.99 if you order online by midnight Thu 11/24. That’s over 50% off the door price! Plus, starting at 6:30 (until 10PM), hear the rockin’ sounds of the Bluestones, a local rhythm and blues band that is known for swinging and growling with that my-baby-just-left-me sound. Stay all night with no cover. Invite your friends for an unruly holiday celebration, that includes the characters from Ingenuity and Cool Cleveland’s birthday, all for one low price. Make sure you check out pics from our last party here. Get your discount tix at http://www.coolcleveland.com/tickets/121505 *************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Native Clevelander and Best-selling Author, Susan Orlean, will speak at the Cleveland Public Librarys Writers and Readers Series Sun 11/27 at 2PM. Orlean has written for Rolling Stone, Village Voice, and The New Yorker, delighting readers with her humorous and unconventional style for more than a decade. Best known for the New York Times bestseller The Orchid Thief, based on the true story of an eccentric plant dealer arrested for poaching rare orchids, Orleans novel was the subject of the 2002 movie Adaptation, starring Nicholas Cage and Meryl Streep. This no charge event is open to the public and will take place at the Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th Street and Superior Avenue. For more information, visit www.OhioCenterForTheBook.org. call (216) 623-2800.
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Cool holiday shopping
In our continuing effort to keep your holiday shopping focused on local art and gifts (and on our local economy), rather than pointing you to corporate shopping malls and lifestyle centers, Cool Cleveland recommends the following places to spend your money: Visit This Way Out, a new store in the basement of the Beachland Ballroom at 15711 Waterloo Road in the North Collinwood area. Pete & Debby Gulyas, formerly of Renaissance Parlor on Coventry, have teamed with Beachland’s Mark Leddy to offer a funky rock and roll store that features vintage clothing, vinyl records and collectibles. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com. The Bazaar Bizarre is back for Year 2 with over 25 fab indie designers this Sat 11/26 noon-9PM and Sun 11/27 noon-6PM at 1300 Gallery, 1300 W. 78th Street. http://www.BazaarBizarre.org/cleveland. LakewoodAlive Where can you find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, from delectable homemade chocolates, to one-of-a-kind artifacts from local artists, to antique, mod and contemporary home furnishings? Youll find those things and more in Lakewood, with the help of the LakewoodAlive Retail and Entertainment Guide, now available on the LakewoodAlive Web site http://www.LakewoodAlive.com, listing more than 100 Lakewood retail and dining locations. Cleveland Botanical Garden Store is a gorgeous shopping environment and a go-to source for all kinds of holiday gift ideas. It offers witty, festive stationery and seasonal decorations, fun and educational gifts for children, a dream selection for gardening enthusiasts, elegant, one-of-a-kind jewelry, charming vases and planters, and much more. http://www.CBGarden.org. Lake Erie Artists, a co-op of about 70 local artists of all media, has acquired the old J Crew space at Tower City next to the Ritz Carlton. They will be selling unique gifts made by local artists through 1/14. For details, paulaatwell@paulaatwell.com, http://www.PaulaAtwell.com. Know of other museum or artist holiday gift opportunities in NEO this holiday season? Drop us a line at Events@CoolCleveland.com and we’ll tell everyone about it next week.
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Can a Snowman Really Take Over Santa’s Workshop? Not if it’s up to Santa and his elves. Join a hilarious battle for Christmas when the Snowman and his minions square off against Santa and his elf army. Don’t miss Santa Vs. the Snowman opening at the Great Lakes Science Center’s OMNIMAX® Theater on Fri 11/25. Movie-only tickets are $8.95/adults, $6.95/kids and the combination OMNI/Science Center admission is $12.95/adults and $8.95/kids. Visit www.GreatScience.com for show times. This not-so-traditional tale is included with Breakfast with Santa on Sat 12/10 starting at 8:30AM with a visit from Santa and two of his real reindeer! Your ticket also includes full breakfast, Santa Vs. the Snowman and admission to the Science Center exhibits – all for $20/adults and $15/kids. Call 216.621.2400 for reservations.
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Downtown project welcomes gays Not just a residential project, the innovative new community “A Place For Us” is planning to also offer health care services, social services, entertainment and educational programming while targeting the aging gay population. That the project is slated for the property between the National Terminals building and the Bingham Building in the Warehouse District on West 9th Street only makes more sense. They are asking everyone, straight or gay, regardless of where you live, to complete the brief survey at http://www.aplace4us.org so organizers can determine feedback for this “pioneer visionary project.” Let us know your thoughts: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Summit County bans smoking It hasn’t hurt New York City or any of the other regions that have banned smoking indoors. In fact, a pretty good case can be made for the positive economic impact of an indoor smoking ban (lower health care costs, improved quality of life, joining other progressive regions) while understanding that, the wider the ban, the better. Next Cuyahoga County should make the move, and efforts should be redoubled at the state level. In fact, how many more people would go out and stay out later if they didn’t have to put up with annoying, unhealthy smoke? As someone who’s band plays in smoke-filled bars, I’m applauding loudly and hoping the rest of the region is inspired to do the right thing. See story here. Your reaction to the Summit smoking ban? How about Cuyahoga County? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland Kids Have you been listening to Cool Cleveland Correspondent Max Mulready and his weekly pointers for cool families? Just click on the link here and turn up your computer speakers. If you have an iPod or MP3 player, you can download the audio file and listen on your headphones. Either way, you can check the CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids11.25.05.mp3
Your ideas for Downtown storefronts Does the sight of empty and neglected storefronts in Downtown Cleveland make you yearn for the days of yore when a well-dressed storefront wouldn’t dare go bare? Concerned and creative citizens can come to the rescue of the storefronts by submitting their ideas for exciting new installations. If you have an idea for an installation, know someone who you think would want to participate, are a store owner who would like your storefront to be involved, or just have questions about the project, email ClevelandStorefronts@gmail.com. Include your contact info, ideas and the particulars of the project in mind. Tell us your thoughts about the proposed storefront project at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
$1.3 million for Science Center & Case collab Another successful regional partnership, this one between Case and the Great Lakes Science Center, has netted the team $1.3 million from the National Center for Research Resources, funding a joint educational program between the two institutions, BioMedTech, that will enable GLSC visitors to view a medical imaging laboratory, learn about the Human Genome Project’s impact on medicine and find out how materials are being used to repair or enhance human organs. Read more here. What other collaborations would benefit our region? Send your thoughts to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
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Your Dream Home: Live Next to the Metroparks MillCreek townhomes are 20 minutes from downtown, Beachwood Place and Great Northern, with a clubhouse, pool and parks nearby. Award-winning, single-family homes on 58 exquisitely landscaped acres, Millcreek Townhomes, adjacent to the Cleveland Metroparks, are going fast — with only two left. The first is $164,500 with 1,550 square feet, an open floor plan, 2 large bedrooms, 1½ baths, and a formal living and dining room. The other home starts at $177,400 with 1,730 square feet, open floor plan, 2 large bedrooms, 1½ baths, eat-in kitchen, porch, stainless steel kitchen appliances, washer, dryer, and finished bonus rooms. Both include a 15 year tax abatement and 1.5% below market interest rate. Contact (216) 513-7030 or www.ZarembaHomes.com.
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Kucinich calls Cheney on carpet It turns out that Cleveland-area Representative Dennis Kucinich was right, although a little ahead of the curve, on calling for withdrawl of troops from Iraq. Now he may be ahead of the curve again in calling for Congressional hearings on Vice President Richard Cheney’s false and misleading statements that influenced the Congress and America into supporting the invasion of Iraq. See his letter to Rep. Tom Davis, the Chair of the House Government Reform Committee here. Better yet, you can send an e-mail directly to Rep. Davis by clicking here: Info@TomDavis.org. Don’t forget to Cc: us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com with your thoughts.
Key gives $1.5 milion to Museum The Key Foundation issued a $1.5 million grant to the Cleveland Museum of Art to fund the museum’s capital campaign, support programs exploring how diversity and inclusion influence the arts and underwrite development of educational initiatives that will employ Cleveland Municipal School students and expose area college students to Latin-American cultures. Read more here.
CIL supports entrepreneurs & women The Civic Innovation Lab (The Lab) celebrates their first annniversary by injecting $30,000 each into two initiatives spearheaded by passionate champions who are committed to making a positive economic impact on Northeast Ohio. Barbara Danforth, executive director of the YWCA, will provide women, from entry-level to senior-level, with coaching and seminars aimed at helping them to advance their careers through the Women’s Leadership Initiative. Kirk Neiswander will launch Entrepreneurs EDGE to help mid-level Northeast Ohio companies to increase their economic value and impact upon the region. Entrepreneurs EDGE will also serve as a collective civic voice for mid-market leaders. Learn more about The Lab at http://www.CivicInnovationLab.org. Cool Cleveland was an early recipient of The Lab’s support, and earlier this month, we co-hosted the Lab’s anniversary party. Got good civic ideas? Take ’em to The Lab, and Cc: us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland11.25.05.mp3
Win trip to Rock Hall induction ceremony The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will raffle off tickets to the 2006 Induction Ceremony in NYC, in honor of its 10th Anniversary Celebration. Raffle tickets can be purchased here. Additional celebration giveaways include a complimentary, six-month subscription to Rolling Stone magazine with each paid general admission ticket to the Rock Hall, and half-price admission for all Cuyahoga County residents through the end of the year. http://www.RockHall.com. If you want to whine about the induction ceremonies not being in Cleveland, take it somewhere else. But if you have other good ideas, we’d love to hear ’em: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
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Get in the Mood! For this year’s annual WinterShow, Cleveland Botanical Garden is decking its halls with decorations kids of all ages will love, including antique doll and train collections and lots and lots of toys! Theyre everywhere! In addition, top horticultural and design talent are teaming up to create magical scenes based on favorite childrens stories. And for the second year, the Cleveland area’s top bakers, restaurants, and culinary establishments will present a charming array of gingerbread houses. WinterShow opens the day after Thanksgiving, Fri 11/25, and runs through Sat 12/31. (Tuesday Saturday, 10AM 5PM; Sunday: Noon 5PM; closed Mondays except 12/26. Adults: $7.50; children: $3.00; members and children under 3 are free.) Sponsored by Judson at University Circle. Visit www.CBGarden.org for a complete schedule of programs.
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Cleveland’s First Suburbs The website of the First Suburbs Development Council (FSDC), a non-profit organization that supports economic development in its 15 suburban member cities (Bedford, Bedford Heights, Brook Park, Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Euclid, Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Lakewood, Maple Heights, Parma, Shaker Heights, South Euclid, University Heights and Warrensville Heights), is an invaluable tool for locating real estate and other economic opportunities in and near the inner-ring suburbs. Check out their site at http://www.fscdc.org. Questions or comments on the usefulness of the site? Send an email to info@fscdc.org and copy us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
RealNEO Want to engage in a larger public discussion about Cleveland’s signature Innerbelt bridge (see Instant Karma below), or on the selection of Cleveland’s next school CEO? Join the online social networks set up by RealNEO to discuss, learn, and find out about public events. Visit http://www.NEObridge.net and/or http://www.SchoolCEOsearch.net and engage away. Send your thoughts to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Emissions from the blogsphere In honor of the upcoming holiday, we’re focusing on what we’ll focus on Thursday – Food. Tina posts a recipe for West Side Market Stew. Justin in busy homebrewing a chocolatey-raspberry-imperial stout. Michael and Roselle attempt beef stew goulash with a dutch oven in a fire pit. Holly’s recipe is for salmon patties. Peppermint Lisa lets us know her her favorite ice cream is available. Joe and David Giffels ponder what flavor an Akron Jolly Rancher would be. Mike Crooker’s menu is always vegan. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian embraces his own food-geekdom, then add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland This Week
11.23-11.30
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Santaland Diaries a contemporary holiday classic by one of America’s great humorists, Davis Sedaris, returns to Cleveland Public Theatre; previewing on Wed 11/23 at 7:30PM and Fri 11/25 at 8PM. The show delves into the life of a bitter and battle weary “elf” working at Macy’s during holiday crunch time. How much longer can a guy endure working in a green suit with One Life to Live extras and a steady stream of demanding little munchkins and their mommies and daddies? Santaland Diaries opens on Sat 11/26 and runs through Sun 12/18. Call 631-2727 or visit www.CPTonline.org for info or tix. CPT’s Levin Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue.
Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge The wildly popular A Christmas Carol spoof returns to Cleveland Public Theatre for a preview on Wed 11/23 at 7:30PM and Fri 11/25 at 8PM. The show takes on some of the holiday’s sacred cows by taking audiences on a humorous ride that lets several classic holiday tales have it. Though this semi-musical is based on A Christmas Carol, it quickly spins out of control, colliding with It’s a Wonderful Life and The Gift of the Magi. Call 631-2727 or visit www.CPTonline.org for info, tix or show schedule. Show opens Sat 11/26 and runs through 12/18. Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue.
Holiday Hotline takes a demented, yet entertaining, look at all of the things about the holidays that drive us bonkers. Get a sneak peek at the irreverent musical comedy revue on Wed 11/23 & Fri 11/25 at 8PM and Sat 11/26 at 8 & 10:30PM. Cool Cleveland Arts Reviewer, Linda Eisenstein, and Michael Sepesy wreck the halls with a fast and funny collection of eclectic songs skewering the holiday season, from A Christmas Carol to Kwanzaa. Show opens Thu 12/1 and runs through 12/23 with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 8PM; Saturdays at 8PM & 10:30PM and Sundays at 3PM. Call 491-1709 for tickets. Orthodox, 6203 Detroit Avenue.
Peanuts All-Star Jam 2005 Take a break from Thanksgiving preparations on Wed 11/23 at 9:30PM with this event, featuring the All-Star Jam Band led by Cy Sulak and Jim Bacha. Score an unexpected holiday bonus with this no-charge, 18 and over show. Call 383-1124 or visit http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com/ for more info. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road.
Southern hospitality Susie, the owner of The Town Fryer has a lot to be thankful for. To celebrate, she’s preparing turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. If you’d like to give thanks southern-style, RSVP by calling 426-9235 and bringing a side dish. If you don’t fancy yourself a good enough cook, you can always help with the dishes as Derek DePrator cranks out original folk tunes this Thu 11/24 from 9-11PM and every Thursday night. If you cant catch him on Thursdays, stop in for Clint Holley’s Open Mic on Sundays from 9-11PM. Town Fryer, 3859 East Superior Avenue. http://www.TheTownFryer.com.
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Dont Miss out on Clevelands Favorite Family Holiday Tradition! Celebrate the season with The Cleveland Orchestra and Choruses in the splendor of Severance Hall, celebrating its 75th anniversary this season. Christmas Concerts for the whole family feature classic holiday favorites performed on a festively-decorated stage full of presents and lights. Other holiday festival concerts at Severance Hall include Handels glorious oratorio Messiah, Holiday Organ and Brass with Burning River Brass and members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and Musical Rainbow programs for children up to age 10. Concerts begin Fri 12/9. Tickets for these magical performances sell quickly, so plan your visit now and order today at (216) 231-1111 or online at www.clevelandorchestra.com.
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CC KIDS WinterShow 2005: Once Upon a Time Toy Store will give toy lovers of all ages the opportunity to step into magical scenes from family favorites like James and the Giant Peach and Alice in Wonderland, designed by some of Cleveland’s top artistic talent. Families can stroll the halls of the Cleveland Botanical Garden which will be decked in a dizzying array of toys from a variety of time periods and view extravagant gingerbread houses conceived by creative local bakers then engage in a variety of crafts and activities beginning at 10AM on Fri 11/25. The show runs through 12/31. Visit www.cbgarden.org for hours. Cleveland Botanical Gardens, 11030 East Boulevard.
Larchmere Holiday Stroll Sip hot milled cider, enjoy live music and take no-dough-required rides in a horse-drawn buggy Fri 11/25 through Sun 11/27 from 10AM-6PM. Browse Larchmere shops for a variety of unique gifts, books and crafts. Larchmere Road.
Galaxy Wine Experience Sample over 50 wines along with a tantalizing selection of both hot and cold appetizers on Fri 11/25 at 7PM. There will be a wide selection of wines with a definite emphasis on California red wines ranging from cabernet sauvignon and merlot to shiraz and port. Wines from Italy, South Africa, Australia, Washington and Oregon will be available to tempt both tasters and buyers, sold at State minimum prices. This is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday wines by the bottle or case. Call 330-334-3663 for info, pricing and reservations. The Galaxy Restaurant, 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth. www.GalaxyRestaurant.com.
Activemuse.org Benefit Show Spend an evening with Akron’s legendary CHI-PIG, featured in the PBS documentary, If You’re Not Dead, Play!!, Lester, Kent’s renowned punkers, the Alt-Country/Alt-Blues sounds of Atomic Crash, the Roots/Americana sounds of The Boneheads and the manic, decibolic, neoteric punk-wave of Kill the Hippies. Activemuse.orgs rockin’ concert on Fri 11/25 at 7PM will raise funds to cover the costs of their not-for-profit status application and yearly website hosting and domain name charges, and sound for the night of the show. Learn more about the group at http://www.ActiveMuse.org or call 330-673-6606. Club Khamelean, 626 North Water Street, Kent.
Dunham Tavern Antiques Show Select a variety of vintage items including fabulous furniture, china, jewelry, prints and more during one of the longest-running antique shows in town on Sat 11/26 from 9AM-6PM and Sun 11/27 from 11AM-4PM. Shaker Heights Byron Middle School at Shaker Boulevard and Warrensville Center Road.
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Charm and Elegance Now Available! New Village Townhomes! Chapman Grove boasts architectural designs that recreate the charm and elegance of old-fashioned flair accentuated by distinctive rooflines, turrets, detailing, and muted colors. The three story townhomes of Chapman Grove range from $139,000-$145,000 with 1,479 sq feet. They feature 2-car garages, with open, kitchen living room and dining room, 2 bedrooms and 2½ bath. There is one single family home priced at $181,000 with 1,905 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 2½ baths, a full, unfinished basement, and 2-car attached garage. Homeowners enjoy beautifully designed community parks, private courtyards for barbeques, parties, or just relaxing with family, friends and neighbors. Shopping, movies and restaurants are just around the corner. Contact: Laura Ippolito, Sales Manager, (330) 722-8815 or www.ZarembaHomes.com.
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Adventures in Rhythm Need a mental readjustment? Restore your creative fire and retune your mind, body and spirit through yoga, hand drumming and integrative movement during a full or half day workshop on Sat 11/26 from 9AM-5PM. Release, connect and create during this relaxing and restorative workshop. Call 330-686-2979 to make reservations to participate in this extremely economical offering. Call 330-273-6260 with questions. Nakaia Wellness and Whole Life Center, 3984 Kent Road, Stow. www.Nakaia.com.
A Christmas Carol The Largely Literary Theater Company will perform their acclaimed three-person version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Sat 11/26 at 4PM. The 90-minute, two-act play, adapted by Plain Dealer TV critic, Mark Dawidziak, is open to the public without cost at Main Library Auditorium, Louis Stokes Wing, East 6th Street and Superior Avenue. Call 623-2881 for info.
CC KIDS Winterfest 2005 Kick-off What do Santa Claus, fireworks and Tom Jones have in common? They will all take center stage in the kick-off ceremonies of WinterFest 2005 on Sat 11/26 at 6PM on Public Square. The fun begins with Cinema on the Square at 5PM where families can watch animated classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Next, join jolly old St. Nick in a sing-a-long before the start of the parade featuring Grand Marshall Tom Jones and a procession of Clydesdale-drawn carriages toting stars from the movie A Christmas Story and a variety of local celebs. An impressive fireworks show will be followed by a host of Post Lighting Ceremony Events including “The Official After-party” in BP Tower at 200 Public Square where kids can visit with Santa while their parents snap pix. The Old Stone Church, Tower City and East Fourth Street will host simultaneous events. Visit http://www.cleveland.com/winterfest for more info.
Fable and Friends Be swept away by the timeless power of lush acoustics and poignantly edgy lyrics, as the band Fable releases their Storybook CD with a powerful premiere on Sat 11/26. With a hauntingly familiar sound that defines New American Folk, the enchantment begins at 7:30PM and the line-up includes the prolific artistry of New Englands J.P. Jones and Ohios own guitar lady – Leslie T. Wake. For more information and tickets visit http://www.KentStage.org or call 330-836-8754 . Kent Stage, 175 E. Main Street, Kent.
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Poverty. Dreams. Wealth. Sacrifice. Miracles. Dreams of an urban boy are brought to life by larger-than-life-sized puppets created by Basil Twist, video imagery created by Ben Kinsley, and vocal soloists and chorus. Bring your entire family and take part in A Red Christmas with a new setting of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Experience A New Amhal on Thur 12/8 at 8PM or Sat 12/10 at 2PM in the Masonic Auditorium, 3615 Euclid Avenue. Concert tickets start at $15. Cool Cleveland readers are offered a 2 for 1 discount: two tickets for the price of one! Discount good until 12/2! For tickets at this price call 440-519-1733, or visit www.RedAnOrchestra.org and type in Cool Cleveland in the comments section when ordering.
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CC KIDS The Spirit of Christmas is a jazztabulous, family friendly concert on Sun 11/27 at 2PM. The Cleveland Pops Orchestra will perform an exciting selection of holiday favorites including songs from The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas and a Jazzy Nutcracker. Pianist, composer and entertainer Paul Todd and The Tower City Chorus will be on hand to perform and local celeb Dick Goddard will be on hand with some of his furry little friends in tow, all in need of a good home. Call 241-6000 or visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com for tickets which start at just ten bucks. Palace Theatre, Playhouse Square.
The Vagabond and Friends Cool Cleveland kids are invited to take a journey with a mystical traveler that will take you through the portals of time with Egyptian Kings, Gangsters that swing, and holiday cheers that’ll make you scream. But kids can do more than just see the play, they can be the play, by participating in the Vagabond workshop from Mon 11/28 through Thu 12/1. Students can take part in the performances of the show on Sat 12/3 and Sun 12/4 at 4PM. Performance at Powerhouse Pub, 2000 Sycamore, The Flats.
IT Business Strategies and Solutions If you’re an IT professional looking to stay current, join three IT professionals in a discussion of wireless scanning, selective outsourcing, and CAMP’s BUILD Incubation program, from 8-10AM on Tue 11/29 at CAMP, 4600 Prospect Avenue. To register, call 426-2060.
Internet Marketing Panel Discussion Is your company getting the most out of the Internet to drive sales and keep customers? How can you improve your Internet marketing success? Cleveland States Nance College of Business will examine how some of Clevelands leading companies are using web-based tools in new ways to build sales and retain customers during a series of lunchtime events entitled NOON@NANCE: A Look at Current Trends and Best Practices in Marketing, beginning Tue 11/29 from 11:30AM-1PM. Bring your lunch to this no cost discussion and networking event. Visit www.CSUOhio.edu/cba or call 687-4771. Nance College of Business Administration, 1860 East 18th Street, room 118.
Amplifying the Impact of Philanthropy and Civic Entrepreneurship: A Community Relations Perspective will feature speakers Margie Flynn and Kim St. John-Stevenson of BrownFlynn Communications on Wed 11/30. Join them for the 6PM reception followed by the program at 7PM. Call 231-2300 for info. The League House, 10819 Magnolia Drive, University Circle. http://www.csvp.org.
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg This savage comedy-drama delves deep into the lives of a couple struggling to raise their severely handicapped daughter by examining the effects on their marriage, careers, and family. The couple resorts to humor and fantasy as a necessary diversion just to make it through each day. Step into the lives of Bri and Sheila during a no cost performance on Wed 11/30 at 8PM at Headfooters Outsider Art Gallery at 12610 Larchmere Boulevard or Thu 12/1 – Sat 12/3 at Spaces Gallery at 2220 Superior Viaduct. http://www.Charenton.org.
WCLVnotes Tomorrow afternoon, Thanksgiving, WCLV 104.9 FM revisits the Concerto Rounds of the 2005 Cleveland International Piano Competition, with performances of the concertos by the four finalists performed with The Cleveland Orchestra and Jahja Ling. The concertos, at Severance Hall, will be presented in the order of the winning contestants – Spencer Myer: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4; Stanislav Khristenko: Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3; Sergey Kuznetsov: Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3; and Chu-Fang Huang: Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2. Next Tues 11/29, at 9PM, WCLV presents the fourth of eight programs in the series The New Music Studio from the Music Department of CSU. Andrew Rindfleisch will interview composer David Lefkowitz of UCLA. Details on WCLV’s programming can be found at www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Tuning In
Cobra Verde: Glamorous Snakes in the Lakefront Grass
Cobra Verde has been making a name for themselves with a lot of hard work, opening for such juggernauts-of-cool as Cheap Trick and Dinosaur Jr. They have had the privilege of being the very first group to play the Cleveland House of Blues. CV has received surprising media coverage, from favorable reviews in Playboy, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and Blender magazines to airplay rotation on former Sex Pistol Steve Jones radio show as well as Little Stevens Underground Garage program. In a neat coup de grace, the bands cover of Pinks Get This Party Started even aired on the WBs The OC primetime high school melodrama in September. So where does a band go from there, and does it matter anyways? I got to ask singer, journalist, and genuine nice guy John Petkovic (He gave me a Cobra Verde guitar pick) all that and more, and learned of his interest in Sanford and Son along the way. Now you can as well.Cool Cleveland: Okay, so who is Cobra Verde anyways? Who are the members of the band and what instruments do they play?
John Petkovic: Cobra Verde is a quintet, which means we can field a basketball team when we aren’t on stage. In the studio, we all do a little of everything. But here’s the starting line-up: Mark Klein (drums), Tim Parnin (guitar), Frank Vazzano (guitar), Ed Angel Sotelo (bass) and John Petkovic (vocals).
Is there significance to the band’s name–“Green Snake” is the translation in English I think but maybe it’s the sound more than the meaning that’s important here?
No significance. Basically, the band started as a one-off recording project. And the disc and everything was all done….just that I didn’t have a name for it. Werner Herzog suggested Cobra Verde, in honor of Klaus Kinski. “Cobra Verde” was the last film they made together; it starred Kinski, whom I’ve always considered the first punk rocker, as a crazy nut…
Read Tuning In by Daiv Whaley here
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A&Q w/G: Madeleine Bruml
Cool Cleveland’s CIO gets some answers, has more questions
On Tue 11/29 at the Cleveland City Club, friends, family and supporters of Cleveland Brain Gain will celebrate the launch of their website and premiere the recently completed marketing video with a private party. I met Cleveland Brain Gain’s executive director Madeleine Bruml at Cool Cleveland’s Party with the Champions on 11/2. Over coffee, she gave me a sneak preview of the video (which, in my opinion, blows the Believe in Cleveland campaign away) as we discussed her project.George Nemeth: “Describe what you’re trying to do with Cleveland Brain Gain.”
Madeleine Bruml: “Cleveland Brain Gain is essentially a marketing program to market the region to high school students because there are so many students that are unfamiliar with what the region has to offer. Brain Gain seeks to change their negative perception of the region and show them what’s here before they go to college so they have more incentive to return here after college. It consists of a promotional video and that will be presented to local high school assemblies to drive traffic to the website, which is a hub of information about Cleveland entertainment, culture, recreation. Glazen Creative did the video, ThunderTech is doing my marketing…”
Read A&Q w/G: Madeleine Bruml here
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RoldoLINK
Bloggers The new ingredient of civic discourse
By Roldo Bartimole
You may have noticed that Mayor-elect Frank Jackson backed off his rather dictatorial demand that all members of the Cleveland school board submit their resignations to him.
He did the right thing. It bodes well that Jackson is willing to listen to others, and even to change direction if necessary. It speaks against the image of Jackson as stubborn and mulish. Thus, it points to him as someone who really does want to do the right thing.
What many might not know, however, is that Bill Callahan chastised Jackson shortly before the change in direction. Callahan, a long time Cleveland activist, writes a blog known as Callahans Cleveland Diary…
Read RoldoLINK here
Cool Cleveland Sounds
Dave’s Planet
DAVE’S PLANET
Kick The Kan
By now I’m sure everyone out there has heard the old saw about the 600 pound gorilla. For those who haven’t, the short version is “Where does the 600 pound gorilla sit after it walks into the room?” The standard answer is, “Wherever he wants.” Although I’m not sure how much the four of them collectively weigh, that pretty much sums up how things have been going for Dave’s Planet (guitarists Dave Juka and Tom Fiore, bassist Sammy Free and drummer Dave Vogrin) of late when it comes to playing around their home base of Lake County. They can command when and where they want to play to the east of Cleveland, but are now starting to dip their collective toes into the market via Peabody’s Down Under, with, I’m sure, more venues to follow. Next step in the band’s evolution has been their 10 cut, self-titled disc, that was released a little earlier this year. Now comes the part of the review where things are going to get a little contradictory, to say the least. Those who have seen the band live have one opinion of Dave’s Planet and those who hear the disc first before going to see the band are going to have another impression of the new disc. I’m going to make an attempt to reconcile the two view points regarding this quandary…Read the review by Peanuts here
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Instant Karma
Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what’s really happening. We’d love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com
T.I.D.Y. @ the Beck Center 11/18 If youre a soon-to-be-single woman, chances are good that after a busy day at work, youd really look forward to a quiet evening at home with your cat, some popcornor ice cream, or both!and a movie. Nothing wrong with that. Unless, of course, your name is Emily Danbert.
You see, Emily is a computer programmer, whos created a dandy ID program for her local library. The library hasnt paid her final installment of $23.17, but when she tries to collect this trifling sum, the world around her goes crazy! Conspiracies abound, everywhere, involving seemingly everyone she knows.
This is the premise of T.I.D.Y. by Cleveland Heights playwright Eric Coble, being given its world premiere production at the Studio Theater of Beck Center in Lakewood. The play is especially timely in todays goofy world, and the production is excellent…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here
Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
On a signature bridge for Cleveland (See Signature bridge still in jeopardy here) If the project involves any federal money and/or permitting then the federal agency (probably U.S. DOT) is required to do a Section 106 Review of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to evaluate any adverse affects on historic properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. From our understanding some of the ramp work for this ODOT project would infringe on historic properties and the Section 106 would allow a closer look at the whole project, slowing it down enough for other forces to gather steam, present alternatives and possibly convince them of a different and better approach. Also the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) might be involved in permitting for this project and might be another federal agency to be approached for the Section 106 Review. Legal action might be required to enforce this if a Section 106 review was not done. One of our committees, the Committee to Save Cleveland’s Huletts, and some of our members were successful plaintiffs in federal court against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding violation of the NHPA, we were awarded our legal fees and the illegally issued dredging permit at Whiskey Island to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority was revoked. There are other parts of the law that are available to us to further enforce other ramifications of that violation. Anyone needing assistance or interested in further information can contact us.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ray Saikus rrsATcitizensvision.org http://www.citizensvision.org
Dear Mr. Craig Hebebrand: Please give Cleveland a chance to have a beautiful bridge. Look at what a difference the new bridges over 77 from the south makes. Good simple design does not have to be expensive or complicated. Give us a technologically advanced, mechanically beautiful bridge. Give someone else a chance at producing working concepts. Look nationwide for examples. They are out there to be found. Think of the new technology center Cleveland is trying to develop; set the right tone.
from Cool Cleveland reader Michael V. Palcisco craig.hebebrandATdot.state.oh.us
On the #1 Orchestra in the world (See Cleveland kills Europe here) Great comment on our wonderful Cleveland Orchestra’s tour of Europe. Sighhhh…. I don’t know how you get more of the word out about how great they are. Only millionaire sports team players are given those ticker-tape parades (which if Cleveland EVER has a winning team – I’ll be there to join in the fun – don’t get me wrong). I do know though, as a 56 year old life-time Clevelander, I love our orchestra because I was introduced to it in my youth by being taken their EVERY YEAR as a student of the Cleveland Public Schools. How I wish that was still true. I understand money and transportation would be an issue in these tough times, but I will always remember as a youngster – getting on that bus from our school, driving to “this place” with all these buildings “just like the pictures of Washington DC. ” and walking into the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen (Severance Hall). There was something special about sitting in that balcony, in those plush seats, having to be quiet and then – hearing this sound, rising up from those men and ladies on the stage. A sound I might not have been familiar with, might not have even cared for (at the time), but special none-the-less – In fact “I” was special just to be there! In my opinion, THAT’S how we get our orchestra into the lives of the average Greater Clevelander. Those who would never be introduced to it by their parents or friends – but through their EDUCATION of the arts while in school. You asked – I answered. Thanks for the opportunity!
from Cool Cleveland reader Patty Nagel PNagelATAndrewsSoftware.com
On the Funky Diva Purse Auction (See Instant Karma review of Funky Diva Purse Auction here) Dear Cindy, The point of the Funky Diva Purse Auction was to raise money for services for women, kids and men impacted by rape and sexual violence. People at the event are patrons of this anti-violence mission, not necessarily supposed patrons of the arts. Your piece in Cool Cleveland (copied below) publicly belies the tireless efforts of many artists, volunteers and staff dedicated to raising money so that a fraction of those in need can have access to free comprehensive services like a hotline, counseling and justice system and medical advocacy…
Read the letter here
On Roldo I have been a loyal reader of Cool Cleveland ever since you started a couple of years ago. I absolutely love what you have done. You have created a space where Clevelanders can share their ideas and take joy in being a Clevelander. I have recently moved back to the city after 10 years in exile and I love Cleveland more than ever. That said, I am confused why you give Roldo a place to make his polarized and out-dated commentaries. Even as a liberal democrat, I find his stances are often close-minded and do not take into account the realities of Cleveland. His ideas, if advanced, would set Cleveland back decades. I don’t understand why you allow his views to be part of CoolCleveland. While I do not expect any action on your part, I do ask that exclude his commentaries from your weekly newsletters. PS Thanks for caring about Cleveland and keep up the good work!
from Cool Cleveland reader Joel Wimbiscus jwimbiscusAThotmail.com
On Cool Cleveland Congrats on producing such a smart, positive, edifying, and informative editorial product. Cool Cleveland is an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
from Cool Cleveland reader Glenn Campbell campbellglenn@sbcglobal.net
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
Top 5
Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) RoldoLINK Regarding the Yr Turn letter this week, Roldo’s columns – like this one on Mayor elect Frank Jackson – consistantly place in the Top 5.
www.CoolCleveland.com
2) Cool Cleveland Interview Barbara Reynolds of Realty One Real Living
www.CoolCleveland.com
3) Hot Property: Only two left! MillCreek, adjacent to the Cleveland Metroparks, boasts an award-winning community of single-family homes on 58 exquisitely landscaped acres.
www.ZarembaHomes.com
4) Signature bridge still in jeopardy Why is The Ohio Department of Transportation still rushing forward with their butt-ugly design for the Innerbelt replacement bridge that Cleveland will be living with for the next 100 years?
www.Cleveland.com
5) Arts and the Community: What are the Benefits? Down from #2 in last week’s Top 5, a PDF of the RAND Corporation study that explores the idea that the measurable and instrumental benefits of the arts.
http://cpacbiz.org
Giving Thanks Thanksgiving is only one day a year, but every week, we ‘re grateful to our contributors. Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Peanuts, Daiv Whaley, and Kelly Ferjutz get an extra helpin’ this week. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.
Thank you,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com
all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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