CityScape

3.28.07-4.04.07
CityScape

In this week’s issue:
* CityScape CSU’s new look and future by Lee Chilcote
* Cool Cleveland Kids Meet Jeff Moyer: Kids Musician Extraordinaire by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
* Road Trip The Shaw Festival, Eh?
* Comment Stripping down Naked Yoga
* A&Q w/G Alex Ennes of Gateway Cleveland Church
* Interview Tino Roncone of Cloud 9 Lounge
* Sounds Omnipresent rock experimentalist, the Uncanny Xe La
* Previews My Buddy Bill and a Women’s Health Forum
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Improving your CityScape could be as simple as planting some spring flowers in your tree lawn, or as far-reaching as implementing a new $250M master plan for a Downtown university, as CSU is doing. It could be checking out the NCAA Women’s Final Four this weekend, or bringing the kids to hear Jeff Moyer, a musician who works with kids of all abilities. It might mean considering a yoga class, or a visit to the Shaw Festival. You could be inspired by Tino Rocone, whose Cloud 9 may have the best DJ sound system in town, or by the brand-new Gateway Church, kicking off their ministry with a service at Hilarities comedy club. You might find time to listen to Rick Cleveland’s monologue on his unlikely friendship with a US President, or you might find yourself at an open mic hosted by Xe La. The easy part? Getting the details is as simple as scrolling down below. How you decide to change your CityScape this week… well, that’s up to you. —Thomas Mulready

Cleveland State University Works to Transform Its Soviet Block

Jack Boyle and I look out the windows between the cement block walls of Cleveland State University’s main classroom building. A striking view of Cleveland’s skyline opens up before us.

“We are like a city of 20,000 residents,” says Boyle, the Senior VP of Business Development for CSU. “We have to create demand on our campus for housing and other amenities, and then show others that the demand is there.”

Boyle led CSU’s Master Plan efforts, completed in 2004, and three years later, the $250 million investment is beginning to show – a new, landscaped plaza by the student center, a green-built rec center, five hundred new dorm rooms in Fenn Tower…
Read CityScape from Lee Chilcote here

A wild and wonderful array of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Shift Happens Click here …and crank your speakers
Cleveland Colectivo receives record 150 proposals. 14 finalists will present in March. Awards granted in April Info
Foreclosures worse in 2006 Up 24% since 05. Cuyahoga leads. Report by Policy Matters Ohio explains why Read
Then again, Florida is worse FLA leads nation in foreclosures, according to CNNMoney, then CA, Vegas, Phoenix Read
Cle’s Patio Enclosures awarded by ESOP Assn for employee participation, wealth creation, and individual dignity Award
Omeris becomes BioOhio receives $1.5M from 3rd Frontier to reroute bioscientists to Ohio Read

Advance Northeast Ohio The next stage in the Voices and Choices community dialogue, hosted by The Fund for Our Economic Future, is Advance NEO. Now that the first phase of V&C, an 18-month dialogue with 20K NEOhioans, has found consensus on four agenda items (gov’t collaboration, school funding, innovative workforce, and attract & grow business), it is time to move to the action phase, called Advance NEO. Fri 3/30 10AM, John S. Knight Center, Akron RSVP

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Saturday Mornings, My Kid Makes Her Own Cartoons! Children’s Technology Workshop in Chagrin Falls lets boys and girls (grades 2-8) make real projects like Computer Games, Animations and Lego® Robots. At our iCamp, your kids can choose to learn about: History, Missions to Mars, F1 Car Racing, Fashion Design and more! For a limited time, Cool Cleveland readers get an Early Bird discount when they register, so call now: 440.484.2222! We hold workshops and parties in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street, 44022) or at your place. For schedules, directions and an interactive demo, visit www.ctworkshopohio.com. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of the Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

CareerBoard 3rd Ann. Spring Career Fair at Myers Univ on Fri 3/30 from 10AM-3PM. Info
This is ONN lunch Wed 4/11 in Mentor: Brian McIntyre of Ohio News Network on how to get news coverage Info
21st Ohio Employee Ownership Conf Econ Dev for Today and Tomorrow Fri 4/20 Fairlawn Hilton Register
New Mktg Tech Blogs, podcasts and video for your biz, CSU Noon at Nance Thu 4/26 w/CC’s Thomas Mulready Info
Defrag Redux Quarterly conference connects digital leaders & learners Fri 4/13 & Sat 4/14 @ LCCC Details.
Downtown Comeback: Myths & Realities CSU Levin Forum features keynote by Alan Ehrenhalt, Exec Ed of Governing Magazine on Thu 4/12 at 4PM. No cost. Register
Transfer of Development Rights w/TDR expert Rick Pruetz Fri 4/13 1PM, CSU Levin Forum Info.
NEO’s Booming Health Care Economy New strategies for growth w/BioEnterprise and Generation Fdn. InterContinental Hotel and Conf Ctr. Info

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Batter Up! The most significant exhibition of baseball artifacts ever assembled is coming to the Great Lakes Science Center right from Cooperstown Sat 3/31 through Mon 9/3. With more than 500 artifacts on display, “Baseball As America” allows visitors to experience and understand the role of baseball in American culture and history. Visitors can also step up to the plate with a pitching cage, live demonstrations and additional interactive exhibits developed especially for families. Admission to this grand slam exhibit is $14.50 for adults, $10.50 for youth, and $13.50 for seniors/military. Admission for “Baseball As America” includes general exhibits admission. The Great Lakes Science Center is open daily 9:30AM-5:30PM. Call 216-694-2000 for more information or visit www.GreatScience.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Meet Jeff Moyer: Kids Musician Extraordinaire

We’re male, female… but we’re people first. We’re dark, we’re pale, but we’re people first. We’re people, just people. People living our lives. We’re people, just people, and we’re glad to be alive.

These lines, from the CD We’re People First are a few of the profound (but somehow fun to sing!) lyrics created and performed by Jeff Moyer. The first time I saw Jeff Moyer perform was in an inner city school here in Cleveland. It was a tough crowd. Kindergarten through grade 8. Try standing in front of that group of 200 and keeping them all engaged, but Jeff did just that.

An international musician (performing abroad, as well as in 47 of the states), he’s a Cleveland-based musician with a lot to offer kids. He’s also something of a renaissance man: he’s been a commentator on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, been featured on the CBS Evening News and 20/20, and in National Geographic magazine… not even to mention that BBC documentary on the U.S. disability rights movement.

Read the interview by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford here

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Mark Your Calendars: Circle of Masks & Parade the Circle! At the Parade the Circle kickoff, show off (or discover) your artistic side at the Mask Making workshop on Sun 4/22 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, from 1PM to 3:15PM. Artists will help you create masks for the Circle of Masks which marks the official beginning of parade season. Also, enjoy dance performances from 1:30 – 3:30. Parade the Circle on Sat 6/9 on Wade Oval is a day-long celebration of the creative spirit with the parade at noon and festivities from 11AM-4PM. Parade the Circle is a no-cost community arts parade presented by CMA and UCI, complete with activities, entertainment and food. For info about participating in the parade contact 216-707-2483 or www.clevelandart.org/parade. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

MythBusters Do Wint-O-Green Life Savers really create sparks if you chew them in the dark? Learn about this and many other urban legends as Discovery Channel’s “MythBusters” co-hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman offer program footage of popular experiments and on-stage tricks to separate truth from myth with modern-day science. Think “Mr. Wizard’s World” with adrenaline and a flair for the droll and kooky. Sat 3/31 at 7PM. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., U of Akron. http://www.ejthomashall.com.

Breakfast with the Bunny The Junior Women’s Club of Lakewood introduces kids to that festive rabbit (not Bugs) with the proceeds benefiting H2O (Help To Others), Keep Lakewood Beautiful and the Lakewood Christian Service Center. Seating times are 8:30, 9:45 and 11AM, and 12:15PM. Call 221-5068 for more information. Lakewood Women’s Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park. http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us.

Old Skool Skate Nite is a fundraiser supporting the Urban League’s “All Black College Tour” on Sat 3/31 at 9:30PM. Zelma Watson-George Community Center and Roller Skating Rink, 3165 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. For tix/info, call 662-0999 ext. 270, or email ulgcyp_fundraising@yahoo.com.

Pirate Story Time Do your kids love Pirates of the Caribbean and good ol’ Jack Sparrow? Then send your landlubber kiddies to Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Legacy Village on Sat 3/31 at 11AM for this no-cost storytime. They’ll enjoy the (mis)adventures of pirates and it’ll save you from walking the plank (or at least another viewing of those DVDs). Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 24519 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst. http://www.josephbeth.com.

Gotcha! features The University of Akron’s Paragon Brass Faculty Quintet — Scott Johnston, Jack Brndiar, Edward Zadrozny, William Hoyt and Russ Tinkham — who will do almost anything in their oft talked-about April fool’s Day gigs. This time out, they ape the old flick Race for Life, a melodramatic spoof in which automobile racer Barney Oldfield helps to rescue the lovely heroine tied to the railroad tracks. Rounding out the program are Paul Nagel’s A Tribute to MGM, Richard Rogers’ Sound of Music and James Horner’s Titanic. Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron (across from E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall) http://www.uakron.edu.

You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids03.30.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
Flats eminent domain scheme in court Bottom line: what is fair market value, and has the Port negotiated fairly? Read
Former Cle poet Thomas Sayers Ellis makes The Nation with a tribute to James “Mr. Dynamite” Brown Info
Great Circle Even Columbus Dispatch knows a good thing: University Circle has “something sweet for any visitor” Read
More than just a game… Cle Sports Commission launches new web site: Women’s Final 4, Dew Action Sports Visit
Film Fest breaks attendance record 52,753 total and 7900 one-day 3/24) are tops. Next: 3/27-4/6/08 Info
Issue 18 arts money $20M per year is being collected for the arts from cig taxes. Here’s how it works Read
Arts board distributes Issue 18 money Santina Protopapa, Steve Minter & David Bergholz are first 3 board members Info
Innovation Alliance between Univ of Akron & Lorain County Comm College create Innovation Corridor Read

Impact of arts districts Lakewood is discussing it. Playhouse Square has already done it. According to Business Week, artist neighborhoods are indicators of impending economic development. “Artists are just as important as science and technology companies,” says Anne Markusen of the Univ of Minnesota, a leading researcher on the effects of arts on regional economics. Plus, the Top 10 places for artists: 1) LA, 2) Santa Fe, 3) Carson City, NV Read

To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.

Another awkward moment in the elevator? This could help: Did you know that, according to USA Today, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the nation? More See USA Today
Cleveland Originals becomes Cleveland Independents Cle-based restaurateurs to collab on PR, seminars, programs Eat

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Be Part of the Solution by attending “The Climate Project” Fri 4/6 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The project is a movement to educate and challenge citizens and governments about climate change. It brings education, community information, research and citizen action programs to communities across the country as a follow-up to Al Gore’s Academy award-winning film “An Inconvenient Truth.” Meet representatives from local companies that think “green,” as well as environmental groups and other nonprofits during a reception. Then hear Climate Project speaker and Northeast Ohio resident Jeff Friedman, who will address ways in which individuals, businesses, schools and other organizations can be a part of the solution to the growing crisis of global climate change. Open to the public. 6PM reception, 7PM presentation and $10 donation suggested. Call the 216-231-1177 or order online www.cmnh.org.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Professionals in the City The latest of these quarterly networking events examines Cleveland’s Redevelopment: Working To Make Cleveland a Better Place to Live, Work and Learn! on Wed 3/28 from 6-9PM. Development-themed discussion is followed by a Q&A with an all-star community stakeholder panel — including developers Robert Stark, Doug Price, Nate Zaremba and Ari Maron. Moderated by Carolina Leid, of NewsChannel 5. House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave. http://www.cleveland365.com.

Rower Meet and Greet The Western Reserve Rowing Association offers a way for adults, young and old, to stay fit, stay competitive, and meet great people through the sport of rowing. Stop by Hooples on Wed 3/28 at 6:30PM, meet some rowers and find out how you can get involved with rowing in Cleveland. Learn details on their Summer Rowing League as well. Hooples, 1930 Columbus Rd. http://wrra.cc/srl.

AMPLIFY 2007 kicks off with speaker Kirsten Osolind, 16-year marketing/PR professional and CEO of re:invention Marketing. This luncheon event on Wed 3/28 at 11:30AM will include her reflections on campaigns with Whole Foods Markets and WebMD. Terrace Club at Jacobs Field. http://www.contempodg.com/amplify.

HOT CityMusic Cleveland’s upcoming concerts feature the world premiere of Margaret Brouwer’s Concerto for Violin and Chamber Orchestra, written especially for our their concertmistress, Michi Wiancko. Performances Wed 3/28 through Sun 4/1 take place in Willoughby, Elyria, Cle Hts, Slavic Village and Rocky River. For dates, times and locations visit http://www.CityMusicCleveland.org.

Tom Hinson Cleveland Museum of Art’s curator of contemporary art and photography leads a discussion at Cleveland Artists Foundation on Wed 3/28 at 7PM. The lecture, “Urban Photography: Three Great Cities—Paris, New York, Cleveland,” and runs in conjunction with CAF’s current exhibition, Visions of a City with a Soul: Four Photographers in Cleveland 1925-2005, co-organized by the Cleveland Public Library. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. http://www.clevelandartists.org.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
The Millions Keep Coming . . . In the past two weeks, Concord-based contract pharmaceutical developer Ricerca announced a $50 million financing and Cleveland BioLabs, a Cleveland Clinic spinoff developing drugs to fight radiation sickness and cancer, announced a $30 million investment. Investors across the country know what’s happening here. Do you??? To learn more, plan to attend “Northeast Ohio’s Booming Health Care Economy: New Strategies for Continued Growth” on Tue 4/17 at 3PM at the Intercontinental Hotel & Conference Center, 9801 Carnegie Avenue. It’s free. Click here to learn more and register.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Soup For The Soul St. Malachi Center’s 7th Annual benefit will be held Thu 3/29 at 6PM at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 777 St. Clair Ave. The fundraiser helps SMC continue the mission of nourishing families on the Near West Side of Cle. Local celebrities will serve soups cooked up by chefs from around the area; dozens of items will be raffled off. http://www.stmalachicenter.org.

A Media Coffee Examine the challenges facing newspapers and the MSM in the DIY publishing and blogging era with this panel discussion Thu 3/29 at 8AM. Featured panelists include Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian and CC Information Officer George Nemeth — also the catalyst for the sites Brewed Fresh Daily and Meet the Bloggers. Penton Media Bldg., 1300 E. 9th St. #700 http://www.prnewswire.com.

Masterpieces of European Paining is comprised of some of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s finest masterworks. Many of these important paintings have not been on view in Cleveland for more than two years, but will seek an audience beginning Thu 3/29 at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Features extraordinary art from early Renaissance to mid-19th century pieces, as well as works by Rubens, Turner, Rembrandt and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Runs through mid-July. 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood. http://www.maltzjewishmuseum.org.

Apollo’s Fire Bach: St. John Passion to be performed in Canton, Akron, Cleveland Heights and Cleveland from Thu 3/29 to 4/3. Call 320-0012 for more info. http://www.ApollosFire.org.

GroundWorks Dance Theater marks its 8th annual performance series at Cleveland Public Theater with “DanceWorks 07” from Thu 3/29 thru Sun 4/1. The company features two world premieres: one from NY choreographer Keely Garfield, the other by GroundWorks’ Artistic Director David Shimotakahara and Musical Director Gustavo Aguilar. Cleveland Public Theater, 6415 Detroit Rd. http://www.notsobovious.com.

HOT Influence + Imposition This exhibition of 4 young Cle designers — Sean Burkholder, Patrick Hyland, Jonathan Kurtz and Bradford Watson — explores environment through recent works. The Cleveland Public Art exhibit launches Thu 3/29 at 5:30PM. 1951 West 26th St. http://www.clevelandpublicart.com

Antaeus Dance presents Close to Home! as a part of “DanceWorks 07” on Thu 3/29 at Cleveland Public Theatre. Six choreographers, five composers and a film maker collaborate to create five premiere dance works that feature original, home-grown music and dance. 6415 Detroit Rd. http://www.antaeusdance.org.

HOT Hoop City celebrates the 2007 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships that happen in Cle @ “the Q”. Runs Fri 3/30 thru Mon 4/2, More b-ball activities than you can shake your three-pointer at. http://www.hoop-city.com. For more info on the NCAA Women’s Final Four events or the Women Rock Series, check out http://www.womenrockcleveland.com.

Bruno Casiano Gallery presents the works of artists Dana Depew, Michelangelo Lovelace and Kurt Shaffer beginning with an Artists Reception Fri 3/30 at 6PM. Exhibit runs through Sat 5/12, hours by appt only post-reception. 5304 Detroit Ave. Call 346-6562 for more info.

HOT Arts and Culture Roundtable The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture holds their next roundtable Fri 3/30 at 8:30AM with featured speaker Cathy Boyle, Exec. Dir of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC). An overview of CAC’s structure and programs as they relate to the proceeds generated from the passage of Issue 18. Burke Lakefront Airport. Visit http://www.cpacbiz.org or call 575-0331 if you plan to attend.

More Tales from the Rust Belt features the photography of Lou Muenz and Peter Luna and the music of The Luxury Flats, Tall Pines and Coffinberry at Parish Hall. This opening/rock show drops Fri 3/30 with a reception at 7PM. Live music starts at 9PM No cost. Exhibition runs through April 28. 6205 Detroit Ave. http://www.parishhallcleveland.com.

Red Light Winter Held over! Due to popular demand, The Bang and The Clatter Theatre Company’s production has added 2 addt’l performance: Fri 3/30 at 8PM and Sat 3/31 at 8PM. Don’t miss your last shot at Adam Rapp’s critically-acclaimed work as interpreted by the edgy, Akron-based company. Call 330-606-5317 for more info. http://www.bnctheatre.com.

Dichotomy The show is the first of a series at the new Metropolitan Galleries at Shaker Square, offering up the opposites in the artists’ works and in their lives. The exhibit will be held 3 days only, with an Opening Reception Fri 3/30 beginning at 5PM. Metropolitan Galleries at Shaker Square, 13119 Shaker Square. http://www.amwart.net.

Hossein Alizadeh & Hamavayan Ensemble Experience the music of Iran like never before with Grammy-nominated composer and instrumentalist Alizadeh and the Hamavayan Ensemble, direct from Tehran. Their first US performances of classical Persian music hit Cle on Fri 3/30 at 7:30PM at the Cleveland Play House Drury Theatre. Features the controversial addition of a female singer to the all-male lineup — something not accepted by Iran’s conservatives. http://www.clevelandart.org/educef/viva2006/html-pop/6396897.html.

HOT Decoding Leonardo Explore the latest findings on DaVinci’s Annunciation, Adoration of the Magi, and Battle of Anghiari with this CWRU/CMA event Fri 3/30 at 4PM. Scientist/engineer Maurizio Seracini will be the featured lecturer. For more information about Maurizio Seracini, visit http://www.editech.com. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. Call the CWRU Dept. of Art History at 368-4118 for more info.

HOT My Buddy Bill Emmy Award-Winning playwright and self-proclaimed “Parma flunkie” Rick Cleveland performs in this witty one-man account of his friendship with former President Bill Clinton. Part of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland’s year-long “Celebration of Coventry” series, the show hits Fri 3/30 at 7PM. [ED. The first show is sold out. They’ve added a second show at 10PM] Tix at Mac’s Backs or by calling 321-BOOK. 2728 Lancashire Road, just off Coventry Rd., Cle Hts. http://www.dropshots.com/my_buddy_bill.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
WCLVnotes This Fri 3/30, at 7PM, WCLV 104.9 presents a special program in observance of Passover featuring the Western Wind Vocal Ensemble and Theodore Bikel. On Sat 3/31, at 8PM, WCLV will be live at Severance Hall for a concert with guest conductor Kirill Petrenko. Classical super star Gil Shaham is the soloist in the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Also on the program, the Berlioz barn-burner “Symphonie fantastique.” And if you missed the Orchestra’s live broadcast from Miami on March 17th, you can catch it again this Sun 4/1, at 4PM. Horacio Gutierrez really tears up the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming at www.wclv.com.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

3 Needles An all-star film about the global AIDS epidemic in 3 parts, “Babel-style”. In a South African coastal village, three nuns struggle against poverty, ignorance and superstition to staunch an AIDS breakout. In mainland China, a black-market blood collector accidentally spreads the disease to rural farming communities. And in Montreal, an HIV positive adult film actor plots to pass his monthly blood test. A gripping cinematic experience. Cleveland Cinematheque @ the CIA, 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland. http://www.cia.edu.

Michael Ceraolo Experience his 130-page epic poem tracing the origins of Euclid Creek on Sat 3/31 at 1PM. This watershed of Northeast Ohio history “meanders like the flow of water through people, places and events” that shaped the Western Reserve. Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd. Shaker Hts. Call 795-9800 for info.

Iraq in Fragments Oscar-nominated documentary features the most compelling pieces of over 300 hours of footage, shot solely focused on the lives of Iraqi citizens during wartime. This “revealing, humane portrait of a nation” plays Sat 3/31 at 5:30PM and is sure to move viewers with a side of the Middle Eastern nation that many never see. Cleveland Cinematheque @ the CIA, 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland. http://www.cia.edu.

Neko Case Brilliant singer/songwriter and New Pornographers member-collaborator delivers the DIY alt-country goods on Sun 4/1 at 8PM. Beachland Ballroom. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

University Circle Wind Ensemble concert features Cle Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University students on Sun 4/1. Presented by CIM. Harkness Chapel 11200 Bellflower Road, CWRU. http://www.music.case.edu.

HOT The Moog Named for famed producer of synthesizers, theremins, and accessories, or a 1980s hockey goaltender? Who knows. This Blur-inspired indie rock outfit from Budapest, Hungary was invited to kick off their debut effort Sold for Tomorrow at the Austin, TX SXSW festival. Check out the buzz is about Sun 4/1 when they hit the Happy Dog. 5801 Detroit. http://www.happydog58.com. http://www.smyspace.com/moogband.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Risque, Scathing and Hilarious Broadway Shows! The new 2007-08 KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square has just been announced. Check out hot titles like Avenue Q – the risqué Sesame Street for grown-ups; Jersey Boy, the smash hit about The Four Seasons; Oprah Winfrey presents: The Color Purple; the hilarious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; the witty Drowsy Chaperone; & the scathing spoof: Forbidden Broadway: SVU. Check out our interactive website now to hear music and see video from the shows: www.PlayhouseSquare.org/Broadway. Subscriptions are on sale today. Get yours now, call 216-830-7221 and discover why the KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square offers more than just shows, but moments you’ll never forget.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Meridian Arts Ensemble The versatile brass ensemble gives an exciting concert of their varied and eclectic repertoire on Mon 4/2 at 8PM. Part of the Cleveland Contemporary Players series at CSU. http://www.csuohio.edu/music/ccp.

Indigo Girls In conjunction with the 2007 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Cle, the folk-rock duo will keep the fans downtown for a special concert happening on Mon 4/2 at 6PM. Tower City Amphitheater. http://www.livenation.com.

Song for Unsung Heroes African American Soldiers in the Civil War are highlighted with this exhibit at the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art’s Emily Davis Gallery (on U of Akron campus) beginning Mon 4/2. The exhibition is the culmination of a decade of work by photographer William Earle Williams. See Wednesday listing below for his opening reception/lecture. No cost, open to the public. http://www.uakron.edu/art.

Poetry and Writer’s Reading No cost, open to all Tue 4/3 at 6PM. Mustard Seed Market and Cafe, 6025 Kruse Dr., Solon. Call 330-296-8778 for more info.

Art On Wheels Bachelor Auction The Cle non-profit traveling art education org holds a Bachelor Auction Fundraiser to benefit Gallery 222 on Wed 4/4 at 6:30PM. Enjoy food, bevvies, live music provided by Cle-based Two Men and a Campfire, “speed-dating” and various Chinese raffle items. For more info call 941-7643 or email carolina@aowinc.com Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd.

William Earle Williams The photographer celebrates Song for Unsung Heroes: African American Soldiers in the Civil War with a lecture on his work (part of the Bidwell Visiting Artist Lecture series) on Wed 4/4 at 6PM in the auditorium of Folk Hall, 150 E. Exchange St., Akron. Opening reception for the exhibition follows at 7:30PM. No cost, open to the public. http://www.uakron.edu/art.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Make a Great Impression . . . actually, thousands of them. When you donate to the WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction you’re putting your product or service in front of thousands of people ready to buy. There’s less than a month left until the 40th Annual WVIZ/PBS Televised Auction, Thu 4/26 – Sun 4/29, and your donations are needed to help make it a success. Vacation packages, event tickets, wine, dining certificates, home appliances, antiques, art and collectibles are a sampling of items you’ll find up for bid. Donate today and receive valuable on-air promotion and a tax deduction, all while supporting your public television station. Call 216.916.6100 or log on to www.wviz.org for information. Then, tune in to the Auction and Watch It, Web It and Win It!
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Shaw Festival draws NEO dilettantes, hardcore theatre fans to Canada

Every trip to the Shaw Festival, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, convinces me more and more that it is the premiere repertory theatre venue in North America. The plays are generally excellent, the acting company superb, the show variety provides something for everyone, and the settings and costumes are creatively and lavishly conceived (pictured here).

The Shaw Festival is conducted in three theatres. This season starts on April 4 and runs through October 28, Tuesday through Sunday. Each day has matinee, evening and even some lunch time productions. For real theatre buffs that means a three night/four-day stay can result in experiencing seven shows. The festival is only a four-hour trip from Cleveland on roads which pass through the wine countries of Ohio, New York and Canada. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a lovely city brimming with flowers, classical architecture and inviting shops. This is like going to theatre heaven.

Jackie Maxwell, Shaw’s Artistic Director, each year chooses a focus for the plays. This season it is matters of the heart, carried out with a blend of comedies, musicals and dramas.

This season’s plays include Bernard Shaw’s drama Saint Joan; Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman’s musical Mack & Mabel; Georges Feydeau’s farce Hotel Peccadillo; Somerset Maugham’s drama The Circle; The Philanderer, a Shaw comedy; Tennessee Williams’ drama, Summer and Smoke; Brian Friel’s humorous drama A Month in the Country; the comedy The Cassilis Engagement by St. John Hankin; Tristan, a musical with book, music and lyrics by Paul Sportelli and Jay Turvey; and Lady Augusta Gregory’s The Kiltartan Comedies, a duet of Irish plays.

Besides the plays, the Festival includes a reading series, Sunday coffee concerts, a Village Fair and Fete, seminars, backstage tours, pre-show chats, Tuesday Questions and Answers and Saturday Conversations.

For theatre information, a brochure, lodging suggestions or tickets call 800-511-7429 or go on-line to http://www.shawfest.com. Ask about packages that include lodging, meals and tickets. Also be aware that the festival offers Sunday night specials, day-of-the-show rush tickets and senior matinee prices.

For recommendations on bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and other events, visit http://www.royberko.info and click on one of the Shaw listings.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Photo of Shaw participants by Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Romp + Float = {Red} Guy Orchestras are defined in some measure by the musical personalities of their conductors, and Red is no exception. The final concert of the 5th season for Red {an orchestra} will include music composed and arranged by Red’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Sheffer. Sheffer’s arrangement of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, will be followed by two original compositions, Romp, Concerto for Saxophone, and Red Couch Floating in Lake Erie which celebrates Cleveland itself, with a symphony of singers and texts by contemporary Cleveland poets. Join Red on Sat 4/14 at 8PM and on Sun 4/15 at 3PM for “That Red Guy” in the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid & E. 36th). Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased by calling Red {an orchestra} at 261.361.1733 or by visiting www.redanorchestra.org.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

One Man’s Take on Yoga’s Barest Essentials

Wherever you are right now, breathe in and stretch. Feels good, huh? Now repeat the same exercise with 20 naked strangers. Cleveland is the latest metropolitan city to discover naked yoga. The naked yoga trend has been steadily gaining momentum over the past five years thanks to a few online websites, numerous DVDs, several studios that present such classes, and one man in particular, Aaron Star.

Aaron founded Hot Nude Yoga in 2001 when he offered his first class. 18 men showed the first week and 35 the next. Since then, the classes have seen steady growth. Aaron’s studio offers five nude classes a week and he keeps up with the demand of classes outside of New York by offering workshops in major US cities as well as week-long retreats in Hawaii and Costa Rica. He also sells a series of four Hot Nude Yoga videos shot in tropical locations.

But why naked? Star says that he and his students sweated so much during their classes that he joked that they should practice nude. Several students took him up on the suggestion. “Here I am, years later, teaching a naked yoga class.”

Getting bare to stretch has been going on in the US since the mid-1960 when the Esalen Institute in California incorporated the practice in progressive settings of well-being. The 1968 Natalie Wood film, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice made mention of naked yoga and the Institute. In 1998, “Midnight Yoga for Men” was founded in New York where students practiced “Naked before the infinite.”

The Cleveland based No Place Like Om Yoga Studio will host a men-only naked yoga workshop in March. The Detroit Road studio is a quiet sanctuary for Buck Harris, Om’s owner and one of its instructors. Buck didn’t hesitate when approached to use his studio for a naked workshop. In fact, he volunteered to teach it. “I love yoga. It’s the one thing in my life that brings me complete peace.”

Harris will lead the students through a series of poses (asanas), demonstrating how to focus on breathing while their bodies are twisted and stretched. Students will sweat while they attempt to keep up with Harris’ gentle demands; place this foot over here, stretch that arm over there, put your face down there, and lift your leg over to that wall. At the end of the class, he’ll throw in some chakra balancing and guide the class through a meditation. Most of the students are new to yoga; some of new to naked group events. Buck assures those who are new to both will still have a great time and be successful.

The event is being promoted by Naked Workshops, a Cleveland-based organization that offers male-only workshops in a range of topics. Naked Workshops is only a year old, but has already offered workshops in computer skills, baking classes, bartending, basics, holiday gifts and now yoga. Upcoming workshops will include a massage workshop and hopefully more yoga workshops.

Don’t bother trying to make a reservation for this workshop. It reached its capacity of 20 students within a week of its offering. Buck is already talking about offering continuing naked yoga classes at the studio. If so, Cleveland will be the only city in Ohio that offers ongoing classes.

For more information about the No Place Like Om Yoga Studio, visit http://buckharris.com/likeom.htm. For more information on Naked Workshops, write to the email address below.

From Cool Cleveland reader Nick Vannello nickATnickvannello.com
Photo by Michelle L. Rodriguez

CoolCleveland.com’s CIO talks to a local startup about their upcoming launch

I’ll be honest. Even though I grew up attending church, it’s been longer than I’d admit that I’ve gotten up on Sunday morning to attend a service. But after reading a post about Gateway Church on another Clevelander’s blog, I poked around their website long enough to send Alex Ennes an email. It wasn’t long after that when we met for coffee to talk about startups and development in Cleveland.

Cool Cleveland: On April 1st, your first service will be at Pickwick & Frolic’s Hilarities Theatre. You’re kidding, right?

Alex Ennes: No… we’re not kidding. We literally launch on April Fool’s Day in a comedy club. Pickwick and Frolic has been kind enough to let us rent their facilities. We have now started saying to people, “Come feed the soul at Gateway and then feed your body at their brunch, if you would like. The church is free, but the brunch is not.”

When you give your message will it be like a sermon, or a standup routine? Will you ever play the violin and tell jokes like Henny Youngman?

AE: It will certainly have depth, but I like to have a lot of fun as well. I’m a storyteller at heart…
Read more A&Q w/G here

Tino Roncone of Cloud 9 Lounge

Sometimes your career path winds around a bit, rather than going in the straight line you’d expected it would. Sometimes you’re better off if you see where it leads you, instead of trying to change it to match your expectations. Tino Roncone did that, for oh, twelve years or so, and now, he’s right where he always wanted to be; part-owner of a sophisticated lounge on West 9th Street in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. Cloud 9, just north of St. Clair Avenue, will be the site of parties and other special events, which are his specialty.

For certain, parties and benefits for non-profit organizations will feature heavily into the schedule during the coming months. “Not only is it a party,” he says, brown eyes twinkling, highlighting the big smile on his face, “but it’s supporting a cause, and helping other people to participate. I think we all need to give back and support the community.”

More recently, he’d been the Marketing Manager for the West 6th Street Group which owns Velvet Dog Nightclub, Sushi Rock and Crazy Ritas in Lakewood. There, he was responsible for managing the advertising and marketing programs for all three venues as well as developing and managing all events and prospecting for parties.

Among them were the Fashion For The Cure fashion shows in July 2004 and 2005, Cirque duMystiq, a live event in October, 2005 and the Sin City Fashion Show in February, 2006 at the Velvet Dog. In addition he produced the Hoochie Couture show at The Hard Rock Cafe last fall. “The Velvet Dog was 10 years old in February,” he adds. “Ten years! That’s really an awesome feat in the nightclub business, especially when you consider they never had a liquor or health code violation!!” Pretty respectable, to be sure.

But then, the opportunity appeared to purchase Cloud 9, so Roncone engaged in talks with his cousin from Columbus—and a silent partner. It’s a different type of venue than his previous operations, and now, here he is—the hands-on day-to-day manager of his own club.

Growing up in Youngstown, he had his eye on a different type of career, as reflected by his minor at Youngstown State—theater, as in acting. But his major was Business Administration, with an eye toward marketing and management. After graduation, he went off to Los Angeles (doesn’t everyone?) and although he did audition for various roles, he soon found himself working for a talent agency.

One of the projects he worked on was booking talent for a TV show taped in Orlando, Florida, at the Disney studios there. But the show itself was for the Orange County School System, in California. He ended up moving to Orlando for a year and a half or so, until the show was canceled. He decided to come back home to Youngstown for a visit. He never went back. But during that time in Orlando, he’d interviewed some pretty big time celebrities, such as Jewel and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the original USA Basketball “Dream Team”. That was fun!

A bit of marketing for Ford Motor Company occupied him for a while, and then he found his way to GIE Media in Ohio City. From there, the next move was across the river to the W 6th Street Group, along with a smaller venture.

Because of his friendship with Kelly Antal, another employee at GIE, he became the Marketing Director of the Cleveland Fusion, the women’s tackle football team, when Ms. Antal purchased a franchise for a team in 2001. He held that position for five years. (Disclaimer: he also gave me my chance to be a sportswriter, naming me the Staff Writer for the team in the fall of 2002, another free-lance position I still hold. The team was sold last fall, and is now under new ownership.)

“This was really a new thing. The League (National Women’s Football Association) was new, the team was new, and I developed an entirely new marketing process for the team, to help build the team’s recognition and fan base to what it is today.” One of the highlights was bringing a Fusion game to Browns Stadium, the first such venture for the NWFA. That game, in which the Fusion lost to the Columbus Comets was in 2004. In 2005, the Fusion went to Detroit for a game against the Detroit Demolition at the new Ford Field. To date, these are the only two NWFA games played in NFL stadiums.

Although he hadn’t played football since before his college years, his knowledge of the game is awesome, as he proved on different occasions, acting as official scoreboard operator or stadium announcer, when last minute cancellations occurred. “The show must go on, after all,” he says with a grin. Today, he plays some basketball or tennis.

On occasion, Tino and his wife, Lynley, go to movies or a concert. He likes all kinds of music, and interrupts himself to talk about “arguably the best sound system in Cleveland” at Cloud 9. “It has EAW Avalon speakers, a Rane rotary mixer and Crescent amps. There is a house DJ, and a dance floor.” The mood is cool with medium blue walls offset by red and white leather seating. The room, which is several times longer than it is wide, resembles a ship’s lounge with its lowered asymmetrical and curving ceiling. Sheer white drapes cover the street-side windows.

Roncone raves about the neighborhood. “We have Constantino’s Super Market across the street, and there are clothing stores and hair salons; many apartment buildings and condos. The street is wide, wide sidewalks, and there are people out walking around all the time. It’s a different sort of atmosphere here than on W. 6th, which is just a block away. This is more like a village. It’s a very civilized area.”

Although Cloud 9 is currently open only on weekend evenings (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) from 10 until 2:30, he anticipates being open on Sundays before and after Browns games, and may also be open on Wednesdays. If Indians games prove to be a big draw, he can coordinate with them as well, not to mention Cavs games. Already several local professional athletes have dropped by, with the promise of returning for more.

But as much as he enjoys all of this, his real thing is doing parties. He loves parties, and wants Cloud 9 to be the party place in downtown Cleveland. The venue (in its present incarnation) can accommodate up to about 280 people. The second floor is being renovated and will include an outdoor terrace; expected opening date for this new space is June 30.

There is no on-site food service, but there are numerous caterers in the area, or the party folks may bring in their own caterer. Cloud 9 does have a full liquor license, however. Parties may be scheduled for any night of the week, and if on a week-end night, the doors would be closed to the public until midnight or so, unless of course, the entire lounge would be needed for the party. In the past, they’ve done various types of corporate functions: award ceremonies, new employee (or product) introductions, etc. Because of the superior sound system, Roncone thinks CD release parties for local music groups would be a natural. And of course, non-profit fund-raisers are high on the list.

“We can tailor the party to fit any kind of budget, any kind of function at all. Parking in this area is a dream, it’s so easy. There is valet parking plus assorted surface lots, and even meters on the streets. It’s just such a neat location. People are always so impressed when they see what we have to offer here.”

To see for yourself, call Tino Roncone at 363-1113. Their website, which is undergoing renovation, too, is http://www.cloud9lounge.com His e-mail is TinoVRonconeATaol.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Links to interesting NEO blogs
For-profit schools receive money from the state, but lie on the air when asked to disclose how much they’re making.
Neal, a senior at Max Hayes says there’s nothing that can convince him to stay in Cleveland.
The Sec of State asks the BOE to resign and there’s a list of people that shouldn’t be their replacements.
Back in 2003 the PeeD picked Applebee’s the best family-friendly restaurant.
Lots of opinions on the definition of who is a journalist.
Audio interviews of FFEF’s Brad Whitehead and GCMA’s Rick Batyko.

Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comments on the news of the week in the Cool Cleveland e-blast. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

The Ubiquitous, Untiring and Undeniably Uncanny Underdog Xe La

He hasn’t had an official new CD release in quite a while, but that doesn’t mean Cle rock scene veteran Xe La (pronounced zay-lah, “alex backwards,” a.k.a. Alx Alverez) is sitting around doing nothing. In fact, he’s about the most active local musician you could point to these days. “On a solo basis, I am doing at least 3-4 gigs a week and with the band, the Uncanny Xe La, we get a couple extra gigs in as well,” he told Cool Cleveland in an interview earlier this week. “That puts me out there just about every night during the week, depending on the week. It sounds tough, but it’s doing me alright, man.”

Longtime frontman for Cle alt-rock juggernaut Cows in the Graveyard, Alverez calls his work as Xe La “art rock & soul jazz dub” and offered that his formal output of such eclectic styles is “very limited in terms of pressed CDs and sales.” Just the same, he always has three or four different projects “boiling on the stovetop” and releases anything he considers “interesting, cool and unpredictable, like my career” as downloadable MP3 files on his website, http://www.luvmutha.com. Updates on his projects appear there as well…
Read the review by Peter Chakerian 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.

My Buddy Bill @ Unitarian Universalist Society 3/30

My Buddy Bill, a monologue produced by Emmy award-winning playwright, screenwriter and monologist Rick Cleveland, will be performed one night only on Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m. [ED. The first show is sold out. They’ve added a second show at 10PM] at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland, 2728 Lancashire Road, just off Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. It is advertised to be “a witty and knowing tale” about Mr. Cleveland’s unlikely friendship with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Tickets are $20 each or two for $30 and can be purchased at Mac’s Backs Bookstore, 1820 Coventry Road (next door to Tommy’s Restaurant) or by calling 321-BOOK.

Writer Cleveland, the whose father was “an alcoholic bus driver” and mother “a drill press operator for a screw factory,” says he flunked 11th grade at Parma High School for smoking too much pot and skipping school to hang around Coventry Village. This was where Cleveland started reading Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor comic books. Astonished to discover that working class people could be authors Cleveland went off and became a successful screenwriter and recently served as executive producer for the HBO cable TV original series, Six Feet Under. He is a graduate of the Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa, and also a founding member of Chicago’s American Theater Company.

He’s returning to the neighborhood, now a Hollywood veteran, to meet Mr. Pekar and kick off the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland’s yearlong benefit “Celebration of Coventry.”

My Buddy Bill has its genesis in a chance meeting between Cleveland, then a writer for the NBC TV hit The West Wing, and the 42nd President of the United States. The show chronicles an unusual and idiosyncratic relationship including a trip to Amsterdam and a spontaneous jam session in Arkansas plus new material about U.S. Senator and candidate for Democratic party presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

The audience is invited to a post-performance Meet ‘n Greet with the artist and complimentary coffee.

In the spirit of Spalding Gray to whom the work is partially dedicated, My Buddy Bill is a comic shaggy-dog tale about a star-crossed friendship between the writer, a leader of the free world and their two dogs. Variety calls it, “Relentlessly funny… delightful” and Hollywood Reporter says it is “amusing enough to tickle even the most demanding funny bone.” Mr. Cleveland won the Jury Award for Best Performance in a One Person Show for My Buddy Bill at the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado in March, 2006. My Buddy Bill had its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

In 2000, he won an Emmy Award and a Writer’s Guild Award for his writing on The West Wing. His play Jerry and Tom was adapted as a screenplay and was an official selection at both the Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals in 1998. He was nominated for an Edgar Award, presented by the Mystery Writers of America, for his screen adaptation of John Grisham’s Runaway Jury. As a playwright he attended the National Playwright’s Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in 1991 and 1993, Midwest PlayLabs in 1994, and has received playwriting grants and fellowships from the Kennedy Center’s Fund for New American Plays, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation. As a freelance journalist he has written for the Destinations column of Outside Magazine and for the Sunday Magazine of the Chicago Tribune and is also a commentator for NPR’s All Things Considered.

On Saturday, March 31st, from 2-5PM, Cleveland will host a Writers Workshop for aspiring writers to hone their skills for stage, screen and TV. The seminar will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland and has a nominal fee.

Celebration of Coventry will continue with a series of stories told by long time Coventry movers and shakers. These include Harvey Pekar, Tommy Fello (the owner of Tommy’s Restaurant), artist George Fitzpatrick, (who was manager of the old Heights Art Theatre, where the Rocky Horror Picture Show had over a decade run), and others. There will also be “I Remember Irv’s,” an evening with stories from lesser-known lights of the Village.

“This is the only neighborhood I’ve ever had,” said Joyce Brabner, Celebration organizer. She lived several places on the eastern seaboard before marrying Pekar almost 25 years ago. The series is being held to raise funds for various activities at the UUSC. “We are looking for people who have stories about Coventry,” said Ms. Brabner. The Irv’s session will be more informal than a monologue by a local punk turned Hollywood screenwriter. If you have stories to tell about Coventry Village and environs, contact Brabner at celebrate_coventryATsbcglobal.net or leave your name and number at Mac’s Backs.

Listen to the audio interview by Lee Batdorff with Rick Cleveland here

From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff batATadva.com

Women’s Health Forum @ Signature, LaCentre 3/31

Cleveland’s Women’s Community Foundation (WCF), in partnership with University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital, will present its first Women’s Health Forum on Saturday, March 31. Called “Wishing You Wellness: Your Health Matters,” the forum will take place at Signature at LaCentre (25777 Detroit Rd.) in Westlake from 7:30AM to 2PM. The forum will include nine 45-minute workshops led by health professionals from University Hospitals, of which participants can choose three, featuring topics such as “Decompress and stress less in five easy steps,” “Strong women/Strong bones,” and “Pelvic health: difficult to talk about, not difficult to control.”

The day will also include lunch with an Ann Taylor fashion show, featuring clothes modeled by cancer survivors; vendor and demonstration tables with displays by health agencies as well as Angel Cologne, Organic Spa, Premiere Jewelry, and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics from Nordstrom; health screenings; and gift bags with items from Curves, Ann Taylor, health organizations and Balanced Living magazine.

Founded in 1984, the Women’s Community Foundation (WCF) funds programs to optimize the potential of women and girls in the Greater Cleveland Community. The vision of WCF is to be a leader in supporting solutions for contemporary women’s issues, and to fund programs optimizing the potential of women and girls in the Greater Cleveland Community.

To register for Wishing You Wellness, visit http://www.wcfcleveland.org. For more information, call 622-0920 or e-mail wcfcleve@wcfcleveland.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net

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

Legends @ Palace Theatre 3/21 The late James Kirkwood, author of Legends, which is now on stage at the Palace Theatre, is a former resident of Elyria. In fact, the Moorish house in which his mother, movie star Lila Lee lived on Washington Avenue, was supposedly the setting for his book There Must Be a Pony. He is also the co-author of the much awarded Chorus Line. But, it’s not the Kirkwood name that is bringing in patrons to the Palace Theatre, it’s the monikers of Joan Collins and Linda Evans. Collins and Evans are best known as the duo that starred as rivals in Dynasty, the 1980’s late evening soap opera. In the play, as in the TV show, they play characters who hate each other.

This is not the first showing of Legends in Cleveland. In the late 1980s a production starring Carol Channing and Mary Martin appeared here. The show had negative reviews for both the script and the performances and closed before the run of the tour was completed. Part of the reason for the closing was real-life conflicts between Channing and Martin. The friction is recounted in Kirkwood’s book Diary of a Mad Playwright. As with the previous version, the producers intend to bring the show to Broadway after it finishes its tour.

Legends centers on two desperate movie stars who are courted by an unscrupulous young producer to star in a Broadway show. He convinces them to be in the play because it would star Paul Newman. He also knows that both are financially destitute. Collins is Sylvia Glenn, the acerbic star originally played by Channing. Evans takes on Martin’s part, the seemingly sweet Leatrice Monsee.

The script is not great. Parts of it are funny, but, in the main, the ideas are forced and predictable. Of the two stars, Collins is the more capable. She keys most of her laugh lines and seems to be having a great time. On the other hand, Evans is emotionally flat. She appears uncomfortable on stage. Her soft voice and underplayed personality worked on television, but the stage requires more. She’s like a wind-up Barbee doll with a mechanical voice.

The high points of the production center on three of the supporting characters. Tonye Patano is hilarious as Aretha, the caustic maid.

Joe Farrell is extremely funny as Martin, the producer. The scene, which follows his eating some hashish-laced brownies, is one of the funniest that you will ever see. There was spontaneous and prolonged applause following this segment.

Will Holman as Boom-Boom, a stripper hired to entertain at a bachelorette party, who errantly shows up during the negotiation between Sylvia and Leatrice, is dynamic. A scene in which he makes his well-developed exposed pecs dance brought extended laughter. At one point he wears only a small red heart on each buttock and a high hat covering his privates. The audience loved it.

Capsule judgment: Don’t go to see Legends expecting a well-written and performed play. But don’t let that stop you. You will laugh, you will probably enjoy yourself, and that’s what many theatre-goers want. The chances of this production making it on Broadway? Nil!!

The show runs through April 1 at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square. For tickets call 216-241-6000, 800-766-6048 or go on-line to http://www.playhousesquare.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 3/22 Comfort food sometimes gets a bad rap—it’s not sophisticated enough for discriminating palates, or some such excuse. Of course, sometimes it isn’t wonderful, but when it is, oh, my! It is substantial and nourishing and will live on in memory long after the nouveau stuff is no longer even a figment of the imagination. Such was the case at Severance Hall Thursday evening when one time assistant conductor Alan Gilbert returned to lead a concert of familiar and well-loved music. Comfort food, indeed!

I never cared much for the music of Stravinsky while growing up, without quite realizing why that should be so. In the spring of 1978, I saw the Disney movie Fantasia for the first time in about 35 years, and found the answer! In the segment where the dinosaurs die – the music was Stravinsky’s monumental Rite of Spring. No wonder I didn’t like his music! In my child’s mind, he killed the dinosaurs. I learned to at least listen after that, but didn’t really go out of my way to hear anything by the Russian composer. Shortly after I started ushering at Severance Hall for the 1979-80 season, the Symphony in Three Movements was scheduled. I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect, but listened anyway, and fell in love! Now, I will happily listen to any of his music at any time.

From the downbeat, Mr. Gilbert let us know this would be a vibrant, muscular version, and indeed it was. It was brisk yet sensitive where needed. The harp and winds in the Andante movement were gorgeous. Granted, on the comfort food menu, this performance might well have been likened to Buffalo Wings—piquant and spicy, not the main course but appetizing nonetheless.

The rendition of Mozart’s final concerto, the one for Clarinet, K. 622, could only be compared to Crème Brûlée, that deliciously smooth and rich dessert. Franklin Cohen was a master chef in his position as the orchestra’s longtime principal clarinetist, wielding his basset clarinet with seamless grace and fluidity in a performance that drew Bravos from the full house, even before the final notes had faded away. It was both buoyant and languid, with the most elegant ritard in the 2nd movement. Sweet. The lower-pitched notes afforded by the extra length of the instrument were as smooth as molasses. Mr. Gilbert was an entirely attentive collaborator throughout.

Considering how this orchestra plays the music of Dvořák, it seems only reasonable that we’re in the middle of a mini-Dvořák festival. This week’s entrée was the Symphony No. 6, Op. 60, which, to continue with the comfort food simile, would be to expect roast beef and instead be served the finest tenderloin. Oh, it was scrumptious! Mr. Gilbert is a very definitive conductor: he knows what he wants and he knows how to get it, especially from this orchestra.

The lilting, insinuating rhythms of the scherzo made it difficult to sit still. One wanted to get up and dance! The other three movements were equally spectacular in their own way. You can’t be unhappy listening to Dvořák’s music. It’s just not possible. And we get more of it next year, culminating in his opera Rusalka.

Next weekend is more comfort food: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with Gil Shaham as soloist, along with the Symphonie Fantastique of Berlioz. Guest conductor Stéphane Denève will make his debut with the orchestra in concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus a Sunday matinee. The latter is part of the Musically Speaking series and will feature Hugh Macdonald as guest speaker who will introduce the works and speak briefly from the stage about each of them. Prior to the main concert, Cleveland Orchestra members Beth Woodside, Alicia Koelz, Lisa Boyko and Brian Thornton will present Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4, in Reinberger Chamber Hall. This additional event which begins at 2 p.m., is free to matinee ticket-holders.

Mr. Macdonald, a renowned expert on the music of Hector Berlioz, is Chair of the Department of Music in Arts and Sciences at Washington University in Saint Louis. In addition to conducting both orchestral and choral works, he is also an accomplished pianist and plays violin, viola and harpsichord.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 231-1111 or visit the website: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net Inlet Does DanceWorks 07 @ CPT 3/23 Bill Wade, the Artistic Director of Inlet Dance Theatre, which is performing as part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks 07, is first and foremost a teacher. His long list of educational assignments centers on “impacting the lives of young people through educational programs.” He works with public school kids, often from school districts with limited financial means. This philosophy carries over into his dance company is composed of only four members. There also are three apprentices and eight trainees. Again, a stress on education.

Don’t get the idea that there is a lack of professionalism. The screaming, standing ovation that the company received in their DanceWorks opening night performances, and the continued notes in my program which say, “wow,” “creative,” and “dynamic,” attest to the excitement and excellence of the program.

The evening opened with Snow, danced to the flowing and powerful music of Ryan Lott, the wunderkind of local composers who creates for both Inlet and Groundworks Dance Theater. As is the signature of Wade’s choreography, a strong gymnastic tone underlies the dancer’s movements. Beautifully costumed in unitards painted with nature scenes by Kristin Wade, the piece featured six dancers transforming their bodies into a series of snowflakes. Displaying strength, the flowing and powerful piece effectively paralleled movements to the music.

Winged Opposition was choreographed to surreal music and featured effective mechanical movements which were repeated over and over. Somewhat overlong, the format gave the illusion of choppiness, with the parts not always blending together.

A Close Shave was totally delightful. Danced with muscular power by apprentice Joshua Brown and trainee Justin Stentz, Wade’s sense of humor flowed forth. It examines the concept of “a close call” which spanned the interaction between the dancers from mirroring each other as they shaved, to putting themselves into various risk areas intended to “clean up one’s image.” Brown and Wade were nothing short of amazing. The piece ended to screaming applause.

Stentz, who is exciting to watch on stage, and has to be ranked with the best male dancers in the area, used his gym-ripped muscular body to work with the equally proficient and powerful Leila Pelhan in imPAIRed to create visual body intertwinings that were fascinating to watch. The dance is performed with both dancers blindfolded. It is the result of the company conducting residencies for visually impaired and blind students at the Cleveland Sight Center. It highlights sensitivity, caring and trust. This was a “WOW!’ experience.

In, Not Of, a company premiere, danced to another Lott piece, featured the company as well as the apprentices and trainees. The choreography is the result of Wade’s visit, as part of his participation in an international artist exchange program, to Easter Island. He used the island’s culture, images and philosophies to create a narrative work. The disciplined, flowing cast members used the company’s signature gymnastic movements to create an appealing piece.

Capsule judgment: Bill Wade is a fine choreographer who proficiently teaches his dancers his gymnastic and creative style of movements. The overall effect was a very enjoyable evening of dance.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

Hero Tomorrow @ CIFF, Tower City 3/24 Like all previous years, the 31st-annual Cleveland International Film Festival was full of thought-provoking and perceptive works that examine the world we live in with the precise emotional detail of an electron microscope. In all the years I’ve participated, I’ve been clued into movies about family ties, world poverty, crime, political rhetoric and metaphorical journeys to the outer reaches of psyche and motivation. My experience with Hero Tomorrow definitely put me into that latter-mentioned category, even though I was compelled by the comic book angle.

Created by Cle filmmaker Ted Sikora, Hero Tomorrow centers on a ganja-lovin’, dreadlocked comic-book artist named David (Perren Hedderson) who brings his creation – a masked crusader called Apama – to life. The Cleveland-based artist is somewhat lackadaisical and unmotivated, mowing lawns and doing odd jobs for a living – all because he’s just not terribly successful at marketing himself or his work. But things change once he dons the suit… Hero Tomorrow starts out as a precise view into David’s world and expands into a comical pseudo-superhero flick, one that ends up being more gratifying and genuinely comical than anything else attempted before it – take that, Greatest American Hero and Superman III.

David seems to believe in Apama’s future as a character, explaining in a pitch that “It’s not offensive, it’s a homage.” He also sees Apama’s future as an “icon” and protector in the fight against evil, though it was odd and expectedly quirky to see just how Apama comes to life and how heroic he ends up becoming once he does. I even liked Apama’s sort of Derek Hess-inspired, pencil-sketchy look (replete with messy mohawk) for David’s real life Apama costume made by girlfriend Robyn (Jocelyn Wrzosek). And lastly, on-again, off-again Cle native Ray McNiece as the comic shop owner was a perfect casting choice. Props to Sikora and the entire cast credit: Hero Tomorrow made for a compelling view. If you missed out on this off-beat comic book quirkfest, check out the trailer at http://www.herotomorrow.com and keep an eye out for a future screening around town.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

On the Radio: NCMC @ CSU Waetjen 3/24 Those of us who grew up with radio in the 30s, 40s and early 50s (before TV got us in its stranglehold) generally consider ourselves to be very lucky. We experienced the magic of that big wooden cabinet that emitted all sorts of wonderful things previously not even imagined. There was beautiful music and marvelous adventures of all kinds, comedy—the real thing, not just snide or even nasty remarks masquerading as funny. Best of all, however, was allowing our imaginations free rein to create pictures to go along with the sounds we heard. If you didn’t live it, you can’t imagine the thrill of it all!

Dan Bobeczko wrote a marvelous script that encompassed the story of radio from the 1920s to the present mixed with the history of those years, which was brought to life with song and dance by the North Coast Men’s Chorus at Waetjen Auditorium last weekend. Robert Burian was suitably bashful as the young narrator at the beginning of the tale, and aged appropriately for each decade with its particular history and musical depictions—ranging from enthusiastic 20s to depressed 30s to patriotic 40s to content 50s to confused 60s to happy 70s to more confusion in the 80s. With the help of props, costumes and wigs he effortlessly accompanied the brief narrative threads with descriptive actions that accurately set the scene.

Rich Cole, music director, led the men through a wide variety of music, ranging from the full chorus at full voice to just one costumed singer in the spotlight—Eric Alan Unhold in Gershwin’s Do it Again! or Vince Flores as the young Elvis in Love me Tender. Robert Day was in his usual place at the piano, but was occasionally assisted by J. C. Sherman on trombone, Alexandria Vago and Sandra Baxter on violin, Marge Rutherford on alto sax, Stephen Kittle on guitar, Adam Tully on stand-up bass and Chris Maneri on drums, plus Patrick Wickliffe on synthesizer.

Mixed in with the music were a few segments of ‘special’ words spoken by men who shaped the 20th century. Some were more into it than others, but they were all effective. Steve Wojtas was Will Rogers; Donald King (no, not that DK!) was the Lone Ranger; Steve Williams was a reporter (about the Orson Wells Invasion from Mars) ; Steven R. Pastor was FDR; Terence Semenec was Walter Winchell, complete with his Morse Code sign-in; Robert Toth was a witness during a McCarthy-type hearing, while Mark R. Mackert was his attorney; Clinton C. Condon was an unseen Senator; Eric Alan Unhold was Allen Freed; Daniel T. Reynolds was a slightly over-the-top Wolfman Jack and Gary D. Smith was Casey Kasem.

There were production numbers, choreographed by the remarkable Lora Workman: Charleston (with red and blue sequined or fringed flapper costumes); an Andrews Sisters Medley in close harmony with jitterbugging dancers; Rock Around the Clock (poodle skirts, saddle shoes and slipping crinolines—I remember those well!); Come Go With Me—with help from Ms. Rutherford and coool screams from Mark Malloy; a marvelous Motown Medley and the finale Y.M.C.A. with a costumed sailor, cowboy, Indian chief, construction worker, and leather-clad gentleman.

Costumes were pulled together from various sources by Brian K. Fetty and the wigs by Jerry Raker. As always, Michael Rich did a bang-up job as lighting designer. I love that huge mirror ball, which pours multi-colored enchantment over everything and everyone beneath it.

There were just too many songs to list all of them, which only proves you should attend one of the concerts by these talented men and see for yourself. This was by far the best performance I’ve seen so far from the NCMC. It was just pure—and wonderfully well-done—entertainment; song and dance and history and nostalgia. What more could anyone want? Next up is A Time for Us on June 16 and 17. For tickets or other information about the NCMC, visit their website at http://www.ncmchorus.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Cobra Verde @ Grog Shop 3/24 Cobra Verde took the stage at the Grog Shop and pretension was checked at the door. Some struggle to classify the band. Is their embrace of big guitar, rock and roll ironic, or, are they serious about good times and good melodies? It’s a question that could only emerge from the coasts. After all, this is a scene where bands drink more than bottled water, and a city where haircuts won’t get you a record deal.

Their set drew heavily from 2003’s Easy Listening, a combination of glam anthems and garage attitudes that produced what many consider their best album to date. Rousing renditions of “Riot Industry”, “Terrorist”,” and “My Name Is Nobody” had the fans moving, and in one case, break-dancing. Later, they would close their set with an absolutely shredding take, on the already shredding “Modified Frankenstein.”

Cobra Verde went deep in the back catalog on a couple occasions, first for “Was It Good” from 94’s Viva La Muerte and later on a cover of “Underpants” by old school Cleveland punks, The Easter Monkeys. Their take on New Order’s “Temptation” transformed it from shiny, new-wave disco, to trashy bar room rock, leaving only the most basic elements of its melody and the sing along in the chorus, as remnants of the original.

Nearly complete with their sixth album, Cobra Verde did preview a couple new tracks. Lead singer, John Petkovic admitted that they had just finished recording, and consequently, the new tunes were not as tight as the rest of their set. That’s not saying, they didn’t rock hard. I had managed to scribble down the title, “Wine In The Food Court,” and the big hooks on this one should place it favorably in your list of top Cobra Verde cuts.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Bill Lipold irockclevelandATgmail.com

Bill Lipold writes the music blog I Rock Cleveland which can be found at http://irockcleveland.blogspot.com.

Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache @ Pickwick and Frolic 3/25 He shook the house with his rhythmic Afro-Cuban Jazz and took us on a journey through Africa, South America, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, ending up in what he called the center of the universe: Cleveland, Ohio. Bobby Sanabria is a master drummer, percussionist, composer and multi Grammy-nominated recording artist. With Puerto Rican roots, a love of Latin Jazz and tribal beats, he believes in the importance of educating our youth to keep the music alive. And he proved it by showcasing Aaron Kleinstub, a high-school senior, on the trumpet. Kleinstub played like a seasoned pro, proving why he’s won mega awards and scholarships at such a young age. From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com.

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 Cool Cleveland In a world starved for contextually clever writing, I found your CC intro (Equinox means equal night here) this week refreshingly satisfying! I have to believe that writing that weekly four-sentence intro is probably the most challenging part of your life – finding the perfect, elegant balance between informing and intriguing the audience – and I couldn’t help but complement you on getting it perfect in this week’s edition. (Also, great interview with Lev at CWRU). Keep up the great work! Without your voice in Cleveland, there would just be an eerie silence.
from Cool Cleveland reader Doug O’Bryon dougobryon@juno.com

On Missing Cuyahoga County Votes (See Resign or get fired here)

From Cool Cleveland reader Ralph Solonitz reachmeATralphstuff.com

On North Coast parking Wouldn’t it be great to park at the Science Museum’s parking garage for after hours events at the Rock Hall? I don’t know how many customer that the garage needs to justify staying open to 9:30 – 9:45 PM for special events, but can’t something be worked out between the two museums? I park at Burke, while some people park in the garage near Muny. Others park and get towed on E. 9th St., this is not the way to induce people to come downtown in the evening.
from Cool Cleveland reader Leonard Nagel lNagelATaexcelcorp.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Cool Cleveland Kids Cleveland Couple Gets National Attention with Back-to-Basics Message.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) Interview The new president & CEO of the Beck Center for the Arts, Cindy Einhouse is in the house.
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) Interview Cleveland International Film Festival Artistic Director Bill Guentzler has the best job in town.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Interview Jane Lassar, Gray & Company, area publishers.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) CIM seeks Marketing Manager Got skills?
www.CIM.edu

How low can you scroll? We here at Cool Cleveland know that sometimes we get a little long-winded and our weekly e-blast gets a little long. Maybe it would be shorter if you lived in a less-than-cool place with less to do. Explore your city and revel in the possibilities. Kudos to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Lee Chilcote, Lee Batdorff, Nick Vannello, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Kelly Ferjutz and Roy Berko. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. 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. 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.

Get Inspired,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2007 Cool Networks LLC all rights reserved

(:divend:)