2.21.07-2.28.07
Cool Cleveland Kids
In this week’s issue:
* Kids COMMENT Why Cleveland is Cool for Kids Part Deux by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
* Kids COMMENT What About Jane? A 70-Year-Old Dinosaur Debate Reignites in Cle
* Comment Obamas Cleveland Visit Mansfield Frazier examines Substance vs. Symbolism
* Sounds Quarter to Lonely from Lost State of Franklin PLUS Metaphor by Noah Budin
* Preview A Devotional: Joe Goode Performance Group @ Ohio Theater
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here
When did you stop being cool? Was it the day you had your first kid? We know how difficult it is to keep your hipster credentials when all you really want to be is a good parent. Well, we think maybe you can do both. We’re proud to kick off Cool Cleveland Kids for families looking for cool, local, engaging activities, news and commentary. This week’s issue, like a lot of the Internet, offers a healthy serving of commentary relating to kids and the community. Obama visits Cle and we comment. Wal-Mart forgoes tax abatement, but bloggers want more. We review new CDs by NEO artists Lost State of Franklin & Noah Budin. We preview performance artist Joe Goode. We graciously accept kudos for our Oberlin & Red Zappa parties, and we publish the photos. But mainly we do what we always do: uncover the best that Northeast Ohio has to offer. Both for adults, and now, for kids and their parents, too. Thomas Mulready
We know the drill. Your life is run by the clock. And not your own clock, your kids’ clocks. Pick up, drop off, fix meals, clean up. It’s hard to stay cool and stay clued in to what’s going on when you’re just trying to get everyone where they’re supposed to be, safe and sound. This is where Cool Cleveland Kids comes in. Every week, we’ll offer a slew of cool family events that aren’t boring or corporate or mind-numbing. Stuff that even the adults would enjoy. Plus, we’ll continue to feature a weekly Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast (just like we have for 18 months straight), with an update on fun family events from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max Mulready.
Thanks to our partner, the Cleveland Museum of Art, we’re able to bring you this new weekly feature spilling over with fun family events, news, commentary, and mostly, tools you can use to engage with your family, engage with your kids, and engage with your community. Send us you cool kids events or news, send us your commentary and letters, or make suggestions for future stories: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Why Cleveland is Cool for Kids
Part Two of a 4-part series
Head to the Outdoors!
It may be winter, but it is a great time to bundle up the little ones and head out! Both Cleveland and the neighboring Lake County Metroparks systems offer diverse programs for kids (and those of us who are kids at heart as well). From movie nights to programs about specific animals — bats, owls and more — their offerings are vast and economical. And many are “no-cost.” In addition, the parks offer hiking, biking and rollerblading trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and wide-open spaces suitable for organized (or not-so-organized) sports and games…Don’t forget about tobogganing at The Chalet Run in the Mill Stream Reservation (a thrill for kids of ALL ages!). More information about Cleveland Metroparks is available at http://www.clemetparks.com or by calling 635-3200. More information about Lake County Metroparks is available at http://www.lakemetroparks.com or by calling (440)639-7275.
And, when you are outdoors with your family, don’t forget about that small body of water that sits just north of this fine city. Lake Erie is the 4th largest Great Lake by surface area, shallowest of the Great Lakes, and the 12th largest freshwater lake in the world. With these credentials, comes plenty of family fun. Fishing, boating, swimming, or just skipping stones and building sandcastles, Lake Erie offers recreational opportunities that not so many cities have to offer. Learn more by visiting http://www.ercnet.org.
An indoor, but feels like the great outdoors, family outing is the Cleveland Botanical Garden located in University Circle. Open year round, the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s mission is “grounded in the belief that quality-of-life can be improved through a better understanding of the interdependence of plants, people and the environment.” A trip to the Botanical Garden invites you and your children to explore the glasshouse, which features two distinct ecosystems. And, if the weather is cooperating during your visit, be sure to also check out the 10 acres of display gardens including the Hershey Children’s Garden, the first garden of its kind in the State of Ohio. The Garden also has great amenities such as onsite parking (for a fee) and the Garden Café, which features light snacks, lunches and refreshments. To find out more, visit http://www.cbgarden.org or call 721-1600.
Editor’s Note: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A., is not only a “kid at heart,” but also a brand new mom. Contact her at the address below.
From Cool Cleveland Contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford fleminggiffordATyahoo.com
Wondering what a kid would want to do this week? Listen to a couple of suggestions from Max, our 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids’ correspondent. He’s scoured the Internet and found a few good events to recommend. Listen with your kids, just by clicking http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids02.23.07.mp3. Wanna receive the Kids Podcast automatically every week, right to your computer> Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.
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Calling Art Lovers of All Ages! Monet Family Day is Sun 2/25 from 1-4PM at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Artists and wannabes of all ages are invited to attend this activity-filled day with free studio projects, and visits from our Art Crew. Free tours of the Monet exhibition are available for families who purchase admission to the show. Join us for “Monet’s Garden Party” and create water-lily hats. Then check out “Chalk It Up!” and explore pastel drawing. Anyone can learn how to make images of water or fields using this watercolor-resist method in “Ponds, Lakes and Pastures.” All studios are part of a drop-in event, with no admission, and open to the public. For info call 216-707-2181 or www.clevelandart.org. CMA is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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LeBron.msn.com for kids & teens Way cool site w/positive messages to inspire youth & working mothers LeBron.msn.com
Art House discount on Mosaic classes Tuesdays starting 2/27: make trivets, tiles, more Register
What About Jane?
70-Year-Old Dinosaur Debate Reignites With Cleveland at Center
Its been heralded as the Mystery Dinosaur and called one of the most remarkable scientific finds of the last century. The unresolved debate over this mysterious specimen has been predicted to change paleontology forever. And its right here in Cleveland. Im referring not to Sue the highly publicized Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton currently on display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History courtesy of Chicagos Field Museum but to Jane, the smaller juvenile tyrannosaur who shares Sues display space. When Sues traveling exhibition moves on in April, Jane becomes part of CMNHs permanent collection, and will most likely earn a prominent spot in the museums lobby…
Read the article by Jennifer Keirn here
One Man Star Wars Trilogy If you missed Charlie Ross on Playhouse Square a while back, you can’t miss this uproarious, pop culture monologue @ Paul Daum Theatre, U of Akron. Bring your lightsaber (and the Force) with you. Show runs Thu 2/22 – Sat 2/24. Paul Daum Theatre, U of Akron Campus. http://www.onemanstarwars.com
Velvet Violin Musical Rainbow series are short (30 min), fun, interactive (sing, clap, & dance) windows into an instrument (the violin this time around), featuring Cle Orch members (Miho Hashizume, violin), for young kids (ages 3-6), hosted by a wonderful emcee (Maryann Nagel), for you (your name here) and your kids (!) this Fri 2/23 – 2/24 Info
Shining Light: An Organic Affair Experience the wares and wisdom of everything from aromatherapy and skin/body care to crafts and natural gifts/housewares. This benefit for Shining Light Outreach takes place Sat 2/24 at noon, highlighting the non-profit’s mission to aid collective spiritual growth. Kids 10 and under get in at no cost for bringing non-perishable food item. Brecksville Comm. Ctr., 1 Community Dr. (off of Rt. 21/Brecksville Road, south of Rt. 82). For more info call 440-526-1251 or e-mail shininglight@highstream.net.
Pianists and Other Animals Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory presents their annual piano gala Sat 2/24 at 8PM. Program includes Babar the Elephant, by Poulenc, Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens, Copland’s The Cat and the Mouse, and the ubiquitous Flight of the Bumblebee. Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St., Berea. http://www.bw.edu/academics/conservatory.
Wonka’s Golden Ticket Join Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas on Sat 2/24 as they lead Roald Dahl’s musical for two performances: 11 AM and 2PM. Allen Theatre, Playhouse Square. PlayHouseSquare.org.
20th Annual Shakespeare Competition features area high school students embracing the legendary words of Billy the Bard on Sat 2/24 at 9:30 AM at Cle Play House. Curriculum-based regional contest judged by a panel of teachers and English-Speaking Union judges. Winners sent to Lincoln Center (NYC) for nat’l competition; grand champ has a shot at a four-week acting course in London, UK. http://www.esuus.org.
Who’s The Boss? Check out this workshop, exploring issues of parenting with Dr. Arthur Lavin and Susan Glaser, MA. Problems with infants sleeping through the night, toilet training, discipline or sibling rivalries? The two will share effective solutions to these and other common issues from their new book entitled Who’s the Boss? on Sun 2/25at 1:30PM at CHABAM, 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. http://www.chabam.com.
The Battle of Standing Rock II a battle of bands from every genre of music. The preliminary rounds kick off on Mon 2/26 with the finals at the world renowned Kent Stage on Sat 4/14. No sign-up fee or demo required. Minimum age for band members is 14. Just plan on attending, or register at http://www.BattleOfStandingRock.com.
Snow White The March 1 performance is already sold out, so don’t miss your shot at the delightful Ms. White and her 7 dwarf friends in the Solon Center for the Arts production on Wed 2/28 at 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Calvetta Bros. Floor Show Theater, Solon Center for the Arts, 6315 SOM Center Rd., Solon. Call 440-337-1400 for info. http://www.solonarts.org.
Strongsville’s Brew Kettle Taproom & Smokehouse ranked #1 in nation, according to RateBeer.com
DCA inherits Sparx In The City from Susie Frazier Mueller. Meredith Camp continues in producer role Read
Breuer’s Cle masterworks demolished in the “Cleveland tradition of hiring too-safe architects too late in their careers” Read
Ohio plugs alternative energy projects Solar, wind, ethanol, biodiesel, biogas all being funded or could be Read
NOACA studies before building Avon exit First-ever study will look at impact on region & sprawl Read
B-W names new music conservatory director Peter Landgren, horn player in Baltimore Sym Orch, Peabody faculty Read
Cle Arts Prize nominations due 2/28 for awards in emerging, mid-career, lifetime, advocacy, patronage Info
Oberlin party photos here
Issue 18 passed! Now what? Tax went into effect 2/1, will generate $14M+ a year for 10 years, to be given out starting 9/07 to arts non-profits for operating support. Independent Cuyahoga Arts and Culture board is being appointed by County Commissioners. Info.
Voices and Choices and now …actions! Citizens in NEO have completed their conversations in dozens of meetings with 20,000 people across 15 counties, revealing a consensus on a common agenda (business attraction, workforce & educational excellence, racial & economic inclusion, gov’t collaboration & efficiency); now it is time for action. Come to a community meeting 2/21: Akron-Summit County Public Library, 2/22: Carnegie branch, Cle Public Library, 2/22 Wayne County Public Library, 2/28: Lorain County Public Library, 3/1: Ashtabula County Public Library. No more whining, NEO now it’s time to act on our civic agenda. Details: pgeorge@voiceschoices.org.
Call for Entries CVNPA and Countryside Conservancy are looking for works to include in Farm Art: from Plate to Palette. Prize money and glory involved. Entry Form.
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland02.23.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.
WSJ: Cleveland Orchestra best in U.S. The Wall Street Journal is talking about the best orchestras in the world, and the only one they discuss from the U.S. is the Cleveland Orchestra. Apparently the WSJ agrees with Cool Cleveland that the Cleveland Orchestra is the best. Interesting article that talks about going from good to great, a lesson that anyone can learn from. Read
Newspaper analyst chronicles decline Shaker Hts.-based Merrill Lynch top analyst Lauren Rich Fine suggests that, with profit margins slipping 2% a year, and with only 35% of 18- to 34-year-olds reading the daily paper, “there is no way to go back.” But there are successful models, such as the non-profit St. Petersburg Times. And she feels there is an “enormous, unsated appetite for really local news.” We couldn’t agree more. Read
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Dazzling, Sensational, Timeless: “Great Performances” Bellinis I Puritani premieres on WVIZ/PBS on Sun 2/25 at 5PM as part of the “Great Performances at the Met” series. Russian soprano Anna Netrebko dazzles as the fragile Elvira, who goes mad when abandoned at the altar and tenor Eric Cutler stars as Lord Arturo Talbot. On Mon 2/26 at 10PM, Grammy Award-winner, Sting, revisits the music of 16th century English composer and court musician John Dowland in “Great Performances – Sting: Songs from the Labyrinth.” Sting is accompanied by acclaimed Bosnian lute player Edin Karamazov in performances of Dowlands timeless songs. Visit www.wviz.org for additional program information and the complete broadcast schedule.
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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
CityMusic Cleveland teams up with cellist Matt Haimovitz for performances Wed 2/21 thru Sun 2/25 across NEO. Under the direction of guest conductor Danail Rachev, they perform in Elyria, Rocky River, Slavic Village, Cleveland Heights, and Willoughby. No-cost and open to the public. http://www.CityMusicCleveland.org.
HOT Herb Ascherman: On Photography For over 30 years, he has been creating fine art portraiture, black and white and platinum photography. What you might not know, is that he’s been collecting books on photography for almost as long. Hear Ascherman talk about the history and collectibility of books on photography on Wed 2/21 at 7PM. Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Shaker Hts.
Enormous Room Reading Series at KSU Stark-Canton features “deep cleveland poets” Mark Kuhar, Dan Smith, Joanne Cornelius, J.E. Stanley, Joshua Gage and Miles Budimir on Wed 2/21 at 7:30 PM. http://www.stark.kent.edu.
HOT Spirit of Freedom 1956 Cleveland Hungarian Museum’s exceptional exhibit on ’56 Hungarian Revolution is an inspiring photographic exhibit of the faces of the freedom fighters and their struggle against the communist regime. Includes event chronology, documentary films (including the famous Walter Cronkite special) and expressions from those who lived it. No-cost exhibit, open to the public. Magyar Museum, Galleria 2nd floor Open Wed 2/21 and weekdays 11 AM – 3 PM, Friday 11AM – 5 PM. For info call 523-3900, or visit http://www.jcu.edu/language/hungmu.
Transit Development Guidelines Check out the GCRTA Transit Development presentation Thu 2/22 co-sponsored by CSU Levin Urban Affairs. Co-Sponsored by Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority, Levin College Forum, Ohio Planning Conference. 1717 Euclid Ave. Info.
Music & Magic East Cleveland Theatre and Hall of Fame Productions sponsor this benefit performance for the Theatre, now in its 39th season. The multi-instrumental Melting Pot Orchestra and “the world’s greatest African-American magician” John Hamilton perform on Thu 2/22 – Sun 2/25. 14108 Euclid Ave. Call 851-8721 for info.
Shorn is a solo play by Juliette Regnier detailing the fictional accounts of French women accused of collaborating with the Germans in WWII Nazi-occupied France. This complex, intriguing Dobama Theatre production launches Thu 2/22 at 7:30PM and runs through Sun 3/4. Dobama Theatre, 13100 Shaker Square. http://www.dobama.org.
Black History Trivia Bowl Join the Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s Young Professionals group for a fundraiser to support their ABC College Tour on Thu 2/22 beginning at 6PM. Test your knowledge of black history. Appetizers from 6-7PM, trivia begins at 8PM. Bring your team! For more information please call 216-662-0999 ext 270 or email ulgcyp_fundraising@yahoo.com.
Out of Obscurity Learn the often forgotten stories of brave young men and women who fought for the rights for African Americans to use public libraries on Thu 2/22 at 6PM. Documentary film, refreshments and a brief discussion comprise the evening. Cle Public Library Union Branch, 3463 East 93rd St. http://www.cpl.org.
The Wounded Bear Rev. Shianne Eagleheart presents this modern day medicine story of hope on Thu 2/22 at 7PM at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. Medicine stories are Native American allegories that explore the healing effect of the metaphorical. West Shore UU Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. http://www.wsuuc.org.
Bob Dylan at Hibbing High Rock and roll myth master Greil Marcus, one of the best writers on the subject, appears in Cleveland at Case’s Harkness Chapel on Thu 2/22 at 4:30PM. Be open-minded; the title will give you a clue: “Bob Dylan at Hibbing High School–Greil Marcus Talks About/Discusses/On a Trip to Bob Dylan’s Town, the Geography of Nowhere, the Great Depression, and the ‘Mystery of Democracy.'” http://music.case.edu
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Enjoy Great Opera at the Cleveland Institute of Music! The CIM Opera Theater, under the direction of David Bamberger, presents Johann Strauss II Die Fledermaus, Wed 2/28 Sat 3/3 at 8PM. The most popular and zany of Viennese operettas arrives at CIM in a fully staged production, complete with its irresistible mixture of comedy and champagne. Tickets are on sale now! Adults $15; Students and Seniors $10. Make it an evening in University Circle. Call 216-791-5000 and mention Cool Cleveland or order online at www.cim.edu and enter code 0207 to receive $2 off per ticket. Present your opera ticket upon ordering at That Place on Bellflower or Sergios in University Circle and receive 10% off your entire bill.
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Diana, A Celebration This exhibition celebrates the life of the Princess of Wales during the 10th anniversary of her passing. Exhibit features 150 personal objects, including her show-stopping Royal Wedding gown, 28 designer gowns and mementos on loan from the Spencer Family. Exhibit runs Fri 2/23 through 6/10. http://www.wrhs.org.
Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express & Kim Simmonds’ Savoy Brown Darn near adoptees to the area for all their live appearances, these classic blues rockers can hardly be called NEOphytes. Check them out Fri 2/23 at 8:30PM at Tangier Cabaret. 532 W. Market St., Akron. http://www.thetangier.com.
New York Woodwind Quintet has enjoyed a 15-year residency at Julliard and will perform on Fri 2/23 at 8PM at Finney Chapel on Oberlin College campus. Current members include Oberlin Conservatory of Music alumna Carol Wincenc. Finney Chapel, 90 N. Professor, Oberlin. http://www.oberlin.edu/arseries.
Silly Putty is a sculpture piece that viewers are encouraged to play, just like a Putt-Putt course. Ten artists built nine sculpture pieces that are playable miniature golf holes very interactive and tres chic. This interactive art installation happening opens Fri 2/23 at 7PM with a reception, followed by a celebratory performance by Exit Stencil artists Home and Garden on Sat 2/24. Runs through Sun 3/4. Parish Hall, 6205 Detroit Ave. http://www.parishhallcleveland.com.
Jello Biafra Political activist, social commentator & punk rock statesman (formerly of the Dead Kennedys) offers up a spoken word feast on Fri 2/23 at 9 PM at the Beachland Ballroom. Biafra will include monologues and rhetorical dissections from his latest recording, The Grip of Official Treason. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
Snowflake Ball A formal affair on Fri 2/23 at 7PM with dinner, drinks, door prizes, best dressed contest, 50/50 raffle and dancing to your favorite songs. Beer provided but attendees can BYOB. Call 440-652-6205 or email videcjp0607@yahoo.com for info. Crystal Springs Party Center, 31478 Bagley Road, North Ridgeville.
Death Defying Acts One-act festival features three comedies: Central Park West by Woody Allen; An Interview by David Mamet; and Hotline by Elaine May on Fri 2/23 through 3/10 at 8PM. Call 440-951-7500. Willoughby. www.FineArtsAssociation.org.
HOT Angela Glover Blackwell speaks at the City Club of Cle forum Fri 2/23 at noon. Blackwell is head of PolicyLink, a nat’l research/action institute developing policies and action plans on local, state, and federal levels for economic and social equity. http://www.cityclub.org.
Ensemble Les Delices performs stylish renderings of masterpieces and little-known works from the French Baroque. Check out their no-cost performance at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Fri 2/23 at 7:30 PM. 1007 Superior Ave. Info.
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WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM has a new music partner – ArkivMusic.com. Dedicated exclusively to classical releases, Arkivmusic.com offers more than 68,000 titles. And it’s easy to find the CD or DVD you’re looking for because you can browse by composer, conductor, performer, ensemble, opera, label or catalog number. In addition, the company has added more than 2,000 custom-burned CD-Rs of otherwise unavailable recordings. Buying your CDs at ArkivMusic.com through the WCLV website helps support classical music on the radio. Go to www.wclv.com and follow any of the ArKivMusic logos.
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Orchid Mania 2007: At Home With Orchids Annual ode to the orchid will once again feature hundreds of gorgeous, blooming orchids in all shapes, sizes and colors with a special emphasis on the orchids in your home. Opens Sat 2/24 and runs through 3/25. http://www.cbgarden.org.
HOT Avant BBQ w/Home and Garden Parish Hall Cleveland celebrates Silly Putty (see the CC Friday Listing above) with their Second Annual Avant-BBQ, featuring a concert and improv, avant-rock set by Cle pioneers Home and Garden. Enjoy the outdoor cooking Sat 2/24 at 8PM. Show starts at 9PM. Vegetarian options available. Call 939-9099 for info. http://www.homeandgardnmusic.com. http://www.myspace.com/parish_hall.
324’s Poetry Feature & Christ Couture Gallery 324 features to great events this Sat 2/24. At noon, poets Terry Provost, Wanda Sobieska and J.E. Stanley will be featured read their poems, followed by an open mike reading. Then at 7PM, check out the launch of “Christ Couture” Fashions, designed by Veda. Gallery 324, Galleria, 1301 East 9th St. Call 376-2624 for more info.
Footpaths Photos by Frank Prpic featuring textures and places, thru 3/22, with a wine & cheese reception this Sat 2/24 7-10PM at the Bier Markt www.bier-markt.com.
Mardi Gras FUNraiser is a benefit for the Waiting Child Fund on Sat 2/24 starting at 7PM. Check out jugglers, massotherapists, hand-made jewelry, a silent auction, food, bevvies and the kickin’ sounds of DJ Diamond Lee and the Zydeco Kings! Register online here.
HOT Cle School of the Arts Benefit: Ramsey Lewis NEA Jazz Master and Grammy award-winning pianist Lewis performs on Sat 2/24 at 7PM to aid CSA. Performances include CSA’s Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, Dance, and Theatre. Limited reserve tix include dinner, open bar, private meet & greet with w/ Lewis at Nighttown. John Hay Auditorium, 2075 Stokes Blvd. (behind CSA). http://www.friendsofcsa.org. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.
Twisted Fairy Tales: A Grimm Brothers Night Out This year’s Jump Back Ball on Sat 2/24 at 7:30PM features delicious gourmet eats, complimentary cocktails and creative décor plus dancing to live music. http://www.PlayhouseSquare.org/jumpbackball.
HOT Joe Goode Performance Group performs Stay Together – an examination of long-term relationships – and the Award winning work, Deeply There on Sat 2/24 at 8PM. Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square. http://www.tricpresents.com. http://www.joegoode.org.
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Cleveland: Capital of Heart-smart Medical Materials Northeast Ohios ASM International has developed the worlds first materials database created specifically to support medical device design, called the Materials for Medical Devices Database: Cardiovascular Module. Researchers and designers now have access to an authoritative source of mechanical, physical, biological response and drug compatibility properties for the materials and coatings used in cardiovascular device applications. The Cardiovascular Module contains a wealth of data that med device designers have wanted for a long time, says Stan Theobald, ASM managing director. It helps them understand what we know about previously used materials, so that they can leverage existing knowledge which leads to the faster, more cost effective development of successful medical devices. See a demonstration at www.asminternational.org
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HOT Oscar Night America Academy Awards enthusiasts can enjoy a Spago-style meal, reception and live broadcast of the Oscars to supports Cle’s Independent Pictures film group on Sun 2/25 beginning at 6PM. http://www.ohiofilms.com. The Clifton Club, 17884 Lake Rd., Lakewood. Tickets.
Guster Cleveland’s own violin master and wayward entrepreneurship guru Ed Caner returns to Cle as director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs at Case, and is invited by Guster to sit in during their Cle concert at House of Blues this Sun 2/25. Acoustic pop trio Guster, formed while students at Tufts, have gained attention for their jams featuring tight harmonies and finger cymbals, and won Album of the Year in 06 from the Boston Music Awards. Tickets
West Shore Chorale joins West Shore Unitarian Church Choir in a concert celebrating B. Neil Davis, the Chorale’s first conductor. Enjoy this all-Bach program Sun 2/25 at 4PM, featuring members of the Bellflower Ensemble. 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. http://www.wsuuc.org.
Beginning Book Binding Instructor Ellen Strong explores the technology, materials and tools in an 8-week class that begins Mon 2/26 at 6:30 PM at Strong Bindery. The class starts with paper and ends with a book–a blank journal that students create. Strong Bindery, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights. To register, call the Bindery at 231-2001, or e-mail strongbind@hotmail.com.
Simple Forms: Sol LeWitt at the Allen 49 Three-Part Variations on Three Different Kinds of Cubes, acquired in 1972 is exhibited with two new wall drawings by LeWitt. On exhibit from Tue 2/27 through 6/17. Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin. http://www.oberlin.edu/amam/upcoming.html.
Die Fledermaus A fully staged, zany Viennese operetta with an irresistible mixture of comedy and champagne on Wed 2/28, Fri 3/2 and Sat 3/3 at 8PM. http://www.cim.edu.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
A bountiful bevy of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Strickland appoints new ODOT head Brown County Engineer James Beasley inherits a $1.5B shortfall Read
1/2 billion invested in NEO start-ups from 2004-06, going to over 100 tech companies from VCs Read
NASA Glenn Master Plan announced $200M for offices, research facilities, visitors center Read
County’s Wind Power Task Force full report, Building a New Energy Future, now available: Read
Copernicus Therapeutics gets $5.2M for non-viral gene therapy for cystic fibrosis READ
[Heart Smart] ASM Int’l & Granta Design unveil 1st and only materials dbase to support medical device design. Read.
Coral moves HQ to Univ. Hts. from Beachwood Chagrin Blvd, right inside their mixed-use Cedar Center project Info
Linking tourism and economic development GA’s heritage tourism campaign aligns with governor’s ED strategy Read
Gospel Press becomes luxury apartments and coffee shop in Tremont, by developers Myrl & Stavros Roberts Read
Wal-Mart gives up tax break at Steelyard Commons worth about $18M. Also helping small business in 9 other cities Read
LaunchTown Entrepreneurship Award $30K package awarded, at Dolan Center, Univ Hts on Tue 2/27 5PM Register
Gordian & OVA’s Private Equity Inv Summit II helps capital seekers Fri 2/23 @ Corp College, Warrensville Hts. Info
NEOSA Forum on Tech Edu in NEO “Myths, Legends and Opportunities” on Tue 2/27 at 8AM. Details
Topic: Timken @ Mellen Series Lecture DJ Lombardo Student Ctr @ John Carroll Tue 2/27 at 5PM Info
FIRST Buckeye Regional Robotics Comp @ CSU Wolstein Ctr Thu 3/22 – 3/24. Intense multinat’l competition teams professionals and young people solving engineering design problems. 25K students on over 1.1K teams in 35 regional comps! Info
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Wanted: $1.2 Billion Dollars . . . Thats the projected need for fresh venture capital in Northeast Ohio over the next five years, according to a report just issued by the Nortech Early Stage Capital Task Force, in collaboration with BioEnterprise and JumpStart. Pretty big scratch, but not out of the question if recent trends of venture capital investment in the region continue. Consider that between 2004 and 2006, over 90 companies in Greater Cleveland received equity investments of more than $500 million collectively a lot of which flowed into some of the great ideas in our town from points afar. Click here to download The 2006 Greater Cleveland Venture Capital Report as a pdf file.
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Barack Obamas Cleveland visit
A political junkie examines Substance vs. Symbolism
The tip-off should have been when I saw the lone white guy standing by the door in the parking lot of Antioch Baptist Church (which is located in the heart of Clevelands African-American community at E. 89th and Cedar Ave.) at 9:45 on a Saturday morning greeting people. The first meeting of Buckeyes for Obama was scheduled to kick off at 10 AM and I was hoping that the racial makeup of the organizers of the meeting would be as diverse as the America that Barack Obama seeks to lead as president. The gathering was being called to plan for Obamas first appearance in Cleveland, which is scheduled for this coming Monday, Feb. 26 at 6PM at Tri-Cs Eastern Campus on Richmond Road in Highland Hills. Like many other political junkies Ive been intrigued by the whole notion of a black man making a run for president… a run that is of more substance than the mere symbolism offered by Jacksons and Sharptons previous campaigns. And as a political junkie whose grandparents (on my fathers side) were born into slavery Obamas candidacy is all the more intriguing. To paraphrase the NAACP slogan: Weve come a long way… with a long way yet to go.
In the near dozen group meetings that Ive attended around town since Obama formally announced his intentions at least at the ones where the participants were all African-Americans the subject of his running immediately came up after the order of business was dispensed with. In a couple of instances he dominated the conversation even before the meetings began. Ive never before seen this level of engagement and interest in politics in Clevelands African-American community, not even during the hotly contested mayoral races of late, where race always has been a stated or unstated factor.
The opinions of the blacks Ive dialogued with have run the gamut in regards to Obamas candidacy: Many are supportive, but just as many (and maybe even more) are either withholding judgment at this juncture or giving voice to negative sentiments. And, while the positive comments all run along somewhat similar lines pleased that America finally is moving toward a place racially where a black mans candidacy is actually viable and not just a token gesture the negative opinions are just about as diverse as the folks offering them. It almost seems as if some African-Americans are actively trying to find something anything to dislike about the junior senator from Illinois.
Why did he make his announcement from Springfield [IL] and reference Abraham Lincoln, one woman demanded, instead of making it from Hampton [VA] where black folks were holding the State of Black America summit? She thought that Obama was being disrespectful since Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cornel West and a host of other high-profile African-Americans were on various panels being hosted by Tavis Smiley over that weekend. Another person responded that if Obama had done what these black leaders wanted him to do, would that have framed him as the candidate for blacks, rather than as a candidate for all Americans who just happens to be black?
The next person cut to the chase and raised the authenticity question. Since Obama was raised for a number of years in Hawaii by his mothers white parents, and since none of his forbearers suffered through the holocaust of slavery, is he truly a representative of African-Americans? Or, to put it more bluntly: Is he black enough? The answer (one which Obama has sometimes used himself) came from an older woman who said, I bet the last cab driver that didnt stop to pick him up didnt know or care if he had slaves in his background, they just saw that black face and took off.
At another meeting someone expressed these thoughts: With race being the predominant and most divisive issue in America since even before the founding of the Republic, there is just no way its not going to play a major role in the upcoming campaign as long as Obama remains a presence. They were just kind of stunned by the thought that Obamas lineage might be of more concern for blacks than it is for whites. Never mind, the gentleman said, that he has probably given more of himself in terms of service to Chicagos poor black neighborhoods than any of us have ever given or will give, we still are questioning his sincerity and blackness. We are faulting him for where he came from, not for whom he is, and thats just not fair … its not Christian.
A woman then pulled a newspaper article out of her purse that she had clipped the day before and quoted from it: If not Obama, then who, and if not now, then when? She then went on to say that it seemed to her that it was almost as if Obama is too good for some black folks … too well-spoken, too well-read, and too well-reared. She said that it could be that he makes some black folks and perhaps some white folks as well for that matter feel inadequate, self-conscious, and less self-assured.
I then recalled that Jonathan Swift wrote: When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.
But, nevertheless, there is the feeling among some blacks that Obama is merely a tool of the white establishment, being used by Democrats much as Republicans have used black candidates like Ken Blackwell and Alan Keyes in an attempt to prove that indeed they are not racists, that America is not racist. Someone they can point to and say, See, see how things are getting much better for you people, when a majority of black Americans feel that things are actually getting worse. There seems to be an undercurrent that goes …If Obama is elected president all progress toward a fair and inclusive democracy will come to an abrupt halt since the thinking will then be that with his ascendancy we have already arrived. No more remains to be done.
Now, back to the parking lot of Antioch. My worse fear upon entering the room of about 30 people that was almost equally divided between blacks and whites with a few Asians and East Indians thrown in was that the meeting would be run entirely by whites … and my fear was realized. No one in the room would deny that the five or six young whites who were coordinating the meeting were bright, energetic and focused, but the fact remained these young whites saw nothing at all strange or out of place in the fact that they, indeed, all were white … and their candidate was, well, all black. So too were half of the people in the room, and some of them took notice of the lack of inclusion. One of the truest axioms extant today is this: Diversity doesnt just happen in America … you have to work at it.
As a journalist Ive been making calls to various Obama senatorial and campaign offices in both Chicago and Washington for weeks now, and, unless my fairly well-tuned ears are deceiving me, Ive yet to talk to anyone who at least sounds like a person of color. The simple fact is, politics can be a brutal, pushy business, and the young whites know that working on Obamas campaign will look very good on their résumés down the road and they are not about to back away and let someone else step up and get any of the glory … even to their candidates detriment. If Obama isnt real careful he is going to wake up one day soon and the only black faces around will be those of his wife and daughters. And he shouldnt think that black America isnt going to take notice. In fact, those words are already being whispered.
By Mansfield B. Frazier mansfieldfATgmail.com, reprinted with the author’s permission
Frazier is a journalist who lives in Clevelands Hough neighborhood with his wife Brenda and their two dogs, Gypsy and Ginger.
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Giving up freelancing and getting a real job is something that Ken’s been struggling with lately.
Mayor Jackson dives on one loose ball but still has two other Steelyard Commons fumbles to recover according to Bill Callahan.
Nothing offer more comedy than the Kucinich campaign quips Scott Piepho.
A report criticizing the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is detailed on the Cleveland Law Library blog.
Here’s a refresher on shoveling snow since apparently some residents have forgotten according to Wendell.
Lentines Music closing its doors and Dan Ketterick recalls lusting after guitars and guitar gear.
Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comments on the loss of Lentine’s and the Town Fryer, offers kudos to the Brew Kettle, wonders about the Cleveland Arts Prize and post-Issue 18 life in Cle. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Quarter to Lonely
Lost State of Franklin
Seeing what Jessica Simpson called a performance honoring the legendary Dolly Parton makes a mockery of actual musicians who struggle to hone their talent and work ardently to get noticed. Its enough to make one lose faith in the state of music. Luckily, as karma has it, for every overproduced, over-processed blonde bombshell with a rich daddy there is at least one artist or band who writes the songs they sing and can sling a guitar or two in the process. Luckily for music lovers, Clevelands Lost State of Franklin is just that ying to Simpsons yang. Quietly making its way into the local conscious, LSOF is a four-piece band, comprised of a female jazz vocalist/actress, gospel-bred guitar player, psychobilly upright bassist, and a singer/songwriter who knows his way around a vocal. Despite their apparent differences; what these four musicians found when they met was a kindred connection and a collective love of good, old-fashioned, honest music….
Read the review by Christine Young here
Budin is a singer-songwriter of deep faith and conviction. Hes also a solid musician with a gift for marrying words to music. This collection of songs has an easy folk/country sway to it, bringing to mind a sort of Steve Earle of Jewish mysticism. Hes surrounded himself with some of Northeast Ohios finest musicians, including members of the Prayer Warriors, Harmonias Walt Mahovlich, and go-to-guy for hot sax licks Norm Tischler. The production value is crisp and clean, keeping Budins strong yet sensitive vocals in the foreground. Touches of cello and piano color the ballads, screaming electric guitar the more driving songs.Religious faith and social justice are the things that matter to Budin and he writes poetically about both, presenting them as sides of the same coin. On the heart-breaking The Silent Son, he sings poignantly of a man dying of AIDS. The simple guitar accompaniment is subtly enhanced by Mahovlichs accordion. (Perhaps a little too subtly the soft chords are nearly buried in the mix.) He takes on a subject as weighty as the creation (Fire) and renders it in an emotive ballad with some painterly wordplay.
The evocative opening line And grappling with the poetry of a sunset tugs the listener right into the story. Contrast this with the rattly rockabilly of Carry That Rock. The story of Moses gets a clattery one-take treatment with banjo, mandolin, piano, and drums. Though it happened decades ago, Budin references the march on Selma not once, but twice (Edge of the Ocean and Every Step a Prayer), driving home the events continued relevance.
Metaphor has a historical sweep that takes us from the dawn of humankind to the plagues of the present day. Budin manages to give the even most mystical subject matter a very human immediacy, and does it with a warm musicality.
Noah Budin’s Metaphor is celebrated with a CD release party on Monday, February 26 at Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Hts. Visit Nighttown online at http://www.nighttowncleveland.com. To purchase Metaphor online, visit http://soundswrite.com/newsletter/newsletter.html.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Peggy Latkovich platkovichATsbcglobal.net
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.
Joe Goode Performance Group @ Ohio Theater
Joe Goode Performance Group presents 2 dances this Saturday at the Ohio Theater, both Cleveland premieres. Stay Together (2006) began as collaboration between Goode and conductor/composer Michael Tilson Thomas of the San Francisco Symphony. Tilson Thomas theater songs for an earlier piece, Stay Together, provided music, title and, loosely speaking, a theme that resonated with the companys 20th anniversary as well as Goodes concerns about relationships.
I really believe in love, in monogamy, in long term devotion, but Ive never been able to do that, said Goode in a Dance Magazine interview. Not exactly a shocking confession with modern dance, show biz, and modern life in general notoriously tough on relationships. Goodes more interesting when he wonders, How do you stay with someone who has strong opinions, worthy opinions, and keep with your own ideas?
The other dance on the program, the Bessie Award-winning Deeply There (stories of a neighborhood) (1998), centers on a man dying of AIDS and the circle of people around him, reflecting Goodes out status and his companys stated commitment to promoting understanding, compassion and tolerance among people. Like Stay Together, Deeply There is a collaboration with a composer, in this case composer / lyricist Robin Holcomb of Seattle. 2 pieces; 8 years apart.
Goodes dances treat of these highly charged subjects with movement described by reviewers as athletic, all done with great control and apparent ease and as requiring strong partnering with the women lifting men as often as the opposite. Goodes work sometimes also uses projected images and always spoken word and song. His are dance / theater pieces performed by dancer / actors. Goodes materials and methods as a choreographer reflect a trajectory from innocence to a transgressive (and sometimes transvestite) artist even more convoluted than most.
A self-described sensitive child very interested in emotion, Goode originally trained as an actor but left acting to study dance with Merce Cunningham, the one choreographer who, in eschewing all literal and narrative content, had arguably less interest in emotion and acting than any other choreographer. I was interested in those kinds of artists who were moving not telling a story, explained Goode in a Dance Magazine interview. Eventually, these contradictory influences resulted in Goodes own choreographic method, one that makes oblique reference to literal content, especially emotions. As he says of Stay Together in the same interview, Im not interested in illustrating the music, but I have to match its integrity, its ferocity.
Goode is a tenured professor at University of California at Berkley. Pushing 60 but still performing, hes a bundle of self-proclaimed craziness. Artists are driven. Were crazy. We cant help it. Ultimately its the legacy of passionate, crazy art making that Im passing along, he proclaims on his website. The performance group, based in San Francisco, tours the U.S.A. including well-reviewed seasons at N.Y.C.s Joyce Theater — and sometimes internationally. In the month of February alone they have 6 U.S. concerts, all featuring Stay Together and Deeply There.
So of all the pretty good dance companies touring the U.S. that Cuyahoga Community College could have brought to Cleveland, why did they choose to bring Joe Goode Performance Group? Co-presented by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, one could argue that its because of politics, or possibly in spite of politics this is after all a state that voted overwhelmingly to ban gay marriage.
All art is propaganda; there are no apolitical dance concerts. But ask yourself with us if any other dance companies are doing overtly political work? Mark Dendy and company brought an exceptionally effective piece about AIDS to town some years ago; since then hes disbanded his company to focus on a (decidedly apolitical) career in musical theater. We hear that Bill T. Jones, long the poster-boy for H.I.V. positive artist / AIDS activist, premiered a highly political work, Blind Date, in 2005; otherwise were hard put to think of another choreographer or company thats as politically engaged as Goode.
Politics, it would seem, is out of fashion as a choreographic statement. Yet AIDS remains and will remain a preeminent issue of our times. And the history of dance is full of important, lasting works that were overtly political. Lets see what Joe Goode Performance Group has to say. Check it out on Saturday, February 24 at 8PM at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.tricpresents.com or by calling 800-766-6048. For more information, visit http://www.tricpresents.com or http://www.joegoode.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributors Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas vicnelsaATearthlink.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
Chita Rivera, the Dancer’s Life @ PSC 2/15 On September 26, 1957, West Side Story opened at the Winter Garden Theater in New York. I saw the show on September 27. I went into the theatre not having read the rave reviews in the paper that morning. I was completely blown away. The Arthur Laurent, (book) Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) conceived show was everything a Broadway musical should be. It told a modern version of Romeo and Juliet, featuring the conflict between Puerto Ricans and “white” Americans. The music and lyrics were exciting, the cast superb. And the person who totally enthralled me the most was Chita Rivera, playing the fiery and lusty Anita.
The dancer, singer, actress is presently telling her life story in Chita Rivera, the Dancer’s Life at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square. And it is a story worth telling.
Some interesting facts roll out in the production. Her first professional stage appearance was in Akron as a dancer in Call Me Madam. Her first starring role was in Bye Bye Birdie. She has twice appeared in major shows with Liza Minnelli (Chicago and The Rink). She has worked with the greatest choreographers in modern theatre including Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, Harold Robbins and Michael Kidd.
The most enticing part of Chita Rivera, the Dancer’s Life is the segment in which she talks about the choreographers and behind her, in silouhette, a line of dancers emulates each of the dance styles of these men.
Rivera, who starred on Broadway in such shows as The Rink, Sweet Charity and Chicago, still has “it!” She is compelling on stage.
The well-preserved 74-year old can still flash the magical smile, move those sensual hips and kick moderately high though she needs some sit-down breaks. What is most interesting is that by all rules of medicine she should not even be on that stage. In 1986 she was hit by a car. Her leg was shattered, requiring 16 screws to repair the damage. She was told she might not ever walk again. Her guts and determination transformed themselves into a will power that has allowed her not only to walk, but to dance for almost an hour-and-a-half in her present show.
Capsule judgment: If you love musical theatre, if you want to see the consummate musical theatre performer in what is maybe her final appearance in the spotlight, youll love this show. It runs through February 25 at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square. For tickets call 241-6000, toll-free at 800-766-6048 or go online 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.
The Price @ Ensemble 2/16 Arthur Miller, author of THE PRICE now on stage at Ensemble Theatre, is one of the greatest of American playwrights. In his scripts, he asks, Is this the best way to live? He is a moralist, who holds humanity up to the highest standards. This philosophy is woven into such classics as Death of a Salesman, All My Sons, The Crucible and The Price.
The Price takes place in the 1960s in a cramped top floor of a Manhattan brownstone that is going to be demolished. The attic holds the used furniture of a once wealthy family. Victor, a middleaged policeman near retirement, awaits the arrival of an agent to give him a price for the attics contents. The room is filled with memories. Memories of the 1929 Wall Street crash when the familys money disappeared, of spending most of his youth caring for a father who gave his love to Victors oldest brother who had basically abandoned the man in his time of need. Into this setting comes Solomon, an 89-year old semiretired dealer. He offers Victor a price which is accepted just as Vics brother returns, supposedly not to interfere, but to attempt to heal a sixteen-year rift.
Questions abound. Queries about power, the purpose of life, ethical responsibility, how decisions are made, and what people do to physically and emotionally survive. Paramount is the question, What price do we pay for the decisions we make? Ensembles production, under the adept direction of the crowned queen of local theatre, Dorothy Silver, is superb. The message is clearly revealed. The pacing is right. The performances on target. This is theatre at its finest, molded by a directing magician.
Charles Kartali as Victor, the brother who, in his thinking, made the ethical decision to give up his personal desires in order to be the good son, walks a fine line between being a martyr and a hero with the ability of a high-wire professional. He never crosses into the melodramatic, though that would have been very easy to do. His angst, his moral indignation, his certainty over his lack of certainty, is readily apparent. This is a fine, fine performance.
Reuben Silver, the elder statesman of Cleveland theatre, creates a fascinating character as Solomon, the used furniture dealer who must decide what price he must pay to continue to live his life in a productive manner. He imbues the character with mirth, emotional torture and reality. We feel sorry for him, while we admire his ability to go forward. Wow!
Maryann Elder, who portrays Victors frustrated wife, a woman torn between her desire for the better life she wants and loyalty to her husband, creates a clear characterization. Joel Hammer as Walter, Victors brother, is believable and real. Do we accept his tale of why he abandoned the family? Do we accept that he is a changed man due to an awaking that came as a result of nervous breakdown? Again, the performance walks a fine line between drama and melodrama, with success.
Ron Newells set is amazing. There is more junk on stage then one could imagine. Where oh where did he unearth all the furniture and kitsch that totally populates the space?
Capsule judgment: Kudos to director Dorothy Silver and her amazing cast for a highlight production. This is must see theatre.
The Price continues at Ensemble Theatre, located in the Brooks Theatre in the Cleveland Play House complex through February 25. For ticket information call 321-2930.
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.
Red {an orchestra} does Zappa @ Masonic Aud 2/16 Leave it to Pierre Boulez to get it. Boulez, the founder of IRCAM and Ensemble Intercontemporain, was principal guest conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, from 1969 until 1972. In 1984, the noted composer/conductor/new music expert turned out an album of Zappas music, titled Boulez Conducts Zappa/The Perfect Stranger (Rykodisc.)
Of course, a lot of notes have been played since then, but Boulez never brought any of Zappas to Severance Hallat least none of which Im awarebut then, until Red {an orchestra} announced this program, I dont think Id ever heard a note by Zappa. To be sure, I wouldnt have recognized any of them, anyway. All I knew of the man was that he was a first-class rebel, even carrying that quality over to the names he gave his children.
This concert didnt convert me, exactly, but I wouldnt mind hearing more of the classical Zappa, if not the rock Zappa. (Disclaimer: I never did rock, at any point in my lifeonly classical, jazz, Broadway and film music, plus a bit of country.)
Jonathan Sheffer, Reds founding music director prefaced the concert with Youll hear noise that Frank Zappa found beautiful. Fair enough, for in addition to Zappa, we heard music that inspired him beginning as a teen-ager in California: compositions by Anton Webern, Edgard Varèse and Igor Stravinsky. Spencer Myer was the guest artist in the Stravinsky, along with seven young members of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony.
In addition, Dee Perry, of WCPN, Terry Stewart and Jason Hanley of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, read words by or spoke about Zappa in between numbers. But then, the program came about because of a suggestion by the folks at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Probably the most difficult piece on the program was Intégrales by Varèse (1925), which might be referred to as organized cacophony, although there were some non-dissonant chords here and there, as well as gorgeous oboe solos, wonderfully played by Thomas C. Moore.
The Stravinsky Concerto for Piano and Winds dates from two years earlier, but the composer revised it in 1950. No matter. Its still astringent, spikey Stravinsky, set against periods of lyricism and delicacy. The first movement ended in a mad dash in perpetuo mobile style. The second movement was almost all melodic, and featured dialogues between the piano and various solo instruments, including the delicious contra-bassoon. Mr. Myer handled the jaunty allegro third movement with the same ease hed exhibited in the opening movements. The young musicians of the Wind Symphony received a grand ovation of their own, separate from those for the pianist and conductor.
Weberns early Five Pieces for Orchestra Opus 10 was the oldest work on the program (1913), and was written before the composer fell into the atonal mode. The five miniatures take about 7 minutes or so to play, and if you blink, youll have missed one. In contrast to the other music of the evening, however, they allowed the orchestra to demonstrate its musical versatility. In order, the pieces were played soft and brief (1), loud (2), ethereal and incredibly soft (3). (4) was a mere fragment while the last one was hardly more than a wisp here and a flutter there.
The stage required a good bit of reorganization for the Zappa selections, as a variety of non-typical instruments were added. Sheffer referred to Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat as a sweet suite. Id agree with that. To my surprise, it was actually quite melodic with traditional harmonics to go along with the strong rhythmic underpinnings.
Naval Aviation in Art? was rather short and featured electric strings, especially viola. Be-Bop Tango would have been difficult to dance to, I think, but it was fun to hear and to see. Instruments werent enough for the composer so he had the musicians burst into laughter in the middle of it. There was some neat saxophone playing in there, as well.
The final piece was G-Spot Tornado which was pure fun. The horns and saxes took turns at the melody along with the low brass and even percussion here and there. Sheffer acknowledged each musician in turn (a neat touch, not often done) and, responding to the prolonged applause, launched into a short reprise of G-Spot Tornado. I daresay a good time was had by all.
Red {an orchestra} closes out its fifth season on April 14 & 15, featuring music composed by Jonathan Sheffer, including a world premiere. For tickets or other information, call 361-1733 or visit the website at http://www.redanorchestra.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
Big [Box]: My Name is Rachel Corrie @ CPT 2/16
Heart-breaking: Instead of churning up controversy, designer-turned-director Trad A. Burns’ staging of the one-woman play about activist Rachel Corrie is sensitive, subtle, and ultimately poignant. Elizabeth Wood’s quiet control lets us peer into the confusion, naivete, and steady awakening of a sheltered young American soul as she discovers her privilege in contrast to the daily tragedy she finds in the Middle East working on behalf of Palestinians.
Backstory: Originating in London, the play has been yanked off several bills in the U.S. & Canada by artistic directors who feared “community” (read Jewish) backlash. The CPT production shows them to be needless wusses. This piece, which explores the minefields of American complicity in international affairs and its unintended consequences on our bright young people, is timely and relevant, even necessary — it could just as easily be about Iraq.
Details: Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Cleveland Web SIG @ Notre Dame College 2/17 & 1/20 Writing a Web site can be a lonely humorless affair, unless you regularly attend the Cleveland Web Special Interest Group, which provides a cavalcade of monthly meetings. They usually start at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month and are open to anyone who wants to further their Web authoring skills. Of course, if you do become involved, you will want to join one or another of the two local computer clubs that co-sponsor the Cleveland Web SIG. These are the Greater Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group and the 25-year-old Greater Cleveland PC Users Group.
The Saturday, February 17th meeting focused on online surveys. During the previous month 22 members of the SIG completed an online survey to determine future-meeting topics using a free service provided by Survey Monkey. To those who answered the survey the most important SIG subjects are: Cascading Style Sheets, database driven Web sites, PHP (a programming language designed for producing dynamic Web pages), accessibility, security and podcasting. Two other survey services, Wufoo and Websurvey were also reviewed. An important question when using these services is, Who really owns the data on their service? Another question, How to encourage people to complete a survey?
In the next few months the group also plans on taking a field trip to the Technology and Integrated Media Environment (T.I.M.E.) at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Find more about the Web SIG, including access to its Yahoo group, and directions to future meeting locations (usually in Solon) here.
The SIGs January 20th Mighty Miscellaneous Meeting (3M) session provided a good taste of this groups quirky nature (often there is laughter at Web SIG meetings). Co-leaders are Stuart O. Smith Jr. of South Euclid and Frank Mitch of Akron.
The topics included grabbing video and audio to document your actions using the Web or software; Microsoft Office Live offering free domain name registration and Web site; why you want a Robot.txt file in your Web sites root directory and how to place it there; Server-side Includes, especially CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart), which can only run on a Web server.
Daniel Kozminski of Solon uses TechSmiths Camtasia Studio for personal reasons. The software will record video and audio of any session on a PC, such as working with software, or completing a form on the Internet. And it has extensive editing features. I like gadgets and technology, so Camtasia fits right in, he said. I have given thought to designing some tutorials but as of yet I have not done so. Originally, one of the reasons I bought the product was to have the ability to create and edit movies (video). I have subsequently progressed to a more professional software for this purpose, Sonys Vegas.
Kozminski told a typical story of how a minor software/human interface glitch can burn time. I had problems with a record sound icon on the Camtasia Recorder interface. On the older version of the software that I own it is hard to tell if the icon is pressed in (to record sound) or if its out (no sound is recorded.) He said it took him a couple hours to solve this one. TechSmith also publishes SnagIt the popular screen capture program. More about TechSmiths Camtasia can be found at: http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp.
Yes, with Microsoft Office Live you not only get free Web hosting, you can register a domain name for free too. The Basic version is a great bargain for a small business or an individual person, said Frank Mitch who set up a Office Live Web site and domain name some months before.
There is no requirement that you must keep your domain name with Office Live. It is registered free annually. If you quit Office Live you will have to start paying for domain name registration but you do not give up the domain name; you can transfer it elsewhere, Mitch told us. With MS Office Live you get: one free domain name per credit card, 25 email accounts, site designer tool, Web site performance reports, and online support. More about MS Office Live here.
Got a web site? Are you talking to robots? said Jan Limpach, owner of Keyphrase Marketing of Elyria. Called by many names the robots / web crawlers / spiders, all come looking for this file and the instructions in it, said Limpach. While you want to attract the good bots, members of the group agreed that the bad ones will get in regardless if you have a robot.txt file or not. After Limpachs presentation and a brief read of his Robot.txt presentation here, I easily placed a robot.txt in my Web root directory: Read more here.
The Server Side Includes presentation was started by Bill Cohen-Kiraly former Web SIG leader from Solon and professional Web designer. While this article is not getting into his presentation, he calls himself The Publishing Heretic and has a Web site to this effect here.
While completing an online form or searching for something sensitive, you may have encountered a randomly generated graphic image with a series of letters and numbers, sometimes looking like they are melting in a witches brew. This is CAPTCHA (defined above). A human reader can decipher the characters from the swirl in the graphic (hopefully) and type these characters to access the next step in a process.
A Captcha system does its random generations on the Web server and cant be set up on the client (user) side of the Web site design. The characters are swirling so bad robot snoops cant read them while hopefully humans can. At the 2/17 meeting Wendy Winans, who operates Bradyworld.com, told how she tried to set up Captcha and couldnt get it to work. Find more about Captcha here at their site: http://www.captcha.net.
And if you are posting email addresses on a Web site, you have to be more careful than a year ago, said Stuart Smith, a professional Web designer, who made the Captcha presentation. Some bad bots now check for the use of the letters AT in place of the @ sign. You have to do more now to fool the bots.
So, my email address shown below, to further fool the bad bots by not using a simple AT as traditional in Cool Cleveland, is displayed in a style inspired by the Web site of Clevelands own hackers conference, Notacon.
By Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff batATadva.com
Verb’s Natural Selections @ Natural History Museum 2/17 Verb Ballets is one of the premiere dance companies in Northeast Ohio. It was disappointing therefore, to watch a flow of patron bodies out of the Natural History Museum at intermission of the companys recent Natural Selections program. It was off-putting to hear the polite but generally unenthusiastic applause as the program finished. It was disappointing to hear comments following the concert such as, “That was a little raw” and “I thought this was a first class company.” It is more disappointing still that after so many positive, usually rave reviews of Verb, that I have to write this column and question the program design of Artistic Director Hernando Cortez.
Cortez decided that his dancers needed to spread their wings and show their choreographic skills. This was an admirable idea. It was not wise, however, in my opinion, to do it by having an entire evening devoted to that mission. Especially an evening in which people paid for the real Verb Ballets. It might have been fine for a free performance, like the company does during the summer, but not in the middle of the regular season. Even one or two pieces sandwiched in might have worked, but a solid diet of world premieres by unknown and untested choreographers, was a questionable decision.
The final result was more like a college senior dance recital than an evening with a professional company. The ballets, in general, went from bland to promising, the dancing from undisciplined to nicely done, but not up to the level of the Verb Ballets that has received critical raves.
The evening opened with Please, choreographed by Catherine Meredith. Though generally well-danced by Erin Conway, Brian Murphy, Catherine Meredith and Mark Tomasic, the dramatic-toned piece failed to capture attention. It was pleasant but not compelling. Most strange was the ending. Without any climax, the dancing just ended. What was the conclusion? Where was the climax message of romantic love and romantic loss billboarded in the program notes?
Marcela Alvarezs Vagaries, was uncreative. There was no true separation between the so-called dreams and nightmares, and no clarity of message. What was the piece supposed to say? In addition, the dancers were undisciplined and coordination of corps movements was sloppy. This was the low-point of the evening.
In Forever in My Mind, Brian Murphys piece, the movements and the music blended beautifully . The dancers were quite disciplined. The story, which was billed as a poetic narrative, however, was not clear. Yes, the meaning of poetry is in the mind of the beholder, but a message must be there or the piece fails to have a total impact. It was nice to watch, but left out the important element of clarity of intent.
Of Erin Conways Fluctuating Hemlines the choreographer states that what we are watching is pure show-stopping dance. I only wish that had been the case. The piece failed to let loose. Often, the dancers were not coordinated. The promised athleticism was not present. The highlight segment was the duet between Anna Roberts and Mark Tomasic.
The most ambitious segment of the evening was Mark Tomasics Luis. Based on a story by Richard Selzer, a Brazilian doctor turned author, it is the dual tale of Luis and Selzer (named Cherubini in the selection). Luis, a street urchin is poisoned when the glowing disk he thinks is a piece of a fallen star that will give him luck, turns out to be a radioactive part from a discarded medical instrument from Selzers hospital. Selzer, who led a life which he termed as, a blind love for science, for technology, which produced a passionless barbarity, after meeting and attempting to treat the dying Luis turns toward a passion for helping others.
With a script adaptation by celebrated Cleveland playwright Eric Coble, Tomasic choreographed a well danced, but not completely successful tale. A lot of floor groveling, standing still, and dialogue failed to develop the needed pathos.
Jason Ignacio acceptably danced the role of Luis, but even though he wore a microphone, he was almost impossible to hear and his words were often unintelligible. Tomasic and the rest of the cast had the speaking volume, but except for Tomasic, the acting levels were poor. Erin Conway, for example, an excellent dancer, spoke flat lines. Someone needed to work with the cast on creating characters and speaking lines that had meaning.
Dr. Cherubinis awakening, didnt ring true. All we saw was him removing his rubber doctor gloves, stepping over and wandering through the people in the dump, not helping, raising, curing, or displaying compassion for them.
The piece has potential. Tomasic needs to expand the concept to create a more involving and evolving story through dance. It might be wise to step away from dancing the role of Dr. Cherubini and spend his entire time as the choreographer. However, considering the few males in Verbs company, this might be impossible.
(Side-note: the company must do something about its paucity of male dancers.)
To add to the evenings problems was Raymond Kents lighting, which mainly consisted of dark stages with some accenting lighting. Missing was the companys usual lighting designer Trad Burns’ creative and mood setting designs.
”Capsule judgment: Going to a Verb Ballets presentation has been consistently a delightful experience. Unfortunately, this was not true with their latest offering.”
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.
Death of a Salesman @ Actors’ Summit 2/18
What works: With her gravelly voice, basset hound loyalty, and painstaking sense of truth, Paula Duesing makes Willy Loman’s wife Linda into the tragic center of Miller’s classic play: she illuminates every scene she’s in. Deb Holthus also turns in strong work in her few scenes as Willy’s hotel room hookup.
What doesn’t: Alex Cikra’s lugubrious, lit-like-a-coal-mine production too often turns Miller’s text — which has always flirted with pretension and self-importance — into a leaden male soap opera, trapping decent actors like Nick Koesters and Neil Thackaberry into obvious, declamatory performances. And having Mark Moritz play all the smaller male parts is an economy move that ends up unintentionally comic.
Details: Actors’ Summit, Hudson. (330) 342-0800. Thru 3/4. http://www.actorssummit.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
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On Cool Cleveland’s Get Lost In Oberlin party What fun night!! The Feve was a wonderful discovery plan to go back there, and hope that we can catch the Oberlin Jazz Ensemble playing again, they were fantastic. The play was a treat for the senses, very scary, very intriguing, very cerebral, and very entertaining. But mostly, I was creeped out by Mr. Eddy and Dick Laurent. It was an awesome event. Thanks for putting it all together and keep up the good work.
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Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) Emissions from the Blogosphere Transplanted New Yorkers want out of their leases so they can move to the suburbs.
ClevelanDada.BlogSpot.com
2) Michael Symon’s Kitchen Second week in a row for this event.
www.LolaBistro.com
3) Comment 15-60-75: Counting the Numbers Band by Claudia J. Taller.
www.CoolCleveland.com
4) Ingenuity announces 3rd Fest Taking place 7/19-22 at Playhouse Square and CSU.
www.IngenuityCleveland.com
5) Anti-Valentine’s Day Cle Mystery Barhopper Bus Tour The event’s title pretty well says it all.
www.ClevelandBarHopper.com
Be Kidlike You don’t have to be a kid or have kids to put yourself in their shoes from time to time. Know that when we here at Cool Cleveland point out hot Kids picks, they’re gonna be just as fun for adults… much like our e-blast is every week. Mad props to (deep breath!!) Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Jennifer Keirn, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Mansfield Frazier, Lee Batdorff, Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas, Roy Berko, Christine Young, Peggy Latkovich and Ella Davis. 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.
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