Creative Synergy

12.8-12.15

Creative Synergy

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland vYbe 17-year-old Bay Village phenom Kate Voegele
* Cool Cleveland Holiday Romp 12/17 Register for 50% discount ’till midnight 12/9 here
* Cool Cleveland Spotlight on Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Michael Medcalf and Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s Jack Schantz
* Cool Cleveland Commentary X-mas Music for Cool Clevelanders by Clyde Miles
* RoldoLINK An Empire Nation of Privilege & Entitlement

Cool Cleveland vYbe Snapshot
Kate Voegele

Cool Cleveland: You recently headlined Farm Aid with John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Did that experience affect you in a new way?
Kate Voegele: Yes, it was incredible. There were 10,000 people in the Red River amphitheatre – this was nothing like I ever played before. The biggest crowd I played for before this was 400 people, but the best thing about the concert was that it was for a good cause. My mom’s side of the family had a big farm, so it was close to home for me. It was also great to classify myself with really successful people who are being true to their art. People like Neil Young, who aren’t buying into that cookie-cutter image that is out there today; then I saw Dave Matthews in concert from the lawn in July and a few months later I was hanging out with him backstage. All the artists were really down-to-earth people…
Read vYbe snapshot with artist Kate Voegele here

Cool Cleveland’s Holiday Romp discount ends midnight 12/9

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Moving On Up in Midtown The Montana Townhomes, in conjunction with the annual Midtown Cleveland holiday open house, will hold an open house on Thu 12/9 from 4-7PM. First, head over to the open house happenings at the Montana Townhomes at E. 36th and Prospect. These ten, contemporary townhomes offer airy, open designs, 1200-1800 square feet, a striking brick and stone facade that extends to the edge of both streets, 2-3 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 baths, 15 year tax abatement and much more! The Montana Townhomes start at $169,900 – get in now on this neighborhood revival! And after you’ve toured the Montana, head across the street to Midtown Cleveland’s annual holiday open house at the Brownstones Inn (3649 Prospect Ave, please register online at www.midtowncleveland.org). For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
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Arts & tech festival gains momentum in Cleveland Cleveland Public Theatre founder James Levin and I have been quietly planning a major festival of arts, culture and technology for Cleveland for the Summer of 2005 and beyond. Tentatively entitled Ingenuity, the festival would feature a creative synergy of performances and exhibitions by area artists, institutions, and tech partners in alleys, night clubs, sidewalks, vacant storefronts and on the streets of Lower Euclid from Public Square to East Ninth Street. Although we’ve been quietly meeting with dozens of artists, community leaders and funders, the word was bound to get out when we were invited to present a proposal to the Cuyahoga County Commissioners for major funding. See PD here. Levin also had the opportunity to write a visionary commentary for the PD in which he imagines the future of Cleveland, with biotech venture capitalists inspired by the rich cultural scene in Cleveland, investing in biotech startups and moving to an “authentic… grass-roots” Cleveland, here.

NEO Show call for NEO artists For decades The May Show was the Cleveland Museum of Art’s premiere showcase for visual art & sculpture, and its absence has left a hole in the cultural life and careers of area artists. Now it’s back as The NEO Show at the CMA 7/10 thru 9/4/05, this time open to all genres: painting, works on paper (prints and drawings), sculpture, installation, film/video, performance (dance and musical), photography, textiles, web-based and interactive art. All artists living in 15 counties throughout Northeast Ohio are encouraged to apply. Deadline for submission of the entry form, slides, video and DVDs is 3/18/05. Find the forms here: www.ClevelandArt.org. Unfortunately, contemporary art Associate Curator Jeffrey Grove, instrumental in the revival of The NEO Show, will not be back, as he has accepted a full curatorial position at the prestigious High Museum of Art in Atlanta. His rigorous and persistent focus on contemporary art has improved the CMA and set a new direction for the institution. See PD here.

The Daniel Thompson Poet Stone Fund An evening of poetry, performance, and polemics to raise funds for Cuyahoga County’s late, beloved, poet laureate, Daniel Thompson on Sat 12/11 at 8PM. Doubting Thomas, 856 Jefferson in Tremont. Call 231-7894 or email safhop216@aol.com

JumpStart invests in NEO The Cleveland-based economic development organization JumpStart Inc. received 150 applications and has begun to announce the companies they are funding. They’re placing bets of $270K on Akron voice messaging firm Ayalogic, $80K on Embrace Pet Insurance of Cleveland Heights, $75K on Cleveland’s Stanton Advanced Ceramics, $50K on Day-Day, Ltd, of Cleveland, and $75K on PreEmptive Solutions of Euclid. JumpStart invests in companies that have the potential to reach $30 to $50 million in 5-7 years. See CrainTech here

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Santa’s shaking in his boots…and with good reason; because he’s got the Snowman and his minions after him! All right — it’s only a movie fantasy; but it’s here now as Great Lakes Science Center presents Santa vs. the Snowman on their giant OMNIMAX screen! This animated journey is from the Academy Award winning team behind the Jimmy Neutron adventure film. Santa vs. the Snowman is a holiday adventure, which pits an innocent and lovable snowman against Santa and his elves. It’s a battle for rights to the worldwide gift delivery franchise of the jolly old man in red. An all-star cast (Ohio native Jonathan Winters, Ben Stein and SNL alum Victoria Jackson) mix comic relief with plenty of subtle innuendo – Santa’s got a brand new bag and it’s full of laughs; perfect for grown-ups and kids alike! Plus, don’t miss Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey; this world-rhythm extravaganza explores cultures, and their unique music, dances and grooves. Both movies are open now — call 694.2000 for a schedule of theatre showings or visit us at www.GreatScience.com.
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Chagrin Falls Gift Card modeled after a successful gift card program in Hudson, Chagrin Falls just launched its own Chagrin Falls Gift Card. It is a plastic mag-stripe card, just like something from Borders, but instead of being useful at only one store, the card is good at over 60 merchants in the Village of Chagrin Falls and is only for use in that area. The Chagrin Falls Gift Card program is run on the technology of a company called New Market Solutions http://www.CardSolutions.com. It’s a good idea for stores looking for new ways to increase revenue.

Residents question Lakefront plan Not everyone wants to turn over prime Lakefront land to developers for residential development. Read this blow-by-blow of the public unveiling of the City’s Lakefront Plan, complete with reaction from West Side residents and community leaders. See Plain Press here

Christmas At Maxwell’s Andrew May, Associate Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Theater Festival and others in the theatre community have made a Christmas love story in a full length feature film that’s a romantic drama, about a man searching for answers concerning his wife’s illness. The film will be out this month and is family friendly, and Stephen Simon, of the Somewhere in Time film gave an impressive review, while a number of companies are offering options for distribution. Check out Spiritual Cinema Circle here, and visit http://www.ChristmasAtMaxwells.com

Cleveland’s contraceptive collection ­It’s amazing to see: a donation of more than 650 artifacts and 150 books and ephemera in the Percy Skuy Collection on the History of Contraception. It’s the world’s largest assemblage of historical birth control products that has arrived at Case Western Reserve University’s Dittrick Medical History Center. In addition to birth control devices, it also has books, birth control marketing materials, audiotapes and videos of interviews with the collection’s founder. Plans are underway for an international symposium and a virtual exhibit online; and the public can now view the exhibit in the Reading Room on the second floor of the Allen Memorial Medical Library, 11000 Euclid Ave., through 3/05. Call 368-3648. http://www.Case.edu/artsci/dittrick/site2

Children at risk from nursery rhymes Researchers have decided that children experience more danger, catastrophe and violence in nursery rhymes than on television (unless your kids are watching the hardcore stuff on cable). www.Guardian.co.uk

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Tantalizing Texts Be part of a premier tour of the newly unveiled Special Collections of the Cleveland Public Library, with treasures previously kept behind the scenes, when you attend the Cool Cleveland party on 12/17 [register here]. Explore rare and unique collections in the beautiful architectural setting of the historic Main Building, recently restored to its original beauty. From baseball to religion, from photographs to monk-penned manuscripts, and treatises on Victorian prostitution, there is something to tantalize everyone. Enjoy the richness of the nation’s third largest public research library’s Special Collections exhibits on rare, historical, scholarly, and popular texts of national and international significance, along with viewing of selected items. Be dazzled by the sumptuous surroundings of Brett Hall, the grandest space within the Library. Gaze at amazing murals, vaulted ceilings, walls of Botticino marble, and panels of award-winning murals. Tour The People’s University. http://www.CPL.org%%
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Gifts of coolness that keep on giving Are you hunting for a hip holiday gift, but don’t have time to shop? Give the gift of cool threads, a ticket to one of the best parties of the year, and a chance to win a free lunch. A Cool Club membership gets you a ticket to any upcoming Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party, plus a Cool Cleveland t-shirt, and a chance to win lunch with Cool Cleveland impresario Thomas Mulready. To take advantage of this special offer, click here. Makes an excellent gift for yourself and others.

Language’s inner life replete with histories, pleasures, sensibilities, associations, and literatures; explore the imaginative life of words written in our own tongue. www.OpenDemocracy.net

Mountain biking indoors in Cleveland A hardcore bicyclist made the 350-kilometre trek from his home in Niagara Falls, Ontario to an indoor mountain biking park in Cleveland. The unforgiving winter climate inspired Ray Petro to open Ray’s Indoor MTB Park, a 66,000 square foot North Shore-style playground in an old warehouse in West Cleveland. www.PinkBike.com

Mija Magazine is on Ohio-based resource pumping out a revitalized website with even more ethnic-proud content with personality. Their newest issue The Latina Santana entertains with Confessions of a Kinky-Haired Puerto Rican Sister, and the authentic food column, Cooking con Clotilde Jibara Abuelas. Very ethnically cool and very Latino; a must read. http://www.MijaMagazine.com

Strange and unusual dictionary of all vowel words It doesn’t seem possible, but yes, there are words made up entirely of vowels. Take this opportunity to learn a couple to amaze your friends and co-workers around the water cooler. http://www.OneLetterWords.com/vowel/a.html

Consider the kitties Local animal shelters are in desperate need of people to foster baby kittens and puppies from a few weeks to a couple months until they are old enough to be adopted. Often people’s pets become pregnant and the owner doesn’t want the babies, so they dump them on the shelter. The shelters need people to hold on to the animals for a few weeks until they are old enough to get homes. If the shelter can’t find temporary homes for them, the shelter has to euthanize the babies because of lack of space to keep them. For people living alone, 20-somethings or those with young children, animals make special companions without all the commitment; it’s one way to assist animals and feel good about helping during the holidays. Contact Lea Jaratz at the Cleveland APL: 771-4616 and visit http://www.Theapl.org

Sell your artwork at the Cool Cleveland party by snagging a CC artist table, now available for the upcoming A/T/D event. Display your art and talent at the upcoming Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance event on Fri 12/17 from 5-8PM at the ARTcade. Sell your work and gain access to hundreds of Clevelanders in the holiday mood. A limited number of tables are still available; first come, first served. Cleveland artists interested in offering their art, jewelry, holiday gifts, and wearable art can obtain full, half and double tables. Contact Deby Cowdin at Vivid Art Gallery at 241-7624 or Deby@VividArtGallery.com

City & County join workforces In an encouraging move that bodes well for streamlining the bloated and inefficient governmental systems in Northeast Ohio, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are merging their workforce efforts, including creating a single point of contact for administration of federal monies, elimination of duplicative services, and coordination of employment services and regional economic growth. Let’s hope it also means reduced payroll and lower government costs. http://www.Cleveland-OH.gov and http://www.Cuyahoga.oh.us

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The WT Grant Loft Apartments are located in the heart of Downtown’s most exciting residential and business district, right on Public Square. The entertainment options are endless. You can easily walk to exciting sporting events featuring the Cleveland Browns, the Indians and the Cavaliers. You are only steps away from the world-class entertainment of both Playhouse Square and the House of Blues, or dance the night away in the bustling Warehouse District. This community features washers and dryers in every unit, gas fireplaces for those chilly nights, high-speed Internet, digital cable, open-air atriums, fitness center/sauna and many more amenities. Both felines and canines are welcome with no security deposit! Schedule a private showing by calling 623-1201 or enjoy a VIP tour at Cool Cleveland’s upcoming Holiday Romp on Fri 12/17! http://www.towneprop.com/wtgrantloft
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Correction
In the 12/01 issue of Cool Cleveland [here], we incorrectly attributed the source of the article by Michael Gill on “Regionalizing the Libraries?” The correct source was the Cleveland Free Times [here].

Cool Cleveland This Week
12.08-12.15

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

For more events this week, see CoolCleveland.com here

SynthCleveland UnSilent Films is rolling out the 1927 Fritz Lang classic silent film Metropolis. SC is doing silent movies with an improvised live score — performed by SynthCleveland members the scinema, Dust_Head, Luigi-Bob Drake, Steven K. Smith and tofu. Metropolis is the über science fiction film that introduced mad scientist props; black gloved hand (Dr. Strangelove); and the proto “lone hero” who fights the future (X-Files). Spinning the ultra “moderne” tracks before and after the film will be special guest DJ Android from Missile Command. Check it on Wed 12/8 at 8PM. Call 651-4100. Rain Nightclub, 4142 Lorain Ave. http://www.SynthCleveland.com/unsilent or email tofu@apk.net

Historic Warehouse District Annual Holiday Tour where you can see and tour dramatic homes along with commercial and retail space and feast on foods of the season. Drinks and cheer will be readily available by the finest local restaurants, and entertainment will follow you throughout the tour. Start it off at the kick-off reception Thu 12/9 from 5:30-11PM at Constantino’s Market, 1278 West 9th St. Tour follows through the city with a dessert finale at the Hat Factory. Call 344-3937. http://www.WarehouseDistrict.org

Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party Those purveyors of Cleveland swamp-pop, Cats on Holiday, will be opening for big band favorites Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the House of Blues on Thu 12/9. The doors open at 6:30PM, and the show starts at 7:30PM. Call 523-BLUE. 308 Euclid Ave. http://www.HOB.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=28880

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is a fundraiser for the Cleveland Film Society; and some of the award-winning short films from last year’s Cleveland International Film Festival will be shown, one of which, Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness, directed by Tiffany Slain, is a great ’50s-style school documentary that playfully offers up political and social satire on the state of reproductive rights. It was produced by Planned Parenthood Golden Gate, and the CEO, Dian Harrison, will be on hand to introduce the film on Thu 12/9 at 7:30PM. Following will be Short Stories and a dessert and wine reception. Call 623-FILM, ext. 10. Shaker Square Cinemas, 13116 Shaker Square. For tickets visit http://www.ClevelandFilm.org

Slam U! directs teens to interact with professional poets and builds self-confidence by performing their work in front of an audience. Leading the program is Cleveland poet Michael Salinger, who has been writing and performing poetry and fiction for over 20 years. He has taught workshops at educational institutions and runs the Classic Cleveland Poetry Slam. Playhouse Square is offering teens the opportunity to represent Cleveland for the first time ever at the National Youth Poetry Slam. Three workshops will be held Fri 12/10 from 6:30-9PM, 1/15/05 and 2/11/05. At each workshop, teens will develop their skills and prepare for the competition held on 3/11/05 (semi-finals) and 3/18/05 (finals). Slam U! is open to Northeast Ohio high school students ages 14-18, reservations are required at 348-7909 or email garganor@playhousesquare.com to reserve a spot. Playhouse Square Center, 1501 Euclid Ave. http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com and check out http://www.ClevelandPoetrySlam.com

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is the highest grossing film in Korea in a sugggestive epic of the Korean War during the 50s, as two brothers grow apart after being drafted, symbolizing the two halves of the divided Korean peninsula. A rousing, wrenching cinema with moral underpinnings and parallels to Saving Private Ryan, it’s a thoughtful flick. Shows run on Fri 12/10 at 9:25PM, Sat 12/11 at 7:10PM, Sun 12/12 at 3:10PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

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‘Tis the season for bicycling OK…maybe not — maybe you’re just dreaming of next year and getting back on your bike. Well, how about a little Holiday escapism, with a visit to Century Cycles in Rocky River, Solon, or Medina for an Island Luau? On Fri 12/10, visit these three Century Cycles’ locations from Noon till 8PM for some fun while you’re shopping; you’ll be able to pick up great gifts on sale for those special bikers on your Holiday list. Plus, there’ll be a prize wheel, food and refreshments, and great advice from the friendly and experienced staff at Century Cycles. Mention Cool Cleveland – you’ll receive a complimentary gift valued at over $30! Check out the website at www.CenturyCycles.com for all the details. Visit a Century Cycles location in Rocky River, Solon, Medina or Peninsula; from first trikes to custom bikes, trust Century Cycles…and remember, browse globally, buy locally! www.CenturyCycles.com
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Artmetro holiday open house It’s December and the art is happening, as Artmetro’s gallery is spilling over with fine enameled candlesticks, handworked jewelry, sculpture, and small, impactful original art works. Stop in early to be part of a day of music and wire demonstrations by artist Michael Tayse. It’s a leisurely way to begin gift giving on Fri 12/10 from Noon-8PM: RSVP by calling 696-1942. 530 Euclid Ave. ArtCade in the Colonial Marketplace. artmetrogallery@yahoo.com

Several is an exciting showcase of dances created by five choreographers in the MorrisonDance family. The diverse presentation will include dances created by current company members, Heather Baur, Maree ReMalia, and artistic director, Sarah Morrison. Additionally, two guest choreographers will be visiting to show their creative talents: Daman Harun of NYC and Jennifer Sandoval of Chicago. With this diverse roster of creators, the show will have something to inspire you, humor you, move you, and entertain on Fri 12/10 at 8PM, Sat 12/11 at 8PM and Sun 12/12 at 3PM. Call CPT’s box office at 631-2727. Cleveland Public Theatre’s Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.MorrisonDance.com and http://www.cptonline.org

Hotel Bruce is launching their white-hot winter issue hosted by Cleveland Public Art, and you can drop in for Cleveland-based conversation that’s brainy and fun, while noshing on desserts, wine and delicious art. View an exhibit of emerging local artists’ work and an urban design concept for a sustainable, affordable village in Ohio City, which is the focus area of HB’s third, full issue. Stop in and meet the Hotel Bruce team on Fri 12/10 from 6-9PM. 1951 W. 26th St. #101 in Ohio City. Crash the after party at Market Avenue Wine Bar, 2524 Market Ave. Call 696-9463. http://www.HotelBruce.com

Celebration of Lights Have you ever contemplated the tales behind winter holidays and customs, such as Kwanzaa; a Croatian Christmas; Pagan bonfires; Hanukkah or Christmas? The event will be held out-of-doors along the Stearns Trail where the winter night will be illuminated with the lights of rich, cultural traditions. Experience the warmth and beauty of modern customs including Thailand’s floating lotus cups, and holiday practices from Sweden, St. Lucia, and Croatia. All of these worldly customs will be brought to life on Sat 12/11 from 6-8PM. Pre-register at 321-5935 x 236. Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd. http://www.ShakerLakes.org

One Silent Night is a rockin’ concert starring master instrumental rock guitarist and native Clevelander Neil Zaza accompanied by The Cleveland Rock Orchestra, which includes members of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony. While The Cleveland Rock Orchestra gives the material its classical roots, Neil Zaza’s guitar functions as the voice with “soaring electric melodies” in this groundbreaking appearance featuring trend-setting evening of classical favorites in an innovative, contemporary style on Sat 12/11 at 8PM. Call for tickets at 241-6000. Allen Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave. http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com

Rapid Stasis portrays accessible art that documents how time and space collide on Cleveland’s Transit Lines. Photographers spent the last three months exploring each line of the city’s Regional Transit Authority system, while their black and white images capture connections among riders, their urban environment, and their destinations. An opening show laced with appetizers begins Sat 12/11 from 7-11PM; show runs till 1/29. Call 861-3062. GOPA, 2512 Church Ave. http://www.GopaCleveland.org

All-Star Gospel Concert One night of joyful noise created by All-Stars of the gospel scene with a gripping and worthy message. Take in the sounds from Half Mile Home, Woody Rock (of Dru Hill), and A Touch of Heaven will offer their voices in a concert dedicated to the theme of “Keeping Our Youth Safe, Keeping Our Youth Strong and Praising God” with world class musicians dedicated to spreading a message of hope on Sat 12/11 from 7:30-11:30PM. Call 704-4169. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St. in Akron. uwe12publicity@yahoo.com

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Searching for extra help at work? Let (i)Cleveland help! We’re hosting our 4th annual iConnect Internship & Career Expo on Tue 12/21 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel from 9AM-3PM. Join other area employers and connect with pre-screened undergraduate college students looking for internships and entry-level positions all at one convenient & affordable Expo. Space is limited! RSVP to Bridget Manke at 241.5587 by Mon 12/13. Special Offer to Cool Cleveland readers: Get an insider’s perspective on this one-of-a-kind Career Expo. The first eight (8) Cool Cleveland readers to RSVP to bmanke@icleveland.org by Mon 12/20 will receive complimentary admission, lunch, and parking as a guest of (i)Cleveland for this exciting members-only event on 12/21. http://www.iCleveland.org
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All The Lies They Hide: War, Myth and Poetry A performance of American anti-war poetry from first contact to the Persian Gulf with readings from: Peter Folger, Blackhawk, Walt Whitman, Stephen Crane, Mark Twain, e.e. cummings, Allen Ginsburg, Denise Levertov, and Bruce Weigl (a great local lit talent); literary works will be performed by local readers and writers Jim Levin, Katie Daley, ra washington, Ray McNiece and others on Sun 12/12 at 1PM. Stay on for caffeine and desserts and the final performance of Highway Ulysses (pay as you can matinee) at 2:30PM. Dobama Theater, 1846 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.Dobama.org

Benefit to Restore Grumpy’s Grumpy’s Cafe is a favorite Tremont icon that was recently devastated by a catastrophic fire. Area Tremonsters are getting together to raise money to restore a favorite neighborhood gathering place, with food and beverages from: Lola Bistro, Theory, Farenheit, La Bodega, La Tortilla Feliz, Lucky’s Cafe, Tremont Scoops, and other Tremont favorites. Auction items include works from local Tremont venues, and entertainment provided by The Reed Product and Ms. Butterscotch. Doors open at 6PM this Sun 12/12 and the auction starts at 8PM. St. George’s Church 2587 W. 14th St. Email desschmitt@sbcglobal.net or call 326-6327 to find out where to get tickets.

Art in Youth Here are more examples of accessible art in this public art exhibit created by the children and youth of WSEM’s child and youth programs, with the purpose to support the classroom needs of WSEM’s infants and children through appreciating their creative talents. The program will include a hands-on art experience, live entertainment and refreshments. Admission is a suggested donation of classroom supplies; be there to help out on Tue 12/14 from 6-8PM. 5209 Detroit Ave. Visit http://www.Wsem.org/Art_in_Youth_2.pdf or http://www.Wsem.org

Sustainable Transportation: An Important Driver of Economic Development is the panel discussion at the new Tuesdays @ REI. Discussions will focus on opportunities to shift freight to rail and water in ways that improve freight mobility and transportation costs while using cleaner transportation modes and cleaner vehicles on Tue 12/14 at 4PM. Call 368-5540. The Center for Regional Economic Issues, Peter B. Lewis Building, 11119 Bellflower Rd. in University Circle. http://www.Weatherhead.cwru.edu/rei

Green$mart Pro 101 Designation Course in this Part I session, Pattie Glenn of Green$mart will present the ins and outs of green marketing. This course is ideal for builders, developers, sales and marketing people, as well as appraisers, lenders, architects, product manufacturers, energy raters and green certifying agents, land planners and landscape architects on Wed 12/15 from 9AM-12:30PM. Register at 961-8850. The Steven A. Minter Conference Center Hanna Building, 1422 Euclid Ave., 12th Floor. http://www.Clevelandgbc.org

For more events this week, see CoolCleveland.com here

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

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Heard any good books lately? Well, why not? There are fewer excuses to get great books on audio, thanks to Cuyahoga County Public Library’s recently expanded digital book program. This newly enhanced, 24/7/365 service will enable library cardholders to download and listen to audio books on PCs and laptops, burn to CD, or transfer to over 500 supported devices, including MP3 players. These new, downloadable audio books are available in Microsoft™ Windows Media® Audio format. Additionally, many books are designed to be downloaded through user discretion – a chapter at a time if you like; plus, this system enables easy access for the visually-impaired. It’s no wonder CCPL was recently named the #1 library in the nation among libraries serving populations over 500,000 (HAPLR index). Cuyahoga County Public Library – providing your community open access to resources that inform, entertain and enrich. www.CuyahogaLibrary.org
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Cool Cleveland Spotlight
Michael Medcalf & Jack Schantz

If communities are defined by their cultures and measured by their ability to collaborate, then the pairing of the CCDT [Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre] and CJO [Cleveland Jazz Orchestra] bodes well for Northeast Ohio. Given the missions and desires of both organizations to preserve more contemporary styles, the relationship can be seen as a blueprint or even a “best practice” for how arts organizations might operate together artistically, creatively and even financially. Their vision just might be the wave of the future for Cleveland’s arts community.
“I think that it’s good for arts organizations to communicate well and develop relationships together in a way that’s more than just a cross-pollination of respective audiences and styles,” says Jack Shantz. “We’re both trying to get the word out about what we’re doing [together]…so in that sense, we are really ahead of the curve…”
Read the Cool Cleveland Spotlight by Pete Chakerian here

X-mas Music for Cool Clevelanders
By Clyde Miles

A key element of the Christian/Pagan/Capitalist plot known as Christmas is music. Every year, we trot out the same tunes to liven up our annual visit with Uncle Bob in his iron lung at the trailer park. The classics are “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Deck The Halls,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and two or three others. More recently we have “Happy X-mas (War Is Over)” by John and Yoko and the just plain awful “Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time” (or something like that) by Sir Paul McCartney. Unfortunately, the simple fact of the matter is if you’re entertaining over the holidays, you need to play holiday tunes to create an atmosphere that allows for thoughtful conversation, and hopefully, some major “nogging” action…
Read X-mas Music for Clevelanders by Clyde Miles here

RoldoLINK
An Empire Nation of Privilege & Entitlement:
We All Can Do As We Please From Bottom to Top
By Roldo Bartimole

The recent “basketbrawl” in the Palace at Auburn Hills, Michigan that saw Indiana Pacers basketball players climb into the stands to exchange pokes at fans after one had tossed a drink on one of the players has been the subject of many comments.

The pundit rumbling ran from criticism of street thug attitudes of NBA players to out-of-control fans.

What strikes me as the problem, however, goes far beyond bad behavior by a few at a basketball game.

It goes to an affliction that inspires bad behavior by Americans in general. Maybe it’s part of being the world’s Super Power. The supreme position pervades the society starting with its leadership and extending to the rest of us.

Americans enjoy enormous benefits of empire as Romans and other subjugators once did. We don’t recognize, except with arrogance, the booty it brings us. Most believe we actually earn our riches rather than collect them as the spoils of power…
Read RoldoLINK here

WCLVnotes Today, WCLV celebrates Chanukah with a program by Karl Haas called Festival of Lights. Adventures in Good Music with Karl Haas is one of WCLV’s most listened to programs and is heard Monday through Friday at 10AM. This evening at 9PM, Theodore Bikel and Western Wind will present The Chanukah Story. WCLV is now airing a daily half hour called A Cleveland Orchestra Christmas featuring the Orchestra and Chorus performing holiday selections. Presented by the Plain Dealer, it’s heard each day through Thu 12/23, at 12:25PM. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com

Instant Karma
Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what’s really happening. Let us hear from you! Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Connecting the Dots @ Spaces 12/3
The scene was definitely post-modern at Spaces, as the second event in the alternative gallery’s Friday Night Live series presented cross-cultural entertainment from four different acts who mixed musical and theatrical metaphors with wild abandon. While attendees browsed the predictably-cool art exhibits that have consistently earned the artist-run venue national and international respect for experimentation and integrity in terms of presentation and content, alcohol flowed smoothly, finger foods were copiously consumed, and some fine auditory entertainment was heard by all. DJ Brandon Gill was on hand to set the night’s tone early-on with some fine beats that helped Clevelanders unwind from their workday…
Read the review of Connecting The Dots by Daiv Whaley here

Now What? @ Beck Center Armory 12/2 Subtitled, “A Candid Conversation about Lakewood’s Economic Future,” this public forum, attended by an attentive overflow crowd of over 250 and hosted by the new community group Lakewood Alive, featured a sometimes brilliant panel of local economic development types. Michael Summers, chair of the Grow Lakewood Committee, pointed out that Lakewood’s handsome 80 to 100-year-old wood housing stock should last 300+ years if well-maintained, and suggested “traffic calming” to intentionally slow down auto traffic in the town center. Heartland Developers founder and president Gordon Priemer, who has built over 1500 homes & townhomes in the region, noted the importance of schools, green building practices, and Lakewood’s proximity to the water. Lou Tisler, executive director of the First Suburbs Development Council, described the Cleveland Heights project that is turning up-and-down doubles into desireable side-by-side townhomes, and wondered out loud if Lakewood should be the first totally WiFi community in the region. Joe Marinucci, Executive Vice President of Downtown Cleveland Partnership, said, “the arts could bring vast economic growth” to Lakewood. Local brainiac Ken Warren, director of the Lakewood Public Library was indomitable, suggesting that Lakewood “play to its strengths” and target its appeal to the under-35 crowd rather than empty-nesters, and suggesting a City Manager administration. Even the questions were brilliant, asking how Lakewood could attract more immigrants, deal with owner-vacant rental property, and wondering how to engage diversity. Facing a community that has been gun-shy about its own development since narrowly defeating the West End project in a divisive and contentious election last year, the forum, moderated by Lakewood Alive’s Jay Foran, who also serves on the effective Lakewood schools rebuilding committee, succeeded in educating and engaging a cautious public, boding well for future engagements. http://www.LakewoodAlive.com

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit that one 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 joining forces Having been a participant in Cleveland’s annual Christmas parade for a number of years (always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving), I wondered why this year’s crowd was substantially diminished from those of previous years, especially after factoring in last Saturday’s warm, dry weather? Then I learned about Cleveland’s WinterFest parade and follow-up activities, scheduled for later that same day… Perhaps, in a spirit of civic cooperation AND cost-savings, these events might have taken place together (combining both parades into one big one leading up to the annual lighting ceremony)? If nothing else, this could have reduced the number of Cleveland police officers tied up for parade duty that day… Just a thought for next year, folks…
from Cool Cleveland reader Diana Tyler moldread@alltel.net

On being utterly depressing It is just utterly depressing that you tout Cindy Barber’s excellent recent PD op-ed [here] on how her Beachland Ballroom is helping lead an arts and culture upsurge in the North Collinwood neighborhood and then turn around and promote Cool Cleveland’s upcoming afterparty at the House of Blues [here]. As the saying goes, “with friends like you…”
from Cool Cleveland reader Marcia Egbert megbert@gundfdn.org

On Chicago vs. Cleveland Joe Frolick’s article [here] points out a fact that has been true for a while now, and one that rings home for me. I am a native Clevelander in my late 20’s and now reside in Chicago. I moved there about 2 years ago because I was trying to start a career in the music industry that didn’t include working for a retailer or volunteering at the Rock Hall. Chicago has proven to be very welcoming to me and other young artists with big ideas. I saw Richard Florida speak downtown 3 years ago when he had just released his book The Rise of The Creative Class. His message was that it is the creative people and small businesses that drive the economic recovery of a city and foster a creative social scene. Chicago has a great mix of big business, entrepreneurs, and artists. On any night of the week I can go to a pub, see live music, take a yoga class, or go to an art gallery – all within walking distance. Currently, I commute to Cleveland every week to work with an arts foundation here that is trying to reform arts education in the schools. Each time I arrive in town, I am amazed at how drab and run down Carnegie, Euclid, and Chester Ave all are. These are the main arteries from the East side and they reflect why the heart of Cleveland is in need of defibrillation. I would never find myself down there on a whim to spend money. There is no creative social scene and the public transportation is frustrating at best. These avenues don’t need a Wal-Mart or an industrial behemoth to take residence and ruin the flavor of the neighborhoods; they need small businesses, artists, the arts in schools, and an investment by the city to create viable neighborhood centers that attract people like the Coventry area on the East side, and Detroit Ave on the West side. If you ask most transplants from Cleveland to Chicago what they like most about the city proper of Chicago, it is the livability and neighborhood feel. The place I live now is like an expanded Coventry district. Cleveland does not need to look very far for how to attract the young creative class, just look at the neighborhoods that are already working.
from Cool Cleveland reader Michael Schenkelberg mschenkelberg@hotmail.com

On Cool Cleveland Just want you to know I really appreciate reading your Cool Cleveland and what you are doing for the Greater Cleveland community. Your message is always very positive and uplifting. So many hidden treasures we have in Greater Cleveland are discovered through you. For example, the Cleveland Public Library and their priceless old books.
from Cool Cleveland reader Anthony Yen YENAYY@aol.com

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Top 5
Cool Cleveland uses Opticast tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Cool Cleveland People Dan Tranberg is Co-Founder and Visual Arts Editor of Angle, an arts journal that is cultivating Cleveland’s exposure to art in all visual forms. Cool Cleveland People Dan Tranberg

2) Holiday Romp after-work networking bash You are invited to join Cool Cleveland on Friday, December 17 as we host an evening on the town in Cleveland’s swank Downtown district. http://www.CoolCleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.Party

3) Chicagoland vs. Cleveland On a recent visit to Chicago, I was impressed, once again, with their civic vision, their tremendous lakefront, and their new Millenium Park, built on a dead space in the loop. The PD’s Joe Frolik compares and contrasts the two cities. www.Cleveland.com

4) RealNEO Creator Norm Roulet is promoting his website REALNEO as “the” social network for economic development and entrepreneurship in Northeast Ohio. http://Realneo.contenthosting.org

5) Peter Lewis spanks University Circle Thinking he might whip out a check to fund their urban plan, University Circle invited Peter Lewis to address their annual meeting next week. Instead, he went on a rant about how lame he thought their ideas were. www.Cleveland.com

Cleveland focuses on what really matters Our city has a choice when it comes to choosing information and entertainment, and Cleveland is supporting new media that dares to be different. If you’re bored witless with the mainstream, Cool Cleveland can help; we’re committed to delivering all things alternative straight to your inbox. Thanks to our readers who improve our city by getting involved in it; it’s helping Cool Cleveland become the media of choice for everyone tired of whining about our city. You and your friends can now visit our website, and take in the latest on life in Cleveland. Send along friends and co-workers to register for the no-charge e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com or have ’em send an e-mail to Signup@coolcleveland.com

The Hard Corps have it A passionate necessity, that is, when it comes to their weekly contributions. Thanks to everyone working up a sweat to deliver the obsession-driven content of CC: Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Pete Chakerian, Clyde Miles, Brian Schriefer, Steve Maistros, Daiv Whaley, TL Champion, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth, Roldo Bartimole 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

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@coolcleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com

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–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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