Dinosaurs And Elephants

10.13-10.20.04

Dinosaurs & Elephants

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Tower and Galleria at Erieview owner Werner Minshall
* Cool Cleveland People with writer and DJ Ben Vendetta, founder of Elephant Stone Records
* Cool Cleveland Preview of UNKL, an experimental Jazz quartet based in Berlin, Germany

Cool Cleveland Interview
Werner Minshall

Cool Cleveland: So the Cleveland market is starting to come back?
Werner Minshall: Sure. We quoted a deal at 40,000 square feet, a corporate headquarters from another state. Is it coming here or staying in another state? And if it comes here, does it go Downtown or in an Eastern suburb? The guys from this company are from Cleveland, they want to be in Cleveland, but they’re from the East Side and they don’t necessarily want to be Downtown.

So how do you change that?
We’ve been very micro in terms of our discussion today. The macro picture is a lot different. So how does a city go from competing only on price to competing on style and desirability?

For one thing, you make the city a cooler place to be…
I personally think what you’re doing [with Cool Cleveland] is a very, very compelling start. But you have to be able to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit. And the way you do that is with classic Reaganomics: cut regulations and cut taxes, and let people do what they want. Imagine if you’re a 26-year-old kid and you want to buy a place in Tremont, and you then want to add a unit; do you know the bullshit you have to go through, zoning, planning review, permits, historical. But that’s how you make your region more attractive.

So what’s wrong with Cleveland?
People are used to being abused with the process here. We’re not unlike United, Delta, and Northwest, which are known as legacy airlines. They are dinosaurs. Cleveland is a legacy system like these airlines. They have embedded systems, embedded pension systems and a cost structure that is totally uncompetitive. Cleveland has labor contracts with the police and teachers, and their one-party government systems. And the town is totally and absolutely risk averse. They have to compete with the Jet Blues, Independence Airs, Southwests and Continentals.
Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Werner Minshall here

Euclid Corridor Project breaks ground Key officials from several government agencies are planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the $168.4 million Euclid Corridor Transportation Project on 10/19. “All indications at this time are that the FTA [Federal Transit Administration] will give RTA a green light at the event,” says Joe Calabrese, RTA CEO and General Manager. The public is invited to watch the event, from 10:30-11:30AM on Star Plaza, 1302 Euclid Ave. at Playhouse Square. http://www.riderta.com/pressreleaselist.asp?listingid=655

BlackCoat wins at VH1 Hip-Hop show Cleveland based Koyono, Inc. announced that VH1 gifted performers and presenters who appeared at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors with the new Koyono BlackCoat™ AirGo raincoat as a thank you gift. It was all the rage at the awards show and will be available to the general public on 10/18. The event was taped a few weeks ago and aired on VH1 Tue 10/12 with performances by, and tributes to, hip-hop pioneers Run DMC, KRS-One, Public Enemy and many others. As reported earlier in Cool Cleveland, Koyono’s BlackCoat™ Classic was given this summer to presenters and performers at the MTV Movie Awards in June ’04: Shawn Wayans, Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, Andy Dick, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, and others. The BlackCoat is produced and sold around the world, but designed right here in Cleveland. Get your own through on-line stores at http://koyono.com and http://Amazon.com. See more about Koyono at http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/hip_hop_honors/2004/

A festival for Cleveland? Most other major cities, even the ones without the stellar artistic assets that Cleveland has, present annual city-wide arts festivals. Now there’s a movement to create a large-scale, artistically superior annual arts, culture and technology festival that would generate economic impact by attracting patrons from surrounding states. Cleveland Public Theatre founder James Levin and Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, who ran the Performance Art Festival, have been meeting with groups large and small to see if it can be done in 2005 and beyond. The PD’s Carolyn Jack covers the story here, then visits Pittsburgh this week to view their Festival of Firsts here.

Cool Cleveland help wanted You’re reading it, your friends and colleagues are reading it, and now everyone wants to have their Sponsored Links appear in Cool Cleveland. We literally have so many requests for information that we need help in contacting potential advertisers. If you’re a motivated self-starter who’s familiar with Cool Cleveland’s effect on the community, contact us to talk about a commissioned sales position today. Earn some scratch and help revitalize our hometown. Send your qualifications and a passionate letter about why you want to represent Cool Cleveland to: Info@CoolCleveland.com

CMJ Festival rocks Cleveland in ’05 College Music Journal is publisher of the New Music Report and CMJ New Music Monthly. Plus, they put on an annual festival of alternative music, and the Rock Hall is bringing it to our city next summer, ushering in 100 bands and thousands of rock fans to Cleveland. This multi-day event is going all out to present the new music of future stars on eight stages across the city, rocking our local venues from 6/9-11/05. “This is the type of major festival that Cleveland has talked about for years,” said Terry Stewart, chairman and chief executive officer of the Rock Hall. “It will showcase both established performers and emerging artists that could become tomorrow’s stars.” Look forward to gigs at Peabody’s, Beachland Ballroom, Agora, Grog Shop and House of Blues. A series of educational programs, panel discussions and workshops will focus on the artistic and economic aspects of today’s music scene. For the past 23 years, CMJ has produced one of the world’s leading new music festivals, the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. The Marathon was the first to showcase once up-and-coming acts such as REM, U2, Eminem, Beastie Boys, Green Day, The Strokes, and a bunch more. Read more at http://www.rockhall.com/home/default.asp and http://www.cmj.com/marathon

Shot in Cleveland The Cedar Lee theater will host the Cleveland Premiere of All That You Love Will Be Carried Away, a short film based on a story by Stephen King that was filmed in Northeast Ohio, with a local crew who put in long days for little pay. All That You Love stars Harvey Pekar and screenings begin this Thu 10/28 at 7PM and 8:30PM. There will be a Q&A with the director, producers, and actors following the 7PM show. Seats are limited, and you’ll want to RSVP to get your space reserved at BeCarriedAway@hotmail.com

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Mark Your Calendars Check out these two exciting open houses! First, Payne Ave. Lofts at E. 37th/Payne is hosting an open house this Sun 10/17 from 2-4 PM. These live/work condominiums feature large, open floor plans, huge new windows, 12-14 foot ceilings, exposed brick, hardwood floors, modern kitchens and views of downtown Cleveland from the roof. Located in a gorgeous renovated warehouse, you’ll be seconds from downtown! Plus – get ready for the first-ever Detroit Shoreway community open house, Sun 10/24 from 1-5 PM. Featured properties include Lake Pointe Townhomes (Phase III), spacious townhomes with lake and city views from $270,900, located at W. 67th and Father Caruso Dr. (north of Detroit). Also featured on the tour are Kings Terrace Townhomes (Phase II), new construction with roof decks and awesome views, starting at $249,900, and located at W. 54th/Herman (north of Detroit). Finally, check out the Townhouses at Courtland Court, affordable units with prices starting at $159,900, located at W. 54th & Courtland Court (just south of Bridge Ave.). For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
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Cleveland Memory newsletter This is so sweet, you have to check it out to believe it. The new Cleveland Memory newsletter is a comprehensive resource for ideas and all things Cleveland oriented. Peruse and navigate this user-friendly e-mail and site with catchy categories such as News from CSU Special Collections, News from Around the Region, People on the Move and other thought-inspiring content. http://web.ulib.csuohio.edu/SpecColl/newsletter/archive

Vivid Art Center If you’re artistically inclined, there’s no excuse. Vivid Gallery is opening their new and exciting addition, the Vivid Art Center, offering classes to bring out your inner artisan. Try out the domestically blissful art of knitting, class photography, stained glass and more. Convenient lunch drop-in classes will be held Mon-Fri, noon-2PM, and evening classes will be held Mon-Thu on 10/19. Join us at the ARTcade Art Center and enrich your hobby or explore a new one. Call 241-7624. Vivid Art Gallery, 530 Euclid Ave. #40. For info email deby@vividartgallery.com

Volunteer on election day The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless is organizing volunteer crews to use their vans to take disadvantaged and homeless to and from polling places on Election Day, Tues 11/2. To volunteer, or for more information, call 432-0540 or send a note to neoch@neoch.org

Call for Superior art Cleveland Public Art is psyched to announce a call for artists to design permanent site-specific public art elements as part of the City of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Partnership’s Superior Avenue Streetscape Project. Interested artists and other design professionals are invited to attend a pre-submission open house to review project drawings, view sample proposals, and discuss proposal preparation on Tue 10/19 from 6-8PM at the Tower Press Building, 1900 Superior Ave. Details of the streetscape will be on display during this time. Visit http://www.clevelandpublicart.org and click on the “Competitions” link.

Cleveland bands get play in NYC and elsewhere A tight review of The Curse of the New Planet Trampoline in the brand new issue of Skyscraper out of NYC, compares them to The Seeds, Count Five and The Beatles. A rave review is also upcoming in the next issue of Big Takeover. Read about NPT and other listen-worthy bands at Elephant Stone Records website http://www.ElephantStoneRecords.com

World Vegetarian Month is an international celebration designed to bring awareness to the significant advantages of a meatless lifestyle. From small private pot-lucks to large corporate shindigs, the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle are honored and shared. Get the update and info at Loganberry Books, an inviting used and rare bookstore with 50,000 volumes from fiction to philosophy. Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd. in Shaker Heights. http://www.navs-online.org and http://www.loganberrybooks.com

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The inspiRED genius of Schubert Are you ready to rediscover classical music? Prepare to challenge your concept of a live orchestral performance, as Red {an orchestra} redefines and redesigns the classical music concert experience by merging theatre, film and other art forms into a production that will leave you awestruck. Red’s third season begins Sat 10/23, 8PM at Masonic Auditorium, E. 36th St. between Chester and Euclid Aves., with their semi-staged theatrical production, Franz Schubert: Unfinished/Refinished. Musical Director Jonathan Sheffer’s program will offer versions of Schubert’s music through the imaginations of composers who adapted and transformed his works. Come experience THE new orchestra in town and leave with a powerful evening of musical entertainment. For subscriptions, individual tickets or for more information on Red’s season, please visit our website www.redanorchestra.org or call 440.519.1733.
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The Public Squares are laughing with their unique brand of sketch comedy and improv, will cause you to “laugh so hard, you’ll see other dimensions!” Comprised of students and graduates of the Second City Training Center, the troupe tackles relationships and topical humor through memorable characters in this high energy sketch comedy show with new material every month. The Public Squares finish their triumphant production at the unexpected Croatian Tavern stage Sat 10/23 at 8PM. Call 849-4089. The Croatian Tavern, 3244 St Clair Ave. N.E. on the corner of E. 33rd and St. Clair Ave across the street from State Chemical. http://www.ThePublicSquares.com

National Chemistry Week The annual celebration theme of “Health and Wellness” should get you focused inward with this year’s events at the Great Lakes Science Center on Sat 10/16, featuring hands-on science activities offered by more than a dozen local organizations, universities, and businesses. Plus, check out the demonstration programs at Cuyahoga County Public Libraries and competitions for K-12 students. All programs are open to the public. See the list of local NCW activities http://www.csuohio.edu/cleveland_acs/ncw.htm

Web Association seeks volunteers Cleveland’s Web Association is looking for knowledgeable professionals to fill volunteer needs within the organization. If you have 2-5 hours a month to help move Cleveland forward into the new economy, and want to make a difference, the Web Association needs you. Click here to view their list of current opportunities, and let them know how you might be able to help out. http://www.webassociation.org

Ad agency? If your clients are looking to improve their image and awareness with Cleveland’s active young professionals, maybe you should be recommending they work with Cool Cleveland. Advertising in Cool Cleveland has helped both well-known and small businesses build awareness and action, and we can help your business, too. Give us a heads up by emailing us at Sales@CoolCleveland.com

Don’t forget the Metroparks levy As you may have heard, the Metroparks levy is on the ballot this fall, but it’s all the way at the bottom of the list, at Issue 120. Don’t let ballot fatigue set in before you have a chance to support this issue, which is critical to the ongoing operations of the Zoo, as well as the rest of the incredible Metroparks system. Stop by the Zoo Society office or Membership Booth during Zoo hours, 10AM-5PM to pick up a yard sign or two. They’ll even have a list available to everyone summarizing each municipality’s different ordinances/procedures about timing and placement of signs. http://www.clemetzoo.com

How to pick a contractor The Cleveland Restoration Society is doing cool things, and now they’re up to more good, assisting homeowners by locating reliable home repair contractors. CRS’s website features a user-friendly guide to hiring and working with contractors, and you’ll also get a checklist of questions you should be asking them. Find qualified people by visitig http://www.clevelandrestoration.org and click on Resource Library to find the contractor guide.

Lakewood Alive was created to educate Lakewood citizens about the importance of responsible economic development and engage Lakewood citizens as advocates for the community. A group of Lakewood citizens formed this independent, nonpartisan citizens group devoted to promoting economic development in Lakewood, enhancing how Lakewood is perceived inside and outside its borders. Efforts of this group will benefit all Lakewood residents by stabilizing and building the tax base, attracting and retaining residents and preserving and improving the unique quality of life offered in Lakewood. Let’s hope the city can recover from the hangover of their West End debacle, and get back to the business of building their community. http://www.LakewoodAlive.com

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OneCleveland growing Is it any wonder why the Cuyahoga County Library System was named #1 in the country? It’s because they take their role of providing a wide variety of materials representing different points of view in a broad range of topics seriously. To this end, they’ve signed up with OneCleveland, one of the country’s largest Internet broadband networks, which provides service to Cleveland’s nonprofit community. Besides announcing their latest subscriber, OneCleveland also said they’ve hired IBM to manage their network. http://neohio.craintech.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?articleId=4050

Appreciative Leadership Cleveland author and Cool Cleveland contributor Jack Ricchiuto has made his fourth book available in a pdf format, downloadable from his website: http://www.appreciativeleadership.org. What’s appreciative leadership? It’s a model of leadership that views people’s passions and strengths as their greatest opportunities for organizational [civic] success. The opposite is a deficiency focused approach, from which organizations [municipalities] attend to what they don’t have, don’t want, what’s not working, and why. Jack is requesting that if you download the pdf and find it helpful, you’ll express your appreciation by sending a donation by mail.

Cool Cleveland This Week
10.13-10.20

Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com

Connection Series returns Cleveland cuts n’ pastes in the newest installment of the Connection Series, as they present an innovative mass brainstorm session in which attendees will use images, not just words to create collages of their visions of a “possible Cleveland-NEO” in the areas of work, play, people, and place. 64 feet of imagery will be captured on large “dreamscape boards,” with magazine cut-outs, words and other images glued onto the boards. Check out this regionalism-meets-Romper Room event for grown-ups on Wed 10/13 from 5:30-8PM. Call 533-9162. The Club at Key Center, 127 Public Square. Register at http://www.ConnectionSeries.com

Animalistic Style It’s not as kinky as it sounds, but it promises wild fashion, wannabe models, and red carpet displays of APL pets to benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Match up with animals available for adoption from 6-9PM, and watch the fashion show while you nosh on complimentary appetizers on Thu 10/14 from 7-11:30PM. Call 377-1622. The Velvet Dog, 2nd floor, 1280 West 6th St. http://www.theapl.org/calendar.html

Public Fiction Workshop will get you primed for the essentials in English/Creative Writing at Cleveland State University. These meet ups will occur bi-weekly on Thursday evenings, beginning Thu 10/14 from 6-8:30PM at Rhodes Tower, Room 415 (The Hutchison Contemporary Poetry Room). Enter from the university’s central plaza, located between Chester and Euclid, between East 21st and East 22nd Streets. Take the elevator inside the library to the 4th floor and follow the “Contemporary Poetry Room” sign to the far west wall. http://www.csuohio.com

A Bright Room Called Day is Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner’s exceedingly relevant drama. See this highly controversial play which conveys threatening changes in modern society, and how it emerges as dark forces overtake the government. This critical examination of the current realities involving the compromised situation of our liberties should motivate you to see the opening night show, Thu 10/14 at 7PM. Call 631-2727. Cleveland Public Theatre’s Gordon Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.cptonline.org

WCLVnotes This Fri 10/15 at 9PM on WCLV 104.9 FM, the first in an occasional series of broadcasts from Music from the Western Reserve will present a program of opera arias recorded at The Chapel of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson. The same evening at 10PM, the first in a 39 week series by The New York Philharmonic will be aired. Former Cleveland Orchestra Music Director Lorin Maazel is now the chief honcho in New York, and he leads the New Yorkers in Dvorak’s New World Symphony and the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Maxim Vengorov as soloist. Sat 10/16 at 1PM, the Viva Piano recital given by Soyeon Lee at Reinberger Recital Hall on October 4th will be broadcast. Soyeon was the 2nd Place winner in the 2002 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The Viva Piano broadcasts are presented by Kendal at Oberlin. My goodness, is there any other radio station that presents as many live or delayed live music broadcasts as WCLV? Unlikely. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com

Working Summit on Poverty II On 9/3 over 170 community leaders gathered at the convention center to grapple with issues that lead to Cleveland being named the most impoverished city in the nation. The second round will take place this Fri 10/15 from 9-11AM. Six community action teams organized in areas like early childhood/preschool; school-age; job creation and retention; housing; and technical/advocacy. Are you working in any of these areas? Would you like to add your energy and enthusiasm to creating prosperity in the region? The meeting is opening to the public. It’ll be cool for anyone to attend. The Public Auditorium in the Convention Center, 500 Lakeside Ave E.

words:: poetry slam Poets from Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania will battle in a lyrical boxing match where the audience decides the winner. Expect performance poetry that’s hard hitting, incisive, and sometimes humorous and issue driven, executed within a modern art space. An open mic will start off the event, followed by a short feature performance by Cleveland’s Slam Master and poet Michael Salinger on Fri 10/15. Doors open 8:30PM; slam begins 9PM. Call 421-8671. The Museum of Contemporary Art, 8501 Carnegie Ave. http://www.MOCAcleveland.org

Commerce In Art This collaborative event showcases the influence and impact art has on commerce, by joining creativity and technology in a brilliant presentation of cutting-edge T.I.M.E. (Technology and Integrated Media Environment), courtesy of the world-renowned Cleveland Institute of Art. As a guest, you’ll be introduced to the workspaces of T.I.M.E./Digital Arts students as they demonstrate the process of producing art with high technology applications. Watch demonstrations of innovative ways digital art can be applied to commerce and industry through sound, video, web, gaming and animation on Fri 10/15 from 5:30-8PM. Join The Cleveland Institute of Art and The British-American Chamber of Commerce. RSVP at 421-7415 or email events@gate.cia.edu and visit http://www.cia.edu

Yangtze Remembered: The River Beneath the Lake a visual representation of the transformation of China’s Yangtze River as a result of the newly constructed Three Gorges Dam. This body of work serves as a historical record of an enormous alteration in the geography and culture of a nation by the designs of man, through the silver gelatin prints of Cleveland photographer, Linda Butler. Her remarkably crisp, detailed photographs present deep, wistful images that carry you to a place and a time outside of yourself. Opening reception and book signing happens Fri 10/15 from 5-7:30pm. Call 621-0178. Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Ave. http://www.bonfoey.com

The Wine Opener is a national wine tasting series, geared for both novices and advanced wine enthusiasts alike. Be casual, sip lush wines poured by international and domestic wineries, and try new cuisine presented at festive tasting stations, where the area’s hottest chefs prepare their specialties just for you. Discover the Marketplace where local and national purveyors of fine foods, wines, liquors, and wine-related items present interactive displays for your enjoyment on Fri 10/15 from 7-10PM. A VIP reception begins 6-7PM. Proceeds go to benefit the Cystic Fybrosis Foundation. For tickets call 382-8295. The Galleria, 1301 East 9th St. http://www.localwineevents.com/Cleveland-Wine/event-50017.html

Friday Night Live Friday night gets live at SPACES, whether you’re new or a SPACES regular, stop in for a slammin’ night of drink, art, and entertainment. Catch the unpredictable exhibits in SPACELab: 10 Years of Innovation, including Alison O’Daniel’s Summer of Love, a bed for 10! This socially-charged evening will have masses of talent: DJ Deviant of Balance Record Pool, Ground Fx Breakdancing Squad, members of Cleveland’s Dance/Theater Collective and more features. Stop in early for a panel discussion on how to thrive after art school, featuring SPACES World Artists Program Residents Katarina Wong of NY, Katarina Sevic of Hungary, along with area artists Kristen Baumliér and Royden Watson on Fri 10/15 from 8-11PM. Call 621-23143. SPACES, 2220 Superior Viaduct. http://www.SPACESgallery.org

Estuaries The first major exhibit by Scott Miller in Cleveland since the mid 90s, this artist is best known for his dream-like biomorphic and figurative paintings. Miller has been regionally acclaimed since emerging on the Cleveland art scene in the ’80s, and has gained national and international respect in the past decade. He has exhibited at galleries in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York and Nagoya, Japan with paintings that explore flow and pattern. Opening reception with the artist begins Fri 10/15 from 5-9PM. Show remains on view till 12/11. Call 696-1942. ArtMetro, 530 Euclid Ave. Suite 43.

Lemeek Gallery grand opening Check out nationally acclaimed artist Lemeek’s luscious glass mosaics, sculptures and paintings. Run over and visit our city’s newest arts addition, periodically displaying work from other prominent Ohio artists. Party out with live music, wine, appetizers and an opportunity to meet the artist at the opening reception Fri 10/15 from 6-9PM. Call 375-2078. Murray Hill Schoolhouse, 2026 Murray Hill Rd. in Little Italy. http://www.lemeek.com

Transforming Architecture, Construction and Engineering Frank Gehry’s distinctive designs have transformed architecture and construction. Jim Glymph, senior partner in the Frank Gehry architectural firm and CEO of Gehry Technologies will give the 2004 Wolstein Lecture on Management Design Architect. Glymph’s talk, Rethinking Process: The Conflict between Management, Innovation and Design happens on Fri 10/15 at 3PM. Call 368-2144. Peter B. Lewis Building on the Case campus, Weatherhead School of Management. http://www.weatherhead.case.edu/wolstein

The New World Performance Laboratory, an internationally acclaimed alternative theatre company will premiere two performances, conduct master classes, present lectures and demonstrations, and offer a symposium for area theatre artists at The University of Akron. While on campus, the New World Performance Lab will present Deathwatch by 20th century playwright Jean Genet, a story of three prisoners who are locked in a sacrificial rite of passage from division to wholeness on Fri 10/15 and Sat 10/16 at 8PM. Call 330-972-7890 or 330-867-3299. The University of Akron Theatre Program, Daum Theatre in Kolbe Hall, 328 Buchtel Common in Akron. http://www.nwplab.org

Extracted Memory Artist Lauren Herzak-Bauman introduces compositions that reflect surfaced memories and encounters from her life. The artist organizes lines, color, and texture in a logical way to express abstract ideas in an exhibition that serves as a format to document those elements, taken from life, mimicking them and then abstracting them on the objects and surfaces she creates. Opening night is Fri 10/15 from 6-9PM. Gallery 34, 530 Euclid Ave, Suite #34. For info email jdennis@bgnet.bgsu.edu

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STOMPIN’ in the OMNIMAX It’s a journey filmed around the globe and features the sights and sounds of continents and cultures, guided by the acclaimed performers of the sensational stage show STOMP. The film, Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, is a unique and extraordinary large-format film presented on the Great Lakes Science Center’s OMNIMAX screen. This engagement will be kicked off on Thu 11/4 from 6-9PM with a complimentary showing, light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and will feature Keith ‘Wild Child’ Middleton, star of the original STOMP cast. In addition, Cleveland’s own Inlet Dance Theatre, African Soul Dance Theatre, Csárdás Dance Company and Sinead Kimbrell will perform with Keith Middleton at this very special event. Space is limited to this complimentary opening night event, so book your reservation now by calling 216.696.3628. www.GreatScience.com
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LiLi Trunk Show Mix it up with the accomplished jewelry artisan Lisa Fedor, as Finestra Gallery presents her fall preview of feminine jewel adornments: rich garnet chokers, earrings and bombshell bracelets. A concurrent showing of post modern, action-oriented paintings of William Kochever will be up, so come early to savor pitchers of Sangria and a selection of hors d’oeuvres while you select gifts for yourself and others from a trove of new holiday lines. You’ll want to check out the European glass, Scandinavian Trollbeads and festive interior art at the opening reception Sat 10/16 from 6-10PM. Call 440-946-3313. Finestra Gallery, 4076 Erie St. in historic downtown Willoughby. http://www.FinestraGallery.com

Cleveland Homecoming Stories Join radio show hosts Melissa Barber and Bob Soroky for a round table discussion on why folks who’ve moved away choose to move back to Cleveland. They’ll speak from experience as they lived three years in the New York City metropolitan area. Joining them in the studio will be Laura and Dale Huffman, featured in the September 13th issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business; both have recently returned to Cleveland from San Diego. Listeners will be invited to share their “moving” experiences as well. Tune in to News Talk 1420 WHK this Sat 10/16 from Noon to 1PM and if you call in, tell ’em you read it in Cool Cleveland.

Kosovo The 25-voice Serbian Men’s Choir based in northeast Ohio will perform a selection of rarely heard Russian choral works sung in Old Slavonic, in a concert to benefit the Children of Beslan, Russia. Internationally renowned Russian-American pianist Martin Berkofsky will join in the performance on Sat 10/16 at 3PM to honor the memory of the children & others who lost their lives in this tragedy. Proceeds for the evening go directly to the relief fund set up by the Embassy of the Russian Federation to assist the families involved. Call 330-673-1352 for tickets. Kent State University’s Ludwig Recital Hall, Music and Speech Center in Kent. http://imagine.kent.edu/media/content/press.asp?id=353

The art of Latin American mask making In this family workshop, you’ll design and create traditional Latin American masks out of common materials transformed into a vividly festive piece of wearable art. Excercise your brain cellls and learn a skill and initiate the artistic process on Sat 10/16 from Noon to 2PM. Call 398-8556 to register. Art House Inc., 3119 Denison Ave. http://www.ArtHouseInc.org

By The People: A National Conversation about America is an effort that has been dubbed ‘PBS Deliberation Day,’ and CASE has the honor of being one of 17 national sites hosting this platform for civic dialogue about America and its role in the world on Sat 10/16 . If you would like to participate as a moderator or assistant call 368-5540. Visit the website to find roster of events and times. The George S. Dively Executive Education Building, 11240 Bellflower Rd. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/btp

Kirtan Hailed as a leader of the new American kirtan movement, Dave Stringer translates the ancient traditions of kirtan and yoga into inspiring and thoroughly modern participatory theatre, open to a multiplicity of interpretations. Kirtan is rooted in old Eastern traditions that uses the call and response singing of Sanskrit mantras accompanied by handclapping, finger cymbals and drumming; try it out Sun 10/17 at 7:30PM. Call 371-9760. 2728 Lancashire Rd. at the Unitarian Universalist Society. http://www.atmacenter.com

Needful Things: Recent Multiples show surveys limited editions produced within the past ten years by international artists, exploring some of the intellectually acknowledged, if psychologically surpressed, pleasures surrounding one’s relationship to art: the desire to possess, fetishize, objectify, and own. This inventive exhibition is now on view Sun 10/17 Call 421-7350. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. in University Circle. http://www.ClevelandArt.org

2004 Medical Innovation Summit New Technologies, New Therapies, New Economics joins together more than 800 industry leaders: top CEOs and clinicians will provide an overview and discuss highlights of new technologies, therapies and related economics on Mon 10/18 at 4PM, with more events taking place later in the day. Seats are limited, please register at 800-223-2273 ext. 45322. InterContinental Hotel and MBNA Conference Center on the main campus of The Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave. http://www.ClevelandClinic.org

Who Should Represent Northeast Ohio in the U.S. Congress? Candidates running for the U.S. Congress will debate current issues at The City Club of Cleveland. Janet Babin, commentator on WCPN, will moderate and audience memebers may ask the candidates questions about issues important to them on Mon 10/18 at noon. Call 621.0082. The City Club, 850 Euclid Ave. http://www.CityClub.org

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Enjoy a conversation with a writer Give yourself that opportunity by attending Cuyahoga County Public Library’s acclaimed Writers Center Stage in Playhouse Square at the Ohio Theatre. The 2004-2005 season opens next Tue 10/19 with satirist and New Yorker staff writer Calvin Trillin. Following on 11/16 will be Suzan-Lori Parks, who is not only a successful novelist, but a critically acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and songwriter as well. Ms. Parks, was also the recipient of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play Topdog/Underdog. This series offers not only stimulating presentations by the authors, but also the chance to converse with your favorite writer over dinner through enhanced ticket packages! More information on subscriptions, including benefactor, patron packages and single ticket sales are available by calling 216.749.9486. Individual tickets may also be purchased (after 10/15) at the Playhouse Square box office or through Tickets.com (fees apply). Cuyahoga County Public Library – providing your community open access to resources that inform, entertain and enrich. www.CuyahogaLibrary.org
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DJ Ben Vendetta @Capsule Hang out with local legend DJ Ben Vendetta, spinning selections of Daydream Nations newest CD, Bella Vendetta, along with Indie, Britpop, Madchester, Psych, Mod and Punk. Rock out with your sock out on bottled import beers and rippin’ Jager shots all night in a laid back setting every Tuesday, including this Tue 10/19 at 10PM-2AM. Capsule, 13376 Madison Ave. in Lakewood http://www.CapsuleBar.com Read the Cool Cleveland People interview with Ben Vendetta below.

Tuesday Design Salons Learn about new looks and Italian-style kitchen design for smaller spaces in the industry’s most innovative European kitchen cabinetry showroom from interior designer Deborah Antolino, who has designed some of the most luxurious kitchens in the area on Tue 10/19 at 10AM; no admission charge; space is limited. The Ohio Design Centre, Snaidero-Cleveland Showroom, 23533 Mercantile Rd. in Beachwood. Register at http://www.OhioDesignCentre.com

Ryze@Buzz Not your typical business networking, not your typical business networking venue. This month, the Ryze Cleveland Network is having their month mixer at Buzz Gallery. Ryze is a website that helps people connect and grow their network both online, and off with face to face mixers at places like Buzz Gallery. What’s cool about it? Buzz Gallery is an alternative to alternative galleries in Northeast Ohio. Focusing on both regional and local talent, Buzz Gallery showcases artists who are underground, under exposed, pushing boundaries, and breaking general artistic conventions. Come and join innovative artists and professionals Wed 10/20 from 6-9PM at 1836 West 25th St. in Ohio City. There’s no-charge parking in the lot behing MODA. http://clevelandevent.ryze.com

Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com

Cool Cleveland People
Ben Vendetta

Cool Cleveland: Why did you relocate to Cleveland? Where are you from originally?
Ben Vendetta: I just came here from Hollywood, but grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I also lived in Boston because my family lived there. I spent time in Ireland until I figured out what I wanted to do, which was music. I decided I had to learn more and got into the [music] industry, and on the side began writing about music during the mid ’90s. I was involved with record labels since 2001, and started Elephant Stone Records in 2002.
What kind of influence does Cleveland bring to your label?
The label has more bands of a certain genre. I put out 2 of 9 releases from Cleveland, but Elephant Stone’s bands are not limited by location and not related to location; I don’t want a regional focus. I’ve put out bands from all over, from the U.K. to Portland, Oregon.
Read the Cool Cleveland People interview of Ben Vendetta here

Cool Cleveland Preview
Groop Cries “UNKL” With Modern Jazz Beats

Former Clevelanders Josh Yellon and Gary Hoopengardner return to our fair shores with European bandmates Sebastian Merk and Kalle Kalima, as UNKL bring their modern jazz beats to the ARTcade in conjunction with Groop’s gallery opening for New York painter Doug Madill.

UNKL, an experimental Jazz quartet based in Berlin, Germany, combines modern Jazz, Rock, and Indian rhythmic elements into avant garde and progressive compositions known for odd meters and spontaneous interplay. Performing their music within the shifting parameters of quartet, trio, duo and solo, the band strives to challenge their own compositions and offer the listener new experiences.

Touching down in New York City, UNKL comes to Cleveland for a performance at the Groop gallery space and an after-opening gig (location to be revealed at the opening), before heading to Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. The band will then return to Europe for performances in Frankfurt and Berlin. UNKL has previously performed in several European venues, as well as in Japan, and has shared the stage with the legendary likes of Charlie Hunter and the Sun Ra Arkestra. The quartet’s version of John Coltrane’s Naima so impressed the dead jazz master’s wife, Alice Coltrane, that she gave the band her blessing for the track to be included on their first compact disc. UNKL’s latest recording, Stand, has been declared to possess “stark open-mindedness and fearless genre shifts” by All About Jazz.com, and promises to provide stimulating soundscapes for audiences worldwide.

Check out how it goes down on on Fri 10/15. Groop’s gallery space is located in Suite 41 of the ARTcade, 530 Euclid Avenue, in ecclectic downtown Cleveland. The opening reception for Madill’s paintings, featuring music by UNKL, is from 5 to 9 pm, Friday October 15th. Strongly recommended.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Daiv Whaley

Instant Karma
Quik 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

Amy Casey @ Dead Horse Gallery 10/10
For those of you who might be wondering, the horse isn’t dead. The recently resuscitated Dead Horse Gallery in Lakewood has been reopened for a worthy artistic cause: Amy Casey. This young, award-winning painter has created a fantastic collection of Cleveland’s urban landscapes with a whimsical approach. Creeping Through features imaginary species-less animals that depict the curiosity we feel when looking at the remnants of some of the city’s deserted industrial surroundings. A colorful and mystical observation of snapshots of the inner city, Casey’s work depicts an old, optimistic dream of industry once thriving, highlighted against the beauty of the quiet and weary remains. Using acrylic on canvas, Casey’s work provides a glimpse of our easily recognized, tranquil city streets without the usual landmarks or excess. Her show will be open at the Dead Horse Gallery Wednesdays through Saturdays until 10/30. Call 228-7214 or email sales@deadhorsegallery.com
from Cool Cleveland contributer TL Champion tlchampion@sbcglobal.net

Something Dada @ Cabaret Dada 10/9
It may be buried and underground, but it is well worth the walk. Cabaret Dada, an improvisational theater at the end of West 6th, provides Cleveland with huge laughs generated through audience interaction. If you leave without your stomach aching it’s your fault; Dada offers three shows per weekend, with a rotating cast of twelve different actors to change it up and keep each show different. Audience suggestions have fueled Dada shows since 1994 when the theater first opened, as actors play out a variety of skits, games, and scenes all based on the outrageous audience input. Topics are far reaching: politics, religion, and sex, German Silent Films, asthmatics performing skits about their lost inhalers, Don Juan jeopardy and a one-legged midget Martha Stewart at a mango-martini party. Additionally, Cabaret Dada offers improvisational workshops for the public, private parties, and is also the venue for The Cleveland Black Box Theater. It is a great place for Cleveland artists to develop, produce and present dramatic works to the Cleveland public. http://www.cabaretdada.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor DJ Hellerman DJ_Hellerman@yahoo.com

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 10/07
Butting up of seemingly unrelated events, that carry a common thread and over time create a beautiful whole, is the essence of a great Mahler symphony. And the success of a Mahler symphony comes down to the person that can carry the thread. Last week Franz Welser-Most was in high form in conducting Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor with the Cleveland Orchestra, mezzo-soprano soloist Nancy Maultby, the Women of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra’s Children’s Chorus (a crowded house). Mahler believed that the symphony was like a world in itself – he once told Sibelius that famous quote “Die Symphonie muss sein wie der Welt – es muss alles umfassen”. “The symphony must be like the world – it must embrace everything.” And that is what we got. The evening included the most delicate and beautiful of music, a march, music reaching near cacophony and everything in between. Of the many outstanding moments of the evening, the third movement contained a passage where the orchestra played beautifully hushed transparent music with an offstage posthorn solo. And the sixth movement opened with the most heavenly of music which Franz Welser-Most conducted so delicately with attention to detail. A Mahler symphony is an emotional experience. Though the emotional aspect of the music was ever present and inescapable, Franz Welser-Most conducted in a cooler maybe an almost modernist approach, holding back on the emotional reins which created its own tensions in itself. A memorable performance by all that were involved and all that attended. If only this symphony did reflect our world; that we could embrace.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Brian Schriefer briancpa@msn.com

Apollo’s Fire @ CMA’s Gartner Auditorium10/2
As a general rule, classical music concerts or performances are not sensual occasions by nature, although the effect on the audience may very well be just that. That was very much the general effect of the season opening concerts of Apollo’s Fire, led by their Music Director, Jeannette Sorrell. This particular event featured two members of the New York BaroqueDance Company: Catherine Turocy, founder and choreographer, along with Seth Williams, dancer. It was a wonderfully vibrant and visually splendid evening. The stage in Gartner Auditorium of the Cleveland Museum of Art (the scene of Saturday night’s performance— Friday’s had been in Akron, while Sunday’s would be in Rocky River) is an interesting configuration. It is rather wide but shallow, making vigorous dance somewhat interesting to stage. Apollo’s Fire solved the problem quite neatly: the orchestra itself took up stage right, leaving the center and stage left for the dancers. Even the beginning, however, was different from the usual: only trumpets and tympani were on stage. To the strains of a trumpet tune by Purcell performed by these few musicians, the strings and winds marched majestically to their appointed places on stage, followed by Ms. Sorrell. When all were in place, the program truly began…
Read the review of Apollo’s Fire here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On conservative creatives I would like to say a resounding Amen to Mike Costanzi’s letter on Republican art lovers and artists. As a passionate lifelong devotee of this wonderful city, and a very active participant in community-based musical theatre, I too have bristled a bit at the generalizing assumptions made by many contributors to this publication regarding conservatives. Several times I have almost hit the “Unsubscribe” button; however, my capacity for “tolerance” from a conservative viewpoint has become remarkably expanded over the years. Perhaps this ability to overlook such things is due to the fact this publication has been very supportive of the Near West Theatre, which is my first love and artistic home, and also because I truly care about the developmental and artistic news that this publication handles so remarkably. In addition to Mike’s well-stated email, I would like to add that I am of the opinion that if arts organizations are going to survive and thrive in this day and age, there must be an influx of “New Money.” I see the conservative community as an untapped resource for arts organizations to approach for funding, networking, volunteerism, energy and creativity. I would suggest a more sensitive and inclusive attitude toward us. Thank you, Mike for your courage. I hope that others in the creative conservative community will also feel energized and represented. And thank you Cleveland, for being the wonderful, encouraging, evolving, all-encompassing arts community that you are! I pray that we can all work together to keep it growing in these sadly divisive times.
from Cool Cleveland reader Sharron R. DeCosta sharron@gfhoch.com

On the demographics of Cuyahogans I recently received an email from a conservative friend who agreed with Mike Costanzi’s position that Cool Cleveland actively and unfairly mistreats its Republican readers. He stated, “it remains true that more than half of this country is” Republican. He continues, “You should attempt to address the entire community instead of just the Democratic minority. Realizing that the Cleveland community encompasses 7 counties with a population demographic of nearly 3 million, and the great majority of those are Republicans, should dissuade you from your current lean.” Mike couldn’t have been more wrong. In the 2000 Presidential Election, this is how the seven Greater Cleveland Counties voted: County: Demo / Repub
Cuyahoga: 357,351 / 191,253
Lake: 46,497 / 51,747
Geauga: 15,327 / 25,147
Summit: 119,759 / 96,712
Lorain: 59,809 / 47,957
Medina: 26,635 / 37,349
Portage: 31,446 / 28,271
Therefore, the total number of votes for Democrat Al Gore in 2000 was 656,824, and for Republican George W. Bush the number was 478,715. As a ratio, that provides 1.372056 Democrats per Republican in the seven county area of Greater Cleveland. Now Mike, I understand that you want to make a point, and I agree full-heartedly that the overt bias against Republicans must be turned down. However, your blatant disregard of the facts and statistics proves that you’ve surrounded yourself with a homogeneous group of people that does not truly represent the demographic of our area. The Cleveland area is a Democratic stronghold, and it still yields a wonderfully large mix of Republicans and Independents. We need to cherish the political, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity we have, because it stimulates public discourse, which is the basis of democracy. Yes, let’s reach out to Republican lovers of the arts – the only question remaining is “Why haven’t we done so?” But don’t ever make assumptions to prove your point, because it reflects poorly on you and your point, but even worse on the party you try to espouse. Note: I am a sophomore at Xavier University in Cincinnati, where I study Spanish and am in a new undergraduate program named “Philosophy, Politics, and the Public.” I was raised in the actual city of Cleveland my entire life, and I attended Cleveland schools like St. Ignatius. I love my hometown and state no matter how far away I may be.
from Cool Cleveland reader Edward L. Stockhausen estockhausen@adelphia.net

On the question of plurality in Cuyahoga I write in response to Mr. Costanzi, who said last week that “more than half of this country” and “the great majority of [northeast Ohio] are Republicans,” and wanted to point out that he’s factually wrong. In 2000, President Bush’s margin of victory over Mr. Gore in Ohio was only 165,019 votes, not counting ~ 117K voting for Nader. And nationwide, the popular vote favored the Democratic candidate by less than half a million votes. Both of those margins are less than the number of newly registered voters in Ohio alone, during the two weeks prior to last week’s registration deadline. And northeast Ohio doesn’t have a “great majority” of either major political party. While a significant majority of northeast Ohio’s elected county and municipal officials are Democrats, and northeast Ohio has voted for Democratic presidential candidates for decades, many Republicans serve northeast Ohio in the US Senate and House, and Ohio’s General Assembly. While it can be annoying to find a publication with interesting content that sometimes doesn’t match one’s political views, most publications take editorial positions on politics, and that’s something readers have to learn to deal with. It is unfortunate that Mr. Costanzi predicts “the demise of [a] wonderfully promising publication” simply because he perceives a Democratic bias; instead, let’s hope that it is Mr. Costanzi’s faulty perception that he is part of an overwhelming Republican majority that ends instead.
http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/states/ohiomaps.html from Cool Cleveland reader George Carr GCARR@gsfn.com

On creatively conserving our Republican readers Thanks for printing Mike Costanzi’s letter regarding “Republicans Reading Cool Cleveland.” I couldn’t agree with him more. I am a publicist in the arts representing both national and local Broadway touring productions. I am also a Democrat-turned-Republican that enjoys reading the weekly installments of Cool Cleveland (with the exception of the ultra liberal slant). I’m honestly quite disgusted with people looking at me like I have two heads when they find out I am not of the “left” persuasion (especially being in this business). It has gotten to the point where I simply change the subject rather than try to defend my beliefs – it’s not worth arguing or losing family/friends over this. I think you would be surprised however, at how many Republicans there are in the arts that simply aren’t as vocal as the Democrats. In this age of being overly “politically correct,” you should be more sensitive to both sides of the fence and perhaps you will maintain some of your readers who may also be feeling the same way. Thanks for listening.
from Cool Cleveland reader Laurie Korcuska, Entertainment Publicist, Korcuska Communications laurieinsolon@adelphia.net

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Corrections The 2002 Prick CD Ben Vendetta refers to in his review of Lucky Pierre’s ThinKing here is called The Wreckard, not Wayward.

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) A home in the city Live comfortably in the heart of the city. Lovely vintage two bath, four-bedroom colonial with two-car garage in the West Blvd. area. Cool Cleveland Classifieds A Home In The City

2) Big Box on W. 117th Street? Rysar Properties Inc. wants to bring a big-box shopping center at the West 117th Street interchange with Interstate 90. Uh-oh. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article.cms?articleId=38046

3) Coral buys Shaker Square Cleveland-based real estate developer The Coral Company has just added Shaker Square to its portfolio, the historic landmark. http://www.thecoralcompany.com/retailshakersquare.html

4) Cool Cleveland interview with Tracey Lind Trinity Cathedral is one of Cleveland’s oldest and most historic churches. Its Episcopal parish is headed by the civic-minded and openly gay Reverend Tracey Lind, a compassionate activist who serves as Trinity’s dean and senior clergy. Cool Cleveland Interview Tracy Lind

5) RoldoLINK on studying the rich, racist and greedy. Lets Study The Rich Racist And Greedy

Cleveland’s coolness theory Throwing money at the city isn’t improving our region like we hoped, but we’re hearing responses from all over that Cleveland needs a bolstering when it comes to its image. We don’t know if this is the real answer, but we’re ready to step up with Cleveland’s image improvement by turning the spotlight on the news and events that are pushing our city upward. We appreciate everyone who is supporting Cool Cleveland when making media & advertising choices; you’re enabling us to continue doing what we do best. Providing the masses with prime activities, interviews and news. Tip off others you know who want to be in-the-know and send them to our website; they’ll thank you for the hook up. Now, anyone can register for the e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have ’em send an e-mail to Signup@CoolCleveland.com

Stoke up your marketing Exposure is vital: in marketing, you need your company’s image out front. Now you can with the progressive CoolCleveland.com, reaching tens of thousands of readers directly. Check out how advertising through our permission based email subscriber list targets tens of thousands of our subscribers, who visit the links to our sponsors, and then forward the CC e-zine to more readers who are exposed to CC’s advertisers. Find out more by e-mailing us a note to Info@CoolCleveland.com and we’ll sit down and talk with you.

Hard Corps throw it down We’ve got people who are passionate about Cleveland, making the extra effort to get our city ramped up and on top of the game. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm of those dealing with our never-ending stream of events, personalities and email. Kudos to CC content afficionados Tisha Nemeth, Daiv Whaley, Deb Remington, Linda Eisenstein, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, TL Champion, Brian Schriefer and everyone who has a hand in CC. 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

Is Cleveland an elephant or a dinosaur?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com (:divend:)