Go Absentee

10.11-10.18.06

Go Absentee

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Travelogue West Side Market Meets Canadian Side of the St. Lawrence new!
* Issue 18 Success Stories Zygote Press
* Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile Bill Nemeth of Mirifex
* Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile David Lazor of Lazorpoint
* Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile Entrepreneur David Grampa
* Issue 18 Profile Tom Schorgl of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
* Cool Cleveland ArtsTech The expanding Cleveland Institute of Music
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Top Billin’ from The New Lou Reeds
* Cool Cleveland Preview Batsheva
* Cool Cleveland Preview Barcelona & Modernity
* Cool Cleveland Interview Kara Bilof of Peace Can Work & Fab Faux
* Cool Cleveland Eats Not-so-humble Turkey Sandwiches
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

They changed the law in Ohio, and now you don’t even need the lamest excuse to get an absentee ballot. In fact, with the debacle that is shaping up to be our County Board of Elections, it may be the only way you have a record of your vote. So we suggest getting your Form 11-A, and taking your good old time in filling out your ballot. In the meantime, check out the cornucopia we’ve prepared for your clicking pleasure: BizTech profiles with leaders of companies ranging from #51 on the Inc. 500 to a gaming startup; a couple of Issue 18 Profiles, with more good reasons to vote YES on 18 to raise money for arts and culture in Cuyahoga, one of this region’s finest and most precious resources; a new CD from Cleveland’s New Lou Reeds, CC Previews of Barcelona & Batsheva, and why Cleveland loves turkey sandwiches. Go absentee, but this weekend, we’ll see you out on the streets. –Thomas Mulready

Cool Cleveland Travelogue
West Side Market Meets Canadian Side of the St. Lawrence

Do you know what Cleveland has that Montréal and Québec City don’t have?

The West Side Market.

A young man from out of town entered the market a couple of weeks ago and exclaimed, “I feel like I just entered another country.” He was struck by the foreign languages and accented English, the tawny muscled arms of Mediterranean men and the proud, outspread arms and tilted heads of women indicating their baked goods. My children grew up in a Cleveland suburb and have always been fascinated by the Market. Going to the Market is an adventure. They look askance at whole raw fish and skinned pigs, but savor the apple fritters. Fresh lemon-pepper fettucini, key lime cheesecake, traditional hummus, and boxes of strawberries force us to make several trips to the car. They know it as the place their Hungarian grandparents bought the Hungarian sausage and poppy seed roll served at Christmas dinner. They love the high ornamented ceilings, the booths representing many family names and nationalities, the babble of many voices, and the crowding in the produce aisles.

I think they like it because it’s so different from going to the grocery in our suburban landscape. So this summer when we went to Ontario and Québec Provinces in the other country to our north, we wanted to check out the Old World markets in the British and French holdouts of the New World…

Ever wanted to be a travel writer? Think you’ve got what it takes? Then we want to hear from you. We are actively seeking sharp, colorful and insightful travelogues from your own excursions… with a Northeast Ohio twist or Cleveland connection, that is. Business travel, vacation, or subversive alternative travel is all welcome. We want to hear from you. Send your Cool Cleveland Travelogue pitch–a 1-2 paragraph treatment of your travel experience and why it’s cool for Clevelanders to read–and we might just print your essay. Send your treatments to peterATcoolcleveland.com (replace AT with “@” of course.)
Read the travelogue by Claudia J. Taller here

Issue 18 Success Stories
Zygote Press
Positive creative channels for the needy

Zygote Press has two strong but new programs that are developing each year that are extensions of our artZreach Program. We have worked with two underserved agencies that have zero programs for clients in secured facilities and are neglected from any type of creative outlets. These clients are from Community Assessment and Treatment Services (CATS) in the Broadway neighborhood of Cleveland and children from the Lorain County Detention Center in Elyria. We have received grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the George Gund Foundation in addition to receiving funding from our members for this and other outreach initiatives. Not only do we serve these clients on a weekly basis, bringing much needed access to the arts, but our teachers and facilitators get back enormous rewards for making these classes happen. It is imperative to show these people who have been devastated by drug and alcohol abuse and the children who have been imprisoned that positive creative channels exist. We exhibited their work at the end of the year at Zygote Press that also brought the clients there for a hands-on workshop to create fine art prints and to see their work in a professional gallery. It was amazing. They felt a level of satisfaction and pride seeing all the energy in the space that they created. The facilitators who helped with the project felt that we were truly broadening our own communication of art outward, beyond the confines of our studios and effectively making a difference in others people’s lives. With the passage of Issue 18, we hope to expand this program to other agencies, where our stable of Zygote artists will be able to extend their talents and expertise to people who have never had access to the arts.
Submitted by Liz Maugans, Zygote Press lizzyjohnATcomcast.net

To submit your success story in support of arts and culture levy Issue 18, send a note to Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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Need some Heightened Reality? Check out a spectacular exhibit of Robert Turner’s: Rare Places in a Rare Light opening Sat 10/14 at the Natural History Museum with fine-art photographs of wild, natural places. His large, detailed prints communicate the moods of rare moments he captured as he pursued the light on the land. The 43 color images depict landscapes across the country – from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Big Sur coast to the canyonlands of the Colorado Plateau, and the high Sierras to the hardwood forests of Maine. Turner will talk about the circumstances that produced many of the images featured in the exhibition and explain his inspiration in his Fri 11/3 presentation for the Explorer Series. For more info contact www.CMNH.org or 216.231.4600.
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Cool Cleveland NewsLINKS

  • NEO beers win Great Am. Beer Fest Congrats to Rocky River Brewing Company for winning a Silver in the Smoke-Flavored Beer Category with their Smokestack Porter, and a Bronze in the Baltic-Style Porter for their Neptune’s Nemesis. And kudos to Thirsty Dog Brewing of Independence-they grabbed a Bronze in the Imperial Stout race for their Siberian Night. http://www.BeerTown.org
  • Recycling guide We’re nutty about recycling and donating stuff we’re done with. You can nab the latest edition of the Cuyahoga County Sold Waste District’s Pass It On: A Resource-full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff, by clicking here.
  • ODOT selects boring bridge After promising Clevelanders an “iconic” bridge design (See ODOT responds, sorta here) for the $874 million Innerbelt revamp, Ohio Department of Transportation officials have selected a bridge design that mimics numerous others all around the country. Architecture critic Steve Litt bemoans the designs, as well as ODOT’s process, as “heading toward mediocrity.” We deserve better, especially since it is our tax money. Let’s try this again. We’ve suggested you send your thoughts to project director Craig Hebebrand Craig.Hebebrand@dot.state.oh.us, and ODOT chief Gordon Proctor Gordon.Proctor@dot.state.oh.us, and even Proctor’s boss Bob Taft Governor.Taft@das.state.oh.us. But since none of them seem to be listening, why don’t you send a note to Proctor’s new boss, either Ted Strickland info@TedStrickland.com or Ken Blackwell info@KenBlackwell.com. We’re confident that someone in State government will respond. Don’t forget to Cc: Cool Cleveland at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.
  • Oct is Arts & Humanities Month Celebrations nationwide and in Cle. More info: http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org. What can we do? Pass Issue 18, the Cuyahoga arts & culture levy, which would raise $200 million for the arts in our region. http://www.Issue18.org
  • Take the Eat Local Challenge Pledge to spend 10% of your weekly food budget on locally grown and locally made foods. Fresh, delicious and healthy. Also check the Harvest Guide, listing local farms, markets, artisan bakers and specialty foods, from the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy. Join the fun at http://www.CVCountryside.org or by calling 330.657.2178.

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Only One Week Left Wed 10/18 is “Arts Around Cuyahoga County” Day where dozens of arts and culture organizations from our region will be showing off how they make our community vibrant and unique. Every day more and more organizations are stepping up to participate in this one-day celebration of our arts and culture to highlight the vital need for Issue 18. For example, MOCA has free admission on the 18th and you’ll get an 18% discount off at ArtSpace Cleveland that day. Contact the Issue 18 Campaign at info@issue18.org or www.Issue18.org or 216.479.0555 to find out how you and/or your organization can take part!
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Cool Cleveland NewsLINKS

  • Cle makes Top 10 of underrated destinations According to Trip Advisor, most people have already seen Paris, London, NYC and SF. Here’s what they recommend next: 1) Melbourne, Australia, 2) San Jose, 3) Brussels, Belgium, 4) Albuquerque, 5) Bologna, Italy 6) Cleveland, 7) Edinburgh, Scotland, 8) Malaga, Spain, 9) Portland, ME, 10) Lisbon, Portugal. Read. If you’re a Cleveland attraction, you can upload your comp listing here: here.
  • Vote by mail It’s easier, and it’s cool. Download.
  • Cool Cleveland Kids Have the kids been working hard and doing well in school? Give ’em a reward! Take a hint from 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don’t have special software. If you’re a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids10.13.06.mp3. Add the CC Kids Podcast to iTunes using this link. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.
  • CIM’s new instrument Discover the marriage of technology and music in CIM’s new Fred A. Lennon Education Building on Fri 10/13 and Sat 10/14. See also Peter Chakerian’s feature under Cool Cleveland ArtsTech below. More.
  • Free Night of Theatre Fourteen local professional theaters are opening their doors for a no-cost night of live theater on Thu 10/19. Just make plans to attend a theater venue that you’ve never visited before and you’ll come away with a night that you won’t soon forget. Check participating theaters and make your reservations here while seats are still available.

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Flexible, Challenging, Effective Explore the Bachelor and Master Degrees offered by the College of Business at Cleveland State University. Our business programs are comprehensive, challenging, and global in orientation. Flexible scheduling options include daytime, evening and weekend classes offered at multiple locations throughout greater Cleveland. You’ll gain practical experience applying academic lessons to real business issues through our partnerships with businesses. Attend an informational open house on Tue 10/17, Wed 10/18 or Mon 10/30 to learn more about a Bachelor or Master degree in Accounting, Computer Science, International Business, Finance, Information Systems, Management and Labor Relations, Marketing, or Operations Management. Inquire about our Accelerated and Executive MBA option! Advisors will be on site to discuss degree requirements and to review your prior college work. Learn more at www.csuohio.edu/cba/coolcleveland or call 216.687.6925.
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Cool Cleveland NewsLINKS

  • CC KIDS Gingerbread House competition Create your very own gingerbread masterpiece for an opportunity to have it displayed at the Cleveland Botanical Garden during the “Gingerbread Dreams” show. Get details here.
  • GuitarMania wants your art Got a hot design in mind for the 2007 Summer and Fall display? Download application here.
  • Lkwd choir going to Carnegie Hall MidAmerica Productions in NYC invites Lakewood High School Symphonic Mixed Choir to perform in John Rutter’s Requiem on 5/6/2007. More.
  • Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland10.13.06.mp3. Add the CC Podcast to iTunes using this link. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

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Not Your Average Halloween Party: Fall for the Circle Celebrate Halloween the right way at the fourth annual Fall for the Circle celebration in University Circle Fri 10/13 and Sat 10/14 from 11AM to 4PM. Where else can you see 10-foot-tall scarecrows, Radio Disney, larger-than-life puppets, the best trick-or-treating in town, and participate in dozens of fun and spooky activities? Children and adults are encouraged to come dressed in costume to enjoy this fun and festive day on Wade Oval. Spend some time outside, sample some delicious Halloween treats, then head to your favorite Circle Institutions. For more information call 216-707-5033 or visit www.universitycircle.org.
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Cool Cleveland This Week

10.11-10.18

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

WED

  • In Jennifer’s Shoes Best-selling author Jennifer Weiner (book-gone-movie In Her Shoes) brings her charm and wit to Cleveland to discuss her books, personal experiences, sisterhood, family, and a woman’s search for a sense of self on Wed 10/11 at 11:30AM. Call 622-0920 or visit http://www.wcfcleveland.org for tix.
  • Chamber Music On Tap Enjoy a chamber performance by members of The Cleveland Orchestra, delicious food and the excellent beers of Great Lakes Brewing Co. on Wed 10/11 at 7PM. Call 231-7557 for reservations. http://www.workstudios.net/allegro-cmt.pdf.
  • Quit Staring at Me! Yes, this is your computer talking and YES, I’m talking to you through a paid advertisement in Cool Cleveland. It’s about time we talked . . . You sit in that chair and stare at me for hours at a time. Blink, for God’s sake! Then get up and DO some of the things you’re reading about in CC. Isn’t that why you subscribe? For the love of God, LIVE a little. To learn more about advertising in CC (and how to get your computer off your back), click here.

THU

  • HOT Get COSE with Dan Gilbert and Terry Jones COSE’s turns up the keynote speaker volume with the addition of Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Quicken Loans Inc. and majority owner of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and Terry Jones, Founder of Travelocity. Sixty-five breakout sessions; 55 exhibitor trade show; one-on-one counseling; learning labs and more. Diarize Thu 10/12 & Fri 10/13 beginning at 7:30AM then register online at here. I-X Center.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day Get behind the wheel of “alt-fuel” vehicles including those powered by E85, CNG, hybrid technology, electric batteries, biodiesel, fuel cells, and more during a one day, biennial, national event that showcases alternative fuel vehicles on Thu 10/12 from 11AM – 4PM at Ohio Technical College. www.NationalAFVDayOdyssey.org.
  • The Artists Speak Join artists Andrea Joki and Hui-Chu Ying on Thu 10/12 for an informal talk about their work and careers from 12PM in Bunts Auditorium (245 E. 90th) on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. Call 444-4235.
  • That’s So Gay! addresses Anti-Gay Harassment in Schools on Thu 10/12 from 1PM. CSU, University Center, Room 1. www.ACLUOhio.org.
  • HOT Design, Build, Transform: Artist & Constructor Collaboration Emerging public artists connect with fabricators and other experts that can help them break into the public art realm on Thu 10/12 at 5PM at McNulty’s Bier Markt (1948 West 25th St.) in Ohio City. Call 621-5330 or visit http://www.ClevelandPublicArt.org for more info.
  • Best of Cleveland Party Join Cleveland magazine for a party at the Rock Hall on Thu 10/12 at 7PM that will showcase some of the people, places and things that make this one extremely cool town. Call 771-2833 x149 or visit http://www.ClevelandMagazine.com/bestof for tickets.
  • HOT Batsheva Israel’s premiere contemporary dance company returns to Cleveland after 10 years with an energy-packed performance. To learn more, read the Cool Cleveland Preview below. Get tickets for the Thu 10/12 performance at 7:30PM at www.PlayhouseSquare.org.
  • HOT The Fighting Days Don’t miss a staged reading of the life story of Francis Marion Beynon, a Canadian journalist and political activist who spearheaded the Votes-for-Women movement during the early 1900’s on Thu 10/12 – Sun 10/22 at 7:30PM. See schedule at http://www.FeministTheatre.org/. Cleveland Arts Theater, 11619-23 Euclid Avenue.
  • Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 is on the menu along with works by Rossini (who penned the divine La Gazza Ladra) and Ginastera on Thu 10/12 and Sat 10/14 at 8PM. A work by Franz von Suppé will round out the Fri 10/13 concert at 11AM. Tickets.
  • HOT Burn This is a Lanford Wilson play about passion and how it can change two people who fall in love, inspiring them to experience life to the fullest. Show opens on Thu 10/12 at 8PM and runs through Sat 10/28. Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood. http://www.charenton.org/.
  • Apollo’s Fire A salute to Bach and Mozart from Thu 10/12– 15 in Akron, Cleveland Heights and Rocky River. Request a season brochure at 320-0012. http://www.ApollosFire.org.
  • Amorous Intentions Do you LOVE receiving your weekly CC newsletter? Did you know that our readership keeps growing because of people like you that forward it to friends? Feel the love and forward CC to someone today.

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Now is the Time to stand up for Issue 18! With less than 30 days left until Election Day, your activity and participation is more critical than ever. Cuyahoga County’s Arts & Culture assets have brought world-wide recognition and economic strength to our region for generations. Our music, art, theater, dance and museums are part of what makes this region so vibrant. Join the Issue 18 Campaign this Fri 10/13 at 8:30AM and find out how you can make a difference. The meeting will be held at the Cleveland Play House, Rehearsal room C at 8500 Euclid Avenue, enter by MOCA. RSVP to Erin Kaminski at ekaminski05@gmail.com, or 216-479-0555 and thank you all very much for your continued and enthusiastic support! The Issue 18 Team www.Issue18.org.
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FRI

  • Issue 18 organizing meeting Join arts and culture activists and rub shoulders with the best and brightest in the community, as they rally to get the word out on Issue 18, the arts and culture levy that would raise $200 million for Cuyahoga Arts. Fri 10/13 8:30AM Cleveland Play House. http://www.Issue18.org
  • HOT Jeff Chiplis and Kyle Bruckman See these artists on Fri 10/13 and Sat 10/14, respectively. www.MillerWeitzelGallery.com.
  • HOT Art Walk Northside Arts and Cultural District’s first Art Walk is on Fri 10/13 from 5 – 8PM. Enjoy an evening of art, entertainment, refreshments in Akron. http://www.DowntownAkron.com.
  • The Growth of Potential Attend the installation of a new public art by artist Koryn Rolstad on Fri 10/13 from 5:30 – 7:30PM. Refreshments served. www.csuohio.edu.
  • HOT Startup Ink @ The Future Center puts the spotlight on Cleveland’s subculture entrepreneurs. Show opens at CIA Future Center on Fri 10/13 at 6PM. Call 421-8071. www.cia.edu.
  • Foreign Affairs IX Work by Sandor Doro and Stephanie Busch, German printmakers, on display at Zygote Press’ new location 1410 E. 30th Street from Fri 10/13 at 6PM. http://www.ZygotePress.com.
  • Anytime After Now The latest show by all-media artist Kenn Louis features screen prints and wearable art inspired by punk rock, flowers and robots. Catch the show during Tremont ArtWalk on Fri 10/13 from 6 – 10PM and through November. http://www.BrandtGallery.org.
  • Tremont ArtWalk On Fri 10/13 beginning at 6PM, Joe Ayala, David Szekeres and others celebrate an early Halloween with Thirteen – The Unlucky Show at the Doubting Thomas Gallery located (856 Jefferson Avenue); Asterisk* features All the Kings Men IV, an on-going series of group shows. Tremont’s newest Gallery – Exit Gallery (2688 West 4th Street) features At a Distance From the Real – an installation of painterly objects by Laura Ott and much more. http://www.TremontArtWalk.org.
  • Wine Tasting Sample a Mediterranean Medley on Fri 10/13 at 7PM. Akron. http://www.StanHywet.org.
  • International Dance Festival Dance Workshops in Mambo, Swing and Argentine Tango with Eddie Torres, Joe & Alison Plys and Rebecca & Heriberto from Ohio from Fri 10/13 – 10/15. Open House Swing Social on Fri 10/13 at 7PM. Gala Sat 10/14 at 9PM featuring Sammy De Leon y su Orchestra. http://www.VivaDanceStudio.com.
  • “B”ware!: Bad Film Directors from the 50’s and beyond is a 10-week noncredit college course on Friday evenings, beginning Fri 10/13 at 7:30PM, that features films of the all-time worst directors of science fiction and horror. Call 987-3075 to register or e-mail greg.klayber@tri-c.edu.
  • Frozen The Bang and The Clatter Theatre Company presents the Bryony Lavery play beginning Fri 10/13 at 8PM at the Summit ArtSpace facility, 140 E. Market St. http://www.bnctheatre.com/.
  • Tremont Independent Film and Video Festival happens on Fri 10/13 and Sat 10/14 at 8PM at Pilgrim Church (2952 West 14th) during the Tremont ArtWalk. Check out the line-up of shorts and a feature at http://www.TremontIndependent.com/.

WCLVnotes There was freedom in the air on October 23, 1956, when Hungarian students began demonstrating against the Communist government. Storming the Hungarian Radio Station to broadcast their demands, the spontaneous Hungarian Revolution began. The Soviets quickly sent tanks and troops to crush the uprising, but time would reveal that the Hungarian Revolution really was the first serious crack in the Soviet system. Radio played an important part in the ’56 Revolution, just as it will play a part in the observance of the 50th anniversary of the rebellion. WCLV will honor the spirit of Hungary’s brave Freedom Fighters by broadcasting a “Hungarian Revolution 50th Anniversary Concert” live from Reinberger Hall Sun 10/22 at 7PM. The concert will feature soprano Charity Sunshine Tillemann-Dick, and that is one cool name! www.WCLV.com.

SAT

  • HOT Revive Cleveland Heights resident and IRTF activist Lisa Dunn opened the doors of Revive, a clothing store offering only fair trade or union made products on Sat 10/7. Attend the official Grand Opening on Sat 10/14 from 10AM to 5PM. http://www.ReviveStore.com.
  • Duck ‘N Dodge Relive carefree days on the playground when teams of 6-10 players duck ‘n dodge for cash prizes during a dodge ball tournament on Sat 10/14 from 10AM to 5PM. Enjoy food, drinks, music and giveaways. Register at http://www.duckndodge.com/cleveland; call 363-1125 or email nbarrie@clevelandsports.org. Valley View.
  • HOT My African Dream Catch Sogbety Diomonde and his West African drum and dance company; Halim El-Dabh; the Kent African Drum Community and Gypsy Soul and Star Kids Tribal Belly Dance Troupe on Sat 10/14. Activities kick off at 1PM; performance at 7:30PM. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. http://www.standingrock.net/.
  • CC KIDS Goblins in the Garden A spooky trick or treat trail; kids and dogs costume contests; Holden Puppets perform; animal chats, apples and cider, wagon rides, pumpkin painting and more on Sat 10/14 from 3 – 7PM. Just $5 per carload. http://www.HoldenArb.org.
  • Stunted Growth Attend the opening of the Elizabeth Maugans art exhibit in Peninsula on Sat 10/14 at 6PM. More at www.DayintheValley.com.
  • Esperanza’s 4th Annual Viva La Salsa Put some fire and spice in your weekend with live music, dancing, and a Salsa dance contest on Sat 10/14 from 7PM until midnight. I-X Center Ballroom. Call 877-714-7668. http://www.GrooveTickets.com.
  • Second Saturday Coffee HouseRecon: Hip Hop Poetry & Art; Caylen Payne: Folk and classical flute and Against You: a folk group perform on Sat 10/14 at 7PM. Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 326 E. 156th St. North Collinwood.
  • Keltic Legacy Enjoy mystical music from the Emerald Isle during a performance by Caroline and Michael Kilbane on Sat 10/14 at 7PM. Lakewood. www.lkwdpl.org.
  • Cleveland’s Coolest Clambake Enjoy 12 Little Neck Clams, herb chicken, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, field green salad, coleslaw, penne pasta with marinara sauce, a selection of desserts, complimentary beer, wine and cider plus great music, fun and festivities during an event to help Cleveland Land Trust continue creating permanently affordable homes on Sat 10/14 from 7PM. Call 431-1060 for info.
  • Fab Faux Rolling Stone calls them “the greatest Beatles band without the wigs,” featuring The Hogshead Horns and the Creme Tangerine Strings, playing late-era Beatles that even they never played live. http://www.PlayhouseSquare.org
  • Listing Tip of the Week Don’t keep it to yourself. Got a great event that you want lots of cool, progressive people to know about? Tell them. By listing your event right here in your friendly neighborhood e-zine. After all, pigs-in-a-blanket and your questionable cocktail creations are just sad when you’re all alone. Events@CoolCleveland.com.

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It’s Only Rock-n-Roll, But I Like It Oversize guitars will adorn our streets once again and United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum are seeking talented artists to submit their designs. The next GuitarMania® starts with this call out to artists and the Artists Jury will select designs to present to the GuitarMania sponsors for the Summer and Fall 2007 installation. Artists chosen by sponsors will develop their designs into the oversize guitars and be recognized in all public references to their guitars as well as through a permanent plaque attached to the guitar throughout the months of display. Design submission and application deadline is Fri 11/17. For more information and to download the application, go to www.cleveland.com/guitarmania/ or contact Dave Shriber at 216-436-2247 or dshriber@uws.org.
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SUN

  • Barcelona & Modernity – Where the Earth joins the Heavens Artists Picasso, Gaudí, Miró and Dalí, made their mark on Barcelona and were instrumental in her transformation from a city of provincial culture into one of the most dynamic centers of modernist art and architecture in Europe. The Cleveland Museum of Art and Museum Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, in Barcelona present this landmark exhibition running from Sun 10/15 through 1/7. To learn more, read the Cool Cleveland Preview below. www.ClevelandArt.org.
  • CC KIDS Fall Festival at Stan Hywett October is Fall Festival Month at Stan Hywet. Enjoy half-price admission on Sun 10/15. Call 330-315-3294 or visit www.StanHywet.org for more info.
  • CC KIDS The Magic of Music An interactive afternoon of classical music for parents and children on Sun 10/15 from 1PM. Woodmere. http://www.CHABAM.com.
  • CC KIDS Happy Birthday Holden Share ice cream, cake and 75 years of memories as Holden Arboretum celebrates its 75th anniversary on Sun 10/15 from 2 – 5PM. Kirtland. http://www.HoldenArb.org.
  • CC KIDS Octuba Festival A light-hearted program for tuba lovers of all ages on Sun 10/15 at 4PM, in Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St, Berea. For more information, call 440-826-2322. www.bw.edu.

MON

  • HOT The Perpetual Motion Roadshow Zinepunk Dave Fried, slam poet Elliot Harmon and singer/songwriter Ocho bring their unholy combination of a vaudevillian variety show and a punk rock tour to Mac’s Backs (1820 Coventry Road) on Mon 10/16 at 7PM. http://www.MacsBacks.com.

TUE

  • Global Outlook for US Exports Are you focusing on the right export markets? Join speaker Michael Weidokal on Tue 10/17 at 7:30AM at the World Trade Center Cleveland. Call 363-5447 for info.
  • A Vision for the Warehouse District Developer Bob Stark will discuss his proposed 21-acre development to transform Downtown Cleveland and the Warehouse District with 1 million sq ft of new street-level retail and 6 million sq ft of new mixed residential and office space on Tue 10/17 at 4PM. Call 523-7330. Register.
  • HOT E4S with Joel Makower E4S presents “the guru of green business practices” on Tue 10/17 at 5:30PM. Visit www.GCBL.org for more information.
  • Professional women’s networking event Enjoy networking and inspirational speakers while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments, plus dinner, with other professional women on Tue 10/17 at 6PM. Call 440-684-1646. Beachwood. http://www.abwa.org.

WED

  • Small Business Mastery Do you want: more control, more money, more fun, and faster, better results from your business? Attend this complimentary seminar on Wed 10/18 at 7AM in Akron or attend via the internet. Register at www.YourBusinessCoach.net.
  • HOT CC KIDS Arts and Culture Day Cuyahoga County’s stellar arts community comes together for one slam-bang day or culture, all over town. Bring out the family, and join the celebration, as we prepare to pass Issue 18, the arts and culture levy which will raise $20 million a year for the best things in Cuyahoga County. http://www.Issue18.org.
  • Is Your Career a Fashion Victim? Learn how to use your wardrobe as a valuable tool to move ahead in your life and career and look fabulous every day on Wed 10/18 at 6PM. Call 440-521-1912. http://www.KKImageDesign.com.

THU

  • HOT Free Night of Theater On Thu 10/19 Clevelanders are invited to attend a show at a participating theater they have never attended before and admission is on the house. Visit www.ClevelandTheater.com for a list of theaters.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Tech:Cleveland

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

BizTechEVENTS

  • COSE Small Business Conference 60 workshops Thu 10/12-13 I-X Center Register
  • Business to Business Expo Rocky River Chamber Thu 10/12 Register
  • Entrepreneur Networking Night hosted by Corporate College at HOB Fri 10/13 6-8PM
  • E4S w/Joel Makower, “the guru of green business practices,” Tue 10/17 Register
  • A Vision for the Warehouse District Bob Stark’s 21-acre development plans Tue 10/17 4-6PM Register
  • Building an Advanced Energy Industry in NEO forum at CSU Urban Affairs, Wed 10/18 4-6PM Register

BizTechNEWS

  • Brulant buys eMergent Marketing B’wood web dev firm buys B’wood SEO shop. Read.
  • PR Newswire consolidates in Cle Adds 100 jobs on full floor of Penton Bldg Read.
  • Fair Trade in Cleve Hts Revive offers only fair trade or union made gear. Grand Opening on Sat 10/14 from 10AM-5PM. http://www.ReviveStore.com.
  • Chrysalis Ventures of Louisville opens office in Cle with VC for health care & media Read
  • Charter One tops SBA loans with 700 loans totaling $34 million. Read

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
It’s Ice, ICE, Baby, at the University of Akron on Tue 10/24. Experience a research consortium of industry/university leaders in the Instruments, Controls & Electronics industries, a.k.a. Ohio “ICE”. Join 100+ attendees and experience sessions that will focus largely on sensors, covering such technical subjects as Novel Control Algorithms, Packaging Sensor Devices, Networking and Communication, Sensor Systems Diagnostics, Architectures for Sensor Systems, Innovative interfaces to Sensor Devices and Performance Evaluation of Sensor Systems. Speakers include Joe Keithley, Keithley Instruments, Dr. Luis Proenza, University of Akron, Dr. Frank Samuel, Science and Technology Advisor to Governor Taft, Paul McManamon, Chief Scientist, Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, Fred Discenzo and Ken Hall of Rockwell, Bob Schmidt of Cleveland Medical Devices, and Fred Lisy from Orbital Research. The Beta Strategy Group www.BetaGroup.us is a proud sponsor of ICE and a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech. For more info go to www.ohio-ice.org or call 216-687-6950.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile
Bill Nemeth
Mirifex
Movies Behind the Scenes

Bill Nemeth’s Mirifex sits atop the Weatherhead 100 and ranked as the 51st fastest-growing privately held company in the US according to the Inc. 500. With 216 employees at their offices in Chicago, Columbus, and their HQ in Strongsville, and 1374% growth in the past 3 years, Mirifex is a 21st Century success story that much of Cleveland seems to be overlooking when discussing our dire straits. Unless you’re in the tech community, of course, where Mirifex are superstars. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready chatted with CEO Bill Nemeth at the recent CEO Forum, and they discussed Mirifex’s corporate focus, their stunning growth, and where Cleveland goes from here. http://www.Mirifex.com

WATCH THE MOVIE Mirifex CEO Bill Nemeth

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Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile
David Lazor
Lazorpoint
Movies Behind the Scenes

David Lazor knows that not every company can provide their own IT department, so Lazorpoint acts as a “single point of contact” for all a company’s tech needs. After stints at EDS and Intel, Lazor set about creating an IT support firm that went on to be included in the Weatherhead 100 for 2004 and 2005. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready spoke with David about his business, his experience at the CEO Forum and about leadership in Cleveland. http://www.Lazorpoint.com

WATCH THE MOVIE David Laser of Laser Point

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Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile
David Grampa
Movies Behind the Scenes

What would make you want to quit graduate school at Case Western Reserve University? Maybe if your startup was going so well that you figured this was your best shot. Everything began coming together when David Grampa started developing proprietary voice communications for gamers, so folks who are playing games on their computers can talk to each other while they play. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready spoke with David about how they won a business plan competition, and how close they are to launching their new software, and how desperate they are to hire new employees.

WATCH THE MOVIE Entrepreneur David Grampa

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Think your company should be profiled in our BizTech Profiles? Send us your URL and reasons to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Emissions from the blogsphere
One look at Laura’s vet bill and you’ll see why pet insurance isn’t a bad idea. Mel has plenty of reasons to hate MySpace. So far, Jill has posted 27 reasons to vote against Issue 3. Lou is seething because the CPD shut down the church. Norm Roulet thinks the reason we’re getting “such poor planning and architecture is that the citizens of this region are apathetic.” Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, then add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Issue 18 Profile
Tom Schorgl
Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
Movies Behind the Scenes

Tom Schorgl has been waiting 8 years for this election. His group, Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, was created 8 years ago to produce research (we used CPAC’s research when we started the Ingenuity Festival), and to advocate for public funding for the arts in Cuyahoga County, the largest region in the country currently without public funding. He huddled with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready to talk about the need for public funding for the arts, to explain the cigarette tax that will raise $200 million for the arts in Cuyahoga, and how the arts are a “magnet” for economic development. http://www.Issue18.org

WATCH THE MOVIE Tom Schorgl, president and CEO of Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

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Cool Cleveland ArtsTech
Cleveland Institute of Music: On the Cutting Edge
with Distance Learning and Expansion

“If you close those doors over there and sit quietly, you can almost hear your own blood flowing,” offers Mark George, Director of Distance Learning at the Cleveland Institute of Music. “It’s a magical thing.”

We are walking through CIM’s Fred A. Lennon Education Building with Susan Schwartz, the CIM Marketing and Communications Director, all three of us enveloped in the first phase completed in school’s incredible $40 million expansion–nearly 10 years in the making from seed to blossom…
Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Top Billin’
The New Lou Reeds
Exit Stencil Recordings

In 1988, Brooklyn, New York rappers Audio Two dropped the anthem “Top Billin,’” with lyrics about Gizmo (unconfirmed whether it’s a friend or the infamous Gremlin) and bodyguards galore. Eighteen years later, the genre is completely different and the caws are about mashed potatoes, and poverty as Top Billin’ returns remolded with untarnished blues riffs and Stephe DK on vocals and guitar. The New Lou Reeds have no ties to the forgotten rappers…it’s just fun to reminisce as their sophomore album (only 529.3 megabytes) is released to the public. Top Billin’ is a jaunt, sorta like riding your Huffy from Ohio City to Collinwood. Quick and easy to digest like Ma’s stew, it’s easily one of the best albums to come out of Cleveland this year.

Kicking off the pedal fest is “Lookin’ for a Boogaloo,” an infectious five-minute groove about the elusive Boogaloo, who may very well be Denise Dufala. Lost in Lake Erie, perhaps, are the fuzzy sounds of 2003’s debut Screwed as the following track, “Michael Jones,” features extended smooth axe playing from Stephe DK, and Edward Sotelo on bass.

The Count Five would be proud as the trend continues on with “Captain America,” and “Small Town Blues.” While the band sounds crisper, the lyrics reach a climax with the Black Key-ish “Poverty Stinks.” Maybe inspired by Cleveland’s own struggles, the bluesy song points a finger to the hellish conditions and mental insecurities that are associated with having no money: Your whole world is just three blocks wide/You’re the bottom feeders, never see the sunlight/And you’re down on the ground and you got no way out/So take your medicine and drink till you drown.

Ending the journey, the band channels The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and The Flying Burrito Brothers (in the Gram Parsons years), as fellow hometown boys the Dreadful Yawns join them for the folk country hybrid “Beautiful Women #2.” Stephe DK has never sounded so sincere and it’s a fitting capper to what the band dubs the ‘sophomore slump’ album. In this case, leave it to the professional athletes from Cleveland to succumb to the slump–The New Lou Reeds can look forward to the junior jinx.

The New Lou Reeds play at Parish Hall Monday, October 23 celebrating the release of Top Billin’ . Visit Parish Hall at http://www.millerweitzelgallery.com/index.html. For more information on New Lou Reeds, visit http://www.exitstencilrecordings.com, NLR’s MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/thenewloureeds, and http://www.newloureeds.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Francis X. Bova III fxbova3ATmsn.com

Cool Cleveland Preview
Batsheva: Israel’s Premiere Contemporary Dance Company

A self-described “compact and dynamic” organization, Batsheva was founded in 1964 by Martha Graham and Baroness Batsheva De Rothschild. The international dance company is made up of dancers from Israel and abroad, with over 200 performances a year in Israel and on tour under their collective belt. Their signature work has drawn critical acclaim and enabled Batsheva to emerge as preeminent cultural role models in Israel. And they’re headed our way.

Batsheva launches its 2006 American Fall Tour on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30PM at Playhouse Square. It’s a one-night-only affair, their first in Cleveland in over a decade. The troupe will perform Deca Dance, an eclectic showcase for artistic director Ohad Naharin’s choreographic vision. An Israel Prize award winner for cultural contribution, Naharin is no stranger to great artistic heights: he studied with Martha Graham at Julliard.

Word of warning: The program has adult content and features nudity.

Batsheva is presented at Playhouse Square Center’s Palace Theatre by DANCECleveland, the Jewish Community Center of Cleveland (JCC) and Cuyahoga Community College Performing Arts. DANCECleveland season subscriptions, which include the compelling Batsheva performance, are available by calling 440-914-0744, or by visiting http://www.dancecleveland.org. Group rates are subject to discount–call the JCC of Cleveland at 593-6258 for more information.

And yes, single tickets are available. They’re liable to go quickly, so act fast: http://www.playhousesquare.org/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1156

Visit www.jccc.net , as well as the troupe’s website at http://www.batsheva.co.il/site for more information. (You’ll notice they’re performing another work, Mamootot, in Columbus the following week. Should definitely be worth the road trip as well.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Preview
Barcelona & Modernity

We usually write about dance, not art, but when we heard about Cleveland Museum of Art’s “Barcelona & Modernity” it sounded so interesting we decided to go to the press luncheon. Not that we knew much about Barcelona the city. A highly unscientific survey of well-traveled friends and a Google search gave us pictures of buildings by Antoni Gaudií and other practitioners of modernisme. During further research we learned about rationalist architecture in Barcelona by members of GATCPAC (Group of Catalan Architects and Technicians for the Progress of Contemporary Architecture). But the picture of Barcelona that emerged most frequently was one of decorative tiles covering, it seemed, every little apartment building and house in riotous colored curves. During the press luncheon slides were shown of works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró and Gaudí; all the big names, but Curator Bill Robinson promised a show that would provide a deeper context by showing works of less well-known painters as well, such as Isidre Nonell, whose portraits of the poor prefigured Picasso’s Blue Period. Both men were among the many who frequented the important Barcelona artists’ café, 4 Gats (4 Cats)…
Read the preview by Victor Lucas and Elsa Johnson here

Cool Cleveland Interview
Kara Bilof
Peace Can Work & Fab Faux
Movies Behind the Scenes

Kara Bilof has been busy in Cleveland. Her Peace Can Work sculpture, assisted by Clevelander architect Robert Maschke, built from 6100 cans of food at Tower City Center, will be donated to Cleveland’s St. Augustine’s Hunger Center. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready tracked Kara down on John Lennon’s birthday, and they discussed how this sculpture celebrates the Cleveland kick off of a tour by Beatles supergroup The Fab Faux, made up of members of Letterman’s & Conan’s bands, that Rolling Stone calls “the greatest Beatle’s cover band without the wigs,” this Sat 10/14 at Playhouse Square, to benefit Circle of Life. For 40% off, use discount code “RHF”. http://www.livestockbenefits.com Order tix here.

WATCH THE MOVIE Kara Bilof

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Cool Cleveland Eats
Not-so-humble Turkey Sandwiches

Ah, the turkey sandwich – it’s a workhorse of a meal, and likely a big part of what keeps the human engines of America up and running. After all, your mom probably packed them in your school lunches, and chances are, if you brown-bag it you still make them for yourself.

So what does it take to elevate this humble lunchbox staple from merely utilitarian to fabulous? It takes the very same forces that can, over time, convert a sooty lump of coal into a precious diamond – namely, heat and pressure. The best bits of bird on bread in Cleveland get to be so darned tasty with liberal exposure to a grill, or better yet – a panini press – the inclusion of a few gourmet extras doesn’t hurt either.

One case in point is the shaved turkey sandwich at the Warehouse District’s Waterstreet Grill. Crammed between two slices of hearty marbled rye, this sandwich virtually explodes with tasty fillings, including carmelized onions and apples, blue cheese and spinach, making for a delicious counterpoint between sweet and savory. Sided with Waterstreet’s awesome homemade potato chips, it’s should be enough food for two, but it’s difficult to find someone willing to share it. Make sure you ask for extra napkins, because the shaved turkey is a sandwich that refuses to acknowledge the boundaries of bread.

Diners on the go and hungry grocery shoppers looking for a quick sandwich fix at a supermarket café could scarcely do better than the turkey and Gruyere panini at the many area Heinen’s markets. The sandwich artists behind the prepared foods counter take thinly-sliced turkey, top it with roasted red peppers and Gruyere cheese – the full-bodied, earthier cousin of simple Swiss, and press it on a ciabatta bun shmeared with a tangy olive tapenade. The result is crunchy, creamy and utterly satisfying. While I’ve packed one up to take home a few times, usually I seek the instant gratification of gobbling it up in the market’s pleasant dining area.

La Bodega in Tremont has so many turkey sandwich options you could eat a different one every day for nearly two weeks, but for my money, the go-to item on the tiny café’s extensive menu of salads and sandwiches is the enormous Southwest turkey sub. This spicy slab of goodness comes topped with bell and jalapeno peppers, jack cheese, tomato, onion, hot sauce and a blend of Cajun herbs and spices. The whole affair is stacked into a “bun” the size of a small loaf of bread that is then pressed and grilled to crispy perfection. I take mine without the bacon that is supposed to come on it, and don’t miss it a bit. Side this behemoth with a container of one of La Bodega’s pasta or potato salads, and you have a generous meal for two – or two meals for yourself.

Did we miss out on your favorite flavorful take on a turkey sandwich? Write to letters@coolcleveland.com and tell us about it.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Leslie Basalla lbasalla77ATmsn.com

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

The eShow premiere @ Tri-C UTC 10/4

Denise Reading, the president of Tri-C’s Corporate College, is quite a storyteller. At the inaugural live taping of their new show, The eShow, broadcast on Cox Ch 71 & Time Warner Adelphia Ch 24, program manager Brad Kleinman introduced Reading to a live audience in the studios at Tri-C Metro and she kicked off a riveting half-hour with a reading from Dr. Seuss. Her message to would-be entrepreneurs? You must have the following: conviction and courage of your vision, you must be the one to take all responsibility, you gotta own it, and: opportunity favors the prepared mind. Tri-C’s new Corporate College certainly seems prepared to assist those starting businesses in this region, not only with course and resources, but also some upcoming events: a Networking Night at the House of Blues Fri 10/13 from 6-8PM (Register), Entrepreneur Workshops in Nov & Dec (Info), and upcoming entrepreneurship courses in October: (Register).

Techonomic Talk @ Halle Bldg 10/05

Featuring panelists Case CIO Lev Gonick, City of Cle Tech Czar Michael DeAloia, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, and NorTech’s Dorothy Baunach, this event, subtitled “Voices of the Future” got a little tense at times, and probably provided a good basis for where we are, and where we’re headed as a region vis a vis technology and economic development. Gonick offered his visionary scan of new technology (Internet 2.0, Wi-Fi mesh), Baunach offered NorTech’s well-considered plan for linking to Cle’s assets (materials, polymers and other advanced manufacturing assets), and DeAloia touted the entrepreneurial tech firms filling the Idea Center. Provocative and educational, you can watch the webcast on your computer by clicking here (requires registration).

Opera Cleveland Gala @ Allen Theater 10/6 Peter Rubin, president of the board of trustees of the new Opera Cleveland, promised an era of ‘music worth watching’ as he introduced the new company in their First Night Gala, celebrating the first presentation by the fledgling company. He delivered on his promise, big-time!

When the curtain went up, it revealed an attractive stage setting, containing the Opera Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, with an abstract sort of backdrop that seemed (without changing position at all, but only through wonderfully evocative lighting) to become a Viking ship or clouds in the sky or a wintry scene and even a star-spangled, red-white-and-blue background. Joseph Colaneri, a conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, was on the podium, keeping a sure and steady hand on the musical proceedings.

Mr. Rubin introduced the legendary operatic baritone (no stranger to Cleveland, he!) Sherrill Milnes who served as host and raconteur for the evening, as well as taking up the baton at one point in the second half of the program, providing the maestro a brief opportunity to sit and catch his breath. Mr. Milnes is also a vice president on the board of the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, and all the young artists who performed have received awards or career assistance from the foundation.

If these young artists are any indication, the future of opera in America is in good hands and voices. Three or four of the eleven singers are closer to their main stage debut than the others, but all of them will be there in the near future.

The soloists were sopranos Carolyn Betty, Sarah Coburn and Gianna Corbisiero, mezzo-sopranos Jennifer Holloway and Laura Vlasak Nolan; tenors Dimitri Pittas and Victor Ryan Robertson; baritones Quinn Kelsey and Timothy Mix; and basses Christian Van Horn and Jordan Bisch.

Following a rousing rendition of the Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmilla by Glinka, the music greatly resembled a ‘greatest hits’ of the operatic stage, including solos, duos and ensembles of varying sizes. The chorus had its own time to shine in Verdi’s Va pensiero! from Nabucco. Among the audience favorites were Doll Song from Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann, in which Ms. Coburn exhibited some unusual automaton-like movements, Una furtiva lagrima from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore by Mr. Pittas, and Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix from Samson et Dalila of Saint-Saëns by Ms. Nolan. One could also not fail to notice the acting ability of Mr. Robertson every time he was on stage!

The finale was the exceedingly appropriate and enthusiastic Make Our Garden Grow from Bernstein’s Candide, which incorporated all the singers, the chorus and orchestra.

The 2007 Debut Season opens with Strauss’ Salome April 20-28. Lisa Lindstrom, who was a magnificent Turandot last year will sing the title role. For tickets and/or other information, visit the web-site: http://www.operacleveland.com or call 216-575-0903.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Beer Garden @ Holden Arboretum 10/7 Okay, it was a brewfest and I didn’t drink a single beer. So how, you ask, am I capable of reviewing Holden Arboretum’s Beer Garden, which took place Saturday afternoon? Starting with the obvious, no matter what takes place at Holden, the best part is always the scenery. In fact, you don’t need an event, just a good pair of walking shoes, an inclination to breathe fresh, clean air and the desire to experience over 3,500 acres of display gardens and nature trails. Throw in the spectacular setting of a beautiful northeast Ohio autumn day and the hep cats of Blue Lunch playing their foot thumpin’ mix of R&B heard anywhere you wandered on the nature trails, and you’ve got a slice of my kind of heaven. If you’ve never been out to Holden Arboretum, now is the time to go. The colors are fantastic and will only last another three to four weeks. From Cool Cleveland correspondent T.L. Champion

Red {an orchestra) @ Masonic Auditorium 10/8 Being rather new to Cleveland, I’m not always aware of what it is that makes Cleveland “Cool,” but I experienced one of the reasons Sunday when I attended a concert by Red { an orchestra }. Red, led by the seemingly too young Jonathan Sheffer, is a professional and forward looking orchestra that took me for an enjoyable romp through time following a trail heading for Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. The show began with Credo in Us written in 1942 by John Cage and was my first experience in listening to a “prepared” piano. Cage, a composer, was a pioneer in experimenting in the sampling of other music in his musical compositions, which Credo contained. We were then treated to the resonantly rich sound of Fantasia on an Ostinato by John Corigliano. While Fantasia actually called for more musicians than Red had to offer, the orchestra was definitely up to the task. Finally, to tie it all together, Red took us through four movements of Beethoven’s 7th, and it was fantastic from start to finish. Red is a must see for those of us that love classical music and want to hear more than just the standard fare. Stay tuned for info on their next gig in February: The Importance of Being Zappa. From Cool Cleveland correspondent Doug Morris

Red {an orchestra) @ Masonic Auditorium 10/8 While there will be those persons who think that Beethoven is already assembled quite well, thank you (although to be sure, he really isn’t at this particular point in time) others, possessed of open minds and ears, were treated to different approaches to that composer’s great Symphony No. 7 in A, Opus 92, Sunday afternoon. Bold and sassy Red {an orchestra} under the direction of its music director Jonathan Sheffer opened its fifth season with yet another innovative look at music that is nearly 200 years old, but seen through more modern eyes—and ears.

Almost total contemporaries, John Cage (1912-1992) and Elliott Carter (1908-) were the enfants terrible of the mid-20th century in American classical music. Although they are anathema to many concert-goers, time has brought wisdom regarding the listening to and understanding of. their compositions. Cage, in particular, thought well outside the box. His Credo in Us dates from 1942, and was created for the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

Cage used a recording of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, but we hear it in a fragmented version as background for a prepared piano and two percussionists playing instruments created by their performers: tin cans in varying sizes and shapes, rubber mats, a doorbell (I think) etc. Through it all, wisps of the original Beethoven (on a CD recording) worked their way through the myriad rhythms and sounds created by the multi-talented and hard-working musicians: Elizabeth DeMio, piano, Alex Cohen and George Kiteley, percussion. Mr. Sheffer managed the computer on which the recording resided, while adroitly keeping the live music functioning well, also.

John Corigliano is one of this country’s most performed contemporary composers. And why not? His music is accessible and appealing, whether chamber, solo, or orchestral in nature. His Fantasia on an Ostinato began life as a piece for the Van Cliburn Competition, but was later orchestrated. Using a smidgen of the second movement of Beethoven’s 7th symphony as his base, he twists and turns it, repeats, and possibly even turns it upside down and inside out, but always one can hear either the original Beethoven excerpt or its influence in the kaleidoscopic effect as rendered by Corigliano. Fascinating.

When the actual—straightforward—Seventh Symphony is presented, then, following these two sort-of preludes, we can rapidly recognize themes and rhythms from the original. This was a gorgeous performance, muscular yet transparent, propulsive but delicate. The horns battled occasional gremlins in the early minutes, but after that, it was all triumph! The winds and brasses were terrific throughout, and the strings silvery, shimmery or bitey, as required.

The smaller than normal audience for a concert by Red {an orchestra} responded appropriately with a well-deserved standing ovation for musicians and conductor.

The season continues with performances on February 16-17 (The Importance of Being Zappa) and April 14 and 15, featuring music composed by music director Jonathan Sheffer. For tickets and/or other information, visit the web-site: http://www.redanorchestra.org or call 216.361.1733.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Thinking Outside The Books @ CH-UH Main Library Libraries are heavily-populated by books. Of all kinds. Some libraries also house works of art. It isn’t too often, however, that the books themselves become art. Make that Art.

Two months ago I reviewed a new CD by Gene Epstein, titled Gene’s Jazz Hot. It’s a delightful compilation of mostly old favorites in swinging new renditions by a very polished jazz trio with songstress. The review mentioned that Gene is a graphic designer, but here is solid evidence of yet a different form of artistic expression.

Working with perhaps a dozen books—old and new—that had been discarded by libraries, Gene obviously spent hours, perhaps days—carefully and creatively folding the pages in such a way as to create something entirely unexpected. Each ‘new’ piece of book-art in this exhibit is folded in a different way, utilizing whatever already exists on the page to create a new and sometimes whimsical optical treat.

The exhibit (sponsored by Loganberry Books on Larchmere) is scheduled to remain at the top of the stairs on the second floor of the new Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library on Lee Road, through the month of October. You shouldn’t miss it. For information about library hours, visit the web-site: http://www.heightslibrary.org or call 216.932-3600.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On gambling in Ohio Destination gambling locals like Las Vegas, Baden-Baden, and Monte Carlo make money for their region and their citizens. Gambling that does not draw gamblers from regions outside of the community, only take from the community. This is known within the gambling business and local governments with experience. Local gambling only takes from its citizens, since only its citizens will spend in these places. Monaco does not allow their citizens to gamble in Monte Carlo. There is less economic growth and the community suffers with the non-destination gambling that is being proposed in Cleveland. Gambling that takes from within the region itself, results in less money for home improvements, investment, big-ticket items (such as homes, automobiles, washers and dryers), and value-added entertainment. A word to our city leaders and citizens… request the studies of our neighboring state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.
from Cool Cleveland reader Dr. Donald C. Shingler DSchinglerATaol.com

On Cool Cleveland BizTech Profile videos That interview (here) is the very best thing that has happened for FUTURE to date. I feel like I’m driving into the winners circle, dude. Great stuff. (I love when Bro, DeAloia flashs the peace sign.) Best!
from Cool Cleveland reader David Allen Moss, Director, FUTURE: Center for Design and Technology Transfer dmossATcia.edu

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Cool Cleveland People Jason Therrien of thunder::tech.
www.CoolCleveland.com.

2) Cool Cleveland Eats Curry by Peter Chakerian.
www.CoolCleveland.com.

3) Cool Cleveland Interview Joe Cimperman.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Signs of Life on Planet Cleveland Rethinking Cowtown by David Budin.
www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Issue 18 Profile John Farina of the Beck Center.
www.CoolCleveland.com

It’s cool to be an Absentee In this new age, just because you’re absent doesn’t mean you’re not present and accounted for. Your vote counts and you can make a difference, even when you are hundreds or thousands of miles away. All it takes is a little planning beforehand, and you really can change the world. That’s the anthem, so get those hands up. Many thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Elsa Johnson, Victor Lucas, Doug Morris, Leslie Basalla, Claudia J. Taller, Francis X. Bova III, Liz Maugans, Kelly Ferjutz and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

Did you get your absentee ballot yet?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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