Hot

Hot

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Night Out at Blossom Sat 7/9: get your lo-price tix before midnight 6/30 here
* Cool Cleveland Interview Rob Arnold of Chimaira by Pete Chakerian
* RoldoLINK suggests Non-Profit Leaders Find Charities Profitable
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here
* Cool Cleveland Sounds review of The Human Heart by The North Coast Men’s Chorus
* Cool Cleveland podcast click here and Cool Cleveland blog click here

Cool Cleveland Interview
Rob Arnold of Chimaira
By Pete Chakerian

Rob Arnold sounds relieved. Tired, but relieved. Formed in 1998, the lineup of his Cleveland-based hardcore rock act has been tearing up the hardcore instruction manual ever since. Chimaira (pronounced kim-ear-uh) consists of guitarists Arnold and Matt DeVries, singer Mark Hunter, bassist Jim LaMarca, electronic specialist Chris Spicuzza and new drummer Kevin Talley. The band’s blend of hardcore and metal (with some select electronic edges) was a huge hit in Cleveland. Rumblings from music industry insiders were felt almost immediately and the band signed to Roadrunner Records and released two discs, supported with non-stop touring, including dates with In Flames, Slayer and appearances at Ozzy Osbourne’s “Ozzfest 2003,” including an upcoming tour stop at the Scene Pavilion for “Sounds of the Underground 2005” featuring fellow metallic giants Lamb of God, Clutch, GWAR, Opeth and From Autumn to Ashes this Tues 7/5. Ticket info here.

Cool Cleveland: Cleveland’s music scene was pretty strong in the mid to late ’90s and it appears to be picking up again over the last few years. Both Chimaira and Mushroomhead have stepped into the national arena. Who do you see locally as a potential heavyweight these days?

Rob Arnold: Strictly around Cleveland? There are quite a few bands… though I definitely see Shenoah going on to do big things. [Former Chimaira co-founder Jason] Hager and those guys, man…they’re doing well and they’ve got a hell of a lot of heart. They’re usually down in the practice space that we share, doing their thing every night. I really think they are going to push forward.

How do you think the scene compares now? What advice would you offer to bands in Cleveland trying to “build their union,” to coin your phrase?

It’s hard to say. I look at things now with a completely different perspective. When I was younger, I looked at shows so much differently. With bands like Integrity and One Life Crew, I just went to see them and to rock out. I was never really thinking of their gear and crew and that technical side of things. I just loved the shows and was really just there for the music. As for your other question, it really comes down to bare bones hard work. And that’s it…
Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Rob Arnold by Pete Chakerian here

CC Party @ Blossom for $1.50!

Picture this: you, your friends, complimentary wines and Great Lakes beer, tasty fromage treats and DJ Anonymous spinning grooves at a pre-concert Cool Cleveland party right inside Blossom’s main gate. Now think about getting that whole party for only $1.50! This awesome party is the next big Cool Cleveland Night Out at Blossom Music Center with the one and only Cleveland Orchestra on Sat 7/9. The party kicks off at 6PM and is a prelude to an enchanting evening of classical music including the unbeatable Cleveland Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. Order by midnight Thu 6/30 here, and you’ll get lawn seats and the party for $1.50 over the price of a lawn ticket alone! Click here.

Enhance the mood with a variety of delicious frozen and specialty drinks at the cash bar. The concert begins at 8PM with Cuban-born pianist, Horacio Gutierrez, an American citizen who studied at the Julliard School, performing the overture to Rimsky-Korsakov’s May Night, a tale of two young lovers. The program concludes with Tchaikovsky’s emotional and stirring Fourth Symphony. Parking is complimentary, up close and personal, with a mere walk over the bridge into Blossom’s main gates where the party begins. Bring your ID to drink. More info here. Make the most of a beautiful summer evening and great company; bring your own lawn chairs, Frisbees and other comforts (Corkscrew required) and join us center stage at Blossom. For the best price possible, sign up your friends for tickets here.

Buy before midnight Thu 6/30 and you’ll get all this: the wine, the beer, the appetizers, a lawn ticket and the CC party for practically the same price as a regular lawn ticket alone! Spend a magical evening with Cleveland Orchestra, enjoy quality time with your friends, and get to know Cleveland’s hippest young professionals. What a deal! Click here for the best price for this event, and before next week’s inevitable price increase.
http://www.coolcleveland.com/tickets/nightoutsix

Will Regionalism benefit African-Americans? Observers of the concept of Regionalism (and you know those of us at Cool Cleveland are) soon realize that two key issues stand in its way: suburban residents who don’t want to face the problems of the city, especially the Cleveland Municipal School District; and urban residents, mainly black, who don’t want to give up their majority political base. More than 100 business and political leaders gathered last Sat 6/24 at the Warrensville Heights Civic and Senior Center for a summit on Regionalism and its effects on the African-American community. Several speakers from across the country shared their views and experience with Regionalism and its impact on their communities at the summit. The event was sponsored by Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, who senses the critical nature of this conundrum. A major concern was the need to address political leaders’ apprehension about relinquishing a power base that they have struggled long and hard to achieve and residents’ fear of a possible “uni-government”. Read the article here and find out why everyone needs to learn more about Regionalism. What barriers might prevent the African-American community from embracing Regionalism? Share your thoughts at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Port wants Whiskey The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority offered $6.4 million to Cuyahoga County in the latest installment of the ongoing Whiskey Island saga this past Friday. The plan is to expand on half of the property while giving the other half to Cleveland for a park. Alas, there is a fly in the ointment and it has taken the form of a bridge. Deed restrictions require the repair of a bridge which runs over the railroad tracks leading to the property. While the port wants Cleveland to assume the responsibility for this $2 million project, Mayor Jane Campbell said no dice in a letter sent to Commissioner Jimmy Dimora on Friday afternoon. Read the story here. Your thoughts on Whiskey Island? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland Kids Cleveland can be a really cool town for kids. With fun places like the Science Center, the Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the University Circle institutions, there’s no reason for you and your cool kids to be bored this summer. Click here. Now Cool Cleveland is coming to the rescue. Check below under Cool Cleveland This Week for the CC KIDS tag on family-friendly events, and mark your calendar for kid-style fun. Then click on our Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast here to listen (right on your computer) to 9-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready as he offers his kid picks of the best family-style events of the week. Just click here and listen right on your computer! No special software needed! If you have an iPod or MP3 player, all the better: you can download the podcast and listen anywhere. Summer is really heating up for all our Cool Cleveland Kids! Click here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids07.01.05.mp3

Does Cleveland attract immigrants? Seems the huddling masses of immigrants entering the US for the past 30 years have decided to take a pass on Cleveland. While we are quick to point out our immigrant heritage and quaint neighborhoods, the truth is less than 5% of our population was born abroad. A sluggish economy, limited resources to help immigrants assimilate into their new culture and a rep for having less than open arms has caused immigrants to opt for greener pastures elsewhere. Why should we care? The immigrant population in cities like Chicago and Boston have stimulated the reverse of decades of population loss and helped revitalize decaying urban neighborhoods. Read the story here. Could new blood help stimulate our economy? What initiatives are needed to encourage immigrants to settle here? Send your thoughts to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

CSU names first tech transfer officer Cleveland State University appointed native Clevelander, Joseph W. Jasper, Jr. to the position of Technology Transfer Officer, the first position of its kind at the University. Fostering joint partnerships in research and development between CSU and all outside institutions will be top job on Jasper’s list. Such collaborations will help commercialize technology that can have a positive impact on our region’s economy. The $31 million+ awarded to the institution for research last year greatly increases their potential for commercialization in the areas of aerospace, molecular medicine, health sciences and urban economic development. Read the news here.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Live, Work, Love, Loft Alter your lifestyle with a newly renovated loft at the Payne Avenue Lofts, located at E. 37th and Payne. These buildings feature stylish, live/work condominiums in Cleveland’s newest loft district. Features include large, open floor plans, 1,300-2,000+ sq ft, huge new windows, 12-14 foot ceilings, exposed brick, state-of-the-art HVAC, hardwood floors, modern kitchens with birch cabinetry and much more. Located in an historic, renovated warehouse building, you’ll be just minutes from downtown! Plus, you can save money with special financing and 12 year tax abatement. These exciting live/work condos are priced from $129,900 – $199,900 which can make your own loft dream a reality. For a complete list of open houses this weekend, please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Meet Me On The Mall Architect Daniel Burham’s 1903 Group Plan for Cleveland has influenced three generations of designers and builders inspired by his plans for broad Malls in Downtown Cleveland, referencing his own work on Washington D.C.’s malls, San Francisco’s Civic Center, and Chicago’s Lakefront parks. Now ParkWorks is hosting Meet Me On The Mall, a series of complimentary lunchtime and afterwork soirees featuring some of the best Cleveland music, films and special events. This Fri 7/1 at noon, check out Robin Stone at Mall C, and on Thu 7/7, catch Spiderman 2 on Mall B at dusk. The series continues with Blue Lunch on 8/5 and Whiskey Island Ramblers on 9/2 on Mall C at noon, and E.T. on 8/11 and Finding Neverland on 9/8 on Mall B at dusk. Wed 8/10 features CPT’s S.T.E.P. performers at noon & 6PM on Mall C, and check out the Brain Gain “Not Your Daddy’s Cleveland” on Thu 7/28 on Mall B at 6PM. Now that’s more like it! See www.ParkWorks.org.

Avenue District blooms Cleveland developer Nathan Zaremba intends to place townhouses and midrise apartment buildings where three large, city-owned parking lots currently sit. In a $150 million project called “The Avenue District” the developer will work with Cleveland architect Paul Volpe to build 423 condos, townhouses, coffee shops and galleries along East 12th and East 13th streets near Superior and St. Clair avenues. Learn more about the proposed project and the colorful history of the current sites in Steven Litt’s PD article here. Zaremba’s and Wolstein’s projects will help boost the current Downtown residential population. Is this a further move in the right direction for Downtown? Share your thoughts at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Looking for ways to impress your clients? Here’s the scenario: You have a new client in your office that you want to impress with a hot, new concept for their public relations campaign. Or you have an established client that is tired of the same old, same old. What do you do? Mix it up by offering them an Internet-savvy option: CoolCleveland.com. Why do clients advertise with Cool Cleveland? Because we deliver results: “Thanks for the opportunity to sponsor the Cool Cleveland newsletter. We had a great response at our EcoVillage open house: More people came from Cool Cleveland than the Scene, Plain Dealer and Gay People’s Chronicle COMBINED!” –David Sharkey, President of Progressive Urban Real Estate. Contact Info@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising and sponsorship.

BP Bldg sold The premier 45-story office building was recently acquired by a Virginia real estate company based in Norfolk, Harbor Group International LLC. A joint statement by the new owners and Chicago-based Equity Office Properties Trust, the sellers of the BP building, is expected this week. Harbor Group has been deemed “a quality buyer” and currently owns more than $1 billion worth of property, including 11 million square feet of office, retail and multifamily property in 14 U.S. states and abroad. Among its current holdings is the 27-story PNC Center in Cincinnati. Learn more about the new owners, revisit the history of the BP Tower and find out what other office gem is for sale here.

REI neutered? Some sources are reporting that Ed Morrison, the executive director for The Center for Regional Economic Issues (REI) at Case has quit (see his Cool Cleveland interview here), and the university has taken down REI’s website http://weatherhead.cwru.edu/rei. But Cool Cleveland’s information officer George Nemeth talked with Morrison, who has a different story. Quoted here Morrison, says “The open source economic development I was doing threatened the agenda of certain people downtown”. Morrison’s open source techniques engaged and influenced many economic development enthusiasts in the region with it’s insistence on transparency, trust, and grass-roots accessibility, as opposed to the old-boy, backroom, top-down approach. You can read Ed Morrison’s statement on his EDPro Blog here. See Crain’s here

Summer In The City at the Rock Hall The Summer in the City concert series returns to the Rock Hall on select Wednesdays in July & August. Gather up your friends and camp outside of the Rock Hall in Key Plaza to hear great music without even pulling your wallet out, until you hit the cash bar, of course. There will also be food available for purchase at the events. The six-week summer series kicks off on Wed 7/13 from 6-9PM with Marky Ramone and Friends and the Vacancies. See the entire schedule at www.RockHall.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Experience Non-Stop Summerfest Entertainment at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds on Sat 7/2 and Sun 7/3 from noon to midnight (both days). Check out over 50 bands (Rock, Country, Blues, Reggae, Latin, Disco, Big Band and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra) and Northeastern Ohio’s largest and most extraordinary fireworks display. Prices are low so you can bring the whole family! Enjoy lots of delicious food and chill at the rock-n-roll movie theater or the full service bar with ice cold beer, liquor and vodka slushy drinks. Entertainment in the children’s area. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 36 inches tall. Toddlers in strollers are free. For more info contact www.Summerfest05.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Orchestra receives $3 million The substantial gift from the Cleveland Foundation will be used to both promote educational programs like the annual July 4th Public Square concert and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day performance and to help our internationally famed orchestra start to dig out of $7.4 million in accumulated budget shortfalls over the past several years. The situation of our prestigious orchestra is critical, but not fatal, as very similar problems were for our beleaguered Cleveland San Jose Ballet a few years back. A campaign to raise funds to resolve the debt will be announced after the orchestra’s board meets in July. Read the Plain Dealer article here. Got ideas on how we could better parlay our world-class status to put our orchestra in the black? Send them to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Who needs critics? Ever had a movie or concert that you thoroughly enjoyed trashed by a critic? Whether your next move was to discount the critic or to question your own judgment, Ted Diadiun’s article in the PD will strike a chord. Read the article here. He attempts to smooth the feathers of champions of our beloved Cleveland Orchestra up in arms over Classical Music Critic Don Rosenberg’s article last week questioning Musical Director, Franz Welser-Möst’s performance. Read Rosenberg’s comments here . Do we really need someone to tell us what to think, or do critics serve a greater purpose? Send your comments to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Call for Ingenuity Art/Tech Artist team from Northeast Ohio, you are invited to submit proposals for ingenious exhibitions or installations that fuse the expression of art with the progression of technology. Three to five artists or artist teams will be selected to exhibit their proposed work within storefront spaces in the Colonial ARTcade during Ingenuity and through the month of September 2005. Each selected artist/artist team will receive an honorarium of at least $500. Proposals are due Sun 7/10. Send a one-page outline of the proposed project and appropriate supporting visual materials on disk (jpeg or pdf), or on a 30″ x 40″ presentation board to: 530 Euclid, Suite 43, Cleveland, OH 44115. Artists selected by the jurors will be notified by 7/29. For detailed information, contact ArtPower@Yahoo.com

“Say YES!” goes to Silicon Valley SayYES! to Cleveland, an organization whose goal is to bring current and former Clevelanders together, support start-ups and encourage successful non-residents to consider starting their next venture or expansion in our city, is going to Silicon Valley. The economic development conference in Palo Alto, California from Sep 22-24 is designed to attract investment in our region. The organization is currently offering 5 entrepreneurial companies the opportunity to present their business plans before a roomful of venture capitalists and other successful investors. Download the application here and send it to SayYes! no later than Fri 7/15. Visit http://www.YesCleveland.org/ for more info or call 776-6172.

Give our robot a name, get tix Block out the Labor Day weekend for Ingenuity, Cleveland’s first Ingenuity Festival of Art & Technology, featuring over 80 teams of Cleveland artists and some awe-inspiring art-tech collaborations. Conjure up a name for our mascot and robot here), send it to us, and get two complimentary tix to Ingenuity, co-directed by Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, and CPT’s James Levin, even if we don’t use your name. Send your suggested names to: Info@CoolCleveland.com. And make plans to stay in Cleveland for Labor Day.

Housing prices fall Soaring house prices have given a major boost to the global economy, but what happens when the bottom falls out? Newspapers across the country have considered the implications of the housing bubble bursting. Prices have already begun their dismal dissent in Australia and Britain and many experts feel America is only about a year behind. Learn more about the trends that have led to the current precarious situation and its possible effects in The Economist here and here.

Equal Earning Opportunities? An increasing number of women have broken gender barriers and taken their place in fields and positions that were formerly strictly “Old Boys Network” territory. While we celebrate these achievements we realize that there is still much work to be done. A recent article summarizing the top money makers in professional sports brings to light two facts: professional players make an obscene amount of money in comparison to the rest of us, and women are still getting the shaft. Check out the article here . Will women ever earn salaries comparable to their male counterparts? Send your thoughts to Letters@CoolCleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Do You Wish You Could Just Get Away From it All? Check out the Galleria at Erieview’s “Summer Courtyard Concert” series during your lunch hour. Enjoy outdoor patio dining from Café Sausalito or purchase your lunch in the food court and bring it outside while grooving to the tunes. Chill with a friend and experience a midday getaway that will make your afternoon dance away. Here’s the month of July’s lineup in entertainment happening every Friday lunch hour at 11:30 – 1:30PM (weather permitting): 7/1 – Troubadours of Divine Bliss; 7/8 – The Steve Cipriano Band; 7/15 – Walkin Cane; 7/22 – The Steve Cipriano Band; 7/29 – The JiMiller Band. Contact 216-861-4343 or www.galleriaaterieview.com
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cleveland will Findaway In a move that will give Audible.com and makers of audiobooks on cassette and CD some serious competition, Findaway World LLC, a Chagrin Falls startup will begin offering major titles in time for the holiday seasons. The innovative company has designed a device called a Playaway; a digital player about the size of an iPod that is already preloaded with an audiobook, making a separate listening device completely unnecessary. Learn more about this cool Cleveland product designed in conjunction with IDEO of California that will take the already $800 million per year audiobook industry by storm http://www.PlayawayDigital.com

Lakewood Observer hits streets Even if you don’t live in this inner-ring burg, you’d find the new Lakewood Observer smart, compelling and professional. With articles more interesting than they should be on Lakewood schools, City Hall, restaurants, a series “Lakewood on the Threshold” (on sustainable economic development and the attributes of a livable community), the new Lakewood Alive citizen development group, updates from the YMCA & the Lakewood Library, a feature on how Julie Hutchinson bought the Lakewood Phoenix Coffee Shop for one dollar, and plenty of photos, you’ll want to read it cover to cover. Publisher Jim O’Bryan plans to distribute 20K copies, and the 20-page inaugural edition is available now at area locations. Enjoy. http://www.LakewoodObserver.com.

Nominate a Bioregional Hero EcoCity Cleveland is collecting nominations for their 2005 Bioregional Hero Awards. Know an individual or organization whose been working to improve the long-term quality of life in Northeast Ohio by balancing environmental integrity, social justice, and economic prosperity? Then send an email to david@EcoCityCleveland.org. See last year’s winners here. http://www.EcoCityCleveland.org.

Your invite to the CC weblog Rapidly, within the past couple of weeks, Cool Cleveland’s new blog has become one of the most interesting ones out there commenting on the local scene. Started by CC correspondent Peter Chakerian to document his nightly visits to the recent CMJ/Rock Hall Music Fest, the blog has continued with a laser focus on the coolest things to do in Cleveland: planning them, doing them, and then blogging on them. When even the PD is quoting your blog, you know something’s up. See PDQ here. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, then click on the blog to add your own comments, questions and attitude.

Cool Cleveland This Week
6.29-7.06

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Sokolowski Fundraiser Enjoy an evening of great food, fine art and treasured collectibles on Wed 6/29 from 5-8PM in support of the Sokolowski Family as they nurse their 24-year old son Bernie III, who fell victim to a hit-skip driver in the Italian countryside, back to health. Local Tremont restaurateurs, friends and neighbors have joined together to raise money for the family. Fahrenheit, Fat Cats, Lolita’s, Sage, Southside and Theory will all be serving up their gourmet specialties. Sample the excellent fare and purchase fine art, sports collectibles and more. Call 771-9236 for tix. Sokolowski’s University Inn, 1201 University Road, Tremont.

Raise the Minimum Wage Senator John Edwards will be joined by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), Campaign for a New Ohio, Cleveland AFL-CIO, Let Justice Roll Coalition, Ohio SEIU, Cleveland Jobs with Justice and other faith, labor and community allies on Thu 6/30 at 12PM to kick of the Ohio Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage. Hear from Senator Edwards, State Senator CJ Prentiss, Cleveland AFL-CIO Executive Secretary John Ryan, National Council of Churches General Secretary, Bob Edgar and others to find out why this is such a key issue for our region. Call 973-0210 or email ohacorncv@acorn.org to RSVP or get carpooling info. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue http://www.acorn.org

A Midsummer Night’s Dream In the mood for a lively, cabaret version of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy over smooth, rich, French Press coffee and delicious deserts? Join Cleveland Shakespeare Festival and the Phoenix Coffee Company on Thu 6/30 at 7:30PM for a repeat of this entertaining event which completely sold out last year. Call 932-8227 for info. Phoenix Coffee, 2287 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts http://www.PhoenixCoffee.com

Slang, Slurs & Derogatory Words How do you view yourself? How do other ethnic groups view you? How do we overcome stereotypes and eliminate internal baggage within American Society? How do we establish positive psychological change within ourselves and a permanent basis for respect for each other? These and several other questions will present themselves during Julius M. Lyles III’s controversial yet sensitive exhibit that raises consciousness and evokes debate. Preview the exhibit at http://www.InternalBaggageProject.org. Attend the opening reception on Fri 7/1 from 5-7PM for the exhibit which runs through Fri 7/15. Call 371-1861 for info. Cleveland State University Art Gallery, 2307 Chester Avenue

CC KIDS Summer in the Courtyard Most of the galleries may be closed, but isn’t this a wonderful way to spend a beautiful afternoon. Hang out at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s tranquil courtyard (while you still can) all summer long on Wednesday and Friday evenings, meet some interesting people, and bring the kids. A full complement of beverages, wines and delicious foods will be available. This week, Cool Cleveland faves Cats On Holiday hit the courtyard stage on Fri 7/1 at 5:30PM. Call 421-7340 or see the site here. Cleveland Museum of Art Courtyard, 11150 East Boulevard.

The Moody Blues will hit town on Fri 7/1 at 7:30PM. The classic rockers broke ground with their album Days of Future Passed when it was released in 1966. The innovative album remained on the Billboard charts for two years. Join them and see why their style has been emulated, but can never be duplicated. Call 574-2525 or click here for tix. Tower City Amphitheater, 1887 W. Third Street

GroundWorks Dancetheater will present a mixed program with new selections from their dynamic repertory on Fri 7/1 & Sat 7/2 at 7:30PM and Sun 7/3 at 2PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com. Call 371-3000 for info. Alma Theater, Cain Park, Cleveland Heights www.GroundWorksDance.org

CC KIDS Summerfest 2005 Here’s your chance to experience over 50 bands of all styles: Rock, Country, Blues, Reggae, Latin, Disco, Big Band and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Plus, the kids will scream for Northeastern Ohio’s largest and most extraordinary fireworks display. Prices are low so you can bring the whole family! Other attractions include a rock-n-roll movie theater, a children’s area with entertainment, lots of delicious food, a full service bar with ice cold beer, liquor and vodka slushy drinks. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 36 inches tall. Toddlers in strollers are free. Bring the whole family for non-stop Summerfest entertainment at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds on Sat 7/2 and Sun 7/3 from noon to midnight (both days). www.Summerfest05.com

Previously Owned Art Does your art collection need a boost but your wallet has other ideas? Check out this “previously owned” art auction and art/poster sale on Sat 7/2 from 10AM-12PM. There will be approximately 65 pieces for auction and 60 pieces available for direct purchase. Take a peek here. Do your décor some good while benefiting the Berea Arts Fest, to be held on Sun 9/11. Call 310-5004. Parkway Shop Commons, W.Bridge off of Prospect, Berea

ArtsPlymouth Plymouth Church, UCC is hosting a community event on Sat 7/2 from 10AM-12PM. Hal Wyant’s Trans-African Rhythms in Jazz will provide music so gather up the lawn chairs and bring your family out for the “Collectible Day and Grill Fest.” Call 921-3510 x34 for more info. Get directions here. North Union Farmer’s Market, Shaker Square http://www.PlymouthChurchUcc.org

CC KIDS Whistle Pull The distinctive voices of Great Lakes freighters, tugs and passenger vessels from the age of steam will be heard once again this July 4th weekend. Antique steam whistles, on loan from regional collections, will be demonstrated at the 12th Annual Whistle Pull in Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor Sat 7/2 through Mon 7/4 from 12:15-4:14PM. Call 574-6262. Steamship William G. Mather Museum, 1001 East 9th Street Pier http://www.WGMather.org

CIA Film Memorabilia Sale The Cleveland Cinematheque at The Cleveland Institute of Art is giving movie lovers an opportunity to own old film books, brochures, calendars and anything related to film for extremely cheap prices. They’ve cleaned the joint up and are looking for new homes for these beloved treasures. You can visit the box office during one of their shows to see the goods. Their retrospective of producer, screenwriter and actor, Orson Welles, one of the most revered figures in cinema, is a great opportunity to stop in. Hall of Mirrors: The Films of Orson Welles runs from Sat 7/2 through Sun 8/28. The Cleveland Cinematheque at The Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Boulevard www.cia.edu

WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 will celebrate the July 4th weekend with special programming that will include a live broadcast of the Blossom Festival Band from Blossom Music Center on Sat 7/2 at 8PM. Loras John Schissel conducts a varied program with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, a medley of selections by Richard Rogers, marches by Goldman and Sousa, and, concluding the concert, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” You’ll have another chance to savor the famous overture on Tues 7/5 when WCLV broadcasts The Cleveland Orchestra’s Public Square Concert live, beginning at 9PM. On the fourth at 1PM, WCLV presents a Cincinnati Pops “July 4th Spectacular” hosted by Pops conductor Erich Kunzel. And Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be devoted to WCLV’s annual American Music Festival including music by such composers as George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Ferde Grofe, John Adams and Edward MacDowell. Details of WCLV’s programming can be found at www.WCLV.com a Cool Cleveland partner.

DIY Concert Hear 17 bands each day at this event on Sat 7/2 and Sun 7/3 from 1PM-2AM during a day of high energy, intensely provocative music, cheap pool, bowling, food and beer. The Flukes (Medina), Volcanos Awake (Sheffield Lake), Fearless Leader (Cleveland), Hope Kills (Cleveland), Betamen of Judea (Cleveland) and Rather Honey (Kent) are but a few of the local performers. Billed as an “all ages” concert several of the band names are sure to make you blush. Email starvationarmyzine@yahoo.com for a full band list and pricing info. Mahall’s 20 Lanes, 13200 Madison Avenue, Lakewood

Celebrate America Join the world-class Blossom Festival Band for a star-spangled salute to America on Sat 7/2 – Mon 7/4 at 8PM. A program of family favorites will be conducted by Loras John Schissel that will include Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait, Sousa marches and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, of course, all broadcast live on WCLV 104.9FM. There will also be a salute to the armed forces. Call 231-1111 for ticket info. Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls www.ClevelandOrchestra.com

StarLoft.com Event Pat’s in the Flats will be the scene of progressive indie music and melodic pop and rock from local talent Pilots & Passengers, Return of Simple, The Minimum Requirements, and The Company Line on Sat 7/2 at this show for the 21 & over set. See http://www.StarLoft.com for info. Pat’s in the Flats, 2233 West 3rd www.PatsInTheFlats.com

Foluké Cultural Arts Center Ms. Danita Harris of WEWS-TV5 will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the Scholarship Benefit/Dinner Dance and Silent Auction on Sun 7/3 from 3-8:30PM. This evening of fine food, ballet, and music will raise funds to allow FCAC to expand its programming in order to serve more at-risk youth in the Cleveland Area. Call 432-3772 or e-mail at ask@folukeculturalarts.com for tickets. Ivy’s Catering at GreenMont, 800 S. Green Rd, South Euclid www.FolukeCulturalArts.com

Art on the Move Revisit the colorful past of Cleveland’s Parade the Circle and Winter Lights Lantern Festival through Janet Century’s photographic Celebration of the Creative Spirit on display through Labor Day at Tommy’s. The artist, who has worked in Little Italy for the past 20 years, has a passion for community and her prints evoke the same feeling in viewers. Attend the artist reception on Mon 7/4 from 4-6PM, between the parade and fireworks, and learn more about the accomplished photographer and what she plans to do next. Call 721-4501 or email Janet@JanetCentury.com for info. Tommy’s, 1824 Coventry Road

Tuesday Evening Front Porch Concerts This series of complimentary concerts offers an opportunity to enjoy eclectic summer musical fare that the entire family can digest without nibbling at your wallet. The Tue 7/5 concert will showcase The Al Fresco Experience playing piano jazz, pop tune deconstructions, and new takes on old standards. The family band Minus One will open at 6:30PM. Bring your own lawn chairs or use theirs. Call 440-871-4140 for info. See the full schedule at www.SkylineMusic.com. Skyline Music, 27010 Center Ridge Road, Westlake

CC KIDS Star-Spangled Spectacular Don’t miss this 16th annual affair as “the best band in the land” treats the citizens of Cleveland to a complimentary concert in celebration of Independence Day complete with fireworks on Tue 7/5 at 9PM. The festivities kick off with a pre-concert festival featuring a broad range of musical performances by several regional artists that will begin at 4PM, all broadcast live on WCLV 104.9FM and WCPN 90.3FM. Call 231-7300. Bring your family for this Cleveland tradition on Public Square, conducted by Cleveland Orchestra Musical Director Franz Welser-Möst. www.ClevelandOrchestra.com

Wade Oval Wednesdays What could be better in Cleveland? Museums around Wade Oval are staying open late every Wednesday all summer long, no-charge concerts, great food and drink and the unbeatable ambience of University Circle. This Wed 7/6 enjoy PANIC Steel Band at noon and Hillbilly Idol after work, plus Dave Sterner Quintet at the Museum of Art after work, Wild Animal Wednesday at the Natural History Museum, Chef Series featuring Sergio’s at the Botanical Garden, and auto rides at the Crawford Auto Museum. Get the full schedule here.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Sounds
The Human Heart
The North Coast Men’s Chorus

If you like music of any variety, you’ll find something that tugs at your heart on this CD. It is, after all, named for the heart that beats within each of us. Just as we have individual preferences, there are individual beats on display here. First and foremost, of course, is the abundant musical talent of the chorus—some 90 or so strong—and Music Director Richard Cole. Some of the songs have special meaning for the performers, but none of us are exempt from love, in any of it’s various guises.

Just as in their concerts, a wide variety of musical standards are presented: new, old, from film or Broadway musicals, or even just a song with no other connection. The arrangements are well suited to a men’s chorus, some with soloist, some with instrumental accompaniment (other than the piano of Robert Day, or possibly David Detloff). There are several humorous renditions, too. “Makin’ Whoopee” (Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson) will bring a smile with its jazzy, bluesy take on an old dilemma; and “Bittersweet Tango” (Eric Lane Barnes) will send you to your secret cache of—chocolate! (Who couldn’t identify with the Coastliners and their earnest plea ‘Give me chocolate or give me death!’)…
Read Cool Cleveland Sounds by Kelly Ferjutz here

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14387 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

RoldoLINK
Non-Profit Leaders Find Charities Profitable

By Roldo Bartimole

Lee Fisher, director of the Center for Families and Children, considered running for Governor of Ohio again this year, but instead has decided to stay at his Center job instead.

It was a profitable decision for Fisher.

The Governor of Ohio is paid $130,292. Fisher, working for the non-profit social agency, was paid $358,464 in 2003. That’s more than two-and-a-half times what Gov. Robert Taft made this year.

Not too bad for a non-profit, charitable organization that’s a bit smaller than the job of running the State of Ohio.

Though much is written, rightly so, about exorbitant corporate, sports and entertainment salaries, the hefty salaries of our non-profit executives are hardly meager but get little attention.

In a society trending toward serious inequality, the high salaries of professionals should bother us. Apparently, it does not, given the unwillingness of the society to reward ordinary workers with a living wage.

For example, the federal minimum wage has been frozen at $5.15 an hour since 1997. If the minimum wage simply had kept up with inflation, it would be at $8.88 an hour. A 40-hour workweek would bring in a shameful $206 a week, or $10,712 a year at the present $5.15 level.

However, even in Cleveland, a city desperate for jobs and lagging in income and jobs at the lower level, non-profit salaries have become sizeable…
Read RoldoLink here. Send your comments to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland Preview
GroundWorks Dance Theatre at Cain Park 7/1-3
You may be unfamiliar with either Cain Park or GroundWorks Dance Theater. The park is easy enough to find in Cleveland Heights at the corner of Superior Road and Lee Road; parking can be a little tricky but even if you arrive at the last minute you can always drive a few blocks south on Lee and park legally in the office lot opposite the diner. GroundWorks is the first of five dance companies presenting in Cain Park this summer and if you’re unfamiliar with them, a longer explanation is in order. GroundWorks is a different dance company. It consists of four ballet dancers but the dancing they do for GroundWorks does not involve toe shoes, tutus or classical pirouettes. Three of the current dancers and most of the company alumni were drawn from Heinz Poll’s old Ohio Ballet, known for its eclectic modern dance repertoire. GroundWorks Artistic Director David Shimotakahara danced for many years under Poll; he began cutting his choreographic teeth in 1989 with New Steps, a group of ballet dancers from Ohio Ballet and Cleveland Ballet who presented their own original choreography. Shimotakahara founded GroundWorks in 1998, about the time of Poll’s retirement. The upcoming Cain Park concert features a premiere and a repertoire piece by Shimotakahara and At Once There Was a House, set on the company in 2004 by Pittsburgh’s Beth Corning. Both repertoire pieces tell a lot about the company. The duet Ephemeral (2004) takes its premise from the image of moths to the flame. Like another Shimotakahara duet, Know, this duet is content to leave a lot of space between dancers both physically and emotionally; there’s any amount of frantic fluttering but it would be a mistake to look for a sexual metaphor here…
Read the Cool Cleveland Preview by Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas here

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

Matt & Ben and Polaris @ Parish Hall Theatre 6/24
What: Two one-acts about friendship and betrayal among young dudes. Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers’ off-Broadway comic hit imagines the post-college power struggles between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck before they hit the big-time, while Tom Kondilas’ Polaris has 2 guys involved with the same sexy girl in several men’s room confrontations.
Reasons to go: Quirky and funny, Matt & Ben is a satisfying comedy about guys, competition, and a post-college friendship that has begun to strain at its seams. Justin Walters and Thomas White have a delightful “Odd Couple” chemistry, with the red-faced Walters playing Matt as a control freak and White as the charismatic, loosey-goosey Affleck. As the script from “Good Will Hunting” falls from the sky into their crap apartment, Matt begins to come to terms with his pal’s lack of talent. The 70-minute script is loose and anecdotal, but has some terrific scenes, including a hysterical high school talent show segment where Ben goofs on Matt’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”. The accompanying one-act by Tom Kondilas is worth seeing based on the steamy performance of Geoff Hoffman, who plays the archetypical drunk, sexy bad boy who always seems to get the girl you wanted.
Caveats: On a steamy night, the evening is a long one — the pre-show bar piano by Harry Bacharach and long intermissions meant that Polaris didn’t start until 10 pm. Though it has some well-observed moments, Kondilas’ dramatic one-act feels slight despite its Memento-like chronological dislocations.
Backstory: This one-weekend-only production was the first theatrical outing of the new LESS Productions, a company by four young actor & director friends who also are shooting a feature film. Matt & Ben has reverse cross-gender casting: the original Off-Broadway sensation was created by the two women actors who played the roles.
Target audience: Devotees of pop culture and comedy.
Details: Less Productions, Cleveland. www.LessProductions.com. from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

Lyric Opera Cleveland @ Cleveland Play House 6/22
If it’s summer in Cleveland, it’s time for Lyric Opera and their welcome additions to the cultural scene. Wednesday evening their season began with a slightly uneven, but still enjoyable performance of they ‘oldest Italian comic opera never to have fallen out of the repertoire’ The Barber of Seville by Gioacchino Rossini. Since the very first performance in Rome on February 20, 1816, the opera has delighted audiences on every continent, and probably every language possible.

Lyric Opera sings in English, sometimes with surtitles, sometimes not. This opera is without, and prompts my biggest quibble with the production. Somehow, singing in the native language makes for easier recognition of the music, and not all translations work equally well. At least if it’s in Italian (or German or whatever) and you don’t speak that language, you can just relax and enjoy the music. But sung in English, which is brutally difficult to understand in almost any circumstance, the slightest bit of difficulty in comprehension rapidly multiplies, leaving the listener exceedingly frustrated. I heard this sentiment expressed by more than a few people Wednesday evening, so it is to be hoped that in future, surtitles will be used. (Surprisingly enough, they’ve announced that surtitles will be used in the final production: The Fall of the House of Usher, based on Edgar Allan Poe’s famous story, which was written in English, in the first place!)…
Read the review by Cool Cleveland correspondent Kelly Ferjutz here

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 Welser-Möst (See Rave reviews & a wake-up call here) He’s stuck on too much schmaltz — Strauss waltzes.
Kathryn Ryan irishgrl@ameritech.net

Donald Rosenberg’s Sunday column may be a little extreme, but I have to admit he’s on to something. I’ve been inclined to discount Rosenberg’s relentless distaste for our Music Director and to wish that our orchestra had more than one critic writing about its work regularly. (I seriously believe Welser-Moest could make peace in the Middle East tomorrow, and Rosenberg would find fault with it.) But hearing the orchestra under Boulez last month, I can’t deny that they are not at their best under their Music Director, and that can’t go on indefinitely. I’m not sure Rosenberg’s diagnosis of the problem is correct, and I don’t share his longing for a Bernstein-like maestro who will put his personal stamp on every piece. Also, his argument that conducting opera is somehow a lesser art than symphonic conducting is pure nonsense. It’s not just directing traffic, and Rosenberg knows better. Need I mention that George Szell and Christoph von Dohnanyi both spent decades in the opera pit before concentrating on symphonic work? (Part of the reason I’ve taken so long to share Rosenberg’s view is that he so often writes sloppy clichés like this one.) I’ve just returned from Germany, where I had the opportunity to hear the Dresden Staatskapelle, which has the characteristically blended sound that Welser-Moest seems to be aiming for in Cleveland. It would be bad for the orchestra to continue down this path. The Dresden orchestra is wonderful, but you wouldn’t want much to hear them in Debussy or Messiaen or in a contemporary composer like Saariaho. Boulez manages to get massive sound that is always detailed and transparent. So did Dohnanyi. As to Welser-Moest’s interpretations, there are many good things. Last season’s Elektra was spectacular, and I liked Hansel und Gretel this year much more than Rosenberg did. I’ve also really admired some of his work in new music. Oddly enough, “inexplicable” is precisely the word I would use to describe much of his work in the core German repertory where you’d expect him to be at home. His Beethoven symphonies are simultaneously lifeless and rushed. Rosenberg gives his Mahler Third Symphony a pass, but I thought it was a complete jumble, especially compared to what Boulez did with the work at Severance a couple of seasons ago. (The Orchestra also played for him with notably less refinement and accuracy.) I won’t join Rosenberg in asking for the poor man’s head on a platter, but I agree that Welser-Moest ought to be settling into a higher level of music making with the orchestra by now.
from Cool Cleveland reader Steve Rugare, Public Programs, Urban Design Center of Northeast Ohio, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University srugareATkent.edu

On the Innerbelt bridge (See Build a new Innerbelt Bridge here) Wow! I’m so glad that the Plain Dealer’s Steven Litt is more interested in building “a gateway to downtown” than he is in preserving one of Cleveland’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods -Tremont. Heaven forbid that a city neighborhood that is experiencing a true renaissance should be allowed to prosper and thrive unmolested! Mr. Litt would like to see more land carved out of Tremont – more homes and businesses lost – to build yet another big bridge. Tremont has already paid a high price – losing access, historical houses and a lot of land – for all the highways and byways leading into downtown. According to Mr. Litt, it’s in the best interest of the county to knock down one of Cleveland’s most active churches; a church that holds a festival every year that attracts thousands of people to a downtown neighborhood, to build a new bridge. Maybe the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation can relocate to the suburbs, where most of the people who use the Innerbelt bridge – and probably Mr. Litt – dwell. Quite frankly, the point of the Innerbelt project is not to create a gateway to downtown. It’s to move traffic in and out of the city quickly and efficiently – traffic caused by all the people who have fled the city for homes further and further out into the suburbs. Cleveland, and its neighborhoods, shouldn’t have to suffer because people who don’t live in the city want a shorter commute. I bought a home in Tremont so that I could live close to where I work and play. The price of living in Avon Lake, Solon or Mentor is a long, and at times, pain-in-the-ass commute. Deal with it.
from Cool Cleveland reader Sandy Smith slsmith819AThotmail.com

We should absolutely push for a totally new bridge. Stephen Litt’s idea for a new bridge south of the existing one is good, but would require the demolition of significant buildings in an area that has already lost a lot. I attended the public hearing that was held at Myers University Club and came away with the impression that the plan to rehab the existing bridge for eastbound traffic and build a new one to the north for westbound traffic was already a done deal. Let’s hope not. To me that is probably the worst solution.
from Cool Cleveland reader Jim Hamilton hamilton7238ATsbcglobal.net

On the cuts to PBS funding (See Save public broadcasting here) A $100 million cut is being made to public broadcasting. Let’s face it, PBS in on the chopping block because a lot of the programs are slanted towards a “liberal” view point. Republicans don’t like this because it doesn’t support their conservative agenda…. which isn’t the point of public broadcasting!!! Public broadcasting is meant to represent the underrepresented. It is the only outlet for many minority points of view. Most of the “liberal” programming on PBS is on PBS because major media won’t touch the issues or won’t broadcast from that point of view because it is a minority point of view. (Major media is for-profit… therefore they broadcast to the majority… because that pays the bills). I really do feel like the attempt to cut public broadcasting is another step towards fascism. Cutting funding for a dissenting voice simply because it’s a dissenting voice is, in all sense of the word, unpatriotic.
from Cool Cleveland reader Robert Moffatt rtmoffattATgmail.com

Thanks Cool Cleveland I’m a reader of your very informative email news letters. Without these newsletters I would not be in the “know” at all on the hip events that happen in this city. Well, my reason for contacting you is to find out how I could go about finding commission art jobs. Im a local graffiti artist who is looking to build a larger work base. Currently, I have painted quite a few corner stores and work studios, but there is always room for more jobs. If you have any information on this, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time.
from Cool Cleveland reader Kevin Tufts http://www.blkhearts.com prayerATblkhearts.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Night Out Photos The Cool Cleveland images from last week’s party in Cleveland Heights was the most popular click through. www.CoolCleveland.com. Sign up for our next party on 7/9 here.

2) Dialect Test For the third week in a row, this test is in the Top Five. Have you taken it yet? http://www.blogthings.com/amenglishdialecttest

3) Cool Cleveland People: H. Scott Westover Tisha Nemeth-Loomis’ interview with the curator at Progressive was sent out by Crain’s Cleveland as an Editor’s Choice as well. www.CoolCleveland.com

4) New Innerbelt Bridge Everyone wanted to take a look at Transportation advocate Ken Prendergast drawings. Innerbelt PDF

5) No Extra Charge Cool Cleveland readers know a good deal when they see it. Buy a lawn seat at Blossom, the price includes a Night Out party!www.CoolCleveland.com

Forward to a friend How did Cool Cleveland become one of the most influential publications in the region? Because readers like you are forwarding their copy to their freinds, families, loved ones and ex-pats currently not living in our fine burg. Send us their e-mail address, forward this e-mail to them, or send along friends and co-workers to register for the e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com or have ’em send an e-mail to Signup@CoolCleveland.com.

Hard Corps props Word up to the hard-rocking Roxanne Ravenel, Tisha Nemeth-Loomis, Kelly Ferjutz, Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas, Roldo Bartimole, Linda Eisenstein, George Nemeth, TL Champion, and Pete Chakerian. 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. See the Cool Cleveland TV Update on WKYC NBC TV by clicking here. 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.

What do you do to cool off?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
(:divend:)