Milan Of The Midwest

1.24-1.31.07
Milan of the Midwest

In this week’s issue:
* BizTech Profile CIA’s Dan Cuffaro & CSU’s Ned Hill
* Interview WCPN’s Ideas Man, Dan Moulthrop
* Sounds Finding the Lost State of Franklin
* Interview Our Managing Editor Peter Chakerian on 2006 in Cle Music
* Sounds Together with Cats from Blake Miller
* RoldoLINK Troubled Newspapers are Floundering
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Sometimes we just don’t know the cool stuff that’s right under our noses. This week we talk on camera with Dan Cuffaro of CIA and Ned Hill from CSU about their idea to focus on the 100+ design firms that already exist in Midtown Cleveland, and supercharge the neighborhood to turn it into a District of Design, and help our town become known as the Milan of the Midwest. But the undetected assets of our region don’t end there. We’re also throwing a soiree just outside of town in Oberlin, a hotbed of culture, intellectual activity and first class college partying. “Get Lost In Oberlin” with us on 2/8, and get your tix here. We also feature interviews with WCPN’s Dan Moulthrop and CC’s own Peter Chakerian, plus features on The Lost State of Franklin and Blake Miller’s new CD. Whatever we call ourselves, let’s make sure we’re taking into account just how cool we really are. —Thomas Mulready

Get Lost in Oberlin party Thu 2/8
Super low price until Thu 1/25 midnight here!

Feeling a Little Lost? Then crank it up a notch in prep for the CC Get Lost in Oberlin party and U.S. premiere of the thriller Lost Highway. Get the CC package and you’ll have a comp ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Thu 2/8. Oberlin College is a straight shot on I-480 West to Route 10/20, about 20 min. from Lakewood. See map below. Or get on the bus, compliments of Rockin’ Cleveland, which will be provided at no charge, on W. 9th Street, by Mallorca Restaurant, leaving at 5PM sharp for Oberlin, then returning you after the performance of Lost Highway. When you buy your tix, mark the box to reserve your seat on the bus. Lost Highway is a haunting music theater work adapted from David Lynch’s cult film of the same name. Lynch’s screenwriting partner, Barry Gifford, will be in Oberlin for the premiere. Lost Highway is presented by the Contemporary Music Division of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Get tix here

Get Lost with all this for one low-price CC ticket:

• A CC mega party on Thu 2/8 from 5:30 – 7:30 in historic Downtown Oberlin (hosted by The Oberlin Conservatory of Music) at the local hang, the Feve (pronounced “fev”), but just for tonight, we’ve renamed it the Lost Highway Diner
• CC’s legendary open bar with unlimited beer and wine. (A little red? A little white? Or a little bubbly?), plus drink specials
• Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mango Lime Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, Homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Pizzas and Tater Tot Plates, Black Bean and Cheese Quesadillas with sides of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, Hummus and Pita Chips and other delectable eatables compliments of the Feve, and Crab Salad Crostini, Sesame Chicken Skewers, Hummus & Cucumber Canapes and a Mediterranean Sea Platter from Gypsy, Beans & Baking Co.
• Live jazz at the Lost Highway Diner/CC Party, performed by The New Music Trio, accomplished Oberlin Conservatory jazz students
• Coffee, Tea and Desserts and independent, self-guided tours of FAVA (visual arts gallery across the street from the Feve), and other local haunts not to be missed like the Ginko Gallery (serving chocolate desserts and chocolate liqueurs) and Ben Franklin’s Five and Dime (time warp!) on the way to Finney Chapel.
• Purchase a signed copy of a Barry Gifford novel at MindFair Books (which is inside Ben Franklin) from 6:30 -7:30PM
• A comp ticket to the U.S. premiere of The Lost Highway, based on the David Lynch film, in Finney Chapel at 8PM

Found! An incredible discount if you order now — because, as you know, each week the price goes up. Get your discount tix by midnight Thu 1/25 here. Meet us 5:30 – 7:30 at the Feve in DT Oberlin (see map here). Park behind the Feve, behind the Black River Cafe across the street from the Feve, or on the streets after 6:00.

Get your tix here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/020807/index.php

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How Can You Make $23,000 More/Year? Join those who earn, on average, $23,000 more per year with a bachelor’s degree than those who never finished college. Fast track your degree and increase your professional success with Cleveland State University’s no cost “reentry” program. It’s ideal for any adult thinking of starting, transferring or returning to college. Join us Wed 1/31 at 9:30AM or 5:30PM in room 364 of University Center, 2121 Euclid Ave. With more than 100 majors and minors, you’ll find the program that’s right for you, including new programs in business, health care, criminology, and more. Meet with counselors about financial aid, transfer credits, career development and other support services. You can do it! Visit www.csuohio.edu or call 216.687.4674.
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Mayor Jackson plans to make Cleveland’s neighborhoods “communities of choice” Listen Read
Sustainable Cle Museum of Natural History will “refocus on the urgent need for conservation and sustainability” Read
Nominate someone for the 2007 Cleveland Arts Prize, deadline 2/28 Nominate
Murder in the suburbs continues to climb, “it can happen anywhere…” Read
Yoga Day USA hits Cle Atma Center, YMCA, No Place Like Om and others on Sat 1/27 Relax
Fashion Week Cleveland call for Latino designers & wearable art, deadline: 2/15 dcshingler@aol.com
SPACES’ Susan Channing steps down after 21 years as director, to care for elders Info Read
New CEO for Historical Society is Dr. Gainor Davis, from York County Heritage Trust in PA Info
New Managing Dir. for Play House Kevin Moore comes from Woolly Mammoth Theatre in DC w/non-profit skills Read
Dew Action Sports Tour hits Cle 7/19-22, with 70K people & $9M impact, coincides with Ingenuity & Damn Tech Show Read
ODOT’s $2 billion boondoggle Tax money to be spent on the Innerbelt bridge, with no economic impact study Read

John Carney’s conflict of interest on Port Authority He wants to be reappointed chairman of the board of the powerful Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, which answers to no one and can float its own bonds, raise millions in public money, and give that money to whomever it pleases. They can also institute eminent domain proceedings, as they’ve done to assist developer Scott Wolstein’s East Bank Flats project. Since Carney holds significant DT property impacted by the Port’s decisions, and he co-developed Crocker Park with develper Bob Stark, whose Warehouse District plans would impact Carney’s land and Port operations themselves, many feel he should have recused himself because of conflict of interest. Read. And why aren’t the Port’s board members required to disclose their financial interests? Read. And why just this week does the PD publish an accompanying story that Carney announced in April 2006 he would no longer vote on Flats issues. Read. The County Commissioners will vote on whether to reappoint Carney this month, and even they are conflicted: Carney is Commissioner Tim Hagan’s former brother-in-law. You may want to send your thoughts to the commissioners: Peter Lawson Jones: CNPLJ@cuyahogacounty.us, Tim Hagan: cntfh@cuyahogacounty.us, and Jimmy Dimora: CNJCD@cuyahogacounty.us.

Education advocates announce ballot initiative for constitutional amendment to make high-quality education a right in Ohio. While it aggressively addresses the shortcomings of the current system of property-tax funding, which has been declared unconstitutional four times by the Ohio Supreme Court, most, including big-city mayors and Governor Strickland are opposed because it could hamstring local and legislative efforts with court orders. Read and Read. What are your thoughts on Ohio education funding, and the new proposal? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Dreams Can Be Former Clevelander Lisa Urgo, the sister of Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready, gave up a life in the music business in NYC to start a foundation to help street kids in the favellas of Brazil. Now her non-profit, DreamsCanBe.org is up for $50K in awards from Volvo, and you can help by voting for her here, and search for “Urgo.”

Last Call High school seniors from the Cleveland Municipal School System are eligible for college scholarships if they plan to major in Advertising, Photography, Graphic Arts, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Special Events or are pursuing a degree in a creative major next year. The EXTENDED DEADLINE is this Monday, January 29. Get a scholarship application at http://www.clevead.com/hsscholarship and mail it this week. Questions? Email adassoc@clevead.com or call 440-673-0020.

Kucinich chairs oversight committee Presidential candidate and citizen advocate Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland will chair the new Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, stating in a surprise announcement that he will focus especially on lax enforcement by the Federal Communications Commission on media cross-ownership, which has allowed virtual media monopolies. Kucinich also stated that he will investigate the “Fairness Doctrine,” all but abandonded since the Reagan years, and a federal shield law to protect journalists and bloggers. Kucinich may already be benefitting from positive media response to his latest Presidential run, stating, “the mainstream media is providing a different level of coverage to me than before.” Read Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland01.26.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Cool Cleveland Kids You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids01.26.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

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.

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There are 150 Six-String Masterpieces? See the unique designs created for United Way of Greater Cleveland’s GuitarMania®, Ohio’s largest rockin’ public art project! The GuitarMania art exhibit at Artist Review Today in the Galleria (1301 E. 9th Street) is open to the public from Fri 1/26 to Thu 2/22. Selected artwork (from 150 designs) in the exhibit will be transformed into beautiful 9-foot-tall guitars that will adorn Cleveland’s city streets in Spring/Summer 2007. Hours of the exhibit are Mon through Fri 10AM to 5PM and Sat 10AM to 3PM. GuitarMania benefits United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s education fund. If you are interested in sponsoring a guitar, please contact Michelle Battle at mbattle@uws.org. Visit www.cleveland.com/guitarmania for more information.
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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Herb Ascherman lectures today, Wed 1/24 at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood. Ascherman discusses his Faces photo exhibition, 50 Faces: The Holocaust Remembered. Seating is limited for the 7PM talk; RSVP to 593-0575. http://www.maltzjewishmuseum.org.

Forgetting Equality: The Elimination of Affirmative Action Michigan recently joined California and Texas in limiting affirmative action. Is Ohio next? This panel discussion on Wed 1/24 at 7PM includes Stanley Miller (exec dir, NAACP-Cleveland), Kary Moss (exec dir, ACLU-Michigan) and Prof. William Carter, Jr. (Case School of Law). Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave. http://www.acluohio.org.

Musing Constructs and Contraptions began its public exhibition on Monday, but this Tri-C West Gallery West is a spectacle. From today, Wed 1/24 through the end of February, check out sculpture by Joanne Heutsche and Mindy Tousley, and paintings by David Wilder with grand social/psychological commentary and deconstructivist leanings. A formal gallery reception opening hits Wed 1/31. Call 987-5322 or visit http://www.tri-c.edu/gallerywest.

HOT Get Lit features award-winning local writers/John Carroll University faculty members George Bilgere, Paula McLain, Steven Hayward, Philip Metres, Mary Weems and Sarah Willis in a special poetry performance Wed 1/24 at 8PM. No-cost event takes place at JCU’s Rodman Hall, 20700 N. Park Blvd., University Hts. Call 397-4528 for details.

The Art of Giving features donated works on paper by Jay and Jean Kislak beginning Wed 1/24 This first of two exhibitions consists of woodblock prints, multimedia and diptychs. H Lobby, Cle Clinic’s Main Campus. Call 297-8941 or visit http://www.ccf.org for more.

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Two-for-One Tickets to the Cleveland Orchestra! Violin virtuoso and Grammy Award winner Hilary Hahn, has been called “one of the most remarkable young talents of our time” by the Seattle Times. Around the globe, she leaves audiences standing and cheering, and now she is coming to Cleveland. You can join the excitement and experience Hilary’s virtuosity at an incredible ticket price – “two for the price of one” to the Fri 2/2 8PM or Sun 2/4 3PM performances. Hilary plays the spirited Dvorák Violin Concerto with The Cleveland Orchestra and conductor Iván Fischer. Here’s a cool Hilary Hahn link! To order tickets, call 216-231-1111 or 800-686-1141 or visit www.clevelandorchestra.com and use promo code 3058! Offer expires Wed 1/31.
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Neighborhood Housing Services Luncheon Celebrating 30 years of housing education & sustainability programs for homebuyers, at The Bohemian National Hall, 4939 Broadway on Thu 1/25 from 11:30AM-1:30PM, RSVP to 458-4663 X12 or ltisler@nhscleveland.org

CleveAd Whirley Ball Is it sport? Is it a game? Figure it out with the Cleveland Advertising Assoc. We think this jai alai/basketball-in-bumpercars hybrid event is a riot. Come play and network Thu 1/25 at 5:30PM. Whirly Ball/Laser Sport 5055 Richmond Rd at Miles Rd., Bedford Hts. Info and Registration.

Religious Fundamentalism and Reproductive Rights Join Michelle Goldberg, senior writer for Salon.com and author of Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism on Thu 1/25. Reception at 5:30PM; program at 6:30PM. Visiting Nurses Association 2500 East 22nd St. http://www.acluohio.org.

Opera Cleveland Kickoff OC’s steering committee holds a Kickoff Celebration beginning at 7PM on Thu 1/25 in the City View Room at Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street. It will serve as the first organizational meeting of Opera Cleveland’s volunteer support group. The event features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Get active with Cleveland’s hot new opera company! http://www.operacleveland.org.

Reality Tales is an exhibition by Bridget Murphy Milligan opening at the Downtown Gallery, 223 N. Water St., Kent. A reception will be held Thu 1/25 at 5PM. Sponsored in part by The Ohio Arts Council. http://dept.kent.edu/art/galleries.

Foundations of Faith tours Cleveland’s Sacred Landmarks and emerged from a partnership between Cleveland Bridge Builders and the City Club New Leaders group. On Thu 1/25 at 5:30 PM the group visits Antioch Baptist (home to Rev. Marvin McMickle) and Olivet Baptist Church. Tours are affordable; package deals available. Visit http://www.cityclub.org and click “New Leaders” for more.

Bloomsday Book Club Book club devoted to the last novel written by James Joyce, the legendary Finnegans Wake. The group will slowly tackle one of the most renowned and respected works in the English language. Group kicks off on Thu 1/25 at 6PM. Loganberry Books, Shaker Hts.

Surroundings Revisited features artists Emma Gillmor, Stacie Johnson and Yuko Murata re-examining meaning and interpretation of physical location and surroundings. Reconsider your world as you explore during the Thu 1/25 reception beginning @ 5PM. Kent State Univ, School of Art Gallery, Kent. http://dept.kent.edu/art/galleries.

CC KIDS GuitarMania United Way of Greater Cle rocks it out with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for the 2007 GuitarMania reception/art exhibit Thu 1/25 at 5:30PM. The 150 oversized Fender Stratocaster designs by local artists and NEO celebrities remain on public display through Thu 2/22, then will be auctioned at a gala event at the Rock Hall. Galleria, East 9th St. and St. Clair. http://www.cleveland.com/guitarmania.

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WCLVnotes The Cleveland Orchestra is in Miami this week and WCLV will present the Sat 1/27 concert live beginning at 7PM. Franz Welser-Moest conducts Golijov’s “Last Round,” Ginastera’s “Variaciones concerantes” and the Symphony No. 1 of Gustav Mahler. The third WCLV live concert from this year’s residency by the Orchestra at Miami’s new Performing Arts Center will be on Sat 3/17. Guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya will conduct and Horacio Gutierrez will be the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. WCLV’s Robert Conrad is the host, along with Mark Hart from Miami’s WLRN. Complete details on all of WCLV’s classical music programming can be found on-line at www.wclv.com.
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Side by Side A group exhibition which brings together work in a variety of styles and media by ten artists living and working in Northeast Ohio — Laurie Addis, Rian Brown-Orso, Gianna Commito, Michelle Droll, Thomas Frontini, Neil MacDonald, Mark Moskovitz, Erik Neff, Susan Umbenhour, and Barry Underwood. Plus, check out the exhibition Richard Stankiewicz & John Chamberlain, who started working with discarded junk in the 1950’s snubbing the traditional oil paint and bronze traditions. Plus, Seydou Keïta: Portraits from Mali will feature 17 large and medium scale, black-and-white portraits of mid-20th Century Bamako citizens by the late Malian photographer. All 3 shows open at MOCA Cleveland Fri 1/26 and run through 5/13. 421-8671 http://www.MOCAcleveland.org.

Get Warped: 12 Years of Music, Mayhem and More Check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s exhibit opening on the Vans Warped Tour beginning with a reception Fri 1/26 at 7PM. The exhibit recognizes cultural relevance of the tour (and its significance to the punk-rock/skate community). Includes memorabilia from No Doubt, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, NOFX, New Found Glory, My Chemical Romance, Joan Jett, Rancid, Helmet, Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail, All-American Rejects and others. Exhibit runs through 9/7. http://www.rockhall.com.

Don Cox The Studio of 5 Rings celebrates the artist’s exhibition with a reception Fri 1/26 at 5PM. Inspired by Picasso, Pollock and Matisse, Cox paints powerful pieces from his own perception of reality, with bold colors in complex layers. Cox will be on hand to field questions about his work; appetizers and the Studio’s fine wines will be available. Studio of 5 Rings, 2400 Superior Ave., #201. http://www.studioof5rings.com.

HOT Design District: A Progress Report CSU’s Ned Hill & CIA’s Dan Cuffaro give an update on the the potential value and impact of a District of Design for Cle’s Midtown (see CC vid below) on Fri 1/26 4-6PM at CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs. 523-7330 Register

MoonLit Poetry Mag Benefit Stop by Gallery 324 (in the Galleria @ at E. 9th and St. Clair) for a party to the poetry magazine, edited and published, by Claire McMahon and Lisa Jansen. Groove on the sounds of The New Slangs (Jodi and Jeff Dobos), the music and poetry by Soul Surviving Sons (Ray McNiece and Sean Kelly) and Jean Zarzour sings the blues on Fri 1/26 at 7 PM. Call 252-0519 for more info.

Wing Watch & Wine Trail Self-drive tour of 7 NEO wineries, from Sandusky to DT Cle, receive a Schott Zwiesel and a heart-shaped candy dish to collect chocolate & wine samples at each stop on Fri 1/26 or Sat 1/27. Tour continues 2/2, 2/3, 2/9, 2/10 Register.

HOT Sucking the Life universalizes the trauma of ending a relationship through a powerful multimedia performance focusing on movement on Fri 1/26 at 7:30PM thru Sun 1/28. www.cptonline.org.

Art by Jenna Reception Upstairs Gallery @ Mocha Maiden/Musica Performance Stage features an exhibition & sale by up-and-coming Cle artist, Jenna on Fri 1/26 with a 6PM opening reception. This no-cost event includes the Vegas transplant’s indie-rock band. 17 N. Maiden Ln, Akron. Call 330-374-1114 or visit http://www.artbyjenna.com.

HOT Opera Circle performs early Mozart opera Bastien und Bestienne was written by the musical prodigy when he was twelve. This one-act spoken/sung production addresses themes of pastoral innocence and romance. See performance on Fri 1/26 at 7:30PM. Call 341-9091. The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, 3649 East 65th St.

Rascher Saxophone Quartet The famed German saxophone quartet performs on Fri 1/26 at 8PM. http://www.csuohio.edu/music/ccp.

Thom Pain (based on nothing) is explores the bleak and beautiful mysteries of human existence. A solo play by Will Eno, Dobama’s current production stars Scott Plate. Eno has been described as “a Samuel Beckett for the Jon Stewart generation.” Runs Fri 1/26 through Sat 2/17. Dobama Theatre, 13100 Shaker Square. http://www.dobama.org.

HOT CC KIDS GroundWorks DanceTheater brings three exhilarating performances, brimming with the energy, passion, and creativity, to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Performances in Clark Hall on Fri 1/26 at 8:45PM thru Sun 1/28 at 3:15PM. www.cbgarden.org.

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What Inspires You? Come to The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Open House on Sat 2/3 and learn about a school that inspires creativity. See how one of the best design schools in the nation prepares their students for exciting careers in some of the world’s top product-development studios in the fields of industrial design, fine art, digital art and animation. (See for yourself why 95% of their Industrial Design students have a job by graduation!) Tour their studios, meet their faculty and have their professionals review your portfolio. Visit us from 11AM to 4PM on Sat 2/3. To register visit www.cia.edu/eventregistration. The Cleveland Institute of Art . . . What Will You Make of It?
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CC KIDS Paul Green School of Rock is having their 2nd open house Sat 1/27 from 1-4PM. The original performance-based interactive music school is for kids ages 9 to 19 years old. Parents are invited to bring their rock ‘n rollers to meet and jam with the staff, have some refreshments and enter for a chance to win tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. No-cost, includes ear plugs! 20148 Detroit Road, Rocky River. Call 440-333-ROCK.

Handmade Papermaking Workshop Be inspired by serene snowfalls of the season as you learn to make unusual paper from everyday materials and common household equipment on Sat 1/27 from 9AM to 12PM. www.cbgarden.org.

Dustin Arthur Drella Summit Artspace’s latest gallery show features works by the artist, writer and traveler who explores the human experience through slate chalk drawings, animations and letters inspired by 15K miles of journeys. The wheelchair artist’s show begins with a no-cost public reception ‘’’Sat 1/27’’’ at 5PM. Akron Area Arts Alliance 140 E. Market St., Akron. http://www.akronareaarts.org.

HOT The Horror Convention Massacre B-movies, pin-up girls and the iconic Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival fill award-winning filmmaker Joe Ostrica’s Old School Sinema screening festival Sat 1/27 at 8PM. OSS is celebrating the release of The Horror Convention Massacre, a tip of the hat to films that ruled drive-ins during the 70s and early 80s. They’ll screen the flick with live performances by Lords of the Highway, Horror of ’59 and co-stars Uncle Scratch to follow. Beachland Ballroom, Waterloo. http://www.oldschoolsinema.com.

An Evening of Rhythmic Exploration features percussionist Josh Ryan in a no-cost faculty recital Sat 1/27 @ 8PM at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory. Ryan is a member of the Africa West Percussion Trio. B-W’s Kulas Musical Arts Bldg., 96 Front St., Berea. Call 440-826-2322 for more.

The Pros and Cons of Representation: A Discussion on Agents for Artists on Sat 1/27 at 10AM. Presenters include: Ann Whalen, Jen Omaitz , Karen Eckenwiler- Jerry Bruno Productions, Mike Petrone, Robert Banks, Ted Schwarz. The Galleria, 1301 E 9th St. Register online here.

Bachelor / Bachelorette Auction Place bids on some of the most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes in the Cleveland area on Sat 1/27 from 6 – 10PM in an event to raise money for the National Association of Black Accountants’ Scholarship Fund. Call 926-1376. Holiday Inn Select, 1111 Lakeside Ave.

The Joe Hunter Band with Erin Kufel provide the musical backdrop for GetHepSwing at Bohemian Hall on Sat 1/27 from 9PM to Midnight. Open to all ages. Swing dance lessons from 8 to 9PM. Call 216-361-3262. Bohemian National Hall, 4939 Broadway. http://www.gethepswing.com.

HOT Standing Rock Short Film Fest at Kent Stage features “Shorts” from NEO to Australia. Local filmmaker and CIA instructor Cindy Penter is among the featured artists Sat 1/27 at 8PM. 175 E. Main St., Kent. Updates and info at http://www.standingrock.net.

CC KIDS High School Rock Off Final Exams Ten more local bands comprised of high school students “graduate” and compete for the “final exam” at the Rock Hall Sat 1/27 at 3PM. The 11th Annual event features bands Gravity, Frequency, Soup, All That’s Mine, Funk Pirates, Rumor, The Skatastrophe’s, Eclyptic, The Critically Acclaimed and Terra Firma. Come cheer on these young rockers. http://www.cleveland.com/music/rockoff.

To Be Healed By the Earth Dr. Warren Grossman’s new book interweaves healing and emotional well-being with reconnecting with the planet. The book is celebrated at a Launch Party to Benefit The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes Sat 1/27 starting at 7:30PM. Dr. Grossman will speak and sign books. http://www.shakerlakes.org.

Doug Johns Duo Nationally recognized Cleveland-based bassist plays The Winchester, 12112 Madison, Lakewood on Sat 1/27 at 9PM http://www.TheWinchester.net

CC KIDS New Words Poets and poetry-lovers mark your calendars for the New Words 2007 poetry reading on Sun 1/28 at 2PM at the O’Neil House (1290 West Exchange Street, Akron). http://www.akronartmuseum.org.

Keith Beauchamp Documentary filmmaker lectures at Cle Public Library Sun 1/28 @ 2PM in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th St and Superior. No-cost event shares his run-ins with racism, bringing The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till to film and the co-authoring a novel with Pulitzer winner James Alan Macpherson. Call 623-2800 for more info.

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Exclusive CC Offer: 2 Tix for the Price of 1! Did you know that Frank Zappa, famous rock-n-roll guitarist and bandleader, considered himself, first and foremost, a composer of orchestral music? You RED that right — orchestral music! Join us for an extraordinary concert: “The Importance of Being Zappa,” Fri 2/16 and Sat 2/17 at 8PM in the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid and E. 36th). Red {an orchestra} will put an entirely different spin on the Zappa you think you know. Also see: Cleveland born Spencer Myer, piano soloist and musicians from the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony. Tix start at $15 and Cool Cleveland readers get two for one when you call Red {an orchestra} at 216.361.1733 or visit www.redanorchestra.org and type in Cool Cleveland in the comments section.
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CC KIDS American Indian Artist Kevin Locke Internationally renowned Kevin Locke is the preeminent player of indigenous Northern Plains flute and the pivotal force in the revival of indigenous flute tradition that was on the brink of extinction 20 years ago. Meet the visionary hoop dancer, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator on Tue 1/30 at 12PM. Call 921-2741. Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Urban Paradoxes founder Frank A. Mills invites anyone who is a “graffiti artist, psycho-geographer, urban explorer or interested in public art, urban planning or are an urban social worker” to join him at CIA’s FUTURE Center for Design and Technology Transfer for Tuesdays@FUTURE on Tue 1/30 at 4:30-6:15PM Info and Info and Info.

Cleveland Jams! improvisational troupe every Tue night at 8PM at the Bassa Vita Lounge, 1572 W. 117th Street in Lakewood. Come provide suggestions for the improvisers or even join in, as the no-charge improvisational comedy jams are open to the public. http://www.myspace.com/clevelandjamsimprov and http://clevelandimprovinstitute.com/_wsn/page5.html

HOT The Godfathers of Groove an All-Star group comprised of Reuben Wilson on the Hammond B3, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on drums, and Grant Green Jr. on guitar on Tue 1/30 and Wed 1/31 at 7PM. http://www.NighttownCleveland.com.

Musing Constructs and Contraptions at Tri-C West’s Gallery West is a beauty to behold. Check out sculpture by Joanne Heutsche and Mindy Tousley, and paintings by David Wilder with grand social/psychological commentary and deconstructivist leanings. The formal gallery reception/opening hits today Wed 1/31. Call 987-5322 for details, or visit http://www.tri-c.edu/gallerywest for more.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

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

eBay Auction for United Way Bid on Vermont ski pkg, Vega print, Chicago hotel pkg, personal trainer Bid
JumpStart economic impact measured by CSU study: 308 jobs, $40M output, $14M income Read
NY chef returns to Cle to buy Lockkeepers, because he was “looking for a better quality of life for my family…” Read
Ohio univ. research doubles and more Ohioans got college degrees than in past 5 yrs, from Ohio Regents report Read
Cuyahoga Falls hires Stark to design lifestyle center along their underutilized DT riverfront Read
Gov. Strickland establishes energy advisor to coordinate job creation by becoming a leader in next-gen energy Read
More details on Cle’s wind power industry on the GreenCityBlueLake site Read
Ohio job outlook from Team NEO: good for tech & healthcare, 13% growth for jobs needing post-secondary edu Read
737 Bolivar = economic development w/JumpStart, NorTech, Team NEO & Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition Read
ODOT plans Avon I-90 exit sucking traffic to a new retail center & industry to pay for Avon’s sprawl Read
ODOT’s Innerbelt design ignores bike lanes even though EcoCity’s plan would be cheaper. Read & Read. Write to: Craig.Hebebrand@dot.state.oh.us and Letters@CoolCleveland.com

JumpStart’s Annual Public Mtg documents progress of org, celebrates NEO entrepreneurship and economic dev. Carl Schramm (Pres. of EM Kauffman Foundation) and Lee Fisher (OH Lt. Gov) are scheduled to speak Thu 1/25 @ LaCentre, 25777 Detroit Road, Westlake. Info.
Consortium on African Amer Orgs Entrepreneurial Empowerment Fri 1/26 at 9:30AM @ Midtown Innovation Ctr, 4415 Euclid Ave. #201. Glen Shumate, Pres. of Call and Post newspaper speaks. Details.
Open House for Insivia “harmonizing marketing & tech” at Tower Press #105 on Fri 1/26 4-9PM RSVP.
Lake Communicators wkshp & luncheon helps you avoid past mktg/PR mistakes on Thu 2/1. Reps from Webtego, Capstone and McKinney speak. Comfort Inn & Conf Ctr, Mentor. Info.
Cle Professionals Grp Open House benefit’s E CITY cutting edge entrepreueurship Thu 2/1 at Union Club, 1211 Euclid. Info.
Entrepreneurial Women Networking B-fast and panel discussion Mon 2/5 @ 7:30A. Case Dively Bldg, 11240 Bellflower Road. Info & Registration.
Greater Cle Mktg Alliance Marketer’s Mtg on Wed 2/7 at 4PM covers creative concepts and msg devlpmt. Sheraton Rockside, Independence. Info.
eVolution in Manfg @ the MAGNET Innov. Ctr Thu 2/15 4:30 PM. NO-cost. Info.
Gordian & OVA’s Private Equity Inv Summit II helps capital seekers Fri 2/23 @ Corp College, Warrensville Hts. Info.
NEOSA Forum on Tech Edu in NEO “Myths, Legends and Opportunities” on Tue 2/27 at 8AM. Details.
Topic: Timken @ Mellen Series Lecture DJ Lombardo Student Ctr @ John Carroll, 20700 N. Pk Blvd., Univ. Hts. Tue 2/27 at 5PM. Info.
FIRST Buckeye Regional Robotics Comp @ CSU Wolstein Ctr, CSU Thu 3/22 – Sat 3/24. Intense multinat’l competition teams professionals and young people to solve engineering design problems. 25K students on over 1.1K teams in 35 regional comps! Info.

District of Design
CIA’s Dan Cuffaro & CSU’s Ned Hill

Cleveland’s District of Design is an effort to turn Downtown Cleveland, from Playhouse Square to E. 36th to St. Clair, into the Milan of the Midwest. Leveraging the $220M Euclid Corridor Project, the 100+ design firms already in this district, Cleveland’s advanced manufacturing and materials industries, and Cleveland Institute of Art’s Industrial Design program, headed up by Dan Cuffaro, the Design District took off when Dan connected with Ned Hill, Cleveland State University’s VP of Economic Development, and put the plan on paper. With backing from the Civic Innovation Lab and unanimous support from the community, Dan and Ned are going public with their plan. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready captured the pair in the midst of Euclid Corridor construction on Euclid Avenue to discuss their vision http://www.DistrictOfDesign.com Hear them speak at Design District: A Progress Report, Fri 1/26 4-6PM at CSU Levin College Register

WATCH THE MOVIE Cleveland’s District of Design