Close your eyes and you might think this town sucks. Stay in the dark long enough and you might even think the country’s going to hell. But using even the slightest bit of good faith,and with a little help from those in the know, you might find joy and wonder wherever you look this week.Beyond organizing your eclipse watch party (and we list a dozen opportunities to do so), you can also learn some tips on shooting the eclipse from a professional photographer in Kent. Don’t miss the brand new trumpet concerto based on the work of a 20th century surrealist, commissioned by the Akron Symphony. And you can’t go wrong being in the best listening room in the region, the BOP STOP, hearing Carol Leslie interpret standards and pop tunes.
Indian raga opens minds and raises money for Middle Eastern children in Kent, there’s a talk about empowering refugees at Happy Dog in Gordon Square, composer John Adams conducts the Cleveland Orchestra in his “City Noir,” Akron native Josh Rzepka makes a homecoming to BLU Jazz+, and the North Union Farmer’s Markets in Shaker Square and Crocker Park start opening outdoors this week.
CoolCleveland correspondent Liv Ream interviews members of the Rocky Horror Shadow Cast, performing at the Kent Stage, while CoolCleveland columnist Liz Maugans shares her always big ideas for creating a Love Festival, and two area artists are releasing new music and connecting independently. It’s a wonderful thing.
Join the watch party for the ages! The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the University Circle community are joining forces to host a community watch party for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Bring your friends and family to Wade Oval for a full day of family-friendly fun! All programming on the lawn is completely FREE! Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and more as we gear up for the big event. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
On Mon 4/8, from 10AM to 2PM, all Museum spaces will be open. From 2PM to 5PM, only the Visitor Hall will be accessible. During this time, we encourage all guests to remain outdoors to experience Cleveland’s once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse.Read more about Total on the Oval.
To kick off the Great American Eclipse weekend, we invite those 21 and older to join us at the Museum on Thu 4/4 at 6PM for Think and Drink with the Extinct: Lights Out. Attendees can enjoy special shows in the Shafran Planetarium, time to explore the new Visitor Hall, hands-on activities, meet and greets with scientists, entertainment, and more. Plus a cash bar and a selection of space-themed food available for purchase. All attendees will get a pair of ISO-compliant eclipse-glasses for safe viewing of the Total Solar Eclipse.Secure your tickets now for Think and Drink with the Extinct.
Systems, bureaucracies and power structures have adversely changed the zeitgeist of the radical freedom, awe and wonder that artists from Northeast Ohio desire,” says artist/arts activist Liz Maugans, noting the recent cancellations of the CAN and FRONT Triennials, and the Cleveland State University People’s Art Show. “These were all led by nonprofits or educational institutions and funded largely by foundations and institutional partners,” she points out.
Instead, she’s hoping that artists and grassroots arts supporters will come together to come up with something new, a “blank canvas,” “some version of Universal Basic Energy that will free our fellow artists to create their own sense of value that can be spread widely and organically.” All interested parties who want to build something from the ground up are invited to a gathering on Sunday April 7 @1pm at Artful Cleveland in the Coventry PEACE Campus building.Read more.
CoolCleveland Correspondent Liv Ream captures the thoughts and commentary of the Rocky Horror Shadow cast at The Kent Stage. Members of the cast reflect on their experiences, what Rocky Horror means to them and the community that keeps the show going. View the video & interview here.
Back in 2016, musician Guy Snowdon relocated to Cleveland from Birmingham, England, bringing with him music inspired by British stars such as the Beatles, ELO and Queen. He formed the band Guy Snowdon & the Citizens, which debuted at the Beachland in October 2019, did some regional touring, and released some singles, an EP and an album. They’re now releasing their second album, appropriately titled Two. Read More.
Thanks to the internet, independent artists have more opportunities than ever. When paired with the human drive to create, the result is an experimental, adaptable sound containing fragments from every genre. Gaining visibility independently signals the type of success found outside of commercialism, a show of originality and creativity, free from the mold of mass appeal. For independent Akron artist Bee Zak, mainstream acclaim was never the goal, “I’m here to share the music and not be like, so cool.” Read more.
The annual Bike Cleveland Fundo is a recreational ride that takes cyclists through Cleveland neighborhoods on 10-, 30- and 60-mile rides, depending on your experience, skills and desire. Registration for the tenth annual Fundo, taking place Saturday August 24, is now open, and you can save by registering early. Read more.
MON 4/8 Darkness Descending Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that Cleveland is in the path of totality of the solar eclipse happening this afternoon. Here are a dozen cool places to go if you’d rather share the event with others than watch it in your yard.* Jazz/classical crossover sax quartet performs in Rocky River.
WED 4/10 A Life on Film Bob Fosse’s influence on Broadway musicals is immeasureable. His 1979 film which tells the story of his life and career will be the topic of a discussion hosted by The Musical Theater Project.
