This town wakes up every day looking to make a move. Whether it’s Brian Kincaid, Mansfield Frazier’s protégé, graduating as the first African American in Ohio with the enology degree, and sitting down for a CoolCleveland interview. Or Richey Piiparinen’s new book (with illustrations by CoolCleveland columnist Liz Maugans) chronicling the challenges of Rust Belt cities like ours, while fighting his own battles. Or the constant fight that area artists are waging to receive equitable arts funding from those charged with distributing it. Our artist entrepreneurs are eager to solve problems, make art, and inspire a better world.Rid-All Farm in the Kinsman “Forgotten Triangle” neighborhood is the much-deserved subject of a new film. The Morgan Conservatory hosts a pecha kucha talk about the hard work their own staff does day in and day out. A Groundhog Day cabaret in Ohio City features the newly installed executive secretary of our area AFL-CIO, who happens to be a fantastic musician, raising money for the Local 4 Music Fund.
Whether it’s GlamGore at the Grog, B-movies in Kent, the annual Orchid Society show and sale, three new shows with an environmental focus at moCa, or the 8th year of the Lake Erie Folk Fest, even a Valentine Bazaar perfect for your gifting; our creative sector never stops. I hope you are as ready as they are.
Hear the gospel choir Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar live in concert. They’llbring the sound of uniquely unified voices in original songs and fresh adaptations of gospel, spirituals, pop, R&B, and musical theater hits. You’ll hear why their videos have gone viral and they have millions of loyal YouTube followers.
They will be holding a free Gospel Singing Workshop at 4PM on Sat 2/10 and participants will be invited to sing with the group on Oberlin’s Artist Recital Series performance in Finney Chapel that evening at 7:30PM. Tickets: $10-$35.Read more.
CoolCleveland correspondent Liv Ream interviews Brian Kincaid, husband, father and first-generation college graduate. Brian relays the unlikely circumstances that led him to pursue a degree in enology — the science of winemaking — during a global pandemic.
After being introduced to urban winemaker and CoolCleveland columnist Mansfield Frazier, Kincaid was encouraged by the community leader and mentor to start his education at Kent State University. The two would continue to collaborate until Mansfield passed away in 2021.
Kincaid continued to nurture his passion, creating his first official wine, “The Enologist” with his wife Maya Kincaid, who started her own catering business, DressedTuKale. With a bachelors and branding under his belt, the winemaker is ready to let his ideas branch off and hints at several future projects under production. Get to know the man behind the bottle, from business aspirations to community collaboration. Read more.
In 2021, the City of Cleveland received the eighth largest amount of American Rescue Plan and Recovery (ARPA) money of any U.S. city, totaling $512 million. It represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the city to address some of its most pressing challenges.
Local artists mobilized to request $10 million for the arts and artists by sending postcards, holding community meetings, and calling their city representatives. Instead, $3 million was awarded for the arts. Disappointed that the final amount was less, they vowed to support the city program despite the shortfall. But as usual when it comes to the arts in NE Ohio, there are questions swirling around the program, how it will be executed, and how and for what the money will be distributed. Another recurring issue is the large percentage of arts funding absorbed by administration, leaving less for artists. Read more.
Clevelander Richey Piiparinen is known for his expertise in urban studies with a specialty in researching and writing about the challenges faced by Rust Belt cities. Recently he faced his own challenge as he underwent treatment for brain cancer. Those two threads come together in his new book of essays, Octopus Hunting, which he’ll launch Thursday February 1 at HEDGE Gallery, where artist Liz Maugans, whose work illustrates his book, is currently having a show. Read more.
The BorderLight Theatre Festival, taking place July 24-37, is seeking acts of all types: “established and emerging, local, non-local and international,” The submission deadline is Sunday February 4, so get a move on, performers. Read more.
THIS WEEK
WED 1/31 Veteran Voice Singer Becky Boyd has been in the local music scene for decades but never loses her power to woo audiences. She’s at the BOP STOP tonight.
MON 2/5 Warm Up with Wine
Four Grand River Valley wineries, plus a distillery and a tavern, are offering the Winter Warmer Wine Trail with drink and food pairings through the end of February. And all but one are open seven days a week.
TUE 2/6 Winter Wonders Not much is in bloom and the trees are bare, but there’s always lots to see and do at Holden Arboretum, including winter bird watching. Also, admission is discounted. And you need the fresh air!
