Off The Hook!

9.14-9.21.05

Off The Hook!

In this week’s issue:
* Off The Hook! Cool Cleveland Urban Hop 9/16, with open bar, belly dancers and hookah pipes get discount tix by midnight Thu 9/15 here
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Sparx in the City honcho Susie Frazier Mueller
* Cool Cleveland People Comedians Jeff Blanchard and Mike Baker
* RoldoLINK Reflects on 25 years of Presidents, the Sin Tax, and the Mayor’s race
* Cool Cleveland Preview GroundWorks @ the Icehouse
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

This week, boldly, Cleveland launches into another city-wide weekend blow-out, with glorious weather that other cities can only dream about. Sparx in the City, now in it’s 3rd year and feeling it’s oats as the largest gallery hop in the state, invites you to keep the TV unplugged all weekend long. Enjoy the interview with Sparx founder Susie Frazier Mueller, one of Cleveland’s new leaders. Start things out on Fri 9/16 at the Cool Cleveland party, Off The Hook, with belly dancers, hookah pipes, open bar, music and two trolley tours! Park at the CC party, get on the comp busses and trolleys and enjoy the heck out of Cleveland’s art neighborhoods in Ohio City, Gateway and Theatre District. The Sparx Gallery Hop continues on Saturday in Tremont, Quadrangle, and Mid-Town, and on Sunday to University Circle and Little Italy. Saturday it’s Centerfest at Playhouse Square, this year featuring an open house to Idea Center, the new glass-walled home to the integrated WCPN/WVIZ publc radio and TV facilities. The shock wave of Ingenuity and it’s after-effects are felt with over 20 letters to CC in Yr Turn below, plus over 600 photos and key news clips and editorials extolling the long-lasting benefits of Cleveland’s first annual arts & tech fest. Toss in some hot gallery openings for neon artist Jeffrey Chiplis, the Ohio Classic game of historically black colleges at Browns Stadium, and the 3rd installment of Pandemonium, Cleveland’s coolest benefit, and you’ve got one ripe week in our little town. Time to be off the hook, Cleveland. –Thomas Mulready

Cool Cleveland Interview
Susie Frazier Mueller of Sparx in the City

Susie Frazier Mueller is one of Cleveland’s most dynamic arts entrepreneurs. A visual artist herself known for her integration of art and nature, she has created Sparx in the City to stimulate vibrant street life with the summer-long Street Beats program and the Sparx Gallery Hop taking place this weekend.

Cool Cleveland: When did you realize that the Sparx Gallery Hop was the largest gallery hop in the state?

Susie Frazier Mueller: After we looked at the study that you guys [Ingenuity Festival of Arts and Technology] did with CPAC [Community Partnership for Arts and Culture] that looked at the 48 cities with arts festivals, and we did online research. The only art walks that we saw maxed out at 40 – 45 galleries. And we have a huge geographic footprint, from Ohio City to Little Italy. How many art walks do you know that last 3 days long?

James Levin and I started Ingenuity without any real permission or blessing from the powers-that-be. You’ve done the same thing with Sparx In The City. Do you feel a more entrepreneurial approach is taking hold in Cleveland these days?
Yes, and I think it’s arts entrepreneurs. It’s artists taking the city back into their hands. They want this town to be known as an arts city. Artists feel that in the past, campaigns to market the city were not accurate as to the benefits of the city.

What is Cleveland’s next step? If projects like Sparx are taking hold, where do we go next?
It all boils down to the message and the communications, and it needs to be synchronized, and related to the vitality of the city. Everything from the attractions, to the colleges to the merchants, to you name it. And that effort needs to be led with a very strong creative campaign.

How can Cool Cleveland readers get involved in Sparx? Do you need volunteers, artists, participants?
Sure. I have a great request. There’s two ways. The first way is if people want to see more street life in Cleveland, they can buy a raffle ticket where they can win a great Segway, and all that money goes to support street life. They can get information and tickets at http://www.Cleveland.com/sparx. A more tangible way is we’re looking for ambassadors, for people who are city champions. We need them to serve as trolley guides over the weekend… The thing is, if you love your city, come tell people why you think Cleveland is cool…
Read the interview with Susie Frazier Mueller here

Off The Hook!

Belly dancers, hookah pipes and open bar sounds like a recipe for fun in Ohio City this weekend! Join the Cool Cleveland party Off The Hook on Fri 9/16 starting at 5:30PM at Exhibit Builders at 1526 W. 25th Street, and use us as your launching pad for Ohio’s biggest art party: the Sparx Gallery Hop. The PD this week claims that at our last Cool Cleveland party (photos here), women outnumbered the guys by 3-to-1.

Your included trolley ticket gets you the CC party and two tours: the Sparx trolley ride to over 100 open galleries; and a wine and cheese tour of two Ohio City residential dreamhomes: Progressive Urban Real Estate’s Townhomes of Ohio City on W. 32nd Street and Stonebridge on the West side of the Flats. Pick up your $21.50 tix by midnight Thu 9/15 here Haven’t had enough? How’s an after party @ MODA sound? But wait… there’s more:

* Belly dancers from Troupe Shabaana
* Hookah Pipes from Kan Zaman
* A totally open bar compliments of Great Lakes Brewing Company, ABC Tavern and The Garage
* Hot, Delicious Soups from the Souper Market
* An assortment of Exquisite Muffins and Pastries from Ohio City Muffins
* Tantalizing Popcorn and Coffee from Talkies
* Incredibly Tasty Desserts from The Harp
* Succulent Peanut Glazed Chicken Kabobs from The Old Angle Tavern
* Citris Glazed Meatballs and Stuffed Grape Leaves from OPA!
* Mouth Watering Sausage Delicacies and Dessert Pastries from Massimo da Milano
* Live music from Cleveland’s own Rainy Day Saints in the secret studio
* Wine and cheese tour from Progressive Urban Real Estate
* Complimentary dance lessons (Bachata, Merengue and Salsa) at MODA from 8-9PM followed by Cleveland’s hot Sammy De Leon y Su Orquesta
* Complimentary admission to MODA Night Club all night long
* Complimentary Sparx Trolley Hop trolley tickets to visit the 100 galleries open late
Pick up your $21.50 tix by midnight Thu 9/15 here

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Savor Dance at Its Essence See the Limón Dance Company – Sat 9/24, 8PM, State Theater, and get discounted tickets! Be there for the first-ever performance of Recordare – created in honor of José Limón’s Mexican heritage and celebrating the festive Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead,” with choreography by acclaimed dance-maker, Lar Lubovitch. The program includes Limón’s ground-breaking, signature piece The Moor’s Pavane – inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless story of love, power and deception. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime evening! Cool Cleveland subscribers receive $4 off per ticket and no service charges with this offer. Contact 440-914-0744 or skeyes@dancecleveland.org by midnight 9/19 to receive the discounted rate. Co-presented by DANCECleveland and Cuyahoga Community College. Visit www.Tickets.com, www.dancecleveland.org or TriCPresents.com.
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“With Ingenuity, Cleveland turns a corner…” Enjoy the 500+ photos, and read these glowing, in-depth editorial and news articles about who and what made the festival so great. Watch the fun slide show of hundreds of photos from a variety of photographers here. Check out these nice pix from Susan Weber, who performed with Monet’s Orbit at Fat Fish Blue during Ingenuity here. A ton of excellent articles covering Ingenuity can be found in the Press Room of the Ingenuity site at http://www.IngenuityCleveland.com, but a few stand out: New Music Box reviews the sounds of Ingenuity here, Michael Gill of the Free Times nails the backstory of the building of the Festival here, The Plain Dealer’s editorial, “Ingenuity: a stroke of genius,” recognizes the value of Ingenuity here, and letters to the PD here, and here are surprisingly candid about how Ingenuity and Cool Cleveland are doing a better job of promoting Cleveland’s coolness than the new “Believe in Cleveland” campaign recently launched by the major media. Plus, Fran Heller of the Cleveland Jewish News spent 17 hours over 3 days at Ingenuity and declares, “Using Ingenuity, Cleveland turns a corner,” here. Read the 20+ letters to Cool Cleveland about Ingenuity below in Yr Turn, and share your comments on the Ingenuity Festival at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Flannery runs for governor on school platform Unflappable former Lakewood State Representative Bryan Flannery has his eyes set on the gubernatorial office in 2006 and he plans to do it by doing something radical; he wants to run on a specific and meaningful platform – jobs and education. He’s the only statewide figure to focus like a laser beam on our unconstitutional, illegal and immoral school funding problem. Flannery accused all the other candidates of avoiding important issues by offering smoke screen platforms with no specific solutions, and he’s right. Who knows, if it works for him, all of the other candidates might try it, too. Read about it here. Send your observations on how gubernatorial candidates are handling important issues to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Raise Your Cool Quotient by volunteering @ a Cool Cleveland party. Meet people (or bring a friend!), have fun, and help promote your favorite e-zine! We need ten volunteers to help us at the Off the Hook! Cool Cleveland party at 1526 West 25th this Fri 9/16. You get comp admission ($25 value) and you can help handing out hors d’oeuvres and drink and, in the process, meet some cool people. We especially need people between noon and 5PM, then stay to have fun! If you are interested, contact TL@CoolCleveland.com.

Cavs’ owner Gilbert brings 350 jobs to Cleveland Get this, Cleveland. A dot-com mogul is changing the face of Cleveland. First, Quicken Loans, an online finance company HQ’d in Detroit, makes billions online. Then owner Dan Gilbert buys the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team and renames Gund Arena to “Quicken Loans Arena,” or “The Q.” Now he’s opening up an office in the Gateway District, and bringing 350 high-paying tech-finance jobs to Cleveland. To celebrate, he brought 5000 of his closest friends and employees to party at the Rock Hall and see a private concert by the Black Eyed Peas at The Q. Cleveland better pay attention… this is our future. See stories here, here, and here.

Cleveland is a Digital City As for skepticism about Cleveland’s new moniker as a “Digital City,” there is no arguing, although the PD’s business editor tries here. The fact is, Intel selected Cleveland as one of the top 3 cities in the world because of it’s current leadership in Wi-Fi connectivity and ultra-high broadband capacity. Intel is spending millions on it’s belief in Cleveland. Local leaders would do well to wake up and smell the technology. See release here.

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Whacky Adventures The hilarious hit show, Dave Gorman’s “Googlewhack,” is coming to Playhouse Square Center, September 13-25. Winner of the HBO US Comedy Festival Jury Award and as seen on Leno, Letterman, The Today Show, and The Daily Show, British comedian Dave Gorman stakes his future and his career on an addictive internet word game called googlewhacking. For most, it’s a fun way to pass a few minutes . . . for Gorman, it’s the inspiration for a global odyssey to meet the world’s funniest and strangest people. Discover why it’s being hailed: “Hilarious . . . intensity of Steve Martin,” “Delightful & surprisingly touching,” “An oddly brilliant creation,” “A sure-fire bet for your entertainment dollar.” Visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com to hear and see more and to play the Googlewhack Challenge game.
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Port floats $90 million in bonds for Museum Don’t think that the arts can mean economic development for our region? Don’t think that local leaders can make serious change in the way we do things around here? Pay attention to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority – they have the ability to float bonds for almost any reason. Last week, they felt that bond financing would benefit the Cleveland Museum of Art’s efforts to raise $250 million for expansion and renovation, which in turn would help stimulate the local economy. The Port is a conduit issuer of the bonds and assumes no liability. But with this shot in the art, the CMA can move forward. See Port release here, and Museum release here.

Bartering art for health care Visual and performing artists are often left without health insurance due to their freelance status and the constant fluctuation of their income. While many artists’ unions do offer health insurance, many require a minimum annual income that not all artists can meet. What is a “starving artist” to do? NYC has a brilliant solution: artists enter a bartering program that allows them to volunteer at a Brooklyn hospital in exchange for healthcare services. Read the story here. Share your thoughts at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

An Imaginary Friend Have you come to rely on your relationship with Cool Cleveland with more regularity than some of your closest friends? If so, consider introducing us to some of them . . . it may enhance your relationships, giving you things to experience together. Forward this newsletter to your associates, and send them to http://www.CoolCleveland.com to get their own no-cost subscription.

Tori Amos mixes in Cleveland Epic recording artist Tori Amos selected Ante Up Audio (AUA), a professional audio recording facility near Downtown Cleveland, to mix her forthcoming live album. The live recording is of a concert Amos performed in Manchester earlier during her tour for her eighth album “The Beekeeper.” AUA’s superior room design, excellent gear and professionalism scored well with Amos, her chief engineer (and husband) Mark Hawley and her tour manager, Andy Solomon who said, “you not only ‘get it’ you get it done.” We look forward to more great talent discovering that Cleveland is a viable resource. Thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Voices and Choices hears from 500+ Nearly 550 leaders from business, education, nonprofit, organized labor, government, faith-based organizations and other sectors attended Voices and Choices workshops throughout the region to discuss their hopes and concerns about a regional approach to revitalizing our economy and to begin developing a vision for the future of our region. To learn more about the program, participate or volunteer visit http://www.VoicesChoices.org. To share your opinion on Voices and Choices send an email to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

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Tour Cleveland’s Art Scene…With Your Kids! Ohio’s largest art walk, The Sparx Gallery Hop, is this weekend! Share the fun of riding Lolly The Trolley to over 100 exhibits from Tremont to University Circle. Click here to see the city-wide map of participating Sparx attractions and trolley stop locations. On Sat 9/17 from 11AM – 5PM see Dan Zanes & Friends perform at Playhouse Square’s Centerfest, create art projects in the Art House booth at the ART Jam Festival, and make tie dye shirts outside of Tremont Scoops ice cream shop. On Sun 9/18 from 11AM – 5PM, artists of all ages are encouraged to create plaza paintings on the south steps of the Cleveland Museum of Art during their Chalk Festival Cleveland Museum of Art’s Chalk Festival. Weekend trolley passes are complementary for kids under 14, are only $5 for adults, and can be bought at any Sparx trolley stop.
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Bruce Blog on galleries, media & hyperlinked art A preview of Erotic Expressions, a local radio station prepares to take on the “big boys”, local broadcasts of live recordings of Beachland Ballroom performances and a hip new way to connect with others in your community…all this and much more was considered in the latest installations of the Bruce Blog. Check it out here. Share your opinions and insights at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Ground Zero for economic development The Charter One Global Enterprise Center at 737 Bolivar has everything a new business, or one new to our region, would ever need. JumpStart and NorTech can help entrepreneurs get seed money, World Trade Center Cleveland helps foreign companies identify viable business opportunities and adapt to our regional culture, and OneCleveland has incubator space with access to phones and computers to help international companies to get their ventures off of the ground in Northeast Ohio. Find out what else the center has to offer in the PD article here. Is this a great idea or what? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland Kids We keep talking about how great a town Cleveland is for raising children. Why is it still so hard to find cool stuff to do with kids that isn’t lame Disney-fied corporate tripe? Leave it to 9-year-old Max Mulready to point out a few really neat things that the whole family will enjoy this weekend. Hear his short podcast here even without special software. Ask your own kid to help you download it to your iPod or your computer and listen at your leisure. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fun, fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids09.16.05.mp3

Last call for ArtCrimes After nearly twenty years of publishing his limited edition underground art zine, a compilation of works by a veritable who’s who of Cleveland poets, photographers and artists, Cleveland artist Steven B. Smith is now making the last and final call for submissions. He and Beth Wolfe are in the process of editing ArtCrimes 21, scheduled to be released in May of 2006; so it’s now or never. Visit www.AgentOfChaos.com to find out how to submit your best work, published or not. Send your ArtCrimes reflections to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

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Get Erratica The Cleveland Museum of Natural History opens its newest exhibition, Glacial Erratica: The Art of Charles Herndon, this Sat 9/17. The exhibit runs through March 5, 2006. Herndon’s artwork reflects the natural history of Kelleys Island. His sculpting material includes erratics, boulders that were left on the shores of the island by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. More than 35 sculptures, paintings and photographs will be on display. Herndon will conduct an exhibit walk-through on Sun 9/25, at 11AM. Museum Curator Joe Hannibal will be there to interpret stone materials used in the exhibit. For more information visit www.cmnh.org.
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Emissions from the blogsphere Joe @ RubberBuzz.com comments “this blows” on the security breach at KSU. Jeff Hess’ Walmart boycott picks up more steam. Barbara Payne writes about an entrepreneur FEMA is ignoring who’s trying to clean up New Orleans. The author of the Right Angle Blog comments on Ken Blackwell visiting Cleveland, “Trying to make up for the years that he rarely visited Cleveland. We’ll see if it works.” Check the Cool Cleveland weblog this week, as Peter Chakerian comments on recovering from Ingenuity exhaustion, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and survivors headed to Ohio, the psychological 9/11 anniversary, Derek Hess and a quick-hit IM-interview with departing local poet Ray McNiece. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, then add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland This Week
9.14-9.21

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

CiTiRAMA The City of Cleveland, the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland, and the Glenville Development Corporation are pulling together to feature 11 homes built by 11 area builders in a previously blighted area at the intersections of E. 100th & Superior. Why? To create a mini-construction boom, to encourage builders and to educate Greater Clevelanders. Now through Sun 9/18. http://www.hbacleveland.com

Terry Savage Speaking Engagement Get practical insight on Wed 9/14 from this nationally known expert on personal finance. Savage is a regular television commentator on CNN, CNBC, PBS and NBC on issues related to investing and financial markets; the nationally syndicated Chicago Sun-Times personal finance columnist and the author of three best-selling books. Registration begins at 11:30AM. Call 622-0920 or visit http://www.WCFCleveland.org. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street.

Windsong book signing Catch Cool Cleveland correspondent Kelly Ferjutz at 7:30PM on Wed 9/14 as she signs her new book, Windsong, an historical novel sent on Mackinac Island in 1837. “My most satisfying reading experience in years in either historical or romance…” says Bob Broemel, the retired principal bassoonist of the Indianapolis Symphony. Borders, 3466 Mayfield, 291-8605, order directly from Books@netlink.net.

Inaugural Anisfield-Wolf / SAGES Lecture Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Harvard University’s esteemed W.E.B. Du Bois Professor of Humanities, will address the incoming first-year class at Case Western Reserve University on Thu 9/15 at 11:30AM. His topic of discussion “Pursuing a Dream: W.E.B. Du Bois and His Encyclopedia,” addresses issues of interest to the Cleveland community, as well as topics tailored to incoming Case students in SAGES (Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship). This event is without cost and open to the general public. Call 368-1040 for reservations. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue. www.Case.edu.

Art of Living Course Lacking harmony and balance in your life? Discover your innate ability to calm your mind, heal the body and energize your entire system in minutes with the skillful use of breath. This six-day course teaches simple and effective breathing techniques that bring greater harmony on all levels of life and equips you with practical tools that will enable you to develop to your full potential. Begin your journey on Thu 9/15 from 7-9PM. Call 221-5712 or visit www.ArtOfLiving.org to learn more. India Community Center, 12412 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.

Rebirth Brass Band Enjoy the sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band (RBB) of New Orleans as they perform on Thu 9/15 at 9:15PM at the Beachland Ballroom. According to the Austin Chronicle, RBB is like “P-Funk… in Drumline with James Brown as drum major.” Concert-goers are being asked to kick in an extra $5 to help the members of RBB, and the Iguanas, who performed on Saturday, to deal with the loss of their homes and the costs of temporary relocation. Call 383-1124 for more info. Beachland Ballrom, 15711 Waterloo Road. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com/.

Jeffry Chiplis Experience the magic of Chiplis’ neon sculpture installation which opens on Fri 9/16 and runs through 10/21. The artist, known for his provocative re-use of salvaged neon tubes and vintage transformers, has shown throughout Cleveland, in NYC and had a piece in CMA’s NEO show. Call 229-6527 for info. Sculpture Center, 1834 E. 123rd Street.

Urinetown This year’s Beck Center line-up is stunning. Artistic Director Scott Spence is doing everything in his power to wipe out their stereotyped reputation as a sleepy community theatre producing tired revivals. He starts this Fri 9/16 by directing Cleveland’s first production of the brilliant Urinetown, a satire where a drop of water rivals gold. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 521-2540, http://www.lkwdpl.org/beck/.

Tom Joyner Sky Show Okay, here’s your chance to finally see what goes on behind the scenes at a Sky Show when Tom Joyner, the “Hardest Working Man in Radio,” Jay Anthony Brown, Sybil and Myra J broadcast live from Cleveland for the Ohio Classic weekend on Fri 9/16 from 6-10AM. It’s time to either take a vacation day or brush up on your “call into work sick” voice. There’s no cost for the show but only the hardy will make it Downtown in time to get seats; doors open at 4:30AM. Get a sneak peek here. Music Hall Auditorium, East 6th Street & St. Clair.

Blue Soul Food Join the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Alpha Lambda Sigma Chapter on Fri 9/16 from 5-8PM for an evening of rhythms and rhymes during the Ohio Classic Weekend at Fat Fish Blue. Enjoy an exciting evening of music, poetry, buffet-style dining, a 50/50 raffle, door-prizes, discounted “blue” specialty drinks, and more! Proceeds from this event will benefit the annual Sigma Youth Summit. Call 374-4066 or 798-9023 for tickets, or to recite or perform. Fat Fish Blue, 21 Prospect Avenue. http://www.sgrho-als.com.

CC KIDS Sparx Gallery Hop Discover cultural gems in nine culturally rich Cleveland neighborhoods during this three-day event on Fri 9/16 from 5-11PM, Sat 9/17 & Sun 9/18 from 11AM-5PM. Buy a $5 pass that will get you trolley rides all weekend between the 100+ participating galleries, studios, festivals and museums. Visit http://www.cleveland.com/sparx/ for a full list of destinations and trolley stops and call 426-7335 for more info.

WCLVnotes This Sun 9/18 WCLV 104.9 will be on the air from The Cleveland Playhouse from noon to 4 PM to help the Playhouse celebrate its 90th Anniversary. Mon 9/19 at 8PM, WCLV will be at the State Theatre to broadcast live Northern Ohio Live’s 25th Anniversary celebration and the Northern Ohio Live Awards of Achievement. On Wed 9/21 we’ll be at Severance Hall for a live broadcast of a concert by the CIM Orchestra conducted by Carl Topilow, with Cleveland International Piano and Van Cliburn Competitions winner Antonio Pompa-Baldi performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Also on the program, Bernstein’s Divertimento and Stravinsky’s Firebird. You can’t get better music than this!! For complete details on all of WCLV’s programming, go to www.WCLV.com WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

CC KIDS A Toast to Success Discovery Tour will showcase some of the finest destinations in Cleveland’s Theater District on Fri 9/16 from 5:30-11PM. Tour four unique sites, including the new Idea Center at Playhouse Square, go on an architectural scavenger hunt, enjoy tasty foods and beverages and enjoy live music. Call 771-8403 for ticket info or visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com. Tour begins and ends at Star Plaza, Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street.

CC KIDS Dance Showcase Don’t miss this no cost performance by eleven of Northeast Ohio’s top dance companies including Verb Ballets, Dancing Wheels, DancEvert, Antaeus Dance, Dance Theater Collective, MorrisonDance, African Soul International, Ohio Ballet and Inlet Dance Theatre on Fri 9/16 from 7-9PM. Call 348-7909 for info. Palace Theatre, 1615 Euclid Avenue. www.PlayhouseSquare.com.

CC KIDS Great Lakes Theater Festival The 2005 Fall Repertory kicks off with Amadeus on Fri 9/16 at 7:30PM. Set in the splendor of 18th century Vienna, this Tony Award winning drama tells the tale of a celebrated composer who is the darling of his peers until young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart shows up. Next up is William Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, As You Like It, beginning Fri 9/30 at 7:30PM. The productions will be performed in rotating repertory by a single company of 21 actors over six weeks. Call 241-6000 or visit www.GreatLakesTheater.org for tickets. Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square Center, 1511 Euclid Avenue.

Ella Fitzgerald Tribute Talented diva Patti Austin and the ultra-swinging Count Basie Orchestra combine to pay tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald during this Fri 9/16 concert at 8PM on the stage of Severance Hall. The concert will kick off the Ohio Heritage Football Classic weekend and all proceeds from the concert will benefit New Life Community, a transitional housing program for homeless and jobless families in the greater Cleveland area. Call 231-1111 or log onto www.SeveranceHall.com to purchase tickets. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue http://www.PattiAustin.com http://www.CountBasieOrchestra.com http://www.OhioClassic.com/.

CC KIDS GroundWorks Dance Theater GroundWorks Dance Theater returns to Akron’s Icehouse for 6 performances, Fri 9/16 to Sun 9/18, and Fri 9/23 to Sun 9/25. The company continues to capture audiences’ imaginations and attention with works that are daring, unexpected and beautifully choreographed (See Cool Cleveland Preview below). University of Akron Dance Institute students will make a “special presentation” during the Sun 9/18 matinee performance at 2PM. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8PM and the Sunday matinee begins at 2PM. Email info@groundworksdance.org for more info. Purchase tickets at the Icehouse, located at 129 North Summit Street (between Perkins and Furnace Streets), in Akron. www.GroundWorksDance.org.

CC KIDS Birds and Butterflies Discover the past, present and hopes for the future of the Dike 14 Nature Preserve located at the heart of Cleveland’s lakefront. Enjoy stunning views of the Cleveland skyline, connect with native plants, trees and wildlife and take guided walks through this naturalized gem during the Sat 9/17 event from 7:30-11AM. There will be lots of no cost family fun activities including plant, bird and butterfly walks. Call 281-6468 for more info. Gordon State Park Area of Cleveland Lakefront State Park, North Marginal & Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. http://www.EarthDayCoalition.org.

CC KIDS Cycle Canalway A to Z Cyclists will begin their journey from the lower Harvard Avenue Canal Reservation Trailhead, just below ALCOA (A) on Sat 9/17 at about 9AM. From there cyclists will bike six miles to Rockside Road to board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with their bikes at 10:15AM for a trip to Peninsula; from Peninsula you’ll cycle back to Zeleznick’s (Z) for a barbecue from 1-4PM. Whew! Sounds like lots of fun and good eats. If you’re up for the challenge call 520-1825 and reserve your spot. Meet at Harvard Avenue Canal Reservation Trailhead, just below ALCOA. http://www.OhioCanal.org.

The Meeting of Art and Real Estate The Cleveland Institute of Art and Coral Company have collaborated in an effort that will create a gallery of student paintings, drawings and sculpture in Coral’s newest model home located in The Courtyards of Severance. The public grand opening to celebrate this compelling, artful model home happens Sat 9/17 and Sun 9/18. Call 765-8822 for more info. Courtyards of Severance on Mayfield Road between Warrensville Center and Taylor Roads, adjacent to Severance Town Center in Cleveland Heights.

CC KIDS Tremont Multicultural Festival Browse fine art, sculpture and original jewelry pieces; see and hear performances by musicians and entertainers and sample delicious foods from a variety of cultures on Sat 9/17 from 11AM-6PM & Sun 9/18 from 12-5PM. With exciting children’s activities and programs, there is something for everyone in your family. Call 575-0920 for more info. Lincoln Park, West 14th Street between Kenilworth and Starkweather, Tremont.

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Check out Centerfest — Playhouse Square Center’s Free Family Arts Festival. Unleash your creative potential and discover why you too are an artist, Sat 9/17 from noon to 5PM at Playhouse Square Center. Featuring two free performances from star children’s performer Dan Zanes and Friends at noon and 3PM, followed by a meet and greet and autograph signing. Other highlights include the “Rising Star” community talent contest showcase, a poetry slam, swing dancing demonstrations and a variety of interactive activities throughout the day. Meet various PBS children’s characters and take interactive tours of the Idea Center at Playhouse Square – the new home of public broadcaster ideastream and Playhouse Square’s art education initiatives. For more information visit www.PlayhouseSquare.com.
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CC KIDS Ohio Classic Football Game & Jamboree This exciting weekend is a celebration of diversity, tradition, higher learning and fellowship. The highlight of the weekend is the exciting football game between Morgan State University and Savannah State University, two historically black colleges on Sat 9/17 with a 1:30PM kickoff. The fun-filled sporting event features a college fair, social events and parties all weekend long that will attract black college students and their families from across the country, pumping an estimated $50 million into our regional economy. This eventful weekend is densely packed with concerts, celebrities, parties, marching bands and great football. See the entire list of offerings and get tickets at http://www.OhioClassic.com. The game will be played at Cleveland Browns Stadium, 100 Alfred Lerner Way.

Pandemonium III: Addicted to Love Cleveland Public Theatre will honor Cleveland City Councilman Matthew Zone for his contribution to the arts and the community during this wall-to-wall celebration of the arts on Sat 9/17 beginning at 7PM. Dance, visual and performance artists will entertain audiences throughout the CPT campus, in unexpected places, all with love as their theme during this non-traditional benefit. Enjoy entertainment, food, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks and a silent auction. Visit www.CPTOnline.org for a list of performers. Call 631-2727 to RSVP. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue.

Cleveland IndieClubMeeting This month’s discussion centers around stunts and special effects for film, TV and theater. Hollywood Stunt Coordinator, Richard Fike will discuss these film elements in relation to working with a director. Several short films will also be screened during the Sun 9/18 meeting from 1-4PM. The Hyacinth Lofts, 3030 East 63rd Street. Dial 022 to be buzzed in. http://www.ClevelandIndieClub.com.

Beachland Hurricane Katrina Benefit Colin Dussault’s Blues Project and the Mary Bridget Davies Group will perform in a benefit for victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sun 9/18 from 6-10PM. Ticket price includes both food and entertainment and all proceeds go directly to the American Red Cross. Call 383-1124. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com.

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Dreams Within Dreams is a special film series presented by the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque. It starts on Sun 9/18 at 6PM with a Buster Keaton Preview Bash followed by his film Sherlock, Jr. at 7PM. This free public reception, celebrating the opening of the “Dreams within Dreams” film series, includes free movie munchies! Other films in the series are: 37-73 on 9/22; Unfaithfully Yours on 9/29; Spellbound on 10/2; Pennies From Heaven on 10/6; on 10/9; The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. on 10/13; A Midsummer Night’s Dream on 10/16; Wild Strawberries on 10/20; Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams on 10/23; and Secrets of A Soul on 10/27. Contact www.CIA.edu for more information.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Farm to Table A fruitful collaboration between the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the North Union Farmers Market will feature 18 of the finest area chefs preparing cuisine from fresh, local ingredients, then pairing them with Ohio wines on the lovely Garden terrace to the accompaniment of Sammy DeLeon y Su Orquesta. Proceeds benefit the Garden’s Green Corps program and local farmers, with the proceeds from a reverse raffle benefitting Katrina survivors, on Mon 9/19 at 5:30PM at Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard, 721-1600, reservations: here.

The Business Case for Sustainability Need help articulating the reasons sustainability just makes good business sense? Nadya Zhexembayeva, a PhD candidate and Head of the World Inquiry at the Center for Business of an Agent of World Benefit (BAWB) at CASE/Weatherhead has gathered statistics, stories and a list of resources to help answer these questions. She will be joined by several local business leaders who will share their triple bottom line stories on Tue 9/20 at 5:30PM. Call 509-9776 to register or email events@e4sustainability.org. Great Lakes Brewing Company Tasting Room, Entrance on Carroll Avenue. www.E4Sustainability.org.

African American Harambee Book Club The Tue 9/20 book discussion from 12-1PM centers on The Interruption of Everything, the latest tale of the struggles of the contemporary woman by Terry McMillan. This novel follows the evolution of Marilyn Grimes, a consummate wife and mother who discovers that her suburban existence is providing her with very little happiness, as she reinvents both herself and the things that are dearest to her. These brown bag book discussions are open to the public so bring your copy and share your feelings about the book. Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing, Room 218 West, 525 Superior Avenue www.CPL.org.

Cool Cleveland discount to Grow Your Business Cool Cleveland business columnist Andy Birol is conducting a 4-session course at Corporate College for business owners and emerging entrepreneurs who are looking to move their business forward. Cool Cleveland readers can take advantage of a special discount by logging on to this page: http://www.andybirol.com/courses.asp.

Architecture and Public Policy: The Decline of Cities and the Human Spirit is a no cost public lecture that will be given by Architect Robert P. Madison on Wed 9/21 at 4:30PM. He will explore how public policies and directives have shaped the way cities advance or decline as residents stay in their neighborhoods to contribute to a thriving city life, or abandon them at a great expense to taxpayers. Call 368-8961. Case Western Reserves University’s Thwing Center Ballroom, 11111 Euclid Avenue. www.Case.edu.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

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Playhouse Square Partners Open House Celebration! Join the young professionals of the Playhouse Square Partners as they party at the newly opened Idea Center during their annual Open House on Thu 9/22 from 5:30PM until 8:30PM. Celebrating 15 years of irreverent fun and success, Partners will continue this trend as they host an evening including free admission, appetizers, drink tickets, raffle prizes and live music from the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Trio and Faces of Belmez. Stay at the party or enjoy Dave Gorman’s Googlewhack Adventure at a special discounted price of $15 beginning at 7:30PM. For more information on the Partners Open House or to purchase discounted tickets, please visit www.PlayhouseSquarePartners.com or call Martha at (216) 348-5265 to reserve your space.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool Cleveland People
Comedians Jeff Blanchard and Mike Baker

Cleveland comedians Jeff Blanchard and Mike Baker are gearing up for Pandemonium III – Addicted to Love, a benefit for the Cleveland Public Theatre and Matthew Zone this coming Sat 9/17. Comedy as performance art was deeply hurt by the success of the people in the 90’s TV sitcom era. People like Tim Allen and Jerry Seinfeld created an impression that comedy shows were packaged, family-friendly fare—a series of witty retorts and observational humor. This has degenerated to the current sad state of Last Comic Standing, which both Mike and Jeff have an obvious disdain for, stating simply that—

Mike Baker: Anyone can be funny for three minutes. Since when was comedy a competition?
Cool Cleveland: And then there is “Joke-e-oke”— a form of karoake in which wannabe comics can get up on stage and do the best bits of famous comedians, as they scroll across the prompter.
Jeff Blanchard: No actor would get up and do set of great Malkovich monologues…
MB: But every comic will do Christopher Walken at the drop of a hat.
JB: But suddenly everyone thinks they can “do” stand-up…
Read Cool Cleveland People here

RoldoLINK

Killing Government – Old Republican Strategy And About The Only Thing Bush Has Done Well
By Roldo Bartimole

The New Orleans disaster really started when Ronald Reagan took a bludgeon to PATCO in 1981. It marked the Republican Party’s successful assault on Labor and the ascendance of the take-no-prisoners-capitalism that has endangered American democracy ever since. After Labor came the government itself.

The trend has been down on almost every human front since the smiling, genial Reagan suckered the nation for his long-time corporate sponsors.

President Reagan fired all the PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) and Labor did not shut down the entire nation with a nationwide strike. It should have. The strangling of PATCO was the death knell for American Labor and, therefore, of all ordinary American citizens.

The link to Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans is simple: By destroying government responsibility and what little countervailing power it represented, American crony capitalism was on its way to total victory…
Read RoldoLINK here

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Want to Jump Start Your Future? You can do it with UCAP, the Ursuline College Accelerated Program. Prepare for a better career with a degree in Business Management, Management Information Systems, Legal Studies, Health Care Administration, Allied Health or Humanities. UCAP makes it easy. Five weeks at a time, one class a week. That’s how you do it! Enroll today, then reap the rewards of an education from an esteemed local college with a 134-year tradition of excellence. Convenient locations. East & West. Don’t wait. Call now. 1-888.URSULINE or visit www.Ursuline.edu/UCAP. Next session starts Mon 10/3.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Cool Cleveland Preview
GroundWorks Dance Theater @ the Akron Icehouse
GroundWorks Dance Theater consists of four former ballet dancers who have devoted themselves to a contemporary repertoire. Working with intelligence and integrity they have developed into a high-end product. Their concert at the Akron Icehouse this weekend and next combines their most spectacular landmark performance venue with some old repertoire that’s grown on us and a new piece that promises to build on past success.

At first we didn’t care for choreographer Beth Corning’s At Once There Was a House but after several viewings and the company’s tweaks on the original, each of the dance’s eleven or so sections has come to make a coherent if disturbing comment on how deeply weird suburban existence can be.

NYC-based choreographer Keely Garfield, who’s set a world premiere on GroundWorks, has her dark side, too. Sinister Slapstick used to be the name of her company and judging from recent reviews the sinister has come to prevail despite what Jennifer Dunning describes as “a long record of deliciously intelligent, funny and theatrical dance.” The duet is Garfield’s form of choice and domestic drama that does not come to a pat conclusion is her frequent subject. Surely GroundWorks’ dancers have the maturity and range to deal with whatever Garfield throws at them; we just hope she draws on her excellent technical background and gives them their fair share of actual dancing.

Artistic Director David Shimotakahara allows himself and his dancers to just dance in his most recent piece, Kabila.

If you or your date are new to concert dance GroundWorks is not a good place to start. Nor can you count on buying tickets at the door, for this is likely a sell out performance. But if you’ve been to modern dance concerts and wished for more and better dancing or if you’ve been to ballet and wished for a more contemporary aesthetic, get on the phone and take whatever you can get; sightlines are good from everywhere in the house.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9/16 – 9/18 and 9/23 – 9/25. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8PM and Sunday at 2PM. Akron Icehouse is located at 129 North Summit Street between Perkins and Furnace Streets near Akron University in Akron, Ohio. $18 general, $12 students and seniors. Special rates on Sunday for families and children. Purchase tickets at the door or reserve by phone 691-3180.
From Cool Cleveland contributors Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas Victor vicnelsaATearthlink.net

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

Pterodactyls @ convergence-continuum 9/10
What: Nicky Silver’s nihilistic black comedy about an adult son with AIDS returning to his mega-dysfunctional family.
Reasons to go: Director Clyde Simon gets plenty of laughs with his staging, aided by Bill Rios’ sound design and Candy Depew’s quirky costumes. Lauri Hammer is exceptional as the prototypical Silver monster-mother, a manic, showy alcoholic. Jovana Batkovic shows a comic desperation that turns serious as sister Emma with Jd Bowman delightfully oddball as her fiance-turned-French maid. And TC Kouyeas Jr.’s welded metal dinosaur sculpture rocks.
Caveats: The script doesn’t have the transgressive punch it did in 1993, when AIDS looked like an automatic death sentence and Silver overturned melodramatic expectations by making the presumptive victim a willing Angel of Death bringing destruction home to his screwed-up family. Simon also pulls some of its teeth by steering it in a lighter direction. Brian Breth’s chirpy Todd is miles too bland for Silver’s amoral protagonist, as is Wes Shofner as the incestuous father.
Backstory: This was Nicky Silver’s breakthrough play. Simon and convergence-continuum have tackled Silver’s work before, with a superior production of Free Will and Wanton Lust 2 seasons ago.
Target audience: The young and the daring.
Details: thru 10/8 at convergence-continuum, The Liminis, http://www.convergence-continuum.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

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 the Ingenuity Festival (See Ingenuity Karma here) Congratulations Thomas and James for a spectacular Ingenuity Festival. We are amazed that this first time at bat was a grand slam! Your team of planners and volunteers did a fantastic job. We attended Saturday afternoon – early evening. Already a big Ernie Krivda fan, we enjoyed his show a lot. We were surprised and delighted by the Prayer Warriors and Gabriel’s horns – two groups we probably wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. We also enjoyed the bluegrass group at Pickwick. It was so encouraging to see such a diversity of people and families enjoying the performances on a beautiful day. Air show jets zooming overhead added to the festivities. The free passes for CMA members were a nice added bonus. Even the beer stands were cool – imports and no Bud Light. We hope the sponsors and participating groups were pleased with attendance and results. More power to you for next year. We’re looking forward to it already.
from Cool Cleveland readers Phil and Nonie Stella etcpjsATaol.com

I just want to congratulate you and Jim for the gargantuan work you two did to get the Ingenuity Festival going this past weekend. I thought it was a great success. Thanks for putting your efforts into something this city needs.
from Cool Cleveland reader Craig Matis matiscATprodigy.net

What a great turnout! Hats off to you for making this happen. We received a lot of positive feedback while there and through e-mail. We would love to be a part of this great event again for next year.
from Cool Cleveland reader Justo Saborit

I was part of the Ingenuity Festival on Sunday (as a poet) and I want to thank you for putting together such a creative, stimulating, inspiring, Cleveland-loving event. The venues (especially in the East 1st St. alley) were very cool and quintessentially Cleveland. The art was provocative. The music and entertainment acts were together-bringing. Along with technology and art, the festival illuminated and celebrated Cleveland and Clevelanders in such a quirky, wonderful way. I send big wild bravos to both of you for your outlandish vision and all the hard work you put into making it happen.
from Cool Cleveland reader Katie Daley

As I wandered through the downtown streets this weekend at Ingenuity, I was pleasantly surprised at the diverse crowd that filled the streets, mimicking the wide array of things to see and do. Cleveland has always been a tough, if not insurmountable market to promote bands, the arts, and theater that is remotely out of the mainstream. I’m reminded of the motivational poster from many years ago that stated, “I told Orville, I told Wilbur, and now I’m telling you. It can’t be done.” While pessimism was abundant in advance of this weekend, James Levin and Thomas Mulready pulled the proverbial rabbit out of their hat with a very successful event. Congratulations on a job well done.
from Cool Cleveland reader Tom Lash lash_tomATtrivium.com

Thanks so much for organizing this fantastic event. We came opening night and the next night, and it was really fun to run into so many people we knew. Although there were more people at the Taste of Cleveland, we didn’t know a soul there; I think anybody the least bit artsy was at your event! The fireworks were some of the best we’ve seen in a long time. Can’t wait till next year!
from Cool Cleveland reader Claudia Lynch shoesATclaudialynch.com

I took my 4 year old daughter on Saturday and she loved it. We had a great time together and I believe it’s a start to give her great memories of the city of Cleveland. We need to get young people involved in caring for and leading the city and region. 4 years old may be a bit too young to help steward the community but in the long run, it will help. THANK YOU for injecting younger blood into an “Old Boy” community.
from Cool Cleveland reader Harriet Bauer hkbauerATyahoo.com

I really enjoyed the Ingenuity Festival of 2005. There were a plethora of things that I enjoyed about the festival. But, in particular, I loved the first day of the festival where you ended with fireworks. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the festival is that you had a variety of different cultures and backgrounds there. I would have to say that I enjoyed this more than any other festival, and I certainly cannot wait till next year’s Ingenuity. The very last thing that I enjoyed about the festival was a certain program called the Line Dance Troopers. I really liked the fact that I was able to get involved with certain line dances. To close out, if I could give the Ingenuity Festival a rating I would rate it a big, fat, juicy 10. Go Ingenuity!
from Cool Cleveland reader Jay Ravenel

Congratulations on the SPECTACULAR EVENT. And the band sounded good too!
from Cool Cleveland reader Barry Weinberg musicbarryATaol.com

I attended Thursday Traffic Jam parade with my two teen-age daughters, have to say… did not know what to expect, was pleasantly surprised. The girls really enjoyed the the skate-boarders, break-dancers, as I did. Throwing an idea out there for next year… challenge area high schools, local colleges organizations to create pieces of art using the vast components of our technology world, and parade the artistic creations possible around public square just a thought… keep up the excellent job
from Cool Cleveland reader Laura Adamczyk lauraATdln.com

It’s been a few days now and I am still having great thoughts on this last weekends Ingenuity Festival. Thank you for changing the horizon of the Cleveland Art and technology community, bringing our cities talent to the forefront. The event was far reaching and spectacular. Well done.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ann Koslow akoslowATclevelandart.org

Thanks for the great festival. It’s another reason that Cleveland is a great place.
from Cool Cleveland reader Jon Muzilla

Awesome event – I judge awesome by how much interest my 5 and 9 year old daughters had as well as my own – we didn’t want to leave and were all fascinated by the many art/technology offerings. Big Congrats! And yes, it made me proud to see how many “Clevelanders” came out for you. Can’t wait for next year.
from Cool Cleveland reader Sally Michael Keyes skeyesATdancecleveland.org

Congratulations to you and James. I think that there are not two other people in all the region who could have done what you both did and that all the entrepreneurial effort and practical experience that has been part of your careers to date positioned you perfectly to create this project and realize it so successfully. Walking down Euclid earlier this week, a friend said “You know, I miss the Ingenuity Festival.”
from Cool Cleveland reader Kathleen Cerveny

Onc3 again congratulations to you and James Levin on a spectacular weekend! I too believe in the magic of sending out good karma and pursuing your dreams. I am an artist and instructor from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Parade the Circle is a big part of my job along with many other hats I wore involving the schools and the community. If you need help in next year’s Ingenuity or any other community event I would love to help out.
from Cool Cleveland reader Debbie Apple-Presser dapplepresserATclevelandart.org

Just wanted to add my voice to the many for the insight, innovation, and amazing energy that you both put into the Ingenuity Festival. I can’t believe what you did in a one-year period! Congratulations for something that was spectacular in all ways…
from Cool Cleveland reader Darlene pwlgc@yahoo.com

Loved ‘Ingenuity’– thank you for your creativity, bridge-building and positive investment in the community. As manager of Crooked River Reading Company, the new independent bookstore in the Galleria, I worked and didn’t get to other sites downtown. But it was thrilling to see the art and sculpture installations at the Galleria, and meet the artists with their distinctive personalities…and gray hair. Cool Clevelanders aren’t just under age 30. Looking forward to next July’s Ingenuity festivities. To help your planning, stop by Crooked River and check out our books (like a beautiful volume of ‘Don Quixote’ or ‘The Human Brain Coloring Book’).
from Cool Cleveland reader Pam Hardy pamhardyATsbcglobal.net

It was spectacular. Congratulations to you and James. The whole community is grateful for your efforts.
from Cool Cleveland reader Avery Friedman averyfriedmanAThotmail.com

Congrats to a smashing success!
from Cool Cleveland reader Nikki DiFilippo ndifilATyahoo.com

My husband and I attended the Ingenuity Festival and were very impressed with the quality and variety of music, dance and artistic activities. It was a truly enjoyable afternoon and we want to thank you for bringing such a creative event to downtown Cleveland. It’s a good way to reacquaint Clevelanders with their city since so many people never set foot downtown. I hope this is a catalyst for a downtown renaissance; it was so sad to see all the empty storefronts but we were very impressed with East Fourth St. While eating on the terrace of the House of Blues and listening to live music, we felt as if we were in New York or Chicago! We wish to thank you and James Levin for this superb event and for all the hard work you do to make Cleveland an attractive place to live.
from Cool Cleveland readers Karen Tucker and Greg Malki

Congratulations on orchestrating an event on a grand scale. Ingenuity succeeded in getting people out and into the streets of downtown. One comment made to me says it all, “Can you believe this is Cleveland?!” I have no doubt this was only the beginning. But I must say you looked like you were having much too much fun on stage with the Cats to actually be one of the organizing, buck-stops-here, in-charge guys. If you had any worries, it didn’t show during the show.
from Cool Cleveland reader Laura Taxel laurataxelATameritech.net

GREAT JOB!!!!! Many cheers, and many thanks for bringing so much fun and creativity into our city!
from Cool Cleveland reader Sharon Vrettas svrettasATedr.com

I just wanted to offer a big shout-out of thanks for an amazing Ingenuity weekend. And, thanks for including the Cleveland Film Society in the program. Your hard work was very much appreciated.
from Cool Cleveland reader Patrick Shepherd patrickATclevelandfilm.org

I heard these two guys came up with a Festival here and got the movers and Shakers to support it here. Ingenuity proves there is a belief in Cleveland and I am proud that you and Jim got the ball rolling. It is up to everyone now to do what they can to keep things going. I am sue Ingenuity Two will be greater than One. The fact you guys got money for the arts and did something successful gives me hope. “Keep doing that Voodoo that You Do!”
from Cool Cleveland reader Alex P. Michaels alexmichaelsATprelude2cinema.com

Great for Cleveland. I went to the opening event on Thursday and then through the entire weekend. I was exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. The volunteers were wonderful but at times a little miffed themselves at all the activities, but were as helpful as they could be. I did have a survey filled out and I hope that as you get bigger, possibly some sort of transportation can be provided, especially from 9th and Euclid to the Galleria. I really think in all events that are trying to connect the Galleria, the trolley or some other mode of transportation should be ready and visible and part of the event. Otherwise, I couldn’t have been happier about this event. Even though the advertising seemed to go the way of the Air Show and the Taste of Cleveland, the Ingenuity Festival was a huge success. My daughter and I were responsible for at least another 15 people showing up to your event. Thank you, keep up the excellent work and positive ‘karma’ for Cleveland. I’ve been saying ever since the Tower City was rebuilt, which is a wonderful facility, that it seemed to immediately have a negative impact on the Euclid Corridor because the ‘suburbs’ just didn’t want to travel out and then the Galleria and the Arcades were left to fend for themselves. The Ingenuity Festival brought them to Tower City then up and out and showed them ingenious ideas for alleys, that people like me working downtown for over 25 years, had to figure out where the 1st Street alley was; and the gallery in the McCrory building was fantastic and eye opening as to what can be done in the Euclid area. Great job.
from Cool Cleveland reader Gloria Rothhaas grothhassATbakerlaw.com

On Wal-Mart-like tactics (See Forest City resubmits Convention Center plan here) It looks like Wal-Mart has thought others how to retreat, wait and attack when the opposition is off guard. What the Cleveland Convention Facility Authority (CFA) planners are lacking is the vision to see that the best way to go with the Convention Center/Civic Center is north of Cleveland City Hall across the railroad tracks, connecting to the lakefront and keeping the existing convention center. There is no reason to destroy the existing facility, it could continue serving our city and then become an additional benefit for space. Shame on the CFA and Turner Construction, the one sheet cost site comparison analysis does a disservice to the taxpayers who are funding the CFA and we should get our money back from Turner. We need to start all over with a reconfigured CFA board (some conscientious members deserve to stay) and an engineering firm that will deliver a professional detailed cost breakdown and present the citizens and taxpayers a document worthy of our tax dollars and our ability to evaluate the best alternative. The benefits in the north of city hall site for the Convention Center/Civic Center is that the real estate is free (City of Cleveland owns the air space), it will connect to the existing Convention Center, it adds a needed feature to benefit from our location at Lake Erie’s shoreline, and the convention center will be a beneficiary and a catalyst for lakefront development as presented by our organization. A model of our proposal along with Hulett Ore Unloaders and Steamer William G. Mather historic showcase is on display at The Galleria at East 9th St. and was setup as part of the Ingenuity Festival. Those interested in our proposal, please e-mail us and we will send you a presentation in PowerPoint (6.5Mb) or PDF (3.0Mb) file formats at attachments. Please indicated your preference in the e-mail.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ray Saikus rrs@citizensvision.org

On Lakewood and property taxes (See Chris Camp’s letter in Yr Turn here and Lakewood’s Lesson? here) Subject: property taxes paid by apartment dwellers You probably don’t want to publish replies to letters, getting a serial argument going, but could someone tell me how it is that apartment dwellers don’t pay property taxes? I thought apartment owners at least break even, at least most of the time, when they own property; that their tenants pay the property taxes, the water bill, the cost of maintenance and other things as well as hopefully something in addition that makes landlording worthwhile.
from Cool Cleveland reader Kathryn Harlow woodnail2ATstratos.net

You did not just say, “Blue Collar Dimwits” did you? That is just the type of classist rhetoric that divides communities and causes rifts between neighbors. My family and I are homeowners in a diverse area of Lakewood and were offended by your elitist comments about those who live in apartments. We certainly don’t want yours to be the voice for the rest of us. Your narrow-minded views are not only bourgeois but also inaccurate. I don’t know about you, but we (and our friends who rent) ALL have to pay this little thing called RITA – you know – the Regional Income Tax Agency. So, don’t worry, all the “plebeians” who, to you, are a blight to this otherwise nice community are towing the line along with us. Your comments in Cool Cleveland are neither “progressive” nor “liberal.” Only a conservative, privileged snob would so thoughtlessly and unabashedly make such a “dimwitted” public statement.
from Cool Cleveland reader Kristin Bly-Rogers redundantredundantATameritech.net

On Cool Cleveland I remember when this effort of yours was relatively short, delivered in plain text, and had a limited subscriber list. Now, I spend more time reading your pub than I do the PD. That’s both good and bad, because Cool Cleveland was originally, for me, a quick, focused look on what the community was thinking and what events and activities were on the schedule. You’ve evolved (obviously), and I think we’re certainly more informed and much better off as an enlightened community, thanks to your great work. Continued best of luck. Also, have you networked to a point where you’ve built a model for a “Cool Cinci” or “Cool Columbus”?
fromCool Cleveland reader Chris Abood cabood2579ATadelphia.net

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) Share your Ingenuity photos online There’s nearly 500 photos of the festival people have posted. Have you shared yours? Ingenuity Cleveland Photos

2) Ingenuity Bash photos If pics of the fest weren’t enough, there were shots of the Cool Cleveland party as well. Ingenuity Bash Photos

3) Emissions from the blogsphere Was it the name North Coast Hermit, his knee-jerk reaction, or the promise of good and bad news that lured everyone to click through? Bobzilla on Ingenuity

4) The Next Big Thing In Northeast Ohio – Idea Center at Playhouse Square. Download the Ideacenter PDF

5) INGENUITY Friday – “Confluence” DancEvert A review by Linda Eisenstein posted to The Cool Cleveland Blog

Thanks again to our dedicated group we call the Hard Corps – creators of Cool Cleveland’s content. Without Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Roldo Bartimole, Layne Anderson, Elsa Johnson, Victor Lucas and everyone who partners with us, this newsletter would be just like every other email in your inbox. 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.

Let’s have some fun this weekend,

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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