On Tap

8.22-8.29.07
On Tap

In this week’s issue:
* Eats Cleveland’s love affair with beer
* Kids Connecting NEO youth with tech
* BFD Weekly Ed Morrison’s The markets don’t lie about the convention center
* Sounds Adapter from americanrockstar
* Straight Outta Mansfield Who’s Your Daddy?
* RoldoLINK Take from the Poor, Give to the Rich
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

Whenever you tap into the regional psyche of Northeast Ohio, you find a couple of interesting qualities. Our generosity, expressed in this region’s consistent ranking at the top of the philanthropic scale; our fun-loving attitude, best reflected in the glass pyramid of the Rock Hall; and our family-friendly environs, famous for being a great place to raise kids. This week, Cool Cleveland addresses all these qualities: Roldo peels back the latest efforts to curb panhandling, then shows how our public-private partnerships get their own handouts; our Cleveland leisure culture has always included, even before rock ‘n roll, a healthy appreciation for locally brewed beer, and Claudia Taller’s roundup of area brewpubs will have you anticipating your next foamy gulp. And for families, read Jennifer Keirn’s concise collection of technology resources for kids. BFD Weekly points you to the blog, where the talk this week is on Medical Mart, the tax to pay for it, the referendum issue to put it on the ballot, and the civic effort to block the referendum. Add in our Hot picks of cool events, BizTech news & events, a review of the new americanrockstar CD, and the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, and you’ve got yourself tapped into the real Cleveland, with all our regional quirks intact. Feel free to tap your keyboard and click away. —Thomas Mulready

Tasty Taproom Traditions
Brewpubs continue Cleveland’s love affair with beer

We love beer in Cleveland. Clevelanders have a fondness for local breweries and brew pubs. After all, Cleveland has been the home of some great breweries, places that brewed the beer our grandfathers and fathers drank, like Carling Black Label, Pilsner, and Leisy. Some were good while they lasted, like Crooked River Brewing Company, and at least one existing brewery, Great Lakes Brewing Company, not only distributes its beer to retail locations all over the region, but it’s hard to go into a restaurant and not find Dortmunder on tap.

A little-known fact is that The Gund family made their fortune as brewers in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. When George F. Gund came to Cleveland in 1897 to purchase Jacob Mall Brewing Company, a small brewery, Cleveland’s brewing industry had become fiercely competitive due to the downtown in the economy, but Gund was determined to keep his brewery open…

Read more from Claudia J. Taller here

Give Us Some Skin We often receive virtual high fives from our readers. (Thanks!) And now you can win an iPhone or video iPod with your cool support by forwarding CC here to your favorite person(s) with your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up — and you’ll both be eligible to win an iPhone or video iPod! Winners announced in future issue.

Plugged-in Kids
Connecting NEO Youth with Technology

They have lots of names: Generation Z, the Homeland Generation, the New Silent Generation, the MySpace Generation. But no matter what you call them, you can’t dispute that today’s kids are the most plugged-in of any generation to come before them.

While Northeast Ohio may not be Silicon Valley in the availability of resources for connecting kids with technology, the demand from NEO kids and parents for opportunities to create and explore technology is substantial and growing. Schools are doing more to integrate technology into their curriculums, and at younger ages than ever before…

Read more from Jennifer Keirn here

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Celebrate Your Inner Artist at the CMA Chalk Festival on Sat 9/15 11AM – 4PM and Sun 9/16 Noon to 5PM. Enjoy chalk artists and entertainment, at no charge, that includes Blues de Ville (Sat) and Panic Steel Ensemble and Hue People (Sun). Create your own chalk pictures. Small square and 12-color box of chalk, $8 each; large square and 24-color box of chalk, $16 each. Individuals, families, schools and neighborhood groups are all invited to participate. Children under 15 must be accompanied by supervising adults. Sign up when you arrive. Groups are encouraged to pre-register by calling 216–707–2483 by Wed 9/12. The Chalk Festival is sponsored by CMA Community Arts Partner Medical Mutual of Ohio. It is a featured event on the Sparx Gallery Hop, a Downtown Cleveland Alliance program. For more info go to www.clevelandart.org/educef/chalk/html/.
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Two “Moons” on Monday The whole world is waiting for this one. The planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky on this night. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye; this is because Mars will be within 34.65M miles of earth. Watch the sky on Mon 8/27 at 12:30AM. It will look like the Earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in the year 2287. Yes, you and the kids might be up a little late on a school night to see this, but consider that no one alive today will ever see it again. How cool is that???

Abracadabra Learn everyday magic with the grand opening of this latest exhibit at the Cleveland Childrens’ Museum starting this Sat 8/25. Think you’ve got what it takes to be a top notch magician, like your Criss Angel, David Blaine or Doug Henning? (er, OK sorry, perhaps a bit before some of your time) Come see what it takes to deceive the eye and amaze an audience, and learn the math and science behind what appears to be magic! http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

East End Neighborhood House hosts a summer celebration with family-oriented activities to the surrounding Buckeye-Woodland Hills community. Scheduled for Sat 8/25 from 11AM – 4PM, this year’s Community Day will be an even more special party than usual as it marks the centennial of East End Neighborhood House. Carnival games, line dancing and live entertainment are a part of the fun. Bring the family! Shaker Blvd. and E. 103rd Street. Call Pearl at 707-6002 for more info.

Greek Festival It’s another week of great ethnic festivals. Enjoy the great Greek cuisine, music, and dancing and a huge flea market — where some really cool toy bargains are rumored! The festival is held indoors, on the grounds of Sts. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church, starting Thu 8/23 and runs through the weekend. 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cle Hts. Call 932-3300 or visit http://www.stsconstantine.com for details.

An Egyptian Festival Nevermind the old Bangles song, this event is all about good taste! Stuffed grape leaves, shish kabob, baklava, and other native dishes from Nefertiti’s Kitchen and Isis’ Pastry Shop provide sustenance. Check out the kids’ rides and activities, Egyptian gifts at “King Tut’s Bazaar” and more starting Fri 8/24 and running through the weekend. The festival is held at St. Mark Coptic Church, 2100 East Pleasant Valley Road, Seven Hills. Details and more at http://www.stmarkcoccleveland.org.

Superman Returns He’s the Man of Steel, but he’s only on the Omnimax Theater’s screen on weekends through the end of the month. While an old Lex Luthor plots to render Supe powerless, the Caped One also must come to realize his love Lois Lane has moved on… or has she? The epic journey continues, taking the Man of Steel from the depths of the ocean to outer space. Runs Fri 8/24 and Sat 8/25 at 7:30PM. http:/www.greatscience.com.

Bike Through Time Families can ride through time on the Towpath Trail with volunteer Paul Goodwin and Maureen McGinty, chief of interpretive programming and education, to celebrate the 180-year history of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The Fri 8/24 at 7PM trip is a 9-mile ride from Big Bend to downtown Akron and back. Helmets are required for all riders. The route starts and ends in the Big Bend Area of Sand Run Metro Park, 1337 Merriman Road, Akron. Call 330-865-8065 for details.

Bat Ride Join naturalists from the Nature Center and Lake View Cemetery to learn about the not-so-creepy flying mammals as bats are netted, banded and released. Check it out Fri 8/24 at 8PM. http://www.shakerlakes.org”’.

Slavic Village Harvest Festival Nearly 50K people are expected to celebrate Eastern European traditions at this spectacular fest; pierogis aren’t just one of the food groups here, they’re a way of life! The 30th annual festival hits Sat 8/25 and Sun 8/26. Traditional food, music, and dance creates a colorful, aromatic, joyous atmosphere for the whole family. Come hungry! http://www.slavicvillage.org.

Homegrown Saturday Mornings The City of Akron holds farmers markets that feature local farmers and produce, pancake breakfasts, trolley tours of downtown Akron, children’s activities, crafts, and science experiments, Akron’s History Exhibit and Toy and Marble Museum, and local artists at work with items available for purchase — including jewelry, fine art, pottery, accessories, and handmade books and paper. This week’s shindig on Sat 8/25 starting at 9AM and features the kids’ theme Flying High where activities include creating paper kites & airplanes. Click here‘ for details.

A Back to School Jam Give your young ones a final goodbye to summer as you party it up with several live bands, a “Nothing But Net” 3-point shootout and appearances by Moondog and Donyell Marshall from the NBA Eastern Conference Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. The Radio Disney Street Team also appears starting Sat 8/26 at 2PM. http://www.garfieldchurch.org.

Latino Heritage Festival Performances by Latin bands, dance ensembles, and vocal groups are the call of the day, along with a sassy Salsa contest at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Sun 8/26. This no-cost annual festival celebrates Hispanic culture and musical traditions; access to the Rock Hall is offers at regular admission price. http://www.rockhall.com/public/community-festivals.

Breakfast in the Park Join naturalist Gretchen Motts as she invites hikers on a one-mile journey along Lake Erie’s shoreline on Sun 8/26 at 9AM. Learn about the history of Huntington Reservation while volunteers make breakfast. Advance registration is required; when registering, participants are assigned a food item to bring for the meal. Call 440-734-6660 for details. Bay Village Metroparks.

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/CoolClevelandKids08.24.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
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Shoutback.com is Cle’s brand spanking new local shopping rewards program Click
Ohio to Erie Trail launches new website Click

Port Plans Expansion In the next 5 years, the Cleveland Port Authority is planning to “assume an investor role in beginning to help deliver a broad and transformative regional economic strategy.” So says the draft of their new strategic plan here. Pushing for projects in “aerospace, healthcare, logistics and advanced manufacturing,” the Port is showing a commitment to the city and the will to continue to help finance both private and public projects. However, the potential for their power to be used for private gain rather than the public looms — as evidenced by the Wolstein’s East Bank project. Potentially helpful to economic development and potentially dangerous if they use their power in the wrong way, the Port’s Plan is more than required reading. Want to comment on the draft? Hit the upcoming hearing. Wed 8/29 from 5-7PM at the United Technologies Center, Cuyahoga Community College, Room 229, 2415 Woodland Ave.

Comments? letters@coolcleveland.com

Sales/Marketing Directors:? Looking for a vehicle that will drive traffic to your/your client’s sites and engage highly-educated, community-minded individuals to take action? Then you should know that 51% of Cool Cleveland readers wrote an email as a result of reading Cool Cleveland and 22% have purchase a product. For more info about advertising contact us at Info@CoolCleveland.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Ron Burdick & Margaret Baughman sign their book Historic Photos of Cleveland on Wed 8/22 at 7PM. From John D. Rockefeller and James A. Garfield, the Great Lakes Exposition and the burning Cuyahoga River, this book showcases a photographic history collected from the areas top archives. With around 200 photographs covering 2 centuries, this coffeetable book shows the historical growth from the mid 1800’s to the late 1900’s. A must have for any long-time resident. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Legacy Village 24519 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst. http://www.josephbeth.com.

Lakewood on Foot NEO residents are encouraged to explore the downtown Lakewood business district by participating in “Lakewood Walks Main Street,” this Wed 8/22 from 11AM – 7PM. Local merchants, including Geigers, Lion & Blue, Winking Lizard, Pacers, Souper Market, Quizno’s, Deja Vu, Blue Onion and more have contributed gift cards and prizes valued over $200 to the grand prize basket. Every walker will receive a goodie bag, containing more donated items. We’ve got lanyards, cookie coupons, fast food coupons, mints, healthy snacks and more to give away! http://www.lakewoodalive.com.

Blue Planet Cafe Grand Opening Party Try a dining experience that’s worlds away from ordinary this Thu 8/23 from 6-8PM. Guests are invited to an opening reception for The Blue Planet, the new Cleveland Museum of Natural History cafe. See the vibrant new look of the space and sample selections from our menu of foods made with natural and organic ingredients by A Taste of Excellence Catering. Enjoy a cash bar, entertainment and more. No-cost event, RSVP required. Call 231-1177 by August 22. 1 Wade Oval Dr., University Circle. http://www.cmnh.org.

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Jazz Singer/Snake-Handler/Beast/Lesbian: What do these folks have in common? They are all part of the 2007-08 Theater Season at Beck Center! Here are some highlights of our 76th season: Opening with the world premiere of Reflections (Peggy Sings Leiber and Stoller), – a kaleidoscope of songs made famous by legendary Peggy Lee; Our holiday production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Singing lesbians in the Cleveland premiere of The Breakup Notebook: The Lesbian Musical; The six-time Tony award-winning play, The History Boys; followed by My Favorite Year, Altar Boyz and more. Wow, what a season! For a complete list and subscription/ticket information, visit www.beckcenter.org or call the Box Office at 216.521.2540. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland.
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Dr. Evan Lieberman The filmmaker and film professor at Cleveland State University’s School of Communication will present “Fighting Words: Free Expression and Cultural Sensitivity in Recent Media Scandals” on Thu 8/23 at 7PM. The evening will include an open discussion among the participants and featured speaker followed by a dessert reception. Space is limited for these events so an RSVP is required to guarantee your seat. Please call 579-9600 ext. 29, or email cleveland50@adl.org to RSVP. Shaker Lakes Nature Center, 2600 South Park, Shaker Heights.

Holly Hofmann Cleveland Native jazz flutist returns Thu 8/23 at 8PM at Nighttown in Cleveland Hts. Outspoken musician Phil Woods says “Along with Hubert Laws, Holly is frankly the best jazz flute player today.” http://www.nighttowncleveland.com. http://www.hollyhofmann.com.

Health Care CEOs of major local health systems — Dr. Toby Cosgrove of the Cleveland Clinic, Tom Straus of Summa Health System, and John Sideras of MetroHealth System — and members of the Northeast Ohio Health, Science and Innovation Coalition (NOHSIC) will comment on the need for a robust workforce and regional cooperation to strengthen the local economy and grow the health care industry on Thu 8/23 at noon. at The City Club of Cleveland. Lt. Governor Lee Fisher will serve as moderator. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. http://www.cityclub.org.

HOT Postcard Diaries “During his downtime on early worldwide tours with DEVO, Mark Mothersbaugh began illustrating on postcards to send to his friends and family, which he still creates, and has been creating every day for over 30 years. It’s an obsessive habit/hobby which still yields anywhere from one to a couple dozen new postcard-sized images per day.” So says his website. This Fri 8/24 Asterisk Gallery in Cleveland will be showing Mothersbaugh’s Postcard Diary prints! Must be seen to be believed. Part of a two day DEVOtional; see Saturday for more details. http://www.mutatovisual.com/gallery_pc06.html. http://boojiboysbasement.com/devotional2007.html.

No Holds Barred Excursions With the support City Xpressions, the Excursions concert series presents No Holds Barred, a potpourri of progressive hip-hop, soul, jazz, and funk all in one show! Get the vibes Fri 8/24 at 10PM at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo in Collinwood. Artists featured include Baby Grande Records’ and national recording artist The Polyrhythm Addicts, soul siren Alison Crockett, the multi-faceted SounDoctrine and Ace Boogie. http://beachlandballroom.com.

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WCLVnotes Do you sing show tunes in the car, at work and in the shower? If so, you might qualify as a “Blossom Broadway Baby” at The Cleveland Orchestra’s Sat 9/1 concert, “Rodgers and Hammerstein on Stage and Screen.” WCLV’s Bill Rudman will introduce the concert from the stage. For a chance to win a pair of tickets, send an email to bbb@wclv.com or postcard to: “Broadway Baby” c/o WCLV, 26501 Renaissance Parkway, Cleveland, 44128. You’ll receive a “Broadway Baby” costume depicting a character in one of the featured musicals – from The Sound of Music to South Pacific and more. A sense of humor is mandatory. At intermission, we’ll visit Kulas Plaza to toast your newfound stardom. Entry deadline: 5 PM, Fri 8/24. Details at www.wclv.com.
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HOT City Xpressionz Cleveland Public Art presents this 6th annual aerosol and urban art festival on Sat 8/25 from 10AM – 7PM. Artists, breakdancers, MCs, and musicians from around the region are invited to Ohio City’s Market Square Park to exhibit their work and battle for cash and prizes. This no-cost event is a unique experience for participants and spectators — celebrating urban street culture with local and regional aerosol artists, b-boy/b-girl battles, and 9 hours of live music. http://www.clevelandpublicart.org.

Above & Beyond In conjunction with City Xpressionz, check out an exciting evening of visually stimulating graffiti art and culture — both surreal and modern — at Level Three Gallery’s next show Sat 8/25 starting at 6PM. For a night of visual stimulation, tasty bites and kickin’ DJ sounds, you can’t beat it. 3635 Perkins Ave. http://levelthreegallery.blogspot.com.

LGBT Summer Party Send off the summer off with a humongous party honoring all of the warm, wonderful and sunny days and fun times we’ve all had with our friends. The LGBT Center of Cleveland’s Summer Party offers all that and more Sat 8/25 from 7PM-1AM. Enjoy great spinning from DJs, live music, a fantastic concert from Anne E DeChant, a cash bar, a late-summer BBQ-style spread and more dancing and entertainment then you could ask for. All proceeds benefit The LGBT Center. For tickets and more info, call Mary Zaller at 651-5428 (ext. 15) or order your tickets at http://www.lgbtcleveland.org and follow the Summer Party link.

A DEVOtional Special guest Gerald V. Casale of seminal technoprotopunkpopsters DEVO will be a part of the upcoming DEVOtional fan gathering on Sat 8/25 at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo in Collinwood. Saturday’s festivities will also include the music & art of KRK Ryden, as well as a few other performers. There will be new limited edition DEVO merchandise available at the event.

What’s Going On this Weekend? In our recent survey 78% of you said you attended an event as a result of reading Cool Cleveland (Can I just say “Wow!?”). Help weekends all over the city by sending this to your favorite person(s) by simply using the link at the top of this email and put your personal message in the subject line, encouraging them to sign up. Thanks, in advance, from the Hard Core gang at CC.

HOT Walk+Roll Cleveland It’s your last shot this year to experience Cleveland as never before. This Sun 8/26, University Circle, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Martin Luther King Blvd are open for use without your car! Explore and enjoy Rockefeller Park by walking, biking, unicycling, jogging, rollerblading, wheelchairing or baby strolling. MLK Jr. Blvd comes alive with friendly folks starting at 10AM, creating another amazing outdoor experience and unique destination in Cle. http://www.walkroll.com.

Real Low Calorie Diet Check out the screening of the NAC/City Fresh Documentary Real Low Calorie Diet at Talkie’s Sun 8/26 at 3PM. Did you know it takes 10 calories of fossil fuel energy to put 1 calorie of food on a plate? Local food systems are about going on a “societal diet”. As we wean ourselves off of fossil fuel energy, we re-discover the power of community and meaningful connection to place. Watch the trailer here. Brad Masi, Producer of the movie and Executive Director of New Agrarian Center will speak following the film. Talkies, 2521 Market Ave. http://www.gotthenac.org. http://www.cityfresh.org. http://www.talkiescoffee.com.

DJ Rico from Brit twee-popsters Belle & Sebastian (he’s their drummer) makes his Cleveland debut at the B-Side Liquor Lounge whipping up a set. Belle & Sebastian have never performed in Cleveland, so this marks a truly special and rare occcassion. Doors at 9PM. Check out our new website at http://www.bsideliquorlounge.com to stay informed. B-Side Liquor Lounge, 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd., Cleveland Hts… below the Grog Shop.

British Car Show Drivers, owners and auto enthusiasts of all ages converge on Shaker Square on Sun 8/26 when the North Coast Triumph Association’s 16th Annual British Car Show returns to the Square after a five year absence. Over 100 cars are expected to compete in this popular event. A plethora of Brit autos will be on display including, Austin Healy, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Mini Cooper (original and new), MG, MGB, Morgan, Morris, Rolls Royce/Bentley, Spitfire, Triumph, British other and British motorcycles. Awards for Best in Show and Most Modest (British Beater). For additional info and directions, visit their website, http://www.nctaweb.com.

Green Fair Learn how to live a greener life through composting, organic lawn care products, Monarch Way Stations, and how to make a rain barrel at this event Sun 8/26 at 11:30AM. Come and calculate your carbon footprint, then learn how to reduce it. Lynn Garrity of Cuyahoga Soil & Water and Barb Holtz of Wild Ones will talk about rain gardens and use of native plants. Get more information about “green” products, climate change and how to make a difference. There will also be a plant exchange, where you can exchange your plants and vegetables and/or help those in need! The fair will be preceded by a diverse, Earth focused SpiritSong service at 10AM for anyone interested. Call 440-442-2331 to RSVP. Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church, 5312 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst. http://www.lyndhurstpresbyterian.org.

The Canadian Brass will appear in concert at the Blossom Festival on Sun 8/26 at 7PM. The program will feature works by J. S. Bach, Samuel Barber’s Adagio, a “Glenn Miller Songbook,” and Peter Schickele’s Hornsmoke – A Horse Opera in One Act. Over 30+ years, the ensemble has revolutionized brass music and elevated the art of the brass quintet to the standing it holds today. They first appeared at Blossom Music Center in August 1982. Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

1st Annual MidTown Fun Run for the Arts Come support the arts with a brisk morning race Sun 8/26 starting with a 7AM registration. Awards for the top runners in different age groups; get a t-shirt and goody bag for participating! Starts at Colonel Young Square Park, located at Prospect Ave & Prospect Rd. Go to http://hermescleveland.com/events/midtown.asp for more information or call 623-9933.

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Update Your Skills, Advance Your Career! Interested in advancing your career and professional development? Cleveland State’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs offers six certificate programs that equip you with knowledge to help you advance professionally. Certificates are offered in the expanding fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Local and Urban Management, Nonprofit Management, Research Administration, Urban Real Estate Development and Finance, and Urban Economic Development. You can be a non-degree or degree seeking student. Certificates can be completed in three to five classes and program credits easily transfer to a Levin College degree program. For more information visit www.urban.csuohio.edu
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HOT Farm to Table North Union Farmers Market and Cleveland Botanical Garden hold this annual benefit event Mon 8/27 from 5:30 – 9:30PM. Farm to Table is a celebration of local farmers and farmers markets, featuring chefs from the area’s top restaurants preparing cuisine from fresh, local ingredients. The event will be held on the lovely Geis Terrace of CBG – inspiring digs for a late summer gathering – and features live music. Rain or shine. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. http://www.cbgarden.org.

Chucklef*ck Comedy Night It’s a comedy show with a name that pretty well sums it up. Every Monday night at 8PM (including Mon 8/27) host Jim Tews offers the stage to 5 stand-up performers, all in an attempt to amuse you. If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself. While you’re there, catch your beer or coffee buzz and latch onto some free Wi-Fi. bela dubby in Lakewood. http://www.myspace/beladubby.

Harriet Applegate the executive director of the North Shore Federation of Labor will sit down and discuss her new role Wed 8/29 at 6PM. Although the title is new, she has been a union member for 20 years. Most recently, she worked for AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. She has a passion for educating rank-and-file members on ‘common sense economics’ and the true cost of ‘free trade’. She brings a strong set of skills to the position and will share them with Meet.the.Bloggers* at Gypsy Beans & Baking, 6425 Detroit Rd. Come be a part of citizen journalism! http://www.meetthebloggers.net.

Calling all Writers with a passion for revitalizing Clev. Interested in writing for Cool Cleveland? Let us know your area of interest, cause we’d love to hear from you. Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Rick Stone The former Clevelander and noted jazz guitarist returns for a special one-night engagement at Nighttown on Wed 8/29, performing at 7PM and 8:30PM. It’s been 25 years since Stone packed his bags and made the move to the Big Apple, but he always tries to fit in a hometown gig. He’ll lead a trio with bassist Dave Morgan and drummer Ron Godale, Nighttown, Cleveland Hts. For reservations call 795-0550. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

Dumpstaphunk was voted New Orleans’ best funk band by two of the city’s top publications, recognizing the Dumpsta (nee multi-instrumentalist Ivan Neville of the versatile Neville family) as the most serial crushin’ source of funk in the Big Easy. Neville’s group of musicologists transcend age and styles in a free-flowing approach to their art Wed 8/29 at 9PM. Diverse influences bubble up into a spicy musical gumbo. Wilbert’s Food and Music, 812 Huron Rd. E. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Team NEO and Cle Clinic Partner They announced a new initiative to accelerate the region’s growth as a hub of biotechnology innovation, by attracting bioscience and medical device companies to the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC). http://www.teamneo.org. www.clevelandclinic.org.

ODOT defies Cle business community by insisting on closing Inner Belt ramps in Downtown Read
Medical Mart site undecided: 13 locations considered Read

CAAO Black L’ship Retreat feat. Paul Hill, ED of East End N’hood House Sat 8/25 Read
Fall TV Preview Party benefits American Ad Assoc Thu 8/30 at House of Blues Info
Get Growing 2007 Business Expo hits Corp College East on Wed 9/19. Learn More
The Future of Design explores Biomimicry with Janine Benyus on Tue 9/25 at CIA. Part of E4S Third Tuesday series. Details
Make the B2B Connection w/ no-cost B’wood COC show Mon 10/8 starting at 2:30PM. Hilton Cle East, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood. Call 831-0003, e-mail mail@beachwood.org. More
Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marriott Downtown at Key Center Fri 11/2 at 6PM Details

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Toast to the Finale under the Stars! The Cleveland Orchestra’s final concert of the summer at Blossom is half off for you, CC readers on Sat 8/25 at 8PM. Picnic on beautiful grounds before the concert (up to 2-1/2 hours prior) to fully enjoy the final Cleveland Orchestra concert of the Blossom season under the stars. Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” and the Sibelius Violin Concerto — a rhapsodic, lyrical, rhythmic and above all extremely virtuosic work will be played by Russian violinist Valeriy Sokolov. Discounted lawn tickets are $10. Discounted Pavilion seats start at $11. Use promo code 3836 and order online at www.clevelandorchestra.com or phone 216 231-1111 or 800-686-1141.
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The hottest topic on BrewedFreshDaily.com (started by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth) this week

“We now have airplanes flying over Jacobs Field exhorting people not to sign petitions,” says Ed Morrison. “In the home of the City Club, this is civic debate? Perhaps we can bring a little market reality to the situation. From this perspective, the petitioners seem, well, rational and responsible… guardians of the public purse. Let’s look to Pittsburgh to see why. Prepared by Carnegie Mellon, the analysis looks at the benefits and costs of building the new convention center in Pittsburgh and they concluded the costs outweigh the benefits. Pittsburgh went ahead and built the center anyway. And now the folks in Pittsburgh have got a beautiful big box. They are not meeting their attendance projections (but, then again, neither are Baltimore or Washington). Maybe the petitioners are right to slow things down, get a plan in place, then focus on figuring out how to finance it. (Those are the rational steps Portland, OR is taking with its center, as this flow chart shows.) A chart from Jacksonville’s recent market analysis shows the problem: convention space is outstripping demand. It will likely take some years for the market to rebalance.We all want Cleveland to succeed. However, a convention center is placing a very big bet on a very soft market. The medical mart might be able to mitigate this risk by providing a base load of demand…”

Read and add your comment here

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We’re in the Home Stretch! “Baseball As America,” the largest traveling exhibition of baseball artifacts is here now through Mon 9/3 with more than 500 artifacts, a pitching cage, and interactive exhibits. “Baseball As America” allows the whole family to experience the role of baseball in American culture and history. Admission: $14.50 for adults, $10.50 for youth not in uniform, $13.50 for seniors/military. Join us on Sat 8/25 from 12-5PM and learn proper pitching mechanics on the portable pitching mound on our front lawn! Watch Vintage Baseball games on Sun 8/26 at 1PM and 3PM and see how games were played in 1860. Players will be available between games for on-field interaction. GLSC is open daily from 9:30AM-5:30PM. Contact (216) 694-2000 or www.GreatScience.com for more information.
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Links to interesting NEO blogs

Looks like the flipping has begun here in Cleveland.
How much is the war in Iraq costing your congressional district?
Joe Marinucci of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance meets the bloggers.
The PD could use some new columnists in Brian’s opinion.
Artist Derek Hess sports a suit at the Euclid Democrats luncheon.
Politics is more like a sporting event, then a way to govern.
Fewer degrees of separation make companies and regions more innovative.

Adapter
americanrockstar
FlipSide Records

Heavy modern rock, grunge-metal with garage-pop and aggro rock leanings. Three chords and a cloud of dust. Fuel meets Breaking Benjamin with shades of Foo Fighters, Watershed, Sugarcult and Cheap Trick thrown in for good measure. Local rock outfit americanrockstar subscribes to one simple mantra: keep it simple, but powerful – and absolutely no frills. The band’s latest effort Adapter offers a slate of soul-searching, tuneful rockers, with lyrics on the ever-present modern struggle of life in a northern town. It’s the kind of music Cleveland mainstream radio fans (I’m thinking “K-Rockers”) hunger for.

But it’s not for everyone, even though the approach aims to be. You’ve got your catchy power-pop, the “all the rage” punkpop and melodic hard rock, well-tuned vocal harmonies and muscular riffs – all are extraordinarily well-executed – but something happened along the way that keeps this talented group of musicians from making a sturdy connection. Maybe it’s because it’s all been done, that we’ve heard it all before on a (ahem) clear channel on the dial. Songs like “Shine On,” “I Won’t Sleep,” “Brace Yourself,” and “Surgery” (all from the band’s new 10-song release) rock passionately, and are done in the capable hands of the alt-rock band. But in channeling too many influences, and trying to be everything to everyone, and in feeling entirely too familiar, their radio-ready sound is missing the “it” factor.

But what do I know? I’m no A&R guy. But I’m guessing program directors will love it.

American Rockstar performs at Peabody’s Rockstar Club at 2083 East 21st St. (at Euclid Ave.) this Saturday August 25. The band Bonk opens. Visit http://www.peabodys.com and http://www.americanrockstar.com for details.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

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The Little Engine that Could? Experience Holden Express: A Garden Railroad at The Holden Arboretum now through 9/23. You will marvel at six thousand sq. ft. of beautiful, enchanted gardens set in an outdoor wonderland with 2,000 feet of track winding through it. Immerse yourself in the magic. All aboard! Located just 30 minutes east of DT Cleveland, Holden Express will be open from 10AM to 5PM (and until 9PM Wednesdays) daily through Sun 9/23. Holden Express has no-cost admission for members; Nonmembers: $6 adults, $3 children ages 6-12 and $2 children ages 2-5. Seniors: no-cost admission each Tuesday. Holden Arboretum is located at 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland. For more info contact www.holdenarb.org.
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Who’s Your Daddy?

Henry Clay (1777-1862), a U.S. senator from Kentucky, once said, “I’d rather be right than be president.” We soon might be hearing a similar sentiment from a local, modern-day politician.

In spite of the media clamoring for a change of direction in regards to how we address our crime problem Mayor Frank Jackson’s shifting of police officers from the airport to the streets should not be taken out of context. Scribes and talking heads will take credit for “forcing the mayor to take action,” when the mayor was pointed in characterizing the move as part of an overall, continuing plan. Jackson is not about to cave into media pressure. You really have to know the man like I’ve come to know him over the last few decades…

The simple fact is, Frank Jackson cares about Cleveland deeply and knows as much about public policy as any politician I’ve ever interviewed — and a quite a bit more than most of them…

Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

Take From Poor, Give to the Rich

Hypocrisy remains the only growth sector in Cleveland.

Can you imagine the downtown gang now is pressing for a ban on panhandling!

When panhandling for handouts for themselves, they seem very adept and eager. They certainly won’t legislate against panhandling for government handouts for their businesses.

So, the poor and near poor can’t beg downtown. It’s untidy. The rich – developers and real estate interests – please line-up over there. We’ll feed you with millions of dollars of goodies in a moment…

Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

The Lion King @ State Theatre 8/3 I’m not one to trumpet Disney at all, but after taking in the 2nd go-around of the Cleveland musical production of The Lion King, I just can’t help but do so. The huge spectacle, the breathtaking blend of Kabuki, shadowbox, elaborate dance and costuming and the stilt-walking spectacle of animals brought to life absolutely stunned and amazed. Award-winning director Julie Taymor, who still has strong ties to Cleveland, is a visual genius; the images, African rhythms and casting did incredibly well in transporting the audience to the Pridelands. Bonus points for the casting of the young Simba and the casting and costuming for Timon and Pumbaa. There are moments that could be pretty darn intense/scary for your kids (if they’re under 7 years old, prime them a bit before you take them) but this is a feast for the eyes and ears. A pure triumph on stage. From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Icons of American Photography @ Cleveland Museum of Art 8/7 Before the pixel and digital camera revolution, even before color pictures from 35mm cameras, there were photographers taking black and white pictures using the Daguerreotype, collotype, platinum, gelatin silver, and palladium print processes. Icons of American Photography, 120 pictures spanning from the early 1800s to the 1980s, is a fascinating exhibit on display until September 16. American photographers Edward Steichen, Dorthea Lange, Ansel Adams, Robert Frank, Gordon Parks, Paul Strand, Roy DeCarava, and Imogen Cunningham captured history reproducing images of people and places using this expressive “new” media. Of particular note is a photograph by Arthur Fellig, nicknamed “Weegee,” a hard core newspaper photographer, known for getting to the scene of a crime before it even happened, some thinking he may have used the popular future-telling Quija Board to accomplish this. His picture, “Scrub Woman in 60 Wall Street Tower,” is mostly black and easy to pass by, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a long dark hallway with a woman softly illuminated in the back quietly mopping the floor.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Ansel Adams; A Legacy @ Cleveland Institute of Art 8/10 Not only was Ansel Adams a great photographer (1902-1984), but he also used his photography to advocate and protect the majestic national parks and natural environment. The 80-picture exhibit at CIA displays many of his famous black and white photographs. “Moonrise,” a gelatin silver print originally taken in 1941 in Hernandez, New Mexico, reveals the night time moon shining over the desert city. “Self Portrait,” a gelatin silver print first taken in 1958 in Monument Valley, Utah, shows the shadow of Ansel Adams with his box camera on a tripod contrasted against a textured western surface. Mastering the challenges of the photographic process, Adams was able to capture the details of misty snow covered mountains, cracked and textured rock surfaces, billowy background clouds, and the profile of leaves and branches extending from a thick tree trunk. He took pictures of subjects, people and landscapes, as they presented themselves to the camera. Adams rarely placed his subjects for pictures. He also developed a new concept – visualizing his photographs before taking them. Whether looking at Adams’s pictures of the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, or pictures of artist colleagues Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe, his strong sense of composition was still revealed.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Seussical! The Musical @ Mercury Summer Theatre 8/16 Pierre-Jacques Brault, the founder and Artistic Director of Mercury Summer Theatre, which is now staging Seussical! The Musical, has a difficult task. He is working with a company that has a shoe-string budget, performs in a Parma theatre with little stage space, and needs to locate performers and technicians who are willing to spend long rehearsal hours for little or no pay.

In spite of these drawbacks, Brault finds a way to stage audience-pleasing productions. The talented, enthusiastic and ever-smiling Brault, has accomplished this by building a group of loyal disciples who follow the person who, one of his advocates describes as, “The heart and soul of Mercury” and “who I’d do anything for.”

Now, make no grandiose assumptions. Mercury’s productions are not shows that compare with stagings by the area’s professional theatres, but that’s not the mission of Mercury. They want to “serve the community by entertaining, enlightening and celebrating the best of human spirit through art.” And, with all their limitations, they do a nice job.

Mercury’s final production of their 2007 season is Seussical! The Musical. The show, which is based on the books of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, had its debut on Broadway in 2000. During the Broadway run, such luminaries as Rosie O’Donnell and Cathy Rigby played the role of the show’s narrator, The Cat in the Hat.

The play’s story is an amalgamation of many of Seuss most famous books. The lynch pin of the show is Horton, the sweet and naive elephant, who endeavors to protect the people of Who-ville while sitting on an abandoned bird’s egg.

Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty’s music and lyrics include such delights as “Alone in the Universe,” “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” and “It’s Possible.”

Brault’s staging is generally cute and clever. His choreography fits the level of the dancers. The cast, as is the case with most community theatre amateur productions, is uneven.

Daniel Marshall switches personas easily as the Cat In The Hat. Though his singing quality is inconsistent, he is endearing. Dan Dicello, is appealing as the lovable Horton, though he is also erratic in his vocalizations.

Molly Richards is absolutely delightful as Gertrude McFuzz. Her “The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz” is a show stopper. Kelvette Beacham wailed as Sour Kangaroo.

Noah Weinstein and Annie Hickey were right on as Thing One and Thing Two while Miles Sternfeld had some nice moments as Jojo. Brian Marshall and Danielle Renard were wonderful as the Mayor of Who and the Mayor’s wife.

As is the case when a play is child-appealing, I took a member of my “kid’s reviewing squad” to Seussical! The Musical. Eleven year-old Alex Berko gave the show an 8 1/2 on a scale of ten. He loved the comedy elements, but thought the singing was “not as good as it should have been.” He thought the Cat, who was one of his favorites, made every joke work.

He loved Gertrude McFuzz and thought Jojo was “really good.” He felt the show started slowly, but said, “I guess they had to tell the audience who everyone was, because not everyone has read the Seuss books, but it did slow things down.” As a musician (he’s a talented pianist), he thought the orchestra sounded a “little tinny.” The show’s messages? “A person’s a person no matter how small” and “we all need someone to believe in.”

”Capsule judgment: Mercury’s Seussical is a pleasant theatrical experience. Smaller kids may have a little trouble sitting through it as the story doesn’t follow each Seuss tale in order or detail. But, in general, they should do fine and adults will enjoy themselves as well.

Seussical! The Musical continues at Parma Little Theatre, 6285 W. 54th Street, Parma, through August 25. For tickets, which are a reasonable, call 771-5862.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Take Me Out: Dobama @ CSU 8/17
Reasons to Go: Richard Greenberg’s Tony-award-winning play about the fireworks that take place after a star baseball player comes out is one of the richest, funniest new scripts in many years, and director Scott Plate does strong work with a typically fine Dobama ensemble. Michael May has power as superstar Darren, Fred Maurer is both creepy and pathetic as the racist pitcher who is his foil, Phil Carroll charms as the team intellectual and peacebroker, and Caleb J. Sekeres steals the show in the play’s most memorable role: the shlemiel accountant unaccountably turned passionate fan.
Caveats: Although Plate’s in-the-round staging has its merits, including the hint of a baseball diamond, it means the actors have to do an awful lot of twirling during Greenberg’s talkier monologues, and the reverberating acoustics in the gym-like Factory make it challenging to hear and understand. And be aware that the advertised “full frontal male nudity” is no 3-second tease — several scenes full of naked men take place in a working on-stage shower.
Details: Thru 9/9 @ CSU’s Factory Theatre, http://www.dobama.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Seussical @ Mercury Summer Stock 8/18
What works: The show looks great: director/choreographer Pierre-Jacques Brault takes his zesty young company, dresses them in witty costumes, and puts them on a splashy set of primary colors. In this compilation of Dr. Seuss stories, it’s the bouncy minor characters who are the most fun: 3 tumbling monkey boys in fuzzy purple vests, a trio of girls in gogo boots and plastic dresses, and the show-stealing Maysie Le Bird (Cathy Prince).
Caveats: Call me a grinch, but I found the Ahrens & Flaherty adaptation interminably dull and thin, with one-note tunes unworthy of the Ragtime collaborators. It’s also way too long for a family show, with too many make-the-kids-fidget ballads. But everyone around us leapt to their feet, cooing “how cute”, so your mileage may vary, especially if you have little ones who love the Seuss books.
Details: Thru 8/25 @ Parma Little Theater, http://www.mercurysummerstock.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com

The Cleveland Orchestra @ Blossom 8/18 Guest conductor Roberto Minczuk conducted with an elegant and graceful pace, allowing us to savor the delicious (and at times, outrageous) musical moments Saturday night at Blossom Music Center. The Cleveland Orchestra opened the program by whipping up a storm (how appropriate, considering the weather that followed that night) with Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman. Crashing heavy waves were easy to imagine and even the tender, last notes (suggesting that the haunted ship’s captain might at last find true love and be allowed to stop sailing) didn’t wipe out their memory.

Perhaps that is why soloist Ingrid Fliter, who came next on the program, kept wiping down the piano, the keys and the bench before she sat down to play Chopin’s Piano Concerto, No. 2. Fliter handled the tricky fingerings and the tender evocations of this concerto’s familiar themes (often used in films where the heroine watches her lover leave) with careful loyalty to the romantic spirit of the piece.

The concluding piece, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 was four movements of delicious feeling that both orchestra and conductor swept into with ease (despite a bit of over-exuberant laughter coming from picnickers who were sitting on the lawn in the cold misty rain). Once again the communal nature of music came to mind as fragments of Bernstein’s “Candide” and a bit of Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” floated to the surface from various sections of the Brahms. If one must borrow, it is truly best to borrow from the best: thanks Johannes–good job leaving us drifting out of Blossom with great music echoing in our ears.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

Cool Cleveland readers write
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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On Cool Cleveland Yr Turn I am a lifelong Clevelander and a longtime CoolCleveland subscriber. In the past, I’ve sent the link to your site to countless friends, family and acquaintances. At its inception, CoolCleveland enabled Clevelanders from all walks of life to realize that our city has a lot going for it and that it is, in fact, a very cool place to live. It stressed the positive things that Cleveland has going for it and urged readers to get involved in all things Cleveland. It was wholly unique in its approach and your enthusiam for the city was infectious. Lately, however, I’ve noticed a marked shift in the site’s content. The posts are often highly political and one-sided. You may not realize it, but this has the effect of alienating those of your readers who do not share your or your bloggers specific thoughts and viewpoints. Many of the people to whom I forwarded your link have since removed themselves from the circulation list because of this and, to be honest, I’m considering following suit. If the goal of this site is to promote the city and get Clevelanders involved, shouldn’t the content on the site be inclusive rather than exclusive? Shouldn’t it be less politically divisive, or, in the alternative, address both sides of issues that affect our city? You have created a unique vehicle in CoolCleveland that has done wonders for the psyche of Clevelanders and has tremendous potential to do even more. However, if you continue to use the site to serve political means, the end result will be further alienation of a large segment of your readers and an eventual loss of readership. The mission of CoolCleveland at the onset was to inform fellow Clevelanders about cool events, news, interviews and parties in and around Cleveland. Please don’t lose sight of or change your mission Thomas, because if you do, this fantastic site you created, and the City of Cleveland, will suffer. From Cool Cleveland reader Kevin Patrick Murphy kevinpatrickmurphy33ATyahoo.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Straight Outta Mansfield People can change, when they want to.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) A Fashionable Block Party! Fast fashion, hot looks, cool couture.
www.PinkysDailyPlanner.com

3) BizTech News Sheryl Hoffman takes over as ED at SPACES, leaving Art House.
www.SpacesGallery.org

4) BizTech News II Chris Carmody leaving the Cle Film Commission.
www.ClevelandFilm.com

5) Emissions from the Blogosphere When PD columnists get lazy, bloggers notice.
The Audient Files

Another Round Tip your glass to the Hard Corps, helping you keep current every week. Kudos to Peter Chakerian, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Linda Eisenstein, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roldo Bartimole, Roy Berko, Laura Kennelly, Susan Schaul and Claudia J. taller. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

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Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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