Partnering

5.16-5.23.07
Partnering

In this week’s issue:
* BFD Weekly highlights a post by Ed Morrison on Cleveland+
* Cool Cleveland Kids Eagles in the Cuy Valley
* Straight Outta Mansfield Lock ’em up instead of leaving them on the streets
* Sounds Chicks With Picks & Sticks
* Previews Rhythm & Hues + RiverDay 2007
* Reads Sports!
* RoldoLink Ain’t Nothing Going To Change
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily click here

If this region is going to compete in the new global marketplace, we’ll have to start thinking and acting like the one large region that we are. In order to do that, we’ve got to learn how to be flexible enough to create partnerships and collaborations that are mutually advantageous. You’ll be happy to know that, at Cool Cleveland, we’re taking our own advice. We’ve just announced a partnership with Brewed Fresh Daily, one of the most read and most influential blogs in the region. Although I’ve worked closely with BFD’s creator George Nemeth for over 4 years (he serves as Cool Cleveland’s CIO), we’re taking off the gloves and diving into a collaborative merger that should, if we do it right, benefit more than our two entities. The creation of an integrated online network between the region’s top e-letter and the most powerful blog should also advance the region by triggering grass-roots civic interaction, news, analysis, opinion, linkages and real action to improve our community. Not to mention the interviews, Hot picks, cool events, commentary, features and columns that Cool Cleveland continues to crank out. Like this week’s piece on eagles in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a couple of book reviews timed with Cleveland’s current sports fever, Roldo’s take on three issues in the news, and a call by Mansfield Frazier for drastic action to address Cleveland’s rising young black body count. Howdy, partner. Let’s get busy. —Thomas Mulready

BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth, scans over hundreds of area feeds everyday and provides links and commentary on a range subjects—from coffee to economic development in Northeast Ohio.

Ed Morrison posts a graphic of his idea of what the Cleveland+ campaign might look like. Talk about a partnership between cities in the region. “The C+ approach could be modified to be more flexible and effective. That would generate more momentum and resources,” posted Morrison. Here’s some selected comments:

Read and add your comment on the BFD blog here

Crooked Valley Comes Alive
We Have Eagles in the Cuyahoga Valley!

Several weeks ago on the Towpath north of the Station Road Bridge, signs warned “Shhhh!” because eagles were trying to nest. Well, nest they did, and we now have infant eagles. Take a look at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s website (http://www.nps.gov/cuva) and see the first chicks to hatch in Cuyahoga County in over 70 years. They’re quite the stars, those furry-headed birds with startled eyes.

If you want to see the nest of the eagles and great blue heron nests, get to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Towpath, fast. Once the leaves fill in on the west side of the Cuyahoga River, the huge nests that sit high in the trees will no longer be visible. The herons, with their graceful long necks, perch on their nests, and once in a while, a bird leaps out of the nest and into the air, wings spread wide, to soar over the River. A week ago we also watched two bald eagles fly with graceful flapping of wings but they didn’t land and reveal their nest…
Read more from Claudia Taller here

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Total Glam with a Touch of Funk or whatever you want to create this summer at CMA’s Art Classes for Children and Teens. Get splashy with your BFs and have fun creating together – it’s always more fun with a friend. Saturday Session: 5 classes, 6/30 – 7/28. Or Weekday Session: 10 classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6/26 – 7/26. Most classes are offered both morning 10-11:30AM and afternoon 1-2:30PM. Register now for art classes for children ages 3-17. Students’ classes include Mini-Masters ( ages 4-5), Picture Picnic ( ages 6-8), Vivid Visions (ages 9-12) and Teen Drawing (ages 13-17) and many, many more for children of all ages. For info and prices call 216- 707-2182 or visit www.clevelandart.org. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is now registering for their 2007 Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp, 6/18-8/17, with full-day camps for campers 6 years and older, M-F day camps for 3.5 years and older, and overnights for 11 & 12 year olds. 321-5935 http://www.Shakerlakes.org

An Evening with Kevin Lyman The producer/creator of the Vans Warped Tour speaks at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s 4th Floor Theater at Wed 5/16 at 7PM. Lyman’s creation is the longest-running music and extreme sports festival tour in the world today, reaching over 500K kids every summer. Learn how he pioneered the event, followed by a Q&A session. http://www.rockhall.com

Treasured Trombone Retired Cleveland Orchestra Trombonist Allen Kofsky will introduce children ages 3-6 to The Treasured Trombone on Fri 5/18 and Sat 5/19 as part of Musical Rainbow concerts, held in Severance Hall’s Reinberger Chamber Hall. Local actress and singer Maryann Nagel hosts the 30-minute programs, which include narration, demonstration, audience participation, and musical selections both familiar and new to the preschool set. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Day Out with Thomas No, not Mr. Mulready… though he’d be fun, too. We’re talking about Thomas the Tank Engine, of course! He’s gonna roll into the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad this weekend Sat 5/19 and Sun 5/20 (repeating 5/25-27) as a part of his All Aboard 2007 Tour. The event is hosted by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, in the Boston Mill Train Station (next to the ski resort). 7029 Riverview Rd., Peninsula. Details at http://www.cvsr.com.

Rock Your World This 8th annual All-City Festival offers more than 3,000 students from across the Cleveland Municipal School District the opportunity to demonstrate their talents to the entire Greater Cleveland community Sat 5/19 from 10AM – 5PM. Features the District’s choir, instrumental music, marching band, visual arts, dance, and theatre programs. The festival takes place simultaneously in and outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. http://www.rockhall.com.

Space Stations: Then and Now Learn about the history and role that space stations play in exploration of space and our possibilities for future colonization of outer space on Sat 5/19 @ NASA Glenn Visitor Ctr. http://www.glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

Story Time Enjoy children’s specialist Lisa Hubler and her interactive storytime at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Legacy Village Sat 5/19 at 11AM. Packed with stories, rhymes and songs, this is sure to delight kids of all ages! While you’re here, be sure to sign up for a library card to your local branch. http://www.josephbeth.com.

School of Rock The Paul Green School of Rock Music will present its first show, Pink Floyd’s The Wall on Fri 5/18 at 6:30PM at The Phantasy, 11802 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. The performance covers Roger Waters’ diatribe on alienation from end to end, as delivered by Cle-area youth. All-ages appropriate show. Program repeats Sat 5/19 at 2PM. http://www.schoolofrock.com. http://www.phantasyconcertclub.com.

True To Youth This photo exhibit and opening reception takes place Sun 5/20 from 4 – 6PM at Future Center at the Cleveland Institute of Art. All artwork is created by local teens exploring issues of health, relationships and self-esteem through photographic means. Planned Parenthood of Greater Cleveland sponsors the event. http://www.plannedparenthood.org.

Treemendous Treehouses Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens commemorates its 50th anniversary by hosting this exhibit. Features 11 custom-designed and imaginative structures, as well as two imaginitive tree-art constructions. Check out the variations on the classic treehouse! Fun for the whole family. Schedule and details at http://www.stanhywet.org.

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/CoolClevelandKids05.18.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

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Pen & Ink Get in on the conversation on Fri 5/18 at 7:30PM at Spectrum: The Lockwood Thompson Dialogues. This program engages the diverse Cleveland community with the first in a two-part series: Pen & Ink. It’s about words and images and how they’ve played a crucial role in storytelling and visual communication. Artists and writers continue to push in new directions while challenging the perceptions of high and low art, often with irreverence. The first dialogue will feature cartoonist and author Art Spiegelman, with host and moderator Michael Kimmelman, Chief Art Critic for The New York Times. The event has no admission fee, is open to the public and will be held at the Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue. Reception at 6:30PM. Seating is limited. RSVP by calling (216) 621-5330 or e-mail contactus@clevelandpublicart.org by Wed 5/16.
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CVB Sees Upswing in Cle tourism, including 28% increase from the prev. year in hotel booking. Read
Patriot Games Akron Zips and Army Black Knights play a gridiron classic at Browns Stadium in September. More
Rock Hall needs you to be a volunteer docent, conduct tours and be the rock and roll expert. Decent! Volunteer
Cleveland Hiking Club since 1919 organizes outdoor hikes all around the region’s parks. Get schedule
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: Link. iTunes or other.
To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.

More Breuer Tower The conversation started last week (See Second Life for Breuer Tower? here). Now, the discussion about adaptive reuse continues. The focus shifts to the upcoming City Planning Commission meeting on Fri 6/1 at 9AM at Cleveland City Hall, Rm. #514. Another meeting is scheduled for the following week, Fri 6/8. Can public opinion and dialogue can help keep things transparent, environmentally safe, economically viable and fiscally sound for the taxpayers footing the bill for whatever results? You tell us. If you hit the meeting, write to us and tell us about it. letters@coolcleveland.com.

Live from Earth Day in Lakewood The city celebrated with booths, exhibits and activities for kids and families on 5/5 at Lakewood Park overlooking bucolic Lake Erie. Here’s the buzz: A new group, BikeLakewood is launching to create a bike route through the town, increase bike parking, and advocate for bikes Join. CityWheels, fresh from their Civic Innovation Lab award, are looking to open in Lakewood. With car-sharing Prius and Scion Xb vehicles available for $7.25/hr (including gas & insurance!) now in Oberlin and University Circle, social entrepreneur Ryan McKenzie says they need 1000 hour total annual commitment in Lakewood to place 2 vehicles in a convenient spot there for anyone over 21 to use. Interested? 961-5020 X 209 Info@CityWheelsCleveland.com

Spidey Sense/Cents Hollywood’s major industry publication Daily Variety discusses Spider-Man 3 production experience in Cle, including filming on Euclid Ave., comments by the film’s Location Manager who helped make the decision to film here, the Greater Cle Film Commission’s work on the motion picture tax credit and Mayor Jackson’s arrangement to offer the Convention Center as production space. The SM3 gross stands at over $242M. Read

Bike Trek to Honor Barr’s Life Cleveland Orchestra violist Richard Waugh has announced a cycling trek across the U.S. in honor of Cleveland Orchestra bassist Charles Barr. Waugh’s friend and colleague was killed in a heartbreaking bicycle accident on August 11 of last year. This 3,000-mile, 17-day ride celebrates the life of Barr, departing the Pacific shore of San Diego, California and ending at Tybee Island, just east of Savannah, Georgia. The average daily ride will be about 170 miles. Waugh’s goal is to raising funds for the Musical Arts Association (parent org of The Cle Orch) through the endowment of the newly created Charles Barr Memorial Chair in the bass section of the orchestra. Donations can be made to: Charles Barr Memorial Chair, The Cleveland Orchestra, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. Learn more about Waugh’s trek at http://www.ridingforcharles.com.

Ride Your Bike To Work Week Haven’t been riding your bike this week? It’s not too late to make an impact. You still have a couple of days to reduce consumption of petroleum, have some natural air conditioning, improve the air quality in Cleveland — recently rated among the 10 worst cities for air pollution — and get a healthy boost of adrenaline and cognitive brain power in the process. “Bike to Work” day is TODAY Wed 5/16, part of LiveStrong Day for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Official “Bike To Work Days” in Cle during the remainder of the summer? 5/25, 6/29, 7/27, 8/31 and 9/28. More

Developer Stark Puts Up In a move that is not only satisfying to fans of downtown development, but to critics of the Crocker Park guru as well, good ol’ Robert Stark is moving his digs downtown to W. 3rd and St. Clair. He passionately suggested in an interview last year that his goal was to “rebuild a city,” referring to Cleveland. Now comes news on the promising move and direction for Stark and his company. Read Peter Chakerian’s commentary on Brewed Fresh Daily here. And by all means, stay tuned.

Be the Change You Want to See It goes for Cool Cleveland just like in life. If you think we’re missing the boat on something, or want to alert your fellow residents about something super cool, maybe you’d like to write about it… for us…? Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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Creative Writing, Minority and Ethnic Literature are the specialties of acclaimed writer, Thrity Umrigar, guest of Cleveland Public Library’s Writers and Readers Series, Sun 5/20, at 2PM. Umrigar was born in Bombay, India and came to the U.S. at age 21. She worked as a reporter at the Morning Journal and the Akron Beacon Journal, as an award-winning reporter, columnist and magazine writer. Umrigar’s novel, The Space Between Us, was published in 2006 and has been sold in over 12 countries. Umrigar has also published articles in the Washington Post, Boston Globe and other publications. Advanced copies of Ms. Umrigar’s new novel “If Today be Sweet” will be available for purchase and signing. For more information contact (216) 623-2800 or www.cpl.org. This event has no admission fee and is open to the public, at the Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th Street and Superior Avenue.
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It’s time for drastic action
Body count continuing to rise in Black community

In the recent spate of deaths of young Black men due to gun violence the death of 23-year-old Aaron Steele from 16 bullets pumped into his body by three police officers is the most troubling because, based on family background and upbringing, it should not have happened.

Steele should not been stupid enough to reach for a gun when the officers ordered him out of his vehicle; one could even argue that he should not have been stupid enough to even be riding down the street blaring his radio (which is an excellent way to attract the attention of a police officer), with a gun under the seat and a warrant out for his arrest. But then, there were evidently a lot of stupid things Steele should not have done in his young life. Committing “suicide by cop” was just the last, final mistake he made in a long list of “mistakes.” Nonetheless, Steele’s life should have turned out differently…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here

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Got a Hot, New Idea? NorTech is seeking nominations for its 2007 Innovation Awards, an annual program that promotes technology innovation in Northeast Ohio. The awards recognize an innovative product, a new procedure that improves productivity, or any concept that enhances a business’s value or a non-profit’s ability to carry out its mission. The deadline for accepting nominations is Fri 6/15. Since 1999, NorTech has celebrated Northeast Ohio companies and innovators that have significantly improved and contributed to the regional technology economy. This year, they will recognize technologies that have the potential to dramatically impact a specific industry or market sector. To download a copy of the NorTech Innovation Award guidelines and nomination form, please visit: www.nortech.org.
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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Viva Las Vegas Playhouse Square Partners holds their Annual groovy supercool Pre-show party for The Rat Pack: Live at the Sands! Wed 5/16 at 5:30PM. Sip a martini in the early 1960’s, when Frank and his pals were filming Ocean’s Eleven, some Rat Pack-inspired fun, blackjack tables, appetizers, an open bar, games, a raffle and live music. Then check out the show immediately following. http://www.playhousesquare.org/partners.

Martinis & Portraits The works of Jennifer Seegert are on exhibit at the Budapest Blonde hall of art Wed 5/16 at 7PM, which also happens to coincide with BB’s “Martini Appreciation Night” at the continental bar. Seegert’s work is up through 7/6, but the Martini nod is a one-night only affair. 6901 Rockside Rd., Independence. http://www.budapestblonde.com.

Barry McCaffrey The nation’s drug czar under President Clinton speaks about the need for the return of a strong federal drug policy on Wed 5/16 at noon at the City Club of Cleveland. http://www.cityclub.org.

Hip Redux The Tragically Hip return for another gig supporting World Container. Canadians who can’t get tix to arena-sized to see their heroes up there often “pull a roadie” here to see them. See the show on Wed 5/16 at 7:30PM and you’ll know why. House of Blues, 308 Euclid. http://www.thehip.com.

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Comings & Goings: Dance/Theater Collective Premiere at Playhouse Square – Fri 5/18, 7:30PM in the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre in the Idea Center at Playhouse Square. The premiere of “Comings and Goings,” a movement inspired journey through personal and relational evolution, charts the course of change in our lives. Featuring Dance/Theater Collective members Joe Booth, Lynn Deering and Chris DiCello, “Comings and Goings” is an innovative dance/theater presentation featuring ballroom dance styles, vignettes that evoke the silent film era, and much more. Tickets are only $10! Contact 216.241.6000 or the Playhouse Square Ticket Office. No cost tickets also available for a performance of excerpts at 12 noon, only available at the ticket office. Presented through the Launch performance creation residency program of the Playhouse Square Arts Education Department. www.PlayhouseSquare.org/arts-education.
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BlingH2O Launch and Runway Show hits View UltraLounge on Thu 5/17 9PM. Check out the Cabaret Cowgirl Fashion Runway Show, bounce to DJ Stout XTC and his spinning dance music. The owner of BlingH2O hosts a VIP tasting as well. View, 618 Prospect Ave E. Call 664-1815 for details.

HOT Mitsuko Uchida In her 5th and hot final season as artist-in-residence with The Cleveland Orchestra, she performs a sizzling cycle of the Mozart piano concertos as soloist and conductor on Thu 5/17 at 8PM (repeating Fri 5/18 and Sat 5/19). Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Saving Cleveland Archives Martin Hauserman, Chief City Archivist for the City of Cleveland answered a call about 10,000 rolls of blueprints from 1903-1985 from the City’s Building Department: either save the 250,000 sheets or lose them. He talks about the results Thu 5/17 at 7PM, including the 1.3M sheets of legislation and 700 bound volumes going back to 1803 that needed to be preserved. Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Hts. http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

Two Views Plus Two More Nationally renowned artists Larry Fink and Andrew Moore give an informal talk about their work and careers Thu 5/17 at 12:30PM. The lunchtime chat takes place in Bunts Auditorium on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus (245 E. 90th St.) and coincides with Two Views, an exhibit on view in the H Lobby of Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus thru 8/20. http://www.clevelandclinic.org/art.

HOT Spectrum The group’s Lockwood Thompson Dialogues is a collaborative effort between the Cleveland Public Library and Cleveland Public Art. Innovative thinkers in art and popular culture talk about their work, ideas and theories. The no-cost, open to the public event hits Fri 5/18 at 6:30PM and features Art Spiegelman and Michael Kimmelman. Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. Reserve a seat by calling 621-5330 or email contactus@clevelandpublicart.org by TODAY, Wed 5/16. http://www.clevelandpublicart.org.

Slavic Soul Party Fiery Gypsy brass, soulful Balkan anthems, and hip-grinding American funk highlight their Happy Dog gig Fri 5/18‘ at 9:30PM. Their name says it all — melding Gypsy, East European, Mexican and Asian immigrant backgrounds with American jazz and soul. The Happy Dog 5801 Detroit Ave. http://www.happydog58.com.

Skinning the Eye Ouch! The CSU Art Gallery presents an exhibition of 3 artists – Anne T. Kmieck, Margaret Arthur and Paul Miklowski – beginning Fri 5/18 through mid-June. Curated by Douglas Max Utter, the exhibition is no-cost and open to the public. A no-cost opening reception begins Fri 5/18 at 5PM. http://www.csuohio.edu/art/gallery.

HOT Cities Growing Smaller Hit Hyacinth Park in Slavic Village (East 63th Street between Waterman and Wren Avenues) Fri 5/18 at 7PM for this outdoor event. Live performances by The Bright Red Fight, Rainy Day Saints, Home and Garden, Flat Can Co. and special guests Double Dutch Will Take You Higher; films from the Shrinking Cities project and other coolness. No-cost, open to the public. Food and drink available for purchase; lawnchairs/blankets are on you. In case of rain, event moves to the St. Hyacinth Community Room, 6114 Francis Ave. http://www.SPACESgallery.org. http://www.cudc.kent.edu/shrink.

Something Hellenic This film festival features 6 Greek language contemporary films with English subtitles beginning Fri 5/18 at the Centrum Theater, 2781 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cle Hts. Modern Greek cinema at its best. For more info on the featured films and more visit http://www.hellenicfilmfestival.com.

Juma Gallery Hits Five The gallery’s 5th Anniversary celebration will be held Fri 5/18 at 6PM, featuring works by Cleveland Institute of Art grad Delinda Clement Mariani and others. Juma Gallery, 2026 Murray Hill Rd. http://www.jumagallery.com.

Pestival If you can’t beat it, eat it! Join the Shaker Lakes Nature Center for an evening of cocktails and creations by Chef Sergio Abramof of Sergio’s in University Circle and Sarava at Shaker Square. On the menu will be creative cuisine made with garlic mustard and invasive, edible species pulled from the Nature Center grounds. http://www.shakerlakes.org/pestival.asp.

Porcupine Tree A brilliant UK act fronted by Steven Wilson delivers dark alt-prog rock from their new Fear of a Blank Planet CD at the House of Blues Fri 5/18 at 7PM. If you think progressive rock stopped in the 1970s with Pink Floyd and others on WNCX, you owe it to yourself to witness this band. House of Blues, 308 Euclid. http://www.porcupinetree.com.

Cle Fine Art Expo Cleveland’s 8th annual large-scale arts and cultural event hits Fri 5/18 and runs through the weekend. Experience works by featured Artist Kelvin W. Henderson (Maryland) as well as local, regional, and national “fine ethnic” artists and artisans. Tri-C Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills. Details at http://www.sankofafineartplus.org.

Artur Vasilevich Explore his large watercolors beginning Fri 5/18 at the Opus Gallery, 27629 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. http://www.opus-gallery.com.

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WCLVnotes Mitsuko Uchida, one of the coolest musicians around, winds up her fabulous five-year traversal with The Cleveland Orchestra of all of the Mozart Piano Concertos. That concert will be broadcast by WCLV 104.9 on Sat 6/16. But for the next two weekends, WCLV presents a Uchida mini-festival of previous concerts, serving up a big helping of Mozart Piano Concertos conducted from the keyboard – Sat 5/19 at 8PM – Nos.11, 13 and 12; Sun 5/20 at 4PM, Nos. 16 and 25; Sat 5/26 at 8PM, Nos. 6, 9 and 22; Sun 5/27 at 4PM, Nos. 19 and 23. Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found at www.wclv.com.
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HOT American Cannibal After successful runs in NYC, LA and DC, this doc film directed by former Cleveland Hts. resident Michael Nigro hits the Cle Cinematheque Sat 5/19 and Sun 5/20 at 7:50PM and 8:50PM. Premiering originally at the Tribeca Film, the soundtrack was written and performed by ex Cobra Verde/ Guided by Voices guitarist Doug Gillard and features a great shot of the Cle skyline. Click here for a trailer and more film info. CIA, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu.

CHC Anniversary The Cool House Collective will be celebrating their 1-year anniversary at the grand opening of Anatomy (formerly Cloud Nine) on W. 9th alongside special guest Open Cloud from Dallas. An opening set is provided by the CHC’s very own Brandon Andrews this Sat 5/19. http://www.coolhousecollective.com.

Burning River Roller Girls are back in action with their next upcoming bout this Sat 5/19 at 6pm. Don’t miss the nail-biting match ups between The Hellbombers vs. The Cleveland Steamers and The Rolling Pin-Ups vs. The Hard Knockers!! N. Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex 31515 Lorain Rd., N. Olmsted. http://www.burningriverrollergirls.com

Crown Point Organic Plant This sale at Crown Point Farm and Education Center features over 200 individual high-quality, certified organic plants available for your home garden on Sat 5/19 from 9AM-5PM (repeating Sun 5/20 from 11AM-4PM). Learn about heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables with talks under the direction of Crown Point staff. http://www.crownpt.org.

Mort Epstein Exhibit honoring 7 decades of designs by Clevelander Epstein opens Sat 5/19 at 5PM. In the vein of Schreckengost, Epstein’s works (and those by his family) will be available for sale as a part of his 90th birthday celebration. Proceeds benefit ACLU of Ohio Foundation. Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center, 4506 Chester Ave. http://www.acluohio.org.

HOT Craft Brewing with a SNOB Celebrate American Craft Brewing Week in Cleveland with The Society of Northeast Ohio Brewers (SNOB) on Sat 5/19 at 8AM at the Coit Road Farmers Market. Demonstrations on production and the enjoyment of fine craft beer are coupled with fresh fruit and vegetables, annual and bedding plants, BBQ, amish cheeses, maple syrup and other Ohio products. Coincides with the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Coit Road Farmers Market. Coit and Woodworth Rds., East Cle. Call 249-5455 for more info. http://www.coitmarket.org.

HOT Pop, Drop & Roll The Pop Show Gallery celebrates its 2nd annivesary Sat 5/19 at 6PM with a reception and show. Cle’s “most ultra-violet gallery” offers a spectacular array of eye candy, featuring a vast mixture of graffiti art, mixed media, rock and roll photography, and many other unique pieces. Refreshments and appetizers will be served; afterparty at Mullens (next door) with drink specials. 17020 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.myspace.com/thepopshopgallery.

On With the Show! A concert salute to Broadway celebrates the music from stage and screen productions Sat 5/19 at 7PM. Repertoire includes the popular standards Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, Rodgers and Hammerstein Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Featured artist Sarah Knowlton is originally from Shaker Hts. http://www.singersclub.org.

Honoré Guilbeau Cooke A retrospective of her work in a variety of media is celebrated with an Opening Reception at Peninsula Art Academy Sat 5/19 at 5-8PM (repeats Sun 5/20 from 2-5PM). Honoré’s murals grace the Peninsula Library (http://www.peninsulalibrary.org/mural.php) and she’s a founder of the Peninsula Library & Historical Society. The show runs thru the end of June. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 West Mill St., Peninsula. http://www.peninsulaartacademy.com.

HOT ? and the Mysterians The enigmatic Mr. Question Mark lost all of his worldly possessions in a house fire (even his beloved pets). Creators of probably the best one-hit wonder ever, (“96 Tears”), and possibly the most prototypical garage rock band ever, ? and the Mysterians are touring to rebuild their leader’s life. They hit the funky Winchester Sat 5/19 at 9PM. Lords of the Highway and The Dad Of Rock open. ALL receipts will help to alleviate Mr. Question Mark’s burden. 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.thewinchester.net.

Herb & Flower Festival Visit the historic Village district in Chagrin Falls, which will be filled with spring delights on Sat 5/19 at 11AM. Shop, dine and thrill at all the fresh florals and greenery. No cost. http://www.chagrinfalls.net.

HOT It’s Only Rock and Roll The 6th installment of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum’s gala event at Public Hall hits Sat 5/19 at 6PM. Hall of fame inductee Ronnie Spector joins Dr. Hook, Billy Squier, Mitch Ryder, Tone Loc, A Taste of Honey, Tom Cochrane, Deniece Williams for Ultimate Rock and Roll Variety Show. Event proceeds fund the Rock Hall’s NEO education programs. Public Hall, Cleveland Convention Center. http://www.rockhall.com.

2nd Annual North Coast to New England Bike Ride Pedal up beginning Sat 5/19 for this fundraiser to support cardiovascular research at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute. The scenic ride covers about 700 miles along the South Shore of Lake Erie, through the beautiful Finger Lakes region and into New England. Sag vehicles for bikers will be available, should they need support, supplies or help. Info.

Tremont Flower Sale Beautify Tremont and your city while beautifying your yard! The 3rd annual Tremont Gardeners spring flower sale will be held Sat 5/19 at 9AM in Lincoln Park at the corner of W. 14th and Kenilworth. The sale features flats of annuals, quart pots of larger annuals, roses and hydrangeas and more. Proceeds benefit Tremont Gardeners and beautification projects in Lincoln Park and other Tremont gateways.

Thrity Umrigar India born, Cleveland resident and author Umrigar will be at the Cleveland Public Library for a very special reading on Sun 5/20 at 2PM. Umrigar was born in Bombay, India and came to the United States when she was 21. She worked as a reporter at the Morning Journal and then worked for the Akron Beacon Journal for the next 15 years. Umrigar’s second novel, The Space Between Us, was published last year. Call 623-2800. www.cpl.org.

Ladytron. Mira Aroyo & Rueben Wu return to Cleveland to deliver another great DJ set on Sun 5/20 at 9PM the B-Side Liquor Lounge in Cleveland Heights. Judging what happened last time these two came to town, expect this party to sell out. http://www.bsideliquorlounge.com

Ansel Adams An exhibition of 117 images by iconic photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984) will be on view in The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Reinberger Galleries beginning Sun 5/20 at 10AM. Ansel Adams: A Legacy is co-presented with the Cleveland Museum of Art. CIA, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu. http://www.clevelandart.org.

Whalefall Lynne Ramsey, viola, Associate Concertmaster, The Cleveland Orchestra and others premiere Monica Houghton’s composition Whalefall on Sun 5/20 at 3:30PM. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cle Hts. Call 932-5815 or email carolyn@wipper.com for more info.

Ohio City Home Tour Explore the vast and interesting domiciles on Cle’s near west side Sun 5/20 at 9AM and 1PM. Many volunteer roles are available as well. Come check out the City’s life! Call 241-6212 for details. http://www.ohiocity.com.

Walk + Roll Producers of the Cleveland Marathon were lamenting that there were few spectators in Rockefeller Park to cheer the runners on. Lois Moss and the Walk + Roll Cleveland gang picked up on their lament and are running with it Sun 5/20, with a brunch for volunteers, sponsors and partners of Walk+Roll Cleveland… and the marathoners will get their due as well. Rockefeller Park and The Cultural Gardens. More details here.

Shining Light Outreach The group’s Spring Social Event is a potluck picnic and social at the Octagon Shelter, offering individuals and families the opportunity to meet other like-minded folks dedicated to healthy life-style practices, personal spiritual growth, ecology and our environment. Call Caitlin at 440-526-1251 or email shininglight@highstream.net for more info. Octagon Shelter, Virginia Kendall Park, 801 Truxell Road, Peninsula.

Copacabana! Check out the the magical preview party for the 2007 Cleveland Botanical Garden Flower Show Wed 5/23 at 6PM. With 2 dinner seatings and music by Cleveland School of the Arts and The Oberlin Conservatory of Music students. Here’s your chance to view 18 all-new gardens and CBG’s other blooming bounty before everyone else! Show officially opens Thu 5/24 and runs through Memorial Day. 11030 East Blvd. http://www.cbgarden.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A collaborative collection of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

Ethical Eaton Company named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Magazine. Read
Sláinte mhath!! Great Lakes Brewing Company gears up for $6.8M expansion. Read
Leadership Quicken Loans’ Dan Gilbert & Detroit execs get it. Can Eaton & NCB pursuade their suburban peers? Read
First Female Ed A Society for News Design blogger says she is an “inspirational force.” Can the 1st female editor @ the PD — an alum of the tech-savvy San Jose Mercury News — infuse the paper with much-needed life as Doug Clifton retires? More

Cle & Lakewood partner Is it the next inevitable progression towards regionalism, or just a smart thing to do? The two-part agreement between the neighboring burgs limits incentives each city can offer businesses to relocate, and allows for sharing of income taxes. “This is important because this is our region’s first attempt at managing how we deal with economic development, said Lakewood planning director Tom Jordan. “Right now, we’re all competitors, but we need to act more regionally.” Read

Screw That Bulb It seems that GE is forcing a Sophie’s Choice on US consumers: go Green and buy a CFL (compact flourescent) bulb, which are made in China, or buy regular bulbs and save a US job. GE is even asking its employees to sign a pledge to use the CFLs. The unions are trying to tell GE to save US jobs by manufacturing the CFLs here:http://www.ScrewThatBulb.org, and blogger Bill Callahan thinks we might do well to listen. Read.

Tell It Like It Is If you’re seeing something great in Northeast Ohio that is under the radar, fire up your computer and write about it for Cool Cleveland. Let us know what interests you and what you’d like to write about. Letters@CoolCleveland.com

*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Cleveland’s Only Computer-Lego-Movie Camp If you’re like me, your child isn’t signed up for summer camp yet. No worries. Children’s Technology Workshop is a day camp that lets kids make projects they want to: movies, video games, cool Lego robots, you get the idea! Learn more this weekend at the Chagrin Falls Herb and Flower Show (happening all day by the Falls). Stop by our booth and then walk to our Tech Barn where kids (grades 2-8) can make and take home cool projects! Reserve your space now: 440.484.2222! CTW has camps in Chagrin Falls (38 River Street) around Cleveland, or at your place: www.ctworkshop.com/glc. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of Beta Strategy Group, Ltd, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************

Roger McManus Pres. of Westfield Ins discusses how insurance chgs affect regional economy at UA Student Union Thu 5/17 Register
AIGA Design Competition @ Heights Arts hits Fri 5/18 at 6PM. Info
Ladies Who Launch Victoria Colligan & Beth Schoenfeldt sign their book at Joseph-Beth Legacy Village on Fri 5/18 at 7PM Info
Douglas van Duyne talks on integrating Web 2.0 in his NEOUPA talk “The Design of Sites” Tue 5/22. Info
Cover Your Assets! Continental b-fast seminar Thu 5/22 at 8AM helps you protect your branding. Info
The 07 Manny Awards celebrate growth innovation Thu 5/22 at 5:30PM. Info
TechStyle Spy Bar’s VIP Lounge at 1261 W. 6th St. hosts event where networking and fashion collide Thu 5/31 at 6PM. RSVP: MDeAloia@city.cleveland.oh.us
Women of Note luncheon spotlights NEO’s rising female business leaders on Wed 6/6 at 11:30AM. RSVP by 5/31. Register
Global Health Care Investing Conf @ InterContinental Hotel Wed 6/20 – Thu 6/21 Details

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Accomplished journalist Wendy Hoke has some suggestions for the new editor at the Plain Dealer.
Meet.The.Bloggers* spends an hour chatting with Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek.
Web 2.0 is all the rage. Matt Dickman starts a week long series explain it here.
KSU spins off a 3-D medical imaging device.
Norm Roulet claims the Tremont Artwalk “shows why Cleveland is the city of choice for so many people and reasons” and has the photos to prove it.
Some suggestions for Cleveland+ and using YouTube to generate more interest.
Jack Ricchiuto comments on the Tremont Artwalk: “Beneath the inauthenticity of economic generalizations, renaissance flourishes.”

Check Brewed Fresh Daily here, where Peter Chakerian comments on developer NEO Robert L. Stark uprooting his development company from Beachwood and moving to downtown Cleveland. What will happen next? When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Chicks With Picks & Sticks
Various Artists
Genesis House

Cleveland’s musical past has always had female artists, sometimes on their own and sometimes with male counterparts, putting forth many types of music. First female rock bands locally I can remember would be Bridie Murphy, a bevy of birds and all things British, and their greaser chick counterparts, the Satin Dolls. Both covers acts by trade, I really can’t remember them having any originals, things have now morphed to a hard rock trio like Rebel Girl to carrying that torch from many decades ago. And, on the plus side, there are so many females now in the performance end of Cleveland music, they can band together for a good cause at times.

Back in 2006, the Savannah in Westlake did their semi-annual benefit for the Genesis House Domestic Violence Center in Lorain County. Organized, as always, by Marilyn Zeidner, it was decided to record this one, since it featured many of the female-led acts in town, thus giving the disc its title…
Read the review from Peanuts here

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

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Rhythm & Hues
Cleveland Botanical Garden Bursts with Blooming Colors

For five days over the Memorial Day weekend, Cleveland Botanical Garden is in the spotlight for hosting the largest outdoor flower show in North America. But if you think The CBG Flower Show 2007 is only about flowers, you’re wrong. It’s a show about rhythm, harmony, complexity, and texture. It’s about combining music and artistic design in the context of the Northern Ohio garden. “Rhythm & Hues” is the theme for this year’s show and as you immerse yourself in the experience you’ll enjoy the subtle and not so subtle ways that landscapers translate musical ideas into the garden.

There are over 30 gardens but you’ll want to pay particular attention to the six new Theme Gardens that embrace the “Rhythm & Hues” concept in a spectacular way. “A Blues Garden” by The Ohio Valley Group, Inc., uses blue plantings, blue stone, a weeping wall and private areas to communicate the very human, private nature of domestic relationships and specifically, relationships gone wrong.

Pim van den Akker, a leading international floral designer, kicks off the CBG Flower Show on May 24 with a separately ticketed luncheon followed by a separately ticketed workshop for advanced arrangers. National TV personality and gardening expert Ahmed Hassan will be the featured gardening expert on Saturday May 26 and Sunday, May 27. His two hour interactive presentations are included in the price of admission as are the many other lectures and demonstrations offered through the speaker series.

Throughout the show, you’ll find top quality merchandise to buy from 40 selected vendors as well as the CBG store. You’ll see a world-class horticulture and flower arranging competition as well as many non-competitive exhibits. “We are proud of this world class show, “said Natalie Ronayne, CBG’s Executive Director. “It’s a wonderful celebration of plants, flowers, music, and people. It’s a great way to spend Memorial Day in Cleveland.”

The Cleveland Botanical Garden Flower Show 2007 runs May 24 through May 28. Visit their website http://www.cbgarden.org for information on times, parking, ticket prices, and complete details about each day’s events. There is much more to see and do than can even be described here.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Nan Frost nanettehfATsbcglobal.net

Friends of the Crooked River’s RiverDay 2007

We often talk about how lucky we are to have such a bounty of natural environs as a region. This certainly includes our own Cuyahoga River, which has long been associated with fire in mainstream media circles. Caring for the Cuyahoga is the focus of this year’s RiverDay, sponsored and coordinated by the river “stewards” group, Friends of the Cuyahoga. This annual event, now in its 17th year, his this Saturday, May 19 with “aims to raise awareness and understanding of the policies and practices that improve water quality and wildlife habitat in the watershed.”

With a rather large slate of outdoor activities related to and impacting the Cuyahoga, participants can help challenge the ongoing problems on our lifeline river and celebrate the many accomplishments that have been made with it over the years. It’s a day of recreational, historical and cultural celebration of the natural resources provided by our American Heritage River. And not only is it incredibly engaging and educational, it’s cool.

Some 15 events comprise this year’s RiverDay; all of them are filled with great family-friendly fun and great opportunities to get to know your region, your history, your neighbors, and of course, your Cuyahoga River. Events range from a “Waterfront Renaissance” celebration at Whiskey Island, an exploration of Big Creek, nature hikes and runs, a Cuyahoga Valley National Park clean-up, open houses and a couple of other engaging watershed events. Check the RiverDay site here and learn all about the schedule of events. and what you can do to be a part of

Don’t miss out! Celebrate RiverDay 2007 this Saturday, May 19. For more information and a complete listing of events, please visit the RiverDay website, http://www.cuyahogariver.net/riverday.htm.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Got Playoff Fever?
A Chance to Rise Up and Revisit Books on LeBron, Cle Sports

Admit it: even if sports just aren’t your thing you still get a little wrapped up in the excitement when one of our teams makes the playoffs. Its OK, go ahead and break out your jersey from the closet. You know you want to. The Cleveland Cavaliers are one win away from the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, led by a Northeast Ohio sports phenomenon, LeBron James. How could one not notice? It’s the talk all across the region, offering no better to revisit the whole of Cleveland’s professional sports memories. Local boutique publishers Gray & Company have a couple perfect reads for you on our sports culture; though both books are a few years old, they’re gaining new momentum and popularity in this exciting basketball postseason…
Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

Ain’t Nothing Going To Change
Roldo Hits the Trifecta

What bothers me about all the media’s lamenting over a young man shooting a young boy is that hand wringing doesn’t get at the problem at all.

We’re just repeating our bewailing of these mean events.

The media responses aren’t much more effective than the actions they decry – that of the community marking the death place with what they describe as unseemly signs of grief. Some may call the markings for the 15-year-old boy’s death an inappropriate memorial. However, it is a shrine of some sorrow and represents human feeling – not to be mocked…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

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

Superman Returns @ OmniMax Theatre at GLSC 5/4 I was there in his strong arms with his cape fluttering around us as Superman flew Lois Lane up over the glittering night sky of Metropolis. And I was there with Superman when he saved the huge jetliner, a gaping hole in its dangling back tail, as it careened out of control heading toward the terrified, capacity crowd at the major league baseball stadium. Planets were exploding into bits and falling down through the atmosphere right over my head. I almost ducked!!

Seeing the movie, Superman Returns, on the giant OmniMax Theatre screen at the Great Lakes Science Center REALLY puts you where the action is. Once you get over the fact that Christopher Reeve is not in the movie, you can enjoy the new Superman, Brandon Routh, who flexes his muscle offering a commendable performance as the Man of Steel. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane takes on an added dimension in this version of Superman. Kevin Spacey, bald and outfitted with a variety of wigs, uses his sneer to the best advantage as the perfect arch villain, Lex Luthor.

This is a great date-night movie experience where couples can huddle together watching tremendous visual effects and good winning out over evil. Kids and adults will also love seeing their favorite superhero, and yet he is just a humble fantasy comic book character, hidden behind the guise of Clark Kent, and originally created in Cleveland, Ohio, by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. Suggestion: Sit in the top rows of the theatre for the best view.

Superman Returns plays the OmniMax Friday and Saturdays only, 4PM and 7:30PM.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

Urinetown the Musical @ Near West Theatre 5/5 Everyone is served respect by dancing chorus-loads at Near West Theatre’s huge energetic cast staging of Urinetown the Musical. Running through May 20th to thrilling music this funny self-aware apocalyptic gritty-sweet tale about love, justice and diminishing natural resources inspired a hard clapping and cheering young audience to their feet at the finale of the second night of the show.

Mark Hollmann who wrote Urinetown’s music and lyrics, is a self-described spotter of “terrific song opportunities.” Greg Kotis, who wrote the Urinetown book and lyrics, took the “best to be up front about it,” approach to this show. “It’s fun to see a show that has complete respect for the audience, (of) their sense of what’s going on politically,” he said in email from his Brooklyn N.Y. home. “The play’s ultimate faith – in spite of all the pessimism – (is) in those who would come see a show called Urinetown.”

Urinetown, winner of three Tony Awards, through continued self examination by two narrators, Officer Lockstock, played by Andrew Narten, and Little Sally, played by Holly Facer, could be a primer on how to write a fabulous musical. Then, according to many actors, Near West Theatre’s executive director Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek and Artistic Director Robert Navis Jr. could write the primer on how to treat everyone well in live theatre.

“The central conceit of the show,” says Lockstock, is that everyone has to “use public bathrooms to take care of their private business.” And like many natural monopolies, “these public bathrooms are controlled by a private company,” backed by “harsh laws.”

Kristy Cruz, playing Penny Pennywise matron of Public Amenity #9, both shouts down urinal customers and sing to great heights in ‘It’s A Privilege to Pee.’ Urinetown hero Bobby Strong, played by Doug Bailey, is the assistant washroom boy at Public Amenity #9. After singing ‘Follow Your Heart’ with Hope Cladwell, played by Jill Janos, Stong takes on the monopolistic owner of the urinals UGC lead by Caldwell B. Cladwell, father of idealistic Hope, played by Vince DelCalzo. DelCalzo exposed the heart of a greedy CEO singing ‘Don’t Be The Bunny.’

Bailey, a 19-year-old veteran of six northeast Ohio academic and community theatres came to Near West nine months and four productions ago and speaks glowingly of working there. “The bonds that I’ve built with the people of Near West in such a short amount of time (are) quite uncanny,” he said. “There is an openness to the atmosphere of Near West that isn’t felt in many other places. I felt nothing but welcome from day one.”

Janos, 23, has done six shows at Near West two since joining years ago. “The staff, cast, crew, volunteers, audience members, and friends of the theatre create a world that is so rare in theatre,” said Janos, veteran of four academic and community theatres.

Sharron DeCosta, 49 who plays a poor person and a cop also acts at Cleveland Public Theatre and Cassidy Theatre has done 28 shows at Near West since joining in 1991. “The 47 rickety stairs (yes, I have counted them) to the stifling hot or freezing cold ballroom on W. 38th & Bridge is truly my ‘Stairway to Heaven,’” said DeCosta. “It’s the raw, empowering, gut wrenching soul searching that we are uniquely called to do at Near West that sets us apart from other community theatres.”

Monique Dugger, 17, plays poor Teena Baby Mama, a character of her own devise, is a student at Life Skills Center Lake Erie and near west side resident. She joined Near West at age 12. “I was a completely different person before joining Near West,” she said. “I felt so small and unimportant.” Now, “it makes me want to be the greatest person I can possibly be.”

Sarah Maria Hess, 18, plays Little Becky Two Shoes. Hess is a near west side resident and a senior at Laurel School and started at Near West and age five. “I think that Near West Theatre is the closest thing there is to a tangible soul,” said Hess. “We all technically come here to do theatre but we all leave with something much greater than the completion of a show.”

With Urinetown we catch ourselves laughing while asking questions that we find hard to ask. Hope Cladwell’s wayward course at the end of the play, as narrated by officer Lockstock seems all too real for a musical and something a political scientist might warm up to instead of a trouncing celebratory musical.

“Don’t you think people want to be told that their way of life is unsustainable?” asks Lockstock. Playwright Kotis, holder of a BA in political science from the University of Chicago, plays with our uneasiness at putting a finger on the future. “I think people both do and do not want to hear this message,” he said. “They suspect that it’s true (our way of life is unsustainable), and they suspect there’s not much they can do about it. The hope is that accepting the worst about ourselves somehow liberates us to act better.”

Grant supported, intergenerational Near West Theatre, with a mission to deliver a self-esteem building process and high-quality program to help build the near west side, has received extensive help from Cleveland Social Venture Partners and two top ratings by the Ohio Arts Council.

Urinetown the Musical runs through Sunday May 20th at St. Patrick’s Club Building at 3606 Bridge Ave. Call 216-961-9750 for more info or visit http://www.nearwesttheatre.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff lbatdorffATadva.com.

Järvi & Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 5/10 Three 20th century works were on display at Severance Hall last week, all of them written before 1950, differing vastly in structure and tonality. One doesn’t usually think of Sibelius as an impressionist composer, but he certainly used that artistic palette for his depiction of Night Ride and Sunrise. It’s a very descriptive work, but one that might better have been a miniature rather than a large-scale mural. The sunrise portion was spectacular, however, especially as illuminated by guest conductor Paavo Järvi. The Cleveland Orchestra has experienced Mr. Järvi once previously, at Blossom, and it should be wonderful if he could visit Severance Hall on a regular basis. Throughout the concert, he exhibited firm control and a dedicated musicality that made for very special performances.

Richard Strauss wrote two horn concertos, sixty years apart. It’s amazing to realize that the degree of chromaticism that he uses in the second (written in 1942) was relatively unknown when he’d written the first one. (We can thank another Richard—Wagner—for that musical trend. He might not have invented it, but he certainly did make it popular and famous.) As usual, Strauss embellished the concept, taking it in totally new directions while creating such a complex piece. It requires a masterful horn player to do it justice. Fortunately, the Cleveland Orchestra’s principal hornist, Richard King, fits that description admirably.

In addition to his lush sound and innate lyricism, Mr. King exhibits a quiet sort of confidence in his playing. Apparently this attitude works well—at least for him, and the result was a mixture of security and grace, from one end of the instrument’s range to the other. The killer and quirky downward arpeggios in the final movement didn’t seem to ruffle the soloist at all! Oboist Frank Rosenwein contributed a gorgeous solo of his own midway, and the two orchestral horns also joined in near the ending in a triumphant horn call. This was the first time this concerto was played by the Cleveland Orchestra. Let’s hope for a repeat before another 60+ years have passed.

There seems to be something magical about a Fifth Symphony, and that of Sergei Prokofiev is no exception. Dating from 1944, it’s his opus 100, in spite of the Russian or Soviet governmental interference in his composing career. Mr. Järvi drew superb, crisp playing from the winds and brass, and restrained the energy of the lowest instruments to form a solid foundation for the cacophonous ending of the first movement.

As a pianist, Prokofiev used the piano to great effect in his symphonic writing, more so than any other composer that I can recall. Joella Jones was entirely in synch with his wishes and along with the six percussionists produced an amazing variety of sounds and exotic rhythms. There were echoes (a phrase or bit of specific rhythm) of the composer’s earlier great ballet scores—Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella, plus Peter and the Wolf, scattered throughout. At one point it was rather like an infernal machine over which the conductor must retain a tight control or lose it entirely. Mr. Järvi never wavered.

Bass clarinet Linnea Nereim had a lovely solo at the beginning of the third movement; there should be more of these for this interesting and mellow-sounding instrument. The final movement was by turns lyrical and frenetic while the ending was paced by the insistent woodblock and almost maniacal piano part. Overall, it was a robust and rousing performance.

This week’s concerts will be an almost total contrast, as they consist entirely of music by Mozart, with Mitsuko Uchida as conductor and pianist. For tickets or other information, call the Cleveland Orchestra ticket office at 231-1111, or visit http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Verb Ballets @ CPH FusionFest 5/11 Theater and dance is sometimes about flying in the face of our expectations and sometimes it is about satisfying our expectations. Verb’s program at Cleveland Play House’s Bolton Theater last Friday and Saturday set out to do the latter. Each piece presented stock characters / personas, archetypal situations / tropes. Inspired by Surrealism though the evening was, Verb’s choreographer and artistic director Hernando Cortez gave the audience signposts to point them through the long, strange trip, while exercising a restrained visual palette more typical of classicism.

In the first piece, “Like Being Awake Sleeping and Hearing Seeing” (Cortez 2005), the program note designates, among others, The Bride, The Young Girl (of volatile emotions; danced by Anna Roberts), The Modern Man (something of a cad; danced by Mark Tomasic). Are we to understand that he takes advantage of her? Or does she take advantage of him? If the dancing wasn’t enough for you, there’s that to think about.

The evening’s second piece, “Unquiet Minds,” cast the dancers as Commedia dell’Arte characters. Even without knowing very much about that segment of historical pop culture, it was easy to understand who the characters were and how they functioned in the piece. We’re told that “Unquiet Minds” was originally developed on ABT II. Cortez’ pastiche of classical movement and zany but tight stage business must have fit the abilities of a bunch of young ballet dancers to a T. This is the second reworking of this piece that we’ve seen on Verb; the first made us want to see more and in this version Cortez and his dancers provide a satisfying fulfillment of the premise.

“Ocean Depths,” the evening’s final piece, a world premiere by Cortez, is a story ballet without sets, performed with largely contemporary movement. A princess meets peril, has interesting adventures among strangers, meets prince and falls in love. A great battle is fought, but all miraculously ends well amidst great rejoicing.

All three dances were interesting – and challenging – for their dearth of realistic sets and props. Costume, lighting, music and especially movement provided all the necessary cues. As always with Cortez, the idea, premise or concept is there to provide a structure on which to build beautiful, interesting movement.

“Like Being Awake” begins with minimal movement, the dancers holding largely static poses in weird red and blue light, but soon settles into an active groove with a fast-slow-fast-slow-fast suite of what we’d describe as disco music – drum machine and synthesized strings – by Sasha and John Digweed. We used to dread modern dance that tried to use percussion, staccato, syncopation. Average modern dancers in days of old could not sustain the tempo, went up when they should have gone down, couldn’t match the syncopated beats; but Cortez has plenty of steps that fit the beat and the dancers have no trouble with veritable line dances of high-energy movement.

Cortez’ abundance of movement ideas carries into the slow sections of “Like Being Awake,” which were dominated by the women’s groups. An assortment of full-skirted costumes credited to Studio Sangha, Christine LaPerna, Edward Sylvia and Gina Dudik seemed to set the stage for a consideration of women’s lives, women’s emotions. We say this despite Cortez’ original program note in which he insists “I let my mind run wild.” An editing process is clearly underway; this piece is becoming less of a sketchbook of non-sequiturs.

“Unquiet Minds” benefits considerably from its costumes by Christine LaPerna, contemporary updates that make reference, but minimally, to traditional Commedia costumes. Brian Murphy’s Arlecchino (Harlequin) costume has a single (identifiable) diamond. Ashley Cohen’s Pulcinella costume is identifiable by the pointy hat; no humpback, no potbelly (though one is suggested, however, by a billowy empire-waisted shirt), and no walk like a chicken.

Cortez sets “Unquiet Minds” to selected piano music by Francis Poulenc, which provided welcome relief from the thump of the drum machine.

One of us watched “Ocean Depths” without having read the synopsis and still found it easy on the eyes, the gold light and white costumes, the abundance of unison movement to Richard D. Rinehart’s music. Rinehart names Stravinsky and Nine Inch Nails as compositional influences, but “Ocean Depths” is more like another of his influences, Ravel, in a flowing program music mode. The synthesized sound wasn’t too bad, though to our ears one man playing all the parts on a synthesizer keyboard sounded more like an electronic organ than a small orchestra. One wonders what the piano version of the score would have sounded like played live by Michael Schneider as originally planned. Unfortunately, due to considerations we were not privy to, Schneider was relegated to playing interesting but unidentified music over audience chatter during intermissions.

Verb dancer Sydney Ignacio is one of three brothers. The oldest brother runs a folk dance group in the Philippines. Middle brother Jason’s amazing abilities as a contemporary dancer are already well known to Cleveland audiences. Youngest brother Sydney’s forte is classical dance, and in Ocean Depths Cortez gives him every opportunity to show his stuff in classical partnering, grand gestures, and bravura solo passages that sparked bursts of applause from the audience.

We enjoyed Ignacio’s classical panache along with the rest of the audience but it made us a little sad. Cleveland is, after all, a town without a professional ballet company and now also without frequent opportunities to see touring professional ballet companies. To what extent can Ignacio and other company members with ballet skills – most notably, Danielle Brickman, Katie Gnagy, Brian Murphy, Mark Tomasic – sustain and develop classical technique and skills (pointe work springs to mind) without the support system afforded by a ballet company? (Nor, for that matter, can Verb offer any of its dancers health insurance or a living wage — many of the dancers are holding down 2 additional jobs to make ends meet).

Well, we were in a pessimistic mood going into “Ocean Depths.” Maybe it was the general age of the audience. Maybe it was because we had collared Cortez during the second intermission to get his gloss on the characters in Commedia dell‘Arte land. He told us about his upcoming intensive at Stanford: “Motivating people, both dancers and audiences – leadership,” he explained. “Marketing?” we asked. Marketing concert dance is particularly tough, and Cortez was pessimistic about the outlook. “We’ve had theater since the Greeks; theater will go on, but contemporary dance is really just since the last century,” he said, implying that possibly the end of concert dance as we know it is nigh. When he went local we were able to give him affirmation: yes, there’s good local work out there. How many people come out to see it?

Not enough.

‘T was ever thus, young man. Keep dancing. When you can’t dance anymore, choreograph and teach if you can. Make the best record of your work that you can on video and otherwise. Read the new Carolyn Brown memoir, “Chance and Circumstance: twenty years with Cage and Cunningham.” And toughen up.

Verb Ballets performed at Cleveland Play House’s Bolton Theater on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, 2007. Visit them online at http://www.verbballets.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributos Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas vicnelsaATearthlink.net

The Unexpected Man @ Kennedy’s 5/13
Reasons to go: Two seasoned professionals bring their best to this 90-minute highbrow comedy that is mostly inner monologue. The dapper Glenn Colerider plays a famous but insecure author whose train seatmate (the charming, witty Linda Castro) turns out to be a fan reading his latest book. They amusingly portray people “of a certain age” whose sophisticated exteriors barely mask an inner life as shy and tortured as moonstruck teenagers.
Backstory: Artistic Director Greg Cesear has always been attracted to plays of a literary bent, and the work of French writer Yasmina Reza (Art) certainly qualifies. It’s rare to see stream of consciousness portrayed onstage with this much subtlety and humor.
Details: Cesear’s Forum, Kennedy’s, Playhouse Square, http://www.cesearsforum.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

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Correction Last week’s letter On red light cameras in Cleveland (here), we neglected to include the location where the author received his speeding citation from the camera. It was on St. Clair Avenue around E. 22nd Street. Locations of all red light/speeding cameras can be found here.

On the demolition of the Breuer Tower (See Second Life for Breuer Tower? here) Dear Commissioners Dimora, Hagan & Jones: As stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars and keepers of whatever degree of public trust remains, you should feel obligated—ethically, morally or otherwise—to conserve limited (and shrinking) resources and pursue the cheapest course of action possible with regard to the disposition of the Breuer Tower. The building is useable. Knocking it down is more expensive than refurbishing it. It’s a structure by an architect of world renown; the second in town, counting the North wing of the CMA. And if there’s not enough floor space—well, there are plans for a second tower that was never built. An opportunity, posthumously, to realize the architect’s original vision. No other city in the world can do that. But Cleveland could… More importantly, do we really need another glass box? Downtown office buildings are not filled to capacity. Euclid Avenue is lined with vacant storefronts and derelict buildings. The Galleria—and its attached tower—sit underutilized. After truly exhausting all the options available in the city’s center, if you’ve still an irresistible urge to build something, look east to Midtown! A significant construction project with offices, restaurants and retail could spur the economic redevelopment of a particularly blighted area and link downtown to the Clinic and University Circle. And Peter Chakerian’s ideas of offering the space, rent free, to one or several mid-sized companies willing to relocate to downtown Cleveland–or even using the building for an arts collective–have enough merit that they should spur some public discussion. His thoughts, posited in today’s Cool Cleveland, can be accessed through the link here. As Commissioners, you have the opportunity to do something extraordinary: to preserve a structure that makes Cleveland unique, and to preserve precious tax dollars while spurring redevelopment and renewal within the community at large. You might even be able to raise the stature of the region in the world-arena while you’re at it. Please, please resist the instant gratification urge to attempt to leave your legacies by having your names etched on a bronze plaque on the cornerstone of a new building. Another, future group of Commissioners could knock it down–and then who would remember you? Again, as stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars and keepers of the public trust, you have an obligation to do more, with less. Channeling energy and resources towards a second Cleveland Renaissance will have a more lasting impact–and leave a greater legacy–than any structure you could ever sell bonds to build. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, I can be reached directly by replying to this message. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
from Cool Cleveland reader David Mehring david_s_mehringATyahoo.com

There has been considerable debate on tearing down the Breuer tower or remodeling and saving it. I am on the side of removing it as it has to be one the most unsightly buildings in Cleveland. Its dark exterior is in contrast to the bright or formal stone exterior of many of the buildings around it. Its certainly in contrast to the 21st century energy efficient glass classics which are available today. This building was constructed in 1971 during some of the darkest days in Cleveland’s history. We should bury Cleveland’s dark days and this building with it. On the other hand, please do everything possible to save the Cleveland Trust rotunda next door. Fredrick Goff worked strenuously with Tiffany to create one of the greatest glass ceilings of the day. This piece of work is a treasure to this day. Its great that Cleveland has the world’s largest Tiffany window. I’d rather Cleveland be know for this artistic treasure, rather than for a dark and gloomy building.
from Cool Cleveland reader Chris Whipple whippleusATadelphia.net

Bravo on the op/ed piece on Breuer Tower. Peter Chakerian is right on the money, particularly as it relates to leadership in NEO. When the mayor has time to do PR for Tri-C, but takes a week to come out the Arthur Buford/Damon Wells incident? When he thinks a 3% budget reduction and outlawing the purchase of spray paint to minors are at the top of the priority list? Well, is it any wonder we have the problems we do in the city? We need someone with some FIRE in there–a progressive who has that scrappy, Don Plusquellic edge to them who doesn’t get all twitterpated and deer in headlights when the chips are down. (He’s not hung up on spray paint, he wants to do business with China and grow Akron’s economy). As for the tower itself, I love the idea of saving it, and think the writer’s suggestion is an attractive one. It couldn’t be done with every building in town, obviously. But in this instance, it makes perfect sense. One question: who pays for renovation after the initial $11M of tax money? The companies? And/or does a portion of Issue 18 money get allocated because a lot of 2nd tier arts orgs would be housed there? Or both, with a small additional “restoration” sales tax? (my thought) As a taxpayer, I’d be cool with kicking in a little more $$ if it meant several thousand more jobs downtown. You know, I bet that more people were up in arms when the old Hippodrome (at 720 Euclid Ave. once upon a time) was gonna be torn down in 1975 to make way for a (shock!) parking lot. Back then, people still cared about historic buildings here. Who cares if it was a huge and magnificent cinematic treasure, reportedly the largest theatre in Ohio with the second largest stage in the country, and that John Phillip Sousa performed there, ya know? No vision at the top, so where’s the freaking wrecking ball?!? Only in Cleveland, indeed. Only 32 years later and we’re all singing the same tune. Don’t expect any “forward thinking” out of 2 of the 3 county commissioners (guess). They’ll just write you off as some screwball, crunchy, out-of-touch gnat who happened to flit into their glass of imported champagne when you try getting them to think outside of our NEO-shaped box. Just like they’ve done with folks like Ed Hauser. Those bullies wouldn’t last in a larger market.
from Cool Cleveland reader Dave Stafford davestafford67ATyahoo.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) CityScape Peter Chakerian wonders if there’s a second life for Breuer Tower?
www.BrewedFreshDaily.com

2) BFD Weekly Comments on Bill Callahan’s post re: the towpath trail behind Steelyard Commons.
www.BrewedFreshDaily.com

3) Tremont Artwalk It was beautiful weather for this month’s event.
www.TremontArtWalk.org

4) Kuchinich’s “sensible” case against Cheney by WaPo columnist Richard Cohen.
www.WashingtonPost.com

5) Regionalism thwarted by our own media? Brad Whitehead criticizes our daily paper for ruling out certain regional solutions as “out of reach” before we’ve even tried.
www.Cleveland.com

Join Together We do, every week. Mad props to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Peanuts, Mansfield Frazier, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Claudia J. Taller, Roldo Bartimole, Nan Frost, Susan Schaul, Victor Lucas & Elsa Johnson and Peanuts. 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.

Comment on the BrewedFreshDaily blog at http://www.BrewedFreshDaily.com. Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Enjoy the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast 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.

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–Thomas Mulready
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