Portrait Of The Artist

6.02-6.09.04
Portrait of the Artist

Dear Friend,

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland People with CPT founder James Levin
* Missive From India from Cleveland born Buddhist nun Ani Palmo
* Cool Cleveland Interview with Cleveland Foodbank Executive Director Anne Goodman
* KucinichBeat exclusive interview with Cool Cleveland
* Cool party in the Heights Cool Cleveland party on 6/17 in Cleveland Heights includes free ticket to Cain Park: discount online registration available now here.

Cool Cleveland People with James Levin
Portrait of the Artist as an Idealistic Economic Development Genius

Exactly twenty years ago, when James Levin moved the fledgling Cleveland Public Theatre to its current home at the corner of West 65th and Detroit Avenue, most people thought he was nuts. Even those of us who understood his passion felt the area was crime-ridden and too far away from the Playhouse Square or east side theatre districts. But steadily, real estate acquisition tracked along with his expanding vision. Now, Levin is announcing a change in his role away from the day-to-day operation of the CPT complex. He’s taking on the most ambitious project of his career: raising $6.5 million for The Arcadia Project, an enterprising arts and learning campus and “idyllic place for art and culture,” right in the heart of the mean streets that could potentially be one of Cleveland’s most promising neighborhoods.

Cool Cleveland: Talk about how CPT has generated economic development in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. What was Detroit & W. 65th like when you first moved here?
James Levin: It was March of 1984. Detroit Avenue was marked by boarded-up store fronts, quite a few vacancies, and not many things that would attract consumers, or anyone from outside the area…there were seven or eight spaces [in the current Theatre] that were used for cold storage and a company that did “alterations on vehicles.” I think I represented all of them [as an attorney] – they were arrested for diverting electrical power from a telephone line. What you have to remember that’s unique about CPT is that it’s the only theatre in America where the first members were criminal defendants of mine. Everything that was done in the Theatre was done in exchange for legal services. Building work, electrical work, stage set building.

They were called the Brew Crew? Who gave them that name?
They gave themselves that name. They heard about The Stage Crew, The Technical Crew, so they named themselves the Brew Crew. That whole area was so different. The apartment building at West 64th and Detroit..was a den for criminals… there was more street violence back then: thievery, vandalism, prostitution and drug dealing. There was exponentially more crime and violence than there is now. About seven to eight years ago, I made a deal with the drug dealers to get them to move down the street – I hear they moved to the high 80s. In the old days, when we had African-American performers or gay performers, there would be harassment at the City Grille [bar across the street], now they go out of their way to appeal to the cast, the crew, the theatergoers…
Read Cool Cleveland People with James Levin here.

Looking for a cool party? This deal will not be repeated. Buy a ticket to the next Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party on 6/17 from 4-8PM at the corner of Cedar & Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights, and get a free ticket to the opening night of Grease at Cain Park at 8PM that night. For one low price (order online now to save even more), you get all this: open bar with beer & wine, hot hors d’oeuvres from more than 15 great Heights restaurants, films by Ohio filmmakers in the Cedar-Lee Theatre, gallery openings, DJ music and all the great pubs, shops, restaurants, and coffeeshops in the neighborhood, every one of them open for A Moveable Feast, the first foray into the inner ring for Cool Cleveland. Join hundreds of your new friends and don’t get sold out. Click now to register and pay online in advance and save http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html

Arts and Cultural District OKd The law was against Cleveland. It used to be that a Cultural District could only be formed if the largest city was 500K or larger, and since Cleveland is just under that, we were out of luck. But last week, arts supporters worked with the Ohio State legislature to attach a new provision that would allow a Cultural District to be formed if the county is larger than 500K, and Cuyahoga meets that criteria easily. Once it’s signed into law, the County Commissioners would be able to set up an independent board (like the ones that run the Metroparks and the Port Authority) to oversee arts and culture funding. The Cultural District, which could include counties surrounding Cuyahoga, would then have the authority to levy property taxes for the arts. “This is another positive step forward,” Community Partnership for Arts and Culture president Tom Shorgl told Cool Cleveland. “It broadens citizen participation in public policy at a County level.” Next steps? “Is there an opportunity to work with the state legislature to broaden the authority of and Arts and Culture District to generate different types of revenue, not just property tax? Our research data says that the property tax is the least acceptable option, because of the already-high property tax in Cuyahoga County. Some of the other types of revenue generators are: a bed tax, a sin tax, real estate transfer fees, sales tax. It’s our responsibility to look at all those vehicles to see which would be more appropriate.” http://www.supportartsandculture.com

Cleveland losing immigrant race Cleveland can’t afford to continue squandering its natural resources: its cultural riches, its incredible, water, river and lakefront assets, its authentic neighborhoods, and its immigrant heritage. But in some important ways, we’re already losing the race to renew our region with immigrant entrepreneurs. Between 1980 and 2000, while the foreign-born US population skyrocketed up 57%, Cleveland, where immigrants built the steel mills, auto plants, and the businesses that made our town a center of the industrial revolution, actually lost immigrants by 11%. Why is this so tragic? It’s been shown that the new immigrant gateways, whether traditionals like Chicago (up 91%), Boston (up 66%), New York (up 71%), or the newer hotspots like Portland (up 217%), Minneapolis (up 197%) and Denver (up 258%), possess more of the mojo that immigrants bring: a tough, unrelenting work ethic, and built-in connections to the new global “borderless” economy. Among some immigrant groups the rate of entrepreneurship is 2-3 times that of the US population. And it’s not just hard work, they bring money. Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs headed up 29% of Silicon Valley’s tech businesses. The biggest snags? Language problems (of course), confusing city business permitting (this can be addressed), and an aversion to banks, taxes and credit. Is this a growth opportunity for one of Cleveland’s many area banks? See Washington Post Writers Group here.

Cleve Foundation kicks off new arts funding In order to address the chronic under-capitalization of midsize arts organizations in Cleveland, and to develop a network of highly skilled arts leaders, the Cleveland Foundation has selected six Cleveland arts organizations to receive initial funding from their new Arts Advancement Program: Apollo’s Fire, The Cleveland Film Society, Cleveland Public Art, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Young Audiences. They will receive a one-time advancement grant, plus annual operating support grants, totalling $4.5 million for the entire program. See Foundation Center www.FDNcenter.org Plus, June is Arts Funding Month at the Foundation Center, featuring news, reports, research and special offers for those raising money in the arts. http://fdncenter.org/focus/arts/

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Live in Cleveland’s Creative Corridor Payne Avenue Lofts and Loftworks feature stylish, live/work condominiums in Cleveland’s newest loft district! Features include large, open floor plans, huge new windows, 12-14 foot ceilings, exposed brick, hardwood floors, modern kitchens and much more. Located in historic, renovated warehouse buildings, you’ll be just a bicycle ride from downtown! Plus, you can save money with special financing and tax abatement. Zip over to Siam Café or Seoul Hot Pot for some eclectic neighborhood fare, or visit the nearby, tucked-away gem of Kirtland Park – right in the neighborhood! Condos in Loftworks start at $95,000; condos in Payne Avenue Lofts start at $154,900. For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend, please visit http://www.progressiveurban.com.
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Wanted: music writers Love Cleveland music? Know the difference between Anne E. DeChant and Devo? Are you articulate? Opinionated? Cool Cleveland is looking for writers to contribute regularly on the Cleveland-area music scene: local bands, new CD releases, live shows, the economic realities and impact of the music business on our local economy. If you’re interested, drop a line to Events@CoolCleveland.com or visit http://www.CoolCleveland.com and submit your thoughts on our “Contact” page.

Online advertising and e-commerce on the rise Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers announced that Internet advertising totaled nearly $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2004; the highest quarterly total on record since they began tracking revenues in 1996. See IAB here. Also, word that e-merchants sold $114 billion worth of goods online in 2003, led by the travel industry, according to an annual survey of 150 retailers conducted by Shop.org. A better-than-expected sales jump of 51% allowed online retailers to collectively make a profit for the first time. It took the direct mail catalog business 146 years to reach $126 billion in sales, a figure that e-commerce will surpass in just 19 years.

Book sales decline 23 million fewer books were sold last year than in 2002, according to a recent study by the Book Industry Study Group, a non-for-profit research organization. Hardcovers and paperbacks took the biggest hits. See Detroit News here.

JumpStart seeks business plans by 7/1 All eyes are on JumpStart, NEO’s newest hope for stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit in Cleveland. Last week, Cool Cleveland reported that Thom Ruhe had made the move from president of Optiem to Chief Marketing Officer at JumpStart (see Ruhe jumps in; Rohrs jumps up here). Now JumpStart announces a 7/1 deadline for business plans. They plan to review a couple hundred business plans a year (they’ve already seen 80 since January), offer “significant business development services” to about 45 of those companies, and fund 10-15 of them at levels ranging from $50k to $800k, investing a total of $3 million per year for the next three years. Their website outlines their criteria: they are looking for early-stage companies that have strong potential in the marketplace, solid prospects for high growth, and are likely to qualify for later-stage funding. Watch for additional deadlines 11/1/04 and 3/1/05. 363.3400 Ray.Leach@JumpStartInc.org http://www.JumpStartInc.org

Hair Saloon for men opens Women get pampered pretty well in these parts; it’s about time we took care of the men. Opening this Friday 6/4 is the Reagle Beagle, a “hair saloon,” complete with complimentary food and beverage, massage service, big screen TVs, beer and wine for a buck, and even a putting green. The focus in on three areas: hospitality (an attendant caters to your needs), entertainment while you wait for your haircut (smoke a fine cigar, play a round of darts, do some putting), and quality grooming in private booths, featuring Arbonne’s natural men’s products. Besides premium services such as back waxing, eyebrow tweezing, and color enhancements, the $28 haircut includes a mini facial, shampoo, menthol treatment, scalp massage, warm lather neck shave, hot rock neck massage, and complimentary shoeshine. Reagle Beagle Hair Saloon, 17617 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, 228-9677 http://www.ReagleBeagle.net

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Where to be in the Warehouse district is definitely The Bingham, Cleveland’s newest renovation for city living. The Bingham is an architecturally significant Cleveland warehouse that has been painstakingly restored into an urban loft apartment complex. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor parking and a soon to come gourmet grocery. Each unit includes the amenities you want: contemporary kitchens with wheat-burnished cabinetry, brushed chrome fixtures, laundry hook-ups, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. All this and the convenience of being in the center of Cleveland’s most vibrant neighborhood, with shops, restaurants, clubs and galleries just minutes from your door. Visit http://www.thebingham.com or call 216.579.4000 for more information. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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CSU raises admission standards While still adhering to its original open admissions policy in place since its founding, Cleveland State University is raising admissions standards for new freshman students for Fall 2006, using the following criteria: completion of 13 units of the high school core curriculum (currently CSU is the only Ohio college that doesn’t require this), a 2.3 grade point average, and a 16 on the ACT or a 750 on the SAT. Meet all 3 and you get admitted, and students who meet 2 of these 3 criteria will be granted provisional admission. The benefits? More student success, better retention and graduation rates, more employable graduates and an improved University image. The University also announced a $62 million plan for 6 construction projects over the next 5 years, including renovation of the 167,000 sf University Center, a new student bookstore at Euclid Avenue & East 21st Dtreet, and renovating historic Fenn Tower for retail, conference rooms and student housing. Good news. http://www.CSUohio.edu

Citizenship volunteers sought Most people do not need to hire an attorney to complete their U.S. citizenship applications, often they just need someone to help walk them through the paperwork. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help permanent residents complete their N-400 Application for Naturalization forms, training sessions will take place every other Tuesday, beginning 6/15 from 5:30–6:45PM at the offices of Margaret W. Wong & Assoc. Co., LPA., 3150 Chester Avenue. After two training sessions, volunteers should be ready to help permanent residents become U.S. citizens. The only requirement? Trainees must be fluent in speaking and writing English. For more info, call 579-0150.

Comic Book Project Pay attention to what these kids are doing. Through a grant from the Cleveland Foundation, and organized by Cleveland Public Art, school children from across the city planned, designed, and produced original comic books on the theme of conflict resolution. The comics will be on public display from 6/19 thru 7/2 in the Louis Stokes Wing of the Cleveland Public Library. The Comic Book Project is an art-based literacy initiative hosted by Teachers College, the school of education at Columbia University. The goal of the project is to help children forge an alternative pathway to literacy, while fostering social development and engagement in the learning process. Visitors also get a free copy of the accompanying comix Peace In Our Schools. 917-674-0014 http://www.ComicBookProject.org

Coincidences exist? Or we just pretend they do. But when something inexplicable occurs, we aren’t sure what to make of it – but the fact that it does occur certainly indicates significance to us. Our philosophical systems are hard-wired in a way to make sense when there isn’t any, and coincidences make it all the more complex. See The New Yorker here.

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Spend your summer in Africa with Senenkunya: Many Voices, One Family. Experience a sub-Saharan village designed to show how native Africans live. It’s a world of learning and discoveries, with rare sculptures, carvings, textiles, ceremonial masks, Tutsi war spears and authentic musical instruments. Enter its world of important artifacts and objects at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This exhibit features many interactive displays and is large enough for children and adults to physically enter and explore. Bring your family for a lifetime experience you can share with your children; for tickets call 216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155 x3279. Discover your world at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, 231-4600. And check it out…starting Wed 6/2, the museum will open Wednesday evenings all summer until 10PM! http://www.cmnh.org/senenkunya.html
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Cleveland housing styles now online Cleveland’s rich housing stock is a true asset that other regions do not enjoy. Now, whether you’re renovating the historic home of your dreams or just curious, the Cleveland Restoration Society has updated their website to include an illustrated guide to the architectural styles found in homes in our area. The resource library has helpful information such as a styles guide, how to hire and work with a contractor, and other homeowner resources. Plus, the Society offers technical assistance and low interest (1.5% to 3.5%) loans to owners of historic (50+ years) homes in Cuyahoga County. For more info, call 426-1000, http://www.ClevelandRestoration.org

Outdoor film fest wants your film The Overlook Park Shorts will screen area filmmakers’ work on 8/7. No entry fee. Please submit your films on DVD or VHS by 7/1 submission deadline. Jurors include Cleveland Museum of Art Associate Curator Jeffrey Grove. http://www.OverlookPark.com

Regional entertainment You know regionalism has hit the mainstream when one of the entertainment mags does a 4600-word story on it, with no fewer than 23 smart-aleck sub-heads. Their conclusion: “What’s stalling regionalism is rampant self-interest on all fronts.” Ya think? No doubt it serves as a comprehensive primer on the subject for their readers, and it admirably touches all the bases, and gets quotes from all the major players. It even offers an approach that might work: solutions would “just have to be modest in their goals, politically neutral in effect.” And it ends on a truism: like a drug addict, Cleveland might rise up from its problems, “after all, we’ve already got the hitting bottom part covered.” And this is true. See Scene here.

The Cleveland Public Library receives Ward Marsh Motion Picture Collection A partial installment of 70,000 movie still photographs are housed in the Library’s Photograph Collection, and are an excellent resource for those researching the history of cinema from 1915 through the 1970’s. Images included in this online exhibit represent the first 25 years of Oscar winning motion pictures and actors. The Library’s video collection offers patrons the opportunity to reserve and borrow all of the “Best Picture” winning films. A list of these films, along with links to each library catalog record, is included with this exhibit. See Cleveland Public Library here.

Akron’s brain drains It’s a familiar feeling, all too well articulated by Akron Beacon Journal columnist David Giffels. “As I sat in a lawn chair at his going-away party, watching our kids play together, I began to count who was left. Maybe it would be enough. But I began to recognize two problems. First, there was no guarantee the rest would stay. And second, I wasn’t seeing enough new talent coming in from other places.” He’s looking for reader input, and he’s probably planning some follow-up. See ABJ here.

Writing as a way to tame the world According to John Updike, it’s a method to get society turned around, and like all inspired writers, he isn’t running out of things to write about. See Washington Post here.

Ohio Writer remembers Daniel Everyone in Cleveland’s arts community was touched by the recent passing of Daniel Thompson. Cool Cleveland did a special remembrance issue here, and now Ohio Writer magazine plans to publish a collection of memories of Cuyahoga County’s Poet Laureate in their next issue. Write a paragraph or two detailing how much Daniel meant to you, and e-mail your contributions to OhioWriter@DeepCleveland.com. They’ll publish as many as they can in their July/August issue.

Cleveland 103 These behind-the-scenes tours of Cleveland’s architectural gems sell out quickly, so act now. On 6/11 at 5:15PM, experience A Night At The Theatre, with a guided tour of the country’s second largest performing arts complex, Playhouse Square Center. It includes a walking tour of the Cleveland Theatre District. On 7/17 at 9:45AM, check out A City of Bridges as you view some of the fantastic, fascinating and functional architecture that spans the Northern Cuyahoga River. On 8/18 at 5:15PM, join Tim Barrett, a design specialist with the City of Cleveland for Downtown Building Tour, pointing out the skyscrapers, arcades and Cleveland’s grand old buildings that outline the Group Plan of 1903. On 9/18 at 9:45AM, meet in the Historic Gateway District for Living In The City, a Saturday morning tour of some of the finest addresses in Cleveland. All tours include a dutch treat lunch at a nearby restaurant. Created in partnership with the City Club’s New Leaders group. Call 621-0082 for info and tickets.

Lock 3 Live kicks into gear One of Northeast Ohio’s most interesting venues usually flies under the radar. Situated right on the lock of the canal next door to the (newly restored and amazing) Akron Civic Theatre, this 3000-seat outdoor stage has been called a “Mini-Blossom” for its pleasant hillside and great outdoor vibe – and it’s right in the heart of the city! This year, they’ve kicked it up with an Akron Family Barbeque festival that runs 7/2 -7/4, and a special Lollipoplooza Children’s Festival in August. Plan for the Ragin’ Cajun Fest, with Cleveland’s Cats On Holiday and Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet on 6/26 at 4PM. Every Saturday except 7/3 is Homegrown Saturday Mornin’ from 9AM to 2PM, featuring a farmers market with locally grown produce, cheeses, baked goods, specialty food items, coffees and teas, hand-made jewelry and fashion accessories, clothing, arts and crafts, plants, and flowers, strolling entertainment, cooking, flower-arranging and other demonstrations. Also watch for classic car, Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Mini-Cooper car shows throughout the summer. Call 330-253-2488, for more info. http://DestinationDowntownAkron.com

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] [The Web Association features BlueBridge The Web Association is a newly formed professional organization built upon the prior success of the Cleveland Association of Internet Professionals. The Association hosts monthly luncheon events and exclusive member-only events on current topics of interest to the local Internet community. On Tue 6/8 at 6PM, the Association will visit BlueBridge Networks, an exciting new high-tech Cleveland company. This complimentary evening event for Web Association members includes a tour of BlueBridge’s state of the art collocation and managed security facility, an educational presentation by Dan DeSantis, CTO of BlueBridge Networks, and a wide assortment of appetizers, beer, wine, and alternative beverages. Visit http://www.webassociation.org to learn more about membership and to register for the upcoming event.
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Cool Cleveland This Week
6.02-6.09

Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com

Marketing Boot Camp A day and a half course facilitated by an experienced instructor and hosted by the American Marketing Association; expect heavy class interaction geared toward marketers who are new to the profession, or those seeking a refresher course. Learn to differentiate yourself from the competition by implementing and evaluating marketing plans with lots of idea sharing Thu 6/3 from 8AM-5PM and Fri 6/4 from 8AM-Noon. Register at 1-800-262-1150. Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd in Independence. http://cleveland.marketingpower.com

Raising Our Voice Art exhibit & auction featuring the knock out visuals by Derek Hess, individualistic images by Karen St. John-Vincent and grooves by DJ Kinetik. Guests can meet the artists and bid on artwork while enjoying summer drinks and hors d’oeuvres Fri 6/4 from 6-10PM. Treat yourself to art while supporting an important cause; all proceeds directly assist the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Call 619-6194. Spaces Gallery, 2220 Superior Viaduct http://www.spacesgallery.org

Spring Art Show at Market Avenue Wine Bar Browse and buy from more than twelve local artisans and designers in a uniquely contemporary and temporary marketplace; make a day or evening of it in Ohio City amidst the glow of Cleveland’s cool restaurants and night spots. While you’re there, visit the hectic and fun West Side Market and see the sights at Open Air in Market Square Fri 6/4 from 5-9PM and Sat 6/5 from 1-9PM. Market Avenue Wine Bar, 2526 Market Ave. http://www.lingg.us

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Street Performers Take Over Downtown Look out Cleveland…this Summer downtown will rock as Sparx in the City transforms the streets for 16 weekends in 4 downtown districts. Funky percussionists, guitarists, stilt dancers, a cappella singers, and comic performers will be part of the scene. Be on the lookout Fridays at lunch and after 5PM and on Saturdays in the early evening. Get the details by attending the Street Beats Kickoff preview and sidewalk sale on Fri 6/4, from 10:30AM-2PM at National City Plaza, E. 9th & Euclid Ave. Sparx in the City is a program of the Downtown Cleveland Partnership , a not-for-profit advocate dedicated to revitalizing Cleveland’s downtown.
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Frequency Response Want it hard and funky? You got it with techno tweakers from Soniktexture and Hoi Fans Recordings; float on transforming beats of Product 19’s electrosoul and house straight from the UK, then stay around for Cleveland’s own Paco de Bongo of Experimedia Fri 6/4 from 9PM-2:30AM. Call 566-7278. Abasso Underground, 1222 Prospect Ave.

Three Man Show: the Individual & Collaborative Works of Ken Chapin, Mike Moritz, and Abe Olvido closing night reception is your last chance to see how these artists brilliantly restructured the modernist gallery, they will also preview a film made especially for their installation/exhibition Fri 6/4 from 7-10PM. Call 440-375-7461. B.K. Smith Gallery on the campus of Lake Erie College, Gillett St in Painesville. http://www.lec.edu

Little Italy’s Summer Art Walk is now in its 25th year, get on your walking shoes and discover new attractions and events throughout the weekend. Local restaurants will offer box lunches with tables and chairs lining the sidewalks, with strolling musicians and entertainers wandering through the crowd. Art galleries will be throwing special events: Fiori Gallery’s fused glass and rare art glass, Verne Gallery’s Japanese prints, and Anne van Hauwaert Fashions will have two major trunks shows with Gabriella Iannarelli’s colorful and exotic earrings and Lisa Battaglia’s collections of retro style hats. Hit it all weekend long in Little Italy Fri 6/4 from 5-10 PM, thru Sun 6/6 at 12-6 PM. Call 421-1717 or visit http://www.murrayhillartwalk.org

Open air market Now in its 7th season, it’s a favorite destination spot for bargain hunting, entertainment and socializing with a variety of activities. An alternative to the big shopping malls, it connects you to communitities of artists; check out funky antiques, fine imported items and collectibles every Saturday including this Sat 6/5 from 10AM-4PM. Call 781-3222. At Market Square, the corner of W. 25th & Lorain Ave. http://www.openairmarketsquare.com

Martin and Orloff A dark, wickedly funny Dadaist comedy that tells of an advertising fashion designer who attemps suicide when an actor wearing one of his costumes (an eggroll with eye holes) accidentally drowns. Shortly thereafter he finds himself hanging aroud with an insufferable psychiatrist and his bizarre friends; it’s a Cleveland premiere Sat 6/5 at 6:30PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

2-2 Tango – A Latin dance party Let loose with Latin dance set to scorching music to benefit Pointe of Departure Ballet’s summer performance season. Grab someone you want to be close to and tango, slip into hot salsa moves, then simmer down with tapas. You’ll also watch a special preview of 2-2 Tango, performed by Karen Gabay and Raymond Rodriquez Sat 6/5 at 7:30PM. Call 921-5306. The Powerhouse Nautica, Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore in the Flats’ West Bank. http://www.pointeofdeparture.com

Professional Leadership & Development Seminar Attendees will learn the ropes how to obtain professional goals, manage careers and seek promotions. Keynote speaker is Ms. Margot J. Copeland, Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Diversity for Keybank. Congruently, a leadership expo will be taking place with vendor booths offering products and services geared towards employment opportunities and/or career development Sat 6/5 from 8AM-4:30PM. Call 440-232-3648. Cleveland State University Convocation Center, 2106 Prospect Ave. http://www.bpaonline.net.

Reds, Whites & Brews It’s one hell of a fiesta combining good taste and 225 guests at a business casual event to support literacy efforts in Greater Cleveland. Dip into heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine from Spain, Mexico and the U.S., a beer tasting, a silent auction, and a raffle boasting a trip for two to San Francisco. The Cleveland Reads benefit happens Sat 6/5 from 7-10:30PM; call 436-2222. Sammy’s in the Flats, 1400 West 10th St. http://www.ClevelandReads.org or http://www.sammys.com

Signals, circuits, and things that go glitch in the night America’s energy security will be the topic of this summer lecture featuring John Thorton. Hear how renewables can help reduce our dependence on polluting and foreign sources of energy, with light refreshments and networking session on Sat 6/5 from 1-3PM. Call 526-5545. Lake Metroparks Lake Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Rd. in Kirtland. katya@greenenergyohio.org.

Artefino Gallery Cafe opening Got a jones for an entirely different art experience? Cleveland artist Hector Vega presents the grand opening of his gallery Artefino. Come by the Tower Press Building (where Cool Cleveland held one of our early Art/Tech/Dance parties) then bid on the super-successful art that pushes the limits designed by Vega and treated by different local artists. Sip wine from Chalet Debonne Winery and take in hors d’oeuvers while hanging at Cleveland’s newest art space that will eventually house a cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come by Sat 6/5 from 8-11PM. At the historic Tower Press Building, 1900 Superior Ave. info@artefinogallery.com. Visit http://www.artefinogallery.com

Birds, Bees & Fantasies Artists will use fantasy as their primary mode of expression in this exhibition that displays works meant to appeal to the child in all of us. Observe exquisitely painted landscapes where black humor, dream imagery and bizarre logic intersect Sat 6/5 from 2-4PM. Show will run through the month of June in the library’s Gallery; admission is free. Call 440-943-8128. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. in Avon Lake. http://www.alpl.org or visit http://www.deadhorsegallery.com

Steppin’ in the House Hip Hop will heat up at Art House as part of their dance series. This workshop is open to all dancers; watch and learn from Kid Cuba who, in conjunction with Progressive Arts Alliance, will teach the basics of hip hop dancing including popping, locking and breaking. No longer just a fad, hip hop has now become part of American culture – don’t miss this workshop Sat 6/5 at 7:30pm. Advanced registration is required and light refreshments will be provided. For reservations call 398-8556. Art House, 3119 Denison Ave. email lisa@arthouseinc.org.

Vinyasa yoga Get off your couch and start moving! Enjoy Jennie McMullen’s comfortable yoga instruction along with kick-boxing, wild hip hop and moving body basics that are easy to master; classes start Sun 6/6 at 1:30PM. Register by calling Morrison Dance Studio, 4201 Lorain Ave, visit http://www.MorrisonDance.com or http://peacefulwarrioryoga.com.

Cliff climbing Risk loving, thrill seeking “carpe diem” adventurists can start out learning the foundation for the safe pursuit of rock climbing. The basics will include rappelling techniques, knots and essential gear Tue 6/8 at from 6-9PM. Call 341-1704 to register. Cleveland Rock Gym, 21200 St Clair Ave., Building B3 in Euclid.

Web Security in the Age of Insecurity You’re cordially invited to attend the BlueBridge headquarters to hear why internet security can make or break your business. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided, so come by with questions and do a little networking while you’re at it Tue 6/8 at 6PM. Call 621-2583. 1255 Euclid Ave, Suite 500. For info email mdealoia@bbnllc.com

Art & Wine at 806 Be captivated into a world created within Eric McAffee’s canvas of compositions, where spiraling movements of bold color, transparencies, spatial relationships and depth are made tangible. Try out the new art vibe at the atmospheric Wine & Martini Bar Wed 6/9, from 6-9PM. Call to R.S.V.P. at 696-4806. Located at 806 Literary Rd. in Tremont.

WCLVnotes The last of this season’s Music from the Western Reserve recitals over WCLV (104.9 FM) will be this Fri 6/4 at 9PM. Cellist Peter Rejto of the Oberlin Conservatory will be the soloist. On Tue 6/8, both WCLV and WRMR (1420 AM) go traveling to the Marc’s store at 6231 SOM Center in Solon. Both stations will be broadcasting live throughout the day. Here’s your chance to meet the voices you hear on WCLV and WRMR – Bill O’Connell, Jacquelin Gerber and Robert Conrad from 104.9 and Ted Alexander, Carl Reese and Jim Davis from 1420. The WCLV/WRMR prize wheel will be spinning to award prizes to all participants. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com

Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Interview with Anne Goodman

Anne Goodman is Executive Director of the Cleveland Foodbank, which serves over 100,000 people a year in our region, providing meals for hungry people. This Thu 6/3 they are hosting Hunger Awareness Day at their facility at 1557 East 27th Street. Visit http://www.ClevelandFoodBank.com for more info.

I understand that the Cleveland Foodbank provides 37,000 meals per day, which is the same as providing a meal each day to all the people living in Bay Village, Brecksville and Pepper Pike. We actually serve 6 counties: Cuyahoga, Ashland, Richland, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula county. The 18 million pounds we provided served 14 million meals last year. There are over 100,000 people in our territory that use emergency food throughout the year.

That’s a tremendous amount of people who live in our region needing food.
Nationwide, 20% of people experience “food insecurity”. That’s a technical term we use that means they skipped a meal involuntarily, or didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, or they went hungry. In our area, 38% of our clients are children, which is a shame.

Because they can’t fend for themselves.
In addition, 40% of the families we serve are working. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and your car breaks down and that costs $350. So people have to make a choice between the car repair and food, or rent and food.

It’s ironic and sad, considering the current focus on obesity in America with the film Super Size Me, and McDonald’s new light meals with salads. How do hunger and obesity relate to each other?
Good question. We get a lot of questions about child obesity and what it’s attributed to. You can go to McDonald’s and get their “dollar meal” and get a hamburger, fries and a drink for $3. But if you buy chicken, asparagus and potatoes, that will cost you more than $3. The availablilty of cheap junk food is a key reason for obesity. As a working mom, you get off work, and you have to walk to the grocery store in the inner city. The big retailers don’t want to go into the inner city, so there are these smaller food markets where food is more expensive, and fresh food is much more scarce, so the availability of healthy food is actually more scarce in highly populated urban areas. Obesity and hunger can go hand in hand. We consider this at the Foodbank, that poor nutrition is related to food insecurity, because you go for what is most easily available. But surviving off Oodles of Noodles won’t take you very far. 35% of the households we serve contain people living in poor health…
Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with Anne Goodman here

Kucinich Beat
Cool Cleveland interviews the Presidential candidate

What’s on your calendar this week?
I’m back in Washington for votes this week, then I’m joining Jesse Jackson on Sunday, then on to Montana & New Jersey for their primaries on Tuesday.

What are you doing with Jesse Jackson?
He’s thinking of a bus tour and I’m joining him on it. We’re travelling the country for working folks, a living wage, jobs.

How’s the delegate count?
In the last couple of days, we had a gain of 6 delegates in Washington State and 2 more in Hawaii. In the last week, we received 25% of the state caucus in Maine, 50% in Alaska. That’s the first time we’ve come in first, or tied for first. We also got 30% in Colorado. Then, over the weekend, we picked up the additional delegates in Washington and Hawaii.

So what’s your total delegate count?
I don’t know the totals, they keep going up.

You’ve picked up a lot of votes and a lot of delegates in the past few weeks. What does it change?
What it says to the people in Montana & New Jersey is to change the direction that the party is going in. We’ve been plowing ahead and gathered steam in the last few weeks.

You’ve also received a lot of press because of these recent successes.
Yeah, I’ve been on Meet the Press, MSNBC, Wolf Blitzer…

What’s the media’s take on your recent delegate gain?
They just report it as it is.

Are they interpreting this?
No one is interpreting it at this point.

So what is your strategy?
We are fully staffed for the convention. We have 2000 supporters coming from around the country.

Are you planning any surprises at the Democratic Convention?
No, the basic issues will be discussed.

Do you have a comment on the current prisoner scandal? What would you do if it were your administration?
It’s obviously not an isolated matter. That’s where the responsibility of the people at the top becomes critical to review. As far as I’m concerned, the responsibility goes all the way to the top. We are not even close to hearing the end of this. This is very damaging to America. It gives us a black eye.

What is your take on the recent developments in Iraq?
We’re still pushing for the Democrats to get out of Iraq. We have to be careful not to exchange a Republican version of the war for a Democratic version of the war. I wouldn’t buy a used car from this administration, I certainly wouldn’t buy a used war from them.

Missive from India
by Ani Palmo

Ani Palmo (nee Catherine Rybicki) is a Cleveland born Buddhist nun who has recently returned to India to teach English at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. At her “Light of Asia” debut show last summer, she exhibited the photographs of her experiences as she bounced back and forth between the US and Asia. This exhibit will be again be showing at the Michael Stefan Salon at 4082 Erie Street in Willoughby running through to the end of June. For more info, call 440-946-6644.

Hello one and all! Ahh. I think I got more sleep on that one flight than I’ve gotten in weeks! Once in Delhi, I got a “retiring room” in the airport without any problem whatsoever. This is a simple room with two single beds, an attached bath and an air conditioner which sounds like a motorboat. The cost? 10 bucks!… Once in the monastery, things got a little rough… they put me in this concrete box just at the base of the stairs and right next to the door. I had to leave it to walk down the hall and unlock a padlock to get into the toilet, the squat type, which is very hard with my bad knees and back… Darjeeling really is a most hideous place. I recently saw an article that listed it as one of the 10 worst places in India. Imagine that– I am living in a worst place in India for god’s sake! The whole town is filthy and has the feel of a slum. There are buildings upon buildings, many covered with corrugated iron roofs. Everything seems to be falling apart. And the smells are not pretty, either. Almost every day since my arrival the skies have been foggy and gloomy. The roads are very narrow and on my walk to school, I suck in so much exhaust that the inside of my nose is literally black. Ugh…
Read Missive From India by Ani Palmo here

Instant Karma
Quik reviews of recent events

The Sweepers @ Ensemble Theatre 5/29
What: Three overwrought Italian-American mamas at the end of World War II angst over changes in their lives — from returning shell-shocked vets to the marriage of a son to an assimilated girl from outside the neighborhood.
Caveats/Reasons to Go: Picardi’s over-the-top piece isn’t just set in the 40’s — it’s a throwback. You won’t see such carpet-chewing histrionics outside melodramas of suffering mothers like “Mildred Pierce”. Jean Zarzour plays uber-drama queen Bella, who nearly throws herself off a balcony when her 4-F son (a pained James Savage Jr.) won’t make his shy new bride hang out her wedding sheets to show the neighborhood that she’s a virgin, not “Jenny the Pump”. Bella is supported by a brace of old friends, the ditzy Dotty (Tracey Field) and stony Mary (Meg Kelly Schroeder). Jennifer Clifford does lovely, subtle work as fiancé Karen.
Backstory: Expect to see more Picardi. The playwright has big ambitions: a play about the Italian-American experience for each of 10 decades, a la August Wilson, and Artistic Director Lucia Colombi wants to stage them all. Next season she’s hoping for the rights to “Seven Rabbits on a Pole”, Picardi’s 1930’s play.
Target audience: Addicts of old-fashioned AMC or Turner Classics melodramas.
Details: Ensemble Theatre, at Cleveland Play House’s Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Avenue, 216-321-2930. Through 6/13. http://www.ensemble-theatre.com.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@CoolCleveland.com

Cleve Orchestra @ Severance Hall 5/27 Franz Welser-Most conducted the Cleveland Orchestra last week in a program that on paper looked like a mixed bag of music, but the actual result was surprisingly good. The evening began with Gioachino Rossini’s Overture to William Tell. When it comes to Rossini’s music, what too often comes to mind is music from television programs, like Bugs Bunny or The Lone Ranger…
Read Brian Schriefer’s review here.

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to: letters@coolcleveland.com

On Cleveland’s passive aggressive complacency From My Brain Is Crying; Dueling dialogue that’s unsafe at any speed – Tisha Nemeth: We meet and listen to many people in Cleveland who are full of dissatisfactions, and yet they don’t actively pursue ways to change or improve what they’re dissatisfied about…” Holy Shit! I couldn’t agree more! Do you think it’s passive aggressive complacency? I swear you could write a dissertation about that particular chip on Cleveland’s shoulder. btw…Cool Cleveland is a great resource for more than I can even tell ya! For one, I just graduated from CSU’s Urban Program and really appreciated your article on Mark Rosentraub. I sent it to my “proud Papa” in Minneapolis who has only heard good things about the Levin College from me…it was a great article to share with him as an introduction to the school I’m so proud of. from Cool Cleveland reader Sue Barthelemy urban_girl_sue@hotmail.com

Send your letters to: letters@coolcleveland.com

Top 5

Cool Cleveland uses Opticast tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1. Put Some Reality Into The Quest For Regionalism by Roldo Bartimole Regionalism has become the new trite banner carried by our idea-deprived elite. If you want regionalism, here’s the way to do it – and the only way that should be acceptable to common folk, which means the majority of us. Regionalism Reality

2. Cool Cleveland People Jim Lanza encapsulates the essence of Cleveland’s alternative entrepreneurs, combining underground culture, music, fashion and community in Ohio City where he fronts The Modern World, an alternative/vintage/skate/punk merchandise business. Cool Cleveland People Jim Lanza

3. Towpath closer to completion Only six miles remain to connect the Towpath Trail from New Philadelphia on the Ohio River to Downtown Cleveland, and now, due to a deal with back-from-the-dead steel maker International Steel Group Inc. Click here

4. Faux Downtown in Westlake Architecture critic Steve Litt is uncharacteristically wowed by the efforts of self-styled “poet-developer” Robert Stark, who has forced worthwhile zoning changes in Westlake, allowing his 75-acre Crocker Park mixed-use retail/housing/office park-cum urban style development to break the rules. Click here.

5. Cool Cleveland’s Moveable Feast You are invited to join Cool Cleveland for our first foray into the inner ring. Join Cleveland’s creative and business elite for an after-work networking party that takes you to the hottest spots in town. http://www.corpmeetings.com/register/thomas/atd8/index.html

Affirmative action Readers like you are getting into taking back our city by supporting its events, its people, and its rich culture by reading Cool Cleveland. We’re committed to keeping Cleveland alive and happening, and our readers help out by referring people you know at home and at work to CC.com. Now can send them to register for our e-zine at http://www.coolcleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have ’em send an e-mail to signup@coolcleveland.com

Marketing makeover You can do it to your business plan with the alternative advertising vehicle: CoolCleveland.com. Every week we reach tens of thousands of subscribers who love what we do and visit the links to our sponsors. Find out more by dropping us a note to info@coolcleveland.com and let us hear from you.

Hard Corps love for the city We’ve a great group of individuals who put Cleveland first in their lives by dedicating themselves to the content you enjoy week after week. CC props and love goes out to Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Linda Eisenstein, Brian Schriefer, Steve Goldberg, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth and all our contributors who help make Cool Cleveland absolutely cool as hell. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: events@coolcleveland.com

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.coolcleveland.com

Can art save
our city?

–Thomas Mulready
letters@coolcleveland.com (:divend:)