Positively Cleveland

10.10-10.17.07
Positively Cleveland

In this week’s issue:
* WalkAbout Wandering around in Tremont
* Kids Fall in the Metroparks
* BFD Can Northeast Ohio be a region of healthy, innovative mid-sized cities?
* Ingenious Exploring tension with artist Artemis Herber
* Positively Negative CMSD gets its report card
* Interview Meet Forbidden Broadway actor Greg Violand
* Reads Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit from Michael Heaton
* Sounds Tempest in a Teapot from The Twilight
* Previews Schools for filmmakers and writers
* Straight Outta Mansfield Mayor Jackson’s Tough Love?
* RoldoLINK Can’t You Peasants Ever Be Satisfied?
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

It’s not every region that has so many positive promotional efforts going full steam all at once. The CVB has a new name, Positively Cleveland, that dovetails nicely with the new and ongoing ClevelandPlus brand, TeamNEO’s effort to bring new business into the region, and the spin we get from our baseball team in the playoffs. Check our new photos and video (and an exclusive offer) from our recent party at the Akron-Canton Airport. This week, we offer a walking tour of Tremont, a glimpse of Fall in the Metroparks, a review of The Twilight’s new CD, and a preview of a boot camp for aspiring filmmakers. Mansfield comments on Mayor Jackson’s tough love, and Roldo expounds on the living wage, economic spin-off, and mayoral races. With so many voices, and so much positive energy, we’re linking you to all that’s cool. And positive. —Thomas Mulready

Wandering Around in Tremont

Tremont’s history and diversity make it one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Cleveland. It’s a great place to hang out if you have an afternoon or evening to kill. In fact, if you plan on an afternoon, you might find you get lost in the pleasure of walking in a working class neighborhood of brick roadways, tree-lined streets lined with Victorian beauties and smaller German-style brick homes, and alleyways with a second set of houses behind. The steeples of its many churches rise above the scene like sentries, making it comfortable just wander.

The New England-style square dominates the neighborhood built on a bluff overlooking the Cuyahoga River and the Flats. It’s an area now enclosed by highway. Once upon a time, in the mid-1850’s, Tremont was known as University Heights because it was the home of Cleveland University, and Tremont’s streets bear names like Literary, Professor and College, a nod to that time…
Read more from Claudia Taller here

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

Bye-bye Wahoo Now is the time Read
CIA named among top schools by Business Week for design Read
Team NEO says regional economy is growing, $172 billion-a-year economy has expanded Click
Interchange hinges on tax ramifications, revenue sharing Read
One co’s way to woo workers to NEO Click
US Airways mag showcases Cle amenities for its 308K readers in Oct. TM of CC quoted in opening line. Read
World of Opportunity video whirlwind tour of $4B of recent projects from Univ Circle to Euclid Corridor to Flats Read

Cleveland Development Advisors is granted $25M in tax credits to spur hundreds of millions of dollars of economic development in Cle. The city was “a long-shot to win” according to a source, but the success of CDA’s use of these funds in the past to help create places like (Positively) East 4th Street told a compelling story. http://www.clevelanddevelopmentadvisors.com.

Maia Beatty asks “Are You Engaging Your Circle of Influence as Powerfully as You Can?” Wed 10/10 Details
Creating a Visual Identity Learn how to use the creative design process and branding to connect your verbal message to your visual image Tue 10/16 at ShoreBank Enterprise, 540 East 105th St. from 6-9PM RSVP to workshops@inergeimpacts.com
Plexus new member reception at Trinity Cathedral Tue 10/16 Connect
AAF gets Google-ified with speaker Jim Lecinski, Midwest Director for Google Wed 10/17 Register
Iris A. Cooper of ODOD Economic Development Division and founder/owner of Glory Foods, Inc. speaks Thu 10/18 at 6PM at MCBAP/Akron Urban League Networking Event. Call 234-542-4149 for info.
Great Lakes Bioneers conference feat. green smarts, environmental principles Fri 10/19 and Sat 10/20 Register
Legislative B’fast w/Congressman Tim Ryan hits Mon 10/22 at Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron. Info
Crain’s CFO of the Year Awards hit the Hyatt at the Arcade d’town Thu 10/25. Register
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marriott Downtown at Key Center Fri 11/2 at 6PM Details
N. Ohio Minority Business Council 2007 Awards Gala drops Fri 11/9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Cle Hotel Register
Sales for Entrepreneurs Conference feat. Keynote Speakers Bill Caskey, Hal Becker, and Marvin Montgomery Fri 11/9 Register
Crain’s 2007 40 Under 40 Reception hits Mon 11/19 at 6PM at Landerhaven in Mayfield Hts. Register

Healthy and Strong? Cool Cleveland grew to where it is from people like you who forwarded it on. So send it to your fav friend, sibling or dental hygienist today and you could both be eligible to win an iPhone or video iPod! Add your personal message in the subject line and sign up here. Winners announced in future issue.

A winner in Akron! When Wendell McDowell heard his name announced at our Cool Cleveland party at the Akron-Canton Airport and found out he was the winner of two round-trip tix on AirTran and hotel package, he almost lost it. We also gave away an iPod, enjoyed a concert in a hangar by deSol, and noshed to our heart’s content. See new pix from photo wizard Jay Levan here. Plus, by exclusive arrangement, ALL Cool Cleveland readers can take advantage of one day of complimentary parking at the Akron-Canton Airport by clicking here. Have a look at our photos and a cool video of the goings-on at the party, and maybe you’ll see yourself or your friends. Can you say “Regionalism in action”? Watch Video

Chef Mario Batali gives Cle props for authentic Italian cuisine experience, touts Corbo’s cassata cake Read
NOACA getting some heat from its critics Read
Dann the Man making more news, friends Read
CAK is running airfare “sale” Read
Oberlin Conservatory launches record label Click
A school named for famed writer/Cle native Toni Morrison Read
Music on a Mission works to bring community thru musical activity Read
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.
Cuy Comm’s ponder a living wage after consulting Policy Matters Read
Cle Ladies get a bump on new local website highlighting specials. Click

SPONSORED: Now that the Yankees are Gravy, time to go watch Boston get chewed up! Don’t you just love a good old-fashioned Indian summer? Next stop on the way to the World Series is Beantown, where our boys of summer are going to really sock it to the Red Sox! Be there to cheer on the Tribe with a low airfare that’s really something to cheer about, too — just head to AirTran.com to take advantage of the great deals AirTran Airways is offering right now during their big sale! You’ll enjoy the ease of flying out of Akron-Canton, a comfy flight with free XM radio: www.AkronCantonAirport.com. Bonus: A one-time use, one-day, no-charge parking pass, compliments of CAK airport here: www.akroncantonairport.com/ccparking

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Brandi Carlile Hot off of tours with Jamie Cullum and Shawn Colvin, this torchy powerhouse singer-songwriter from Seattle ups the ante with her second effort, The Story. Like k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Patsy Cline and Jeff Buckley rolled into one, this gal can belt ’em out and is set up for an auspicious career. She plays Wed 10/10 at 8PM at the House of Blues, 308 Euclid. Info. http://www.brandicarlile.com.

HOT CIM with Ogren at Kulas On Wed 10/10 at 8PM, the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra will perform in Kulas Hall under guest conductor Jayce Ogren. Pianist Wan-Ning Wu will serve as soloist in the concert that features works by Berwald, Liszt and Brahms. It will be broadcast live on WCLV 104.9 FM, sponsored by Audio-Technica. The concert is no-cost, open to the public; due to anticipated capacity attendance, seating passes will be distributed 30 minutes prior to the performance. Passes are now available two days in advance by calling the CIM Box Office at 791-5000, ext. 411. http://www.cim.edu.

Gardening & Cooking Tri-C’s Office of Community Continuing Education will kick-off their Fall Cooking Classes on Wed 10/10 with classes running through 12/5. Students can enjoy hands-on classes in the evenings and weekends in Italian, Asian, Mexican, American Regional Cuisines, and Holiday Cooking. All classes are 2½ hours and will be taught at Tri-C’s Metro Campus in the Culinary Kitchen. For more information, visit http://www.tri-c.edu/community/cooking or call 987-2266.

CityMusic Concerts Their first round of fall shows starts Wed 10/10 and runs through the weekend at different NEO. With concerts from Elyria to Willoughby Hills, Slavic Village, St. Clair Superior, and Rocky River, CityMusic Cleveland brings its spirited and joyous music-making to you. Programs this go-around feature Ravel, Mozart and the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. Click here for details, times and locations.

SPONSORED: It’s Time to Raise the Roof with cocktails, dinner, dessert and dancing all night long! Join us at CIA’s 125th Anniversary Gala on Sat 10/27 as we toast our past and raise a glass to our future. For the past 125 years, The Cleveland Institute of Art has been raising generations of exceptionally talented artists and designers. Now we’re marking this milestone with a party and we hope you’ll help us “Raise the Roof” all night long! Tickets begin at $250. The event will be at the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade 420 Superior Avenue. To RSVP or obtain more information, contact events@cia.edu or 216.421.7415.

Resurrection Music Director Franz Welser-Möst will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in concerts featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”) at Severance Hall on Thu 10/11 and Sat 10/13 at 8PM. Vocal soloists will be soprano Malin Hartelius and mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com

HOT to masumi Three past students of the well known and loved Cleveland artist and CSU professor have organized an exhibition influenced by and/or in memory of Masumi Hayashi. This show is “an act of love” by former students, friends and fellow artists, with mediums varying from classic photography, painting, assemblages, Hayashi technique (photo collage) and dynamic photo. The exhibit runs thorugh 11/2. It opens Fri 10/12 from 6 – 11PM as a part of the Tremont ArtWalk. doubting thomas gallery, 856 Jefferson Ave., Tremont. Contact: Debra Shepherd at 939-1662 or email tomasumi2007@yahoo.com for details.

Tremont ArtWalk It’s the venerable Friday fave once a month. Check it out the second Friday of each month; October’s edition hits Fri 10/12 starting at 6PM. Plenty of amazing featured works this month, including a tribute to Masumi. http://www.tremontartwalk.org.

HOT Historic Haunts Gordon Square Arts District comes alive on Fri 10/12 and Sat 10/13, as they host the 2nd annual Historic Haunts Walking Tour from 6-10PM. Walking tours will leave every 15 minutes from the Gordon Square Arcade (6500 Detroit Ave) where visitors will take a one-of-a-kind lantern guided tour to meet the famous and infamous from Cleveland’s historic past. Learn about the tragic/heroic Crib 5 Waterworks disaster under Lake Erie in 1916, a 1932 bank heist that was the largest robbery of its time, the first African-American settler known to Cleveland, and the amazing Blanche Wilcox Noyce, an actress turned aviatrix who became a friend and rival to Emilia Earhart, and more. No cost, family-friendly, open to the public. Call 375-8874 for details.

HOT Labor & Industry Don’t miss this art show by photographer Roger Mastrionni, held over by popular demand, now a part of this Friday’s Tremont’s ArtWalk Fri 10/12 from 6 – 9PM. A visual and aural experience that compliments the art show will fill the space with the stunning cinematic “silent movie” images of steel and Tremont. It’s a stunning, phenomenal exhibit and critical in explaining the role of art in the history of Cleveland and interpretation for the Canalway. Brown’s Market, 761 Starkweather.

Dreams & Illusions What is real? What is true? What separates truth and fiction? These are the questions asked by the highly-acclaimed and multi-talented photographer Lynn Goldsmith. Her works are on view at the Contessa Gallery starting with two artist receptions on Fri 10/12 and Sat 10/13 at 6PM (her lectures start at 7:30PM). The famous photographer, whose works have appeared on covers of magazines LIFE, Newsweek, Time, People and Rolling Stone, will meet with collectors and fans and talk about her artistic process and what lies behind it. Contessa Gallery at Legacy Village. 24667 Cedar Rd, Lyndhurst.

rock!MOCA MOCACleveland presents its Modern Music Series featuring singer/songwriters Blake Miller and Julie Sokolow Fri 10/12 at 8PM. For details of MOCA MIX/rock! and other MOCA events visit http://www.mocacleveland.org.

SPONSORED: WCLVnotes This is WCLV’s 45th anniversary, and in celebration, we’ll take 45 listeners to see The Cleveland Play House production of “Sherlock Holmes – The Final Adventure” followed by a champagne reception with birthday cake at Stages at the Playhouse on Sat 11/3. To enter, collect the 10 WCLV 45th Anniversary Archival Items from regular readings on the air at 104.9 and/or from the various pages of the WCLV website at www.wclv.com. There’s an electronic submission form on the site, along with instructions. Click on Station News, then on Contests. Twenty-three winners (who may each bring a guest) will be chosen by random drawings from the correct lists.

Truth & Justice for Fun & Profit Meet award-winning author, columnist and harbinger or pop culture randomness Michael Heaton as he signs Truth & Justice for Fun & Profit, his new Gray & Company book, Sat 10/13 at 3PM at Visible Voice Books in Tremont. The book, a column collection of wit and wisdom, was released at the end of last month; Heaton has regularly appeared in the Plain Dealer since 1987. (And while you’re at VV, soak up what may be the west side’s coolest bookstore!) Read Peter Chakerian’s review of Truth & Justice in this week’s CC. http://www.visiblevoicebooks.com. http://www.grayco.com.

L’amore la Vita! The CIM Women’s Committee will present this special night at the Oakwood Club, 1516 Warrensville Ctr. Rd., Cle Hts, on Sat 10/13 at 6PM. This event honors CIM President David and Linda Cerone for their many years of dedication and leadership of the Institute. Guests can take part in an enchanting evening in Italy with Trevi Fountain ambience, glorious music and more. The festivities are co-chaired by Terry Weaver and Jean Wiant. Tickets and info? Call 791-5000, ext. 360. http://www.cim.edu.

Dada the 13th Something Dada Improvisational Comedy Co., Cleveland’s longest running improvisational troupe, is celebrating their 13th anniversary with a special evening of fun featuring a performance by current and past cast members, food, drink, door prizes and giveaways. Dada the 13th hits Sat 10/13 at 8PM with food and beverages by Becky’s and Artefino Café and door prizes and raffle items by The Blind Pig, Alesci’s and the Cleveland Cavaliers. A live show, scheduled to start at 9PM, will feature past and current cast members. You never know who’s gonna show. The Wooltex Room, Tower Press Building, 1900 Superior Ave. http://www.somethingdada.com.

recreARTed Check out this “Meet the Artists Reception” for recreARTed, a celebration of art created with recycled materials Sat 10/13 at 5PM. Stephanie Serna will perform on guitar and ukelele; featured artists in the recreARTed autumn exhibit. The Log Cabin Gallery, 1671 Main St. (Route 303), Behind the house up North Canal St., Peninsula. Call 330-657-2670 or visit http://www.thelogcabingallery.com for more.

SPONSORED: Experience World Class Authors at CPL’s “Writers and Readers” series this fall. Don’t miss Jim Harrison, multi-talented author of “Legends of the Fall.” Harrison has written novels, novella trilogies, essays, a memoir, volumes of poetry, and columns in several magazines. Share his love for the written word on Sun 10/14 at 2PM. No fee, open to the public. Cleveland Public Library, Main Library (E. 6th and Superior). For more information, contact www.cpl.org or (216) 623-2800.

Red Brick Center Benefit With swamp pop rockers Cats on Holiday in concert, this benefit supporting arts education in Westlake! The Red Brick Center for the Arts holds its first major fundraiser, A Night at the Museum, on Sat 10/13 at 5PM at the Gemini Office Towers, 1991 Crocker Rd., Westlake. This tented costume gala features great food, drink, and entertainment. Come dressed as your favorite character from any museum painting or exhibit. The Center’s goal is to raise the nearly 3 million dollars needed to transform the historic Red Brick Schoolhouse into a thriving arts education hub with gallery exhibits and a variety of arts activities. Call 440-527-0627 or visit http://www.redbrickarts.org.

Comedy Workshop Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Demitri Martin, Lisa Lampanelli or Dane Cook? Dave Schwensen’s Fall Comedy Workshop at The Cleveland Improv is for you! For three Saturdays, (noon to 4PM on Sat 10/13, 10/20 & 10/27), enrolled students will study, rehearse, and ultimately perform an original comedy set at The Improv on Tue 10/30 during a 7:30PM show. Space is limited. For more info and details, visit the Workshop Page at http://www.thecomedybook.com.

HOT Warholistic The Human Fund’s 3rd annual fundraiser exhibition and party pays tribute to one of the premier artists of the 20th century. Pop Culture: An Homage to Warhol will be held on Sat 10/13 at 7PM at Idea Center at Playhouse Square. The Human Fund foundation helps inner-city art programs for children in K – 12 and college. Through fundraising and benefit events, they generate support for programs in Cle Public Schools and create new ways for people to learn about and view contemporary artwork. Check out the museum quality exhibition including original Warhol works and pieces by artists Jasper Johns and Robert Motherwell. http://www.the-human-fund.org.

Perennial Exchange The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market (KCFM) will be hosting a perennial exchange from 10AM to 12PM on Sun 10/14. Market attendees are encouraged to bring perennial plants from their yard or garden that they’d like to trade. Dig and divide the plants and place them in pots or any small container. Water them well or bring them in water. If you have a picture or photograph of the plant, bring it along for easier reference. The event is no cost, open to the public. http://www.kammscorners.com.

Jim Harrison The multi-talented author of Legends of the Fall, Harrison has written novels, novella trilogies, essays, a memoir, volumes of poetry, and columns in several magazines. He speaks as a part of the Cleveland Public Library’s Writers and Readers series Sun 10/14 at 2PM. Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th St. and Superior Ave. http://www.cpl.org.

Lux Aeterna The magical masterpiece for voices and orchestra fills the air Sun 10/14 at 3PM at First Congregational Church, 292 East Market St., Akron. Guy Victor Bordo and Samuel Gordon conduct The University of Akron’s own Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choir in Morten Lauridsen’s compelling Lux Aeterna. With the Voices of Canton. Part of the Kulas Concert Series, presented by The University of Akron School of Music. Tickets available at the door. Call 330-972-8301, or email planasa@uakron.edu for details. http://www.uakron.edu/music.

John Mayall The “Godfather of British Blues”, returns to Cle with the Bluesbreakers for his latest studio album In The Palace Of The King. This new album is John’s tribute to one of his blues heroes, the late Freddie King. King was a blues guitar pioneer from the mid-50’s through to his tragically early death in the mid-70’s and he influenced everyone from Peter Green to Dave Edmunds to Stevie Ray Vaughan and probably most of all Eric Clapton — who produced and played on King’s final album. Hear the magic Tue 10/16 at 7:30PM. Wilbert’s Food and Music, 812 Huron Rd. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.

Joshua Redman Saxophonist extraordinaire and Nonesuch recording artist tours in support of his new CD Back East, hitting Nighttown in Cle Hts Wed 10/17 and Thu 10/18. Two shows each night — at 7 & 9 PM on Wed; 8 & 10PM on Thu. http://www.joshuaredman.com. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

SPONSORED: Join TechLift for a Complimentary Tutorial in technology entrepreneurship! Check out TechLift, a new initiative of the Third Frontier Project led by NorTech. TechLift will give you a chance to meet the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, learn about the services being offered, and network with local business leaders and other entrepreneurs. Only two TechLift launch events remain, so register now for the Akron event on Tue 10/16 (register by 10/12) or for the Mansfield event on Thu 10/18 (register by 10/15). For more information and to register, check out the event listings here.

The Choir of Winchester Cathedral This no-cost, open to the public concert event features England’s inspiring choir Wed 10/17 at 7:30PM. Andrew Lumsden, Director of Music and organist Sarah Baldock will lead choral works by Philips, Ramsey, Byrd, Hadley, Parry, Elgar, Tippet and Finzi and organ works by Bach and Langlais. Don’t miss out. Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Ave. (at E. 9th). Call 771-6666 (x5510) for details.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Fall in the Metroparks

The leaves on the trees are red and yellow against the blue sky and the air is crisp but the sun warms the face. You’re wearing warm clothes, but as you walk, you feel like you don’t need them. You could be alone and in contemplation or with your partner having one of those easy stream-of-consciousness conversations or with your extended family, the voices and footsteps sometimes harmonious but at times fragmented. It might be an impromptu idea or it might be a well-planned picnic event followed by a walk to work off the food. Fall feels like family time, reconnection time, contemplation time, and it’s time for a good walk.

All around us, from Bentleyville to Hinckley to Rocky River, the “Emerald Necklace” flows like a green oasis for weary travelers, a place where we can re-charge and become real again after running crazily through our busy lives. The Cleveland Metroparks, established in 1917, is one of our greatest joys and a huge asset for the Greater Cleveland area. The vision of those who wanted to provide open space for the people of Greater Cleveland and preserve the natural world continues today. The Park District now owns more than 21,000 acres in sixteen reservations within Cuyahoga County, plus some space in Hinckley Township in Medina County. We show our support for this park system: the Cleveland Metroparks is supported by an endowment fund and taxes…
Read more from Claudia Taller here

SPONSORED: That’s a Toughie Check out mega classes with a major in fun! Check out CMA’s classes for children ages 3-17 including: “Mini-Masters” (ages 4 & 5), “Around the World” (ages 8-10), “Nature in Focus” (ages 9-12), and “Mixed Media for Parents.” The six week session is $72 for non-members, $60 for CMA members. “Parent and Child”‘ class for 3 year olds with an adult is $85 for non-members and $72 for CMA members. Register at the Ticket Center in person or by phone at 216-421-7350 or 1-888-CMA-0033. For more information go to our website: www.clevelandart.org.

Of Champions Cleveland Pops Orchestra kicks off its 07-08 season with a musical salute to the world of sports, featuring sport themed musical favorites from popular movies, television, stage, college and professional athletics including selections from Chariots of Fire, Rocky, The Natural, Field of Dreams, Queen’s “We Are the Champions” and more. The concert also features a giant screen showing movie clips, NFL Films and sports video clips. Sponsored by the Indians, Browns and Cavaliers, the evening includes special appearances by team mascots, former professional players and local sports media. Get in the game Fri 10/12 at 8PM. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

Global Journey Peace Camp begins Sat 10/13. Students ages 8-14 study music, dance and art from Brazil, W. Africa and India! Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Cacau Arcoverde from Pernambuca, Brazil returns to Passport Project to teach music and visual art! Registration is required. http://www.passportproject.org.

HOT Last Chance For A Night Ride Join Century Cycles for its final “Night Ride on the Towpath Trail” of the 2007 cycling season on Sat 10/13 at 8:00PM. Century Cycles’ Night Rides are popular with cyclists and fun for the whole family! Rides are usually 15-20 miles long and last about 2 hours. Helmets and lights are required; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Century Cycles’ Peninsula store (1621 Main St.) on Route 303, next to the Winking Lizard. Call 800-201-7433 or visit http://www.centurycycles.com for details (or to confirm the ride if the weather is questionable). No cost, open to the public.

Western Reserve Herb Society 62nd Annual Herb Fair Enjoy shopping, tours of the Herb Garden at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, speakers, the raffle, and fun offerings for children Sat 10/13 from 9AM – 3PM. While you’re there, check out the Green Corps Farmer’s Market at 11AM, the Scarecrow Family Picnic at noon (make your own scarecrow for home!), a Haunted Library Puppet Show and an Apple Cider Making and Tasting. http://www.cbgarden.org.

Desperate for a Date Night?? CHABAM (Children Have Active Bodies and Minds) features “Sensational Saturday” for children ages 3 – 8 years during the fall Sat 10/13 from 5:30 – 8:30PM (and again on 11/3, 12/1, 12/15). The 3-hour program includes music, art and movement activities facilitated by the degreed education team plus dinner including pizza, fresh fruit and milk, bedtime snack and all programming supplies! Registration is requested by 12PM the Friday before each program is offered. Drop off the kids at one of NEO’s most cutting-edge kids compounds and decompress. Call 464-8500 to register. CHABAM, 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. http://www.chabam.com.

Pumpkin Festival at Hiram House Camp This family friendly event hits Sun 10/14 at 10AM. Visit the 36th annual Pumpkin Festival at 33775 Hiram Trail, in Moreland Hills and enjoy beautiful autumn foliage, food, rides, animals, entertainment, games and crafts — all on 172-wooded and beautiful acres in the scenic Chagrin Valley area! Rain or shine; great indoor and outdoor attractions and activities will also be available. Check out a Haunted Hay Maze, the “Witches’ Waltz”, an Animal Petting Farm, Hay Wagon, Rocket Car & Pony Rides, Face Painting and dozens of other autumnal treats. Fall wouldn’t be fall without this event. Call 831-5045 for more info.

Treat or Treat Providence House and Tower City will be holding a fun-filled afternoon of Halloween festivities Sun 10/14 from noon – 4 PM. This event is designed to provide a safe indoor venue for many children who might not otherwise be able to experience the fun of trick-or-treating. Bring your little “punkins” in costume to Tower City Center. In case you’re not familiar, Providence House is Ohio’s first and only licensed crisis nursery, focusing on protecting children, preventing child abuse and neglect, and preserving families in crisis. They do great work in the city; this event is in their wheelhouse as much as it might be in yours. http://www.provhouse.org.

Goblins in the Garden is a family-friendly event for kids 12 and under at the Holden Arboretum Sun 10/14 starting at noon. Come in costume to explore our trick or treat trail, navigate the corn stalk maze, take a wagon ride, try fun crafts and see pumpkin carving demonstrations by Chef Dick Alford of the University of Akron Hospitality Team. Alford will also be on hand for pumpkin carving classes. Space for the classes is limited, so come early and sign up for a class. Food concessions, apples and cider will be available. Rain or shine, so dress appropriately! http://www.holdenarb.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/CoolClevelandKids10.12.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com, run by Cool Cleveland’s George Nemeth,

Ed Morrison asks Can Northeast Ohio be a region of healthy, innovative mid-sized cities? Readers comment:

* Hi Ed. I thought it was interesting to see some overlap with your Brainpower/Innovation/Branding/Quality Places, mentioned by Deputy Mayor Doctoroff: “four key issues in this urban surge – ‘quality of life’; fiscal discipline; thoughtful, objective strategic planning; and leadership.” Comment from Tyler Clark
* There is no urban lifestyle in Cleveland. Downtown living in Cleveland is suburban lifestyle except you don’t have to cut the grass and you live in a tiny condo instead of a big house…Comment from James Bertsch
* Tyler: The strategy framework for Open Source Economic Development is sufficiently flexible to map different initiatives. In other words, you can take any economic development strategy and map it on the Open Source framework. That’s part of its power. It provides a common reference…Comment from Ed Morrison
* I’ll respond with a question that gets to James’ unstated premise: what do we do with all the “economically challenged” when we make room for the “young professionals, empty nesters and homosexuals?” Maybe James needs to go eat at Sylvia’s and be amazed at the fact there there are lots of types of people who like the urban lifestyle (like 30 something straight tradesmen who live in Manhattan or the burghers I met in Stuttgart who work at the Bosch plant and raise families in the city). Comment from Tom Zych
* James, you are very much focused on the very small percentage of Downtown yuppie dwellers. I am a Lake County native who lived in a Cleveland Hts. apt for the better part of my 20’s. I am now back in Lake County, but even as a suburbanite I see the issues here. I see downtown as not only the high end condos but also as the communities that surround them. Slavic Village, Tremont, Fleet, Hough, Kinsman…there are really people that live in these neighborhoods and they deserve a community of good schools, accessible shopping and quality of life.

Absorb the rest of the discussion and add your own comment here

SPONSORED: Major Good Stuff Did you know that everyone’s talking about the good news in Cle? Here are a few excerpts from last month’s national press coverage on the city we call “home.” Cleveland Indians GM, Mark Shapiro, is rewarded for his stick-to-itiveness in an article covered in USA Today; Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, lives in Cleveland during the off-season and discusses what he loves about the area, Sports Illustrated; and Continental Airlines wants to expand its Cleveland capacity by 40% over the next two years, TheStreet.com. Learn about these stories and a lot more with an updated listing of our region’s latest accomplishments at the Cleveland+ website: www.clevelandplus.com/gcma_media.asp or contact rbatyko@gcpartnership.com or 216.592.2225.

Artemis Herber
Using the Tension: Portrait of an Artist

Tension is everywhere. An artistic eye can see evidence of this like the rest of us can tell if the sun is shining or not. An artist might easily see opposites and/or contrasts in everything. And then put it all to use. Artemis Herber is one such visual artist. Born and trained in Germany, she is half-Greek and half-German. Qualities of both countries are evident in her work.

“Some of my work is abstract, some realistic. I like to express the tension between reality and illusion which demands or involves elements or moments of abstraction.” Words tumble out of her; completely understandable words and thoughts, even if English was not her first language.

“Part of my work is things I have experienced observing phenomena: something close, or in the rear, with all the steps in between. The near is specific, the far away is diffuse, or dissolving. But in the next moment by transforming my observations into paint, I become aware of the illusion of space I create. Colors, light and composition transform into moments of abstraction while I am painting. That is what I like being in that tension.”

Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

SPONSORED: Turn It Up as Red {an orchestra} spotlights their extraordinary musicians in their season opener “Red Light: Stop & Listen” on Sat 10/20 at the First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights. Season six opens with a glimpse into the personalities of the musicians who comprise Red. Principal players from Red will shine in Bach’s virtuosic “Brandenburg Concerto #2,” Andrezj Panufnik’s colorful “Concertino for Timpani, Percussion, and Strings,” and Alfred Schnittke’s dazzling “Concerto Grosso #1” for two solo violinists with orchestra. Soloists include Diana Cohen, Hanne-Berit Hahnemann, Ilya Goldberg – Violins; George Kiteley – Timpani; Janet Pemberton – Percussion; Michael Chunn – Trumpet; Heidi Ruby-Kushious – Flute; Thomas Moore – Oboe. Tickets start at $15. Call Red {an orchestra} at 261.361.1733 or visit www.redanorchestra.org.

Commentary from Clevelander Ralph Solonitz

Visit www.RalphStuff.com for more of Ralph’s work

Meet Forbidden Broadway actor Greg Violand
A working actor who is staying local!

Most native North Coasters who are interested in being in the theatre flee the area as soon as they are old enough or feel they have gained the ability to make it “big.” They migrate to New York, LA, or Chicago — the meccas of the entertainment industry. “There is just not enough work here to financial sustain me,” one such transient said.

Not so with Westlake resident Greg Violand. He and Maryann Nagel, his wife of 22 years, have remained in the area and are prospering, at least by “artist” standards. They are two of the few local theatre performance regulars who don’t teach, direct, “have real jobs” or do temping to pay their way. They are performers. They act, they model, they do industrial films, occasionally getting work away from here, but return to this area and make it their home…

Read more from Roy Berko here

SPONSORED: Stay Overnight with Harry on Lake Erie Celebrate Halloween to the max with “Nights on Lake Eerie” at Great Lakes Science Center and you’ll get to see “The Order of the Phoenix” Harry Potter movie on the jumbo Omnimax screen. Choose between “Almost Overnight” packages on Sat 10/20, Fri 10/26, Sat 10/27 and Fri 11/2 and “Overnight” Packages Fri 10/19, Sat 11/3, and Fri 11/9 at the Great Lakes Science Center – transformed into wizardry school for the evening! Call 216-621-2400 to make your reservation for packages of activities that include “The Order of the Phoenix,” creating and testing potions, Science of Magic experiences, Wizard Trivia, a Snack in the Great Hall, access to over 400 Hands-on Science Exhibits, a chance to sleep among the exhibits with continental breakfast and a tour of the Mather in the morning. Pre-registation is a must. Contact 216-696-2400. For more info contact www.GreatScience.com.

Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit
Michael Heaton
Gray and Company

I closely associate my “halcyon days” as a professional writer with Michael Heaton. The “Minister of Culture,” as he’s been known for part of his 20 years at our daily paper, didn’t always grab me with his humor. It was how he constructed his words, perspective and observations in print that always seemed to pull me in. He’s celebrating 20 years of reporting about Northeast Ohio in his new book, Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit: Collected Reporting. Heaton’s writing celebrates the moment and regularly makes for a compelling read. And quite honestly, that’s what separates this new local title from other collected works on bookstore shelves. Heaton’s craft and his ability to transport the reader is something journalists do less and less of because increased demand for content by their respective employers looms large. Someday, that craft will be a lost art in a cold, tech-soundbyte and website world.

Truth and Justice collects 36 different newspaper articles that Heaton created between 1983 and 2007 — several were published in the daily’s now-defunct and sorely needed Sunday Magazine. The magazine style and length affords of some of the pieces allows Heaton to expound on characters and locations with broad and colorful brushstrokes. Whether he’s focusing on Michael Symon, Harvey Pekar, sportscaster Casey Coleman’s cancer battle, or war-torn El Salvador, a heroin addict and the fixation that men (like yours truly) have had with going bald, Heaton does a great job of capturing the essence of his subject matter in a living, breathing way. I’ll be honest: I still don’t always “get” his humor — some of it seems to work better in person for this reviewer — but it’s obvious that Heaton loves Cleveland and loves what he does. To quote the forward by writer Joe Eszterhas, Heaton is “a little nuts,” too. And with Truth and Justice, it all comes shining through. It’s a great read.

Meet Michael Heaton at Visible Voice Books, 1023 Kenilworth Ave., this Saturday, October 13 from 3-4PM as he signs his new book. To purchase Truth and Justice for Fun and Profit, visit http://www.grayco.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Links to interesting NEO blogs

Huffington called a “robber baron”, doesn’t pay many bloggers.
On the Advanced Energy blog Scott Tennant wonders about triple-digit oil prices.
Should we start an NEO blog dead pool?
Cleveland Foreclosures in The Economist. Link
Cleveland.com goes down. No word why.
Another instance of the wrong house being demolished.
Q & A with Chef Doug Katz of Fire.
Vince throws out the AP style manual.
Ed Morrison is looking for news about the Empowerment Zone.
The Clinic works on becoming green.

SPONSORED: You Talked, We Listened! Your request for more options to accommodate your busy schedules has given birth to a new Wednesday evening schedule at Cleveland Botanical Garden, which is now open until 9PM, year-round. On warm evenings, enjoy a stroll through the outdoor gardens (they’re magical at dusk), on cooler evenings, experience the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse as you’ve never seen it before, have a meal in the Garden Café, and shop the Garden Store for great gifts. We’ve planned a host of activities to entice you including: lectures, a clambake, Hoppy Hour (beer tasting), wine and champagne tastings and more! Contact 216.721.1600 or www.cbgarden.org for more info.

Tempest in a Teapot
The Twilight
Self-Released

You’re gonna party like it’s 1969. With a single spin, the Twilight’s full-length debut album Tempest in a Teapot is bit of a time warp. It might even convince listeners that the indie-pop trio is a veteran, seasoned act that’s been at it forever. I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for bands that manage to conjure the past in a fresh and inviting new way (see my nods last year to Rainy Day Saints and Living Stereo) This band’s sound absolutely thrills, recalling the best of American and Britist pop: Badfinger, the Beatles, Kinks, Zombies, Big Star, Raspberries and the Beach Boys. If you close your eyes, you can almost see vocalist/guitarist Tony Bunce, bassist Ryan Kearney and drummer Greg Hyland assuming stage positions on “The Old Grey Whistle Test” or “Top of the Pops.” Either that, or a packed beach filled with white sand, blue water and hordes of tanned bodies.

With four solid years of gigging under their collective belts, the trio delivers 11 tracks of delectable pop brilliance – all with shades of 60s panache, multi-layered instrumentation, sharp production quality and just the right amount of jangle. They kick things off with “Apple Pie Suburbia,” which an instantly loveable, sing-along summer classic. Truth is, nearly every song has that same vibe to it; Bunce’s vocals and the song arrangements cinch it. After you get a load of singles “Annabelle Lee,” a happy hanclapping “Walking Down the Street,” “Saltwater Dream” and the set-closer “Amsterdam” (which floats by effortlessly), you’ll wonder why Bunce, Kearney and Hyland aren’t on a huge theatre tour right now. Consider this your “attitude adjustment” spin for the year and go see this band, or at least pick up Tempest in a Teapot. And if you’re still feeling toxic after hearing the Twilight, you really should just call a therapist.

Listen to an excerpt of “Apple Pie Suburbia” by clicking here

The Twilight performs at the Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd. this Friday, October 15. Visit the band online at http://www.myspace.com/thetwilightcleveland. Buy Tempest at http://cdbaby.com/cd/thetwilight. Visit the Beachland Ballroom at their newly redesigned website, http://www.beachlandballroom.com .

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp Marches Into Cleveland

It’s the chance of a lifetime. Hollywood’s best of the best take Cleveland by storm with the “Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp,” which comes to town next week, Fri 10/19 – Sun 10/21. Get this: Some of the top producers of feature film, TV and interactive media have joined forces to design a hands-on, inspiring weekend for aspiring filmmakers and together they have won some of the industries top awards including an Oscar, Golden Globe, Clio and many major film festival honors. Best of all, you don’t have to travel to LA or NYC – just march down to the Cleveland Convention Center to learn how to write, produce, cast, direct and sell your own feature! (Yes, seriously!)

There will also be practical, hard-nosed strategies for navigating the movie business, marketing and web distribution; and e xciting alternative routes to successfully break into the business. Registration is a must. Highlighting the event is the exclusive pitch session with producer Larry Meistrich (Sling Blade, You Can Count on Me, Belly) and others to explore the ultimate secrets of pitching your ideas. In fact, you’ll actually have the rare opportunity to pitch him and some fellow producers. Hey, if it’s good enough, you may even walk out with a deal. This “boot camp” is a collaboration by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Authentic Films, COSE/Greater Cleveland Partnership, Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College. Visit http://www.filmboot.com for details.

From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion tlATcoolcleveland.com

Fairmount Center for the Arts’ National Writer’s Conference

One of the bigger literary conferences to hit this region lately is dropping squarely into Mayfield Village. The Fairmount Center for the Arts Writers Conference will take place this coming Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, from 8:30AM to 4:30PM each day, at the Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Rd., at SOM Center Road (Rt. 91). And it offers a remarkable collection of nationally known authors, including Ron Powers (Flags of Our Fathers) and Ann Hood (The Knitting Circle).

This conference is not only for writers; it is geared just as much toward readers. It is, as conference director and locally based author Scott Lax (The Year That Trembled) says, “for anyone who cares about language and words.”

“We have assembled a faculty of some of the finest writers and literary minds: Ron Powers, Ann Hood, Mary Doria Russell, Michael Ruhlman, Charles Michener and Peter Scott. [See author bios below.] Each of them has broken literary ground; each has written important works of fiction or nonfiction, or both. Each is a gifted author who is willing to share his or her gift with writers and readers for two days.”

Ron Powers, a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winner, a New York Times #1 best-selling author, and the chair of the conference’s Nonfiction Department, says, “In an autumn landscape filling up with ‘market-friendly’ writers’ conferences, Scott Lax understands that writing must be taught as a craft, as opposed to a commodity. The Fairmount Center for the Arts Writers’ Conference is for those who wish to write, not those who wish to have written. I can’t wait to get there not only to teach, but to learn from this outstanding staff.”

Ann Hood, a best-selling author and chair of the conference’s fiction department, says, “Leave it to Scott Lax, an exceptional writer, teacher, and person in his own right, to organize such a great conference. He has brought together an outstanding faculty to inspire, enlighten, and teach for one glorious weekend. This promises to be something not to miss.”

The two-day conference will include panel discussions, readings, lectures and question-and-answer sessions. Continental breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided both days. The conference is open to the public and no submissions are required. Visit http://www.fairmountcenter.org/wcflyer.pdf for more details and sign-up information. Or call 440-338-3171 for reservations.

From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net

SPONSORED: GuitarMania Auction Rocks October 20! The rock-and-roll event of the year is almost here! GuitarMania’s Gala Auction will be held on Sat 10/20, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Over 70 of nine-foot-tall Fender® Stratocaster® guitars transformed into works of art by local artists and national celebrities are on display at the Rock Hall for the upcoming auction. Proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock Hall’s education programs. Doors open at 6:30PM; live auction begins at 8PM. Admission (per person): $150 reserved seating; $75 general admission. Includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and valet parking. RSVP to Stephanie Gertner at 216-436-2125 or sgertner@uws.org. For more info, visit www.cleveland.com/guitarmania. Space is limited. Respond today!

Tough love?

Mayor Frank Jackson is wisely turning to anthropologist David Kennedy, the director of the Center for Crime Prevention and Control at New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, in an effort to curb the rampant violence and increasing murder rate among Black urban youth in Cleveland. Boston put in place “Operation Ceasefire,” which dramatically lowered the murder rate there, and other cities across the nation have experienced similar results … at least for a time.

The simple, sad truth is that the small handful of inner-city youths that are bent on violence are probably too far along a dead-end path to be reigned in by intervention and mentoring; the only thing some of them are going to comprehend is the jackboot of the criminal justice system placed firmly on their necks. While civil libertarians and soft-hearted social worker-types might decry this method of crime control, most of them don’t live on the mean streets where the bullets are too often flying. The law-abiding residents of these neighborhoods need and deserve succor and a cessation of the violence that has been plaguing them for years…
www.CoolCleveland.com

SPONSORED: Sample the 2007 Vintage – sure to be a great year. Celebrating 12 years, the Heinen’s/WVIZ World Series of Wine continues its run as the region’s best wine experience of the fall season. With 13 events scheduled Thu 11/1 – Sat 11/3, it’s a festival of wine for all — from the novice to the expert. Discover and learn about over 400 wines from around the world at the Grand Tastings at the Terrace Club at Jacobs Field. Enjoy intimate wine tasting dinners at three of the top area restaurants: Moxie, Three Birds and Thyme. Taste some outstanding vintages or even learn to cook with wine at the wine tasting seminars. For tickets and information, visit www.wviz.org or call 1-888-281-WINE. The World Series of Wine is a benefit for WVIZ/PBS.

Can’t You Peasants Ever Be Satisfied?

Partnerships go just so far. Cuyahoga County Commissioners – the see no evil, say no evil hear no evil trio – have been asked to insure that those they do business with pay a living wage to their workers.

What a coalition of groups is asking is a measly $11.86 an hour, or $474.40 a week, less than $25,000 a year. That’s before city income taxes (likely two, where one works, where one beds), state income taxes, federal income taxes, sales taxes, 7.75 percent at minimum in Cuyahoga County, cigarette taxes, gasoline taxes, sin taxes of various assortments and fees, tickets, licenses and other incidentals as property taxes.

The County Commissioners – seeing, saying and hearing not much either – are taking their sweet time about making a decision.

One guesses that they have to consider all sides when they make such heavy decisions…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

SPONSORED: Hammer & Mouse? The dynamic founders of Ball-Nogues Studio, Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues, discuss their architectural practice, which has propelled them into the national spotlight. See their award-winning designs at “Between the Hammer & the Mouse,” part of the Talalay Lecture Series at Idea Center, Tue 10/16, 7PM. Reservations: 216-421-8671; www.MOCAcleveland.org.

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

Verb Ballets: Nature Moves 3 @ CMNH 9/28 Verb Ballets’ recent Nature Moves 3, a two-night program at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, marked a new era in the company’s development. Gone were Mark Tomasic, the company’s premiere male dancer, who has retired, and Jason Ignacio, the diminutive Filipino dynamo who lights up a stage when he appears in solo performance, who has moved to New York. The loss of Tomasic is a major hit. Much of Artistic Director Hernando Cortez’s choreography centered on the handsome, muscular Tomasic as the fulcrum, around which the other dancers moved. Cortez will have to reconstitute that choreography as none of the males in the “new” company has Tomasic’s dominant presence.

Some of the slack will be assumed by Brian Murphy, a strong dancer in his own right, but it’s like the Cleveland Indians minus Grady Sizemore or Victor Martinez. Jason Ignacio, because of his size, often looked out of place in a line with the taller male dancers, but in specialty numbers he was terrific. His brother, Sydney, who joined the company last year, does not have the stage presence or the developed skills to make up for Jason’s loss.

Joining the company are former Verb dancers Robert and Brooke Wesner. Robert, who shines as a solo dancer, has shown in the past that he often looks out of place in corps lines as he fails to pull back and blend in. He does add a new dimension to the company as he is a competent choreographer. Brooke Wesner, a tall, statuesque blond, is a strong and competent performer who adds yet another cog to the company’s already competent female dance ensemble.

The Nature Moves 3 program, which found the company for the third consecutive year at the Natural History Museum, featured two world premieres, a preview performance, and a company premiere.

Slapping Stones, choreographed by William Anthony to music by Tom Waits, centered on the theme, “We never learn to use what we know deep down.” Consisting of flowing contemporary moves, the world premiere was well danced. Though not overly distinctive, it held the audience’s attention and showcased the entire company. Suzy Campbell’s costumes and Trad Burns’ lighting enhanced the offering.

The late Heinz Poll, the founder of Ohio Ballet, was an exceptional choreographer. Upon his death he left the rights to his creative works to those with whom he was associated. Duet is the property of Richard Dickinson. He gave permission to Verb to add the dance to its repertoire. A traditional classical selection, the duo of Danielle Brickman and Brian Murphy were glorious. Brickman exhibited strong certainty on point as she moved easily and held prolonged toe positions. Murphy was confident in his partnering and displayed command of the balletic moves. The smiling duo flowed to the beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach which was well performed by pianist David Fisher and cellist Greg Fiocca.

Robert Wesner was commissioned by the Buffalo Symphony to choreograph a piece which will be performed on October 20 in Buffalo. Being presented as a “preview,” Tico Tico a tango infused dance, was the third offering in the Nature Moves program. Well conceived by Brooke and Robert Wesner, who displayed strong partnering skills, the performance, which resembled a segment of TV’s “Dancing With the Stars,” received prolonged applause.

Songs, choreographed by Hernando Cortez to “Songs of a Wayfarer,” by Gustav Mahler was another world premiere. The selection is the fifteenth original dance developed by Cortez since his joining Verb. A strong solo by Brian Murphy was the performance’s highlight. Another solo by Sydney Ignacio was full of fluidity and flair, but the dancer displayed a lack of concentration and polish. Filled with flowing movements and dramatic facial expressions and much reaching to heaven, the segment was competently danced, but not overly compelling.

”Capsule judgment: Verb Ballets has a challenge ahead. Can it maintain its reputation with the loss of Mark Tomasic? From what was showcased at this recent event, as presently constituted, Verb is a very competent, but not a compelling or exciting presence. Let’s hope that they will meet the challenge and continue to be one of the premiere company’s in the region”.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Dear World @ Kalliope 9/30 Dear World which is now being staged by Kalliope Stage, is one of those plays that, on the surface, has all the elements that should have made for a long running Broadway hit. The musical, which opened in 1969, starred Angela Lansbury, was written by Cleveland native Jerome Lawrence and Elyria’s Robert E. Lee (Mame and Inherit the Wind) and had music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly! and La Cage Aux Faux). To add to the mix, it is based on Jean Giradoux’s much acclaimed play The Madwoman of Challiot.

So, why did it open to terrible reviews and run only 132 performances? The script went through many rewrites, songs were cut and others added, directors were hired and fired, choreographers came and went, artistic differences between Lansbury and each of the directors emerged. Most important, in the minds of some of the show’s cult followers, was that the intimate show was overwhelmed by massive production qualities and the theatre in which it opened was too large for what should have been an intimate show.

Dear World is the story of three “madwomen” (Aurelia, Constance and Gabrielle) who deviously scheme to stop some businessmen who plan to drill for oil in the neighborhood of Chaillot in Paris. And, as in all good musical farces, eventually the forces of “poetry, love, and idealism win over those of materialism, science, and greed.”

Kalliope’s 75-seat, four row theatre, is a perfect intimate venue. Be aware that Kalliope is staging a different script than the Broadway flop. The show has been rewritten and cut songs restored. The revised version received a 2000 production at Goodspeed Musicals and at Sundance Theatre in 2002. Both of these stagings received more positive reviews than the original Big Apple production.

Kalliope’s production is entertaining. Juliette Regnier (Mme. Constance) and Marla Berg (Mme. Gabrielle) are total delights. They are the epitome of farce well played…broad, but believable. Omri Schein’s comic timing and mobile face light up the stage each time he appears as the Sewerman. Dash Combs is pleasing as the Mime. Jodi Brinkman, as always, sings and acts with positive effect.

Liz Rubino, who was forced into action 24 hours before the show opened, sang the role of Countess Aurelia well. She failed to develop the comic madwoman approach on opening night, but she is a talented actress and as the show runs, she should develop that aspect of the role.

Jared Sampson has matinee idol good looks and a nice voice. Unfortunately, his performance abilities don’t match his other attributes. He acts his lines and feigns facial expressions rather than experiencing them. The three Presidents were generally played much too subtly, not making the characters bigger than life… a requirement for bad guys in farces. (BTW..that fake cigar did little to enhance President One’s character.)

Russ Borski’s set worked well, especially considering the postage sized stage he had to work with. Unfortunately, the quality and design of his costumes left much to be desired.

Capsule judgment: This is not a classic musical theatre script. In site of a fine pedigree, the piece doesn’t command awe. With that said, Kalliope’s production, under the direction of Paul Gurgol, is entertaining and most attendees will enjoy themselves.

Dear World runs at Kalliope Stage, 2134 Lee Rd., Cle Hts, until October 21. For tickets call 321-0870.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

Holy Ghosts @ Beck Center 10/2 Romulus Linney, the author of Holy Ghosts now being produced by Beck Center, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and is the father of Laurie Linney. Linney, spent his childhood in North Carolina and Tennessee. The author of three novels, thirteen plays and 22 short stories, he has used his southern experiences as a device for anchoring much of his writing.

Holy Ghosts centers on Nancy Coleman, a run-away bride. Her husband Coleman comes after her not only because he wants her back, but she has taken some of his family’s heirlooms. Coleman finds her at the rural meeting house of a southern Pentecostal sect. Nancy has not only been accepted into the family of the church, but has declared her interest in becoming the wife of the Reverend Obediah Buckhorn. Rich with atmosphere and the feel of southern rural life, the play probes into the circumstances and stories of the various sect members—culminating in a snake-handling scene in which the cynical Coleman, to his own amazement, is himself converted into a believer.

The play, as the Beck Center’s director states in the program notes, “probes the universal human need to believe.” It also shines the light on how some people test their faith in ways unimaginable to most of us as it examines how, through acceptance and love, people sometimes get what they need. What the attendee will take from the production is parallel to the person’s religious and philosophical beliefs. Some may be repelled by the fanatical faith of the characters. Others will identify with the need to “follow God’s words.”

In spite of Linney’s credentials, the play is generally not well written. Some of the dialogue is forced and unnatural. The transitions are weak. At times it appears that the bridges were written to tie together a series of pre-written monologues, much like the style used to create musical reviews.

In spite of the script problems, the Beck show generally works. Director Matthew Wright has done an excellent job of developing clear characters who understand their underlying emotions. However, a combination of Wright’s blocking, Richard Gould’s scenic design and the theatre space causes for difficulty in hearing some of the characters’ line. Wright often placed individuals so their backs were to a majority of the audience, usually facing the back wall of the set. The sound goes over the top of the low set and bounce off the theatre walls or get lost in the high ceiling. These problems were heightened when the characters shouted. And scream they did.

Actors and directors often think that yelling at the top of their lungs is the only way to show strong emotions. It isn’t. Vocal inflection, intensity and pauses are often more effective, and some of this cast should learn that concept.

Nicholas Koesters (Coleman Shedman) developed a character that was both egomaniacal and pathetic. A little less shouting in certain places, more controlled emotional frustration and better diction might have helped polish the characterization.

Laurel Johnson was often unintelligible as Nancy Shedman. When she screamed and faced away from the audience, her words just floated away. Her realization scene at the end of the play was very effectively portrayed.

A. Neil Thackaberry straddled the line between fanatic and astute leader, with skill. Rhoda Rosen was properly school marmish. Curtis Young was effectively clueless to the realities of life as the preacher’s son. Only space restricts my listing each member of the cast as doing a very effective job.

”Capsule judgment: This may not be an easy production for some to sit through due to the preachy religious material and script weaknesses. On the other hand, the quality of the acting is strong enough so that anyone interested in quality performances will be wrapped up in the character developments. Don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre both mentally and physically exhausted.”

Holy Ghosts runs through October 21 at The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. For ticket information call 521-2540.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Dear World @ Kalliope 10/3
Reasons to go: In this light musical adaptation of The Madwoman of Chaillot, the main pleasure is in several performances. Director Paul Gurgol and costumer Russ Borski have assembled a dingy but adorable trio of madwomen — statuesque Liz Rubino, madcap Juliette Regnier, and fluttery Marla Berg with her invisible dog — and made them up like aging drag queens. Omri Schein is a bundle of Broadway dynamite as a song-and-dance Sewerman. When they’re onstage, there’s much fun to be had.
Caveats: Even with multiple retoolings, the book of this cartoonish musical satire of corporate greed is paper-thin and toothless, and many of the Jerry Herman songs are so generic, they could be plucked out and dumped into another show. In the tiny Kalliope space with a single tinkly piano, the effect is community theater fluff with some talented pros elevating the proceedings.
Details: Thru 10/21, Cleveland Hts. http://www.kalliopestage.com
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein lindaATcoolcleveland.com

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 10/4 & 10/7 Sometimes there’s more music to be played (and heard) than there are concerts on which this can be conveniently scheduled. In the orchestra world, this condition is most prevalent just before a tour. Thus, while we had four concerts over four days, they were performed in pairs: Thursday and Saturday evenings were one choice, Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, the other. So, in order to hear it all, I was fortunate enough to attend both Thursday night and Sunday afternoon.

It is my earnest conclusion that New York and Vienna—and the seven other cities where The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director Franz Welser-Möst will appear later this month—are in for a real treat. After this week’s concerts (Mahler Symphony No. 2) we will have heard the tour repertoire, and it’s safe to say the orchestra is in fantastic sound-shape for so early in the season.

Thursday evening’s concert presented Claude Debussy’s Ibéria; Guide to Strange Places by John Adams, and the Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, of Beethoven. Instead of the Beethoven on the other concerts, we heard Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9.

Iberia was perfect for last week’s weather in Cleveland, where we basked under sunny days and blue skies with warm, temperate evenings. Of course we didn’t have the castanets, or the languid nights (not with the Indians raising the roof downtown!) or morning festivals, but we could sense and appreciate the colorful moods evoked by the composer. Several musicians contributed gorgeous solos: Robert Walters, English horn; Franklin Cohen, clarinet; William Preucil (in a rustic tune) and Richard King, horn. The entire percussion section was involved in the vivid display of a delicate variety of chimes, resonant dings and clangs and other clattery-type sounds.

The other end of their power range came to the fore in the interestingly named Guide to Strange Places. This is the perfect piece for the Hallowe’en (Oct. 31), All Saint’s Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Night (Nov. 2) time of year, inspired as it was by a guidebook to really strange and bizarre items to be found in France. We had dueling bass drums (one on either side at the rear of the stage) interspersed with the syncopated and driving rhythms that accompanied the journey to these sites. One of the last stops was highlighted by the contrabass clarinet growling away with the contra bassoon, low brass and bass drums (yet again) in what was (to me) a wonderful place! A delightful syncopated dance brought us to the final, truly strange place!

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is a celebration of joy and movement. Lucky the dancers who would have this version behind them. They’d really have to be on their toes, but that would be infinitely better than a too-slow rendition. (We’ve heard that sort here, too, in previous years.)

If Beethoven was forty-two years old when he composed this work, it’s reasonable to presume it would be a vibrant and muscular work, and that’s exactly how Mr. Welser-Möst (who is not so far removed from that same age) interpreted it. It was fluid and lively and bold, featuring nimble winds and trumpets (the latter especially so in the scherzo).

Cheers resounded through the auditorium at the conclusion, prompting one to hope there is a suitable lineup of encores ready to be packed in the trunks. At this rate, the orchestra will certainly need them!

Sunday afternoon (after another lively and almost grotesque Guide to Strange Places), came Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9. The program notes (by Thomas May) remark on the fact that Bruckner was considered to be rustic and not at all sophisticated, yet he anticipated several musical trends that would appear only years after his death: the 12-tone musical row, dissonance, and even the ‘rhythmic barbarity’ of Rite of Spring. I’m reasonably sure that Jack Kerouac didn’t invent the concept of ‘Stream-of-consciousness’ in prose, (although I don’t know for sure) yet I was reminded of this technique over and over again throughout this last symphony by Bruckner.

Maybe Bruckner isn’t really a true ‘romantic’ composer, but his music is rich in melody and lush harmonies. He is truly a sublime story-teller, using the orchestra as his media of choice. He writes in paragraphs that come to a full-stop between thoughts; the notorious pauses, so eloqently managed by Mr. Welser-Möst. Occasionally, too, the composer stops to change his thoughts or turn them in another direction. Much of this story is narration, but there is dialogue, too, between the brass and strings or winds and strings. The scherzo, with it’s familiar oboe solo and plucked strings features a charming little rhythmic hustle to it. The dissonant chord in the brass, near the end, was incredible, and totally marvelous.

Mr. Welser-Möst held the silence after the final long chord for what seemed an interminable time before allowing the applause. But really, he was just allowing the composer to have his final say.

There were an amazing amount of strange noises from within and without the concert hall on Sunday. A cell-phone or two, someone singing along (!), people leaving the hall and returning, and a young child crying intermittently throughout. I’m all in favor of children being exposed to (and learning to like) classical music, but this was perhaps not quite the best choice for such a venture. The Adams piece must have been very scary to a small child, and the Bruckner rather loud in places. Family concerts are geared to shorter attention spans and music more easily understandable to a youngster.

This weekend’s concerts feature Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” on Thursday and Saturday. For tickets or other information, call (216) 231-1111, or visit the orchestra’s website: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Raul Malo @ Beachland Ballroom 10/4 Cleveland Music audiences first “discovered” Raul Malo at last year’s Rock Hall Ray Orbison tribute concert where he performed the vocals on several Orbison classics. But alternative country, and for that matter, alternative radio listeners, have known about Malo for years. The lead singer of the alternative country band the Mavericks brought his own band into the Beachland in support of his new solo album “After Hours” on New Doors Records.

Considering that fact the Indians had a playoff game at home (and on TV), and another good road act was also in town (Gov’ment Mule at the House of Blues), it was great to see a standing room only crowd at the Beachland for the best voice in modern music.

Often compared vocally to Orbison, Malo is also a very good guitarist and can handle almost any genre of music. Backed by a simple trio, he put on a fabulous show that went from country to Latin to swing, with a little Edith Piaf thrown in. Malo opened with “Welcome to My World,” covered Dwight Yoakum’s “It Only Hurts Me When I Cry,” and did one of the signature Maverick hits “Here Comes My Happiness Again.” He then nodded to his Latin roots and alternated from Spanish to English during “Love Me Forever (and let all my dreams come true).”

He did three solo tunes, all ballads, and the crowd was deadly silent as his voice and simple guitar echoed through the Maverick’s ballad “Dream River” and Roy Orbinson’s “Crying Over You.” He was then joined by keyboardist Rob Chevrier who sang the first verse of Edith Piaf‘s “La Vie en Rosa,” then Malo added the chorus and second verse in English. It was awesome stuff that really showed off his beautiful voice.

He closed alternating through Latin, pop, and country tunes, and during the encores had the audience dancing the tango to “Every Little Thing About You,” singing and clapping along to the country standard “All You Do is Bring Me Down,” and had everyone up on their feet with a great cover of Van Morrison’s “Bright Side of the Road.” A great ending to an outstanding show.

The last time he was in town, there were less than a hundred people at the Beachland. This time it was close to capacity. If things keep going the way they are, a bigger venue might be needed the next time.

The Ryan Humbert Band from Akron opened up. Fronting a trio that included an upright bass and keyboards, vocalist/guitarist Humbert went through a set that featured both originals and covers. His voice reminds me a little of Kenny Loggins, and he did a fine job on his own “Just Another Sunday,” and Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make it Through the Night.”

The cost of a ticket was a twenty, beers were at neighborhood bar prices, and the special of the night was a sixteen ounce PBR with a shot of Kessler’s for five bucks. How can you beat that? Thanks Raul Malo and the Beachland for a great night of music!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Greg Cielec cielecAThotmail.com

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra @ Bop Stop 10/5 There are many different forms to jazz. There is the totally spontaneous music-making that is not noted on paper, and unless there’s an incipient Mozart in the room, it’s done and gone forever—into the ether somewhere, maybe to find life again elsewhere. Or there’s the ‘charted’ version (written on music paper) of an original composition, and not infrequently, an arrangement of an existing song. These are, I think, the most common varieties, but even so, the kind I like best is without a doubt, whatever is being played by a big band. And let me tell you, the Cleveland Orchestra is no slouch, either, when it comes to this kind of music, believe it or not. I’ve heard. I believe.

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra opened its 2007-08 schedule at Cleveland’s Bop Stop with a tribute to two current members of the band: Sax (Rich Shanklin) and Bones (Chas Baker). Each of them compose new music and each of them do arrangements of familiar or unknown previously composed music. A delightful mixture of each filled the bill nicely.

In addition, vocalist Barbara Knight took the microphone for two numbers, Falling in Love with Love the 20s song by Rogers and Hart, updated by Shanklin with a Latin up-tempo beat. A bit of grand scat singing in the middle found her chasing (musically) the saxes and trumpeter Jack Schantz up and down the scale. String bass (Dave Morgan), drums (Mark Gonder and guest Rafael Guzman) combined with clarinets and flutes for a modernization that the originators would happily have done first, had they thought of it.

In the second half of the program, Ms. Knight turned to Like a Lover, a Brazilian tune to which the Bergmanns added lyrics. Trombonist Paul Ferguson and Guzman added their own special magic to Baker’s arrangement.

You could be forgiven for not knowing that Dear Old Stockholm romps to a Latin beat in this Baker original. Kent Engelhardt on sax had a gorgeous extended solo, followed by one on vibes by Ron Busch, with Schantz coming in all soft and low at the end.

In spite of a bit of minor mis-communication about tempos with the original composer of Bluebird Inn (a famous jazz house in Detroit), Shanklin’s re-working—Beyond the Bluebird—was terrific, aided as it was by a tenor sax solo from Tom Reed and the dazzling keyboard talent of Phil Lantry.

But then, Shanklin displayed pure genius. Liebeslied was written in the early part of the 1900s by Fritz Kreisler, who many consider to be among the very finest violin virtuosos of all time. It was one of a multitude of ‘small’ pieces he composed as ‘encore’ pieces to be played at the end of his recitals. Some years back, a jazz pianist up-dated it, and Shanklin heard that version. It really resonated with him, as he was familiar with the original, and so he wrote a jazz version. So, okay. That happens to lots of things. But – here is where the genius presented itself.

The CJO engaged a violinist, Carrie Klayman-Singler, to play Kreisler’s version, accompanied by Lantry on the grand piano, followed by the jazz version with the entire band, but also featuring the violin! It was magic. There was a bit of Latin percussion (Guzman) and bass clarinets (Reed and George Shernit) and at the end, vibes (Busch) and a muted trombone (Ferguson). By this time, Lantry had switched to an electronic keyboard. This should be recorded, as an example of how music continually morphs to new configurations without ever losing itself in the process. It was fabulous!

Baker also contributed The Wayback Machine – yes, from the days of Rocky and Bullwinkle that featured Shanklin on soprano sax, and Quasi Modal that featured Guzman and John Klayman’s alto sax, with biting accents from the brass. After a brief bit with the two percussionists (Gonder and Guzman), the latter took off on his own. It was neat to watch every single man in the CJO intently watch their guest artist in his solo, big smiles on their faces as they did so. Of course, the audience was smiling, too.

Baker’s final work of the evening was Gratitude, which he wrote in tribute to the great J. J. Johnson. He prefaced the piece in which he was the featured soloist, by his remark “I’ve so much to be thankful for.” So do all of us. (Just prior to this the Tribe’s victory over the Yankees had been announced, garnering the loudest cheers of the evening!)

Shanklin’s final contributions were The Days of Wine and Roses featuring solos by Schantz and Scott Garlock on trombone; There’s No Yes in Yesterday, a slow bluesy piece in which he had a solo, accompanied by the other sax players in close harmony. Different and gorgeous.

The high-energy Groovin’ High of Shanklin was a sterling example of big band swing. Everybody got into the act, but most especially the five sax players, of which Schantz remarked ‘fifty flying fingers!’ Indeed.

To keep up with the activities of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, you can call 440-942-9525, visit their website at http://www.clevelandjazz.org or while there, sign up for their e-newsletter.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Apollo’s Fire @ St. Paul’s 10/5 Before J. S. Bach enjoyed icon status [something he never did in his lifetime], he was just a family guy trying to get a job. At least that’s the idea behind last week’s sprightly (and fun) Apollo’s Fire concert titled “The Competition: Bach vs. the Others.” What with actors jumping out from audience seats and the ensemble’s enchanting musical airs and graces, no one slept through this Baroque fest. The humidity played goblin at times, making tuning instruments difficult. At one point director Jeannette Sorrell turned to the audience and said (in character) “The orchestra [of Leipzig] was famous for taking a long time to tune.”

Turns out that Bach was the Leipzig Town Council’s fourth choice in 1723 for the post of what we would call town “Music Director.” Apollo’s Fire first played works by the far more popular at the time composers G. P. Telemann, Christoph Graupner, and J. F. Fasch. And in between pieces comically delightful actors Paul Floriano and George Roth, dressed in period clothes (gorgeous fabrics and elaborate wigs) acted the roles of perplexed officials of Leipzig and [later] the composers. The audience was included in the deliberations and at one point several ladies were invited to dance (one of them regrets she had to decline since she was not wearing her dancing shoes). It was an invigorating evening that showed Bach wasn’t the only talented person writing during the Baroque period. The final “contest entry”: Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major” won hands down, though Telemann’s “Concerto in D Major” gave it serious competition, especially with clever work by the strings. The work still enjoys winning popularity today, especially the melodic “Air” which has become famous (after 19th-century adjustments) as “Air on a G-string.”

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com

Measure for Measure @ GLTF 10/6 Shakespeare’s dark comedy/ problem play is in production at Great Lakes Theater Festival. Though written more than 400 years ago, it is impossible to view the actions and not be aware how it resonates in the present day world. The play centers on secret identities, manipulation, and the search for truth. The plot is complexly woven, and the resolution comes with the unraveling of the layers of intrigue. The Bard alludes to such questions as: Should an individual commit a sin in order to save another person? And, Is it moral for one person or group to condemn or vilify another because of his/her beliefs?

The story centers on the fate of Claudio, who has been arrested by Lord Angelo, the temporary leader of Vienna. Angelo was left in charge by the Duke, who pretends to leave town but instead dresses as a friar to observe the goings-on in his absence. Angelo is strict, moralistic, and unwavering in his decision-making. He decides that there is too much freedom in Vienna and takes it upon himself to rid the city of brothels and unlawful sexual activity. Laws against these behaviors and institutions already exist, and Angelo decides to strictly enforce them.

Claudio is arrested for impregnating Juliet. Although they were engaged and their tryst was consensual, Claudio is sentenced to death in order to serve as an example to others. We follow as the tale of intrigue unfolds to a satisfying and expected ending.

In a philosophical sense, the play is about a society desperately in need of finding a sound balance between repression and acceptance of human nature. One group preaches rejection and making outcasts of those who don’t follow their definition of morality—think the religious right. On the other hand, there are those who accept that humans are flawed, and be accepted for who they are—think social moderates.

Shakespeare appears to come down on the side of social moderates who, as represented by the Duke, apply laws and interpret dictates in a humane way. He also showcases the underhanded operations of people who act “holier than thou” but are, in reality, not living up to their preaching—again think of the number of recent politicians and religious leaders who have been exposed for leading double lives…one they preach and legislate, the other they live.

GLTF’s production, under the light-hearted hand of Risa Brainin, wraps the story in modern dress, contemporary settings, softened traditional speech patterns, while adding contemporary slang and a farcical twist to the proceedings. Though Shakespeare traditionalists might cringe, the over-all effect is an audience pleasing evening of theatre.

Richard Klautsch is excellent as the Duke of Vienna. He develops a clear, consistent and believable character. Kathryn Cherasaro makes Isabella, Claudio’s sister, a sensitive and convincing person whose beliefs are severely tested as she fights for the life of her brother who has committed an act of which she does not approve, but must show loyalty and sisterly devotion.

If you know Andrew May as portraying over-the-top lovable buffoons, you’ll have to switch mental gears to truly appreciate his portrayal of Angelo. May fine tunes the character of the hypocritical moralist. It’s nice to see May being given the opportunity to display the depth of his acting abilities.

Though a little over the top, David Anthony Smith (Lucio), complete with hippie hair and clothing, gives a sucker-sucking, farcical , audience pleasing interpretation to the role.

Russell Metheny’s scenic design is a practical work of sculpture. The linear, contemporary metal and plastic panels, much in the style of Yacov Agam’s optical and kinetic art, was used well to create a series of locales. Branin choreographed the scene changes with military cadence and precision.

Michael Klaers’s light design added to the overall effect.

Capsule jusgment: GLTF’s production will please audiences who want their Shakespeare on the light side. It is a perfect vehicle for exposing students to the Bard in an intriguing way. On the other hand, Shakespearean purists may go running down the aisles exiting the theatre, but they’d better be careful, as the cast is constantly charging up and down the walkways.

Measure for Measure runs through October 17 at the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square. For tickets, call 241-6000 or go to www.greatlakestheater.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

Apollo’s Fire: The Competition @ St. Paul’s 10/6 Cleveland is competition-goofy this month! The Indians are going strong in the American League Playoff Series, the Browns have been winning (or at least not getting demolished), the nearest thing to a championship team we have here—the Cavaliers—are on the practice courts heading toward a new season, and now Apollo’s Fire has sponsored a competition of its own! So, what’s next, already?

In their opening weekend of concerts, Music Director Jeannette Sorrell brings a lively batch of musicians and their music to the fore, because the Leipzig (Germany) Town Council needs to hire a new Kantor. It’s 1722, and the previous music director has died, leaving the lucrative post open. Leipzig is a very intellectual sort of place; their University was founded in 1409! But who will they choose? There are several obvious candidates and a couple of relative unknowns. Maybe even a dark horse or two.

Musically speaking, the outcome was never in doubt. Each of the candidates sent in their best piece, but once the first notes of a piece by the mostly unknown Buch (or Boch or Bach or whatever his name is) was played, the contest was over. Sort of. So, the winner is – sorry for the delay here, but his penmanship is so lousy, we can’t quite decipher his name! And so it goes.

With script by Ms. Sorrell, costumed and be-wigged actors Paul Floriano and George Roth assumed the roles of composers and town council members in delightful vignettes advancing (or hindering) the candidate’s presentations. Two of the composers actually submitted two pieces each! Georg Frederick Telemann was perhaps the most well known of the four, but was closely followed in that category by Johann Friedrich Fasch. Unfortunately for Leipzig, each of them had to withdraw their names as their present employers wouldn’t release them from their respective contracts.

There were still other pieces of music to be heard. And rousing renditions (at least as much as possible) were presented to the town council. As unreal as it may seem, one of the works of Fasch and a suite by Graupner quite possibly received North American premières some 285 years after those Leipzig performances. And you don’t get that sort of treat just every day! (Note: it wasn’t these pieces that were presented in that competition. Those would have been sacred pieces which were too long for this concert. Substitutions by the same composers were presented, instead.)

The Ouverture in G Major by Fasch opened the concert, and proved to be a sprightly, well-constructed if not particularly exciting work. It featured a very appealing bassoon solo performed nicely by Mathieu Lussier.

After a brief discussion between the two Town Council members about having the musicians play without pay, Telemann’s Concerto in D Major for Two Flutes, Violin and Cello quickly demonstrated the fallacy of that opinion. It was easily the best of the first batch of entries, and was greatly enhanced by such competent performances. The flutists were Michael Lynn and Kathie Lynne Stewart. Jennifer Roig-Francoli stepped away from her concertmaster post to provide the solo violin part, while René Schiffer was the cellist. Ms. Sorrell took her turn at the harpsichord.

The other American Première was the Ouverture-Suite in D Major (for Flutes and Strings) by Christoph Graupner. This, too, was well-constructed and sprightly. The fourth movment Villanella was rather jaunty. A member of the audience was overheard to say “quite nice.”

Fasch’s Sinfonia in G Minor was for strings only, and was a very pleasant work, typical of the time in which it was written. The Council was quite devasted when he declined their generous offer. This led directly to Telemann’s Adagio from the Oboe Concerto in C Minor, which was very sad and mournful in nature. “Now, who to ask to come here?” pleaded Herr Vogelkopf. (We have been led to believe that this name translates to ‘Bird-brain.” Indeed.) Oboist Debra Nagy made a beautiful thing of it, regardless.

Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major brought the competition to a close. Once the Ouverture was out of the way, the remaining music became positively giddy. Air, Gavottes, Bourée and Gigue saw the two Liepzig officials joyously dancing around on the stage. After being turned down by three ladies in the audience, Herr Vogelkopf (Floriano) persuaded Ms. Sorrell to join in the celebration. It was a dance suite, after all! (As one of the three I readily admit she was a much better—and more graceful—choice! Had I been so foolish as to consent, it wouldn’t have been a pretty sight, I can assure you!)

The final vote tally should be posted at the website by now. To see the results of the popular vote, (I hope they didn’t have electors!) go to http://www.apollosfire.org. While there, you may also investigate future concerts, or sign up for their e-newsletter.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Measure for Measure @ GLTF 10/6
Wow!: Director Risa Brainin has an uncanny knack for making Shakespeare ring with contemporary resonance. Her top-notch Measure for Measure is the best-produced drama at Great Lakes in recent memory. Prisoners in orange jumpsuits and black hoods are hauled away on dollies, surveillance cameras wink, politicians engage in endless photo ops, and Russell Metheny’s chilling set transforms into a jail cell in a blink of an eye. Yet despite the high drama, Brainin makes every second of the comedy work just as well. It’s a thrilling evening.
Superb cast: Tony Blair-lookalike Richard Klautsch shows gravitas as the depressed Duke who leaves his hardass hypocrite deputy Angelo (Andrew May) in charge of his kingdom. Kathryn Cherasaro has a knife-edge as the outraged nun Isabella, who is asked to bargain for her brother’s life with her virginity. David Anthony Smith steals every scene as a mullet-wearing party animal, as does M. A. Taylor as a pimp turned executioner.
Details: Thru 10/19, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland. http://www.greatlakestheater.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

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On the Euclid Corridor (See CityScape here) I want to write a little thank you not for actually writing something news worthy about the Corridor Project while at the same time disagreeing with the PD article written by Sarah Hollander. I was so disgusted by her piece yet I did nothing about it. I can’t believe a Cleveland newspaper would use, “Is It Worth The Hassle?” as their main title on the front page. What is that saying to us Clevelanders? There should have been an uproar. It seems people just don’t care that our city is not thriving the way it could and think that doing nothing is the best plan of action. Thanks for the good read.From Cool Cleveland reader Brandon Scullion lilskulATaol.com

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Absolutely Positive That’s how we want to leave you every week. Take that vibe out into the city and spread it at will. Many thanks to the Hard Corps hit parade of Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Mansfield B. Frazier, Claudia J. Taller, Roy Berko, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Roldo Bartimole, David Budin and Annie Bandannie. This issue was brought to you by Gerber strained Organic Peas and Advil. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

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