Potential

12.28.05-1.4.06

Potential

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Commentary by Ed Balcerzak on shifting focus
* RoldoLINK a voice for peace falls silent
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Lights of Town by Hillbilly Idol
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

We here at Cool Cleveland usually don’t dwell on the past. Reminiscing is not our style. So while others are summarizing the past year or assembling best-of lists, we’re looking forward, and thinking about Cleveland’s potential.

With Frank Jackson taking the oath as Cleveland’s new Mayor this week, and University Circle, Inc.’s new leader Chris Ronayne getting his feet on the ground, we have a lot to look forward to. Both seem committed to a more transparent, public process for finding ways for everyone to contribute to fulfilling Cleveland’s potential.

Innovative New Year’s Eve parties abound, with standouts such as Akron’s First Night, a Masquerade Ball at new club The View, a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Pops at Severance.

Escort your visiting relatives around the town this week, whether it’s to a Songwriter’s Night hosted by Galen Marten, or to a CD release party at the beachland Ballroom with Hillbilly Idol, whose new disc Lights of Town, is reviewed below. If Cleveland is to reach its awe-inspiring potential, it will be because of you. –Thomas Mulready

Cool Cleveland Commentary
Shifting from self-centered to community-centered

Northeast Ohio is a microcosm of America and a poster child for declining urban areas with a few positives. The area’s economic woes have been cultivating in the Petri dish of low educational attainment, 8 county/100+ small town politics and political self interest, marketing spin, uncoordinated and non-collaborative action, poverty, greed and incompetence. America’s present circumstances are not a direct result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 but rather the culmination of factors over the last 30 years. 9/11 simply was the proverbial straw that was perceived as breaking the camel’s back. Americans have become so self-absorbed with wealth, fame, beauty and extravagant experiences that we have become a nation of isolationists, self-indulgent, heavily in debt (and weight) and only superficially connected to each other. We need instant gratification and are willing to pay the price for something that we alone will get – to hell with others. We are people infected with “me-ism”.

Americans define success by what they have, not by their character, and by what they have done, not by what they have done for others. We have become a people that are so self indulgent that we have accumulated billions of dollars in credit card debt but little in the way of savings. We are encouraged daily to charge more with new credit card offers in our mailboxes. When our debt becomes unbearable, we can file for bankruptcy (an increase of 43% in 2004 over a decade earlier) and get our extravagant spending excused only to start over again without having to repay debts to others. Our preoccupation with “self” and having the “good life” has made us the fattest and least healthy people in the world…

How do we shift from “me-ism” to “building a strong community”? First, let us recognize that change is going to take a generation of people. We must change our mode of thinking from short-term to long-term. It is going to take a long time of making incremental changes in the ways we relate to one another…
Read the commentary by Ed Balcerzak here

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Live at the Pointe Cleveland’s newest downtown neighborhood just got even better! The Pointe at Gateway offers affordable 1 and 2 bedroom condominiums that place you at the center of a lively, bustling neighborhood. Take your pick of light-filled, one-bedroom units and spacious, two-bedroom units with two full baths. Units feature historic details, plush carpets with available upgrades to hardwood floors, lofty ceilings, modern appliances and ceramic tile. There are also large windows, some with urban views! Pointe buyers can walk to the House of Blues and The “Q,” dine at Pickwick and Frolic and enjoy the delights of this entertainment district. One bedrooms start at $84,900 and two bedrooms start at $139,900, plus tax abatement and special financing. www.ProgressiveUrban.com.
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University Circle reboots The potential of Cleveland’s one square mile of museums, universities, hospitals and non-profit institutions known as University Circle is mind-bending. For a frustrating variety of historical reasons, University Circle Inc. (UCI) has not been able to capitalize on these resources. But with former Campbell administration planner and chief of staff Chris Ronayne at the helm, UCI may be on its way to self-actualization. See story here.

Untapped Potential Cleveland’s Policy Bridge looks to tap into the intellectual capital of NEO’s minority communities. Their most recent report, “Untapped Potential,” finds that in Cleveland, 65% of all males living in poverty are African-American, roughly 1/3 of all African-American men in area cities never completed high school, and African-American men are unemployed at twice the rate of the total male population and stay unemployed longer. http://www.policy-bridge.org/research.htm.

Koyono gets Apple logo After a couple of years of designing cool outerwear, shirts and accessories, Cleveland-based Koyono has been granted a license to use the “Made for iPod” logo on their clothing, which will be premièred at the CES and MacWorld shows in LA and SF in January. Their BlackCoat T shirt is designed with two compartments and a zipper for strategically holding your iPod. Most of their high-style products, many with multiple pockets designed for laptops, mobile phones and PDAs, are on sale at their site. http://www.koyono.com.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland12.30.05.mp3. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.

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See larger-than-life performances by multi-Grammy Award winners on the Great Lakes Science Center OMNIMAX Screen at 4PM daily only through January 1st. All Access: Front Row. Backstage. Live! takes you behind the scenes for candid backstage moments and electrifying musical performances by Santana, Sting, Dave Matthews Band, B.B. King, the Roots, George Clinton, Mary J. Blige, Macy Gray, Rob Thomas, Al Green, Cheryl Crow and Kid Rock. Six stories high at 12,000 decibels – just like being there! Tickets are $8.95 for adults and $6.95 for kids through 17. Call 216.694.2000 or visit http://www.GreatScience.com for details.
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Second Saturday Coffee House Thanks to a grant from Neighborhood Connections, a new alcohol-free/smoke-free performance space will be making its debut on Sat 2/11 at 6PM at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Local musicians, folk singers, dancers, hip hop artists and poets of all ages are invited to perform on the second Saturday of each month. Admission and childcare will be complimentary, with donations being accepted, and live recordings of each evening’s performances will be available for sale, along with Fair Trade Coffee and desserts. Local performers will get airtime on WJCU 88.7 the following month when the live recordings of their performances are aired. Call 738-1806 to learn more.

Cool Cleveland Kids The kids are on winter break and are running out of things to do? No worries. 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don’t have special software. If you’re a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids12.30.05.mp3. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

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Sizzling Jazz, Blues, Dance and Theatre … Ring in the New Year with Tri-C Performing Arts as we bring great new shows to Cleveland at ever greater values. Get your tickets now for sizzling hot jazz and blues, contemporary dance, cutting-edge theatre and the ever-popular JazzFest Cleveland. Good seats and a wide range of packages are available during 2006. Jazz & Blues Package ($55)- Hot Club of San Francisco, 1/27 and Saffire: Uppity Blues Women, 3/25; Dance Package ($84)- Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, 2/10-2/11, Garth Fagan Dance, 2/25, and Alvin Ailey, 4/7-4/9; Theatre Package ($40)-Universes: Slanguage, 3/3 and N*W*C* The Race Show, 3/10-3/11; JazzFest Cleveland Package ($85)- Randy Weston, 4/27, Diane Schuur and the Yellowjackets, 4/28, and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, 4/29. Pick a package or call 216.987.4400 to create a package especially for you. Visit www.TriCPresents.com for more information on performances. Offer for Cool Cleveland subscribers expires 1/20. For single ticket orders, call 216.987.4400 or www.Tickets.com.
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On a Pedestal The Sculpture Center is looking for Ohio artists participate in their upcoming juried 3D sculpture exhibition, which will run from Fri 3/10 through 4/14. There are no age or degree requirements; so artists at any stage of their career may apply. Works should be sized to fit easily on a pedestal, in any sculptural medium, to be considered eligible. The entry fee is $25 per work. All submissions must be postmarked no later than Tue 1/10. Interested artists should fill out an application, available at www.SculptureCenter.org or call 229-6527.

Emissions from the blogsphere Ed Morrison predicts that the Ingenuity Festival will be the most important economic development event of 2006. Tim Marshall relates the success of giving locally produced gifts for the holidays. One blogger who’s leaving Cleveland for Portland says she’ll miss great lakes beer, bumpy roads, the sunset over downtown, mitzi’s, becky’s and ghoulardi’s bars. Brian Davis wonders why there were so many press releases during Campbell’s campaign but now there’s no news. Jack Ricchuito comments on a social network of vegans being targeted by the FBI as a disruptive organization. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian cheers Jay Yoo’s letter and the Gay Marriage Ban unraveling, waxes poetic about becoming a “community-centered” society again, picks at Congress picking at college, and wishes everyone a “Happy Chrismakwanzaakah” – no donations to “The Human Fund” necessary. When you’re done reading, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.


Cool Cleveland This Week

12.28.05-1.4.06

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Hillbilly Idol & Cats On Holiday What a great time of year to witness two of Cleveland’s finest roots-Americana bands on the same great stage. Hillbilly Idol are celebrating the release of their new disc, Lights off Town, and the Cats showcase a re-vitalized line-up featuring new bassist Brian Wildman. Wed 12/28 at 8PM. Bring your visiting relatives, and get there early for CD giveaways and prizes. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo, 383-1124 http://BeachlandBallroom.com.

Get Fit Cleveland Challenge The YMCA is throwing down the gauntlet with their kick-in-the-pants challenge to get motivated, and in better health in ’06. Just picture the extra-hot bod you’ll have, once you shed your Northeast Ohio winter gear, come spring. The 4th Annual Get Fit Cleveland Challenge, kicks off on Fri 12/30 from 11AM-3PM. Take advantage of helpful info and fabulous discounts when you sign up for the twelve-week challenge that will completely change your life. Tower City Center, 50 Public Square.

CC KIDS Harlem Globetrotters Treat your family to head-spinning ball-handling and hi-jinx antics by this Unstoppable team of extraordinary ballplayers. Billed as Ambassadors of Goodwill, they’ve been entertaining families around the world for nearly 80 years. The team trots into The Q on Fri 12/30 at 7PM. Get your tickets at www.TheQArena.com or call 241-2121. http://www.HarlemGlobeTrotters.com. The Q (Quicken Loans Arena).

New Year’s Eve Eve Party Kick off the new year a little earlier with a pre-new year’s party, on Fri 12/30 from 9PM-2:30AM, with incredible music and awesome visual effects, featuring Graph, Dan Stark, Porcelina (Live decks and efx), and Deviant. Customs visuals will be provided by Koyote Kind (Ryan Hefner). Abbasso Underground Lounge, 1222 Prospect Avenue. http://www.AbbassoLounge.com.

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A Fifth of Beethoven You know the famous opening four notes of this dramatic symphony: Da Da Da-Daaa! Start your New Year in classical style and hear The Cleveland Orchestra perform Beethoven’s entire magnificent Fifth symphony next week in the first concerts of the New Year at Severance Hall – Thu 1/5 – Sun 1/8. Beethoven’s famous Fifth has been used in film and on TV, now experience the thrill of hearing it performed live in the splendor of Severance Hall. Don’t miss your chance to hear some of the most recognizable and well-loved classical music ever written – next weekend, Thu 1/5 – Sun 1/8 only. For tickets contact (216) 231-1111 or www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.
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CC KIDS First Night Akron Whether it’s catching the dozens of bands, performances and exhibitions spread out across Downtown Akron, or watching local high schoolers compete in the First Night Idol competition, your family will be enthralled with so much going on in one evening, all for $10 (kids under 10 free). Kids early fireworks show at 8:30, event continues until beyond midnight in over 30 venues. Sat 12/31 starting at 5PM. Advance ticket buttons can be purchased at Acme Fresh Market or First Merit Banks. http://www.FirstNightAkron.org.

New Year’s Eve Salsa Bash Enjoy sizzling, live salsa music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, party treats and a champagne toast at midnight on Sat 12/31 amidst the upscale modern decor of the Sunset Lounge, located at 1382 West Ninth Street. Call 280-0407 for info or to reserve a table.

CC KIDS Children’s New Year’s Party Celebrate the New Year with your favorite kid with an all you can eat kids’ buffet, a DJ and dancing, kids’ games and a balloon drop on Sat 12/31 from 2-5PM. Your kids will have a ball, and you’ll still have plenty of time to prep for the adult parties later in the evening. Call 861-6900 for reservations. Shooters in the Flats, 1148 Main Street. www.NauticaFlats.com.

New Years Dream 2006 If you watched the network parties from home last year, turn it up a few notches this year with a festive party at the newly renovated Velvet Dog on Sat 12/31. You can watch the network parties and ball drops, while enjoying music and dancing, hats and noisemakers and a champagne toast at midnight. If you want to go VIP, you can enjoy an all night open bar, appetizers by Sushi Rock, and exclusive access to their 3rd floor VIP Room. Call 664-1116 for more info or tickets.

New Year’s Eve at Windows on the River Sip champagne and nibble on tasty hors d’oeuvres as a prelude to a sumptuous feast that includes your choice of Beef Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass or Chicken Vinaigrette and a deluxe dessert station on Sat 12/31 beginning at 7:30PM. Stay in good spirits all night, with a completely open bar, while you dance to the sounds of Park Place. A balloon drop, midnight champagne toast, and party favors will heighten the festivities, followed by a grand breakfast buffet. Call 861-1445 to make reservations. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore Street. www.NauticaFlats.com.

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Do You Plan on Partying in 2006? Then the Galleria is the place for you! Home to such gatherings as Scrooge’s Night Out and Market Under Glass, we have the right size room for your event, large or small. With our beautiful atmosphere, catering contacts, and great location, the Galleria provides everything you need to make your special event – including weddings and personal or corporate parties – a resounding success. Check out www.galleriaaterieview.com or contact Vicky Poole or Eddy Eckart at 216.861.4343 to plan your event today.
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Blind Pig/Dive Bar New Year’s Party Dance to live music, or Top 40 music spun by local DJs, during this joint New Year’s Eve party being held at both locations. The shindig takes place on Sat 12/31 from 8PM until last call at 2:10AM. Feast on heavy hors d’oeuvres including sushi, tenderloin, chicken, pasta and more and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a balloon drop at either location. Call 621-0001 to pre-order your tickets, or you might get left out in the cold. Blind Pig, 1214 West 6th Street. www.TheBlindPig.com.

Masquerade Ball at View Picture this: the lights dim as shadow dancers take center stage. Party goers, wearing complimentary, masquerade masks, shuffle in for the show. Think you’re in Vegas? No, it’s View – Cleveland’s newest ultra lounge and nightclub. Spend an unforgettable night on New Year’s Eve, Sat 12/31 beginning at 8PM, with complimentary admission until 10PM. Revel in the sights and sounds of exciting live entertainment, and enjoy a champagne toast while watching a live broadcast of the NYC ball drop. Tables in their exclusive VIP room are available. Call 664-1815 for info. View, 618 Prospect Avenue.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Ring in the New Year with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden on New Year’s Eve, Sat 12/31 starting at 8:30PM. The soundtrack for the evening will be provided by DJs Rad and Quick and legendary Cleveland jazz & bluesman, Robert Lockwood, Jr., who will keep this ultimate Cleveland party jumpin’ till 2AM. Dress to impress for a full night of fun featuring two levels of entertainment and three levels of exhibits. Get your tickets here and start the new year off with a story to tell. Great Lakes Science Center. http://www.nyecleveland.com/.

Cleveland Pops New Year’s Eve Concert and Dance Celebrate a decade-long tradition by kicking off the New Year with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra on Sat 12/31. The party begins at 9PM, with dancing slated to commence at 11PM. Special guests, Jeans N’ Classics’ vocalists, Jean Meilleur and Denise Pelley, bring their eclectic and electric blend of music favorites from Motown and Jazz to The Beatles. Get these hot tickets at http://www.ClevelandPops.com or by phone at 231-1111. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.

Swing in the New Year with the groovy guys and dolls at Get Hep and the awesome Hepcat Revival. This is an all-ages, smoke-free party for everyone from beginning to advanced level swing dancers on Sat 12/31. Start off with a Jitterbug lesson for beginners from 8-9PM, then boogie-woogie into 2006 from 9PM-1AM. Light munchies and a midnight countdown and toast with sparkling white grape juice will cap off the evening. Call 374-1927 or visit http://www.GetHepSwing.com for more info. Bohemian National Hall, 4939 Broadway Avenue.

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Now That’s a Rockin’ Deal Visit the Rock Hall for half-price and get six months of Rolling Stone. Now through the end of this year, Cuyahoga County Residents can get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for half-price – adult admission discounted to $10. And if you’re paying attention, you’ll also see that thru next December, all paying visitors to the Rock Hall get a six-month subscription to Rolling Stone magazine ($9.97 value) included with their admission – no strings attached. For more information contact the Rock Hall at 216-781-7625 or www.RockHall.com.
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CC KIDS New Year’s Day Pancake Breakfast Enjoy a tasty, hot pancake breakfast with all the fixings for the entire family on New Year’s Day, Sun 1/1 from 10AM-2PM. Bring a greatly appreciated, but unwanted holiday gift for their raffle, and you can even show up in your PJ’s if you want. Ron the Flower Clown will be on hand to make his fantastic balloon creations and entertain the kiddies. Tommy will be making the flapjacks, while volunteers serve this sumptous morning meal. All tips will benefit HeightsArts. Call 321-7757. Tommy’s, 1824 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights.

Mayor Jackson Inaugural Cleveland’s new Mayor takes the oath and kicks out the jams with a massive no-charge celebration at CSU’s Wolstein Center on Mon 1/2 from 6PM to midnight that he calls “Celebrate Cleveland.” The event includes food and drink and entertainment by area bands and youth groups. There’s no charge for anything, but admission is limited to the first 5000 people. Earlier in the day, the swearing in will take place at noon at East Tech High School on E. 55th Street, limited to 1200 people. Talk about your public access! See details here.

Emerging Cleveland Tour Tired of staring at your relatives, the boob tube and the same old leftovers? Then grab the gang and take them for a night out on the town – Cleveland style – during the Emerging Cleveland Tour on Tue 01/03. Returning students and young professionals home for the holidays will have a blast on this half-day tour of new developments and off-the-beaten-track gems led by two CSU urban planning students and a host of special guests. E-mail jgville@gmail.com or call 216-269-0770.

Songwriters Night Local songwriters can perfect their craft in the company of fellow artists on Wed 1/4 and Wed 1/18 from 8PM-1AM. The event will be hosted by Galen Marten. Email gsmarten@yahoo.com or visit www.GalenMarten.com for more info. Saucy Bistro, 24481 Detroit Road, Westlake.

WCLVnotes Celebrate the old and welcome the new with WCLV 104.9 this weekend. Fri 12/30 at 1:30PM, WCLV presents its traditional New Year’s broadcast of Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus.” Saturday, New Year’s Eve, at 7PM, The Cleveland Orchestra will be heard in a concert of Viennese waltzes, polkas, and overtures, followed at 9PM, by a live broadcast by The Cleveland Pops Orchestra from Severance Hall. Then at 11PM, WCLV holds its On-the-Air New Year’s Eve Party, which will include Shelly Berman’s hilarious “Spermatozza plus the Roe Make the Little Fishes Grow.” Recuperate from the night before on New Years Day at 11AM with the live broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Years Concert from Vienna. Full details on all of WCLV’s colorful holiday programming can be found on the WCLV website at www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

RoldoLINK
Ione Biggs, A Quiet But Determined Voice For Peace
By Roldo Bartimole

As 2005 made its way to an ending, Cleveland lost another longtime community activist Ione Biggs, 89.

Ione was a quiet warrior. She spoke with a calm but fervent voice and personality against war, injustice, sexism and racism. She was a faithful advocate of the underdog.

I don’t remember when I first met Ione but she became a familiar supporter of Point of View, the newsletter I wrote. When a certain issue struck her, she would call and say that she needed more copies of a particular issue. She wanted to spread information she felt strongly about, as I did. She always wanted to pay; often she sent more than I asked.

There came a time when she was in need of some help and she became a subject for the newsletter. She had been working in the City Clerk of Court’s office. Zeke Forbes, brother of George Forbes, was a top aide of the Clerk of Courts.

In her determined manner, she refused to participate in fundraising, feeling that employees of the Clerk’s office should not be tapped to fund-raise for the boss. Typically, office holders would have employees sell tickets to his or her fund-raiser.

If the employee could not sell the tickets, he or she would have to cough up the money anyway. In other words, buy the tickets themselves. That was a hardship for some. Ione believed it simply wasn’t just.

She refused to participate. When someone fights for a principle, it can give others courage. Zeke, in charge of contributions, retaliated by having Ione placed in a job where she had to lift huge and dusty court ledgers. She was not a young woman and she suffered from high blood pressure and arthritis. I found out about the punishment…
Read RoldoLINK here

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Hillbilly Idol
Lights of Town
Yodel-Ay-Hee Records

Unlike mainstream country music, bluegrass relies mostly on acoustic stringed instruments, melody instruments switching for the lead and a passion for honesty and picturesque tradition. So it should be no surprise that longtime Cleveland music scene luminaries Hillbilly Idol not only do bluegrass well, but do bluegrass proud on their third full-length CD, entitled Lights of Town.

The recording finds core members Paul Kovac (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle), Al Moss (vocals, pedal steel, acoustic guitar) and Bill Watson (acoustic bass) celebrating bluegrass, old-school country and other divine Americana styles with festive aplomb. During the course of 12 tracks on Lights of Town, HBI delivers catchy ‘n’ exciting roots music – one foot in the present, one foot in the past… and all ten toes a-tappin’.

The tone is set with the leadoff title track, which features twinges of a high lonesome sound and is delectable in its simplicity. Heartfelt harmonies abound on other tracks, including “Blue Showin’ Through” (shades of crisp Earl Scruggs-like picking here), the tasty Appalachian cut “Comin’ Home By Goin’ Away” and “Thinkin’ About Charlie,” which could back up the best country-style soft shoe shuffle.

Another highlight, “Lavada” is a lust song – dirty and a touch mischievous in its cosmopolitan flair. Then there’s my personal fave, an instrumental called “Quadruplet Polka,” which may be the most enjoyable noveaux take on polka I’ve heard since Brave Combo. Yeah, it’s that good.

What you have here on Lights of Town is solid songwriting, stories steeped in tradition and timeless themes set to simple music. It’s downhome, bluegrass, western swing, honkytonk… and as tasty and colorful as any blue plate special you might find on a menu. But mostly it’s just good, honest DIY Americana music. And a must have.

Hillbilly Idol performs at the Beachland TONIGHT (Wednesday, December 28) at 8 p.m. The band shares the stage with swamp-popsters Cats on Holiday. For more information, check out http://www.HillbillyIdol.com or http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com.

By Cool Cleveland contributor 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

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

Instant Karma
Quick reviews of recent events
Going out this weekend? Take along your PDA and your digital camera. Scratch out a few notes to send us with a picture of it for our Instant Karma real-world reviews of what’s really happening. We’d love to hear from you. Send your stuff to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Holiday Organ Celebration @ Severance Hall 12/22 All dressed in festive trim, Severance Hall closed out the Holiday concert season with a pair of concerts by the always spectacular Burning River Brass, Todd Wilson at the Norton Memorial organ, and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, under the direction of Betsy Burleigh. There was something to satisfy every musical taste. Special lighting added colorful touches to both the stage and the auditorium, drawing oohs and ahhs from the very full audience.

Fanfare on Hark! the Herald Angels Sing started the proceedings in grand style with brass and organ, bathed in gold lighting, taking turns with the heralding. The red lights of the soffits turned to gold while the stage was converted to a ravishing silvery purple for a Festive Suite of Music by J. S. Bach. The Brass, displaying the depth and resonance of a grand organ, performed the first movement of the Concerto in G major, and were joined by the organ for the Largo from the Concerto in D minor, and the familiar In Dulci Jubilo. Here it was sometimes hard to tell where the Brass left off and the organ began, so closely were they intertwined. The ending was a terrific fugue arrangement…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On Ohio’s marriage ban This amendment needs to be removed completely. Whether you are for or against rights for gay people, the context around which this amendment was proposed and finally enacted is a religious one. Anytime religion is at the forefront of stifling something progressive and for the betterment of society as a whole (mainly because it threatens the institution’s validity and limited way of thinking), innovation, understanding and positive advancement are seriously impeded. Just look at what religion did to Copernicus and Galileo as they tried to understand a sun centered Universe. Stubborn, religious dogma stifled the thought of it! The longer this amendment is in place, the slower Ohio will move forward to being able to attract young, independent, and innovative people. When the economy really gets cookin’ again, Ohio will have an even more dramatic shortage of these people as they flee to San Francisco, New York, Boston, Austin and new centers of innovation outside of the US (Canada, Australia). Innovators and entrepreneurs require open minded, progressive environments to thrive. Is this Ohio?
from Cool Cleveland reader Jay Yoo j.yooATkoyono.com

Of course, it shouldn’t have been written. The rights of a minority should not be infringed on by the majority. After all, the pilgrims came to be this continent to escape religious persecution, yet persons in the LGBT community are being persecuted by the narrow-minded religious right. In the long term and based on past civil rights battles, there’s cause for hope these too will be granted. But it has to begin now and with every voice heard.
from Cool Cleveland reader David K. Ream dave4eamATlevtechinc.com

it’s a sad day when ‘ammendments’ to states’ constitutions are for reducing civil rights. i hope the judge is sucessful in overriding in some way this hurtful, regressive anti-gay legislation.
from Cool Cleveland reader lise moulton lm1818ATyahoo.com

On a Medical Merchandise Mart (See Medical Mart here) While there is no magic bullet that will cure all the challenges that face the city of Cleveland, a medical merchandise Mart would be a very positive step in the right direction. It would build on a strength of this great city. It would help create real jobs and in conjunction with a new convention center would help that facility remain fully utilized. Merchandise Mart in Chicago and Dallas Market Center both act as a catalyst for both the industries they represent as well as the travel / tourism industries in these cities. Cleveland of the turn of the last century was a community that took risks and welcomed entrepreneurs. Cleveland must get back to being a city that is viewed as a great place to come to and open a business. Anything that helps the emerging medical equipment industry gain a further foothold in Cleveland can only benefit the city and its citizens.
from Cool Cleveland reader Charles Hall, Columbia, South Carolina charles.hall46ATgmail.com

On a signature bridge (See ODOT still not listening here) letter sent to Craig Hebebrand, Project Manager, Innerbelt Project, Ohio Department of Transportation: Mr.Hebebrand, Your dishonesty is showing again. As related by Steven Litt in Dec 18 Plain Dealer, your organization is attempting to fool Clevelanders into buying your PR blitz that you are actually considering what is best for our city by dismissing a southern alignment for the bridge. “A span on the alignment preferred by ODOT would push I-90 within 75 feet of the Cuyahoga Community College administrative headquarters, just south of the Gateway sports complex. It also would require putting the highway atop retaining walls 20 to 25 feet high, creating a fortress wall of concrete on the south side of downtown. This would be incredibly ugly. But do we get to see those images now? No. ODOT hasn’t produced them, presumably because they might arouse opposition.” and “But many Clevelanders would like the highway project to make the city better and more beautiful – not simply easier to traverse at 60 mph.” It is irresponsible to rush to spend hundreds of millions of our dollars, affecting our city for the next hundred years, without REALLY considering the entire impact this bridge (and the innerbelt) will have on the city, NOT JUST safety and speed. A good planner can walk and chew gum at the same time.
from Cool Cleveland reader Richard Zupancic rmmzupancicATyahoo.com

Thanks for keeping the Innerbelt Bridge issue and community discussion in the lime light. I disagree with one of your readers that thinks the ODOT public process is A-OK (12-21-05). After participating at virtually every Innerbelt meeting over the last five years, I feel ODOT’s public process needs to be corrected- immediately. So, I went ahead and wrote a “Preliminary Assessment” of my findings and a “Request” to Gordon Proctor, Director of ODOT, to reconsider the Southern Bridge Alignment Alternative. CC readers should also visit http://www.neobridge.net to participate on this community website by adding their thoughts and to get the latest information on the Innerbelt Bridge issue. This site is open for all citizens and public officials to add content and blog. I am posting my assessment and request to ODOT for CC readers to view here on the neobridge site. from Cool Cleveland reader Ed Hauser ejhauserATameritech.net

I participated in these public meetings that were held in the planning stages. ODOT was refreshingly helpful and left no stone unturned. We were made to feel part of the process and in the end we were. It was promised that the bridge will be a very attractive one much like the Hope Memorial and Veteran Memorial Bridges…both which ODOT was responsible for as well. Somebody blogging with complaints didnt do their homework. Where were they several years ago when they would have been welcome to voice any complaints? Look, I was just happy a goverment branch took the time to consult with the people that have to use the bridge and look at it. By the way in my opinion after attending the meetings the other proposal will never fly. The cost of it will be way too much.
from Cool Cleveland reader Linda Gaspar lunarfriendAThotmail.com

On Beauty and the Beast Last Friday night I took my five-year-old daughter to see “Beauty & the Beast” at the Beck Center, and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. First of all, the Beck Center is just the right size for enjoying an “intimate performance,” and the staff of the Center are warm greeters (even the valet) and make you feel at home. My daughter loves the story, and the actors and actresses were excellent and did a wonderful job of capturing the Disney-fied story to a tee. Listen, when this new generation goes to see a Disney play like B&B, you better do it right or else. They get B-O-R-E-D. (An aside to wary parents: my daughter brought an expression home from school that made me cringe — “boring” as in “BOORRRRINNNGGGG”) After the long (but not too long for my daughter because she was captivated) performance, we stepped out into the lobby only to spot “Lumiere” sitting on the steps. “Hey, there’s Lumiere!” I said to my daughter, and we went right over to him. The actor (I don’t know his name) was very friendly and gracious. “Have you met Belle yet?” he asked my daughter. “She’s over by the stage door. Go see her.” So we did. My daughter got Belle’s autograph. Natalie Green, the actress, was equally warm and gracious to the children, mostly little girls, who gathered around her in full costume. It was great. All in all, the performance and whole experience was one that you would hope all of the theater groups could duplicate. Bravo, Beck! http://www.BeckCenter.org
from Cool Cleveland reader Mark Holan marklholanATyahoo.com

On MOCA’s move to University Circle I drove down Carnegie from 90 to Cedar Road Monday and one of the few parts before the hospital that doesn’t scream ghetto and that makes you think maybe there’s some hope for this East side of Cleveland is MOCA. Now it’s moving to University Circle. They might as well put a giant fence (or something like the Berlin Wall or Great Wall of China) around that section of our city and put a highway over it. You have to consider that as everything moves just a little further East, so will the ghetto.
from Cool Cleveland reader Dinah Mitchell dinahmitchellATyahoo.com

On getting a cab in Cleveland (See Yr Turn here) to this reader… You’re not alone! I have also had issues getting cabs in Cleveland. Having recently moved from Lake County to South Euclid, one of the things I looked forward to about becoming a Cuyahoga resident was cab access. I was wrong. We have repeatedly been stranded around Cuyahoga County, waiting for cab companies that won’t come (but won’t say they aren’t either). I have had to call a friend at 5am for a ride home after three hours of waiting for a cab. Miserable. Isn’t reliable public transportation one of the keys to a successful city?
from Cool Cleveland reader Rachel Downey graphique5@yahoo.com

On Cool Cleveland I just got turned on to your site. It’s amazing and exiciting to think that someone, anyone in this city actually cares enough about the place to write such informative articles about what there is to do here. I like the positive vibe about the town too. Great work!!
from Cool Cleveland reader Phil Aiello philATagfg.org

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Cool Holiday Shopping Ideas for those last minute gifts.
www.CoolCleveland.com

2) MOCA gets $2.1 million to move from its present location to the corner of Euclid and Mayfield.
www.MOCACleveland.com

3) Ohio marriage ban ruled unconstitutional Domestic Relations Judge James Celebrezze declared it unconstitutional.
www.Cleveland.com

4) Artists rebuild the city Phillip Morris comments on what ails Cleveland and suggests that artists and entrepreneurs are a better bet for reviving our region than a 20-year-old b-ball phenom.
www.Cleveland.com

5) RoldoLINK Bloggers – Too Much Competition For Feagler?
www.CoolCleveland.com

Deserving their own champagne toast are Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, Roldo Bartimole, Ed Balcerzak, and everyone who helps make this email happen. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.

Here’s to a better new year,

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2005 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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