1.16-1.23.08
Progressive
In this week’s issue:
* Straight Outta Mansfield Straight Talk on Guns
* Comment A Great Thing Called Progress
* Sounds Insomniacs in the Bed of Faith from Karmic Dogma
* BFD Dyslexic development
* Ingenious Linda Wise, Executive Director, Willoughby Fine Arts Association
* RoldoLINK Rich History of Clevelands Community Activism
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here
Are we making progress? Many of us think so. And the proof is staring at you below. From Jeffrey Bowen’s profile of the 3rd generation J&L Open Air Market, to our review of Karmic Dogma’s “progressive rock” debut CD, to Mayor Jackson’s aggressive new stance on guns, the progressive tag may be useful in understanding what’s going on around here these days. Or, over the past 20-30 years of progressive politics as outlined in a new book previewed by Roldo. Or for that matter, over the last half century, as evidenced by Willoughby Fine Arts’ recent golden anniversary. In the news, some progressive thinking looks to save the Breuer Tower after all. And I’m even delivering a talk on Blogging For Business, with a complimentary lunch, just to keep everyone up to speed. Progressive? It’s what sets Cleveland apart from other places. Scroll down and see for yourself. Thomas Mulready
A Great Thing Called Progress
Joe Londricos J &L Open Air Market is a third generation Cleveland institution, that has grown from a small family business, on a little piece of Euclid Avenue between the railroad tracks and the Food Coop at the edge of Little Italy, into the largest Christmas tree wholesale business in Ohio. Half of the local churches and youth groups get their trees from Joe, or one of the satellites that his boys have staked out in the first and second ring suburbs. J & L Market is also the place for concord grapes and all manner of squash in the summer, and is, by far, the best October pumpkin patch that the city has to offer. We buy em a thousand up on tractor trailers, Joes son grins, as we walk through a half acre of the prettiest Frazier firs you could ever ask for. Funny how the price comes down when you get to be the farms largest customer, he boasts, as he leads us through a half mile of Scotch, White, and Nova Scotia pine, past hundreds of Blue Spruce, still bound in nets from the grower, to look at another dozen Fraziers, that the family sets aside for their long-time customers…
Read more from Jeffrey Bowen here
Insomniacs in the Bed of Faith
Karmic Dogma
Being the progressive rock freak that I am (insert your Star Wars/Trek and live in the basement with your parents jokes here) I wouldnt describe the Akron-based quartet Karmic Dogma they way that they do as a progressive rock group. For starters, were missing the grand, sweeping Keith Emerson-inspired keyboards, offbeat time signatures, grand conceptual weight and dozens of other charms important to the genre. Sure, there are prog rock moments on their debut Insomniacs in the Bed of Faith (implementing children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance a la Pink Floyds Another Brick
) but thats really not their sweet spot. The disc’s strongest cut Supply and Demand, for instance sounds a lot like a late 80s rock; not art rock in texture, imagery or feel. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.Formed in 2006 by chums Dave Hineline (guitarist/songwriter) and Jon Batten (drums) when they met area artist (and recovering journalist) Carolyn Jack, the group started working on songs that would become Insomniacs. What stands out for the band? Insistent melodies (the very moving and jangly New World), percussive anthems (NWar) and a borderline indie rock sound all of which really belong on a stage. When vocalist Jack stays in the higher end of her vocal range, she can be quite convincing; the political bent on the ten songs featured here only helps bolster her singing. Progressive rock? Not outside of the discs unifying theme (read: Life During Bushtime). But the sentiments surely are, well, progressive.
Learn more about Karmic Dogma at their MySpace site, http://myspace.com/karmicdogmamusic
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
City of Cle sues 21 investment banks. Bold move. Read
First Energy pumps $2.5B into energy, facility upgrades. Does this mean no sequel for Great Lakes Blackout Stout? Read
Industry collab in aerospace pushing Ohio into biz leadership role. Click
Boomers to strain state finances? An interesting story. Read
Forest City buying up residential lots in San Antonio, TX. Could it happen here as foreclosures continue to mount? Read
BioEnterprise sez investment is ripe in NEO. Read
Akron Biomedical Corridor plan gets a big, big boost. Read
Ethanol production era to start in Northern Ohio. Read
City Club broadcasts move from WCLV to WCPN. Read
Lynn Shepherd, CFP presents Creating a Path to Personal & Professional Success Wed 1/16. Details
Disaster Recovery is subject of Crain’s January 2008 Biz B-fast Wed 1/16 at 7:30AM @ City Club of Cle. Register
Acquiring Capital for Sm Biz keynote feat. Ray Dalton from PartsSource LLC Fri 1/18 at 7:30AM Corp Coll East. 3 Panel Forum of experts follows. Show Me the Money!
Will Pearson Prez of Mental Floss, LLC and co-founder of mental_floss magazine speaks Wed 1/16 at AAF-Cle function at Windows on the River. Register
Shape Up For Your Business in 2008 on Wed 1/16 at 11:30AM w/ Networking Luncheon and Webcast. Register
HOT Blogging For Business with Thomas Mulready Cool Cleveland’s founder delivers a talk and the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library offers a complimentary lunch! Thu 1/17 11:30AM Register.
Web Assoc. examines State of the Web 2008 on Thu 1/31 at 11:30AM with group of panelists, discussion at Windows on the River. Register
Cle 20/30 honors top young professionals with in NEO Thu 1/31 at 5:30PM, CSU Wolstein Ctr. Register
The Next eMarketing Technique Series starts up at Corp Coll East on Mon 1/28. Register
Plexus CIFF Preview showcases the upcoming March event on the Feb Network Night Tue 2/12. Patrick Shepherd and Bill Guentzler will there to talk about it. More
SPONSORED: Can Your Business Idea Generate $30 to $50 Million in Revenue within five to seven years? If so, wed like to introduce you to JumpStart Inc., Northeast Ohios venture development organization that provides funding and hands-on business assistance to help high potential ideas in the region. JumpStart looks for entrepreneurs with ideas that will help Northeast Ohios economy grow. No matter what industry you are in, if you’ve got a $30 to $50 million idea, JumpStart wants to hear from you! Read about JumpStarts Investment Process and submit an Advise Request to see if your idea fits the investment criteria at www.JumpStartInc.org/Process.
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Looks like the Breuer/Ameritrust Tower will stand after all. Read
Could the Breuer be the CRS 2008 preservation award winner? Read
Rock Hall inductions held here in 09 We hope they choose that year to induct all of the acts that should be in there ahead of Madonna. And we don’t mean Neil Diamond and Cher, either. Click
Local Promoter Arnold Hines gets some great publicity. Click
Get a look at the new Cle Supper Club website. Quite an eyeful about some tasty mouthfuls. Salivate
Case Dental School offering free exams and cleanings Sat 1/26 from 9AM – 2PM as a community service project. Call 368-3570 for info. http://www.case.edu
Yoko Ono interviewed recently on local Blog Talk Radio. Hear
U of A’s Zippy is the No. 1 Mascot. Read
All Ohio poets are invited to participate in New Words 2008, the Akron Art Museums 14th annual adult poetry contest. Submissions must be postmarked by Fri 2/29. http://www.akronartmuseum.org
Guiding Eyes for the Blind offering volunteer ops. http://www.gebcuyahoga.org
Minor league ballpark in Avon is taking shape (rendering). Read
Cleveland State University ranks tenth among the nations top 20 Specialized Research Universities in the third annual Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index. http://www.csuohio.edu
Cle Met Zoo is looking for volunteers. The deadline to sign up Mon 2/25. RSVP to 661-6500 ext. 4494
Looking for a cool studio space? Work space is available in an artists co-op in the ArtCraft Building, 2570 Superior Ave. Studio sizes range from 300-900 sqft w/ affordable rent and pro-rated share of the group’s utilities. Contact Mark Yasenchack at 579-9263 for more
Tribe to play at “the Prog?” And Progressive Field is named shortly after ins co released significant number of employees. Read
Cleveland Arts Prize nominations are coming up! Nominate online at any time. Visit http://www.clevelandartsprize.org and click on nominate. Nominataions close Fri 2/29
Cle Orch Miami Residency activities announced for Jan/Feb 08. Click
Cauliflower Audio, the new enterprise by Lakewood’s Adam Boose (Brandston, Furnace St.) has, in its initial few months, worked with artists from Barcelona & Seattle and is now offering professional audio services to musicians, labels, institutions, and individuals. Specializing in CD audio mastering, Cauliflower Audio also offers creative services (remix work, sound design, loop production), post-production (editing & mixing), format conversions (LP, cassette, etc.), and consultation. Hear samples at http://www.caulifloweraudio.com
Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events.
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Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Larry Morrow Part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s From Songwriters to Soundmen, local broadcaster Larry Morrow talks Wed 1/16 at 7PM. His influence has been felt far beyond the city’s limits, with a career that spans decades and is filled with extraordinary stories. No cost, open to the public with a reservation. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 515-8426 to RSVP. Details.
HOT Cook Up a Storm Tri-C will begin another session of Community Cooking Classes starting Wed 1/16. The schedule boasts 13 new and exciting hands-on cooking classes that are being taught by some of Cleveland’s top chefs, including Chef Brandt Evans of Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern, Chef Mike Piazza, Chef Brian Doyle, and Chef Jeff Fisher! Classes fill up quickly, so register soon! Call 987-3075 to register; more info by clicking here. All classes are taught at Tri-C’s Metro Campus.
Todd Rundgren The multi-instrumentalist and producer will perform in the Allen Theatre on Playhouse Square Wed 1/16 at 8PM. Eclectically accomplished as a musician and studio virtuoso, Rundgren has been recording for more than three decades and regularly sells out to Cle crowds. Todds most popular hits include, I Saw The Light, Hello Its Me, Can We Still Be Friends, and Bang The Drum. http://www.playhousesquare.com.
Aida… and Beyond Emerging Pictures has selected the Cedar Lee Theatre as the exclusive Northeast Ohio partner for its digital cinema presentations of operas from Milans Teatro alla Scala (“La Scala”) and other prestigious Italian Opera Houses, including Aida which runs starting Wed 1/16 at 7PM. La Scala, founded in 1776, is widely considered the Greatest Opera House in History. It has been the home to many of the most renowned composers, conductors, and virtuoso singers of the international Opera world. For a complete schedule of opera events and ticket info, visit http://www.clevelandcinemas.com.
Murder Mystery A gang of NYC sock hoppers, MM are playing Beachland Tavern Wed 1/16 at 8PM. The band is touring to promote their debut full-length, are you ready for the heartache cause here it comes, and they are WORTH getting to know, if you dont already! http://www.beachlandballroom.com. http://www.myspace.com/murdermysterymusic.
SPONSORED: Way Better Than Air Guitar? Bid on a genuine Fender® Stratocaster® guitar created for “It’s All Guitars!,” a project of GuitarMania® that introduced public art, guitars and community involvement to high school students throughout Greater Cleveland. Very talented high school students transformed 27 guitars into unique works of art that can be displayed, and some can even be plugged in and played real loud. All proceeds from the auction benefit United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s education programs. Bidders can register to bid online for the guitars on www.ebayliveauctions.com or attend the live auction at Apple Tree Auction Center, 1616 West Church Street, Newark, Ohio on Sat 1/19 at 12:30PM. For more information and to view the guitars, visit www.cleveland.com/guitarmania.
HOT Blogging For Business with Thomas Mulready The creator of Cool Cleveland delivers an overview on business applications of the hottest online technologies, including blogging, podcasting, online videos & email, and the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library is throwing in a complimentary lunch! Thu 1/17, networking begins at 11:30AM, 25501 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood. Register. Space is limited.
HOT 2 Man Kidnapping Rule This stage comedy presented by Fourth Wall Productions takes a Cheko-vian look at male relationships. Dash Combs takes the directors chair for this look into one night of three guys lives that will determine if their futures are running align with each other, or going to go off in separate directions due to the women they are chasing. Check out the sneak preview Thu 1/17 and opening night Fri 1/18 at 8PM. Enterprise Center at Glenville, Room 221, 540 East 105th St. Runs through Sun 1/27. http://www.fourthwallproductions.com.
Stravinsky’s Firebird Music Director Franz Welser-Möst will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in concerts featuring Stravinskys Suite from The Firebird (revised version of 1919) at Severance Hall on Thu 1/17 – Sat 1/19 at 8PM. Pianist Radu Lupu will be soloist in Mozarts Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466. The concerts also include the United States premiere of Thomas Adèss Suite from Powder Her Face. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.
Orange Flower Water The Bang and The Clatter Theatre Company drops this hot stage production by Craig Wright, one of the lead writers for the HBO series Six Feet Under on Thu 1/17 at 8PM and running weekends through early Feb. 140 E. Market St., Akron. OFW has been called an “uncommonly intense and intimate drama.” Go see it for yourself. http://www.bnctheatre.com.
HOT Zhou Wenzhong The appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary for the Peoples Republic of China to the United States in 2005, will speak at noon on Fri 1/18 at The City Club of Cleveland. Zhou is a native of Jiangsu Province. After studying in England, he joined the Department of Translation and Interpretation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1975. http://www.cityclub.org.
Some Like it Hot / Some Like it Cold The Japan America Society of Northeast Ohio holds their annual Sake Tasting Fri 1/18 at 6:30PM at Carlyle Condominium Harbor Room, 12900 Lake Ave, Lakewood. Deadline to register is TODAY, Wed 1/16. Call 694-4774 to RSVP.
Onion Skins is an exhibition of printmakers’ wares at ArtsCollinwood, launching with an Opening Reception Fri 1/18 from 6 – 9PM. These works don’t just promote things/events, but they evoke as wonderfully clever pieces of art as well. Some use the traditional screen printing methods; others rely on the photocopy method, collage and mixed media to produce their prints. Curated by Heather Young. http://www.artscollinwood.org.
HOT Bourbon at the Border This Karamu production looks into the lives of two ordinary people make the ultimate sacrifice toward African-American freedom. Continues its acclaimed run Fri 1/18 through the weekend, times vary. Call 795-7070 or visit http://www.karamu.com for more.
Curious Terrain The Cleveland State University Art Gallery presents this exhibition of paintings and drawings exploring the idea of the landscape in art beginning with an Opening Reception Fri 1/18 at 5PM. The exhibit is curated by Tim Knapp, assistant CSU Art Gallery director. No cost, open to the public. The Art Gallery is located at the corner of Chester Ave. and East 24th Street. Gallery hours and info at http://www.csuohio.edu/art/gallery.
G2H2 The Gay Guy Happy Hour is exactly what it suggests. Truth in advertising! It’s happening on the 3rd Friday of each month, including this Fri 1/18 at 5:30PM at the Terrace Club at Jacobs Field. Check out their new website at http://www.g2h2.com for details.
Art of Life Sign up for this series where you can explore various ways to live the Artistic Life! It starts Fri 1/18 at 7PM with a “Post-holiday Pampering” with Oaks Massotherapy & Botanical Spa. Rejuvinate your artistic spirit w/ chair massages, paraffin dips, foot massages and more. Follow-up events scheduled for mid-February and mid-April. BAYarts (formerly Baycrafters) 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village. Call 440-871-6543 for details.
Camp Out Thirteen artists, brought together by curator Liz Maugans, fall into several categories in this installation that launches with an opening reception Fri 1/18 from 6 – 9PM. Maugans describes the work of Amy Theobald, Carla Fontecchio and Janet Bruhn as self-incriminating, self-conscious, yet sweet and honest and full of conviction. Adrian Bertolone, Brooke Inman, Jess Wheelock, Arnie Tunstall and Bernie Sokolowski view their cultural surroundings with a dose of humor. Performance at 7:30PM by Alexander Katris. http://www.zygotepress.com.
Women in Love Windsong, Clevelands Feminist Chorus presents their Winter Concert Sat 1/19 at 7:30PM at Trinity Cathedral, E. 22nd and Euclid, led by Artistic Director Karen Weaver. http://www.windsongchorus.org.
HOT Have We Forgotten… Still In Chains Sankofa has assembled five area artists to showcase works in a variety of media that depict the struggle and triumphs of the Black experience in America starting Sat 1/19. Addresses current events such as the Jena 6 protests, Hurricane Katrina and the Florida boot camp verdict. CSU Art Gallery, 2307 Chester Ave. Details at http://www.sankofafineartplus.org.
Let’s Dance, Cleveland! Always wanted to try dancing? Enjoy no cost beginner’s dance lessons at Cleveland’s new, most spacious dance studio and ballroom floor during their open house Sat 1/19 from 11AM – 4PM. Featuring Argentine Tango, Ballroom, Hustle, Jitterbug/East Coast Swing, Line Dancing, Salsa, Tai Chi, Tango, West Coast Swing and Zumba, The Let’s Dance! Cleveland Open House will move you! 23366 Commerce Park, Beachwood (off Chagrin Blvd, west of I-271). http://www.letsdancecleveland.com.
Got Comedy? If your New Year’s Resolution includes “going for the laughs” in 2008 or you’re looking for a unique holiday gift, might we suggest a winter stand-up comedy workshop at The Cleveland Improv. Here’s the scoop: for three consecutive Saturdays starting Sat 1/19 (from noon – 4PM) author/comedian Dave Schwensen leads a group toward the performance of an original comedy set at The Cleveland Improv in early February. Space is limited, act fast! http://www.thecomedybook.com.
Come In From the Cold The Northeast Ohio Anti-War Coalition presents this progressive film as a part of a series at Talkies Film and Coffee Bar every Saturday in January (including Sat 1/19) at 1PM. Films include: No End In Sight, War Made Easy, Iraq For Sale and This Is What Democracy Looks Like. Talkies Film and Coffee Bar, 2521 Market Ave. Call 696-3456 or visit http://www.talkiescoffee.com.
Per Tengstrand The Swedish pianist comes to Cleveland on Sat 1/19 at 7:30PM. He will be performing in Kulas Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The works of Greig, Salonen and Beethoven comprise the program. Tickets: 791-5000, ext. 411, or purchase online here.
Buffalo Writers Doug Manson, Kristi Meal and Ted Pelton will be at Macs Backs Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Heights on Sat 1/19 at 7PM. The event is no cost, open to the public and features the three lits showcasing their works and those of others. Call 321-2665 or visit http://www.macsbacks.com.
SPONSORED: Enduring Question is a lecture series at Baldwin Wallace College that addresses the promotion of democracy in the global community. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a renowned public intellectual, will speak on Fri 1/25 at 8PM at the John Patrick Theatre, Kleist Center for Art & Drama. Dyson is the author of Come Hell or Highwater: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster and most recently, Debating Race. Dyson challenges us to critically examine the issues surrounding race and class in our democracy, as well as the continuing political fallout from the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The Washington Post refers to him as a superstar professor. Dyson is on the faculty of Georgetown University. All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact 440-826-2322 or www.bw.edu/enduringquestions.
Skill Come look at some amazing sculptures, textiles, drawings, photographs, and meet and hang out with amazing people at what is sure to be one of the hottest art parties in Cleveland on Sun 1/20 at 6PM. Hosted by Suede Nightclub, curated by Wendy Cyphers (assisted by Jessica Ann Adanich). 35101 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Email wcyphers@gmail.com for more info.
Cuyahoga Community College will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Colleges 31st annual observance of his birthday. This years program theme, Celebration in Music, will feature a free concert with national recording artist Lecresia Campbell, along with The Voices and Rhythmic Sounds of Mega, the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cleveland School of the Arts Concert Choir. It all happens Sun 1/20 at 3PM in the Metropolitan Campus Auditorium (2900 Community College Ave). Call 987-4805 or visit http://www.tri-c.edu/mlktickets to reserve tickets.
HOT Post-Social Abstract/Expressionism Exhibition has been featured at The Lakeland Community College Art Gallery: 7700 Clocktower Dr. in Kirtland for the last several weeks. Positivity in cultural relationships through art is only the beginning. Don’t miss your chance to make it interactive with a Meet and Greet Discussion Mon 1/21 from 5 – 9PM. It promises to be [a]n envisage tribute to the principles and ethics of Martin Luther King Jr. http://lakelandcc.edu/upcomeve.
MLK at the Rock Hall A Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Festival hits the end of East 9th St. Mon 1/21 at the Rock Hall. This all day, no-cost event is open to the public. A celebration of the life and legacy of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., is the focus of the glorious day of song and dance. This special day is highlighted by performances from national and local artists. http://www.rockhall.com.
Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. is welcomed by Cleveland Public Library as its keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day commemorative celebration. The no-cost, open to the public program will be held Mon 1/21 at 1PM in the MLK, Jr. Branch, 1962 Stokes Blvd. The CPL Staff Chorus, led by Director, Andrew Venable, Jr. will perform. The African American Art Show will be on display in the Gallery. A reception will immediately follow the program. The Branch will be open from noon – 4PM. For more info, call 623-2869 or visit http://www.clevelandpubliclibrary.net.
HOT The Intersection of Art and Science The Cleveland Clinic Office of Civic Education Initiatives is celebrating the Exhibition Opening of Cleveland Clinic eXpressions Wed 1/23 at 4:30PM at the InterContinental Hotel and MBNA Conference Ctr Ballroom. Reception follows program, business attire required. RSVP by Thu 1/17 to 444-0878. 9801 Carnegie Ave. http://www.clevelandclinic.org.
collaborate.innovate.educate. A discussion forum on the report of the Northeast Ohio Universities Collaboration and Innovation Study Commission hits Wed 1/23 at 3PM. This interactive panel discussion will provide an opportunity for the Study Commission members to discuss the report recommendations with education, business, and community leaders in Northeast Ohio. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate during a question and answer session. For more information or for a copy of the report, visit http://www.neostudycommission.org/announcements.htm. 6896 Miller Rd., Brecksville.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Slam U is a series of performance poetry workshops presented by the Arts Education Department at Playhouse Square. This is a unique opportunity for high school students to speak their minds, hone their poetry-writing and performance skills and compete for a place on Clevelands National Youth Poetry Slam Team that will travel to Brave New Voices, the 11th Annual National Youth Poetry Slam Festival, in Washington D.C. in July. Slam U is open to Northeast Ohio students ages 14-19. All Slam U events are no cost, but reservations are recommended. Call 348-7909 or email: artseducation@playhousesquare.org to reserve a spot. More Info.
Stairway to Zeppelin with School of Rock Missed the 02 Arena reunion? The Paul Green School of Rock Music based out of Rocky River presents The Music of Led Zeppelin Fri 1/18 at 6:30PM and Sat 1/19 at 8PM at The Winchester located at 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood. Tix in advance at the Rocky River School of Rock location (cash or check only) or by calling the Winchester at 226-5681. This is an all ages event and family friendly; the kids will be performing the hits of Led Zeppelin including “Black Dog,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Fool in the Rain,” and yes, even “Stairway to Heaven.” http://www.thewinchester.net.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Last season, they brought you Leo Lionnis Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch return to Cleveland to perform The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites on Sat 1/19 as part of the 2007-2008 Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital Discovery Theatre Series at Playhouse Square. Carles stories are told with dramatic black light puppetry that enables his colorful and innovative art to spring to life right from the pages of his award-winning books. http://www.playhousesquare.com.
Inner Space Explore NASA Glenn Visitor Center on Sat 1/19 from 10AM – 3PM as the staff discusses the exploration of the inner solar system. Find out more about the planets Mercury and Venus as NASA prepares for the Messenger spacecrafts first encounter with the innermost planet. Dr. Steven Hauck (CWRU Professor of Planetary Geodynamics & MESSENGER Mission Participating Scientist) and Jeffery Kilmer (JPL Solar System Ambassador) present. RSVP required at 433-9653; handouts for all, make & take crafts for kids and a free digital photo booth are part of the fun. http://glennevents.grc.nasa.gov. 21000 Brookpark Rd.
SPONSORED: I Have a Dream. Make artwork, meet an author and have a picture perfect day at the Cleveland Museum of Art on Mon 1/21 to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Make a collage inspired by the work of Romare Bearden. Join a book discussion of “The Bond” with co-author, Margaret Bernstein. Listen to the Cleveland BoyChoir, and have your photo taken with our Art Crew characters. These events have no admission fee and are open to the public. Drop-ins welcome. 10AM-4:30PM, most events from 1-4PM. For general CMA info contact www.clevelandart.org.
Poe’s Bicentennial B-Day Cuyahoga County Public Library is throwing a bash for good ol’ Edgar Allen on Sat 1/19 from 2 – 4PM at the Beachwood Branch, 25501 Shaker Blvd. The master of the macabre’s 200th birthday with a program featuring Shelley Costa Bloomfield, PhD, author of the Everything Guide to Edgar Allan Poe. No cost, open to the public. Copies of Bloomfield’s book will be available for purchase. Register at http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org or by calling 831-6868.
The Laramie Project Beck Center for the Arts Teen Theater presents the deeply moving play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, in the intimate Studio Theater beginning Fri 1/18 and running through Sun 1/27. The Laramie Project is a poignant drama about bigotry and tolerance, fear and courage, hate and hope. Show times are 7:30PM Fridays and Saturdays and 3PM on Sundays. Audience members are invited to participate in talk-back discussions with a panel of area experts after each Sunday matinee. For tickets, call 521-2540 or visit http://www.beckcenter.org.
ArtSplash 08 Bundle up the kids for an afternoon of family art making and art experiencing at The Cultural Center for the Arts on Sat 1/19 from noon to 3PM. Admission gets you for “make-n-take” art projects from the Canton Museum of Art and performances from the Canton Ballet, the Generation Steel Drum Band, Living Fountain Dance Company and Players Guild Theatre. A participatory public art project will occur thanks to metal artists Patrick Buckohr and Joseph Close, while others can watch the wonder master sand sculptor Laurie Tournoux. http://www.artsinstark.com.
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.
Straight Talk on Guns
One of Frank Jacksons first acts as mayor was to institute a youth jobs program, reasoning that if underprivileged Cleveland kids had some way of making a few legal bucks it would help to keep them out of trouble. Problem was and is a few young people are too far gone; theyre too immersed in thug life for a jobs program (or virtually anything else) to get them back on track. Its really not the majority of them that are acting out, but they do get all the headlines with their vicious behavior.
The mayor obviously has now come to the conclusion based in part on the fact Clevelands 134 murders last year was the highest figure in 13 years that the only way to stop these armed bad actors is to body slam them, and body slam them hard before they hurt someone. When the police catch thugs with guns… a judge should let the gavel of justice fall on them harshly. No stern lectures, no probation, send them straight to the age-appropriate prison, be it juvenile or adult. Enough really is enough…
Read more from Mansfield Frazier here
This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
Ed Morrison thinks it’s dyslexic development to give the Med Mart developers a deadline, likening it to a banker telling a homeowner which house fits the family. Comments:
Read and add your comment here
Meet Linda Wise
Executive Director, Willoughby Fine Arts Association
Ask Linda Wise about what life is like at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby and she’ll tell you, “There’s never a dull moment.” Checking in with Cool Cleveland during the peak of the holiday season, the Executive Director is quick to point out that even despite the holidays, “We never really slow down here. Our annual fund and classes are winding down, but we’re already looking to January.” And with January upon us, we thought it wise to bring Linda and her cool organization’s mission to the forefront as they move beyond their golden jubilee. For over 50 years, The Fine Arts Association (which also operates the School of Fine Arts in Willoughby) has been a “gathering place” for individuals to learn, create, enjoy and appreciate the arts. Students of all ages and from all over NEO and beyond come to learn everything from ballet and watercolor, to piano and theatre. The FAA serves thousands of students annually; Wise handles FAA’s development, oversight, properties, affairs and finances.
Read more from Peter Chakerian here
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Ed Morrison wonders if Cool Cleveland gets as much private sector support as Pittsburgh’s Pop City appears to.
Detroit Shoreway is “as chic as a small neighborhood in Chicago.”
Can you tell the difference between photos taken of Sarajevo and ones of Cleveland?
East Cleveland Awarded $25K grant to become Garden of Hopes and Dreams.
Rich History of Clevelands Community Activism
History isnt typically told from the point of view of ordinary working people. However, a new book gives us a substantial look at a short period of Cleveland history when ordinary people played an open and significant role in the citys life. Until they went too far for the Cleveland Establishment.
From a Give us a billion dollars fight against SOHIO to a fortress-storming demonstration by neighborhood activists at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club that spelled the end of private funding of community activists, a new book by Randy Cunningham examines organizing efforts to uplift Clevelands have-not neighborhoods and gives us a comprehensive, readable history of that period…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here
Quick reviews of recent events
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Big [Box]: Companions @ CPT 1/12
Recital Jewels: In this dance/theater piece set in a 1920’s salon by MegLouise Dance, it was the live singers who ruled. It was worth attending just to hear JR Fralick’s melting, sonorous tenor in Ricky Ian Gordon’s ravishing song cycle Genius Child, based on Langston Hughes poems. Soprano Amy Chistina Hall glittered indeed in Leonard Bernstein’s coloratura specialty Glitter and Be Gay. The most successful collaboration of the evening was Emily Balf’s dance to art songs by Poulenc, also beautifully sung by Hall. Pianist Nathan Carterette was a gifted accompanist.
Caveats: The acting was stiff and what little dialogue there was tended to be corny, and some of Megan Pitcher’s choreography was uninspired. But the core idea of a “salon” evening mixing dancers with live singers and piano was terrific; more dance companies should consider it.
Details: Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org. Big [Box] continues thru 2/24.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady from Rwanda — Dobama@ Tri-C East 1/13
Don’t Miss!: Dobama has hit a bases-loaded home run with this smashingly good production of Sonja Linden’s superb, inspiring play about the tender relationship that develops between a Rwandan genocide survivor and the blocked British poet who helps her with her memoir. Andrea Belser makes a stunning debut as the fierce, troubled young woman — you can read every thought as it flits across her gorgeous, mobile face. As the well-meaning sad sack poet, Scott Miller is delightfully funny and touching. Playwright Linden worked at a London refugee center, and it shows: the play is gripping, authentic, yet leavened with a surprising amount of good humor. This is easily one of the best plays of the year.
Free tour: If you can’t make it to Tri-C, catch the production at one of free touring performances in Tremont, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and Solon.
Details: Thru 1/20 @ Tri-C East, tour thru 2/1, http://www.dobama.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 1/13 For sure, American composer Charles Ives has achieved one mark of distinction. There is no way that any of his music could ever be mistaken for that of any other composer. It is unique. His setting of Psalm 135 into an Anthem-Processional for chorus, organ, trombone, trumpet and percussion is only five or so minutes in length, but it seemed unusually disjointed, even for Ives. That shouldnt be taken as meaning it was unpleasant, just that in places it couldnt seem to make up its mind what it really wanted to be. It might be more effective using only the chorus; for the most part the instruments couldnt be heard, anyway. Nonetheless, the large Cleveland Orchestra Chorus was enthusiastic and diligent…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here
Avenue Q @ Playhouse Square 1/15
Snarky fun: Ever wish you had a “Sesame Street”-style guide to life after college? The almost relentlessly clever-cute Avenue Q uses Children’s Television Workshop conventions and bouncy songs to explore the confusing life of the 20-something urban dweller faced with crappy jobs, roommates, and relationships. How can you not be charmed by a show with songs like “It Sucks to Be Me” or a follow-the-bouncing-ball anthem to “Schadenfreude” (pleasure in other people’s unhappiness)? The 7-person cast is delightful, switching characters flawlessly while handling and voicing their expressive Muppet-like alter egos.
Caveats: Don’t bring the kids, unless your idea of family fun is naked puppet sex and songs about Internet porn. The show could use more intimacy than the cavernous Palace provides, and the sound was a bit tinny, making lyrics sometimes hard to hear.
Details: Thru 1/27, Palace Theatre. http://www.playhousesquare.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
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Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) Cleveland Cinemas has a belated holiday gift for residents who live near four of its theaters.
www.ClevelandCinemas.com
2) Local man foreclosed upon outcome is a pass for a decade without payments!
www.CrainsCleveland.com
3) Sports Illustrated gives Cle its props.
www.CrainsCleveland.com
4) Emissions from the Blogosphere The Euclid Tavern is making its triumphant return this month.
Check out Jeff’s blog
5) RoldoLINK Hagan Again Puts Taxpayers in Bind.
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Are you Cle Literate? That is, getting wise to all the city has to offer? Better still, are you doing everything you can to help the region succeed? Or are you sitting on the sidelines? It’s all easier than ever thanks to your friendly, neighborhood Hard Corps. Thanks (as always) to Peter Chakerian, George Nemeth, T.L. Champion, Steve Copley, Jeffrey Bowen, Kelly Ferjutz, Claudia J. Taller, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roldo Bartimole and 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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