8.20-8.27.08
Rollin’
In this week’s issue:* Ingenious Lois Moss of Walk+Roll Cleveland * Ingenious Lakewood’s Car Kulture Show * Straight Outta Mansfield Frazier on “Poli-tricks” from City Hall * BFD Weekly Readers have their say on 10,000 Visions of Cleveland * Reads All the Way Home by ABJ scribe David Giffels * Sounds Cletus Black says That’s the Story * Yr Turn One reader writes “Let’s be positive, but…” * Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here
Rollin’ our own future, our region this week dips a little deeper into itself to see if old habits can change. Walk+Roll, now in it’s 3rd annual incarnation, and with a super-successful Lakewood spin-off under its belt, challenges us to get out of our cars, jump onto our bikes/sk8s/strollers and feel the power of cruising down the middle of MLK Jr. Blvd, without a car in site, checking out the entertainment and the Cultural Gardens. I’ll tell you right now, it feels good. Watch our video with Lois Moss at Ray’s MTB to get the inside scoop. Take yr kids to the Children’s Museum’s new “Healthy Ever After” exhibit and break the obesity habit that hurts so many of our kids & grown-ups. Click our podcasts for adults & kids to clue in your ears on cool stuff rolling your way. While Mansfield laments the poli-tricks from City Hall, roll your crew into a great disc by Cletus Black, a dizzyingly great read from the ABJ scribe David Giffels and an even better week… all with the help of a few clicks below. –Thomas Mulready
Lois Moss
Walk+Roll 2008
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Lois Moss co-founded Century Cycles and could be vacationing in Italy right now. Instead, she’s busting the red tape to open up Rockefeller Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the Cultural Gardens to pedestrian & bike traffic from 11AM to 6PM on Sun 8/24, the third year in a row she’s pulled off such a feat. Join others on skates, bikes, strollers and even the occasional Segway, as vehicles are detoured off the road and you can explore the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Cultural Garden, belly dancing demonstrations, tai chi, yoga, a music stage, square dancing, opera in the Italian Cultural Garden, Audubon Society demos, Something Dada improv, even bike polo. Check this video by Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready shot at Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park. www.WalkRoll.com
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Cleveland Inner City Ballet offers professionally taught dance classes to children at every level of experience. Classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Praise Dance. Classes begin Sat 9/13 from 3 – 5PM. The people at Cleveland Inner City Ballet believe that every child deserves to have the gift of dance. The program celebrates 10 years this year and they do great work for the community. Be a part of their experience. 3615 Euclid Ave., The Cleveland Masonic and Performing Arts Center, 3rd Floor (Dancing Wheels). Call 903-6604 or email Chanda Ford at chanda2ford@yahoo.com for details. Nominal fee. Learn about these and other dance workshops by clicking here.
“Healthier Ever After” Grand Opening Get fit and have fun as a family with this great Children’s Museum of Cleveland exhibit launch Sat 8/23 from 10AM – 4:45PM. Kids can move and groove, shake and stretch, even climb and slide in a new exhibit — a fairy-tale inspired gallery space filled with activities about nutrition, healthy lifestyles and exercise. Learn fun food facts, snag a kid-friendly recipe book and other goodies and get geared up for the new school year. The exhibit also feature art works by some 50 award-winning Cleveland Metropolitan School District students as part of the Fruit and Veggie More Matters poster contest campaign. Call 791-7114 or visit http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.
HOT Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Get ready to head back to school with Interplanet Janet, Just a Bill, the Conjunction Junction engineer, and all the favorites from the Saturday morning “Schoolhouse Rock” cartoons, when the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! on Mon 8/25 at 8PM. The one-night-only performance will be held at Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Rd., Parma Heights. All proceeds benefit the AIDS Taskforce outreach, care and educational services. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at 357-2223. All ages welcome. Check out this fun little link for more details.
The Fourth Annual K-9 Splash is an end-of-summer “dog swim” at Wallace Lake in Berea, but it’s not just for those “best friends.” Join over 200 swimmers, both canine and human, on Sun 8/24 from 1 – 3PM with swimming, games, prizes, giveaways and more — all to benefit the Berea ARF (Animal Rescue Fund). Great for the whole family, especially if “you’re for dogs,” to quote a certain spot. http://www.bereaanimalrescue.com.
Cleveland Music School Settlement Open House Learn about everything the CMSS has to offer students and dabble in everything they offers at their historic University Circle location Sun 8/24 starting at 1PM. Sample private instrumental lessons, learn about early childhood arts classes, and enjoy live performances by students and faculty. No cost, open to the public. Get your details by calling 421-5806 or clicking http://www.thecmss.org.
Spirit of Clay Summer Marketplace and Kids Art Show This contemporary “Paint Your Own Pottery, Clay & Glass Fusing Art Studio” is hosting a Summer Marketplace featuring local artists, customers and friends displaying and selling their artistic creations. The Marketplace runs in tandem with a spectacular Kids Art Show displaying pieces created during Spirit of Clay’s summer camp. The Summer Marketplace 2008 and Kids Art Show is on Sun 8/24 from 12 – 4PM at Spirit of Clay, 828 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield Village. http://www.spiritofclay.net.
HOT Walk + Roll Cleveland Lois Moss launched this great event, which explores Rockefeller Park and Cleveland’s cultural gardens a couple short years ago and already it’s become legendary! Take advantage of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive being partially closed to cars by bringing your bikes, sk8s, crosstrainer shoes and more and take advantage of soaking in this great natural space Sun 8/24 starting at 11AM. An opera in the Italian cultural gardens, and a 70th anniversary gathering in the Hungarian cultural gardens are among the other highlights. No cost, open to the public and all aged encouraged to come! http://www.walkroll.com.
Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.
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Looks like Walk+Roll is having an impact outside the region. Click
The Walk+Roll Lakewood event was also a pretty big success. Click
Are you diggin’ on Akron Bike Week? Be a part of the action by clicking here
Sutherland’s run for County Commissioner is gaining momentum. Click
Holden Arboretum acquires 90 acres protecting Lake Erie waters & 200 year old cabin! Click and Click Again
When will Ohio bottom out on foreclosure activity? Hard to say, but this story has some signposts. Read
Cle Philharmonic announces 71st season and hits the highlights here
Civic Innovation Lab winners Fresh Fork Market has a novel approach to fresh food in NEO. Take a look here
Cle native Phil Donahue to receive Ohio Citizen Action Metzenbaum award next month. Click
Heights Observer hits airwaves on WJCU 88.7-FM. Click
Our pal Mike D talks up CPT’s Pandemonium 08 benefit. Check out the blurb here
Maltz Museum gets super powers with their superhero event next month. Click
Take your Walk+Roll vibes and follow it with CAMBA for their no-cost mountain bike skills clinic. Click
Local doorman at clubs writes book that a lot of club-hoppers will surely be interested in. It will be released later this month. Click
The “Army Virtual Experience” at the upcoming Cle Air Show is bound to be the subject of conversation, controversy. Veterans for Peace are already talking about it in a big way. Get a taste of it here
Want more info about Uptown/University Circle area? Then be a part of the registration for this Tue 8/26 briefing at 7PM here
New sights, sounds, season at the Cleveland Institute of Music, including a sublime idea — the Mixon Hall Masters Series!!! We’re all ears!!!
Nighttown in Cle Hts wins best of Cle live music venues in AOL poll. Click
Construction begins on Oberlin’s environmentally innovative Phyllis Litoff Building, which will serve as the college’s new home for jazz studies. Click.
Cleveland Food Not Bombs’ “Unconvention” is headed to St. Paul, Minnesota with a marching band called the Rude Mechanical Orchestra and more. Learn more here
2009 Figure Skating Championships in Cle and tix are on sale Friday! Click
Thorn Creek Winery & Gardens in Aurora is pretty cool. Click
R.I.P. Miles Coburn Heights Arts director Peggy Spaeth’s husband, Miles Coburn, was killed in a tragic bicycle accident last weekend. The 58-year-old John Carroll University biology professor (and avid cyclist) was struck on the morning of Saturday, August 16 by a sport utility vehicle while biking on Ohio Rt. 44 (Ravenna Rd.) in Geauga County. He died that afternoon at MetroHealth Medical Center — almost two years to the day Cleveland Orchestra bassist Charles Barr was struck by a truck and died while cycling. A wake for Coburn will be held today, Wed 8/20 from 4 – 8PM, at Dolan Science Center at John Carroll University (20700 North Park Blvd., University Heights). The funeral will be the following day, Thu 8/21 at 11AM, at Church of the Gesu (2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights). A reception will follow the latter service. Contributions in his memory can be made to “¿Project QUE?” — a multifaceted JCU initiative Coburn led to raise educational aspirations for Hispanic middle school students on Cleveland’s west side. And if you’re planning to attend the wake or the funeral, we’re told that you should “please consider riding your bicycle or walking.”
Viktor Schreckengost’s famous Mammoth and Mastodon sculptures which were created in 1956 for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are being carefully removed from the Zoo’s Pachyderm Building for future restoration. See photos of Schreckengost’s work at the Zoo. http://www.clemetzoo.com.
Cleveland Public Library’s rich mix of research resources and neighborhood centers is currently serving a population of 478,403. The Library’s circulation of all materials increased by 11.8% in June 2008 compared to June 2007. Visitors to the library increased by 4.9% in June 2008 compared to June 2007. In 2007, 2.1 million reference questions were answered. http://cpl.org.
Walk+Roll Projects Aside from having an extraordinarily busy summer, Lois Moss and the Walk+Roll catalysts are working with Cleveland Police to bring back bicycles being used by the CPD, producing the third year of Walk+Roll Cleveland in Rockefeller Park and The Cultural Gardens (see this week’s listings) and spearheading a bicycle route for the Sparx in the City Gallery Hop! Check out details at http://www.walkroll.com.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.
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SPONSORED: John Adams Author Launches Writers Series. Some of the brightest lights in literature are appearing in Cleveland as part of Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 2008-2009 William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage Program: Experience in person two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough; Gourmet magazine’s Roadfood columnists Jane & Michael Stern, who also host NPR’s Two for the Road; and, young literary icons Myla Goldberg, Jonathan Lethem and Colson Whitehead interviewed on stage by book expert Nancy Pearl. The Series closes with John Updike, a leading author of his generation whose Rabbit books are renowned Get dates & ticket info at http://www.WritersCenterStage.org.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Awww, Rats! On Wed 8/20 Cleveland will have one week left to say goodbye to the Year of the Rat public art installation that has adorned the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.. Each piece will be removed from their designated place in front of local businesses, restaurants, museums, and other establishments and disappear forever. Some 25 giant rat sculptures were placed in the area starting in June, celebrating public art, the neighborhood’s growing Asian Community and more. The Chinese Year of the Rat began with the new moon on February 7. http://www.stclairsuperior.org.
Troubadours of Divine Bliss The Louisville-based female folk duo celebrates their latest CD with a release party Wed 8/20 at 8PM at the Brother’s Lounge, 11609 Detroit Ave. You’ll love their jingle-jangle. Call 226-2767 for more info. http://www.brotherslounge.com. http://troubadoursofdivinebliss.com.
Rally for Health Care Access Get on the bandwagon Wed 8/20 from 1 – 3PM at a rally in the parking lot of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, 3210 Euclid Ave. Learn about healthcare access for all, share your stories and hear from Kathie McClure, Atlanta-based attorney and founder of http://www.votehealthcare.org. Kathie understands personally the burden of health insurance crises, unaffordable insurance premiums, medical expenses, and drug costs. Millions of Americans are faced with this every day. Call 357-2221 or email epike@atfgc.org for details. More information at http://www.votehealthcare.org or http://www.aidstaskforce.org.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers features an afternoon with singer songwriter and classical guitarist Nanette Sauline-Midgely Wed 8/20, as she performs in the event section of the bookstore. Free admission to this performance includes the opportunity to register to win prizes and receive discount vouchers for the store and Bronte Bistro. For more info, call 691-7000 or visit http://www.josephbeth.com.
HOT The Bluestone Brooks: Heart of the Eastern Inner Ring This natural and historical exploration of landscape begins at the Cleveland Heights Historical Center at Superior Schoolhouse (14391 Superior Rd., at Euclid Heights Blvd) on Thu 8/21 at 6PM. A walking tour of Cumberlands Dugway Brook (rain or shine) and lecture on history of bluestone brooks by Dr. Roy Larick are among the highlights. Pebbles Bush, horticulturist/native plant specialist with the Cle Metroparks, will lead the guided tour. Dress for hiking. Reservations required, call 291-4878. http://clevelandheights.com. http://www.chhistory.org.
Mr. Wilson’s Kids: From East Cleveland to Beijing Theres been a lot of coverage and excitement in the news about the Shaw High School Marching Band’s trip to China this past June. Now, Northeast Ohioans can go along with them when they watch WVIZ/PBS for “Mr. Wilson’s Kids: From East Cleveland to Beijing” on Thu 8/21 at 9PM. The doc follows the students’ preparations, their 11 days spent in China, and their return to NEO in July. The Shaw Band was one of only five high schools across the nation — and the only high school marching band from the state of Ohio — invited to participate in this global, pre-Olympics event. http://www.wviz.org.
New World Wines Join your friends in Ohio City for the latest installment of their Ohio City Wine Tasting series. This month, they explore “New World Wines” on Thu 8/21 from 6 – 8PM at the home of John and Mary Corneley. 1754 Fulton Rd. This event features wines from Argentina and Chile, which will be accompanied by a variety of delicious appetizers matched to complement the vintages being served. Due to capacity constraints, this tasting is strictly limited to 30 people and admission is by advance purchase only. To order tix, call 781-3222.
Rubber City Rebels and Teacher’s Pet Punk rock fans unite! These two legendary local acts are doing a pair of gigs this month — Thu 8/21 at Eddie’s (456 E. South St., Akron) and Fri 8/22 at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo. Expect brash, snappy chords and clouds of dust when the Smog Veil artists hit the stage. (And hey, FYI, Eddie’s has great pizza). http://www.beachlandballroom.com. http://www.myspace.com/chuckssteakhouse1. http://www.smogveil.com.
SPONSORED: WCLV 104.9 FM is a window on the world of classical music with weekly broadcasts by front ranked orchestras. During the summer months on Mondays at 9PM, you can hear programs by the San Francisco Symphony and on Tuesdays at 9PM, concerts by various groups from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Thursdays at 9, Symphonycast presents a variety of orchestral programs from around the world. And, of course, on Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 4PM, the home town band takes to the WCLV airwaves. Complete details at http://www.WCLV.com.
California Guitar Trio The “Masters of Guitar Series” presented in association with Roots of American Music features this trio of King Crimson protégés/collaborators for two shows Fri 8/22 at 8PM and 10PM. The education organization, Roots of American Music (ROAM), offers this third in the series of events. CGT’s instrumental styles fuse classical, rock, blues, jazz, world music bluegrass and more; they’re a stunning virtuoso tour de force with a rabid following. They play Nighttown in Cleveland Heights and you need to hear them. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com. http://www.rootsofamericanmusic.org.
HOT Arts in August: Verb Ballets Cleveland’s National Repertory Dance Company performs in Lincoln Park in Tremont Fri 8/22 and Sat 8/23 at 8:15PM — part of the neighborhood “Arts in August” programming. The no-cost, open to the public outdoor program features the summer 2008 world premiere dance Mondo Jumbo; the company premiere Ski-Du; and the return of Chichester Psalms, Laura’s Women, and Andante Sostenuto. This is a family-friendly event; audience members are encouraged to arrive early and to bring blankets or chairs. (Rain date is Sun 8/24). Lincoln Park is located between West 14th, West 11th, Kenilworth and Starkweather Ave., Tremont. http://www.verbballets.org. http://www.tremontwest.org/artsinaugust.htm.
Andrea Chenoweth This Cleveland-based soprano sang in Der Rosenkavalier with the Cleveland Orchestra (see CC video interview here) and is giving a recital on Fri 8/22 at 7PM at Epworth-Euclid United Methodist Church in University Circle. She’ll be performing a wide range of classical songs and opera arias in many languages. Eric Charnofsky, pianist, will accompany. Consider this a preview gig: Chenoweth has been invited to compete at the Dutch International Vocal Competition in The Netherlands in September and all of the music she performs will also be performed at the competition. No cost, open to the public. 1919 E 107th St. Call 421-1200 or 409-3720 for more info.
Steve Lukather is best known as guitarist and sometime lead vocalist and songwriter for the hit making group Toto, but there is a lot more to him than that. Check out the guitarist and singer-songwriter in a rare live gig at the Winchester in Lakewood Fri 8/22 at 8PM. http://www.stevelukather.net. http://thewinchester.net.
OutRun Ovarian Cancer 5K Race/Walk The “OROC” org’s fifth annual 5K Race/Walk and 1-Mile Family Fun Run hits Sat 8/23 with a start and finish at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum. Musicians and bands jam out along the route to support cheer on the participants, who will jet past Cleveland musical and historical landmarks. Visit http://www.oroc.org for more details; to register online as an individual or a team, go to http://www.hermescleveland.com.
Black & White: A Fashionable Affair Show off your style and creativity at this Tropical Rhythms shindig Sat 8/23 starting at 8PM. Black and white attire (either/or, in combination) is the dress motif, with a complimentary cocktail for those in appropriate garb. Sushi and Mallorca appetizers will be part of the fun, along with a live Salsa band (Combo Boricua) at 9PM and spinning by DJ Gozadera. All this for a Lincoln, and just for being your “cool, classy, elegant self.” Can’t go wrong there. Details can be found at http://www.tropicalcleveland.com.
Tremont Unite Support non-violent solutions at this rally for the Tremont Community at 7:30PM on Sat 8/23 in the Gazebo at Lincoln Park, in support of residents on W. 12th St. The Tremont community has been made of some senseless crimes lately and the residents are coming together in support of their neighbors. Because of recent actions against Tremont residents, this no-cost, open to the public gathering is an effort show it. Lincoln Park, between Starkweather and Kenilworth Avenues on West 14th St. Call 771-5077 for more information.
An Evening with Steve Smith and Dave Weckl The culmination of drum clinics from both percussion giants hits Sat 8/23 from 7 – 11PM at the Forum Conference Center, One Cleveland Ctr, 1375 E. 9th St. Smith (Journey, Steps Ahead, Vital Information) and Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern) have been named to Modern Drummer magazine’s “top 25 of all time.” Pretty cool to have them here. http://www.drumfantasycamp.com/concert.htm or call 440-498-3395 for details.
Adam Marsland will be in Cleveland on Sat 8/23 at 8PM at Winchester Tavern in Lakewood, touring in support of Daylight Kissing Night: The Best of Adam Marsland. The 20-track collection of songs spans his previous band Cockeyed Ghost and solo songs. He’s got a great indie-pop sound. http://www.myspace.com/adammarsland. http://thewinchester.net.
HOT Walk + Roll Cleveland Lois Moss launched this great event, which explores Rockefeller Park and Cleveland’s cultural gardens a couple short years ago and already it’s become legendary! Take advantage of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive being partially closed to cars by bringing your bikes, sk8s, crosstrainer shoes and more and take advantage of soaking in this great natural space Sun 8/24 starting at 11AM. An opera in the Italian cultural gardens, and a 70th anniversary gathering in the Hungarian cultural gardens are among the other highlights. No cost, open to the public and all aged encouraged to come! http://www.walkroll.com.
Bernstein on Broadway Loras John Schissel will conduct the Blossom Festival Orchestra in a program titled “Bernstein on Broadway” at the Blossom Festival on Sun 8/24 at 7PM. The concert will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein (which is on the following day). His daughter Jamie Bernstein will make her Blossom Festival debut as narrator. The program will include selections from Candide, Wonderful Town, and West Side Story. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.
Bicycle Scavenger Hunt It’s a blast for the whole family and it hits University Park in Akron Sun 8/24 at 1PM at Eddy’s Bike Shop, 160 E. Exchange St., Akron. Part Road Race, Part scavenger hunt of heroic proportions, participants will be given a map of University Park and a list of checkpoints, both popular and obscure. Plan your route, get to know the University Park neighborhood, complete all the tasks, and demonstrate safe cycling. Experience the ease of using a bicycle for daily trips are errands through this exciting challenge. Rider orientation and bike law briefing must be attended at 1:00pm before the start of the race. Fun and useful prizes will be awarded for finishers in many categories. NOTE: This is not a closed course event; helmets required. Benefits bicycle programs at Leggett and Mason Schools. Call 330-972-8859 or email info@upakron.com. http://www.upakron.com.
Olympic Triathlon: Geauga Style Test your endurance by taking part in Geauga Park District’s upcoming Olympic Triathlon: Geauga Style, being held on Sun 8/24 from 1 – 4PM @ Headwaters Park, 13365 Old State Road, in Huntsburg and Claridon Twps. Test your athletic ability on their special triathlon course. Paddle a canoe through a course on East Branch Reservoir, hike a 2 mile section of the Buckeye trail and finish off the experience with a 2 mile bike ride along a section of the Maple Highlands Trail. For ages 12 and up. Not a timed competition; just a fun, exciting test of your abilities and a great way to celebrate the summer Olympics. Register in advance by calling 440-286-9516 or visit http://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
HOT 10 Years of Farm to Table Benefit This celebration of local farmers, farmers markets and importance of honeybees is a collaboration between Cleveland Botanical Garden and North Union Farmers Market. Farm to Table spotlights chefs from the area’s top restaurants as they prepare cuisine from fresh, local ingredients. The party is held on the Geis Terrace of Cleveland Botanical Garden and great food and live music by Tofu Fighters Mon 8/25 starting at 5:30PM. Author Michael Ruhlman will moderate a panel discussion on Local and Green food. Chef stations open after the hour-long session. Come hungry. Proceeds benefit Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Green Corps program and the nonprofit North Union Farmers Market. http://www.northunionfarmersmarket.org. http://www.cbgarden.org.
Mike Petrone Trio CD release party at Johnny’s Downtown, celebrating the release of Mediterranean Jazz with a performance starting around 6PM on Mon 8/25. Expect to see some old friends join Petrone onstage for an “outrageous jam.” Make reservations at 623-0055, and view his new video here: http://www.youtube.com/mikepetronetrio. http://www.MikePetrone.com
Bike Movie Night in University Park This no-cost, open to the public event is sponsored By Summa Foundation and hits the U of Akron Student Union, Gardner Theater Mon 8/25 at 5PM. Community members, students and university faculty and staff are invited to check out flicks with a bicycle theme; arrive on your two-wheeler and you’re automatically entered to win fab prizes! There’s a bike valet service, popcorn, info on new bike routes under construction in University Park and screenings of Yellow Bike Project, Ladri di Biciclette and Oscar winner Breaking Away. Helmets are available for purchase. 303 Carroll St., Akron. Call 330-972-8859 or email info@upakron.com. http://www.upakron.com.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Lakewood Car Kulture Show
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The 2008 Lakewood Car Kulture Show has come a long way since entrepreneur Chris Andrews started it in Lakewood’s Madison Village to showcase the alternative culture in one of the Cleveland area’s most alternative neighborhoods. With live music venues, bondage shops and CD stores proliferating, the SE corner of Lakewood has attracted its share of iconoclastic young people. The Car Kulture Show gets bigger every year, drawing retro rockabilly cats and their hopped up roadsters. On Sat 8/16, with loud music by bands such as The Marauders on the street, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready sidled up to the Lakewood Observer’s Jim O’Bryan, opening new media bi-weekly newspapers & web sites all around NEO, who also was instrumental in kicking off the Car Kulture Show, and who displays his own 1958 BMW Isetta, sporting one cylinder and 71 MPG. Get an eyeful of the retro fashionistas, the Burning River Roller Girls, and some of the hottest rods in the county. www.CarKultureShow.com
A hot selection of tech and business news & events from around the region. Got business news? Send it to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Biz lands $40M NASA contract Elyria’s Information Dynamics scores bigtime. Click
Cool Places to Work in Cle are highlighted in this event here
Lorain could be returning as int’l port if this plan pushes ahead. Click
CAK Runway Expansion is at midpoint Good news for the airport and its traveling fans. Click
Nominations Deadline Extended for the Medical Mutual Pillar Awards! New Deadline is Wed 8/27. Click
Learn about the 2008 Lake Communicators Apex Awards by clicking here
Do you have 10,000 visions of Cleveland? If you do, then you should be hard-wired into what’s going on here
Local Goebel Group’s Google Gadgets for iGoogle rock the latest Web2.0 tech. Click
2008 Bioneers Conference should peak the interest of social and scientific innovators. Click
Rock Hall Annex in NYC We were as shocked as the next Clevelander to hear about this story — especially since CNN, MSNBC, and several other news orgs including the New York Observer scooped the PD and the Rock Hall’s own press release on the subject…? We’re not ready to “go all Feagler” about it but let’s do some simple arithmetic, shall we: if the Rock Hall’s “Annex” does 100-200X the business in a SoHo location (more attendees), and does so with 1/10th of the footprint (less overhead), and with leaders of the industry able to appear there almost instantaneously (“easy access,” how very rock ‘n roll!!) it’s an interesting situation, particularly from a business standpoint. Time will tell, we’re guessing. http://www.rockhall.com.
Ohio Green Fleets Today, Wed 8/20 at 10AM, the Ohio Green Fleets Program of the Earth Day Coalition in Ohio City will debut its logo and program information at Burke Lakefront Airport. If your fleet has vehicles fueled w/ CNG (compressed natural gas), ethanol, biodiesel, propane, or using a technology like DPF’s, DOC’s, APU’s, hybrid-electric, etc., then you should be at Burke with it to demonstrate to attendees what a green vehicle looks like! http://www.earthdaycoalition.org.
SPONSORED: FITTech Alert Let your VoIP be heard! Would you like to check your voice mail via an audio file in your email? Would phones on your computer or video conferencing make your staff more efficient? What if your voice, video and IM were all integrated? FIT Technologies has the technical expertise and the experience to implement a custom VoIP system for your company–cool stuff to connect to your customers 24/7/365. Let your VoIP be heard! Learn more @ http://www.FitTechnologies.net/telco.htm.
Get Organized Workshop organization seminar talks “From Outlook to Everything Else” and hits Wed 8/20 at 9AM. Click
Green PR Track: How to Communicate Your Green Commitments to the outside world Wed 8/20 at 1:30PM. More Info
Event Production Processes Lighting, Staging, Planning… Oh My! on Wed 8/20 at LaCentre, Westlake. Register
Health Care Heroes awards and networking luncheon hits Thu 8/21. Get your tix and details here
New Media: Tricks of the Trade Learn to use it to your biz advantage in this JumpStart forum, which hits Fri 8/22. Details can be found here
Breakfast for the Brain event discusses “Understanding and Leveraging Your Team” Fri 8/22 starting at 8:30AM. Click
How Secure is Your Business? This executive session on security breaches hits Fri 8/29 at 8:30AM at Corp College East. Click
I-Open Education: 2008 Leadership Retreat hits Punderson starting Wed 9/10. Info and registration here
BVU’s Role of the Board details roles of board and senior staff at NPOs feat. Dr. Linda Abraham-Silver of GLSC Fri 9/12 at 8AM Details
Exploring Entrepreneurship hits Corp Coll. East Tue 9/16 at 7PM. Details
Manf’g woes? Can’t find qualified workers? Hear from a panel of employers who have identified unique strategies to address workforce challenges. Wed 9/17 at 7:30AM, Corp. Coll East. Register
Investing in weak economy is subject of n’working b’fast seminar at City Club starting at 7:30AM on Fri 9/19. Details here
2008 NanoMedicine Summit drops into Cle on Thu 9/25 and Fri 9/26. Learn more and register here
3rd Ann NEO Energy Conf Learn energy cost-cutting/savings strategies, help save on bottom line and learn ESPs and MROs on Tue 9/30. Details
6th Ann Medical Innovation Summit This amazing three-day event starts Mon 11/10 and runs through midweek. Jim Tobin, Pres/ CEO of Boston Scientific headlines. Learn about it all here
HOT Cleveland Business Run The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club and many others are participating in this event Sun 8/24. The Cleveland Business Run 5K Run/Walk for Sales & Marketing Executives Cleveland (SME) and The American Diabetes Association showcases a 2K Walk, 5K Run and a unique “5K Briefcase Relay” (for teams of 3). After the race over 20 businesses will host a no-cost “Business Carnival” with games like the Attaché Toss, a Texting Competition, a Water Cooler Drink-off and human bowling. Prizes will be awarded to race winners and carnival goers. First place race winners (male and female) will win a one year free membership to SME. Learn more here.
“Poli-tricks” from City Hall
In a meeting where citizens displayed a fierce determination to protect the right of self-determination (a display that would have warmed the heart of our recently-deceased representative to City Council, Fannie Lewis) the residents of Ward 7 showed their backbone by rising up as one, in lockstep unison, to mock and jeer City Council President Martin Sweeny, and virtually run him out of Gethsemane Baptist Church this past Sunday evening.
Residents, led by the elected precinct committee members and the ward club president who has served as Fannies trusted lieutenant for over a decade, were simply not buying what Sweeny was attempting to sell, and they were quite vocal about it… just like Fannie would have been. After he came to the realization that no matter what kind of spin he attempted to put on the truth and that his version of events was just not going to fly, he looked at his watch and gave the attendees at the pubic meeting the lame-assed excuse that he’d told his wife that he’d be home by 7PM, so he really couldnt stay much longer. No kidding. It was almost like, “Wow, just look at the time… sorry, I’d like to stay here longer so that you guys can continue to stomp a mud hole in my ass, but, gee, my supper is getting cold.” Some leadership…
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here
This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com
Joe Roman, president and chief executive officer of the GCP said, We wanted to partner with “10,000 Little (micro) Ideas” to bring Cleveland this exciting and fun afternoon of activities presenting all the projects that are building positive momentum in Cleveland. “10,000” is an organization of enthusiastic and committed grassroots leaders who are working to strengthen this region. This event provides a great opportunity for us to showcase the business community’s economic development initiatives, and we in turn, can hear from you about your 10,000 visions of Cleveland.
These BFD readers had their say:
Read and add your comment here
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Chef/author Michael Ruhlman says goodbye to his Dad on his blog, celebrating his life here.
Graffiti art celebrated at the Euclid Tavern.
Cleveland Fruit Share connects the folks who would like to pick fruit with people who have fruit trees that need harvesting.
Richard Stuebi bets we’ll see another major power outage in the U.S. in the next decade.
RTA suspends plans to make cuts in service and raise fares.
Rock Hall Annex gives blogger pause to suggest “a mass commodization would only weaken our imprint.”
Moxie is trying to utilize as many local producers as possible, from cheese, to meat to produce.
all the way home
David Giffels
HarperCollins
Akron Beacon Journal scribe David Giffels chronicles a coming of age of sorts
and all while renovating a turn-of-the-century home in Akron in his book All the Way Home. An insightful wordsmith through and through, Giffels has penned plenty of other memorable work books about Devo and the Akron rubber industry among them but none of them have been said to wow Oprah and the savvy GQ fellas. In a recent issue of the talk show queen’s O at Home magazine, Giffels’ latest effort tops the “Fantastic Summer Reads” list; GQ ‘s “June Essentials” page offers the book as a work “everyone should be talking about.”They’re both right. To paraphrase a really smart rock writer in town, the Lollapalooza Generation is growing up and just because we’ve got mortgages and life insurance policies now, doesn’t mean we’ve stopped being cool the toys are just more complicated (and in varying states of disarray sometimes) and the boys are simply maturing. Giffels details his “Building a Family in a Falling-Down House” with gaiety, youthful wisdom and heart-wrenching honesty tackling Home Deephole projects and the foundations of marriage and parenting and all with a soundtrack made for your iPod. Kevin O’Connor and Norm Abram be damned, Giffels turns “This Damn House” into “This Old House,” then turns that on its ear and renovates all three (home, marriage, family) while “adding on” to himself in the process.
Home projects are hard enough; taking out a beam and knocking out walls in your personal life even harder. Giffels does it all with endearing grandeur. This is a great read. You can learn more about Giffels’ new book by clicking here.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
That’s the Story
Cletus Black
As a rock critic, I really hate to draw comparisons. That doesnt always stop me, but I digress
many things have stuck with me since I first heard local roots-rock iconoclast Cletus Black years ago. His sandpapery voice and emotional depth charges remind me of an alt-country Leonard Cohen, with toasty-oaked, whiskey-soaked shades of J.J. Cale at his edges. Black’s songs come from a heart that’s surely on its way to said color, lined with Springsteen flourishes and melancholy violets. His latest effort is a strong, rich tour de force — the ubiquitous audio equivalent to French press coffee.This new release features many of Black’s “Revue” band and opens (surprisingly enough) with a gritty cover of Cale’s “Bringing it Back” — which soars on producer Dave Morrison’s mouth harp skills. Black’s remaining 11 original tracks mine plebeian strength from brokenhearted blues. Cuts like “Heavy and Blue,” “Never Enough” (with harpist Colin Dussault), “This Thing for You” and the threadbare “Sanctified” all offer varying degrees of haunting imagery and stark raving ability. Black’s one hell of a poet; I vaguely recall him being compared to film noir at one point in his career. With musicians like Tommy Rich (drums) and Greg Hurd (piano) backing him up, his songwriting feels far larger than any big screen could hold. And much larger than local.
Cletus Black performs at the Sunset Grille on Whiskey Island by Wendy Park Friday August 22 from 8-11PM. Directions at http://www.wendypark.org/directions.html. Details at http://www.cletusblack.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
Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com
Harold & Maude @ Cain Park 8/13 Yes, this production is based on the cult 1971 film. Devotees of said film will have to accept that the musical not only changes the plot a bit, but softens up the chilly, darkly comic mood of the original. This is with good reason: a movie distances the viewer from the reality, theatre doesnt allow for this. The insertion of music also changes the flow of the production. In addition, when one media is transformed into another, changes naturally take place. A classic example is the comedy film version of The Producers versus the musical version. So, does this mean that Harold & Maude, An Intimate Musical is a great piece of theatre? No. But, it has personal values that make for a charming and tender evening of theatre. And, if the reaction of the audience the night I attended is any indication, then there is much to like about Victoria Bussert’s staging and interpretation.
The plot line centers on an attention-starved young man so fascinated with death that he attends strangers funerals, frequently fakes his own suicide and decapitation, but eventually finds love and self-respect in the presence of a 79-year old bohemian Holocaust survivor who sees the world as a place to explore and appreciate rather than view through a prism of rules and frustration. Tom Jones (The Fantastics) and newcomer Joseph Thalken have written an often smart, funny, irreverent, tuneful score. Again, the movie-obsessed will complain because the period-and mood-defining Cat Stevens soundtrack has been replaced. Again, so what!
As for the Cain Park production… are Corey Mach (Harold) and Maryann Nagel (Maude) the parallels to Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon of film fame? No. And, I, for one, am glad. They dont attempt to duplicate those performances. (Just as Nathan Lane doesnt do a Zero Mostel imitation in The Producers.)
Yes, Nagel, with her beautiful complexion and youthful voice isn’t 79. After a short while, it matters little. Her charm and naturalness shine through, and with her wonderful singing voice, she enfolds us in the characters philosophy of life. Her renditions of Two Sides of a River, The Real Thing, both sung with Mach, and The Chance to Sing, her plaintive solo, are all fine!
Tall, lanky and talented Mach is very believable as Harold. The opening scene, in which he sings a suicide note, climbs on a stool, puts his neck into a noose and steps off into the air and hangs there as his mother walks in, glances dismissively at the hanging body a few times, and reacts in horror with the line, “White socks with brown shoes!” is hysterical. He does a fine job of making the transition from an emotionally dead youth to a sensitive young man who seems to have found a purpose in life, thanks to Maude.
Jacqueline Cummins generally misses the mark as Harold’s mother. Yes, she is creating a caricature, but she does so inconsistently with little reality. On the other hand, Devon Yates and Patrick Janson, who portray all of the other characters, are delightful. It’s worth the price of admission to watch Yates, as Sunshine, an off-the-wall performer, sing and act out the hysterical “Montezuma.”
Bussert paces the show well, and though there were some opportunities for even more delight, she does well in keeping the audience involved. Jodie Ricci’s musical direction is right on key!
Capsule judgment: I found this production full of endearing melodies, quirky-humor and uplifting charm. For those who wanted this is to be a reenactment of the film version, get over it!
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.
Altar Boyz @ Beck Center 8/18 The recently concluded run of Altar Boyz at Beck Center was met with sizeable crowds and good word of mouth. That’s the positive part. The other aspect is that the show, both the script and the production, though entertaining, were somewhat lacking. Yes, the show received numerous awards, and has brought younger audience’s into the theatre, but what is it intended to be? Its not really a spoof, or a satire or a parody… It’s a Nunsense, Forever Plaid and Godspellkinda thing. It pokes fun at boy bands and brushes Christian/Catholic positions on evolution, homosexuality, and unwed mothers, among others, and, of course, turns the other cheek when necessary. But for what purpose, exactly? As one out-of-town reviewer said, “It’s amiable, but it’s also aimless.” And, being a message guy, that was my problem with the script.
The show, for those who didnt see it, is a supposedly real-time concert, in fact the last concert of the Altar Boyz’ “Raise the Praise” tour. The five-member group sing, have some lines that bridge the songs together, dance, and try and get the audience to repent. Their level of success is measured on a “sinner’s meter” which keeps track of those in the audience who are still on their way to hell. Finally, we are down to four hold-outs. And, no surprise, they are members of the Altar Boyz. All the members except the Jewish kid. Yep, one of the Catholic Altar Boyz is Jewish. Why, I’m not sure, but I’m certain that Kevin Del Agula, the script’s writer, figured he could use the yarmulke wearing kid for some laughs and use him as the only one who doesn’t sell out. Hmmm… is there a religious message here?
The show had its debut in September of 2004 at the New York MusicaTheatre Festival, opened Off Broadway in March of 2005 and has had a prosperous run. The show’s music and lyrics were written by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker and the idea was hatched by Ken Davenport and Marc Kessler. As for the Beck production…? It was an enjoyable experience, but could have been much more.
Now, to be fair, I saw the last show, a matinee mainly populated by senior citizens. There was mild response to the requests for participation and some audience members seemed lost in the material. One lady sitting near me was offended by the “sacrilegious” nature of the material. Since this is the kind of show that requires reaction from the audience, this might have been the reason for some flatness.
The obvious “star” of this production was John Riddle, who portrayed the fey Mark to perfection. He minced and over-gestured with panache. He has an excellent singing voice and appeared to be the only real dancer on stage. His “Epiphany” was delightful. John Rhett Noble (who has portrayed Gaston in the numerous recreations of Beck’s Beauty and the Beast) gives an adequate performance as Matthew, the leader of the group. He lacked the necessary vocal and personality dynamics to control the stage, but his “Something About You” was well done.
Connor O’Brien who portrayed Abraham had some projection problems. Part way through the show he ripped off his microphone, losing his head covering in the process, and did the ending with no electronic aid. His articulation needed work as many of his lines were lost. His character development was not always believable. Dan Grgic, portraying the less than bright southerner Luke, overdid the accent — causing comprehension problems and portrayed a characterization rather than a character. And Ryan Jagru was appealing as the Hispanic Juan, but often overdid the accent and at times lost the characterization.
Hernando Cortez’s choreography was creative and purposeful. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the dancers to execute the polish and perfection which Cortez demands of his Verbs Ballet company. Scott Spence’s direction was basically on course, but there were times when there needed to be more life, more enthusiasm, more naturalness from some of the cast members. Larry Goodpaster’s musical direction was excellent, but one could have wished that he had worked with the cast on better pronunciation. Some song lyrics were garbled.
Capsule judgment: Beck’ production was an enjoyable theatrical experience. A listening to the off-Broadway cast CD gives an idea of what the show could have been with a little more abandonment and dynamics.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.
Lets Be Positive, But Let’s Not Overdo It I like Cleveland plenty. I enjoy the Metroparks probably more than most and I regularly drive 150 miles in a weekend to take advantage of the various things Cleveland has to offer — live music, restaurants, clubs, sports, you name it, I’m willing to try it out. I’m in probably the most active MeetUp group ever and we are always doing stuff outside. So, no one can call me a couch potato. That being said, in the 13 years I have lived here Cleveland, things have come a long way but this city still has a hell of a long way to go. I have lived in Detroit, New Orleans, Memphis, Boone (NC), Vail, and Cleveland. I have traveled to Europe twice, Australia, the Caribbean islands, Canada, and have been in almost every US state at least once. I would like to think I have a decent knowledge base from which to draw from and to compare what Cleveland has to offer…
Read more from Cool Cleveland reader J. Norris here
Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) BizEd magazine publishes neat feature by Weatherhead prof David Cooperrider. #1 for a 2nd straight week!
Weatherhead.Case.edu
2) Forbes Magazine drops a bomb on Cleveland…plus overlooking some facts & saying C-town is one of the “fastest dying cities” in the country: Forbes.com, and see TeamNEO’s key economic facts here Send your comments here: ReadersATForbes.com and here: LettersATCoolCleveland.com.
3) Straight Outta Mansfield Cutting Off Our Collective Noses? Warning: this is going to be a column for “adults only.”
CoolCleveland.com
4) Cool Cleveland columnist Roldo Bartimole: Fannie Lewis — A Cleveland Original and a Treasure
CoolCleveland.com
5) First “certified green restaurant” opening on East 4th St. TheGreenhouseTavern.com, and First Melt expands now Five Guys moving into old Lakewood Party Station location. LakewoodAlive.com
Big Wheels and Higher Octane That’s what it takes to being you each and every episode of CC. Join us in high gear…? We thought so! Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Mansfield B. Frazier and (we welcome back with great fanfare) a healthy Roy Berko. 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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Parting shot,
–Thomas Mulready
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