Thankful

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11.26-12.3.08
Thankful

In this week’s issue:
* Holiday Guide Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries is BACK!
* Ingenious James Gaffigan of CityMusic Cleveland
* Kids Winterfest, Santa Claus… and the Budweiser Clydesdales, too!
* Straight Outta Mansfield Self-determination Comes to Hough
* Comment Fortune Favors the Bold, Film and House Bill 196
* Reads David Budin explores Jews Rock! by Janet Macoska
* Sounds The Rhythm Syndicate goes Live
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, Brewed Fresh Daily here

Welcome home. Pass along this week’s issue of Cool Cleveland to those long-lost friends and relatives who are returning this week to bask by the warmth of the home, even while the weather blusters. Forward our Holiday Buying Guide, with suggestions for thinking outside the [big] box [stores] and shopping local for your art, gifts, books, music, fashion, sustenance and sundries. Plus a profile of City Music’s James Gaffigan, a preview of Winterfest, plus a new book by Clevelander Janet Macoska and a new CD by The Rhythm Syndicate. It’s nice to be home, isn’t it? –Thomas Mulready

Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries

The Holiday Season is HERE, and whether you’re prepared for it or not, we here at Cool Cleveland are here to help you think outside the (Big) Box (stores). From Black Friday on, we’ll have a list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors to help you support NEO’s artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types across the region. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice that helps to support your local economy. Pictured is Andrew Morrell’s Lake Erie Sun Spots, featured for sale on his site. We’ll add new listings each week so check back every Wednesday for updates…

Click here for our Holiday Buying Guide

James Gaffigan, Music Director of CityMusic Cleveland

There’s a famous poem that starts: “If once you have slept on an island, you’ll never be quite the same again.” It’s by Rachel Field, and dates from the 1920’s. It seems reasonable, then, that being born and raised on Staten Island may have given James Gaffigan a boost up in his chosen career field. You’d think he had a rocket ship of his own to have climbed so far so fast.

When you look at him, he looks perhaps 19, but in reality, he’s almost 30. Wow. And here he is, for the last two years, Associate Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony, under Michael Tilson Thomas. For the three years prior to that, he was assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, and Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. Of course, he’s also been the only Music Director of City Music Cleveland, now in its fifth season. He was the second guest conductor of the new orchestra, and once his concerts were past, quickly moved into the permanent position. He loves it!

Read more from Kelly Ferjutz here

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Tell your newly elected officials to repower America. Click
Festival of Trees returns to Cle Play House just in time for the holidays! Click
Cleveland Colectivo seeks projects to support. Individuals, new businesses, and community projects should apply. Grants range from $500 and $5K. Deadline: 1/15/09. Details.
Mitzi’s Named One of the Top 10 Dive Bars in the U.S. — thanks to the PURE blog for the heads-up on this one. Rite of Passage

Most Valuable Kids Can’t make it to the CAVS game tomorrow night? Company seats for the Indians’ game up for grabs? Having a hard time locating someone to use your orchestra tickets for the weekend? What if you could give that ticket to a child in Cleveland who has never seen LeBron dunk or a play at the Playhouse? Most Valuable Kids (MVK) is a non-profit org that provides underpriviledged children with tickets to sporting and entertainment events, like the theater or orchestra, is bringing its mission to Cleveland. Learn more at http://www.mostvaluablekids.org.

Exclusive photos of last week’s American Music Masters conference honoring guitar legend and inventor Les Paul (his breakthrough “log” guitar is pictured). The day-long conference on Sat 11/15, organized by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities, featured panelists such as Gibson Guitar Corp CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and author Rob Lawrence, with a special appearance by Les Paul himself, who also performed later that evening at the State Theatre as part of the Tribute Concert produced by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which also featured The Ventures, James Burton, Duane Eddy, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Cleveland’s Eric Carmen, Lenny Kaye, Steve Lukather, Jennifer Batten, Richie Sambora and Slash. If you love guitar, you’re sorry if you missed it. See the photos here.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Podcast in iTunes.

Celebrate Winterfest
Here Comes Santa Claus (and the Budweiser Clydesdales, too!)

After Election Day, when politicians stop visiting Northeast Ohio to talk to their constituents, the next eagerly awaited visitor to Lake Erie’s south shore arrives on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That’s when Santa Claus arrives to talk to his constituents –the big difference being, of course, that Santa actually tries to deliver on his promises. Santa arrives in Cleveland on Saturday, November 29, as part of Winterfest 2008.

Lisa Krieger of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) tells us this year’s shindig is packed with activities. They spearhead Winterfest as well as many other downtown events — including Sparx in the City — and they definitely know how to throw a party…

Read more from Susan Petrone here

Blossom Holiday Lighting Festival It’s time to get into the holiday spirit. The 3rd annual event opens Fri 11/28 with 2 million twinkling lights, this family — friendly event is the biggest lighting display in NEO! Load up the car with the kiddos and cruise the Blossom Music Center grounds; you don’t even have to get out of the car (so you can even take in the two-mile holiday light drive in your PJs! We can already hear the satisfied kiddos snoring in the car on the way home, too. More info and details at http://www.blossomholidaylighting.com.

Larchmere Holiday Stroll & Shaker Square Tree Lighting will partner for the first time ever this Thanksgiving weekend, starting Fri 11/28. Both events are in their third decade and have local followings for their quirky shopping pleasures, fine dining, tradition, walkability, and grandeur of illumination. This year, the lighting ceremony will be on Sat 11/29 at 7PM. Call 421-2100 or 795-9800 for more information. http://www.loganberrybooks.com

Winterfest Every year, tens of thousands pack Cleveland’s Public Square to celebrate the start of the Holiday Season. On Sat 11/29 starting at 10AM and running late into the evening, the tradition continues with an entire day filled with family fun in Downtown! It’s all part of the 25th Annual Winterfest. Family friendly downtown fun! Click here for specific times and locations for all Winterfest 2008 events!

A Christmas Carol turns 20 The stage of the Ohio Theatre, PlayhouseSquare will glow with good spirits and time-honored tradition when Great Lakes Theater Festival (GLTF) presents its twentieth anniversary production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, running through late December. The production has delighted more than 500,000 people in its history, making it one of NEO’s most-loved and best-attended holiday events. http://www.greatlakestheater.org.

Cirque de la Symphonie blends the magic of Cirque performers including acrobats, jugglers and more with the music of the holidays performed by the magnificent Cleveland Pops Orchestra Sun 11/30 at 3PM. Expect the unexpected in a blend of holiday music and wonder, led by Pops conductor Carl Topilow. Palace Theatre, PlayhouseSquare Center. Call 241-6000 for more info. http://www.playhousesquare.org. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 12-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.

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

Rep. LaTourette scoping out $50M in severence to NatCity employees. Read
Sec. Paulson denies that bailout stiffed NatCity and the story is here
Sinking foreclosure feeling here on Ohio is still below the Midwest average. Read
South Koreans charged with industrial espionage against Lubrizol and the story is here
TRIAD Communications, Inc. has been presented with a Silver W3 Award for the Boys & Girls Club of the Western Reserve website here
Jim Kukral is doing some seminars here in town and you can learn all about them by clicking here

Patrick O’Connell
SVP, National City Bank
Cleveland Plus

Patrick O’Connell grew up on a farm in Iowa, but moved to the Cleveland Plus region from East Coast. He knew very little about Cleveland, and had never visited before the executive recruiter offered them the job. Now that he and his family are here, they love it. What do they like? The people here are genuinely nice, “It was a welcome change from where we had come…” Patrick also admires our Midwestern work ethic: “Getting up early, staying up late and doing a lot of hard work…” Not to mention that the commute here is a big improvement over his 10-mile, 50-minute commute in Washington, D.C. Overall, it sounds like it was a good move. http://www.ClevelandPlusLiving.com

Is Franchising for You? Joel Libava, local franchise expert, talks franchise myths, facts, investment amounts, loans, legalities, and more Thu 12/4 at 7PM. Register
JumpStart will offer their 4th seminar of the Growing Bright Ideas Lunch Series on Thu 12/11, Hiring Smart: Advice on How to Hire Top Talent. Registration and details
December Roundtable Luncheon The next Akron Roudtable hits Thu 12/11; Call 330-571-4148 for details
Healthcare Marketers Panel Topic: “Healthcare Marketing And Advertising In An Age Of Emerging Consumerism” hits Wed 12/17 at 11:30AM. Register

HOT Chris Ronayne is the featured speaker at the Thu 12/4 League of Women Voters’ First Thursday Forum. The President of University Circle, Inc. delivers “University Circle: Building the Knowledge District,” a program set to start at 7PM at Trinity Commons, Cathedral Hall, 2230 Euclid Ave. For more info, call 781-0555 or visit http://www.lwvcuyahogaarea.org.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

A Passion for Nature: The Art of William E. Scheele If you havent seen this exhibition of stunning paintings, drawings, and illustrated books done by the late former museum director, artist, and naturalist, you don’t know what you’re missing. The works include detailed studies of plants and animals, images of prehistoric life and wilderness landscapes. Runs through mid-January, but this is the perfect week to scoot in and see it. Call 231-4600 or visit http://www.cmnh.org.

Magpies The artists formerly known as Roger Hoover & The Whiskeyhounds are kicking out a rootsy-rock to-do Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/26 at the House of Blue on Euclid Ave. They play in the Cambridge Room with Cle expat/DC native Mike Jantz opening up the shindig. Doors are at 8PM. We love ’em and if you’re not hip, go catch them both. I mean, c’mon, you’re not really gonna do another boring pub crawl or Turkey Bowl instead, now are ya? http://www.myspace.com/magpiesrock.

Peanuts All-Star Jam Since 1975, the night before Thanksgiving has always been a special night for area musicians. This one’s no exception: Wed 11/26 everyone comes together to play. The Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Soak up local music and see how long everyone plays. http://www.myspace.com/thehificoncertclub.

HOT Ralphie Turns 25?!? Wow, we feel old. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of A Christmas Story Fri 11/28 from 10AM – 9PM and Sat 11/29 from 9AM – 11PM. Meet original cast members, attend the premiere of two documentaries, ride in the original fire truck from the film and watch the movie on the big screen! Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square. Schedule of events and ticket info at http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com.

Santaland Diaries and more @ CPT The elf is back at Cleveland Public Theatre. CPT presents the return of The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Adapted by Joe Mantello, Directed by Dan Kilbane, and featuring Sean Booker as Crumpet the Elf starting Fri 11/28 (preview show) and running through mid-December. Gordon Square Theatre. But click on over and see all of the other fabulous stuff CPT has happening this holiday season. Details.

HOT Shoparooni’s Cleveland Art Bomb! The very first in a series of pop-up stores in the Shoparooni Annex — that tiny little storefront right next door to Shoparooni — will be transformed into a new theme store. Think of it as a tiny little art gallery, geared at stuff that you can afford and actually use! The first installation opens Fri 11/28 at 8PM and will close early in January. And while you’re there, stop into Music Saves next door and score yourself the best tunes in the city. 15813 Waterloo Rd. Call 383-3633 or visit http://www.shoparooni.com.

HOT Burning River Roller Girls Black & Blue Benefit They’re doing it again! Black and Blue 3: Harvest of Pain — Battle for the Punch Bowl is BRRG’s annual charity fundraiser to benefit AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland on Fri 11/28. Doors at 6PM, bout at 8PM. Skate with the Burning River Roller Girls, then sit down and watch Black team and Blue team. Music by Ms. Firecracker! Fresh Meat will be playing Full Contact Musical Chairs! United Skates, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe. http://www.burningriverrollergirls.com.

Paavo Jarvi The music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in Thanksgiving weekend concerts featuring Stravinsky’s Petrushka at Severance Hall on Fri 11/28 and Sat 11/29 at 8PM and Sun 11/30 at 3PM. Christian Tetzlaff will be soloist in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Mifune The second album. The defining moment when a band either surpasses, falls short or worst of all stagnates compared to their first effort. On time is watching us (to be released on Sat 11/28 at the Grog Shop at Euclid Hts. Blvd and Coventry Rd.) the eight-piece nails it. Their unique blend of Afro-Beat, electronic, soul, and euro influence is extremely varied and perfect to warm you up on those cold, cold Cleveland nights. Details on the gig and CD at http://www.grogshop.gs and http://www.mifunemusic.com.

SPONSORED: Within the past year, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Washington lost their commercial classical music stations. That won’t happen in northeast Ohio because the WCLV Foundation guarantee’s that WCLV 104.9’s unique and locally produced classical music programming will continue far into the future. Tomorrow, Thanksgiving, you might think about that. Complete details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found at http://www.WCLV.com.

True Value Vintage The Pop Shop Gallery offers its 4th annual art show with a reception Sat 11/29 from 6 – 9PM. Works on display will all be inspired by childhood memories on Christmas day. The feelings expressed are those that a 9 year old has at 6AM as (s)he runs down the stairs to see what Santa Claus had left the night before. Contemporary jewelry with semi-precious gems will be on display as well. 17020 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.popshopgallery.com

HOT Blood, Brains, Bands & Burlesque The 2nd Annual Old School Sinema Cleveland Charity Zombie Walk takes place this Sat 11/29 as part of a blood drive with the Red Cross and a food drive for the Cleveland Food Bank. Participants are asked to donate blood after the walk and/or bring two canned food items as a donation. Makeup artists will help with fun zobmie makeup for the all-ages 2PM walk, which is followed by a zombie bar crawl to the Spitfire Saloon (1539 W. 117th St) at 4:30PM. for those 21-and-over. Seven acts will perform including Nick Wolff Band, Struttin Cocks, Death By Rodeo, Scarlet Fever, Coffin Riders, First Offense and the hot Sinema Sirens burlesque troupe. Details at http://www.myspace.com/osszombiewalk.

113th annual Dunham Tavern Museum Antiques Show returns Sat 11/29 from 11AM – 5PM and Sun 11/30 from 11AM – 4PM to Shaker Middle School, 20600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights. General admission gets shoppers access to a bevy of quality antiques and coveted collectibles from some 60+ national dealers. The Saturday date features an early-bird Antiques Show Preview (9 – 11AM) which includes first crack at shopping, parking and admission to both days of the show. http://www.dunhamtavern.org.

Big Chuck In Big Chuck: My Favorite Stories from 47 Years on Cleveland TV, beloved local TV icon “Big Chuck” Schodowski tells hundreds of funny and surprising stories from a lifetime in television in his familiar, good-natured, Cleveland-to-the-bone style. Revisit favorite characters including the Kielbasy Kid, Certain Ethnic Guy, Ben Crazy, and many more. Behind-the-scenes tales of television and celebrities are just the beginning. Meet the man at Joseph-Beth as he signs copies of his new book Sat 11/29 at 2PM. http://www.josephbeth.com.

Nancy Loyan Schuemann will be autographing Cleveland, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait at Barnes and Noble Booksellers at Crocker Park in Westlake at 1PM Sat 11/29. She is author of the quality full-color hardback book, recently published by Twinlights Publishing (http://www.twinlightspub.com) out of Rockport, Massachusetts. Photographs were taken by Lake County photographer, Carl Stimac. Call 440-250-9233 for details. http://www.barnesandnoble.com.

HOT The Dude Abides As The Big Lebowski celebrates its 10th anniversary, the film’s status as a modern cult classic continues to grow. Jeff Bridges’ now-famous line of dialogue, “The Dude abides,” has become a mantra to a legion of bowling and film fans alike. The Cedar Lee Theatre Cult Film Series has partnered with The Corner Alley to present its 2nd Annual Big Lebowski Bowling Party on Sun 11/30 from 7 – 9PM; devoted fans can enjoy The Dude’s drink of choice, a White Russian, while they bowl at Cleveland’s hippest bowling alley. Corner Alley on Euclid. http://www.clevelandcinemas.com.

A Raisin in the Sun The “play that changed American theater forever” (The New York Times) Lorraine Hansberry’s legendary drama has been lighting up the Cleveland Play House and its run ends Sun 11/30. Don’t this amazing period (master)piece. Call 795-7000 or visit http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com for this week’s schedule and tickets. Read Roy Berko’s review in this week’s Cool Cleveland.

HOT The Chittlin’ Thief Dobama Theatre presents, as part of their sharp First Mondays new works series, this equally sharp play by Michael Oatman — playwright in residence at Karamu House. A rising young African American marketing exec finds his principles are keeping him out of the fast track Mon 12/1 at 7PM. Heights Arts, Library gallery space @ 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights. Call 932-3396 for reservations. http://www.dobama.org.

Fill the Food Bank NEO’s cycling community is coming together to fill the Food Bank coffers and add to their ability to feed the hungry with an evening of food, music, and fun Mon 12/1 starting at 6PM. Sponsored by HubBub Custom Bicycles with music by the BlueDrivers the party hits Lopez on Lee. An outstanding buffet, a discount cash bar, and an opportunity to bid on a wide variety of items in the silent auction round out the fun. Register

Chucklef-ck Comedy @ Bela Dubby Every Monday (including Mon 12/1) at 8PM, Bela Dubby is packed to the gills full of comedy fans excitedly drinking their coffee and beer, waiting to be entertained! 5 performers each get 10 minutes to do anything they think will be funny, with some guidelines imposed by the Ohio Revised Code. Sometimes they succeed and it’s funny, sometimes they fail and it’s even funnier! Details at http://www.myspace.com/chucklefuckcomedy.

HOT My Pet Virus Don’t miss this special presentation for World AIDS Day: A discussion about HIV, prevention and personal responsibility with Shawn Decker, Author of My Pet Virus, and Gwenn Barringer on Tue 12/2 at 4PM. Wyndham Hotel Ballroom, 1260 Euclid Ave. Complimentary reception and discussion; RSVP to ckohls@atfgc.org or call 621-0766 x255. http://www.shawnandgwenn.com.

Multicultural Community Reception Come Celebrate Northeast Ohio’s Urban Professionals at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Wed 12/3 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. Urban professionals are invited to soak in the CMNH’s spectacular exhibition RACE: Are We So Different? It’s shaking up how we all view humanity. Meet new people, start new dialogue and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music and a special art show. 1 Wade Oval Dr., University Circle. Register today at http://www.cmnh.org or call 231-1177.

City Club Open House Join in a celebration of free speech with delicious hors d’oeuvres, indulging libations and live entertainment Wed 12/3 at 4PM. Come and offer your suggestions for the 2009 City Club Speaker Series. Admission is free but reservations are required. Call 621-0082 or visit http://www.cityclub.org to register.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Self-determination Comes to Hough
(And Maybe to Cleveland, Too)

The race to replace recently-deceased Ward 7 Councilwoman Fannie Lewis came to a surprising — at least to some — climax last week with the election of T.J. Dow, who outpolled incumbent Stephanie Howse (center) by the considerable margin of 53.4 to 46.6 percent. The reason many folks around town were surprised is that, with few exceptions, incumbency always wins, and Howse had been appointed to the seat by Martin Sweeney… with the concurrence of his fellow council members. What they (and everyone else outside of the community, for that matter) failed to realize was the depth of the feeling in Ward 7 for autonomy… for us to be in charge of our own affairs here in Hough…

Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here

Fortune Favors the Bold, Film and House Bill 196

It was a beautiful day in Northeast Ohio when I saw Spider-man dragged up the street by a truck. Not the normal sight on Euclid Avenue, but a glorious one to me. I am a local film & commercial technician who works on film crews. I was employed on the big-budget film set for Spider-man 3, along with many of my Ohio associates. The Northcoast became Hollywood.

That was over two years ago.

Since then, only a handful of shooting days have graced Cleveland and the Buckeye state, making it tough to earn a living. We have had to make due with smaller commercials, industrial videos, or shoots that are out of state. Other states around the country have enjoyed visiting productions with long shooting schedules and many dollars pumped into the local economies. How big is the difference? Here’s an example:

When a crew is driving to location, the locations department usually sets up signs to follow. Makes it easy to find your place of employment, seeing that lone sign reading “To Set.” Recently I visited Louisiana, a state with an aggressive tax incentive. I pulled up to a stop sign that read like the sign post from the show M*A*S*H*. I had to read each sign’s production name to make sure I was following the right path.

What are we missing here in Ohio? Two words: Tax Incentive…
Read more from Adam White here

This week’s most active post on BrewedFreshDaily.com

Where is the Greater Cleveland Partnership asks Ed Morrison on Saving NCB. He writes: “Here’s an update from the web site Save National City Bank. Kudos to Dan Moore for showing some business leadership. The Greater Cleveland Partnership seems invisible on this one. It’s self-absorbed leadership seems too busy with an obsession to save Tower City with the Med Mart scheme. Why doesn’t the business leadership mobilize, as they did with Cleveland-DFAS?

That’s a great question: comparing the Save DFAS effort to the NCB effort. Perhaps it is due to the fundamental underpinnings of each entity. DFAS will always have a “customer” in the US gov’t to provide it with business. NCB clearly shot itself in the foot with its Florida bank acquisition and it toxic mortgages. In NCBs case, acquisition by PNC would provide the most stability, which I think is what the regulators were looking for, rather than saving regional jobs. comment by Justin Balck

Come on, Ed, your obsession with getting back at your tormentors is beginning to cloud your vision. NCB killed its own chances of dealing from a position of strength here. In business, when you’ve committed organizational near-suicide, you’re going to be left at the mercy of the stronger players in your industry. That’s just how it works, Dan Moore’s noble efforts notwithstanding. comment by John Ettorre

John, Seems like you’ve thrown in the towel. Not a bad choice, though, given the long term prospects in Cleveland. comment by Ed Morrison

Additionally, Marc Dann has filed a complaint on behalf of NCB stakeholders to prevent the case from being reviewed in a more favorable court.

Read and add your comment on the BFD post Save NCB: Where is the Greater Cleveland Partnership? on BFD

Janet Macoska’s Jews Rock!
A New Book of Rock Photos with Cleveland Connections

You know one thing that these people have in common: Lou Reed, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (of Kiss), Neil Diamond, Paula Abdul, Vanessa Carlton, Michael Bolton, Perry Ferrell (of Jane’s Addiction), Mick Jones (of the Clash), Slash, Peter Wolf (of the J. Geils Band), Mark Knopfler (of the Dire Straits) and George Michael. They’re all pop music stars.

But what’s the other thing they all have in common? You won’t guess, so I’ll tell you: They’re all Jewish. Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow… you knew they were Jewish. But Lou Reed? Slash? Well, maybe Slash changed his name. Those are just a dozen of the 68 artists whose photos appear in a brand-new book called Jews Rock! A Celebration of Rock and Roll’s Jewish Heritage by Cleveland rock photojournalist Janet Macoska…

Read more from David Budin here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

A Benefit for local Collinwood artist Joan Deveney AKA Joan of Art who was involved in a serious car accident in October breaking 5 ribs and fracturing her hip.
A perfect summary of consumer sentiment.
A Local Food Movement has come a long way when people are willing to walk a quarter mile uphill–both ways–in 20 degree weather and ice to buy a couple heavy bags of produce which they carry back to their cars.
Set phasers to commercialization.
Help out a Cleveland comic artist in national contest.
CEOs for Cities’ Carol Coletta reflects on her recent visit to University Circle and the definition of the term “premier urban district”.

On the Case and In Your Face
The Rhythm Syndicate: Live

They could be the hardest working band in town. But even if that title’s disputed, the Rhythm Syndicate are certainly one of the smoothest in C-town. Their second full-length release, On the Case and In Your Face was recorded live at The Savannah (Westlake) in November of last year and currently available only at their live shows. It stands to reason that this set was recorded at The Savannah because the seeds of the The Rhythm Syndicate were planted when guitarists Pat Sandy and Angelo Ciu first met up at one of the club’s many Thursday night jam sessions. The band’s hepcat-minded, blues-swinging fun is best served live and if you’re looking for a zoot-suit riot, this group has your best interests in mind. On the Case… is a little bit o’ laid back blues, swing n’soul and R&B and if you’re not finger-poppin’ after the first couple of tracks, well, to quote the film Beautiful Girls, we might have to check your freezer for human heads.

F.F.O: (For fans of): Barflies, classic blues and jazz, and the movie Swingers.

Experience the band live next Friday, December 5 at Mulligan’s in Avon. Visit http://www.rhythmsyndicate.net for more info.

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

All Things Cleveland @ Asterisk Gallery 11/14 This past Friday evening marked the opening of yet another insightful show at Dana L. Depew’s Asterisk Gallery on Professor Avenue in Tremont. All Things Cleveland, curated by Depew, features the work of 37 regional artists who examine a topic near and dear to the hearts of many Clevelanders, insecurity. The dark clouds of the current financial crisis were looming, but had not yet burst open when Depew put out a call to area artists this past summer to submit work that examines our relationship with this city, this economy, and this place that some of us reluctantly call home. Now that the rest of the world is trying to find shelter from the economic storm, Cleveland seems to be used to the rain, even if we have to occasionally share an umbrella…

Read more from Daniel G. Neforos here

Talking Heads 2 @ Beck Center 11/14 Dorothy Silver, who is appearing in Talking Heads 2 at Beck Center, is the reigning grande dame of Cleveland Theatre. Robert Hawks, who is also appearing in the show, is a competent actor. The duo are superb in this production. Alan Bennett, the author of the Tony Award winning History Boys, which recently had a successful production at Beck, is also the author of this series of dramatic monologues written for the BBC. It has also been adopted/adapted for live theatre… Read more from Roy Berko here

A Raisin in the Sun @ Cleveland Play House 11/15 It seems ironic that the week that this country elected its first African American President, the Cleveland Play House opened A Raisin in the Sun, considered by many to be America’s number one Black-themed play. What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? This segment of the poem A Dream Deferred by Clevelander Langston Hughes is the underlying theme for Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun
Read more from Roy Berko here

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 11/20 Was Thursday’s small audience due to the early start of the snow season or just the audience pre-sorting itself into pro- and anti-Bruckner? It is said that people either love Anton Bruckner’s work or hate it. If one were inclined to love it, as I am, then Thursday night’s Cleveland Orchestra performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C minor conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, would just confirm our bias. Blomstedt, who conducted without a score, led orchestra and (by extension) audience soulfully down this great work’s meditative paths…
Read more from Laura Kennelly here

Concerts at the Crossroads @ Christ Episcopal Church 11/22 Christ Episcopal Church embarked on an ambitious recital series this fall, presenting the larger Lieder series of Robert Schumann. With two soloists, Amy Christina Hall, soprano and JR Fralick, tenor, accompanied by Nathan Carterette at the piano, they presented one solo recital each, and this past Saturday, a joint effort with a duet for an encore…
Read more from Kelly Ferjutz 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) “Citizen” Ed Hauser will be missed Multiple tributes:
CoolCleveland.com and here and here and here and Roldo

2) New Yorker article on the “rise of overparenting” children.
NewYorker.com

3) Mansfield notes that Blacks are excluded (again!) from recent County indictments.
CoolCleveland.com

4) Win two free round-trip tix on AirTran Airways in the MyTravelingHat.com contest.
MyTravelingHat.com contest and video

5) The Avenue District Townhomes, condos & penthouses.
TheAvenueDistrict.com and video

We’re thankful to call Cleveland home, and for the bevy of amazement that it provides every week. We hope that you’re thankful for all of the blessings you have during this holiday weekend and can share the region’s bounty with family and friends this holiday weekend. Be happy, be healthy… and take nothing for granted. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Claudia J. Taller, Daniel G. Neforos, Kelly Ferjutz, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roy Berko, Laura Kennelly and Adam White. And lastly — though certainly never least — thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. We’re thankful for you, too. 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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From our family to yours,
–Thomas Mulready
LettersATCoolCleveland.com
Cool Networks LLC / 14837 Detroit #105 / Cleveland, OH 44107

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