Toes In The Sand

8.25-9.01.04

Toes In The Sand

Dear Friend,

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland People with David Christopher & Amy Dana of Toes In The Sand Recordings
* My Brain Is Crying on Cleveland’s toxic mentality
* The How of WOW! on children’s author and Cleveland poet Sara Holbrook
* RoldoLINK on newspaper endorsements and self-defeating regionalism

Cool Cleveland: You’re working with artists from across the globe, bringing international flavor to Cleveland’s house music culture. How did you initially develop this?
Deviant, aka David Christopher: I’m originally from New York City and it all started there. I wanted to DJ when I was younger, so I bought turntables, made demo tapes and realized that I had to throw my own events to get everything going. I quit my job in management consulting to do it, and in the beginning it was great and I did really well. This was before 9/11 when the economy was strong and the tech bubble was still happening. When 9/11 happened and the economy crashed, it changed everything and made it difficult. I continued DJing even after 9/11, but there was no work in NYC during that time. Then I met Amy at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. She lived there, but she’s also from Ohio, and I still lived in New York. Amy is really passionate about the music and so we began jointly throwing events; she is the one who pushed me to take the plunge and get big DJs to spin for us at our shows. So I moved to Cleveland.
Read the Cool Cleveland Interview with David and Amy here

Crony capitalism Don Iannone puts out the Economic Development Futures blog at http://www.don-iannone.com/edfutures, and this week he studies Ferdinand Marcos of the Phillipines and muses on a new term: “Crony capitalism is a pejorative expression, denoting a type of capitalism in which business success is heavily dependent upon one’s connections. In such a system, business decisions are significantly influenced by friendships and family ties, rather than by market forces and open competition. I have to ask the question. Is economic development another form of crony capitalism?” Get the link from Don’s blog here.

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Steps Away From Edgewater Park That’s where you’ll be in a new townhome at Lake Pointe! Phase III of this development features roomy, three-story townhouses in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. These 2-3 bedroom units feature open floor plans, hardwood floors, maple kitchen cabinetry, ceramic tile in the baths, rooftop decks, finished lower-levels, two car garages and gas fireplaces. The cool, Neo-Industrial design features a corrugated metal exterior and you’ll also benefit from special financing and 15 year tax abatement! At night, catch a show at Cleveland Public Theatre, stop over to The Harp for a pint, or grab dinner at Bela! For a complete list of properties and open houses this weekend – please visit www.ProgressiveUrban.com
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Glenville mural unveiled today Cleveland artist Jerome T. White’s new 30 ft. X 11 ft. mural, Glenville, Past, Present and Future, sponsored by YO! Cleveland, Sankofa Fine Arts and the Glenville Development Corporation, is being unveiled today, Wed 8/25, at 2PM at Hickok, Inc., 10514 Dupont Avenue. It’s his second Glenville mural, and they worked with area youth to depict Superman, the old golf course and race track, and religious diversity of the neighborhood. Call 791-2437.

Case economist studies new businesses Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to start up a new business, but surprisingly few have studied it. For the next five years, Case economist Scott Shane will direct the largest in depth examination of the factors that affect the performance of the more than half-million new businesses started each year in the US. Initial results should be available within 18 months. 338-1004, http://www.case.edu.

Fuel up your 4th quarter marketing Fuel up this fall with the advertising advantage at Cool Cleveland. Our effective and respectful “permission-based marketing” means that our advertisers are introduced to our dedicated and substantial reader base, who then forward Cool Cleveland to their peers, work associates and family. This is technology’s answer to “word-of-mouth” exposure that provides far-reaching results. Want the leading edge on today’s foremost advertising strategy? Contact Cool Cleveland, and we’ll improve both your marketing and public image. Drop us a line, and we’ll get in touch with you. Info@CoolCleveland.com

The US Citizenship Initiative will hold meetings the first Saturday of every month for the remainder of the year (next one is Sat 9/4), assisting legal permanent residents in the paperwork to become citizens. Volunteers are needed, and the sessions are free. Cleveland needs to encourage more immigrants to stimulate our sagging economy and to diversify our industrial base. The meetings will be held at 10AM at Community Shares, 3631 Perkins Avenue. Register at 579-0150. http://www.communityshares.org

Cleveland’s Death Blog You know you can always go to Cool Cleveland’s site at http://www.CoolCleveland.com and click on the “Contact” page to send us your cool events and news. This week, we received this note from a contributor who signed in as “Think Chaos”: I know you guys are always on the lookout for Cleveland related cool stuff (and I love ya for it!) so I thought I’d just pass on a link, though I don’t know if this is your sort of thing really, but I saw it on Cruel.com and I thought of you. It’s a Death Blog written by a woman from Cleveland and the entire thing takes place in and around Cleveland – she mentions lots of great Cleveland places and so I thought it might be something you’d like to see. It’s at http://www.einsteinshrugged.co.uk and it’s called ‘Death’s Blog’.

New York gives tax credit to filmmakers In an effort to stem the flight of films being made in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, New York State lawmakers have, for the first time, committed $100 million over 4 years to offer filmmakers a 10% tax credit on “below-the-line” production costs, mainly technicians and crew of films that shoot 75% of their productions in the State. See New York Times here.

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The heart of Downtown Living Imagine quiet and spacious loft apartments in the center of downtown Cleveland’s most bustling neighborhood! The Bingham — loft living and full-scale amenities in the Warehouse District. Unique spaces abound in this first class renovation – exposed brick walls and awesome river and city views from the large new windows. All models feature contemporary kitchens with all conveniences, laundry hook-ups, indoor parking, T1 internet capability and free basic cable. All this and the convenience of an on-site grocery store, as well as shops, clubs, restaurants and galleries within a short walk from your door. Plus, if you move in by 9/30, you’ll receive one month totally rent free. To take advantage of this offer, send an e-mail to leasing@TheBingham.com with the message ‘Cool Cleveland one month free offer’ in the subject line. Or just call 216.579.4000 and mention the ‘Cool Cleveland one month free offer’ on the phone. http://www.thebingham.com. The Bingham, 1278 W. Ninth St.
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Liverpool hiring cultured cabbies Many cities in Europe have already gone through Cleveland’s trauma of how to proceed when your industrial base collapses. Liverpool, England is probably known to many visitors as little more than the home of The Beatles, but now the city council is hosting a competition to find 10 cab drivers whose cultural knowledge of the city can help make it “a global destination for culture vultures… The first impression visitors have of the city needs to be a good one, and cab drivers are among the people tourists are most likely to meet. If we try to make cabbies more aware of Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage, we will really put the city in the driving seat.” There is talk of a similar program in Cleveland, which would tie taxi license renewal to a passing grade on a test for civic and cultural awareness. See Guardian here.

Corcoran open house Every once in a while, Art House does more than offer classes on art for kids and adults. They also host tours of local art galleries, and on Thu 8/26 at 6:30PM, they’ll take you through Corcoran Fine Art at 13210 Shaker Square to see the current show featuring work by a dozen of the artists from the Cleveland School from 1920-1970. Get yourself to Corcoran and enjoy the free tour and a wine and cheese reception. RSVP at 398-8556. http://www.Corcoranfinearts.com

OhioOnline music archive A good example of how online technology can help promote regional culture. Animal Tails offers links on animal rights. Other sections offer scant links to area weather, arts, movie reviews, and jokes. But the juiciest is the music coverage, with area music writer Peanuts interviewing a number of Ohio-based bands and musicians. This month’s featured interview is the Cleveland prog band Intra. http://www.ohioonline.com

Live from the Rock Hall Crystal Mountain Productions is doing something in October that should have been done a long time ago. They are finally making good use of the Alan Freed Radio Studio in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, broadcasting Moonlight Groove Highway live, midnight to 6AM, seven days a week, to a planned 150 stations within a year. Featuring former Cleveland radio DJs David Spero and Billy Bass, plus former Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres, along with two others who are moving to Cleveland from the West Coast, they plan on taking listener requests and relying on the DJs to program the station, unheard of in today’s radio industry. As one of their posters says, “Your radio works again!” But apparently not in Cleveland: no area stations are planning to carry the program yet. http://www.moonlightgroove.com

The City literary portal View the new issue of The City, Cleveland’s poetry portal where imagery and the literary intersect. Introduce yourself to the future sounds of poetry, from the evocative to the experimental in this month’s Hitchhiker issue, complete with a projection and interjection process flow diagram: external imagery <-> existential filters <-> internal imagery. This issue is comprised of several poets who have been featured in Cool Cleveland: Denise Dee, Marcus Bales, Terry Provost, Kathy Walker and Steven B. Smith. Dose up on your daily allowance of literary fix here: http://www.thecitypoetry.com/issue13/index.html

Fingerhut’s daily blog Not only is candidate Eric Fingerhut running hard against incumbent Senator George Voinovich, he’s walking the entire state, from The Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie, on a 310-mile Walk Ohio, listening to voters, and proving that the Democratic nominee has “the energy and the ideas to make Ohio great again.” Not only that, he’s blogging almost everyday, giving his personal impressions of Ohio residents that he’s meeting, and telling stories of “walking in their shoes.” Begun on Wed 8/11, Fingerhut passed the halfway point in Westerville last Sunday. He’s due to arrive in Cleveland around Sat 9/4. http://www.WalkOhio.com/

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Words that reviewers and publishers love too much When did you last come across the words “coruscating,” “magisterial” or “reviewese?” Maybe if you’re jamming on your GRE, otherwise you won’t see people who actually use these oddball words. See Telegraph here.

Akron’s culture, with cocktails Our Summit County neighbors are serious about turning their young professionals on to arts and culture. Created in partnership with the Akron Area Arts Alliance in 2002 by “a group of Akron young professionals who were bored with the typical bar scene,” ArtCetera hosts 6-10 events a year at different cultural venues, offering food, drink, tours and tickets. Upcoming ArtCetera events include Cocktails and Collage! on Fri 9/24, a cocktail party followed by a unique collage workshop lead by artist Laura Bidwell at Summit Artspace. And this week, they celebrate their 2nd birthday on Thu 8/26 at 6:30PM at Fuel Lounge, 348 S. Main Street in Downtown Akron, with a free event sporting hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with $4 martinis. http://www.Art-Cetera.org

Grokster and Morpheus are legal See Wired.com here

A Billboard Chart for downloads In another sign of the inevitability of digital culture, Napster has announced that they will start tracking their most downloaded (and paid for) music tracks, much in the same way that traditionally purchased music has been charted by Billboard and others. The British Broadcasting Corporation has also announced the creation of the OCC (Official Charts Company), also tracking downloads, including those of Napster. See BBC News here

32 Beethoven sonatas on one CD Legend has it that when the compact disc was being developed, Sony co-founder Akio Morita insisted that they increase its capacity from 60 to 75 minutes to be able to accomodate a recording of Beethoven’s Symphony #9, reportedly his wife’s favorite. Now, the technology may available to include all 32 Beethoven sonatas and their scores on one companct disc, played by your DVD player for up to ten hours of Beethoviana. See Philly.com here

The Art of Leadership A training and alliance building retreat for groups and individuals interested in economic development and sustainability in NEO. The Rockwood Leadership Program is facilitating a custom Art of Leadership training program to enhance your effectiveness. Join Bridge Builders, Currere, and the Cleveland and Gund Foundations on Wed 10/13-16, limited to 28 people. To apply, please email Ken McCullough at Rockwood: ken@rockwoodleadership.org. Include 2-3 sentence responses to the following when applying: 1) How do you measure your own success as a civic leader? 2) What do you hope to gain from this training? 3) Provide a description of the organization you work with and your current role & responsibilities. The deadline to apply is Fri 8/27.

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Gear up for the New Economy Are you aware that Cleveland State University’s Division of Continuing Education is one of the largest providers of professional development in NE Ohio? Each year, over 10,000 adults gain added job skills, new technology training and enhanced communication and leadership abilities. In addition to over 200 professional courses and certificate programs, including Supervisory Leadership and Information Security Management, Cleveland State’s Continuing Education also offers customized programming through their Custom Training Services group — which will prepare, tailor and deliver content to your door. Three convenient locations in Downtown, Westlake, and Solon make it easy to access quality education opportunities. And all facilities are designed specifically for adult learning. Cleveland State Continuing Education — your first and best resource for certification, recertification, professional programming and customized training; with convenient and accessible locations near you. Check out their fall course offerings now at www.csuohio.edu/ce
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Cool Cleveland This Week
8.25-9.01

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

ÜSZTÜRÜ These young Hungarian musicians have traveled from the villages of their homeland, where they’ve studied the art form of authentic music to ensure the survival of its traditional Hungarian essence. They’ve toured throughout Europe and North America, capturing audiences’ attention with their presentation of Transylvania’s dance-inducing virtuosi string music from Marosvásárhely [Tirgu Mures], Transylvania. This is one you can’t miss; hit the concert & Táncház (dance party) Wed 8/25 at 8PM. Call 281-8727. The Winchester Tavern & Music Hall, 12112 Madison Ave.

Please Like Me We’ve all been there. A new job, a new town, a new school – how will you make new friends? Will they get your wacky sense of humor? Check out how it pans out, because even weird people need friends in this hilarious ride of original sketch comedy directed by Chris Bohan. The play features two accomplished actresses who’ve studied comedy with The Second City in Cleveland, the American Comedy Institute in New York, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Get live Cleveland theatre on Wed 8/25 at 8PM. For reservations call 696-4242. Cleveland Black Box Theater, 1210 West 6th St. inside Cabaret Dada. http://www.CabaretDada.com

Wine in the courtyard Visitors can sample Italian wine and complimentary antipasto while listening to Mike Traynor, the Museum’s Land Steward, talk to visitors about the Protected Natural Areas program on Wed 8/25 from 5-8:30PM. Beginning 9/1, the Observatory will be open for stargazing from 8:30PM, weather permitting. Planetarium shows begin at 7:45 and 8:30PM. Call 231-4600, ext. 363. All activities except the planetarium show are free with Museum admission. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History 1 Wade Oval Dr. in University Circle. http://www.cmnh.org

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, New Planet Trampoline, The Spinns Slim Cessna’s lauded by everyone, including the Boston Herald; they’re capturing a type of chaotic, hoe-down gone awry to very weird extremes, and others have even called it “snake handlin'” music. The ever-intense New Planet Trampoline, from Elephant Stone Recordings, concoct a whack mixture of Pink Floyd, the Pretty Things, as well as lesser known acts like The Frost and Clearlight. Supplementing the rock are the Spinns, refugees of garage-rock from Raleigh, NC; get into a hep night of music Thu 8/26 at 9PM. Call 383-1124. The tavern at Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd in North Collinwood. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com

A Question of Silence is a feminist classic from the Netherlands. Three women from different walks of life – a waitress, a housewife, and a secretary – come together to murder a seemingly inoffensive male clerk at an Amsterdam dress shop. A female psychiatrist charged with determining the women’s sanity investigates the crime and uncovers the victim’s alarming proclivity toward patriarchal oppression. See it Thu 8/26 at 7PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. in University Circle. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque

Running in Heels: Stumbling Blocks for Women on the Campaign Trail Women have been identified as a critical voting block in the 2004 presidential election, so why isn’t a woman running for our nation’s highest elective office? Gail Garbrandt will explore the foundation of gendered politics in our nation’s political structure, the unique obstacles facing women in political campaigns, and the potential gender gap in the upcoming election. Featured speaker is Gail Garbrandt, Lecturer and Internship Coordinator of The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, The University of Akron. In recognition of National Women’s Equality Day, the ACLU of Ohio presents its last program in the 2004 Brown Bag Lecture Series. Bring your lunch and they’ll provide drinks, desserts, and stimulating food for thought on Thu 8/26 from 12-1PM. Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center, 4506 Chester Ave. Reserve your spot at 472-2220 or contact@acluohio.org http://www.ACLUohio.org

Amitosis An avant-jazz collaboration of luminaries from Cleveland, NYC and Santa Fe; the musicians in these groups have strong reputations within the creative music scene and are actively connected with Cleveland and non-Cleveland bands. Slip in for a listen of their newest CD release from Assif Tsahar’s Hopscotch Records on Thu 8/26 at 9PM. Call 781-7278. Asterisk Gallery, 2393 Professor Ave. in Tremont. http://www.ChrisJonas.com

Portraits of Romania An exhibit of Romanian Artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; let your eyes drink in paintings by Theodore Pallady (a contemporary of Matisse) and photographs by Louis Martin. Romanian painter Pallady is ranked as one of the most important artists in Europe, contributing to different trends and schools of art. As a contemporary of Matisse, he is prominently known for his paintings depicting landscapes of Romania and abroad, nudes, still-lifes, flowers, and interiors. Romanian-American photographer, Louis Martin, traveled to Romania over a 35 year period taking over 3,000 photographs to document everyday life in Romania. This exhibit is part of a collection from the Romanian Ethnic Art Museum; make the opening reception on Thu 8/26 from 5:30-7:30PM, it’s free and open to the public. Call 521-2540. Beck Center for the Arts, Main building of the Beck Center campus in Lakewood. http://www.BeckCenter.org.

Brand Nubian/Brother Ali/Immortal Technique Of the thinking-man’s rap, Brand Nubian is arguably the finest and most militant; their outspokenness has led to controversy, but Brand Nubian’s sheer musicality delivers listenable messages of aggressive Afrocentrism. Hear them in an intimate and down-to-earth venue for an evening of audio urban culture and energy Fri 8/27 at 9PM. Call 321-5588. Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Hts Blvd. in Cleveland Heights. http://www.GrogShop.gs/main.html

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Sports and The Arts Can Mix! Certainly the people behind Sparx in the City’s Street Beats program believe they can — they’ve provided entertaining performers on the sidewalks of Jacobs Field over several weekends this summer. This Fri 8/27 from 5:30-7:30PM, see the animated, four-legged stilt-performance of Aaron Rapljenovic and a veteran stilt-dancer from SAFMOD as they interact with fans near Gates A and C prior to the Cleveland Indians game against the White Sox. Then on Sun 8/29 near Ontario and Huron, pick up some tricky moves from the B Boys of Ground FX Crew who spin their bodies so hard, it stops traffic. The energy in Cleveland is building — both on and off the field, so be sure to grab the vibe!
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Sexhibition Now in its second year, it’s an erotic exhibition celebrating sex and sensuality in the arts. This year’s event will focus on media-based art by photographers, video artists and new media developers comprised of international participating artists from London to New York. It will also raise funds and awareness for the Greater Cleveland Aids Task Force; see salacious images and support Cleveland art for a great cause Fri 8/27 from 7-11PM. Call 939-1300. 1300 Gallery, 1300 W. 78th St. http://www.13Hundred.com

Wines from “down under” Take a last breath of a beautiful summer evening and taste fine Western Australian wines on the grounds of an extraordinary country estate. Featured wines are from a region that has only recently been discovered by wine enthusiasts, and they’re part of Australia’s best kept secrets. Savor the array of new vintage, live music and gourmet foods Fri 8/27 from 7-9PM. Call 330-836-5533. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path in Akron. http://www.StanHywet.org

Homeless Grapevine This newspaper is distributed and promoted by homeless people, and it was a favorite cause of Cuyahoga County’s poet laureate Daniel Thompson, who passed on this year. Get out to the benefit show taking place at the Beachland Ballroom to raise monies to help retire the newspaper’s debt, while giving voice to the homeless across Cleveland and America. Established local talent includes Drumplay, the world music percussion ensemble featuring members of Lingua, and the jazz/rock fusion trio KMOB on Fri 8/27 at 8PM. Call 383-1124. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com

The Ira Sullivan Quintet Featuring exquisite sax/flute/trumpet from the ’50s & ’60s scene along with Cleveland/NYC trumpet phenom Dominick Farinacci and Carmen Intorre on drums, plus Ira Sullivan, who’s equally skilled on trumpet and various reeds. Hear one of the great talents in jazz while the summertime atmosphere is still here on Fri 8/27 at 9PM & Sat 8/28 at 9PM. Call 795-0550. Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.NightTownCleveland.com

Magnolia Street Party Magnolia Clubhouse, Inc. is throwing a bash in celebration of its grand opening for their resale shop and art gallery. Get hooked up to a community of growth and support MCI, providing opportunity for people recovering from mental illness. Dig live music by Jah Messenger while you shop for books, jewelry, and clothing. Admire the art created by Clubhouse members in the gallery, and taste area food from local vendors including Hot Sauce Williams. Discover this new and interesting spot in University Circle Fri 8/27 from 3-8PM. Call 721-3030. Located at 11101 and 11027 Magnolia Dr. at the corner of Magnolia and Hazel.

La Turista Get into the joys of modern medicine and ritual sacrifice in Sam Shepard’s classic play, directed by convergence-continuum’s artistic director Clyde Simon. A vacationing couple end up battling sickness during their Mexican getaway. To make matters worse, their retreat is invaded by a shoeshine boy with attitude. Who is he? What does he want? Will there be a cure for their sickness? Is bloodletting the only answer? Get tuned into local leading edge theatre Fri 8/27 at 8PM; show runs Thu, Fri and Sat thru 9/25. Call 687-0074. The Liminis, 2438 Scranton Rd. in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood. http://www.Convergence-Continuum.org.

Group Show: Contemporary Cleveland Artists Get down with a new contemporary art gallery in Cleveland, the E. Gordon gallery in the heart of Little Italy. Their first exhibition is a group show of contemporary Cleveland artists. The artists featured are Yvonne Bakale, Albert Beltz, Susan Danko, Don Herman, and Paul Sydorenko Fri 8/27 from 6-9PM. Call 795-0971. 2026 Murray Hill Rd. at the Murray Hill School House – Lower Level.

HeadRush Music Summer Series Closing Party Come by decked out in your finest beach attire for a sound and sensory experience with progressive house and tech from this week’s Cool Cleveland People subject, Deviant (see interview here). If you RSVP, they’ll treat you to a draft-and-well open bar from 11:30PM-1AM; David Bishop (Fluid) will open the evening with groovalicious music on Sat 8/28 from 10PM-4AM. Abbasso, inside Bottoms Up, 1222 Prospect Ave. east of E 9th St., between the Gateway and theater districts. RSVP to closingparty@headrushmusic.com and visit http://www.HeadRushMusic.com and http://www.ToesInTheSandRecordings.com

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Saving the best for last Attendees at last year’s Cool Cleveland party on West 25th toured the Historic Fries and Schuele Building, in the heart of the Market Square district. All that remain are one fantasy Townhouse and two Penthouse Condominiums, featuring a Fitness Center, indoor heated parking, the West Side Market and Dave’s Supermarket each within a block, and some of the best restaurants and clubs only steps away from your front door. The 3200 sf Townhouse sports an oversized roof deck, 2 terraces, 3 floors of open living space, a vaulted 2-story living room, 2 indoor secure garage spaces, a courtyard and massive windows with killer views. Spacious loft rentals start at $875 per month. Visit the Open House this Sat 8/28 from 11AM to 4PM, or call 392-2742 for an appointment. Come to the Cool Cleveland party on Fri 9/17 and a free tour is included. http://www.ProgressiveUrban.com
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Spirituality and Sexuality This program will consist of a rotating touring program including the recent premiere Satsang and signature work Truth Naked among other elusive, fantastic-realistic and mostly beautiful poetic and dramatic movement art-works. The New York Times states, “There is a natural and serene feeling to the flow, and the pieces seem to build to some larger, organic flower, the duets breathe quiet ecstasy and eroticism.” Experience the inner relationships between sex and art while you sample hors d’ouvres and champagne Sat 8/28 from 7-10PM. Guests are welcome to swim after the performance, so bring a towel and a bathing suit.The Skerritt Residence, 277 Bratenahl Rd. in Bratenahl. Reservations are requested, visit http://www.EvertDance.com

Exodus Show highlights local artwork by Arabella Proffer and William Garvey with a DJ set from Ben Vendetta, former LA resident who heads the Cleveland based Elephant Stone Records. Drop in to hear alt music Sat 8/28; art exhibition begins 6PM, spinning at 10PM. Call 227-7853. Capsule, 13376 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. http://www.CapsuleBar.com and visit http://www.ElephantStoneRecords.com

Warehouse District Street Festival Explore downtown’s great food from many of the finest restaurants and clubs in Northeast Ohio, and get into entertainment by popular and emerging local groups: The Sign Offs, as well as blues, Broadway, salsa and reggae. Street performers will pave the area and residential property owners will provide tours of their dramatic lofts, and several retailers and businesses will showcase their products and services on Sun 8/29 noon-8PM. West 6th St. from Lakeside Ave. to Frankfort in the historic Warehouse District. Call 344-3937.

Nunsense A-MEN! Surprise yourself in this musical with nuns over 6 feet tall who spend more time at the gym; these sisters aren’t very little in a new production performed by an all-male cast. The performance hits up to help the third annual ATFGC benefit The energy and talent in this cast is amazingly out of control with music and energy that’s infectious Mon 8/30. Tix are available now from the Beck Center Box Office at 521-2540. Network. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood.

Slam Bush Politics and Hip Hop collide in Cleveland, as slam poets and MCs from across the city perform at this verbal rhyme battle/contest. Winner will join other victors from battleground states across the country at the National Slam Bush Championship in late September, where they’ll perform in front of Hip Hop’s most respected names. Judges for this progressive, groundbreaking event include Hip Hop legend Chuck D, freestyle champion Supernatural and Hip Hop activist Davey D. The event hits Tue 8/31; doors open 9PM. Hi-Fi Club, 11729 Detroit Ave. http://www.SlamBush.net

Evolutions Spa-Tini Tuesday Enjoy queendom living in a unique happy hour of relaxing, renewing and rejuvenating for ladies 25 and over. Indulge in 30 flavors of martini drinks and bypass the hangover by stay on for a full course Southern Cuisine Menu in a serene setting, where you can experience luscious spa treatments. Evolutions was featured in Essence Magazine this year, and you’ll want to try their facials, massages and pampering for the working urban woman. This event happens every week, including this Tue 8/31 from 6-9PM. Evolutions, 17322 Harvard Ave.

Cabaret Dada/Blackbox Theatre Release party From DeepCleveland Press, poet Elise Geither translates her new book of poems into theatre with local voices in Horse Latitudes: Monologues for Women. Area poets will participate in the reading, including some of Cleveland’s high powered feminati; hear poetry dramatized Tue 8/31 at 8PM. Event is free and you can purchase a copies of the book. Call 696-4242. Cabaret Dada, Cleveland Black Box Theater, 1210 West 6th St. http://www.CabaretDada.com

WCLVnotes This coming Wed 9/1, WCLV presents the FALL FEST BLOOD DRIVE at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights on behalf of the Senior Circle Plus of Euclid, Hillcrest, Huron and South Point Hospitals. This promises to be a fabulous social event in elegant surroundings with good food, wonderful entertainment and gift bags. The price of admission is just a pint of blood. Call 1 800 GIVE LIFE for an appointment. In addition to partaking in the party, you’ll feel great for having given the gift of life. The FALL FEST BLOOD DRIVE, is one of three blood drives that WCLV presents annually. These are the largest one-day drives in the state of Ohio. They’re presented by WCLV 104.9 FM in co-operation with the Plain Dealer. WCLV air personalities will be on hand to broadcast live from Landerhaven all day long. Join us. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com

Photographic Journey: A Documentary of Cleveland Photographers Curated by Barbara Breen, it’s a tribute to three Cleveland photographers: Joel Hauserman who captured the earliest images of the Blue Man Group, legendary Herb Ascherman and Patrick Corrigan are some of our city’s respected artists who have contributed significantly through their teaching and photographic examples. See the exhibit and a comprehensive video project by Barbara Breen that includes Ascherman, Corrigan and Hauserman on Wed 9/1, from 10AM-4PM running thru 10/30. Opening reception starts up 9/10 from 6-9PM. Call 321-1283. 1846 Coventry Rd, Suite 200 in Coventry Village.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

RoldoLINK
Does the Plain Dealer Favor Bush Or Kerry?
by Cool Cleveland contributor Roldo Bartimole

Are we going to allow one man to decide the presidential endorsement of the Plain Dealer in a predominately-Democratic area? The endorsement, of course, may not change a vote but then it might.

Now is the time to make one’s voice heard.

A number of Plain Dealer columnists have been critical of President George Bush and his policies, particularly on putting us in an unnecessary, damaging (to Americans and Iraqis) preemptive war. Some anti-Bush criticism has been surprising blunt for the PD.

And I’ve be willing to bet that the editorial staff of the Plain Dealer would vote to endorse Democrat John Kerry over President Bush

I’d also be willing to bet that Alex Machaskee, the Plain Dealer publisher and corporate friend of wealth and power, would veto the endorsement of his editors if it veers from his and make the decision himself.

They really should not allow one person to impose his will on the entire newspaper staff without a yelp of dissent. I’d like to see some freedom of the press with columnists who oppose Bush to make their voices heard after Machaskee, as I expect, picks Bush over Kerry.
Read RoldoLINK here

The How of Wow: Sara Holbrook

Jack Ricchuito interviews area children’s author and poet Sara Holbrook, author of several poetry books for children and teens. She has performed for audiences in schools and teacher conferences, and has authored two poetry books for adults, Chicks Up Front (Cleveland State University Press) and Isn’t She Ladylike (Collinwood Media, distributed by Bottom Dog Press). Her poems have appeared in the anthologies Slam and The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry.

How did you get started in writing?
I started writing about 25 years ago when my kids were small. I wrote some poetry in college because I took one creative writing class. Then I started writing rhyming poems for my kids when they were little, and I learned about the elements of poetry and how it works. Then it took about 10-12 years for my adult voice to come back. At the same time I was working as a professional writer.

What voice are you writing in now?
I switch back and forth. I like being able to switch because it keeps me fresh.

Is the inspiration different in those two modes for you?
No, because something will happen and part of me reacts in my kid voice and part of me reacts in my adult voice. I have a couple poems for kids on war, but they’re from me thinking as if I were 12. That’s one version, and then there would be an adult version…
Read The How of Wow here

My Brain is Crying: Cleveland’s Toxic Mentality
Dueling dialogue that’s unsafe at any speed

Social and cultural commentators Tisha Nemeth and Deb Remington dig into the discourse of Cleveland’s segregated arts and literary community, and the energetically intense dynamics of relational connections.

Tisha Nemeth: I’m noticing Cleveland’s clique-ish attitude which is a toxic mentality. There’s even segregation within groups that go against the “clique” mentality, insulating themselves from their colleagues and community’s creative ventures. I’ve witnessed it not only in the business arena, but also in the arts and literary community. Is Cleveland doing all it can to embrace others’ diverse interests, while recognizing it as a resource?

Deb Remington: My brain cries over Cleveland’s art community and the lack of support for special cultural/arts events that arrive in Cleveland. Being involved in the Rustbelt Poetry Slam which landed for its first time in Cleveland, I witnessed our literary communitity’s lack of involvement. I am concerned about the poor attitude coming from our area writers; there were more than enough opportunities for them to assist, and I’m not just addressing the financial aspect of the events! How can we expect the greater regional community to support the arts when those who are directly involved in the creative process don’t show up to support their own?

TN: The feedback I hear from them translates into ignorance until proven innocent…
Read My Brain is Crying here

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

Endure Exhibition @B.K.Smith Gallery 8/20

Creative stamina and mental or physical persistence is the common thread flowing through the B.K. Smith Gallery on the Lake Erie College Campus in Lake County. This past Friday’s opening reception introduced many artists who were either embarking on or completing their performance piece for the exhibition.

Kristin Bly-Rogers and Blake Cook planned to “trudge” 35 miles from Lakewood to the gallery in Painesville; on display are their Polaroid Pictures illustrating events along the way. Look closely and you’ll find that, instead of embarking on a torturous walk, they changed their piece and enjoyed life, stopping for a massage and visiting Geauga Lake along the way. Shirley Wegner, visiting artist, from Brooklyn, NY spent five days designing and creating a beautiful site specific installation of pear shaped cacti leaves all suspended from the ceiling. The installation is representative of Jews and Palestinians. Cavana Faithwalker and Mike Jones enjoy endurance-based performance art so much that they are now residing in the gallery. Cavana will remain on display in the gallery for ten days relying only on visitors to bring him food and materials to create art with. Mike Jones, on the other hand, will be spending 40 days in the gallery living out of a three-man tent. Over the course of the 40 days he will pray, meditate, and only emerge to use the bathroom. He will move his tent periodically throughout the gallery.

Cleveland artist Bruce Edwards, often featured at Cleveland’s Performance Art Festival, was at it again creating another fantastic piece exploring the four Buddhist tanmatra, earth, water, wind, and fire. Bruce moved throughout the gallery exploring properties of each of the four tanmatra through rice paper installations. With a task-oriented focus, he systematically scooped up water from a bowl, carried it with his cupped hands to transfer it to another bowl, or ripped up small pieces of rice paper to toss into the air. The show combines stamina and/or persistence based art that tests the human body as well as intellect. Make it out to the gallery to support “resident” performance artists Mike Jones and Cavana Faithwalker. from Cool Cleveland intern DJ Hellerman DJ_Hellerman@yahoo.com

More Than A Picture Show: Drive-In Tales @ Art Metro 8/21

Taking her photo experiments in character studies and expressionistic color themes to another level, Karen St. John-Vincent’s current show at Art Metro is both tight and multi-dimensional. Karen uses a coherent collection of photographs taken over the course of the last year that evoke nostalgia for the culture of drive-ins, curated with drive-in props and paraphernalia punctuating the exhibit. Some shots feature enough technique to produce subtle caricatures of people, cars, and venues that seem to transcend the timeline of drive-in history. The work is as playful as it is studied and the whole show is a great example of a local gallery featuring local talent at the scale we here parochially expect to see non-locally. from Cool Cleveland contributor Jack Ricchiuto Jack@DesigningLife.com

The 24 Hour Theatre Project @ Dobama 8/21

What: 5 brand-new one-act plays, hot out of the computer — all written, rehearsed, and performed in a full production within a 24 hour period. Each actor contributes a prop & a costume piece, to inspire playwrights to use those elements in a 10-20 minute play.
Reasons to go: Props for risk-taking and high energy go to The Wayward Theatre Company, a group of actors committed to dancing on the high wire. Some surprisingly nuanced performances: Rachel Madorsky as a disillusioned shop owner in local writer Kiff Vanden Heufel’s smartly observed LIQUID BE-BOP REDUX, and Cody Dove’s bone-weary cop in Amy Hartman’s surreal DOG DREAMS. Director Sandy Kosovich Peck squeezed every laugh out of Joseph Nicoli’s comic encounter between a cheerful Rastafarian Grim Reaper (Joey Cremo) and a cherubic father-to-be (Chuck Bates) with plastic monkey.
Caveats: Some acting & directing is uneven, and most of the plays could use editing — with 4 out of 5 writers from out of town, there’s no opportunity for tweaking during rehearsal. But what do you expect in 24 hours?
Backstory: Along with former member Jim Stover, who had worked on a similar 24-hour project in Columbus, co-founders John Galbraith & Susan McGarry began The Wayward Theatre Company a year ago, when they were acting together in Mapleleaf Theatre’s Lobby Hero’. Saturday was their 4th iteration of 24 Hour Theatre with an acting company that keeps growing.
Target audience: Adults & teens who enjoy the crackle & pop of new work and don’t mind a few rough edges.
Details: This one’s over, but check them out: The Wayward Theatre Company is planning their next outing soon. http://the24hourtheatreproject.blogspot.com the24hourtheatreproject@yahoo.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On Cleveland’s response to brain drain Look no further than past issues of your own newsletter to learn about all of the great things going on in our region to address Brain Gain. There are many organizations out there that are doing their part and taking the initiative to tackle this issue, i.e. (i)Cleveland, Cleveland.com, Cleveland Bridge Builders, Say YES! To Cleveland, Summer on the Cuyahoga, Clevelandintern.net, etc. We at (i)Cleveland exist solely to address this issue — we are all about connecting college undergrads to employers and the region; ideally the connections they gain through the program will land them an internship and further entice them to stay in Northeast Ohio. Having established professional and personal networks in our region, students have more reasons to return home. Thus a net gain of talent, money and economic development greatly relies on increasing the number of internships available in the region. (i)Cleveland is entering its 4th year this fall and has approximately 400 student members and 30 employer sponsors. We are sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Partnership and operated by Cleveland Scholarship Programs—both organizations are very committed to the cause. As you can see, something is happening in our region and it needs support to continue to be successful. It seems that many people complain that there is too much talk and not enough action when it comes to issues plaguing our region. Here are some ways your readers can get involved and directly impact Brain Gain in Northeast Ohio: If your organization does not hire interns, contact me (Bridget Manke) at (i)Cleveland. We can provide resources and direction to assist in starting an internship program that can help your business to grow. If your organization already has an internship program, forward my contact information to the company decision maker or help us get in front of her/him to discuss how the company can enhance their current program and how (i)Cleveland can help in selling this region to its current interns. Internships and jobs are a key component in attracting and retaining talent in our region. Quality of life, entertainment and many other important components also come into play. Let’s face it – Cool Cleveland readers depend on your publication for what’s going on in town, so let’s make sure to expose them to everything that is making Cleveland a truly viable place to live and work.
from Cool Cleveland reader Bridget Manke, manager, (i)Cleveland bmanke@icleveland.org

On the Cool Cleveland Interview with Terri Hamilton Brown You had some good questions for Terri Hamilton in today’s Cool Cleveland. One of her answers left me mystified however. I wish the answer she gave below was more appropriate to your question.
Cool Cleveland: How do you balance the concerns of residents such as those on Hessler Street, with the need to move ahead with development?
Terri Hamilton Brown: There are specific challenges to a region of the city where most of the residents leave town for the summer. On the other hand, many smaller college towns are able to create a vital, thriving culture based on transient students. To me this doesn’t appear to answer your question. The Hessler residents who have been talking with UCI about the College Town proposal are not transient students. They are property owners or renters who live in University Circle year around. Thanks for interviewing Ms. Hamilton. I’d like to hear more of what she’s thinking.
from Cool Cleveland reader Lee Batdorff Lbatdorff@adva.com

On Cool Cleveland and cool Cleveland: I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your newsletter. Been reading online, finally subscribed. Very happy to read the positive things said about Cleveland from other environs. I moved west in 1983 and now live in the wierdness that IS Las Vegas. I get back to Cleveland at least once a year and always look forward to it. I have more fun in Cleveland in a week or 2, than any other time. My most recent trip was in June during which the nude mass photo shoot took place. I was very proud of the turnout, though disappointed I could not attend myself. Now that I have found your newsletter I will be able to better plan future trips. Keep it up Cool Cleveland!!!
from Cool Cleveland reader Tom Ross rockertom1958@aol.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Top 5
Cool Cleveland uses Opticast tools to track which articles were clicked the most. Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Bring Ohio Back Some Ohioans are actively making changes in the upcoming election, and the new group Bring Ohio Back brought Susan Sarandon and other celebrities to Cleveland Heights last week.www.BringOhioBack.org

2) Bye-Bye Quiet Crisis Great Lakes Publishing chairman Lute Harmon, Sr. finally articulates in print what community leaders and activists have been saying for months: it’s time to put the Quiet Crisis to bed. www.Inside-Business.com

3) Cool Cleveland Interview Terri Hamilton Brown She’s president of University Circle Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that manages development, police protection and parking. It also banks land for future development within the one-square mile that houses the Cleveland Museum of Art, Case Western Reserve University and Severance Hall. www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Urban Gallery Hop is hitting over 100 studios, galleries and special events, register now for our next Cool Cleveland party on Fri 9/17 from 4-8PM on West 25th Street in the historic Ohio City neighborhood. www.CoolCleveland.com

5) Welcome to Heritage Lane A new community of spacious, single-family homes and contemporary townhouses, minutes from University Circle and Rockefeller Park. http://www.ProgressiveUrban.com

Alt media = inventive content Lots of Clevelanders are showing their interest in Cleveland’s new media resources, and it’s a great time to recognize diversity in journalism. Thanks to our supportive readers who improve our city by getting involved in it while sustaining alternative media at CoolCleveland.com. You can regularly engage with our website, discover what’s new in town, and direct friends and co-workers to register for the e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com (and check out the new site) or have ’em send an e-mail to signup@coolcleveland.com

Marketing with a mission There’s new marketing on the block that captures audiences’ attention so you don’t have to, and businesses are depending more on internet viral marketing that’s proving to be the new marketing paradigm. Get it by advertising with CoolCleveland.com and see how weekly advertising into the tens of thousands of our subscribers’ inboxes can impact your company’s bottom line. Find out more by emailing us a note to info@coolcleveland.com and we’ll get right back to you.

Hard Corps hit it hard Every week we are loving the people who live for Cleveland and are working to see its improvement; kudos to Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Jack Ricchuito, Linda Eisenstein, DJ Hellerman, George Nemeth, Bill Nagode, Roldo Bartimole 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

See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com

Summer’s not over yet…

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com (:divend:)