Undaunted

1.31-2.07.07
Undaunted

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Party Red Does Zappa on Fri 2/16 Discount tix here
* Cool Cleveland Gets Lost in Oberlin party on Thu 2/8 Buy ’em here
* Interview Lost Highway Producer Lewis Nielson
* BizTech Profile Oberlin’s Sustainable Community Associates
* Comment My Life with the Lightspeed Boxes by Alison Arthur
* Interview Creator of URPORN.TV Christopher Axelrod
* Interview Composer, playwright, critic Linda Eisenstein
* RoldoLINK Jackson’s Boilerplate
* Sounds Mifuné’s Afro-Electroniqué and Welfare Poet from Ghetto Wisdom
* Interview Aaron Patterson of Something Dada
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

The Midwest work ethic doesn’t get enough buzz. There’s a good-natured stubbornness about a Clevelander who sets their mind to something. Once that happens, it may take weeks, it may take years, but it will get done. People from our part of the world live their lives in one mode: undaunted. Case in point: Chris Axelrod taking on YouTube and MySpace with his new project URPORN.TV. Or Something Dada recovering from a string of bad luck, this week re-opening at Tower Press. Or Cle composer/playwright Linda Eisenstein, using the Internet to produce her plays in venues spanning the globe. I was privileged to spend time talking with them on camera- check out their vodcasts below. We also spoke with Lewis Nielson, producer of the audacious Lost Highway show that comes included in our Get Lost In Oberlin Cool Cleveland party on 2/8- get yr discount tix here. We’re also announcing our 3rd collaboration with Red {an Orchestra}, with a CC blowout tied to their outrageous 2/16 Frank Zappa concert- get those tix here. Don’t bet against these people, or this region. We remain, in a word, undaunted. -Thomas Mulready

Red does {Zappa} party Fri 2/16
Super low price until Midnight Thu 2/1 here!

Wanna Get Zapped? Frank Zappa was one of the most prolific and inventive American composers. Although famous as a rock’n’roll guitarist and bandleader, he considered himself first and foremost a composer of orchestral music. Completely self-taught, he learned to write for orchestra by listening to recordings of his favorite composers. Red {an orchestra} will play music by some of Zappa’s inspirations, including Varese, Stravinsky, and Webern. The second half of the concert will consist of four of Zappa’s most inventive orchestral works. Get your discount tix here.

Get Zapped with Red and you get {all this} for one low price:

• A colorful CC party on Fri 2/16 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid and E. 36th)
• CC’s magnificent open bar with unlimited beer and wine
• Savory, tempting food samplings from Gypsy Beans and Baking Co. with their “Flavors Found Wandering the World” that include Goat Cheese Stuffed Red Peppers, Vegetarian and Meat Flatbreads, Provencal Crab Salad on Crostini, Stuffed Hummus Pita Pockets, Stuffed Grape Leaves and desserts that include Assorted Brownies (how about Amazon Chili, Coconut Almond and Peanut Butter?), and Assorted Mini Cup Cakes
• A live Tango performance from Viva Dance
• A comp ticket to the Zappa concert by Red {an orchestra} at 8PM (a $15 value!)

Shades of Zappa! Get the deepest discount if you order by Midnight Thu 2/1 here. Meet us 5:30 – 7:30 at the Masonic Auditorium at the corner of E. 36th and Euclid Avenue, Downtown Cle. See map here

Get your discount here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/021607/index.php

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with The Cleveland Orchestra Not only is winter cool, but so are the four seasons –Vivaldi’s musical “Four Seasons!” Hear this classical favorite at Severance Hall for a very cool discount price – 2 tickets for $40! Offer valid for The Cleveland Orchestra concerts of Thu 2/15 and Fri 2/16, 8PM. Order today! This limited availability offer expires Fri 2/2 at 6PM (4 tickets maximum per customer). Call 216-231-1111 and mention promo code 3072, or visit www.clevelandorchestra.com and enter promo code 3072. Plan now to bring your Valentine to one of the hottest spots in our Cleveland winter – “The Four Seasons” with The Cleveland Orchestra!
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Would we steer you wrong?
Don’t miss Lost Highway! party Thu 2/8
Super low price until Midnight 2/1 here!

Check out the Hottest People, Places and Things and hitch a ride to our next gig on the CC Bus (or meet us there!) Thu 2/8. Either way, one thing’s for sure: You don’t want to miss the U.S. premiere of the thriller Lost Highway before it hits NYC. Get a comp ticket to this performance with your CC party ticket. The party starts at 5:30PM, we’ll rock the Feve ’til 7:30PM, then Lost Highway starts at 8PM. LH is a haunting music theater work adapted from David Lynch’s cult film of the same name. The party at The Feve Restaurant in Oberlin is a straight shot on I-480 West to Route 10/20, about 20 min. from Lakewood, at 30 South Main Street. See map here. The bus, compliments of Rockin’ Cleveland, will be provided at no charge, on W. 9th Street, by Mallorca Restaurant. Park in the lot next door. See map here. The bus will leave at 5PM sharp for Oberlin, then will return you after the performance of Lost Highway. When you buy your tix, mark the box to reserve your seat on the bus. Get discount tix before Midnight Thu 2/1 by clicking here.

Get Lost with all this for one low-price CC ticket:

• A CC mega party on Thu 2/8 from 5:30 – 7:30 at The Feve in Oberlin (pronounced “fev”).
• CC’s legendary open bar with unlimited beer and wine. There will also be drink specials if you’re so inclined.
• Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Enchiladas, Pizza, Quesadillas compliments of the Feve, and Canapés and assorted treats from Gypsy, Beans & Baking Co.
• Live jazz performed by The New Music Trio.
• Coffee, Tea and Desserts at FAVA (visual arts gallery across the street), chocolate desserts/liqueurs at Ginko Gallery.
• If desired, a complimentary bus ride to Oberlin, returning to Cleveland after the event (map).
• A comp ticket to the U.S. premiere of The Lost Highway, based on the David Lynch film, in Finney Chapel at 8PM.
  
• Bonus: by attending the Cool Cleveland party in Oberlin, you can register to win a complimentary weekend in New York City to see Lost Highway at the Miller Theatre on 2/23-25, complete with comp theatre tix, airfare and hotel for two! Stop over to the Akron-Canton Airport booth at the party and sign up. Your chances are very good! Some lucky Cool Clevelander at the party will be partying in NYC!

Take the High Road Get an incredible discount if you order tix by midnight tonight Thu 2/1 here. Meet us at 5:30 – 7:30 on Thursday, February 8 at the Feve in DT Oberlin (see map here). Park behind the Feve, behind the Black River Cafe across the street from the Feve, or on the streets after 6PM.

Get your discount tix before Midnight Thu 2/1 here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/020807/index.php

Lewis Nielson
Producer, Lost Highway

Lost Highway started life as a David Lynch film, until 30-something composer Olga Neuwirth ripped it apart and put it back together as a multi-media operatic stage production with multiple video screens, live orchestra pumped through sound effects, and layered voices looped like a Mobius strip in surround sound. The daunting task of producing the Oberlin production, a U.S. premiere that travels to New York in February, is in the capable hands of composer Lewis Nielson who serves as chair of the composition department and director of the Contemporary Music Division in the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College. In front of the storied Finney Chapel on the Oberlin campus, Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready spoke with Lewis Nielson about the bizarre story line of the production, how Lewis and his collaborators created a giant movie/TV screen on stage, turing Finney Chapel into a surreal video concert hall, and how Oberlin favorably compares with NYC. Read Get discount tix to the Cool Cleveland party, which includes admission to Lost Highway, here

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Road Warriors Find their Reward! What’s better than Inc® Magazine calling locally-made ExpenseWire the “road warrior’s best tool for expense reporting?” We’d say it’s the Software & Information Industry Association nominating ExpenseWire for a CODiE! For 20 years, the CODiE Awards have been the top honor for the software and information industry’s best products and services. ExpenseWire is brought to you by Ohio’s own SamePage Solutions. It helps you and your company automate and control travel and entertainment expenses – quickly, affordably and in compliance with your company’s policies. To find out what the industry is raving about, visit www.expensewire.com or call 1.330.264.9892 (or 866.381.8334). SamePage Solutions is a portfolio company of the Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us – founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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An undaunted and unbelievable array of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

20th Dumbest Moment in Business according to Business 2.0 was Fiji Water’s poke at Cle’s water. Wrong move! Laugh
The Environment Report podcasts, formerly Great Lakes Radio consortium, are now online Listen
Ohio campuses can save energy according to new report by Ohio Apollo & Policy Matters Ohio Study
Case Biophysics & Physiology Ranked #2 in nation by Chronicle of Higher Ed, according to scholarly output Read
MAGNET merges with World Trade Center to focus NEO manufacturing on int’l trade research & trade visits Info
JumpStart creates IdeaCrossing an online community that matches entrepreneurs and investors, and connects to services Info
Civic Innovation Lab names mentors incl. ideastream’s Kit Jensen, CC’s Thomas Mulready, Earl Pike of AIDS Taskforce, to work with civic “champions” Info

Digital Airport needs your support As the city signs a new 10-year ad deal for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport that serves only to promote nat’l and int’l brands, ask them set aside a small amount of ad space for the innovative Digital Airport Initiative, which would support the local tech economy by creating I.D.E.A. Zones, create advertiser-supported CLE-TV network on flat screens & kiosks throughout the airport that promote NEO, and allow local sponsorship & promo. Read, then call or write to Mayor Frank Jackson: 664-2900, mayorsactioncenter@city.cleveland.oh.us and Hopkins director Ricky Smith 265-6022, RSmith@ClevelandAirport.com, then Cc: us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Lake Communicators wkshp & luncheon helps you avoid past mktg/PR mistakes on Thu 2/1. Reps from Webtego, Capstone and McKinney speak. Comfort Inn & Conf Ctr, Mentor. Info
Cle Professionals Grp Open House benefit’s E CITY cutting edge entrepreneurship Thu 2/1 at Union Club, 1211 Euclid. Info
Hunter Morrison Dir., Ctr for Urban/Regional Studies at Youngstown St. Univ Thu 2/1 at 5:30PM. Midtown Brews event feat. Meet the Bloggers. Info Webtego, 2530 Superior Ave. #600
Clean Water conference with gov’t & academic speakers, updates on Great Lakes restoration, on Fri 2/2 Register
Entrepreneurial Women Networking bfast and panel discussion Mon 2/5 7:30A. Case Dively Bldg Register
Nano-Network VC Perspective w/speaker Daniel Wolfe of VC firm Harris & Harris, Tue 2/6 6PM Sheraton Indp, RSVP: 363-6883
Greater Cle Mktg Alliance Marketer’s mtg Wed 2/7 4PM covers creative concepts and msg devlpmt. Sheraton Rockside Info
Battelle’s NASA Ntwrkng highlights NASA start-ups, angel funds & entrepreneurial tools 4PM Wed 2/7 100th Bomb Group Info
Global Reach a series of 1-day practical programs to help mfgs & service firms in NEO to go global, starts Thu 2/8 Register
Sustainability Symposium: A Taste for Change: What We Grow Matters day-long symposium featuring eco-farmer/humorist Jerry Brunetti, urban food activist/community gardner Will Bullock, others on Sat 2/10 at Botanical Garden Register
eVolution in Manfg @ the MAGNET Innov. Ctr Thu 2/15 4:30 PM. NO-cost. Info
Gordian & OVA’s Private Equity Inv Summit II helps capital seekers Fri 2/23 @ Corp College, Warrensville Hts. Info
NEOSA Forum on Tech Edu in NEO “Myths, Legends and Opportunities” on Tue 2/27 at 8AM. Details
Topic: Timken @ Mellen Series Lecture DJ Lombardo Student Ctr @ John Carroll Tue 2/27 at 5PM Info
FIRST Buckeye Regional Robotics Comp @ CSU Wolstein Ctr Thu 3/22 – 3/24. Intense multinat’l competition teams professionals and young people solving engineering design problems. 25K students on over 1.1K teams in 35 regional comps! Info

Got more cool business and tech news & events? Events@CoolCleveland.com

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When was the Last Time You Attended an Important Premiere? You’ll have a chance the weekend of Thu 2/8 – Sat 2/10 when the Oberlin Conservatory of Music presents the U.S. premiere of Lost Highway, a dramatic music theater work by noted Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth based on the David Lynch film. All performances are at 8PM in Oberlin’s historic Finney Chapel. Tickets are just $5 for the public, $3 for students, and can be purchased by calling 1-800-371-0178, or purchase tickets to the CC Get Lost in Oberlin party Thu 2/8 and receive admission to that night’s show! Going to New York? The production will also be performed at New York’s Miller Theatre on Fri 2/23 & Sat 2/24. For more information visit www.oberlin.edu/con.
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Oberlin’s Sustainable Community Associates

A couple of blocks from Main Street in Oberlin is a lot that used to be a car dealer, a dry cleaner, and restaurant chain that all ended up being vacant. Acquired by Sustainable Community Associates, an abandoned brownfield will become a sustainably designed, mixed-use building containing 46 apartments for sale and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. The founders of Sustainable Community Associates are recent Oberlin grads Ben Ezinga, Joshua Rosen and Naomi Sabel. Cool Cleveland’s CIO George Nemeth spent time with them recently discovering why their development is different and why the Civic Innovation Lab gave them a grant.

Cool Cleveland: If I say “what does Sustainable Community Associates mean to you…?” In fact, let’s go down the line and say, “Here’s how I would explain it to someone.”

Naomi Sabel: I think what we’re trying to do is projects that take on social issues…

Read the interview by George Nemeth here

Get discount tickets to Cool Cleveland’s Get Lost in Oberlin party here.

Oberlin Conservatory Symphony “dynamic” at Carnegie Hall According to the New York Times they played a “dynamic” Jennifer Higdon tonal work, a “tentative” Mozart Piano Concerto, and a “stellar” Bartok Concerto for Orchestra at Carnegie Hall last weekend Read. And Musical America called the concert “exhiliarating and heartening,” claiming “the so-called ‘death of classical music’ is a very long way from being realized — at least at Oberlin.” Read

CleveWest Music Consorte supergroup forms to present “Jazz to Classics,” 1st concert: 3/4 in Avon Lake Info

Volunteering is Sexy especially when it’s for Cool Cleveland. Our next gig is our “Get Lost in Oberlin” party on Thu 2/8 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM and we need volunteers to serve food, beverage, etc. If you’re interested, email tl@coolcleveland.com and you will receive admittance to the party, a CC t-shirt, a ticket to the production of “Lost Highway” at 8PM (after the party), and a behind-the-scenes look at a CC event. Bring a friend to co-volunteer and we’ll double the perks.

HOT Win a trip to New York City compliments of Cool Cleveland. Make yourself eligible by attending the CC Get Lost in Oberlin party, stop over to the Akron-Canton Airport booth at the party, and you could win complimentary airfare, 2 nights of hotel and Lost Highway tix at the Miller Theatre in NYC on Sat 2/24 for two people! Do the math, and you’ll find that your chances are quite good, since this offer is only for those attending the Get Lost in Oberlin party on Thu 2/8. So register here for the party in Oberlin with food, open bar & the amazing U.S. premiere of Lost Highway at Oberlin’s Finney Chapel. https://coolcleveland.net/tickets/020807/index.php

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland02.02.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

Kucinich is “conscience of the Democrats” While smirking that he “looks more like a jockey than a head of state,” the political humor site Radar posts a YouTube of Dennis launching into Sixteen Tons when he filled in for Barack Obama recently, and asks him about his vegan lifestyle, his liberal drug stance, bowling and the default (“I didn’t sell my soul as a mayor”). Read

Help Red Red {an orchestra} needs you! They are looking for volunteers for ushers, ticket takers, concessions, the Will Call window, and general office work for their upcoming “The Importance of Being Zappa” concerts on Feb 16 & 17 — which just so happen to coincide with our Cool Cleveland Red {an orchestra} party. In return for your help, you will receive no-charge admission to the concerts, after-concert party with musicians, and involvement with one of the most innovative orchestras in the country. For more detail contact Gail at 361-1733 or gail@redanorchestra.org. Red’s offices are at the Masonic Auditorium, 3615 Euclid Ave., Suite 1C. Cleveland. Check them out at http://www.redanorchestra.org

Cool Cleveland Kids You don’t want to miss what 11-year-old Max has for you and your family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids02.02.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.

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Tina, Aretha and Janis are “Beehive” All Stars in the ’60s musical that takes you on a journey through the music that personalized the laughter, tears and parties of the era. Begin – 1960 when “The Name Game” had every teen belting out “Banana Fanna Fo…,” continue with “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “It’s My Party.” Move on to 1964 – with The British Invasion, and divas such as Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield. Who could forget “Downtown,” “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’?” Now make way for the girl rockers who ruled the airwaves – Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Experience a live performance with rockin’ music at Carousel’s “Beehive” now through Sat 2/24. Go to www.carouseldinnertheatre.com or call (330) 724-9855 or (800) 362-4100 to reserve your tickets before they sell out!
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Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Musing Constructs and Contraptions at Tri-C West’s Gallery West is a beauty to behold. Check out sculpture by Joanne Heutsche and Mindy Tousley, and paintings by David Wilder with grand social/psychological commentary and deconstructivist leanings. The formal gallery reception/opening hits today Wed 1/31. Call 987-5322 for details, or visit http://www.tri-c.edu/gallerywest for more.

HOT $$$olar Powered Learn why solar thermal technology is one of the single best renewable energy investments on Wed 1/31 at 1PM. Learn about domestic and commercial uses in this panel discussion. Speakers include Sherry Hubbard of Ohio ODOD, Energy Efficiency. Co-hosted by Cle Water Dept., Green Energy Ohio and Entrepreneurs for Sustainability. http://www.e4s.org. More info.

HOT The Innerbelt: Moving Forward Wanna know where the contentious Innerbelt Plan is headed? Attend this public open house at the Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation on Thu 2/1 starting at 4:30PM, with a formal presentation at 6PM sharp. Learn about the next steps straight from ODOT officials and consultants. Have your questions ready. 2187 West 14th St. For more info, call ODOT Dist 12 at 584-2007 or visit http://www.innerbelt.org.

Apollo’s Fire Catch performances of Handel Fireworks (Handel’s Royal Fireworks Suite and Dixit Dominus) from Thu 2/1 through 2/4 in Akron, Cleveland Heights, and Rocky River. Request a season brochure at 320-0012. http://www.ApollosFire.org.

HOT The Music of Jacques Brel is the subject of Kalliope Stage’s latest performance slate, opening Thu 2/1 and running through mid-March. Brel’s awesome enduring passions are re-orchestrated in a diverse blend of ballads, tangos, boleros and standards, performed as an intimate cabaret. Kalliope Stage, Cle Hts. http://www.kalliopestage.com.

Csárdás Dance Company performs with The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble on Thu 2/1. More info here. Tickets at www.PlayhouseSquare.com.

MOCA’s Modern Music Series features performances by TAIGA{a}! with Fire Horse Monarch, creating intelligent dance music with world-inspired electronics and traditional instruments. http://www.taigaa.com. http://www.mocacleveland.org.

Ghetto Wisdom was a local standout live act at last year’s Bloggapalooza, the blogger festival organized by Cool Cleveland CIO, George Nemeth. Revisit the band’s seriously infectious vibe Thu 2/1 at 8PM the Beachland Ballroom. GW features Mike Calhoun (guitar player for the Dazz Band). http://www.ejntoxicated.com/home.htm. http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

Art Interpretations of Science and Medicine is the focus of a student-created Cleveland Clinic Expressions exhibit. Work of NEO High School Students is showcased beginning w/ Fri 2/1 opening. Runs through 2/28. http://www.clevelandclinic.org.

Albert Herring is the tale of a young grocer who gets wrapped up in a May Queen crowning when the village of Loxton can’t find a young virtuous girl for the role. Benjamin Britten’s work tracks the odd results on Thu 2/1, Sat 2/3 and Sun 2/4. Baldwin-Wallace Kleist Ctr. http://www.bw.edu.

Buckeye Roots Reggae/Dub/Jam with members of the P.L.U.S. Band, first Thu of every month Thu 2/1 at Happy Dog, 58th & Detroit 651-9474 http://www.HappyDog58.com

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History + Impact = Drama Tune to WVIZ/PBS for an unprecedented look into The Supreme Court. The first television series to fully profile the inner workings of the court, this special explores the history, impact and drama of America’s highest court – debuting on WVIZ/PBS on Wed 1/31 at 9PM and concluding Wed 2/7 at 9PM. Also on WVIZ/PBS, top ballroom dancers compete at the world’s largest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio for the honor of being named “America’s Best.” America’s Ballroom Challenge 2007 premieres Wed 1/31, 8PM and continues each Wed at 8PM throughout February. Then, At Close Range with National Geographic, Mon 2/5, 10PM gives a behind-the-scenes look at how photos are selected for a typical magazine story. Visit www.wviz.org for additional program information.
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An Evening of Luv Three one-acts by Linda Eisenstein, Greg Edwards & Michael Lew, each a “lovely comedy” on Fri 2/2 -2/4 at Acting Out School of Performing Arts, 23945 Mercantile Rd #H, Beachwood aneveningofluv@yahoo.com.

Lonnie G. Bunch The Founding Director of Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will speak about the new museum’s mission to develop exhibitions and public programs about the history, culture and contributions of African Americans on Fri 2/2 at 12 Noon. City Club of Cleveland.

Full Moon Skiing Enjoy all this snow before it melts with a “Full Moon Ski” this Fri 2/2 starting at 6:30PM at Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon. Skiers will meet in the Donald W. Meyer Center parking lot. Call Geauga Park District at 440-286-9516 for details. http://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Wing Watch & Wine Trail Self-drive tour of 7 NEO wineries, from Sandusky to DT Cle, receive a Schott Zwiesel and a heart-shaped candy dish to collect chocolate & wine samples at each stop on Fri 2/2 or Sat 2/3. Tour continues 2/9, 2/10 Register.

Lissie West & The White Buffalo hit the Wilbert’s stage Fri 2/2 at 7PM, with special guests Kevin McCarthy and one of Cleveland Magazine ‘s “Most Interesting People,” Jessica Mayfield, a.k.a. Chittlin’. Read the Cool Cleveland review of Chittlin’s latest CD here. 812 Huron Rd. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.

Wearing Rainbows & Numbers Wearing Rainbows is a series of monologues by a racially, ethnically, sexually, and generationally diverse group of women as each discovers the shape shifting metaphor of a rainbow in their lives. Numbers explores the issue of mental health through the eyes of an African American numbers runner, and the spirits of several patients who reside in the cemetery of a former facility for the so-called insane. Runs Fri 2/2 at 7:30PM through Sun 2/4. www.cptonline.org.

Cuttin’ Up Venture into the vibrant communities that lie within the walls of the local barbershop from Fri 2/2 at 8PM through Sun 2/25. www.ClevelandPlayHouse.com.

1st Ann. Women Writers Winter Retreat feat. CLE author Sarah Willis and sessions with writers Erin O’Brien, Deanna Adams and Kristin Ohlson on Fri 2/2. Homestead Bed & Breakfast, 38111 W. Spaulding, Willoughby. http://www.deannaadams.com.

HOT Sachsenheim Ball II An incomparable, multi-level, multimedia and performance art and music festival reignites Fri 2/2 at 9PM at the Sachsenheim Hall, 7001 Denison. Features incredible stage roster including Mifuné, Mr. Gnome, Dreadful Yawns, Lost State of Franklin and the Uncanny Xe La. http://www.myspace.com/sachsenheimball. http://www.sachsenheim.us.

Visions of a City Four Photographers in Cleveland features Arthur Gray, William Barnhill, Jasper Wood, and Andrew Browiec at Cleveland Artists Foundation, Beck Center, Lkwd, opening Fri 2/2 6PM, thru 3/31 http://www.ClevelandArtists.org

HOT Equus An electrifying journey into the mind of a confused seventeen-year-old boy who has plunged a spike into the eyes of five horses. Inspired by a crime involving a teenage boy’s senseless mutilation of horses, Peter Shaffer’s Equus is a fictional account of what might have caused the incident. The play revolves around a psychiatrist who tries to help the boy confront his personal demons while wrestling with his own sense of purpose. Runs Fri 2/2 at 8PM through 2/25. http://www.beckcenter.org.

HOT Something Dada Improv troupe has a permanent performance schedule once again – and a new home in The Tower Press Building. Beginning Fri 2/5, Dada will perform every Fri at 8PM and every Saturday at 8PM and 10:30 PM in Tower Press’ Wooltex Room, 1900 Superior Ave. Their “from the hip humor” truly has become a CLE institution. http://www.SomethingDada.com.

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WCLVnotes This week WCLV 104.9 FM presents two live concerts from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Tonight at 8PM Carl Topilow conducts the CIM Orchestra with Jung Ah An, piano. The program includes Hector Berlioz’s “Rákóczy March,” Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto and Witold Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra. On Fri 2/2 at 8PM we present a CIM Faculty Recital of Music by Czech Composers, live from Kulas Hall, with Linda Jones, piano; Peter Salaff, violin; Paul Kantor, violin; and Virginia Weckstrom, piano. The program includes music by Antonín Dvorák, Leos Janácek, Josef Suk, and Bohuslav Martinu. Complete details of all of WCLV’s programming can be found on the WCLV website at www.wclv.com.
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CC KIDS Winter Wellness Fair The fair, on Sat 2/3 from 10AM – 5PM and Sun 2/4 from 12 – 5PM, features dozens of merchants to choose from. Exhibitors run the gamut from natural and holistic health, wellness, yoga, naturopathy, Reiki, T’ai Chi, safe cleaning, natural cosmetics and soaps, spirituality, and even dentistry. www.cbgarden.org.

HOT Pieces: A Reflection of Tragedy and Triumph features a collection of new works and jewelry by artist Christopher Sweiger, co-presented by the Bela Dubby Art Gallery & Sweiger’s Artifactual Creations. It launches with an Artist Reception Sat 2/3 from 6PM-midnight. Bela Dubby, 13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood. http://www.myspace.com/beladubby. http://artifactualcreations.com/index.htm.

Windsong The feminist chorus presents its winter concert, It Takes a Village on Sat 2/3 at 7:30PM. Special guests include Solstice, the CWRU’s women’s a cappella ensemble. Music will be interpreted hearing impaired. Crooked River coffee and refreshments available. United Church of Christ, 2800 Archwood Ave. Call 381-4886 or visit Windsong’s website, http://www.geocities.com/windsongchorus.

HOT C-Space Escape silent auction is annual fundraiser featuring Mifuné, The Waxwings, Ryann Anderson, Corissa & the Priapists, with host Michael Ivy, taking place on Sat 2/3 at Parish Hall, 6205 Detroit, for C-Space, a new community center in Clark-Fulton neighborhood for interaction, social programs and political action, 939-1942 OrenCasdi@Yahoo.com http://www.ClevelandSpace.org

Luna Negra Dance Theatre The only U.S. Dance company dedicated solely to the work of Latino choreographers performs on Sat 2/3 at 8PM. Playhouse Square.

Dispirited Garden features the 80s Chinese pop style and Inkjet prints of artist Yan Wei. Recount the art of Bejing just in time for the Chinese New Year (Year of the Boar). Exhibition opens Sat 2/3 at 8PM with authentic live Chinese music. Standing Rock Cultural Arts’ Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent. http://www.standingrock.net.

CC KIDS Holden’s Winterfest includes a flurry of wintery activities for families and kids on Sat 2/3 at 10AM. This year’s Winterfest includes ice carving, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a bird watching hike, an Orchid Show & Sale and a winter-themed scavenger hunt — all packed into one incredible day. Fun for the whole family. http://www.holdenarb.org.

HOT Akron’s Northside Galleries have a bevy of new artistic marvels to explore Sat 2/3 from 6-9PM. Come see what’s new with Akron Glass Works, Millworks Gallery, Erewhon, Red Light, Zeber Martell Clay Studio, Fred Yoder Studio, Magoun Pewter, Kathleen Lucas Walls Studio, Chris Klassen Studio and Troy Myers Studio. N. Main St., Furnace St. and N. Summit St., Akron. http://www.northsideclub.com.

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Test Your Zappa Trivia! Is Frank Zappa known for saying the following: “Art is making something out of nothing and selling it.” You bet! Red {an orchestra} wants to to help you REDefine Zappa by showcasing his otherwise unknown talents with a journey through this amazing artist’s life in “The Importance of Being Zappa.” Join us Fri 2/16 and Sat 2/17 at 8PM and experience his unique orchestral music with this extraordinary concert in the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid & E. 36th). Red is also offering an exclusive discount to Cool Cleveland readers: 2 tickets for the price of 1! Tickets start at $15. Just mention Cool Cleveland when you call Red {an orchestra} at 261.361.1733 or visit www.redanorchestra.org and type in Cool Cleveland in the comments section.
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CC KIDS CHABAM’s Family Festival is a no-cost open house of their facility on Sun 2/4 at 11:30 AM. Families are invited to participate in signature music, art and movement activities facilitated by CHABAM’s degreed education team and designed for optimum child development. 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. http://www.chabam.com.

MotherArtists Super Sunday Art Swap Looking for a Super Bowl alternative? Bring your unsold, never-hung, or “what was I thinking?” original artwork and swap it for someone else’s on Sun 2/4 at 2PM. Your trash may be someone else’s treasure! Bring your original art/signed prints/ltd. editions (no posters) to the Beachland Ballroom Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road. Bevvies and snacks will be available. Call 383-1124 or email motherartists@hotmail.com for more.

Ennis Edmonds Kenyon Professor lectures on “Rastafari and Reggae: A Marriage Made in Jamaica” on Tue 2/6 at 4:30 PM. p.m. Presented as a part of Black History Month by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in cooperation with Case Western University’s Music and Religion Depts. Baker Nord Center, CWRU. http://www.rockhall.com.

Healthy Lifestyle Summit by Ohio Parks & Recreation Assn, to develop strategies to promote physical activity & combat obesity on Tue 2/6 8:30AM-5PM at Crowne Plaza Register

The Three Professors Wick Poetry Center, Standing Rock Cultural Arts, and the Jailhouse Poetry Project are co-sponsoring a reading by Profs. Robert Tener, Brooke Horvath, and Larry Smith to introduce their new Bottom Dog Press publications on Tue 2/6 at 7PM. The Old Jailhouse, Fred Fuller Park @ corner of Haymaker and Middlebury, Kent. For more info, contact David Hassler at: dhassle1@kent.edu or call 330-672-1769.

LakewoodAlive Night Out to mix and mingle with folks interested in economic development on Wed 2/7 at 7PM at Winking Lizard Lakewood http://www.LakewoodAlive.com

HOT Matthew Barney: No Restraint Directed by Alison Chernick, with Matthew Barney and Björk. In this revealing documentary, acclaimed sculptor and experimental filmmaker Matthew Barney (the Cremaster cycle) is captured on the set of his most recent movie, Drawing Restraint 9. DR9 is set on a Japanese whaling ship and uses traditional Japanese rituals and 45,000 pounds of petroleum jelly to tell the story of a newlywed couple transformed into whales. Wed 2/7 and Fri 2/9 at 7PM. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. http://www.clevelandart.org/film.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

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Pamper Yourself with Holistic Health, Yoga, Reiki, T’ai Chi, Spirituality . . . and more at the third annual Winter Wellness Weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Sat 2/3 10AM – 5PM and Sun 2/4 12PM – 5PM. This fair has something to keep everyone feeling great and looking good. With dozens of merchants to choose from, you might find anything from skin and body care goods to alternative sources of nutrition and energy. Exhibitors run the gamut in the fields of natural and holistic health, wellness, yoga, naturopathy, Reiki, T’ai Chi, safe cleaning, natural cosmetics and soaps, spirituality, and even dentistry. This event has no admission fee with regular Garden admission. Adults: $7.50; Children 3-12: $3; Children under 3 and CBG members: no charge. Tue – Sat: 10AM – 5PM; Sun: Noon – 5PM. Closed Mondays. Contact www.cbgarden.org or 216.721.1600.
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My Life with the Lightspeed Box

I hear the talk, see those letters to the editor and read the blogs written by “haters.” All these opinions and so few from anyone close to the subject. The bottom line is this… people with open tree-lawns shouldn’t cast stones. Shame on those who condemn Lightspeed box without really getting to know one. Take it from someone who does, these monolithic, metal boxes have a depth beyond the promises of advanced technology and a mystery deep in their pulsing vein of wires.

Not to imply such statements or attitudes have no basis, but take a moment of pause and let someone who knows share their story. There is no great “love at first sight” ode to my life with Lightspeed. Our beginning was typical. Leaving work one morning, the oft-present phone worker had arrived and already pulled his vehicle’s wheels up over the curb and into the slanted, passenger side on tree-lawn parking spot. It was not unusual to look out and see someone tending to the little green box that resided there. Slowly, I pull from the driveway and wend my way around the van and head to work.

Upon arriving home, something looked very different in the neighborhood. Gone was the familiar shoebox and in its place was this large, tan and vented tall-boy. For a point of reference, let’s say the “Little Green Sprout” was replaced by the “Green Giant.” The phone company van was gone too. Circumstantial evidence tells me, ol’ phone boy was working hard that day. Now, the haters may be quick to retort here, and ask “Didn’t you know this was coming?” and the answer is no. Lightspeed showed up with no notice. He was like the guest who arrived on the door step unannounced. While human visitors bring a bottle of wine, a dessert perhaps; Lightspeed also did not arrived empty-handed. The lawn was graced with pieces of color-coated wire and shiny metal nuts and bolts. Sadly, these needed to be removed when Mr. Lawnmower was pulled out to do his job.

It’s only been a few months now, but Lightspeed has been really dependable. He is ever-present as an unflinching a constant reminder of commerce and that thing they call easements. You know those charters that allow municipalities to put pieces of equipment on personal property at their own convenience and whim, and leave them on land the residents get to maintain. Look out the window Lightspeed is there; take out the garbage, he’s still there. There are 24-hours in any given day and guess who never leaves. Unlike those aforementioned houseguests, Lightspeed is really quiet. His presence goes mostly unnoticed. When the leaves dropped and became a golden brown crackling carpet and the recent snow fell, covering winter’s exposed soil with its glittery white coat the matte, tan metal construct fell right into the season’s landscape.

Sometimes Lightspeed does get underfoot and cause a little bit of trouble. Like when its time to use the driveway, this staid presence is a bit of a distraction. Due to his immobility backing down the driveway becomes a new feat. A lesson Lightspeed box taught me after the two times I narrowly escaped getting hit by oncoming traffic that had turned suddenly onto the street. So maybe the oncoming driver didn’t see me, just like I couldn’t see him. We just need to pay more attention when we drive. What’s the big deal about having to look both ways, three times, and then inch down the tar path and into the street with caution? So he does obstruct the view from oncoming traffic. Who out there has a tree equipped with bells and sirens to alert them of oncoming traffic or skater kids coming within 10 feet of the driveway? Again, people with clear tree-lawns…

Lightspeed box is a bit of a trendsetter. Last week, a neighbor was trying to get into the fashion and plopped one of the 1-800-PODS boxes in front of the place… right across the street from Lightspeed. Needless to say, this lawn ornament only lasted a day. At 12 x 10, it was too much of a good thing. He’s also really popular. People pull up all the time, hang out in the driveway, just to stop by and say hi. Another point to silence the naysayers is the fun side of Lightspeed. He’s more than just this obtrusive and bland lump on the lawn. There’s the time he got involved in a paint ball game. Granted he lost the battle, but still managed to stand proud wearing the splattered, blue blotch of badge of dishonor. Looked like fun though. There’s often a beer can or chip bag strewn next to him, but this time the beer can was on his head. Who knew Lightspeed was life of the party? Those out there with your blogs and unkind words need reconsider your position. Before I read an accusation that I myself poised the beer can atop Lightspeed, to make him look good, let it be known I’m a Pinot Grigio girl. Keep your words kind. I’m going to need your support, especially when he finds out I don’t even have high-speed cable.

From Cool Cleveland reader Alison Arthur lettersATcoolcleveland.com

Christopher Axelrod
Creator of URPORN.TV

Christopher Axelrod is inspired, and undaunted. In the age of billion-dollar Internet plays like YouTube and MySpace, he is creating Your Pipeline of Rock Nomads: URPORN.TV, a site created to host music videos by bands from around the world, built by a team based here in Cleveland, including site developers thunder::tech and CC writer David Budin. His goal: nothing less than to become the international center for online mucis vids. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready hooked up with URPORN.TV mastermind Chris Axelrod at their studio in the Tower Press Building, where Chris explained how this new online resource will help launch talent, why he picked such an edgy URL, and exactly what the stripper pole is used for. http://www.URPORN.TV

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DANCECleveland presents Luna Negra Dance Theater . . . flashy-subtle, sharp-smooth, suave-fuerte, Luna Negra is all that and more for one night only on Sat 2/3 at Playhouse Square Center. The Chicago Sun Times says, “They capture the sensual and historical essence of Latino life -a cultural tradition that is rich and irresistible. See the Northeast Ohio premiere of this tradition in Quinceñera – a portrayal of the universal rite of passage from a girl’s last doll to her first pair of high heels. This exuberant company dances the stuffing out of even the most difficult work – always joyful, strong and fiercely focused.” Get your tickets at www.tickets.com or call 216-241-6000 today! Luna Negra Dance Theater is graciously sponsored by National City Bank.
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Links to interesting NEO blogs
Older cities in NEO are like the house Jay-C’s parents rennovated. Link
To save Cleveland we must first understand how to kill it, suggests Jeff Hess. Link
Is there any bioremediation research going on in Cleveland? Link
A blog helps save money on a new pair of glass for Dan. Link
Alumni of the PD get together for lunch. Link
If Roy was trying to convince someone to move to Lakewood, he’d tell them “I like the people.” Link

Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian asks what YOU THE READER would spend $1.6 billion on for the city (give ya a hint… CHQ’s got a different opinion), along with all the day’s news, weather, traffic and sports… every ten minutes “on the tens.” When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Linda Eisenstein
Composer, playwright, critic

Linda Eisenstein is best known to Cool Cleveland readers as our resident theatre critic, attending hundreds of productions a year in the region and throughout the world, as she tours her own one-acts and musicals in theatres across the globe. As a composer and playwright, Linda possesses a unique ability to speak to the role of the working artist, as well as the state of theatre in these parts and elsewhere. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready met with Linda at Gypsy Beans & Baking Co. in Detroit Shoreway, next to Cleveland Public Theatre, and they discussed the beauty of an artist owning a home in the neighborhood, her thoughts on some of the hottest theatre groups in Cleveland and Akron, and how, undaunted, she uses the Internet to network and market her plays internationally from her home in Cle. Her work is being presented on Fri 2/2-3 at Acting Out Studios in Beachwood aneveningofluv@yahoo.com (See Friday listings). Check out here plays and music here and her blog here and watch for her reviews and commentary in Cool Cleveland.

Jackson’s Boilerplate

People are still waiting for Mayor Frank Jackson to excite them.

He’s just likely never going to be an imaginative leader.

People often assess progress with construction of some new sparkling building project. That’s why politicians love big concrete projects.

Such ventures often prove illusory, if not misguided.

Former Mayor Michael White sucked up all the public money he could for “progress” with Gateway, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Browns Stadium.

Now, a tightly fiscally limited Jackson does not have a quick project to impress us.

That is good…

Read more by Roldo Bartimole here

Afro-Electroniqué Mifuné Odc Music

The Welfare Poet Ghetto Wisdom feat. E&J Edwin M. Jackson

Last week, Thomas Mulready interviewed me for one of those indelible Cool Cleveland vodcasts (see Peter Chakerian here). He asked me to sum up the bewildering variety of musical talent in town. How to fit what’s happening into a rapid-fire, 14-minute video and not miss someone or come off like a rushed Oscar speech? Exactly. So, with that in mind, I digress. Some talented people were indeed passed over. I mentioned a lot of last year’s highlights, and alluded to some of the more iconoclastic outfits following uncharted paths. Mifuné and Ghetto Wisdom are but two such emerging groups – among the very best of what Cleveland’s music scene offers today…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

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

Something Dada
Aaron Patterson

Something Dada is due for some good luck. This 13-year-old improvisational comedy company was gentrified out of their most recent basement digs in the hi-rent Warehouse District right about the time they were robbed. Undaunted, they scoured the city for more appropriate theatre location for their weekend forays into audience-inspired lunacy. Developer David Perkowski offered the Wooltex Gallery at his Tower Press Building, a perfect partnership since the gallery operates during daylight, and Dada goes crazy Friday nights at 8PM, and Saturdays at 8PM & 10PM. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready stopped by as they were wrapping up a preview event last week and turned on the camera with Something Dada member Aaron Patterson for an entertaining gab about how they deal with unpredictable audiences each night, the dangers of “death by a thousand cuts,” and the magic of the words, “Yes…and…” http://www.SomethingDada.com

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

Big [Box]: Without Feathers/Sucking the Life @ CPT 1/19
Wow!: In the breathtaking Without Feathers, recent L.A. transplant Lisa K. Lock immediately moved to the first rank of area choreographers and dancers. With shaved head and impossibly long limbs in Butoh-slow extensions, Lock turned herself into a series of haunting creatures. Her postmodern Apache dance with Troy McCarty was a highlight, as was her drowned-corpse work using only a chair. In between the live performances, Lock and her partner Larry Coleman created riveting films of other dances, including an intensely erotic duet between McCarty and Michael Medcalf most done with closeups of faces. Don’t miss Lock next time — she’s the real deal, somebody you can’t take your eyes off.
Still-in-Progress: Amy Notley’s feminist-inspired Sucking the Life had fun moments — her tongue-in-cheek pas de deux with a remote controlled vacuum cleaner was laugh-out-loud, and Robert Banks’ film of a deadpan Notley endlessly cleaning her house provided a strong backdrop. But despite the rockin’ live quartet Up Ensemble, the 2nd half felt tacked-on, like an underrehearsed student concert.
Details: Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org. Big [Box] continues thru 2/16.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Motown @ Cle Play House Club 1/26 The Cleveland Play House Club is not the kind of place you just wander into, off the street, to find out what’s happening there. Even when something as lively as Motown graces the space. That’s because:

(a) it’s not in a neighborhood of any kind – it’s tucked away inside the Cleveland Play House complex, which is housed in a stand-alone building in an area where nothing else is going on (except for MOCA, which is in the same building), and even inside the CPH complex you can hardly find the Club; (b) it’s known only to a relatively small portion of the population, mostly longtime Play House regulars; (c) many of those who do know about it, but who aren’t regulars there, have the impression that it’s sort of stuffy, the reason being that it sort of is. The club started in 1960, when, for the most part, only the older movers and shakers in town attended plays at CPH, and the Club appealed to only the more elite of those. Now it’s 2007 and, well, come to think of it, not much of that seems to have changed…

The Play House Club was started by CPH’s Men’s Committee. I worked in the Play House’s marketing department in the early ’80s, during the time CPH added the third theater to its current structure, along with several other sections. They built a brand-new Play House Club as part of the complex. The Men’s Committee’s then-president sent out a press release about it. The part I remember best is where he said “experience the ambivalence of the old Play House Club.” I guess he meant “ambiance.” (And this was a guy who called me a “space cadet,” because I didn’t do some useless, waste-of-time task he had requested fast enough for him – when he wasn’t even my boss or anything like it. Not that I hold grudges for 24 years. Especially against someone who has already died. )

But while he may have meant “ambiance,” he was accidentally prophetic. There does exist a certain ambivalence about the place. Its décor is very nice and there’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s not in any way exciting. And the same can be said for its food. That may be the way they want it. Thus, it’s not a place I ever think of going when I’m trying to think of someplace to go.

But last week I saw a notice posted on NEohioPAL (North East Ohio Performing Arts List, a service started and operated by longtime Cleveland theater director Fred Sternfeld) for a show in the Play House Club itself, called Motown, featuring a bunch of Motown songs. That sounded incongruous enough that I decided to check it out Friday night.

The Play House Club has lost none of its old “ambivalence.” But there was nothing ambivalent about the show. And when I say a bunch of Motown songs, I mean 28, which is more than you’d get in an average concert. And they are performed with tons of energy and panache – much more, really, than the place deserves – by six top-notch musicians. Colleen Longshaw, Geoff Short and Trinidad Snider sing their hearts out, and do some Motown-worthy moves as well. They’re backed up by drummer Chris Corprew and bassist Eric Phillips, both of whom are terrific, and pianist Ed Ridley, Jr., one the best (possibly the best) keyboardists in the region. Ridley also served as the show’s musical director and arranger (and he even gets to sing a couple of songs, which he does well).

The show was produced, written and directed by veteran Cleveland actor Paul Floriano. There is a bit of a story line running through it: A record store is about to go out of business and needs a certain amount of money in order to stay open. The owners and one of the store’s employees put on a benefit show, a Motown revue, to raise money. (I won’t tell you whether they succeed, so as not to ruin the suspense).

The odd (and fortunate) thing is that during the first half of the show, they perform just as many Motown songs as they do in the second half, which is the show-within-a-show, when they’re doing the Motown revue. The difference, as far as I can tell, is that in the second half, they wear fancier clothes. Not that their clothes weren’t fancy in the first half.

I would have been just as happy if the show hadn’t had a story line. Happier, actually. It wasn’t enough of a story to really draw me in, but that’s also the good news: It doesn’t take that much time away from the music. And the music is good enough and performed well enough that I would have been satisfied to enjoy it simply as a concert. But it looked as though much of the audience liked the story part, so maybe that’s just me.

The Motown record label played a very significant role in both the history of pop music and in American history itself. Its founder, Berry Gordy, was a successful songwriter who knew he was getting ripped off by the mostly white-controlled record business establishment. His friend Bill Robinson – later better known as Smokey – helped convince Gordy to start his own label, where black artists would get paid fairly. With a tiny investment, he launched the label in the early ’60s, in his house in Detroit, and developed it into one of the most successful record companies ever. In the process, the label and its founder and artists directly and indirectly helped to advance the Civil Rights Movement.

Motown’s incredible roster included Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, the Supremes, the Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Steve Wonder, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Commodores, Lionel Richie and others. It’s the songs that these artists made famous that we get to hear in Motown – everything from “Dancing in the Street,” “Please Mister Postman,” “Baby Love” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” to “I Want You Back,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Signed, Sealed and Delivered” and “Brick House.”

All of the nearly 30 songs in the show are pop classics and all of the artists who originally recorded them were unique. It takes a lot of talent to even come close to the originals. The cast of Motown does come close, which is saying a lot. It also takes a lot to liven up a big, dead space like the Play House Club.

The show runs through February 24. Go see it. Then you won’t have to go there any more. Unless there’s another good show there. Dinner and or drinks are available. Call 795-0700 for reservations and information, or visit http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net

Thom Pain (based on nothing) @ Dobama 1/27 During the day on Friday, I spent a class period trying to explain the workings of the human mind to my Psychology class. I recounted that the brain is the product of both heredity and environment. I shared that it often goes off on tangents for no presently identified reason. I also shared that sometimes, based on the situation and our mood and motivation, disorganization of ideas, emotional breakdowns, and the resulting flow of thoughts can reveal a great deal about a person.

Oh how I wish my students had been able to share with me the opening night performance of Dobama Theatre’s Thom Pain (based on nothing). My “brilliant” lecture actually came to life through the talented one-man performance of Scott Plate as Thom Pain. Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing) was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. It has been called funny, edgy, honest, engaging and raw.

It can’t be defined by traditional terms used for a theatrical script—drama, comedy, tragedy or farce. It defies description. What it is, is a look at life, the terror of life, the greatness of mortality, and the fragility and realities of existence. It is an odd and intoxicating affirmation of the value of being alive, with an underbelly probing into the uselessness and sometimes joy of being alive. It has the qualities of a Sartre and Camus existential probing into why one lives. It screams, “Why do we exist?”

The story is told with many stops and starts, pauses and digressions. The language is sometimes gross and often poetic. An ill-fated love affair is explained away with, “I disappeared in her and she, wondering where I went, left.” The language often contradicts itself. The character is so inconsistent that we never know whether we should believe anything he says.

Sound weird? It is. It’s probably one of the oddest plays you’ll ever see. For some it will be exciting; for others, clearly off-putting.

Someone actually got up about ten minutes into the play and walked out. He crossed right through the acting area to get into the cold night air. Was he a plant meant to highlight the nature of the production? When the man departed, Plate seemed confused. After a momentary pause, he launched into an “ad libbed” speech that tied the exit to his flow of thought and then used the device throughout the rest of the production to bridge ideas together. The same thing happened later when he “spontaneously” brought an audience member on stage and used him as a prop for yet another rambling tale.

I should have figured that this was going to be one of “those” evenings when, at the start of the show, Plate started to talk to the audience while he was standing in the dark. Was there a blown light cue by the techie in charge of illumination? The lights suddenly flashed on as the actor was telling us about the dark. The contradictions were starting.

Even the ending was not a traditional one. At one point, mid-sentence, Plate just left the stage and didn’t return. The audience sat, quietly, waiting to figure out whether we were in intermission, the actor had forgotten his lines and panicked, or the whole experience was really over. There was no closing curtain, no sudden rise in lighting level to signal, “it’s over.” Someone finally got up and left. Others followed. Yes, our experience was over.

Plate is marvelous! His confusion is real. The tears he sheds, the bodily shakes, the confused look in his eyes, the underplayed manic expressiveness on his face are real. Plate’s pain and Pain are real!

The show was directed by Joel Hammer, but who knows what his role was. Is this Plate’s conception or Hammer’s creation? It’s all part of those questions about the play that will never be answered.

Capsule Judgment: Thom Pain (based on nothing) is a 70-minute, no intermission or late seating, compelling piece of theatre. Is it for everyone? No. If you like escapist comedy or light musicals this is not for you. But, if you want to think, and see a marvelous performance, get down to Shaker Square and have a meaningful, if thought confusing experience.

Thom Pain (based on nothing) is being performed in Dobama’s temporary home at 13100 Shaker Square (the former Gap store near the Shaker Square Cinema). There is lots of free parking behind the theatre. The show runs through February 17. For information and tickets call 216-932-3396. Dobama’s next production, Shorn, written and performed by Juliette Regnier, will be staged from February 22 through March 4 in the same space. Visit them at http://www.dobama.org.

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

GroundWorks Dancetheater @ Cle Botanical Garden 1/27 It’s been 9 years now since David Shimotakahara left Ohio Ballet to found his own dance company. GroundWorks Dancetheater bills itself as a highly innovative company of ballet trained artists, dedicated to the development and presentation of new choreography and encourages collaboration with other art disciplines. It is that, and more! It is one of the few companies that revels in not having a home of its own. The troupe can be found performing in churches, dedicated entertainment venues (such as Cleveland Public Theatre) and public buildings (e.g., The Cleveland Botanical Garden). Its mottos include: “undiluted,” “unfiltered,” and “unprocessed.”

In its short history, GroundWorks has established itself as a major force in Cleveland dance. As evidenced by the sold-out performances at their recent run at the Botanical Garden, David and his dancers, have gained a loyal following. The dance-ophiles show up no matter the venue.

In their most recent program, part of the Landmarks Series 2007, the company premiered, U ME U, choreographed by Artistic Associate Amy Miller. Centering on the theme “the repetition of an idea in continually changing contexts,” the piece was a collaborative effort between Miller, dancers Felise Bagley and Mark Otloski, and guitarist/music composer James Marron. The selection, though very precise in its movements, had the feeling of being created on the spot. The visual interaction between the dancers and the musicians, who seemed to pick up their cues from each other, was strong. As Marron’s strumming slowed, the dancers moved slowly. When the performers sped up, so did the music. The sounds varied from discordant, to riffs, to a flow of melodic sound. The piece was, at times, serious, at other times playful. This kind of performance takes a special relationship between the choreographer, musician and dancers. Fortunately, Groundworks has all three in place! U ME U is a fine addition to the company’s repertoire.

The remaining two segments, Shimotakahara’s “MAJOR TO MINOR” and “THE MUSIC ROOM” were restagings of former presentations. Both were danced to a collection of musical creations. Major to Minor used such music as “I Wished On The Moon,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “Every Time We Say Goodbye” to investigate the bittersweet and sometimes humorous take on people in the pursuit of love.” Dancers Felise Bagley, Amy Miller, Mark Otloski and Shimotakahara were excellent in making the transition from jazzy, to finger snapping, to humorous, with ease. The highlight was the delightful segment created around the song, “Peanut Vendor.”

The Music Room centers around a door, created by Narelle Sissons’, which becomes the sixth performer as it moves, flips, is slammed and opens and closes as it serves as a means for entrances, exits, being a barrier, a hindrance, and finally, a piece of bewilderment.

One must wonder how long some of the company members will continue to carry on their arduous dancing. Several of the group are no long youngsters and have passed the age at which dancers tend to slow down or retire. It would be a shame for Groundworks to cease its wonderment because of the lack of new performers. It is rumored that the company has been holding tryouts to expand its dancing corps. It’s going to be hard to have anyone come in and match the skills of Shimotakahara, Miller, Bagley and Otloski. We’ve seen the difficulty that Jennifer Lott, a well trained dancer has had in matching the precision of the present company. When she dances in tandem with Bagley or Miller, as happened in the Botanical Garden program, the differences in technique and polish shine through. It can only be hoped that when necessary, Shimotakahara can find the likes of the present company.

Capsule judgment: Groundworks is one of the top dance companies in the area and deserves the adulation it is receiving.

See Groundworks at their next program at Cleveland Public Theatre On March 23, 24 and 25 as part of the Cleveland Public Theatre’s Danceworks series. Call 631-2727 for tickets or go online to http://www.notsoobvious.com for information. (BTW… this is one of the most creative websites around.)

Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com

Beehive: The 60’s Musical @ Carousel 1/27 High energy, fast paced, and socially significant all describe the Beehive experience at the Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron (http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com). At the outset, the actors invite you to sing along and dance with the music from the 60’s beginning with “The Name Game” and “My Boyfriend’s Back,” but you quickly realize you’d rather listen to the professionals and watch the performance than hear your own voice. It’s far more interesting. Beehive takes you from the seemingly innocent attitudes of the early 60’s through the more turbulent times in chronological order and links the music with news and television footage from the decade. You can choose to ignore the social/political aspect if you want and be happily entertained by the six women who pull this performance together, but it is fascinating to see how we moved from songs like “Sweet Talkin’ Guy” in the first act, to Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” in the second. Cool pieces to watch for are Christine Mild’s take on Petula Clark’s “Downtown” as well as her version of “Society’s Child.” Frankly, she sings it better than Janis Ian. The show runs through February 24 and tickets are available online. Be advised! The ticket price includes: the show, one of 6 entrées, salad, potato or rice, and coffee or tea. You can select from additional entrées, appetizers, deserts, vegetables and drinks for an extra charge. From Cool Cleveland contributor Nan Frost nanettehfATsbcglobal.net

Snowshoeing @ Holden Arboretum 1/28

Surprisingly, it is ten times easier to snowshoe than to cross-country ski. And to make it even more accessible, Holden is offering classes called Stupendous Snowshoes for ages 5 and up, with an adult. After a quick history lesson and a look at older showshoe designs, we strapped on the latest hi-tech shoes, right over our boots. Then, the helpful guide led us on a nature hike through the snow, stopping to view trees, birds, and nature. While Holden’s “tree museum” is unparalleled in the summer, winter viewing allows excellent visibility, and details not otherwise noticed. Snowshoeing is an excellent activity for families, since the kids get the hang of it immediately and are running and doing 360 jumps while the adults are still buckling up. Dress warmly in layers, as if you were taking a hike in the winter woods, although you will get a good aerobic workout. Complimentary hot cocoa in the Visitor Center is de rigueur. Classes in Feb are on Sat 2/3, 2/19, 2/18 & 2/25. Register in advance 440-602-3833 and inquire about conditions. No charge for members, or it’s included in your gate fee otherwise. http://www.HoldenArb.org

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Thanks Cool Cleveland Thanks for the cool review of the Bobby McFerrin concert Saturday. It looks like the benefit was a big success. We had about 1600 people in the audience and should make a significant amount for our Annual Fund. I’m sure Cool Cleveland played a role in our success. Thanks for all the work you all did to get the word out!
from Cool Cleveland reader Susan M. Schwartz, Director of Marketing and Communications, Cleveland Institute of Music sxs129ATcase.edu

On the Milan of the Midwest (See video of District of Design here) The amount of contact that I’ve been getting following the piece on the District has been incredible…speaks to the effectiveness of Cool Cleveland …it has been the most direct contact following any media exposure! Thanks for including us!
from Cool Cleveland reader Daniel F. Cuffaro, Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Design, The Cleveland Institute of Art dcuffaroATcia.edu

On John Carney’s conflict of interest (See On John Carney’s conflict of interest on the Port Authority here) After following how the Port Authority operates for over eight years, I find that this tax supported public agency needs to open up to public scrutiny and let the “sunshine” in. This appointed board- filled with developers, lawyers and business people (maritime interests not represented) – has and uses the power of eminent domain, and has issued revenue bonds totaling $1.4 billion for private and public projects. Ohio’s port authorities fall under Ohio’s ethics law, but board members don’t need to file financial disclosure statements- absurd! I believe that the Plain Dealer articles raised significant questions of conflict along with my findings that were submitted to the county commissioners, to warrant an investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission. It’s the OEC’s duty to determine if there are any violations. I requested the county commissioners NOT to reappoint John Carney until these issues are resolved.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ed Hauser http://realneo.us/Ed-Hausers-Public-Records-Request ejhauserATameritech.net

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

1) BizTech Profile CIA’s Dan Cuffaro & CSU’s Ned Hill.
http://www.DistrictOfDesign.com

2) Interview WCPN’s Ideas Man, Dan Moulthrop.
www.CoolCleveland.com

3) RoldoLINK Troubled Newspapers are Floundering.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Murder in the suburbs continues to climb, “it can happen anywhere…”
Read

5) Sustainable Cle Museum of Natural History will “refocus on the urgent need for conservation and sustainability.”
www.GreenCityBlueLake.org

un·daunt·ed Sounds strong, just like it’s spelled. And though the word itself might not make your vernacular, it should be part of your Cle grammar. That’s the punctuation we here at Cool Cleveland leave with you this fine Wednesday. Props to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Christine Young, Roy Berko and Nan Frost. 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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We don’t know how to give up on our dreams,
–Thomas Mulready
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