12.20-12.27.06
Auteur
In this week's issue:
* Interview with autuer & director Johnny Wu
* BizTech Profile on why Internet video rules, by Jeff Rohrs, President & Chief Strategist of Optiem
* 2006 Holiday Buying Guide last minute gift ideas: local, artistic, community-based
* Cool Cleveland Road Trip weekend retreats within shooting distance of NEO
* Sounds CD releases from This Moment In Black History and Mr. Gnome
* Preview Holiday Concerts that rock your socks at Severance Hall
* RoldoLINK begs, Come Home, Dennis Kucinich
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here
The best we can offer for your holiday season is news you can use. To give you the tools to be your own cultural auteur, to give you complete control so you can place your own personal stamp on life. We're so committed to our local economy, that you'll only find sponsors in Cool Cleveland who are locally-based and community-driven. And our Holiday Buying Guide lists only regional retailers, artists and sundries to assist your holiday shopping. This week, lots of good tech news and a hot video interview of Optiem's Jeff Rohrs about how hot Internet video is. A profile of Cle film director Johnny Wu, a rant by Roldo, and a Road Trip round out the features, plus a pair of CD reviews, and samplings of area blogs, cultural offerings and things to do. Direct your own personal film about your life in Cleveland. We'd be proud to know we helped. -- Thomas Mulready
Auteur CLE Director Johnny Wu
Johnny Wu wears many hats: President of the Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Cleveland; owner of the production company Media Design Imaging; independent film director; founder of the IndieClub, Cleveland's own indie film society; patriotic Clevelander. He has produced, directed and edited dozens of feature-length and short films, videos and promotional pieces. His most successful production to date, the comic book spoof A Joker's Card, was shot entirely in Cleveland with a loyal local cast and crew, and has been shown at countless festivals worldwide. It will be followed in 2007 by The Rapture, the sci-fi feature film Johnny's fans have been anxiously awaiting...Read the interview by Dana Aritonovich here
A superhot selection of sizzling tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com
Third Federal goes IPO with plans for possible acquisitions with the $600-900M raised Read
Continental and United talking merger since USAirways hostile bid for Delta, says WSJ Read
Internet is changing business journalism ...get used to it, opines PD deputy business editor Read
Port Authority's new boss Adam Wasserman hails from Hull, England, VA, MD, NY & TX, with ED experience Read
Canton Repository chiefs take buyout to "adjust expenses in preparation for the sale of the paper" Read
"Densification" discussion in Tacoma draws a line around Downtown then asks, "What next?" Read
Inventor and Entrepreneur Clubs have sprung up in 35 of WI's 72 counties to "change the culture" Read Read
Incubator for home-based businesses in MD Read
Ford sells Lorain assembly plant to Industry Realty for multi-use, like they did w/Akron's BF Goodrich HQ in '88 Read
Eminent domain challenged by property owners targeted by Scott Wolstein's Flats West Banks project Read
Traffic cameras neutered by new Ohio House law change, challenges Cleveland's "home rule" Read
Medical Mart in Cle could generate $200M+/yr. Is our pitch too low-key? Read
Mayors want regionalism NEO Mayors & Managers Assn will suggest tax sharing on new development, regional planning Read
An Eye on Propulsion @ NASA Glenn Wed 12/27 focuses on tech for air/spacecraft and ion propulsion for accelerated travel. Register: 433-9653.
PR Business Strategy @ Charter One Global Ent Center, 737 Bolivar Road, Cleveland. No-cost seminar feat. PR Newswire guru Tony Santana Wed 1/10. Register: erin.reed@jumpstartinc.org or call 363-3412.
NEOSA and COSE: "To Blog or Not To Blog" on Thu 1/18. We know bloggers are implied as Time "Persons of the Year" but is blogging sensible/viable for sm bus and corps as promo tool? Info
Jeff Rohrs
President & Chief Strategist, Optiem
Jeff Rohrs calls himself part recovering attorney, as evidenced by his merch: 12 Steps Are Not Enough, and part screenwriter: his movie Life on Mars, about the street in Lakewood, is a perpetual side project. Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready talks with Jeff Rohrs in the penthouse of The Pinnacle building at the recent launch of the Paradigm tech magazine, about how digital video, and the upcoming ability to index every word spoken on video, will be the next big thing, and how wikis will start to become a useful tool for corporations hoping to capture institutional knowledge. http://www.Optiem.com
WATCH THE MOVIE Jeff Rohrs, President of Optiem
| Watch The Movie: |  Windows movie |  Mac movie |
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Women Rule or at least a T. rex Named Sue does, because unearthing her bones has rewritten some of the "dino" rules. Witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this spectacular, full-sized cast of Sue, the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever unearthed. Now through 4/15/07 at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Experience this exhibition, which also examines the story behind this amazing specimen, exploring what has helped scientists reconstruct Sue's life and legacy and how she's strengthened the bird-dinosaur connection. For more info contact www.cmnh.org or (800) 317-9155.
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Time's Running Out, Cleveland...
Your list of wares, gifts and sundries, is winding down. After this issue, you've got just one more week to go. So, you're the last-minute shopper? Our Holiday Buying Guide has got you covered with a slew of new listings... this week, alleviation for your procrastination is the goal. Check it out here, print it out, take it with you, or pass it on to others struggling with gift ideas. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice. Support your local economy by consulting our Buying Guide, compiled by CC Managing Editor Peter Chakerian. Here's this week's HOT PICK from our new listings -- tickets to next month's CIM/McFerrin collaboration:
Bobby McFerrin never does the same show twice, so imagine seeing him in a once-in-a-lifetime gig with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra on Sat 1/20/07! "CIM is thrilled to have an artist of this stature working with our students," CIM's Susan Schwartz told Cool Cleveland last week. "The opportunity for our students to be on stage at Severance Hall with someone who spans so many different areas of music -- from jazz to classical -- and who has worked with some of the great musicians of this generation is very important. Bobby has a strong commitment to education and is truly eager to perform with students who are at the level we have at CIM. We think he's going to be very impressed with the exceptional skills and enthusiasm these young people will bring to the performance."*************** SPONSORED LINK ***************
Celebrate the Holidays with ideastream! Tune in for great holiday programs on WVIZ/PBS tonight, Wed 12/20, at 8PM for Grammy Award-winner Renee Fleming in the premiere of Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, followed at 9PM by Great Performances: Renee Fleming - Sacred Songs and Carols. Other holiday specials coming soon to WVIZ include A Chanukah Celebration on Thu 12/21 at 8PM and Great Performances: Garrison Keillor's New Year's Eve Special on Sun 12/31 at 10PM. Celebrate the season with 90.3 WCPN including these features and other specials: A Great Miracle Happened There: A Hanukkah Special on Thu 12/21 at 8PM, A Cleveland Orchestra Christmas on Mon 12/25 at 10AM and Toast of the Nation on Sun 12/31 at 8PM. For the complete schedule of holiday programming on ideastream, visit www.wviz.org and www.wcpn.org.
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HealthSpace & CMNH to merge on 1/1, while Natural History Museum does $30-50M expansion Read
Sculpture Center appoints Ann Albano as ED, wants to boost 2K attendance, create school programs Read
Great Lakes Compact must be approved. So says PD editorial here and CC letters below
CWRU selects Barbara Snyder as President Provost & law prof from OSU, taught at CWRU 83-88 Read
Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland12.22.06.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.
Ohio legislature guts consumer rights laws The lame-duck Ohio House is rushing through Substitute Senate Bill 117, which would cap non-economic consumer damages for fraud and decption at $5K, thwarting 30 years of precedent, without any public input before they are thrown out of office at the end of the year. The same bill would stop cities from being able to sue for lead-paint damages, and would negate the State's new predatory lending law before it even goes into effect. Read and Read. You may want to send a note to your local legislator (found here), especially House Speaker John Husted district37@ohr.state.oh.us, House Majority Whip Bill Seitz district30@ohr.state.oh.us, and Senate President Bill Harris SD19@mailr.sen.state.oh.us, then Cc: us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com. Remind them who they work for.
CSU creates Wright Center of Innovation for Ohio with a $23.8M grant from the State's Third Frontier program. Along with partners CWRU, UofA, KSU, OSU, Univ of Cincy, Wright State, Rockwell, Keithley, Timken, NASA Glenn and others, $51M in matching funds will help create the Wright Center for Sensor Systems Engineering, a "one-stop-shop" for the sensor industry. Read
$168M in Third Frontier grants for hi-tech, of which 2/3 went to NEO tech groups: $60M to Cleve Clinic for Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, $8M to Kent Displays for LCDs and liquid crystal eyewear, $8M to Univ of Akron for marketing hi-performance polymers, $8M to Graftech International of Parma to join nanocomposites with graphite, and $24M to CSU for sensor engineering (see above). Read
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/CoolClevelandKids12.22.06.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.
Beck seeks unique men to be horses for EQUUS Is this your body type? Age 20-45, between 5'10" and 6'4", very well toned, ability to move well, but you don't have to be a dancer. Diversity welcomed. Athletes and models encouraged. Award-winning Philadelphia director William Roudebush, formerly of Cle, will rehearse evenings & weekends in Jan, production 2/2-2/25. Contact Scott Spence at Beck Center 952-9744.
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"What Are You Doing on New Year's Eve, Cleve?" Got some hot plans for ushering in Baby New Year? Write in and tell us what you think the hottest NYE events are around NEO; we'll feature them in next week's issue, to help give your fellow readers some rollicking options. Send your hot picks to peterATcoolcleveland.com (replace the "AT" accordingly) and briefly explain why you dig your choice of NYE event above all others.
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This Holiday, Ask for the Moon . . . and receive (or give!) the two-performance dance series "Dance by the Light of the Moon" - starting at $35 - with Luna Negra Dance Theatre in February, followed by Momix's newest "Lunar Sea" in March. First, on Sat 2/3 at 8PM at the Ohio Theatre you will witness Luna Negra Dance Theatre, known for their Latino roots and fresh dance moves that speak to modern audiences. Then on Fri 3/9 or Sat 3/10 experience Momix and their newest, magical multimedia piece "Lunar Sea." Shows at 8PM at 2PM at the State Theatre. This performance defies concepts of weight and gravity! Audiences have been known to shout out, gasp and applaud furiously. Co-presented by DANCECleveland and Cuyahoga Community College Performing Arts. Starting at $35! Contact 440-914-0744 or www.dancecleveland.org.
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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
CC KIDS Holidays on the Harbor An outdoor ice-skating rink, Polar Express in the OMNIMAX Theater, special arts and crafts and programming, visits from Santa and his reindeer, and various music and entertainment now through Sun 12/31 from 9:30AM to 5:30PM daily, even during the holidays. Call 694-2000. http://www.GreatScience.com.
On the Shoulders of Ancestors: The Art of Willis "Bing" Davis Davis is known for his unique use of found objects, clay forms, natural materials and mixed media. His works have been inspired by personal experience and heritage as an African American. Exhibit will feature familiar objects placed strategically in the museum, combined with painted and embellished found items. Now through Sun 1/14. Call 330-453-7666. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave., North Canton. http://www.CantonArt.org.
The Color of Rock: The Art of Philip Burke You may not know his name, but you probably know his art. Philip Burke's unique and vivid portraits of celebrities from politics, business, sports and the arts have been featured in more than 200 magazines and newspapers, including Time, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, GQ, and Vogue, just to name a few. Exhibit features Burke's rock and roll paintings. Now through 4/15. http://www.RockHall.com.
Mannehim Steamroller A Christmas Celebration on Wed 12/20 at 7:30PM at the Wolstein Center. Call 687-9292. http://www.WolsteinCenter.com.
CC KIDS Lantern Tours Leisurely guided tour around the Village of Wheatfield, circa 1861. Visitors can enter the homes around the village green and gain insight into holiday celebrations during the Civil War era from a wide variety of village residents on Thu 12/21. Call 330-666-3711. Hale Farm & Village. http://www.wrhs.org.
CC KIDS Winter Wonderland Camps Cool Cleveland kids age 5 - 12 can spend their holiday break xploring silk-screening, animation, scrap booking and making Polish cut snowflakes during camps on Thu 12/21, 12/27, 12/28 & 12/29. Call 440-337-1400 to register. Solon Center for the Arts, 6315 SOM Center Road, Solon.
Festival of Lights Come light up the darkest day of the year. Celebrate and learn why many cultures observe seasonal days of celebration during December. Enjoy a warm feast followed by winter walk through a woods filled with fun, history, and lights on Thu 12/21 at 6PM. Call 330-657-2796 x100 or visit http://www.cvnpa.org to register in advance.
Listing Tip of the Week Would you make Ed McMahon or Publisher's Clearing House guess where you lived? We didn't think so. Well, scoring a sold out event can be pretty rewarding, too. But, it makes it a lot easier for people to find you if you tell us the physical location of your venue. Don't worry. We'll only tell 30,000 of our closest friends. So, be sure to include the venue and physical address with your listing. Get a laundry list of other items to include here by scrolling down to Hints. Events@CoolCleveland.com.
Merry Thumpin Christmas Vol. 2 A grand night of music showcasing many local bands and DJs on Fri 12/22. Bands from 5PM to 10PM. DJs from 10PM to 2AM. All ages show. DJ Sprocket VS DJ Mentality; DJ Moose; Vic VS DJ What the Bleep; N:Coder & MC Infinity and more. Christmas attire encouraged. Knights of Columbus Building, 32400 Vine St., Willowick. More here.
When the World Was Flat : A Print Show Opening for this show, featuring works by: Amy Casey, Paul Sydorenko, Jason Byers, Sommer Miller, Joey Parlett, Anthony Merritt, Erin Kray, and Jon Hicks, and for new gallery "The Womb" with works by Columbus photographer, Ashley Llene Shipe, on Fri 12/22 from 7 - 11PM. Music by Washer at 8:30PM and dance by Antaeus at 9PM. Call 939-9099 for info. http://www.ParishHallCleveland.com.
Beau Coup Holiday Show Beau Coup and Genuine Son rock it out on Fri 12/22 at 7PM. House Of Blues - Cleveland. www.hob.com.
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WCLVnotes There's lots of colorful Christmas programming on WCLV 104.9. This Sat 12/23 at 8PM, we'll broadcast a Severance Hall concert featuring Todd Wilson on the Norton Memorial Organ, the Burning River Brass and The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. Sun 12/24 at 4PM, Robert Porco conducts The Cleveland Orchestra, Chorus and soloists in Handel's "Messiah." Looking for a great holiday gift? Go to ArkivMusic where's there's 70,000 classical CDs and DVDs, through the WCLV website at www.wclv.com. Your purchase will support classical music on the radio in northeast Ohio.
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Annual Music Saves/Square Records Record Swap Event on Sat 12/23. Music by Bears, Beaten Awake, Plasma for Guns and Genetically Yours. Call 383-1124 for more info. Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com.
Ten Friends Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Sat 12/23 at 10PM. Email wordofmouth_2000@yahoo.com for more info. House of Blues Cleveland.
CJO/Lovano Reprise Surprise For one night only, join the CJO and guest soloist Joe Lovano for a reprise of their wildly successful Bop Stop performances last year - which became a 4-night stand at the famed Birdland jazz club in NYC last summer. This show coincides with the CD release of their original teamwork live at Birdland, called Cleveland Jazz Orchestra - The Surprise of Being - Live at Birdland. Show hits Sat 12/23 at 8PM. http://www.clevelandjazz.org, or call 440-942-9525.
HOT Miracle on 25th Street first annual Holiday Pub Crawl, visiting McNulty's Bier Markt, The Garage Bar, The Old Angle Tavern and Touch, to benefit The Salvation Army. 344-9943
The Boys From County Hell raise a little themselves, reinventing The Pogues this Sat 12/23 at HOB http://www.thebfch.com
Sell Gobs and Gobs of Your Products and Services without ever having to leave the comfort of your office? Advertise in Cool Cleveland. Several of our clients have sold out of their featured products by promoting them in our online newsletter that is delivered to tens of thousands of Clevelanders every Wednesday morning -- in the privacy of their own inbox. Click here for testimonials. Contact TL@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising.
Family Day: Chinese Food and a Movie Participate in crafts and games, sing-alongs and stories. Enjoy short films celebrating Jewish culture and partake in those traditional Jewish delicacies - egg rolls and fortune cookies - on Mon 12/25 from 1 - 4PM. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. http://www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org.
We'd LOVE to Meet Your Friends! Introduce us to your friends, family or even questionable strangers and you could both be eligible to win a Video iPod complements of Cool Cleveland. If you dig our content and sign someone up today (or tomorrow or even next week) you will both be eligible to win. No purchase necessary. Enter (or introduce us) as many times as you wish. The more you play, the greater your chances of winning. Sign up by going here.
Emerging Cleveland Tours Book your visiting relatives on a tour that will have them lickin' their chops and wondering why they ever left home on Tue 12/26 and Wed 12/27 at 10AM. http://www.EmergingCleveland.com.
Do You Like it Rough? If so, you must like the news, opinions and ruffled fathers we deliver each week. Feel free to help our mission and forward this to some of your like-minded friends.
Cleveland Jams! Program of no-cost, weekly improv jam sessions open to the public on Tuesday evenings. No-one is turned away and everyone can play, watch, learn and grow. Tue 12/26. Show starts at 8PM. Sign-up to participate by 7:45PM. Bassa Vita Lounge, 1572 W 117th St., Lakewood. http://www.clevelandimprovinstitute.com.
An Eye on Propulsion Learn more about ion propulsion and its current application in deep space missions as well as the research into hypersonic engines which can travel over 5 times faster that the speed of sound on Wed 12/27 from 9AM to 4PM. NASA Glenn Visitor Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd. http://glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Weekend Retreats
In our fast-paced whirlwind lives of work and home responsibilities, not to mention the added pressures of the holiday season, getting away from it all is a wonderful gift. It's one way to achieve balance and to get back into the flurry of life again with renewed energy and a better attitude.
I just spent a weekend in a cedar cottage on 40 acres in rural Carroll County with two good friends. Roberta, Gloria, and I have been spending renewal weekends in Lakeside every year with a group of forty or so women for the Artist's Way Retreat based on Julia Cameron's book about opening up to creative and spiritual forces and the power of possibility...
Read more from Claudia J. Taller here
Attention Cool Cleveland readers: Do you have a great retreat or road trip you take to clear your head? Let us know. Send your essays to peterATcoolcleveland.com (replace the "AT" accordingly). You just might get it published as one of our upcoming Cool Cleveland issues!
Links to interesting NEO blogs
Richard Marountas explains that just because the number of manufacturing jobs is declining doesn't necessarily mean that manufacturing industries themselves are declining. Link
Anita Campbell links to info re: 99 ways to brand your website. Link
Stephen Gross lists responses to his idea of concentrating "hip" businesses downtown. Link
Jill Zimon wonders who's zooming who re: Strickland v. Jackson. Link
Jeff has a blast at last week's Cool Cleveland party. Link
Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comments on his pal Feagler dropping the ball with Dennis, that Church in a Garage, Berlusconi's heart's in Cle, Amber Alerts on Clear Channel Billboards, his playlist of kewl yewl Xmas music, and a buncha other fun schtuff... just for you. When you're through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
It Takes a Nation of Assholes (To Hold Us Back)
This Moment in Black History
Cold Sweat Records
The very best and most quintessential Cleveland punk has always exposed the city's dirty, seamy industrial underbelly to the the harsh, revealing light of day. The vapor of smog and the groan of rusting bridges permeated the sounds of the pioneering bands who brought Northern Ohio's special brand of malcontent to the ears of the world. This Moment in Black History, on their second full-length release, proudly continue in that tradition. The band's music seethes and roils like molten steel in a foundry furnace, and grinds and screeches like the sound of some filthy freighter disgorging a load of slag on the lower Cuyahoga.It Takes a Nation of Assholes... captures the band's kinetic and often angry energy, complete with Buddy Akita's slashing, squalling guitar, Lamont "Bim" Thomas's precision-tuned yet loose drumming and Lawrence Daniel Caswell's driven bass. The only element missing from the groups' live performances are the epileptic convulsions of frontman Chris Kulsar, who during performances, looks not entirely unlike one of those inflatable tube men you see spasmodically flailing in the wind outside of check cashing shacks and cell phone stores. Still, the listener gets the feeling he twitched around just as much in the studio as on stage -- his broken squawk of a voice sounds like it is being ripped from his very guts on most of the disc.
Kulsar's energy and ire seem to be a driving force behind the record, where one finds no shortage of targets for his missives. The Bush Administration gets its share of the admonition, as does big business. On the the most prototypically "punk" song of the disc, "Garbage In/Garbage Out" the band calls out the fast food industry, not just for addicting the masses to unhealthy junk, but also for helping to create a bland, homogenous culture across the country and even the world. The lyrics are pointed, sometimes simple, and occasionally a near perfect fit for bumper stickers and t-shirts, as on "Tape Don't Lie," when Kulsar bleats, if you think nothing's wrong you been shopping for too long. That's not to say, however, that the record is all mere political sloganeering. "For on the Floor" is a screed against the foppish lads making smash hits of recycled New Wave sounds, specifically dismissing the Rapture, but equally intended, I'm sure, for all the Interpols and Franz Ferdinands of the worlds.
This Moment in Black History's relentless feedback-laden diatribes can be challenging listening, but here at least, the sound and fury signifies something.
It Takes a Nation of Assholes... was produced by famed alt-rock guru Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, PJ Harvey). This Moment in Black History will perform songs from the new album as they headline the Beachland Ballroom at 9 PM this Thursday, December 21. The Dirty Faces and the Death Sweats open. Visit the Beachland on the web at http://www.beachlandballroom.com and This Moment in Black History at http://www.tmibh.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Leslie Basalla lbasalla77ATmsn.com
Mr. Gnome
Mr. Gnome
Self-Released
Mr. Gnome's debut release Echoes on the Ground was an epic-sounding EP -- a Titanic sonic battle of the masculine and feminine, an apocalyptic dirge crackling with electricity and engorged with prog-rock metallics. Vocalist/guitarist Nicole Barille and drummer Sam Meister brought forth a sound as ferocious and unapologetic as it was courageous for a duo to pull off... like Black Sabbath fronted by a breathy Fiona Apple.Apart from Barille occasionally veering into PJ Harvey/Ani DiFranco territory with her vocal histrionics this time out, consider their self-titled follow-up EP Mr. Gnome an equally-brilliant second helping. This duo continues to push the sonic envelope, incorporating "math-rock" elements, baroque bohemianism, off-beat time signatures and melodic psychedelics into one defiantly mysterious apparition. Mr. Gnome remains one of the most exciting bands in Cleveland, bar none.
From Greek Mythology and Joseph Campbell to Sigmund Freud, the link of "the feminine" to the forces of fate, nature and death suggests civilization has tried to defend itself from the feminine in so many cultural texts. Listening to Barille wield bludgeoning, Page Hamilton-like riffs of "Dr. Cakorkian," "Chunk of Spine Fur" and the set-closer "Three Long Years" like a sword over her head, I think I understand why. The diminutive guitarist's talent bends the ears and boggles the mind... all without that testosterone listeners have come to expect from angular, heavy metal-based rock functions. She's a slayer.
As for Meister, his jazz-informed approach to drumming continues to keep Barille's bluster from just blowing away. His heavily syncopated, prog-rock/metal playing is the anchor and adds yet another sinister layer. I'm telling you, after hearing Mr. Gnome, I really am convinced this duo is headed for big things. They just recently played the North By Northeast music festival in Toronto; they should throw their hats into the South By Southwest ring in Austin as soon as they can.
A bit of temporary geography is all that is keeping this duo from the Big Show.
Mr. Gnome celebrates the release of their self-titled EP at the Beachland Ballroom this Saturday, December 23 at 8PM. Visit the Beachland at http://www.beachlandballroom.com and Mr. Gnome at http://www.mrgnome.com.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
Do you rock? Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old, please!) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
Holiday Concerts at Severance Hall
If you want to hear Holiday music, expertly performed that rocks your socks off, consider the splendid variety of concerts being presented as part of the UBS Holiday Festival at Severance Hall during the rest of this week.
Tonight (Wednesday, December 20 at 8 PM) is the second of two performances of A Baroque Christmas, featuring Bach's Magnificat, the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah and finally, gloriously, The Hallelujah Chorus. Director of Choruses Robert Porco will conduct the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Chamber Chorus plus soloists--sopranos Twyla Robinson and Andrea Chenoweth, mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, tenor Alek Shrader and bass-baritone Timothy Jones.
Then, on Thursday, December 21 at 8pm and Friday afternoon, December 22 at 2PM it's the Holiday Organ and Brass with organist Todd Wilson, Burning River Brass, and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, directed by Frank A. Bianchi. Christmas carols, festive music for organ and brass, the chorus by itself and with instrumental accompaniment, plus an audience sing-along will be featured, along with solo organ pieces and works for the brass ensemble.
The music to be performed ranges from new to old, and includes selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet as well as Anthony DiLorenzo's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas which received its world premiere here two years ago. Also scheduled is a jazzy version of Little Drummer Boy.
And here's a little tip: if you want to practice up for the sing-along, you should work on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and Joy to the World. You won't be sorry. There's nothing quite like being part of the music-making during these concerts.
Closing out the weekend are four of the traditional orchestra/chorus festive concerts. The orchestra and chorus will appear in each of them, although conductors and youthful choirs change around a bit. Robert Porco will conduct Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23, both at 8 pm, and the latter will also feature members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus.
The Saturday matinee at 3PM, will be conducted by Jayce Ogren and include the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, prepared by its director, Ann Usher. Sunday's matinée (also at 3PM) will be led by the senior assistant conductor Andrew Grams, and will again feature members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. The programs will present a mixture of new and old, traditional and popular holiday music.
A special added treat for families is Lunch with Santa in Severance Restaurant from noon until 3PM on December 23 and 24. Call 231-7373 or email reservations@clevelandorchestra.com for reservations.
For information about any of these concerts, or to purchase tickets, call 231-1111 or 800-686-1141, or visit their website at: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
Come Home, Dennis Kucinich
It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. It's much mispronounced. Though easy to say "Coo-sin-itch."
We must talk about long shots.
Dennis can't seem to give up hope.
He has the right message for the nation. Maybe not for the Democratic Party at this time.
However, he's the wrong messenger for both...
Read RoldoLINK here
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
Road Trip: Detroit Institute of Art 12/12
With the Cleveland Museum of Art closed except for special exhibitions, I've been hitting the road for nearby regional museums to maintain my art-fix. Last week I went to the DIA in Detroit for the first time -- and my first reaction is: what took me so long?? It's an incredible museum with a first-rate collection -- so impressive we became members on the spot. I'll be going back before the end of the year.
Like Cleveland, DIA is under a major construction project but they've got a different strategy. While they build their addition, they've mounted a "Greatest Hits" show, taking the gems from their permanent collection and shaking them up in an installation called Remix, where works are grouped not by period or genre but by topic. It's fresh and fun and lets you see things a completely different way.
In Art and Spirituality, a Flemish van Cleve altarpiece shares the room with a 1989 "Spoon Altar" of distressed cedar by Ursula von Rydingsvard, Rothko's meditative "Orange Brown", a brooding Picasso. There are many whimsical juxtapositions of objects, like Breughel's peasants doing their "Wedding Dance" right next to hep cats & kittens jitterbugging in Reginald Marsh's "Savoy Ballroom" -- even the tilt of their bodies echo each other. In room after room, you can tell how carefully the curators chose the layout so that there's a feeling of a lively, human conversation going on.
Through 12/31, there's a kick-ass print show, again drawn from their permanent collection: Durer, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Not only are the works stunning -- we fell into the complex Durer prints alone for almost an hour -- but the explicating text by print curator Nancy Sojka is so clear, I learned more about printmaking and print collecting than from any show I've ever attended.
Then there's the museum's crowning masterpiece: the incredible Diego Rivera murals of technology decorating their former garden court, with apocalyptic views of the Ford assembly line. We were in Rome at the Sistine Chapel last year -- we found this jaw-dropping room no less impressive in its own way. It's worth a trip to Detroit for this alone.
USER-FRIENDLY: I don't think I've ever been in a museum that paid more attention to the audience experience. Between magnifying glasses hanging next to many prints in the print show, superlative commentary in the texts, and the friendliest, most outgoing docents, the DIA makes sure that visitors are having a good time. There are even special brochures for kids, suitable for coloring, in most exhibits.
Perfect example: they've turned the Kresge Court, a calming medieval brick space with ficus trees under a skylight, into a coffee bar. There are a dozen art books from their gift shop that you can leaf through while your eyes take a break from the optic shock of the galleries. Smart move: I ended up buying the Rivera commentary I browsed while I sipped my Starbucks.
DETAILS: Detroit Institute of Art, open Wed-Sun., http://www.dia.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
NCMC's "A Joyful Noise," CSU Waetjen Auditorium, 12/15
The festive decorations in Waetjen Auditorium really set the scene beautifully for the annual Christmas/Holiday concerts of the North Coast Men's Chorus led by their music director Robert Cole. The chorus expanded this year from two to three such programs, adding a Friday night performance, which was quite well attended. As always there was a splendid assortment of treats presented, including a goodly portion of gospel selections from a guest gospel choir and the always welcome Ava Withers.
An a capella version of Merrily Sing Noel! set a high standard for what was to follow. Robert Day, the principal accompanist was his usual brilliant self throughout the evening, beginning with Rise Up Shepherd And Follow, Mary Had a Baby, and Light the Legend, in honor of Hanukah. A medley of percussion instruments joined in for the medley of Born Today is the Child Divine/On this Joyous Christmas, adding tambourines, bells and a sort of large bongo to the piano.
My True Love Gave to Me was a hilarious takeoff -- in reverse -- of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Well, after all, we can't all keep every gift we're given, now, can we? (Of course, it IS fun to try!)
The highlight of the evening for me was next. The chorus has a new (to them) baritone soloist this season -- Brandon Bowman, who presented a marvelous rendition of O Holy Night. It wasn't exactly the version we're most accustomed to hearing, venturing as it did toward gospel, but it wasn't full-fledged gospel, either. It was just awesome! (I do hope they put it on their next Christmas CD.) In addition to a warm, resonant baritone voice, Mr. Bowman is possessed of terrific diction. Every syllable was clear as a bell. I do believe this was the very best alternative version of any traditional Christmas song that I have ever heard! Ever.
Ms. Withers, festive in a black sparkly outfit gave us Make a Joyful Noise, in her usual forthright manner. There's no excessive histrionics, just an infectious enthusiasm paired with a voice of astonishing clarity and beauty. You can't help but be drawn in to her musical world.
Not to leave out the usual production numbers, so marvelously performed by the Chorus, there was a terrific new look at music from the Nutcracker, in the mode of jingle bells. Adding white gloves to their standard tuxedos, the men danced with their hands to the Sleighride, used mini-flashlites in the Trepak, pastel colored ruffs of netting around their necks for Waltz of the Flowers, and then the ruffs were turned around to adorn their faces for the final selection. (I was laughing so hard I neglected to write down which music this was. Mea culpa!)
Utilizing their traditional close harmony, the Coastliners (9 members this time) gave us Winter Wonderland of Snow in an extra close harmony a capella version, then led by a solo from tenor Mark Malloy, a tribute to Jan of "The Brady Bunch" Middle Child. Their final appearance was in Run to the Manger.
Ralph DiLudovico was the soloist for the touching memorial tribute to those members of the chorus who are no longer with them, There's a Man Goin' Round (taking names).
Merry Christmas to Me employed the talents of the dancers of the chorus in a terrific kick-line (choreographed by Lora Workman) accompanied by the singers, who at times also performed on kazoos. A Christmas Love Song was just that, from the chorus to the audience.
The Gospel Choir, directed by Tommy Miller presented half a dozen songs. The nine women and three men (plus one dancer) were sincere and fervent in their performance. Several of the group also performed as outstanding soloists: James Walker, Erika Harris, Alfred Godbott, Shawanna Kennedy and Theresa Dunham. They came back on-stage for the final presentation, also joined by Ms. Withers, in a gospel version of The Hallelujah Chorus.
As always, Doug Braun did his poetic translation of lyrics and spoken words into American Sign Language. The technical effects (sound and lighting) by Michael Rich were awesome.
There really was something for everyone... and nearly every musical taste in A Joyful Noise, as evidenced by the two encores: Sing Nowell and Go Tell it on the Mountain, the latter especially enhanced by the glorious voice of guest Ava Withers.
The Chorus will host a benefit on February 17 at the Cleveland Play House Club, and their next concerts will be March 24 and 25, at Waetjen Auditorium. For information about the NCMC or either of these events, or to purchase tickets, visit their website at http://www.ncmchorus.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
Singin’ in the Rain, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Sat 12/16
Tap dancing is an art form. After having tried it myself, in college 20 years ago, I truly realize how difficult an art it is to perfect. And at Carousel, Saturday night, I got to enjoy a musical with inclement (inside) weather, tap dancing and blow-your-mind crème brulee at “Singin’ in the Rain.” The outstanding parts of the evening included Carousel’s ability to make it rain (and rain!) on stage (with a special flooring mopped by a crew during intermission), and the actors and singers, which included the part of Don Lockwood, Gene Kelly’s character, played by the triple-threat (singer/dancer/actor) Curt Dale Clark, and his love interest and female lead/vocalist Kathy Seldon, played by Amanda Rose. Rose’s voice was so crystal clear it reminded me of a young Julie Andrews. In the closing scene, all actors came out singing and dancing with their raincoats/umbrellas when they turned the waterworks on again! Not only does Carousel have great food and entertainment, but believe me, they also have the cleanest floors in town! Note: Rain ponchos are provided for the first rows of seating, because “Gene” was a little splash happy. Check out this performance before it leaves town on 1/6/07. From Cool Cleveland correspondent T.L. Champion
I Sing @ Mercury Summer Stock 12/18
What: A concert reading of a witty adult musical about love triangles between Manhattan 20-somethings, ably performed by members of the Mercury Summer Stock company.
Reasons to go: A blend of Friends and Will and Grace, it's the clever, surprising lyrics and talented young cast that makes this show so much fun. Brian Marshall is puppy-dog adorable as Alan, in love with tiny Heidi (the winsome Kelly Monaghan), who gets dumped by his caddish best friend (Joe Monaghan). Pierre-Jacques Brault is all snap and sass as a gay man who unexpectedly gets hot for his female roommate Pepper (Joanna May Hunkins). Explicit sexual situations including rhymes about dildos make this one unlikely for MSS's mainstream season, but even with only 2 rehearsals this had plenty of professional polish.
Caveats: The nearly dialogue-free show has music that all starts to sound the same, and bogs down a bit in its 2nd act angst, but it's a genuine flashback to the sturm-and-drang of early relationships, worth checking out if they bring it back.
Backstory: Though it was free (donations suggested), this wine-and-cheese event was the first of 3 benefits for MSS's upcoming summer season.
Details: Gallery 324, the Galleria, Cleveland. www.mercurysummerstock.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com
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On cool moms (See I'm a Mom... Can I Still Be Cool? here) To Jennifer Keirn: As you well put it, what makes you cool is to teach your children that Cleveland is more than just their suburban enclave. I congratulate you on that and wish you success in the challenge that is to teach your children to appreciate all that Cleveland has to offer instead of concentrating on what it is lacking. As a former downtown Cleveland resident and now father of one in Fort Lauderdale I find myself more often than not hoping that I could take my daughter to this and that place in Cleveland which is either much better (Museum of Art, Great Lakes Science Center, Zoo, Cleveland Clinic, The Jake, Playhouse Square) or simply does not exist down here (West Side Market, Tower City's fountain, Rocky River, Ingenuity). Cool mom, indeed.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ruben Garcia Jr. ragarciaATimagingmedicalsolutions.com
On cool moms (See I'm a Mom... Can I Still Be Cool? here) Please tell cool-mom/reader Jennifer Keirn (and all your cool parent readers) about the Cleveland section of GoCityKids.com. Between the events calendar and the descriptions of local museums/libraries/parks/restaurants/stores/gyms/camps/etc, she can find plenty to do with her young cool Clevelanders on her "sabbatical" from the (arguably) cooler, pre-parenthood part of life.
from Cool Cleveland reader Diane Stresing
On breaking the Great Lakes Compact (See Great Lakes Compact at risk here) Dear Sen. Grendell, I am appalled by your efforts to stop the Great Lakes Compact. This agreement has taken years to come to this point and is essential for the protection of this valuable natural resource. Our Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie, are in danger and need a concerted effort to keep them from being lost. The scientists have identified actions that need to be done and have also documented how neglect of these actions will multiply the problems that are threatening our Great Lakes. WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO DELAY ACTIONS TO SAVE OUR LAKES! This compact is essential to move things forward. Ohio has a reputation for not doing what is needed to save our environment generally. We also have a reputation that is politically tainted with all the recent scandals. Do the right thing, and help to move forward this compact. We need to be a leader in something positive for our country and our planet. What better place to start than by saving our precious fresh water supply. This is a very important legacy for all of us.
from Cool Cleveland reader Linda Park veggieparkATsbcglobal.net
Dear Senator Grendell, The threat of diversion has been hanging over the Great Lakes for decades. This compact is the most carefully constructed, well-grounded legal approach to keeping our Great Lakes Basin water here and available to support the population, agriculture and industry. Many of us who have followed water issues over the years would like to have a stronger guarantee of protection against small diversions around the edges of the basin, but the compromise in the proposed compact is at least a step forward toward the economic and environmental integrity of the region. Please do not delay this compact! We need it now!
from Cool Cleveland reader Kathleen L. Barber kbarber24ATsbcglobal.net
Dear Senator Grendell, I own 75A. in Geauga Co. with two creeks. I don't see that the Great Lakes Compact poses any threat to my property rights. I think it's shameful that you are monkeywrenching this very important legislation, which will help prevent northeast Ohio's greatest resource from being piped or shipped to California or Nevada. Sooner or later, industries and farmers will recognize that their practices are not sustainable in the southwest, and they will be returning to this part of the country where water is abundant.
from Cool Cleveland reader Mark Binnig markbinATjuno.com
Dear Senator Grendell, If, as appears in the Plain Dealer this week, you are stalling approval of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact because of a fear that the language about the waters being held in trust by the states somehow destroys property rights, then you are being an embarrassment to yourself. Specifically, you expose the fact that you read as far as section 1.3 on page 4, but not as far as section 8.1.4 on page 25. This section specifically excludes the sort of property rights change that you are quoted as being worried about. Since the common law riparian rights of those downstream from you would probably have prevented you from wholesale selling and diverting the water in your pond anyway, the Compact gives away no existing property right. I do hope you will read a little further in the Compact and satisfy yourself that you concerns are appropriately addressed.
from Cool Cleveland reader William Bruml brumATalum.mit.edu
Dear Senator Grendell, I urge you to stop stalling the legislation to protect our precious resource, Lake Erie, from exports and diversions, for our children and their children. If another state ratifies the Compact before Ohio, and changes the compromises that have been so painstakingly negotiated, it could be detrimental to Ohio's best interests, or derail the Compact altogether. Please pass legislation to ratify the Great Lakes Compact THIS YEAR. Thank you.
from Cool Cleveland reader Jacqueline Stimpert dstimpATjuno.com
On Signs of Life (See Am I Crazy? here) David Budin might like to know that the same panhandler (he wrote about a woman in Cleveland Heights who came up to him and said "Excuse me, I'm so embarrassed, I'm really wealthy, etc.") was also in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was a "social worker who was visiting a client" [she sort of screamed at us when we drove away--something which really blew her cover]. Sometimes she's a man. Once she approached my husband on two separate occasions a year apart in two different cities/ Each time she/he said "Excuse me, I have a new job starting tomorrow, but I was robbed/lost my wallet, etc" (and once another one tried the same story on the next block). I think it's what you do if you have a college degree but you still decide to beg. You make use of your ability to speak well. I'm glad David (thanks for the entertaining essay) made the woman in Cleveland Heights pay for stopping him--His lecture was also his revenge. Yay!
from Cool Cleveland reader Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com
Dude! Your commentary in CC today was so right on. I give money to organizations who send me a few simple, straightforward appeals a year, black ink, plain paper, packed with news of their work. Nothing but NOTHING pisses me off more than pitches that seek to puff up my ego to get me to give... or $30 worth of glossy die-cut fanciness after a dinky $25 donation.
from Cool Cleveland reader Mati Senerchia senerchiaATsbcglobal.net
Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 from last week's issue, with one more chance for you to click.
1) I'm a Mom... Can I Still Be Cool? Jennifer Keirn rarely gets to go out these days.
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2) RoldoLINK Troubling Signs in Cleveland.
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3) 2006 Holiday Shopping Guide Last minute gift ideas.
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4) Signs of Life David Budin wonders if he's crazy.
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5) NYT story on Cle's Christmas Story house Their top 5 makes it to our top 5.
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There's a little bit of Auteur Theory in what makes up Cool Cleveland every week -- that, and a healthy dose of collective consciousness on the part of our Hard Corps, who all wish you holiday happiness. Peace, love and fruitcakes from your pals Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Claudia J. Taller, Dana Aritonovich, Leslie Basalla and Roldo Bartimole. And lastly, though certainly not least, to our readers and everyone who partners with us... cheers to you! Be merry. 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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Create yourself a merry little holiday,
--Thomas Mulready
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