On Sparx In The City As a lifelong resident of the area and avid local music and arts supporter, I usually come to praise Cleveland and not to bury it. Unfortunately, I can't do so for the recent Sparx in the City "Kick-Off" held at the NCB Plaza on Friday, June 4th. The concept is great; merge commerce and art and then expose it to people who might not otherwise seek it out. I went to the plaza on my lunch hour to find out more information on the event. With much dismay the only folks there were 2 artists, some guys holding up bright flags and 3 separate booths from Downtown merchants. At their own Kick-off, there were no representatives of Downtown Cleveland Partnership to offer any details on the goings on. None of the people I asked even knew where I could get a flyer or offered to help in any manner. In addition, two of the three merchants were closing up shop by 12:30 pm. Yes, it was windy, but it's Cleveland...come prepared. So, I headed West down Euclid Avenue and found some musicians playing near the Colonial Arcade. Luckily there was a sandwich board with information, but only for that weekend's event. Very frustrated, I went to the website and it the only 2004 information available was for auditions held in April and to announce the NCB Plaza event. To be fair, I went to the website this morning and it does offer new details, none of which include the musician's schedules or exact locations of events. Warehouse District and Playhouse Square really aren't adequate "addresses" for out-of-towners or some locals who don't make it down here often. Cleveland...can't we do better? This event might not have major dollars, but it does have major sponsors. Would these sponsors allow their companies to practice and market in this fashion? Citizens won't gain interest without knowledge. If the supporting organizations are this disorganized or disinterested now, I hate to see how the rest of the summer goes. I'm sorry to report...Sparx in the City was more like a dying flame. from Cool Cleveland reader Christine Young itsmecay@visn.net (:divend:)