11.08-11.15.06
We Eat Our Own Dog Food
In this week's issue:
* BizTech Profile Dan Gilbert Owner, Cleveland Cavaliers & Quicken Loans
* Comment A Steelyard Paradox: New Shopping Center to Open Early Next Year by Lee Chilcote
* Interview Nickie Antonio Lakewood City Councilmember
* Sounds Living Stereo
* Preview Roots of American Music Benefit
* Preview Poets & Writers' League Word Scramble Benefit
* Reads AMY: My Search for Her Killer by James Renner
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here
When you listen to the interview with Dan Gilbert in this week's issue, you'll hear him say not only how much he likes my porkpie hat, but also how much importance he places on the guiding principles behind his company QuickenLoans.com. One of his "isms" is this: "We eat our own dog food," meaning, we live and breathe our own product, we love it as much as our customer love it. That's how we feel at CoolCleveland.com and it's one of the reasons behind our new re-design that you see below. We use Cool Cleveland just like our customers use Cool Cleveland, and we felt a few design upgrades would help our readers find our good information faster, and make your "user experience" that much more exhilarating. Let us know how you feel about our new look: LettersATCoolCleveland.com. —Thomas Mulready
Ohio's electoral influence was felt in yesterday's election. The House of Representatives tilted Democratic as Ohio's Zack Space took over Republican Bob Ney's House seat, who resigned from Congress last week amidst the Jack Abramoff corruption scandal. While Democrat Sherrod Brown will occupy Mike DeWine's Senate seat, the balance in the Senate is still unclear, with 49 each, hinging on close races in Montana and Virginia, where recounts are possible.
Cool Cleveland Election Results with 98% or greater reporting
Issues
Issue 2: Raise the Minimum Wage: YES (56%)—NO (43%)
Issue 3: For slots & gambling: NO (57%)—YES (43%)
Issue 4: Allows smoking: NO (64%)—YES (36%)
Issue 5: Bans smoking: YES (58%)—NO (42%)
Issue 18: For arts & culture: YES (56%)—NO (44%)
Issue 19: For health & human services: YES (62%)—NO (38%)
Candidates
US Senator: Sherrod Brown [D] (56%)—Mike DeWine [R] (44%)
Ohio Governor: Ted Strickland & Lee Fisher [D] (60%) Ken Blackwell & Tony Raga [R] (37%)
Ohio Attorney General: Marc Dann [D] (52%), Betty Montgomery [R] (48%)
Ohio Auditor: Mary Taylor [R] (51%), Barbara Sykes [D] (49%)
Ohio Treasurer: Richard Cordray [D] (58%), Sandra O'Brien [R] (43%)
Ohio Secretary of State: Jennifer Brunner [D] (55%), Greg Hartmann [R] (41%)
Cuyahoga County Commissioner: Jimmy Dimora [D] (75%), Wendell Robinson [R](25%)
Court of Common Pleas (1/12/07): Joan Synenberg [R] (58%), Christine Russo [D] (42%)
US Representative, District 10: Dennis Kucinich (66%)— Mike Dovilla (34%)
US Representative, District 11: Stephanie Tubbs Jones (83%)—Lindsay String (17%)
US Representative, District 13: Betty Sutton (61%)—Craig Foltin (39%)
US Representative, District 14: Steve LaTourette (58%)—Lewis Katz (38%)
US Representative, District 16: Ralph Regula (58%)—Thomas Shaw (42%)
US Representative, District 17: Tim Ryan (80%)—Don Manning (20%)
Dan Gilbert
Owner, Cleveland Cavaliers & Quicken Loans
Dan Gilbert is a maverick with principles. After starting a home mortgage company while still in college at Wayne State Univ outside of Detroit, he sold it, at the height of the dot-com boom, to Quicken, which changed it's name to Quicken Loans, then bought it back again a couple years later. Along the way, he earned enough to buy the Cleveland Cavaliers, themselves on a boom because of LeBron James. His hilarious video interview with Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready touches all bases, from marketing and sponsorship techniques, to Flash Seating technology, to his new Bizdom U. for young urban entrepreneurs, to the snappy business philosophies he calls "isms," to why he likes Mulready's porkpie hat so much. http://www.NBA.com/cavaliers/ http://www.QuickenLoans.com
Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans
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The Voice of the Future? Do you wonder how to reduce total communications costs to easily communicate with mobile employees with the same quality and reliability as traditional phone service? Euphonyx can help you improve your business communications by designing and installing voice and data networks, Voice Over IP (VoIP) systems, public sector wireless systems, and converged networks with integrated communications solutions. Join us for “VoIP for Business 101” on Wed 11/15 at 10AM at Corporate College East. VoIP is an emerging technology on the minds of today's telecom professionals and this session will give you real stories from real clients that have saved real dollars and time using VoIP. Register at www.regonline.com/eventinfo.asp?EventId=111665. Sponsored by The Beta Strategy Group, www.BetaGroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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A wild and wonderful 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
Slavic Village launches incubator for entrepreneurs, offering $12K rent subsidy Info
CB Richard Ellis buys Trammell Crow Real estate firms merge Read
Business leaders criticize ODOT Innerbelt Plan "I'll be out of business..." says owner Read
Wasserstein buys Penton for $530M Read
Ousted ABJ editor rants to Editor & Publisher that her position will not be filled Read
Ohio 3rd biggest exurb with low housing density, high pop growth & 20% commuting to urban areas Read
Mandel Center builds new $11M HQ for educating nonprofit management leaders Read
Noon@Nance panel on Product Service and Innovation Thu 11/9 11:30AM-1PM, Rm 118 Register
Roundtable on Internet usability on Web Usability Day Tue 11/14 at Museum of Art 6-8PM Info
Exploring Entrepreneurship 2-hr interactive program Tue 11/14 explores pros & cons Tri-C Corp College Register
PLEXUS business networking Event for LGBT & allies on Tue 11/14 6-8PM, Key Tower Info
Small Non-Profit Series for execs of smaller non-profits & students, starts Wed 11/15 4:30-6PM. Register: muscarilATplayhousesquare.org
Geeks & Gurus with Kristen Billings, User Experience Architect at Cle Clinic on Tue 11/15. RSVP
A Steelyard Paradox:
New Shopping Center to Open Early Next Year
by Lee Chilcote
On a mile-long stretch of the Cuyahoga Valley, a place in the Flats with a hulking steel mill on one side and crisscrossing highways on the other, there’s a Target going in.And a Wal-Mart, and a Home Depot. Between the mill and the highway, they’re laying the cinderblock and brick, and painting the asphalt with bright, yellow stripes.
This was once home to a two million square foot finishing mill for LTV, one of the largest steel makers in the world. When it opens early next year, the new retail development going in here, Steelyard Commons, will offer a million square feet of new shops. It’s the first new shopping center to be built in the city since Tower City in the 80s, and the largest open air mall in the county.
"The City of Cleveland is an underserved trade area," said Mitchell Schneider, CEO of First Interstate, developer of Steelyard Commons, citing studies showing that residents spend $600 million per year on merchandise, including food, outside of Cleveland. "We’re filling a hole in the market."
Steelyard Commons has given Schneider, who also developed Legacy Village, a project in the city. “Rather than participating in urban sprawl, we’re taking underutilized land and turning it into a valuable asset for city residents,” he said. Legacy Village, a 600,000 square foot shopping center in Lyndhurst, was one of the first lifestyle centers in Northeast Ohio.
Others point to Steelyard Commons as a sign of the times – union jobs going away, and low-wage, service sector jobs replacing them...
Read the comment by Lee Chilcote here
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Art + Technology = Industrial Design Designers have a new source of inspiration and instruction with the launch of Mtrl, an industry initiative aimed at providing "Material About Materials." A two-day workshop for designers, held Thu 11/30 and Fri 12/1 at Idea Center in Playhouse Square, will focus on types of metals, surface finishes, physical properties, manufacturing costs and case studies, and will include tours of Don Drumm Studio and Moen's design and product headquarters. Mtrl provides tangible experiences with materials, promoting experimentation and inspiring design through exposure to materials from the everyday to the extraordinary! For information and to register visit www.asminternational.org/design/cleveland.htm.
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NEO libraries rule It's virtually a clean sweep. The latest American Public Library Ratings by Hennen's are in, and Northeast Ohio libraries topped virtually every category. For libraries over 500K population, Cuyahoga County Public Library is #1; for 110K-250K population, Medina County District Library is #3; for 50K-99K, Lakewood Public Library is #1, Euclid Public Library is #4, and Cleveland Hts-University Hts Public Library is #5; for 25K-49K population, North Canton Public Library is #1, Westlake Porter Public Library is #2, and Wadsworth Public Library is #3; for 10K-25K population, Twinsburg Public Library is #1, Wickliffe Public Library is #2, and Rocky River Public Library is #5. We can safely say that NEO has the best libraries in the countries, by a long shot. Wow! Read.
State of the dance When Wilma Salisbury, who started writing about dance for our daily paper in 1968, retires, she will not be replaced. Classical music critic Donald Rosenberg and theatre critic Tony Brown will tag-team coverage that will unfortunately amount to "less space to dance." Her swan song think piece is, as usual, a comprehensive survey of the NEO dance world that some will argue with, and most will learn from. Read.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland11.10.06.mp3. Add the CC Podcast to iTunes using this link. Don't forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.
Not so much brain drain A new study, Brain Drain in Ohio, by Univ of Toledo, finds that 70% of all Ohio grads from 1980 to 2003 still live in the state, although only 30% of science & tech PhD.s stay, and those who do leave go to surrounding states, not "cool cities." Read
Zoo drops prices As the mercury drops, so does the cost of admission. www.CleMetZoo.com.
High School Rock Off call for bands Start doing your homework…it's time to rock enroll for the annual event making its debut at the Rock Hall in January. Entry forms available at http://www.cleveland.com/rockoff.
Affectionately Yours We’re cool, you’re cool, help us spread the vibe. Turn us on to your friends and you will both be eligible to win a Video iPod compliments of Cool Cleveland. No purchase necessary. Enter as many friends as you wish. The more friends you enter, the greater your chances of winning. Sign up by going here.
Astronaut from B'view Hts flying on Shuttle Astronaut Mike Good from Broadview Hts. was assigned to fly on the shuttle for the Hubble Servicing mission. Read
Online auction Bids for Kids by CVN Park Bid on dozens of items; from great gifts for the home to once-in-a-lifetime experiences online at http://www.cvnpa.cmarket.com from Sat 11/18 to Fri 12/8 to benefit the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center.
Cool Cleveland Kids With kids getting geared up for the holidays, you need to find a way to let them release some of that energy. Take a hint from 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don't have special software. If you're a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids11.10.06.mp3. Add the CC Kids Podcast to iTunes using this link. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.
Shine a Cleveland Vet's shoes Cleveland-innovated Buff 'n Shine will honor veterans by shining the shoes of local veterans, public servants, EMS responders and the dozens in attendance at a Veterans Celebration at City Hall on Fri 11/10 and in the community the following week. All tips will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. http://www.BuffnShine.com.
The Holiday Season Approaches and Cool Cleveland will again be your source for links to buying local and supporting NEO's artisans and neighborhood Mom & Pop shops. If you are a local artist, crafty/creative type or store owner with some thrillingly cool and unique loot for holiday shoppers, we want to hear from you. Send us a link with some background on you and your gift offerings to PeterATCoolCleveland.com (replace the "AT" appropriately). We hope to feature as many of you as possible in the coming issues of your Cool Cleveland newsletter. 'Tis nearly the season!
Cleveland Reader, a new bi-monthly literary magazine published by Mark Evans, is now accepting submissions of poetry, prose, photos, puzzles, plays, songs, graphics, and "all other forms of creative word, image, and expression." for their December issue, with a deadline of Mon 11/20. clevelandreader88@yahoo.com
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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Three Great Reasons to See ABQ at OCM The Oberlin Conservatory of Music continues its Artist Recital Series with the American Brass Quintet (ABQ). Reason #1 to see the ABQ: It is the most distinguished brass ensemble in the U.S. The concert will be held in Oberlin’s historic Finney Chapel on Sun 11/12 at 3PM. Reason #2: The program features ABQ editions of Renaissance masters, Colchester Fantasy by Cleveland native composer Eric Ewazen, and Joan Tower’s Copperwave. Reason #3: Tickets are only $7 for students, $16 for seniors and those with an Oberlin College I.D., and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Central Ticket Service at 800-371-0178. For more information on the Artist Recital Series visit www.oberlin.edu/arseries.
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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
HOT Akron Gallery Hop Start off with a wine and cheese reception on Thu 11/9 from 5 - 7PM, then make your way through 24 participating galleries and retailers through Sun 11/12. http://www.AkronArtMuseum.org.
Faces of Liberation A Holocaust Survivor's restored faith in Self and Humanity is the topic of Guiding Eyes for the Blind's no-cost community event Thu 11/9 beginning at 6:30PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 276 East Bagley Rd, Berea. Max Edelman, an 83-year-old Holocaust survivor, will share his story with his guide dog, Silas, at his side. Call 440-235-3515 or visit http://www.gebcuyahoga.org.
Dr. Maya Angelou lecture at Case The internationally lauded author, educator, civil-rights voice, and U.S. Poet Laureate will be the inaugural speaker for the Case Western Reserve University School of Law's CISCDR Maya Angelou Distinguished Interdisciplinary Lecture on Thu 11/9 at 4:30PM. Call 691-6502 for advance tickets. www.case.edu.
Earth Day = Every Day Earth Day Coalition proudly presents its 9th Annual Fall Benefit Instrumental Evening for the Earth this Thu 11/9, from 6PM at Trinity Cathedral. The event features a performance by members of the Cleveland Orchestra. For more information call 281-6468 or visit http://www.EarthDayCoalition.org.
Nobody's Normal Up Close A one-woman piece, written and performed by Linda Clark, about politics, hypocrisy, cowboys, Prague and a lot more on Thu 11/9 - Sat 11/11 at 7:30PM. Join Clark as she dons different hats and shares the stories of several amusing characters. http://www.SpacesGallery.org.
Humanitarianism A visual discussion from seven emerging artists. Opening reception on Fri 11/10 from 5PM until midnight. Show runs through Tue 11/28. http://www.LylesArt.com/humanitarianism.html.
Be Dazzled by Design Experience diverse room vignettes and creative tablescapes in 15 exclusive decorating showrooms by more than thirty of the area's most prestigious interior design professionals on Sat 11/11 from 10AM to 4PM and Sun 11/12 from 12 - 5PM. Gala Preview Cocktail Party on Fri 11/10 from 5:30 - 9PM. Beachwood. http://www.OhioDesignCentre.com.
Tremont ArtWalk happens on Fri 11/10 beginning at 6PM. Spaces artist-in-residency, Dan Acostionei, presents his new video and gives a talk at Pilgrim Congregational Church (2592 West 14th St.) Bernard Video at Sokolowski's University Inn. Wild Plum of the GLBT Center sponsors its annual Queer Art show at Asterisk* (2393 Professor Ave.); Brandt Gallery is displaying Four Shades of Grey, in conjunction with Ohio Independent Film and more. http://www.Tremontartwalk.org.
Joanna Newsom If you've not heard this SF-based harpist/harpsichordist before, you're missing out. Once a touring partner of Will Oldham (Palace Songs, Bonnie "Prince" Billy), this woman's approach to singer/songwriter emerges as the most unique and original out there today. Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_Newsom, then check her out at the Beachland Ballroom at 9PM on Fri 11/10/ http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
Convergence 2006 Opening reception for the regional juried exhibition organized by The College of Wooster Art Museum on Fri 11/10 7 - 9PM. Show runs through 11/15. http://artmuseum.wooster.edu.
Montage Enjoy an evening of dance works including Daughters of Okeanos, an excerpt of Greek Dreams with Flute and more on Fri 11/10 at 8PM through Sat 11/18. http://dance.case.edu.
HOT beladubby events Bella Sylva - new band featuring Matt Clement, Jessica J. and Matt Valerino on Fri 11/10 at 9PM and Mike Junewicz does solo acoustic covers of indie rock and old school punk on Sat 11/11 at 8PM. http://www.myspace.com/beladubby.
WCLVnotes Tonight at 8PM, WCLV 104.9 FM presents a concert by the former principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, Stephen Geber. He and accompanist Anita Pontremoli presented the program as part of the Music from the Western Reserve concert series on 10/22 at the Chapel on the campus of Western Reserve Academy. Tomorrow, Thu 11/9, WCLV packs up and moves to the Lorain County Community College Spitzer Center for the annual "Thanks-4-Giving" Blood Drive on behalf of LifeShare. WCLV will be there from 7AM to 7PM along with great food, entertainment, health exhibits and the WCLV prize wheel. Here's your chance to have fun while doing good. You'll feel great! For info about WCLV's programming contact www.WCLV.com. WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.
CC KIDS Family Concert Designed to introduce children and their families to the orchestra, this program features one of the best-known orchestral works written for a young audience, Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra on Sat 11/11 at 11AM & 1:30PM. www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.
Mostly Lip Service Because the popularity of our e-letter is based on viral advertising (passed onto others by word of mouth), Cool Cleveland offers the best kind of advertising there is – referrals! And we prove it with testimonials from our clients, who are selling out of their products when they advertise with us. Examples: After a Cool Cleveland Art/Tech/Dance party, the real estate developers we’ve worked with have sold out of their luxury loft apartments, condos and penthouses featured on our tours. See testimonials here. Contact TL@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising.
The Art of Lloyd Wright takes center stage on Sat 11/11 with an opening reception from 6 - 10PM. The artist will exhibit a multi-themed show featuring paintings and prints of the Northeast Ohio landscape and more fantastical pieces. Show runs through Sun 12/3. Call 383-0230. True Art, 410 East 156th Street, North Collinwood.
CC KIDS Nutcracker Tea with the Mouse Queen for the little ones, with treats to eat, stories told, dancers in costume, souvenir photos and prizes on Sat 11/11 at 10AM, 11:30AM & 1PM at Wayne Center for the Arts in Wooster Info
Roots of American Music All-Stars featuring over 20 of the hottest area roots musicians with culinary delights from Town Fryer and silent auction, to benefit ROAM on Sat 11/11 at 7:30PM at Beachland Ballroom
PWLGC Mingle Gather for a night of games, fun, competition, food, prizes and camaraderie at the first Wordscramble Challenge and Game Night on Sat 11/11 from 7 – 11PM at Bratenahl Community Center, 10300 Brighton Rd. Play board games, card games or pool, compete in the human anagram competition, or listen to accomplished area writers read their work. Pizza, desserts, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available. www.pwlgc.com.
HOT Funky Diva Purse Auction More than 50 artists are creating hip, custom-made handbags that will be auctioned off to raise support for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center on Sat 11/11 at 7PM. Pre-party kicks off at 6PM. Tickets at http://www.ClevelandRCC.org.
HOT Spoken Word for Life Concerts Northeast Ohio's premiere spoken word, hip-hop and musical artists are coming together for two exclusive live engagements hosted and produced by MC Chief Rocka Q-Nice and starring: Daniel Gray-Kontar as Replife; Nolana "Liberty" Price; Kelly Harris; and Chris Webb on Sat 11/11 at 7:30PM at CSU & Thu 11/16 at 7:30PM at Akron University. The Playscape All-Stars Band, Cleveland School of the Arts Dance Ensemble and DJ Santina will perform. Call 752-5433 ext. 159 for info.
How Do We Do It? Every Wednesday morning Cool Cleveland trudges up your front steps, through your front door (ya gotta fix that padlock) and delivers upbeat, informative news directly to your in-box. Forward your favorite e-zine to several friends that you think would enjoy it while supporting the online newsletter that was recently awarded the "Excellence in Journalism" award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Ana Moura sings Passion Songs of Portugal on Sat 11/11 at 7:30PM. Get more info and tickets at www.ClevelandArt.org.
HOT GroundWorks Dancetheater at Trinity Cathedral The innovative dance troupe collaborates with internationally renowned guest artists Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer, to produce a breathtaking new work. GroundWorks' pieces, eleveneleven and Before With After round out the program on Sat 11/11 at 8PM through Sun 11/19. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave. http://www.GroundWorksDance.org.
Balkan Voices: The Kolevi Ensemble Join the Kolevi Ensemble from Bulgaria live in a concert and dance party in the Beck Center's Music Armory Building on Sat 11/11 from 8PM. Call 521-2540 for more information. http://www.BeckCenter.org.
Simple Gifts: Music from America's Heart The Voices of Canton (VOCI) will perform hymns, spirituals and gospel songs by American composers on Sun 11/12 at 3PM at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Ave. Call 771-6666 x5510.
Creme de la Femme Fabulous female chefs will serve up a variety of mouth-watering foods on Mon 11/13 at 6PM to benefit the Women's Community Foundation. Call 622-0920 or visit http://www.wcfcleveland.org.
Listing Tip of the Week Don't be guilty of a Capital Offense. The ALL CAPITALS press release is annoying and downright scary. Take it down a notch then tell us about your great event - or we'll have to remove your Caps Lock key. Events@CoolCleveland.com.
Analyzing Your Business Plan Join Erykah Accordino, owner of Machu Picchu Restaurante, as she shares her personal business experiences and the importance of existing businesses having a business plan over complimentary hors d’ oeuvres on Tue 11/14 from 6 - 9PM. Machu Picchu Restauranté, 850 Euclid Avenue. http://www.hbahcco.org.
Evidence of Democrary The Photographs off Paul Shambroom, at the Meyers School of Art, UofA, lecture Tue 11/14 http://www.UAkron.edu/art
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Looking for the Elixir of Love? Oberlin Opera Theater will stage The Elixir of Love, a comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti, for its fall production. The opera tells the story of how the young peasant Nemorino loves the beautiful and wealthy landowner Adina — but so does the blustering Sergeant Belcore. Can a magic love potion influence Adina’s heart in Nemorino’s favor? Is a potion even necessary? Performances are Wed 11/15, Fri 11/17 & Sat 11/18 at 8PM and Sun 11/19 at 2PM. All performances held in Oberlin’s Hall Auditorium. Tickets are only $5 for students, $8 for seniors and those with an Oberlin College I.D., and $12 for the general public. To purchase tickets contact 800-371-0178 or www.oberlin.edu/operathe for more information on Oberlin Opera Theater.
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HOT America Recycles Round-up Day Recycle plastics # 1-7 old computers, computer parts, printers, printer cartridges, cell phones, tires (up to 10; tires from business not accepted), glass bottles, aluminum & tin cans, cardboard, old paint (no latex) & newspapers on Wed 11/15 through Sat 11/18 from 9AM to 3PM. Locations: 3727 Ridge Road or 5600 Carnegie.
Can You Hear Me Now? Listening to the Voices of One Billion Muslims This lecture opens CSU's annual Cultural Crossing Lecture Series on Wed 11/15 at 5:30PM. Call 687-4646 for more information.
HOT Arts Town Hall Meeting Join Lakewood city council member Nickie Antonio to talk about how to "increase, encourage and support the advancement of a creative culture in Lakewood." On Wed 11/15 6-8PM at Beck Center Armory, 17801 Detroit, http://www.BeckCenter.org
The Elixir of Love Young peasant Nemorino loves the beautiful, wealthy landowner, Adina; but so does the blustering sergeant Belcore. Can a magic love potion give Nemorino the advantage? Show runs Wed 11/15 at 8PM through Sun 11/19. Oberlin. www.Oberlin.edu.
Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com
Nickie Antonio
Lakewood City Councilmember
Nickie Antonio understands the pulse of her hometown. The At-Large Councilmember from the most densely populated city between New York and Chicago speaks with Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready in Downtown Lakewood in front of Phoenix Coffee about the rise and fall of Madison Village, how the Beck Center for the Arts might work more closely with the city to ensure its future, and creating an "arts overlay" district to tweak zoning to allow for mixed use of storefronts and buildings. Antonio hosts an Arts Town Hall Meeting next Wed 11/15 from 6-8PM at the Beck Center Armory, 17801 Detroit Avenue to "increase, encourage and support the advancement of a creative culture in Lakewood," open to the public. http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us
Lakewood City Councilmember Nickie Antonio
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Links to interesting NEO blogs
Scott thinks the Cool Cleveland video of Sherrod Brown and Connie Schultz reveals how well she compliments his strengths. Paul is looking for a sheet metal fabricator. Hannah invites you to the Historic Warehouse District Holiday Tour. GOne @ CPT postponed. Don Iannone points to one reason we need more entrepreneurs. John Ettorre reminds us to support independent bookstores (again). Mike remixes a couple tracks from My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian tackles all the election drama in NEO this week, from faulty voting machines to the faulty issues and candidates themselves. When you're through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Living Stereo
Usually, you'll find a CD review in this weekly space we deem Cool Cleveland Sounds. But every once in a great while, an act will light up this reviewer's ears and inspire the flat-out rejection of traditional album review conventions. Such is the case with Mod-inspired rockers Living Stereo, who recently opened up for Josh Homme's garage rock outfit, Eagles of Death Metal, at the Agora Ballroom. Living Stereo features a venerable "who's who" of musicians who have graced bands ranging from Cobra Verde and Guided By Voices, to Sidecar, Jimmy Zero's Lesbianmaker, Lives of the Saints and others. They've been around, but never quite like this.Like Mod-drenched national headliners Head Automatica, this quintet makes no bones about the infectious, hip-shaking grooves it aims for. They start with that quintessential R&B backbeat that launched the British Invasion (the Beatles, the Who and the Kinks come to mind) and construct a peppery punk/new wave explosion around that foundation with a sound that recalls Mod revivalists The Jam. Then, when it seems it couldn't get any tastier, they lace everything with a bit of the Stooges, Elvis Costello, Wire and XTC -- sans that Partridge stage fright. Nothing about these 5 guys qualifies as "shy" when they're on stage.
The results are fun, fresh, inventive... and you can't leave a gig of theirs without a smile on your face. It's obvious that Brandon Abate (vox), Brent Ferguson (guitar), Brian Moon (drums), Jeff Deasy (bass) and Don Depew (guitar) just love what they're playing. No going through the motions with these guys. Just pure tasty licks and attitude. If these guys don't break out of Cleveland, well... I won't say that I'll eat one of Thomas Mulready's porkpie hats. But I would be inspired to start buying airline tickets for record executives -- one way, to CLE -- if such gestures even matter in the Internet Age, that is. I love this band and I can't wait to hear this new effort they're working on together. Stay tuned to these pages for more info.
Living Stereo opens for the all-female tribute act Lez Zeppelin at the Beachland Ballroom Thursday, November 16. For more information and audio samples, check out Living Stereo at http://www.livingstereo.net and on MySpace at http://myspace.com/livingstereo. Visit the Beachland Ballroom at http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian PeterATCoolCleveland.com
Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107
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.
Roots of American Music Benefit Showcases Top CLE Talent
Roots of American Music, the Cleveland Heights-based non-profit music- and history-education organization, presents An Old Fashioned Rock, Roots, Rhythm & Blues Revue, the organization’s 2006 Benefit for Education, featuring the Cleveland stars of Roots of American Music. The concert and party take place Saturday, November 11, starting at 7:00, at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 N. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland).Nearly 20 musicians will share the stage in various combinations, covering the best of American R&B, rockabilly, Cajun, country, blues and swing, taking the audience from the city streets to the cotton fields, bayou, juke joints and speakeasies; from Chicago and Detroit to Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans.
The show includes: the eight-piece Blue Lunch – known for the past 20 years for its 1940s and ‘50s swing and jump blues and Chicago-style blues – performing its own numbers and serving as the house band; popular singer-songwriter and guitarist Jim Miller of the JiMiller Band; singer and multi-instrumentalist Jen Maurer (who plays and sings with several bands, including Hillbilly Idol ), doing zydeco tunes; nationally known Cleveland-based harmonica player Wallace Coleman, who has played with most of the blues greats; nationally known Boston-based blues sax player Sax Gordon, who plays often in the Cleveland area; Cleveland woodwind wonder and Free Times award-winning saxophonist Rob Williams; longtime Cleveland blues harmonica player Crazy Marvin; veteran Cleveland keyboardist Rockin’ Robin, known for his New Orleans, St. Louis and Memphis early jazz and boogie-woogie as well as ‘40s and ‘50s Chicago blues piano; singer Afi Scruggs, specializing in traditional African-American gospel, as well as jazz, bluegrass and old-time music; and Master of Ceremonies singer-pianist Harry Bacharach.
Guests will be treated to a buffet dinner and will be given beverage tickets.
A silent auction will feature unique items in keeping with the theme, including an electric guitar autographed by nationally know rock artists; a recording session in a local studio with ROAM musicians as backup, and a producer; several autographed music-themed books; vintage early-rock LPs; tickets and gift items from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum; music lessons from the Fairmount School of Music; a portable 4-track cassette recorder; and others – plus, an in-home cooking class by Valerio’s; great seats at Cavs and Indians games; a glass vase by nationally known artist Brent Kee Young; hotel stays; jewelry; restaurant gift certificates; and much more.
All proceeds benefit Roots of American Music workshops, classes and performances at area schools least able to afford them. Founded by musician and music educator Kevin Richards, Roots of American Music uses blues, folk, jazz and other forms of American roots music as a teaching medium to improve learning comprehension and retention among children in primary and secondary education in Northeast Ohio. Through lyrics and song, and hands-on participation in the creation of songs, ROAM helps children more vividly imagine life during specific periods of history or times of social change. Through both residency and assembly programs, ROAM artists perform annually for more than 40,000 children.
For more information about the benefit or Roots of American Music, call the ROAM office at 321-9350 or visit http://www.rootsofamericanmusic.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net
Poets & Writers' League Word Scramble Benefit
A GRANDMA MARBLES CROW. Oops... WORDSCRAMBLE ANAGRAM.By definition, anagrams are words comprised from letters of another word or phrase. To the Poets’ and Writers’ League of Greater Cleveland, an anagram is the basis for a fun night of mixing and mingling with those in the community. This first-ever Wordscramble and Game Night – Human Anagram Fundraiser is the brainchild of Executive Director, Darlene Montonaro. The event’s focus came out of her fascination with online word games.
To those not stricken with the affliction called writing, here’s a little secret... writers don’t always write. Panicked by a blank screen or empty page; writers play. Not unlike the NFL quarterback who takes to Madden’s video game... writers play word games. Alone with their thoughts and computers writers go play online games like Bookworm and Text Twist. Pabulum for the literary mind, these games can often consume a great deal of time. It was this diversion and guilty pleasure that made Montonaro think that a night of such games would be a good way to gather members of the community and provide an opportunity to raise money for the PWLGC at the same time.
Previous fundraisers have included "Writers and their Friends" and various bowling nights. Montonaro claims the bowling events were fun, albeit a bit dangerous. Whether it was tripping on the lanes, pulled shoulders or swollen hands, the participants left with some minor injuries. The Wordscramble promises to be fun and (hopefully) non-injurious and a great chance to mix and mingle with Cleveland-area writers of all genres and ages.
When Montonaro was asked to describe the "coolest" thing about this event, she answered like a true non-profit leader, "First, it’s a great way to meet people without any hassle, and to support an organization."
Montonaro holds the distinction of being the PWLGC’s first dedicated staff member and calls it "the job of my dreams." An advocate for what she describes as a "fantastic literary community" and a poet in her own right, she got the job not because she writes, but rather her 30- year background in working with non-profits. At the PWLGC her role is to handle the day-to-day running of the Literary Center. Opened in 2001, on the campus of the former Fairhill Hospital, the "Lit" hosts near-daily classes and offers workspace for writers. Montonaro calls the small yellow house overlooking a tree-lined walking path, "the most exquisite place for a writer."
Despite the generosity of the many Cleveland-area authors, and dollars granted from the Cleveland, Gund and Chilcote Foundations and the Ohio Arts Council, there’s always a few more dollars to make to meet the annual $100,000 budgetary needs. A small amount when you consider operating costs, marketing, advertising and publishing the bi-monthly Ohio Writer magazine. Raising money and marketing are what Montonaro calls her biggest hurdles. Her love of this job, being “surrounded by writers” keeps her going.
Designed as a casual game night for writers and non-writers, the first-ever "Wordscramble" pits sponsored teams against one another in a competition to see who can form the most anagrams in a given period of time. For the non-competitive folks a game room featuring word-based board games will be open the entire evening. There is also a space for card games, shooting pool and a café featuring fresh-baked goodies and drinks. Poets John Donoghue (A Small Asymmetry), Lou Suarez (Ask), Rita Grabowski, Poet and Coordinator of CSU’s Poetry Center, and Gail Bellamy (Victual Reality: Food Poems) will read from their work.
The event takes place on Saturday, November 11 at the Bratenahl Community Center and is open to the public. It’s a chance to mingle with members of Cleveland’s literary community and possibly go word-for-word with the best of them. For further information and to register teams, please contact the Poets’ and Writers’ League through their website at http://www.pwlgc.com/wordscramble or call 421-0403.
(And have a little fun on us... drop your name in this Internet Anagram Server and see what pops up: http://wordsmith.org/anagram/advanced.html)
From Cool Cleveland contributor Christine Young itsmecayATvisn.net
AMY: My Search for Her Killer
James Renner
Gray & Company
If you’ve lived in Cleveland for more than a mere few months, the name Amy Mihaljevic will certainly ring a bell in your memory. For that matter, possibly anyone anywhere in the country will recognize her name and her picture as she smiles at you from the cover of this book. James Renner was an 11-year-old schoolboy when the 10-year-old Amy was abducted from a shopping plaza in Bay Village. The date was October 27, 1989, and for the young James, it was love at first sight when he saw her photo on the nightly news. He may no longer be in love with her, but neither can he get her out of his mind.
In this meticulously-crafted and engaging book--which is both memoir and true-crime--Renner begins with the events of that day and continues until this one. Always in the back of his mind was the idea that someday he would find Amy’s abductor and killer, and bring that person to justice.
A variety of coincidences ride along on his shoulders, too, through the years as he peels back layer after layer of rumor, untruths, secrecy from a multitude of law enforcement agencies and people who knew various members of the Mihaljevic family. He travels throughout Ohio, and even to Wisconsin, where Amy’s ashes were buried with her mother. Through his own wide-eyed naïveté, he puts himself in precarious situations time and time again, but somehow emerges unscathed—physically.
The writing project began simply enough, as a short feature for a local weekly "alternative" newspaper, but his compulsion to find Amy’s killer would not let him stop with such a brief bit of writing. Thankfully, his wife recognized the importance of getting the entire story—or at least as much as he could—although he did change papers and editors in the process.
Renner does not succeed in exposing the killer, although clues to that person’s identity--as he unearthed them--are sprinkled through the pages. They’re filtered, however, by the various law enforcement agencies, and the inevitable conspiracy theories that still, to this today, abound in this area. The case is still an open file in Bay Village. Someday, maybe...
James Renner will speak and autograph copies of his book about Amy Mihaljevic this Thursday, November 9 at 7PM at Borders Books & Music, 30121 Detroit Road, Westlake. For more information about Renner's book, visit the Gray & Co. website at http://www.grayco.com/cleveland/books/10193. For information on his appearance, call 440-892-7667.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
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
RFK @ Cleveland Play House 11/1 RFK is not only a trip to the past and what might have been, it’s a plea that someone—anyone—would please step forward and show today’s world what ‘real’ politicians were like a mere 40-50 years ago. Reading history books doesn’t seem to quite accomplish this task, so perhaps it’s a good thing that actor/playwright Jack Holmes illuminates the awful gap in politicians then and now.
The youngish actor, who resembles RFK in an on-again/off-again way, throws himself into the words of Robert Francis Kennedy, always a younger son--Bobby--in a family of over-achievers. The real RFK had lost two older brothers and a sister before he was much beyond his majority, but yet he was compelled to put himself out there in the hope of convincing a world slowly going off-kilter to straighten itself out before it was too late. Sadly, he didn’t make it, leaving behind a wife who was pregnant with their eleventh child at his death. Many of his children are following in his footsteps as a public servant; some are more successful than others. We should be grateful for them all.
In words eerily prescient of this year’s political snippets, RFK uses the great campaigns of the 1960s—his and his brother’s—to forge himself from unwilling to willing candidate for the presidency of the United States. Then, as now, our country was in a non-war far away from home and unrest was everywhere.
After an off-Broadway run, the play is now at the Cleveland Play House, directed by Seth Gordon in a version co-produced by three commercial theatrical producers. It is—and isn’t—entirely a local production.
James C. Swonger’s sound design makes plentiful and excellent use of pop songs of the time (heavy on Janis Joplin) and other sound effects, while David Weiner’s lighting is seldom obtrusive, always a good thing. The set by Neil Patel consists mainly of small clusters of furniture representing various locations, all in front of a Mondrian-like back wall that is able to change colors frequently, but just in certain segments rather than the entire thing. The compartmentalization seemed extremely appropriate to the context of the play.
A wide variety of headline inhabitants of the time are mentioned throughout the play: J. Edgar Hoover, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King, Jr., Lyndon B. Johnson (then president), Jackie Kennedy, and of course Ethel, Bobby's loyal and supportive wife.
It may not be the best replication of the life of Robert Francis Kennedy but it surely provides much food for thought, especially in this election year 2006.
RFK continues in the Drury Theater at the Cleveland Play House through November 19. For tickets or other information, call 795-7000 or visit the web-site: http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net
And Baby Makes Seven @ convergence-continuum 11/3
What: Paula Vogel's manic, offbeat comedy about the anxieties of expectant parenthood, with 2 antic lesbians who are always role-playing as little boys and their gay male co-parent who thinks they need to quit it before the baby comes.
Reasons to go: Director Clyde Simon creates a larger-than-life wackiness which can be genuinely funny, yet he lets you see Vogel's serious themes underneath. When we try to act "grown-up", are we really putting aside the most joyfully creative parts of ourselves? How do we become good parents if our models have been less than wonderful? Jovana Batkovic is pitch-perfect as the pregnant Anna, and though Denise Astorino frequently chomps the scenery, she makes a sympathetic Ruth.
Caveats: Because of all the transformations in and out of "inner child", the script can be confusing, and if you get offended easily, what are you doing at convergence-continuum? Geoffrey Hoffman too often plays Peter as simply stiff and Astorino's "French" accent for Henri is more Boris & Natasha. But ultimately there's a sweetness to it.
Details: thru 11/18 at convergence-continuum, The Liminis, http://www.convergence-continuum.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com
Only the Lonely: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison @ Playhouse Square 11/4
Every year for the past 11, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University present a weeklong conference on a rock–music pioneer, an important, groundbreaking artist who influenced many others. The week includes lectures, panel discussions, films, a day-long seminar at Case, and a culminating all-star concert, which for the first few years took place at Severance Hall, and has since been held at Playhouse Square Center. This year’s conference and concert – produced by a large team from both institutions, led by Rock Hall Vice President of Education and Public Programs Warren Zanes – were titled Only the Lonely: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison.
The concert always features artists performing the subject’s songs, plus between-act curtain talks about the artist by people who worked with him, family members and Rock Hall President and CEO Terry Stewart; and film clips of the artist and of other artists talking about him. The Orbison concert took place this past Saturday.
As a reviewer, you always try to figure out a different angle from which to view a concert – or, at least, you should. That was easy for me this time because I actually had a different viewpoint – from behind the performers. It was easy, that is, to obtain an unusual point of view, but, of course, more difficult to review, for a couple of reasons: I couldn’t hear or see it the way an audience member could, and it’s more difficult to maintain objectivity when you meet all the performers and find out they’re nice, hard-working people.
Because I was helping (maybe a little) Contemporary Youth Orchestra director Liza Grossman and the eight CYO musicians who formed this concert’s string section, I scored an all-access pass, a privilege I am always more than happy to abuse. So I spent the entire all-day rehearsal, and the break between the rehearsal and the show, and the almost the whole show on- or back-stage. (I did watch part of the first half from a seat in the balcony.)
Knowing that I would be writing something resembling a review I wanted to try to remain objective and not be just a fan. But the fact is I am a fan. I mean, come on – the Crickets? These guys were part of one of the most important and influential groups in rock-music history, as Buddy Holly’s collaborators. Ricky Skaggs is one of the finest singers and instrumentalists in the history of bluegrass. Glen Campbell, besides recording a long list of huge hit singles, was a member of “The Wrecking Crew,” a group of top recording-session musicians who played on hundreds of hit records by everyone from Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra, and he was a member of the Beach Boys, the host of his own TV series and more. Patty Griffin is one of the best singer-songwriters in music today.
Of the performers whose names are not as well known, Raul Malo, lead singer of the country band the Mavericks, possesses one of the best voices you’ll ever hear in pop music. He could have just as easily headed to Broadway. And with 20 minutes more training, he could have sung opera. Three young female country artists – Tift Merritt, Mandy Barnett and Danielle Peck – all have fine voices.
The Velvets, a black early-‘60s R&B doo-wop quintet from Orbison’s native West Texas whom Orbison helped get signed to a record label and whose chart hits included one of Orbison’s songs, now consists of three originals and two young white guys (where’d they come from?). They sang one song. The group seems to have, shall we say, gone on a bit beyond its expiration date, but it was certainly interesting to hear them, from a historical standpoint.
Cowboy Jack Clement, a legendary rock and country music songwriter, producer, publisher and manager, sang a couple of songs, as did Billy Burnette, who was a later member of Fleetwood Mac, and whose father, Dorsey Burnette, and uncle Johnny Burnette had a bunch of hit records in the early 1960s. For this concert, Burnette also served as the leader of the house band, which consisted of some of the best sidemen working out of Nashville.
So, what’s not to like? There, that’s my five-word review.
Actually, there’s a little more. The success of these American Music Master concerts depends on a variety of things, most of which are beyond anyone’s control. First, there are the performers. The organizers, I assume, invite everyone whom it would make sense to ask – artists who played with the subject; artists who knew him or influenced him or were influenced by him; or artists who are just great artists (and whom you could later rationalize a reason for them to perform at this particular tribute concert if you had to). But artists don’t get paid to perform at these concerts. Their travel expenses are covered, but the performers who show up do it because they really want to and are able to.
Artists who have paying gigs usually have to decline. Sometimes they say yes, but then they get a paying gig, so they drop out. In the case of this Roy Orbison tribute, several likely suspects who probably would have wanted to come were unavailable, including Tom Petty, who was a fellow member of the Traveling Wilburys with Orbison; k.d. lang, who re-recorded Orbison’s “Cryin’” with Orbison and appeared with him on the TV special Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night; Elvis Costello, a big fan of Orbison’s who also appeared with him on the TV special; and Jerry Lee Lewis, the last surviving member of the original Sun Records roster of early rock pioneers, which, besides Orbison, included Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. (Petty and Costello did appear in short video segments, talking about Orbison.) And who knows who else couldn’t or wouldn’t do it?
Sometimes the American Music Masters concerts are chock-full of stars. Last year’s tribute to Sam Cooke included Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, Elvis Costello, Lou Rawls, Peter Wolf (of the Jay Geils Band), Taj Mahal, the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Gavin DeGraw. The very first AMM concert, in 1996 – a tribute to Woody Guthrie – featured Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Ani DiFranco, Dave Pirner (of Soul Asylum), and others. The shows in between have included B.B. King, the Allman Brothers Band, Alison Krauss, Bo Diddley, the Indigo Girls, Robert Plant, Harry Belafonte, Los Lobos, Levon Helm (of the Band), Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Prine, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ruth Brown, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Rodgers (of Bad Company), Tommy Shaw (of Styx), John Mellencamp, Nanci Griffith, Josh White Jr., Odetta, and about 70 others. But it’s always sort of the luck of the draw.
This year’s line-up was bursting with talent, but not many household names. Patty Griffin and Ricky Skaggs, as great as they are, are just not that well known to the general public. Glen Campbell, as good a performer as he is and as important a musically historical figure he might be, hasn’t had a big hit single on the Pop charts since 1977 (though he had Country hits after that), and so, because that’s the standard for the majority of casual music listeners, he’s no longer the draw he once was.
All the rest were even less well known. That shouldn’t stop people from going to a show like this – because you can assume that a major tribute concert is going to be at least decent – but most people just won’t spend money on something they’re not sure of.
So it might have been more exciting to see Tom Petty, Jerry Lee Lewis, k.d. lang and Elvis Costello, but all of the artists who did perform sang well. What was missing from this concert that has been present in most other years’ shows was that no one really interpreted Orbison’s songs and performed them in their own inimitable ways; they just sang the songs. Because they all sing well, it was certainly a pleasant evening, but it lacked a bit of the excitement of past shows.
The only artist in this concert who might be considered a true song interpreter is Ricky Skaggs, who could have done bluegrass versions of some Orbison songs. But he didn’t, presumably because he didn’t have a bluegrass band with him. Or maybe it was because not many people in the audience would have wanted to hear Orbison’s songs performed differently than the way they were originally recorded.
Which is the other problem: Orbison’s songs don’t leave much room for interpretation. Many of them are fairly unusual, musically, with non-standard chord progressions and interesting melodies that were written to showcase Orbison’s unique voice and very wide vocal range. So where can you take them? To reinterpret them, you’d probably need to really change them. But it’s safe to assume that people were in audience because they’re Orbison fans, so it’s also safe to assume that they don’t want you to change the songs. The result is a very nice concert that kind of leaves you wishing you could have heard Roy Orbison singing those songs.
But, of course, you can’t. So this is the next-best thing.
Another limitation is that Orbison’s records weren’t really rock songs, the way most of us think of rock. His best-known songs are ballads. So the logical thing to do was to book a bunch of great singers who could do these songs justice – and not bring in rock bands or solo rock artists who might be more appropriate in tributes to other artists. That, as far as I could tell, was fine with much of the audience. But for some, including me, it felt as though something was missing. But, as I said, this was the correct way to go: Orbison’s songs, voice and style dictated that.
So the concert was fine, maybe a little lower-key than usual. But each year’s is different – as different as the artists they honor. Look around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; there are all kinds of rock artists. Maybe next year they’ll honor some crazy, wild early-rock madman and it will be a whole different story.
And if you ever get a chance to watch an all-star concert from the stage, don’t do it – the sound is lousy, you can’t really see the show and there’s no place to sit down. Don’t bother. But give your stage pass to me.
From Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net
Philadanco @ Ohio Theater 11/4
Built 37 years ago, Philadanco (the Philadelphia Dance Company) amazed audiences with their flair for innovation while celebrating the human spirit through dance. Today, and especially last Saturday night at the Ohio theater, their depiction of passion, community and joy was told through a varied program of works by four different choreographers. The performance was exciting, innovative and powerful. The dancers’ fluidity and grace told personal stories of the human experience through a plethora of emotions and remarkable dance. My favorite was “Suite Otis,” a ballet inspired by the late Otis Redding. It contained humorous moments as boy met girl, boy danced with girl, girl fought with boy, and both made up again. The community of talent with this dance company is exceptional.From Cool Cleveland correspondent T.L. Champion TLATCoolCleveland.com
Pack of Lies @ Kennedy's 11/4
What: Hugh Whitemore's 1983 drama about the complications that ensue when a British couple allows the government to use their house for surveillance, which turns out to be on their best friends.
Reasons to go: It's the solid acting company that make this watchable, especially the two female leads. Juliette Regnier's brassy, engaging neighbor Helen steals every scene she's in, nicely contrasting with Julia Kolibab's quiet, introverted "good girl" Barbara. Paul Floriano has a nice turn as the fussy agent who slowly takes over their house.
Caveats: Whitemore's script is poky and overwritten, with lots of unnecessary monologues, and Greg Cesear's static production doesn't help matters. And the company's lighting budget is so barebones, the stage accidentally went dark more than once.
Backstory: Although the plot is based on a real 1961 espionage incident, it's clear that Cesear picked the script partly for its resonance with contemporary anxieties about government surveillance.
Details: Fri & Sat. thru 12/11 @ Kennedy's Down Under, Playhouse Square. $15. http://www.cesearsforum.com.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein Linda@coolcleveland.com
Heinen's/WVIZ World Series of Wine @ Terrace Club, Jacobs Field 11/4
Last year, I praised the Heinen's/WVIZ World Series of Wine during its 10th anniversary and thrilled at the comprehensive Grand Tastings event. This year was no different; many vino students, investors, wine geeks and casual fans alike milled about, shoring up commentary about the well-rounded finish of some vintages, the fruit notes of others and the "hot" (read: "alcoholic" or sharp tannic/antiseptic) taste found in certain wineries. And, as with many a semi-formal CLE event, it was great to see a few casually-dressed folks amongst the tailored masses that were assembled and swirling.
The Connoisseurs' Table Selections were five bucks a pour; the only one I had that seemed truly "volcanic" was the 2003 Diamond Creek "Volcanic Hill" Cabernet Sauvignon, which had fruit-forward plum, tobacco and leather notes to accompany a black cherry introduction.
Most of my great finds were again at the no-cost tables across the two-level spread. The seasonal favorite (and a great wine for Thanksgiving) was the Hogue Late Harvest Riesling from Washington State. It tasted like a breath of fresh spring air, with notes of tangerine, clover honey, apricot and powdered sugar and a nicely sweet finish... perfect for that T-day bird and the desserts thereto. There's your bottle to buy if you're going to someone else's humble abode for your plate of roasted tryptophan with mashed and gravy.
Other highlights from the event included Ferrante's Cabernet Franc Ice Wine (a sweet dessert wine with notes of grenadine and cherry soda; the Cline Live Oak Zinfandel (a bold red filled with berry, white pepper and sharp basil notes); a 2004 Pendulum Red (a savory and versatile, 5-varietal red meritage) and Forest Glen's white merlot, which was fruity, but dry and not at all overpowering. Great with all kinds of food.
And speaking of... amongst all the appetizers scattered about, these pumpkin raviolis with toasted pecans tossed in a creamy white sauce began calling me. For a moment, I pondered remaining hunched over the whole warming tray of them and body-checking anyone who came near them (or me)... but looking around, I realized that they had called everyone else too, and if I did throw out the body blocks, it would have gone from wine tasting to hockey game in nothing flat. The only thing missing would have been the striped-shirt referees.
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian PeterATCoolCleveland.com
Nite Club Confidential @ Kalliope 11/5
What: A smart, tongue-in-cheek nightclub noir musical mixing great jazz standards like "That Old Black Magic" with delightful originals by co-writers Dennis Deal & Albert Evans that perfectly match them: sassy, irresistible entertainment.
Reasons to go: The writing is fun, the singing is great, and the ensemble is perfectly cast, from suave hottie Steve Parmenter's Pal Joey-like cad to Trudi Posey's throaty nightclub diva "who hasn't seen daylight since the Eisenhower Era." You could shave with the sharp a cappella harmonies & scatting from backup singers Mark Ludden, Liz O'Donnell, and Charles Statham. Special kudos to Kim Brown's yummy gowns, some of them obviously vintage. If this were at Playhouse Square, it could run for a year; enjoy it in Kalliope's intimate 99-seat house.
Backstory: Director Paul F. Gurgol received 5 Barrymore nominations for his 1995 Philadelphia version of the show, which featured his now-executive director John Paul Boukis as Sal.
Target audience: If you've ever enjoyed a retro martini bar, this is a hoot -- a clever flashback to the era that spawned them.
Details: Thru 12/9 @ Kalliope Stage, Cedar & Lee in Cleveland Hts. 216.321.0870. http://www.kalliopestage.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein linda@coolcleveland.com
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Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
On the election Thank you so much for the link to Judge4Yourself.com I am so tired of people telling me how to vote - as if I have no capacity for independent thought or decision-making. It was refreshing to get a non-partisan link with just the facts - allowing me to make my own choices.
from Cool Cleveland reader Tina Karniotis Thomas Tina.A.KarniotisATsherwin.com
Thanks for capturing the essence of these two wonderful people. I've known them for a few years and knew what they stand for. With this interview you've helped others experience this too.
from Cool Cleveland reader Richard Warger rwargerATsbcglobal.net
On the suburbs working together (See ) Hooray to the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association for voting in favor of a tax-sharing plan for businesses that move from one suburb to another! This is a huge step toward regional cooperation. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the county's city councils adopt the proposal. Next step: Get surrounding counties on board, so that suburbs on the fringes aren't threatened by poaching from Lorain, Geauga, Lake and Medina counties.
from Cool Cleveland reader Justin Glanville jgvilleATgmail.com
Congratulations to the numerous Cuyahoga County mayors who have agreed to collaborate on sharing both their tax revenues and their water and sewer repair costs, in a massive deal engineered by Frank Jackson. These arrangements reduce in-region squabbles, and let us all focus our energy on selling the region to outsiders. What's next? Sharing police and fire, like DC?
from Cool Cleveland reader George Carr georgecarAT@gmail.com
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) Recycling guide For the third week in a row, this has been the most clicked link in the newsletter.
http://www.cuyahogaswd.com/pdf/PassItOn.pdf.
2) BizTech Profile Jamie Ireland of Early Stage Partners & Cleveland Orchestra.
http://www.CoolCleveland.com/files/video/JamieIreland.wmv.
3) Cruel 2 B Kind People will be killing each other with kindness on the streets of downtown Cleveland the day after Thanksgiving.
http://www.CruelGame.com.
4) Ohio Independent Film Festival Schedule thru 11/12.
http://www.ohiofilms.com/filmfestival.php.
5) Issue 18 Profile State Representative District 17 Jim Trakas.
http://www.CoolCleveland.com/files/video/JimTrakas.wmv.
Choice Cuts in Gravy With Mercury in Retrograde, a full moon and the mania of Election Day falling during this week's issue, is it any wonder the Hard Corps are ready to eat their own dog food? We digress: it's better than drinking the Kool-Aid. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Lee Chilcote, David Budin, Kelly Ferjutz, Linda Eisenstein, Christine Young 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.
Download the Cool Cleveland podcast each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com. Click on the Cool Cleveland Blog here. Read the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine here. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com, and your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com.
It's Time To Take The Roast Out Of The Oven,
--Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com
all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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