East Meets West at Summer Fests
The East-West migration continues this weekend. In an inspired move, Gordon Square Arts District and University Circle bridged the gap between Gordon Square on the west and the Parade the Circle celebration by providing Lolly the Trolley transportation. The event on Gordon Square was dubbed Discover Gordon Square Arts District Day, and it included classic cartoons, live performances, and art galleries — a nice compliment to the festivities on University Circle. Those who were at Gordon Square admired the district’s spunky liveliness and those who were at University Circle admired the phenomenal creativity that went into the costumes.
East meets west again this weekend, with festivals sure to draw westsiders east and eastsiders west. Cultural and arts festivals again intrigue young and old alike with some of the city’s best known events.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
Cultural festivals often end up in churches where culture is preserved through reminders of the way it used to be in the old country. The St. Demetrios Greek Festival in Rocky River ramps up old country memories with its annual festival that celebrates Greece with folk dance performances and platefuls of stuffed grape leaves, tabouli, and baklava that take you to the Greek Isles for an afternoon. You can feel the blaring Mediterranean sun at this celebration. All the Greek-ness is a reminder that first and second generation Greeks are among us and close enough to the Old Country to keep the culture alive. The festival tickles the imagination Thu 6/16 through Sun 6/19 when revelers are invited to experience Greece. St. Demetrios is at 22909 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River near the Westlake border. http://SaintDemetriosRR.org.
Clifton Arts & Music Festival
On Sat 6/18, Clifton Boulevard will be closed between W. 112th and W. 117th Streets in Cleveland so patrons can stroll down the thoroughfare where artists exhibit their paintings, photography, fiber art, pottery, jewelry, and other visual arts. You may find a bird house, a painted bowl, or a tie-dye shirt to take home when you leave the urban setting. The juried show draws talent from far and wide and the stage comes alive with vibrant music. Your summer continues at the Clifton Arts & Music Festival (http://www.Cudell.com/artsfest.asp) in the area of Cleveland so close to Lakewood, some people think it is Lakewood. The area is home to the Brothers Lounge blues venue and Tick Tock Tavern, just southwest of Edgewater homes.
Shaker Heights Art and Music Festival
The Shaker Heights Art and Music Festival will entertain those on the east side of the Cuyahoga on both Sat 6/18 and Sun 6/19. Now that Lolly the Trolley has bridged the gap, we’re on our own to cross from one side to the other and share our neighborhoods. Shaker Heights, the mansion-filled east side suburb, throws its party at the intersection of Farnsleigh Road and Van Aken Boulevard. This street fair that is as much about community pride as it is the arts. Shaker Arts Council celebrates the summer solstice by combining with the popular Ohio Designer Craftsmen fair with exhibits by more than 150 arts and a full line-up of music on Saturday and Sunday. Children’s activities include a pottery wheel and street entertainers include a stilt walker and juggler http://ShakerOnline.com.
Artistic By Nature
Artistic by Nature Art Festival, sponsored by BAYArts, on Sat 6/18 is yet another opportunity to enjoy art with a totally local flair. The Artistic by Nature Art Festival showcases work by local arts who make BAYarts their artistic grounding point. Students learn to watercolor, sculpture, and collage and come up with art inspired by nature in a welcoming lakeside environment right across from Huntington Beach in Bay Village. The programming encourages aspiring and professional arts to make art and show it off. The event will feature life music on the BAYarts summer stage and good food. http://BAYarts.net.
Art and food and music… and lots of people. Be a part of the mix this weekend.
Claudia Taller’s book Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries will be released by Arcadia Publishing on June 20. Her passion for words has led to creation of Word Lover’s Retreats. Find her at http://ClaudiaTallerMusings.blogspot.com.