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10.20-10.27.04 In this week's issue: Suburban arts catalyst The suburbs around Kansas City are pushing for "Johnson County becoming the 'first truly suburban community' to make arts and culture an engine for economic development. Studies show that the best young minds are first attracted to a region by what it has to offer rather than the old-school notion of first securing a job wherever it's located," and they are proposing an 11-year plan that includes creating an arts district, developing three performing and visual arts facilities, and the creation of an "architecturally significant arts facility" by 2015, according to this report in the Kansas City Star here. Playhouse Square impact is $43 million According to a Cleveland State University study, Playhouse Square creates 422 jobs with a payroll of $10.5 million, generating a total annual economic impact of $43 million, almost 3 times the earlier estimate. In an earlier study, the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture estimated that patrons from outside Cuyahoga County visiting our top nine arts groups had a $59 million annual impact on our local economy. Maybe the arts really are one of Cleveland's best hopes for our future. See Cleveland.com here and http://www.CulturePlan.org and http://www.SupportArtsAndCulture.org Cleveland's underground economy KeyBank commissioned the group Social Compact to estimate Cleveland's cash and under-the-table economy, which they found totals $828 million. The study also found that the city's population is actually 588K, rather than the 461K official estimate. Why is this important? It could signal greater opportunities for housing and retail in the inner city of Cleveland than previously suspected. http://www.csrwire.com/article.cgi/3131.html IM political debate Local website BlogCritics.org once again is on the forefront of innovative uses of the internet. When Eric Olsen founded the website, he had no idea it would grow into one of the Internet's most trafficed blogs. Not only that, but content for the website is created by 587 contributors. This time, BlogCritics is pushing the envelop on political coverage, using Instant Messaging to conduct debates, then posting the transcripts to the website. Read the transcripts here, here and here Euclid Corridor breaks ground Here it comes, the most highly anticipated public transportation project in recent years: a cool bus/Rapid Transit system linking Public Square and University Circle. If similar systems in Boston and Los Angeles are any indication, more people will be using public transportation than ever before. The four-year, $168.4 million project (85% federal money) will rebuild Euclid Avenue and connect this region's two biggest employment centers using fast-moving, high-frequency, European-style buses. See more info here, and Cleveland.com here and here. Cramps visit W. 25th Jim Lanza dropped a note last week saying, "One of the greatest Rock and Roll bands ever, The Cramps, stopped up at The Modern World boutique at 2078 West 25th St before their Cleveland show at The Odeon last Wednesday. Stow native and lead singer Lux Interior and guitar goddess Poison Ivy Rorschach loaded up on some goodies including a skull and zombie maraca, tights, belts, and a hand bag [typical Cramps gear]. They were on a search for Ghoulardi stuff, so we are heading out to Detroit to present them with a big package of merchandise of the classic Cleveland TV host. Ivy loved the store and was impressed how much West 25th has changed since they lived here in the '70s." http://www.HellBomb.com Cool Cleveland help wanted Cool Cleveland is growing so fast, we just can't keep up with the demand. Each week, we're innundated with new clients wanting to work with Cool Cleveland. We're seeking a motivated go-getter who enjoys talking with people and loves Cool Cleveland for a commissioned sales position representing Cleveland's coolest weekly blast. Why not work for something you believe in? Cleveland needs you and Cool Cleveland needs you. Send your qualifications and a passionate letter to: Info@CoolCleveland.com Cleveland's museum of steel The Western Reserve Historical Society is leading an effort to explore the creation of a world-class steel heritage museum, possibly located in the Cuyahoga River valley, where International Steel Group continues to demolish potentially historic former steel mill structures. Could such a museum help connect the Towpath Trail's missing link between Southern Ohio and Lake Erie? Will developer First Interstate incorporate or block such a museum if they build a huge big box retail center on the 130 industrial acres they have options on? Will all of this eliminate valuable land for industrial development? And could all this talk help our region realize we need a Burning River Museum to help acknowledge our industrial past and environmental clean-up efforts? See http://www.WRHS.org and here. *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Lakewood's Green Team is a volunteer committee that's rolling up their sleeves to find ways for the city to reduce its ecological impact. The team, which includes some city employees as well as architects, contractors, and people who work for area nonprofits, was the brainchild of Mayor Thomas George, and grew out of his interest in creating "green buildings" in Lakewood. Green buildings produce long-term benefits such as energy efficiency, pollution prevention, greater ecological balance and harmonious living and working environments. Incorporation of such techniques as solar or geothermal heating, use of recycled and nontoxic building materials, choosing pavement materials that reduce runoff, recycling graywater for landscape management, and providing facilities for people who choose to bike to work are just a small sampling of ways planners can create more sustainable structures. http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/citygovern_council_greenteam.html Cleveland is innovative Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Center for Economic Development (CED) has released a new report that compares the Cleveland metropolitan statistical area against 35 comparable areas. The study used eight key indicators relating to business and innovation; Cleveland ranked 11th overall. The top five comparable areas, in order of rank, were San Diego, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin and St. Louis. Cleveland’s overall ranking was brought down by business costs, in which the area ranked 30th. Dr. Ziona Austrian, CED director, states that overall, Cleveland shows itself to be competitive among comparable metropolitan areas. “We have ideas and research and development,” she notes, “but we are weaker in the commercialization of those ideas and in building new companies.” She finds it noteworthy that Minneapolis and St. Louis ranked third and fifth, citing this as proof that “you can be in the Midwest and still be very competitive.” The full report can be found at http://urban.csuohio.edu/economicdevelopment Redford, Winger, Mulgrew & Sheen in Cleveland With all the Democratic heavyweights we have in Cleveland, it's no surprise that they can convince Robert Redford, Cleveland Heights native Debra Winger, Dayton native Martin Sheen, and Cuyahoga County Commissioner-elect Tim Hagan's wife Kate Mulgrew to a fundraiser in Shaker Heights on Sat 10/23 from 7-9PM, and for $500, you can be there, too. Call 426-1664 to reserve your spot. http://www.BringOhioBack.org Salt Lake City uses art for economic development "The trend toward revitalizing downtowns with cultural and entertainment offerings is the most successful strategy seen in the past couple of decades around the nation," says Michael Beyard, a senior fellow of the Urban Land Institute in Washington, DC. Examples include Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, Seattle's resurrected downtown, which thrives around its new concert hall, public library and refurbished theaters, and a culture block in Salt Lake City. See Salt Lake Tribune here. Ohio's school funding is unconstitutional, still Just in case you weren't aware. What are we doing about it? Not much. See PD here Writing is cool If you've wondered about how Cool Cleveland gets it together each week, here's an opportunity for writers and editorial interns. It's fun, fast-paced, and you'll be required to think on your feet while generating excellent writing and ideas for feature articles. It's a great way to serve and learn about Cleveland, while gaining vaulable experience. Find out more by contacting us at Info@CoolCleveland.com Daydream Nation releases Bella Vendetta available nationwide in stores 10/19. After releasing an amazing self-titled debut that drew praise from major publications such as The Big Takeover, Skyscraper, Exclaim, and Creem, Daydream Nation is the band that's back with a vengeance on their brand new effort, Bella Vendetta. The duo consisting of Pat Vaz on guitar and vocals, and Hunter Crowley (The Warlocks) on drums were joined on this album by luminaries such as Brent Rademaker (Beachwood Sparks, The Tyde), Dave Koenig (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Rob Campanella (Quarter After, Brian Jonestown Massacre), and the results are spectacular. Think prime-time Oasis and Soundtrack of Our Lives meets Ride and Swervedriver at their most epic. Introverts unite! File under 'arena shoegaze.' Check out the goods at http://www.ElephantStoneRecords.com Cleveland area author Eleanor Mallet has released a new book detailing her unusual journey to understand her Jewish past. Like many American Jews, Mallet was secular, assimilated and became part of the successful mainstream. When her two sons came of age, they reached for a richer, more open way of being Jewish. Their interest sent her on an exploration, during which she plunged into the dynamic and relatively recent field of Jewish history, studied Hebrew, and traveled to Israel and Germany. Tevye’s Grandchildren: Rediscovering a Jewish Identity provides a tour from a personal vantage of the historical forces in play for Jews today. http://www.ThePilgrimPress.com Considering Lee Road now online It's a great example of how a community works together to dream, plan and build. Future Heights hosted a five-day exhibit on the future of Lee Road, generating drawings, plans and comments from over 500 architects, students and citizens. Now it's all accessible online for further review and comment. Give it a look at http://www.FutureHeights.org/site/futureheights/section.php?id=9887 The School of Rock Sometimes we don't even know how great we have it here in Cleveland. The folks in LA, Memphis, Seattle or any other music-loving town would give their first guitar to have a series like this available in their town. From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind The Hits gets in-depth on how songs become recordings, how recordings become hits, and how hits hit the road. On the 3rd Wednesday of every month starting Wed 10/20 get the low down with songwriters Dan Penn and Buzz Carson, who have written songs for legends like Aretha & Janis, and performed with Elvis. On Wed 11/17, see songwriter, producer and performer Richard Gottehrer, who wrote the timeless Strangelove hit, I Want Candy; he also produced Bowie, Blondie and the Go-Go's. On 12/15, meet Miles Copeland, who ran IRS Records, the home of The Police, The Bangles and R.E.M. It's gonna be way killer. http://www.RockHall.com *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Cleveland Chamber Symphony resurrected? When, because of personality conflicts, Cleveland State University unceremoniously cut off their 23-year support of the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Edwin London's award-winning new music ensemble, they instead birthed the Cleveland Conetmporary Players, led by Andrew Rindfleisch. Now, CCS may have found another home at Baldwin-Wallace College. They have been invited by Catherine Jarjisian, Director of the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music, to perform as part of the FOCUS Festival of Contemporary Music. Catch them on 11/7 at 4PM in Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front Street in Berea, or send them mail to: ClevelandChamberSymphony@Yahoo.com, and stay tuned for the continuing drama. Bridge Builders programs There are two events coming up and if you'd like to participate you'll need to RSVP by Fri 10/22. The first is Entrepreneurship in the Corporate World - An Oxymoron? Peter Kelly, Director of the Executive MBA and MBA Programs at Baldwin-Wallace College and former CEO and Chairman of LTV Steel will present on the topic of entrepreneurship in the corporate world. Peter will discuss the need for an entrepreneurial perspective in organizations of all sizes, barriers to such thinking, ways to overcome the hurdles and how to create meaningful change. This first event is on Wed 10/27 from 8-10:30AM. The second event is An Ongoing Challenge: Balancing Family, Work and Community. Martha Finn Brooks, President of Alcan Corporation and President and CEO of Alcan Rolled Products Americas and Asia, will share her experiences and philosophy on how one can balance the many demands of family, work and civic involvement. The second event will be held on Thu 11/4 from 12-1:30PM. Both events happen at Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Ave. Seating is limited for both, so RSVP by emailing info@clevelandbridgebuilders.org or calling 776-6166. http://www.ClevelandBridgeBuilders.org What writers need to know about the USA Patriot Act Brush up on your homeland security laws, because you may need to maneuver through them if you're a writer who does not wish to experience any run-ins with the government. http://www.pw.org/mag/0409/murray.htm Rosby's Greenhouse and Berry Farm is a 70-acre farm in Brooklyn Heights in operation for over 30 years. Right now you'll find 6 acres of red raspberries until Halloween, along with gourds, specialty pumpkins [fairy tale, casper, munchkin] and mums, asters, cornstalks, and Indian corn. There's also Rosby's Resource Recovery, a recycling business thats take in items such as cardboard from new construction, discarded railroad ties, old home demolition debris, etc. and recycles it into mulch. They also collect leaves from area municipalities and compost it into material which is mixed with soil to create a top #1 topsoil. If you're there with your kids on a Saturday, stay for a farm tour: See How We Grow is thoughtfully narrated by their grower who explains the process of produce growth. Children walk away with a complimentary strawberry plant, raspberries, a pumpkin, gourds, leaf humus and sunflower seeds; it's a great memory for parents to give their kids. http://www.Rosbys.com Cool Cleveland This Week Ryze@Buzz Tired of seeing the same people at the same events? Ready to meet new business professionals? Ryze is a website that helps people connect and grow their networks. Once a month they get together for face time at cool places like Buzz Gallery. They'll be drinking wine from TTwine.com and apps made for the occasion by gallery co-owner and artist Bridget Ginley. Come and join innovative artists and professionals Wed 10/20 from 6-9PM at 1836 West 25th St. in Ohio City. There's free parking in the lot behing MODA. Sign up and RSVP at http://clevelandevent.ryze.com Prelude2Cinema TV Benefit Cleveland does television? You know it, baby - come out to support Out of Darkness, the new TV series from Emmy winning writer Alex P. Michaels which will be shooting this Fall right here in Northeast Ohio. Watch movie clips, short movies, and a sneak peak of the series, take in a few complimentary appetizers and drinks on Wed 10/20 at 7PM. The Velvet Dog, 1280 W. 6th St. Snag tickets online at http://www.Prelude2Cinema.com SynthCleveland & Nosferatu Increase your fear factor with F.W. Murnau's 1922 classic silent film - it's got a new, unpredictable soundtrack from SynthCleveland in this unauthorized version of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Film critic Pauline Kael remarked, "...this first important film of the vampire genre has more spectral atmosphere, more ingenuity, and more imaginative ghoulish ghastliness than any of its successors." Check out SynthCleveland's presentation, and get acquainted with this resource group for area electronic musicians. Film starts Wed 10/20 at 8PM. Call 651-4100 Rain Nightclub, 4142 Lorain Ave. http://www.SynthCleveland.com and visit http://www.tech-elements.com/thescinema Zine Documentary 'Zine writers & editors from Microcosm Press in Portland, Oregon are hitting Cleveland: Dave Roche, author of On Subbing, Nicole George, author of Invincible Summer and videographer Joe Biel will give the crowd a breakdown on underground lit culture, covering the history, culture and future of this endlessly interesting hybrid form of art and literature on Wed 10/20 at 7PM. Call 321-2665. Mac’s Backs, Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.MacsBacks.com Mix & Mingle Thursday ArtCetera & Young Professionals of Akron invite you to join them this Thu 10/21 at 6PM in the Castle Hall Building at 57 E. Market Street in Akron's historic district. Start out with some light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, then move to the dramatic third floor of the Castle Hall Building, where developer Tony Troppe will discuss plans for the space and other Downtown revitalization projects. Poets will read their work, and the audience is invited to read some of their own. Get tix at http://www.art-cetera.org/event.aspx or at the door. For more info, mail artcetera@art-cetera.org or call 330-376-9186 X213. The Female Force See stellar portraits of Cleveland area women artists by Diane Fleisch-Hughes, unleashing her free flowing use of lines and color that translates each woman individually. Along with each portrait, viewers will be given a tiny example of the identity of each woman as an artist, in a thumbnail if you will, created by the artists. Exhibit is now showing Thu 10/21 from 11AM-7PM through 10/30. Call 252-2099. Mosaic the Gallery, 16860 Lorain Ave. WCLVnotes If you read this before 12:30PM, you still have an opportunity to tune in to WCLV 104.9 and hear a live Matinee Concert from Judson Manor. Clarinetist Benjamin Lulich from CIM is performing. And speaking of clarinets, this Fri 10/22 at 8PM, the opening concert of the 10th Anniversary Season of The Cleveland Pops Orchestra will be broadcast live from Severance Hall. The star soloist is Peter Nero, and Carl Topilow, he of the red clarinet, will conduct. Sat 10/23 at 1PM, WCLV broadcasts the second of the Viva Piano programs from Reinberger Recital Hall. Recorded on October 17th, it features Andrius Zlabys of Lithuania, 4th Place winner in the 2002 Cleveland International Piano Competition in an all-Bach program. Andrius is soloist in Bach's D Minor Concerto with Sergei Babayan, 1st Prize Winner in 1989, as conductor of the Competition Chamber Orchestra. We mused about this last week. Is there any other radio station in this country that presents as many live or delayed live music broadcasts as WCLV? We can't think of any. a Cool Cleveland partner www.wclv.com Beat Museum Feelin' anti-establishment? John Allen Cassady, son of legendary folk hero Neal Cassady, is on tour and sharing the continuing relevance of the Beats to our culture through artifacts, exhibits, and never before seen family photos. The tour is comprised of an ensemble and "The Beat Museum on Wheels," a mobile replica of The Beat Museum located in Monterey, CA. It's a traveling bookstore featuring books, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts and crave-worthy first editions. Cassady will be playing guitar and telling personal stories, paired with video clips and a slide show of the Beat Generation Fri 10/22 at 7PM. Call 932-1966. B-Side Lounge, 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.bsideliquorlounge.com World Music at Inside: Esma Redzepova Queen of Romani Song Her astounding voice and bone-deep musicianship has propelled her touring career in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas to tremendous critical and popular acclaim. Esma has used her fame well as a tireless fundraiser for charity and a powerful advocate for women. Hear this international superstar whose audiences "dance and cry in ecstasy" to her voice and the 5-piece Ansambl Teodosievski on Fri 10/22 at 7PM. Call 281-8727. The Winchester Tavern and Music Hall, 12112 Madison Ave. http://www.TheWinchester.net Le Temps du Wolf A post 9/11 disaster film that follows an affluent French woman and her two children as they attempt to survive in a post-apocalyptic world with no electricity and drastic shortages of food and water. It paints a dark, nightmarish portrait of the barbarism that lurks beneath the fragile surface of civilization. For a pre-Halloween freakout, see this Cleveland premiere Fri 10/22 at 7:15PM, Sat 10/23 at 9:35PM and Sun 10/24 at 9:15PM. Call 421-7450. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd. http://www.cia.edu/cinemathque Late night on Larchmere Amble out to the historic Larchmere district, where you can sample the best of their neighborhood goods: stop in the much talked about Boulevard Blue restaurant or the comely Larchmere Lofts. The street is flourishing with swell specialty shops and galleries, and it's open late for evening touring and chilling Fri 10/22 from 5-9PM; grab your honey and a group of people for a different night out. Call 231-2008. The Larchmere district, Cleveland's art and antiques destination, one block north of Shaker Square. Visit http://www.boulevardblue and http://www.LarchmereLofts.com or http://www.Larchmere.com Boo at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hand out the costumes, put out the pumpkins and raise a cheer for the sugar-induced hyperness of Halloween. The zoo is ready to entertain with their own costumed characters, magicians, storytellers and caricaturists for young and old alike. The not-too-spooky Haunted Greenhouse returns, and the much-loved Jack-O-Lantern Express resumes its journey at this excellent event, recognized in USA Today as one of the "10 great places for family tricks and treats." Bring the family Fri 10/22, 10/23 and 10/24 from 5:30-8:30PM. Call 661-6500. At 3900 Wildlife Way. http://www.CleMetParks.com 13th Annual Women’s Invitational in this session of Artists’ Dialogue, look at how two very independent contemporary Cleveland artists, Bonnie Dolin and Gloria Plevin, have managed to peacefully share a studio, and how they've created art that has evolved over four decades of painting on Fri 10/22 from 12-5PM. Call 440-646-8122. Ursuline College’s Florence O’Donnell Wasmer Gallery, 2550 Lander Rd. in Pepper Pike. http://www.Ursuline.edu Y-Haven Transitional Housing Benefit Cleveland Public Theatre collaborates on this event, and you'll want to be there for their benefit to assist the less fortunate. Formerly homeless men of Y-Haven will star in a play co-written with CPT director Raymond Bobgan; dinner and terrific silent auction will pump up the event on Fri 10/22 at 6:30PM; show begins 8PM. For tickets call 431-2018; tickets are tax deductible. WESM auditorium at 5209 Detroit Ave. http://www.cptonline.org Spirit & Taste of Slavic Village An ethnic taste presentation of the area’s traditonally amazing food-related places, touting their goods during a free community reception for the mural/urban open space dedication on Fri 10/22 from 4-6:30PM. Music featuring Dvorak, Smetana, and the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra will fill the air. Call 641-0630. At 5728 Broadway Ave., one block south of E. 55th St in Slavic Village. http://www.SlavicVillage.org/Neighborhood/history.htm Creatures on Mother Earth produced by Art from the Eye, setting up a proper display of modern visuals: abstract ink wash, metal sculpture, watercolor, photography and futuristic polymer sculpture from 9 area artists now on view Fri 10/22 till 11/5, by appointment only. For times and appointments call 440-582-8586. Asterisk Gallery, 2393 Professor St. http://www.MainStreetTremont.com Double Vision Artist McNamara’s light hearted paintings explore a whole world of serious and silly bits and pieces of human existence. McNamara questions who we are as we know it, what we represent, and the paths we take to get there. His inner eye and outer vision join together to create a playful, colorful, psychological minefield; see the contrasts of visuals now on view Fri 10/22 till 1/21/05. Call 323-0085. Gallery U, 530 Euclid Ave., Suite 30 in the Colonial Marketplace ARTcade http://www.webspawner.com/users/patsykline *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Get your vote out with HeadRush Music hosting a wild ride of a rally to motivate young people to cast their ballots on Election Day, and to bring about positive change in young peoples' perceptions of the political process. Snarf down selected hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Lava Lounge, Fulton Bar & Grill, and OPA!, and prepare for spinning with DJs Tim Skinner of Bedrock and Grounded Music. Tim toured with John Digweed on Moby's Area 2 Tour featuring David Bowie (yum!), but hang out to hear local DJ luminary Deviant, who scores pretty high with his spinning skills. Roll out this Sat 10/23 from 8-10PM. Call 330-328-2927. Moda Nightclub, 1871 W. 25th St. in the Market Square District. http://www.HeadRushMusic.com/events/cle/moda_getoutthevote_102304.htm Sharing the Land of Canaan: Human Rights and the Israeli-Palestinian Struggle Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, Associate Professor of Genetics at Yale University School of Medicine, is the author of this eye-opening book, which examines current events in the Middle East. Qumsiyeh also works with the Oral History Project and the Middle-East Crisis Committee, uncovering the history of the conflict with a true commitment to human rights to promote peace in the Middle East. Make it out for the booksigning on Sat 10/23 at 7PM. Call 321-2665. Mac's Backs, Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.MacsBacks.com Election 20,004: A Race Odyssey Habitat East, a Cleveland-based improv and sketch comedy troupe, will perform their full-length original musical just in time for the 2004 election. It is the year 20,004, and a time of war, greed, and political unrest in a galaxy known as Ohio, and things get pretty bizarre with killer space fungus and Amish love slaves in this offbeat play on Sat 10/23 at 8PM. Proceeds from Habitat East's show will benefit MoveOn PAC, a part of MoveOn, which builds electronic advocacy groups around issues such as campaign finance, environmental and energy issues. Call 521-1462 for reservations. Cleveland Public Theatre's Parish Hall, 6415 Detroit Ave. http://www.cptonline.org or visit http://www.MoveOn.org and http://www.geocities.com/habitateast Franz Schubert: Unfinished/Refinished Red {an orchestra} launches its third season this coming weekend, bringing the tradition of classical music into the 21st-century with new works, theatrical presentations, and striking combinations of well-known pieces with three performances at the Masonic Auditorium. First up on Sat 10/23 is Franz Schubert: Unfinished/Refinished, focusing on the modern fascination with Schubert’s life and music, bringing together fragments of symphonies and song transcriptions. On Sun 1/30 '05 Piano!, in which Red asks the audience to follow the case of the disappearing pianos! Then on Sat 4/2 '05 Ethel/Red features a joint presentation, reinventing the repertoire with excitingly unpredictable concerts. http://www.redanorchestra.org Pre-Opening Delight on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Board the “Scenic Limited” for a one-and-a-half-hour ride through the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley, see the colors of the season, and hear informational talks about the Valley’s history with light refreshments on Sat 10/23 from 10:15AM-noon. Boarding begins at 9:45AM. Make reservations at 227-9484. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, at Rockside Station in Independence. http://www.cvsr.com/index.shtml Cleveland Public Library's Writers and Readers Series Forced into exile from Chile following the assassination of her uncle, former President Salvador Allende, writer Isabel Allende has chronicled the human condition in her book, The House of the Spirits, made into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. Meet and chat up this writer during the free event on Sun 10/24 at 2PM. Call 623-2800. Cleveland Public Library's Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6th Street and Superior Ave. http://www.cpl.org/EventsCalendar.asp?FormMode=Process&C_45=on&L_1=on *************** SPONSORED LINK *************** Readings by Susan Grimm & Lynn Powell Two of Northeast Ohio’s finest poets have new books this fall you'll want to get your hands on. These must-reads include Lake Erie Blue by Susan Grimm, which continues her exploration into the grit and guts of family life, as well as the beauty and sorrow and soul searching that stem from our most personal lives. Powell’s Zones of Paradise travels from Australia to New Mexico, from the Garden of Eden and back to her own backyard in Ohio. Hear experienced readers convey poems that are rich in imagery that will cause the reader pause to enjoy their bounty on Tue 10/26 at 7PM. Call 321-2665. Mac's Backs, 1820 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Hts. http://www.MacsBacks.com Entrepreneurship in the Corporate World - An Oxymoron? Peter Kelly will discuss the need for an entrepreneurial perspective in organizations of all sizes. This former CEO and Chairman of LTV Steel is also director of the executive MBA and MBA programs at Baldwin-Wallace College; he'll focus on ways to overcome hurdles to create meaningful change; join this discussion that hits the core of area businesses' competitive nature in a rapidly changing global environment Wed 10/27 from 8-10:30AM. Registration is required in by 10/22; call 776-6166. Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Ave. http://www.ClevelandBridgeBuilders.org
A Cool Cleveland Conversation  When British rocker Ian Hunter wrote and recorded "Cleveland Rocks" with guitarist Mick Ronson and members of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, our city finally had an anthem. Since Cleveland International Records released it in 1979, it has been used as the theme song for The Drew Carey Show and covered by the likes of The Presidents of the United States of America. With Mott The Hoople, Hunter sang lead on "All The Young Dudes," written by David Bowie, which is still a staple on rock radio in Cleveland, as is Hunter's own "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," also a hit for Great White in the '80s. Through it all, Cleveland has maintained its love affair for Hunter and his songwriting, a fact that was obvious on the evening of Thu 10/7 when Beachland Ballroom owner Cindy Barber jumped onstage in the middle of his set to present Ian Hunter with a proclamation from Cleveland City Council. Hunter returned the favor by serenading Barber elaborately, to her obvious joy and embarrassment. Cool Cleveland caught up with Hunter backstage at the Beachland immediately after an electrifying show. Your latest release 2001’s Rant was the best work you’ve done in years, I think it ranks with your best work ever. There’s obviously a lot of anger and frustration. Do you think this is why the punk rock movement related to you, because of your anger? Someone tonight said that the only other voice that sounds like your voice is Johnny Rotten. No kidding. Did he acknowledge a debt? He’s got to be a fan… Strike a Pose: There’s No Place Like Om There's No Place Like Om is not a place to visit if you’re interested in signing over your worldly possessions in exchange for a seat on a passing starship and a gulp of purple Kool-Aid. And Buck Harris isn’t interested in converting you into anything other than a more physically flexible, more relaxed, healthier human being with excellent posture and a maybe a more positive outlook. CC columnist Bob Rhubart investigates the pop culture phenomenon of yoga in Cleveland. I am flat on my back in a storefront in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, attempting to execute a yoga pose. My left leg is extended above me at something pathetically less than a ninety-degree angle. Buck Harris, whose curriculum vitae includes restaurateur, political candidate, radio talk show host, landscape artist, and certified yoga instructor, assists me in perfecting this pose by grasping my left ankle and gently but firmly stretching my leg toward my head and across the Detroit-Superior Bridge. The experience is made all the more interesting because I have the flexibility of a pretzel rod. Buck asks how I’m doing. "Fine," I say. And it’s true. I feel good about myself, despite the tiny voice emanating from deep within my hamstring chakra, saying, "Are you freakin’ KIDDING ME?" Harris describes yoga as "a spiritual practice with physical benefits." He believes that people come to yoga for its spiritual aspects -- as good a theory as any in an age described by those given to extreme understatement as "unsettling." But in this near near Westside neighborhood, that spirituality was a tough sell... Cool Cleveland Sounds  Cleveland dark rock veterans State of Being were recently voted Best Alternative/Electronic act for the Scene Cleveland Music Awards 2004 and one can see why based on Haywire, their fourth full-length effort. Produced by Andy Kubiszewski (a former member of Stabbing Westward and Prick), Haywire sounds like a hybrid of the dark grunge guitar overdrive of Alice in Chains (at times vocalist Christopher Földi also sings a lot like the late Layne Staley) and various '80s and '90s goth/electro rock touchstones such as Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Peter Murphy, Marilyn Manson, and Sisters of Mercy. In fact, the standout track on this CD, "Take Me Away" has a similar feel to the Sisters’ legendary "Temple of Love" with its sinister gloom and doom dance pop vibe and infectious female backing vocals by Shara Földi. Another highlight is the atmospheric ballad "This Thing," which is reminiscent of Peter Murphy’s solo work with its Near Eastern-tinged psychedelic guitar sound, meshing well with the dark atmosphere. Goth/Industrial fans who haven’t heard State of Being should definitely welcome them to their CD collections. http://www.stateofbeing.comfrom Cool Cleveland contributor Ben Vendetta Cool Cleveland Interview A native of Cleveland, director Lester Thomas Shane returns here from New York City about once a year to direct. He opens a challenging production of Tony Kushner’s A Bright Room Called Day – a controversial play which draws parallels between Weimar, Germany and contemporary US conditions - at Cleveland Public Theatre this weekend. He talked with Cool Cleveland correspondent Linda Eisenstein about theater, politics, and Cleveland’s place in the arts. You work freelance a lot, doing lots of things – acting, writing, directing. What’s it like, the life of an artist as entrepreneur? How do you put together freelance jobs to make a life? Instant Karma Connection Series 6 @ The Club at Key Center 10/13 Cleveland's future was the topic of discussion in an evening of conversation and activity focused on the positive aspects of our city, and the potential for economic growth. The committee who planned the event realized the value of including young people, who are Cleveland's future, in the conversation. I received an invite at the end of September to bring several of my students to participate. Three of the senior class officers from Max Hayes High School arrived at the Club at Key Tower and nibbled hors d'oeuvres, schmoozing with civic leaders and entrepreneurs, as if it was a part of their regular agenda. I was so proud of them; they didn't huddle together in a self-secluded circle - these kids were natural networkers. I invited them specifically because I knew that they "played well with adults," and I was delighted to see just how well. The second half of the event involved the creation of several collages/murals focusing on future visions of Cleveland, regarding the topics of 'work,' 'play,' 'people,' and 'place.' Participants floated from one mural to another, adding pictures and words cut from magazines to fifteen-foot long sheets of butcher paper, describing what the future of our city should look like in those areas. My three students had plenty of ideas, and they were more than happy to share. In order for Cleveland to rise from her pit of confusion and poverty, we need to stop looking for the hero to come riding over the horizon to save us; Cleveland's future heroes are sitting in her classrooms right now. The youth have been neglected and ignored for nearly a generation, but given the right tools, guidance, and opportunity, the kids of Cleveland are certainly creative enough to build a wonderful new future for their hometown. Thank you to the Connection Series planning committee for including the Max Hayes students, as it was a valuable experience, one which I am certain they will build upon as they continue along the path to becoming tomorrows leaders. from Cool Cleveland reader Mary Beth Matthews mbmatt356@yahoo.com Words::Poetry Slam @ MOCA 10/15 A Bright Room Called Day @ Cleveland Public Theatre 10/15 Poverty Summit @ Public Hall 10/15 Anyone who attended this summit to participate in solving Cleveland's chronic poverty issue was treated to a political dog-and-pony show, replete with a 45-minute long Powerpoint presentation chronicling what other groups around the city have been doing about the issue. It appears that the only thing the City of Cleveland has done is worked to open a school in the Empowerment Zone from 3-9PM to offer tutoring and recreation to students, job services and training to adults and support services for seniors. Too bad this isn't a new idea. Anthony Houston, the director of the EZ has been working on this initiative for months. The other initiative the Mayor spoke of - greater access to prescription drug benefits - is also a national model that is being worked on by a coalition in this area. Instead of mounting a PR campaign that coincides with the Mayor's re-election, why not roll up our collective sleeves and move from talk to action? The frustration in the room was palpable. While everyone sat patiently thru Mayor Campbell's speech, then County Commissioner Jimmy DiMora's, patience wore thin during the breakout groups facilitated by the Center for Community Solutions. Well, actually, the breakout that I participated in was facilitated by one of the participants, because the person from CCS had trouble handling the large group by himself. But even Craig James didn't know what to do when Art [an angry citizen] stood up and with visible anger told everyone in the group that he "didn't believe a word anyone there said, because it wasn't until after Cleveland was named the worst city in the nation that we decided to work on the problem". When asked what could be done immediately, Art replied "GET MY PEOPLE SOME JOBS!" The next public meeting is scheduled for December 10th. By then, I sincerely hope that the six committees will come together and do some meaningful work that will create prosperity in the region. from Cool Cleveland's Information Officer George Nemeth george@coolcleveland.com By The People: Town Meeting For A New Century @ CASE 10/16 This event brought together 140 scientifically selected voters from across the NEO Ohio region for several lively discussions on homeland security and workforce development in a global economy. Produced by PBS/McNeil-Lehrer and hosted by CASE, the Cleveland Foundation, ideastream, and SBC, the event featured 10 moderated groups and an expert panel in conversations to assess the impact of democratic conversations on the views of their participants. Talking with WCPN Producer, Phyllis Quail, I discovered that the bathroom banter on the process revealed the notion that one of the biggest motivating factors for participants was the sheer joy and intrinsic reward of being able to exercise their right to free speech with other citizens. It was gratifying to experience the region as a community of people as rich in knowledge as they are in passion and opinion. from Cool Cleveland contributor Jack Ricchiuto jack@designinglife.com Dancing with Different Partners: Grantmakers in the Arts Pre-Conference @ Oberlin Inn, 10/16 & 10/17 Yr Turn Send your letters to: letters@coolcleveland.com On Republicans vs. Democrats in Cuyahoga County I'd like to echo the comments of the conservative readers that have written to you in the last couple weeks. I am a proud Clevelander, supporter of the arts and yes, *gasp* conservative. The left leaning tilt of your magazine is not entirely unexpected, however I have a number of times felt alienated by its assumption that all of your readers are enthusiastic Kerry supporters. The fact that Cuyahoga County may have more registered Democrats than Republicans is irrelevant. If I'm correct, I believe one of your missions is to unite people in Cleveland so that it may be a better place for the arts - more support, more creativity, more vitality. In the 9/29 issue of Cool Cleveland you had no less than three separate pieces encouraging voters to vote Democrat or championing those efforts which increase votes for the Dems. And it's not even persuasive - you just assume we all think that way. This doesn't even include the frequent snide remarks about conservatives - greedy, rich, right-wing, bible-thumping nuts. The fact is, a lot of those nuts support the arts financially and otherwise. Those same nuts have also paid to go to your parties. Do you not want us there? Mr. Mulready, please be a uniter, not a divider. On Republicans as Cool Clevelanders As I was perusing the latest edition of your e-zine, I was pleasantly delighted to find that a fellow Republican e-mailed in about the "left slant" writing style. Just because I am a Republican doesn't mean that I don't support the arts communinity or respect the greater appreciation your media has for culture within the City of Cleveland. In fact, with all the Pro-Cleveland, Pro-Business growth articles I've seen in the last year, I would dare say I think someone on your staff is definitely an "undercover, closet" Republican. Food for thought... Ultimately, what I would like to see is someone from your staff interviewing a Republican office holder and/or candidate for his/her vision on growing Cleveland beyond a manufacturing based economy and into a technology based sector. The transition plans and ideas may actually surprise you. The old saying goes - "Variety is the spice of life." Moving forward --- you may want to look at both sides to get a more interesting, objective story. Besides - if you write one more story on Dennis Kuncinich, I swear I will boycott you for at least a month. I am waiting for the day when jibjab.com creates a Dennis flash segment. If you haven't been yet - I strongly suggest you send your readers there. It is definitely a great comical look at the state of politics in the US. On Cool Cleveland's perceived slant Thank you for publishing the letters regarding the liberal slant of your newsletter and the alienation of your Republican readers. I love the arts and performed in local theater as a child. I play guitar, paint and read Cool Cleveland. I have often felt that my views as a Republican were insulted. Mike Costanzi's letter may have been inaccurate on his percentage of Republicans versus Democrats in Ohio. But does that mean if only 10% of us were Republicans it would give you some right to bash us? Rather than bashing his specific knowledge of how many of us are Republican or Democrat, why not just apologize for the negative comments, agree to lose the political slant and move on? Democrats are always so concerned about being politically correct and not offending anyone, but somehow that feeling goes out the window when you are talking about Republicans. It's unfair and totally hypocritical. On Werner Minshall [see interview here] Can I vote for him for Mayor? After living here 6 months, he is the only person that really has laid out the problems in this city and quantified them. I hope you invite him to the next party. On why Cleveland "continues to plummet" Thanks for posting the Werner Minshall interview [here]. If anyone wants to know why Cleveland continues to plummet in virtually every quality-of-life category, read this piece. "They have embedded systems, embedded pension systems and a cost structure that is totally uncompetitive. Cleveland has labor contracts with the police and teachers, and their one-party government systems. And the town is totally and absolutely risk averse." I suppose as long as the Democratic Party and its antiquated ideals stay in place (e.g. over-taxation and over-regulation) things are not going to change in the near future. Those artists and creative types your column wants to attract to Cleveland won't ever come. As Minshall states, Reaganomics really does work. Democrats still want to give a man a fish. Republicans are teaching the man how to fish. So go ahead, Northeast Ohio. Vote Kerry, Kucinich and Campbell. Just don't complain about it afterwards. On Cool Cleveland reader participation I just wanted to thank everyone who participated in our Art Retro Breast Cancer Fund Raiser. I am still getting calls from folks who were at the gallery that evening, commenting on all of the great artwork and the great team effort everyone contributed to making this event a success. We were able to donate $900 plus dollars to the Susan G. Komen Fund through the auction and raffles. Corrections Add me to the chorus of people who are, no doubt, flooding your e-mail with the correction that the Ritz-Carlton is NOT in Terminal Tower, as you have it in your interview with Werner Minshall. One building is a sleek and stylish classic, and the other is a hotel. Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com Top 5 1) Cool Cleveland Interview: Werner Minshall When the Tower and Galleria at Erieview was sold in 2002 to Minshall Stewart Company for a mere $30 million (its original cost in 1987 was $43 million), Cleveland's leaders wondered who this out-of-towner was and what his plans were. http://www.CoolCleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.CoolClevelandInterviewWernerMinshall 2) Cleveland Memory newsletter This is so sweet, you have to check it out to believe it. The new Cleveland Memory newsletter is a comprehensive resource for ideas and all things Cleveland oriented. http://web.ulib.csuohio.edu/SpecColl/newsletter/archive/ 3) BlackCoat wins at VH1 Hip-Hop show Cleveland based Koyono, Inc. announced that VH1 gifted performers and presenters who appeared at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors with the new Koyono BlackCoat™ AirGo raincoat as a thank you gift. http://www.Koyono.com 4) Euclid Corridor Project breaks ground Key officials from several government agencies are planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the $168.4 million Euclid Corridor Transportation Project on 10/19. http://www.RideRTA.com/pressreleaselist.asp?listingid=655 5) How to pick a contractor The Cleveland Restoration Society is doing cool things, and now they're up to more good, assisting homeowners by locating reliable home repair contractors. http://www.ClevelandRestoration.org Get carried away in Cleveland Thanks to our readers who involve themselves with our city on a higher level, participating in its cultures and events - we at CC salute you in a big way. And everyone who supports Cool Cleveland is taking a stand against predictable media, giving C-town a chance to rise about the mediocrity with unpolluted content: prime activities, events, interviews and news that makes sense. Favor others you know who want to be in-the-loop and send them to our website; they'll thank you for it! Right now, anyone can register for the e-zine at http://www.CoolCleveland.com or have 'em send an e-mail to Signup@CoolCleveland.com Give your marketing the equivalent of a V8 engine Want your company's image out front? Now you can with the always smart, always sharp CoolCleveland.com, reaching over twenty thousand readers directly - each week! Check out how advertising through our permission based email subscriber list targets tens of thousands of our subscribers, who visit the links to our sponsors, and then forward the CC e-zine to more readers who are exposed to CC's advertisers. Find out more by e-mailing us a note at Info@CoolCleveland.com and we'll get right back to you. Hard Corps quest for killer content CC love and respect goes out to our people making the weekly effort to get out the herculean effort we call Cool Cleveland. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm of those who are organizing our ever-flowing stream of events, personalities and email. Kudos to CC multitasking kids: Tisha Nemeth, Deb Remington, Bob Rhubart, Linda Eisenstein, DJ Hellerman, Jack Ricchuito, Mary Beth Matthews, Bill Nagode, George Nemeth, TL Champion, Brian Schriefer and everyone who kicks in the goods for CC. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com See the Cool Cleveland column each month in Cleveland Magazine. Listen to Cool Cleveland on WCLV-FM 104.9 twice each Friday during drive time. Send your cool events to: events@coolcleveland.com. For your copy of the free weekly Cool Cleveland e-zine, go to http://www.CoolCleveland.com Say that again? --Thomas Mulready |