Conundrum

5.24-5.31.06

Conundrum

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Mystery Tour on 6/1 at 5:30PM. Limited tix available here
* RoldoLINK New PD Publisher Ain’t Poor No More
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Diamond Star Highway by the Rainy Day Saints
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Perplexity pervails in Cleveland this week. Besides our own Mystery Tour here, current events are conspiring against easy interpretation. Roldo comments on our daily paper’s new publisher while simultaneously they look to buy the unwanted Akron Beacon Journal. Red-light cameras are causing a furor in our Yr Turn letters and Top 5. The city is wondering if it should (finally) put a roof on the football stadium. And Lakewood is even building a slick project on Rocky River without eminent domain or tax abatement! Go figure.

So don’t think, just enjoy Japanese taiko, indiegrrls, Franz on the radio, the Schrekengosts, MamboMania, ModeSelektor, Rainy Day Saints, and a little 50/50 this week. These things have a way of working themselves out. -Thomas Mulready

The official Cool Cleveland
Mystery Tour departs 6/1
We could tell, but we’d have to kill you

Can you guess? We can’t tell you where the Mystery Tour will take you, but we can give you a couple of hints:

Grab a bite at one of Cleveland’s hottest new restaurants, stop in to see how the next generation of Cleveland tech firms works, drop in on an artist live/work loft, sip a glass of wine, and check out an art gallery conversion. Give up? Get your tix here.

Take your seat on Northeast Ohio’s premier party bus service, www.RockinCleveland.com, and your Cool Cleveland hosts will guide you from stop to stop, offering background information, tips and the inside scoop on one of Cleveland’s most authentic neighborhoods on Thu 6/1 from 5:30-7:30PM. Participants will be e-mailed the secret meetup location & map.

Reserve your seat on the bus now. Only a self-selected few will discover the mystery and wonder of an awesome Cleveland neighborhood on the first Cool Cleveland Mystery Tour on 6/1.
Tix are going fast! Get yours here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/tour060106/index.php

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Seven Courses of Shrooms? Bring your appetite and check out the “Natural History of Mushrooms,” Sat 6/10 from 7PM to midnight at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Attend a reception and lecture by Thomas Wiandt, owner of Killbuck Valley Mushrooms, and enjoy a deliciously scrumptious seven-course dinner prepared expertly by Sammy’s Executive Chef John Taylor. Each course will be paired with complementary wines (but, of course!) and served in elegant, relaxed surroundings at the Museum. Seating is limited to 100 (tables of eight). Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions you may have when you make your reservation. Valet parking will be available. Tickets: $150 per person. Please call (216) 231-1177 or 800-317-9155, ext. 3279, for reservations or contact www.cmnh.org for more information.
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NewsLinks

  • Lakewood’s other Gold Coast For their first waterfront development in over 40 years, Lakewood is unveiling the $20 million Cliffs on Rocky River, a 46-unit lux boat and condo development, with units selling for $275K to $1 million. And they did it all without a whiff of eminent domain, blight designation, or tax abatement. Maybe Cleveland can learn something. See story here. Your thoughts? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • Sports Commission competes After generating over $117 million from events such as Gravity Games & Childrens Games, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is bringing in the NCAA Women’s B-ball Final 4 in 2007, plus a tasty $30 million in to our local economy. Now their board wants to create and own their own events, starting with the youth soccer Continental Cup in 7/06. Imagine if Cleveland’s sports marketing giant IMG got behind them. See story here. Whaddya think about that? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • Put a lid on it They should have done this from the beginning. In an ostensible bid for the 2016 Super Bowl, developer Robert Corna, who built Shooters, has convinced city planner Tony Coyne to give serious consideration to putting a $90 million retractable plastic hybrid roof over Cleveland Browns Stadium, allowing it to be used more than the current 10 times a year, maybe even to host the Super Bowl, which generates $300 million for the host city. Plus a lot of media. http://www.SuperBowlForCleveland.com Good idea? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • PD looking to buy Akron Beacon Journal What’s worse than a one-paper town? How ’bout a one publisher region? May not be as far-fetched as you might think. Advance Publications Inc., owner of The Plain Dealer is seriously considering the purchase of the Akron Beacon Journal. Read the story in the ABJ here. Share your thoughts with us at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • Children’s Technology Workshop Panzica Investments LLC, a venture capital group based in Mayfield Village, is launching the Greater Cleveland Children’s Technology Workshop, technology-based courses for children ages 4 to 14. iCamp, a 12-week program that includes classes on designing video games and space exploration, will take place this summer throughout the region. The camps will help children use technology to enhance their creativity, and is part of Panzica Investments’ investment in Ohio’s foundation – making sure that our children are educated, engaged and ready to support Ohio’s growth. Future plans include a program at Cleveland’s Ingenuity Festival. Read more in Crain’s here. Thoughts on the new camps? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • Cool Cleveland Kids Don’t forget to check in with 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/CoolClevelandKids05.26.06.mp3. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.

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Hot Prices, Cool Floor Plans Chapman Grove’s exceptional prices (ranging from $139,000-$145,000) and roomy, open floor plans (with 1479 sq feet of living space) might be just the thing you are looking for. These three-story townhomes with community parks nearby, offer a lifestyle you’re going to love. Live in a townhome that features 2-car garages, open kitchen, living and dining rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2½ bath. Special Note – Only One Left: There is a single family home priced at $179,000 with 1905 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2½ baths, a full, unfinished basement, and 2-car attached garage. Private courtyards for barbeques, parties, or just relaxing with family, friends and neighbors. Shopping, movies and restaurants are just around the corner. Contact the Sales Manager at (330) 722-8815 or www.ZarembaHomes.com for more information. Zaremba: Building with more thought per square foot.
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NewsLinks

  • Lorain schools join No Child Left Behind protest Lorain County Superintendents join Lakewood and a host of other Cuyahoga County Superintendents who’ve voiced concerns about the impact that “No Child Left Behind” will have upon their school districts and their students. Dr. Thomas Rockwell, Superintendent of the Education Service Center of Lorain County, issued a statement formally endorsing the position of Dr. Estrop, Lakewood Superintendent, and the Lakewood City School District Board of Education. Learn more here. What are your thoughts on No Child Left Behind and its impact upon our region? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
  • CC KIDS Yoocee! This unique, online educational game, pronounced “you-see,” was developed by Urban Community School. The goal is to raise awareness of the school’s mission, past successes as well as promote participation in its current million dollar capital campaign. How many kids can you help? Play now to find out and compete with other members of the community to earn high score bragging rights. Visit http://www.yoocee.org to play now through July and visit http://www.UrbanCommunitySchool.org to learn more.
  • Smoking for the arts All 3 commissioners support a .30 per pack cigarette tax which would generate $20 million a year for the arts in Cuyahoga County. Stay tuned to Cool Cleveland as we interview the commissioners in the weeks to come. See story here.
  • Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland05.26.06.mp3. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.
  • Sign up for jazz camp The Roberto Ocasio 2006 Latin Jazz Music Camp, open to instrumental music, percussion, and vocal students in grades 8-12, will be held Wed 7/19 through Fri 7/21 on the campus of Lake Erie College in Painesville. Students will benefit from instruction and hands-on learning related to the history and instrumentation of Afro-Cuban rhythms, the composition and improvisation of Latin jazz, rehearsals, a jam session, and a public-concert performance while enjoying a change of environment outside the city along with a college-campus experience. Visit http://www.LatinJazzProject.com to learn more and apply before the Thu 6/1 deadline when tuition goes up.

Emissions from the blogsphere Norm Roulet posts that ODOT is moving forward without following the public process they prescribed. Craig Hatfield blogs about his evening out in Ohio City seeing NWT’s Chess. Matt blogs about Day One of being DSL-Free from the Arabica on e. 185th Street. Lev Gonick writes a letter to the PD’s new publisher. Make sure you put July 22nd on your calendar. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian touches on the PD’s interest in the Akron Beacon Journal, Robert’s “Stark” reality, Where a Young Professional’s Opinion matters and considers a Cleveland with a GOP convention and a stadium lid. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.


Cool Cleveland This Week

5.24-5.31

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Adoption Network Opens Heart Gallery Twelve area professional photographers donated their time and skills in order to capture the spirit and uniqueness of children currently awaiting adoption. The ultimate goal is to increase the pool of families interested in adopting local kids in need of great families. The gallery opens on Wed 5/24 from 11AM to 2PM and will remain open through the end of summer. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Call 325-1000 for info. The Heart Gallery at Tower City.

CC KIDS Abbey Road on the River The Beatles are bloomin’ this time of year in the Midwest as some of the best Beatle tribute bands in the nation hit the stage at the largest fest of its kind in the US from Thu 5/25 through Sun 5/28. Catch The World Famous Fab Four, one of the world’s most celebrated Beatle bands in the world, and a host of other hot tribute bands and listen to key note speakers, Pete Best and Allan Williams, as they share their experiences in Liverpool and Hamburg before the world took a ride on the Beatle wave. With ten stages and a growing list of bands you will be in absolute Beatle heaven. Visit http://www.AbbeyRoadOnTheRiver.com. The Kentucky Center and Belvedere Festival Park, 501 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky.

CPA Open House Join Cleveland Public Art for an open house celebrating “The Natural Flats: A Field Guide to Habitat in Unexpected Places” and an exhibition of photographs of the Natural Flats by artist Don Harvey on Thu 5/25 from 5:30-7:30PM. Call 621-5330 or visit http://www.ClevelandPublicArt.org for info. Cleveland Public Art, 1951 West 26th Street, Suite 101.

Get it On, Baby If Cool Cleveland is “good for you,” help us to go forth and multiply by forwarding this to a friend or lover today.

Sing Out! Cleveland’s community, civic and business leaders are joining voices to “sing out” against sexual violence and raise support for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center on Thu 5/25 starting with a pre-performance VIP dinner at 5:30PM followed by the 7PM Sing Out performance. Call 619-6194 x107 or visit http://www.ClevelandRapeCrisis.org to learn more. Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Avenue.

CSA Benefit with Eitetsu Hayashi The premier Japanese Taiko Drummer will perform during a benefit for the Cleveland School of the Arts on Thu 5/25 at 6:30PM. Many Gifts: Some of Which are Hidden will provide an enchanting evening for guests and much-needed funds for CSA. Audiences will also be treated to the CSA production of a traditional Japanese fable, a variety of musical and dance performances, Pacific Rim delicacies from Cleveland’s finest restaurants, including Fahrenheit, fire food and drink, House of Blues, Sushi Rock, and Swingos on the Lake, exquisite art exhibits, and more. Call 421-7690 or email info@friendsofcsa.org to learn more. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue.

Charity Singles Mixer Meet other singles in the area in a relaxed atmosphere, on Thu 5/25 at 7PM, while enriching the lives of local inner-city school children through exposure to tennis and other new experiences. There will be a bachelor raffle in addition to a buffet, fantastic door prizes, and great entertainment. Don’t miss this exciting night of food, fun, and entertainment for just a five-spot in advance or an Andy Hamilton at the door. Call 440-725-8453 for tickets or info. The Avenue Grille and Bar, 9055 Mentor Avenue, Mentor.

HOT PICK Indiegrrl Showcase Alexis Antes of Cleveland, Sue Jeffers of Kent, Kathy Moser from New Jersey, and Jennifer Friedman of Colorado will perform Thu 5/25 at 9:30PM in this event that celebrates women in independent music who are kicking tail and taking names without the support of major labels. Check out Indiegrrl to connect with other women in independent music then don’t miss the show. Tickets are just $4 at the door – you’ve got that much in the cushions of your couch. Electric Cafe Co., 252 North Water Street, Kent.

Listing Tip of the Week Multiple question: When is the best time to list your upcoming event? A. As soon as you think of it; but before any plans are solidified. B. Once all details are confirmed and at least two to four weeks prior to the event. C. On Monday morning, the week of your event. And the answer is…please B considerate when you send your listings. Two weeks ahead gives ample time for us to receive, review and list your event. Earlier is fine, too – just remember, the listing won’t go in until the week of the event – so there’s no need to keep resubmitting it. Make sure you don’t rush A-head and send the event before your plans are confirmed. This prevents repeated submissions requesting revisions. Anything less than two weeks is just un-C-vilized. Got an exciting event brewing? Remember, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. We’ll B looking for your EVENTS. Events@CoolCleveland.com.

Dialogue Project Heat up your weekend with a cool public art installation by San Francisco artist, Mike Garibaldi, on Fri 5/26 and Sat 5/27 from 11AM to 6PM featuring thousands of inspiring quotations from people throughout history. The exhibit will be touring 22 cities including: Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago and St. Louis – Warren is its only Ohio stop. Learn more at http://www.TrumbullArts.org. Courthouse Park, 100 W. Market Street, Warren. http://www.DialogueProject.net.

Franz Welser-Möst on Around Noon Don’t just sit at home and listen to this one – reserve your spot in the live studio audience on Fri 5/26 at 12 noon. The live WCPN broadcast will include Welser-Möst in conversation with Dee Perry, host of Around Noon, as well as questions from the live studio audience, callers, and e-mails. Call 231-1111 for tickets. The live interview and question-and-answer session will be broadcast on 90.3 WCPN and also online at http://www.wcpn.org. Idea Center at Playhouse Square, 1375 Euclid Avenue. http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.

CAF Closing Receptions Cleveland Artists Foundation (CAF) is hosting a closing reception on Fri 5/26 from 5-9PM for its current exhibits, Recent Acquisitions and Greetings from the Schreckengosts. Recent Acquisitions features additions to CAF’s permanent collection from January 2005 through April 2006, including works by Shirley Aley Campbell, Clarence Carter, David Haberman, Mary Lou Ferbert, Ken Nevadomi, Anthony Schepis, Paul Travis, Leroy Flint, and Abel Warshawsky. Greetings from the Schreckengosts showcases holiday cards and ceramic keepsakes from the 1930s to the present, all designed by the artist. Cleveland Artists Foundation, 17801 Detroit Avenue. http://www.ClevelandArtists.org.

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.

HOT PICK 50/50 Exhibit This Fri 5/26 event from 7-10PM will feature 50 works of art done by 50 artists with each piece selling for $50.00. Don’t miss an excellent opportunity to own original art by talented local artists for less than it will cost you to fill up your SUV. Art will be on sale for one night only. 13 Hundred Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street. http://www.13hundred.com.

Stealing Heather Joshua Aaron, the Cleveland native and former bass player of the NYC-based international Indie rock sensations, The Rosenbergs, has ventured out on his own to release the music the radio-worn world has been awaiting with the group Stealing Heather. Experience Stealing Heather for yourself on Fri 5/26 at 7PM during the release of their debut album, 6 Minutes to Somewhere, an all ages event in their beloved home town. House of Blues Cleveland, 308 Euclid Avenue. www.hob.com.

MamboMania If one night of sizzling samba and rump-shaking rhythms just isn’t quite enough for you, then make it an entire weekend during MamboMania from Fri 5/26 until you fall out in a crumpled, sweat-laden heap on Sun 5/28. Experience the pure energy of Grammy-award winning percussionist Chino Nunez and international vocalist Ray Sepulveda as they join forces for a king-sized night of steamy salsa on Fri 5/26 from 9PM to 2:30AM. Then finish the weekend out with dance workshops and dance parties that will have your feet dancing long after you’ve gone to sleep. Check out the complete schedule at http://www.ClevelandMamboMania.com. Call 280-0407, or visit http://www.GrooveTickets.com for tickets. Club Moda, 1871 West 25th Street. http://www.TropicalCleveland.com.

WCLVnotes This Sat 5/27 at 1PM, WCLV 104.9 FM will present the gala salute to Metropolitan Opera General Manager Joseph Volpe, who is retiring as of 8/1/06. The gala, which took place on the Met stage last Saturday, features many opera superstars including Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Mirella Freni, Denyce Graves, Thomas Hampson, Luciana Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel – we could go on, but you get the idea. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus will be conducted by Valery Gergiev and James Conlon. Details on all of WCLV’s programming can be found in the WCLV Program Guide pages of WCLV’s web site – www.WCLV.com . WCLV is a Cool Cleveland partner.

HOT PICK Bridge & Subway Tour Rare, twice-a-year tour of the lower level of the Veterans Memorial (Detroit-Superior) Bridge & Subway, conducted by the Cuyahoga County Engineer, on Sat 5/27 from 9AM – 3PM. No reservation necessary, just show up on the NE corner of the West end of the bridge. Last year, 2000 people toured. Next tour 9/2/06. 348-3900/3901 http://www.cuyctyengineers.org/subway_tour.htm

HOT PICK Young Activists & The Weather Underground Dan Berger, one of the editors of Letters From Young Activists and the author of Outlaws of America: the Weather Underground and the Politics of Solidarity will discuss his books on Sat 5/27 at 7PM. Letters from Young Activists is a collection of young Americans writing on pressing political issues of today. It proves that the young generation is as politically engaged as ever. From Abu Ghraib and the War on Terror, to Hip-hop and punk-rock, activists sound off. Learn more about the engaging stories of activists in the past and today. Mac’s Backs, 1820 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights. http://www.macsbacks.com.

Jewels, Sculpting Tomorrow’s Artists Bring the entire family to a magical evening of dance and theater on Sat 5/27 at 7PM that will excite the senses and stir the imagination with ballet, contemporary jazz, caractere and Spanish dance performances. Call 241-6000 for tickets. Visit http://www.ClevelandSchoolOfDance.org to learn more. Playhouse Square Center, Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Avenue.

Rainy Day Saints CD Release Help the group celebrate the release of its new CD, Diamond Star Highway on Sat 5/27 at 9PM. Mike St Jude & the Valentines, K-Ration and DJ Miss Bangs will round out an evening of excellent music. Get tickets at www.BeachlandBallroom.com. Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road. http://www.RainyDaySaints.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 Info@CoolCleveland.com for info about advertising.

HOT PICK ModeSelektor & Kasumi The uber populaire German Live Electro duo, ModeSelektor will perform on Tue 5/30 at 8:30PM. Check out the ongoing VJ exhibit throughout the night with digital visual art images in space with the music performances of the evening being performed by Kasumi, a professor from the Cleveland Institute of Art’s T.I.M.E. department. Opening for the headliner will be local DJ, Mike Filly, and live-Electro act, Mark Strauss, Jason Soditch, and Greg Mudge. Visit http://www.grogshop.gs for info. Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Hts Boulevard, Cleveland Heights.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

RoldoLINK
PD Publisher Egger Ain’t Poor No More
By Roldo Bartimole

The Plain Dealer introduced its new publisher as “a humble, charismatic man who grew up poor and lived in public housing…” Terrence C. Z. Egger may have lived in public housing but here he’ll move his family to Bay Village.

Well, he ain’t po’ no mo’.

Egger comes to the Plain Dealer from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch with his pockets full and overflowing with big bucks.

Here’s how the St. Louis Journalism Review, which monitors the news media in that town led off his exit review:

“Terry Egger’s decision to quit as publisher of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch last month has to make him feel pretty good.

“He walks away with millions of dollars through various compensation schemes. He escapes the headache of having his new bosses at Lee Enterprises (recently acquired the paper from the Pulitzer family) beating up on him for not increasing revenue. And at 48, he can move on to another job or career…”
Read RoldoLINK here

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Diamond Star Highway
Rainy Day Saints
Get Hip Recordings

If you’re familiar with Dave Swanson’s work under the moniker Rainy Day Saints and Saturday’s Haze – technically his first solo effort – well, you know exactly what you’re in for with Diamond Star Highway.

If you’re not familiar, let me give you the quick-and-dirty: delicious power-pop and fuzzy garage rock, with quirky post-punk edges. A member of many an Ohio band (Guided By Voices, Cobra Verde, New Salem Witch Hunters, Reactions, Death Of Samantha, et. al) Swanson’s got a jones for big, fat melodies, groove-laden tunage and that psychedelic jangle of vintage Brit-pop.

That’s exactly what you get with Rainy Day Saints’ full-band follow-up to Haze. Call it truth in advertising. There’s a reason why Haze received great reviews and the Little Steven (yes, he of the “Underground Garage”) seal of approval. It’s true-to-life real rock and roll that touches on everything from Cheap Trick and Big Star, to the Barracudas, Sparks, and Todd Rundgren’s former outfit, the Nazz.

This time around, Swanson pulled together a group of “old friends,” all Cleveland band vets to create Diamond Star Highway’s 11 tracks. Rainy Day Saints currently features Brian P. McCafferty (bass), Keith Pickering (guitars) and Scott Pickering (drums) and they all rock out in what feels like a natural extension of Saturday’s Haze. It’s well-produced, well-constructed… thoroughly well-done.

Highlights of this gem include the leadoff track “I Don’t Follow,” the driving “No Surprise,” “Don’t Look Away” and fantastic covers of Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer” and the Leaving Trains’ “Terminal Island.” And yes, it rocks. Expectedly. A simply great record.

Celebrate the release of Rainy Day Saints’ new CD, Diamond Star Highway this Sat 5/27 at 9PM. Joining the group on the bill will be Mike St Jude & the Valentines, K-Ration and DJ Miss Bangs. It promises to be one rockin’ night, so don’t miss out. Get your tickets at http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com‘. Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road. You can visit RDS at http://www.RainyDaySaints.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Instant Karma
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

Thamos: King of Egypt @ St. Stanislaus Church 5/12 That was one honking birthday bash. But then again, when you combine Egyptian composer Halim El-Dabh’s 85th birthday with Mozart’s 250th & throw in the 10th anniversary season of Cleveland’s one-of-a-kind opera company, the Opera Circle, you should expect something extraordinary to happen. And “Thamos: King of Egypt,” was anything but the ordinary: an art event novel not only to Cleveland but on a far larger scale.

The work, a world premiere presented for the first time ever last Friday, marked in fact an international effort. The libretto, written by Opera Circle director Dorota Sobieska, originally from Warsaw, Poland, provided the framework to monumental choruses & graceful instrumental interludes by Mozart. The Austrian classical tradition was in turn complemented in a surprisingly natural manner by the exotic harmonies El-Dabh’s newly-composed solo arias. The intimate lyricism of El-Dabh proved remarkable in its unique blend of contemporary 21st century sonic sensibility & an aura of archaism anchored in something far more ancient than the most antediluvian of mere material ruins. Let’s not forget, after all, that the internationally renowned El-Dabh has had works performed on every continent of the globe in the course of the past five or six decades…
Read the review by Wanda Sobieska here

Morticia’s Chair @ the Winchester 5/16 Normally you wouldn’t expect to find more than two to three regulars holding down the bar at a place like the Winchester at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday. But last week, the usual crowd was joined by a steady stream of people. The faces numbered local rockers, members of the avant theater and film crowd, Tremonters on holiday and music journalists as well as a fair selection of long hair and black leather jackets. What brought such a diverse group out on a rainy weeknight? Nothing less than the release party for “Beautiful Monsters”, the long-awaited third Morticia’s Chair CD.

Mark Kae and the band already had heads nodding along to their soundcheck, but made us wait another fifteen minutes or so before beginning their full set. They opened with “Shadows”, one of several anti-war tracks from the new release. The words may seem bleak – “..look at all the children with the look of terror in their eyes” – yet they ascend over a major-key riff that manages to promise hope even in the face of apparent despair…
Read the review by Sade Bushie here

Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 5/18 Last week it was music of the gods (Wagner) and this week it’s music from them (Mozart).

It’s always exciting when Mitsuko Uchida comes to Cleveland for another in her series of playing all the Mozart piano concertos with the Cleveland Orchestra. Although she isn’t really a conductor, she’s certainly a world-class pianist, and that quality somehow imbues her conducting with magical stardust. The result is sublime music-making.

This concert program formed a sandwich of sorts – the outer layers were Mozart, the filling was Schoenberg, forming a Viennese connection, furthered by the pianist herself having studied there…
Read the review by Kelly Ferjutz here

Yr Turn
Cool Cleveland readers write
We encourage our readers to speak out by sending us letters and commentary. Send your letters to Letters@CoolCleveland.com. You must include your full name (required) and you may include your e-mail address (optional). You may also create a new Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail e-mail address and submit it with your letter. Letters submitted to Cool Cleveland, or edited portions, may be published in an upcoming issue of Cool Cleveland at our discretion.

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

On red-light cameras (See Red light cameras go too far here) You bet I am fed up with those red light and speed cameras in Cleveland. It has absolutely nothing to do with safe streets and is everything to do with collecting money. It is another of Jane Campbell’s hare brained ideas to soak more money for Cleveland from those living in the suburbs. An earlier survey by the PD showed that a vast majority of those getting nabbed by those cameras live in the suburbs. A toll gate on Brookpark Road would make more sense. Why not just collect a toll from everyone coming into Cleveland from the suburbs? I got nabbed by one of those camreas and I seriously question the speed that they said I was going. It said I was travelling at 46 mph when there was no way I was going that fast since I was watching my speedometer and keeping it around 40. I question whether the cameras are accurate since they sit out in the elements. Of course, I’m not an engineer and there is no way I have of actually checking the accuracy of the camera on the date they nabbed me. At least police radar has to be checked out all the time for accuracy and you can actually question the speed with the policeman at the time. My radar detector has alerted me to many a speed trap but it cannot alert me to one of those red light and speed bandits. To file an appeal of the ticket costs more than the ticket ($110 to file an appeal vs. a $100 fine) so it is obvious this is nothing more than a money grab. It is long past time to take those cameras down. I see that a lawyer has filed a lawsuit to have those cameras removed. I hope he is successful in that effort. Until those cameras come down, I will avoid those intersections and coming into the city.
from Cool Cleveland reader Lee Kamps lee921ATatt.net

Why are op-ed writers – and, indeed, Cool Cleveland – insisting that people will begin “staying away in droves” because of speed cameras? Is it such a terrible hassle to drive close to the speed limit? And only at well-known, predesignated corners? Woodmere Village is a notorious speed trap, yet Eton Collection barely has a parking space to spare. Discussing speed cameras is useful, but using this topic as a hot button issue is, I believe, histrionic.
from Cool Cleveland reader W. Michael Fleming guillemiguelATgmail.com

Thanks for your story about the red light cameras. I’ve worked in downtown Cleveland as a membership services rep. for the Society for American Baseball Research for the last 4 years and enjoyed doing so. My home is in Cleveland Heights and I commute in by car via Carnegie Rd. Since the red light cameras have been installed, I have not had an infraction. That all changed when my normal commute was rerouted through the intersection of 40th and Prospect because of construction on Carnegie. On 5/10 I received a ticket that I was recorded on camera on 4/21 going 39mph in a 25mph zone. Because of the detour, the speed limit is not clearly marked until after the camera position which causes confusion. While ignorance of the law is no excuse, I honestly didn’t know I was doing anything wrong because I thought it was a 35mph zone. Since the cameras have been installed, I have driven extra carefully into downtown. To make matters worse, on 5/11 I received another ticket that I was recorded on camera on 4/28 doing 38mph in a 25mph in the same intersection of Prospect and 40th. To my horror, on 5/12 I received another ticket that I was caught on camera doing 36mph in a 25mph in the same intersection! Because so much time had past since the actual infractions had occured, I didn’t realize that I was doing anything wrong until a month later. Now I’m worried I’m going to face $1,000’s of dollars in red light tickets just because I didn’t know I was doing anything wrong until a month later. I fear these tickets will keep appearing in my mailbox every day for the next month!! Now I read on Web sites that the 40th and Prospect camera has a history of malfunctioning and I live in terror that I’m going to receive $3,000 dollars of red light tickets because I didn’t realize my error (if an error even occured) until a month later. My wife and I used to love coming downtown to have dinner and see a show at the Playhouse or Fatfish Blue. Now, we seek out our entertainment in the suburbs because our relaxing night is ruined by the stress and unfairness of dealing with the red light cameras. Who wants to add an extra $100 pricetag (not to mention parking) to a night out on the town? Not me.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ryan Chamberlain ryan_chamberlainAThotmail.com

On Rockefeller Park (See Rockefeller Park Rising here) Wow, I was excited to read and hear about the proposals for the Park. I feel that closing MLK on Sundays in August is a wonderful idea. Upon first moving to Cleveland from NYC I was excited to find Rockefeller Park. Having missed running in Central Park I thought the beautiful park would be a nice alternative. I was saddened to find out that it was not. The noise from traffic as I walked and ran in the park was unbearable and dampened the beauty that I thought I would experience. I also thought the park would be a great link to Lake Erie by bike. Twice I attempted to reach the lake via the park and twice I was met with a flat tire from broken glass. It would be wonderful for the people of Cleveland to “take back their park” much as New Yorkers did with Central Park. Kudos to the Sunday closure!!
from Cool Cleveland reader Caroline Stickney carolinelee09ATyahoo.com

On Cool Cleveland Thanks for the good work in collecting and organizing all of this interesting material. This week’s issue with directions to Wendy Park will be most helpful.
from Cool Cleveland reader Michael Hardy mike.hardyATthompsonhine.com

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy getting the Cool Cleveland emails each week. I’m the music specialist for Cuyahoga County Public Library and my co-workers and I love all the arts features! We hope one of the new cool things about the library is our improved website with its blogs on the arts, authors, music and many other topics. Maybe you could give us a plug in your newsletter? http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/StdBackPage.aspx?id=86
from Cool Cleveland reader Ericableu L. Bartik, Music Specialist, Cuyahoga County Public Library http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/MusicExpert.aspx?id=278 ebartikATcuyahoga.lib.oh.us

I am a fan of CoolCleveland.com… Thanks for all the info.you provide, I feel like I am in tune with what is happening in Cleveland because of YOU !! Keep up the good work.
from Cool Cleveland reader Patty Dill pdillATbie1.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

Top 5
Here are the Top 5 from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Red light cameras go too far Combat them with the product listed here and see the list of cameras www.UniversityCircle.org.
www.Cleveland.com

2) Cool Cleveland Mystery Tour Get your tickets while they last.
www.CoolCleveland.com.

3) A mini Crocker Park in Shaker Hts? Robert Stark, the developer of Crocker Park proposes to build a 60-acre housing-shops-and-offices development at the corner of Warrensville Center and Van Aken.
www.Cleveland.com.

4) Hessler Street Fair A two-day celebration in the heart of University Circle that features music, art, poetry and politics.
http://www.hessler.org/fair.html

5) Sparx announces summer schedule Setting Downtown Cleveland ablaze during lunch time and happy hours with sizzling street performances of spectacular music, dance and performance art by a diverse group of talented local artists.
http://www.cleveland.com/sparx/

It’s not that perplexing because the Hard Corps know what they’re doing. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Roldo Bartimole, Kelly Ferjutz 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.

Have you signed up for the party yet?

–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2006 MulreadyGROUP all rights reserved
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