Cool Red Zappa

2.14-2.21.07
Cool Red Zappa

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Party Low price tix until Midnight Thu 2/15 here
* BizTech Profile David Goebel & Sage Lewis of ClevelandSEO.com
* Cool Cleveland Kids Events, news, podcasts and more
* Comment 15-60-75: Counting the Numbers Band
* Sounds Oval Opus from Oval Opus
* Previews Red {an orchestra}, Carnafolia, and the Cleveland School of the Arts
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

Zappa inspires us He was a multimedia entrepreneur before such a term even existed, creating jazz, classical & rock, album covers, graphics & films. This Fri 2/16 we celebrate Frank’s genius with a Cool Cleveland party as Red {an orchestra} plays his music and his influences. Want a discount to the party & show? Click here and give your sweetie the gift of Red and Zappa for Valentine’s Day. We’ll let you take the credit. Also catch our profile of a new group supporting the booming Search Engine Optimization industry in NEO. We look inside one person’s experience with local legends 15-60-75, more commonly known as the Numbers Band. For your convenience, we’ve collected links to top news stories and events this week in the worlds of culture, business, tech, and NEO’s new economy. All you have to do is show up. —Thomas Mulready

Get Inspired: Red Hot CC Party! Fri 2/16
Super low price until Midnight Thu 2/15 here!

Zap away your winter blues Start at the Masonic with endless open bar (beer/wine), melt-in-your-mouth food samplings from Gypsy, and live Argentine Tango dancing, followed by a comp ticket to experience “The Importance of Being Zappa” – a collaboration with the Rock Hall and Red {an orchestra}. Then get your groove on afterwards at metro fav, The View Nightclub with a free cocktail (sweet!) and salsa dancing (wild!) ’til 2:30AM. Get your discount tix here.

Party with us and you get {all this} for one low price:

  • A RED hot CC party on Fri 2/16 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Masonic Auditorium (Euclid and E. 36th)
  • CC’s magnificent open bar with unlimited beer and wine
  • Savory, tempting food samplings from Gypsy Beans and Baking Co. with their “Flavors Found Wandering the World” that include Goat Cheese Stuffed Red Peppers, Vegetarian and Meat Flatbreads, Provencal Crab Salad on Crostini, Stuffed Hummus Pita Pockets, Stuffed Grape Leaves and desserts that include Assorted Brownies (how about Amazon Chili, Coconut Almond and Peanut Butter?), and Assorted Mini Cup Cakes
  • A live Argentine Tango performance from Viva Dance
  • A comp ticket to the Zappa concert by Red {an orchestra} at 8PM (a $15 value!)
  • An after-party with a comp cocktail”’ and Salsa dancing at The View Ultralounge & Nightclub after the Red performance
Listen to a brief podcast between Red {an orchestra}’s music director Jonathan Sheffer and Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready by clicking here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/Jonathan02.16.07.mp3.

Bring your friends Get the best discount before the concert if you order by Midnight Thu 2/15 here. Meet us 5:30 – 7:30 at the Masonic Auditorium at the corner of E. 36th and Euclid Avenue, Downtown Cle. See map here

Get your discount here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/021607/index.php

A sleek and slippery spread of hot tech and business news & events from around Cleveland and around the region. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

10 wind turbines in Lake Erie generating 20mw of power, with components from NEO manufacturers, in 3-6 years Read Video FAQ PDF
Ingenuity announces 3rd Fest to take place 7/19-22 at Playhouse Square and CSU w/1000 people & 90 orgs Info
MAGNET offers new product development funding Apply by 3/7 for loans of up to $115K Apply
Steelyard Commons tax break for Wal-Mart & others: will they still give the money to City & Towpath Trail? Read
Zaremba signs option for more land adjacent to Avenue District @ 12th & St. Clair, for 100 more units Read
Quicken Loans is Fortune’s #17 best place to work & throws 200 employees a huge party, may hire 400 more Read
CIA students win 6 of 16 prizes at Student Design Competiton of International Housewares Assn Gloat
National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron announces 07 honors: LP, MRI, airbag, CAT scan, DNA sequencer… Invent
St. Clair Innerbelt ramp to close this Spring Public comment due to ODOT by Fri 2/16: 5500 Transportation Blvd, Garfield Hts 44125
Detroit’s CVB launches new brandD. Cars, Culture, Gaming, Music, Sports,” to attract travelers. Catchy. Read
Cleveland #9 Best Value Vacation according to Hotwire.com. Also in Top 10: Kansas City, Denver, Orlando Boast
Hanna Tech Hotel launches with short-term, hi-tech space @ $1.25-1.60/sf, above Hanna Theatre. einhouse@playhousesquare.com

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George Washington Would have Flipped his Wig! In honor of National Engineer’s Week, Children’s Technology Workshop would like to honor George Washington – the US’s first engineer (he sparked the creation of the US Army Engineer School)! As part of this celebration, from Sun 2/18 to Sat 2/24, Children’s Technology Workshop is offering a discount when you register for summer camps, after school programs and parties – in Chagrin Falls or your place. At our workshops, kids learn by having fun through the use of tools like Computer Game Design, Video Animation, Robotics, Architecture, Engineering, Fashion Design and more! Call Karen at 440.484.2222 to learn more – or visit www.ctworkshop.com. Children’s Technology Workshop is a portfolio company of the Beta Strategy Group, LTD, www.betagroup.us, a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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eVolution in Manfg @ the MAGNET Innov. Ctr Thu 2/15 4:30 PM. NO-cost. Info
Gordian & OVA’s Private Equity Inv Summit II helps capital seekers Fri 2/23 @ Corp College, Warrensville Hts. Info
NEOSA Forum on Tech Edu in NEO “Myths, Legends and Opportunities” on Tue 2/27 at 8AM. Details
Topic: Timken @ Mellen Series Lecture DJ Lombardo Student Ctr @ John Carroll Tue 2/27 at 5PM Info
FIRST Buckeye Regional Robotics Comp @ CSU Wolstein Ctr Thu 3/22 – 3/24. Intense multinat’l competition teams professionals and young people solving engineering design problems. 25K students on over 1.1K teams in 35 regional comps! Info

Cleveland SEO
David Goebel & Sage Lewis

Cleveland SEO is a new group representing one of Cleveland’s latest BizTech leadership clusters: Search Engine Optimization, a form of web marketing whereby you optimize your web site to come up higher in search engine results. Even niches like recruiting SEO have champions in Cle: Joel Cheesman’s Cheezhead blog was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal this week here. David Goebel of Goebel Group and Sage Lewis of SageRock spoke with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready about what SEO is, and why Cleveland and Akron leading the are leading the SEO revolution. http://www.ClevelandSEO.com

NightOwls carried by NetFlix & Borders You can help by putting it in your NetFlix queue and posting a comment here
College radio webcasters‘ gov’t record-keeping nightmare. And bands don’t see a dime until 14,285 plays Read
Kucinich may influence drug policy reform as new chair of Reform & Oversight Committee Read
Mick Boogie is top mixtape DJ Cle DJ with MBA from John Carroll remixes the Cavs, Sirius Radio & 50 Cent Read
CVB to promote Cle to LGBTs with new web page in 4/07. 3 queer conventions visit this year. Read
Nominate a person or org by 2/28, as best non-profit, or non-profit manager, for Mandel Center award Nominate
Volunteer to be a Red Coat wouldn’t it be great if a whole new crop of YPs were getting to see all those great shows at Playhouse Square johnsonje@playhousesquare.org Call for venues for Fashion Week Cleveland. Deadline 3/1. Details

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Feel the Love by celebrating with yours this Valentine’s Day weekend when The Cleveland Orchestra performs Vivaldi’s musical “The Four Seasons.” Hear this classical favorite at Severance Hall for a very cool discount price – 2 tickets for $50! Offer valid for The Cleveland Orchestra concerts of Thu 2/15 and Fri 2/16, 8PM. Order today! Limited availability (4 tix max per customer). Call 216-231-1111 and mention promo code 3128, or visit www.clevelandorchestra.com and enter promo code 3128. Plan now to bring your Valentine to one of the most romantic spots in Cleveland “The Four Seasons” with The Cleveland Orchestra!
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Angelin Chang & CCS wins Grammy Award

Cleveland’s musical prestige just got bumped up another notch with the Grammy awarded to CSU professor Chang, a remarkable pianist in all aspects of her instrument. This award (Category 100, or Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance with Orchestra) is shared with fellow-Clevelander John McLaughlin Williams, conductor of Cleveland Chamber Symphony, and recognizes the collaboration for Olivier Messiaen’s Oiseaux Exotiques (Exotic Birds). They team up again in the cheeky, fun version of the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Dmitri Shostakovich, with splendid trumpet playing from John Brndiar. The disk, issued by the CCS, is titled: Music That Dares To Explore, Vol. 6. Hear what the buzz is all about: purchase the CD at any of their concerts or the CCS website, http://www.clevelandchambersymphony.org. — From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz

Cool Cleveland Podcast You know how to do it. Click here to listen: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland02.16.07.mp3. Click here to subscribe: iTunes or other.

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.

Every week, all of us here at Cool Cleveland pour through gads of fantastic things happening in CLE and NEO, all in an effort to answer that ever-nagging question: “What’s cool to do this week?” Submitted for your approval, here’s a snapshot of what we found. Got a unique event coming up? Know of something that is a totally Cool Cleveland worthy event? We want to hear from you about it; our tens of thousands of readers do, too. Be a civic and cultural activist and turn on your fellow readers.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

An Affair to Remember Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra inject a little romance into this Valentine’s Day, Wed 2/14 at 8PM with favorites from My Funny Valentine, Gone with the Wind, Titanic and others lovey-dovey faves. Features tango dancers Rebecca Sweet and Heriberto Perez. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

HOT News Media Ownership and Implications for Democracy Nationally-acclaimed media expert Laura Rich Fine will discuss how the industry’s players are buying and selling to find the right balance between the economics and news programming on Thu 2/15 at 12 Noon. City Club of Cleveland.

Andrew Rindfleisch Symposium Rindfleisch discusses his music on Thu 2/15 at 4:00PM. http://www.cim.edu.

Actors’ Summit Salesman Actors’ Summit Theater launches their version of Arthur Miller’s modern tragedy Death of a Salesman on Thu 2/15 with a preview performance at 8PM. Runs through March 4 at Actors’ Summit Theater, downtown Hudson. http://www.actorssummit.org.

An Evening w/Adrian Belew Highly regarded for his work with progressive rock pioneers King Crimson and artists and bands including Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Nine Inch Nails and Paul Simon. The guitarist hits the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as part of a Zappa celebration on Thu 2/15 at 7PM. RSVP to edu@rockhall.org or call 515-8426. http://www.rockhall.com.

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The Renowned Oberlin College’s Artist Recital Series is proud to present the New York Woodwind Quintet, one of today’s preeminent chamber ensembles, on Fri 2/23, at 8PM. The ensemble has amassed a collection of critically acclaimed albums throughout more than 60 seasons of performances in the U.S. and abroad. The concert takes place in Oberlin’s historic Finney Chapel and features a program of works by Reicha, Haas, Mozart (arr. Purvis), and Harbison. Tickets are $7 for students, $16 for seniors and those with an Oberlin College I.D., and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased through Oberlin’s Central Ticket Service (800-371-0178) For more information on the Artist Recital Series visit www.oberlin.edu/arseries.
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Arts in the Park Natural environments have been inspiring artists through out time. Let the beauty of nature inspire you. Share your creativity and talents during some hands-on art activities. Make a masterpiece, learn some new skills, or just come for fun on Fri 2/16 at 6PM. Call 330-657-2796 x100. http://www.cvnpa.org.

HOT The Wiz à la MOCA, where Cle-based post-punkers This Moment in Black History collaborate with local poet/MC Daniel Gray-Kontar and hip-hop duo Muamin to re-create Motown founder Berry Gordy’s The Wiz on Fri 2/16 at 9PM. http://www.mocacleveland.com.

Black Maria Film & Video Festival A selection of prize-winners and other favorites from the 2007 edition of the New Jersey-based Black Maria Film & Video Festival. The festival is one of the world’s foremost competitions for international short films. Expect a mix of animation, live-action narratives, documentary, and experimental works on Fri 2/16 at 7PM. Cleveland Museum of Art. http://www.BlackMariaFilmFestival.org.

Eroica Trio thrills audiences with their flawless technical virtuosity, irresistible enthusiasm and sensual elegance. Spend an evening with the ladies on Fri 2/16 at 7:30PM. www.ClevelandArt.org.

Bluesman Eric Bibb celebrates release of new CD Diamond Days, a musical appreciation of the ups, a respectful acknowledgment of the downs, and a thoughtful perspective on how the two co-exist, with a musical selection on Fri 2/16 at 8PM. Call 330-657-2909 for tickets. Happy Days Visitor Center, 500W, Streetsboro Road/Rte 303, Boston Hts.

HOT The Importance of Being Zappa The famed rock guitarist considers himself an orchestral composer first and foremost. Hear the composers that have inspired Frank Zappa followed by four of his most inventive orchestral works on Fri 2/16 and Sat 2/17 at 8PM. Co-sponsored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. http://www.rockhall.com. http://www.RedAnOrchestra.org. Come early for the Cool Cleveland party: get discount tix here: https://CoolCleveland.net/tickets/021607/index.php.

CLE Area Mountain Bike Assoc. holds their 2nd annual Interclub social on Fri 2/16 @ 7 PM at the Rock Bottom Brewery, Cle Flats. Brews and schmooze w/participants include the Cle Triathlon, Touring, West Road Runners and Ohio Nordic Ski Clubs. RSVP to Brian@camba.us.

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WCLVnotes WCLV 104.9 FM broadcasts the winning poems in its Valentine’s Day Love Poem contest throughout today. Live music abounds on WCLV in the coming days. On Fri 2/9 at 8PM Baldwin-Wallace Live presents a concert by the BW Symphonic Winds conducted by Dwight Oltman. On Sat 2/10 at 8PM it’s The Cleveland Orchestra conducted by early music specialist Nicolas McGegan with selections by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi’s big hit “The Four Seasons.” And on Fri 2/23 at 8PM, Dwight Oltman conducts the BW Symphony live from Gamble Auditorium. For something really different, try Andrew Rindfleisch’s “New Music Studio” on Tue 2/21 at 9PM. He interviews Hollywood Composer and Orchestrator Conrad Pope. For complete details on all of WCLV’s programming, go to the Program Guide at www.wclv.com.
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Gospel Meets Symphony Pairs the Akron Symphony with gospel performers on Sat 2/17 at 7:30PM. http://www.AkronSymphony.org.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Cle Mystery Barhopper Bus Tour That pretty well says it all. Get treated as a VIP Sat 2/17 beginning at 5PM at the House of Cues, 740 West Superior. Sure to sell out. Info and details at http://www.clevelandbarhopper.com/BusTour.html.

Expressions of Blackness Local author Carla Sarratt, writer of the Carter G. Woodson High School Series, gives a lecture on her first series novel, Freshman Focus on Sat 2/17 at 2PM. Sarratt’s young adult novels are based on her experiences as both a student and a teacher. Cle Public Library East 131st St. Branch, 3830 East 131st St. http://www.cpl.org.

Brad Yoder Pitt-based singer/songwriter Brad Yoder brings his guitar, saxophone and a big bag of songs to Book & Bean, 50 Front Street in Berea. The all-ages show begins Sat 2/17 at 8 PM. Read the Cool Cleveland review of his most recent CD, Used, here. Call 440-826-0900 for more info. http://www.bradyoder.com.

Roots/Country/Americana showcase On Sat 2/17 the intimate Beachland Ballroom Tavern is host to singer/songwriters Peter Case and Jon Dee Graham start off the evening with an early 7PM show. ($12.00) Immediately following the ‘unplugged”show around 9PM, Cle faves Cats On Holiday will kick out a Mardi Gras party and share the rest of the night with fave Clevelanders Lost State of Franklin. Ask for single admission for all shows. Mention Cool Cleveland and receive a comp CD from both the Cats and Franklin. http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com

HOT Carnafolia is a wild Brazilian Carnaval featuring Brazilian DJ Sidney “Balada” on Sat 2/17 at 9PM. Enjoy live Samba performances, a costume contest, Caipirinhas and other tropical libations at the party. View Ultra-Lounge/Nightclub, 618 Prospect Ave., 2nd Floor E. 4th St. District. Call 280-0407 of visit http://www.tropicalcleveland.com for more info.

The Fire Inside Cleveland Public Library hosts this no-cost stage reading debut on Sat 2/17 at 3PM in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, of the Main Library. Features Karamu House production of the story and poetry of Nikki Giovanni; ensemble cast dramatization of the African American poet’s life and works world premieres at the Ingenuity Festival in July. http://www.cpl.org. http://www.karamu.com.

Natural Selections features 5 world premiere dance works by Verb Ballets’ company dancers Marcela Alvarez, Erin Conway, Catherine Meredith, Brian Murphy and Mark Tomasic. The one-night-only performance hits Sat 2/17 at 8PM at the Cle Museum of Natural History, followed by a prize raffle and “Verbiage” Q&A session with the company. CMNH, 1 Wade Oval, Univ. Circle. http://www.cmnh.org. http://www.verbballets.org.

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Red {an orchestra} & CC Exclusive: 2 for 1 Tix! Let’s get one thing straight. This is not the Mother of Invention’s Zappa. In fact, Red {an orchestra}’s performance, “The Importance of Being Zappa” on Fri 2/16 and Sat 2/17 at 8PM in the Masonic Auditorium, will put an entirely different spin on Frank Zappa. Although famous as a rock ‘n’ roll guitarist and bandleader, Zappa considered himself, first and foremost, a composer of orchestral music. Joining Red for this extraordinary concert will be Cleveland born Spencer Myer as piano soloist and several young musicians from the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony. Red is offering an exclusive discount to Cool Cleveland readers: 2 tickets for the price of 1! Tickets start at $15. Just let us know you are a CC reader when you call Red {an orchestra} at 261.361.1733 or visit www.redanorchestra.org and type in Cool Cleveland in the comments.
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Monet in Normandy is the first scholarly exhibition to celebrate the intimate relationship between Claude Monet and his native landscape. The exhibition, on view Sun 2/18 through Sun 5/20, is organized geographically, beginning with Monet’s earliest depictions of the resort town, Sainte-Adresse, located on the Norman Coast overlooking the English Channel. http://www.clevelandart.org.

Guitar virtuoso Adrian Legg plays “fingerstyle” guitar, mixing an alternating-bass style with harmonics, banjo-peg retuning and single or double-string bending. He often plays pieces entirely in arpeggios, similar to a classical guitar style. His mindbending style graces Nighttown on Sun 2/18. 12387 Cedar Rd., Cle Hts. http://www.nighttowncleveland.com.

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Love and Romance Isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is really all about? The Romance Consultants at Ambiance know that the heart of Valentine’s Day is a desire for intimacy and reconnecting with your partner, and not just on February 14th. Gifts from Ambiance can make any day of the year a special occasion, and an excuse to take a break from the stresses of life to discover “Romantic Adventures.” (You might call them the best days – or nights – of your relationship.) Gifts of passion from Ambiance are gifts that you’re going to enjoy together. And Cool Cleveland readers can get 20% off any item at Ambiance with this coupon here.
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Skitzobill and the Outpatients Take your Valentine — or perhaps the person you’re stalking – to this stand up comedy show to benefit getting skitzobill, an actual schizophrenic comedian who has been featured on the Opie and Anthony show, back into law school. Performances by skitzobill, Eric Matyjasic, Felicia Gillespie and Brad Presutto on Mon 2/19 at 7:30PM. Cleveland Improv, 2000 Sycamore St. http://www.myspace.com/skitzobill.

Fortune’s Bones Pay tribute to Fortune’s story and learn about slavery in the 1700s in Connecticut on Tue 2/20 at 4PM. Explore the time period through a reading of Fortune’s Bones: The Manumission Requiem by Marilyn Nelson. Cle Public Library South Branch, 3096 Scranton Rd. http://www.cpl.org.

Chris Blackwell Hear the guy who started Island Records and brought to light pop & rock acts like Traffic, Free, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake, and Mott The Hoople & Roxy Music, and reggae artists Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Black Uhuru, and Burning Spear. With African acts Baaba Maal & King Sunny Ade, he basically invented world music. He also started Chrysalis & Virgin records, and was responsible for one of the most popular artists of the past 30 years, U2. He speaks at the Rock Hall at 7PM on Tue 2/20 http://www.RockHall.com

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

This week, we kick off Cool Cleveland Kids, a place for kids and their parents to find cool stuff to do as a family. We’ll launch CC KIDS in high style next week, with the Cleveland Museum of Art as our CC KIDS partner, but here’s a sneak peek: a collection of family events, news, commentary, and our exclusive CC KIDS Podcast, presented weekly by CC KIDS correspondent Max every week since the summer of ’05. So click away, and let us know how we can help you and your cool kids: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

But what do the kids think? It’s one thing for an adult to recommend fun family stuff. With the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast, you’re hearing it (literally) right from the mouth of our 11-year-old CC KIDS Correspondent Max Mulready. Your kids might want to hear it, too. Worried that you don’t know what a podcast is? Do’t worry! Just click on the link, and turn up the speakers on your computer. In just a second, you’ll hear Max’s voice pointing you to a few cool things to do with the family this week. Listen here: http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids02.16.07.mp3. If you have an iPod or MP3 player, click here to subscribe to future podcasts: iTunes or other.

Why Cleveland is Cool for Kids, Part One
Part One of a 4-part series
The Arts are smART

Max Mulready often reports on cool events for kids in Cleveland. Just about every week, in fact. But, have you ever really pondered what makes Cleveland a cool place to have kids, raise kids, visit with kids, or just be a kid?”’ In fall 2005, Cleveland ranked as the number one “Most Livable City” in the U.S. and 26th in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a leading international research and analysis firm. Northeast Ohio’s negative aspects—loss of jobs, loss of population, poor city schools—often obscure the (now proven) fact that our community is rich with a variety of family-friendly gems and resources, making it indeed a cool place for kids. Whether you are born and bred here, raising your kids, or just stopping in for a visit with friends or family, here are some hot spots of what makes Cleveland cool…
Read the CC KIDS Commentary from contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford here

Children’s Technology Wksp grades 2-8, opens in Feb: create animations, mini-movies, computer games Register
Urinetown auditions on 2/27-3/1 for ages 16+ at Near West Theatre, group audition, no prepared material Info
Claymation classes for K-3, plus printmaking for grades 4-6 @ Solon Center for Arts Register
Slightly Askew lands in Birdtown with 25 students on 2/17-19 with cell phone cameras, funky hats & tape recorders to create art & connect with neighborhoods. Register: LynnetteGuttmann@aol.com

A Cle school w/99% grad rate? Got your attention? It’s not a new thing. It’s the Cleveland School of the Arts, a non-profit with a mission “to create an environment that empowers children with the opportunity to achieve excellence through an arts education.” Everyone knows arts ed equates to brain power; to that end, Exec Dir Christine Bluso thrills at CSA students’ passion for the school. CSA graduation rate (nearly 99%) and CSA student college enrollment (over 80%) reflects that. “They come in singing, dancing and performing in the hallways… they are always thrilled to be here and that makes all of us involved with the school even more passionate about what we do, not to mention very happy,” Bluso says. Next week, CSA and Cle Hts jazz club Nighttown bring in renowned jazz artist Ramsey Lewis for the 25th anniversary of the Friends of the CSA benefit. It’s an intimate op to see a nationally-acclaimed artist up close and personal — performing with the CSA students — and for people to learn about the school and support its goal of becoming a premier national school in a premier district as well. “Children are our future in Cleveland,” says Bluso. “And moving beyond the issues we have with poverty and economic development depends on how we support our children and help them grow. At the CSA, they really become a part of a community.” Read more about Ramsey Lewis’ performance in Kelly Ferjutz’s CC Preview further down the page. http://www.clevelandschoolofthearts.org.

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Museum Art Classes: Kids! Create Your Own Masterpieces! Sign up now for studio art classes for kids/teens Saturdays, 3/10 – 4/21 from 10 – 11:30AM or 1 – 2:30PM. Advance registration required. These six-week programs are taught by artists who design unique lessons highlighting the permanent collection. Classes include Art for Parent and Child (age 3); Mini-Masters (ages 4-5); Museum Zoo (ages 5-6); Art Stories (ages 6-7); Monet and More (ages 8-10); Art Adventures (ages 10-12); Draw It! (13-17); and Claymation for Teens (13-17). Most Classes are $72; CMA members $60. Parent and Child is $85, CMA members $72. Claymation has additional pricing. Register by calling the Ticket Center at 216-421-7350. For more info: 216-707-2181 or http://www.clevelandart.org/educef/returns/html/8231027.shtml. CMA is a Cool Cleveland Kids partner.
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CC KIDS Survivor Ready for a daring family adventure? Could you touch a 12-foot python? Or hold a Hissing Cockroach in your hand? Test your courage and see who will the Survivors of this Family Fun Night on Fri 2/16 at 6PM. Pizza and hot dogs will be served. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd, Bay Village. http://www.lensc.org.

CC KIDS Beethoven Lives Upstairs is a Symphony Concert performed by The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall on Sat 2/17 at 11AM and 1:30PM. Enjoy more than 25 excerpts of Beethoven’s best-known compositions, as well as no-cost interactive pre-concert activities including hands-on crafts and a petting zoo. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

CC KIDS NASA’s New Spaceship Hear the latest about NASA’s new Constellation Program on Sat 2/17 as well as NASA Glenn’s role in the agency’s plan to revisit the moon. http://www.glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.

CC KIDS Singer/Composer Randy Newman joins The University of Akron School of Music for Silver Screen Sunday concert Sun 2/18 at 3PM. The Oscar winner has provided quirky songs for many feature films including A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Parenthood and, of course, Toy Story. He’s up for another Oscar for his work on Pixar’s Cars soundtrack. The concert is a finale of Newman’s U of A campus residency. E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. http://www.ticketmaster.com.

CC KIDS We’re Opening Doors is the 9th Annual Fundraiser for Near West Theatre, featuring a spectacular cast and crew of 85 children on Sun 2/18 at 5PM. Showcases participants from this year’s NWT productions. Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square Center. http://www.nearwesttheatre.org.

15-60-75: Counting the Numbers Band

When I was in college, one could hide in a booth at Ray’s Place in Kent and blend into the darkness while sipping a good, inexpensive draft beer. But if we wanted to see The Numbers Band, whose real name is 15-60-75, we had to go to JB’s down the road. We tried to hear the lyrics and see band members Robert and Jack Kidney, Gerald Casale (who formed Devo), drummer David Robinson, and Michael Stacey above the chatter and through the smoke.

We stood towards the middle of the club, watching the bass player’s fingers expertly pick out the notes that spoke of the Deep South, the cradle of blues. The rocking blues sound of the Numbers Band got us dancing and was the background for people connecting.

Read the comment by Claudia J. Taller here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

AG Marc Dann wants to enforce laws on the book re: predatory lending according to As Ohio Goes
Transplanted New Yorkers want out of their leases so they can move to the suburbs notes clevelandada.
“Stealth Marketing” is deceit explains Matt Dickman.
Support an independent bookseller by visiting Mac’s Backs on Valentine’s Day to hear local poets reading including Steve Goldberg.
Giant windmills are safe for birds share Nortech’s Chris Varley.
The Voices & Choices blog relaunches, with Chris Thomas at the helm.
Protecting urban gardens is something the Cleveland City Council must do.

Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian comments on CMA/CVB goal of attracting LGBTs and other “creative class” folks to the North Coast, offers congrats to Angelin Chang and hits other news of the week. It’s more fun than should be allowed… chocolate marzipan for the holidays! When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Oval Opus
Oval Opus
ON-Entertainment/Bikiniwax Productions

When I first stumbled onto Oval Opus a few years back, I thought they were a Cleveland band. It was an easy mistake to make: they had been here in town 3 or 4 times in a month, materializing out of nowhere, and gigging their well-rehearsed pop-rock sensibilities like gangbusters. Some investigation revealed the band emerged from a house party on Miami’s campus in Oxford, that the band actually calls Cincinnati home and that they’re one of the most hard-working and successful independent touring acts in the state.

Charming and disarmingly honest songcraft rooted in classic rock, Aaron Patrick (vocals), Josh Edmondson (guitar), Pat “Trick” Martin (bass) and Brian Kelley (drums) do have a penchant for college rock derivation. Just the same, they are a hot live act that has shared the stage with everyone from Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, to Sister Hazel, Guster and O.A.R. and they’ve had success on their own terms (similar to Columbus power trio Watershed) as well…

Read the review by Peter Chakerian here

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland? We’d love to hear your commentary, op-ed pieces, reviews, previews, or just about the things you love about Northeast Ohio. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Red {an orchestra} and Jonathan Sheffer conjure Zappa magic

The myriad mysteries of Frank Zappa may never be completely unveiled — enigmas seldom are. But every now and then, one of the compartments of an extremely complex subject may be opened for examination. In this case, it’s the story of how a contemporary, classically-oriented chamber orchestra programs both the music that influenced Zappa and his own music—in an equally mysterious blending of musical genres.

Red {an orchestra} is in its fifth year of existence in Cleveland, under the leadership of its founding conductor and artistic director, Jonathan Sheffer, who is also a composer. The group has won accolades and increasing audiences for its innovative programming. Mixing old and new or audio and visual elements on the same program has become a staple item for the musicians – and audiences.

It seemed a natural match then, when Warren Zanes, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Vice President for Education, suggested to Sheffer that he devise a program of or about Frank Zappa and his music, in a co-presentation with the Rock Hall.

“Jonathan is such a beautiful iconoclast,” said Zanes. “He’s really adept at breaking apart conventional music and putting it together again — but differently.” And of course, those words could just as easily describe Frank Zappa.

“Cleveland is a town with a strong history of music, beginning with the Cleveland Orchestra,” Zanes continues. “It’s important to remember that, while not ignoring the avant garde. Jonathan and Red did such an inventive ‘new’Amahl last season, it seemed like Red and Zappa would make a perfect collaboration.”

“Frank Zappa, of course, was also a true iconoclast. An original,” Zanes adds with a laugh. “If you put up a boundary, he’d cross it. He was special.”

It’s well known to rockers and fans alike that Frank Zappa was greatly influenced by classical music composers, especially those considered avant garde themselves: Edgar Varèse, Anton Webern, Igor Stravinsky, John Cage and others. It was a recording of the music of Varèse that first got Zappa hooked on classics, at the age of 15. The younger man listened and listened, learning all the while, until eventually he could begin to produce sounds like those he most enjoyed hearing. He didn’t much care if anyone else enjoyed hearing them, but if they did—great!

Sheffer notes, “Frank Zappa didn’t write hit songs, he played and wrote rock and roll to support himself and his family. His passion was for avant garde orchestral music. He wrote large pieces, but the four Red will be doing are smaller scale, and I think they give a good sense of his range and musical thoughts. They were conceived for orchestra, with his own original approach to music.”

The four pieces by Zappa, which comprise the second half of the concert are: Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat; Be-Bop Tango; Naval Aviation in Art?and G-Spot Tornado. The first half will feature Integrales by Edgard Varèse; the Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments of Igor Stravinsky and Anton Webern’s Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10. Spencer Myer will be the piano soloist in the Stravinsky, and several young musicians from the Cleveland Wind Symphony will also participate. “This is a great way for us to tie in to young people, partly because Zappa was just a teenager when he discovered Varèse,” says Sheffer.

Red {an orchestra} is passionate about trying to reach a different audience, and a great place to start is with the audience of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Sheffer adds “We don’t just do lip service to this, it’s a great part of who we are. Zappa’s music is difficult to play and difficult to listen to, although in Europe he has a much wider acceptance and audience base. He saw no barriers in music. Rather, he saw the continuum from European Art Music to rock and roll.”

Frank Zappa incorporated his enthusiasm for classical music into his rock creations, using the orchestra in a new and creative fashion. He found other musicians who felt the same way, and brought them into the band as well. “He had a reverence for what an orchestra could do and had done in the past, and utilized this, but in a new way,” as Zanes says. “He turned everything over, injected humor, or turned it on its head, and made it his own, but still the respect for tradition was there. Above all, Zappa loved to talk about music. Nothing was sacred, nothing was forbidden. He was just beautifully irreverent.”

Continues Sheffer: “Only one artist straddled classical and rock and roll, and that was Frank Zappa. He had the ability and the desire to write music that was really in the world of 20th century avant garde music that had nothing to do with rock and roll. He laid equal claim to these worlds.”

And here’s another Cleveland connection: Pierre Boulez, founder of IRCAM and Ensemble Intercontemporain, was principal guest conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, from 1969 until 1972. In 1984, the noted composer/conductor/new music expert turned out an album of Zappa’s music, titled Boulez Conducts Zappa/The Perfect Stranger (Rykodisc).

If you check out a discography of Frank Zappa (as performer or composer), you’ll find several non-rock names in there. For instance, in 1983, there were two disks issued that featured the London Symphony Orchestra. (Vol. 1 Barking and Rykodisc). Vol. 2 Barking (also with the LSO) came along in 1987. In the meantime, (1986) Zappa won a Grammy for Jazz From Hell, an album of all instrumentals, largely programmed on a Synclavier, Zappa’s favorite ‘toy’. The award was for Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group Or Soloist).

Zappa was considered a serious composer in other areas as well. Along with Karlheinz Stockhausen and John Cage, he was honored at the 1992 New Music Festival in Frankfurt. The Yellow Shark an album of Ensemble Modern’s performances of Zappa’s music at that festival, was released a few years later.

Another unexpected event occurred in 1983, when Frank Zappa conducted the Edgar Varèse Memorial Concert in San Francisco to mark the late composer’s centenary birthday. He’d come a long way since his first recording Freak Out! was issued in 1966.

Sheffer says, “Frank Zappa was incredibly curious about music. He had a unique set of ears, listening to fusion jazz, rock and roll and classical music. He enjoyed taking it apart and putting it back together again. People limit themselves and their listening. Of course, we all have likes and dislikes, but it’s important to recognize the commonality between all these different extremes. Red’s basic premise is ‘It’s all good. Come and enjoy!’”

So, what it all comes down to is this: Frank Zappa’s ears heard most things differently than your ears do—or mine. But that doesn’t mean that we all shouldn’t be able to at least listen.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Ramsey Lewis & Cleveland School of the Arts

Did you see the full-page ad in the daily paper? – This is how you make a school district premier! The first example of this excellence in Cleveland City Schools (and no, that is NOT an oxymoron!) is the Cleveland School of the Arts. CSA’s Ohio Graduation Test scores are: 98.9% in reading, 96.6% in math and 76.4% in science. The attendance record for CSA students is off the charts, as is their level of enthusiasm for going to school. Furthermore, 90% of the CSA grads go on to college.

To help keep this level of excellence going, and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the school, the Friends of CSA is sponsoring a truly jazzy benefit on Saturday, February 24, 2007. It’s just across the street at the newly-renovated John Hay High School (2076 Stokes Blvd.) beginning at 5:30. Students from the various departments will participate, with performances by the CSA Orchestra, Dance Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Theater, including excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, and the musical Once on this Island. There will also be visual arts and photography exhibits as well as student poetry readings and performances.

At 7:30, the main event: Grammy award-winning jazz pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis will demonstrate his wide ranging talents with his Trio, and conclude with a special finale featuring CSA students.

Following the performance, an open bar, dinner, and reception with Ramsey Lewis will be held at Nighttown, just up the hill from the school. There are several levels of support or sponsorship available, including corporate.

General Admission tickets, Reserved Seating and Silver Circle donors tickets (quantities limited) are available. Silver Circle ticketholders will receive premiere seating during the concert, open bar, dinner, and reception with Ramsey Lewis at Nighttown following the performance.

For more information about tickets, donations, and corporate sponsorship, please contact Diana Greenberg at 233-7033 or DianaBethPR@aol.com. More information about the school is at http://www.clevelandschoolofthearts.org

Or, if you’d like to see the theater department in action, here’s your ticket: Once On This Island, a musical version of the “Little Mermaid” (sort of) will be presented twice that same weekend at the The Westfield Insurance Studio Theater, inside the Idea Center in Playhouse Square, at 1375 Euclid Avenue. Show times are Friday, February 23 at 7pm, and Saturday, February 24 at 1pm. Tickets will be available at the door.

Three of Cleveland’s very best theater professionals are in charge of this production: Nina Domingue directs; Brad Weiner is musical director and choreography is by Kenya Woods. After these two public performances, the show will tour to several Cleveland schools where approximately 2500 Cleveland students will have the chance to see their peers in action.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

Carnafolia
Brazilian Carnival 2007

While Brazil goes nuts with Carnival, Clevelanders can celebrate with the best of them, without even leaving town. Once again, Tropical Rhythms is hosting Carnafolia on Sat 2/17 at The View Nightclub, 618 Prospect in the East 4th. Street District, starting at 9PM and partying until a dizzying 4AM. Among the highlights this year is the high energy Samba & Axe sounds of Magia Tropical, with a female singer who has been compared to Daniela Mercury. To keep the dance floor pumping, three (!) sets of DJs will rock the house: Brazilian Sidney Balda from Columbus, Brazilain Carla from Pittsburgh, and area DJs Go & Impure, betraying their Brazilian soul. You’ll hear Pagode, Marchinha, Forro spilling from the speakers. Why does everyone wear a costume? Ladies in costume with headpieces get comped, and anyone is eligible to win the group & individual costume contests. Drink specials featuring the national drink Caipirinha, and a Samba dance contest will keep it interesting. Do something different this Carnival. 280-0407 http://www.TropicalCleveland.com

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

Chuchito Valdes Quartet @ Nighttown 2/6 Chuchito Valdes is by far the best artist I’ve ever seen at Nighttown, and let’s face it, everything at NT is good! If you dig burning Afro-Cuban jazz with a bongo beat, rhythmic intensity, and a fluid, yet pulsating piano, then make sure you catch Valdes next time he’s in town. He is a magnificent, dynamic pianist who plays with such passion and rugged abandon that — what seems like random slams on the keyboard — builds to crescendos that light up the house again and again. Special note: If you’re going to Nighttown any time soon, order the “Dublin Lawyer” for dinner. It’s a seafood dish just this side of Heaven. From Cool Cleveland contributor T.L. Champion

Cuttin’ Up @ Cleveland Play House 2/7 If black women find their crowns in their churches, the it’s only reasonable that black men should have their own place of congregation: the barbershop. Both entities are credited with being of special importance to the community, not least as a source of truth and communication.

For a white female observer, the visit to Howard’s Barber Shop provided a fascinating look at a somewhat unfamiliar culture. Although generally enjoyable, it might be improved some by a few judicial trims here and there. It’s a busy shop, to be sure, but it’s hard to assimilate so many new folks in such a short time. Fewer characters who are more memorable might make a better and more lasting impression on the visitor.

That’s my only real quibble with this new play Cuttin’ Up that is currently at the Cleveland Play House. The generational contrast between the three main characters is a brilliant means of showing the progress made by our society in the last fifty years. Unhappily, it also demonstrates how much more progress needs to be made in far less time.

The owner, Howard, has labored as a barber for more than 50 years and proudly nudged his sons into higher education and career goals. Andre is fast approaching middle-age and having been at Howard’s longer than he’s ever been any other place, is beginning to think about moving on, but with no definite goal or destination in mind. Rudy is totally today’s young man in dress and behavior, but not without smarts even when he doesn’t feel the need to use them.

Around these three revolve the community, expressively played by four men and one women, in unbelievably fast—and continuous—costume and hair changes. At times it seemed as though the character exited stage left in one persona only to almost immediately appear stage right as someone entirely different! The dresser, Tim Corrigan, and wig assistants, Amanda Duffy, Kirsten Roberts and Julie Simon, definitely deserve all the kudos there are for their sterling efforts. (I suspect Caitie Martin is in that category, as well.)

Harvy Blanks and Bill Grimmette square off at each other in several truly hilarious mini-squabbles as rival pastors. Grimmette is also Don King, and one of them is Vernon Winfrey. Maceo Oliver excels in a wide variety of mostly ordinary neighborhood guys, including the policeman, and in one out-of-sequence bit, a gay man in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS crisis. Jacques C. Smith is both the maybe-borderline scrounge and Howard’s oldest son, now a lawyer. Iona Morris portrays every woman in the city, of every age and disposition, with consummate ease.

Craig Marberry’s book of the same name was the inspiration to playwright Charles Randolph-Wright for this script. Director Israel Hicks kept the action moving right along, but perhaps not all of the content was really necessary. As Howard says at one point “Words mean things” and indeed they do. Too many words, however, can blur the main image. As a country, we do not want to forget the story of Emmet Till and what we can learn from it, but it seemed extraneous here, as did the vignette featuring Oprah’s daddy.

This presentation, co-produced with the famed Pasadena Playhouse of California, is keyed to local events. “How can they be fixing every street in Cleveland at the same time?” is a question asked by many of us. And considering that the story of the astronauts had only appeared a day or so before opening night, the script is also very current. One wonders how these will play out in another time and location.

The set by Michael Carnahan is a realistic marvel; walk down the street and look into any barbershop, and there you are! Lighting by Phil Monat and sound by James C. Swonger are both evocative and utilitarian. It’s a neat touch to have little lights around the mirrors in various scenes, illustrating the passage of time. David Kay Mickelsen must have worked lots of overtime hours conjuring up all those costumes, but the final scene with the men in matching suits (and Ms. Morris in a dandy beaded black gown) was worth every second.

Cuttin’ Up continues through February 25. For tickets or other information, call 795-7000 or visit their website http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelpha.net

Lost Highway @ Oberlin College 2/8

Sitting in the front row, just over the shoulder of Conductor Tim Weiss, an Asst. Prof of Conducting at Oberlin College, as he lead the crack Oberlin Conservatory Contemporary Music Ensemble through the US Premiere of Lost Highway was extremely unsettling. The stage and stylized actors tilted dramatically towards the pit, a massive see-through mesh at the front lip of the stage became an obscurant video screen, and because the multi-channel sound system was sited throughout Finney Chapel, I realized that much of the audio action was actually happening behind me. So I was as off-balance as anyone that composer Olga Neuwirth, in attendance for the event, could possibly have wanted to disturb. The episodic plot was suffused with fear and mystery, but precious little emotional depth, with multiple video veneers, above the bed, over the doorway, on the TV, on the stage floor, peeled away like an onion without stopping. While avoiding a song, or a dance for viewers to relate to, Neuwirth’s sheer sheets of sound, punctuated by accented rhythms, apocalyptic crescendos, and polyphonic stuttering, perpetuated by a full orchestra, accordion, and an attic full of percussion, every bit of it processed and flung to Finney’s rafters, threw everything off-kilter for this video Noir opera, based on the film and screenplay by David Lynch and writer Barrry Gifford, affably signing his new book before the show. Whassit all mean? The sole woman, Alice Teyssier in a standout role as both Renee and Alice, gets the men to do her bidding, and Raphael Sacks, as Mr. Eddy and Dick Laurent gets his in the end. And elsewhere. The whole production, including projectors, scrims and Oberlin cast & musicians, heads to the Miller Theatre on the Columbia campus in NYC on 2/23-24. One lucky Cool Cleveland party attendee won a weekend for 2 to NYC to see it there. Wear your seatbelts. Photos here.

Lost Highway @ Oberlin 2/8
Spooky-cool: How cool is this: a David Lynch movie transformed into a stage opera where electronic recordings merge with a live orchestra tearing into Olga Neuwirth’s harsh score — think Bernard Herrmann movie music (Psycho) attacked with a chainsaw then stitched back together like Frankenstein’s monster, eerie but compelling. Add haunting video images by Barry Steele projected atop the actors on a huge scrim, so that live actors walk into their own video ghosts. Then take a couple of amazing performers — Raphael Sacks’s gangster “Mr. Eddy” kicking the crap out of somebody while he rant/sings a “No Smoking” riff, and Chad Grossman’s eerie countertenor Mystery Man in white mime mask — and mix with a solid cast and a freaky nightmare-noir plot.
What it’s not: This ain’t “La Boheme”, baby. If you think opera is about pretty melodies and wooden spearcarriers, look elsewhere for your museum-piece tried-and-trues. But the effects were spectacular, and it was a rockin’ US premiere of a dramatic if quirky piece. That equals a big success for the Oberlin College Conservatory and its risk-taking stage director, Jonathon Field.
Details: Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, http://www.oberlin.edu
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Hewitt & Cleveland Orchestra @ Severance Hall 2/8 Seldom does one leave Severance Hall after a concert by the Cleveland Orchestra thinking, ‘what was that anyway?’ Of course, nothing can be perfect every time out, but it’s rare for our local group to less than exciting and enthralling. In all honesty, I have to admit that I don’t know if guest conductor Philippe Jordan didn’t know exactly what to communicate to the musicians, or if, in spite of his rather pronounced body English, the effort to communicate just simply failed. Whatever, it was generally a lack-luster evening. Strange.

There was one glorious exception, however. Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt made her Severance Hall debut in Ravel’s G-major Piano Concerto, and it was splendid! Her sparkly, shimmering red dress brought a degree of warmth in contrast to the extremely cold weather outdoors. She is an elegant performer, and the word ‘panaché’ came immediately to my mind while watching her.

The rather introspective middle movement was especially gorgeous with long, lovely and languid lines from the piano. Ms. Hewitt executed a long, nearly imperceptible crescendo with nary a deviation in the rhythm of it all. Lisa Wellbaum added a gorgeous harp solo to the first movement, accompanied by principal horn Richard King’s solo up there in the stratosphere! Very impressive. The finale-Presto-was once more cheeky, jaunty, jazzy Ravel.

The other French work on the program did well, but was not up to the standards of the Ravel. Gabriel Fauré produced the incidental music to Maurice Maeterlinck’s Pelléas et Mélisande in an extremely short time (just over a month) after several more prominent composers turned down the commission. Just four of the nineteen pieces still live, having been made into a suite by the composer. Two of the movements are very familiar to Clevelanders because of their use on radio station WCLV. The impressionistic Sicilienne again featured ethereal harp sounds from Lisa Wellbaum, and flutist Marisela Sager.

Two works by Robert Schumann, the Overture to Byron’s Manfred and his Symphony No. 1, opus 38, known as the Spring Symphony filled out the program. Perhaps this Spring was unduly influenced by Punxatawny Phil last week, and thus decided to stay in hibernation for another while. I heard every note of both works, but just wasn’t very impressed by any of them.

This week, famed conductor Nicholas McGegan makes his Cleveland Orchestra debut in compositions of Vivaldi, Handel and J. S. Bach. For tickets or other information about the concerts, call the Cleveland Orchestra ticket office at 216-231-1111, or visit the web-site: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswrtierATadelphia.net

Big [Box]: Fault Lines @ CPT 2/9
Wicked good collaboration: Big [Box] this year has been all about artists making magic together. Double-Edge Dance’s multimedia performance was most memorable in how their brainy-strange core artists put together new music, dance, video, and fiber art. Rebecca Cross’s shape-shifting fabric in Crevasse made spooky transformations from huge cocoon to mountain to unearthy figures to ghostly veils. Claudia Esslinger’s Warhol-slow video Skree, of a sleeping woman’s face cupped by a demon’s hand, was haunting. And dancer/choreographers Julie Brodie and Kora Radella’s “I dare you” pas de deux of intimacy and retreat in Reverse Fault was made even better by composer Ross Feller’s bass, sax, and water sounds.
Backstory: Per our 21st century economy, think of academia as arts patron — most of the core company members are faculty at Kenyon, Oberlin, or Kent State.
Details: Cleveland Public Theatre, http://www.cptonline.org. Big [Box] concludes 2/16-18 with the controversial My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Rain @ State Theatre 2/9 Aficionados of Beatle bands, and a couple thousand were on hand in Cle last weekend, will notice that Rain’s Paul is right-handed, a problem temporarily addressed by reversing the large-screen live video shots during their performance. One can quibble: why an off-stage synthesizer when bands like the Fab Faux use live strings and horns to superb effect, although McCartney’s own recent stage show also uses synth. And maybe the reason our media tix were in the back half of the theatre is so everything is a little more believable. But where Rain really shines is in their stage show, simply unparalleled among their peers, with era-evoking video clips of actual 1960’s commercials and cutaways, a well-paced show, and professional presentation. The fake Ed Sullivan, and psychedelic processed imagery, combined with superb costumes, audience sing-alongs, and an inventive set list (Across The Universe, Mother Nature’s Son, Imagine) combined for one of the most satisfying Beatlesque experiences. John used to say, “You had to be there…” Rain fans would disagreee. http://www.RainTribute.com

The Price @ Ensemble 2/10
Hot!: Reuben Silver gives the performance of a lifetime as the wily, wise, hilarious used furniture dealer Solomon who presides over the struggle of two estranged brothers to dispose of their father’s legacy. Miller’s play is an underrated masterpiece, and you’ll never see a better production. Charles Kartali radiates decades of swallowed resentment as the sacrificing brother — watch his suspicious cop face soften from revelations, then harden — Joel Hammer his cool foil as the successful doctor, with Maryann Elder the anxious wife caught in the middle. Director Dorothy Silver makes a small miracle: a production where 16 years of unspoken recriminations and secrets come to a head yet are underplayed to perfection rather than shouted. Bravo!
Backstory: This gem is a perfect example of why Ensemble has been the “go-to” place for theater insiders to see classic American plays. It seems impossible, but this is Dorothy Silver’s first directing gig there, after years of her and Reuben gracing their stage.
Details: Thru 2/26. Brooks Theatre at the Cleveland Play House. http://www.ensemble-theatre.com
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

A Taste for Change @ Cleveland Botanical Garden 2/10 Food, glorious food. That was the main course Saturday at the all-day food symposium, “A Taste for Change: Sustainable Food Choices,” which was held at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. For the past 50 years, food has undergone a tremendous change in our society, particularly with the onset of fast food and industrialized food. Using research and statistics, knowledgeable speakers warned against processed, refined, chemical-laden food that has limited nutritional value. Most of us make the best food choices we can at the time based on cost and convenience, but we suffer the results: obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Huge corporations now have control over growing food — the packaging, distribution, advertising and sales, and food-related legislation. The 130-member audience, hungry for honest answers, asked the speakers what can we do? “Choose real food” was the answer. Rebuild lost connections with the healthy world, grow your own vegetables and buy from local farmers. You and your families will feel better. The Shaker Nature Center co-sponsored this education event. From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net


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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 Roldo (See Bikes Get More Attention Than People here) I always enjoy Roldo Bartimole, NE Ohio’s second favorite curmudgeon, and value his analysis, but he’s way off base regarding bicycling and Mayor Jackson’s budget. I guess cyclists should be flattered by his thought that we have tremendous clout, but the fact is cycling infrastructure investment, lanes, paths and the like, badly trail other transportation spending, disadvantaging NE Ohio residents. Nationally, bicycles account for 10% of all trips, but only 1% of federal funding. Modest increases in cycling offer tremendous community benefits: Riding Your Bike For Health: A sedentary lifestyle is a factor in 10% of total deaths and 25% of chronic disease related deaths. Modest riding and exercise, as little as three hours of bicycling per week, can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%, reduce health care costs and help address the rising problem of childhood obesity. Cycling is also linked to improved air quality, which is poor in urban areas and linked to increases in asthma and other illnesses, particularly among children. Cut Car Costs To Help the Household Budget: For most Americans, transportation expenses are second only to housing. We spend 19% of our income on transportation, with some households spending 50% or more. AAA estimates a 50-mile round-trip commute costs more than $7,750 a year, while a short 10-mile commute costs more than $1,500 annually (with parking, add another $1,250). In America’s poorest city, 25% of Cleveland residents do not drive (with more two working adult households sharing one car). Investing in cycling helps the non-driving public. Cycling Can Match Today’s Daily Routine: About ½ of metrotrips are less than 3 miles, over ¼ are less than 1 mile, and half of Americans work within five miles of home. These distances are easily traveled by bicycle, yet 82% of trips of five miles or less are made by personal motor vehicle. Protecting National Security with Energy Security: Dependence on foreign oil and energy efficiency are critical issues, yet cars and commuters waste fifty hours a year in rush hour traffic, costing billions of dollars year in lost productivity and wasted fuel. Americans want to bicycle more and drive less, yet transportation officials have not translated the public goals to public facilities. Adding to the cycling infrastructure encourages the cycling activity, generating the desired health, transportation and environmental benefits. That’s building a city for the future. The Mayor deserves a lot of credit. Be your own renewable energy. http://www.ClevelandBikes.org. When Cleveland Bikes, Cleveland Benefits!
from Cool Cleveland reader Kevin Cronin kevin.cronin.ohioATgmail.com

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Michael Symon’s Kitchen The master chef of Lola/Lolita warms up winter with One Pot Meals.
http://www.LolaBistro.com

2) Emissions from the Blogosphere The Town Fryer is closing and Jeff shares pictures of his last visit.
http://darthvadermeditations.blogspot.com

3) Interview Peter Chakerian interviews Oberlin Grad and alt-fuels champion Sam Merrett of Full Circle Fuels.
www.CoolCleveland.com

4) Bang & Clatter to launch in Cle Akron-based theatre to open 150-seat venue in former May Co. Euclid storefront.
http://www.BnCTheatre.com

5) James Levin wins Governor’s Award for his vision of using art to transform neighborhoods and change lives.
http://www.oac.state.oh.us

Be Frank Think for yourself. Question authority. Deviate from the norm. Progress is possible. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Claudia J. Taller, Kelly Ferjutz, Susan Schaul and Uncle Meat. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers 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. 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.

We’ll see you at the Red Zappa party on Friday,
–Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com

all contents ©2006 Cool Networks LLC all rights reserved

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