Exclusivity | CoolCleveland

8.30-9.06.06

Exclusivity

In this week’s issue:
* Cool Cleveland Interview Dan Porras of the Hispanic Business Association
* Signs of Life on Planet Cleveland The Emprorer’s New Clothes by David Budin
* Cool Cleveland Eats Grilled Cheese
* Cool Cleveland Sounds Jukebox Manifesto by Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds
* Cool Cleveland Preview The Wizard of Oz at Blossom
* Cool Cleveland Poem masumi and the lion by jeffrey bowen
* Cool Cleveland Kids podcast click here, CC podcast click here, CC Blog click here

The head spins and the mind boggles with the awesomeness that is Cleveland. Just look at what we’ve laid out for your scrolling and clicking pleasure this week: an exclusive video interview with impresario Mike Yates of Mike’s Barn, the semi-legendary (among Cleveland musicians) haven for some of the best music you’ll hear, in anticipation of his biggest, and maybe his last, barn blowout this weekend. Plus, an exclusive podcast interview with Silicon Valley guru Guy Kawasaki, ready to keynote an incredible series of upcoming tech events called TechSync. Throw in a review of the latest CD by the Whiskeyhounds, one of Cleveland’s finest original roots bands. Add to that an exclusive interview with Dan Porras of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio, and a meditation on grilled cheese in Cleveland, and you’ve got one heck of an exclusive e-mail. Happy clicking. Thomas Mulready

Access:Cleveland
Mike’s Barn
Blues barn impresario Michael Yates
Movies Behind the Scenes

Mysterious, quixotic Michael Yates has a thing for Hammond organs. He’s collected over 30 of them in a barn SW of Cleveland, and he likes to hear the best musicians in Cleveland play them. For years, Mike’s Barn has presented Sunday evening showcases of some of the region’s best talent (they’re too busy gigging on Fridays and Saturdays), while also featuring the occasional national guest artist like John Hammond or Buddy Miles. His lease is up, so this Sun 9/3, Mike closes down this chapter of the Mike’s Barn story with an all-star barnburner: The Broad Side of the Barn, featuring Cleveland divas Kristine Jackson, Ki Allen, Becky Boyd, Saam Ali, and others. Get details and get yourself out to see this last hurrah of a Cleveland legend at http://www.MikesBarn.com. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready visited the Barn last weekend, and in an exclusive interview, spoke on video with the elusive Mike, and caught some grooves laid down by Hammond B3 players Mark Leach & Dan Hewitt, bassist Curt Arnold, Scott Steznoff on piano, Ricki Muzic on drums, Ron Jackson on Fender Rhodes, and vocalists Ki Allen and Saam Ali. Watch the video and we’ll see you at the Barn.

WATCH THE MOVIE Mike’s Barn impresario Michael Yates (PC) (Mac)

Tech:Cleveland
Guy Kawasaki
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Is Cleveland Ready?

Silicon Valley guru Guy Kawasaki was Apple Computer’s first evangelist, back when personal computers were nowhere near as ubiquitous as they have become. We spoke with this Silicon Valley venture capitalist, as he prepares to make the trip to Cleveland to keynote TechSync with an appearance at the State Theatre at 6:30PM on Wed 9/6. Stop by early for the technology showcase at 5PM. Brought to you by the Red Room Revolution. Register for his talk here. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready discusses with Kawasaki the art of the start, the relative merits of failure, and why he hates mission statements. Listen to the podcast, exclusively on Cool Cleveland.

LISTEN Garage Ventures CEO Guy Kawasaki http://www.CoolCleveland.com/files/audio/GuyKawasaki.mp3

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How to Kick Butt in Silicon Valley, Cleveland, or anywhere else is the flavor of the topic keynote speaker, Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley titan, Apple fellow, and columnist for Forbes.com, will touch on. His subject: Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Is Greater Cleveland Ready? will be a thought-provoking and controversial speech to kick-off TechSync, a week of technology excellence in Cleve. Kawasaki is brought to you by the Beta Strategies Group, www.BetaGroup.us. See Kawasaki on Wed 9/6 at 6:30PM on the stage of the State Theater, Playhouse Square. Even better, come to the Technology Showcase at 5PM. Seating is limited! Register today for Kawasaki (only $40!) at www.RedRoomRevolution.com. TechSync is an orchestration of community efforts demonstrating technology synergies. It runs Wed 9/6 – Fri 9/15. The Beta Strategy Group is a founding sponsor of Cool Cleveland Tech.
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Cool Cleveland Tech

: An easy-to-read round-up of hot tech news & events from the region and beyond. This week, Flashline sells out, the fringe becomes the center, and talk of Key and NCB merging. Send your business news and events to: EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com

TechNews

Flashline sold Cleveland software company sold to BEA Systems of San Jose, CA More. More.
Key & NCB to merge? An analyst thinks it makes sense.
WomenRockCleveland.com Women’s Final Four (here in 04/07) site by Cleveland’s IdeaStar
Cleveland’s digital claim to fame We are now the belle of the digital ball. More.
Today’s Fringe, Tomorrow’s Wisdom Westlake-based http://www.Orgnet.com sees the future with its social networking software. Business Week.

TechEvents

Influencing How to communicate change, IABC Thu 8/31 11:30AM Register
Local Tech Summit Showcasing Cleve tech w/student groups to build collaboration. Wed 9/6 5PM State Theatre
Get Connected! Greater Akron Chamber 9/6 5:30PM Register
The Art of Exporting How to sell to China, Latin America & beyond 9/8 8:30AM Register
Global Tech Summit Major tech health care companies confab in private event on 9/12-14 at Case, hosted by TeamNEO
Case for Community Day With major announcement by OneCommunity to Wi-Fi the 5 sq. mi around Case, on Wed 9/13 More
The CEO Forum Cle Tech Czar invites 350 tech CEOs to The Q on 9/14
Playhouse Square Discovery Tour celebrating hi-tech tenants at the new ideacenter on Fri 9/15 at 5:30PM Register

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Revitalize Your Weekend with an Historic Event in the Making Your opinions are welcome! Forget paying the bills and trying to find a good movie to watch. Your “to do” list for Sat 9/16 should include the final Voices & Choices Regional Town Meeting at the University of Akron. Register now to help set the agenda for Northeast Ohio’s future! Your opinions will influence decision making in the way of school funding, job creation, racial equity and sprawl in your community. Space is limited! Make reservations now by registering at www.voiceschoices.org or call 800-929-2319.
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Cool Cleveland NewsLINKS

ODOT responds, sorta While not actually addressing the massive traffic concerns raised by CSU Prof. Tom Bier’s op-ed (See Earth to ODOT here), Ohio Department of Transportation Project Director Craig Hebebrand responds point-by-point with his justification of ODOT’s plan to reduce to two the number of Innerbelt ramps. Not satisfied with ODOT’s consistent refusal to listen to public concerns? Let’s try this again: ODOT Project Director Craig Hebebrand Craig.Hebebrand@dot.state.oh.us, his boss ODOT director Gordon Proctor Gordon.Proctor@dot.state.oh.us, and his boss Governor Taft Governor.Taft@das.state.oh.us. Don’t forget to Cc: us: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Beacon Journal cuts staff by 25% Hard on the heels of the Plain Dealer’s decision to cut staffing to offset loss of revenue, the Akron Beacon Journal announces that it must layoff one-quarter of its newsroom. The reason? A sharp reduction in ad revenue. Read the story here. Will newspapers ever return to their former glory? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
To ensure you receive Cool Cleveland every week, take a moment now and add CoolCleveland@CoolCleveland.com to your address book, trusted sender list, or corporate white list.
Unsightly Lightspeed boxes in Lakewood With a little creative Photoshopping, Lakewood Observer editor Jim O’Bryan has identified the first of dozens of huge AT&T cable/Internet boxes that City Council fast-tracked, appearing on tree lawns throughout the city, obscuring station wagons and views of oncoming traffic. Funny! See story here. Your reaction? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland Podcast Cool things to do this week in Cleveland, at the click of a button. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolCleveland09.01.06.mp3. Add the CC Podcast to iTunes using this link. Don’t forget, you can subscribe to this podcast by saving this link in your favorite program that catches podcasts.
Art-business collaboration Atmosphere Gallery in Tremont teams with Office One Furniture and Services to supply original art work to corporate clients, complimenting the products and services offered by the Cleveland-based furniture dealer. Another brilliant collaboration. Got more great ideas for art/business collaborations? Hit us with your best shot at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
CSU christens new Rec Center Fast on the heels of the newly refurbished Fenn Tower, Cleveland State University has opened a brand-new 110K sf, $30 million Recreation Center, with b-ball, v-ball, r-ball, squash, weights, fitness & jogging track, plus a juice bar and lounge. More.

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You read about them every week in Cool Cleveland Northeast Ohio Bloggers. Every week, we link you to several of their entries in our Emmissions from the Blogosphere feature. Many of them have organized into Meet.The.Bloggers*, a grassroots citizen journalism startup that focuses on civic engagement. To fund their continued work, they’re holding a silent auction starting at 5:30PM on Thu 9/7 in Suite 105 of The Tower Press Building. Also featured are several of the area’s bloggers who are also poets reading their work: Steve Goldberg, Adam Harvey, Ken Duncan, and Anne Marie Jones. Included in that list is Michael DeAloia who is rumored to keep a sports blog. Along with art donated by bloggers and their friends, up for auction is 8-hours of social network weaving from coaches Valdis Krebs and Jack Ricchiuto. Visit MeetTheBloggers.net for details.
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Cool Cleveland NewsLINKS

Xan Underhill, Cleveland superstar She’s worked with everyone from Cleveland’s SAFMOD performance ensemble to Cirque du Soleil. Check the wild video by Derek Carney of Alexandra Underhill here.
Have you given blood yet? There is a critical blood shortage and local hospitals are not receiving the blood needed on a timely basis. Give the gift of life during the BlueBridge Networks blood drive on Thu 8/31 from 9AM to 2PM. Call 621-2584 for info. BlueBridge Networks, LLC, 1255 Euclid Avenue. http://www.givelife.org.
ClevelandBikes, an advocacy group promoting and improving cycling in the area, is working with the city of Cleveland to bring a bicycle station offering bike parking, retail and/or a maintenance shop to Downtown Cleveland. The group wants to convert the ground floor of a city owned parking lot at East 4th Street and Prospect Avenue. In the lead-up to securing an agreement with the city, the group is hiring an architect and looking at the costs. Learn more here. How would a bike station impact our city? Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
Cool Cleveland Kids The kids are back to school, but when they’re done, they wanna have some fun! So, take a hint from 10-year-old Cool Cleveland correspondent Max Mulready who has scoured the Internet looking for a few good events to recommend. Hear his short podcast here even if you don’t have special software. If you’re a whiz kid, you can download it to your iPod or your computer and listen with your own kid. Check below to see the events tagged CC KIDS under Cool Cleveland This Week for our recommendations for a fantastic family week. http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/audio/CoolClevelandKids09.01.06.mp3. Add the CC Kids Podcast to iTunes using this link. Adding this link to your program that catches podcasts, will keep you up-to-date on the latest audio.
GreenCityBlueLake Awards Each year, EcoCity Cleveland honors individuals and organizations working to improve the long-term quality of life in Northeast Ohio by balancing environmental quality, social justice, and economic prosperity. Check out this year’s winners here; then send your commments or armchair quarterback picks to Letters@CoolCleveland.com.
More Get Wild photos from Cool Cleveland’s party on 8/10 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, taken by Cool Cleveland volunteer extraordinaire Doug Morris. Check the blurred movement shots from Verb Ballets here. Did you shoot and post your own shots? Let us know: Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Emissions from the blogsphere Norm Roulet visits the Beck Center to find “a very expensive, expansive, high quality arts facility, as ugly as sin, on the skin, and poorly managed in obvious ways”. Bill Callahan blogs that the Bush Administration’s “efforts have significantly reduced the ability of Cleveland and other poor, big cities to pursue the kind of inner-city neighborhood development that all politicians, of every party, claim to love.” Jim Eastman wonders what being ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 7th Drinkingest City says about our region? Brian @ Cleveland Homeless posts his suggestions for lifting Cleveland’s #1 in poverty rating. Holly can’t “explain what it’s like to see a news camera focus in on your friend’s apartment window in the middle of the night, while the newscaster states that a woman has been shot there.” Her friend was Masumi Hayashi. Ted thinks Solon should be considered the new Parma. Check the Cool Cleveland weblog here, where Peter Chakerian offers up a sneak preview of an interview with former Clevelander Steven Kotler, comments on groceries on Amazon.com, CLE-GOP in ’08, casino gambling, a NASA/Cleveland Clinic partnership that kids might find fascinating, and he republishes one of Tim Russo’s greatest blog hits–his “Death of Journalism” salvo from last year. Nearly a year later, with PD and ABJ staff shrinkings looming, it’s just as relevant. When you’re through, add your own comments, questions and attitude. Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland This Week
8.30-9.06

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

THU

HOT PICK Author Michael Ruhlman The The Soul of a Chef author will share witty and engaging words of wisdom learned in the kitchens of some of the country’s most renowned chefs during Case Western Reserve University’s Fall Convocation – an event open to the public without cost – on Thu 8/31 at 4:30PM. Severance Hall. www.Case.edu.
Art School Confidential This indie flick made a splash at Sundance. You will meet ambitious art student Jerome on Thu 8/31 at 7PM, who dreams of being the greatest artist ever. This is a well-layered film noir comedy, which features John Malkovich in a side-splitting turn as an egocentric professor. Repeats on Sun 9/3 at 9:30PM. Cleveland Cinematheque. http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque
Hidden Images: Palestinians and Israelis: an Archaeology of the Unconscious View paintings by Austrian/Israeli artist Wolf Werdigier. In Hidden Images, Werdigier shares his creative exploration of the shared trauma of Israelis and Palestinians. His work was inspired by interviews and social dreaming workshops conducted with both Palestinians and Israelis. Attend a preview of the exhibition on Thu 8/31 from 5 – 7PM. Show runs through 9/23. Attend Social Dreaming Workshops on Fri 9/1 from 1 – 3PM and Sat 9/2 from 11AM – 1PM. Call 687-2103 to learn more. Cleveland State Art Gallery, 2307 Chester Avenue.
Ana Popovic Band This 29-year-old blues guitar sensation and W.C. Handy Award Winner plays like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. No joke. The sassy gal from Amsterdam has fretboard finesse that will bake your noodle. Check her out at Wilbert’s this Thu 8/31 at 8PM. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com .
Billy Coakley performance Billy Coakley is one of the area’s top drummers and one of the only drummers in the country to have opened for national acts with his solo drum performances. His 21-piece drum set takes 8 hours to set up but allows him to deliver an absolutely amazing and thoroughly unforgettable performance. Check him out during a no-cost performance that will feature family fun and complimentary food on Thu 8/31 from 7 – 10PM at the Metro Alliance Celebration Center at the corner of Bridge & West 48th Street. Call 263-6805.

Listing Tip of the Week Would you make Ed McMahon or Publisher’s Clearing House guess where you lived? We didn’t think so. Scoring a sold-out event with the help of Cool Cleveland can be pretty rewarding, too. But, it makes it a lot easier for people to find you if you tell us the physical location of your venue. Don’t worry. We’ll only tell 30,000 of our closest friends. So, be sure to include the venue and physical address with your listing. Get a laundry list of other items to include here by scrolling down to Hints. Events@CoolCleveland.com.

FRI

Corks in the Concourse The International Women’s Air & Space Museum is hosting a wine tasting event on Fri 9/1 from 6 – 10PM. This unique fundraising event includes wine tastings from Ohio wineries, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, air show performers and music by members of Red {an orchestra}. Participating wineries include Debonne Vineyards, Farinacci Winery, Ferrante Winery, Grand River Cellars, Heartland Vineyards, It’s Your Winery, Laurello Vineyards, South River Vineyards, and The Winery at Wolf Creek. Two women wing-walkers who form the team, Double Trouble, will be on hand to mingle with guests, along with other exciting air performers. Call 623-1111 or email info@iwasm.org for tickets. International Women’s Air & Space Museum, Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 North Marginal Road. Terminal Building. http://www.iwasm.org.
Let Freedom Ring: The Social Conscience of the American Musical Examine the role of the American Musical in addressing issues of intolerance, economic disparities, the environment and workers’ rights set to 75 years worth of remarkable words and music by George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harburg and other great songwriters. Witty, satirical, defiant and stirring. Catch the show on Fri 9/1 or Sat 9/2 at 8PM or Sun 9/3 at 3PM. The show runs each weekend through Sun 9/17. Call 529-9411 for tickets. Ensemble Theatre at the Cleveland Play House Brooks Theatre, 8500 Euclid Avenue. http://www.ClevelandPlayHouse.com.
HOT PICK Macedonian Music with Turli Tava Macedonia has been called a Balkan powder keg because of its tumultuous past and its rich mosaic of cultures, sounds and influences. You’ll hear it in the music of Turli Tava – a group that takes its name from the meat and vegetable stew, the Macedonian gumbo that accordionist/ vocalist Sasho Dukovski ate back home in Bitola. The group will play traditional Macedonian music – some of the most evocative and rambunctious sounds you’ll find – on Fri 9/1 and Sat 9/2 at 8PM and Sun 9/3 at 8:30PM. The events will also feature circle dancing that will have your head spinning for days. Call 422-5900 or email mtfw@macedonian.org for advance tickets. The Renaissance Cleveland, 24 Public Square. http://www.macedonian.org.
Taste of Cleveland will take place on Fri 9/1 through Mon 9/4. This four-day smorgasbord of food and music – a celebration of the fine eateries here in Northeast Ohio – offers the opportunity to fill up on tasty culinary creations, heaping portions of live music and a hearty helping of ethnic performances. Try a variety of dishes that reflect the global makeup of our city when you sample foods from more than 30 different restaurants. Musical guests include 3 Doors Down (9/1), Donnie Iris and the Cruisers with co-headliner Artful Dodger and opener Beau Coup (9/2), Little Richard (9/3), Head Automatica, Rock Kills Kid and Men, Women & Children (9/4). Tower City Amphitheatre, 351 Canal Road. http://www.cleveland.com/tasteofcleveland/.

WCLVnotes One definition of the word “warhorse” is “a musical composition, play, etc., that has been seen, heard or performed excessively.” Excessively? Is it possible that in our oh-so-sophisticated, 21st century Age of Irony, those works that have been dismissed as “warhorses” just might be IN again? WCLV 104.9 gives you a chance to ponder this on Labor Day weekend with our “Warhorse Weekend.” Be prepared to hear some pieces you’ve heard before, but, who knows? You may be so cool, this music could be new for you! And throughout the weekend, WCLV will also offer a series of trivia quizzes with CDs as the prizes. Complete listings of all of the warhorses at www.WCLV.com.

SAT

HOT PICK Jak of All Trades Show This event will celebrate the grand opening and all the musically and artistically talented young professionals employed at Jakprints. Featured bands include Above This Fire, Candy Cigarettes, Cholera, Kick Nads, Sire, Solipsist, The Beef Dealers, The Berzerkers, and Isaac Edwards Band. The art gallery will feature employee/artists: painter Bill Rupnik, jeweler Monica Saylor, draftsman Craig Taylor, photographers Courtney Sutch, Dameon Guess, and Julia Dennis. Local skaters and skateboarders will also demo their mad skillz during this awesome party on Sat 9/2 from 12 – 7PM. Come hungry. There will be BBQ and a sponsored beer garden. Visit http://www.Jakprints.com for more info. Jakprints, 3133 Chester Avenue.
CC KIDS Wizard of Oz Costume Contest Break out your ruby slippers and come dressed as your favorite character for a Wizard of Oz Costume Contest for children and adults on Sat 9/2 and Sun 9/3 from 6 – 7:30PM followed by a full screening of the film on five screens. Live accompaniment by the Blossom Festival Orchestra. No live animals; so Toto will have to sit the bench for this one. Visit www.ClevelandOrchestra.com or call 231-7492 for more info. Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls.
HOT PICK CC KIDS Inspired by Schreckengost Surround yourself with Schreckengost when Art On Wheels hosts this ongoing no-cost event on Sat 9/2 from 1 – 4PM and every Saturday through 10/28. You’ll be able to create your own art within the walls of this extraordinary Viktor Schreckengost exhibit which includes originals, limited edition prints and dinnerware. Then dance on the Boardwalk with Art On Wheels’ Instructors to music performed by local musicians inspired by Viktor’s favorites and respond to Viktor’s artwork through poetry during an open mic. Call 941-7643 or visit http://www.ArtOnWheels.us. Art On Wheels Studios, 1148 Main Avenue, Suite 500 (next door to Shooter’s), West Bank of the Flats.
CC KIDS bela dubby art classes “My Masterpiece” art classes for children ages 24 months to 5 years will resume starting Sat 9/2 from 10AM – 11AM and from 11:30AM to 12:30PM and will continue for four consecutive Saturdays thereafter. Caregiver must be present. Call 221-4479. bela dubby coffee, beer & art, 13321 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.
HOT PICK CC KIDS Ohio Canal Corridor History Hikes Take a leisurely hike of historical portions on Sat 9/2 beginning at 9AM. Discover the history behind the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge during a hike/historical tour. There is no cost to attend, but availability is limited and reservations are required. Call 520-1825 or email tstella@ohiocanal.org to attend this tour or tours of Downtown, the Flats, Ohio City or Tremont scheduled for the coming weeks. Meeting location will be given when reservations are made. www.OhioCanal.org.

SUN

HOT PICK The Broad Side of the Barn Witness the recreation of a magical night of music at Mike’s Barn – one year later. Becky Boyd, Mary Bridgett Davies, Ki Allen and Charlita will perform with Ricki & Rob Muzick on drums and guitar once again. This year’s event will be on fire as Kristine Jackson, Saam Ali and Ms. Butterscotch and some of the hottest players in town join the line-up. Visit http://www.MikesBarn.com for more info on the Sun 9/3 show at 7PM.
Tastemaker Dinner Party Join Ten Friends for an evening dinner party on Sun 9/3 at 7PM that will celebrate Tastemakers: Those who shape the flavor of the world, influencing what others wear, drink, eat, hear, see, taste, touch and feel; a select cultivated group of individuals who are leaders in their perspective fields. In short, the movers and shakers – trendsetters. Dinner reservations are suggested; call 363-1130. Suggested attire? Dress to impress. Music by Terry Urban and Mick Boogie. Sinergy Restaurant & Lounge, 1213 West 6th Street. http://www.SinergyLounge.com.

MON

CC KIDS Miles for Smiles Bring the family out for the first annual 5K Run and Family Fun Walk through the historic neighborhoods of Cleveland Heights on Mon 9/4 at 9AM. Proceeds will benefit Operation Smile and the Heights Youth Scholarship Fund. Event begins and ends at Nighttown Restaurant, 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights. www.HermesCleveland.com.
CC KIDS Labor Day Peace Show The Cleveland Nonviolence Network and Artists for Peace will sponsor this event at Willard Park (site of the “Free Stamp” at East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue) on Mon 9/4 from 12 – 7PM. The event, which drew over a thousand adults and children last year, will offer an afternoon of no-cost family entertainment with music, storytelling, children’s activities, games and interactive events. Entertainment will be provided by the JiMiller Band, Carlos Jones, Mifune, Woodshed Mercy, Slackjaw, Charlie Mosbrook and Maura Rogers. Secure bicycle parking is available. This year’s Peace Show is dedicated to Cleveland’s First Lady of Peace, Ione Biggs. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic lunch. Call 926-4806 for more info. Rain location is St. Paul’s Community Church, 4427 Franklin Blvd, Ohio City.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cool Cleveland Interview
Dan Porras
Executive Director
Hispanic Business Association: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio

Dan Porras is glad to be leading what many consider to be a key Hispanic business development organization in Ohio. The Mission Statement of the Hispanic Business Association: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio is to [p]romote Hispanic Business interest and economic development through strategic partnerships, technical assistance and advocacy.” To hear Porras tell it, he wants Cleveland to be the place where local Hispanics can start and grow a business. The Hispanic Business Association: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio (HBA: HCCO) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1983 by a foundation of Hispanic business owners who were concerned at the low level of Hispanic involvement in both private and public sectors. The association functions through a voluntary, 15-member board and large network of supporters, all who believe an institutional presence in the community, will help develop and expand Hispanic business. The association also sponsors the annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards banquet, which recognizes Hispanic entrepreneurs who are succeeding in business and participating civically in community development. Cool Cleveland caught up with Porras recently and, in an exclusive interview, talked about statewide collaboration, employment and entrepreneurship, the immigration debate and its impact on the Hispanic population in Cleveland and gearing up for the HCCOs Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

Cool Cleveland: Thanks for taking the time. If you would, tell our readers a little bit about the history of the organization.

Dan Porras: We came to be around 1984, with a purpose to advocate for the Hispanic populations in Cleveland. Most people in those communities felt like they werent being represented, so thats when the idea of a Hispanic Business Association came to be. I dont know back then whether it was affiliated with the U.S. Chamber [of Commerce] or not. But over time, we came to be Hispanic Business Association: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio.

The name suggests that the organization has some statewide organizational responsibilities.

Well, no. Were still in Northeast Ohio and there are other associations across the state. But were working toward creating a statewide organization.

What is your current relationship to those other organizations?

We meet together periodically and do what we can to help each other out, whether it is with a fundraiser or some other technical help. Primarily, the other associations are in Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton. So, most of them are more southerly. Last year at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meeting, we did talk in detail about creating a more statewide partnership…
Read the interview by Peter Chakerian here

Signs of Life on Planet Cleveland
The Emperor’s New Clothes
By David Budin

Im about to embark on a dangerous balancing act.

Ive noticed a trend in Cleveland that has created a couple of questions. With increasing frequency, Ive seen audiences go wild for truly mediocre shows. Does this mean that weve lowered the bar? And, if so, is this a Cleveland thing, or is it also happening in the other Clevelands, like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and St. Louis?

And what about the bigger and allegedly more-sophisticated cities, like New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco? Has the whole country trashed its standards, or just Cleveland? And either way, why is this happening?

I saw two shows at my favorite venue, Cain Park the B.B. King concert and the musical Hair. Cain Parks general manager Erin Cameron made brilliant moves in deciding to stage Hair and to book B.B. King. She and her staff do a great job, especially in the face of hard economic times and increasing competition from more and larger venues in the region…
Read the column by David Budin here

Cool Cleveland Eats
Grilled Cheese

My editor was pretty skeptical when I first told him that I wanted to write about grilled cheese for this week’s Cool Cleveland Eats. But I knew it would work, because grilled cheese means many things to many people. Fillings from tomato to tuna to bacon, condiments like Worcestershire sauce, oregano, or salsa, and sundry cheeses and breads can be assembled and called grilled cheese sandwiches. The earliest recipes can be found in ancient Roman cookbooks; Welsh rarebit, focaccia, and even pizza are variations on the original.

The modern version, processed cheese between two slices of white bread, was born in the 1920s, when affordable sliced bread and low-priced American cheese were introduced to the market. “American cheese filling sandwiches” satisfied the hunger of thousands of sailors in World War II, as they were economical, simply made, and met the government’s nutritional standards. The open-faced sandwiches were served with tomato soup to school children in the 1940s and 1950s, and,by the 1960s, a second piece of bread topped off the popular snack, making it a meal in itself. There are few foods so humble yet so gratifying as a grilled cheese sandwich.

As many varieties of this classic sandwich as I have tried over the years, I always go back to It’s Greek to You. The grilled cheese served at their decade-old shop at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, and their newer spot in Tower City, has never failed to make me feel happy and fulfilled. Fresh pita bread is the key to their Greek-style rendition, folded like a gyro and stuffed with American cheese and tomato slices. You can even ask for gyro meat without getting a dirty look! Try some superb, thick-cut French fries on the side, or rice pilaf and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) for extra carbs. Be sure to wash it down with some cold pink lemonade. Opa!

If you’re in the mood for grilled cheese like Mom used to make, stroll down memory lane to The Diner on Clifton, where a thin sandwich on white bread with a single slice of American cheese sits on a plate next to pickle chips. Great for a quick meal with a cup of the soup of the day. Dianna’s Deli & Restaurant in Cleveland, a favorite of the after-bar crowd, has added the delicious Dianna’s Cheese Melt to their revamped menu. Grilled sourdough meets melted Swiss, provolone, and (surprise!) American cheese in a wonderful union, accompanied by crispy fries and (again) a pickle. They also serve a traditional grilled cheese on Texas toast; also very good, but for an artery-clogging good time, go for the Cheese Melt.

Where do you get the best grilled cheese, Cleveland? Write in and tell us: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

From Cool Cleveland contributor Dana Aritonovich mrsgrohl1ATyahoo.com

Cool Cleveland Sounds
Jukebox Manifesto
Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds
self published

Heralding a bands sound as informed by a venerable whos who of roots-rock legends can get you into trouble. Usually, the fans of that bandnot to mention fans of the legends themselvesdisagree with you. The late Jeff Buckley once told me that music critics are dishonest that way, and that going into some sort of name-dropping rapture is a shortcut to thinking. Our 13-year-old tête-à-tête still gets me self-conscious sometimes.

All that said, I have no misgivings in uttering the names Cash, Dylan, Earle, Robertson, Springsteen, Westerberg and Waits in the same breath as Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds. Lovers of raw, rustic rock and candid songwriting already find solace in the local quintet. And most are fans of the aforementioned roll call, too. If youre not familiar, Hoovers warm, grizzled and husky-toned vocals pair well with the group’s layers of anthemic eloquence. You are sure to be lured in, only to have your heart split wide open.

The critically-acclaimed outfits third long-player Jukebox Manifesto is a rootsy and mature blend of country, rock and blues, with sagacious narratives on love and loss to match. Arrangements are intuitive, layered with accordion, lap steel and dirty, moonlit guitar jangle. Choruses and side-winding refrains create a bona-fide honkytonk vibe, one that shoots as much from the gut as it does from the hip.

Whiskeyhounds keyboardist Justin Gorski made a funny, off-handed comment to me recently, suggesting call me when you can download cheeseburgers. To that end, Jukebox Manifesto honors the album in album-oriented rock. And its nothing if not a complete album experience. From the rollicking Cobblestone Road and Steve Earle-like Inside His Devil Grin, to more plaintive tracks like Down By the Riverside and Anna Lee, this oeuvre is great by track-by-track, though better consumed as a whole. Undoubtedly, you’ll do just that.

Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds will play songs from Jukebox Manifesto and others at the Town Fryer this Thursday, August 31st. For more information, visit the bands MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/rogerhoover or the Town Fryer at http://www.thetownfryer.com .

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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

Hey Writers! Wanna write about Cleveland music? We’ve got a slew of recently-released CDs and DVDs by Cleveland-area musicians that could use your critical commentary for Cool Cleveland Sounds. If you’re interested, send us a note at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

Cool Cleveland Preview
Wizard of Oz at Blossom

Calling all witchesgood, bad and otherwise! Munchkins allowed, and scarecrows, tinmen, lions and flying monkeys are also encouraged to attend. (Dogs, even Toto, would be happier if staying home, however.)

If you love The Wizard of Oz (and who doesnt?) youll want to visit Blossom Music Center this weekend (September 2 and 3) for a very special event. Following a costume contest and an All-American Cookout, the classic 1939 film (with some renovations) will be shown in its entirety on huge screens readily visible to all in attendance. The program begins each evening at 8:30 pm, and weather permitting, will end with fireworks on Sunday.

All the characters, the vocal tracks and sound effects that you remember with such fondness are still there; only the music track has been excised, effectively making it possible for Judy Garland to make her Blossom Festival debut. The music will be provided by the Blossom Festival Orchestra conducted by guest conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos.

The costume contest has five categories: Best Costume (Adult), Best Costume (Children 12 and under), Most Creative Costume, Most Authentic Costume, and Funniest Costume. There is no added charge for this function, but registration is required at the Special Events Plaza from 6:00 7:30 p.m. prior to the judging. Prizes will be awarded and presented during intermission.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the cook-out, and/or pre-concert dining at the Blossom Grille. (Call 330-916-6063 for reservations.) Blossom chefs will prepare hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, and chicken, and patrons may also purchase French fries, funnel cakes, non-alcoholic smoothies and draft root beer, not to mention Ben and Jerrys novelties and scooped ice cream. Or of course, you may bring your own picnic, if youd rather.

Mr. Kitsopoulos, making his Blossom Festival debut with these concerts, is well-known for his work in musical theater, where he conducts Broadway productions, in addition to operatic and orchestral performances around the world.

Tickets are available at the web-site, http://www.clevelandorchestra.com or by calling the ticket office at (216) 231-1111 or (800) 686-1141.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net

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

City Xpressionz @ Market Square Park 08.26.06

One of Cleveland’s most successful collaborations (between organizers Cleveland Public Art, MOCA Cleveland, and Scion) entered its fifth incarnation kicking and screaming with DJs shouting, b-boys breakdancing, and some of the best aeorsol artists from the region. It may seem obvious, but a nice touch is allowing kids to buy some spray cans and rent a board, keeping them engaged for hours. Cash prizes were awarded and the completed boards, some of which were quite unbelievable, will be displayed in various venues around town. Even the Scion corporate sponsorship made sense, and was presented with integrity. Click the gallery of wild images from City Xpressionz 06 here, and check out our interview with aerosol artist Bob Peck here: (PC) (Mac). Now the rest of the neighborhood needs to get fully on board, and extend the party up and down W. 25th Street with a full-blown street festival with the world’s best concession stand: the West Side Market, always open on Saturdays. Killa! http://www.ClevelandPublicArt.org

Car Kulture Show @ Madison Village 08.26.06

Madison Village may not have recovered yet from the departure of punk entrepreneur Chris Andrews, who’s Chris’ Warped Records and space-age club Capsule (both turned over to new owners and now closed) defined Lakewood’s SE quadrant as a magnet for bondage, B-movies and brightly-colored hair. But enough of his spirit remains for newcomers Bela Dubby lounge and area residents Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival (who killed!), with organizing help from Lakewood Observer publisher Jim O’Bryan, to close off the street, invite hotrodders to exhibit their rolling toys, and create the urban vibe that suits this neighborhood just fine. Crank up the marketing, pull in more people, and you might have a Madison Village renaissance. And this time, the city probably won’t turn a cold shoulder like they did with Andrews. Peruse the gallery of fine autos and your favorite Uncle here.

A Murder of Crows @ convergence-continuum 8/25
What: Mac Wellman’s 1991 psychedelic sermon-on-steroids about an American family living near a toxic sludge pool and a daughter (Denise Astorino) who is obsessed with changes in the weather.
Reasons to go: Artistic Director Clyde Simon and his convergence-continuum company are near-perfect interpreters of Wellman’s highly theatrical, poetic-prophetic comedies. The multimedia rocks, the chorus of crows (Goth musicians) is fun, and the acting is delightful, from Lucy Bredeson-Smith’s loopy mother to Geoffrey Hoffman’s Gulf War vet-turned garden statue to Lauri Hammer’s cranky aunt hearing messages through the rivet in her head.
Caveats: As in most of Wellman’s works, the sociopolitical critique and apocalyptic word salad get piled on until the enterprise nearly buckles from the weight, and even Simon can’t animate Raymond, the playwright’s oracular mouthpiece.
Backstory: Cleveland-born Wellman is a favorite of Simon, who was in the premiere of the 3rd of the playwright’s “crow trilogy” plays at NYC’s Flea Theatre.
Target audience: Those with a high tolerance for the off-the-wall.
Details: thru 9/23 at convergence-continuum, The Liminis, http://www.convergence-continuum.org
from Cool Cleveland contributor Linda Eisenstein LindaATcoolcleveland.com

Traveling Wilburys @ Rock + Roll Hall of Fame and Museum through 9/7 Yeah. I thought that might get your attention. While doing a bit of tidying in the house, I unearthed The Traveling Wilburys’ CD, Vol.1. You may recall the supergroup was launched in 1988 with a roster of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra. I enjoyed it again immensely, much like the Rock Hall’s featured exhibits on 3/5 of that classic Wilburys lineup: Lefty, Lucky and Charlie T., Jr. The Petty exhibit celebrates 30 years of British Invasion-tinged American rock with his band, the Heartbreakers. Built on a foundation of “challenging the system” and lack of pretension, the collection provides clever insight to his motivations. Check out the royalty statement showing Petty over $100,000 in the hole and grey double-breasted jacket he wore as a Wilbury. In contrast, the Orbison exhibit is little less flashy, like the man himself. Orbison’s iconic voice and Coke-bottle spectacled presence is honored with a fair number of rare estate items, yet reveals just how influential he was on Elvis, the Everlys and even Springsteen. You’ll find multimedia at the heart of the Dylan exhibit, curated by Seattle’s Experience Music Project. There are no less than four films exploring Dylans career, with rare performance footage and interviews with Dylan and fellow artists… all well worth the price of admission alone. Just remember to act fast, Cool Clevelanders: Dylan’s exhibit closes on 9/7. From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

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 winning the Republican National Convention (See Rock’n the RNC here) Not super excited about seeing Red everywhere, may have to vacation that week, but I figure that at least it will get the suburbanites spending money downtown again!
from Cool Cleveland reader Robin Davis rdavis120ATgmail.com

On Cool Cleveland Congratulations on getting photos of the RNC event in this week’s Cool Cleveland within three or four hours of the event. When I started writing for magazines, it took three or four months to publish photos of an event. For monthly magazines, that has greatly improved, but it still takes at least a few weeks, just because of production and publishing schedules. Even daily newspapers have to wait until the next day, and sometimes they miss that, if the timing isn’t quite right. So that’s one of the things I love about Cool Cleveland and publications like it.
from Cool Cleveland contributor David Budin popcyclesATsbcglobal.net

On Case While the town was distracting itself by throwing a party for the RNC site selection committee, a particularly egregious example of brain drain was quietly playing out, putting the larger event and associated hype in much fuller context. It’s not just that Case’s medical school dean Ralph Horwitz is leaving town–which happens frequently enough in academia–but that he’s leaving because the university can’t get its shit together. Is there ever a more poignant metaphor for the travails of this city? Does this not cut right through the feel good marketing campaign that many believe is essential for turning the corner? Since April 2003 Horwitz has led like gangbusters, reinvigorating the medical school’s curriculum, forging new alliances with UH (go figure, it took somebody from out of town), and in general giving a very good program a strong kick in the ass so that it can be great. But then, naturally, the bottom fell out due to fundraising lapses and the stalling of the West Quad project. Folks, smart people understand that the window of opportunity for creating real and lasting impact is limited, and if the local environment is not propelling momentum, then it’s a hindrance. There’s no in-between. What conclusion do you think Horwitz came to? Here’s when Cleveland makes good on Comeback #3 (or whatever it is): when local civic and corporate leaders put away the happy talk, forget about silver bullets, lose the resentment about really smart people, and do whatever it takes to keep real change agents like Ralph Horwitz in this town. No party, no Super Bowl, no convention center, no large development project, no rhetoric, no plan will substitute for changing the local culture so that it (and we) understand what the real priorities must be. Step one: get the West Quad project moving. Now.
from Cool Cleveland reader Marc Abraham m.abrahamATbpdc.org

On literature I thoroughly enjoyed Christine Young’s recap of Dennis Lehane’s recent reading and talk (See Instant Karma here). She noted some of the other writers coming to Cleveland this fall in a great lineup co-sponsored by Cuyahoga County Public Library. I thought your readers might also be interested in two writers coming to Cleveland Public Library (Main) for the Readers & Writers series: Nilo Cruz, the first Latino Pulitzer Prize Playwright winner on Sun 9/24 at 2PM.; and the amazing Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Blind Assassin and many others, Sun 11/5 at 2PM.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ron Antonucci, Department Head, Literature, Cleveland Public Library rantonucciATcpl.org

On the loss of Hayashi & Jackson (See Hayashi & Jackson R.I.P. here) I am deeply saddened by the sudden & senseless tragedy of Prof. Hayashi. In Prof. Hayashi’s Photo 1 class at CSU, I was met with a Professor with such a deep passion & reverence for her field that it was infectious. All of the students rose to her challenges and produced amazing work. Although, I am not a Photo Major, I will always be grateful to have had the experience of the class, the medium, and most of all, the lasting, inspiring influence of a great artist; Masumi Hayashi.
from Cool Cleveland reader Jenn Erwood freshsqueezed216AThotmail.com

On nanotech I want to say ‘thanks’ for a great read and for working so hard against the ‘woe-is-me’ mentality. Cleveland is cool and you’re doing a great job of getting the word out. We too believe that we have the amino acids needed to create new economic life in Cleveland. We just need to stir them up a little. As an example of cooperation that’s DOING something, I wanted to let you know about a cool thing that Cleveland Clinic, Nano Network and ASM International (world’s largest materials society, based here in NEO) are working on. The “Med Mart” is taking shape in the form of a totally original summit held Oct. 2-5 at the InterContinental, called “Materials, Medicine and Nanotechnology.” Put these three things together and you have the future of medicine and medical devices — and a key to new economic growth for Cleveland. Visit our site at http://www.nanomedicinesummit.org.
from Cool Cleveland reader Rego Giovanetti rego.giovanettiATasminternational.org

Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com

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

1) Recognize anyone? Photos from the most recent Cool Cleveland shindig.
www.CoolCleveland.com.

2) Hayashi & Jackson R.I.P. World-famous Cleveland photographer Masumi Hayashi and acclaimed artist John Jackson are murdered by a neighbor with a big stereo and an outstanding weapons charge when she complained about his loud music.
www.Cleveland.com.

3) Burke flies to Detroit, Cincy, Hilton Head Burke Lakefront Airport is alive with passengers for the first time in twenty years.
http://www.FlyDestinationOne.com

4) Rock’n the RNC Photos of Cleveland welcoming the nine site selection delegates from the Republican National Committee.
www.CoolCleveland.com.

5) Avenue District rocks Zaremba bullish on Clevelanders moving Downtown.
www.Cleveland.com.

Its all those exclusive weekly contributions from the Hard Corps that help fill your week with abundant events, critical reviews and cultural content. Theyve got you covered so that youve got the market cornered. Thanks to Peter Chakerian, Roxanne Ravenel, TL Champion, George Nemeth, Linda Eisenstein, David Budin, Kelly Ferjutz, Dana Aritonivich 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.

Cool Cleveland Poem
by Jeffrey Bowen

masumi and the lion

.40 caliber @ 140 decibels:

sound waves crashing with the frequency of

military jets,
attack helicopters,
air raid sirens,
and the upcoming air show,

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