Tenth Anniversary Ingenuity Festival - September 26-28 2014

Ingenuity Website - Tesla Performance

One of my favorite event for the fall is Ingenuity. Since they were celebrating their Tenth Anniversary, I couldn’t wait to experience it. I walked down to Warehouse 32 through the outdoor Rock and Roll Hall of Fame path where I immediately saw vendors. A row of vendors and food trucks with an outdoor stage playing some wonderful music by Honeybucket. So far so good, I thought. I continued on and walked further where this wonderful path overlooking the lake was blocked off (This is where the festival was last year, right along the lake). Then I walked into Warehouse 32 and half the warehouse was closed off. 

What is going on I thought? Where is the festival? Did I walk pass the art and missed all the cool stuff? 

Nope! That was the entire festival - two band stages, a few food trucks and vendors selling T-shirts, dog bandanas, and nostalgic items (The Cleveland Flea). What happened to the festival that I looked forward to all year? 

That didn’t happen this year. I so disappointed that I was bored in about 30 minutes. I continued to walk toward the Science Center still thinking I missed it. Nothing blew me away. The only word that summed up my experience is “lame.” It looked like they through it together at the last minute. 

I only bumped into a few people that I knew - their expression was the same as mine. Where is the “ Ingenuity?”

I remember when they had the first Ingenuity under the Detroit Superior Bridge, I was in awe. They had artwork displayed in these nook and crannies. I walked back and forth in disbelief. What a cool space! What an inventive idea. That’s all I thought about.

I listened to bands from Brooklyn and dance performances under the bowels of the earth. Opera at the top of these old, dilapidated steps. Artwork hung in an old abandoned bathroom. Subway cars sitting idle and steps overflowing with water. It was mesmerizing. I can’t believe I’ve never been down here. I was tired but continued to walk in case I missed something. That’s Ingenuity of years past.

The first Ingenuity was along Euclid Avenue before Cleveland’s resurgence. There was a stage sitting in the middle of the street with wonderful performances. There was artwork in abandoned alleyways that you didn’t dare go to at night. Who knows who might be lurking in the shadows. That’s what made Ingenuity so special - it brought a festival to these out of the way places that you would never think would be cool! 

The first Ingenuity was a little spread out where they had artwork at the Galleria, which I think had a trolley car taking you there. I remember not going since it was out of the way. (I did go on a quiet Saturday afternoon, where East 12 was kind of spooky back then). Plus, I think the old AmeriTrust rotunda was open –I missed that too. My sister and I hung out along Euclid Avenue embracing this unusual event in the middle of Downtown. I have to applaud Thomas Mulready and James Levine for bringing this event into Downtown when many were afraid to come.

The following year, Ingenuity took East 4th Street by storm. There was nothing there except a few shops that nobody ever heard of. I remember sitting on a chair listening to a band on a dilapidated East 4th and looking to my left at an abandoned, open building where artwork was hung and performances going on. I was intrigued that someone had the vision to turn something so unappealing into an art venue. Again, that’s what Ingenuity was - bringing people to a place you’ve never been and seeing it in a new light. 

Year after year, Ingenuity brought you there. One year, I remember a group trying to save the old Ameritrust Tower that was designed by Marcel Breuer. It was in the old Cowell & Hubbard building that is now a Zack Bruell restaurant. That event opened my eyes to the importance of keeping this nostalgic building. In fact, my architecture friend participated in a march to “save the building” from the recking ball. Finally, I walked by there a few weeks ago and it is a high-end hotel, Metropolitan 9. Once nobody wanted this eyesore on Ninth Street, now it glistens as a new upcoming area. 

I experienced many unusual artists as I attended Ingenuity. Under the bridge was my favorite venue – my favorite art installation was by Qian where she embraced her Asian roots by having these red illuminated lanterns floating on water. I still remember this work after three years. It was so peaceful that it pulled my heart strings. 

I understand you can’t use The Bridge year after year – it will lose it’s effectiveness as a cool venue. But seriously, for Ingenuity’s Tenth Year Anniversary, they showed me nothing creative or inspiring that I have to tell everyone you must attend!  This was the same venue as the last two years. Couldn’t you surprise me with something that “blew me away” that I have not seen in the last ten years?  

The music was good; this electric, Tesla music where performers were in this booth and electricity was producing this cool sound; the band, Commonwealth was great. 

All I can say is, I should of stayed home.

Saving Ameritrust Tower

http://www.gcbl.org/projects/green-modernism-preserving-the-breuer-tower

Ingenuity History

http://ingenuitycleveland.com/history/

Festival of Lights Cleveland Style

It’s August 8 and the AHA Festival is underway on Mall B. For those that don’t know, AHA is a light show that is the beginning of Gay Games 9; Land Studio was awarded a grant from the Cleveland Foundation to bring a festival of lights to downtown. It was cool to see yogi’s and cyclists embracing what a great city Cleveland has become. 

I placed my mat along side hundreds of other yogi’s in anticipation of a community yoga sponsored by Inner Bliss Yoga. I missed the other gathering at the Rock Hall on June 27, a glorious event where like-minded people practiced yoga under the warm summer sky. Space was tight between yoga mats as participants did their best to “down dog” and/or “chair” pose.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, there is something about yoga that keeps me coming back. The poses can be difficult and quite challenging as you come up from your tenth low plank or push-up (Chaturanga) as you try to control your breath. During the AHA event, however, I have never seen so many yogi’s doing “head stands” and other poses that I have yet to master. The energy was alive where you couldn’t help but embrace what Cleveland has done to “bounce back” from recession and job loss that many are still experiencing (me included). The city was aglow in rainbow colors from one end of town to the other (the rainbow extended from Browns Stadium to Progressive field). Wow is what everyone probably thought as they gazed into the sky. 

"The Pool" photo courtesy of AHACle.com website

There was a circular, plastic sculpture, "The Pool" (maybe 200 small circles created a large circle) laid onto the grass of Mall B where participants stomped on the disks and vibrant colors emanated as you hit the plastic. Very intuitive and interactive. I didn’t get a chance to participate as a huge crowd was trying it out. 

I was so happy so many people came out to participate in yoga and others that just hung out to see what all the fuss was about. Dogs were roaming around along with my sister’s dog, Max sniffing away at all the new smells. Something new to see, Clevelanders flock. 

During the practice, the instructors reiterated the same mantra — look at our beautiful city and be proud of being a Clevelander; what makes you unique? Everyone has a gift to share. It’s a matter of finding it (I’m paraphrasing; that is what I got out of it).

Yoga is exercise, breath, inner strength and light emanated onto others. I felt all of us yogi’s (1500 or so) believing in ourselves, our city and coming together to share this light within us with everyone around us. I felt fulfilled and positive about the future. 

Gay Games 9

As a volunteer for any new event in town, I offered my services to the Gay Games Federation. Such as the AHA yoga experience, I enjoyed my time at the Gay Games immensely. I met so many fine individuals from as far away as New Zealand, France (host to the 2018 games) Spain (two participants didn’t speak a word of English trying to get a team together so they can play volleyball) to Chicago, Michigan New York and California. Their excitement was infectious.

I volunteered on Saturday, August 9 as a greeter and informant for the cycling event. It was quiet at 8 a.m. but several participants from California took the “redeye” as they checked in with baggage in tow. I had a blast talking to people and welcoming them to Cleveland. 

What I heard. The participants thought Clevelanders and Akronites were friendly and embraced them with open arms (“the red carpet” treatment). Why not! They’re spending the week participating and spending money at local restaurants and clubs. 

When I volunteer, I do not pay to park. Instead I bike. One of my events was Beach Volleyball at Whiskey Island. I woke up at 5:20 a.m.; on my bike by 6:25 a.m. and barely made it to the venue by 8 a.m.  The night before it rained so it was extremely windy as I rode west. It was as though I was pedaling backwards, the wind was so strong. The Beach Volleyball participants continued on in spite of the “freezing” conditions. Some “winter people” think this is perfect weather, but I love it hot especially when it’s supposed to be August and normal temperatures are in the 80’s. Wednesday morning, it was in the 50’s – fall weather. Yikes!

I hung tough and watched some amazing volleyball. A team from Detroit had to go back home and deal with flooding problems. He said, “Cleveland wasn’t so bad.” They said the same thing as others have said, Cleveland is a welcoming town. Hooray! Way to go Cleveland. 

Right as I left, the sun cut through the heavy clouds. Biking towards downtown wasn’t bad in the sun. Regardless, I had fun. 

One of my favorite events was water polo. I was amazed with the athleticism of these participants treading water for an entire game. I was getting tired watching them. On Thursday afternoon, I watched Cleveland versus DC (District of Columbia). Good game 9-8 (Cleveland wins).

Closing ceremonies were fun and something I will probably not see again. The entire Mall C area was flooded with people. Rainbow boas, colored hair, gold, silver and bronze metals hung around their necks. Laughter reverberating across the sky. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Kelly King from New York City sang beautifully hitting these high notes that could have broken some glass. Beautiful voice. I stood in awe. 

The extinguishing of the flame and passing the flag to Paris brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the Winter Olympics we just had in February and how much I love competitive sports and the pageantry of the whole thing. They also showed this weeks sporting events in a short video and how proud I am of Cleveland in showing the world how great our city truly is – a hidden gem. 

I’m sad that all this fanfare has come to a close but I’m sure that Cleveland will host more events: films, National Republican Convention, and so much more. Our city shined this week; I’m happy I was involved in its glory and resurgence. 

Believe in Cle Community Yoga

Yoga and Me

Photo courtesy of twitter: @NCoastHarbor

Child’s pose, down dog, cat and cow stretch, plank, warrior 1, half-moon - these poses (and so many more) can be seen every Tuesday night at Voinovich Park at 6:00 p.m., now extended until October. It is a new initiative to get more people downtown along our fabulous lake; see North Coast Harbor for more information. There is nothing better than yoga with the lake as a back drop. I, for one, love it.

I can’t tell you enough how much yoga has helped me both physically and mentally by using “the breath” to get into and out of these crazy poses. Some people might think; I can’t do “that!” It is just too hard. Or, how can yoga possibly be any kind of serious workout. Believe me, it’s a workout. You will sweat and get that heart beating. Not convinced—try holding a “plank (a push-up position - straight back and arms)” for a minute or so and your arms will cry out – please stop!

I began yoga at the old Bally’s in Beachwood with an instructor that was fantastic. She went in and out of these poses like it was “nothin’” She was so fit and limber that you were amazed by just looking at her flawless technique. I did the basics just like everyone else but I accelerated quickly since my hamstrings were so loose; my hips on the other hand, are still tight after all these years. What I loved most about this instructor – she pushed you into new poses while showing modifications. I quickly started “binding” my poses (interlocking your hands in a pose) and tried every week to “push myself” harder to get a better workout.

I do not recommend this to a beginner. I have been working out for years doing “boot camp” classes, running and biking for as long as I can remember. In fact while attending high school, I got up early and practiced my back bends and did sit-ups before class. Crazy, I know.

I’m fit but that doesn’t mean you can’t do yoga. Yoga is a practice that is individual. You work at your own pace and push yourself only as far as your own body can go. It is not a contest with other participants in the class. For example during last night’s class, the instructor told us to close our eyes so we would refrain from looking at what others are doing. I was almost in a meditative state where I focused on my breath.

 As I just mentioned, my hips are so tight that I don’t even try “half lotus” (sitting Indian style and putting your heals on your thighs in an “x”). I do what I can as long as I feel a stretch without injury. That’s key; you do not want to injure yourself while doing yoga or any physical activity. “Listen to your body.”

How did I find out about yoga at Voinovich Park? As I rode my bike around the Rock Hall, I noticed a banner with a new logo for “North Coast Harbor” with a summer schedule. Free Yoga Tuesday - I’m there!

I don’t know what it is but it seems like “yoga” practices are all around me: Free yoga at Voinovich Park; Wade Oval Wednesday during July and August only in conjunction with The Cleveland Museum of Art’s new exhibit. I also heard that House of Blues has yoga on Saturday, technically free but donations are accepted to educate children about yoga. The Transformer Station had yoga during their Red Peckerwood exhibit earlier this summer and I noticed yoga at Tremont’s Lincoln Park during their Tuesday market.

Convinced yet in trying yoga? Well, all I can say is I breath deeper and can work harder in any physical activity just by using the “ujjayi breath”. The inhalation and exhalation are done through the nose in equal durations (inhaling for four seconds then exhaling for four seconds). Yoga is a total body activity that has been around for thousands of years. I always leave my yoga practice feeling rejuvenated and ready for my next challenge. Don’t be too quick to dismiss it as too hard. Just give it a try.

On Friday, July 25, there was "Yarn n Yoga" at Euclid Beach Park — practicing yoga on the beach. 

MOCA - Elegant Sculpture at Mayfield and Euclid

Update: I wrote this post prior to my National Writing Month endeavor. A little late, but here was my MOCA experience back in early October. If you haven’t seen the museum, I highly recommend it.

Courtesy Photo from MOCA Cleveland Flickr Account

One year after the MOCA grandiose gala opening, I enthusiastically volunteered my time again; this year it’s the HEX fundraiser. Unlike last year, the weather cooperated where I was able to wear a sleeveless dress. My favorite duty as a volunteer is the check-in table; it’s the best way to see who’s attending–the whose-who of any event.

You are the greeter and the first person attendee’s see before they enter. It’s an important job, quite frankly. I’m a people person, so this job comes easily to me; I enjoy it.

Attendees wore elaborate dresses or a trendy electric top with tights; anything goes. It’s a contemporary museum for goodness sakes. I remember a lot of blue especially these high platform exquisite blue-suede-shoes; a brilliant red purse with fur trim; gold and fur prints. It was a party where you can wear what feels right.

Everyone was excited to attend another MOCA fundraiser in a sculptural interesting yet bizarre building that’s nothing like it in Cleveland except perhaps the Peter B. Lewis at Case. I heard someone call it a “hunk of coal” and now that is how I think of it. “It’s that black shinny coal building on Euclid and Mayfield.” You either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a middle ground.

Courtesy of MOCA Cleveland

MOCA does, however, have an amazing view of Euclid Avenue from the fourth floor. There are these narrow windows where you gaze onto The Toby Plaza below. There is just enough light where you can see dark figures walking along the street or looking right up at you. The shinny material on the building just glows in the moonlight – it is a conversation starter, for sure. 

Last year when I attending the volunteer orientation meeting, we had a “sneak preview” of the building. The staff said that it took longer to build and install the metal and concrete “grand staircase” than erect the building itself. As you walk up the steps, you can feel the strength of the staircase as you ascend to each level. My favorite, yet scary, part of the staircase is looking down. There are these dramatic, sculptural beams as you look down, it almost takes your breath away. It’s an unbelievable view that you wouldn’t expect by looking at it from the outside.

Moreover, there is a stairwell hidden underneath, painted yellow that doesn’t seem as difficult to climb. You won’t notice it until you open the door from the first floor. You feel disconnected, isolated from the rest of the building as you go up or down. If you must, there is an elevator.

Do I like this building? Yes, I do. Why? Because there isn’t that many unusual buildings here in Cleveland. As a creative individual, I love architecture and art that makes me pause and look around at the unusual view points. Another interesting aspect of the MOCA building, it looks entirely different from the inside – a clean, minimal contemporary interior with white, flush doors that go into the restrooms, to the open floor plan of the Free first floor – artists talks and events are featured here.

Not only is MOCA a sculptural art form but it’s a very sustainable building. The Toby Plaza uses  pervious material where rainwater is absorbed thus eliminating runoff. There are low-flush toilets with blowers to dry your hands. I was ecstatic when I saw this bathroom – very European.

This bold, dramatic black building is worth a look-see that has helped spur development in the neighborhood with new townhouses and apartments. First Saturdays are always free.   

MOCA Cleveland
http://www.mocacleveland.org/

PechaKucha at Cleveland Museum of Art

Screen Capture from PechaKucha web site

It’s PechaKucha Night at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX Event. What’s that, you might ask? It is creating a presentation using 20 slides that cycles every 20 seconds. The trick is to choreograph your presentation so the correct slide is in sync with your talk. I did it once but not in front of hundreds of people that normally attends PechaKucha.

I did a small version in front of 50 people that was just as stressful (Mine was about my artistic ability that could have been more focused instead of adding my education). The trick is to be interesting and have a focused theme to your presentation. Regardless if your presentation is fantastic or not, the crowd always claps and cheers. Nothing is worse than standing in front of a crowd and be engaging and entertaining.

I have seen good ones and fair ones; I hail the presenters for standing there and talking to strangers about their passion, business and artistic prowess. One of my favorite venue was in the Warehouse District’s Hoyt block on West 6 in an architectural hideaway - first event in ten years. I remember one guy talked about printing and Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland delivered the best presentation. It was several years ago and I still remember his confident delivery. I was blown away as I listened among the discarded boulders, and broken-down seating. That was my first one.

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium is a stellar place to have PechaKucha because it holds thousands of people. It always brings in the crowds for whatever reason.  Currently, the atrium has the Ai Weiwei Zodiac heads (huge bronze sculptures of the Chinese cyclical year) that is a wonderful backdrop. Moreover, your slides are viewed high above the audience on the old 1916 building – how cool is that? There isn’t a bad place where one can’t hear or see the slides.

Since I was volunteering, I was only able to see two presenters. Tom Lix from Cleveland Whiskey showed his new business venture – brewing whiskey in Cleveland. He said that Cleveland is the perfect place to start a business. Yeah! He boasted that he was selling 1000 bottles of whiskey when he first began shipping the product; now, it’s well beyond that. Moreover, Cleveland Whiskey will be selling a Christmas flavor that is currently being shipped. What I liked about Tom’s presentation: the photos with the fermentation tanks; his staff wearing Christmas hats that were eagerly packing the Christmas whiskey; and the product itself, a beautiful clear bottle with “Cleveland” typography printed vertically (I always notice graphically pleasing products); Tom exhibited humor when his slides didn’t coordinate exactly with what he was saying. He spoke casually and his passion was easily seen how much whiskey and Cleveland means to him.

Next, Jack Ricchiuto spoke about the meaning of happiness. One statistic struck me, Harvard graduates achieving professional success as it turns out, a good percentage weren’t happy. As Jack spoke, I thought what makes me happy. Obviously having money adds to the ability to afford things that can make you happy. For me that would be the ability to travel and spend money on frivolous stuff – an avant-garde, one-of-a-kind outfit, for example. However, I’ve also found out that you don’t have to spend much money to be creative and essentially be happy.

My joys as I’ve expressed on many blog posts stems from being in my garden and knowing how to grow flowers, plants and have a thriving garden. Many times I’ve planted a dried up plant that I didn’t know would survive. I’ll never forget, I bought this plant from Aldi’s consisting of two long sticks where the leaves had fallen off. Furthermore, it sat idle for the longest time; I firmly believed it was dead. My neighbor said, “Oh, just give it time, it’ll grow.” I’ll be damned; this plant not only survived but I have to trim it three times a year because it won’t stop growing. It is those little things that gives me purpose.

Volunteering at the homeless shelter’s computer lab where I can “make someone’s day” by being friendly and caring. Many times I have “topics of the day” where I get residents to discuss current events – what’s important to them. I believe that it gives them a few minutes to “forget” where they are and focus on something else.

Lastly, I enjoy attending events where I can be myself and meet new people. Interestingly, I am an introvert but I do get my energy by being with people for a short time. Hence, that is why I am currently volunteering at the Cleveland Museum of Art not listening to the majority of the presentations; I’m busy making sure visitors find what they’re looking for and just being friendly.

As a friend of mine eloquently stated, “When you are on your deathbed, the last thing on your mind is work!”

PechaKucha at Hoyt Block
http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/cleveland/events/50b3ff71f3b43bdb0b0006d4

Summer Mode

I’m having the Fall Blues. I realize as I’m sitting here gazing out into the blazing hot sun that summer is practically over. It doesn’t seem so as the temperature will reach 90 degrees today on September 10. Even so, I crave the sunshine and activities that summer brought this year. It seems like I keep revisiting all the things I was able to do and some that I completely missed. Summer is the time of year that I wait for all year long. Summer is just too short.

This summer I tried to ride my bike to some events but I wasn’t as successful as I should have been. I rode to a few of my Transformer Station volunteer shifts on Saturdays, the Garden Walk and the Larchmere Arts Festival in early July. I could have done more to reduce my car emissions and get exercise to boot. I guess it was better than nothing. I find excuses that I need my car to transport my computer or I need to go to the grocery store. On a positive note, I am seeing more bike riders traveling to their destinations. I am also seeing more cars getting angry that cyclists are clogging their precious streets. Please share the road. Like it or not, there are more cyclists opting to pedal than operating a vehicle. Get over it!

I did walk down my street for the North Collinwood free concert series that began in early June until August 30. There was Eighty’s music and blues; there were local bands and some from New York. Local residents gathered along with others from other neighborhoods listening to fabulous tunes and gazing out along Lake Erie. The sunsets are different every time – the sky glows in brilliant orange and red; other times there is a thin pink line along the horizon. The clouds interrupted the sun. That is what makes living along the lake so special. These unexpected pleasures.


Transformer Station

The Transformer Station in July was the place to be. There were five fantastic concerts at the same caliber as the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Solstice Party. The first night, a husband and wife team (Amadou & Mariam) performed an Afro-pop sound that reached well beyond West 29 and Church. The first night was a hit-or-miss that maybe a few residents will patrol the street just to see what band will be performing. Some thought it would be some local talent. To everyone’s surprise, the performers were outside the U.S. playing on a giant stage. The word-of-mouth of these stellar performances got out that by July 31, people couldn’t wait to experience these concerts. I’m still thinking about them; I hope they will add more in 2014. Pencil it in!

Not only were there free concerts all over the city, but art. I mentioned the Transformer Station with Todd Hido’s, Silver Meadows retrospective that highlighted photos and characters that made you think – what is going on here? Winter scenes and women in stiletto heels. Every time I walked through the door, I saw something that sparked a new thought.

Cleveland Print Room

Recently, I headed out to Cleveland Print Room to view these beautiful black-and-white portraits that were amazing. The photographer used FILM and took the time to “look” at his subjects. I was struck by how clear his images were. I felt immediately immersed into the culture and country sides of Africa and Asia. One of my favorite images was an intimate view of a woman (the wrinkles and blemished skin) dressed in black where the hard work she endured was easily seen - her eyes a metaphor into her soul. She reminded me of Greek widows in Greece dressed head-to-toe in black. You can feel their every day struggles – their expressionless faces. Eyes piercing the photo paper. I didn’t know them but I can emphasize with them.



Carrie Mae Weems

The Cleveland Museum of Art has a retrospective of Carrie Mae Weems on view until September 29. Again, I love black-and-white photographs and Weems has a brilliant array that boldly addresses race, gender and class - the clarity alone transports you into the artists viewpoint. Her “coffee table” series makes you think: what it’s like to live in poverty; raising a child and reflecting on choices you’ve made. A woman is sitting at the “kitchen table” where everyday things happen – she is helping her daughter with homework; she is arguing with her husband or significant other. It’s mundane scenarios where discussions and “real life” happens at the kitchen table.

My favorite, however, is the black-and-white video titled: “Cornered.” There are two video screens that are hung in a corner where the 1960s Boston riots are happening. I like the concept of polarization where neither side is listening. The riots occurred because schools were forced to desegregate - forced busing. This continually happens today when everyone talks and/or shouts. You do feel “cornered” where you don’t know where to go.

Everyone can’t wait to wear their fall clothes consisting of turtlenecks, closed-toe shoes and wool pants. No thank you. Just give me my sandals and sundresses, please!

Fall Events

Ingenuity Festival - September 20, 21, and 22.

http://ingenuitycleveland.com

Sparx City Hop - Saturday September 21, 11am until 9PM

http://www.downtowncleveland.com/events/sparx-city-hop.aspx

Chalk Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art - Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22
http://www.clevelandart.org/

Cleveland Botanical RIPE Festival - September 21 and 22
www.cbgarden.org

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Festival

Washington, DC had Martin Luther King’s March on Washington and in Cleveland we had 1 World Festival at The Cleveland Cultural Gardens. There was music, food trucks, performances and what I enjoyed most was exploring the gardens. I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t seen them up close; most of the time, I zoom past them either in my car or on my bike. One of my favorite times to view them, however, is in early spring when the daffodils are at full bloom. The garden glows in a yellow hue.

It was a beautiful event for those who attended. I already can’t wait for next year.

One World Day has been celebrated for the last 66 years; I have not heard about this event until I volunteered for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Atrium opening. I meandered to the Cultural Gardens table where a representative informed me that they have an event every year. I told here that I will definitely be there in 2013.

This year, however, was a different event. The event was to celebrate the gardens with thousands of Northeast Ohioans who might not have visited before; and for those who’ve experienced the gardens – a rediscovery. Hence, this event is a precursor for the Centennial Celebration in 2016, which is not too far off.

The music reverberated throughout the gardens, the band “African Connection,” got the crowd moving and stamping their feet. At least I was moving what I could as I sat. The Greek Gardens had Hip Hop artists while the Italian Gardens had Bollywood style performances with a chance to learn some dance moves. The upper Italian introduced audiences to acrobatics where young girls hung and twirled from fabric engaging their core muscles. The British Garden performed Shakespeare’s, “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

This was a culturally diverse event exposing you to various performances. The gardens and events were on two levels - Martin Luther King Blvd. and East Blvd. As I mentioned in the beginning, I mostly drive through on my way home therefore, I wasn’t aware that the gardens were on East Blvd. In my opinion, the East Blvd. gave you a chance to embrace the beauty while overlooking MLK in wonder - Why haven’t I experienced these gardens until now? I am sure many thought the same thing as they walked or pedaled a bike.

As in any Cleveland Festival, the food trucks were available to quench your thirst or relieve your hunger. The DonutLabCleveland, the smallest truck sat well after most of the crowd left. And if you wanted barbeque, B&M Bar-B-Que was there as well. Moreover, there was something for everyone.

I wasn’t there for the food; I wanted to explore how each garden was different; how each nationality was expressed. My favorite was the Hungarian Garden with its intricate ironwork arch and sculpted stone and grass. The Irish garden, my second favorite, was beautifully executed with the colorful flowering bushes and plants. I notice these intricacies since I absolutely love to “putter” in my yard where I try to create a dynamic garden using color and size diversity.

I also liked how the planning committee decided to shut down MLK, which created an uninterrupted experience to view the foliage. My only gripe is: the event was not publicized enough. If the goal was to have hundreds of Northeast Ohioans there, why wasn’t there a media blitz? Or if anything, cards promoting the event at local libraries, art galleries and/or places where people congregate. As a marketer I always think, how did I find out about this event or why didn’t I. Furthermore, the flyer I did pick up did not have any information about the Schedule of Ceremonies, “Parade of Flags” or Naturalization Ceremony.

A friend of mine attends every year. She decided not to attend this time because she thought it was the same. It wasn’t. I got there later and I enjoyed it immensely because it was about the gardens, nationality and togetherness as Northeast Ohioans. 

One World Festival
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

Italian Cultural Gardens Opera and Ohio City Stages

I, like many people in Cleveland, have not patronized the Cultural Gardens along Martin Luther King Blvd. This Sunday, however, I had the opportunity to hear Opera Per Tutti at the Italian Gardens to hundreds of other Clevelanders. This is a free cultural offering, “Opera in the Italian Garden.” The roads were full of cars parked haphazardly as people walked toward the fountain entrance to hear Italian Opera. I was just as excited to listen to Opera again where I’ve listened to many performances at the Palace Theater. I’ve attended: The Magic Flute, Tosca, and Rigoletto to name a few. I can’t really explain why I love it but the performers ability to hit those high notes - gives me chills.

The entrance to the event was away from Martin Luther King Boulevard, up a hill. This was the perfect venue, high above the gardens was majestic. Chairs were set up in front of this giant fountain where you can feel the mist just as the wind floated past you. There was free wine samples - Italians and Wine is definitely one and the same. Stone fired pizza was also available for purchase. It was the perfect evening - the temperature was in the low 80’s unlike the sweltering heat we had for six days.

The performances were fantastic. The program included arias from Carmen, La Boheme, Tosca and Romeo and Juliet where the high notes where not in short supply. There were two Sopranos, two Tenors along with one Baritone, narrated by Jan Jones. The sound quality was exquisite with a new speaker technology system - you can hear every breath and note. There wasn’t a bad seat but we chose to sit towards the front in the seats provided.

Historically, in 1930 the Italian Cultural Garden hosted the San Carlo Opera sixty-eight years ago at its lower level amphitheater. Opera originated in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. My first opera was Rigoletto where I remember thinking - how great is this. My sister and I saw many thereafter when Opera Cleveland was here. We were both hooked. They sing in Italian but the audience gets a brief translation in English high above the stage. You get used to it. The performances and orchestral music definitely stays with you. 

The performance lasted over an hour and a half where audience members gleefully clapped and hung on every note. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy the Opera. It’s one of those things; you either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a neutral stance.

As I’ve said on many posts, there is so many free summer events going on in Northeast Ohio; it is a matter of searching these events out. Find what you are interested in and go for it.

Visit “Italian Cultural Gardens” on Facebook

Also, the Cultural Gardens will have the 66 Annual Old World Day, August 25, 2013
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

I just learned about this event at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Opera Per Tutti will perform at Arts in August in Tremont’s Lincoln Park
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7pm
www.operapertutti.org

Ohio City Stages in Ohio City

If you enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party with that eclectic, funky beat then I highly recommend attending the last concert at The Ohio City Stages. This is a collaboration between The Cleveland Museum of Art and Transformer Station presented by Charter One Bank. This massive stage sits between W 29 and Clinton. My understanding is: the stage folds up; slides into a semi; parked on the side of the road; then it’s pulled out again for the next concert.

The first concert was well received because the residents followed the music. There’s no bad seat - the music resinates throughout Ohio City.

All I can say, I’ve attended every concert and each performance is different in its own right. There was an African-pop beat; Romanian gypsy brass including tubas; elegant acoustic guitars and Moroccan using unique instruments - represented the past four weeks. Some people bring chairs but you don’t necessarily need them, everyone is on their feet and dancing. That’s right.

Following the concerts, there are outdoor films - Bellwether, a project of the museum’s Contemporary Arts Society. Films that you probably won’t see anywhere else

The last concert is on July 31 featuring “Novalina” contemporary Latin music - I will not miss it.

http://www.transformerstation.org/Events/

Whose dog was that?

Biking and giving blood just don’t mix. Whose brilliant idea was it to bike down to the American Red Cross and give blood? It sounded good at the time. Saturday is my biking day and I thought why don’t I do both. I didn’t think that after giving one pint of blood that my body would be physically ready to exert additional energy and bike. Not only did I bike downtown but I went all the way to Ohio City, West 58 to be exact.

I pedaled feeling pretty good after I ate two bags of pretzels and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Quite frankly, it was a warm and pleasant day for biking without the humidity we usually get in July. Since I try to give blood every fifty-six days, I am fully aware that I need to keep myself fully hydrated. I continually drank water as I pedaled from east to west.

Suddenly, I wasn’t feeling so good - light headed and hot. I Immediately stopped at West 29 and Franklin and laid under a tree without even taking off my helmet. I could just kick myself for not heading home. I closed my eyes and took long, controlled breaths until I was able to sit up. How stupid can I be? I laid there thinking that I did a good deed but now I feel like crap.

It’ll pass; it always does.

As any cyclist will tell you, always have snacks. I drank a yogurt smoothie and some fruit. My head feels fine and the queasiness has passed. I’m thankful that someone didn’t stop and ask if I was all right. “Yeah, I’m laying here because I didn’t have the common sense to go home.”

I didn’t want to break any records pedaling home. I took it easy - a steady, even pace. I didn’t want to get dehydrated again. Water is your best friend when you exercise and especially when you give blood. Honestly, I drink water all day long. Nothing is better than this clear, refreshing liquid. My saving grace.

About forty-five minutes from home, I found another tree at Gordon Park and laid down, helmet and all. I rather be safe than sorry. I’m in no hurry. Eyes closed. I took a long breath in through my nose and out through my nose; yoga’s ujjayi breathing. Suddenly out of the blue, a black dog appears under my tree. I heard the clinging of the dog tags. S/he didn’t bark just hovered until I reached my hand and petted her head and neck. I couldn’t believe it - a dog just appears to make sure I’m okay. Seriously!


I didn’t realize it until later that this dog sensed something and ran to my tree. I don’t own a dog nor do I know much about dogs but this dog was worried about me. I felt so appreciative that it appeared; stayed until I was alert enough to touch her. I will never forget this incident. My heart goes out to this beautiful dog. I thank you for your intuitiveness. Every thing has a purpose - dogs, elephants (my other favorite) bugs, rodents and everything else. And, we are all connected in some way too.

Pet and hug your animal today, you never know when they might offer some help.

Please donate to the American Red Cross
http://www.redcrossblood.org/

June Festivities - 2013

June was a whirlwind of activity and these are just a few activities I did on the last weekend of June.

Waterloo Arts Fest

Belly dancers, stilt walkers, crafts food and music playing at five stages and much more lined Waterloo Road this past Saturday for the Eleventh Annual Arts Festival in North Collinwood. I road my bike and maneuvered my way through the bustling activity. This is another one of my favorite summer events that is right in my backyard. Moreover, I enjoy experiencing the diverse crowds, the art displayed (Rust Belt artists), musical talent and white tent merchandise for sale. I fondly remember not too long ago walking the deserted street patronizing a vintage clothing shop (no longer there) and a coffee house; this festival has definitely come a long way.

As I mentioned, the festival had five stages that housed a variety of music. There was a stage in a sculpture garden where you can sit and relax away from the street. Last year at this location I listened to the band, The Commonwealth, where I stood not wanting to move as I listened. They’re a young band that exploded with a cool, different rhythm - a toe tapping beat where my toes keep tapping. Remembering them as I looked at the schedule, I told my friends that we need to listen to this group. I’m not sure they understood my excitement to listen to them again; they liked them as well.

As we walked through the crowd, I remembered that we didn’t see any art. My sister and I walked up a flight of steps to see the Rust Belt Artists from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The dilapidated building housed several rooms of art; one painting that I really liked was a brightly painted orange and red canvas displaying a large hat and fashionable, tight-waisted dress. It was simply illustrated but caught my attention with the bold colors.

You can still see a glass pane with “Appointments” stenciled across the bottom, which one can visualize was a doctor’s office. The rooms were small with paneling on all the walls, as patients sat and waited. As my sister said, this old building has so much possibilities; just knock down a few walls and they can become great living spaces.

I realize that the Waterloo Arts Fest is right around my neighborhood but it has come a long way to being a well attended event.The music was fantastic especially at the Beachland Stage (Beachland Ballroom); another band that was good, “So Long Albatros,” where I stood in awe by the drummer’s performance. Food trucks, art, kids crafts, what more is there for a summer festival destination. If you haven’t attended before, it is the last Saturday in June.

The Commonwealth Band
http://thecommonwealth-music.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-city-blues


Waterloo Arts
www.waterlooarts.org


Pompeii Exhibit

After several months at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I finally attended the Pompeii Exhibit. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. The exhibit opened with Andy Warhol’s screen print of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius - one canvas in color and another in black and white. They were simple but dramatically represented the eruption. I can’t even imagine what that was like - panic and fear that you were not going to get out alive.

As my sister astutely pointed out, the theme of the exhibit was not a series of images about this tragedy but how artists interpreted this event. There were series of paintings where several artists showed how residents of Pompeii gorged themselves with food delicacies and fine clothing. Did they deserve this untimely death?

The exhibit entrance displayed a body cast in plaster (I think) that we’ve all seen before but another artist created a series of the same dog sculpture sixteen times. Interesting and eerie at the same time. The entire gallery housed the dog in a fetal position. You realize instantly the destruction of life but animals were also lost.

Mostly I gravitated towards the sculptures - a nude, young man bronze carrying a shovel with an artifact in his right hand. The artist eloquently displayed the possibility of grave robbers; however, it’s doubtful this occurred since the young man was nude. Still, it gives the viewer pause to think about this period.

I enjoyed the exhibit but my absolute favorite room was an entire room of Rothko’s. I peacefully sat and looked back and forth at Rothko’s large canvases - brushstrokes in dark colors. Blocks of colors where you wonder what was he thinking as he took brush to canvas. For me, it was time well spent thinking about artists’ interpretation of a period frozen in time and how we deal with death and destruction.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The New North Wing Now Open - Japanese and Korean Art, plus Textiles that has not been seen in eight years. Walking along these galleries during the Solstice Party, I instantly thought, there are so many unfamiliar pieces I don’t remember. One of my favorites is the "Portrait of the Zen Master Hotto Kokushi," a weathered wooden piece where a seated monk meditates with his eyes closed with his hands turned upward in his lap.


www.clevelandart.org


The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

The Two Gentleman of Verona was presented at Wade Oval.

http://www.universitycircle.org/locations/cleveland-shakespeare-festival

Cleveland Summer Festivities

Photo by: David Brichford, CMA Staff Member

CMA Summer Solstice

Balloon patterned outfits, performances, pyrotechnics, visions of Cleveland projected onto the 1916 Building, this was the atmosphere at the fifth annual Cleveland Museum of Art Summer Solstice party. Just as the previous parties, the crowds danced and visited the many galleries especially the opening of the new Asian Galleries. The new galleries were bright and spacious that allowed a visitor to see the long awaited Asian collection. I told a friend right after I exited the space, did we have all this on view before in the downstairs galleries - the dungeon (the only reason I say this is they were dark and hard to see the many wonderful pieces)? The patrons to the new Cleveland Museum of Art space have no idea how crowded it once was. There was never a time where I was alone in a gallery to view my favorite art pieces nor an immense atrium that amazes me still. There was a lot of grumbling when it closed its doors but I know now it needed to be done - an expansion that celebrates how fantastic our museum is and will be in the future.

As I do every year, I volunteer my time to this “must attend” event because I love to people watch. There were fashionably decked out people with certain extravagance to others in jeans and flip flops. Everyone was enjoying the outdoor bands in yet another heat wave to DJs in the atrium. There were so many people wandering around that unless you had a specific place to meet, you will never find your party. That is a successful party, for sure.

Photo by: David Thal

This year, I spent more time in the galleries trying to catch up on art that I’ve missed or listening to my favorite contemporary piece, "Forty-Part Motet." My friend didn’t realize this piece was exhibited since it was a little hard to hear with all the traffic. It was exciting to see, however, the many bodies hopped from one speaker to the next. I enthusiastically told my friend please stop back, it’s something you don’t want to miss.

Photo by: David Thal

Unfortunately, the suspended contemporary sculpture, “The Controller of the Universe” was closed for the event displaying countless hardware tools from chisel to saws. Can you name that tool? My friend and I were trying to figure out what this tool is called,that takes two people to saw a log (two-man-saw). This piece just glowed in the moonlight as iPhone photos were taken.

If you forgot or have never attended this event, pencil it for next year. Please buy your tickets early since it sells out.

“The Book of Mormon” at Playhouse Square

As I do with book or films, I never read the reviews. I just need a basic thumbs up or thumbs down so I don’t waste my time. The only thing I heard about this play is it won a bunch of Tony’s and it’s part of Playhouse Square’s Broadway series. That’s good enough for me.

I was so excited to see this play for all the positive buzz it has received. My sister said honestly the seats aren’t great for its popularity - seats are selling fast. Great for Cleveland, I say. Moreover, it was wonderful to see people spilling out along Euclid Avenue at 3:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. We do have the second largest theater district behind New York, if you can believe it.

We walked up many steps to reach the upper balcony. The seats were not bad; there were more people further up. The stage perimeter was decorated in stain glass and soon the performers were singing boisterously, “Hello, Hello” as they were ringing doorbells to preach the “Book of Mormon.” Again, the seats were high but not enough that I couldn’t get the full effect of the show. They were loud enough to hear no matter where you sat.

The actor who played, Elder Cunningham was wonderful - hilarious as he glided along the stage singing and portraying this lively character that lies about the Book’s content to get Ugandans baptized. The costumes and choreography were brilliant; the ensemble cast played many characters such as devils, Yoda, Darth Vader, Ugandans and Elder Mormons, just to name a few.

Of course I laughed and was entertained. However, there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me such as explicit language, rape and body part references that probably didn’t need to be there. Then again, you know what you’re getting from the creators of South Park. Overall, I did like it a lot.

If you love the theater, I wouldn’t miss it.

http://www.playhousesquare.org/

More activities this weekend.

Friday, June 28 MOCA
http://mocacleveland.org/

Saturday, June 29, WaterlooArtsFest
https://www.facebook.com/WaterlooArtsFest

Pulling a 10-Ton Truck through Cleveland

Photo by Cool Cleveland - @MartinBielat

A drab, cool evening as I drive down to the Beachland Ballroom to “Pull” an old GMC truck through the city - a performance piece promoting work by Artist William Pope.L. Quite honestly, I was getting a little nervous about this task ahead of me. How easy or difficult will this be?

A brass band playing to a good crowd gathered in front of the Beachland Ballroom anticipating this historic event that was about to take place. Photographers, videographers, art enthusiasts, residents and “pullers” gathered around an old truck that was transformed with bold typography, imagery and headlines stating: Wealth Vs. Money; The Right to be Lazy, What is the Point of Working? I Can’t Wait to Get Off Work, and I Love My Job. I noticed an image of a Homeless man on the lower left of the truck along with a headline promoting the Men’s Shelter metal works program creating bike rakes for the city - A photographer took my picture as I was awestruck of this wonderful project.

How did I learn about this project? My sister sent me an email where the subject line simply said, “Pull.” My curiosity peaked and looked up the event. I wasn’t wild about the time (8:30 until 12:30 A.M.), but it was right in my neighborhood so I decided to sign-up. I have been tweeting and talking about this event all week. Moreover, I won the Cool Cleveland Hashtag contest where a representative was sent to publicize my event. How cool is that?

Push off time was 9:00 P.M., and I was getting antsy to get the ball rolling. There will be eight-pullers (four on the right and four on the left of the vertical bar) in front of the truck pulling this crazy one-wheeled, wooden apparatus. I stood confidently on the driver’s side, both hands on the second wooden bar. I wanted the first shift for this historic event. We all wore bright yellow safety vests with a yellow and black PULL sticker. I was excited and nervous at the same time.

The Spaces executive director explained this has been a two-year project that has finally come to fruition plus verbalizing all the partnerships that helped make this event a reality. Walking in front of the truck, the band continued to play as we “pullers” began to move the truck awkwardly along the uneven asphalt with the police as our guide. We’re off! All pullers were hooting and hollering and waving to onlookers. Driver’s in their cars wondering what the heck is going on. Priceless expressions.

One young driver has such an emotional response to the truck, “What happened?” I can just image what it looks like to people who have no idea what this project is all about - eight people with bright yellow jackets pulling an old jalopy. Our truck brought interest from a young family - a stroller with baby and dog, Rex to walk along with us.

We moved on a good clip along Waterloo Road along a neighborhood that I haven’t really experienced before. As you pull, you have the time to see homes that are abandoned or need some tender loving care. This is also the time to see how people live in these troubled times - a time to reflect. There were potholes and standing water that you needed to be aware of. I was surprised how hard I was working especially in my biceps. I am in good shape, but this was kicking my butt.

After about 20-minutes, it was time to turn the reins off to the other volunteers anticipating their turn to “pull.” We all rotated from pulling to pushing - the back of the truck. The hardest part of the “pull” was pushing from the back, a sharp incline along St. Clair. We were all spent when the truck reached the top - huffing and puffing, at least I got a good workout after that stretch of road. Everything was going well; we were doing such a good job that we were way ahead of schedule - one-hour. We reached our destination at 11:00 P.M. “Seriously, we’re done.”

I was sadden that we reached our destination so quickly. I was enjoying watching passersby looking dumbfounded by what this truck signifies; the smartphones taking photos and local residents waving as we traveled along their street. What I learned? There are so many people that need help; there are local businesses trying to survive and this project has embraced volunteers that really wanted to come together to be apart of “PULL.” What can we achieve as we “pull” together? I’m so proud that I was a “puller.” Thank you Spaces and William Pope.L for bringing this project to reality.

Spaces PULL Project
http://www.spacesgallery.org/project/pull

The Cleveland Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/06/pull_offers_city_a_labor_of_ar.html

Captain America Filming

White trailers, orange and white road closing signs and burned out, smashed up police cars, this is how the downtown Cleveland landscape has looked for the Captain America filming. I don’t work downtown so I have not been affected by these inconveniences. I am sympathetic to a certain point but everyone knew these road closures were coming. I can’t help but be in awe that Captain America is here in town filming. I might be alone in this but I do think this is a huge plus for our city and it could definitely lead to more films.

What have I seen other than the emphasis road closure signs? Not much to be honest. I have ridden my bike downtown in hopes that I might see Samuel L. Jackson or another famous person; no such luck. I did see, however, that the old Ameritrust bank rotunda was transformed into a D.C. gallery with banners streaming along the exterior. I have seen huge cranes but every time I walk by, the crew is idle.

I was one of the crazy bike riders on Memorial Day where the sky looked ominous and threatening rain. I pedaled through East Cleveland on Euclid Avenue to avoid the many parades plaguing the city. As I got closer to Lakeview Cemetery, I saw a security guard sitting by two large semitrailers. Wow, I thought. They are going to use Lakeview cemetery for filming. How cool is that?

As I pedaled through the Euclid Avenue bike lane, I kept thinking what wonderful, old nostalgic buildings we have. Perfect for film without the heavily traveled street traffic. I remember again riding my bike downtown when the Spiderman 3 was being filmed. I completely forgot when I saw clusters of people standing around Tower City in dark, woolen suits in the middle of the summer. Then it occurred to me that they were filming. My thoughts even then what a cool thing that was going on in the city.

But as the film industry goes, there is much standing around and waiting. You set up a shot then you wait for a very long time before you see anything “happening.” When they were filming for Spiderman 3, I remember being able to stand pretty close on Euclid Avenue with countless others gawking, hoping to see something cool. I recall seeing the camera track going up and down; I’m assuming they were prepping the shot and getting the right angles and light. I was ready to stand there all day but a friend of mine was eager to get going. I kept saying, “Just a few minutes and we’ll get going.” Those few minutes ended up being an hour; I finally gave in and left the scene.

I was engrossed in the filming process and didn’t want to miss something. Another friend became an extra for Spiderman 3 and he told us the ins-and-outs. You do wait a very long time in the “green room” sort of speak. My friend stood on East 9 right by the yellow NYC cabs and newspaper stands, being part of the NYC crowd. He spent at least two weeks hanging out in the snack line waiting to be called. I do recall that he enjoyed himself even though there was a lot of time wasted.

I did wait in the crazy casting call line for “The Avengers” in the summer of 2011. I will never forget that experience, boiling to death for hours hoping that I will be called as an extra. I never did but my chances were slim since there were thousands of people wanting the same chance to be in the film. Oh well, I tried but what I remember most is the engaging, intelligent conversations I had with four people. We were strangers at the beginning but became friends at the end of our journey. I was sadden when I finally exited the Holiday Inn; who knows if I’ll ever see these people again. Captain America, I didn’t attempt the casting call line but it would have been a memorable experience.

What I noticed with this filming is they have been using much of Cleveland’s skyline unlike the other films that concentrated on Euclid Avenue and Tower City. They have used Rockwell and Superior Avenues close to the Cleveland Public Library. Someone told me that they saw Samuel L. Jackson; darn, I completely missed that memo. Now they have completely shut down the West Shoreway; that has never been done before. I hope the film crew has given the city a ton of money for that inconvenience.

I happen to be downtown on the first day they shut down the Shoreway. Admittedly, it took me over 20-minutes to reach West 29th Street from downtown. At one point, I shut off my car and sat idle as the traffic completely stopped. Not only is the Shoreway shut down, but there is road construction on both West 6 and 9 streets, which is adding to the bottleneck.

Oh well as I said in the beginning of this piece. Clevelander’s need to just suck it up. Take alternative transportation such as the RTA or ride a bike. We have been spoiled that our traffic is nil compared to other cities. I’m just as guilty thinking this way; I am running late and I assume that it will only take me 15 minutes to get downtown. I’m lucky that I live east and I don’t have to deal with the Shoreway but it will only last an other 9 days.

If I know in advance there will be a delay, I would opt to ride my bike. I did it yesterday as I attended VegFest at CSU. I felt empowered that I didn’t have to deal with many frustrated driver’s. This landscape needs to change with more public transportation and bike share, maybe! Cities are changing and commuters want more options.

Cleveland.com
Captain America Filming (I don't have any personal photos)
http://www.cleveland.com/movies/index.ssf/2013/05/captain_america_the_winter_sol_5.html

Biking Downtown - ‘Bout Time

graphic from www.bikecleveland.org

It’s May 17, and I finally pulled out my old mountain bike to check the tires and lube the chain. Today is bike to work day; I plan to ride downtown and looking at the progress of the East Bank of the Flats. There are so many changes going on in the city that I’m looking forward to seeing it at 15 miles-per-hour. Sixty-eight degrees and sunny is the perfect time to start pedaling.

I realize that we’ve already had numerous warm weather days for me to venture out on my bike but the late schedule of the Cleveland International Film Festival, Orthodox Easter and cleaning up my yard, the days and weeks have just gone by. I really can’t complain about the above normal, sunny days in Cleveland, Ohio. My yard is in full bloom with this giant fragrant lilac bush. It just puts a smile on my face.

As a freeze baby, I wore a few layers to combat the wind as I rode down along Lakeshore Boulevard, against the wind. That is ideal; however, on the way back when I’m fatigued, I will have the wind in my face practically pedaling backwards.

The ride was wonderful as I rode along the congested Euclid Avenue bike lane. On a positive note, there is a dedicated bike lane but drivers are still annoyed that they need to share the road. More times than not, a truck or car speeds right on my left pedal driving like a bat-out-of-hell determined to get to their destination. My heart is pounding as I nervously compose myself as I defensively ride in my lane, hugging the curb. Driver’s should just look around and make sure they are not getting in the way. “Please share the road!”

I am not a novice as far as cycling goes but now I’m more aware of my surroundings. I don’t do what most people do, which is listening to an iPod, oblivious to their surroundings. My hearing is in tune to the ambient sounds so if a car gets too close or doesn’t follow the “rules of the road” then I have plenty of time to get out of the way. It really shouldn’t come to that. One time I was riding my light weight rode bike and out of nowhere, a car cuts me off by making a left turn right in front of my front wheel. If I didn’t have quick reflexes, then I would have been sprawled on the road. Hence, you need to drive or cycle defensively regardless.

I commend anyone who cycles through downtown on a regular basis. There is so much traffic on all the streets that I needed to zigzag to find a street without much traffic. It’s not that I’m nervous to ride, but as I stated above I don’t trust people in cars. They seem like they’re always in a hurry and not really paying attention. Besides, I’m not enclosed by plastic and steel.

What was interesting as I rode through the Warehouse District, the movie crew were already filling up the parking lot with white trucks and vans? At first I was confused why so many trucks where parked there – then it hit me. The Captain America crew will be shutting down the Shoreway and some downtown streets. I want to go downtown and see them shoot; I missed it when The Avengers crew were in town.

Pretty cool, I must say.

The other area that I thought was cool was The Flats. Admittedly, I was annoyed that they bulldozed Old River Road except for a few buildings. I can’t help it; it reminded me of the heyday when the Flats was in full swing: Fagan’s, The Beach Club, D’Poos, River’s Edge just to name a few. The city was alive with so many Clevelanders – it was the place to be on the weekends. Now, it is beginning to take some shape.

The tall, Ernst & Young building and the Aloft boutique hotel will be fantastic when it finally opens – it has been leveled since 2006-2007. The contractors began laying bricks underneath the “blue bridge.” And yes, I made my way up that steep hill on my mountain bike, huffing and puffing as I reached the top. West Sixth and Ninth streets are also going through road construction as I made my way through the “orange barrels.”

It was crazy trying to maneuver my bike through all the construction, but I’m enthusiastic how beautiful the city will look once all these projects are done. It will give more people a reason to venture downtown away from their suburban Mecca. What will bring people downtown is giving them something different that they can’t get in the burbs – We are definitely on our way?

To learn more about downtown, Take a Hike - Tuesday, Wednesday (New), Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com

Flats East Bank
http://www.flatseast.com/

37th Cleveland International Film Festival

April 13, 1977 was the first day the Cleveland International Festival began its run at the Cedar Lee Theater. Now thirty-seven years later, it has become one of the must do events in Cleveland: 180 feature films and 165 short subjects. Moreover, Tower City is literally busting at the seams with the thousands of people walking up and down the concourse. If you haven’t experienced it yet, it really is something you need to experience for yourself.

What I enjoy most about this festival year after year is the enthusiasm everyone has as they grab a ballot and find their seat. This is the time where like-minded people (film buffs) “buzz” about their favorites or stinkers. It can be a “crap shoot” when you read the brief synopsis in the film guide and try to discern what “grabs you” in picking something fantastic that you can’t stop thinking about. As a friend of mine has eloquently stated to me many times, “If you haven’t seen something you didn’t like, then you haven’t stretch yourself.” Touché !

Volunteering is another thing I enjoy doing at the festival. I like hearing the positive comments about the films so I can markup my program guide that’s already littered with notes. Sometimes, however, when you hear the positive “buzz” it might be too late to get your ticket. But, there are so many films to choose from that you can’t get too upset by the ones that you’ve missed.

I met this older gentleman, an Army Colonel, who saw between 5 to 6 films a day. Pretty darn good for a retiree. He bought a “Directors” pass so he can see as many films and any film he feels like on any given day.  When I met him on my volunteer shift, he already watched 40 films and that was the beginning of the week.

This year, however, I have given more “fair” ballots than I have in the past. I’m not sure why but many of the films just “didn’t do it” for me one way or the other. I am a tough film critic because I see a fair number of films; plus as a book reader, I can appreciate if a film has a creative, unique story or something that hasn’t been done over and over. If it doesn’t, then it will be an average film by my standards. I can’t help it.

If I begin to nod off, most likely it didn’t grab my attention hence it’s going into the “average” rating pile. There is also a slim chance that I might just be tired on that day. More often than not, it simply was a generic, okay film. This only happened to me twice. One story just was not compelling enough - “The Coin Bearer” and I nodded off for several minutes. I did however get the basis of the story. As I walked out, I wished that I picked a different film. That is the beauty of the film festival, you can broaden your horizons into new genres.

If you love film, please check out the Cleveland International Film Festival next year, in March 2014. You will meet wonderful like-minded film people. I’ve enjoyed standing in line and conversing with everyone and anyone. In fact, I met a husband and wife who just moved to Cleveland. I couldn’t wait to tell them all the wonderful things going on in Cleveland. This is my favorite event of the year.

Here are a list of the films I saw ranked from Best to Worst

1. Laurence Anyways (a multi-layered story where a man becomes a woman and the struggle he faces in trying to let go of a woman s/he has lived with for years)

2. Pieta (a disturbing film but kept me on the edge my seat the entire time because the story was brilliant along with strong film editing that added to the drama.)

3. Three Worlds (a wonderful story where an accident affects three lives.)

4. Beauty (beautiful cinematography; quiet film how a teenage girl works for another family and the struggles she faces.)

5. The Last Ocean (documentary on the toothfish that is being harvested and slowly becoming extinct; hence this is changing the ecosystem.)

6. Call Me Kuchu (documentary how the Urgandan LGBT community is being jailed for coming out.)

7. Pulzel (narrative how two individuals try to get out of their comfort zones.)

8. The Orheim Company (Narrative how a family struggles with alcoholism.)

9. When Day Breaks (a professor finds a metal box that contains his real parents belongings such as a musical score.)

10. Omamamia (enjoyable, non-thinking film when a grandma travels to Rome hoping to meet the Pope.)

11. Casting By (documentary how Marion Dougherty found talented actors that helped to make  films great; the push/pull that “casting” should be nominated for an Academy Award.)

12. Musicwood (documentary on the future of wood for acoustic guitars and preserving the Alaska Forrest against clear cutting.)

13. Halima’s Path (two lives are intertwined when Halima can’t have children ends up raising her niece’s child during Bosnian wartime.)

14. The Deep (a fishing boat capsizes and one man survives in the bone chilling water; how did he survive?)

15. Out in the Dark (Isreali vs. Palestinian - two men trying to stay together where one guy loses his student visa in conflict; they can’t depend on their families for help.)

16. Red, White and Blueprints ( documentary on how rust belt cities are reinventing themselves.)

17. Kuma (a young girl marries an older gentleman while his first spouse struggles with cancer.)

18. Running From Crazy (Mariel Hemmingway’s honest account of the many suicides in her family and her outreach to bring this issue to the forefront.)

19. La Demora (narrative where a mother is struggling to make ends meet and is faced with  her father’s dementia)

20. I Do (a gay man loses his visa and he marries a Lesbian in order to say in the US. This brings up the issue of what is marriage?

21. My Beautiful Country ( a fictional story about a Serban woman and an Albanian soldier who have to find a way to be together during the Kosovo war - I nodded of but I thought it was a good story.)

22. Salma (documentary on a woman who defies her Indian culture and writes poetry. She is imprisoned for 25-years where men believe woman shouldn’t be educated; disappointed it wasn't as dramatic and I envisioned.)

23. Uprising (documentary on when Egyptians demand Mubarak to step down that erupted into a revolution, fighting for their democratic rights, and how facebook ignited thousands to participate.)

24. A Fighting Heart (interesting to learn how Johnny Kilbane became a champion boxer in Cleveland.

25. Chaos (a twisted thriller where a farmhouse is central to destruction, deceit and intrigue when a boy breaks up a marriage and tries to escape his past. Too many twists and it took too long to get to the point.)

26. Sugar Wars (mafia Godfather Lonardo in Cleveland.)

27. The Almost Man (an immature 35-year old who pulls childless pranks because he just doesn’t want to grow up.)

28. Bad Seeds ( two school kids kidnap a teacher; as time goes on they don’t know what to do with her. This had potential where it could of gone further to become edge-of-your-seat).

29. Piazza Fontana (a complicated Italian story when a bombing occurs killing 17 people and the investigation behind who is responsible. It was long, dry and confusing.)

30. Detroit Unleaded ( two characters fall in love in a gas station that falls short with too many stereotypes and not enough character development or strong dialogue.)

31. The Coin Bearer ( a story of two brothers who make money on casino-style gambling during wakes only; gambling is illegal in the Philippines so this is the only time to do it.)

32. Little World (Documentary on a boy who travels the world on a wheelchair; I was empathetic but a continuous close up on his face should have focused more on the terrain; instead I was bored and annoyed. It needed tighter editing.)

33. The Great Flood (old black and white footage on the 1927 Mississippi flood; no spoken words but interwoven with jazz music that I thought detracted from the imagery; I was bored. It would of been better as still photos.)

34. Up There (why I disliked this film is that I could not follow what it’s really about; a man needs to help a dead person find his way into heaven. Zombies?)

Cleveland International Film Festival

www.clevelandfilm.org