Summer - It's What I Live For

What have I been doing this summer? A lot since my last post.

Courtesy of Porch Fest website (www.larchmereporchfest.org)

Larchere Porch Fest

Summer Solstice began when I rode my bike to the Larchmere Porch Fest, now in its 6 year. I’ve always wanted to attend but there were so many other events that I just ran out of time. This year, I was determined to go. I am so glad that I did.

It was a perfect sunny day when I pulled out my mountain bike, checked the tires and continued on St. Clair Avenue heading towards Euclid Avenue. I usually ride through East Cleveland when I travel to the heights - eliminating heavy traffic. I am saddened, however, at the blighted buildings that were once iconic, beautiful structures where residents couldn’t wait to visit. As I ride through East Cleveland, I try to imagine what life was like a hundred years ago when I gaze upon the peeling paint, and wood in the window frames. The roads are littered with plastic pop bottles choking the drains. It takes restraint for me not to pick it up. I continue and try not to let the trash deter me from my destination. 

I ride along Terrace Road where there are many dilapidated homes; however, a truck is parked in a driveway along side a dumpster where repairs are under way. Moreover, I see a few individuals with trash buckets and bags clearing up the trash. Things are looking up even though it has been a slow process.

My commute is close to fifty minutes traveling through the back roads; Larchmere is bustling with cars, bikes and people carrying chairs to the various venues. Luckily I came prepared with a printed out map, a must have. The way the Porch Fest works is different bands are scheduled from 1 p.m until 8 p.m. through the streets north and south of Larchmere. The first band that I saw was a “blues” band north of Larchmere - people were dancing and tapping there feet. It’s very easy to get confused where all the streets are, hence the map. 

What I enjoyed most about the festival is the diversity: young and old walking (strollers in tow), biking or driving to the many different types of music all day long. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. Not knowing the system, I locked my bike and walked to the various streets. Each porch is sponsored: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District sponsored “Jah Messengers” Roots Reggae that was fantastic. People were sitting on sidewalks and tree lawns taking in this local talent. http://www.csucauldron.com/news/view.php/320151/Local-Reggae-Band-Heats-Things-Up

I kept thinking, I should have gotten here earlier; what took me so long to finally attend this event. Quite frankly, I did not want to leave. 

The last band I listened to was: “Fever, Fever,” alternative folk rock from Columbus sponsored by Studio Graphique. They were fantastic. There were so many people around the house that you couldn’t help but tap your feet. Not only did each porch get sponsored but the home owner provided water and light refreshments. So cool!

I walked slowly to my bike trying to listen to as much music as I could. A few gentleman asked about the schedule, “When is the next band going to play?” I told them to get a map from the information booth and go from there. The music was all around, not necessarily on Larchmere. Moreover, the event was well organized with plenty of food and music genre for everyone to enjoy. For example, I biked to E.127 and listened to “Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra” Eastern European Klezmer Music - not my taste but it’s available. 

On my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking about this festival. Excellent! If you haven’t been to Larchmere, I highly recommend it. There is a wide variety of music that will peak anyone’s interest. 

CMA - Solstice Party

Next stop, The Cleveland Museum of Art Annual Solstice Party. All I can say is it was crowded. My understanding is the event sold out in just a few weeks. If you plan to attend next year, get your tickets early. 

As I do every year, I volunteered. What I enjoy most as a “wrist band” greeter volunteer is seeing the attendees first. You get a sneak peak into the various outfits and wild shoes from platforms to elegant straps. The most outrageous was orange shorts to the ordinary by wearing jeans. This is the best “people watching” venue.

I thought the music was fun; it was geared towards a “yoga” theme for the new Yoga exhibit. The Salar System band  had two dancers displaying their flexibility and fluidity. The music reflected their Afgan traditions by using unusual instruments and spirituality. It was good. Once the band finished, I bumped into a friend that didn’t care for the music. You’re going to have that but one thing is clear - it’s music that you probably won’t hear again. That’s what makes Solstice the event of the year - a unique array of music and diverse attendees. 

As an art themed event, there were these stacked balloons with faces on them that were being passed from person to person. It was amazing to see how the balloons stayed erect for as tall as they were. There is so much energy at this party that you can’t help but get swept away.

It was enjoyable and it was good to see a few people that I haven’t seen in a while but I hate to admit that I probably enjoyed the porch fest a bit more. 

Wade Oval Wednesdays

This event started on June 11 on a perfect, cool sunny evening. The band, “Coast2Coast,” where the crowd was energized by the music. There was a diverse crowd walking around excited that summer is finally here; others were standing in the long vendor lines, Gyros or wood fired pizza; relaxing on a blanket eating sausage and grilled peppers from Constantino’s Market; drinking wine and relaxing under a shaded tree. Whatever you feel like doing, it’s available at this low key event. 

Photo by Anna Chanakas

I sat in the back with my sister’s dog, Max, that was loving every minute of his first WOW experience. He sniffed some new smells especially the sausage and peppers at the blanket next to us. Young Kids appeared out of nowhere wanting to pet Max. “He’s so cute, they all said.”

I remember attending my first Wade Oval Wednesday several years ago to a small, but passionate music crowd; now hundreds show up for this weekly free music festival. Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S Band gets a huge following year after year. If you don’t get there by 5 p.m to claim a spot, you might be out of luck. 

Nothing to do in Cleveland? Well, I just described three events out of many going on this summer. This is why I adore summer, the many free events where you can just hang out and relax in a comfortable chair or blanket. Meet friends or sit under a tree and catch up on your reading. Summer in Cleveland has events for everyone. Enjoy!

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/

Summer in Cleveland

Free Concerts

Technically summer hasn’t officially started but I’ve attended a few things going on around town. For one, the free concert series at Wade Oval had a good crowd in spite of the threatening heavy gray clouds overhead. The band, "The Chozen Few Band," wasn’t deterred either. Around my North Collinwood neighborhood, we have free concerts along the Lake. Honestly, I considered not attending because the cool breeze was too cold to sit by the lake. What can I say; I’m a freeze baby and probably the rare few that likes it hot? Since the sun came out, I decided to walk the block and a half. A less than normal crowd but everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. The band, Lost State of Franklin will be performing at Wade Oval this week (last night).

While listening to the band, I was infatuated by this dog that kept running down to the lake to retrieve this stick she found. The routine was: she threw down the stick; Her owners threw it down to the lake (there was a hill from where I sat to the Lake’s edge); she enthusiastically ran to retrieve it. She did it about three times. She rested for a bit; then the cycle repeated. I couldn’t stop myself from watching her. She wasn’t exactly the most agile of dog breeds but she kept running up and down this hill like it was nothing.

The Convention Center

I rode my bike downtown to attend the opening of the Cleveland Convention Center. Honestly, they did a fantastic job. The inside was contemporary with clean silver signage; the bench seating had plugs along the front and sides for your electronic devices. The bench seats’ fabric had a repeating pattern of our historic bridges in earth tones. The interior was spacious with many meeting rooms with all the current technologies; I just learned this center is the most technologically advanced. The Ballroom was huge; it overlooked the Amtrak Train Station. This was the first time I was able to see it at eye level. Everyone standing in front of the large windows were probably thinking the same thing.

What I enjoyed most was how the old Mall C was re-envisioned with green space that was sorely needed downtown. They added contemporary metal benches where you can sit comfortably looking out along the lake and view Browns Stadium (First Energy Stadium). Many onlookers had their camera’s set and gazed off into the distance. I’m sure the benches will fill up during lunch with people craving the view or people just milling around. I was impressed with this space.

Bonfoey Gallery

As an art lover, I try to visit as many openings as possible. The Bonfoey featured artist, Joseph O’Sickey, that beautifully captured landscapes using watercolor and oil. I was most impressed with his watercolors because it is a medium that I cannot do very well. God knows, I’ve tried. What I admire most about his watercolors is they’re simply interpreted without much detail such as “Four Sailboats Near Land.” Moreover, you can still see the faint pencil lines as he meticulously worked on the composition, visualizing what inspired the artist. Seeing the care and skill he took in creating these landscapes. Next to the watercolor, a dynamic, bold colorful piece that reminded me of Matisse hung there as I wondered how differently he interpreted these patio scenes.

The Bonfoey played a video of O'Sickey where I learned how he met his wife (love at first sight) and began his career in watercolors. Furthermore, it was his obscure watercolors that eventually awarded him admittance to the Cleveland School of Art (now Cleveland Institute of Art). Just like another artist I adore, Schreckengost (an industrial designer and artist that created the vibrant Jazz Bowls), O’Sickey also chose to stay in Cleveland and paint. Art openings and galleries, I learn about artists that I probably wouldn’t have known before.

Bonfoey Gallery until July 13, 2013

http://www.bonfoey.com/OSickey.html

Sound Installation: Forty-Part Motet at The Cleveland Museum of Art

I initially heard the Forty-Part Motet played on WCPN Around Noon that just gave me chills coming out my radio. I couldn’t wait to listen to this piece in person. There are forty mounted speakers (hence the name) arranged in an oval where each speaker represents a choir member in the Reid Gallery (Italian Baroque Gallery). Honestly, I didn’t know what this piece represented when I walked by earlier in spring as the installation was in progress. My favorite art pieces are those that have a well thought out concept that keeps my mind going, what the artist is trying to say. Hence, I want to discuss this art with others.

This work by Janet Cardiff did not disappoint. I walked up the steps and I instantly heard the music. Standing right inside the gallery, I was awestruck by the clarity of the choir. I first walked around to each of the speakers to see if I can distinguish between any of the voices. I couldn’t until the piece ended; I can hear quiet murmurings and breathing. The artist recorded each choir member separately even during breaks.

This is a piece that everyone must experience. It will undeniably take your breath away. As I sat and listened to it twice, I watched patrons walk around and sit; children running up to each speaker not fully understanding it. I was in my own little world with this majestic sound surrounding me, comforting me as I listened. I didn’t want to leave. This piece will forever be imprinted in my mind. I’m sorry that I missed Ms. Cardiff’s other piece, “The Paradise Institute” at MOCA. This piece, however, has been extended until July 7, 2013.

http://www.clevelandart.org/events/exhibitions/forty-part-motet
Lastly, I went to a talk at Sims Park Beach in Euclid about shale rock. I learned how different each beach looked by the wave deposits. Sims park had rocks that washed up on the beach whereas Euclid Beach did not. Plus, Sims Park had sand with a purple tint from other minerals that wash up.  I never thought about it until the presenter mentioned it.

Sims Park in Euclid - Moss Point
http://bluestoneheights.org/bsh/?s=moss+point

This past week has been filled with discoveries and knowledge that I love. Cleveland provides so much richness in culture and art. Summer has begun and there is much more for me to explore.