Winter Fun (2/27)

Looks like chilly winter fun. Bundle up and head outdoors.



For more information, visit britewintercleveland.wordpress.com

friend in town!

I am so excited the weekend is here!

My college roommate is in town from the big apple and I am always SO THRILLED to share with here the fun and fabulousness of the "land of Cleve!"



We have tons planned for the weekend, from good eats & swanky drinks to a Broadway show, holiday art fest, to a cruise with Santa, perhaps a walk in Ohio City, a light festival and maybe a rockin flea market!

There is so much to do here, I gotta run, let the weekend begin! Cheers. :)

Thankful for the weekend!

I’m THANKFUL it’s the weekend. The weekend before the “Week of Thanks”... So many things to get done before December madness strikes!




Here is what I am planning to do...hope I can squeeze it all in.

Friday.
> Read a new Zine at Bella Dubby
> Eat some Ice Cream to celebrate the END of Tap! :)
> Listen to some great local tunes at made in the 216
> Party like a rock star.

Saturday
> Groom my little pup (shown at Thanksgiving in DC a few years ago)
> Fall in love with a Vampire..or a werewolf.
> Begin my holiday shopping list...(buying locally thanks to the reminder from Chef’s Widow!)
> Stop by the last farmers market of the season...or see the tree lighting?

Sunday
> Brush up on my manners (there are still a few spots left, call 440.247.2550 to sign up!)
> Explore the gardens & gingerbread creations
> FREE HENNA (with any cosmetic purchase) at Dillards in Beachwood...I am thinking a pumpkin, turkey and fall leaves for the Thanksgiving week?

Jump Back Pre-Sale (11/19)

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

So, I've always wanted to go to the infamous "Jump Back Ball." It's one of those parties I always mean to check out, but then it overlaps with something else, someone's birthday, a long weekend away or something and I've always missed it. This year I am making it a priority to get my tickets early and begin planning my attire for the big party.

The 19th annual Jump Back Ball, themed “Celebrate: Carnaval,” is set for Saturday, February 27, 201o...so will you wear feathers or something more black tie? Hmm...



The Carnival Ball kickoff party will take place at A.J. Rocco’s (816 Huron Rd) from 6-8 pm. Join me and enjoy appetizers, drink specials and mini manicures by The Studio Salon plus buy your Jump Back Ball tickets first and SAVE!

Ticket prices increase THE DAY after (no exceptions) the kickoff by $15 +handling fees, so be sure to get to the party and bring your friends. Each person in attendance can purchase two tickets at the kickoff rate with no handling fees. New this year- you can set up a payment plan too!

Kickoff party pricing: $100-$120

I will be there waiting in line to save some cash on my tickets...will you?

E. Sharpe & M. Zeros (11/12)

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

So I hear this bizarre band one night on David Letterman...then a few weeks later their song "Home" appeared in the middle of "my" show, Gossip Girl...Looks like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are invading...and their coming to Kent State Folk Festival this week!



The Beachland Ballroom is cohosting this show along with Kent and this is what they said...

"This band features Alex Ebert, formerly of dance band Ima Robot, as "Edward Sharpe," who leads a pack of Los Angeles heads and hippies into acoustic pop territory. Yes, these dudes and dudettes are rolling with a stoned and bearded zeitgeist that to Cleveland-bred listeners, sound kinda like Mikey Machine fronting the Dreadful Yawns. The rest of you might think it's all a very Polyphonic Spree/Flaming Lips-style bowl of musical cherries, but one can't deny Sharpe's way with a hook. This feel-good fest also features Family of the Year, and the darkened musical visage of Clevelanders Unsparing Sea."

Tickets are only $12 and are going fast, to buy tickets visit kentstage.org/index.html

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to present Browns Rules by Eric Schmiedl Directed by Bill Hoffman Original songs written and composed by Hoffman and Schmiedl

Don't miss the world-premiere of this cabaret style musical by nationally recognized local playwright Eric Schmiedl. Browns Rules is both a send-up and a love-letter to The Cleveland Browns. Three performer musicians and the audience are on a mission - successfully name the 29 rules of being a Cleveland Browns Fan and the Browns will win the Superbowl in 2010.



Part vaudeville, part sideshow, part variety show Browns Rules is an interactive exploration of the relationship between Cleveland and our beloved football team. With a rock band on stage, three performers combine storytelling and drama as they rip apart myths, celebrate heroes, and try to understand what makes the Cleveland Browns so important to our culture. What was the All-America Football Conference and who destroyed it? How did Paul Brown inspire his famous 1949 all-star team? Art Modell, friend or foe? Who called "Red Right 88?" Who wrote the song "Bernie, Bernie?" Cleveland Browns Stadium, asset or financial disaster? These questions and more are examined as Browns Rules looks at our dear Brownies and the city that loves and hates them.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm (Tickets only $10!)
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00pm (Browns have a bye week!)

Tickets: $30 Reserved Seating at Cabaret Table (includes corkage, reserved seats and tableside bar service during the show) | $24 General Admission | $22 Online Advance Purchase | $2 Discount for Students and Seniors | Special Thursday night pricing: $10 General Admission, $16 Cabaret Table Seating

After Art Hours (11/13)

Friday, November 13th, 2009

The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates the Cleveland Institute of Art exhibition CIA Students: Cleveland, 2009, at CMA with a very special after-hours event, featuring art, refreshments, a cash bar, and live performances by Marina Rosenfeld's Sheer Frost Orchestra and Eats Tapes. Tickets $10.

Money, Drawings & Bells (11/05)

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Looking for some new music this week? Check out the following trio that will be performing this Thursday at Front Room Gallery

Helen Money is Alison Chesley, from Chicago. She played the Parish Hallin 2007. Her new album, "In Tune," is out now on Table of the Elements, and contains 9 tracks of dense and dark looped cello, including an instrumental cover of the Minutemen's "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing."



Technical Drawings (Pittsburgh) is a duo comprised of Melissa St. Pierre (prepared piano) and Jesse Stiles (real-time drum algorithms, electronics, DSP). St. Pierre and Stiles’ performances and recordings embody a diverse set of influences including neoclassicism, rock, gamelan, and electronica.

Like Bells is an instrumental drums, guitar, and violin trio from Oberlin who have a full-length LP out on Cleveland's Exit Stencil Recordings.

The show will kick at The Front Room Gallery at 9pm, $5 cover and BYOB

216 Holiday Shoppe (11/06)

Friday, November 6th, 2009

This Friday the cute little Cleveland-born "sister" of Room Service will open, don't miss out. The new store, expected to be open the entire month of November, (maybe longer if we are lucky?) is called The "216 Holiday Shoppe."



Located next door to the new Capitol Theatre (at 1390 W. 65th St.) the Holiday Shoppe will be open most days 5 to 9pm (Saturday 11-9pm and Sunday 12-7pm) and Fridays complete with performance from local musicians. With over 50 designers you are sure to find your holiday gifts for every loved one.



Yesterday I had the privilege of lending a hand to my friend Danielle (owner of Room Service, creative thinker & all around sassy lady) in anticipation of the opening excitement. Although I can't reveal the cool art and interesting visual space design, if you squint your eyes a bit, you may be able to make out these blurred images of cool products (home goods, art. tee shirts (lots of tee shirts!), jewelry, accessories, and more, I can't list everything).

Looking forward to seeing everyone Friday night at the opening of The "216 Holiday Shoppe." For more details and information visit the blog at Room Service Home.

a Wicked weekend

Halloween is my favorite holiday! The warm colors, the spicy scents, the sassy costumes, the sugary sweets it all adds up to the celebration of fall. Plus we fall back so we get a bonus hour of sleep.



This weekend along with bobbin for apples see if you can squeeze any of these little treats to your weekend rundown...

- An “All You Can Eat Buffet”
- A Party with the Dead
- A little Coco before Chanel
- Hoops with the boys
- Being okay with Miss Michaelson

So Happy HAlloween to everyone in the "Land-of-Cleve," and might I warn you, don't come by my house without a costume or you won't get any candy. :)

Mr. J-Z (10/22)

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Yeah I'm out that Brooklyn.
Now I'm down in Tribeca.
Right next to DeNiro
But I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra
And since I made it here
I can make it anywhere.

(Empire State Of Mind Lyrics, from "The Blueprint 3" album)



Grammy-winning rapper, and Beyonces hubbie, Jay-Z is booked for a concert at 7:30 THIS WEEK at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center. Tickets run from $35 to $125. If you don't want to gamble with trying to scalp a pair, visit www.livenation.com

Issue Release (10/10)

Saturday October 10th, 2009



At the Beachland Tavern

Gender Bender Play (10/08)

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As part of the Great Lakes Theatre Festival season opener, the actors and actresses would like to invite you to experience their work in Shakespeares, The Twelth Night.



After a shipwreck on an unfriendly shore and the loss of her twin brother Sebastian, young Viola must pose as a man to survive. Shakespeare’s sophisticated comedy of gender-bending mistaken identity is full of passionate longing and bittersweet romance. Twelfth Night is an irresistible and poignant comedy that is one of the Bard’s most luminous plays.

Get your tickets today!

Bridge Party (9/25-26)

Friday September 25th and Saturday September 26th, 2009



So, I get this email from a friend of mine who lives in California..she says I simply "MUST" check out this event. (I think it's great that a West Coast "Clevelander" still keeps up with the happenings of our great city, I sorta think she may have been a bit jealous? Just a tad.)

Anyways, have you heard of the big Bridge Party that happening this week? The summer “Ingenuity” festival will expand beyond its weekend festival and transform one of the most fascinating urban spaces in the City into a center of art and performance. An urban space that lies central to Cleveland with spectacular views of downtown, the Cuyahoga River, the Flats, Lake Erie: the streetcar level of the Detroit Superior Bridge, immediately below and parallel to the vehicular level.

Free to the public it will include arts and crafts vendors, food and beverage vendors (including beer and wine), bands and solo performers positioned across the great span of the bridge with the more complex installations and performances taking place at either end. The event will include, as at all Ingenuity events, most exhibits and performances are family friendly and each night closes with a musical event.

For details on the artists, performers and schedule, visit www.clevelandbridgeproject.com

Free Orchestra (9/23)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Did you read the Sunday Arts Section of yesterdays Plain Dealer? The article was about the upcoming season of the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. They outlined-in detail the musical season and highlighted each of the violin performers, needless to day it was a musical masterpiece. Inspiring!

While I can't honestly say I get to attend the orchestra often...have always wanted too though. This year, I plan to get tickets to one of the Cleveland Institute of Musics concerts. Master students fully staged opera performances, recitals, and other events.

This weeks FREE concert will feature Carl Topilow as conductor and Meredith Clark on harp. They will be performing BERLIOZ Overture to Benvenuto Cellini, GINASTERA Harp Concerto, Op. 25 and DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9, E minor, Op. 95 (“New World”) at CIM in Kulas Hall.



While most concerts are free, seating passes are distributed before selected concerts when capacity attendance is anticipated. Free seating passes must be reserved in advance of those concerts by calling the CIM Box Office at 216-791-5000, ext. 411. Passes must be picked up at the Box Office on the night of the concert, no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert or they will be distributed to patrons waiting for seats.

I hope to be able to squeeze in a sonnet or two this fall. For additional concert information visit www.cim.edu

Taste of Cleveland (9/04-7)

Friday-Monday, September 4th -7th, 2009

The 14th Annual Taste of Cleveland presents Northeast Ohio’s rich tapestry of cultures using a universal language – food! The gastronomical salute to summer’s end takes place this Labor Day Weekend at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland.

From Little Italy and East 4th Street to Tremont and Ohio City, Northeast Ohio has blossomed into a true culinary capital. With top-notch chefs of Food Network fame and mom and pop shops that epitomize an authentic blue-collar menu, the area’s culinary resources have spilled over into a never-ending stream of hidden bistros, notable restaurants, tiny cafes and neighborhood favorites. Restaurant Row at the 14th annual Taste of Cleveland will feature more than 30 establishments serving bite-sized cuisine representative of the town’s many distinctive flavors.

Including the awesome food vendors, some of the headlining entertainers are...
Sept 4: Peter Frampton at 9:15 p.m. with special guest The Elms and Pale Hollow
Sept 5: Lita Ford at 9:15 p.m. with The Breakfast Club
Sept 6: Billy Squier at 9:15 p.m. with special guest Into the Presence and View from Everest
Sept 7: Special afternoon performance at 2:30 p.m. featuring Cowboy Mouthand the Paul Green School of Rock
Sept 7: Michael Stanley and The Resonators at 6:00 p.m. with The Jack Fords

Want to spend your Saturday judging desserts from area Cleveland chefs? Enter to win the guest judge position today. www.promosuiteinteractive.com/cap/loginhere.asp?capid=15434

For tickets, times & more details visit www.cleveland.com/tasteofcleveland/

Hot Cha Cha (8/30)

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

HotChaCha started as a girl band on an early Friday morning in '07 at the West Side Market in Cleveland.

Mandy and Jovana were sipping on coffee and decided that due to Mandys’ brilliant guitar sound, and Jovanas’ outrageous stage presence, they had something HUGE going on. A few days later a local drummer, Lisa, was txt messaged to come and jam with the above mentioned broads.

For three months the girls consumed large amounts of beer, peed in the garbage can at the practice space, wrote music, and jammed. Finally, one night under the influence of large amounts of alcohol, they agreed to play their first show.



After they rocked, offended a bunch of people, and inspired everyone to cry, they realized how HUGE they could be. Another thing became apparent- they needed a bass player!

Local bass playing boys were all in their business trying to get in on the HotChaCha phenomena, but the girls were firm- they wanted a girl bass player. That night Heather saw the show and fell in love with the band. The next practice she joined HotChaCha and never left.

It is than, that HCC was truly created. Mandy, Lisa. Heather, and Jovi became one ultimate machine that will make you laugh, and cry all at once.

See the Hot Cha Chas THIS Sunday at the Grog Shop tickets are $6

Roller Disco Bash (8/28)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

clevelandrolls.org



7-10pm : Leff Electric building, 1163 East 40th St., Cleveland, 44114 : Free!

Girl Bands Rule! (8/20)

TONIGHT, Thursday August 20th, 2009

Ever thought about stating that neighborhood girl band? I've always wanted to come home and rock out on a drum set complete with gold shiny cymbals at the end of a day.



If you're thinking of how you could round up your musical team, stop by Visible Voice Bookstore & Wine Bar in Tremont for tonight's book signing of The Girls' Guide to Rocking: How to Start a Band, Book Gigs, and Get Rolling to Rock Stardom, by Jessica Hopper.



This highly informational and inspiring do-it-yourself resource will guide girls toward their rocker dreams. It will also appeal to the young-at-heart who dream of being a rock star and readers and researchers of girl culture (moi!).

Good Morning America selected The Girls' Guide to Rocking as one of their top summers reads for teens "For anyone looking to dive in, this book is a great place to start."—Joan Jett

7:30pm....Visible Voice Books 1023 Kenilworth Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Concert Wednesday (8/19)

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

If you haven't been able to make any of the free shows the rock hall has been presenting this summer, this is your LAST CHANCE. This Wednesday, Youngstown’s Gil Mantera’s Party Dream will be playing with special guest, This is a Shakedown!



Gil Mantera’s Party Dream formed during a blizzard in 1999 as a joke, and by 2006 they were selling out shows across the country. In 2006, Village Voice honored them with the Best Show at the SXSW festival that year. They seem to like to wear crazy scantily clad costumes, wonder what Wednesday will bring?



This is a Shakedown!, although relatively new to the Cleveland music scene, is comprised of members of previously popular Northeast Ohio bands Dozen Dead Roses and Leo.

Each concert will be held outside on the Museum’s plaza. In case of bad weather, the shows will be moved indoors on the Main Stage. 6 pm www.rockhall.com

Burn River Burn (8/15)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Every August, people from all over the Great Lakes region raise a pint at the Burning River Fest to salute the "watershed moment" that raised a new level of eco-consciousness - the 1969 burning of the Cuyahoga River. In recognition of the River's 40th "rebirth-day", 2009's party will feature live music, food from local and organic farms and eateries and, naturally, Great Lakes Brewing Company craft beer.



Proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways. 4-11 PM at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. Help celebrate the "Year of the River" and spark a new level of environmental awareness.

For the music lineup, and celebration details visit www.burningriverfest.org

$15 Online Presale, $20 At the Gate (food, craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages & merchandise will be available at an additional cost inside Burning River Fest.) FREE parking will be available (while spots last) on Whiskey Island. Carpooling is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (4 or more people per vehicle.) The Ohio City Bike Co-Op will provide Valet Bike Parking for bicyclists.

FREE theatre (7/31-8/09)

The teens of the Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) present Eye, Mind, Heart, an original play inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen.

Utilizing The Snow Queen as a starting point, STEP's ensemble of inner-city teens reveal their own hopes, fears, strengths and vulnerabilities. This family-friendly performance is a powerful love story that examines humanity's struggle for compassion and connection in a materialistic and cut-throat world, and is super-charged with a cappella singing, dance and non-stop action. Eye, Mind, Heart is about finding one's path to a joyful life and highlights the power and creativity of Cleveland's youth.



Bring a lawn chair or blanket. All performances are free and open to the public, with no advance reservations required.

July 31, 12pm: Mercedes Cotner Park (W 95 & Maywood Ave)
July 31, 7pm: Fairview Park in Ohio City (W 38 & Franklin + Rain Location: West Side UCC)
Aug 1, 7pm: Lincoln Park (W 14 & Starkweather + Rain Location: Pilgrim Church)
Aug 3, 7pm: St. Stanislaus Warszawa Music Festival (3649 E. 65 + Rain Location: Church)
Aug 4, 12pm: Tyler Village (3615 Superior Ave)
Aug 4, 7pm: Lake Pool Park (W 85th between Lake and Detroit)
Aug 6, 6pm: Lonnie Burten Baseball Field (E 46 & Outhwaite + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 7, 6pm: Estabrook Recreation Center (4125 Fulton Rd + Rain Location: Gymnasium)
Aug 8, 12pm: Sam Miller Park, Glenville Festival (E 88 & Esterbrook Ave)
Aug 8, 7pm: Kerruish Park (Lee & Tarkington)
Aug 9, 4pm: Drakefield Park (Drakefield Ave between W 157 & Silsby Rd + Rain Location: West Park UCC)


For more information on the STEP program or the performance, visit www.cptonline.org

Motown Fun (7/31-8/02)

Friday, July 31st -August 2nd, 2009

Top 10 Motown Songs to be celebrated.....
1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
2. My Girl by the Temptations
3. Reach Out I'll Be There by the Four Tops
4. Where Did Our Love Go? by the Supremes
5. What's Goin' On? by Marvin Gaye
6. Dancing in the Street by Martha & The Vandellas
7. I Want You Back by the Jackson 5
8. Superstition by Stevie Wonder
9. Please Mr. Postman by the Marvelettes
10. My Guy by Mary Wells

Make time to "dance to the music" this weekend as the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame celebrates Motowns 50th Anniversary Weekend Celebration. Free performances, screenings of rare Inductee footage and more will focus on Motown artists including the Jackson 5. The weekend will surround the Museum’s exhibit MOTOWN: The Sound of Young America Turns 50.




The 50th Anniversary of Motown’s weekend of events will include...

Friday, July 31
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 2-3pm : Special in-depth presentation by curatorial director Howard Kramer examining the historical significance and influence of artifacts in the Motown Exhibit.

Saturday, August 1
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 1-3pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment, DJ Dance Party with Interactive Motown choreography demonstrations and the Hollywood Dazzlers Dance/Skate Spectacular with Maurice Cook
- Noon -1 pm : Special in-depth presentation by curatorial director Howard Kramer examining the historical significance and influence of artifacts in the Motown Exhibit.

Sunday, August 2
- Continuous loop throughout the day of rare Induction
- 1-2pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment
- 2-3pm : Special performance by Cleveland R&B group, Retrospect, in tribute to Motown.
- 3-4 pm : Motown Showcase with Terry Macklin’s Sounds of Entertainment

**Throughout the weekend, visitors can register to win tickets to Cleveland Indians games, a Sirius/XM radio and three-month subscription, Motown box sets courtesy of FYE and memberships to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

For more information on the weekend event visit www.rockhall.com

Lakewood Art & Music (8/01)

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

For over thirty years, the Lakewood Arts Festival has brought local and national artists to the streets of Lakewood, Ohio the first weekend in August.



On average, over one hundred and sixty artists are selected to exhibit. Awards, funded through the help of local business, are presented to artists in categories of Best of Show, First, Second, Third and Fourth Place, Best Creative Presentation and Best New Artist.

Every year a line-up of fine musical entertainment is scheduled throughout the day. This year there is something very special for everyone, young to old!

10-11am : Chip Richter : music for the younger artists, fun family tunes. (Ladybug Lounge!)
11-12pm : Neil Jacobs : a 12-string nationally acclaimed acoustic guitarist
12-1pm : Rachel Roberts : singer songwriter female soloist
1-2pm : Lounge Kitty : kitschy sassy lounge singer extrodinare (meow!)
2-3pm : Return of Simple : classic indie original music
3-4pm : Kelly Wright : soulful songstress (Lakewood High Graduate, GO RANGERS)
4-5pm : jj magazine : poprock indie fun, great to dance too.

For more information on this years festival visit the new website www.lakewoodartsfest.org.

Heads Will Roll (7/28)

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Looking for an evening out to dance and scream your brains out? To wake up in the morning with a horse voice? To have the best pics on your ipod to share with your office-mates? The New York City-based indie band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be rolling into our town this Tuesday for their big Midwest debut at the House of Blues, you can't miss it.



The band consists of lead singer Karen O, drummer Brian Chase, and guitarist Nick Zinner. In 2000 they formed a trio, and were later joined by second guitarist Imaad Wasif in 2006 for touring purposes. According to an interview that aired during the ABC network's Live from Central Park SummerStage series, the band's name was taken from modern New York City vernacular.



Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00pm tickets are $28.00
For ticket information visit www.houseofblues.com.

Rock & Cook (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This Sunday, the Beachland Ballroom is host to the first ever Cleveland Food Rocks event. Rain or shine, more than 20 of the city's chefs (Bar Cento, Crop, Dante, Flying Fig & More) will be creating the finest Bar-B-Q in all the land. There will be lots of food and even more music. While you are there you can also win prizes in the raffles including many "celebrity" chef autographed merchandise!



To buy your $25 ticket visit www.clevelandfoodrocks.com

Want some Irish? (7/24-26)

Friday, July 24th through Sunday July 26th, 2009

If you are craving some corn beef & cabbage, or perhaps a bit of "river-dance" plan to attend this weekends Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds

I think the highlight of the festival should be the irish girl band, The Screaming Orphans. The lassies are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in the magic of Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland. Don't miss em. (Friday & Saturday on the "thunder" stage @ 5:30pm)



For the other musical acts, dance troupes, food vendors, ticket prices and more visit www.clevelandirish.org

Strings on Sunday (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This weekend they are calling for off and on showers. What better way to shield ourselves from the sprinkles than to head indoors to this years "String Spectacular" as part of the Cleveland Orchestras summer series.

Come hear over 100 of the country’s finest young string players performing all-time favorites such as Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Barber: Adagio for Strings and Vivaldi: “Spring” from The Four Seasons.



Severance Hall, 3pm, For tickets and more information visit www.clevelandorchestra.com

Taste of Tremont (7/19)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Grab your friends and head down to Tremont! The 7th Annual Taste of Tremont street festival will take place this weekend! The street fair will be held in the heart of Tremont’s “restaurant district” and showcase the best of Tremont’s food, art and entertainment. Professor Street will be blocked off, inclusive of commercial areas of Literary, College and Jefferson.



1-8pm. The best part is that admission is free. For more info, including the festival map click here!

CPT Party (7/18)

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

Join us as CPT celebrates the end of their 25th season and kicks off the 26th! Everyone is invited to gather together for a fun, casual party. Dancing and Karaoke all night long! Admission is FREE Cash Bar: Beer and Wine only $2 each (Featuring a variety of MAGIC HAT brews)



CPT Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan will announce the 2009-2010 CPT Season and recognize some special CPT friends and volunteers at 10:00pm.

Party from 8-midnight. For more information visit cptonline.org

Day 'N Night (7/17)

Friday, July 17th, 2009

I don't know much about "Mr. Kid Kudi," but I do know that I think his song "Day N Night" is the BEST summer drive-fast-down-the-shoreway-tune! AND he is going to be in Cleveland in Concert THIS Friday night at the House of Blues.



"Kid," will be part of the Great Hangover Tour, tickets start at $28, show starts at 9pm.

Those Darlins (7/14)

Best of Nashville... "If history has taught us anything, it's that punk rock and old-time country music have more in common than anyone would have ever suspected.

Those Darlins are a pop group, if they are any one thing, which doesn't mean anybody with ears can't hear the country and rock 'n' roll in their sound and stance. Or maybe this trio of young women, who live a long stone's throw from Nashville, Tennessee in the college town of Murfreesboro, are punks straight out of London or Cleveland, 1977.



If you are interested in seeing the gals in action, buy your $7 ticket and meet us in the Beachland Ballroom Tavern Tuesday night. For tickets and directions visit www.beachlandballroom.com.

Jackson Vigil (TONIGHT!)

another THIS JUST IN

TONIGHT, 9pm, Outside Plaza of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.



Michael Jackson Candlelight Vigil : The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s remembrance of Michael Jackson will commence with a special program honoring the life and musical legacy of this two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. The program will include a short memorial presentation by Pastor Jawanza Colvin of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church and Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, followed by fan testimonials and a candlelight vigil outside on the Museum’s Plaza. A limited supply of candles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis courtesy of the Rock Hall. Fans are also welcome to bring a Jackson-inspired memento to the event; the Rock Hall will provide a memorial space.

For more information visit the Rock Hall website.

Josh Ritter (7/07)

TONIGHT, Tuesday July 6th, 2009

THIS JUST IN!!! (Thanks Miss Malbasa)

Musician Josh Ritter to rock out the Beachland this evening.



Check it out...looks good.

For details on how to get to Beachland or for ticket options visit www.beachlandballroom.com

Free Concert (7/08)

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Looking for something to get you through "hump day" the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame kicks off their FREE summer sessions on the Museum Plaza. (weather permitting, if necessary it will be moved inside to the Main Stage) at 7 pm

This weeks musicians include "Man Man" and Clevelands' own, "Mystery of Two."

The New York Times describes Man Man as a “delirious, scrapheap-eclectic Philadelphia outfit.” Previously opening for such established bands as Modest Mouse, the Arcade Fire and Cat Power, Man Man may best be known for their non-stop live shows of kaleidoscopic sound. Their first album on Anti-Records, Rabit Habits, was released this year. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the first stops on the group’s recently announced headlining tour that begins July 3rd.



Original experimental indie rock may be hard to come by these days, but Cleveland act Mystery of Two does a notable job of channeling influences (Pere Ubu, Talking Heads and fIREHOSE) in its debut, Arrows Are All You Know. The Plain Dealer raves, “This first effort can be considered a bull’s-eye.”



For details and a list of the complete musical lineup visit www.rockhall.com

No Doubt Monday (6/29)

Monday, June 29th, 2009.

No Doubt last made their Cleveland-rounds in 2004. Since then, singer Gwen Stefani aka "hollaback girl" has launched a successful solo career, while gracefully juggling two kids. Now that Stefani has reunited with her old bandmates, count on a fun evening of turn-of-the-millennium hits such as "Just a Girl" and "Hey Baby" when these effervescent pop enthusiasts headline a concert at 7:30 at Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls.



Paramore and Bedouin Soundclash open. Tickets are $10 (lawn seats till available)-$80 at the box office and Ticketmaster, or call 1.800.745.3000. www.ticketmaster.com

Diana meet Cleveland (6/30)

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

International jazz superstar, Diana Krall is on tour to promote her 12th studio album, Quiet Nights. This tour marks the first time that Krall will perform tracks from the new album, for her fans. Celebrating this highly anticipated new release, Quiet Nights takes listeners on a romantic and intimate journey through the lush textures of her ballads and bossa novas. Even those already familiar with the breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt in Krall’s music – and there are millions – will be taken aback by just how far the music pushes, unabashedly, into the realm of sweet surrender.



Ticket Price Range: $10-75, to purchase tickets visit www.playhousesquare.com

Wonderful Waterloo (6/27)

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Some wise person recently tipped me on to the "BEST" arts festival in Cleveland...and I MUST see what the excitement is all about! (I am so there.)



Cleveland’s fastest-growing grassroots, family-friendly arts festival is back and better than ever, with more exhibits, installations performances and activities. More than 5,000 people are expected to spend the day on Waterloo, seeing and making art, catching live performances, shopping an array of vendors and noshing on local eats, as well as visiting all the one-of-a-kind businesses that make this burgeoning district unique.

PLUS, while you're visiting...The Beachland Ballroom is hosting a "Rock n' Roll Flea Market," wonder what treasures we can find?

For hours & directions visit www.artscollinwood.org

Mani's & Music!

Every Thursday @ Brothers Lounge

Grab your gal pals and head over to "Ladies Night" = martini's, makeup & manicures...in the music hall. (makeup by Mary Kay, manicures by The Studio)



(fun photo from www.alllacqueredup.com)

Drinks Specials include...
$4 Martinis
$4 Champagne
$4 Wine of the Week

Complimentary Live Music at 9pm

Summer Solstice Soirée (6/20)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Welcome the longest day of the year with an all-night party celebrating the Cleveland Museum of Arts new East Wing. Be the first to unveil the new east wing (I hear they painted the walls a fabulous shade of yello-ish green!).



The evening is a progressive party-bash, something for all, not to be missed. The evening starts at 5pm with the most fancy option..."Eventide"-Experience the party from its beginning and enjoy open bars. $150 public, CMA members $100. At 7pm - Twilight beginns, join the party a little later in the evening, but keep the party going until 2am $55 public, CMA members $35. At 10pm come for "Solstice," welcome in the Summer Solstice with us at the end of the evening and close down the party at
2am $15 all tickets.

If you want to take your chance at luck visit the daily CMA blog contest here. Answer the "noodle Vision" question and earn a chance to win free tickets to the event!

Not to be missed...DJ Rekha (beginning at 11:30 pm) NYC’s “Basement Bhangra” queen melds Indian dance music with electronica. Get ready to boogie like bollywood!



For more information including the hour-by-hour music showcases visit Cleveland Museum of Art

The Wedding & Funeral Orchestra (6/15)

Monday, June 15, 2009 (TONIGHT!)

“Bregovic creates the most breathtaking music on this continent . . . intense, vigorous, colorful, passionate, exotic, fascinating.” –El Pais (Madrid)



The Sarajevo-born musical icon of the Balkans is best known in North America for his compositions written for the films of director Emir Kusturica (Underground, Time of the Gypsies). Bregovic has been likened to peers Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota, creating unforgettable scores that transcend their medium. Joined by his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra, featuring a Serbian gypsy band, a string ensemble, a men’s choir, and three Bulgarian singers, Bregovic marries the dance tunes of a raucous gypsy brass band with traditional Eastern European choral music—all with a rock and roll edge. Bregovic’s live concerts are an event, cathartic, delirious, and joyous. (PLUS, he drinks wine on stage)



$45, CMA members $43. 7:30 p.m.

Circle the Parade (6/13)

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

Parade the Circle is University Circle's signature summer event. This fabulous, fun, FREE celebration features the Parade, presented by The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Circle Village, presented by University Circle Inc. The Parade, which begins at Noon, incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, puppets, costumes, dancers, and musicians. Circle Village invites visitors onto Wade Oval for an afternoon of activities, live music, and delectable food.



11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Parade at Noon
Wade Oval, University Circle

Paper Route & Young Love (6/04)

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

At first this show jumped out at me because I saw the band "Paper Route" (crazy website!) last summer in Atlanta and really liked them. The young Nashville 4-some have a full ambient, sweet electronic sound soothing to the ear. They don’t exactly define the sound of their Tennessee city: “We tend to be the black sheep in Nashville,” programmer/keyboardist Chad Howat says, “but we love it here.” So needless to say, I wanted to see Paper Route again...I even have a t-shirt!



So...who was this band that "MY" Paper Route was opening for? "Young Love?" Come to find out....he is really great too. Sounds like the perfect summer music evening! The dance-rock outfit "Young Love" is headed by Dan Keyes. Keyes, who has assembled a band to tour with this summer, ultimately sees Young Love as a culmination of hard work, taking chances and allowing himself the chance to write the music that's been knocking around his head for years. Very electric, very catchy, very can't get out of your head!

"This record has been a long time coming," says Keyes, "These songs have existed with me for so long. I'm excited to get them out there. And I hope people get excited by them: I feel like I'm just the instrument to give the songs to everyone."



Check out video, it's funny, clever and charming. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kgokj9lAlU

Hope to see you at the Grogshop. Doors are at 9:00pm, Tickets are $10

Keyshia Xplosion (6/03)

Wednesday June 3rd, 2009

Join Z 107.9 (Blazin Hip Hop & R&B) as they CELEBRATE their 10th Anniversary "Xplosion" starring Keyshia Cole (You Complete Me!) with The Dream, Keri Hilson and Bobby V.



State Theatre, Tickets range from $40 to $60. I think this show will be outstanding!

It's Blossom Time (5/21-25)

Thursday May 21st - Monday, May 25th, 2009

Looks like this weekend is going to be SPECTACULAR! I am so excited because I am going to experience Blossom Festival in Chagrin Falls for the very first time! Hot air balloon races, pie eating contests, music, carnival rides and a race (Sunday @ 9am), my kinda weekend!

Join the residents of the Chagrin Falls as they welcome the arrival of warmer weather to the Falls. With flowers and trees in full bloom, the Chagrin Falls area is transformed from a winter wonderland into a warm, peaceful, enchanting place to spend your lazy summer evenings. After shopping, eating, rides, and games at the festival, don't forget to spend some quality time enjoying the natural beauty of the area homes, gardens, parks, and the Chagrin River.

I think the best part of the weekend (besides the cotton candy) will be all the hot air balloons scattered over the village sky. There is something about a hot air balloon that hypnotizes me. Perhaps it’s the purring sound of the rush of flames being thrown into the sky, or the quiet calmness that hovers over the crowd as they watch in astonishment. Anyone want to get up early and meet me out there to watch the balloons take off Sunday morning, 6:00am, I will bring the coffee?



For those of you who think they are as cool as I do, check out these few fun facts....
• the most popular balloon is as tall as a 7-story building
• the average balloon costs $20,000 to $40,000
• ideal times to fly are just after sunrise and just before sunset
• a hot air balloon can land in water
• balloons can stay up for 1-2 hours depending on conditions and occupants
• inflating a balloon takes about 15 minutes
• invented back in 1783 in Paris, France (GO PARIS!)

For the full schedule and race application

Celebrate LUXE (5/24)

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

All day Sunday, come and toast the first Birthday of Luxe Kitchen & Lounge. Party on the new Patio! Listen to two bands, no cover! (Diane Chittester from 3-5pm & Quadrophonic Desperation from 7-9pm.



It's been a GREAT year, and why not celebrate on this holiday weekend.
www.luxecleveland.com