Yo Yo Contest (7/31)

for more information visit www.ohioyoyo.com

Pecha What? (07/30)

Friday, July 30th, 2010

PechaKucha Night! Japanese for “the sound of conversation,” this exciting evening features 14 "speakers," each sharing on topics ranging from art, architecture, and technology to food, film, music, photography and furniture design. These rapid-fire, 400 second long presentations (20 slides per presenter X 20 seconds per slide) keep audiences engaged while breaking down barriers between different design communities.

On July 30th, 2010 at 7:00pm, the courtyard at the Hoyt Block in the Warehouse District will open up for the first time in 10 years to host a dynamic event that has touched over 300 cities across the world: PechaKucha Night (PKN).

I'll be presenting on the topic of "Everything Chartreuse," from the color, the liquor, the place...to examples of design. I look forward to seeing you, meeting you there!

Who: Open to the Public (and FREE)
Where: The Courtyard of the Hoyt Block, 700 West St. Clair, Cleveland, Ohio
Enter through Hoyt Block Main Entrance on St. Clair

Event Schedule: Doors Open @ 7:00pm Presentations Begin: 8:20pm Beverage Break: 9:10pm Presentations Resume: 9:40pm
Presentations End: 10:30pm(ish)

After Party Immediately After PechaKucha – Velvet Dog, West 6th Street

FREE family theatre in the city.

Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to announce Song of the Seekers, a new play developed by CPT’s inner-city teen theatre, STEP (Student Theatre Enrichment Program)

Inspired by a two thousand-year-old ancient Indian text STEP’s ensemble of inner-city teens reveal personal dreams, hardships and victories with their original play, Song of the Seekers. An inventive remix of Shudraka’s classic comedy, The Little Clay Cart, this family-friendly performance explores the artist’s life and the struggle to be truthful in a society addicted to products and punch lines. Packed with a cappella singing, dance, beat-boxing, rhythm and rhyme, Song of the Seekers is about finding true love, freedom, and artistic authenticity in a complicated world.

Song of the Seekers, a new play by CPT’s STEP, is the culmination of an eight week program. Using Shudraka’s writings as a starting point, CPT Teaching Artists, have guided these extraordinary young people on a journey of self-discovery and awareness through the dramatic arts.

The fun, free performances begin this week, to see the entire summer calendar of free perfromances, visit cpt's website.

Thursday, July 29, 7PM, Herman Park

(W. 58th & Herman + Rain Location: CPT)

Friday, July 30, 7PM, Fairview Park in Ohio City

(W.38th & Franklin + Rain Location: Westside UCC)

Saturday, July 31, 7PM, Harmody Park

(Irving Ave & South Hills Dr + Rain Location: TBA)

Thanks Clev.

Good morning Cleveland and happy summer relief. The weekend weather was crazy, wasn’t it? From the sticky humidity of Friday, to the gorgeous pink clouds that smothered the Saturday night Indians game, to the sweet breeze that carried me on a Sunday evening bike ride... another gorgeous Cleveland summer weekend for sure.

I must admit, it sometimes is hard for me to be the best blogger in the summer. From my weekends at the beach, to the evenings on the wine bar patio, to summer concerts, picnics with friends, so forth and so on...sitting behind my laptop sometimes ain’t all that.

With that said, all it takes is a little comment here or there from one of you to keep me going through these hot ohio months...and this just in...”thanks for always posting about the little things, it’s what keeps our city rolling. People like you keep me here in Cleveland, and all of the amazing individuals and all of the amazing effort...this city rocks!”

So thank you “anonymous” you made my blogging week! And just to let all you Clevelanders know...I joined twitter! (iheartclev) Can you believe it? I am a total newbie, and I promise for now, as I get my feet wet, I won’t tweet too much, but just to jump on the bandwagon, I thought I’d let you know, I love being a Cleveland blogger, I love living, exploring, and being creative in this city. I feel privileged that you would take time out of your busy day to read my deep thoughts or mindless chatter. I truly do “heart” this city, happy summer.

warm wishes,

-me

Rotoflora Dedication (7/25)

Ale Fest (07/24&25)

2010 Scene Ale Festival Lincoln Park, Tremont, OH

Burning River Fest (07-24 & 25)

http://www.burningriverfest.org

Kid Cudi (07/22)

Free Concert (07/21)

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

For more information go to the Rock Hall's website for additional details.

Back to Basics!

Another weekend in Cleveland is upon us, and what fun! TGIF.

You guys know I am always up for a party, a soirée perhaps? But this weekend I am hoping to get back to summer basics. Throw on my flip flops, braid up my hair and take my bike out for a spin or two.

The beach seems like a perfect plan, or perhaps my city pool. If I’m in the mood to roll down my windows and drive out of the city a burger from the festival might be yummy. If I can get out of bed from all the summer fun, a bit of downward dog to LIVE music on Sunday followed by some tasty treats in Tremont.

There is always something fantastic to get yourself into in Cleveland...JUST DO IT!

A BIG Sale! (07/18)

scoop scoop, yum yum contest

Ruggles, gotta get me some....more!

Grab your bowl and grab your spoon Ruggles Premium Ice Cream announced that it wants fans of the frozen treat’s popular radio commercial to create their own version of the company’s catchy jingle and enter to win an impressive array of high-tech prizes in the “Ruggles Scoop Scoop Video Contest.” The online contest will run throughout July, also known as National Ice Cream Month.

To enter, visit www.RugglesVideoContest.com, download the jingle’s music and words, and by using a digital or video camera, or cell phone camera, create a video version of the famous Ruggles jingle. The Web site will contain rules, a sample video and instructions for uploading contest entries.

“Our popular jingle always ranks high on the list of commercials you sing with,” explains Penny Baker, marketing director for Ruggles. “We can’t wait to see the videos as our own ‘ice cream idols’ get creative. It’s a fun way to celebrate the summer ice cream season and win some fantastic prizes at the same time.”

Videos will also be available via the Ruggles Premium Ice Cream Facebook page, with updated “scoops” posted on Twitter throughout the contest via www.twitter.com/rugglesicecream.

Participants must be 18 years or older to submit an entry, but anyone can star in the video, such as family members, children, or church choirs, for example. Winners will be announced on July 30, 2010.

ALSO....for discount tickets to any summer sweet treat that Smith Dairy/Ruggles sells....you can grab discount coupons at Smith Dairy under SAVE MONEY!

Loneliest Monk : WIN! (7/18)

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

It's summer, so I've been craving a trip out to the Beachland Ballroom for some great music and a cold brew or two... the other evening I was perusing the upcoming calendar when the costumes of Loneliest Monk (listen to them) caught my interest.

Chicagoʼs art rock duo, The Loneliest Monk, is the musical marriage of two artist with two different backgrounds. Front lady, Michelle Morales (master- of-cellos, keyboards, vocals), has performed live with talented acts such as Phillip Glass, Kanye West, and The Foo Fighters. With a lovely, fragile voice, she sings of all things cute, fun, and innocent while Miles Benjamin (percussion, vocals, tiny pianos) lets his untamed passions pour over in a darker, more mysterious tone. I am thrilled to go see the their performance because I hear it's not just a rock show. Elaborate costumes, masks, and sets are supported by an avant-garde sound that combines cellos, pianos, organs, drums, samples, and voices. Michelle and Miles bring to the stage a sort of cool, haunting, and sexual air that is a welcoming detraction from the current indie trend.

PLUS, Ms. Blake the bands manager has offered iheartcleveland readers a free pair of tickets as well as TWO digital downloads of their album. Tell me all about the last concert you've seen in Cleveland and if you'd like to win these tickets for the Sunday night show OR free tunes. Winner will be drawn Friday afternoon. GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER.

Coming from Brooklyn, a sleepover in Cleveland and then on to Chicago...come on Cleveland show 'em what we got! Hope to see you there, 8pm Tavern. $6 a ticket

New gallery opening (07/16)

Book Release Party (07/14)

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative’s latest publication, Urban Infill vol. 3: Water|Craft, is out, and they’d like to welcome everyone (especially iheartcleveland readers) to the book release party!

Urban Infill is an imprint of CUDC, and these anthologies examine themes in contemporary urban design, urban architecture and planning that emerge from the challenges posed by the economic and ecological transformations of the 21st century.

Water|Craft is a collection of essays that look at urban and regional water issues and new design approaches. The impetus for this volume was the CUDC’s experiences in working with the volatile urban situation of Cleveland; a fragile economy, aging infrastructure and damaged ecosystem. Within this context, water plays a critical role in revitalization efforts for the region. Water|Craft highlights water-related best practices, particularly about water infrastructure made visible as a form-giver and a design driver. It includes several articles about water-based urban initiatives here in Cleveland, as well as a few national and international projects. Major funding for this volume was provided by The George Gund Foundation with additional support from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

Venue: Superior Viaduct, Cleveland (Between Stonebridge apartments and Ponte Vecchio restaurant)

Date and time: Wednesday July 14th, 5:30-7:30pm

Food: Appetizers, beer, wine & dessert

Music: The Buried Wires

Five Bucks!

...and I'm not talking about dollah dollah bills yo! (cracks me up every time!)

I seemed to have created a monster...while my parents were in town last week I was telling my dad about the blog, my awesome readers and how much I enjoy letting people know what's going on around town.

With that said, my Dad spent an afternoon playing golf at our amazing Metropark System-Big Met. While enjoying the great summer weather we've been having, he spotted FIVE BUCKS crossing the Rocky River and instinctively snapped this photo from his cell. He then proceeded to tell me my readers would like to see it too!

So, here is a small post thanks to my Dad, enjoy.

Thanks Dad, great pic!

Inked for Ohio.

More and more I've been noticing the love and passion that area Northeast Ohio lovers have dedicated to their skin.

In Ohio "all things are possible," from license plates all the way to tattoo art when it comes to making an outward statement for the love of our great state.

I recently met this guy who not only had an Ohio outline on the inside of his right ankle, but on the outer side he had the famous 1979 title of Ian Hunter's rock song "Cleveland Rocks." The reason this guy had these two tattoos, were not only to show how much he loved Ohio, but he was actually named after the musician of this song and felt it very fitting.

Thanks Ian for the making me stop and marvel at your ink, nice to have met you.

If you or someone you know have a crazy great Cleveland, Ohio tattoo that you'd like to share, send me a pic and a small story (editor@iheartcleveland.com) about it and you might find yourself next on "Inked for Ohio."

Congrats Chef Sawyer.

Just chillin at the beach and I realized I hadn't done a congrats "shout out" to our local chef who hit the cover page of this months "Food & Wine" Magazine.

Congrats to Jonathan Sawyer of East 4th's, Greenhouse Tavern...your recipe for Steamed Clams with a Foie Gras sounds super yummy.

I think I will grab a group of gal pals, a few dozen clams and celebrate your recent fame!

Congrats & happy summer Mr. Sawyer!

Whee!

"WHEE! We're on Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio"

Isn't this the cutest little piece of memorabilia you've ever seen? It makes me smile.

Happy summer yard sales Cleveland, get out there...there are some finds to be found.

pretty.

Just one reason why I love Ohio City...

The great alley ways behind the homes and the gorgeous gardens that line their paths.

Enjoy.

24 flavors.

The other night I was driving home during a summer storm and had to get gas...we are talking driving on fumes.

I pulled over at a random gas station that barely accepted credit cards at the pump, you know the kind. As the rain dripped through the over hang my gaze was drawn to a shiny red light of the neighboring business.

There it stood in the rain, parking lot filled with cars, people in raincoats with umbrellas, pushing and shoving their way into this random ice cream shop/grille. For a moment I thought to myself, "why on earth would this place be so hoppin, and who would actually make it a destination on a hot and humid night?"

Then somehow, my feet started walking towards the light, just like a bug zapper luring a mosquito. I was entering the Cone Zone & Grille, located in Cleveland (next to Westpark) at 4081 Rocky River Drive. There was a big banner on the front of the building reading "24 Flavors of Soft Serve"....Apricot. German Chocolate. Coconut. Peach. Peanut Butter. Just a few of the LOTS of flavors of soft serve.

I hadn't eaten dinner so it gave me a free summer dinner pass for a small cup of cheesecake soft serve and WOW, was it tasty. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Fill your car and head over to the Cone Zone for a variety of smooth creamy treats. Next time, I'm thinking a mixture of peach, coconut & banana, tropical fun.

Free Concert for the 4th (05/01)

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Join thousands of your neighbors, family, and friends in downtown Cleveland for a special evening celebrating Independence Day, brought to you FREE by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

The fun begins at 5 pm with a Pre-Concert Festival of performances by exciting local youth ensembles. The festivities continue with The Cleveland Orchestra Concert at 9 pm, led by assistant conductor Tito Muñoz, presenting the Orchestra's 21st annual community concert in downtown Cleveland. The program features all-American favorites by Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin, music from Star Wars, and a Salute to the Armed Forces, with special guest soloist, Cleveland’s own Grammy-nominated violinist Caroline Goulding. The evening comes to a rocketing end with Tchaikovsky's “1812” Overture and a spectacular fireworks display cascading over the skyscrapers of downtown Cleveland — and it's all FREE! This is a free concert presented as part of The Cleveland Orchestra's Community Music Initiative.

Free Twighlight! (06/26)

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hey i heart cleveland readers...join vitaminwater this saturday, at the Great Lakes Science Center for a 'prepare for the eclipse' evening. FREE to the public!

They will be screening the 'twilight' film at 6pm, intermission in the planetarium (because this is the date of the lunar eclipse) and afterwards screening of 'new moon'. (flyer reads 'new moon' screening at 10p, likely to be earlier) complimentary popcorn + vitaminwater. giveaways + chance to win eclipse premier passes. everyone is welcome! see you there.

a "sweet double feature"

This weekend stock your car with twizzlers, rasinettes and snowcaps, throw in your favorite blanket and a pillow and head out to the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre located in North Ridgeville.

The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In was built in 1965 by the Sherman family and is still owned and operated by a third generation of the Sherman Family. The Aut-O-Rama Drive-In became the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In for the 1972 summer season.

This weekends best double feature is Grown Ups (with Adam Sandler) @ 9:40pm and the Karate Kid @ 11:30pm. I think that this is by far the best double feature lineup they've had so far this season.

I also think this is pretty cool...rather than ban outside food at the Drive-In they give patrons a choice of weather or not to bring food or beverages into the drive-in. For a $5.00 fee, you can purchase an “outside food & beverage permit” at the box office to bring in your own goodies.

So, when the summer sun goes down, where will you catch your summer blockbuster hits? Hope to see you at the drive in!

Whimsy Art Show (6/26)

Saturday, June 26th 2010

Opening reception this Saturday at Local Girl Gallery.

Everyone can use a little bit of whimsy!

Clifton Arts Fest

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

This year marks the 23rd Clifton Arts & Musicfest in the lakefront Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood on the northwest side of Cleveland, on Clifton Blvd.

The Clifton Arts and Musicfest was established as a unique celebration combining fine arts and live musical performances – a true street festival located in a very attractive and vibrant urban neighborhood setting.

As a juried art competition, only the finest artisans from Ohio and around the United States are admitted to the show. Prize money in the amount of $7,500 is awarded annually in the Juried Art Show.

It is always a fun, colorful show. Ride your bike, walk, throw on your roller blades and enjoy your Saturday afternoon taking in some fabulous local art.

LOVE!

I've been stalking this necklace for some time now. I go back and forth about "needing" it. The heart is actually on Columbus not Cleveland, but the artists sells the piece as "i heart ohio," (the whole line is called "a world of love") so I guess officially I could wear it.

Wouldn't it be so cute with a fun t-shirt or sundress this summer? One of these days I'm gonna break down and just buy it. Check out the artist's Etsy store, she does the same design for other states as well. Enjoy!

Hot in Cleveland

I saw the first episode last night and I have to say, I thought it was pretty funny. This morning Matt Lauer and Valerie Bertinelli were on the Today Show talking about tonight's premier and I couldn't help but give it two thumbs up!

Tune into TV Land tonight at 10pm.

Bier Markt Run (6/19)

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

On your mark...get ready...go! Runners throughout greater Cleveland will be pleased to know that this weekend marks the annual Ohio City Run & Crawl, an evening 5K run through the streets of Cleveland's historic Ohio City neighborhood followed by a pub and restaurant crawl featuring dozens of local establishments.

Hundreds of runners are expected this year to fill the Ohio City streets and take in the sights, sounds and suds of the neighborhood. PLUS, after you run 3.25 miles, you will have no problem downing those fries and sunnyside up pizza!

Place : Market Square Park (West 25th & Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113)

Start Time : Registration - 5:30 PM : 5K - 7:00 PM

Distance : 5K Night Run/Walk

Registration Fee : $25

To register visit the Hermes website.

Summer Solstice Party

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

It’s the longest day of the year — time to have fun, let loose and be cool at one of Cleveland's most festive parties. Last year I had the privilege of getting one of the sold out tickets to the smashing soireé and let's just say it had to be the BEST party of the summer!

This Saturday, join the members of the Cleveland Museum of Art at their second annual Summer Solstice bash.

Stroll through the museum’s new galleries of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, medieval and African art, as well as prints, drawings and more, while international musicians from Africa, the Middle East and the US turn up the tunes. DJ's and performers will keep you intrigued and excited all evening long!

For tickets visit the Cleveland Museum of Art website. I would advise you get your tickets early this week, word on the street says it will sell out!

Wade Oval WOW

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

I got to attend once last year, and this year I plan on trying to live at Wade Oval Wednesdays each and every Wednesday. Have you ever been?

If not, it is quite the treat that you won't want to miss. What started out as a small Wednesday evening concert series has grown into a weekly “party in the park.” More than 10,000 visitors each summer bring their families, friends, blankets, and lawn chairs to dance, relax, and enjoy music at WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays. This one-of-a-kind concert-going experience combines the outdoor charm of Wade Oval University Circle with the excitement of live music. Whether you’re a fan of rock & roll, jazz, folk, or reggae, there’s a concert that’s perfect for you

This week the folks at UCI welcome Carlos Jones and the Plus Band to kick off the summer festivities. Get there early for a great seat, a good place for your picnic basket and plaid blanket and first pick at many of the yummy treats all the area vendors bring to sell. See you at the Oval!

Peony Monday

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The most perfect, pink peonies have invaded your local Heinen's. They are GORGEOUS!!!

Even though they are grown in Michigan the $5.99 price per bunch is enough to smooth out all sports rivalries. I may have to scoop up a few for my desk this week! Enjoy.

FREE Hot in Cleveland Preview Party Tickets!

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Tower City and Positively Cleveland has provided me 5 pairs of tickets to give out our faithful blog readers. The red carpet will be rolled out for you and a friend, complimentary valet at the Prospect Avenue Southside Valet, a stylish happy hour filled with delicious treats & cocktails and a screening of the new show Hot in Cleveland from 6-8pm at the Skylight Room in Tower City.

To win these HOT tickets to this HOT party just tell me where you go, what you do or your favorite outfit that makes YOU HOT in CLEVELAND!!! BE SURE to include your email, so I can send you the tickets. Winner will be notified end of day on Monday. Pass it along to your friends.

Weekend review (06/11-12)

There is lots to do this weekend in the "CLE"

> You can party in Gordon Square during their big celebration day.

> You can enjoy an outdoor “spooking” with the cast from Sweeny Todd at Cain Park

> It looks like it may rain on Saturday, perhaps an indoor independent film fest will be your Saturday fix?

> Ladies love your horse? Join Rebecca Wilde of Q104 at Ladies Day at Thistledown

> Want FREE art and music for the whole family (aka for the kids), don’t miss Parade the Circle.

> I've said it before, but I'll say it again...216...216...216!

(image taken at Stash Style)

Gluten Free Cupcakes (06/11)

Friday, June 11th 2010

The Hudson location of Main Street Cupcake has let me in on their latest creation....for those of us with food preferences or food allergies you can now find gluten free sweet cupcakes every Friday for your and your friends at their bakery.

Each sweet cake will be offered in three flavors at $3 a piece. For those of us "sans-allergies" Main Street offers SO MANY adorable flavors, every day (closed Monday's)...my favorites are Champagne and Raspberries & Lemon Drop! Yummm..

Burton Antiques (06/12)

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Do you like to be outdoors? Are you the guy still holding on to your childhood Star Wars characters? Girls, are you following the trend of vintage pins, purses an scarves?

This Saturday, for one day only stroll through the Geauga County fairgrounds for the annual Burton Antique Celebration. Vendors from all over come to sell their vintage finds, it's like a museum of history outside.

Burton is about an hour east of Cleveland but the show is completely worth the drive. So pack your hand sanitizer, a big bottle water and plan to pick up an elephant ear or two (carnival food will be served) and enjoy the day, or a few hours at the show.