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.