Fundraisers

With the onset of fall comes the arrival of fall not for profit "charity-fundraising season." Post-summer vacations and pre-holiday season, this is the perfect time to scrape your extra change together and give back to the numerous not for profit organizations in the community.

Here are a just two of this weekends events you might not want to miss...

Sips & Dips : raising money for Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

A Taste of Little Italy : Montessori School at Holy Rosary

Garlic LOVE! (09/11-12)

The North Union Farmers’ Market is proud to present the first ever Cleveland Garlic Festival at historic Shaker Square! This grassroots food and music event will take place Saturday, from 1:00-10:00 PM., and Sunday, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 each (can be purchased online or at the show) All proceeds will support North Union’s mission of championing local foods by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets in order to:

- Supply the community with the freshest garlic – harvested ripe and brought fresh to market
- Support growth and incubate over 300 small businesses in Northeast Ohio
- Stimulate the local economy by keeping money in our communities
- Keep Ohio land producing food and supporting families, which saves farms from destruction



The Cleveland Garlic Festival will be the place to be for “all things garlic” in the Midwest Great Lakes region. Attendees will enjoy garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs including everything from ice cream to oysters, an onsite celebrity chef Grill-Off, live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, taste and grow tents for children, and many more events and activities.

Get out the breath mints – the Cleveland Garlic Festival arrives this weekend!

All "LIT" Up (09/11)

I just fell head over heals for this adorable invite/graphic for this literary event. Take a look and perhaps all you literary buffs, or wanna-be-buffs would like to attend...plus there is an after party...wonder if someone will write about it? HA! (sorry, bad joke)



The Academy has the Oscars...The LIT has the Lanterns. Join the Northeast Ohio Literary Community for a celebration of writers and writing in eight different genre categoreis and be there as we honor Sheila Schwartz and Harvey Pekar with a final tribute.

Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Palace Theatre at PlayhouseSquare 8-10pm
Cash bar, Book Browsing, Hob-knobbing, and a LITtle bit of Entertainment
$35 ticket ($50 ticket includes Turn the Page After-Party)
Purchase tix at www.playhousesquare.org or 216-241-6000

Turn the Page After-Party at the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
1309 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200 10pm - Midnight (Only $50 ticket-holders admitted)

Up Up & Away (09/04-06)

When I first moved to Cleveland almost 12 years ago...one of the first big attratctions I attended was the Cleveland Air Show. The afternoon of plane walkers, the Blue Angels, pilots...LOTS of pilots and the amazing acrobatic show still “Wows” me to today!



This Labor Day weekend don’t miss out on the spectator event. The Air Show is a rather affordable, local outing that is fun for everyone...general admission tickets are good for one full day of aviation fun (Saturday, Sunday or Monday). FYI there is no seating, so remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Ride to Melt (eastside!) (08/28)

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Ever eaten at Melt and then after felt yucky and was angry at yourself for eating every last drop of the best “wakin bacon” and fries around? Wouldn’t you feel better if you knew you had 13 miles to ride on your bike after to get yourself home? Here is your opportunity!

This Sunday Melt will host a “manual transportation event” from one Melt to the other. Starting at Melt West in Lakewood and making the trek across town to Melt East in Cleveland Heights, this is an opportunity to see our great city of Cleveland, raise money for two great arts organizations, and enjoy Melt Bar and Grilled.

The money raised will be divided between the Lakewood Arts Fest and Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights. Sign up and get a sponsorship form at either location. The more money you raise the more benefits you receive.

Raise $25-$49.99 = 25% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $50-$74.99 = 50% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $75-99.99 = 75% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $100 and over = 100% off sandwich and beverage

They will also raffle off a giant 7ft signed “East Side Invasion” poster that hung in our Cleveland Heights location’s windows during construction. Signed by artist John G and owner Matt Fish

BEGIN: Melt Lakewood - 14718 Detroit Avenue END: Melt Cleveland Heights - 13463 Cedar Road Begins @ 8:30am

A BIG "Taste of the Browns" DEAL

Hello Lovers of CLEV!

How was your weekend? Mine was sorta quiet but really nice. Sometimes, isn't it nice to just slow down, stay at home and enjoy the downtime of a relaxed weekend? I think so.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't stay in ALL weekend...I had attended a kick off weekend for the Junior League of Cleveland Members. This amazing group for women always inspire me to give back, strive for better and look to the future, very poignant to living in Cleveland, don't you think? If you are interested in learning more about the JLC, they are having an open forum, info session next Saturday morning at Joseph Beth booksellers for more information call 216.231.6300. I also enjoyed a peach pizza at Players and spent Sunday with fellow blogger Allison & pal Shannon wandering around Chargin Falls...a WONDERFUL weekend!

So what' the big deal you might ask??? Ever been to the Taste of the Browns? It's an evening on Monday, September 13th, where big hunky football players, mingle with area chefs all to support the Cleveland Food Bank. People come from miles around to grab a gourmet dinner as well as a few autographs from the Browns team members. I can't wait to go this year!!!

So, the deal is TWO THINGS...

THIS WEEK, August 23-26th you can purchase your Taste of the Browns tickets from the link below for $125 a $25 discount. www.clevelandfoodbank.org/heart

In addition to the sweet discount I have been given TWO TICKETS PLUS a TASTE OF THE BROWNS COOKBOOK to give away to one of my readers...so, let's have a little contest...tell me your favorite Cleveland Browns memory or fact and this Friday at 4:00 I will choose a winner at random....Good Luck, and happy week!

Accessorize for the APL (08/20)

Friday, August 20th,2010

I received this press release, and although I don't usually just report the information, I am returning from a long work trip and must get you-the readers some great around town happenings...so here goes it!!!!

The Market Avenue Wine Bar in Ohio City will host jewelry artists red i jewelry, Gai Russo and Deborah Woolfork for a stylish event that puts as much emphasis in doing good as looking good.

The three highly regarded artists, each of whom have a large following for their hand-crafted jewelry, will be launching their fall collections during the event, scheduled from 6pm to 10pm

Throughout the evening, raffle tickets will be sold for a grand prize, a grouping of three necklaces, one from each artist, all of which were specially designed to layer with one another (a $350 value). Ticket prices are $5, or three for $10. The drawing is at 10pm. One hundred percent of the raffle proceeds will be donated to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, with the specific intent to purchase spay and neuter supplies for its animal welfare clinic.

"It’s a win-win situation," says Susan Scaparotti of red i jewelry. "A summer night of drinking great wine, buying great jewelry and donating to a great cause."

Oldies but goodies. (08-05/22)

If you haven't been...take a breather from this hot and humid air and slip away to the seats of the Palace Theatre for the 13th Annual Cinema at the Square.

This summer the Palace Theatre’s screen (a 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen) will feature 16 film favorites from August 5-22.

I went a few years ago and I haven't stopped thinking about the afternoon vintage flick since then. This year I want to try to make Gremlins, Casablanca, Wizard of Oz, Goldfinger & The Muppets Movie!!!

Along with the sweet movie experience, before the movies moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1927 Kimball organ that contains 16 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals.

So sit back, and enjoy a movie or two in the next few weeks. It's an awesome experience that will bring you back to what going to a movie once meant. For showtimes and ticket information visit Playhouse Square.

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

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!

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)

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.

CELEBRATE (food) CARTS (06/10)

Thursday, June 10th 2010

Have you heard the buzz? Food delivered right to your place of work? Or how about gourmet food to cure your late night cravings? yes, Cleveland has recently upped the ante by adding a series of food carts to our already stellar lunch and dinner options.

Cleveland Public Art, The Zygote Press and Ohio City Near West are hosting an event to celebrate the latest and greatest. Swing by West 26th Street (in front of CPA) the street will be closed so we can eat from the carts & drink in the street! Zygote Press artists' prints will be on display in CPA's office gallery.

Fingers crossed the sun shines. Sounds like it will be such a fun evening.5:30-9:00pm

Made in the 216 (06/11&12)

I shouldn't have to remind you, but just in case "the 216" is less than 4 days away! (Friday June 11th & Saturday June 12th)

For up to the minute show details visit miss mastermind Danielle's blog I'm sure she will have fun stuff to say this week. We are so excited to see what creative displays and new artists she has unearthed. Hope to see you there.

She & Him THIS THURSDAY!

While I know it says they are already sold out...there are still plenty of tickets to be had on Craig's List. Ms Deschanel & Sir Ward (She & Him) have sold out almost every show. I actually couldn't believe they were stopping in to visit with us, but I am so glad they are!

For a free sample of their sound visit the Levis (jeans) website to download a free tune. (LOVE FREE TUNES!)

Isn't this concert poster so charming? Designed by The Small Stakes, it made me think how this show may have such cute concert merchandise. Music AND shopping...my fave. :)

Trmont Yard Sale (06/06)

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Tremont's Annual Neighborhood Wide Yard Sale
9am-4pm

Rain or Shine

Seussical the Musical @ the Beck (05/21-22)

Friday May 21st and Saturday May 22nd, 2010

I saw this play on Friday night and was completely WOWED! Great job Youth Theatre at the Beck for putting on an amazing show.

As I nestled into the front row of the show, I thought to myself, "another children's play, I'll get through it," but by the end of the first full company number I had the tunes stuck in my head and was humming along. Not only does the play tell a charming story of Horton and the Who's it is visually bright and colorful A must for children AND adults!

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss Directed by Russ Stich Join the mischievous Cat in the Hat and his friends in this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Adults $10; Students $8.

For show times and tickets visit the Beck Center for the Arts

Weekend happenings!

What can I say? This morning being a Cleveland sports fan is a bit tough. Tough to believe the series/season is over. Tough to believe that now we must wait to hear what happens to our Cavs team. Just tough. I'm thinking of you Cavs fans. :) Now on to the optimist in me....

This weekend is going to be the best weather we have had in months, sunny, warm, perfect. There are lots of fun spring activities going on and here are just a few...

> Tremont Art Walk : including a A 'Clear Kim Crow's Closet' Sale at The Cleveland Auction Company

> Blue Pike Farm : open farm day and plant sale, 10am-2pm at 900 E. 72nd St Cleveland, OH 44103

> Ohio City Home Tour : a perfect excuse to stroll through Ohio City and enjoy the ncie day

> Kamm's Corner : spring Hooley = block party including a parade, 12-8pm

> Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Benefit : including a performance by MC Hammer

> Cleveland Marathon : This Sunday get out and cheer on the runners!

Happy friday, happy weekend!