Review of Cafe Marika

Boy, the neighborhood members and establishments are sure getting a lot of good press lately! Here's a review of Cafe Marika from this week's Scene.
http://www.clevescene.com/2007-10-03/dining/caf-233-quirky/

Mike Uva's new CD

Check out this great review of Shore Acres resident Mike Uva's new CD on http://www.coolcleveland.com:
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Where does he find the time? With a day gig in operations at local label Collectible Escalators, another as production assistant at a local alt-weekly, and the occasional foray into Mikey Machine's eclectic outfit Machine Go Boom, one would guess singer/songwriter Mike Uva's time is seriously strapped. It most certainly is, but every one in a while, Uva manages to release a slate of engaging avant-pop. Straddling the line between neo- and auteur-folk and stark, jangly pop, Uva and his band Hook Boy have perfected their sound on the 9-track release Static Songs, a mix of old and new material, Uva's last effort, 2004's Where Have You Been wasn't nearly as dark, dreamy and thoroughly engaging. This disc is worthy of even the most picky indie music fan -- offering a heart full of impact and world-weary melancholy, proving that every bit of three years was needed to complete it.

Uva's approach has been called "kitchen sink," but that clearly doesn't give him enough directional credit. Graced by tape loops, tambourines, electric piano and stunning lyrical narratives, Uva's work seems to have found a balance between stripped-back instrumental grace, purposeful intention and an intrepid flair for the quirky. I'll bet I'm not alone in thinking that the world could use a little lyric poetry he sings in "My Manifesto," ushering in a whole host of sharp ruminations from sleepless paranoids and lovers. "Hook Boy," "Magic Marker" and the set-closer "Reunion" comprise much of the reworked material, intermingling well with the new works. New cuts like the marooned "Starlight," "Para Guitarra" and "Flip Me Over!" pair 70s sonic swirl with introverted lyrical intention. All the tunes seem to support that need for reprieve that Stephe DK (of New Lou Reeds) intimates with the inside cover art. I won't spoil it for you.

Grant-Lee Phillips once said that everyone needs a little sanctuary. To wit, Mike Uva's Static Songs is exquisite... and just the ticket.

Visit Mike Uva & Hook Boy at Collectible Escalators' website: http://www.collectibleescalators.com
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

John & Kathy Baker : Peace Corps Volunteers

Shore Acres residents John & Kathy Baker were recently feature in a PD article about the new trend in Peace Corps Volunteers over age 50. The Bakers spent 2 years in Romania beginning in 2001. The article include a great photo of the couple in their yard, which unfortunately isn't included in the online version of the article, but you can read it all here... http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1190018214248310.xml&coll=2&thispage=1

Fundraiser for Movie Nights

The 2 Movie Nights we had this summer were such a success. They brought together a large number of community members and we really had fun (even despite the rain on Jurassic Park night - the timing was perfect, as if you were in the movie!). We'd like to do a series of Movie Nights next summer as well, perhaps as often as once a month. It'd be great for any families that are interested in doing so volunteer to "sponsor" one night, which would mean selecting the movie, setting it up and breaking it down, as well as letting people know about the event. This summer we used borrowed projectors, but it'd be great if we could get the neighborhood to purchase one. Anyone interested in 1) Sponsoring a 2008 Movie Night or 2) Getting involved with fundraising/grant writing for Movie Night, please comment.

PD article on North Collinwood

Be sure to check out the great article on North Collinwood from Sunday's Plain Dealer. Here is where to read it online...
http://blog.cleveland.com/top_entertainment/2007/09/can_waterloo_road_be_cleveland.html

Grants for archways

The association has been granted a CityWorks grant for partial funding of the Archway Project. The remaining funding is being sought after by a Neighborhood Connections grant which was submitted in August. We've made it to the second round of submissions, which a great sign. The next step is an interview and presentation to the selection board of Neighborhood Connections. Neighborhood Connections is part of the Cleveland Foundation and funds grass roots projects for Cleveland neighborhoods for up to $5000. Grants may be submitted twice a year. Please leave a comment if you have any other ideas for funding or grant proposal ideas.

September 7 & 8 Events