entertainment » happyinCLE

Jak of all trades

Where in the world does time go? Lots of things have happened in the past couple weeks, but I will refrain from compiling a list of the most recent events — my life isn’t that exciting.

And speaking of events, there are many more great things happening through October in CLE. Hopefully this outstanding weather we have been experiencing will continue for weeks to come.

In the meantime, if you are looking for additional Labor Day weekend plans, a new family-friendly event is taking place in Cleveland’s MidTown District. Jakprints printing company will be hosting the Jak of all Trades Fest on Saturday, September 3rd from 12pm to 7pm.

Event festivities include live bands, a street-course style skate park, popular local food trucks, pop-up stores, a live art installation, beer garden and much more.

In addition to the festival, a charity raffle benefitting MidTown Cleveland Incorporated and Community Greenhouse Partners will take place with prizes including an HP TouchPad.

The festival is open to the public, but attendees must RSVP by Sunday, August 28th. For more information, visit jakprints.com/joat.

living in CLE…with a whole gallon of juice

Apparently time got away from me once again. I was planning on submitting a video application to the Cleveland City Living Awards contest, but my potential videographer/editor and I never joined forces. However, you can view and vote for your favorite entry HERE.

I know iheartcleveland enjoys Doc Harrill’s video, but my vote has to go to Seth Hrbek. While both of these entries include original song, I found myself giggling uncontrollably while listening to Seth’s “I love you Cleveland!” lyrics. In regards to the LOL factor, the “butterflies on my shoulder, I beg your pardon” line was the icing on the cake.

You only have until this Thursday, August 4th to vote!

you make me feel…like dancing

It’s time for another one. Another song I can’t get out of my head. This one is from Cobra Starship (think “Good Girls Go Bad”) and features the adorable Sabi.

I basically would like to play this on a hot summer night on a random city rooftop while dancing till 3:00am. Who would like to join me? I will bring the jello shots and speakers.

Keep cool and have a great weekend!

luau on the lake

It’s balmy and sunny in the CLE. The beaches are crowded. The boats are sailing across the shores of Lake Erie. Our current weather conditions scream summertime.

While we don’t live in a tropical climate, one can dream of palm trees swaying along the landscape of Whiskey Island. But wait – you can experience a little island flavor in the Northcoast! This Saturday, the 6th annual Luau on the Lake will be held at Wendy Park.

This Hawaiian-themed party benefits Shoes and Clothes for Kids and includes amazing food, drinks, music, volleyball, raffles and enough fun for any big Kahuna. There is not much time to purchase your discounted pre-sale tickets, which ends this Wednesday, July 13th.

DATE: Saturday, July 16, 2011
TIME: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Wendy Park at Whiskey Island, 2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland, OH 44102

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please click HERE. Aloha!

boom boom boom

it was quite the holiday weekend. It was everything I could have imagined and more, filled with loved ones, laughter, sun and spirits. One of those long weekends when you think about what life would be like if your job consisted of relaxation, socializing and consuming large amounts of food and alcohol. Wait, that lifestyle is attainable. However, I believe one might call that retirement. Can I retire once I hit the big 3-0?

Naturally, I did not take as many photos as I should have, specifically shots of myself lounging in a kiddie pool floating around the waters of Put-in-Bay. I must recreate that scene ASAP.

Last week I mentioned it was a packed weekend of P’s (parties and Perry’s) via Twitter and Facebook. Please see my evidence below.

: Justin grills some ribs at BZone’s.

: W. 61 St. display.

: The Perry Monument.

: A little Katy Perry.

And this little clip was taken at plum’s bash — yet another P! The more I think about it, the more I realize how I have become more ridiculous with age. Here’s to never taking myself too seriously.

things you should do right now

After an enjoyable three-day weekend filled with friends and festivities, I have some items to add to your to-do list, if you have not checked them off already.

Market Garden Brewery & Distillery – The newest hot spot on W.25th is more than hot. It’s like surface of the sun hot. After food and beverage consumption this past weekend, I suggest you try the mussels, tacos and #1 wheat ale.

Pop Up party – This third installment was held on Friday at Battery Park Wine Bar featured the musical stylings of Graydar. This was my first Pop Up party and I really enjoy the concept. It’s like a pop up shop, but a one night shabang. A legal rave, if you will. Dancing is required.

Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party – Quickly becoming CLE’s party of the year, there is not much to say about this cosmopolitan affair because you really need to go and experience it for yourself. Strolling through the art galleries at 1:30am is reason enough to check this party out!

Edgewater Beach – Yes, many are frightened by our city’s only public beach (it does need some work), but it can be a beautiful place if you give it a chance. Plus, you cannot beat the people watching. Thongs, kite surfers and hookahs, oh my.

SPACES – It’s not an art gallery. It is a forum for artists to explore and experiment their craft. Not only one of the coolest venue’s around, they also host one of the coolest benefit’s every November. Attend the exhibitions, donate, volunteer and enjoy the creative genius!

trololo time

i could discuss more important topics. i could describe my excitement for the cleveland museum of art summer solstice party this weekend. i also could recap how enjoyable my first dinner in the dark experience was this past week.

but i just had one of those days. one of those days that knocked me down. a day that i look at life and say, wuuut!?! (insert lil’ john voice)

and when i have less than adequate moments, i watch or listen to something enjoyable and/or funny. many times it involves a little trololo sing along.

i would be surprised if most of you have not seen this YouTube hit, but if you have not, you’re welcome.

last friday night

so i tried something new this past friday night. it’s called yoga. i’m sure you’ve heard of it.

you might say i was not 100% excited about the idea, provided that i do not work out on a regular basis, nor have i ever been able to touch my toes. however, statistics say that acts of this kind are known to reduce stress levels, increase muscle tone and improve posture.

the particular session that i went to is dubbed as “punk rock” yoga, which didn’t really exude either punk nor rock in my opinion, but they did play some subtle punk rock tracks. i guess i was expecting the instructor to come out in a mohawk and eye liner. that would have been something to see.

all in all, my trip to the studio was pretty successful. i kept up with the rest of the group for the most part, not counting the three times i almost fell over. and in true sean fashion, i sweat my asski off. at one point, i thought about asking for a clean mat so i would keep from slipping on mine.

i am pretty sure i will be back to The Studio – Cleveland for some more downward dog action. i can definitely see how practicing yoga could improve your overall mind, body and spirit. i mean, who doesn’t need some oms.

and speaking of last friday night, have you seen the new katy perry video? it is a HOOT. while there may be one too many 80s references, i found myself smiling all the way though the video. the endless celebrity cameos are hilarious, the wardrobe department must have had a field day and katy perry is just too darn funny. watch “last friday night” all the way through the credits. even if you aren’t into top 40 pop hits, i think you will LOL at least once.

ahi nama

after a very pleasant weekend of relaxation, rejuvenation and a little rampage, i have one more thing to add to my bucket list – SALSA. not the edible kind, but the cuban born dance form.

and since i already have taught myself other variations of dance including hip hop, crump and booty pops, i figured i should give ballroom a shot. but as far as i’m concerned, salsa seems to be on the more exciting and spicy side of ballroom dance. and i like spicy.

while listening to the rhythmic sounds at roseangel on saturday night, i really wanted to just pick a random mama sita and bust out some ~~latin~~ polish flavor on the dance floor. the temperature was roughly 900 degrees that night, which was most likely due to the amount of sexiness happening all around me. i really wanted to join in.

if you are interested in seeing some of the best CLE salsa dancers, i suggest you go to roseangel on any given saturday night. order a pitcher of sangria, get a table in the back, and enjoy the show. and if you would like to partake, let me know. who wants to be my salsa partner!?!

of course, i didn’t get any photos from the night, but you can view some here at TropicalCleveland (who hosts every saturday night dance party).

a CLE bridge project

i drive over the detroit-superior (also known as veterans memorial) bridge every day. the vast structure spans over the cuyahoga river and connects the eclectic ohio city neighborhood with our city’s core. it is my entrance to downtown CLE — like a foyer into my second home.

in our city’s past, this space has served as a streetcar line complete with tunnels, track and a historic subway station. all of this can be viewed by the public a few times a year thanks in part to private tours and the ridiculously cool ingenuity fest which has been held in the lower level of the bridge the past two years. if you didn’t get a chance to attend this past year, you missed an amazing man-made waterfall installation that i basically stared at for an hour (water + light = hypnotic beauty).

but wouldn’t it be grand if this lower level space could be used all year-round? imagine a repurposed pedestrian and bicycle route or industrial performance/music venue. the landscape and foundation is there, but in order to be fully functional for public use, additional funds and votes are needed. and that’s where you come in!

in order for this plan to become a reality, the National Trust for Historic Preservation grant is needed. we need as many votes as possible, so spread the word and vote at bridgevote.com! voting ends on june 30th, so get to it!