If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a lifelong Clevelander, it’s that any real or imagined travel experience can be extended here after deboarding a plane. Any memories from a trip to New York, London or even Shanghai can be awakened with a quick car ride to a local event or destination. This week’s Fresh Start is intended to help you live every moment globally while hanging locally.
You Can't Be Serious... Can You?
Can’t wait for your breakfast at Wimbledon fix next month? You needn't queue for days outside the All England Club, nor will you need to mind the gap at London’s Wimbledon station. Check out this rare treat: the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championships. Volleys start Tuesday, May 25 and run until month-end. Hosted by Oberlin College and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, these finals feature the top eight U.S. men’s teams competing for NCAA individual and double titles. As an added bonus, all the matches are free admission. NCAA Division III championships in volleyball, cross country and outdoor track and field are happening in Northeast Ohio this month as well.
Consignors for You
This is not your grandparents’ auction house. However, Gray’s Auctioneers, located at the Lakewood-Cleveland border, does consistently deliver a spectacular line up of items, rivaling that of noted auction houses in New York and London. Gray’s latest auction, Auction 32: Fine Arts, promises to be a best effort for 2010, focused primarily on (you guessed it) fine art. This sale is a great place to score intelligent, green home décor and takes place online and in-house this Thursday, May 27 at 1 pm. Bids may be placed online at Gray’s Auctioneer’s website, where you'll also find a fully illustrated catalog of available items.
Ancient Culture, Modern Marvel
Ancient folklore and valiant heroes come to life through the Chinese dance mastered by the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe, which graces Playhouse Square on Saturday, May 29 at 7:30 pm accompanied by a live orchestra. Shen Yun departs each city it visits with critical acclaim, offering a vivid, vibrant performance of a thousands-year old art form, modernized by Western/Chinese musical accompaniment and state-of-the art digital backdrops and multimedia. The traditions of ancient China are kept alive by this New York–based group. It will be a great experience for kids. Learn more about the one-night-only performance and score tickets to it here.
Once Again
If you do nothing else, consider tipping a cold one (or two) at the Swell Season show at the House of Blues this Sunday, May 30. The Irish-Czech musical connection, which came to prominence during the 2007 film Once, always offers a great, multiculti alt-folk spin. Click here for ticket pricing information.
