“Cultures grow on the vine of tradition,” or so goes the saying co-opted by writer/pundit Jonah Goldberg several years back. This isn’t a political statement, however: think about Northeast Ohio’s greatest locations and resources and you’ll find most were founded on (or are steeped in) tradition. Think West Side Market, Severance Hall, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks — and perhaps more abstractly, football, and rock and roll — just for starters. This week’s "Fresh Start" celebrates tradition, with a keen eye on the holiday season. Our picks this week are sure to make your autumn tick, be it in metronomic glee or by hearty heartbeat.
Get the Folk Out
We think 44 years definitely accounts for a successful tradition, which is why the Kent State Folk Festival tops this week’s "Fresh Start". The venerable, multi-day music event in Portage County showcases great regional and national acts and this year is no exception. Starting Wednesday, November 17 and running into the weekend, folk fans can get a load of great headlining acts including Loudon Wainwright III, Shawn Colvin, Vienna Teng and The Cave Singers and regional favorites including Eddie from Ohio, Luca Mundaca and the amazing Jessica Lea Mayfield. The festival is co-presented by Kent State University, WKSU-FM, their ever-popular Folk Alley radio program, and the Kent Stage, which serves as the festival’s home base. The ambitious “Folk Alley ‘Round Town” promises free live music at some 40 other Kent venues on Friday, November 19. Tickets and info are here.
Contemporary, Cosmopolitan
Lacking holiday originality? Need gift giving ideas? Or maybe your loft just needs a lift? If the answer to any of these is yes, the sixth annual ArtScape Benefit Sale is a must-do. Festooned with fine arts, jammed with jewelry and crammed with crafts, this creative benefit-sale for MOCA Cleveland launches Friday, November 19 with a preview reception and sale. A public opening happens the following morning, Saturday, November 20. Nearly 50 regional and national artists offer unique gifts, home décor and one-of-a-kind, homemade and handmade goods. Surprise your favorite people with something incomparable, or simply pamper yourself at home and field the compliments when friends stop by. Part of MOCA’s farewell for the 8501 Carnegie Avenue location, you can learn more here.
A Wintergarden Rendezvous
Looking for some new holiday traditions? The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s WinterShow is destined to be a favorite of yours, assuming you’re not already hip to it. The CBG quite literally decks their halls with gingerbread and floral show pieces. You can go skating at the Wade Oval rink, see a two-story holiday tree, and experience fab shopping, handmade arts, crafts, sweets and even animal topiaries It’s rightly referred to as “Cleveland’s Best Holiday Display” and kicks off Saturday, November 20, free with CBG admission. You don’t want family memories of the holidays clouded with Black Friday cattle calls at big box stores, do you? Bask in University Circle’s most festive occasion and build lasting memories and traditions of your own in the process. Runs through the New Year, with details here.
