“It is at the movies that the only absolutely modern mystery is celebrated.” Andre Breton
The sudden turn for the beautiful in our weather notwithstanding, I have a great idea for an indoor activity to help you round out your late winter in proper style. And if you happen to find time to get out and about in the process, by all means take advantage of this balmy turn of events.
The sudden onset of pleasant weather brings to mind for me the spring of 1978, the year that will always resonate with folks here as the year of the big blizzard. That winter was unrelenting and life-threatening in the northeast, with the one-two punch of two straight winters of brutal conditions and record-breaking snow accumulation. But just when we couldn’t seem to take it anymore, a curtain lifted and spring came on like gang busters! From April on, we went into the hottest, driest summer I can remember, with the grass turning brown in early July and staying that way through September. So who knows, maybe this will be the year when all our suffering is erased by waves of sun and fun, and we remember again why the heck we would want to live here in the first place.
While you’re waiting for the good weather to take hold, don’t forget that next Thursday is the beginning of the Cleveland International Film Festival! This yearly celebration of all things cinematic has become a major force in the movie industry world-wide. After attracting more than 66,000 participants last year, generating more than $3.1 million in revenue, and increasing their attendance by more than 23% from the record-breaking previous year, CIFF looks to reach even greater heights this month. The Festival opens with a gala on March 18th, and continues with day-long features at Tower City Cinemas through the 28th. Featured will be a vast array of local, national, and international films in a variety of genres including shorts, animated films, documentaries, commercials, and feature length film that are either enjoying their first run in our region or are world premieres. If you enjoyed last week’s Oscar presentations, you’ll be pleased to know that CIFF now has a hand in helping to identify short subject movies for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. We may find a flick that premiered in Cleveland winning the Academy award soon!
If you go to the Film Festival, please try to find the time to see Soundtrack for a Revolution, this year’s film sponsored by The Music Settlement. It tells the story of the indelible link between the protest songs of the 1950’s and 60’s to the American civil rights movement. It includes interviews with the people who were at the center of the movement as well as archival footage of the period that ranges from the uplifting to the brutal, portraying the transformative power of music in our daily existence. While it includes some harrowingly frank imagery of the period, it centers on an uplifting legacy that resonates in our music and our lives to this day. The movie shows on Friday, March 26th at 9:35pm, and Saturday, March 27th, at 4:40 pm. Please find the time to see this important documentary.
One of the other great aspects of CIFF is that for a two week period, much of downtown is really alive and kicking! There are crowds in the restaurants and at Tower City, and you can get a real feel for the potential that could exist with a truly vital downtown. Throw in a Cavs game or a concert at “The Q” and things get positively crowded downtown. Make time for you and your loved ones to enjoy some of Cleveland’s number one winter arts & culture happening!
While I’m at it, I want to remind you that Cleveland’s number one summer arts & culture happening is right around the corner: save the date for the 12th of June for Parade the Circle, our very own people-powered celebration of creativity. I’ll bring you more details in a later message, but it’s not too early to step up to volunteer with The Music Settlement that day. We are seeking individuals who can help us in our activities tent where we encourage folks of all ages to try out a variety of instruments that we provide. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to introduce the joy of music into people’s lives. If you’re interested, please contact Rob Bruder at rbruder@themusicsettlement.org .
I hope to see you in the crowds real soon.
Have a great week!
