Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Cuyahoga County Fair

Let me be honest with you all, I am going to link this entry to the Cuyahoga County Fair's website because I don't want to rehash everything going on each day but there is absolutely no way 'jose' I can adequately give you all the interesting ins and outs of the Fair's daily agenda.

I do remember attending the fair as a little girl and have only fond memories.

When I was just a youngster, I had a garden. I took great pride in that garden and would visit it almost every day to check on each and every vegetable as well as clearing those pesky weeds away.

I planted so much, it was ridiculous. But we loved it. Having a gardening coach, he told us exactly how to plant and take care of each item.

Today as an adult, I wish I had a gardening coach who could tell me how deep or shallow to burrow down for certain vegies and all the tricks of the trade.

I yielded: corn, beets, kohlrabi, swiss chard, carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, radishes, beans, lettuce....I remember harvesting and having my basket overflowing each trip.

Oh, those memories.

Well, when we would go to the fair, not only was I interested in the piglets, horses, cows, petting zoo, goats, and all of the farm animals, as well as the rides and the gooey food I normally was not allowed to eat, but, I too was so interested in the vegetables on display and who won a blue ribbon or red ribbon or gold ribbon. I was so enamored with the largest pumpkins and the longest carrots as I was a farmer of sorts.

The fair sure does bring back vivid memories as I'd go with my Aunt and Uncle and sometimes my Uncle's mother or the entire family would go.

My Mom's family had a farm in Chardon so she was dashed back to her childhood days.

I just liked being out in the open air (even though I had so many allergies and probably should NOT have been around the animals and flowers and such) running wild. It sounded like there was music being piped out from every crevice in every single spot of the fairgrounds. I just loved hearing music everywhere I went. The music made everything so much more festive!

Ah, those were the days which every child should experience and memories every adult should savor.

I certainly hope you all can make your way to the 113th annual Cuyahoga County Fair at the Berea Fairgrounds so you too can see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

Holy Cow News Day!

When I am off, on vacation or furlough, I usually take a break from Swing by and spray.

I really won't go into too much detail because I am off and don't have all the details, but I had to pop on for just a few minutes and say, HOLY COW!

Stunned.

What a day to be off.

I was in PA with Mom and the Tribe and a very good friend from College and, thankfully, kept abreast of the situations unfolding all over the U.S.

I really don't think any of them have sunk in just yet.

Shaq comes to the Cavs. Good thing! Big sports story so I am not missing too much! I just hope Shaq knows WHO is #1 in Cleveland --the L-Train! This has garnered multiple Facebook comments from college friends around the US who know their teams won't hold a candle to the Cavs next season.

Farrah Fawcett passing away. Awful story, but we all knew it was imminent. National story, so I am not missing too much on this except it is quite saddening for those of us who grew up in that time frame. Also, maybe this is a deranged way to look at her passing, but the next entry overshadows Farrah's death.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, dying. Again, a National story, BUT, this out of all of them can certainly be localized. Especially with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum being right here in Cleveland, Ohio....the Jacksons performing in Cleveland.....

I am sure every single radio station will be playing MJ songs for days.

I heard there were so many Tweets, they went off line because their server blew up.


As an assignment editor, you are torn. On one hand, the news day that everyone lives for...but on the other hand, as a viewer, a fan, a riveted human being, by not working, I can sit in front of the tv all night long clutching the remote & just immerse myself watching tributes, music videos, listening to music, & try to come to grips with what has transpired and how it will change the future of music and 'pop-icon culture.'


We'll miss you Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson (they always die in 3's).

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Larchmere Porchfest

If you are hankering for some good music, you'll want to head over to the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood between 2:00p.m. and 9:00p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009.

For one day only, dozens of area porches will be transformed into "center stage."

Some of the best local musicians will perform their music.

Whether you are into pop, rock, Indie rock, or some other genre, you're bound to find something you can groove to and enjoy.

The idea comes from a similar event which takes place in the Fallcreek neighborhood of Ithaca, New York.

This is a great opportunity to get out, meet new people, hear great LIVE music for FREE, and certainly learn about the Larchmere-Shaker Square neighborhood, if you are not familiar.

Larchmere consists of dozens and dozens of art galleries, restaurants, specialty shops, antique and book stores.

At least 20 bands will be performing at various locations between 2:00p.m. and 6:00p.m.--including residents' front porches!

The party shifts to Shaker Square at 6:00p.m. where bands will continue their jam session.

And then, if you are still raring to go, the 'after party' continues at Boulevard Blue on Larchmere beginning at 9:00p.m.

A one-day only event in the eclectic Larchmere neighborhood you sure won't want to miss.

If you venture out to this excitingly popular section of Cleveland, you too, will see why the Larchmere Porchfest is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Rock Hall Inductions

An event long overdue for this great city. But, it has arrived. The 24th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place in Cleveland, Ohio on April 4, 2009.

What a night!

I was lucky enough to be present at the event. Amazing! The acts. The music. The performances. Realizing just what was taking place before our very eyes. History in the making and I am so blessed to have been part of it.

I won't lie, my personal Rock Hall Induction experience had a number of bumps in the road. But I am bright enough, resilient enough and a true music connoisseur to understand what I was experiencing!

If you've read any of my previous entries, you know what a Cleveland fan I am. From what I can see, Cleveland put on a pretty good week of entertainment leading up to this huge milestone event. It kicked off with the Moondog Coronation Ball back on March 28th where the likes of Jerry Butler, Three Dog Night, Little Richard, Herman's Hermits and Tommy James and The Shondells rocked Q Arena all night long! What a kickoff!

Then all week long at various venues around town, former Rock Hall inductees as well as home grown groups rocked the socks off Cleveland.

I'm sensing that the entertainers/musicians who came into town enjoyed their visit. Many frequented the Warehouse District, took in a Cavs Game, jammed at the House of Blues or Agora while enjoying the amenities at our high class hotels. Come on, they've been treated like royalty being carted around town, finest foods, trips to the Rock Hall....

And though Friday brought a bit of rain, the sun hung around the rest of the week and Hall of Fame Weekend.

The Induction itself. Words can not describe being a part of history in the making. Those inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included: Little Anthony and the Imperials, Wanda Jackson, Run DMC, Bobby Womack, Jeff Beck, Metallica, Bill Black, DJ Fontana, Spooner Oldham.

I'm very lucky and blessed. I grew up in a house where all kinds of music was and still is played. We were raised on every genre of music and taught to appreciate the gift of music.

I'm a vocalist and when I sing at Mass or any religious occasion, Mom always says, 'when you sing at Mass, you pray twice!!'

I must admit, my mom is not a huge Metallica fan, but that said, realized the immensity of having Metallica jam with the likes of Ronnie Wood, Bobby Womack, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Joe Perry, among so many others rocking out up on stage.

No act gave a bad or sub-par performance. Each one exemplified WHY they deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

I don't know if I have a favorite performance because I enjoyed everyone....but I must say Jeff Beck playing with Jimmy Page sent chills up my spine and the two finale performances will never be matched.

Cleveland sure gave New York a run for their money and from what I am hearing, put on the very best Rock and Roll Induction Ceremony ever!!

Never had any doubt! Did you!!!!

If you have not had a chance to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, get on down there. Check out Fuse TV where they are bound to eventually show this great event again. Who knows, maybe they'll make a copy and wind up selling it down at the Rock Hall (they should if they are smart!!) If you were lucky enough to be on site or watched the show, you too, can agree with me as to why the Rock Hall Inductions (in Cleveland, Ohio '09) is this week's Hidden Gem!!!!

'Live on Lakeside' updates

Just wanted to get you caught up on some of the recent 'Live on Lakeside' guests who have crooned for the Channel 3 News Today audience!

Copperfoot dazzled the viewers with their wide range of music from rock to country blues, lounge and folktales! They say they play mostly original works. They've been influenced by the best including Clapton, Willie, The Allman Brothers, and Johnny Cash (whose tour bus is on display down at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum).

The Jack Fords has been together for three years belting out the likes of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan-esqe sounds!

For more information on any of our bands or to hear a sampling of their works, log onto wkyc.com and click on the 'Live on Lakeside' section. You can find links to each band's website as well as background information on your favorite act.

Have a great weekend. And, as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

This week, 'Live on Lakeside' took it on the road as part of Channel 3 News Today's Zoo week!

Cleveland's 'BMZ' had a very 'captive' audience playing on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo stage!!

'BMZ' touts themselves as Cleveland's rock band....made up of 3 band members....a bass guitarist, guitarist, and drum man all singing vocals.

Be sure to click on the above attached links to learn more about 'BMZ' and ALWAYS check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section of wkyc.com!

Hope your summer is hoppin'!

And as always, 'Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

The summer is just buzzing along and I wanted to get you caught up on the last few bands we have had on our Channel 3 News Today 'Live on Lakeside' segments....

We've had some pretty energetic, high voltage bands on our morning show.

Red Sun Rising rocked out on Channel 3 News Today.

These four musicians from the Kent/Akron area are hoping to catapult from the 'Live on Lakeside' stage and release an album later this fall.

You can always find more info and background information as well as a few songs being performed by each group on the Channel 3 News website at http://www.wkyc.com/!

We've also had B.E. Mann, world-renowned Reggae performer gracing the 'Live on Lakeside' stage!

The Energy Man has released 24 full length recordings since 1987.

Never a dull moment on our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments....tune in and see history being made with the latest, cutting edge bands!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

Swing By and Spray was on hiatus last week.

So, let's catch you up on the last few bands who have been 'Live on Lakeside.'

We've had 4 Zero and Jackie performing during our 'Live on Lakeside' segments during Channel 3 News Today!

4 Zero performed LIVE for the first time on our 'Live on Lakeside' segment....more groundbreaking entertainment on Channel 3 News Today!

For more information '4 Zero,' just click this 4 Zero Link.

And Jackie performed like on location when Channel 3 News Today broadcast from the ever popular Cleveland Wine Festival!

For more information on 'Jackie,' just click this Jackie Link.

Remember, if you have a band or know of a band that would be great for Channel 3 News Today, just log onto wkyc.com and check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section for all the details!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Photos Courtesy: WKYC Videographer Brian Johnson

Today's Hidden Gem: The Cleveland Orchestra

Though The Cleveland Orchestra may not seem like a 'Hidden Gem' always in the spotlight, traveling the globe lead by world famous Franz Welser Most, it's a wonderful GEM to claim as our own here in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Orchestra has become a part of Cleveland's Fourth of July tradition on Public Square. Last night, almost 100,000 people gathered on Public Square for "A Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert and Festival" which was The Cleveland Orchestra's 19th Annual Free Downtown Concert!

Always a good time! My family has had the good fortune to attend. The roads are blocked off so you can bring your lounge chairs or just a blanket and set right in the middle of the street. One year we even made a weekend of it and stayed in a downtown hotel as if we were really on vacation! A great excursion!

Festivities usually kick off at this event around 4pm with entertainment and fun leading up to the big event: the Cleveland Orchestra Concert. And weather permitting, they try to offer a fireworks presentation!

This year's Public Square Concert was lead by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.

The Cleveland Orchestra not only tours extensively abroad but has their delightful Severance Hall Concerts and Blossom Music Center performances.

The Cleveland Orchestra has a long rich history which began back in 1918. Concerts were held at Gray's Armory and then the Masonic Auditorium. In 1931 they moved into Severance Hall.

Not only does the Orchestra contribute to the musical richness of this area, but they have been giving back to the community and enhancing the area's education for all ages!

Some of the programs they offer include teaching students about music, the different kinds of instruments, and how to play them as well as giving young musicians access to the Youth Orchestra and Children's Chorus. They really offer events and experiences for all ages, all walks of life!

If you get the chance, try and catch a Cleveland Orchestra performance as well as hopping on their website to see all of the programs they have to offer and then you will see why The Cleveland Orchestra is this week's Hidden Gem!

Information Courtesy: The Cleveland Orchestra and their website and below photos Courtesy WKYC Videographer Brian Johnson.

Metromix Cleveland is here!

Looking for the hottest spot in Cleveland? The best restaurant? Where the 'in-crowd' hangs out? Look no further! Metromix Cleveland is the place to check for all the excitement around town.

Whether you want to hit a Gladiators Game, dine at Boulevard Blue, or hear a great Blues Band at The House of Swing, you can get the information at Metromix Cleveland!

Sign up and become a member! It's easy. I've already done it. Once you sign up, if you go to a great hot spot, taste the best Beef Tenderloin you have ever had, or drink a heavenly Mango Margarita, YOU can comment on Metromix Cleveland, give your very own review for everyone to see, and even share your very own photos!

If you are a member, you can make your own profile, share your favorite movie, 1st concert you ever saw, your favorite hair band, whatever you want to share!

Calling all FaceBook and MySpace members! Make sure you join the Metromix Cleveland group!

Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio is really a happening city! Join in on the fun! Don't miss out on the action. Share your favorite place with others.

The Metromix Street Team will be out and about town staying on top of the greatest places to go for happy hour, where to listen to great live music, and the hottest events coming to C-Town. The entire Metromix staff should be congratulated for pounding the pavement and working very hard over the last 3+ months prepping to get Metromix Cleveland up and running! Our hats go off to you all!!!! Thank you!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The House of Swing!


Eleven years ago I walked into the House of Swing and stumbled upon one of the best Hidden Gems in Northeast Ohio! Oh, I had driven by it my whole life. And my Aunt and Uncle said they had been in there many times in their younger days. Not until one of my dearest friends turned me onto this 'diamond in the rough' did I actually step inside and experience the entire phenomenon!


If you enjoy jazz, blues, and even swing music, The House of Swing is the place to be! Especially for LIVE music!


The House of Swing is celebrating 31 years this Saturday, May 31st! Owner Linda Kallie is the perfect host, especially on these big occasions. She knows how to throw a hopping party. She is gracious and so appreciative of her patrons. She is one of the reasons The House of Swing is the great place it is today! Blues DeVille will headline this year's anniversary party. There will be delicious food, beverages galore for the party guests, fun, friendship, and the yearly toast to Lou, his memory, and the legacy he started many years ago!


31 years ago, Lou Kallie opened The House of Swing (where jazz is king) at 4490 Mayfield Road in South Euclid.


Lou had a long musical history. Back in 1965, he owned 'The Library' in the Little Italy area. That's when he met Linda. He played the music he grew up with and loved but it did not catch on with the 60's crowd. He also played drums in the band, 'The Wild Bunch,' hoping to emulate the likes of Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Kallie had an amazing collection of over 15,000 records which he still wanted to share with others after 'The Library' closed. He opened The House of Swing as an outlet where he could share the music he loved while jamming with his very own band, which he did every Monday night.


Besides the record collection, there were and still are loads of memorabilia displayed throughout the entire bar ranging from bumper stickers...album covers....remembrances of all the live bands that have ever played in the Swing....musical pictures, portraits, posters....sports memorabilia of all kinds....fun inflatables....and picture montages of the many devoted patrons who have visited Linda and Lou over the last 31 years!


When you enter the Swing, you feel like family. You are welcomed with open arms and always treated to a wonderful time! A wonderful place to go any night of the week. Linda has live music there 4 nights a week. The other nights, classic tunes playing on the loud speaker!


Lou was actively involved in his city, his neighborhood. Linda recollects how he managed a slew of softball teams as well as starting the Cleveland Heights men's hockey league. Linda says Lou will also be remembered for his 'one liners!'


Lou Kallie passed away suddenly in October of 1995 of a probable heart attack. He was 67 years old. Lou's memory lives on in The House of Swing. However, his ashes also rest in a special place within the bar so he can overlook and oversee his great success --which continues today!


Linda, as well as Lou's son, Harry, have carried on Lou's legacy, his memory. Harry helps Linda out at the Swing in many capacities keeping the music alive and the drinks flowing. Linda has many other great bartenders (including Richie Rich) and a wonderful support staff which have helped her keep the bar open after Lou's passing. She can not believe it has been 31 years. There have been a number of changes through the years. Linda has upgraded with the times adding more televisions, making a bigger stage area, and many other betterments!


Linda says she is not sure how much longer The House of Swing can endure, but for now, it's still alive and kicking and one of the best neighborhood bars in Northeast Ohio!


Come one and all Saturday, May 31st for the 31st anniversary celebration of The House of Swing and see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

This week, 'Live on Lakeside' took it on the road to the Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City.

The band 'Arisen,' who describes themselves as 'progressive alternative metal' performed on the main stage during the Channel 3 News Today show!

Band members hail from Padua, St Ignatius, North Royalton and Valley Forge High Schools.

Please click on the attached link to find out more about 'Arisen' as well as our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments during Channel 3 News Today!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

Friday morning 'Exit Cleveland' performed on the 'Live on Lakeside' stage during Channel 3 News Today.

For more details on who 'Exit Cleveland' is and what kind of music they play, please click the attached Link.

'Exit Cleveland' touts themselves as Pop-Punk. They are made up of 3 Benedictine students and 1 band member from Mayfield High School.

Please keep tuning in for our 'Live on Lakeside' segments each Friday morning during Channel 3 News Today and keep sending in ideas for future band performances!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

This morning 'Eclyptic' performed LIVE on Channel 3 News Today.

To view pictures and video clips of this morning's performance or maybe get a little background information on this week's band, please click the attached 'Live on Lakeside' Link!

I've said it before but will say it again as we get the word out about our 'Live on Lakeside' segment each Friday morning on Channel 3 News Today.

Every Friday between 5am and 7am, you can tune into 'Live on Lakeside' segments and see local bands, school bands, musicians, and singers performing LIVE during our broadcasts.

Check out the 'Live on Lakeside' area of wkyc.com as well as the application to fill out should you want to apply for a future segment.

If you are a member of Facebook, log on and join the 'Live on Lakeside' group. Same thing for MySpace folks!

Would love your feedback on our 'Live on Lakeside' segment each Friday morning!

Keep Rockin'!