The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning “Illuminate”

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL), the Cleveland arts-education nonprofit threw its fundraiser, Illuminate, at Cleveland City Hall on June 1, recognizing Councilman Kevin Conwell as a local arts champion. Approximately 100 attendees raised funds to support arts-integrated programming for K-12 youth in Northeast Ohio.

The evening included entertainment from local artists, a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Attendees could view the “Inspiration Gallery,” which highlighted the creative works of students and local artists drawing connections to CAL’s mission. Musician Darnell Weaver played viola during the cocktail hour, then Blakk Jakk Dance Collective performed for the crowd, followed by a poem read by CAL employee and Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Siaara Freeman.

“We were thrilled to have so many arts champions in the room. Through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales we were able to highlight the impact of arts education in our city and meet our fundraising goals for the event,” said Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, CAL’s CEO and President.

“Arts education made such an incredible difference in my life,” added Randall-Nickerson, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. “Having opportunities as a youth to sing, dance, and act paved the way for my career as an artist, but it also gave me the creative tools to be a leader and give back to the community. It’s what is so inspiring about Councilman Conwell. He’s also an artist and understands the impact that the arts can have on the kids here.”

“The arts help build self-discipline in children and teach the principles of character and transferable life skills like being a good parent and being a good citizen. Children are gaining confidence and self-esteem and learning organizational skills to help them be successful,” said Conwell.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support community arts programs like Inspiration Through Music: Play It Forward Cleveland which provides free musical instruments and entry-level music instruction to Cleveland youth. This year-long program removes high-cost barriers and allows students to attend free group lessons on the instrument of their choice while learning how to read and play music. Throughout the year, students participate in special performances to display their acquired skills to their community at partnering CAL locations.

The event also helps benefit ArtWorks, a teen apprenticeship program and CAL’s teaching artist professional development program which prepares artists for work in the classroom. For more information, visit arts-inspiredlearning.org STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

Near West Theatre presents “Bring It On – The Musical”

Get ready to experience the ultimate cheerleading showdown as the cast of “Bring It On - The Musical” gets ready to make their mark on the Near West Theatre (NWT) stage. The show will run for three weekends, starting on July 21, in the vibrant Gordon Square Arts District. Loosely based on the 2000 film of the same name written by Jessica Bendinger, “Bring It On - The Musical” features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), and lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity). “Bring It On - The Musical” will take audiences on a high-flying journey that is filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal, and forgiveness.

This hilarious, high-energy show is certain to have you doing aerials and high V’s in your seat!

“This show has a score you’ll leave humming, and I think it’s one of the most difficult NWT has ever tackled,” Director Kristy Cruz said. “It also has such impressive choreography and, of course, the cheerleading! I don’t believe any other musical currently in existence calls for ’stunting,’ so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some skills on the NWT stage that you won’t ever see again.”

“One challenge of choreographing ‘Bring It On’ is the sheer amount of choreography it requires,” Jailyn Harris said. “It’s one of those shows where dance and movement are integral to the storytelling. So, finding a way to keep the movement feeling fresh and aligned with what’s happening story-wise challenged me to think of different movement vocabularies for the different communities showcased in this show.”

The musical runs three weekends through August 6, 2023. Pay What You Can tickets are available. Standard tickets are $20. Tickets are available at nearwesttheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 216961-6391 on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theater, constructed as part of the Gordon Square Arts District capital campaign, is at 6702 Detroit Avenue. The facility is a state-of-the-art, ADA-compliant building that is climate controlled and fully accessible by wheelchair. Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District. Box Office: 216.961.6391 or nearwesttheatre.org. “Bring It On - The Musical” runs July 21, 22, 28, 29, and Aug. 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m.; July 30 and August 6 at 2:00 p.m. General Admission: Standard ticket price is $20 or Pay What You Choose.