Jump Back Ball Set Up Day at the State Theatre

Another Jump Back Ball has come and gone. After months of hard work from Jump Back Ball co-chairs Maurie and Samantha and their committees, this Saturday’s Jump Back Two Spaces was an incredible evening of food, friends and boardgame fun.

An early wakeup to head to the Foodbank had me thinking I wasn’t going to make it through the night. Fortunately, after a relaxing hair appointment with Melanie at Dino Palmieri, I was ready to go!

Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat

We started Jump Back Two Spaces at the VIP party in the Palace. Chef Jonathon Sawyer and his teams from Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat really shined – showcasing the incredible food you’ll find on both of their menus.

The pulled pork and slaw steamed bun and caviar on burrata cheese were my favorites. A salty burst of flavor from the caviar combined with the burrata’s rich, creaminess was a luxurious start to the evening.

Caviar and burrata cheese at Jump Back Ball

After making our way to the State Theatre, we met up with the rest of our Clue gang – Kate (Green), Elizabeth (Scarlet), Sarah (White) and Brian (Mustard). Then Jen, Matt, Kimberly, Chris and a surprise appearance by Alicia and Hans rounded out the night (here’s Jen’s recap of Jump Back Ball).

We enjoyed the decorations, played a bit of Twister (I lost badly), rocked out to Velvet Shake (I danced badly), and took a lot of pictures of us acting silly.

It was a fitting end to Scott’s and my mini-vacation. I’ll be back later this week with the first half of our Cleveland theatre escape.

This is the final installment of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy
• Part 5: Jump Back Ball Shop Nights
• Part 6: Jump Back Ball Decor Sneak Peek

Disclosure: I was asked by PlayhouseSquare to help promote this year’s Jump Back Ball. In exchange, I received one complimentary ticket. Opinions are my own.

Monday night’s Jump Back Ball Shop Night

Only a couple days remain til Jump Back Ball and this year’s co-chairs and decor committee have done an excellent job building a boardgame wonderland.

From Candyland and LIFE to Battleship and Monopoly, enjoy this sneak peek at a few of their creations for Saturday’s party:

If you’re free this Friday, February 22, you can get a closer look at all of the decorations (and help out) at Jump Back Ball set-up day.

Starting around 10am, we’ll be at the State Theatre getting the space ready for the next night. Even if you just want to lend a hand during your lunch hour, any help is appreciated.

While there are a number of other decorations I didn’t have a chance to snap a photo of (like the “Bottleship” project Scott’s been working on), next week’s Jump Back Ball recap promises to have plenty!

Jump Back Two Spaces – Candyland Gumpdrops

This is part 6 of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy
• Part 5: Jump Back Ball Shop Nights

As a kid, I loved attacking anything I could with markers, paint and colored pencils. Still today, it’s an easy way to lift my spirits.

That’s why I get excited this time each year for Jump Back Ball Shop Nights.

I realize, though, I’m a little very weird. So if harnessing your inner Michelangelo isn’t your idea of a fun night out, why should you go to Shop Nights?

Well, I asked Scott – who I used to have to drag with me –  to share his story:

Fun with glitter at Scott’s first Shop Night in 2011

I’ve sung on stage in front of hundreds of people. I’ve performed improv and sketch comedy in a dozen bars. Through cable I’ve broadcast myself doing ridiculous activities for the viewing pleasure of the population of Philadelphia.

I say these things not as some sort of weird ego boost, but to give perspective; if after all that I was reluctant and a little scared to attend a Jump Back Ball Shop Night, then no one should feel like this trepidation is out of the ordinary. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t misplaced.

I know it doesn’t make any sense for me to fear a small group of people making decorations for Cleveland’s most awesome party. It’s sort of like how I know the little house spider is of no actual threat to me, but I still jump and shiver whenever I see one.

Part of it is undoubtedly the unknown. What if the spider isn’t what I think it is? What if, at Shop Night, I mess up? I cut the wrong thing? I glue the wrong part? I step wrong, or trip, or sneeze, and suddenly I’ve ruined someone else’s hard work?

Through repeated actions I’ve learned not to be so fearful of the little spider. And through repeated visits to Shop Night, and working with the wonderful people there, I’ve learned that my fears of it are also unfounded.

If it’s your first Jump Back Ball Shop Night, there are plenty of volunteers to help you

Shop Night is filled with friendly, helpful people, who are happy to be together making such wonderful things. And thus I learned that I couldn’t cut wrong, because someone would be there to show me how – or show me how to fix it when I deviated from the plan.

Glue can be undone, covered up, or creatively incorporated. And everything can be remade…sometimes better!

You’ll always have someone helpful nearby to show you whatever you need to know.

I’ve really come to enjoy Shop Nights. The people are welcoming and warm. The hum of the conversation and tools is comforting. Seeing things take shape around you is always amazing. There is an energy in the room, very similar to prepping and performing on the stage.

After all, we are creating a set – a set hundreds of people will be a part of, and I will be able to grin, point and say, “I helped make that!” to anyone who will listen.

If you come to Shop Nights, you may have the inclination to celebrate at Jump Back Ball like this

And it is all for the good of Playhouse Square!

After a few years of Shop Nights I now look at my fear and know it is baseless. Just like I will never lose that uncomfortable feeling for spiders, I do still get butterflies when going to Shop Nights. But now I know that once I walk through the doors the butterflies will be gone, replaced by all the good will and energy overflowing from the work being done.

And if you’re not too full from that, there is always the free food.

Where else can you help make the Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar?

Shop Nights will be held throughout February on the 4th floor of the Idea Center (accessible off of Dodge Court). Join us on the following dates from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and bring your friends:

• Monday, February 4
• Thursday, February 7
• Monday, February 11
• Wednesday, February 13
• Monday, February 18
• Thursday, February 21

You can find out more about Jump Back Ball Shop Nights and how you can get involved at playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball/involved.html.

This is part 5 of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy

Fortunately, there are a few things going on in Cleveland between now and February 23 to wet your Jump Back whistle.

Get a Clue! Trivia Night

Jump Back Ball is hosted each year by PlayhouseSquare Partners, the theatre’s young professionals group.

However, Partners doesn’t stop there.  From our annual OSU tailgate to theatre outings, dine-arounds and putt-putt in the Palace, we’re busy year-round with events for Cleveland’s under-40 and young-at-heart crowd.

Our next event is Thursday, Jan. 17: the first annual Get a Clue! Trivia Night at Black Dog Kitchen & Bar in downtown Cleveland.

Sign up with a team or individually for a night of themed trivia rounds with prizes for the winners.

The evening starts at 6:30, trivia at 7.  Tickets are $25 for general public ($20 for Partners). Each ticket includes a buffet, 2 drink tickets for beer, wine and select liquor and entry in the trivia contest.

Call Molly Franz at 216-640-8416 to order tickets and learn more here.

Friday Nights at Noodlecat

Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Noodlecat and Greenhouse Tavern will be serving up delicious fare at this year’s Jump Back Ball VIP party.

But you can get in on the Noodlecat fun at their new Friday Night event series:

#karaokeCAT is back next Friday, Jan. 18! Scott and I had a great time when Cleveland’s A Plum hosted Noodlecat’s first Karaoke Night in November.  This time around, Jen, Alicia, Kimberly and I are hosting the January event.

Stop by for some singing (I’ve heard Jen will buy a sake bomb for the first person to sing a Richard Marx song) and hang out with bloggers from the Ohio Blogging Association who are coming out for our monthly meetup.

Karaoke starts at 9pm with Noodlecat’s Late Night Happy Hour Menu available 9-11pm. Their $2 steam buns are my favorite happy hour special in the city.

Maybe monster movies are more your thing?  In addition to karaoke on the third Friday of every month, join them tonight, Jan. 11 and the second Friday of every month for Monster Movie Night.

Tonight’s movie is GODZILLA (the 1954 release). DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1969 U.S. release) plays Feb. 8 and GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK aka GMK (2001) is March 8.

Monster movie screenings begin at 9pm on the second Friday of every month. At tonight’s screening, Noodlecat will give away a $50 Noodlecat gift card to the person with the best Godzilla costume.

Rock out with the Bands of Jump Back Ball

One of my favorite parts about Jump Back Ball is dancing my face off on the State Theatre stage.

Jump Back 2 Spaces will feature performances by two local party bands:  SWAGG on the mainstage and Velvet Shake as the last night band.

You can get a preview of what they’re bringing to the party by checking out these upcoming performances:

SWAGG

• Friday, Feb. 1 at Avenue Tap House
• Saturday, Feb. 9 at Blind Pig
• Friday, Feb. 15 at The Distillery

Velvet Shake

• Friday, Jan.11 at Hooley House in Brooklyn
• Friday, Jan. 18 at Willoughby Brew Co.
• Saturday, Feb. 2 at Brother’s Lounge in Lakewood

This week was all about upcoming events in Cleveland. I didn’t get to a bunch so if you have an event you’re looking forward to, share it in the comments section below!

This is part 3 in my Jump Back 2 Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri

Disclosure: I am co-hosting Karaoke at the Cat and splitting compensation with my co-hosts. I am also a member of the PlayhouseSquare Partners board. However, the choice to share these events is my own because I have enjoyed them previous to any affiliations.

Dino Palmieri Salon in Eton (photos courtesy of ONE Styling)

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, I’m taking a head-to-toe approach in getting ready for this year’s Jump Back Ball.

That means getting the most difficult part — what the heck I’m going to do with my hair — out of the way before moving on to fun things like the dress and accessories.

I’m not very hair-savvy. Being a wash-and-go kind of gal, I keep my hair at shoulder-length because it’s easy to manage. Subsequently, it takes a lot of effort each year to plan how I’m going to style my Jump Back Ball do.

This year for Mrs. Peacock, I’m taking my cues from a few different sources. The good thing about a Clue theme is that there are so many versions.

While she usually sports a tightly coiffed short cut or an up-do like a bun, my favorite is Eileen Brennan’s Mrs. Peacock in the Clue movie – a loose, french-twist-like style.

I put together the below Pinterest board where I’m collecting a few hairstyles I like for my outfit.

I’m currently leaning towards the pin from Patricia Makeup Artistry, inspired by a style Taylor Swift wore (bottom row, center).

[prw username=”clueintocle” boardname=”jump-back-ball-hairstyles” maxfeeds=”9″ divname=”myList” printtext=”0″ target=”newwindow” useenclosures=”yes” thumbwidth=”170″ thumbheight=”170″ showfollow=”medium”]

I’ve found that when you’re used to a low-maintenance hairstyle, you need to turn to the experts for help with something more.

Fortunately for this hair-amateur, a recent event at the newest Dino Palmieri salon gave me some inspiration and know-how.

This past November, Dino Palmieri Salon and Spa opened up their latest location at Eton Chagrin Boulevard where they partnered with Solon, Ohio-based ONE Styling to showcase the first Dino Palmieri Blow Dry Bar.

Talk about getting pampered!

Dino Palmieri Shampoo Station

First stop at the Blow Dry Bar was a shampoo. Unwinding while someone washes my hair is my favorite part of visiting any salon.

But Dino Palmieri’s Eton location has raised the bar even higher. Their inverted massage chairs put me instantly at ease. The sink was also adjustable – no neck cramps here!

After my stylist tore me away from the shampoo station, it was time to order from the Blow Dry Bar’s menu.

Although the Eton location is a full-service salon perfect for Jump Back Ball, weddings and other special occasions, their unique Blow Dry Bar also offers quick styling for women in a hurry.

$40 gets you a wash and blow dry. Choose from a variety of hairstyles – curly, wavy, straight and sleek. They have blow outs for all hair types.

I went with a loose curl and my stylist did an excellent job, resulting in a fun, bouncy look for a post-salon dinner at Pacific East.

Much of this indulgent experience can be credited to Angela Presti, manager of the Eton salon, who handpicked the best stylists for her location (you can read more in this recent Patch feature).

Part of it also has to do with the ONE Styling tools the salon uses. After my stylist showed me a few blow drying tips with her ONE Styling dryer, they gave away ONE’s LEGACY Lite to try at home.

ONE Styling dryer, bubble wand, diffuser and other tools

After trying the LEGACY Lite Dryer the next morning, I was impressed by how much power it packed for being as light-weight and quiet as it is.

Though my hair is short, it’s thick and takes forever to dry. The ease of use and time I save on drying my hair makes the LEGACY Lite worth the investment. Plus, it leaves my hair much sleeker than other dryers I’ve owned.

Here’s a demonstration of the hairdryer from Celebrity Stylist David Lopez:

ONE Styling’s Verge Bubble Wand is another product I’ve heard only fantastic reviews about – giving curls that hold really well. I’m looking forward to picking one up to test drive a few Jump Back Ball ideas.

You can get your own ONE Styling tools at Dino Palmieri’s 8 locations (but call beforehand to see what they have in stock).

BONUS: They’re running a 20% off promotion January through February on ONE Styling tools and dryers (dinopalmierisalon.com/promotions).

This is part 2 in my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character

Disclosure: I was invited by ONE Styling to attend their Blow Out event at Dino Palmieri in Eton where I was also given a selection of hair and beauty products to try at home.

The NYE decorations and party hats have been packed away for another year, and the Christmas tree is coming down this weekend.

However, Scott and I are still in party mode because it’s almost time for Jump Back Ball!

Much to Scott’s chagrin, I tend to plan everything way in advance (case in point: we just started planning a trip to Chicago for our 5-year wedding anniversary in March … 2014).

So even though Jump Back Ball is not until February 23, it’s time to start pulling together our costumes and theme.

And with that comes my annual blog series on Jump Back Ball.

Each year I normally start off with why you should get a ticket to Jump Back Ball. Besides raising funds for PlayhouseSquare, each party offers something unique and fun.

But this year I’m excited to say I don’t have to. Thanks to an AWESOME turnout at the Ticket Kick-Off Party, Jump Back Two Spaces sold out in December – almost 2 months earlier than last year!

Instead I’m going to jump right into the fun and take you behind the scenes on my Jump Back Ball planning.

After working on last year’s Jump Back Ball, I’m thrilled to be attending as a guest once again. My favorite part about the event is being surprised by what the planning committee has up their sleeve.

Plus I can focus all of this year’s energy on what I’m going to wear.

When the theme – Jump Back Two Spaces – was announced in August, our friends immediately knew which board game we’d all be dressing as.

A few years ago Scott and I discussed having a Clue party at our house – where we’d transform the place into a life-sized game board with each guest playing one of the characters. Life got in the way, though, and we never got around to it.

So while there were many games to pick from for our Jump Back Ball inspiration, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to do Clue.

And for my Clue character? The Widow Peacock!

Scott – I mean, Professor Plum – better watch his back.

I’m updating Mrs. Peacock‘s grande dame style a bit and looking forward to getting into the spirit of the character from head-to-toe this year.

Which all starts with tomorrow’s post. I’ll be sharing a few ideas for hairstyles and accessories I’ve brainstormed but would welcome any advice.

Are you going to Jump Back Ball this year? Looking to get a bit creative with your outfit?
Here are some board game ideas for inspiration:

• Evite’s Game Night Party Ideas
• Milton Bradley/Parker Brothers Game Ideas
• Boardgame Revolution’s List of Popular Board Games (there are some less traditional games on this list in case you want to think outside the game box)

Disclosure: As a 2013 Jump Back Ball blogger, I was invited to blog about the event in exchange for a ticket. I am also a member of PlayhouseSquare Partners, which hosts the event each year. Opinions here are my own.