Cleveland Orchestra bass player
How he caught our eye: This classical musician is not your typical band geek. Educated at Juilliard, the Brazilian-born Carleton is skilled at the performing arts and culinary arts, and he stays active by golfing and skiing.
The perfect date: would probably include some sort of really good meal either out or cooked by myself, with some help from my date as well. I work on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so when I do take a date out, I like going someplace with a casual local vibe like Lolita or L' Albatros.
Something most people don't know about me: I was born in Brazil. My biggest fantasy is to go back to Sao Paulo one day and visit. I left the country when I was 3. My first language as a kid was Portuguese. People say if I went back, the language would just flow back into my brain.
My passion: I'm really fortunate to have a job that is also my passion. I love music and teaching music. I teach at Cleveland State. ... Teaching is a huge part of my life. I really believe that if you are able to teach, and you have a knack for it, then it is your civic duty to give back to the community. My other passion would be cooking. If I weren't in the music business, I'd be living in a restaurant kitchen.
Biggest turn-on: A sense of humor
Biggest turnoff: Whatever the word is for laziness. I can't stand low-energy people, the sort who just want things done for them and don't want to go out and do things themselves. I dated a girl a couple years ago; I was really into her, but she wasn't into doing anything active. She loved having a martini, and that's about it. General malaise is just not attractive in anyone.
I own too many: Pots and pans
My favorite ...
... place in Cleveland: The Cleveland Metroparks. I went to school in New York City, and the Metroparks are the closest reminder to what a city park should be like.
... book: Lord of the Rings . It's a great story with great writing, and there's a kind of universal theme throughout.
... musician/band: Radiohead. I saw them live at Radio City in '99 then live at Blossom two years ago. I think they're one of the most music-forward bands of our time.
... sports team: The Cavs. I grew up in Connecticut, where there's no sports team really.
... TV show: Modern Family and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
... vacation destination: I'm a big skier, so I'd say Jackson Hole, Wyo., for skiing. I also love South Beach Miami. I go there with the orchestra three times a year.
... dessert: I'm not a dessert guy.
... blog : I have not caught onto the blogosphere yet.
My usual hangout: L'Albatros. They have a friendly staff, consistency and great food.
In high school I was ... wide-eyed, ready to conquer the world. Then I went to New York City and grew up.
And now I'm ... realistically content.
My best feature: My smile
My bad habit: I'm a control freak sometimes.
My first kiss: Middle school, back in the truth or dare days
My guilty pleasure: Martinis
How my ex would describe me: A sweetheart
Going out or staying in: Let's go out so I don't have to clean.
Early, late or right on time: Five minutes late
Dogs or cats: Cats
Dancing ... yes or no?: Yeah! Gotta dance!
Twitter ... yes or no?: No, too busy.
My longest relationship: A year and a half. It was in college, so awhile ago.
Beer, wine or martinis: Martinis
Roses or chocolates: Roses
My No. 1 dating rule: Eye contact is huge. If a girl has a hard time making eye contact, it's a huge turnoff.
My deal-breaker: Bad breath
I hate when a date ... doesn't contribute to the conversation and just wants me to do all the talking and initiating of conversation.
But I love when a date ... is engaging and interesting to talk to.
Worst pickup line: I don't use them.
If I could date anyone: Padma Lakshmi from Top Chef. She has a great
personality and is beyond beautiful in my eyes.
On a first date I never ... try to go any further than a first kiss.
Best place to meet someone: Bar Cento is a nice place to meet up. It has a casual atmosphere and good music. In the day, a good place to go is the West Side Market. It's one of the gems of Cleveland.
Most unusual place I've met someone : On the driving range. ... These days women like golf just a much as men.
My take on Cleveland's single scene: Cleveland is much like every other smaller city. It can feel very insular. A lot of people either grew up here or came back here after college. It's a little tougher for people who are transplants. Once you get involved in the culture of the city, though, Cleveland really opens itself up to you.
