Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
Plugged In at MOCA
Brace for a power surge tonight at MOCA: The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's Electric Band will take to the stage, led by trumpet virtuoso and artistic director Sean Jones. The quintet plans to focus on eclectic compositions by jazzy greats like Marcus Miller and Chick Corea; also expect to hear tunes by Beyonce and CJO's own Jones and Robert Hubbard. Combine the cool jazz with the intimate MOCA space, and what you get is an artful, clubby vibe that goes groovy with the museum's current exhibitions: the monumental sculptures of Ursula von Rydingsvard and 8501 to 11400: On Moving. The concert happens from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 on the CJO website. — Cicora
8501 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, clevelandjazz.org.
At the Fairgrounds
A Gem Dandy Show and Sale
You can paw through sparkly stuff galore this weekend at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, as nearly two dozen local artists and international dealers set up shop for the annual GemStreet USA show. Based in Lakewood, GemStreet USA brings together all sorts of mineral magic: Among the wares, you'll find tabletop specimens of fossils, crystals, and geodes, DYI-ready beads, supplies, and faceted gemstones, and completed pieces of artisanal jewelry in an assortment of precious metals. (Custom work is also an option.) Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Saturday; on Sunday, hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for kids under 12. Hang on to your ticket, because it's good for all three days. Free parking too. Find details on the website. — Cicora
164 Eastland Rd., Berea, gemstreetusa.com.
The Art of Ale
A Sudsy Showing at the Akron Art Museum
John Trainor of the Akron Art Museum wants you to know you're in for a good time tonight at Art of Ale, the museum's annual fund-raiser for art education. "We had just shy of 250 guests here last year in our grand lobby, and it was just a lot of fun." But the important point, dear reader, is this: There is beer — lots and lots of beer — from Ohio brewers like Hoppin' Frog, Thirsty Dog, Indigo Imp, Rockmill Brewery, and the Ohio Brewing Company, to name a few. As for the beer ballast, Trainor says the museum sticks with the local, artisanal theme by focusing directly on small producers and purveyors, including Lucky Penny Farm Creamery from Kent. "Her goat cheese is amazing," Trainor says. The ceremonial keg pinging happens at 6 p.m., and experts on beer and home brewing will be on hand throughout the night. Giveaways and prizes include home-brewing kits and a chance to win a beer-making session at the Brew Kettle Taproom and Smokehouse in Strongsville. General admission is $50; reserve your suds space by phone or online. — Cicora
1 South Main St., Akron, 330-376-9186 ext. 222, akronartmuseum.org/ale.
Saturday| 10
Work It Out
Take an African Dance Class
Maybe you've been inspired by a recent performance of the local dance troupe African Soul International. Maybe you dig that tribal drumming. Or maybe you just need to get off your seat and use your feet. Either way, you're welcome to attend today's traditional West African dance class, part of a series of 90-minute lessons happening every Saturday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Calvary Presbyterian Church. "The kids will learn history, culture, and movement while improving their counting, focus, and self-confidence," says troupe member Victoria Putnam. "And adults get a great workout to live drumming — all ages and experience levels welcome!" Leading the lessons are African Soul International dancers, who have performed for audiences at Playhouse Square, the Akron Civic Theatre, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Kent State University, among other venues. Cost is $5. — Cicora
2020 East 79th, 216-451-7685, africansoulinternational.org.