THU 02/27
Joe Samba
The reggae-rock musician performs tonight at 8 at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights as he brings his Lifeline tour to town. His new single “Home” features soulful vocals and thick bass riffs as it comes off as if it were a classic ’70s reggae tune.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Alice Street: Film Screening and Director Discussion
Director Spencer Wilkinson and star Desi Mundo will be on hand to discuss their film about how two artists formed a partnership to paint a mural in downtown Oakland, CA. The event takes place at 7 tonight at the Transformer Station.
1460 West 29th St., 216-938-5429, transformerstation.org.
Beethoven’s Eroica
Violinist Leonidas Kavakos joins the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances repeat tomorrow and Saturday.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Cleveland Auto Show
Featuring concept, pre-production and production vehicles from many of the world’s top auto manufacturers, the Cleveland Auto Show returns to the I-X Center. The massive event occupies nearly 1.2-million square feet and features exhibits, vehicle giveaways and a classic car competition. Today’s hours are 5 to 10 p.m., and the show continues through Sunday. Consult the website for a complete schedule and for ticket prices. Parking is free.
1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.
Fairview
This play performed by Cleveland State University students centers on an African-American family as they prepare for a birthday dinner for their grandmother. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Helen, where performances continue through Sunday.
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Peter and the Starcatcher
A dozen actors portray more than 100 characters in this Peter Pan prequel based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Great Lakes Theatre presents the play, and the performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Sunday.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Purple Rain
The classic Prince movie set in the musician’s Minneapolis hometown screens tonight at 7 at the Rock Hall. The title track serves as one of the greatest rock songs of all time and certainly defines the 1980s.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Lara Ruggles
On a national tour in support of her new album, Anchor Me, Tucson-based singer-songwriter Lara Ruggles will perform as a duo tonight with fellow Southwestern singer-songwriter Jaxon Ovation. Sugardeer and Dana Perry open. The show starts at 9 at the Happy Dog.
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Short. Sweet. Film Fest.
This year’s iteration of the annual event that features short films from Cleveland and around the world will take place from today through Sunday at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square. About 275 films will screen during the course of the festival, and there will be a fashion show and Game Fest. Check the website for a schedule and more info.
13116 Shaker Square, 216-331-6825, shortsweetfilmfest.com.
Waitress
This musical based on the 2007 indie film features music and lyrics from pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. A collaboration with the Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre program, it’s at Beck Center for the Arts on Thursdays through Sundays until March 9. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
Don Was and the Pan Detroit Ensemble
The Detroit-based producer and musician who’s worked with everyone from the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson brings his Pan Detroit Ensemble to the Music Box Supper Club. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
1148 Main Avenue, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.
FRI 02/28
Cellophane Jane Release Show
Tonight at 9 at the Five O’Clock Lounge in Lakewood, this local group celebrates the release of its new single, “Cellophane Jane,” with a release party. The garage punk tune features snotty vocals and distorted guitars. Locals Lilieae and Wasted Society open the show.
11904 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-4906.
Chamber Music in the Atrium
Young conservatory musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music will perform at this special event that takes place at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It’s free.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco with Terrance Simien
Zydeco icon Terrance Simien leads this educational session about the musical genre. The special student matinee takes place at 10 a.m. at Stocker Center. It’s open to the public, and tickets cost $10. Simien then performs again at 7:30 tomorrow night at Stocker Center.
1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, 440-366-4040, lorainccc.edu.
Whitney Cummings
A comedian, writer, and actress who has performed in stand-up specials for both HBO and Comedy Central, Whitney Cummings created and starred in the NBC series Whitney and was also the co-creator and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series 2 Broke Girls. She likes to talk about feminist issues and given the current political climate should have plenty of new material for tonight’s show, which takes place at 6 at the Agora.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Echoes and Innovations
Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents this program that features choreographer Donald McKayle’s Rainbow Suite featuring excerpts from his 1959 masterpiece Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder. The performance takes place at 7 p.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Monsters vs. Charlotte Checkers
The Monsters play the Charlotte Checkers tonight at 7 at Rocket Arena, and there will be special discounts on concessions as part of a regular promotion that takes place on Fridays throughout the season. The two teams play each other again at 7 tomorrow night.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Jonathan Richman/Jeffrey Benko
Everyone knows singer-songwriter Jonathan Richman for the Modern Lovers’ hit “Roadrunner,” which played during one of the montage scenes in School of Rock. The Modern Lovers were a very influential proto-punk band of the ’70s. Richman’s current style moves between Latin and folk but he still sounds youthful. He performs tonight and tomorrow night at 8 at the Heights Theatre in Cleveland Heights.
2781 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, grogshop.gs.
The Tempest
A cast of 21 youth actors bring this Shakespeare play to life at Beck Center for the Arts. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30, and performances continue through March 9.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
Villain Arts presents the 10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival
There will be live entertainment, human suspension acts and even burlesque performances at this annual tattoo festival that takes place from today through Sunday at the Cleveland Convention Center.
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-928-1600, villainarts.com.
SAT 03/01
Art Bites: Conversations — Women Printmakers and “A Conversation Across Time”
From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Artists Archive of the Western Reserve gallery, leading women printmakers as they discuss their work exhibited in Continuing Conversations, Conversations Across Time and Remnants. Register in advance on the website.
1834 East 123rd St., 216-721-9020, artistsarchives.org.
Cardboard People
This California-based group group founded in 2020 by Chicago native singer Yunoka Berry and producer Jim Greer (known for writing and producing with Galactic, Macy Gray, Foster the People, Big Freedia and Geographer) performs tonight at CODA. the tour supports the band’s new album, Tigress Lane.
2247 Professor Ave, 216-274-1200, danteboccuzzi.com/coda.
Greg Cartwright & the Pull Chains
Members of Reigning Sound make up this garage rock act that performs tonight at 8 at the Beachland Tavern. The Alarm Clocks and DJ Erin & DJ Rochelle open the show.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
The veteran Louisiana musician brings his Red Hot Louisiana Band to the Music Box. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. The son of zydeco icon Clifton Chenier, Chenier played with his late father before embarking on a successful solo career.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Enter the Haggis
Founded in 1995, this Canadian Celtic group regularly plays the festival circuit. Its current tour that brings it to the Kent Stage supports the new single “Swallowed by a Whale,” which the band describes as “a blistering true story sea-shanty.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Grand Funk Railroad
The classic rock group from Flint, MI had a number of hits in the ’70s. Songs such as “We’re an American Band” and “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” still receive airplay on classic rock radio. Expect to them tonight when the group, which still features founding members Don Brewer and Melvin Schacher, performs at 8 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
D’Aydrian Harding
The comedian, musician, and social media personality brings his Stay Sober tour to House of Blues. His YouTube videos show off his sense of humor. Videos such as “I Thought I Died…” show off his personable approach as he casually talks in introducing a clip featuring him interviewing basketball players in his pajamas. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Jump Back Ball 2025: Candy in the Land
This annual fundraising party put on by Playhouse Square will feature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music. Proceeds raised through this event benefit Playhouse Square’s education programs, including sensory-friendly programming, Disney Musicals in Schools, the Dazzle Awards and Classroom Connections Workshops. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Playhouse Square.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
King James
Set in a bar in Cleveland Heights, this play chronicles basketball great LeBron James’s rookie season in Cleveland and the events that led to the team winning the 2016 NBA Championship. tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through March 23.
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Kurentovanje
Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) is evidently the most popular carnival event in Slovenia. The central figure of the carnival, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers. Today, local businesses and institutions will bring a piece of this cultural event to the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood. The event starts at 9 a.m. at East 64th St. and St. Clair Ave. It runs until 6 p.m. It’s free.
clevelandkurentovanje.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie, still draws big crowds to local showings. Expect a throng to show up for tonight’s screening that takes place at 9:30 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets cost $12.
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Tribal Seeds
The reggae group out of San Diego performs at 6:30 p.m. at the Agora. Kabaka Pyramid and Sensamotion open. The current tour supports last year’s Ancient Blood, a collection of original reggae tunes that reveal the influences of standard bearers such as Bob Marley and Burning Spear.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
SUN 03/02
The 2025 International Vegan Film Festival World Tour
This film series showcases films that “elevate activism to an art form and empower positive change” with “compelling narratives that highlight the benefits of plant-based living, sustainability, and animal advocacy.” The evening will be divided into two segments with a 15-minute intermission. The event takes place at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, and it benefits the Cleveland Vegan Society.
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Apollo’s Fire Presents Classical Sparks—Mozart, Haydn, and Bologne
The local ensemble Apollo’s Fire presents this special program featuring selections by Mozart, Haydn and Bologne. It takes place at 3 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cavs vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Today at 3:30 at Rocket Arena, the Cavs take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers got off to a slow start this season but began to show signs of improvement last month.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Discover Weekly Cleveland
This free series at the B-Side will feature a different line-up of emerging artists and area nonprofits to promote their message to the community through song. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Continues through April 28.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, bsideliquorlounge.com.
#IMOMSOHARD
The two moms bring the live version of their podcast about things like “children’s financial wisdom — or lack thereof” to the Agora. Doors open at 7 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists — Shake the Sheets 20th Anniversary
At 8 tonight at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, the indie singer-songwriter plays his album Shake the Sheets in its entirety. Shonali, a singer-songwriter out of New York, who hasn’t played Cleveland for more than 20 years, will open the show. She’s touring in support of her newest solo release, One Machine at a Time.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Russian Maslenitsa in Cleveland
The Russian Cultural Garden of Cleveland is renewing the tradition of celebrating the popular traditional Slavic folk festival of Maslenitsa. There will be pancakes, Russian snacks and traditional folk games. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the Sherwin-Gilmour Party Center in Mayfield Heights.
5947 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, 216-347 -1931, facebook.com/RussianMaslenitsaCleveland
Wild Symphony!
The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown composed the songs that make up this “symphony of songs” about a variety of different animals, ranging from whales to bats. The concert takes place at 3 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
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This article appears in Feb 13-26, 2025.