Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 02/12
Wallace Coleman 90th Birthday Concert
Reportedly the only harmonica player to perform extensively with guitarist Robert “Junior” Lockwood, the Cleveland blues icon who learned directly from Delta legend Robert Johnson, Wallace Coleman turns 90 this year, and the Sixty6 will honor him with this birthday concert. The concert begins at 5 p.m. with the 150 Trio. The Wallace Coleman Band will take the stage at 6 p.m.
1966 E. 66th St., 216-615-7261, thesixty6.com.
Deraps
The group led by guitar phenom Jacob Deraps brings its first-ever U.S. tour to the Winchester in Lakewood. The tour supports the band’s second album, Viva Rock ‘n’ Roll, a collection of Van Halen-inspired tunes that feature blistering guitar solos and over-the-top vocals that could give David Lee Roth a run for his money. The show begins at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
12112 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-227-2389, thewinchestermusictavern.com.
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School
Founded in 2005 in a dive bar in Brooklyn, Dr. Sketchy’s has now spread to more than 100 cities around the world. Dr. Sketchy Akron, a monthly drink and draw event that takes place on the second Thursday of each month at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron, gives patrons the opportunity to “draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality.” The fun begins at 7 p.m.; it costs $10 to draw.
111 N Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757, jillysmusicroom.com.
Espresso Martini Festival
The 78th Street Studios host this special event featuring a dozen bars. The price of admission includes 12 samples and the opportunity to purchase exclusive mini espresso martinis as well. There will be live music and giveaways, and proceeds benefits Haven Makers, a nonprofit that helps children recovering from cancer. The Café Melissa Food Truck will be on hand as well. Early entry begins at 5:30 p.m.
1300 West 78th St., theticketing.co/e/cleespressomartini.
Chris Fleming
The comedian who has a new one-hour special out on Peacock comes to the Mimi Ohio Theatre. An internet sensation, he performs at 7:30 p.m.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Hannigan Conducts Gershwin
Barbara Hannigan conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight at Mandel Concert Hall as it plays pieces by Crumb, Ruggles, Barber and Gershwin. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and it repeats tomorrow night at the venue as well.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
The Heart of Robin Hood
This retelling of the Robin Hood story will offer “daring feats, electrifying action and a hint of romance,” as it’s put in a press release about the story that famously takes place in Sherwood Forest. Tonight’s performance begins at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Feb. 22.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
honestav
Born and raised in a small town outside of Springfield, MO, emo-rap singer-songwriter honestav started releasing music about five years ago. He put out new tunes every week in the wake of his father’s and brother’s deaths. he brings his tour in support of his latest album, hara-kiri, a collection of Post Malone-like tunes that show off his mushy-mouthed vocals and hip-hop sensibilities, to Globe Iron and performs at 7 p.m.
2320 Center St., globeironcle.com.
Lost Cleveland
Local writer Laura DeMarco meticulously researched her book Lost Cleveland, which recounts our city’s rise, fall and eventual reinvention. She talks about her work as part of the Music Box’s Cleveland Stories Dinner Party. Doors open at 5 p.m.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Gregory Porter
The singer who’s well-versed in jazz, soul and gospel comes to the State Theatre. Expect to hear renditions of standards by the likes of Nat King Cole as well as his own original tunes. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-771-8403, playhousesquare.org.
Primary Trust
The Cleveland Play House presents this play about a guy who loses his job and “discovers new beginnings” as a result. Today’s performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through March 1.
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Suffs
The Tony Award-winning musical about women who fight for the right to vote comes to Connor Palace for an extended run. Tonight’s show takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where the play runs through Feb. 22.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Aaron Weber
The youngest standup comedian to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, Aaron Weber, he made his television debut on the Opry’s Circle Network, hosting two episodes of Stand Up Nashville. He also appears on The Nateland Podcast with Nate Bargatze and Brian Bates. He performs at 7 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
The Wombats
Since forming nearly 20 years, this UK group has steadily recorded and toured. The current trek that brings it to House of Blues supports last year’s Oh! The Ocean, a collection of catchy, Killers-like tunes recorded in Los Angeles with indie pop master John Congleton (Death Cab for Cutie, St. Vincent). Doors open at 7 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Wooli
The dubstep producer and DJ has a decade’s worth of recordings to his credit at this point. Trekking across the states with a rotating group of opening DJs and producers, he brings his Synapse Tour to the Agora. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
FRI 02/13
Architecture: From the Ground Up Opening Reception
Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood hosts an opening reception for this exhibit that “offers current perspectives on architecture through the lens of the local artist.” More than 40 pieces will be on display exploring design, politics, color, and culture. The exhibiting artists are all members of Rust Belt Photo Collective, a community of regional photographers founded in Cleveland. The reception takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
Baldwin Wallace Musical Theater — KJ Baptiste Benefit
Students from Baldwin Wallace University’s Music Theatre Department will perform music from all genres at this concert that benefits the Kyle Jean-Baptiste Scholarship Fund. Jean-Baptiste was a part of the BWMT Class of 2015. He was the youngest, as well as the first Black actor, to play the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables on Broadway. In 2015, he tragically died after accidentally falling from a fire escape in Brooklyn, New York. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Irishtown Bend Taproom.
1947 West 25th St., 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com.
Chad Cochran: The Portrait Sessions
Local photographer Chad Cochran captures musicians at their studios, in backstage pop-up tents, and just before or after performances. This exhibit presents some of his best shots. It opens today with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at BayArts, where it runs through April 4.
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
Cleveland Golf & Travel Show
Spring is still a month away, but the I-X Center today hosts the annual Cleveland Golf & Travel Show to put you in the mood for warmer weather and outdoor sports. The event takes place today, tomorrow and Sunday. Consult the website for more info.
1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.
Disney and Pixar’s Up in Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra plays the score to the Pixar film Up, a movie about a balloon salesman who befriends an 8-year-old stowaway. The film will screen with a live orchestral underscore at 7:30 tonight and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Fight Song Opening Reception
A new exhibit of artwork by Steve Parker, an Oberlin College graduate who uses sonic therapy and marching band traditions to “explore themes of healing, injury, and labor through the lens of football culture,” opens today at SPACES. The opening reception takes place today from 6 to 9 p.m.
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
Flanagan’s Wake
Part improv, part scripted, this interactive Irish wake is back again at Kennedy’s Theatre at Playhouse Square. Performances are set for 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Galentine’s Day at Cleveland Botanical Garden
There will be live music, crafts and animal encounters at this special event at Cleveland Botanical Garden. Guests will also get a first-look at the annual orchid show. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
Get Shorty
Cleveland International Film Festival sponsors this fundraising event that features short films that could possibly screen at the upcoming CIFF. Attendees vote on their favorites in a cocktail party-like setting. The event begins at 6 p.m.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Adele Givens
Known as the “Queen of Comedy,” Adele Givens uses her crass sense of humor to focus on everyday situations such as marriage, going to the gynecologist, and picking baby names. She also examines double standards. She performs tonight at 7 and 9:30 and tomorrow night at 6:30 and 9 at the Funny Bone.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Monster Jam
This annual event that features some of the biggest and nastiest monster trucks rolls into Rocket Arena for its annual visit. Tonight’s competition begins at 7, and the competition continues through Sunday.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
No Exit Presents: Jenny Lin — METROPOLIS Reimagined
Pianist Jenny Lin, who’s toured extensively with Philip Glass and released more than 20 albums, will perform as part of this special multi-media event that includes a screening of the sci-fi flick Metropolis. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Heights Arts. It’s free.
2175 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org.
Our Day Will Come: NEO Women Rock
The local punk band Queue Up will perform as part of this special program honoring women musicians who have played a significant role in the Northeast Ohio music scene. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron.
111 N Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757, jillysmusicroom.com.
Jerry Seinfeld
The comedian whose sitcom was one of the biggest hits of the ’90s returns to the State Theatre. Tonight’s show begins at 7.
1519 Euclid Avenue, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Seussical
This musical at Near West Theatre features a cast of young performers ages 9–15. Expect to hear excerpts from stories such as Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat and Gertrude McFuzz. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30, and performances continue through Feb. 22.
6702 Detroit Rd., 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org.
Shane Smith & the Saints
With songs such as “Adeline,” this roots rock act out of Austin, TX writes anthemic tunes suited to TV dramas. It draws from country, folk, and roadhouse rock on its latest effort, Norther. Tonight at 7, the group comes to Globe Iron as part of a tour that supports the album. Singer-songwriter Ken Pomeroy opens. Her latest album, Cruel Joke, features nuanced alt-country tunes that show off her poetic sensibilities.
2320 Center St., globeironcle.com.
Spring Awakening
Produced in collaboration with Oberlin College and Conservatory Music Theater Program, this rock musical comes to Beck Center in Lakewood for a run that continues through March 1. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
Strange Dream Opening Reception
More than 40 area artists created works inspired by the visionary filmmaker and artist David Lynch, who died a year ago. An opening reception for the exhibit at the Cyrus Art Gallery in Canton takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.
2645 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, cyruscustom.com.
That’s A-Moray Afterhours
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium will stay open until 8 tonight and tomorrow night to celebrate Valentine’s Day with this special event. There will be optional adult beverages for purchase, and photo opportunities throughout the aquarium.
2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Wizard of Oz on Ice
This year’s production of the ice-skating extravaganza that retells the Wizard of Oz story features Olympian, world medalist and three-time national champion Shaun Sawyer, who’ll perform alongside a cast of Cirque du Soleil skaters, trick skaters, and champion pair teams. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Lorain Palace Theatre.
617 Broadway Ave., 440-245-2323, lorainpalace.com.
SAT 02/14
14th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade
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. An annual event,the Cleveland version of the event starts at 9 a.m. at East 64th St. and St. Clair Ave. with a 5K. The parade begins at noon, and a party featuring four stages of live music follows. It’s free.
6417 St. Clair Avenue, 216-361-5115, clevelandkurentovanje.com.
24th annual Battle of the Bikers Blood Drive
This annual event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Harley Rock-N-Roll City invites community members to donate blood. Area Harley dealers are participating in the drive, and the dealership that collects the most donations will be awarded the Battle of the Bikers trophy. All donors will receive a limited-edition Battle of the Bikers T-shirt, while supplies last. Last year’s drives collected 181 units of blood.
4985 W. 150th St., vitalant.org/battleofthebikers.
Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
The duo that merges classical music and hip-hop returns to its roots with this show that takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Goodyear Theater in Akron. Singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander, who’s toured with the likes of Leon Bridges and the Lumineers, joins the group.
1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.
The Descendents & Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls
Old school punks the Descendents share the stage with modern-day practitioners Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls as the groups’ co-headlining tour rolls into House of Blues. The Montreal punk outfit NOBRO opens the show. Doors open at 6 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Stavros Halkias: The Dreamboat Tour
The comedian with acting aspirations (he appears in Yorgos Lanthimos’s film Bugonia) brings his latest standup show to MGM Northfield Park— Center Stage. The show begins at 7 p.m.
10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7625, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
Love is in the Air: The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra Presents a Valentine’s Celebration of Film’s Greatest Love Stories
This special Valentine’s Day concert featuring the Cleveland-based Cinematic Symphony Orchestra will include renditions of some of the most iconic movie scores (think Titanic, The Bodyguard and Frozen). The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.
1855 Ansel Rd., 216-368-6062, case.edu/maltzcenter/.
Sinatra Night
Lou Armagno and Evelyn Wright join the Cleveland Orchestra as it pays tribute to Frank Sinatra with tonight’s special Valentine’s Day concert at Music Box Supper Club. Doors open at 6 p.m.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Songs for Swingin’ Lovers
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will play songs from Frank Sinatra’s 1956 album, Songs for Swingin’ Lovers, at this special Valentine’s Day show at the Music Box Supper Club. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
1148 Main Avenue, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.
Tenth Annual Lake Erie Folk Festival
This annual event that takes place at Case Western Reserve University features all-day jam sessions, free community concerts, workshops and a line-up of national and local bands. It begins at 1 p.m.
11111 Euclid Ave., Cleveland Heights, 216-368-2414, case.edu.
The University of Akron Steel Drum Band
The University of Akron Steel Drum Band was formed in 1980, an era when only a handful of colleges had such ensembles. The group features both undergraduate and graduate students. For today’s performance at the Akron Civic Theatre, the group will play Caribbean music designed to help you “leave the winter blues behind.” The show starts at 2:30 p.m.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Olivia Van Goor Sings Romantic Jazz
As part of a special Valentine’s Day event at the Bop Stop, Olivia Van Goor will sing romantic music at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at the jazz club. Raised in Hudson, Van Goor now calls Southeast Michigan her home and regularly plays the jazz clubs in Detroit and Ann Arbor.
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
SUN 02/15
David Nihill: Shelf Help
Winner of the annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, comedian David Nihill brings his Talking Tangents tour to Hilarities. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill
Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and John Cowsill, an original member of the Cowsills, released their debut Americana album, Long After the Fire, last year. They bring their tour in support of the release to the Treelawn Music Hall.
15335 Waterloo Rd, 216-677-8733, thetreelawn.com.
Urban Vibe Presents Valentine’s Soul Jams
The Whispers, the New Stylistics and the Manhattans will be on hand for this special Valentine’s Day concert that takes place at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
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