THU 06/26
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The popular New Orleans musician who played the New Orleans Jazz Festival for the first time when he was only 4 performs tonight at 8 at Connor Palace. The concert is part of Tri-C JazzFest.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Collective Soul
The ’90s rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The band had huge hits with tracks such as “Shine” and “World I Know,” shimmering pop ballads with enough of an edge to be considered alternative. Expect to hear those tracks when the group performs tonight.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Guardians won the series when these two teams played north of the border earlier this year in Toronto. Their three-game series against the Blue Jays here in Cleveland at Progressive Field concludes with today’s day game. The first pitch is at 1:10 p.m.
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.
Hamilton
With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the Broadway hit returns to the State Theatre. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30, and the play runs through July 6.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Diana Krall
The talented jazz singer performs tonight at 7:30 at Mandel Concert Hall. The only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, Krall often covers jazz, classical and pop tunes, showing off her remarkable range as a singer and pianist.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Pete Lee
The first standup comedian to get a standing ovation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, comedian Pete Lee likes to joke about how he’s such a huge people pleaser, he even hugs Uber drivers goodbye and offers to drive for them. The nerdy comic performs at 7 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 06/27
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter
Known for his work with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter has collaborated with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Barbra Streisand. He performs tonight at 6:30 at the Kent Stage.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Blackwind
Local rockers Drop to Zero celebrate the release of their 18-minute indie horror flick with this special party that’ll include a performance by the band and a screening of the film. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at the Outpost in Kent.
4962 St. Rt. 43, Kent, 330-678-9667, outpostkent.com.
Book Signing & Author Talk: Burning Down the House with Author Jonathan Gould
Tonight at 6 at the Rock Hall, author Jonathan Gould will discuss his book about the rise of Talking Heads, the art-punk band that experienced crossover success in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Boston Mills Artfest
This nationally recognized fine art and fine craft show features more than 300 different exhibiting artists and their work. The Boston Mills Artfest consists of two separate shows held on two consecutive weekends. A festive Preview Party kicks off this weekend’s affair, and the Preview Party features fine wines, craft beers and hors d’oeuvres.
7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, 800-875-4241, bmbw.com/arfest.
Cellophane Jane
Local rockers Cellophane Jane celebrate the release of their new EP, A Party of Cranes, with tonight’s show at the Five O’Clock Lounge in Lakewood. The Chewy Center and Bethany Joy open.
11904 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-4906.
Centennial Tribute to Oscar Peterson with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Featuring Benny Green and Dan Wilson
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Featuring Benny Green and Dan Wilson plays the late Oscar Peterson’s famous Africa Suite at this special concert that’s part of Tri-C JazzFest. The concert takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Stanley Clarke N4EVER
The great jazz bassist brings his group to Connor Palace for this concert that takes place as part of Tri-C JazzFest. The music begins at 7:15 p.m.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Dispatch and John Butler
The two jam acts have teamed up for this special tour that rolls into Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. G. Love & Special Sauce and Donovan Frankenreiter open the show. It begins at 6 p.m.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.
Golden Hour — Fairmont Creamery Building
This rooftop happy hour series for artists, entrepreneurs and “other creative endeavoring people” comes to the Fairmont Creamery Building. It takes place from 5 to 11 p.m.
2307 W. 17th St., thatsgreyt.com.
Guardians vs. St. Louis Cardinals
This weekend, one of the better teams in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals play the Guardians for the only time this regular season. Tonight’s first pitch is at 7:10 p.m., and the series concludes on Sunday.
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.
Jagged Edge
The R&B group that delivered hits such as “Let’s Get Married” and “Where the Party At” in the ’90s performs tonight at 7 at Jacobs Pavilion. Earlier this year, the group returned with the new studio album, All Original Parts. Lloyd and Brownstone open.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.
Brent Kirby Album Release Party
The local singer-songwriter celebrates the release of his new album, On + On + On, with tonight’s show at the Bop Stop. It’s his fourth album, and he’ll share the stage with some of his music friends too. The gig begins at 7 p.m.
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
Less Than Jake
The veteran ska-punk band that formed in the early 1990s comes to House of Blues. Last year, the group released its latest album, Uncharted. Famed punk producer Bill Stevenson (Descendents) worked with the group on the seven-song release that finds the group rocking hard on tunes such as “Broken Words” and “Shake Loose the Truth.” The show begins at 6 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Tony Roberts
A writer, director and actor, Tony T. Roberts also has experience in radio and works as the morning man on a Bay Area radio station. He’s also performed as part of the Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam Tour. He performs tonight at 7 and 9:30 at the Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Sun Ra Arkestra
The Afrofuturistic group that dates back to the 1950s comes to the Mimi Ohio Theatre tonight as part of Tri-C JazzFest. The concert begins at 9.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
George Thorogood & the Destroyers: The Baddest Show on Earth
The classic rocker brings his self-proclaimed “baddest show on earth” to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Keith Urban: High and Alive World Tour
The veteran country singer-guitarist returns to Blossom as part of a tour supporting his new album, High. The show begins at 7 p.m. Alana Springsteen, who shared the stage with Urban during his NYE performance and has delivered a hit with her Tiesto collaboration, “Hot Honey,” and Chase Matthew, who just released his highly personal third album, open the show.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.
SAT 06/28
The Baylor Project
The eight-time Grammy nominee jazz act the Baylor Project will perform for this special concert that’s part of Tri-C JazzFest. It begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Columbus Koto Ensemble with Shojiji Japanese Dancers
Shojoji Dancers, local favorites since the 1950, will perform first at this special event at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. After a short intermission, the Columbus Koto Ensemble takes the stage. Their performance will feature folk tunes, classical pieces, and anime favorites. It all begins at 1 p.m.
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
FamJam
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s free family event features kids activities and live performances by Mr. Jeff, Flower Clown and Bubble Wanda. The Center for Arts Inspired Learning and Hungry for Music will take donations to support local music education programs. It all goes down from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com/event/fam-jam/.
Dominick Farinacci & Friends
The local jazz musician who’s become a national act brings his musical friends to the Mimi Ohio Theatre tonight to perform as part of Tri-C JazzFest. Taylor Eigsti and Christian Tamburr will also perform as they celebrate jazz innovators Chick Corea and Gary Burton. The concert begins at 2 p.m.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Larchmere PorchFest
This free family-friendly event features musicians from a wide variety of genres. There’s something for everyone, including activities for kids. Thirty bands will perform on 30 porches and there will be after-party concerts at local Larchmere restaurants and bars. It starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m.
Larchmere Blvd., from Kemper to East 121, Larchmere, larchmereporchfest.org/.
Mahall’s Pride Celebration Party
Mahall’s, the Lakewood bowling alley and concert venue, celebrates Pride with this special event that features a market and musical performances. There will be bowling and karaoke as well. It all gets going at 8 p.m.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Pedrito Martinez Group
This Cuban drummer who’s played with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, Paul Simon and Sting comes to the Ohio Theatre tonight at 9:30. The concert is part of Tri-C JazzFest.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Peninsula Flea
This upscale flea market features handmade, repurposed and vintage items from dedicated artists, crafts people and collectors. Local musicians are slated to perform and food vendors will be on hand. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hale Farm & Village. Admission is free.
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Newton Falls, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.
Pride in the Park
Cain Park in Cleveland Heights celebrates Pride with this special event that begins at 1 p.m. It’s free.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.
Psychedelic Furs
The ’80s alternative rock group led by raspy voiced singer Richard Butler had success early on as its 1980 self-titled debut featured the somber “Sister Europe,” a moody ballad that made it onto the UK charts and is still a staple in the band’s sets. The group performs tonight at 8 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Queue Up
This local glam group that had a loyal following here in Northeast Ohio in the 1990s has reunited and will share new material for this special show that takes place at the Bop Stop. Vanity Crash shares the bill, and doors open at 7 p.m.
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
Rellick
This local group that describes itself as a “cinematic rock” band plays a special release party at Brothers Lounge. Its new album, It’s Just One of Those Things, features rollicking rootsy numbers such as “Do It All Again” and “Rain Covered Road.” Chris Lugo and Braces share the bill. The show begins at 8 p.m.
11609 Detroit Ave., 216-226-2767, brotherslounge.com.
Songs, Signs, and Souvenirs
This Chamberfest Cleveland concert features pieces by Chausson, Kurtag, Beethoven and Brahms. It begins at 7:30 at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Tyler, the Creator
The innovative rapper brings his Chromakoi World Tour to Rocket Arena. Chromakoi follows up his critically acclaimed 2021 album, Call Me If You Get Lost. The single “Noid” benefits from heavy guitars and a sample of Paul Ngozi singing in his native Nyanja. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler
Sax man Kirk Whalum teams up with singer Jonathan Butler for this special show at Connor Palace. Part of Tri-C JazzFest, the concert begins at 7 p.m.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SUN 06/29
Kelly Collette
A finalist on CMT’s Next Big Comic, the comedian and writer comes to Hilarities tonight at 7. An avowed feminist, she’s spoken at various women’s empowerment events.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Love Muffin Super Awesome Concert
The idea for the concert came after the Love Muffin 30th anniversary concert last year. Love Muffin, owner Adam Rich had always wanted to incorporate tables for local businesses and creative types, into LoveMuffinPalooza, but was never able to. The size of the Treelawn Music Hall will accommodate, the table space needed. State of Being, the Plastic Volts, Xtra Crispy and Flowers Love Being Kurt will perform. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Treelawn Music Hall.
15335 Waterloo Rd, 216-677-TREE, thetreelawn.com.
Parade the Circle
The theme for this annual event will center on “magical allure: a vibration celebration of the snowy owl.” Expect to see innovative costumes and giant puppets at this “reimagined” version of the event after rain wiped things out earlier this month. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fine Arts Garden at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Admission is free.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Reggae Sundays
This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series is a summer highlight. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Music Box. The venue will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
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This article appears in Cleveland SCENE 06/05/25 Best of Cleveland.
