Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 11/20
Barons vs. Hershey Bears
For a few select games this season, the Cleveland Monsters will become the Cleveland Barons as a nod to the hold Cleveland pro hockey team. They kick off a two-game contest against the Hershey Bears with tonight’s game at Rocket Arena. The puck drops at 7. The two teams will play again at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the arena.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Josh Blue
Winner of the 2006 edition of Last Comic Standing, comedian Josh Blue received rave reviews for his 2011 Comedy Central special. Recently, Blue, who has cerebral palsy and often references that in his routines, debuted the one-hour Showtime special, Sticky Change. Blue, who likes to joke that he’s a “white African-American” because he was born in Africa, performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Blue Oyster Cult
The classic rock group performs at 6:30 tonight at the Agora. The band is still a staple on classic rock radio thanks to hits such as “”(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.” It is also the inspiration for the Saturday Night Live sketch “More Cowbell.” Local rockers the Rick Ray Band open.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Dvořák’s New World Symphony
Conductor Dalia Stasevska leads the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays selections from both Revueltas and Dvorak at this special concert. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Sunday.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Gary Owen
Comedian Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences across America for more than a decade. He’s not limited to the stage either, as he’s had roles in the film Think Like a Man and in Tyler Perry’s show House of Payne. Owen says he was always the class clown growing up and it has followed him into his adult life. Ebony magazine proclaimed him to be “Black America’s Favorite White Comedian.” Owen’s set mainly focuses on his personal life and racial stereotypes. He performs at 7 tonight at the Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Steve Martin and Martin Short: In Conversation
The two comedians and actors who have struck gold with their Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building come to Akron Civic Theatre for a night of comedy and conversation. The show begins at 7:30.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Iam Tongi
The Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter who won Season 21 of American Idol performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Kent Stage. His single “Road to Hana” typifies his good vibes approach and comes off as a jangly country pop number about a Maui tourist destination.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
FRI 11/21
The Abnormal Heart
Parker Mills stars in this one-man show about “a #brave, unsuccessful, middle-aged homosexual and his lifelong search for something.” Performances take place at 8 tonight and tomorrow night at Kennedy’s Cabaret.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Tonight at 7 at Rocket Arena, the Cavaliers play the Indiana Pacers, the team that beat them in last season’s playoffs. The Pacers will be without their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, but will still be a formidable opponent. The game begins at 7 p.m. The Cavs will play at home again on Sunday at 6 p.m. when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
CLE Mixtape Live
Local musicians collaborate with composer-arranger Dan Bruce for this concert featuring “intimate storytelling with innovative orchestration. ” In addition, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and all merchandise sales from this celebration benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, supporting vital programs that fight hunger. The performance includes original music by Ray Flanagan, Liz Bullock, Jinari Kemet and Gretchen Pleuss. It begins at 7 p.m. at Cleveland Museum of Art.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Night Ranger
Singer-drummer Kelly Keagy and guitarist Brad Gillis founded this band in 1979, and it would go to have some commercial success in the 1980s thanks to hits such as “Sister Christian” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.” Director Paul Thomas Anderson effectively uses “Sister Christian” in a pivotal scene in his 1997 movie Boogie Nights. The group returns to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
They Might Be Giants
The quirky alternative rock band plays the Agora as part of its the Big Tour. The group’s career stretches back decades now, and press materials boast that the band will play wildly different sets when it performs for multiple nights in a single city. Doors open at 7 p.m. The group heads over to Globe Iron to perform tomorrow night. That show also starts at 7 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Third Friday
From 5 to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free.
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Anne Wilson
The country singer-songwriter comes to the Akron Civic Theatre in the wake of the release of her new single, the gospel-infused “God Story.” Tonight’s concert begins at 7:30.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Warren Zeiders: Relapse, Lies & Betrayal
The country superstar brings his latest tour to the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. Earlier this year, Zeiders released Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal, a sprawling 21-track album that touches on all the themes mentioned in the album’s title. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Chayce Beckham opens.
229 East Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com.
SAT 11/22
Annual Panza Foundation Benefit
A few years back, local philanthropist and rocker John Panza started a foundation to help local bands succeed. The organization hosts an annual benefit to raise money for its grant recipients. This year’s even takes place at 8 p.m. at the Happy Dog. It’ll feature performances by this year’s four grant recipients, and music gear and other items will be raffled off during the proceedings.
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Blondeshell
Sabrina Teitelbaum, who records and tours as Blondeshell, brings her tour in support of her sophomore album, If You Asked for a Picture, to the Beachland Ballroom. She’s just released an expanded version of the album that includes new and live Blondeshell songs along with a few choice covers of songs by influences such as Conor Oberst, Samia and Folk Bitch Trio. The Sonder Bombs open, and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Crocker Park’s Annual Tree Lighting
An annual tradition, Crocker Park’s annual tree lighting festival takes place today with live entertainment, a special vendor market and face painting. Food trucks will be on hand, and Santa will roll into the event at 6 p.m.
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
Frost
This annual winter celebration at the Cleveland Botanical Garden feastures lights, seasonal displays and family activities. There will be a gingerbread competition and local garden clubs will decorate Christmas trees that’ll be on display. Check the website for hours and more information.
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
Just Dance 2 with Bad Boy Bill
The locally based Superdank Productions celebrates its 28th anniversary with this special show featuring DJ Bad Boy Bill as well as DJ 7UP. The event begins at 9 p.m. at Crobar.
3244 St. Clair, 216-771-4727, crobar1921.com.
moCa Connect: Art of the Game
Former Cavs player Campy Russell will be on hand for this version of moCa Connect that “explores the creativity, discipline, and cultural impact that sports bring to our community.” The event begins at 9 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
11400 Euclid Ave., 2164218671, mocacleveland.org.
Tropidelic
The local act that’s become a nationally touring band returns to the Agora. Tropidelic formed in 2008 in Kent and built a following after self-distributing more than 10,000 free copies of its self-produced first EP, Rebirth of the Dope. During the course of its nearly 20-year career, the group has opened for acts such as Slightly Stoopid, 311, Pepper, the Dirty Heads, Sublime w/Rome, Soja, the Wailers and Flobots. It’s now a legitimate headliner. Atrikal Sound System, Grieves and Land of Panda open. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
SUN 11/23
Trey Anastasio Band at the Akron Civic Theatre
The Phish singer-guitarist brings his solo show to the Akron Civic Theatre. The concert begins at A founding member of the jam band Phish, singer-guitarist Anastasio has released more than two dozen studio and live albums as a solo artist and in addition to Phish, he’s toured on his own and with the Trey Anastasio Band, Classic TAB, Trey Anastasio Trio and other iterations. The concert, which will feature Anastasio and his band along with a horn section, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
My Love Letter to Food
Comedian Samantha Woodman wrote, directed and produced this show about her relationship with food. Tonight’s performance takes place at 6 p.m. at Imposters Theater.
4828 Lorain Ave., imposterstheater.com.
YUNGBLUD
Like the late David Bowie, one of this British singer-songwriter’s influences, YUNGBLUD has the cheekbones of a model and a penchant for punk/New Wave melodies. He comes to the Agora tonight at 7. Singer-songwriter Sawyer Hill opens.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
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