Expansion Team

Double-Edge Dance artistic director Kora Radella says improvisation is an integral element in her company. “It’s composition in the moment,” she says, “an art form in itself.” She brings plenty of improvised dances to XspanD, this week’s installment of Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks series. A piece by Kirstie Simson will be completely improvised, and Radella will perform a minimally structured, mostly improvised piece with saxophonist, composer and the ensemble’s co-founder Ross Feller. But they’re not making it all up as they go along. The program also includes a couple of pieces where the costumes are just as crucial as the dancers. “Re-tracing” features a troupe member coiling her clothing — a “very long piece of silk” that begins around the dancer’s waist. Throughout the performance, it gets pulled in circles around her. In “Laden,” a dancer wears an outfit with “tons of pockets” that are stuffed with fabric. Radella says the piece is loosely based on the concept of hoarding, as fabric is pulled from the pockets and the costume gets smaller and smaller. XspanD plays at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at Cleveland Public Theatre’s Gordon Square Theatre (6415 Detroit Ave., 216.631.2727, cptonline.org). Tickets: $10-$20. — Michael Gill

THURSDAY, MAY 14

John Brown’s Body

This Boston band loads their latest album, Amplify, with
songs that go beyond their reggae roots, borrowing from reggaeton,
hip-hop and other genres without compromising their signature sound.
They’ve been around for more than a decade but recently went through a
considerable lineup change — bassist Scott Palmer died in 2006. At
that time, the band almost disintegrated, leaving only drummer Tommy
Benedetti and singer-songwriter Elliot Martin to lead the current
ensemble. John Brown’s Body are touring in support of Amplify and Re-Amplify, a collection of remixes that takes their music
in yet another inspired direction. They perform at 8:30 p.m. at the
Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124, beachlandballroom.com). Passafire
opens. Tickets: $12 advance, $14 at the door. — Ernest
Barteldes

Napalm Death

Napalm Death’s Scum remains one of the best heavy records
ever recorded. And Birmingham’s fathers of grindcore are still at it
after 27 years and 14 records. Sure, they’ve slowed down a bit,
especially during the ’90s, and they’re arguably more of a progressive
death-metal band than a grindcore band these days. But their past few
albums have revealed a band that’s still relevant, brilliant and
innovative. Their latest CD, Time Waits for No Slave, is easily
their best modern-era outing. It’s got beats aplenty, skull-crushing
riffs and more speed than a midwestern teenager. As always, politics is
front and center. Napalm Death’s indictments of modern culture are more
sophisticated than the genre’s typical offerings, going so far as to
actually endorse practical change. Among their suggestions: pro-peace
on a local level that fosters civil social interactions, a curtailing
of our career-obsessed culture and an appreciation for the colossal
power of evolution and Darwinism. Then again, you’ll have to scan the
lyric sheet if you want more than “the singer is a little pissed.” Mark
“Barney” Greenway’s guttural vocals are about as heavy and grating as
they come. The band’s Campaign for Musical Destruction tour includes
death pack mules Kataklysm, Toxic Holocaust, Coliseum and Trap
Them. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Peabody’s (2045 E. 21st St.,
216.776.9999, peabodys.com).
Tickets: $17 advance, $20 day of show.

— Nick DeMarino

Taking Back Sunday

As befits a band saddled with the dreaded emo tag, there’s rarely
been a shortage of drama in Taking Back Sunday. Forming in Long Island
a decade ago, the quintet shuffled members in the middle of its first
EP, and the door has been revolving ever since. Shaun Cooper and John
Nolan left to form Straylight Run, and Fred Mascherino split two years
ago for his Color Fred project. Through it all, Taking Back Sunday have
managed to release four engaging albums (their latest, New
Again, featuring new singer Matt Fazzi, comes out next month). From
their indie roots to major-label backing, Taking Back Sunday have
successfully and consistently blended pop melodies with punk energy for
a sound as crunchy as it is sweet. Envy on the Coast and Anberlin open
at 7 p.m. at House of Blues (308 Euclid Ave., 216.523.2583, hob.com). Tickets: $25. — Brian
Baker

William Elliot Whitmore

With an old man’s whiskey-worn rasp and a bruised acoustic guitar,
William Elliot Whitmore offers a weary, emotive take on Americana. More
soulful and livelier than Bonnie “Prince” Billy and more stripped-down
than Tom Waits, Whitmore calls on folk, blues and gospel muses to help
render his mortality-obsessed tunes. He may not be a grizzled scene vet
yet, but by dropping five releases in the past six years and touring
frequently, Whitmore has proved himself to be a rugged and capable
journeyman. At a time when just about any musician thinks he can lift
up an acoustic guitar and join the seemingly endless parade of
backwoods, folk-aping performers, Whitmore presents a purist’s take on
the genre. He sports an effortless but detailed guitar style and a
genuine farmhouse croon that is surprisingly timeless and moving.
Frontier Ruckus and Adam Luhta open at 8 pm at the Grog Shop (2785
Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Hts., 216.321.5588, grogshop.gs). Tickets: $8 advance, $10 at the
door. — Matt Whelihan

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Alvin Ailey American

Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents itself in a curatorial
manner this weekend: Its Revelations program features highlights
from Ailey’s career — a retrospective look at his company’s debut
in 1958 to the final work he choreographed before his death in 1989.
Ailey’s blues and gospel piece, “Revelations,” is one of the most
familiar works in modern American dance, so why the self study? The
company is winding up a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Performances are at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and 3 p.m. Sunday at
the State Theatre (1501 Euclid Ave., 216.241.6000, playhousesquare.com). Tickets:
$10-$70. — Gill

Tarace Boulba

Imagine dozen of musicians onstage — singing, pounding drums
and blowing on horns to create funky beats that liberally mix in reggae
and afrobeat influences. Chances are you’ve never heard anything like
Tarace Boulba. The ensemble was created by French nonprofit group Rasta
Baboul, founded in 1993 by two former members of world-music ensemble
Les Négresses Vertes. For a small fee (15 euros for a lifetime
membership), anyone can join, get training on horns, percussion and
vocals, and then join a performing ensemble. The band began touring
extensively in 2003; about a year ago, it began laying the groundwork
for its current six-week U.S. tour, which takes it from New Orleans to
Minneapolis back east to Washington D.C. and New York. By some miracle
(well, actually the hard work of Gary Gross, music booker for the
Hessler Street Fair), Cleveland is on its so-called “route du funk.”
Tarace Boulba will initiate listeners at 9 tonight at the Beachland
Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124, beachlandballroom.com). Outlaws I
& !, DJ Franklin from WRUW open; tickets are $10. If you get hooked
on their big, brassy grooves, the group will be playing the Hessler
Street Fair both Saturday and Sunday.

— Anastasia Pantsios

Alkaline Trio

Chicago rockers Alkaline Trio have been through several
incarnations. After six albums, three drummers and ascent to a major
label, the group has become an amalgam of its original dark, angsty
punk aesthetic in an obvious inclination to move forward. The
threesome’s latest album, last year’s Agony & Irony, is a
logical continuation of songwriters Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano’s
tortured lyricism and chugging melodies, but it lacks the immediate
urgency of their earlier material. You really don’t believe the anguish
anymore. Saves the Day join Alkaline Trio on what seems like an emo
kid’s dream tour — never mind the fact that both bands have been
around long enough to acquire fans who are old enough to drink. Saves
the Day have a new album due later this year — the third part of
a trilogy that includes 2006’s Sound the Alarm and 2007’s
Under the Boards. Nightmare of You opens at 7:30 p.m. at House
of Blues (308 Euclid Ave., 216.523.2583, hob.com). Tickets: $19.50-$22. — Emily
Zemler

Willie Nelson

Given his relentless touring schedule, you’d never guess
singer-songwriter Willie Nelson just celebrated his 76th birthday. And
yet the country icon continues to hit the road with the enthusiasm of a
young buck. (He’ll be back this way again later this summer when he
joins Bob Dylan on a 22-city tour of minor-league baseball parks). Over
the years, there’s little Nelson hasn’t done. Sued by the IRS for back
taxes and busted for pot, he’s had his share of run-ins with the law.
But he’s also had a Ben & Jerry’s flavor created in his name and
appeared in ads for the Gap. He’s collaborated with everyone from
Johnny Cash to Kid Rock to Sheryl Crow. While he’s mostly aligned with
country music, the songs he plays these days caters more to jam-band
audiences. Little surprise, since his laid-back, easygoing vibe befits
a man who’s at ease with his past, present and future, and just wants
his fans to mellow out and have a good time. The show starts at 8 p.m.
at Youngstown’s Chevrolet Centre (229 E. Front St., 216.241.5555,
ticketmaster.com). Tickets:
$37.50-$47.50. — Jeff Niesel

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Hessler Street Fair

“It’s so nice on Hessler Street,” Cleveland folksinger John Bassette
sang back in the ’70s. Alas, Bassette passed away in 2006, but the
spirit of the street he sang about lives on. And every year, the
residents of the block-long brick street hidden in the bowels of the
Case Western Reserve campus in University Circle share that spirit with
the larger community at the Hessler Street Fair, which retains the aura
of the year of its origin, 1969. If you still have your old
Birkenstocks, Grateful Dead tie-dye T or India-print cotton gauze
skirt, this is the place to wear them. This free fair, taking place
from 11 a.m.-dusk today and tomorrow, has the friendliest and most
laid-back vibes of any area festival. You’ll find homemade vegetarian
food, revolutionary tracts and information about saving the world, and
hand-crafted dreamcatchers and ceramic bowls. And on a stage nestled in
the street’s dead end, you’ll find a non-stop lineup of local bands
playing everything from blues to reggae to prog rock to folk to jazz.
The crowd-pleasers, of course, are bands like Cats on Holidays, Mifune,
Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band, who get everyone from toddlers to
old-timers up on their feet bouncing around. French brass/percussion
collective Tarace Boulba, which plays both days, freshen up the music
mix. If you can’t make it down, the performers are broadcast live on
WRUW 91.1 FM, but you can’t see the sights and smell the smells and
really dig the groovy vibes over the radio. Hessler Street is off Ford
Ave. between Euclid Ave. and Bellflower Rd. Go to hessler.org for info. —
Pantsios

The Classical Clown

Musical comic Dan Kamin — who’s worked with Robert Downey Jr.
and Johnny Depp — will battle for control of the Cleveland
Orchestra when he joins assistant conductor Jayce Ogren for The
Classical Clown. The program, the final one in this season’s Family
Concerts series, mixes theater and classical music, and tosses in lots
of snappy tunes. Think Charlie Chaplin with an orchestra. The concert
features parts of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Grieg’s
“Hall of the Mountain King” (from Peer Gynt), Rossini’s finale
from the William Tell Overture and much more, all clocking in at
less than an hour. Showtimes are 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Severance
Hall (11001 Euclid Ave, 216.231.1111, clevelandorchestra.com). Tickets:
$10-$28. — Gill

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra

“It’s kind of a mixed bag of emotions,” says trumpeter Jack Schantz
about his final performance as director of the Cleveland Jazz
Orchestra. He steps down after 16 years leading the ensemble — a
kind of a big-band jazz museum that’s played tribute concerts to
legends like Count Basie and Duke Ellington over the years. Incoming
director Sean Jones — who was principal trumpet of the Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis —
grew up in Warren and was Schantz’s student at Youngstown State
University. Schantz will continue to perform with the band, but he
plans to spend more time on other projects, including his Jazz Unit
group. Schantz and Jones will play together at tonight’s A Joyful
Noise program. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will be joined by the
75-voice Word Church Voices of Victory Choir of Cleveland, as they
explore the link between gospel and jazz. “It will be really good
music,” says Schantz. It starts at 8 p.m. at the Beck Center for the
Arts (17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216.521.2540, clevelandjazz.org). Tickets: $15-$30.
— Gill

Allan Holdsworth

Although this British-born jazz-guitar virtuoso is considered one of
the most inventive players of his generation, Holdsworth isn’t exactly
a household name. That probably has a little to do with his laid-back
temperament and shy nature. Onstage, it usually takes a few songs
before he even acknowledges his audience, letting his bandmates take
the lead. Having grown up listening to the revolutionary works of
saxophonists Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, Holdsworth uses his own
instrument in a similar manner — his inventive riffs,
complemented by various electronic effects, often resemble the sound of
a woodwind. He’s credited for introducing various techniques to the
electric guitar, including a version of a trick Eddie Van Halen fans
are familiar with — the pull-off. The show starts at 9 p.m. at
the Winchester (12112 Madison Ave., 216.226.5681, thewinchester.net). Tickets: $20.
— Barteldes

Home Landscape Fair

Now that spring is finally here, you’re probably thinking springy
things: Shit, I gotta cut the grass today. Why won’t this goddamn
window open? Boy, the garage smells like bananas and raccoon feces. You
might also be thinking about landscaping your property. That’s where
today’s Home Landscaping Fair at the Cleveland Botanical Garden comes
in. Local landscaping reps will be on hand to answer any questions you
might have about shrubs, mulch, trees and those big-ass rocks people
put in their lawns. Bring pictures and ideas, and the experts can tell
you how to spend your next nine weekends making the outside of your
house look pretty. It runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cleveland
Botanical Garden (11030 East Blvd., 216.721.1600, cbgarden.org), with a 2 p.m. panel
discussion about trends for the year and how you can landscape on your
paltry budget. Free with garden admission: $7.50. — Michael
Gallucci

Hormonal Imbalance

A group referring to itself as the — I can hardly bring myself
to type the words — Four Bitchin’ Babes is putting on a great big
lipsticky bitch of a show tonight. And it’s aimed right at the
menopausal demographic. Here it is, ladies: Four singer-songwriters
— Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran and Deirdre Flint
— combine stories about marriage and kids with a little social
commentary and a whole lotta PMS. Says the press release: “Throw in a
hot flash or two, and you’ve got Hormonal Imbalance, a mood
swinging musical revue!” You go, girls. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the
Ohio Theatre (1501 Euclid Ave. 216.241.6000, playhousesquare.com). Tickets:
$10-$37.75. — Gill

Mudhoney

Even though they never achieved the same level of success as their
Seattle peers, Mudhoney have steadily released a string of
uncompromising albums over the past 20 years. Last year’s The Lucky
Ones exemplifies the spirit of the band: raw alternative rock. It’s
harsh but melodic, ugly but earthy, simple but pleasing. Mudhoney hold
up well because, quite frankly, their music is more about attitude and
sound than actual songs. There are some hooks and catchy choruses, and
many of their songs could be polished into crafty pop tunes. But
they’re not. They’re left unfinished, or more accurately, finished but
imperfectly formed. In the early ’90s, Mudhoney moved away from a
marketable sound, even as other grunge bands were selling records. This
is music for music’s sake. Anyone who still spins Pixies records will
not want to miss this. National Suicide Day open this late show at 10
p.m. at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Hts.,
216.321.5588, grogshop.gs). Tickets:
$15 advance, $17 day of show. — DeMarino

Step to Hope

If you’re among the nearly 10 percent of Ohioans without work,
today’s Step to Hope event might make your job search a little easier.
The two-and-a-half-hour training session features Remington College
instructors dispensing free advice about résumés,
computers and interviews. They’ll also help you beef up your references
and fill you in on what you need to do to snag an interview. Of course,
it would help if there were some actual jobs out there for people to
ply these new skills, but at least you’ll be armed when something comes
your way. It starts at 9 a.m. at Remington College’s Cleveland Campus
(14445 Broadway Ave., 800.560.6192, remingtoncollege.edu). It’s free,
but space is limited so call to reserve a spot. And if you can’t make
it today, don’t worry; there’s another training session on May 23.
— Gallucci

SUNDAY, MAY 17

Let’s Take A Trip To …

Clevelander Bill Rudman already has plenty to do, with his
syndicated radio program Footlight Parade, which airs in 75
markets across the country. Since 2000, he’s also produced shows in his
Musical Theatre Project. Today, Cuyahoga Community College’s Metro
Campus presents Rudman’s musical travelogue Let’s Take A Trip To
…, which mines the Great American Songbook for tunes about
travel: “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” “Route 66,”
etc. Expect to hear songs about Kalamazoo, Chicago and New Orleans too.
Joe Hunter hosts, with singers Evelyn Wright and Susan Hesse
performing. It starts at 3 p.m. at Tri-C’s Metro Campus Auditorium
(2900 Community College Ave., 216.241.6000, playhousesquare.com). Tickets: $17.
— Gill

Testament

Metallica may grab all the headlines, but real metal fans know that
Testament is a crucial part of the Bay Area thrash scene, one of the
reigning triumvirate that also included Exodus. Forming a couple of
years after their brethren, Testament became a fast favorite with their
1987 debut, The Legacy, and world tours. But tensions in the
band resulted in a series of lineup changes (the quintet has gone
through a Spinal Tap-ish 11 drummers!) and shifts in direction. Through
it all, Testament maintained a fervent fan base, releasing 10 studio
albums (including last year’s The Formation of Damnation) and
four live records. The band’s current lineup dates back to its earliest
incarnations — Alex Skolnick and Greg Christian left after
10-plus-year runs and then returned, Chuck Billy has been frontman
since 1986, and Eric Peterson co-founded the group in 1983. Metal takes
many forms; Testament play them all with brutal precision and
incendiary passion. Unearth and Lazarus A.D. open at 7:30 p.m. at House
of Blues (308 Euclid Avenue, 216.523.2583, hob.com). Tickets: $24-$38. —
Baker

Clarence E. Van Duzer Tribute

Evolution, not retrospection, is the focus of today’s tribute to
artist Clarence E. Van Duzer, organized by his widow Kathy Lynn Van
Duzer. The painter, who studied at Yale and was part of the Cleveland
School, was one of the first artists to live in the Flats and own
studio space there. He’s less known in Cleveland than he is elsewhere.
That’s why Kathy Lynn calls his extensive body of work a “treasure
chest waiting to be opened.” Van Duzer began his career as a
representational painter before moving on to abstract metal sculpture,
which included large pieces and fountains for shopping malls. He
returned to figurative representation later in his life. He produced a
lot because he had a strong work ethic, says Kathy Lynn. “His main
concern was working as an artist every day of his life,” she says.
“Getting dressed and going to work in the studio every day.” The free
reception for the one-night-only tribute runs from 4-7 p.m. at
Convivium 33 Gallery at Josaphat Arts Hall (1433 E. 33rd St.,
216.881.7828, josaphatartshall.com).— Gill

MONDAY, MAY 18

When God Gives You Ugly Tour

If there were top-dollar awards for album titles, Minneapolis
indie-rappers Atmosphere would be billionaires. (See their latest album
— When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold — and new tour, When God Gives You Ugly). The cleverness doesn’t
stop there. Mastermind Slug’s rhymes reflect on autobiographical and
not-so-autobiographical stories about substance abuse, unexpected
motherhood and just about everything in between. Producer Ant uses
fewer samples on When Life Gives You Lemons than he has in the
past, going for more live instrumentation. Over the past 11 years, the
group has released more than a dozen studio and live albums. The tour
celebrates the recent reissue of God Loves Ugly, Atmosphere’s
2002 masterpiece. The group rips through its repertoire, with Brother
Ali, P.O.S. and Attracted to Gods opening. Check out Minnesota’s best
at 9 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124,
beachlandballroom.com).
Tickets: $20. — Danielle Sills

This article appears in May 13-19, 2009.