The Black College All-Star Game is more than just jump shots and three-pointers by the country's top African American university hoopsters. From Sunday brunches to late-night parties, there are nearly 30 gatherings accompanying the inaugural competition. And Kym Whitley can't wait. The Shaker Heights native -- who has a role in the upcoming Barbershop spin-off, Beauty Shop -- will hit a few of the stops while in town Thursday through Sunday. She'll coach a celebrity hoops match-up (featuring R&B group B2K, soap-opera star Laman Rucker, and others) right before the college guys take the court (5:30 p.m. Saturday at Gund Arena, 1 Gateway Plaza; $24 to $225). She'll also take part in the BCAG Comedy Jam (8 p.m. Friday at Music Hall, 500 Lakeside Avenue; $45 to $55) and host the Soul in the City post-game party (10 p.m. Saturday at the Galleria, 1301 East 9th Street; $20 to $40). After all this, says Whitley, "Everyone will think Cleveland is a hot place, a cool place to be." Call 800-611-0368 for a complete schedule. -- Cris Glaser
Bargain Art
FRI 4/30
The 50/50 Show at 1300 Gallery is no ordinary artsy-fartsy exhibition. Fifty artists will display one piece each and sell it for 50 bucks. "This is the show [where buyers] can let their hair down," explains gallery owner Michael Parks. Refreshments and live entertainment will be offered, but Parks insists that this is not a typical opening. "The whole exhibition thing can be a good time," he says. "It's not just wine and cheese and sport coats." In addition to dispelling myths, the event offers emerging artists a chance to display their stuff. "We use the show like a farm club, to see who we'll show over the next couple of years," Parks says. 50/50 takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at 1300 Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street. Admission is free; call 216-939-1300. -- Nadia Michel
Grave Situation
SAT 5/1
When Vince Milano leads tours of his tombstone-engraving plant for cemetery enthusiasts, the last thing anyone expects is flippancy. At A Monumental Experience, Milano will relate the tale of a typo that resulted in a misspelling on a headstone . . . which wasn't brought to his attention till 10 years later. Funny stuff. He'll also fill you in on the differences between diamond etching and engraving techniques, show off some of his work, and provide refreshments. The tour starts at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Milano Monuments, 14600 Brookpark Road. Tickets are $7. Call 440-582-9620 for more information. -- Cris Glaser
