WED 07/03
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is a monthly storytellers' series that offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. Tonight's show revolves around the theme, "My Moment of Fame." The hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 8 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. Admission is $5. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details on the website. (Jeff Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
North Union Farmers Market
North Union Farmers Market returns to U.S. Bank Plaza today with an urban-desert oasis of fresh and sustainable local farm foods. Come and stock up on the season's best fruits and vegetables from 4 to 7 p.m. This NUFM location will be up and running each and every Wednesday through Sept. 4. Find out more on the website below. (Niesel)
East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Salute to America
As part of a summer tradition in these parts, the Blossom Festival Band plays a special Salute to America concert tonight at Blossom. Savor a picnic on the lawn or at a picnic table, and then settle in to enjoy a mix of patriotic Sousa marches, Broadway favorites, an Armed Forces salute, and more. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and concludes with fireworks, weather permitting. It all happens again tomorrow night. Consult the Cleveland Orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — food trucks once again gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Follow the Downtown Cleveland Alliance on Facebook for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. The series continues through Sept. 4. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 07/04
Fourth at FWD
Dee Jay Silver's first gig with country superstar Jason Aldean took place in Little Rock, Arkansas, some 10 years ago; the two have been tour mates ever since. Silver, who recently released a new single, "Getaway Driver," will make a special Fourth of July appearance at FWD Day + Nightclub in the Flats today. The concert will also feature a live performance from singer-songwriter Carter Winter, plus barbecue and fireworks. The show starts at 3 p.m., and tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
1176 Front St., 216-417-6282, fwdnightclub.com.
Grateful Fest
An annual tradition, this year's Grateful Fest at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville promises to be excellent weekend getaway anchored by the spirit of the Grateful Dead. This may not be the only Dead-related tribute event in Northeast Ohio this year (seriously, there are a whole bunch), but it's surely the most comprehensive. Into the Blue, John Welton & the Awakening, Wanyama, JiMiller Band, Terrapin Moon, Blue Moon Soup, Zuffalo, and the Bob Niederriter Trio will all perform through Sunday. Wear flowers in your hair, and be sure to pack your sleeping bag. Tickets start at $30, and camping is included in the ticket price. (Eric Sandy)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Lakewood Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
Independence Day festivities run all day long today in Lakewood. The city's parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and ends at Lakewood Park at 11:30 a.m., where you'll find assorted games and activities. A featured concert from the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School's Youth Rock Orchestra, hits the bandstand at 7 p.m., with a fireworks extravaganza concluding the day at 9:45. See the website for more info. (Niesel) onelakewood.com.
Open Mic Night/Live Band Karaoke
Every Thursday, Stella's Music hosts a night of music, poetry and comedy. The club's doors open at 5 p.m., and performances begin at 8 p.m. Artists can sign up at stellasmusic.com/open-mic to secure a 15-minute time slot. Signups will be available at the club as well. Meanwhile, happy hour takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2217 East Ninth St., 216-272-3377, stellasmusic.com.
FRI 07/05
All Star Game Weekend
Cleveland last played host to the All-Star Game in 1997 when Sandy Alomar Jr., now the team's first base coach, hit a homer and was named the game's MVP. This year's All Star Game doesn't take place until Tuesday, but festivities begin today with a concert featuring Twenty One Pilots at Mall B of Play Ball Park, outside the Huntington Convention Center; gates open at 6 and the music begins at 8. Consult the website for info on the myriad events — musical, sports-related, and/or family friendly — happening around town in conjunction with the Home Run Derby and the Game. (Niesel) mlb.com/indians/fans/ all-star-game.com.
Asian Lantern Festival
Taking over parks and zoos across the country, the traveling Asian Lantern Festival shows off thousands of colorful handmade paper lanterns in open, green spaces. This year's Cleveland edition, which runs through July 28 at the Metroparks Zoo, brings 40 brand new light-up displays. The event also includes authentic bites from local spots Li Wah, King Wah and Thai Thai, an interactive zone, open-air market and live performances. Running after zoo hours, the lantern exhibit is open Thursday through Sunday only, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Same-day tickets are $20.50, or you can score four for $60. (Kids age 2 and younger are free.) Those purchasing tickets early get a discount. (Laura Morrison)
3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com.
Mike Bonner
Call the sitter. Comic Mike Bonner takes the stage at the Improv tonight for a parent-friendly routine. Of course, that doesn't mean it's kid-friendly. Bonner has made a name for himself as a relatable, down-to-earth comedian who understands the everyday struggles of being a father. From dirty diapers to his daughter's first boyfriend, the BET comedian explores the small joys and annoyances of parenthood through a sardonic lens. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where additional shows are scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $17. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Rocky Colavito
Just in time for All-Star Week in Cleveland, former Indians player Rocky Colavito returns to town tonight to talk about his career and answer questions from audience members. Bob DiBiasio, the Cleveland Indians' senior vice president for public affairs, will moderate the discussion, and the event will include readings by author Mark Sommer from a new biography, Rocky Colavito: Cleveland's Iconic Slugger. It begins at 7:30 tonight at the State Theatre, and tickets start at $38.50. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Euclid Beach Live
This live concert series offers great music, delicious food and fun for the whole family. The setting couldn't be better either: The site overlooks the scenic Euclid Beach State Park on Lake Erie, and the 285-foot rebuilt pier gives the events a throwback feel and harkens back to the glory days of Euclid Beach amusement park. The fun takes place tonight from 6 to 9. The series continues through Aug. 2. (Niesel) 16301 Lake Shore Blvd., 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Nightlight Cinema's Five-Year Anniversary Party
In the midst of celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Nightlight Cinema, an independent movie theater in Akron, has set a fundraising goal of $15,000 this summer. As a nonprofit cinema, ticket sales alone don't cover the cost of bringing in the "essential films" that the cinema shows. At 5 p.m. today, the Nightlight will host a special five-year anniversary party. Your ticket gets you champagne upon arrival plus two drink tickets for select beer, wine or soda served in the lounge and at the bar. From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be live music, and nearby restaurant Crave will provide the heavy hors d'oeuvres. There will be door prizes and a silent auction too. The theater will show two screenings of a select Nightlight Film Society film and unveil its Georges Méliès-inspired celestial photo booth. Then stick around for the after party, which will take place from 10:30 p.m. until midnight. Consult the theater's website for details and ticket prices. (Niesel)
30 North High St., Akron, 330-252-5782, nightlightcinema.com.
Russell Peters
After taking time off to film his hit CTV/Netflix series The Indian Detective, comedian Russell Peters has resumed his Deported World Tour, which kicked off in Australia and New Zealand last year and has already travelled to more than 29 cities in 20 countries. During the course of his career, Peters has played to sold-out crowds at Madison Square Garden and the Sydney Opera House. He's also performed for the troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and on the USS Eisenhower and the HMCS Winnipeg. His 2010 memoir, Call Me Russell, was a bestseller in Canada. A philanthropist, Peters has donated more than a million dollars to charities such as Gilda's Club and the MS Society of Canada. Each year, the Russell Peters North Peel Scholarship sends a deserving student to college. He performs tonight at 8 at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage. Tickets cost $49.50 and $59.50. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Chris Redd
In one skit, comedian and actor Chris Redd talks about growing up in Chicago and preparing for his first fight. "Fists move fast," he says in the bit. "I remember it like it was yesterday because we always remember the things that depress us the most." The skit shows off Redd's distinctive narrative style. He performs tonight at 7 and 9:30 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Rhapsody in Blue
It's a big weekend at Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra: Bernstein's Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Stravinsky's Suite from the Firebird and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture — and fireworks! — are all on tonight's program that finds the orchestra performing under the direction of conductor Roderick Dox. The concert begins at 8 tonight at Blossom and repeats at 8 tomorrow night. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Van Gogh & Japan
Director David Bickerstaff explores the influence of Japanese art on Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh in his new documentary, Van Gogh & Japan. A 2018 exhibition at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum inspired the movie. It screens at 1:30 p.m. today and at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Working Woman
A married woman struggles against persistent sexual harassment at work in Working Woman, a new thriller from director Michal Aviad, a senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University's Department of Cinema and Television. The film, which marked its local premiere earlier this week, screens again tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
SAT 07/06
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts its usual midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie. In addition, locals act out a floor show that mimics the movie, turning the event into a veritable party. Tickets are $9.75. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 07/07
The Baseball Project
A few years back, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills formed the Baseball Project, a band that serves as a "musical tribute" to our national pastime. The group also includes Steve Wynn of the Dream Syndicate and Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3, and drummer Linda Pitmon. The side project has flourished: It has released three proper albums as well as a live EP and a 45 single. Starting today, the band will hold down a residency at the Rock Hall during All-Star Week. Performances take place from noon to 2 p.m. today on the Klipsch Audio Stage; additional shows are set for 1 to 1:45 p.m. tomorrow, and from 3 to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, outdoors on the Rock Hall's plaza. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Sloppy Sundays in the Sun
On select Sundays throughout the summer, Now That's Class will host Sloppy Sundays in the Sun, an event that appeals to day drinkers. Bartender Juliet will serve up her special Aperol Spritz and Pimms cocktails, and both patios will be open. The club will even set up an outdoor basketball hoop. The bar opens at 3 p.m., and happy hour takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. It's free. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
Toxic Burlesque
Over the past few years, the folks at the local burlesque promotion company Toxic Burlesque have thrown a number of events at Brothers Lounge. According to promoter Frank Ian, who runs the company with his wife, there's been a "packed house every time." For tonight's show, they've booked Miss Fever Blister and many other performers. Ken Schneck hosts. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15. (Niesel)
11609 Detroit Ave., 216-226-2767, brotherslounge.com.
MON 07/08
Lunchtime Trivia
Today from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on U.S. Bank Plaza, Last Call Trivia hosts a live show that allows teams to compete for prizes by answering trivia questions. Teams can range from 1 to 8 players and prizes are awarded to the top teams at the event's conclusion. (Niesel) East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Monday Night Trivia
Are you a student of fast food menus and their nuanced histories? What say you about the geographic evolution of Scotch whisky? Tonight's your chance to wow your friends, make yourself instantly more desirable to someone you're newly dating, and hang with Cleveland's headiest hipsters and hot dog lovers. It's the Happy Dog Monday Night Trivia. Starting at 8 p.m., expect themed rounds and general knowledge questions that seem considerably trickier than some of the other live trivia locales in town. Obviously, have a hot dog and a craft brew while you're at it. And arrive early: seats tend to fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Movie Mondays
Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas hosts $5 Movie Mondays, where film fans can catch up on the latest Hollywood flicks for significantly reduced prices. Many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
Shit Show Karaoke
Local rapper/promoter Dirty Jones and Scene's own Manny Wallace host Shit Show Karaoke, a weekly event at the B-Side Liquor Lounge wherein patrons choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock," and are encouraged to "be as bad as you want." Fueled by drink and shot specials, it all goes down tonight at 10 p.m. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
TUE 07/09
Come From Away
Part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, Comes From Away centers on airline passengers who try to make friends with the people of Gander, Newfoundland, after they become stranded there. Written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein and helmed by this year's Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, the musical has received rave reviews. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through July 28. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Dancing Under the Stars
Time again for Dancing Under the Stars at U.S. Bank Plaza. Beginning at 6, Valerie Salstrom of Get Hep Swing will give lessons; then it's on to the dance party, accompanied by a live band. The dancing begins at 6:30 and continues until 9 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel) East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Tiki Tuesday
To celebrate the warm weather, Music Box Supper Club launched a special Tiki Tuesday event earlier this summer. The menu includes Mai Tais, Zombies and Hurricanes along with food specials like a pu pu platter with wings, ribs and meatballs. All tiki drinks are just $6 and some of the food specials are $6 too. The club's owner has even curated a playlist of classic Caribbean music from the '40s and '50s. The party takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. Jason Gokorsch will book guest DJs and offer slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. First time DJs are encouraged, and equipment is provided. Patrons can also bring records for the night's DJ to add to their set. Sign up on Northeast Ohio Vinyl Club's Facebook page. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
Truck Stop Tuesday
Crocker Park in Westlake has launched its seasonal Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. . You can find a lineup of upcoming food trucks on the website. (Niesel) 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
