WED 08/14
Disney's The Lion King
Some 90 million people around the world have seen Disney's long-running musical The Lion King. The play has won six Tony Awards, and it brings to life the story of a lion and the cub who'll inherit his father's kingdom. The musical features the work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some terrific songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the State Theatre. The play runs through Sept. 1, and tickets cost $49 to $199. (Jeff Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Indians vs. Boston Red Sox
In the midst of a significant stretch against some of the American League's best teams, the Cleveland Indians take on the defending champion Boston Red Sox today at 1:10 at Progressive Field. It's the end of a three-game series that should be a tough one for the Tribe given that the Red Sox have started playing better in the season's second half. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Mike Krol
You can now head to the Rock Hall plaza on Wednesday nights to see the "bands you need to hear right now." Part of the Rock Hall's Summer in the City series, the free concerts begin at 7 p.m. on the PNC main stage. There will be an onsite All-Access Cafe, a bar and food trucks, and the weather turns, portions (or the entirety) of the event may be moved inside, delayed, and/or cancelled at the discretion of the Rock Hall. Today, indie rocker Mike Krol will perform. (Niesel)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444,
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), northunionfarmersmarket.org.
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave.,
216-771-4444, playhousesquare..org.
Uptown Out to Lunch Series
At today's Out to Lunch concert, on Toby's Plaza in the Uptown District, you can grab lunch from your favorite Uptown eatery and have a seat at the great picnic table while listening to local bands. Today, the local folk-rock act Thor Platter Band performs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free concert series continues through Sept. 11. The schedule is on the website. (Niesel)
11440 Uptown Ave.,
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)
THU 08/15
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 Sunday 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.
Bike Night with Colin Dussault's Blues Project
A local icon who just celebrated his 30th anniversary of performing in Northeast Ohio, bluesman Colin Dussault is one of Cleveland's true musical treasures. He headlines Bike Night, a free event that takes place at 5 p.m. at the Rock Hall's outdoor Plaza and PNC Stage. The concert is free, but a separate ticket must be purchased to tour the Rock Hall exhibits. The event will not take place during bad weather. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd.,
216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Duck Island Music Festival 2019
Today, Forest City Brewery hosts the first ever Duck Island Music Festival, and the four-day event will feature several local acts. It kicks off tonight with Sunshine Daydream. Slugfest and several guests will perform at 7 tomorrow night, and multiple bands will take the stage beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The festival will end on Sunday with Lake Erie Roots, who'll perform from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but organizers will accept donations for the bands. (Niesel)
2135 Columbus Rd., 216-228-9116, forestcitybrewery.com.
Feast of the Assumption
The 121st annual Feast of the Assumption that takes place today through Saturday in Little Italy. Once again, Holy Rosary Church's parish hosts this free, family-friendly festival. Starting and ending with religious processions celebrating the Virgin Mary being taken into Heaven, the Feast includes classic festival staples as well as fireworks, a raffle, and observances and services for those who celebrate the Catholic Holy Day. Restaurants in the area as well as specialty vendors are set to have stands lining the streets, offering traditional Italian foods, desserts and beverages for purchase. Carnival rides and games, live music (including opera, Italian choirs and local bands) and a casino in the church's lower level are all available for entertainment during the fest. Since Mayfield Road from E. 125th St. to E. 119th St. is closed to vehicles during the fest, and relatively far-away parking spots are available for a fee, the best way to attend the festival is via the RTA red line's stop in Little Italy. The Feast's hours are noon to 11 p.m. today, 6 to 11 p.m. tomorrow, 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and noon to midnight on Saturday. (Niesel)
Girls Night Out
Girls Night Out, a wine-and-shopping event at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, offers after-hours Aquarium access as guests shop for jewelry, clothing, purses and other "must-have" items from a variety of pop-up shops. In addition to exclusive, after-hours adults-only aquarium access, guests can sample food from Chefs for Hire, Mallorca, Nina Lau'Rens Cakepops and Rascal House and shop Erie Sands, Gourmet Body Pastries Skin Care and Peripeti Candles. The Alvin Franzier Band will perform in the Coastal Boardwalk Gallery, Tickets are $35 per person, and that includes two glasses of wine and appetizers. Guests also receive one general admission voucher for a future aquarium visit. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Bobby Lee
Bobby Lee is the black sheep of his very Korean family. He was supposed to take over the family clothing store, but instead he played in some bands and decided to become a comedian. His parents often tell him how ugly he is and every girl he brings home hears all about how he ate dog poop when he was a kid. His self-deprecation ranges from the nine long months it took his mustache to grow to the limited expression his eyes have. His stories of awkwardness and compromising situations will have you cracking up. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities and has shows scheduled through Saturday. Check the website for ticket prices. (Liz Trenholme)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 08/16
78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk
Time again for the Third Friday Art Walk at the cavernous 78th Street Studios. More than 50 studios and galleries will participate in this popular indoor art walk; be sure to check out spots like the Derek Hess Gallery, Tregoning & Company and Hilary Gent Studio for a chance to shop and interact with artists. Look for food trucks out front and live music on the first floor. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is free. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St.,
Designing Victory — Robert P. Madison & Carlo Wolff Book Signing
A decorated member of the historic Buffalo Soldiers, Second Lieutenant Robert P. Madison was initially denied entry into the architecture program at Western Reserve University. After he showed up with his Purple Heart from an injury sustained in Italy, he was admitted, but told by the administrators that he would never work as an architect. He proved the bastards wrong and would open the first African-American architect firm in Ohio in 1954. Locally based author Carlo Wolff helped Madison pen his memoir, Designing Victory. Tonight at 7:30, Wolff and Madison appear at Visible Voice Books in Tremont to talk about the book. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
A documentary about visual artist Cai Guo-Qiang, Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang documents the man's quest to "realize his most ambitious project yet." Directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald, the film screens tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Art's North Courtyard Lobby in connection with Cai Guo-Qiang: Cuyahoga River Lightning, an exhibit on view in the Julia and Larry Pollock Focus Gallery at the Cleveland Museum of Art through Sept. 22. This exhibition features three gunpowder works by Cai Guo-Qiang, who is known for his gunpowder paintings, installations and explosive displays. It screens tonight at 7. It's free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Summers@Severance
Under the direction of conductor Osmo Vänskä, the Cleveland Orchestra plays Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 ("Italian") and Barber's Symphony in One Movement tonight at 7 at Severance Hall. Arrive early for specially-priced happy hour food and drinks and then stick around after the concert for some "leisurely conversation" on Severance Hall's scenic outdoor terrace. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
U Up? Podcast Live
With their U Up? podcast, Betches Media co-founder Jordana Abraham and comedian Jared Freid offer advice about dating and help interpret confusing text messages. Tonight, they'll perform live at the Agora where they'll play their signature Red Flag or Dealbreaker game with a little help from the audience. Tickets start at $35. (Niesel)
5000 Euclid Ave.,
216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Damon Williams
"Get your glamor on but don't go to far," comedian Damon Williams likes to joke in one bit about women and their fake hair and fake nails. He likes to exploit controversial topics such as racial and gender differences. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets cost $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
SAT 08/17
Adopt-a-Beach Shoreline Cleanup
Since 2012, Greater Cleveland Aquarium's nonprofit Splash Fund has hosted an Adopt-a-Beach shoreline cleanup program. Today's cleanup takes place at 10 a.m. at Edgewater Park. Someone from the Splash Fund team will be on hand to "advise, assist and provide necessary supplies." Anyone who donates his or her time to help the lake stay great will be rewarded with one free general admission ticket to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Splash Fund leadership provides gloves, containers and guidance and, at the end of each session, the team records and analyzes the junk they have amassed. Over the course of four mornings, last year's volunteers helped the Splash Fund bag 386 pounds of trash that included bits of foam, glass and 7,686 pieces of plastic. For registration, schedules and other details, see the website. (Niesel)
Wayne Brady
A regular on the American version of the improvisational comedy television series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Wayne Brady has found steady work as an actor, TV personality, singer, game show host and comedian. This past year alone, he toured, starred on the new Sci-Fi series Aftermath, portrayed Lola in the Tony Award winning production of Kinky Boots and lent his vocal talents to Disney's animated series Sophia the First and Nickelodeon's Loud House. He also has another national tour planned. Not bad for someone who reportedly stuttered as a child and suffered from anxiety. Brady performs tonight at 8 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Flats Festival of the Arts
Flats Festival of the Arts debuted three years ago with 200 artists from around the country. From ceramics to woodwork, photography and painting, this event features various types of notable local and national artists that will exhibit and sell their work on Flats East Bank. Flats Festival of the Arts will also include many of the region's most talented musicians and dancers. A wide selection of food and beverages will be available. Admission is free. Any donations or food and beverage proceeds will benefit Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids), a nonprofit organization devoted to providing mobility and autism service dogs for children in the northeast and central Ohio regions utilizing an award-winning Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction accredited Cell Dog Training Program and the Land, whose mission is to create places and connect people through public art, sustainable building and design, collaborative planning, and dynamic programming. The event takes place today and tomorrow. Consult the website for more info. (Niesel) flatseastbank.com.
La Placita
Cleveland boasts a rich diversity of ethnic groups. The Hispanic-themed La Placita, a pop-up open air market held the second Saturday of the month, celebrates some of the city's rich heritage. Installed in the parking lots at West 25th Street and Clark Avenue, La Placita features live entertainment, traditional food, artisan vendors and more. It takes place from 1 to 10 p.m. today. Admission is free. Find more details on Facebook. (Niesel)
facebook.com/LaPlacitaCleveland.
Pee Wee's Big Adventure
Back in the '80s, actor Paul Reubens created a child-like fictional character named Pee Wee Herman. After a successful HBO special, he began performing as Pee Wee regularly, and eventually filmed the 1985 movie Pee Wee's Big Adventure with director Tim Burton at the helm. Herman would go on to host a successful kids' show that ran on CBS for five years before it was discovered that he was a bit of a pervert. The film, however, holds up as a cult classic and screens tonight at midnight at the Capitol Theatre as part of Cleveland Cinemas' Late Shift series. Tickets cost $6. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Sparx City Hop
The 17th Annual SPARX City Hop will be held today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free to Cleveland residents and starts at the U.S. Bank Plaza on 1302 Euclid Ave. The event is celebrating 17 years of connecting people to art in Cleveland neighborhoods! SPARX City Hop guests explore Downtown Cleveland and the surrounding neighborhoods by taking free trolley tours and hopping from artist galleries to studios to live, local music performances. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., downtowncleveland.com/events/sparx-city-hop.
Symphonic Dances
Written near the shores of New York's Long Island Sound, Rachmaninoff's final score, Symphonic Dances, originally included movements with names like "Twilight" and "Midnight," making it the perfect piece for the Cleveland Orchestra to perform tonight at Blossom. The concert will also feature pieces by Bernstein and Ives. It begins at 8 p.m. Check the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
SUN 08/18
Lola
At 1:30 p.m. today, the Cleveland Museum of Art will screen Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Lola, an update of The Blue Angel that stars Barbara Sukowa and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The film centers on a small-time cabaret performer who pursues respectability via romances with an upright city commissioner and a corrupt developer. Tickets cost $12, or $9 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
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.
MON 08/19
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. Last Call games also incorporate a distinctive point wagering system, giving teams the ability to choose their own strategy which ensures every team has an equal chance to compete. Teams can range from 1 to 8 players and prizes are awarded to the top teams at the event's conclusion. (Niesel)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave.,
216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Monday Night Trivia
Do you have tons of obscure music knowledge? 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. (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. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. (Alaina Nutile)
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 when Jones and Wallace begin to pass around the sign-up sheet. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
TUE 08/20
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the third Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Happy Dog. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, Anime Duo, students of Cleveland Institute of Music and even Cleveland Orchestra members grace the stage in these exciting concerts. Tonight's free, all-ages performance starts at 8. (Patrick Stoops)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Dancing Under the Stars
Time again for Dancing Under the Stars at U.S. Bank Plaza. Beginning at 6, staffers from Viva Dance will dish the salsa lessons; then it's on to the dance party, with live music provided by Orquestra Sonora. The dancing begins at 6:30 and continues until 9 p.m. Admission is free. The weekly party continues through August 27. (Niesel)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave.,
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. All tiki drinks are just $6 and some of the food specials are $6 too. There's even 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.
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. Truck Stop Tuesdays continue through Sept. 24. You can find a lineup of upcoming food trucks on the website. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
