WED 12/05
The Age of the Medici, Parts 1 and 2
Originally released in Italy in 1973 as a three-part TV series, The Age of the Medici, which was directed by Roberto Rossellini, chronicles the exile of Cosimo de' Medici, head of the prominent banking family that thrived in 15th-century Florence. Part 1 screens today at 7 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Part 2 of the series screens at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Jeff Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
sports
Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
The Cavs launch a home stand with tonight's game against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. Last month, the Cavs had impressive wins against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets. Golden State should provide a real challenge even though the team has lost a step without point guard Steph Curry, who's been injured. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.; consult the Cavs site for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
music
Gallery Concert
This monthly concert series at the Cleveland Museum of Art places young musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University in the CMA galleries. The long-running series features "mixed programs of chamber music" for "a unique and intimate experience." Tonight's performers are the CWRU Baroque Chamber Ensembles, with guest harpist Maria Cleary. The concert begins at 6 and lasts for about an hour. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
spoken word
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The monthly series 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 will feature some of the best performances from 2018. 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. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
fundraiser
Keg Tapping
Hofbräuhaus and the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland team up today at 6:45 p.m. at the brewery and restaurant to spread some holiday cheer as they tap the ceremonial keg of the "famous Christmas Doppelbock" and mark the start of the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign. Representatives from the Salvation Army will be on hand to take the first taste. At 7, Hofbrauhaus celebrates Krampusnacht, an event dedicated to Krampus, the mythical two-horned creature who punishes bad children. There will be actors dressed as Krampus on hand for photo opps. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1550 Chester Ave., 216-621-2337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com.
Comedy
Greg Warren
In his 2008 Comedy Central special, Greg Warren jokes that he "looks married" even though he's not. "Women tell me that all the time," he says. "I don't think it's a compliment." Warren's dry sense of humor makes him the kind of guy to whom everyone can relate. While growing up in St. Louis, Warren was both a jock and a band geek, something that he regularly draws upon as he revisits those days in his standup routines. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities and has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $18 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
THU 12/06
film
A Bread Factory, Part One: For the Sake of Gold and Part Two: Walk With Me a While
Written and directed by Patrick Wang (In the Family), A Bread Factory, Part One: For the Sake of Gold centers on a community arts center in New York state that's threatened when a celebrity couple announces plans to build a huge arts complex down the street. The saga continues in Part Two. Part One makes its local debut tonight at 6:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it shows again at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. Part Two screens at 8:45 tonight and at 6:30 on Sunday night. It requires a separate admission. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
theater
A Christmas Carol
This Great Lakes Theater production of Charles Dickens' classic never fails to engage and delight. Framed cozily as a story within a story in this Gerald Freedman adaptation, the production really comes alive once the ghost of Jacob Marley appears, dragging his chains and creaking eerily with every movement. This annual tribute to knee-jerk liberal sentiments, like compassion for the downtrodden, is always a must-see, whether you've seen it before or not. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $15 to $75. Performances continue through Dec. 23. (Christine Howey)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
holiday happenings
Holiday Trunk Show
BAYarts will bring together local vendors for a Holiday Trunk Show, a night of shopping, cocktails and friends. Featured artists will have handmade goods for sale, and the holiday shop in the Huntington House will be open extended hours. The event runs from 6 to 9 tonight. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
film
Powerbomb
A locally produced film written and directed by Zach Shildwachter and BJ Colangelo, Powerbomb tells the story of an independent wrestler on the verge of breaking big. But when his biggest fan hears that the guy might quit, he decides to do something to ensure that the wrestler stays committed to the sport. Shot entirely in Cleveland, with music from Ohio artists, the film makes its world premiere tonight at the Capitol Theatre. Each ticket enters you in a raffle for a gift basket featuring items from the Savage Stash, Marty and Sarah Love Wrestling and more. A Q&A with the cast and crew follows the screening. The program begins at 7. Tickets are $12. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
food
Scene Flavor 2018
Scene's annual Flavor celebrates the local culinary scene by bringing together leading Cleveland restaurants. Beer, wine and cocktails add to the VIP-style nature of the evening. Food and drink lovers enjoy the top, most highly regarded restaurants and bars in Cleveland. Admission includes five drink tickets, unlimited food tastings, and live music and entertainment. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. Advance tickets are $30; get them on the website. (Niesel) clevescenetickets.com.
FRI 12/07
sports
Cavs vs. Sacramento Kings
After years of struggling to compete in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings have finally started to play some pretty good basketball this season. The team's record has hovered around .500 against quality teams like the San Antonio Spurs, the Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Kings come to the Q tonight to face the Cavs at 7:30. Consult the Cavs website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
theater
A Christmas Story
The Cleveland Play House's production of Jean Shepherd's beloved Christmas Story rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. See it tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $25 to $97. (Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., playhousesquare.org.
nightlife
MIX: Modern
The first Friday of each month, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its popular Mix at CMA party, featuring cocktails, dance and a chance to dig a little deeper into the current exhibit, which is now devoted to the works of the fiercely independent artist, Georgia O'Keefe. Tonight's theme is "Living Modern," and organizers encourage guests to come dressed in O'Keefe-inspired fashion. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. CMA members get in free. The entertainment runs from 6 to 10 p.m. See the website for more details. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
film
Museo
Museo, the new comedy thriller from director Alonso Ruizpalacios, centers on two veterinary students who break into Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology and steal several artifacts. Based on a true story, the film stars Gael Garcia Bernal. It makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 9:20 tomorrow night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
theater
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A musical based on the popular TV classic by the same name, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer features Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snowman and Yukon Cornelius in telling the story of how Rudolph became the lead reindeer thanks to his glowing nose. Tonight's performance takes place at 7 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Sunday. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
holiday happenings
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play continues today, tomorrow and Sunday at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Kids get a temporary tattoo, an activity book and the chance to expend some of their excess holiday spirit by learning about and imitating the movements of crabs, archerfish, frogs, frilled lizards and other Aquarium residents. Guests of all ages can participate in an aquarium-wide scavenger hunt and/or talk to and snap a selfie with Scuba Claus while he dives in the Aquarium's 230,000-gallon shark exhibit from 1 to 2 p.m. Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
film
Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear
Douglas Burke wrote, directed and starred in Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear, a film that has drawn comparisons to The Room, the campy cult movie that became an underground hit because of its uniquely skewed sensibilities. Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear centers on a young boy who learns to overcome his fear of surfing with a little help from his father, who appears to him as a ghost and gives him lessons. The movie screens tonight at 9:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
SAT 12/08
Holiday Happenings
Coventry Village Holiday Festival
An annual tradition, the Coventry Village Holiday Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today. Special milkshakes at Tommy's, story time at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, the Cruel Winterfest music festival at the Grog Shop and "crafty creations" at Lake Erie Ink will all be part of the festivities. The city will offer free parking too. Consult the website for times and prices. (Niesel) coventryvillage.org.
music
The Holidays with Helen!
Local jazz singer Helen Welch teams up with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra for tonight's special holiday show that will find Welch belting out Christmas classics and other seasonal favorites. The concert begins at 8 at the Hanna Theatre. Tickets start at $35. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
film
The Room
Thanks to The Disaster Artist, the James Franco movie about the making of the cult classic The Room, the film's popularity has soared. The film that features writer, director and star Tommy Wiseau screens at 10 tonight at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets are $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
family fun
Rudolph Breakfast
With Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer showing at the historic Connor Palace Theatre, Hofbräuhaus will provide a special pre-show breakfast buffet that will feature make-and-take crafts, a holiday sing-along, photo moments and an appearance by real-life reindeer. The buffet takes place at 8:30 a.m. today and at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Hofbrauhaus. (Niesel)
1550 Chester Ave., 216-621-2337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com.
SUN 12/09
fundraiser
Christmas Memories Vol. 2 Release Party
Since 2008, Parma native Eddie Tomecko, owner of Hinckley Township-based Audioworks Media, has raised money for local charities through his Good Intentions Foundation. This year, the recipient is Akron Children's Hospital. As this year's fundraiser, the organization is hosting a release party at 4 p.m. today for Christmas Memories Vol. 2, a benefit album that features musical director George Sipl. It includes contributions from Bill March of Beaucoup, guitarist Billy Sullivan, and singer-songwriter Brian Lisik and the Unfortunates, featuring Todd Rundgren alumnus Tim Longfellow. The party takes place at Baron's Hall in Parma. In addition to the $25 ticket, attendees are asked to bring an unopened children's Christmas gift that will go to kids on the hospital's cancer unit. Your ticket includes food, drinks, live entertainment and 50/50 raffles. The Christmas Memories Vol. 2 album, on CD or usb, will be available for $20. A special two-CD package, including both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 will be available for $30 while supplies last. For tickets and more information, contact Good Intentions at 440-487-7783 or [email protected]. (Niesel)
5310 Hauserman Rd., Parma, facebook.com/goodintentionsfoundation.
music
Paul Goussot
At 2 p.m. today as part of the Cleveland Museum of Arts annual Performing Arts Series, Paul Goussot from the medieval Abbey of St-Croix in Bordeaux, France, will perform. He recently won first prize for improvisation at the 26th International Organ Festival in Saint Albans. The New Orleans Cathedral provides the art museum with a channel to the great organ conservatories of Europe and provides the museum with a first look at some young stars of the organ world. The concert is free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
dance
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
An evening-length production featuring dancers, a DJ and a violinist, The Hip Hop Nutcracker puts an urban spin on the classic story. In this rendition of the classic ballet, Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Jennifer Weber, artistic director of the Brooklyn-based theatrical hip-hop dance company Decadancetheatre, directs and choreographs the show. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
film
The Hitch-Hiker
The Cleveland Museum of Art's tribute to actress Ida Lupino continues this weekend with two screenings of her 1953 film, The Hitch-Hiker. The movie centers on two fishing friends who pick up a hitchhiker who turns out to be a killer. It screens at 7 tonight and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
music
The Rough & Tumble
A couple of years ago, the Rough & Tumble's Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler sold everything they couldn't fit in Graham's sister's spare closet, quit their day jobs, admitted they were in love and bought a camper. They hit the road and haven't looked back. The folksy duo performs at 2 p.m. today at the Lakewood Public Library, where they will be playing from their most recent album, We Made Ourselves a Home When We Didn't Know. The album explores what it's like to always be home, never be home, and how to find a home — wherever and whenever you can. Admission is free. (Niesel)
15425 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-8275, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org.
MON 12/10
spoken word
Science Cafe
Tonight, and the second Monday of every month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club to talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, G. Ryan MacFarlane, a FBI supervisory special agent, will discuss how cyber criminals obtain and exploit our data. The talk is free, but bring some money for the bar and the restaurant. (Niesel) 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
nightlife
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 12/11
Fundraiser
The 10th Annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza
For the past decade, local singer-songwriter Ryan Humbert has hosted his annual Holiday Extravaganza. This year's incarnation features a 12-piece band with Humbert and longtime backup singer Emily Bates performing big band, jazz and pop standards along with rearranged versions of Humbert's original tunes. The show will raise money for Cleveland Clinic Akron General's Muffins for Mammograms program, which provides free mammograms year-round for uninsured or under-insured women throughout Northeast Ohio. The concert begins at 7:30 at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
182 South Main St.,
Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
comedy
Joe Mande
Comedian Joe Mande has written for shows like The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, and Master of None and acted on hit series such as Modern Family and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Currently touring in support of his comedy album, Bitchface, he performs tonight at 7:30 at the Grog Shop. Local comic Bill Squire opens the show. Tickets cost $16 in advance, or $20 at the door. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
