WED 02/27
Family fun
Cleveland Auto Show
Featuring concept, pre-production and production vehicles from many of the world's top auto manufacturers, the Cleveland Auto Show returns to the I-X Center. The massive event occupies nearly 1.2-million square feet and features exhibits, vehicle giveaways and a classic car competition. Today's hours are 5 to 10 p.m., and the show continues through Sunday. Consult the website for a complete schedule. Tickets cost $14 for adults. Parking is free. (Jeff Niesel)
1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, clevelandautoshow.com.
music
Disney's DCappella
A new a cappella group that features seven world-class vocalists, DCappella comes to Connor Palace tonight on its first North American tour. Created by Disney and contemporary a cappella icon Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect, The Sing Off), the tour is designed to appeal to fans of both Disney and the a cappella art form. Expect to hear a cappella versions of Disney hits. The show starts at 7:30, and tickets cost $35 to $55. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Theater
Hay Fever
Hay Fever, a popular play from British playwright Noël Coward, focuses on a retired actress, her novelist husband and their family. A relaxing weekend retreat goes south when the family and their guests get tangled up in theatrical games that "bring out the worst in this dysfunctional team of players." The Cleveland Play House offers its take on the play tonight at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre. Performances continue through March 10. Tickets cost $15. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
film
North By Northwest
A classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller, North by Northwest centers on a New York advertising executive who finds himself caught in a "web of intrigue and murder." He must travel across the country to prove his innocence to the police and elude an evil crime syndicate. The movie screens tonight at 7 at the Capitol Theatre as part of the theater's Happy Hour Classic Film Series. Admission includes a complimentary cocktail or soft drink and light appetizers an hour prior to the film's start time. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
music
A Place For Me: Cleveland's Music Industry
Panelists including Angelita "DJ Misses" Owens (an on-air mixer for Cleveland's Z.107.9 and Cincinnati's 101.1 the Wiz), R Rohnesha M. Horne (marketing director for Radio One) and Quincy "Big Heff" Taylor (Def Jam Records & VP of Nerve DJs) will be at the Rock Hall for tonight's program, dubbed A Place For Me: Cleveland's Music Industry. It's yet another special Rock Hall program that's part of the annual Black History Month celebration. It starts at 5 p.m. Admission is free with a RSVP. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
comedy
Jim Tews
A former Clevelander, comedian and writer Jim Tews, the man behind The New York Times' best-selling Felines of New York, is a rising star in the comedy world. He made his standup television debut on Last Comic Standing and was one of 2011's "New Faces" at the Just For Laughs Montreal comedy fest. Tews also recently created, co-wrote and starred in a web series about "a sociophobic Weezer cover band." As if that weren't enough for his resume, the prolific Tews also created the HBO Labs' web series The Opener and has directed a feature-length documentary about Cleveland's independent comedy scene. Tews performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, as well as on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
film
Wings of Desire
Earlier this month, Swiss actor Bruno Ganz, who stars in Wings of Desire, Wim Wenders' beautiful 1987 film about an angel who wants to become human, died in Switzerland at age 78. To pay tribute, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque hosts a special screening of the film at 7 tonight. The film, which co-stars Peter Falk and has English subtitles, will be shown in a new 4-K digital restoration. Tickets cost $11, or $8 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
theater
Witness for the Prosecution
In Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution, Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The play centers on the attempt to untangle the truth. The Great Lakes Theatre offers its take on the suspenseful thriller tonight at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre. Performances continue through March 10. Tickets are $15 to $75. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 02/28
comedy
Dominique
Comedian Dominique thinks about the weighty things in life: what her funeral will be like and what Jesus would want her to do in certain situations. She learned in church to pray about things that bothered her her and then let them go — so that's exactly what she did when she got that big credit card bill in the mail! Dominique tells it like it is, and that's why she's funny. She performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where she has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $17 to $20. (Liz Trenholme)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
theater
The Importance of Being Earnest
The CSU Department of Theatre & Dance offers its take on Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, "a trivial comedy for serious people." The play uses humor to address issues of identity and relationships and employs mistaken identities, plot twists and "madcap action." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre. Performances continue through March 3. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Comedy
Moshe Kasher & Natasha Leggero
Once a frequent guest on Chelsea Lately, comic Natasha Leggero is famous for hilariously mocking hip-hop culture and has had roles in a variety of films, including He's Just Not That Into You. "Here's my problem with hip-hop," she jokes. "Everything about the song that's catchy has been stolen from somewhere." Born in Rockford, Illinois, she received her B.A. in theater criticism and then moved to Hollywood. Along with fellow comic and hubby Moshe Kasher, she performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where she has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $20 to $25. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
music
King Records Exhibit Opening
Bassist extraordinaire Bootsy Collins will appear at an event tonight that celebrates the opening of King Records: Thirty Years That Changed American Music 1943-1973, a new exhibit on display at the Rock Hall Library & Archives on the Tri-C main campus. Collins got his start as a session player at King Records. R&B icon James Brown first heard him and then recruited him into his backing band, the J.B.s. From 1943 to 1971, King Records and its subsidiaries revolutionized the ways popular music was recorded, manufactured, distributed and promoted. The exhibit chronicles that history, and tonight's event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. (Niesel)
2809 Woodland Ave., 216-515-1956, library.rockhall.com.
sports
Monsters vs. Laval Rocket
Tonight at 7 at the Q, the Monsters kick off a two-game series against the Laval Rocket. The $11 Monsters Hockey Hoppy Hour ticket for tonight's game includes a lower-level ticket and a beverage. The two teams play again tomorrow at 7 p.m., for "1-2-3 Friday": enjoy $1 Pepsi products, $2 Sugardale hot dogs and $3 select beer specials. Those tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
music
Open Mic Night/Live Band Karaoke
Every Thursday, Stella's Music Club 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.
music
Stravinsky's Petrushka
Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra takes on Stravinsky's ballet score Petrushka. Set at a winter's town fair, the piece centers on a puppet who tries to find true love. Tonight's concert will also feature Eötvös' Seven, composed as a memorial for the astronauts who died in NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, which happened Feb. 1, 2003. Eric Charnofsky, a music instructor at Case Western Reserve University, gives the pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. There's a repeat performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices are on the website. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
FRI 03/01
music + film
At the Movies: Rebel Without a Cause
The Library of Congress declares the James Dean flick Rebel Without a Cause to be "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant," and the 1955 American drama gave Dean one of his best roles. Tonight at 8, the Cleveland Orchestra will play Leonard Rosenman's angst-ridden score live, to accompany the film. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
food
Fish Fry Fridays
Now in its 13th year, Prosperity Social Club's Lenten fish fry takes place today and every Friday through April 18. Chef Ed Kubitz will prep more than 2,000 fried fish meals for the event. To meet the demand, the kitchen will open at 11 a.m. on Fridays and serve the fish specials until midnight. Lunch-only specials include the Minnow (two pieces of beer-battered haddock and slaw) and a fish sandwich (with lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun). The most popular menu item features flaky haddock, homemade slaw, house tartar sauce and mac 'n' cheese. There's even a supersized version that adds a cup of chowder and two potato pierogi with caramelized onions and a dollop of sour cream. Dubbed Gotta Haddock, the ultimate fish fry can be paired with a beer from Sibling Revelry Brewing that goes by the same name. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
theater
Flanagan's Wake
Flanagan's Wake transports the audience to an Irish wake where villagers tell tales and sing songs for their dearly departed Flanagan. Finding the humor in life and death, the wake acts as a dark backdrop to an otherwise hilarious show in which alcohol fuels the humorous reminiscing. Sort of like a tragic Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, the interactive and improvised show engages the entire audience. Tonight's show starts at 8 and repeats tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Performances continue weekends through April 27. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
film
Hochelaga, Land of Souls
Hochelaga, Land of Souls, the new movie from François Girard, the director of The Red Violin and Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould, was Canada's official entry for the 2018 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. A lavish, multi-episode historical drama, it dramatizes the centuries-long struggle for the land that would become Montreal by excavating under a football stadium to show recreations of the battles that were fought there. The movie features a score by Gyan and Terry Riley; it screens at 7 tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
comedy
Demetri Martin
A guy with a dry sense of humor who caught a big break when he nailed down a regular slot on The Daily Show, Demetri Martin has worked as a standup comic for more than 20 years now. On The Daily Show, he served as a the "senior youth correspondent" and hosted a segment called "Trendsetting." He's released a handful of albums and has appeared in a number of films. Last year, he put out the Netflix special Demetri Martin: The Overthinker. Martin performs tonight at 8 at the Agora Theatre. Tickets start at $39.50. (Niesel)
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Dance party
Mix: Bailemos
Tonight at Mix, the party that takes place the first Friday of every month at the Cleveland Museum of Art, we dance! Forms such as salsa and merengue evolved from the "blending of vibrant and intricate dances of indigenous peoples across Latin America with African and European dance traditions." DJ Flaco Flash, Papo Ruiz y la Dulzura de la Salsa, Viva Dance Studio, Tony Fresh, and Tropical Cleveland will be on hand to show how those traditions have evolved. It all starts at 6. Tickets cost $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Admission is free for art museum members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
film
Short.Sweet.Film Fest
A few years ago, local film aficionado Michael Suglio was watching a few bands play at Now That's Class when he realized that hosting a film festival in an informal, club-like atmosphere was a good idea. In 2012, he successfully launched his Short.Sweet.Film Fest at Ohio City's Market Garden Brewery. It has since migrated to the Alex Theatre, where it returns this weekend. A slew of shorts will screen over the three-day period (you can find a complete schedule online). Many of the directors will be on hand to answer questions during short sessions that'll be held after their films' screenings. Doors open tonight at 6:30. Tickets are $25 to $150. (Niesel) 2017 East Ninth Street, 216-239-1200, alextheatercleveland.com.
SAT 03/02
sports
Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
Right before the All-Star break, the Cavs played two really good games. They hung on to beat the New York Knicks and then lost to a really good Brooklyn Nets team in triple overtime. Perhaps after all the trades, the team has started to gel. It goes up against the Detroit Pistons today at 5 p.m. at the Q and then takes on the Orlando Magic tomorrow at 6 p.m. Consult the arena's website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
spring carnival
Cleveland Kurentovanje
Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) is evidently the most popular carnival in Slovenia. The central figure, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers. (The Kurent, by the way, is like something freakish and mammalian out of Parade the Circle: a massive sheepskin creature with bells and beads and all sorts of birdlike, pagan-inspired ornamentation.) The Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Superior Development Corp. and Sterle's Country House partnered with local businesses and institutions to bring a piece of this cultural festival to the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood. It starts today with a 5-K run at 10 a.m. at East 64th Street and St. Clair Avenue. A parade follows at noon. It's free. (Sam Allard)
music
Cleveland's 2019 Brazilian Carnaval
Tropical Cleveland's annual Brazilian Carnaval is reportedly one of the largest and most authentic carnaval celebrations in the Great Lakes area. The group aims to "bring together Brazilians and people from all over the world as one to experience this electrifying yearly event." It all goes down at 9:30 tonight at the Music Box Supper Club. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
film
Clue
A box office dud when it was originally released, Clue, a movie based upon the board game of the same name, has become a cult classic. It centers on a group of oddball characters who gather at an old Victorian mansion to play a good old-fashioned game of "whodunit." It screens at 9:30 and midnight tonight, and tomorrow night at 7, at the Cedar Lee Theatre. It's part of the Late Shift series that features cult classics. Tonight's 9:30 screening will also feature a live floor show courtesy of Simply His Servants. Tickets cost $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
comedy
The Festival of Laughs
A comedy tour featuring featuring Sommore, George Wallace, Tommy Davidson, Earthquake, Tony Rock and Guy Torry, the Festival of Laughs offers some of today's best comics. The tour comes to Connor Palace tonight. Sommore will host, and Earthquake will close the show. It all starts at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $55.50 to $104.50. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
drink
Mardi Gras Bar Crawl
Today at 2 p.m., the Warehouse District hosts what it's calling Cleveland's "official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl." Patrons will receive custom beads at every bar, a special Hurricane cup they can use for drink specials and a Mardi Gras mask. Tickets cost $20 in advance, or $30 at the door; register through the website. (Niesel)
whd.wheedleapp.com/event/barcardigras.
Arty party
Mardi Gras Party
BayArts celebrates Mardi Gras tonight at 7 p.m., with a special party that features New Orleans-inspired food and libations, music by the Zydeco Kings, a Second-Line parade, and masks — all in the new Hearth Room of the BayArts' Playhouse. Your $55 tickets help benefit the Playhouse renovation. Purchase them on the website. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
food
North Union Indoor Farmers Market
Until March 30, the North Union Indoor Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Crocker Park. Local farmers, makers and bakers will be on hand to sell seasonal greens and vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and bakery items. The market is held at 228 Market St., between the Gap and Cyclebar. Afterward, check out Comet Alley, which sits between Yard House and Hyatt Place Hotel: You'll find locally owned businesses and shops that'll appeal to a "shop local" mentality. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
film
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.
Theater
Shen Yun
The visually dazzling Shen Yun is a truly unique performance troupe that brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical folk and story-based dance. Shen Yun was founded in 2006 to revive ancient Chinese culture, which had been nearly destroyed by the Chinese communist government. Now with six companies, Shen Yun has given more than 500 performances in over 150 cities around the world. Expect beautiful, vibrant costumes and exotic music you won't hear anywhere else. Performances take place at 2 and 7 p.m. today and at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the State Theatre. Tickets are $80 to $180. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
wrestling
WWE Next Live
WWE Live Wrestling tours the globe with brands such as Raw, Smackdown and WWE NXT. Tonight, WWE NXT comes to the Agora. Expect to see up-and-coming wrestlers strut their stuff. It all begins at 7:30 and tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
SUN 03/03
music
Ed Caner with Members of Hey Mavis
Violinist/fiddler and founding member of Hey Mavis, Ed Caner often invites guest musicians to perform with him, and tonight he'll share the stage with other members of Hey Mavis. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park concert series, the performance starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Hines Hill Conference Center. Check the Conservancy website for more info. (Niesel)
1403 West Hines Hill Rd., Peninsula, 216-479-8611, conservancyforcvnp.org.
comedy
John Crist
Over the course of his career, comedian John Crist's videos have amassed more than 150 million views. Epics such as "Millenial International," "Road Rage in the Church Parking Lot" and "Signs You Grew Up Christian" have all gone viral. In one bit, he suggests using "racially neutral" baby names just to keep people from making assumptions. "My name is John and I asked my parents about why they named me John. They said it was because it was a Bible name, and they thought that would make me a good kid. That's not true. I'm pretty sure that in sixth grade a kid named Jesus stole my bike." Crist performs tonight at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Tickets start at $28.50. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
film
Salvador Dalí: In Search of Immortality
Directed by David Pujol, Salvador Dalí: In Search of Immortality traces the life and work of visionary painter Salvador Dali. The film covers the years 1929 — when Dali joins the Surrealists — to his death in 1989. The doc includes interviews with the man as well as rare videos. Presented by the Cleveland Museum of Art, it screens at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $12, or $9 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
MON 03/04
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 03/05
film
Marquise
Directed by Vera Belmont, Marquise stars Sophie Marceau as an impoverished but attractive dancer and actress who rises from obscurity to become the favorite of King Louis XIV, Molière and Racine. Jordi Savall did the music for this French comedy-drama that's set during the 17th century. Today at 1:45 p.m., the Cleveland Museum of Art shows the revival premiere of the movie. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
theater
School of Rock
A popular musical based on the comedic film that starred Jack Black as a rock 'n' roll-obsessed music instructor, School of Rock comes to Connor Palace after a successful run on Broadway. The plot centers on Dewey Finn and his attempts to train his students to play together in a "guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30; shows continue through March 24. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
CATEGORY
Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has described his 1,350-square-foot music-focused bar in the Hingetown 'hood as "a place where people can expect to hear and learn about music of multiple genres, all of which is concentrated in a constantly evolving jukebox." The club hosts a vinyl night every Tuesday that serves as a listening party for new releases, partnering with Loop in Tremont, so patrons can hear a new album on vinyl. You can bring your own vinyl and spin it too. It all starts at 5 p.m. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
CATEGORY
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. Bring your friends and family and make Movie Mondays a weekly tradition — many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile), clevelandcinemas.com.
CATEGORY
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. DJ Kris Koch offers 20-minute slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. Turntables are provided; you can play three to five songs during your time slot; and a mic is available to talk about the selections. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
