WED 01/23
Spoken word
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. Through it, the folks at Music Box Supper Club hope to raise awareness of the mission of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center. The goal of the Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is to "bring to life some of the fun, interesting stories about Cleveland's past — from sports, to rock 'n' roll, to Millionaires' Row," as it's put in a press release. Admission is free, with no cover charge, although a prix fixe dinner, designed to complement the night's theme, is $20. Tonight, sportswriter Dan Coughlin will talk about the most outlandish people he's known during the course of his career. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
lecture
An Evening with Claudia Rankine
As part of Case Western Reserve University's Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities lecture series, poet Claudia Rankine will read from her new book, Citizen: An American Lyric, a book about "mounting aggressions in ongoing encounters in 21st century daily life and in the media." The event takes place at 7:30 tonight at the Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma-Snow Branch. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2121 Snow Rd., Parma, 216-661-4240, cuyahogalibrary.org.
CATEGORY
An Iliad
With An Iliad, the Cleveland Play House takes on Homer's classic story, and the theatrical rendition of the epic narrative will feature "vivid storytelling" and live cello as two women transform a bare stage into a "raging battlefield where gods, heroes, and empires clash in a quest for vengeance and glory." Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through Feb. 3. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Comedy
Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss
Since they both change our perceptions of the world, standup comedy and science have plenty in common. That's something that comedian Shane Mauss exploits with his podcast Here We Are. Tonight, Mauss brings his Stand Up Science show to Hilarities. The show won't be your typical standup comedy concert. Mauss will start the night with a set on "brainy topics" and then hand the stage over to his guests. At the end of the night, Mauss will bring the guests back onstage and host a Q&A and interactive discussion. Guests for the Hilarities show include Jeremy Genovese, Liz Blanc and Andrew B. Slifkin. An Associate Professor of Human Development and Educational Psychology at Cleveland State University, Genovese specializes in things like cognitive evolution, the Flynn Effect, memory improvement, behavioral learning theory, evolutionary psychology, the psychology of belief, and the cognitive effects of meditation and yoga. A local comedian, Blanc has performed all over the Midwest. Slifkin is currently an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Cleveland State University where he studies understanding motor control processes in health and in disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis). The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
THU 01/24
comedy
Capone
Comedian Derrick "Capone" Lee served nine months in jail in the early '90s, He successfully left that life behind, however, when he turned to comedy. He performed for the first time ever at Columbia University and hasn't looked back. His material often centers on subjects such as racism and social inequality. Capone has shared the stage with big-name comics such as Mike Epps and Tracey Morgan. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv and has shows scheduled at the club through Sunday. Tickets start at $12. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
comedy
Erik Griffin
A regular contributor to the hit TV comedy Workaholics, Erik Griffin plays cubical co-worker Montez Walker, a friend of three drugged-out party idiots. Montez often interrupts their grand schemes while telling them all about the explicit sexual acts he performs with his wife. Griffin has also released the comedy album Technical Foul Volume One. Indie/punk label SideOneDummy Records put it out, making it the label's first comedy album. Griffin performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where shows continue through Saturday. Tickets start at $23. (William Hoffman)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
sports
Monsters vs. Chicago Wolves
For all non-holiday weekday games, the Cleveland Monsters will offer a special Hockey Hoppy Hour promotion. Starting at just $11, the ticket includes a lower-level ticket and a beverage. Tonight at 7, the team faces off against the Chicago Wolves at the Q. The two teams play again at 7 on Saturday when it's Cleveland Heroes Rock day. The game will honor everyone from parents to first responders, and the first 10,000 fans will receive a Cleveland Heroes Rock T-shirt. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
FRI 01/25
Sports
Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat used to have a rivalry that stemmed from the fact that Cavs star LeBron James once took his talents to South Beach. But now that James plays for the Lakers, those days are over. And given that the Cavs occupy the cellar of the Eastern Conference, this game will likely go to the Heat, a team vying for a playoff space. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Check the Cavs site for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Food + Drink
Cleveland Winter Beerfest
An annual event that takes place each January at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, the Cleveland Winter Beerfest will feature hundreds of beers from more than 120 breweries. The event takes place at 8 tonight and tomorrow night. The $55 ticket includes 25 samples in a 5oz. souvenir acrylic mug. VIP tickets are also available, and they include early admission to the event. Some of the proceeds benefit the Music Education Society and its mission to support music programs in underfunded schools. (Niesel)
300 Lakeside Ave.,
family fun
International Motorcycle Show
Spring is still a couple of months away, but it's never too early to think about getting the bike out of storage or — even better — buying a new ride. All the local motorcycle dealers will show off their newest products at this annual event, which starts today and continues through Sunday at the I-X Center. Even if you're not shopping for a bike, there's plenty to do and see. Today's hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Check the website for Saturday and Sunday's schedule and for more information, including ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 I-X Center Drive, 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.
SAT 01/26
music
Harpeth Rising
Harpeth Rising, a group featuring three classically trained musicians uses three-part vocal harmonies reminiscent of both Appalachia and Medieval Europe. The group uses cello, violin and banjo and draws from Newgrass, rock and classical. The three musicians have degrees from respected institutions like Indiana University, Oberlin and Eastman School of Music. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series, tonight's concert starts at 8 at the Happy Days Lodge. Consult the Cuyahoga Valley National Park website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909,
comedy
Sebastian Maniscalco
Sebastian Maniscalco puts a second-generation twist on everything he talks about, and it's pretty funny. He observes how 50 years ago, his Italian mom would save a cake "just for visitors" and leave the crap muffins for the family to eat. Nowadays, his mother cusses and pulls out a sword every time the doorbell rings. You won't ever catch this guy playing basketball because Italians "don't play sports" in America. Give him a meatball sandwich instead, and he'll paint your whole ceiling. You'll feel right at home if you happen to come from an Italian family; but even if you don't, this guy's observations are hilariously spot-on. He performs tonight at 7 and 9 at Connor Palace in Playhouse Square, where he also performs tomorrow night at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $46 to $68. (Liz Trenholme)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
food
North Union Indoor Farmers Market
Until March 30, the North Union Indoor Farmers Market will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Crocker Park. Local farmers and bakers will be on hand to sell seasonal greens and vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and bakery items. The market is located at 228 Market Street between the Gap and Cyclebar. Though Crocker Park is home to just about every national retail chain you think of, Comet Alley, which is located between Yard House and Hyatt Place Hotel, features locally owned businesses and shops that'll appeal to anyone with a "shop local" approach. (Niesel) Continues through March 30.
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
music
Tri-C High School Rock Off
When the annual High School Rock Off launched some 20 years ago at the Odeon, the promoters at the locally based Belkin Productions (now Live Nation) saw it as a way to reach out to area high schools and provide the kind of outlet that students might not have. Two decades later, the event, now held at the Rock Hall, continues to thrive. Thirty-six bands will participate in this year's competition. A total of 147 band members, including six solo artists, will represent 64 schools Three performance rounds will take place at the Rock Hall, leading up to the Final Exam that takes place on Saturday, Feb. 16 when the 2019 Best Band in the Land will be awarded by music and entertainment industry judges. Prizes include three scholarships to study in the Creative Arts program at Cuyahoga Community College. PNC Bank will help high school seniors launch their careers in music by providing the scholarships. Tonight's competition takes place at 6, and tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
SUN 01/27
Music
Following the Crumbs
An American cartoonist and musician, R. Crumb displays a nostalgia for American folk culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in his artwork and music. He also effectively satirizes contemporary American culture. Crumb is truly an American original. Today, Roots of American Music (ROAM) will honor the man with Following the Crumbs, a free tribute concert that takes place at 5 p.m. at the 78th Street Studios. Crumb's early career began at American Greetings, which was located in what is now the 78th Street Studios. Singer-songwriter Tim Easton will headline, and opening acts include locals such as the SpYder Stompers, Sugar Pie and Brent Kirby. As part of the event, Easton will record earlier in the day at the locally based Earnest Tube using direct-to-lacquer technology. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St.,
film
More Art Upstairs
An unusual international art competition, ArtPrize takes place every fall in Grand Rapids. More Art Upstairs, a new documentary from Jody Hassett Sanchez, focuses on the way the festival essentially takes the town over and draws audience members from all over the country. It makes its local debut today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it screens again at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
film
Time Remembered
Tonight at 6, the Bop Stop pays tribute to jazz great Bill Evans with a screening of the documentary film Time Remembered. The movie covers the artist's entire life and chronicles the time he spent playing with Miles Davis. Following the screening, the David Thompson Trio will perform music composed by Evans. Tickets cost $15. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
film
The Wizard of Oz
Fathom Events kicks off its 2019 TCM Big Screen Classics series today with special screenings of The Wizard of Oz in honor of the movie's 80th anniversary. The classic film will play on nearly 700 movie screens nationwide. Screenings of the film, which stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton and Billie Burke, will take place at area theaters today, Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 30. Consult the Fathom Events website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
MON 01/28
film
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)
TUE 01/29
sports
Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have had a disappointing season so far and appear like they might miss the playoffs. With John Wall and Bradley Beal, they have a great tandem of guards, but they also play some of the worst defense in the league. And yet, the Wizards still have a much better record than the lowly Cavs. The two teams face off at 7 p.m. at the Q. Check the Cavs website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
