Get Out: Everything You Should Be Doing in Cleveland This Week (June 19-25)

The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen makes its way to Cleveland this month amidst lots of hype. The story centers on a high-schooler who wants to fit in at any cost and features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal). Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where it runs through June 30. Tickets start at $39. See Elaine T. Cicora's full review in this issue. (Jeff Niesel)

1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Today from 5 to 9:30 p.m., attorneys and judges will unite at House of Blues for the 11th annual Jam for Justice, a benefit concert for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Proceeds support Legal Aid's mission to "secure justice" and "resolve fundamental problems for low-income people in Northeast Ohio." Jam for Justice will feature eight bands and one DJ performing a variety of musical styles. While most of the night's musicians are in the legal profession, others are doctors, accountants and other Cleveland-area professionals. Some of the acts slated to perform include Faith & Whiskey, First Offenders, Lost Bob and the Ozone Ramblers, Out of Order, Rule 11 & the Sanctions and Six Sometimes Seven. Tickets are $50, with discount tickets available for law students and public service employees. Admission includes food and one drink ticket. (Niesel) 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, lasclev.org/2019jam.

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 St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, northunionfarmersmarket.org.

Paul Kovac's Big 'Grass Band has teamed up with the Music Settlement for two related events. First, Kovac will present an informal lecture/demo with a hands-on workshop tonight at 7 at the Music Settlement's Ohio City campus. Kovac and members of the Big 'Grass Band will discuss the origins of bluegrass music, the instrumentation, singing style and all things bluegrass. Bring your instrument for this free workshop. Then, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Paul Kovac's Big 'Grass Band will present an evening of bluegrass and play songs from their recent recording, Ohio Bluegrass: From the Appalachian Plateau, as well as traditional American bluegrass favorites. Tickets to that show cost $15. (Niesel)

2610 Detroit Ave., 216-931-0052, themusicsettlement.org.

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 Major Minors play 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., universitycircle.org.

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.

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, and there will be 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.

Comic Alonzo Bodden likes to make fun of the news, or lack thereof. "It seems Dennis Rodman is a bad diplomat," he says before talking about how it shouldn't surprise anyone that the former NBA star known for his antics and outbursts doesn't represent the country particularly well. Bodden, who has a matter-of-fact delivery is funny because his material is so sharp. His Seinfeld-like observations about everyday life are generally on the money. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $23. (Niesel)

2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

The PNC Fairfax Connection monthly speaker series continues tonight with a talk by Gregory Williams, founder of the Motown band Switch. Established in Detroit and later based in Mansfield, Switch recorded for the Motown label from 1977 to 1983. During that time, the group cut five albums and had four Top 10 hits. The band included members of the famous DeBarge musical family and Phillip Ingram (brother of the late singer-songwriter James Ingram, originally from Akron). Williams chronicles the band's history in Switch, DeBarge, Motown & Me. Today at 5 p.m. at Karamu House, he'll discuss his new book at a free talk. Then, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Switch will perform at the Goodyear Theater in Akron. Tickets start at $28. (Niesel)

2355 East 89th St., 216-795-7070, karamuhouse.org.

Time again for Edgewater Live, the Cleveland Metroparks' extremely popular series of Thursday-night happy-hour concerts held at Edgewater Beach. In addition to live musical performances, you'll find yoga, standup paddleboarding and cornhole. Those ubiquitous food trucks will be on hand, of course, and the Beach House will sell drinks and food as well. Hours are 4:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but bring some bucks for food and drink. The fun continues weekly through August 1. (Niesel)

6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway NW, clevelandmetroparks.com.

The Music Box Supper Club has partnered with the Cleveland Film Commission and Cleveland State University School of Film and Media Arts for a Film Cafe series that will offer "a fun environment for fans and other film industry pros to learn more about filmmaking from each other." Each month, a local film expert will dissect a specific topic and lead a discussion about a specific theme. The event will also serve as a networking session, and there will be food and beverage specials. Tonight, Ivan Schwarz, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC), will speak. It starts at 7 p.m., and admission is free. (Niesel)

1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

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.

"Prison is an odd place because you don't know the rules," jokes comedian Ali Sadiiq as he relays the story of how he found himself caught up in a riot one day. The funny bit, which Siddiq presents as a narrative, shows just how well the comic can bring a story to life, as he imitates others and recreates conversations he's had. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $17. (Niesel)

1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.

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., 78thstreetstudios.com.

Featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, Aida, a Disney-produced musical based on Giuseppe Verdi's 19th-century opera of the same name, comes to the Akron Civic Theatre this weekend. It centers on how a conflict between Egypt and Nubia results in a love affair between Aida and Radames, the Egyptian captain who enslaved Aida's people. Tonight's performance takes place at 7, and performances take place at 2 and 7 p.m. tomorrow as well. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)

182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.

The Burning River Fest pokes fun at one of Cleveland's not-so-proud moments while conveying the importance of preserving Northeast Ohio's freshwater sources. Created by the aptly named Burning River Foundation, the fest takes place at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. Cloud Nothings and Arlie will headline the event. Doors open at 6 tonight and tomorrow night, and the fun continues to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 for each night. All ticket and beer sales will benefit clean water initiatives in Northeast Ohio. Find all the details on the website. (Niesel) burningriverfest.org.

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.

The once-mighty Detroit Tigers again occupy the bottom half of the American League Central division as the team continues to rebuild. Superstar Miguel Cabrera still plays for the team, but the Tigers don't have much else going for them. They play the Indians tonight at 7:10 at Progressive Field, where the two teams meet again tomorrow and Sunday. Tonight is Dollar Dog Night so bring your appetite to the game. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)

2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.

Launched in France in 1982 (where it's called Fête de la Musique), Make Music Day has become an annual celebration in the States and around the world. Cleveland is one of more than 80 cities to participate. This year's event in Cleveland will include the following: an Instrument Discovery Zone and P-bone (plastic trombone) workshop at Severance Hall; an open lab and beatmaking at the Fresh Lab in Gordon Square; a reading of Sousa marches open to all instrumentalists; a side-by-side reading session with members of the Blue Water Chamber Orchestra; a performance featuring councilman Kevin Conwell and the Footprints at the VA Hospital; performances by the Paul Kovach Bluegrass Band and an open cello choir at the Bop Stop; a lunchtime performance by Thor Platter at the Rock Hall; Classical Revolution live at Bar 107 in Berea; performances by Cleveland Orchestra musicians and guest artists; and dozens of events created and hosted by local musicians and venues who meet via Make Music Day's matchmaking software. Sign up on the website, where you'll also find a full schedule of the day's events. (Niesel) makemusicday.org/cleveland.

The Owl's Legacy, a 13-part, five-and-a-half hour nonfiction film by France's cine-essayist Chris Marker (La Jetée and Sans Soleil) explores ancient Greece's lasting influence on Western civilization and culture. Made for French television and first broadcast in 1989, the film features a controversial interview with philosopher George Steiner, who angered one of the series' primary sponsors with his on-camera assertion that modern Greece has little connection to its glorious past. As a result, one of the film's financial backers suppressed the series for almost 20 years. Today at 1:45 p.m., the Art Museum screens episodes 8 to 10. At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the museum screens episodes 11 to 13. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)

11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.

Last Call Trivia presents today's special Broadway Trivia event that takes place at 7 p.m. at U.S. Bank Plaza. A special version created exclusively for Playhouse Square, the contest lasts two hours and will feature Broadway tunes between 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 one to eight players and prizes are awarded for the top three places. It's free. (Niesel)

East 14th St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.

Tonight at 9 at the Beachland Ballroom, organizers of the Myspace Emo Prom intend to turn back time to recapture what it was like to be a teenager in 2009, the time of Myspace, HotTopic and the battle of Emo vs. Ecen kids. Expect to hear tunes by bands such as Taking Back Sunday, AFI, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Hawthorne Heights. Tickets cost $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. (Niesel)

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

An annual musical celebration at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Solstice features multiple musical acts performing simultaneously on two stages. Special exhibits such as Shinto: Discovery of the Divine in Japanese Art and Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940–1950 will be open during the event, and the museum's permanent collection galleries will be open late. Guest curator, celebrated DJ and electronic musician King Britt has been tapped to organize a night of music that reflects "his extraordinary range and taste across all genres of creative music." The lineup also includes the Colombian dance group Tribu Baharú, Muslim guitarist Rafiq Bhatia, DJ RJD2, the avant garde jazz group Sun Ra Arkestra, the electronica acts Forest Management and Shigeto Live, the Haitian act Turning Jewels into Water and the New York Afro-groove act Anbessa Orchestra. It starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are sold out so the aftermarket is your best bet. (Niesel)

11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.

Clevelanders travel over the Veterans Memorial Bridge's upper motorway daily, but the lower deck (read: dark, abandoned tunnel), which hasn't been of much use to anyone since 1954 when streetcars were discontinued, is rarely shown to the public. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Cuyahoga County's Public Works Department hosts its one-day-a-year tour of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge and subway station, providing participants with the chance to see what lies beneath. The free tour is part of a series of events honoring the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River catching on fire. No reservations are required, but all participants will need to sign a release form before the tour. Also be sure to bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes and your curiosity cap. The self-guided tour begins at 2433 Superior Viaduct, the bridge's official entrance. Find maps, the release form and other information on the website. (Morrison)

publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/subway-bridge-tour.aspx.

Actor, writer and director Dax Shepard is on the road, touring the Midwest with his popular podcast Armchair Expert, which pulls into the State Theater on Playhouse Square tonight at 7:30 p.m. Like all of Shepard's podcasts, the performance will include a special guest, discussing "the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment." Tickets start at $45. (Niesel)

1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Today from noon to 5 p.m., the Rock Hall will celebrate Cleveland, water and sustainability as part of the city-wide Cuyahoga50 celebration. The local band Hey Mavis will perform, and there will be a science demonstration with the Great Lakes Science Center. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Rock Hall food trucks and the All Access Cafe. The event takes place on the Rock Hall's outdoor plaza and PNC Stage. A separate admission ticket must be purchased to tour the Rock Hall exhibits, but museum admission is free for Rock Hall members and Cleveland Residents. (Niesel)

100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.

One of 30 unique events being celebrated during Cleveland History Days, Authors Night, which takes place tonight at the Music Box Supper Club, puts the spotlight on local authors such as James Badal, Laura DeMarco, John Grabowski, and Lauren Pacini, who'll speak about their work. Doors open at 5 p.m., and there will be a special prix fixe dinner menu. Admission is free. (Niesel)

1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

Earlier this year, the last-place Kansas City Royals swept the Tribe in Kansas City. Expect the Indians to be better prepared to take on the lowly Royals for this three-game series that begins with tonight's game. First pitch is at 7:10, and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)

2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.

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.

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 St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.

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.

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.