WED 06/26
Dear Evan Hansen
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 performances run through June 30. Tickets start at $39. (Jeff Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Chris Franjola
Best known for his appearances on late-night's Chelsea Lately, where he was known to take abuse from host Chelsea Handler, or in the scripted comedy series After Lately, comedian Chris Franjola regularly works the standup circuit. "My material is basically anything I can't say on TV," he once said. Expect a raunchy show when he performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 and $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
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)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Rock the Lead Out
The Ohio Student Association has teamed up with the Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) to host Rock the Lead Out: A Lead-Safe Housing Fundraising Concert. The event takes place at 8 tonight at Mahall's 20 Lanes in Lakewood. CLASH is in the midst of collecting signatures for local legislation that would require that all city rental properties and day care center buildings built before 1978 be tested for lead hazards and certified as "lead safe" by 2021. Local groups Bonnie Clydeman, Taylor Lamborn, the Alyssa Boyd Quartet and Evan Bloom will perform at the event. They'll likely play some appropriate Clash cover songs in honor of the organization's namesake, and there will be live painters, an art show, raffles, tarot card readings, mini-massages and more. The $5 admission underwrites the printing of petition booklets, supports the legal services required to run the campaign, and increases the outreach potential for the campaign. (Niesel)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
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, Jen & Anthony 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
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 food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 06/27
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 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.
Can't Stop the Music
As part of its Pride Month film series, the Capitol Theatre will screen Can't Stop the Music, a film that stars Caitlyn Jenner, Steve Guttenberg, Valerie Perrine and the Village People. Billed as "one of the gayest screen musicals of all time," it shows tonight at 7:30, and tickets cost $9.75. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Edgewater Live
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.
GlamGore Monthly Drag Show
Each month, GlamGore, a monthly drag show at the Grog Shop, features a variety of performance artists under one roof. The shows feature everything from "beauty queens" to "drag monsters." Anhedonia Delight hosts, and performers include Aurora Thunder, Dr. Lady J Martinez, Carly Uninemclite and Bea Brat. The theme of June's show is Ahhh! Queer Monsters, and tickets cost $10, or $12 for VIP tickets that give you early access to the Grog starting at 8 p.m. along with a special photo opportunity/meet-and-greet with the cast. For general admission ticket holders, the doors open at 8:30 p.m. DJ Zoë Lapin will man the turntables. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Sister Act
A musical comedy smash based on the hit film of the same name, Sister Act features original music by Tony- and Oscar-winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors). Hilarity ensues when an eyewitnesses to a murder is put in protective custody in a convent. Tonight's performance takes place at 8 at the Akron Civic Theatre, and performances continue through Saturday. Tickets cost $20. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Dan Soder
His natural delivery is what makes standup comic Dan Soder so funny. Add to that his spot-on impressions — like when he jokes about his grandmother casually discussing death or the random interactions he has with strangers — and you have one entertaining entertainer. The veteran funny guy has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer, The Half Hour and Conan. You can see him tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $23. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
The Great Love Debate
Hosted by director and producer Brian Howie, the author of How to Find Love in 60 Seconds and the subject of features on FOX, ABC and CNN, the popular podcast The Great Love Debate comes to the Music Box Supper Club tonight. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Tower of Power
At noon today, just prior to their performance at Tri-C Jazz Fest, the iconic soul group Tower of Power will come to the Rock Hall for an interview on the Rock Hall's PNC Rock Hall Live Stage. The band will talk about the songs that inspired and influenced its music, and the event will also include a brief horn performance. It's free, but if you want to tour the museum, you'll have to pay the admission fee. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
FRI 06/28
Blues Musicians of the Mississippi Delta
Local photographer Steve Mannheim will be at Mac's Backs Books on Coventry tonight from 6 to 7 to sign copies of his new book, Blues Musicians of the Delta. The book includes photos of the late, great Robert Lockwood Jr. Blues guitarist Tim Matson, a guy who began his career with the Mr. Stress Blues Band and has played with Aces & Eights, Natural Facts, Becky Boyd, and the Supernatural Band with Anthony Lovano, will perform. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1820 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-2665, macsbacks.com.
Euclid Beach Live
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.
Corey Holcomb
After debuting at an open mic night in 1992, comedian Corey Holcomb has gone on to take top honors at numerous comedy festivals, along with appearing at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and the Chicago Comedy Festival. A physical comedian, Holcomb has said he practices his "stage faces." He speaks with candor about romantic relationships, admitting that "sensitive people" might find his jokes offensive, but that "confident people" will like him just fine. Recently, Holcomb appeared in the film Think Like A Man Too and Adult Swim's TV series Black Jesus. He performs at 7:30 and 10 tonight at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $30. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Matt Johnson's Dueling Piano Fiasco!
Judging from the YouTube videos of pianist Matt Johnson's dueling piano concerts, it's safe to say the guy caters to bachelor and bachelorette parties. He can easily break into Journey's "Don't Stop Believing'" and then segue into Billy Joel's "The Piano Man," which he tends to alter with a few of his own ribald lyrics. Expect rowdy sing-alongs and a boisterous performance. Matt Johnson's Dueling Piano Fiasco! takes place tonight and tomorrow night at 8 at MGM Northfield Park's Neon Room. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Radicle Clothing Company Exhibit
Created by Akron natives Kinsey Sandford and Robin Berry, who seek to "connect, uplift, and empower others in the Akron community and beyond through compelling messaging, artistic apparel and accessories, and engaging content on their website, blog, and social media outlets," Radicle Clothing Co. has collaborated with Lululemon Akron to bring a community and connection focused art experience to Akron's westside throughout the months of July and August. An opening reception takes place at 5:30 p.m. today at the Lululemon Akron showroom. Some never-before-seen items will be on display, and refreshments will be served. Framed design concepts, full-color designs and original photography will be available for purchase. (Niesel)
1711 West Market St., Akron, radicleclothingco.com.
Stiv DVD Release Party with Frank Secich Lords of the Highway, Make It Stop, The Legendary X_X
Punk pioneer Stiv Bators left behind a remarkable legacy in the wake of his untimely death in 1990. Bators, who sang with acts such as the Dead Boys and Lords of the New Church, is the subject of Stiv, a new documentary by Danny Garcia (The Rise and Fall of the Clash, Looking for Johnny, Sad Vacation). The film had a theatrical release last year; it arrives on DVD today. Acts such as Lords of the Highway, Make It Stop and X_X are slated to perform, and the film will screen at midnight. It's all happening at the Beachland Tavern. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
This Magnificent Cake!
Filmmaker Barry Jenkins has said that This Magnificent Cake!, a stop-motion animation flick directed by Marc James Roels and Emma De Swaef, was the best movie he saw last year. Featuring five interconnected stories of colonial Africa — all set in the Belgian Congo during the late 19th century — the film received acclaim when it screened at major film festivals. It makes its local debut at 7 tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Two animated shorts, Niki Lindroth von Bahr's 17-minute film The Burden and Roels and de Swaef's 14-minute Oh Willy ..., will also screen. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Tri-C JazzFest Outdoor Festival
The 40th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland hits Playhouse Square today, and in addition to the ticketed events, there will be free performances from 3 p.m. to midnight today and tomorrow at Playhouse Square. A jury of music industry professionals vetted more than 100 bands while putting together the lineup. The chosen bands represent a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, blues, reggae and swamp pop. Acts such as Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Mike Cady Experience, the Airmen of Note, Rachel Brown & the Beatnik Playboys, Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band, Red Light Roxy, Bobby Selvaggio Quartet and Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta are slated to play. A happy hour with discounted drinks takes place on the plaza at 5 p.m. today. The night will also feature street performers, the Cleveland Museum of Art's Parade the Circle puppets and line dancing. Other free outdoor activities at the festival include the U.S. Bank Kids Club, cooking demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, games, the Chemical Bank Jazz Talk Tent with artist interviews and a morning yoga session. (Niesel)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 06/29
Chardon Love Fest
Chardon Love Fest, an annual open-air music festival, will return to the historic Chardon Square in Chardon today for its ninth consecutive year. The free festival will kick off at noon, and it'll feature 20 bands, including acts such as Steve Wright, Brandon Postman, Olivia Martinez, Lucky is the Lion, Chloe and the Steel Strings, and Thor Platter. A nonprofit organization, Love Fest aims to "give a stage to the up-and-coming heroes of the next generation of music." In addition to live music, the festival will also feature a special gallery in the Heritage House with art from across Northeast Ohio. Installations and interactive pieces will be scattered throughout the square, and there will be activities for all ages, including a yoga tent and painting classes. There will be nearly 35 vendors and booths featuring local artists, crafts and local nonprofits. The festival also features local food trucks and pop-up kitchens. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert
At 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night at Blossom, the Cleveland Orchestra will perform John Williams' score to the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The concert kicks off this year's Blossom Music Festival and, as usual, the Cleveland Orchestra's "Under 18s Free" program will be in effect to encourage families to attend. Consult the orchestra website for more info. (Niesel)
1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Member and Donor Appreciation Day
Today from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, members and donors can select a time to view the Rock Hall's new interactive Garage exhibit and participate in an entire day of programming, tours and more. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Waterloo Arts Fest
The 17th annual Waterloo Arts Fest returns to Collinwood today and takes place from noon to 7 p.m. It'll feature more than 40 local bands playing a great mix of music, and there will be local handmade art vendors, food trucks, and innovative and interactive art experiences for all ages. This community event is produced by Waterloo Arts, a nonprofit art center whose mission is to enrich the neighborhood by creating a stimulating arts environment through exhibits, performances, special events, and educational programming for people of all ages. It takes place on Waterloo Road between Calcutta Avenue and East 161st Street. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
SUN 06/30
Chasing Portraits
In Chasing Portraits, director Elizabeth Rynecki documents the journey she took as she set out to find the long-dispersed paintings by her Polish great-grandfather who lived in Warsaw prior to his death in the Holocaust. She refers to the paintings as if they were "family members" in the moving film. It screens at 1:30 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Edgewater Fest
The Edgewater Street Fest that takes place from noon to 7 p.m. today on Clifton Blvd between West 115th and West 117th St. will feature free art, music, activities and food. The large stage at West 117th will feature performances from Leaf Borbie & the Family Tree, Daddy Longlegs Homegrown Revival, the Benjaminz and Lounge Kitty. All-ages entertainment includes free hand-lettering and painting workshops, a roller skating rink, drum circles and more. Admission is free. (Niesel)
cudell.com/edgewater-street-fest.
Liberty Rocks
The pop-punk band Plain White T's will headline Liberty Rocks, Crocker Park's annual Independence Day music fest. The event takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. today. Liberty Rocks will feature activities, a beer garden and food trucks. Acts such Funk Worthy, Front Porch Lights and St. Edward High School Trash Talkers will all perform in addition to Plain White T's. Since forming in 1997 in the Chicago area, Plain White T's have released a number of popular singles, and the group released its newest album, Parallel Universe, last year. Next to the main stage, Vendor Village will feature an array of exhibitors including Graffiti HeART, Lake Erie Crushers, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns and St. Helen's Unicycle group as well as family-friendly entertainment like stilt walkers, face painters, jugglers and more. Admission to Liberty Rocks is free, and parking will be available in the main garages for $10. A portion of the parking and beer garden proceeds will benefit University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
Mad Hatters Gin & Tea Party
Today from 1 to 4 p.m. at the EY Penthouse, Extremely Social presents a special Mad Hatters Gin & Tea Party. According to a press release, the event will feature "tantalizing cocktails and teatime mayhem." Part of the Ernest and Young building on the East Bank of the Flats, the EY Penthouse overlooks the city and features great views. The event will "take you on a adventure down the rabbit hole and into a garden of magic." The $20 ticket includes four drink tokens to be used at any of the specialty cocktail stations, small bites, and entertainment. The event is 21 and over. (Niesel) 950 Main Ave., eventbrite.com/e/mad-hatter-gin-tea-party-tickets-63068759357.
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 Pimm's drinks and Aperol Spritzs 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 — other than the cost of your drinks, of course. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
The Try Guys
The Try Guys, of YouTube fame, bring their first tour, cheekily dubbed Legends of the Internet, to the State Theatre tonight. The live show promises to deliver "a thrilling evening of comedy, spectacle and friendship." Each city will experience a completely unique, interactive show. Grab a VIP package, and you can meet the guys too. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $32. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MON 07/01
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.
TUE 07/02
Dancing Under the Stars
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, with live music provided by the Skatch Anderssen Orchestra. The dancing begins at 6:30 and continues until 9 p.m. Admission is free. The weekly dance party continues through August 27. (Niesel)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Working Woman
A married woman struggles against persistent sexual harassment at work in Working Woman, a new thriller from director Michal Aviad, a senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University's Department of Cinema and Television. The film makes its local premiere today at 1:45 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
