WED 03/20
film
Both Sides Now: Live at The Isle of Wight Festival 1970
Both Sides Now: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970, a movie that features a performance by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, captures the musician playing in front of a huge crowd. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Murray Lerner, the film shows how Mitchell at first fights with and then wins over the crowd. Following the screening, which takes place at 7 p.m. at the Rock Hall, there will be a Q &A with Eliot Kissileff, who worked with Lerner on the film. The screening is free for Rock Hall members and $5.50 for non-members. (Jeff Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
sports
Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks will prove a formidable challenge for the Cavs tonight when the two teams meet at 7 at the Q. The Bucks might just be the best team in the entire NBA (and not just the Eastern Conference) and have played stellar ball all season. Consult the Quicken Loans Arena website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
spoken word
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. The goal 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, Harvey B. Webster, a naturalist, educator, wildlife biologist and conservationist who's been on the staff of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History since 1974, will talk about the "land before time" when dinosaurs ruled the world. Webster currently serves as the museum's chief wildlife officer and museum ambassador. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 and the storytelling starts at 7. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
theater
School of Rock
A popular musical based on the comedic film that starred Jack Black as a rock 'n' roll-obsessed instructor, School of Rock has come 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, and performances continue through March 24. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 03/21
comedy
Matt Braunger
The creator and host of the popular podcast Ding-Donger with Matt Braunger, comedian Matt Braunger shares stories and observations and also doles out advice to people who call in and leave questions on his voicemail. It's a novel approach that showcases Braunger's wacky sense of humor. The comic performs at 7 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $23 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
comedy
Lil Rel
When comedian Lil Rel Howery came through town three years ago, his first hour-long standup special had just aired on Comedy Central. A comic you might have heard of — Kevin Hart — produced the show. The fast-talking comic punctuates his joke with urban slang. In one skit about "hoodrats," he makes fun of a run-in he had with a group of girls at the liquor store who are "too busy talking about what they're going to order instead of just ordering it." It's funny stuff, especially when Rel begins impersonating the eccentric people that you might meet at a liquor store in the ghetto. On the heels of starring in hit flicks such as Get Out and Uncle Drew, Lil Rel has seen his popularity rise tenfold in the past few years. He performs at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Improv and has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
music
Open Mic Night/Live Band Karaoke
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.
film
Starfish
Director A.T. White will attend tonight's screening of his unconventional horror film Starfish. The movie follows a young woman who spends the night at a dead friend's house only to wake up to an apocalyptic world. A mixtape her friend left behind might be the only way she can save the world. White will conduct a Q&A after the movie screens at 7:45 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $12, or $9 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
FRI 03/22
film
Bauhaus Spirit: 100 Years of Bauhaus
Cleveland Museum of Art curator Stephen Harrison will be on hand at today's screening of Bauhaus Spirit: 100 Years of Bauhaus, a movie that pays tribute to the famous German design school that produced notable artists and architects. The movie screens at 7 at the museum, and tickets cost $10, or $7 for museum members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
sports
Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Even though the Los Angeles Clippers traded away some of their best players right before this year's trade deadline, the team remains in the playoff hunt and is hanging on to one of the last seeds in the Western Conference. The team will prove to be a tough opponent for the Cavs when they face off tonight at 7:30 at the Q. Consult the Quicken Loans Arena website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
dance
CSU Spring Dance Concert 2019
Featuring the Cleveland State University Dance Company, faculty, staff, musicians and guest artists, the annual CSU Spring Dance Concert under the direction of Lynn Deering will feature "an eclectic evening of contemporary and traditional choreography." It takes place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night at the Allen Theatre. Tickets cost $5. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
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.
horror
Last Podcast on the Left
Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski, the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, bring their live show to the Masonic Auditorium tonight. The program covers "dark" subjects such as serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, werewolves, Jonestown, hauntings and the history of war crimes. As it's put in a press release, the aim is to "laugh into the abyss that is the dark side of humanity." The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
3615 Euclid Ave., 216-431-7370, masoniccleveland.com.
music
'A Hero's Life' by Strauss
Critics originally made fun of composer Richard Strauss for making himself the hero of Ein Heldenleben ("A Hero's Life"), a piece they called "a monstrous act of egotism." But the piece has stood the test of time. Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra will perform the composition along with selections from Schubert and Webern. Rose Breckenridge, a lecturer and administrator for the Cleveland Orchestra Music Study Groups, gives the pre-concert talk that takes place an hour before the concert. Consult the orchestra website for more information, including ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
comedy
Steven Wright
Few comics can deliver a deadpan line like Steven Wright can. A veteran comic whose career stretches back decades, the frizzy-haired Wright relies on observational humor. "Some people are afraid of heights. I'm afraid of widths," he likes to joke. And when the restaurant sign reads "Breakfast anytime," count on him to order "eggs during the French Renaissance." Half the time, his laconic delivery makes the simple-minded jokes work. He performs tonight at 8 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $45 to $65. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 03/23
music
Dala
Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine met in high school in 2002; since forming their vocal group, Dala, the Canadian acoustic-pop duo have released five albums and toured extensively across North America. They perform tonight as part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park concert series. Doors open at 7 and the music starts at 8 p.m. at Happy Days Lodge. Consult the website, below, for ticket prices. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909, conservancyforcvnp.org.
film
Genesis 2.0
Genesis 2.0 focuses on the harsh and dangerous life of so-called "mammoth hunters" who live and work in the far north of Siberia. The film captures the gold-rush fever that exists in the market for mammoth remains, because prices for this "white gold" have never been so high. Sometimes the hunters even find an almost completely preserved mammoth carcass with fur, liquid blood and muscle. The movie plays today at 5 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque; it screens again at 8:05 tomorrow night. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
sports
Monsters vs. Hershey Bears
Monsters Moon Landing Night, a special promotion for tonight's game featuring the Cleveland Monsters and the Hershey Bears at the Q, will find the first 10,000 fans receiving an astronaut bobblehead. The promotion pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. The two teams face off again at 3 p.m. tomorrow when it's a Pucks & Paws game, and dogs are welcome. Consult the Q website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
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
Stiv
Punk pioneer Stiv Bators left behind a remarkable legacy before 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 movie receives its world premiere tonight at 8 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $15, or $10 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
theater
Tiny Houses
A Cleveland Play House production, Tiny Houses focuses on a woman who quits her finance job to move across the country with her boyfriend and build a 200-square-foot tiny house. What could possibly go wrong? The play makes its world premiere tonight at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
SUN 03/24
music
Choir of Man
Set in a working pub, Choir of Man combines "hair-raising" harmonies, high-energy dance and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. Tonight's concert features the music of Paul Simon, Adele, Queen, Guns n Roses and Sia as a multi-talented cast of nine "handsome blokes" sings pub tunes, folk, Broadway and classic rock. It all goes down tonight at 7 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $45. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
film
Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf
Thomas Piper directs Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf, a documentary film about the landscape designer who designed the gardens along New York's High Line and the Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millennium Park. The film shows at 6:30 tonight at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
film
The Sower
Set in the French Alps in the 1850s, The Sower centers on a group of women who live in a remote village. After they get caught in the crossfire of President Louis-Napoléon's 1851 coup d'état, they find themselves living in a town that possesses no men. Of course, when a man does arrive in the village, the women battle for his attention. The film screens at 1:30 p.m. today and at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for museum members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
books
Sunday Beat
As part of a Sunday Beat promotion at Visible Voice Books, if you purchase a New York Times at the store, you'll receive a free cup of coffee or tea and a Jim Alesci's Place pastry. An added bonus: A jazz, Americana, samba or bossa nova band will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Anyone who shows a Sunday receipt from Music Box, Prosperity Social Club or any of the Tremont restaurants that offer brunch can enter a same-day drawing for a $30 Visible Voice gift certificate and a $25 Visible Voice Loyalty Card. They'll also receive 10 percent off any Visible Voice book purchase. The bookstore is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
MON 03/25
ghosts!
Connor Palace Ghost Tour
The Connor Palace Ghost Tours promise to provide an "in-depth" historical overview of the Playhouse Square venue and explore the "untold history" of the many ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences that have taken place at the theater during its nearly 100-year history. Guided tours will be offered at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 tonight. In addition to the guided tours, snacks and specialty cocktails will be sold in mezzanine level of the theatre from 7 to 11 p.m. Tarot card readers will be on hand as well. Tickets are $35. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
trivia
Monday Night Trivia
Do you have tons of obscure music knowledge? Are you a student of fast food menus and their nuanced histories? What say you about the geographic evolution of Scotch whisky? Tonight's your chance to wow your friends, make yourself instantly more desirable to someone you're newly dating, and hang with Cleveland's headiest hipsters and hot dog lovers. It's the Happy Dog Monday Night Trivia. Starting at 8 p.m., expect themed rounds and general knowledge questions that seem considerably trickier than at some of the other live trivia locales in town. Obviously, have a hot dog and a craft brew while you're at it. And arrive early: Seats fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
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 and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.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 03/26
sports
Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics come to town tonight at 7 to take on the Cavs. At the beginning of the season, it appeared the Celtics would be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Even though the Celtics appear playoff-bound, they've underperformed, and the Cavs should be able to contend tonight. Consult the Q's website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
music
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.
music
Vinyl Night
Jukebox, the music-focused bar in the Hingetown 'hood, has been described 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. 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.
