WED 04/11
Author Series: Gayle Wald
Part of the Rock Hall's Author Series, tonight's lecture at the Rock Hall will feature Gayle Wald, who'll discuss her book Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. It's a particularly timely event since Tharpe will be inducted into the Rock Hall this year. Wald's presentation will include video, audio and images. Senior director of library and archives Andy Leach will lead a discussion after the talk. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A and book signing. It starts at 7, and admission is free. (Jeff Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Cavs vs. New York Knicks
Poor New York Knicks. One of the NBA's oldest and most respected franchises has fallen into disarray in recent years. Star Carmelo Anthony was the latest marquee player to jump ship, leaving the Knicks with a motley cast of players who yet again failed to put together a playoff run. The team visits the Q to take on the Cavs tonight at 8. Expect a Cleveland win. Tickets start at $32. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
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 new 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. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. Tonight, David Gilbert, the well-compensated president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, talks about how Cleveland is no longer a city but has become a brand. The beer-themed menu includes Dortmunder cheese soup, POC-braised pork, and Christmas Ale ice cream. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Dan Grueter
Cleveland native Dan Grueter likes to poke fun at himself in his standup routines, and jokes about the day in the '80s when he was teased for wearing his brother's hand-me-down bell-bottom jeans. As a result, he regularly got his ass kicked. Now, he loves to pick on audience members for questionable wardrobe choices, so don't wear that sweater vest because you're just asking to be called out. The fast-talking and quick-witted comedian performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
The Humans
Part of this year's KeyBank Broadway Series, Stephen Karam's The Humans takes place over the course of a Thanksgiving family dinner in a ramshackle lower Manhattan duplex. Typically, the family get-together turns into a serious meditation on values and tradition, mostly focused on religion. The play won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Tickets are $10 to $80, and the play's run continues until April 29. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 04/12
Beethoven's Fifth
Franz Welser-Möst conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight at Severance Hall as it takes on Beethoven's Overture: Coriolan and Symphony No. 5. The orchestra will also play Beethoven's Symphony No. 8, a light-hearted piece that doesn't suggest how complicated the composer's life was at the time he wrote it. The concert takes place at 7:30. An hour before the concert, Cleveland Orchestra Music Study Groups' administrator and lecturer Rose Breckenridge gives the pre-concert talk, "Beethoven: Buttoned and Unbuttoned!" Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. The concert repeats tomorrow morning at 11 at Severance Hall. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Hall of Fame Series Interview with the Moody Blues
Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues will discuss their upcoming induction at tonight's Hall of Fame Series interview at the Rock Hall. The event begins at 7 p.m. with a Moody Blues-themed happy hour. The event will be live streamed on the Rock Hall's Facebook page, and fans can submit questions during the Q&A on the page directly. During the day at the Rock Hall, Days of Future Passed Live will screen in the Foster Theatre. Admission to the interview is free, but if the Klipsch Audio Main Stage viewing area reaches capacity, any guests who arrive after that point will have to listen to the audio simulcast of the interview from the exterior plaza of the Rock Hall. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Indians vs. Detroit Tigers
How the mighty have fallen. Back in 2014, the Detroit Tigers clinched their fourth consecutive AL Central Division title and went to the playoffs. They haven't been to the playoffs since. And last year's team was so bad, the Tigers traded away star pitcher Justin Verlander before the season was over. The Tigers still have star Miguel Cabrera on the roster, but they're in rebuilding mode. The Tigers complete a four-game series against the Indians tonight, in a final matchup that begins at 6:10 at Progressive Field. While we can't be sure at this point, we're hoping for a sweep. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Macbeth
Tonight at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre presents its take on Shakespeare's Macbeth, the playwright's famous tragedy about a power-hungry Scottish general. The play's theme about the dangers of political ambition seems particularly relevant in this day and age. Plus, our own theater critic Christine Howey has declared that this production of Macbeth "has enough blood lust and evil to satisfy old Mac friends as well as newcomers." Performances continue at the Hanna through April 15. Tickets are $15 to $80. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Marat/Sade
Marat/Sade, the final production of the CSU Theatre season, features a "play within a play" that relies upon theater, song, dance, mime and puppets. Set inside the Charenton Mental Asylum after the French Revolution, the play centers on the Marquis de Sade (played by associate professor of theater Michael Mauldin) and revolutionary leader Jean Paul Marat. It addresses "the exploration of political change, the use of violence to bring about that change, and the nature of life and death." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre, where additional performances continue through Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Monsters vs. Manitoba Moose
For the last home hockey games of the year, the Cleveland Monsters take on the Manitoba Moose. Tonight's game is College ID Night, and students with a valid college ID can buy $6 tickets and receive $6 College Meal Deals that include a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tomorrow night's game is Fan Salute Night, and jerseys will be auctioned at the game's end. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Donnell Rawlings
Best known as Ashy Larry, a character he created when he was on Chappelle's Show, funnyman Donnell Rawlings excels at sketch comedy. As Ashy Larry, he imagined himself to be a roving reporter with metrosexual impulses. He created some hilarious YouTube skits as the character, but for his standup shows, he tends to focus more on current events (he had a field day with Tiger Woods when news of the golfer's various extramarital affairs went public). He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv. Tickets are $20. Performances continue through Sunday. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
FRI 04/13
Cleveland Cult Film Festival 9
During the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque cuts back on its schedule and only screens films on Fridays and Saturdays as part of its annual Cleveland Cult Film Festival. Now in its ninth year, the festival continues with Antonio Gaudi, a documentary about the Catalan architect behind such Barcelona landmarks as Familia Sagrada and Parc Guell. It screens tonight at 7:30. Also part of the series, Deep Red, Dario Argento's film about a jazz pianist and reporter who try to solve a series of murders, screens tonight at 9:05. Antonio Gaudi screens again at 7 tomorrow night, and Deep Red screens again tomorrow night at 8:35. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Flanagan's Wake
No one knows grief and mourning like a Catholic, let alone an Irish Catholic. Now in its eighth year in Cleveland, 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 as the guests are treated as the friends and family of the deceased. Tonight's show starts at 8 and repeats tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Performances continue weekends through April 28. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays had the unenviable task of opening the 2018 season with a four-game stand against the mighty New York Yankees. The Blue Jays came away with two wins, which isn't bad given that the Yankees picked up some great players in the off season. The Blue Jays take on the Indians tonight at 7:10 at Progressive Field. The two teams play again at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday and at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Tallis Scholars
Founded in 1973 by director Peter Phillips, Tallis Scholars perform tonight at 7:30 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Through their recordings and concert performances, they've become the leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music throughout the world. They'll play "War and Peace," a program commemorating those who lost their lives in World War I; the concert features works by Josquin, Guerrero, Pärt, Mouton, Lobo, Victoria, Tavener and Palestrina. Tickets start at $38. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Walkabout Tremont
During this month's Walkabout Tremont, you can stop by any of the Tremont art galleries to see their current and/or new exhibits. Of course, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and specialty shops in the neighborhood that participate in Walkabout Tremont too. The stroll takes place from 6 to 9 tonight. Check out the website for a schedule, maps and food and drink specials. (Niesel)
SAT 04/14
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
All hell breaks loose when six middle school students (played by adults) compete in a spelling bee, all in the hopes of getting their shot at the "nationals," in the Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Cleveland Play House production opens tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre, where it runs through May 6. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Induction Ceremony Red Carpet Live Stream
Both tonight's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Public Hall and the watch party at the Rock Hall have been sold out for weeks. If you don't have a ticket, you can still watch the guests arrive for the event (assuming they take the walk down the red carpet). From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, tune into rockhall.com, the Rock Hall's Facebook page or YouTube (youtube.com/user/rockhall) to get a free look at the induction ceremony's official red carpet via lifestream. (Niesel)
Moonlight Masquerade: BRRD Art Auction
Tonight from 6 to 10 at the Good Goat Gallery, Burning River Roller Derby (BRRD) holds its fifth annual art auction fundraiser. Local artists have created works specifically for the event's silent auction; the theme is "totally masquerade." DJ Bonk will man the wheels of steel, and there will be light refreshments. Skater Marshmallow Scream will perform tarot card readings too. Admission is free. (Niesel)
17012 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-799-0675, thegoodgoatgallery.com.
Spring Out of Hibernation
A Cleveland nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative solutions in the public education space, the Warren A. Sill Fund has donated nearly $15,000 to underprivileged students throughout Northeast Ohio since its founding in 2013. Two years ago, the organization launched a partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the Children's Museum of Cleveland to create a program that brings STEM-based programming to the pre-K students at Euclid Park Elementary. To help sustain the program, the group will host its annual Spring Out of Hibernation fundraiser tonight at 6:30 at the 78th Street Studios. The event features heavy appetizers, an open bar with craft beer, pinball machines from Superelectric, a live DJ, a photobooth from RGI Creative and more than 150 prizes for a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $40. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 202-445-0394, warrenasillfund.org.
SUN 04/15
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 chance to win 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 04/16
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 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: Tables fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
TUE 04/17
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Tonight, and the third Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings its wide array of chamber music to the Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, Anime Duo and even Cleveland Orchestra members grace the stage in these exciting concerts. Tonight's free, all-ages performance starts at 8. (Stoops)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth
A documentary film about the Pruitt–Igoe public housing complex in St. Louis, which was razed some 40 years ago, The Pruitt-Igoe Myth screens tonight at 6:30 at the Capitol Theatre as part of the theater's Racial Equity and Inclusion film series. Immediately following each showing, the upstairs meeting room at XYZ the Tavern will host a reception, and food will be provided, so community members can gather and continue the dialogue. Admission is a $5 donation. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
