WED 04/18
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. (Jeff Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
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 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, journalist, author and former Scene staff writer James Renner discusses "unsolved murders." Dinner includes Fugitive Fungi, Sheppard's Pie, and a chocolate sundae. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Hall of Fame Series with Bill Bruford of Yes
The Rock Hall Inductions have come and gone, but the festivities continue tonight as Yes drummer Bill Bruford, a 2017 inductee, speaks about his history with the prog rock band. Jason Hanley, the Rock Hall vicep resident of education and visitor engagement, will lead the discussion that'll include a Q&A with the audience. The event takes place tonight at 7 at the Rock Hall's Foster Theater. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.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.
Suicide Girls Blackheart Burlesque
There's burlesque, and then there's the Suicide Girls' burlesque. A group of "badass bombshells and geek goddesses," the troupe takes the art form to another level. Consider, for example, their current Blackheart Burlesque Tour that they've re-launched after a six-year hiatus. Instructor/dancer Manwe Sauls-Addison, who's worked with world famous performers such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga, did the choreography and picked seven of the troupe's best dancers for the tour. The show parodies contemporary pop culture and makes fun of films and TV shows such as Star Wars, Orange is the New Black, Donnie Darko and Clockwork Orange. Tickets are $25 to $75. The show starts at 9 tonight at the Agora Theatre. (Niesel)
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
In honor of the 80th anniversary of the first appearance of Superman in a comic book, the Capitol Theatre has teamed up with the local Siegel and Shuster Society to present a special screening of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. The new cut restores footage that Donner filmed before he was taken off the project. Superman has roots in Cleveland: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster worked on the first Superman sketches while living in Glenville. The screening takes place at 7:30 tonight. Following the screening, the Siegel and Shuster Society's Mike Olszewski will lead a discussion. As a Superman birthday present to those in attendance, patrons will receive a special edition print by local artist Gary Dumm. Tickets are $6. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
THU 04/19
24 Frames
Tonight at 6:45 and tomorrow night at 8:25, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque shows 24 Frames, the final film from Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami. The movie features "frames" that start as static landscapes and then come to life after Kiarostami animates them with animals and people. Tonight's screening represents the movie's local debut. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Grapes Under Glass
Beneath the glorious stained glass rotunda of its downtown store, Heinen's has once again teamed up with Metropolitan at the 9 for Grapes Under Glass, a four-days celebration of wines. Now in its second year, Grapes Under Glass, extending from today through Sunday, has become a popular way to learn about and taste scores of wines in nine separate wine-centric events. The fun kicks off tonight with a four-course dinner featuring wines from four California vintners. On Saturday, there's the California Blue Chip Wine Experience, featuring big, beautiful California reds paired with tapas. And later that day comes the Main Event, featuring pours from 40 wineries from around the world. The rest of the weekend includes seminars, guided tastings and talks by some of California's top winemakers. All three floors of Heinen's are being pressed into service, so expect to see a bevy of rare and unique wines. Tickets run from $40 to $1,399. Buy them on the website. (Michael Wu)
900 Euclid Ave., 216-302-3020, grapesunderglass.com.
Steve Hoffstetter
Known as much for his writing as for his standup, Steve Hofstetter is more articulate than your typical comic. At one point, he was even a weekly humor columnist for Sports Illustrated. "I started doing standup to pass the time," he has said. "I'm in the small percentage of people who started doing what they love accidentally." A dorky guy who maintains he looks a bit like actor Michael Rapaport with glasses, Hofstetter tours "perpetually." He performs tonight at 8 at the Improv. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Imitation Girl
Tonight at 7:30 at the Capitol Theatre, Sickening Pictures' BJ Colangelo (who's also a staff writer at Scene) and Zach Shildwachter host a screening of the sci-fi flick, Imitation Girl. The movie centers on a mysterious being that appears in the desert and assumes the identity of the first person she sees, a magazine cover girl. Event organizers will give away 11-by-17-inch film posters autographed by director Natasha Kermani and star Lauren Ashley Carter, and lead actor Neimah Djourabchi will be in attendance. The screening is part of a monthly series featuring the best of new, independent and unique genres in film. Tickets are $9.75. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Drew Thomas and Mia Jackson
Currently the host of Phat Comedy Tuesdays at Twisted Taco, comedian Drew Thomas likes to joke that men and women don't talk about marriage in the same way. Women sound happy about it; men not so much. Thomas regularly draws on everyday life for his routines. A few years back, he caught a good break when he was featured on The Craig Ferguson Show. He's shared the stage with wise-asses such as Ron White, Jake Johansen, Bill Burr, Jim Norton and Craig Robinson. Be warned, he likes to harass the patrons in the front row of the club, often making fun of their outfits. He teams up with fellow comic Mia Jackson for tonight's show that takes place at 8 at Hilarities. The two have shows scheduled at the club through Sunday. Tickets start at $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 04/20
78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk
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. Look for food trucks out front and live music on the first floor. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Michael Blackson
Known as the "African King of Comedy," Michael Blackson developed his comedic skills with original humor and being fearless on stage. He jokes about current affairs and takes aim at celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Michael Jordan; however, he also focuses on more serious topics such as race, his love for America and his African descent. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets cost $35. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Forensics, Crime and Charming Disaster
The Brooklyn-based folk-noir duo Charming Disaster will come to Cleveland for the first time tonight to present a unique evening of music and forensic science lectures at the Euclid Tavern, with local author Brandy Schillace. A historian and author, Schillace, who works at the Dittrick Medical History Center and has appeared on the Travel Channel's Mysteries at the Museum, will discuss forensics during Cleveland's pre- and post-Prohibition years. Given the subject of the lecture, it makes sense that Charming Disaster would also be on the bill. The band's songs address themes like love, death, crime, ancient mythology and the occult. The band cites the gothic humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, the noir fiction of Raymond Chandler, American murder ballads and the "dramatic flair" of the cabaret as inspirations. Its paranormal love song, "Ghost Story," was even featured on podcast "Welcome to Night Vale." The event will also include a "guess the murderer" game. It all starts at 7 p.m., and admission is free. (Niesel)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Earlybird Music Festival
Festival season at the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park kicks off this weekend with the Earlybird Music Festival, which takes place today through Sunday. There will be camping, hiking, biking, swimming, cliff diving, basketball and volleyball. Jam acts such as the Werks, Keller Williams, the John Kadlecik Band, Broccoli Samurai, Zach Deputy, John Welton & the Awakening, Sultans of Bing, Derek Woods Band, Khemocean and the Quasi Kings are slated to perform. Tickets are $70 for a weekend pass that includes both music and camping. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Flanagan's Wake
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.
Kucinich Fundraiser
At 8 tonight at the Agora Theatre, singer-guitarist Dave Matthews will perform a special acoustic set in support of Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dennis Kucinich. Matthews and Kucinich first met back in 2003 at Farm Aid and have collaborated on farmer-friendly initiatives including regenerative agriculture and "carbon farming" as a climate change solution. They also travelled together to Standing Rock to support indigenous rights and water protection. Tickets have been going fast. See the website for details. (Niesel)
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Whose Live Anyway?
Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray, the cast members of the Emmy-winning show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, bring their live version of the show to town tonight for a performance at the State Theatre. In Whose Live Anyway? the comedians will engage in the same kind of improvisational shenanigans that have turned the TV show into such a huge hit. The performance begins at 8. Tickets start at $35. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 04/21
The Cleveland Flea
After a long, cold winter (and crummy spring), Cleveland Flea kicks off its sixth season today. A self-described "small business incubator" that draws thousands of local shoppers to Tyler Village, the Cleveland Flea features a range of items you won't find at the typical retail store. The flea offers "curated vintage," "culinary all-stars" and "the most talented makers in the region." As much a social gathering as a shopping experience, the Flea serves as an excellent hang, a place to meet and make friends while supporting your local creatives. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues monthly through Sept. 8. Admission is free. (Niesel) 3615 Superior Ave., theclevelandflea.com.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to EJ Thomas Hall with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert. Today at 1 and 7:30 p.m., the Akron Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams' score from the flick, the second entry in the popular film series. During the orchestra's performance, the film will screen in high-definition on a 40-foot screen. Film concert series creator and producer Justin Freer will conduct. Tickets start at $45. (Niesel)
198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7570, uaevents.com.
Superhero Bar Crawl
Today from noon to 5 p.m., Flats East Bank will host its first annual Superhero Bar Crawl. Tickets are $10 (plus a small processing fee), and proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization Drink Local, Drink Tap. Each participating establishment will have its own specials and bar games; look for giveaways and entertainment throughout the event. Participating venues include Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Backyard Bocce, Beerhead Bar & Eatery, Bold Food and Drink, Coastal Taco, Dante's Inferno, Lago, Margaritaville, Magnolia, the Big Bang, Thirsty Dog Brewing Company and WXYZ. Each attendee will be given a "mission." Once the mission is completed, superheros will assemble by 5:30 p.m. at Dante's Inferno/Backyard Bocce to be entered to win an Avengers movie prize package. The first 500 superheroes will receive a gift, courtesy of Great Lakes Brewing Company. Check-in is noon to 2 p.m. at the Aloft Cleveland Downtown lobby. (Niesel)
1111 West 10th St., flatseastbank.com.
Tristan and Isolde
Franz Welser-Möst conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight as it presents the romantic-era opera Tristan and Isolde. Dramatic soprano Nina Stemme will be on hand as will a "cast of internationally acclaimed singers." The concert begins at 6 at Severance Hall. The opera is presented in three acts with two intermissions, so be prepared for an epic performance. Consult the orchestra's website for ticket prices, parking info and other details. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
SUN 04/22
Rob Kovacs in Residence
After forming 15 years ago, the local indie pop band Return of Simple released a couple of records and became a fixture on the local scene before eventually relocating to New York in 2009. A few years ago, after getting "burned out" in New York, the band's frontman, singer-pianist Rob Kovacs, moved back to Cleveland. He just recently relaunched Return of Simple. Now Kovacs has announced a Euclid Tavern residency. He'll perform at the venue at 8 tonight and every Sunday through May 13; each week's program will be unique. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
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 04/23
Break the Silence: A Concert to Benefit the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
The Baldwin Wallace University arts management and entrepreneurship program and the Bop Stop at the Music Settlement have teamed up to host Break the Silence: A Concert to Benefit the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. The concert will feature local acts Becky Boyd, the Sonder Bombs and more. There will also be a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle. Seniors from the Baldwin Wallace program worked with Bop Stop director Gabe Pollack to plan the event. The concert takes place from 7 to 10 tonight at the Bop Stop. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students. The price of admission includes one complimentary drink. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
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 that allows patrons to choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock." Participants 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 04/24
Indians vs. Chicago Cubs
Many Indians fans are probably still sore after the Chicago Cubs came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Indians and win the 2016 World Series. Many of the players involved in that terrific series still play for both teams, so the rivalry will be reignited tonight at 6:10 as the teams face each other at Progressive Field. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
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.
