WED 04/04
Chamber Music in the Galleries
This monthly concert series at the Cleveland Museum of Art places young musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University in the CMA galleries. Now in its sixth season, the series features "mixed programs of chamber music" for "a unique and intimate experience." The concert begins at 6 and lasts for about an hour. Admission is free. (Jeff Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cleveland International Film Festival Opening Night
The 42nd iteration of the Cleveland International Film Festival will kick off tonight with a screening of Nick Kelly's The Drummer and the Keeper, a film about a young drummer with bipolar disorder who befriends a 17-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome. The film stars Dermot Murphy, Jacob McCarthy, and Peter Coonan. Kelly and producer Kate McColgan, as well as actors Murphy and McCarthy, will attend the opening-night screening. Tickets are $225 per person ($200 for CIFF members). The evening includes the 7 p.m. screening of the film at Connor Palace followed by a reception in the KeyBank State Theatre. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 877-304-3456, clevelandfilm.org.
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, Jonathan Knight, who's written nine books on Cleveland sports, talks about the making of the movie Major League. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Fifth of July
A play by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lanford Wilson, Fifth of July focuses on a veteran who gathers with his family in rural Missouri to ring in Independence Day. A family squabble breaks out, setting off emotional "fireworks." This production introduces the joint Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Playhouse masters degree acting program's class of 2020. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre. Performances continue through April 7. Tickets are $15 to $20. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The monthly series offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. The theme for tonight's storytelling is "My First," and the hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. Admission is $5. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details on the website. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.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. Performances continue at the Hanna through April 15. Tickets are $15 to $80. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 04/05
Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
Even without the services of terrific guard John Wall, who had knee surgery and is on the DL, the Washington Wizards are one of the Eastern Conference's better teams. The playoff-caliber Wizards should give the new-look Cavs a worthy challenge when the two teams face off tonight at 8 at the Q. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets start at $41. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Gary Gulman
In a routine he delivered last year on Conan, comedian Gary Gulman talked about how he recently viewed a documentary film about how the states first received their abbreviations. He explains how the post office assembled "a crack squad of abbreviators" to take all 50 states down to two letters. His funny account of the film shows off his astute storytelling abilities. Gulman performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $23 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
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 performances continue through Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 04/06
Cleveland Cult Film Festival 9
During the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque cuts back its schedule and only screens films on Fridays and Saturdays. Those days make up the Cinematheque's annual Cleveland Cult Film Festival. Now in its ninth year, the festival kicks off tonight with a 7:30 screening of Performance, the 1970 Nicolas Roeg/Donald Cammell film that stars Rolling Stones' singer Mick Jagger as a former rock star who becomes infatuated with a criminal. Because of all the sex and drugs, it originally received an X rating, and Warner Bros. shelved the psychedelic psychodrama for nearly two years. Now it's regarded as a cult classic. The French anti-war film King of Hearts also screens tonight at 9:35. Performance makes a second appearance at 9:05 tomorrow night, and King of Hearts screens again tomorrow night at 7. Consult the website for admission prices. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Indians vs. Kansas City Royals
Last year's season ended on a disappointing note for the Cleveland Indians, who lost to the New York Yankees in the playoffs. This year, the Tribe has retooled a bit; catcher Carlos Santana signed a huge contract with the Phillies, and the Tribe picked up Yonder Alonso to take his place. The Indians still have some of the best pitching in the league, so a return to the playoffs seems likely. The teams plays its first home game of the year today at 4:10 p.m. when it takes on the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field for the start of a 10-game homestand. Tickets sold out instantly, but you can still buy them via ticket brokers. Or you can just come downtown to celebrate opening day at one of the local watering holes. The two teams play each other again on Saturday and Sunday. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Jay Leno
Jay Leno made millions laugh for years on The Tonight Show. Since "retiring," he's been a best-selling author, voice-over artist and host of the Emmy-winning Jay Leno's Garage. Leno brings his hilarious standup show to the State Theatre tonight at 8. Musician David Luning opens. Tickets are $35 to $100. (Matthew Poshedley)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Mix: Philosophy
The first Friday of each month, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its popular Mix at CMA event. The museum stays open later than normal for the occasion, which features dance, drink and a theme-based program. Tonight's theme is Philosophy, and the museum encourages patrons to "have a think" and grab a drink in honor of #Rodin100 — the 100th anniversary of "The Thinker" sculptor Auguste Rodin's death, and the title of a current museum exhibit of the same name. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. CMA members get in for free. The party runs from 6 to 10 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Monsters vs. San Antonio Rampage
In one of the last homestands of the year, the Cleveland Monsters take on the San Antonio Rampage tonight at 7 at the Q. The first 10,000 fans receive a Monsters reusable grocery tote bag, courtesy of Discount Drug Mart. The two teams face off again at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Q. That game is a Puck and Paws event, and you can bring your dog to the game with the purchase of a $5 dog ticket. Also, the first 2,500 kids age 14 and under will receive a Monsters beach towel, and the first 2,500 kids 12 and under receive a Castaway Bay Kids Day Pass. There will also be $6 Monsters kids meals (hot dog, chips, and a soda) and a postgame skate. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
SAT 04/07
Celebration Day
The official kickoff to Rock Week at the Rock Hall, Celebration Day 2018 features free admission to the Rock Hall. There will be live music, family activities, new exhibits, educational programs, a Bon Jovi album listening session, food trucks and film screenings. Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora will perform with his band RSO (Richie Sambora and Orianthi) at 8 p.m. The day will conclude with a massive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Consult the website for a complete schedule of the day's events. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Dan Savage's Hump! Film Festival
Several years ago, syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage launched Hump!, a film festival designed to challenge his Pacific Northwest readers to "get their hands dirty" and create "good, old-fashioned homemade porn." The results ran the gamut, representing straight, gay and transgender porn, made by amateurs. Until recently, HUMP!'s screenings were limited to the Pacific Northwest. Now a traveling fest, Hump! features porn that, as Savage says, takes people out of their comfort zones. Straight people watch gay porn, and gay people watch straight porn. "The whole festival is a celebration of sexual diversity," Savage has said. Some 21 films made the cut this year. Screenings take place at 7 and 9:30 tonight at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Organ Grinders Ball 23
Billed as the "longest running fetish event in the United States," the Organ Griders Ball has been a Cleveland staple for years. This year's edition, which takes place tonight at 9 at House of Blues, promises to include a fetish fashion show and an extensive vendor village. There will even be fetish equipment that you can try out for "voluntary play." Admission is $25, cash only at the door. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie. Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Voices From the Rust Belt Launch Party
The Cleveland launch of Voices from the Rust Belt, a book edited by Belt Publishing founder Anne Trubek, takes place at 7:30 tonight at the Happy Dog. The Cleveland stop on a 10-city tour to promote the book, tonight's party will include readings by five of the book's contributors. The Cleveland-based essays in the volume cover topics such as busing, the city's Muslim population, Northeast Ohio sprawl, Lakewood and art walks. Books will be available for purchase. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
SUN 04/08
Cleveland Improv Jam
The Angry Ladies of Improv has hosted the Cleveland Improv Jam for almost seven years now. A few years back, Scene described the show as "fierce, formidable and very funny." The women have some serious experience too. Katie White-Sonby is an actress who's performed at Clague Playhouse, Karamu and Kennedy's Cabaret. Marjorie Preston is an alumna of Something Dada and Rockwell 9 improvisational comedy troupes. The event begins with a short-form set of improv games, followed by a long-form improv set. It begins at 5 p.m. at Coffee Phix. Arrive early if you want to sign up and perform. Admission is free. (Niesel)
4485 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-381-5706, coffeephixcafe.com.
Harp & Heels
Classically trained harpist Calvin Stokes and soprano Laura Pedersen make up the duo Harp & Heels — we suspect he's the "harp" and she's the "heels." The duo has been very successful, soloing with big-name orchestras and performing at Carnegie Hall and internationally acclaimed opera houses. Tonight at 7, they'll perform at Music Box Supper Club. Expect to hear classical, jazz, country, Broadway tunes and pop. Tickets are $40 in advance, or $45 the day of the show. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
MON 04/09
Hollywood Babble-On
Director/actor Kevin Smith and actor/radio host Ralph Garman come to House of Blues tonight for their Hollywood Babble-On show, which takes a comedic look at showbiz news while biting the hand that feeds them. Smith, the director of movies such as Clerks, Mallrats and Dogma, suffered a massive heart attack during a comedy show in late February. After a couple days in the hospital, Silent Bob took to Twitter to tell the world he was feeling great. Garman is best known as the host of The Joe Schmo Show and his voice work on Family Guy. He also appeared in Smith movies such as Tusk and Yoga Hosers. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $45. (Poshedley)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Indians vs. Detroit Tigers
How the mighty have fallen. Back in 2014, the 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. They come to town tonight to play the Tribe at 6:10 at Progressive Field. The two teams will face off again on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Science Cafe
Tonight, and the second Monday of every month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club to talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, Jessica Fox, Ph.D, an assistant professor in the biology department at Case Western Reserve University, will discuss "the neuroscience of flight." The talk is free, but bring some money for the bar and the restaurant. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
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 04/10
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. Typically, a 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, and the play's run continues until April 29. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Vinyl Night
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. Happy hour runs until 9, and discount prices on apps apply until 7. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
