WED 06/27
United Way of Greater Cleveland's Community Wide Event
This summer, Welshly Arms is plenty busy. The local band will support Thirty Seconds To Mars on the last leg of its tour, and it will perform at festivals such as the Hangout Music Festival, BottleRock, Bunbury Music Festival, Firefly Music Festival, Summerfest, Lollapalooza and Life Is Beautiful. It will also headline the United Way of Greater Cleveland's first community wide event to celebrate its 2017-2018 campaign. The free concert takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Public Square. Organizers say the up-and-coming band represents the campaign's "heroes unite" theme. There also will be a wide array of superhero-themed activities, a video game virtual reality simulator, games of skill and the chance to interact with real-life caped crusaders. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. (Jeff Niesel)
Wade Oval Wednesdays
A summer tradition continues tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wade Oval in University Circle. It's Wade Oval Wednesday, and there will be local food vendors, a beer and wine tent, a farmers market and free kids' activities — all laid out on the Wade Oval lawn, adjacent to Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Art Museum, and the Cleveland Natural History Museum. Some museums will stay open late too. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today it continues, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — as food trucks gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Check out the website for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. The series continues through Sept. 26. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 06/28
Edgewater Live
A few years ago, the Cleveland Metroparks launched its extremely popular Edgewater Live series of Thursday-night happy-hour concerts. The fun returns this year, with musical performances from 4:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 2. In addition to a local band, activities include 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. It's free. (Niesel) 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway NW, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Rocky LaPorte
In 1988, Rocky LaPorte quit his day job as a truck driver to become a professional comedian. Turned out to be a good move. LaPorte hasn't forgotten his roots, and in his standup routines, he makes simple observations about the oddities of life. In one bit, the comedian talks about listing your parents as your emergency contacts. "What are my parents going to do?" he joked. "'Mrs. LaPorte, your son has been in a horrific car accident.' 'Well give him some ice cream; he likes ice cream.'" It's that sort of simple observation that makes LaPorte's material stand out from the pack of other truck drivers turned comics. He performs tonight at 8 at Pickwick and Frolic. Tickets start at $23; additional shows are scheduled through Saturday. (William Hoffman)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Memphis the Musical
Loosely based on the real-life DJ Dewey Phillips, Memphis the Musical won four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and two 2015 Olivier Awards. It centers on a white radio DJ who wants to "change the world." He begins to promote a black club singer who's ready for her big break. The play features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Tonight's performance takes place at 7 at Cain Park, where performances continue through Sunday, July 1. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.
Mark Reedy
Veteran comedian Mark Reedy calls Cleveland his home, even if he wasn't born here. He's been nicknamed "Mr. Positive" because his set aims to uplift and inspire rather than degrade anyone or anything. Most of his material is based on his own experiences. He wants people to know that they always have a chance to start over — he grew up around the wrong crowd and managed to completely turn his life around. Catch "Mr. Positive" tonight at the Improv at 7:30. Tickets are $17. (Martin Harp)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Veterans of SNL
Over the years, Saturday Night Live has produced a number of great comics. Tonight at 7:30 at Hard Rock Live, four of them will perform as part of a tour dubbed Veterans of SNL. Darrell Hammond, Chris Kattan, Jon Lovitz and Tim Meadows will each do standup sets. A veteran comic and actor, Lovitz joined SNL in 1985 and has acted in film and TV ever since. Hammond, Meadows and Kattan all joined the program in the 1990s. Tonight's show begins at 7:30, and tickets start at $43.50. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
FRI 06/29
All-City Shakespeare Festival
An organization that hosts a number of local arts education programs, ESU Cleveland aims to "celebrate English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, its members and the community." It also provides workshops that focus on teaching through performance. At 6 tonight at the Metroparks' Acacia Reservation in Lyndhurst, it hosts its annual All-City Shakespeare Festival. The event includes an 8 p.m. production of Romeo and Juliet as part of a celebration of the 2017-2018 programs. Proceeds will support the February 2019 Shakespeare Monologue Competition presented in cooperation with the Education Department of Great Lakes Theater. Hors d'oeuvres and food stations catered by Acacia as well as a cash bar and raffles are included. Tickets are $75. (Niesel)
Chuck Booms
Once dubbed one of six comics who could replace David Letterman, the infamous Chuck Booms was best known for being the loudmouth on Sports Radio 92.3 before he got canned. The Cleveland native has appeared on national television more than 150 times and has had spots on the Today Show and Larry King Live. He brings his opinionated brand of sports talk and comedy to Hard Rock's Club Velvet tonight at 7 and 9:30. Tickets are $20 to $25. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
Euclid Beach Live
Much like Edgewater Live, the weekly happy-hour concert series that takes place at Edgewater Park, the Euclid Beach Live concert series offers great music, delicious food and fun for the whole family. The setting couldn't be better either, overlooking the scenic Euclid Beach State Park on Lake Erie. Once completed, the 285-foot pier should hearken back to the glory days of gone-but-not-forgotten Euclid Beach amusement park. The fun takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Aug. 3. This evening's musical entertainment comes from the Kinsman Dazz Band. It's free. (Niesel) 16301 Lake Shore Blvd., 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Freedom Fest
Mike Love, Uprooted, Too Many Zooz, Jones for Revival, Flux Capacitor and 46&2 are among the acts slated to perform at this year's Freedom Fest, which takes place tonight, tomorrow and Sunday night at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. There will be hiking, biking, camping, swimming and volleyball. Admission, which costs $70 in advance, $85 day of show, includes camping. Other ticket options exist; check the website. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Legacy Live
One of Northeast Ohio's most popular free concert series, Legacy Live has become a tradition that families and couples look forward to each summer. The concerts, which take place on the Legacy Village lawn at 6:30 each Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, feature local bands that play everything from blues to jazz and rock. Tonight's entertainment comes from the pop/rock act Run Avril Run; tomorrow, catch a performance from Wild Horses. Admission is free; the series continues through Aug. 31. (Niesel)
25333 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst, 216-382-3871, legacy-village.com.
Ali Siddiq
"Prison is an odd place because you don't know the rules," jokes comedian Ali Sadiiq as he relays the story of how he found himself caught up in a riot one day. The funny bit, which Siddiq presents as a narrative, shows just how well the comic can bring a story to life, as he imitates others and recreates conversations he's had. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $17. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
SAT 06/30
Fourth Street Walking Tour
Ohio has a long, rich history, and you can learn more about it today at 2 p.m. when local historian Margy Vogt leads a public walking tour of Massillon's Fourth Street. She'll show you the highlights of the historic exterior architecture of the town's old neighborhood — now on the National Register — which once was home to Massillon's entrepreneurs and bankers. The $7 fee may be paid at the start of the tour, which steps off at the corner of Fourth Street and North Avenue N.E. (in front of Five Oaks). In case of rain, the walk will be canceled. Reservations aren't required, but you can register on the website. (Niesel) margyvogt.com.
June Juke Joint
Northern Ohio Detention Support, an organization that aids immigrants who have been placed in detention, and AMP NEO, an anti-racist group that aims to amplify the voices of the black community, indigenous people and people of color, are teaming up for June Juke Joint, a fundraiser that takes place tonight at 7 at Mahall's. The proceeds will go, in part, to help the immigrants who are struggling as a result of the current administration's recent crackdown. The evening will include a slew of black musicians, including Tay + Dante, self-taught musicians from East Cleveland. The multi-ethnic Arab group, Fana — known locally for founding Disco Paradiso, a retro dance party at Now That's Class — will also perform. Adab, MAZ, Shirtlessmidnight and Smoke Screen will round out the lineup. A raffle of local goods will be held. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door. (Halle Weber)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Waterloo Arts Fest
Now in its 16th year, the Waterloo Arts Fest serves to celebrate the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District's appeal. This year's fest, which takes place from noon until 7 p.m. on Waterloo Road between East 161st Street and Calcutta Avenue, features more of the same mix of music, food and art that has made this into the neighborhood's signature event. More than 40 bands will perform and there will be food trucks and special art exhibits. Admission is free. (Niesel) waterlooarts.org.
SUN 07/01
Liberty Fest 2018
Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, but Crocker Park will celebrate a bit early with Liberty Fest, a patriotic, family friendly event that takes place today from noon to 6 p.m. Nickelodeon star Breanna Yde will be on hand and so will the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Crocker Park has partnered with the local nonprofit Wags4Warriors, a group that unites veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI with the appropriate companion dog. Proceeds from the festivities will go toward that organization. A vendor village will host an array of exhibitors, entertainers and performances. The main stage will be south of Center Circle, near Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and will feature local acts. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.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 $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 07/02
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.
Wing Dang Doodle
Blues icon Howlin' Wolf famously covered "Wang Dang Doodle," the old blues tune penned by Willie Dixon. Prosperity Social Club in Tremont has adopted that slogan, calling its wing night Wing Dang Doodle. The weekly event features specials on Buffalo wings and cold brews. Prosperity will not only serve up substantial, $1 whole wings, but it'll also offer meatless Monday "wing" baskets for vegans. Discounted drafts and a playlist of vintage-electric blues and soulful R&B curated by local musician Clint Holley will be on tap as well. Wing Dang Doodle takes place every Monday from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 07/03
Dancing Under the Stars
As a part of the 13-week outdoor dance series at Playhouse Square, local dance instructors lead Dancing Under the Stars tonight, and every Tuesday night through Aug. 28, at U.S. Bank Plaza. Tonight at 6, teachers from Get Hep Swing will teach you the Jitterbug/East Coast Swing; the Waller Creek Vipers provide the music. The dancing begins at 6:30 and continues until 9 p.m. Admission is free. Find a complete schedule of upcoming sessions on the website. (Niesel)
East 14th St. and Euclid Ave., 216-771-4444, 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 "Urgent," 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.
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.
Salute to America
A tradition in these parts, the Blossom Festival Band plays a special Salute to America concert tonight at Blossom. Savor a picnic on the lawn or at a picnic table, and then settle in to enjoy a mix of patriotic Sousa marches, Broadway favorites, an Armed Forces salute, and more. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and concludes with the rousing "1812 Overture" and fireworks. It all happens again tomorrow night. Consult the Cleveland Orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Truck Stop Tuesday
As if to provide a westside counterpart to Walnut Wednesdays, Crocker Park in Westlake has launched Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. Truck Stop Tuesday continues through Sept. 25. (Niesel) 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
