WED 03/21
Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
All season long, the Toronto Raptors have played quality basketball. The team consistently has had one of the best records in the Eastern Conference and is vying for the top seed for the playoffs. The Raptors blew out the Cavs when the two teams played earlier in the season, but that was before the Cavs traded for younger, better players. Expect tonight's game to be a tight one. Tipoff is at 7 at the Q. Tickets start at $32. (Jeff Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.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, usually 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, local author James Badal, an English instructor at Cuyahoga Community College who's written extensively about true crime, discusses the 1951 disappearance of Beverly Potts. Tonight's menu includes beef-vegetable soup, chicken Stroganoff and a sundae. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Jon Huck
Comedian and actor Jon Huck is proof that you really can do it all. He has made appearances on Comedy Central, been in movies and television shows, acted in numerous commercials and hosts a weekly podcast, The Hollywood Anonymous. In his standup routines, he recounts the sometimes crazy stories from his life, such as the time he was in Munich, Germany, for Oktoberfest and lost his trousers in the midst of a blackout and ended up pantsless, sans underwear, in the lobby of a five-star hotel. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Ticket prices range from $13 to $18. (Jane Wight)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Lady Day
After an extended run at Weathervane Playhouse, Lady Day, featuring Akron native Marissa Davis as jazz singer Billie Holiday, comes to the Underground at the Holy Trinity Cultural Arts Center for a 10-day run. The play, which also features Cleveland musicians Ed Ridley and Bradford McGhee, runs through March 25. The Underground, the company's theatrical venue, will be transformed into Emerson's Bar and Grill, the place that in 1959 hosted one of Holiday's last performances, just months before her death. Showtimes for Thursday through Saturday night performances are 7:30. Matinee performances are at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
7209 Woodland Ave., 216-417-4571, trinityculturalarts.org.
What Do You Do With An Idea?
Inlet Dance Theatre's adaptation of The New York Times best-selling children's book by Kobi Yamada, What Do You Do With An Idea?, tells the story of a child who helps bring a "brilliant idea" into the world. Vocally gifted local radio personality Dee Perry provides the narration. The performance takes place tonight at 7 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame regularly shows music-related movies in its Foster Theatre. Earlier this year, it kicked off its 2018 film series with a screening of the hip-hop documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap. Tonight at 7, the series continues with a screening of What Happened, Miss Simone?, a movie about the famous jazz singer Nina Simone that uses rare archival footage to tell her story. Admission is free for Rock Hall members, $5.50 for non-members and free with paid museum admission (if space permits). Advance tickets can be purchased at the Rock Hall box office or on the Rock Hall website. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Wu Man with Huayin Shadow Puppet Band
An internationally renowned virtuoso on the pipa — an instrument much like a lute — Wu Man will join the Huayin Shadow Puppet Band for a program of traditional Chinese folk music with shadow puppetry. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Part of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, Wu Man, who has performed at the museum in the past, is probably the world's most famous traditional Chinese musician playing the concert halls. She uses her success to share the spotlight with lesser known artists of Chinese music like the Huayin Shadow Puppet Band. Expect a rousing evening of lutes, gongs and fiddles, full of energy and charm. Tickets start at $38. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
THU 03/22
Dan Cummins
In the past several years, comic Dan Cummins has been extremely busy. He's released three albums, appeared on all the usual late-night talk shows and toured his ass off. Though his delivery is much more manic, the thirtysomething comic comes off a bit like Jerry Seinfeld as he jokes about the trials and tribulations of getting through everyday life. Cummins performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $23. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Monsters vs. Chicago Wolves
The Cleveland Monsters return from a lengthy seven-game road trip to take on the Chicago Wolves. The Monsters lost more games than they won in February, so they'll be looking to get back on track with tonight's game. It's also College ID Night, so students with a valid ID can buy $6 tickets and pick up a $6 College Meal that includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. The puck drops at 7. Tickets for the general public start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Romantic Rachmaninoff
Famous for his unapologetically romantic melodies, composer Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote several famous pieces during the late Romantic period. Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra performs his Symphony No. 2. Harpsichordist Jory Vinikoor will join the orchestra for the special performance, delivering French composer Francis Poulenc's mesmerizing Pastoral Concerto. Additional program performances take place tomorrow through Sunday. Consult the website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Guy Torry
Comedian Guy Torry likes to joke that he used to get kicked out of class for telling the kind of jokes that he now gets paid to tell on TV. His material ranges from talking about the "stand-in-line-rage" he experiences when he goes to the bank, to the generational differences he sees in the world of sports ("You don't see any black players in baseball anymore — too many games!"). All the while, he delivers his narrative-based jokes with frenetic energy. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Western
A thriller set in a remote region of Bulgaria, Western centers on a group of macho German construction workers who come to town to build a dam. They invariably clash with the locals, suggesting that the film is making a commentary on the European Union and its treatment of outsiders. The film makes its local debut tonight at 6:45 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it shows again at 8:25 on Sunday night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
FRI 03/23
Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have had another miserable season of losing despite the emergence of guard Devin Booker as a capable scorer. The team continues to play lousy defense and has struggled all season to win close games while getting blown out by teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. The Suns simply can't defend. Expect the Cavs to put some serious points on the board tonight against one of the league's worst teams. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the Q. Tickets start at $32. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
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.
In Search of Fellini
Dayton native Nancy Cartwright (famous as the voice of Bart Simpson) directs In Search of Fellini, a semi-autobiographical film about an Ohio girl who goes to Italy to meet the esteemed director. The movie shows tonight at 7:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
In the Heat of the Night
Set in 1962 in the small town of Argo, Alabama, In the Heat of the Night centers on attempts by the local police to determine who is responsible for a dead body found on the road on a hot August night. It's a difficult challenge considering they have no witnesses, no motives and few clues. Students from Cuyahoga Community College present the play tonight at 7:30 at the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre on the Eastern Campus. A performance also takes place at 7:30 tomorrow night and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free for Tri-C students with a College ID. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors or students from schools other than Tri-C. Reduced rates also are available for groups of 10 or more. (Niesel)
4250 Richmond Rd., Highland Hills, 216-987-4947, trictickets.com.
Lenten Fish Fry
From now until the end of March, Prosperity Social Club hosts its Lenten Fish Fry every Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight. The special Lenten menu includes the Big Fish Fry, a seasonal staple that features a generous portion of haddock in a fluffy beer batter blanket, complemented by homemade coleslaw, house tartar sauce and old-school-style mac and cheese. Prosperity received national attention when the home-cooked Big Fish Fry was featured on TV chef Andrew Zimmern's Delicious Destinations. To drink, this year's featured beer is POC, now brewed by Double Wing Brewing Company which recently resurrected the storied brand. The clean, crisp European-style pils should pair well with the fish. Reservations are not a bad idea. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
SAT 03/24
Adult Swim: Whiskey & Bourbon
Typically suited to people of all ages, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium regularly hosts Adult Swim nights that are only open to those age 21 and up. Tonight from 7 to 10, it presents Whiskey & Bourbon, a tasting event that also provides patrons with full after-hours access to the aquarium. Each $40 ticket comes with a souvenir glass and 20 tasting tickets. There will also be light hors d'oeuvres. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Monsters vs. San Diego Gulls
After a subpar February during which the team lost more games than it won, the Monsters look to get back on track tonight against the San Diego Gulls. The game will benefit the American Cancer Society, and the first 10,000 fans will receive a purple game rally towel. The game commences at 7, and tickets start at $10. The two teams face off again tomorrow at 3 p.m. Tomorrow's game will feature special giveaways for kids 14 and under and will include a postgame skate. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
North Coast Men's Chorus Presents Maureen McGovern
Now in its 30th year, the North Coast Men's Chorus celebrates its anniversary tonight with a special show featuring guest Maureen McGovern. The North Coast Men's Chorus will perform first and then McGovern will sing some of her favorite songs as the men join her. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and advance sale tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rock x CPL
Rock x CPL, an event designed to build anticipation for the upcoming Rock Hall Inductions, takes place today from noon to 4 p.m. at Cleveland Public Library. The free event will include live performances, hands-on crafts and interactive programming. You'll be able to create your own album cover and write letters in support of March for Our Lives. Local acts such as the Brent Kirby Trio, singer-songwriter Marcus Alan Ward, Hey Mavis, Chris Allen, and Doug McKean & Tom Prebish will perform. (Niesel)
325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org.
SUN 03/25
Chris Franjola
Best known for his appearances on late-night's Chelsea Lately, where he's known to take abuse from host Chelsea Handler, or in the scripted comedy series After Lately, comedian Chris Franjola also regularly works the standup circuit. "My material is basically anything I can't say on TV," he once said. Expect a raunchy show when he performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.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 03/26
Cleveland Comedy Awards
Hilarities and ComedicCle present tonight's inaugural Cleveland Comedy Awards. Organizers will bestow awards upon local comedians, sketch comedy groups, comedy venues and podcasts. It all starts at 7 p.m. at Hilarities. There will be live performances and guest presenters. Tickets are $20 to $25. Proceeds benefit LifeAct and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.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.
WWE Raw
Since it debuted in 1993, WWE Raw has become a flagship program for the professional wrestling organization. Tonight's edition of WWE features "your favorite superstars in action." Among other attractions, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins take on the Miz, Kane & the Bar and Cesaro & Sheamus in a special eight-man tag team match. Raw women's champion Alexa Bliss will be on hand as will Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. It all goes down tonight at 7:30 at the Q. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
TUE 03/27
Classical Cafe Series
In conjunction with the current exhibit, Eyewitness Views: Making History in Eighteenth-Century Europe, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts a free classical performance every Tuesday in March in the Ames Family Atrium. Today's concert, which takes place from 1 to 2 p.m., features Cleveland Orchestra violinists Isabel Trautwein and Miho Hashizume. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
