WED 03/13
sports
2019 MAC Tournament
Many teams in college basketball's biggest conferences will make it to the NCAA basketball tournament whether or not they win their conference tournament. But in the Mid-American Conference, teams must win the conference tournament to get selected to play at the Big Dance. At least that's traditionally been the case. So expect the mid-sized schools from the region (Kent State, Ohio University, Akron University, etc.), who'll duke it out at this year's tournament, to engage in some real winner-take-all battles. Starting today at noon, both men's and women's teams will play at the Q, leading up to the championship games on Saturday. Check the Q's website for more info, including ticket prices. (Jeff Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
spoken word
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. The goal 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. Tonight, Rick Porrello will speak about his book, To Kill the Irishman – The War that Crippled the Mafia, the story of Irish-American racketeer Danny Greene. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 and the storytelling starts at 7. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
comedy
Hap Cole
High-energy comedian Happy Cole delivers jokes at a fast pace. His humor is about the things that he observes going on in the world around him. His material ranges from racial humor to joking about cruise ships. Cole has been in the comedy game for the past 20-plus years, and that experience shows. He knows how to work a crowd and he's a pro at making them laugh. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities Comedy Club. Tickets start at $13. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
theater
Mayumana: Currents
Inspired by the historical Battle of the Currents that took place between Thomas Edison (the DC proponent) and Nikola Tesla (in the AC corner), Mayumana: Currents combines a variety of elements including specially made musical instruments, video art projections and skilled performers who play an assortment of instruments and juggle between disparate sounds to depict what that battle might've been like. The performance takes place tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
theater
School of Rock
A popular musical based on the comedic film that starred Jack Black as a rock 'n' roll-obsessed instructor, School of Rock comes to Connor Palace after a successful run on Broadway. The plot centers on Dewey Finn and his attempts to train his students to play together in a "guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30, and performances continue through March 24. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 03/14
music
Cherish the Ladies
A Grammy-nominated Irish-American supergroup that formed in 1985 to celebrate the rise of women in what had been the male-dominated Celtic music scene, Cherish the Ladies performs tonight as part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park concert series, presented in partnership with the Conservancy for CVNP. Doors open at 7 and the music starts at 8 p.m. at Happy Days Lodge. Consult the website, below, for ticket prices. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909, conservancyforcvnp.org.
film
The Heiresses
A press release describes The Heiresses, the latest film from French director Marcelo Martinessi, as "an astute, acclaimed take on class, privilege, age, and latent sexual desire." It centers on two women from wealthy families who take extreme measures to combat their growing debt. It screens tonight at 8:50 and tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
music
The Musical Box
For more than 20 years now, Montreal's Musical Box has been re-creating Genesis concerts from the early '70s and paying attention to every last detail in the process. For the current tour, the band will deliver a three-act show featuring some of its best material. A press release promises "an all out performance of live visual signature stunts, a museum-worthy array of vintage instruments and a dizzying pace of iconic tracks and stage rarities." The show begins at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre, and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
music
New Soft Shoe
Nine years ago, on what local singer-songwriter Brent Kirby calls a drunken dare, a group of Cleveland friends and musicians showed up at the Happy Dog to play a couple sets of tunes by the late, great Gram Parsons. Dubbed the New Soft Shoe, the group has been at it ever since, spreading the gospel of what it refers to "Gram's Cosmic American Music." Anything that Parsons played, the New Soft Shoe covers. As a result, the group performs tunes from the International Submarine Band, the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers. It also plays songs from Parsons' solo album GP/Grievous Angel. Tonight at 8, the band performs in the Waldorf Hall at Forest City Brewery. Admission is free, but a donation is requested. (Niesel)
2135 Columbus Rd., 216-228-9116, forestcitybrewery.com.
music
Open Mic Night/Live Band Karaoke
Every Thursday, Stella's Music hosts a night of music, poetry and comedy. The club's doors open at 5 p.m., and performances begin at 8 p.m. Artists can sign up at stellasmusic.com/open-mic to secure a 15-minute time slot. Signups will be available at the club as well. Meanwhile, happy hour takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2217 East Ninth St., 216-272-3377, stellasmusic.com.
film
The Quake
The same team that wrote The Wave is responsible for The Quake, another Norwegian disaster flick that came out last year. The same geologist who predicted the tsunami in The Wave returns. This time, he warns that seismic activity suggests the Big One might be imminent, but — surprise, surprise! — no one takes him seriously. Destruction ensues. The movie makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 6:45 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 9:30 tomorrow night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Comedy
Tony Roberts
With a wicked sense of humor, comedian Tony Roberts brings an energetic approach to the stage. The guy has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo and BET's Comic View. He performs at 7:30 tonight at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $17 to $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Comedy
Amanda Seales
A comedian, actor, writer and producer, Amanda Seales has done a bit of everything over the course of her career. A former MTV VJ, she holds a graduate degree in African-American studies from Columbia University. She works as a series regular on HBO's Insecure and is creator/host of the hit live music/ comedy/game show, Smart Funny & Black. She performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities, where she has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets cost $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
music
Tchaikovsky's Fifth
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 is the centerpiece of tonight's Cleveland Orchestra concert at Severance Hall. But that's not the only piece you'll hear at the concert. Organist Paul Jacobs has been invited to appear as a soloist and will give the highly anticipated American premiere of Bernd Richard Deutsch's Okeanos, Concerto for organ and orchestra. Youngstown State University's Caroline Oltmanns will lead a discussion with Jacobs an hour before the concert. Tonight's performance begins at 7:30, and concerts are scheduled through Sunday. Check the Cleveland Orchestra website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
FRI 03/15
art
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 exploration of Cleveland's art scene; be sure to check out spots like the Derek Hess Gallery, Tregoning & Company and Hilary Gent Studio for a chance to shop and interact with artists. Look for food trucks out front and live music on the first floor. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is free. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
music
The Cleveland Blues Festival
National acts such as Sir Charles Jones, Pokey Bear, Shirley Brown, Theodis Ealey, Calvin Richardson and Lenny Williams will be on hand for tonight's annual Cleveland Blues Festival. Expect to hear everything from Southern soul (Akron native Jones) to R&B-infused bayou blues (Bear). The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $63. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
spoken word
Deconstructing the Beatles' Abbey Road (Part One)
Scott Freiman returns to the Cleveland Museum of Art tonight to present Deconstructing Abbey Road (Part One), his multi-media lecture about the Fab Four's 11th studio album. Released in 1969, Abbey Road delivered hits such as "Come Together" and "Here Comes the Sun." Tonight's lecture takes place at 7. Tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., Freiman presents the second part of the talk. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for CMA members. Admission to both shows will set you back $30, or $25 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
theater
Flanagan's Wake
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. Tonight's show starts at 8 and repeats tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Performances continue weekends through April 27. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
music
Lakeland Jazz Festival
Founded by retired professor and former music department chair Charles M. Frank, the Lakeland Jazz Festival is now in its 47th year. It's left quite a mark over the decades too. More than 30,000 middle- and high-school musicians from throughout the state have participated in the annual event during that time. This year's festival takes place today through Sunday at the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center at Lakeland Community College. Middle- and high-school performances and adjudication take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. The spotlight concert will feature the Ralph Moore Quartet. The group will play a tribute to John Coltrane at 8 p.m. tomorrow. An hour prior to the concert, Ideastream's Dan Polletta will host a pre-concert interview with Moore. Tickets cost $20, or $10 for students. The festival concludes with a Big Band Matinee concert that takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Those tickets cost $10, or $7 for students. (Niesel)
7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland,
440-525-7000, lakelandcc.edu/jazzfestival.
SAT 03/16
film
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
With The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, writers-directors Joel and Ethan Coen pay tribute to the old Western short stories recounting the bank heists and gunfights that were the stuff of legend. The film consists of a series of short vignettes that include appearances by Liam Neeson, James Franco and Tim Blake Nelson. The movie makes its local theatrical debut tonight at 7:05 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
food
North Union Indoor Farmers Market
Until March 30, the North Union Indoor Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Crocker Park. Local farmers, makers and bakers will be on hand to sell seasonal greens and vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and bakery items. The market is held at 228 Market St., between the Gap and Cyclebar. Afterward, check out Comet Alley, which sits between Yard House and Hyatt Place Hotel: You'll find locally owned businesses and shops that'll appeal to a "shop local" mentality. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
books
Michelle Obama
One of the most articulate and eloquent First Ladies the country has ever had, Michelle Obama embarked on an arena tour last year in support of her new book, Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama. Late last year, she added a slew of dates for the 2019 tour that brings her to the State Theatre tonight at 8. Tickets are sold out, so you'll have to buy a resale ticket through a broker if you want to go to tonight's event. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
st. patrick's day
Shamrock N Roll Party
Today — St. Patrick's Day eve — Legends Bar at downtown's JACK Cleveland Casino hosts its first-ever Shamrock N Roll Party. This warm up to tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day party runs from 7 to 11 p.m. and features festive drink specials including green beer and various cocktails. Guests are encouraged to wear their most festive outfits, and the three best getups will garner cash prizes. The fun continues tomorrow, as the novelty act Mini-Kiss performs from 5 to 6 p.m. on the casino's first floor; that's all part of the casino's special St. Patrick's Day party. (Niesel)
100 Public Square, 216-297-4777, jackentertainment.com/cleveland.
SUN 03/17
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The first Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade reportedly took place in 1867. In the early years, the parade marched through the near-westside (from the Flats to Detroit-Shoreway), where the region's Irish immigrants were concentrated. The songs and dancing were organized by the Order of the Hibernians. Then, in 1910, Ohio senator Dan Mooney introduced a bill which recognized St. Patrick's Day in Ohio, turning the parade into a true tradition. Today's iteration launches at 2:04 p.m. at the intersection of Superior Avenue and East 18th Street, and concludes at Rockwell Avenue and Ontario Street. Expect downtown bars to be jammed before it begins and after it's over. The parade route and more are on the website. (Niesel) stpatricksdaycleveland.com.
st. Patrick's day
St. Patrick's Day Party
Now in its 15th year, the St. Patrick's Day party that takes place today at House of Blues promises to be another rousing good time. It kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Music Hall performance by the local Pogues tribute act Boys from the County Hell. Pop Fiction follows at 2 p.m., and Sparky B takes the stage at 4 p.m. Meantime, in the Cambridge Room, the Irish punk band Craic plays at 9:30 a.m. Then, at noon, 235-Funk takes the stage. DJ Mike Filly plays from 2 p.m. until closing. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar opens at 10 a.m., and the Foundation Room opens at 11 a.m. Admission to the concert is free but subject to the club's capacity. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
music
Martin Leung Piano Concert
A California pianist with a wide range of musical interests, Martin Leung will play classical music as well as tunes from popular games when he comes to town today to perform at the Beachwood Community Center. The concert takes place at 2 p.m., and tickets are free. (Niesel)
25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood, beachwoodohio.com.
st. patrick's day
Shindig
Westpark's 5 Points Coffee & Tea began celebrating St. Patrick's Day earlier this month when it introduced new green lids, weekly "Irish" coffee drinks, and new bakery and sandwich options. The festivities come to a head today when the Irish band Shindig performs at the coffee shop from 9 a.m. until noon. The group will play Irish folk and rock. Admission is free, but you'll want to bring some money for menu treats like scones and Irish hot chocolate. (Niesel)
3600 West Park Rd., 5pointscafe.com.
Comedy
Jay Stevens
"Laughter is a healing medicine," says comic Shawn D. Stevenson (aka Jay Stevens), a native Clevelander. Stevens didn't initially intend to pursue a career in comedy. But after he had a religious awakening nearly 20 years ago, he felt the need to share his gift with others to help them relieve their stress and possibly heal them with laughter. A clean comic, Stevens performs in both comedy clubs and churches. He performs at 7 tonight at the Improv. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
film
The Waldheim Waltz
Austria's official entry to the Oscars, The Waldheim Waltz takes a long, hard look at the Nazi past of Kurt Waldheim, a former United Nations Secretary-General and the one-time Austrian president. The documentary screens at 4:15 p.m. today at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
MON 03/18
sports
Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Cavs didn't fare so well against the Detroit Pistons when the two teams met earlier this month. The Pistons put up more than 70 points in the first half and beat the Cavs by about 30 points. The two teams meet again tonight at 7 at the Q. Let's hope for some better results this time. Consult the Q website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
comedy
Kyle Kinane
After his 2010 debut Death of the Party received rave reviews, comedian Kyle Kinane found himself on the fast track. In the wake of that release, Kinane has performed on Last Call with Carson Daly, Live at Gotham, Conan and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he's opened for comedians Patton Oswalt and Daniel Tosh. Kinane likes to say that he steers clear of political topics, but he does routinely joke about white privilege and sexual harassment. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Grog Shop. Tickets are $25. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
trivia
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 quickly. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
film
Movie Mondays
Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas hosts $5 Movie Mondays, where film fans can catch up on the latest Hollywood flicks for significantly reduced prices. Bring your friends and family and make Movie Mondays a weekly tradition — many theaters even offer discounted concession-stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
nightlife
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 wherein patrons choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock," and 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 03/19
music
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the third Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Happy Dog. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, Anime Duo, students of Cleveland Institute of Music 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.
film
Lost Bohemia
In his 2011 film Lost Bohemia, director Josef Astor captures the vibrancy of the Carnegie Studios, live/work spaces that housed artists, including the real Dr. Donald Shirley of Green Book fame. The movie screens at 1:45 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
fundraiser
Party With a Purpose
A lifestyle brand committed to "the growth and development of leaders worldwide," Chief Leader Life aims to instill leadership skills in today's youth. Tonight at 5, the Bop Stop hosts Party with a Purpose, a fundraiser for the organization. Proceeds will be used to stuff backpacks full of toiletries for local teenagers. 2 Chefs And A Beat will provide the appetizers, and DJ Ellery will man the wheels of steel. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
CATEGORY
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. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
music
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.
