WED 12/20
Bo Dacious
A veteran of the comedy world, Bo Dacious has done standup for over 13 years now. He pushes the boundaries by joking about more serious topics such as race, physical appearances, people taking advantage of fame and the struggles of trying to succeed. He has a conversational tone that makes the audience feel a connection to him and his jokes. He has worked with other well-known comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Cedric the Entertainer, Lewis Black and Eddie Griffin. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $17 to $20. (Jeff Niesel)
10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens was a hell of a writer, but he could be a tad verbose. So it's convenient that there have been so many great stage and screen versions of his classic ghost story. One of them — required viewing for anyone with a Netflix membership — is the 1951 movie starring Alastair Sim as a Scrooge for all eternity. And the other is this Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival production, which never fails to engage and delight. Framed cozily as a story within a story in this Gerald Freedman adaptation, the production really comes alive once the ghost of Jacob Marley appears, dragging his chains and creaking eerily with every movement. This annual tribute to knee-jerk liberal sentiments, like compassion for the downtrodden, is always a must-see, whether you've seen it before or not. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $28 to $75. Performances continue through Saturday. (Christine Howey)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story, a near-genius piece of American reminiscence, is so period-perfect and charming that the squishy sentimentality (of which there is plenty) never leads to saccharine reflux. Philip Grecian is listed as the playwright, but everyone understands that the bulk of insights and telling detail comes from the mind of Jean Shepherd, who wrote the original story, co-authored the movie, and narrated the flick in his distinctive, triple-wry voice. The Cleveland Play House's production of Story rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. See it tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Saturday. Tickets are $25 to $110. (Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., playhousesquare.org.
Greg Cielec Book Signing
Greg Cielec's My Cleveland Story, a coming-of-age novel set in the '70s and '80s, captures a range of experiences. The book includes descriptions of high school football games and all-night fraternity parties. As a press release puts it, the book is about living in a city with "a last place baseball club, and a football team that always broke your heart." Cielec participates in a book signing today from 5 to 9 at Visible Voice Books. The local band Cats on Holiday will perform as well. A donation will be made to the ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter for each book sold. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra plays Danny Elfman's score to The Nightmare Before Christmas while the cult classic shows on the big screen. The film centers on Halloweentown's pumpkin king and his evil plan to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Hoppin' Frog Hoppy Hour
Much like the Fat Head's tasting room in Middleburg Heights, the Hoppin' Frog tasting room in Akron is in a non-descript strip of storage facilities and warehouses. But step inside and you'll find a cozy space with a huge array of the brewery's wonderful libations. The place features "hoppy hour" every weekday from 3 to 7 p.m. Tonight, the brewers visit the tasting room from 5 to 7 p.m. While they don't fill growlers, you can drink bottles on site or take 'em to go. The place also offers a "Hoppin' Frog Rare & Vintage" list as well as a guest bottle list. And you can order from a limited food menu too. (Niesel)
1680-F Waterloo Rd., Akron, 234-525-3764, hoppinfrog.com/tasting-room.
Monsters Versus Iowa Wild
Tonight at 7 at the Q, the Cleveland Monsters conclude a two-game stand against the Iowa Wild, the farm team for the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have played well – they're just above .500 and have won a few more games than the Monsters. It's College ID Night, so college students can purchase $6 tickets and $6 "college meals" that include a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tickets for the general public start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
On Your Feet
Directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) and featuring choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), the musical On Your Feet tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan's journey to America to become pop music sensations. Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace; performances continue through Saturday. Tickets are $29 to $109. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Ryan Humbert Christmas Show
For the past nine years, local singer-songwriter Ryan Humbert has organized an annual Holiday Extravaganza. This year's event, which takes place tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Akron Civic Theatre, features Humbert's country band Shooter Sharp & the Shootouts along with special guest, singer-songwriter David Mayfield. Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Clinic Akron General's Muffins for Mammograms program which provides free mammograms year-round for uninsured or under-insured women throughout Northeast Ohio. Humbert's mother beat cancer, and he aims to support the hospital program that helps others beat cancer too. Tickets to the show are $20, $35 for two as part of the Civic's "date night special." (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
THU 12/21
Cavaliers versus Chicago Bulls
A perennial playoff contender, the Chicago Bulls have slipped this year and have become one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. Though the team has a promising rookie in sharp shooter Lauri Markkanen, don't expect the Cavs to lose tonight as they take on their division rivals at 7 a the Q. Tickets start at $53. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus celebrate the holidays with their annual series of Christmas concerts at Severance Hall. You'll find sing-alongs, guest choruses and a "surprise visitor" as the orchestra teams up with the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, the Cleveland State University Chorale and the College of Wooster Chorus for these seasonal performances. Tonight's concert begins at 7:30. and concerts continue through Saturday. Consult the website for ticket prices and more information. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Dave Landau
Last Comic Standing has introduced us to dozens of incredible comedians, but none quite like Dave Landau. Sharp, dark, and sarcastic, Landau's stand up act is stand up for the cynic. He puts a new twist on the typically goofy nature of live comedy. He likes to joke that Halloween was a fun holiday for him as a kid. "I was poor and I used to have to ear a garbage and go as a raisin," he jokes in one bit. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $18 to $23. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 12/22
Dave Attell
Known as the host of Comedy Central's Insomniac with Dave Attell and The Gong Show, Dave Attell is also a great stand up comedian, writer and actor. A New York native, he graduated from NYU in 1987 with a degree in communications. During the day, he worked crappy jobs and did standup at night. After getting national exposure courtesy of David Letterman, his career took off. The caffeinated comic has a rapid fire delivery that suggests he has trouble turning his mind off. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at Hilarities and has shows scheduled for 7 and 9:30 p.m. tomorrow too. Tickets are $33 to $35. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Monsters vs. Milwaukee Admirals
Tonight, the Monsters take on division rivals, the Milwaukee Admirals in the first of a two-game series at the Q. As part of the team's 1-2-3 FRIDAY promotion, there will be $1 Pepsi products, $2 Sugardale hot dogs and $3 beers (select 12 to 14 oz.). There will also be Star Wars character appearances and a themed game presentation that coincides with the opening of the new movie. Tomorrow night's game features a special promotion courtesy of Saucy Brew Works. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Monsters knit cap. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play continues today, tomorrow and Sunday at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. You and the kids can see how hula hoops, fish-cicles and other toys and treats keep the Aquarium's residents active and engaged. Seas'N of Play also features parallel sensory activities such as practicing to aim like an archerfish spurting a stream of water at a moving target. From noon to 1:30 p.m., patrons can see Scuba Claus dive into 230,000 gallons of water. You can even ask him questions while he visits a porcupine pufferfish, a green moray eel and other aquatic creatures. Children get an original Scuba Claus coloring book and a temporary tattoo. Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Ugly Xmas Sweater Silent Disco
The Grog Shop regularly hosts Silent Disco parties, silent raves during which people dance to music they listen to via wireless headphones. For tonight's special Silent Disco dance party, the Grog Shop encourages patrons to don their ugliest Christmas sweater. DJ KNYCE, DJ Sputnik and DJ White Rims will each have their own channel that attendees can listen to. The event begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Dalida
Dalida, a new film from director Lisa Azuelos, dramatizes the life of the Egyptian-born singer and actress who sold more than 170 million albums before she committed suicide in 1997. It screens today at 6:45 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Pints for Pierogies Blood Drive + Malphonia Happy Hour!
The American Red Cross Blood Donors' Bloodmobile will be at the Happy Dog today from 3 to 8 p.m. to take donations. After giving blood, you can receive a complimentary side of pierogis from the club, where there will also be a special festive holiday happy hour with Malphonia, a local band that specializes in playing acoustic versions of popular tunes with "occasional forays" into odd time signatures. The happy hour lasts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
SAT 12/23
White Christmas
Two happy couples who discover that love, romance and a Christmas Eve snowfall perform the Irving Berlin songs on the soundtrack and dances in the classic 1954 film White Christmas. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen star. Admission is just $10 and includes a complimentary mini-cocktail (or soft drink) and desserts courtesy of Gypsy Beans & Baking Company. The screening takes place at 11 this morning at the Cedar Lee Theatre. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Heights, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
Tropical Cleveland's Annual Hot Latin Holiday Dance Party!
Taste "Coquito," the Island version of eggnog, made with coconut milk and rum, and dance with "Hot Latin Santa" at Tropical Cleveland's annual Hot Latin Dance Party. Guest DJ Nacho will spin a "sizzling" mix of salsa, merengue and bachata. There will be a special Afro Caribbean dance performance too. The event starts at 11 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club, and tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (Niesel)
Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250,
Dungeons & Drag Queens: Winter is Coming — A Samantha Echo Show
Cabaret singer Samantha Echo makes her Euclid Tavern debut with tonight's special show, Dungeons & Drag Queens - Winter is Coming. IN keeping with the show's theme, Dungeonmaster Bubba Burger will host multiple short games of Dungeons & Dragons in the game room with some pre-made characters. The event begins at 9 p.m., and tickets are $5. (Niesel)
11625 Euclid Ave.,
216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
SUN 12/24
Big Sonia
Winner of the audience award for best film at this year's Cleveland International Film Festival, Big Sonia profiles Holocaust survivor Sonia Warshawski, a 90-year-old woman who runs a tailor store in a Kansas City shopping mall. The movies screens at 1:30 p.m. today and at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Holiday Brunch
Prosperity Social Club will offer a special holiday brunch today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. "Decadent" specials on the menu include Bread Pudding French Toast, Three Piggie Cassoulet, Pork Schnitzel and Hoppin John Soup. Reservations are recommended. The pub, which has a wood-burning stove, has been decorated with kitsch-y décor too. There will also be a holiday brunch on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day as well. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
Cats on Holiday Brunch
The local "swamp pop" band Cats on Holiday plays the Music Box Supper Club today at noon as the club offers a special holiday brunch. If you just want to check the band out, that'll cost you $10. If you want to eat too, the buffet costs $18. It includes items such as assorted pastries, fresh fruit, classic eggs Benedict and smoked bacon and sausage. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave.,
216-242-1250,
Drop in Tour of Beyond Chicken Soup: Jews & Medicine in America
At today's special drop-in tour of the latest exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, you can hear how the field of medicine has been "a vehicle for discrimination, acculturation and the strengthening of Jewish identity." The exhibit also lets you explore the rich history of Northeast Ohio's medical community, including the unique role that Mt. Sinai Hospital has played. A knowledgeable volunteer docent will guide the tour, which begins at 2 p.m. No reservations needed – and no extra charge. You just need to let the front desk know when you purchase your ticket that you would like to be part of the tour. Admission is $12, free for Maltz members. (Niesel)
2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org.
MON 12/25
12 Assholes of Christmas
It's a tradition that at noon on Christmas day, the punk rock club Now That's Class opens its doors to welcome "those who don't have anywhere to go or don't wanna go anywhere" for an event dubbed 12 Assholes of Christmas. From noon to 3 p.m. today, the bar will offer specials on select Great Lakes beers, selling them for only $1. The price goes up by increments as the night goes on. Bring some food for the potluck dinner. DJ Kat Cade, DJ Krissy Krass, DJ Miah, Mr. California, Pisteria, Paul E. Wog, Andrew Kirshner, Pack Wolf, The Hippies/Basement Boys, Roobydocks and Short Order will provide the tunes. It's free. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
Give What You Can, Pay What You Can
Christmas Day is a good a time as any to experience the inspiring stories in the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage's newest exhibition, Beyond Chicken Soup: Jews & Medicine in America. Today's events also include a screening of classic Fleischer Brothers Superman cartoons from the 1940s and a New Year's card-making activity. All canned goods will be donated to the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Bring a canned good donation and/or pay what you can toward Museum admission. Canned goods will be donated to the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org.
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, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3D movies. (Alaina Nutile)
TUE 12/26
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.
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." In keeping with that spirit and recognizing the burgeoning popularity of vinyl, the club hosts a vinyl night every Tuesday that serves as a listening party for new releases. The place has partnered with Loop in Tremont so that 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.
