WED 01/03
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 performances often feature instruments from the museum's keyboard collection. Tonight's concert begins at 6 and lasts for about an hour. Admission is free. (Jeff Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
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 nondescript 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.
January Poetry Workshop
Local poets Claire McMahon and Ray McNiece lead the monthly poetry workshop today at Visible Voice Books in Tremont. Guests are encouraged to bring a handful of poems to the event, which takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. It's free. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The 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 event is "Drama," 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.
THU 01/04
BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Directed by Robin Campillo and starring Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Arnaud Valois and Adèle Haene, BPM (Beats Per Minute) dramatizes the lives of several Parisian AIDS activists from the '90s. Though it's not based on a true story, Campillo and co-screenwriter Philippe Mangeot drew upon their personal experiences with ACT UP as they developed the film. It makes its Cleveland premiere tonight at 8:10 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque; it screens again at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are $10, or $7 for members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
White Dragon Noodle Bar at LBM
Adam Bostwick (Cork and Cleaver, TV's Chopped) and Colin Brown (Spring Bud Acres) will be on hand to serve up speciality noodle dishes from 4 p.m. to midnight tonight at LBM, the new Birdtown restaurant. Kathleen Sullivan (the Spotted Owl) and Dan Watson (Porco Lounge & Tiki Room) will also be on hand for what they're calling "a Bladerunner cocktail experience." (Niesel) 12301 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4692, lbmbar.com.
Capone
Comedian Derrick "Capone" Lee served nine months in jail in the early '90s. He successfully left that life behind, however, when he turned to comedy. He performed for the first time ever at Columbia University and hasn't looked back. His material often centers on subjects such as racism and social inequality. Capone has shared the stage with big-name comics such as Mike Epps and Tracy Morgan. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv and has shows scheduled at the club through Sunday. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Steve-O
Unless you lived under a pop-cultural rock in the early 2000s, you know of the absolutely insane antics of Steve-O and the Jackass crew. Tonight, Steve-O brings his raunchy physical comedy to Hilarities for the first of several shows. The gig begins at 8, and performances continue through Sunday. Tickets are $27 to $30. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Sylvio
A strange indie flick directed by Kentucker Adley and Albert Birney, Sylvio centers on a gorilla who works at a debt collection agency where he makes phone calls using a computer that verbalizes his typing. Sylvio doesn't find the work fulfilling and hopes to take his talents to TV, where he wishes to put on puppet shows. The film makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 6:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it shows again tomorrow night at 9:45. Tickets are $10, or $7 for members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu
FRI 01/05
Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream
In what's become a tradition for this time of year, Disney on Ice storms into town to take over Quicken Loans for a 10-day period, sending the Cavs and Lake Erie Monsters out on long road trips so parents can bring their toddlers and 'tweens to the arena for some family entertainment. This year, a cast of over 50 will be on hand. Expect to see familiar figures such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney princesses. There will be sing-alongs to songs from films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more. Tonight's performance begins at 7 and shows run through Jan. 14. Check the Q website for times. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
1 Center Ct., 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 sixth year running in Cleveland, Flanagan's Wake transports the audience to a wake in Ireland 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. A sort of 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; Friday and Saturday night performances continue through April 28 at Kennedy's Theatre on Playhouse Square. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Mix at CMA
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. Tonight's theme is "Zodiac," and the fun includes cosmic tunes and cocktails. Tarot card readers will be on hand, and tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. CMA members get in free. The entertainment runs from 6 to 10 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Polina
Valérie Müller and Angelin Preljocaj direct Polina, a drama about a dancer (played by Anastasia Shevtsova, a professional dancer who has performed with St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre) who leaves Russia to study in France with a noted choreographer (Juliette Binoche). The movie makes its local theatrical debut today at 1:45 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Liz Russo
On her Facebook page, Liz Russo appropriately describes herself as a "single, 30-something, single, never married, childless, recovering alcoholic, 100lb losing, gluten-dairy-soy-egg free, cat owning standup comedienne." Russo regularly jokes about weight loss (she likes to say that edible underwear are made for skinny chicks) and dating ("my mom has given up on me," she laughs. "I still live in the Valley.") She performs tonight and tomorrow night at 7 and 9:30 at the Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield Park's Club Velvet. Tickets are $10 and $15. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
SAT 01/06
Champions of Magic
A U.K. sensation, Champions of Magic have played sold-out shows in London's West End for years now. The ensemble of magicians performs a range of tricks, including mind reading and "traditional magic in a modern style." The event promises to provide family friendly entertainment. Today's show takes place at 3 p.m. at Connor Palace. Tickets start at $19.99. (Niesel)
1615 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 makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 9:05 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel) 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah was a successful comic even before he became a contributor — and then took over as host — on The Daily Show. Last year, the comic debuted his ninth new comedy special, Afraid of the Dark, on Netflix. And David Paul Meyer's award-winning documentary film, You Laugh But It's True, tells the story of how Noah got his start doing standup in post-apartheid South Africa. Noah does his thing tonight at 7 at the State Theatre. Tickets are $39.50 to $75. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Pan's Labyrinth
Cleveland Cinemas' Late Shift, a film series dedicated to nostalgic cult and camp cinema, has been a fixture at the local chain of theaters since 2006. The 2018 schedule continues tonight with Pan's Labyrinth, the 2006 dark fantasy written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, and winner of three Academy Awards. Coming as it does after the recent release of the critically acclaimed The Shape of Water, tonight's screening provides a good chance for movie buffs to compare and contrast some of del Toro's best works. Pan's Labyrinth screens tonight at 9:30 and midnight, and tomorrow night at 7 at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets are $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Resolution Run
Organizers of this year's Resolution Run, a 5-K which takes place today at 8 a.m. at Crocker Park, encourage participants to dress in white, black and gold. Registrants should also include their 2018 resolutions during the registration process. Some of the best ones will be displayed on the course. Registration costs $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the race. (Niesel)
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month, so you know what that means: Tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre once again 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 at the screen, sing along to the tunes in the movie, and even get in a few steps of the "Time Warp." Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 01/07
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.
Dina
A mentally challenged Philadelphia woman falls for a Walmart greeter with Asperger Syndrome in Dina, a film that won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at last year's Sundance Film Festival. The film shows tonight at 6:30 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.
The Elvis Birthday Celebration
Ain't no party like an Elvis Birthday party. If you've been to one of the annual shindigs held at Playhouse Square, you know just how much fun these shows are, as some of the world's best Elvis impersonators convene to pay tribute to the King, who would've turned 83 this year. This year, Shawn Klush, Ryan Pelton and Cody Ray Slaughter join longtime Presley back-up singers the Sweet Inspirations and the Fabulous Ambassadors. Special guests include the former members of JD Summer and the Stamps, including Donny Summer, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at Connor Palace and will feature more than two hours of live music and 50 of Presley's songs. The tribute acts will even wear replicas of Presley's outlandish outfits. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The Paris Opera
Swiss filmmaker Jean-Stéphane Bron, the guy who made 2010's Cleveland vs. Wall Street, directs The Paris Opera, a behind-the-scenes look at the Paris Opera during a year marked by labor strikes, terrorist attacks and challenges within the organization. The film screens today at 1:30 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.
Mon 01/08
Deconstructing Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along
Next month, Martin Friedman will direct Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along at Lakeland Civic Theatre. In advance of that production, Friedman will discuss the musical's history and talk about how it flopped on Broadway after only 11 performances. Music director Jordan Cooper and Lakeland cast members will be on hand to perform several songs from the play. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Nighttown. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-795-0550,
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: Seats fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Science Cafe
The second Monday of each 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, J. Thomas Mortimer, professor emeritus of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University, will discuss how scientists, in principle, can connect a battery to metal electrodes that are positioned near a neuron to control sensations and behavior in humans. Heady stuff! Admission is free. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 01/09
Drunken Spelling Bee
You might scoff at the kids in the national spelling bee on ESPN, but can you do better? Tonight at 9 at the Grog Shop, you'll get your shot as the club hosts a Drunken Spelling Bee. Sam Handwich (John K) and Buzzed Wallace will host; the fun take place tonight and every Tuesday in January. Admission is free, and there will be drink specials and weekly prize packs. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Fiddler on the Roof
Set in the Ukranian village of Anatevka, the film Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a poor milkman who struggles to support five unmarried daughters and a wife. His family troubles, however, become insignificant when the ruling regime turns against the Jews of Anatevka. The classic screens today at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets are $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Love Never Dies
Set 10 years after the Phantom's disappearance from the Paris Opera House, Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, follows the Phantom after he's escaped to a new life in New York, where he has found a home, even though he still longs for his one true love, Christine Daaé. The performance takes place tonight at 7:30 at the State Theatre, where shows continue through Jan. 28. Tickets are $29 to $109. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
