WED 11/01
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.
Get the Led Out
A tribute to British rockers Led Zeppelin, the Philadelphia-based band Get The Led Out consists of six veteran musicians who aim to re-create the band's songs without the aid of any technological gimmicks. If a studio version of the song had three guitars on it, the band plays it with three guitars. Expect to hear both the hits and the deeper cuts that the band rarely performed in concert. The show starts at 8 tonight at the State Theatre. Tickets are $10 to $37.50. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Avenue, 216-640-8669, playhousesquare.org.
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 "Medical." It starts at 8 p.m. at the Happy Dog in Gordon Square. Admission is $5. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
THU 11/02
The Art of Exchange: Contemporary Cuban Art in Cleveland
The latest exhibition at the Cleveland Institute of Art's Reinberger Gallery explores and celebrates the cultural exchanges between Cleveland and Cuba, specifically Cleveland organizations and Cuban artists. The Art of Exchange: Contemporary Cuban Art in Cleveland features a variety of artwork drawn from several private and public local collections. The Art of Exchange opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. today and remains on view through Dec. 15. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani)
11141 East Blvd., 216-421-7000, cia.edu.
Art Therapy Studio
Join Spaces and members of the Art Therapy Studio tonight (and every first Thursday night) from 6 to 7:30 for an evening of inspiration, artmaking and community connection. Tonight's edition is all about painting and poetry: Attendees will have a chance to experiment with some very fluid and abstract watercolor techniques and gather meaningful words from old books and magazines (or write an original haiku) to collage onto their paintings. A $5 admission fee covers the cost of supplies, and all materials are provided. At least five reservations are required for the class to be held. Please RSVP by calling the Art Therapy Studio directly at 216-791-9303, or by emailing [email protected]. (Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
The Colored Museum
Tony Award-winning playwright and director George C. Wolfe is the man behind The Colored Museum, 11 scenes or "exhibits," through which the audience is taken on "a journey of oppression and racism in a comedic yet thought-provokingly impactful fashion." The play aims to redefine our ideas of what it means to be black in contemporary America. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
E11even 2 Day
Local artists Rich Cihlar, Billy Nainiger and Christina Sadowski founded E11even 2, their gallery on the first floor of 78th Street Studios in January 2014. Known for its eclectic, themed exhibitions, the gallery's schedule typically includes a combination of group exhibitions featuring dozens of local artists and solo shows by the gallery's founders. In the summer of 2015, the gallery expanded into the vacated space next door, doubling in size. After nearly four years, E11even 2 is celebrating its anniversary early with E11even 2 Day, appropriately taking place today. From 6 to 8 p.m., E11even 2 hosts an anniversary celebration and preview of its next show, Ratio 1:12, opening during November's Third Fridays open studios next week. The show features all new work by Cihlar, Nainiger and Sadowski. Guests will receive 10 percent off any purchase made during the preview party. Admission is free. (Usmani)
1300 West 78th St., 440-724-9261, e11even2.com.
Godfrey
Remember that 7Up guy? Good. Because he's in town tonight. Godfrey, who got his start during a 1980s viral soda campaign, is showing off at the Improv. Cast as the token black friend in every comedy ever made, he's best known as the token black friend in 2001's Zoolander. That Godfrey's so hot right now, touring the country and making regular appearances on Comics Unleashed. His show starts at 7:30 tonight, and he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $17. (Brittany Rees)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
FRI 11/03
All Things Bakelite: The Age of Plastic
Director John Maher's documentary, All Things Bakelite: The Age of Plastic, profiles Leo Hendrik Baekeland, the "father of modern plastics." In 1907, the Belgian-born American chemist created Bakelite, the first wholly synthetic plastic. The movie explores his life with the use of historical re-enactments, rare archival footage, photos, first-person accounts, interviews with scientists, historians, and artists, and musical performances. Tonight at 6 at CWRU's Strosacker Auditorium, Case Western Reserve University Professor Hatsuo "Ken" Ishida hosts a free screening of the film. Maher and Executive Producer Hugh Karraker, Baekeland's great-grandson, will participate in a Q&A following the film. (Niesel)
2180 Adelbert Rd., 216-368-CINE, films.cwru.edu.
The Dirty Songbook
Taking the concept from Jerry Silverman's The Dirty Songbook, tonight's cabaret performance that takes place at Kennedy's Theatre will feature Cameron Cabot and Nathan Maslyk performing a collection of risque tunes. The guys have developed a "hilariously suggestive" selection of songs designed to make you blush. The concert takes place at 8 tonight and tomorrow night. Tickets are $30. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Enigma & Emanuel Ax
Pianist Emanuel Ax joins conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy tonight at Severance Hall to play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 as well as Elgar's famous Enigma Variations. An hour before tonight's concert, Cicilia Yudha, an associate professor of piano at Youngstown State University, gives a free pre-concert talk. The performance begins at 8, and tickets start at $21. Performances also take place at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Holiday Store Opening Reception
Looking to start your holiday shopping early? Just days after Halloween, Heights Arts presents its 16th Annual Holiday Store Opening Reception beginning with a member's reception from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a public reception from 7 to 9 p.m. This year's Holiday Store includes artwork and crafts by more than 85 local and regional artists. The gallery features a wide variety of items, including; paintings, photography, jewelry, clothing, music, handmade artist cards, fine art prints, ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, books by local writers and more. Open seven days a week, Heights Arts Holiday Store remains open through December, except holidays. Admission is free. (Usmani)
2175 Lee Rd., Hts., 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org.
SAT 11/04
Distinguished Lecture in Indian Art
Today, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its second annual Distinguished Lecture in Indian Art at 2:30 p.m. in the museum's Gartner Auditorium. Robert L. Brown, professor of Indian and Southeast Asian Art at UCLA, will give a presentation titled Transformations of a Buddhist Savior: Art and Avalokiteshvara. Avalokiteshvara is considered the most popular and important bodhisattva. Some of the most celebrated artistic representations of Avalokiteshvara are created in Cambodia, and one important example, never seen outside of Cambodia, is on loan to the museum this fall. In addition to teaching at UCLA since 1986, Brown has served as curator in the department of South and Southeast Asian Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) since 2001. After receiving his PhD in Indian art history from UCLA in 1981, he has trained more than twenty graduate students who now work at major museums and universities throughout the country. The event is free, but tickets are required. To register, visit engage.clevelandart.org or call the ticket center at 216-421-7350. The lecture is made possible by the Dr. Ranajit K. Datta in Memory of Kiran P. and S.C. Datta Endowment Fund. (Usmani)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
An Evening with Scott Hamilton & Friends
Tonight's 18th annual An Evening with Scott Hamilton & Friends ice show and gala serves a dual purpose. While it offers fans a chance to see a champion skater strut his stuff, it also serves as a benefit for benefit cancer research, education and survivorship programs at Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute. Singer-songwriter Peter Cetera will provide the soundtrack for the event which will feature Olympic skating champions and medalists. It begins at 5 p.m. at the Q. Tickets start at $32.50. (Niesel)
1 Center Ct., 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Free First Saturday
Have you recently visited MOCA Cleveland to view its Fall 2017 Exhibitions yet? If not, never fear. Thanks to a generous gift from PNC, admission is free to all on the first Saturday of each month. Stop in today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore MOCA Cleveland's current exhibitions: the first U.S. museum solo show by British artist Phil Collins (not the musician) and A Poet*hical Wager, a group exhibition of contemporary abstract artists from around the world who use abstraction to convey complex feelings and ethical concepts that can't be depicted through representational imagery. For Collins' first U.S. museum exhibition, the artist has created six listening booths, each with a seven-inch vinyl recording of original songs created in collaboration with guests of a homeless shelter in Cologne, Germany. Collins installed a phone booth with a free line at the shelter, available for unlimited local and international calls, with the understanding that the conversations would be recorded anonymously. Collins offered selected recording to his musician-friends, who used the recordings to create new songs for the recording booths. MOCA Cleveland's Fall 2017 Exhibitions remain on view through Jan. 28. (Usmani)
11400 Euclid Ave, 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
An Interview with Cheetah Chrome and Johnny Blitz of the Dead Boys
Earlier this year, Dead Boys' Cheetah Chrome and Johnny Blitz came through town to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their seminal album, Young, Loud and Snotty. Tonight at 7 at the Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center – Black Box Theatre on the Tri-C Metro Campus, they'll talk about the tour as well as a new book of photos. Dave Treat, the photographer who published a book of "lost" Dead Boys photos will also be on hand. Following the interview, there will be a live performance by Cheetah Chrome and Johnny Blitz. The program will conclude with a signing, and books and CDs will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
2809 Woodland Ave.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre 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 and sing along to the songs in the movie. Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Heights, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
Spaces in Wonderland
For the first time since moving into its beautiful new home on Detroit Avenue in Hingetown, Spaces hosts its annual benefit from 6:30 p.m. to midnight tonight. As always, the event includes a cocktail-style, themed costume party and an art auction featuring more than 75 artists, including a curated section from which proceeds go directly to Spaces capital campaign. This year's theme is Spaces in Wonderland, and this year's honorees are Fred and Laura Bidwell, founders of the neighboring Transformer Station. Guests are encouraged to dress up as a favorite Lewis Carroll character. VIP tickets are $150 ($100 tax deductible, 6:30 p.m. entry), general admission is $50 ($35 tax deductible, 8 p.m. entry) and dance party tickets are $10 (10 p.m. entry). (Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
SUN 11/05
Ji Aeri
In conjunction with the exhibition Chaekgeori: Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens, kayagum virtuoso Ji Aeri will deliver an "intimate" concert of Korean music, both traditional and contemporary, today at 2 p.m at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The kayagum, a zither-like instrument with 12 strings, is related to the Japanese koto and the Chinese guzheng. Aeri will perform both contemporary and traditional music on her instrument. The performance takes place on the closing day of the Korean screens exhibition. Tickets are $30 to $45. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
John Gorka
Folk icon John Gorka has toured and recorded since the 1970s. The veteran musician came out of the Northeast folk rock scene. Specifically, he emerged from Godfrey Daniels, one of the oldest folk clubs in the country. At one point, he even lived in the club's basement and acted as resident MC and sound man. He performs tonight at 7 at the Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula as part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series. Tickets are $25. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909, ConservancyforCVNP.org.
A Special Memorial Event
Julian Stanczak is considered one of the pioneers of the Op Art movement. A longtime resident of Cleveland, he originally received the Cleveland Arts Prize in 1969, and was appointed the organization's Special Honoree in 2015. Born in Poland in 1928, Stanczak was forced into a Siberian labor camp at the beginning of World War II. While imprisoned, he permanently lost the use of his right (dominant) arm. After escaping Siberia in 1942, Stanczak learned to write and paint left-handed at the age of 13 in a Polish refugee camp in Uganda. Stanczak moved to the U.S. in 1950 and eventually settled in Cleveland. Stanczak taught at the Art Academy of Cincinnati from 1957 to 1964 before serving as professor of painting at Cleveland Institute of Art from 1964 to 1995. In 1998, his 50-year career was honored with a collaborative retrospective between Youngstown's Butler Institute of American Art, the Columbus Museum of Art and the Josef Albers Museum in Germany. In honor of Stanczak's life and career, the Cleveland Institute of Art hosts a special memorial event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today in CIA's Peter B. Lewis Theater. Scheduled speakers include noted art historian Henry Adams, MOCA Cleveland director Jill Snyder, friend and collector Neil Rector and CIA president and CEO Grafton Nunes. Admission is free. (Usmani)
11141 East Blvd., 216-421-7000, cia.edu.
Touchdown for Hunger
Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland aims to "reduce hunger and enhance nutrition by providing food and other health related vital services to individuals and families by actively and effectively participating in a coordinated response to people in need." The fourth annual Touchdown for Hunger, which takes place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, is a donation event that benefits the organization. Organizers suggest patrons bring jars of peanut butter, boxes of oatmeal, cans of beans and other non-perishable food items to the event. In exchange, attendees bringing donations will receive discounted $7 same-day admission. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
MON 11/06
Wing Ding 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 Ding 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 offering 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 Ding Doodle takes place every Monday from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 11/07
Classical Revolution Cleveland
For many years, classical music wasn't intended for the masses. Seemingly reserved for quasi-exclusive concert halls, classical music hid from the outside world. Classical Revolution Cleveland helps tear down that wall and once again bring great chamber music to the people. Showcasing a variety of performers in bars, cafes and the like, it's actually not that different from how people used to listen to chamber music. The first Tuesday of every month, CRC brings its wide array of chamber music to the Euclid Tavern. 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. Full of immensely talented performers, CRC re-instills the relevancy of this vibrant art form. Tonight's free, all-ages performance starts at 8. (Stoops)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Flesh and Blood
Flesh and Blood director Mark Webber (Green Room, The End of Love) plays the lead role in Flesh and Blood, his film about a man who who struggles to rebuild his life after a stint in prison. Based on a real family, the movie blurs the line between narrative and documentary, and many real-life people play their counterpart characters. The film screens tonight at 7:30 at the Capitol, and Webber will be available via Skype for a Q&A after its screening. Regular admission prices apply. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
