WED 05/10
Alone in Berlin
Alone in Berlin, a 2016 drama by director Vincent Perez, centers on a working-class couple living in Berlin in 1940. In the wake of the death of their son, they secretly begin an anti-Hitler campaign. Inspired by a true story, the movie makes its Cleveland theatrical premiere tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it shows again at 7 on Friday night. Tickets are $9, $7 for CMA members, students and seniors. (Jeff Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. Through it, the folks at the Music Box Supper Club hope to help 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, 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, Joe Crea, the food and restaurant editor at the Plain Dealer, will discuss the rise of Cleveland's food scene. The menu includes cream of mushroom soup, Salisbury steak and pierogi, and Napoleon puff pastry. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Twelfth Night
When a violent shipwreck separates Viola from her boat and twin brother, she washes up on Illyria, an exotic island. She disguises herself as a boy messenger and tries to pass herself off as a native. That, in a nutshell, is the plot of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. And like many of the Bard's plays, misplaced affections and misunderstood intentions come into play. The National Theatre's version of the play shows at 7 tonight and at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — food trucks gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Follow the Downtown Cleveland Alliance on Facebook for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel)
Brandee Younger and Courtney Bryan
Tonight at 7:30 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, you can catch a performance by harpist Brandee Younger and pianist and composer Courtney Bryan. Part of the museum's noteworthy performing arts series, the musicians will present an evening of the music of Alice Coltrane along with Younger's original compositions. Tickets are $33 to $35, or $30 to $40 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
THU 05/11
Distinguished Voices: Lynne Tillman and Adam Pendleton
Currently on view in MOCA Cleveland's Mueller Family Gallery and Rosalie + Morton Cohen Family Gallery, Adam Pendleton's Becoming Imperceptible includes dynamic wall-based graphic vinyl installations, a multichannel film installation, ceramic floor sculptures and framed silkscreens printed on mirror. The exhibition's title comes from the writings of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari who claim that "to go unnoticed, is by no means easy." Becoming Imperceptible explores and re-contextualizes African, American and European aesthetic and cultural movements, including historic art movements such as Dada and Minimalism, as well as contemporary social concerns such as Black Lives Matter. From 7 to 10 tonight, MOCA Cleveland hosts Distinguished Voices: Lynne Tillman and Adam Pendleton. Joining Pendleton for this special conversation is acclaimed writer and critic Lynne Tillman, a Guggenheim Fellowship recipient with an influential career spanning more than 30 years. Moderating the discussion will be MOCA senior curator Andria Hickey. Tickets are $12 or free for MOCA Cleveland members and students with valid IDs. (Josh Usmani)
1400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Franz Welser-Möst conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall as it takes on Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. With its lush melodies, the piece captures the magic of the world that Shakespeare created in his famous play. Renowned Israeli actor Itay Tiran and members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus will be on hand too. Guest speaker Francesca Brittan, an assistant professor of musicology at Case Western Reserve University, will give the pre-concert talk, "Musical Magic Onstage," an hour before the show. Performances also take place at 8 on Saturday night and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $29. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Tea Taste Democracy and Upside Down Objects
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Yoko Inoue has been Spaces' SWAP artist in residence for the past few months; her residency is up on May 12. During her time in Cleveland, Inoue has researched the Cleveland Museum of Art's Japanese collection, particularly pertaining to former director Sherman Emory Lee. The museum's longtime director was a "Monuments Man" in Japan during the post-WWII occupation and did important work in the protection and inspection of Japanese artwork, artifacts and cultural properties. Inoue's exhibition, Tea Taste Democracy and Upside Down Objects, juxtaposes Lee's scholarly understanding of Japanese cultural identity against the widely circulated kitsch figurines stamped "Made in Occupied Japan" and sold to America's middle class as home decor. As part of the exhibition, Inoue has worked with the Cleveland Institute of Art's ceramics department to create a series of figurines that question these objects' contemporary value and relevance. Learn more from the artist herself from 6:30 to 8 tonight as Spaces hosts an evening with the artist. Admission is free. (Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
FRI 05/12
The Artwork of James Quarles
The Artwork of James Quarles, Canopy's first exhibition of its third year, showcases new and recent work by local artist James Quarles. A graduate of Shaker Heights High School, Quarles moved to Columbus to study graphic design at Columbus College of Art and Design. However, by his junior year, Quarles changed his focus to fine art, using the skills he had learned in his design classes to construct his compositions. After graduation, Quarles returned to Cleveland to pursue his art career through freelance graphic design, clothing design and music, while showcasing his work at local galleries, coffee shops and bars. Quarles' exhibition at Canopy explores a wide range of topics, from pop culture to social disorder, and includes portraiture, mixed media and illustration. Opening with a free reception from 6 to 10 tonight, the exhibition remains on view through May 28. Tonight's festivities include refreshments and music. (Usmani)
3910 Lorain Ave., 216-309-1090, canopy-collective.com.
BAYArts' Latest Exhibitions
Opening with a reception from 7 to 9 tonight, BAYarts' two latest exhibitions showcase work by students in many of the organization's art classes. That includes Under the Influence: Advanced Pottery Students in the Sullivan Family Gallery and the Art Club Gallery Show in the Diane Boldman Education Gallery. An ongoing program for students ages 10 to 14, Art Club offers intensive study into cartooning, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting and printmaking. An annual exhibition and sale for BAYarts' Karen Ryel Ceramic Arts & Education Center advanced pottery students, Under the Influence is completely organized by the students and offers them real world experience while giving the community an opportunity to purchase inexpensive ceramics. Under the Influence continues through May 24; the Art Club Gallery Show remains on view through June 1. Admission is free. (Usmani)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
In Conversation: Diana Tuite and Alex Katz
At a time when abstract expressionism dominated the international art market, Alex Katz explored abstraction with recognizable imagery by reducing his compositions to their most fundamental elements: line, form and color. In hindsight, these compositions foreshadowed the rise of pop art in the 1960s. Brand-New & Terrific: Alex Katz in the 1950s is currently on view in the Cleveland Museum of Art's Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Hall through Aug. 6. The exhibition is organized by the Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville, Maine, and curated by Diana Tuite, Katz curator at Colby. In conjunction with the exhibition, Katz and Tuite will discuss the artist's career and works at 7 tonight in the CMA's Gartner Auditorium. Admission to the discussion is free, but registration is required. To register, visit engage.clevelandart.org or call the museum. (Usmani)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Civics and Sandwiches
Spaces opened their new home in Hingetown less than a week before Donald Trump was (inexplicably) sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Now both Trump and Spaces have reached the end of their first 100 days. In conjunction with its new exhibition, The First 100+ Days, Spaces hosts a special viewing party today from noon to 2 p.m. for the City Club's panel discussion on Trump's first 100 days. Panelists include David B. Cohen from the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron, and Jessica Wehrman, Washington correspondent from The Columbus Dispatch. The panel will discuss the many complex issues facing the President and compare Trump's first 100 days to other administrations. Meantime, Spaces' exhibition focuses predominantly on Trump's immigration policy and its effects on Americans and immigrants. Spaces' Hingetown neighbor Jukebox is offering boxed lunches for $12.50 during the viewing party, but they must be purchased in advance on the Spaces' website. Options include a Funky Chicken Sandwich and Mushroomhead Sandwich. The screening is free. (Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
Free Style: Tease and Tension Between Abstraction and Representation
Curated by the organization's co-founder and executive director Liz Maugans, Zygote Press debuts Free Style: Tease and Tension Between Abstraction and Representation, an exhibition showcasing local and regional artists exploring abstraction and its often-contentious relationship with representational imagery. Showcasing a diverse range of approaches to abstraction, Free Style includes prints, paintings, drawings and mixed media collages. Opening with a reception from 6 to 8 tonight, Free Style remains on view through June 24. Admission is free. (Usmani)
1410 East 30th St., 216-621-2900, zygotepress.com.
Indians vs. Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins started the season with a bang and sailed into first place during the first two weeks of the season. They've cooled considerably since then, especially since a Tribe sweep in Minneapolis in April. Tonight, the division rivals commence a three-game series at 7:10 at Progressive Field. It's the season's first Dollar Dog night too. Tickets start at $13. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Lake Erie Crushers vs. Joliet Slammers
Avon's newly christened Sprenger Stadium became home of the Lake Erie Crushers in 2009. Never heard of 'em? Perhaps that's because the Crushers play in the Frontier League, an amateur baseball league not affiliated with a major league team; the guys on the team play for the sheer love the game. Their salaries are so low, they often crash at fans' houses for the season. Crushers' games are good fun. Tickets and concessions are cheap, and the stadium features a big patch of grass where kids can run free. The Crushers open their season tonight against the Joliet Slammers. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and tickets start at $6. There's a magnetic schedule giveaway and fireworks after the game. (Niesel)
2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, 440-934-3636, lakeeriecrushers.com.
An Opening Reception
The Cleveland Print Room's Multiple Exposure program brings artist-instructors into local schools for after-school photography programs. From 5 to 9 tonight, the Print Room hosts an opening reception for the Multiple Exposure Student Exhibition, showcasing and selling photos taken by students at Bethany Baptist Church, Campus International School, Harvard Community Services Center, Saint Martin de Porres High School, and St. Rocco School. Additionally, from 5 to 8 p.m. during tonight's reception, the Cleveland Print Room presents CAC In Transition, an exhibition of photos produced this spring as part of a mobile art program by students at John Adams, Lincoln West, Scranton and Walton Schools. Thanks to a grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC), middle- and high-school students created self-portraits under the instruction of the Cleveland Print Room's teaching artists. Admission to the reception is free. (Usmani)
2550 Superior Ave., 216-401-5981, clevelandprintroom.com.
Screw Factory Open House
Only about three times a year do the studio artists of the Screw Factory open their doors to the public. Tonight is one of them. The Screw Factory (aka Lake Erie Building) hosts its Spring Open Studios from 6 to 10 tonight. Traditionally held on Mother's Day weekend, the event is a perfect opportunity to pick up a last-minute gift for mom. Admission is free. (Usmani)
13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, screwfactoryartists.com.
SAT 05/13
The Hooley
Today from noon to 8 p.m., you can check out the Hooley on Kamm's Corners, an annual block party that takes place on Lorain Avenue from West 165th to Rocky River Drive. The festival offers the usual quotient of crafts, live music, dancers from a host of area Irish dance schools, pipes and drums and plenty of family fun. Food will be available at the pubs and eateries lining Lorain Avenue and vendors will be on hand with kettle corn, ice cream, freshly squeezed lemonade and other festival staples. Two entertainment stages showcase a variety of musical acts and performers. Family-friendly activities include an obstacle course, a 30-foot fire truck slide and a pop-a-shot game operated by the St. Mark School Parent Club. Artist Alley will feature a selection of jewelry, toys, clothing, home decor, Irish-themed gifts, and handmade arts and crafts. Admission is free. Find details on the website. (Niesel)
SUN 05/14
Cleveland Improv Jam
The Angry Ladies of Improv has hosted the Cleveland Improv Jam for four 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 longform 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.
The Daughter
Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neill and Miranda Otto star in The Daughter, a 2015 adaptation of playwright Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck. The story centers on a grown son who comes home for his father's wedding only to discover a deep, dark secret that divides the family. The movie makes its theatrical debut today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art's Morley Lecture Hall. It screens again on Wednesday, May 17. General admission is $9, or $7 for CMA members, students and seniors. You can purchase tickets on the website. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
The Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word
This year, Cleveland celebrates the 50th anniversary of Carl Stokes' election as mayor of Cleveland with a series of community-wide events. As part of the celebration, the Cleveland Museum of Art has commissioned the Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word to create and perform an original piece based on the writings and words of Carl Stokes and his brother, Congressman Louis Stokes Jr. The Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word are a group of African-American males, ages 8 to 18, who study the art of performance poetry. This special performance takes place at 2 p.m. today in the museum's Gartner Auditorium. The event is free, but reservations are required. To reserve tickets, visit the museum website or call the ticket office at the number below. (Usmani)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Gospel Brunch
The monthly Gospel Brunch has been a spiritual Sunday staple for years at the House of Blues. Curated by famed gospel singer Kirk Franklin, the recently reinvigorated show puts a bit more emphasis on the music. This week, the local artist Lafayette Carthon and Faith performs. The all-you-can-eat musical extravaganza features Southern classics like chicken jambalaya, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. Seatings are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available online, by phone or at the box office. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Rod Paulette
Ohio comedian Rod Paulette, who returns to his home state to perform tonight at the Improv, has a deep voice that seems to carry through the room as he makes fun of racial issues. Like Donald Glover, Paulette plays off the stereotype of being a black man who acts white and he jokes about some of the struggles he's subsequently encountered. In one bit, he talks about how people on the West Coast always assume he grew up on a farm because he's from Ohio. "When's the last time you saw a black man on a farm without a chain on his foot keeping his ass there?" he asks. "If you ever see a black man on a farm, sneak up on him, tap him on the shoulder and let him know he's free." Paulette performs tonight at 7 at the Improv. Tickets are $15. (William Hoffman)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
mon 05/15
Anthologizing Rock and Roll: Rhino Records and the Repackaging of Rock History
Daniel Goldmark, a professor of music and director of the Center for Popular Music Studies at Case Western Reserve University, has written books on animation, film and music. Tonight at 7 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Library and Archives, he'll deliver the talk Anthologizing Rock and Roll: Rhino Records and the Repackaging of Rock History. He'll discuss how Rhino Records, an independent label that regularly repackages preexisting songs into novel and often "history-defying" formats such as artist compilations, historical reissues, and especially the deluxe boxed set, has helped to define an approach to selling music that has became standard practice in the music business. Admission is free and reservations aren't required, so guests are welcome to just drop in. You will find the Library and Archives on Cuyahoga Community College's main campus. (Niesel)
2809 Woodland Ave., 216-515-1956, library.rockhall.com.
Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Playing in baseball's tough AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays have struggled to compete against powerhouse squads such as the Yankees, the Orioles and the Red Sox. And yet, the Rays have still managed to play .500 ball early in the season. Tonight, they open a three-game series against the Tribe. First pitch is at 6:10, and tickets start at $13. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
TUE 05/16
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 third Tuesday of every month, CRC brings its wide array of chamber music to the Happy Dog at 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. (Patrick Stoops)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
An Interactive Art Event
One of the city's most recent successful collaborations between artists, art organizations and local business owners is the partnership between local arts nonprofit Graffiti HeArt (promoter of urban graffiti and street art) and CLE Urban Winery. The two entities have worked together since last summer, even before the winery opened its doors on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. Through a combination of murals and fundraising events at the winery, the partners have developed strong relationships with each other, local artists and Cleveland Heights' residents. Teaming up once more, the partners host an interactive art event tonight from 6:30 to 9:30, featuring local artist Rich Cihlar. Cihlar is the co-owner of E11even 2 at 78th Street Studios and owner of the Pop Shop framing studio in Lakewood. In followup to a similar event in March, Cihlar returns to the winery to lead another painting workshop. Described as a twist on traditional "paint and sip" classes, the event offers guests an opportunity to create original art under Cihlar's guidance. Initially painting abstract, textural backgrounds with acrylic paint, participants next will use spray paint and stencils designed and cut by Cihlar himself to create crisp imagery with specific colors on top. At the end of the evening, each participant will leave with a 12-inch-by-12-inch piece of graffiti pop art. Tickets are $30 per person, and include a glass of wine. Proceeds benefit the Graffiti HeArt scholarship fund. (Usmani)
2180B Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com.