WED 04/19
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
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, Cleveland-based author Charles Cassady Jr. will speak about Great Lakes shipwrecks and Eerie Lake ghost stories (he's written a book about each topic). The featured three-course dinner includes iceberg salad, Edmund Fitzgerald braised pork and coconut cream pie. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Drawing Power
Once a month, Great Lakes Brewing Company hosts Cleveland's Drink & Draw Social Club. The event is organized by the Rust Belt Monster Collective and sponsored by Carol and John's Comic Book Shop. Drink & Draws are an opportunity for artists of all skill levels to drink, draw, socialize/network and collaborate in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Events take place at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, including tonight. At the end of each Drink & Draw, prizes are awarded for various superlatives. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani)
2516 Market Ave., 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com.
'The Freedom to Marry'
In his new documentary film, The Freedom to Marry, director Eddie Rosenstein (The Greatest Tunnel Ever Built) explores the manner in which same-sex marriage went from being a "preposterous notion" to something widely accepted. The movie makes its Cleveland premiere tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it shows again at 7 on Friday night. Tickets are $9, or $7 for CMA members, seniors and students. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Move — Beyond — Live on Tour
Siblings Derek and Julianne Hough promise that their current show, which features brand-new stage production inspired by earth, wind, fire and water, will bring fans on "a journey of dance and music, taking inspiration directly from the four elements as an exploration of the human relationship with nature." The duo will be joined by the Move Company Dancers for group performances that range from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop. Tonight's performance begins at 8 at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets are $45 to $79.50. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Chris Rock
A true Renaissance man, comedian, actor, director, writer and producer Chris Rock does a bit of everything. Rock's career goes back decades, and he returned this year to host the 88th annual Academy Awards and also recently directed HBO's comedy special Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo. Earlier this year, the multi-talented performer announced a return to live comedy with his all-new Total Blackout Tour 2017. His first tour in more than nine years, it kicked off in February. At 8 tonight and tomorrow night, Rock performs at the State Theatre. Tickets are $49.50 to $125. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Spring into Health 2017: Community Health Fair
In partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Gallagher Benefit Services, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts the Spring into Health 2017: Community Health Fair today from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fair includes an American Red Cross blood drive, demonstrations by local fitness studios, healthy food samples and free health screenings. Additionally, Cavs legend Elmore Smith will speak at 1:30 p.m., and special fitness and dance demonstrations will be conducted by the Cleveland Cavs Entertainers, including the Cavalier Girls, Scream Team, QSpiritSquad and Monster Hockey Girls. While you're visiting the museum, don't forget to check out Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks. This introspective exhibition of works by Brooklyn-born Jean-Michel Basquiat closes on April 23. Admission is free. (Usmani)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Think & Drink with the Extinct
Billed as "one of the brainiest happy hours in Cleveland," Think & Drink with the Extinct, a monthly gathering at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, represents more than just an opportunity to get wasted. Rather, patrons actually learn something as the museum's staff members give interactive demonstrations and talk about topics in science. This month's event is all about bugs and includes insect robots, live praying mantises, and samples of edible crunchy critters. The "drinking" part is fueled by Platform Beer Co. It takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $8, beer is $5 and wine is $6; museum members and Case students get free admission. (Niesel)
1 Wade Oval Dr., 216-231-4600, cmnh.org.
THU 04/20
Decades Rewind
A brand new theatrical concert that features more than 60 songs blended into unique medleys from the '60s, '70s and '80s, Decades Rewind aims to bring your memories to life with over 100 costume changes and videos that turn back time. You'll hear everything from Aretha to Zeppelin. The performance takes place tonight at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $41 to $47. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Don Quixote
Inspired by the Cervantes' satire Don Quixote, Richard Strauss' tone poem provides an elaborate and richly detailed portrayal of the deranged Don and his sidekick Sancho Panza. Tonight at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra performs the piece, which features musical depictions of Don Quixote's various misadventures. The program also features music by Delius and Vaughan Williams, bringing together a delightful set of musical pleasures. Rose Breckenridge, administrator and lecturer with the Cleveland Orchestra Music Study Groups, gives the preconcert talk, "Rhapsodies and Dreams." Performances take place at 7:30 tonight, 11 a.m. tomorrow (minus the Vaughan Williams piece) and 8 on Saturday night. Tickets start at $29. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Steve Gillespie
Fearless, light-hearted and hilarious are some of the many terms used to describe comedian Steve Gillespie. He combines aggression and absurdity to create a humorous show filled with laughter. He has a crass sense of humor and is not afraid to speak his mind, which makes him appealing and relatable to the audience. He jokes about whatever crosses his mind, such as his own looks and personality, having children and being forced to grow up and mature. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $18 and $23. (Hannah Borison)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
'Lovesong'
Lovesong, the fourth film from director So Yong Kim (In Between Days, Treeless Mountain), centers on two college friends (Jena Malone and Riley Keogh) who develop feelings for each other after they take an impromptu road trip together. 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.
A Sign-Making Party
On Saturday, scientists, advocates, educators and concerned citizens will take part in the March for Science —on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as well as in more than 425 other locations around the world. Today, Platform Beer Co. hosts a sign-making party from 5 to 8 p.m., where science supporters can create signs and have a drink; Platform will donate $1 from each beer sold to Cleveland's march. Street parking is available, but attendees are encouraged to park in the Bodnar-Mahoney Funeral Home lot on the corner of West 41st and Lorain. Admission is free. (Usmani)
4125 Lorain Ave., 216-202-1386, facebook.com/sciencemarchcle.
'A Streetcar Named Desire'
A timeless classic about "delusion, reality, madness, love and loss," the Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire takes place in a small garden apartment in 1940s New Orleans. It centers on Stanley Kowalski, a roughneck whose primitive desires violently class with Blanch Dubois' longing for a past which may or may not have ever existed. The CSU theater and dance department give it a go today at 7:30 p.m. at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre on Playhouse Square, where performances continue through April 30. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 04/21
Jim Breuer
Things are tough for Jim Breuer.He's got three adorable kids who torture him and make his hangover unbearable. The second one was born with a broken volume control and their favorite antics are conducting parades with pots and pans at 6 in the morning. Poor dude. As if that wasn't enough, they never want to be part of family pictures and they force their poor dad to play Barbie dolls for hours on end. His drunken-dad shtick can be alarming at times, but he's actually pretty funny and obviously loves his family. If you have kids, you'll cringe but relate. If you don't have kids, he'll probably convince you to delay that decision a little longer. Breuer is in town for two days, with appearances tonight at 7:30 and 10 and tomorrow night at 7 and 9:30 at Hilarities Fourth Street Theatre at Pickwick & Frolic. Tickets are $35. (Liz Trenholme)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
CreativeMornings CLE
CreativeMornings CLE is a breakfast lecture series for the creative community, and part of a global network of CreativeMornings. The theme for the latest lecture is "beyond." Fittingly, its location, the Waterloo Sculpture Garden in Collinwood, takes the series farther from downtown than it has ever traveled. This month's CreativeMornings speaker is Robin VanLear, director of community art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as founder and director of Parade the Circle for the past 28 years. The event takes place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided. Registration is free but limited. To register, visit the website. (Usmani)
16010 Waterloo Rd., 216-224-3470, creativemornings.com/talks/robin-vanlear.
Emergent 2017
Heights Arts' Emergent 2017 collects works by recent graduates of local colleges and universities. First presented in 2015, Emergent 2017 is the second installment of this invitational showcase. Schools represented in this year's exhibition include Baldwin Wallace University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, Kent State University and the University of Akron. Emergent 2017 opens with a reception tonight from 6 to 9 and remains on view through June 4. Admission is free. (Usmani)
2175 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org.
Happy Hour with Education
Happy hour doesn't have to be just an excuse to get wasted after a hard day at the office. For tonight's Happy Hour with Education at Dunham Tavern, Casey Forbes, noted wine expert and owner of Vintage Wines, will present a talk about "historic" wines, discuss his personal journey into the fascinating world of wine, and provide tastes of some of his favorites. There will be cheeses and nibbles of all kinds to accompany the wine. Admission is $10 for members, or $15 for non-members. It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. See the website for reservations. (Niesel)
6709 Euclid Ave., 216-431-1060, dunhamtavern.org.
Haters Roast: The Shady Tour
Self-professed "sharp-tongued queens" from RuPaul's Drag Race take to the stage tonight with stingers and zingers to address issues ranging from politics to love and social media. The show begins at 8 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $29 to $164. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Kent Reggae Jam
The annual Kent Reggae Jam aims to promote "reggae rhythms, free flowing jams and other island sounds." This year's jam takes place at 14 venues in downtown Kent. The lineup features a who's who of local reggae and jam acts, including Outlaws I & I, the JiMiller Band and Rhodes Street Rude Boys. The festival takes place from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. today, and admission is free. For more information on the festival and to see a full schedule, go to the website. (Niesel)
'Sympathy for the Devil'
Tonight at 7, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque will screen a new digital restoration of the Jean Luc Godard classic Sympathy for the Devil. Godard's first feature after Weekend, the film features scenes of social and political unrest that include clips of black militants, student revolts and women's liberationists interspersed with footage of the Rolling Stones in the studio working on the song that gives the movie its title. New York-based visual artist Adam Pendleton, subject of the one-man show Adam Pendleton: Becoming Imperceptible at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, selected the film because he regards it as a suitable companion piece to his 2012 short film Lorraine O'Grady: A Portrait, which will precede the feature. Tickets are $9, or $7 for students and Cinematheque members. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Third Friday
With spring in the air, April's Third Friday open studios event at 78th Street Studios is in full bloom. Each Third Friday takes place from 5 to 9 p.m., with live music at Survival Kit on the third floor beginning at 9 p.m. New exhibitions include Rock, Paper, Scissors, Rock!, a rock-themed group art show at E11even 2; Six in Studio at the Cleveland West Art League; Catherine Redmond's The Ineffable at Tregoning & Company; and Thought Vacation at PopEye Gallery. Katy Richards and Mike Meier, alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Art, have ongoing exhibitions at Hedge Gallery and Forum Artspace, respectively. Additionally, live music will be provided throughout the evening on the building's ramp (basement) level by the Kent State New Music Ensemble. Beginning this Sunday, many of the building's tenants will participate in monthly Sunday Fundays on Third Friday weekends. These new monthly events will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Usmani)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Your Pain is Worth Nothing
The Muted Horn, an underground gallery in Cleveland, presents new work by Brooklyn-based artist Johannah Herr. Your Pain is Worth Nothing opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. today. Using rich colors and dense patterning to seduce, disarm and subvert, Herr's work explores "direct and indirect manifestations of state-sanctioned violence." Herr splits her time living and working in Brooklyn and Mae Wang, Thailand. She received her MFA in sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2016, after earning her BFA from Parsons School of Design. Herr's work has been exhibited in several solo shows in New York, as well as in Estonia and Mongolia. The Muted Horn exhibit continues through May 22. Admission is free. (Usmani)
5713 Tillman Ave., 216-202-4971, facebook.com/Themutedhorn.
SAT 04/22
Balancing Work, Family and Creativity: Mother Artists
The Shaker Community Gallery is a new arts organization inside the Christ Episcopalian Church in Shaker Heights dedicated to showcasing local artists. The gallery's first exhibition celebrates the efforts and creativity of artists who also happen to be mothers. Balancing Work, Family and Creativity: Mother Artists opens with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. today. The exhibition remains on view through June 3. Admission is free. (Usmani)
3445 Warrensville Center Rd., Shaker Heights, facebook.com/shakercommunitygallery.
Cleveland Whiskey Remix: Old City Soda Pop-up Cocktail Party
Cleveland Whiskey has teamed up with the folks at Old City Soda for the second event in their 2017 Remix open house series. Dubbed the Old City Soda Pop-up Cocktail Party, the event will feature tastings, distillery tours, snacks, giveaways and entertainment. Guests can sample Collins-style cocktail creations made especially for the event. All the "fixings" to make each cocktail at home will be available as well. Guests who purchase a bottle of bourbon and a four-pack of soda will receive a limited edition Old City Soda + Cleveland Whiskey Collins glass. The event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. inside the Cleveland Whiskey distillery. (Niesel)
1768 East 25th St., clevelandwhiskey.com.
Flying Horse Farms' Campfire
One of O.A.R.'s earliest songs, "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker," came out on the band's 1997 album The Wanderer. With the twangy first half of the song in which Marc Roberge sings in a bit of a drawl about how he's "gotta throw it all down and kiss it goodbye," it continues to be a fan favorite that the group always plays live. Expect the Ohio-based band to bust it out when it performs at the Flying Horse Farms' Campfire, today at the Tinkham Veale University Center on the CWRU campus. Ohio native and America's Got Talent star Caly Bevier will open the show. Part of the SeriousFun Children's Network (SFCN), Flying Horse Farms provides "magical, transformative camp experiences" for children with serious illnesses. The camp, on 200 acres just outside Mt. Gilead, regularly hosts hundreds of children with serious illnesses free of charge. Founded in 1988 by actor, philanthropist and Ohio native Paul Newman, SFCN is a community of independently managed and financed camps and programs creating opportunities for children with serious illnesses. The event, which runs from 6 to 11 p.m., will include cocktails, food, live music and "inspiration." Tickets cost $200. (Niesel)
11038 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-5681, humanities.case.edu.
Frostville's Indoor Farmers Market
Today is the last day of the season to shop Frostville's Winter Farmers Market, at the Frostville Museum in North Olmsted. You'll find local farmers, artisans and speciality food vendors selling seasonal vegetables, honey, eggs, organic cheese, tea, wine, soaps, jewelry and assorted crafts. Today's market takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the museum's barn, in the Cleveland Metroparks' Rocky River Reservation. (Niesel)
24101 Cedar Point Rd., North Olmsted, 330-592-6518, frostvillefarmersmarket.com.
GatherPalooza
A non-profit, community-based cancer support center that focuses on "the social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of individuals with cancer and their family and friends," the Gathering Place hosts the second annual GatherPalooza fundraiser at Grays Armory today from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The event will feature a Battle of the Bands between local acts Witness Protection, the Retractors, Faith and Whiskey, and 80-HD, rock bands that include Cleveland area professionals in health care, law and insurance. Live Nation's Barry Gabel will serve as the emcee. Proceeds support the free services offered at the Gathering Place. A raffle promises the chance to win two nights/three days at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. The prize package includes roundtrip airfare. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets cost $175. General admission includes food stations along with two complimentary drink tickets. VIP tickets also include a seat at a reserved table and open bar access. (Niesel)
1234 Bolivar Rd., 216-781-2500, touchedbycancer.org/gatherpaloozathesequel.
Nobody Likes You When You're 23
Nobody Likes You When You're 23 is a group exhibition by a diverse collective of artists from Northeast Ohio, as well as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Montana and Montreal. The show's title is inspired by Blink 182 lyrics, and these artists all share one thing in common: They will all turning 23 at some point during 2017. A one-night-only pop-up show, Nobody Likes You When You're 23 takes place from 6 to 10 tonight. The show includes live music from local musicians. Donations will be collected to support them, as well as supporting Preterm Cleveland and the LGBT Cleveland Community Center. (Usmani)
1390 East 30th St., facebook.com/events/2016767888550708.
Lab Studios Open House
Recently, Glo opened The Lab: An Urban Arts Incubator, a retail space for locally produced products in the 5th Street Arcade. This weekend, Glo hosts an open house for its new Lab Studios, a 5,000-square-foot space that includes the Photo Lab with resident photographer Thomas Sawyer, the Capsule (a 12-foot by 17-foot staging area), an art gallery and more. Lab Studios' open house takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. tonight. It includes an urban market with local vendors, live performances, local art, and music by DJs Forrest Getem Gump, ChopUFL, Flava K and Bboys. Admission is free. (Usmani)
2460 Lakeside Ave., 216-202-7292, glocleveland.com.
SUN 04/23
Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels Tour
For more than 10 years, Celtic Woman has been a global sensation. The press release for the show promises "a treasure chest of traditional Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary pop songs." The four female singers are well-versed in traditional Irish folk tunes. Featuring songs from their Voices of Angels album, the concert will highlight all new stage designs, stunning wardrobes, superb choreography and "magnificent arrangements of timeless Irish traditional and contemporary standards." The concert is today at 3 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets are $45.75 to $105.75. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
'Conduct! Every Move Counts'
In his documentary film, Conduct! Every Move Counts, Gotz Schauder documents the experiences of five young people who travel to the Frankfurt Opera House to compete in the biennial Sir Georg Solti Conductors' Competition. The movie makes its Cleveland premiere today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it shows again at 7 p.m. on April 26. Tickets are $9, or $7 for CMA members, students and seniors. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Open House Collectors Tour
In conjunction with its recent exhibition, Ghost Images, Zygote Press hosts an Open House Collectors Tour of the Joan Tomkins and William Busta Collection today from 3 to 5 p.m. Owners of the legendary William Busta Gallery, Tomkins and Busta will open their home to discuss their collection and the practice of fine art collecting. Joining the couple will be renowned Cleveland-based artists Laurence Channing, Kristen Cliffel and Michael Loderstedt. The first in a new series of Open House Collectors Tours presented by Zygote Press, the event supports the nonprofit printmaking organization and helps the public understand how many local collectors have built their collections. Tickets are $45 per member and $80 per member couple, or $50 per non-member and $85 per non-member couple. To purchase tickets, visit the website. Space is limited. (Usmani)
410 East 30th St., 216-621-2900, zygotepress.com.
mon 04/24
Industry Brunch
Brunch isn't just a Saturday/Sunday thing. Over at Mahall's, you can grab a great brunch on Mondays as the club caters to industry folks who have the day off. Not that you have to work in the restaurant industry to indulge. The menu features items such as Chicken and Donuts, a dish that features three pieces of fried chicken along with two Old Hushers' doughnuts. Other staples include the Everything Pretzel and the Creamy Egg Sandwich. A DJ from WCSB will be on hand to spin cool tunes too. It runs from noon to 4. (Niesel)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
TUE 04/25
Indians vs. Houston Astros
After a few years of rebuilding (and losing 100 games a season in the process), the Houston Astros returned to the playoffs in 2015. While they missed last year's playoffs, they still won more games than they lost. And the team has a perennial All-Star in second baseman Jose Carlos Altuve. Tonight, the Astros start a three-game series against the Tribe. The game begins at 6:10 p.m., and tickets start at $13. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
'Something Rotten'
The director of Aladdin and the co-director of The Book of Mormon have teamed up to deliver Something Rotten, a Broadway hit that comes to town tonight for a three-week run. Set in 1595, the play tells the story of two brothers desperate to write a hit play. One critic described the play as "The Producers + The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared." It opens tonight at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through May 14. Tickets are $10 to $95. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Vinyl Night
While sales of CDs continue to decline, vinyl has seen a resurgence. In fact, the recent Jack White album became the fastest-selling vinyl album since Nielsen Soundscan began compiling vinyl sales figures in 1991. 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. We love the concept. It all starts at 7 p.m. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
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)
