The fact that we know very little about cars doesn't take away the joy of looking at all the brand-new shiny ones on display at the 2003 Greater Cleveland International Auto Show, continuing through the weekend. Tonight is Team Chevy's "Celebrity Night With the Cleveland Browns." No word yet on which Browns will be taking part in the autograph session that starts at six, but the combination of any car and any football player makes us feel exceedingly manly. The Auto Show is at the I-X Center, 6200 Riverside Drive. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $7 to $10. Call 866-291-1415 for more information.
Friday, March 7
Guitar Weekend has absolutely nothing to do with the ass-shredding, finger-bleeding axe antics of Tom Morello or that guy from System of a Down. With selections by Schubert, Bach, Debussy, and Ravel on the program, it's a more refined affair that will leave both your buttocks and digits pain-free. But the renowned performers who will be headlining shows over the next three nights aren't without their bags of tricks: They may not make their instruments sound like two turntables mixing it up, or like Godzilla on a radiation-fueled rampage, but they are capable of some deft and breathtaking moves. Raphaella Smits performs tonight at 8 and gives a master class at 1 p.m. tomorrow; Paul Galbraith shows off his skills tomorrow at 8 p.m. and teaches a master class at noon Sunday; and Nathasja Van Rosse gives a recital at 4 p.m. Sunday. All events are at the Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Boulevard. Tickets range from $12 to $20. Call 216-752-7502 for more information.
Saturday, March 8
Alan Freed is often called the father of rock and roll. "[He] was one of the first and most vociferous champions of rock and roll," says James Henke, vice president of exhibitions and curatorial affairs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which just opened Alan Freed: King of the Moondoggers. The exhibit -- which gathers such Freedian artifacts as concert programs, movie posters, and other historical goodies from the former Cleveland disc jockey and music promoter -- is a detailed look at his accomplishments. And it doesn't shy away from the payola scandal that ended his career and, eventually, his life (among other things, a New York Criminal Court document is displayed). King of the Moondoggers runs through May 18 at the Rock Hall, 1 Key Plaza. It's open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $11.50 to $15; call 216-515-1930.
The Power of Woman, a photography auction benefiting Planned Parenthood of Greater Cleveland, isn't tied to a single interpretation. "I themed the event around the form of the female, and the photographs had to exemplify that form and spirit," explains David Sumrak, committee chair. More than 70 local and national artists donated approximately 100 photos, which depict "everything from political activism to celebrating motherhood," Sumrak says. "People have more affinity for photographs. They're easier to go into homes than sculpture or other types of artwork." The Power of Woman (which also includes hors d'oeuvres, music by Athenia String Trio, and a complimentary martini, wine, and beer bar) takes place at 8 p.m. at ArtMetro Gallery, 530 Euclid Avenue. Tickets range from $35 to $300. Call 216-881-7742 for more information.
Sunday, March 9
The last time the Barons gave out a player bobblehead, it was of Jonathan Cheechoo, who's currently doing time with the big-league San Jose Sharks. We can't promise that today's honored head, goalie Vesa Toskala, will be bestowed the same NHL honor, but we can almost guarantee a good match against the Utah Grizzlies, who hail from the AHL's toughest division. Game time is 4:05 p.m. at Gund Arena, 100 Gateway Plaza. Tickets are $9 to $25; call 216-241-5555.
Monday, March 10
It's good old-fashioned tenacity that keeps good old-fashioned Americans like Bradshaw going. Despite an injured arm, the WWE superstar is still on the road, kicking ass and administering some well-played smackdowns. He and the WWE Raw! posse are in town tonight, bringing some fine moves and even finer names (Bubba Ray Dudley, Johnny Stamboli, Molly Holly, and the Hurricane) with them. It starts at 7:45 at Gund Arena, 100 Gateway Plaza. Tickets are $20 to $45, available by calling 216-241-5555.
Tuesday, March 11
Los Angeles rockers Tonic were nominated for a pair of Grammys this year, for the song "Take Me as I Am" and the album Head On Straight. This, despite the fact that nobody bought the album, and it received virtually no radio support. Still, the trio is a tourhorse, and mid-'90s hits "Open Up Your Eyes" and "If You Could Only See" are sure to be played, along with newer music from Head On Straight. Let's see if the audience knows the songs as well as Grammy nominators apparently do. Show time is 8 p.m. at the Odeon, 1295 Old River Road. Tickets are $12.50 and $14, available by calling 216-241-5555.
Wednesday, March 12
Spring must be right around the corner -- Cleveland Metroparks golf season starts today. All six courses offer their own challenges, and a few accommodate inadequate skills better than others. We know. The courses are open daily from dawn to dusk. Manakiki (North Chagrin Reservation, 35501 Eddy Road in Willoughby Hills; 440-942-2500) and Sleepy Hollow (Brecksville Reservation, 9445 Brecksville Road in Brecksville; 440-526-4285) are the difficult courses. "Actually, I hate Sleepy Hollow, because it's so damn hilly," says Ron Rajecki, who's been part of a local golf league for 17 years. The others are more forgiving of our limitations: Shawnee Hills (Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Road in Bedford; 440-232-7184), Big Met (Rocky River Reservation, 4811 Valley Parkway in Fairview Park; 440-331-1070), Little Met (Rocky River Reservation, 18599 Old Lorain Road; 216-941-9672), and Mastick Woods (Rocky River Reservation, 19900 Puritas Road; 216-267-5626), which Rajecki calls "A good place for beginners."
