WED 03/22
Music: Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party, a weekly series at Music Box Supper Club, pairs fine food with storytelling. The series aims to help raise awareness of the Western Reserve Historical Society's new Cleveland History Center. The club's owners consider the Cleveland History Center to be "one of the most interesting museums in Cleveland" and "an unknown gem that Clevelanders should know more about and support." 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 Millionaire's Row," as it's put in a press release. Each week features a guest speaker and a custom prix fixe menu — a full three-course meal for just $20. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., and the storytelling starts at 7. Tonight, local rock writer Deanna Adams will present the lecture "Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection." Cream of shroomie, pot roast and brownie sundae will be the featured dinner. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Nightlife: DIY Erotic Friend Fiction
Amateur porn exists as a genre, so why not DIY erotic friend fiction? Tonight at Yuzu, an izakaya-inspired bar in Lakewood, $3 buys you a DIY Erotic Friend Fiction composition notebook that includes 10 fill-in-the-blank Erotic Friend Fiction stories with titles such as "Zombie Butt Apocalypse" or "Erotic Netflix and Chill." The event starts at 9:30 p.m. If you feel like sharing, open readings will take place from 11 p.m. to midnight. There will be $5 cheeseburger shots, and the club will show episodes of Bob's Burgers all night. (Niesel)
13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-799-8343, yuzulakewood.com.
Film: Happy Hour Classic
The locally owned and operated Capitol Theatre, in the Gordon Square Arts District, regularly presents special screenings of cult classics and oddball flicks that don't receive wide distribution. Tonight at 6, the venue presents its Happy Hour Classic Film, a monthly screening of a classic film that includes a happy hour cocktail party in the lobby before the feature. Tonight's featured film is Hello, Dolly!, the 1969 movie starring Barbra Streisand, based on the musical by the same name. Admission is $10, which includes a mini-cocktail (or soft drink if you don't fancy the hard stuff), appetizers and live music. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Sports: Monsters vs. Chicago Wolves
For Wednesday games at the Q, the Cleveland Monsters offer a special deal for college students. Students with a proper ID can buy tickets for just six bucks, and they're eligible for a $6 College Meal Deal that includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tonight's opponent: the Chicago Wolves. The game begins at 7 p.m. and general admission tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Film:The Punk Singer
Before she formed the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill in 1990, singer Kathleen Hanna was just another private-school student trying to find herself. Contrary to popular opinion, the teachers at trendy Evergreen College in Olympia, Washington, didn't take kindly to her literary experiments, so she refrained from letting her emotions go. But then she met underground writer Kathy Acker and realized she didn't need to hold back. Acker helped her channel her more extreme impulses, and it wasn't long before Hanna was fronting the abrasive and openly feminist Bikini Kill. Hanna's history is well documented in the The Punk Singer, a terrific documentary that shows just how rockin' the band's music (and politics) could be. The movie screens at 7 tonight at the Rock Hall. Tickets are $5.50, free for Rock Hall members and free with Rock Hall admission. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Music: Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
A group that thrives on "unique musical challenges" and draws from "a genre-bending repertoire," Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble comes to the Cleveland Museum of Art today as part of the museum's annual Performing Arts Series. The vocal quartet performs works by Warren Enstrom, David Lang and Cara Haxo. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $30 to $45. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Theater: Shaolin Warriors
Kung fu masters depict more than a thousand years of Chinese martial arts culture in Shaolin Warriors, a "wildly popular" theatrical experience. Kung fu masters begin training at a young age and learn the art of hand-to-hand and weapons combat. This production features many forms of Shaolin Kung Fu and also depicts the warriors' daily lives. The performance begins tonight at 7:30 at the State Theatre. Tickets are $10 to $49.50. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 03/23
Comedy: Capone
Comedian Derrick "Capone" Lee served nine months in jail in the early '90s, He successfully left that life behind 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 Tracey 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.
Festival: Cleveland Humanities Festival
The second annual Cleveland Humanities Festival — exploring the theme of immigration — kicks into high gear today. At noon, Cleveland Museum of Art curator of photography Barbara Tannenbaum gives a lunchtime talk on selected works by photographers Leonard Freed, Céline van Balen and others who have depicted immigrants and immigration. At 6 p.m., renowned Harvard historian and host of PBS' Finding Your Roots, Henry Louis Gates Jr., gives the festival's keynote address on the topic of ancestry. The Gates Jr. talk is sold out, but it will be live-streamed to Case's Tinkham Veale Auditorium. The Cleveland Humanities Festival runs through April 24, with core events running from today to April 2. Most events are free but require registration. Visit the website for more info. (Lawrence Neil)
Art: A Discussion About Art
Before the first exhibitions at Spaces' new home end later this week, resident artist Anthony Warnick will offer insight into the inspiration for his exhibition, Except as Punishment for a Crime, from 6:30 to 7:30 tonight. Warnick's exhibition explores the exploitation of the ever-growing inmate population for cheap labor by America's for-profit, private prison corporations. Many of the objects in Warnick's exhibition were commissioned by the artist to be produced by inmates, allowing him to explore the production process by playing an indirect role in it. These inmate-produced items include three stacks of off-set prints on the floor, as well as disassembled American flags hanging from the wall. During tonight's discussion, Warnick will explain the complex system and the role the 13th Amendment plays in compulsory labor for prisoners. Warnick's exhibition remains on view through March 25. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
Comedy: Jay Oakerson
Comedian Jay Oakerson likes to observe people, and he's crass. His observations are so spot-on that he says the things you're too embarrassed to say. Favorite topics include making fun of white people who are rich and wear plaid shorts, hooking up audience members, becoming a king in Ireland and "sugar daddies." No really, this guy is actually pretty funny. He used to work as a bouncer for a strip club and as a children's party entertainer; how could he not be a hoot? The show starts at 8 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $23 to $28. (Liz Trenholme)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Art: Women of the Western Reserve
In honor of Women's History Month, but extending beyond it, the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (AAWR) present the Women of the Western Reserve, a special art exhibition celebrating local women artists; it's on view through June 1 in downtown's Aecom building. The exhibition includes AAWR archived artists Ruth Bercaw, Lee Heinen, Phyllis Seltzer and member artist Marti Higgins. AAWR hosts an opening reception at Aecom from 6 to 7:30 tonight. The event is free, but guests are asked to RSVP through Eventbrite or by calling the AAWR offices. (Usmani)
1375 East Ninth St., 216-721-9020, artistsarchives.org.
FRI 03/24
Happy Hour: Adult Swim
Dubbed Adult Swim: An Underwater Tasting Adventure, tonight's whiskey and bourbon tasting event at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium will feature samples from all the whiskey and bourbon makers that we love. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served, and Melt Bar & Grilled will pass out a "cookie with bacon." The event takes place from 7 to 10. Tickets are $40, or $30 for pass holders. Designated drivers pay $20. Admission includes 20 sample tickets and a souvenir glass. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Comedy: Mike Armstrong
A former law officer, Mike Armstrong has decided instead to make a living making people laugh. Besides telling tales about his time on the force, he talks about his family; those stories are mostly about his wife and how she has to put up with him in public as he messes with total strangers. You can hear more about his life and times tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Hard Rock Rocksino's Club Velvet. Tickets are $10 and $15; performances take place tomorrow too. (Martin Harp)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
Art: Basquiat
Julian Schnabel directs Basquiat, a 1996 biopic that stars Jeffrey Wright, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper and Gary Oldman. The film, which screens in conjunction with the Cleveland Museum of Art's current Basquiat exhibition, shows how the New York artist drew from graffiti art to create collage-style paintings. It shows at 7 tonight and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the museum. Tickets are $11, or $8 for CMA members, students and seniors. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Art: Existential Pearls: A Photographic Record from 2009-2017
Local photographer Adam Jaenke has spent the past eight years documenting both the intimate and the spectacular moments of everyday life in his hometown, along with travel and assorted human interactions. Whether the subjects are familiar shots of Cleveland or exotic locales, Jaenke's dynamic photos present the world from an inquisitive and exciting perspective. Jaenke's Existential Pearls: A Photographic Record from 2009-2017 opens at Canopy with a reception from 6 to 10 tonight. The exhibition includes more than 300 photos taken since 2009. Jaenke received his undergrad degree in English and studio art in 2009, and studied digital photography and creative writing at the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy. The exhibition includes photos captured in several formats, including 35-mm film, DSLR, micro 4/3 mirrorless digital and even on an iPhone 4. Existential Pearls remains on view through April 15. Admission is free. (Usmani)
3910 Lorain Ave., 216-309-1090, canopy-collective.com.
Food: Fish Fry-Days
Through the month of March and for the first few weeks of April, Prosperity Social Club hosts its fish fry, dubbed Fish Fry-Days, every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The special Lenten menu includes the Big Fish Fry, a seasonal staple that features a generous portion of haddock covered in a fluffy blanket of beer batter and complemented by homemade coleslaw, house tartar sauce and old-school-style mac and cheese. Last year, the event received national attention when the home-cooked Big Fish Fry was featured on TV chef Andrew Zimmern's Delicious Destinations. New this year: Chef Ed Kubitz has added a lemony shrimp piccata pasta to the list of Fish Fry-Day offerings. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
Theater: Flanagan's Wake
No one knows grief and mourning like a Catholic, let alone an Irish Catholic. In its fifth 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. The show starts at 8 tonight and plays again tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Sports: Monsters vs. Iowa Wild
Friday night hockey games at the Q are always fun. Tonight, the team takes on the Iowa Wild at 7. As part of the team's 1-2-3 Fridays promotion, fans can purchase $1 Pepsi products, $2 Sugardale hot dogs and $3 beers. It's also Go Pink Night, and there will be a pink warmup jersey auction. The two teams face off again at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Q. The first 3,500 kids through the door will receive a mini Fathead decal, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a free pass to Castaway Bay. Special $6 Monsters Meals include a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Theater: The Wiz, the 18th Annual All-City Musical
This year, Cleveland Metropolitan School District students take on the 1970s musical The Wiz as they present the 18th annual CMSD All-City Musical. The play features characters from The Wizard of Oz but updates the story with a soundtrack of gospel and funk music. Catch it tonight at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre, where performances continue through Sunday. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 03/25
Sports: Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
While the Cleveland Cavaliers still stand to return to the NBA Finals, they will have some serious competition in the much-improved Eastern Conference. Tonight at 7:30 at the Q, they face the Washington Wizards, one of the teams nipping at their heels for the conference's top seed. Crafty point guard John Wall leads the Wizards as they will try to gain some ground on the Cavs. Tickets start at $54. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Music: Cleveland Pops Presents;I Love a Piano With Tony DeSare
Tony DeSare is an up-and-coming singer, composer and piano wiz. Press outlets have compared him to Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum. The New York-based musician performs classic American standards but also writes his own music and plays with a swinging piano style. In addition to being a talented player and singer, DeSare has looks and charisma. Tonight at 8 at Severance Hall, he will accompany the Cleveland Pops Orchestra as it runs through tunes from piano legends Elton John, Ray Charles, Billy Joel and more. This will be DeSare's first live performance in Cleveland. Tickets range from $21 to $95. (Johnny Cook)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandpops.com.
Film: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Plenty of "talking animal" movies aim to please both adults and kids. The Shrek films and just about every Pixar flick strive to have something for viewers of all ages, from witty dialog to the occasional adult situation. Wes Anderson's 2009 cult classic Fantastic Mr. Fox caters more to adults than kids. Featuring the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and a slew of other A-list actors, it screens today and tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre as part of Cleveland Cinemas' family film series. Tickets are only $1. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
Market: Frostville Winter Farmers Market
Winter is over, but the Frostville Indoor Winter Market continues a few weeks longer, with its three remaining seasonal appearances set for today, April 8 and April 22. Held at the Frostville Museum in North Olmsted, in the Cleveland Metroparks' Rocky River Reservation, the market includes local farmers, artisans and speciality food vendors. Expect to find seasonal vegetables, honey, eggs, organic cheese tea, wine, soaps, jewelry and assorted crafts. Today's edition runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the museum's barn. (Niesel)
24101 Cedar Point Rd., 330-592-6518, frostvillefarmersmarket.com.
Comedy: Kathy Griffin
Last year, comedian Kathy Griffin released her second book, Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index, offering a hilarious look at how the Hollywood half lives. The book provides an A to Z compendium of the celebrities she's met and offers "outrageous, charming and sometimes-bizarre anecdotes." Now on a 50-city standup tour in support of the book, the fast-talking Griffin performs tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. She promises a two-plus hour show that will feature all new-material revealing her in-person encounters with the likes of Donald Trump, Cher and Woody Allen. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Comedy: Mike Polk Jr.
If you've caught a live performance by local comic Mike Polk Jr., the man behind the Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video, the Factory of Sadness video (parts one and two), Last Call Cleveland comedy troupe and his very own show on Fox 8 (aptly called the Mike Polk Jr. Show), you know he really thrives on having an audience at his disposal. Polk will tape tonight's show at the Kent Stage for a one-hour special. It begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15. (Niesel)
175 East Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
SUN 03/26
Comedy: 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.
Spoken Word: The Gentleman from Ohio Book Signing and Talk
A panel that includes Lori Stokes, co-anchor of New York City's Eyewitness News This Morning; WEWS TV-5 news anchor Leon Bibb; Maltz Museum founder and board chair emeritus Milton Maltz; theologian, speaker, author and activist Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr.; co-chairman emeritus of Forest City Enterprises, Albert B. Ratner; and Plain Dealer columnists Phillip Morris and Brent Larkin discusses the legacy of local leader Louis Stokes as Lori Stokes reads excerpts from his biography, The Gentleman from Ohio. Part of the year-long #Stokes50CLE celebration, the event takes place today at 3 p.m. at the Temple-Tifereth Israel (next door to the Maltz Museum). Tickets are $12 general admission and $6 for Maltz Museum members. Secure your seat online or by calling the number below. (Niesel)
2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org.
Comedy: Ben Moore
In one particular skit, comedian Ben Moore makes fun of his white friends who like to preface their racist statements by saying things like, "I'm not racist, but ... ." He wonders if, in contrast, blatant racists, like KKK members, do the opposite and preface non-racist comments with, "I'm a racist, but ... ." The Cincinnati-based comic has won regional competitions, and WTF podcast host/comedian/actor Marc Maron calls him "very funny." He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Family Fun: The Q Community Fun Run
Running season won't really kick into gear until next month. But anyone looking to get a leg up on training will have a good opportunity to do so at the Q Community Fun Run. A benefit for the Cavaliers Youth Foundation and the Monsters and Gladiators Community Fund, the event features a 5-K run and a 1-mile walk. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the events start at 9. Registration costs $25 for kids, $25 for adults. Team mascots and cheerleaders will be on hand as well. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
mon 03/27
Night Life: Monday Night Trivia
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 — it's a crapshot — 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. The tables fill up quickly. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Film: Salt and Fire
As part of the New York Film Critics Series, a regular film series of ongoing preview screenings that takes place in about 50 selected major markets, the Nightlight in Akron will present a special advance screening of Salt and Fire, a new thriller from director Werner Herzog that centers on an ecological disaster in South America. It will screen at 6:30 tonight. Each New York Film Critics Series event aims to "bring the energy and VIP nature of prestigious, New York screenings for nationwide audiences," and film critic Shawn Levy will host the screening via a telecast that will feature a conversation with star Michael Shannon. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
30 North High St., Akron, 330-252-5782, nightlightcinema.com.
Food: 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 03/28
Sports: Monsters vs. Charlotte Checkers
For Tuesday games at the Q, the Cleveland Monsters offer a special deal for college students. Students with a proper ID can buy tickets for just six bucks, and they're eligible for a $6 College Meal Deal that includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tonight's opponent: the Charlotte Checkers. The game begins at 7 p.m. and general admission tickets start at $10. (Niesel).
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
