10 Things Going On In Cleveland This Weekend

Friday, May 1 - Free for All - Carol and John’s isn’t just a comic book shop. Thanks to the store’s unique programming and special events, the store has become a catalyst for building community around pop culture and comics. Their annual Free Comic Book Day event is the biggest and best around, and continues to grow every year. Get a sneak peak at the event today from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and then stop by Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a day filled with special events. The owners have over 25,000 comic books to give away, 10 per person. (Usmani, photo via CleveScene archives)

Friday, May 1: Matthewmaticus Presents: May Day - Local rapper Matthewmaticus is a big supporter of local hip-hop. To showcase some of the region’s best talent, he's booked local acts to perform at this showcase that features Matthewmaticus, Aphiniti, Vice Souletric, Mitto, Ryan the Realist, Watts, B-Lo, Scott Summaz, Crazy 8 the Great and Dirty Kicks. Local poet Kisha Nicole Foster will serve as the host, and DJ NuERA will man the wheels of steel. The local rapper put the show together in order to “provide a yearly showcase to hip-hop acts in the city, especially those oriented towards an independent or underground aesthetic.” He hopes to promote “progressive, lyrically-forward styles of hip-hop.” (Niesel) $7 ADV, $10 DOS (Photo via Twitter)

Friday, May 1: Last Chance - From 6 to 9 p.m. today, William Busta Gallery presents an opening reception for its latest exhibitions of Stephen Yusko’s sculptures and paintings by Andrea Joki and Enid Williams. All three exhibitions run through the end of May. Mark your calendars now for Friday, Jun. 5, as William Busta presents an opening reception for its final exhibitions. In August, new owners John and Lauren Davies will take over day-to-day operations of the exhibition space. For now, don’t miss one of your last chances to experience an opening reception at William Busta Gallery this Friday. Free. (Usmani)

Saturday, May 2: Draft Day - Cleveland Browns players past and present (including Bernie Kosar, Hanford Dixon and Kevin Mack) will be on hand for today’s 15th Annual Tailgate for MS, a Draft Day party which takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Barley House. The event will also be broadcast live on CBS Radio 92.3 FM. Former NFL and Ohio State National Champion cornerback Dustin Fox, the host of the Bull & Fox Show, will serve as the MC. There will also be live music, balloon art, character drawings, a manicurist, Kentucky Derby games and a live auction. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. VIP tickets will set you back $75. (Niesel, photo by Emanuel Wallace)

Saturday, May 2: Roof with a View - Go to Las Vegas and you have your choice of rooftop lounges. Cleveland, not so much. But thanks to the folks at the swanky new hotel the 9, Clevelanders will have a new rooftop bar from which to party. Today, the 8,500 square feet Azure opens. it immediately can lay claim to the title of "the largest rooftop bar in downtown. Azure offers "modern design, entertainment, and handcrafted cocktails and cuisine." "Azure is the final piece of [The 9's] puzzle," says Keith Halfmann, COO of Geis Hospitality Group, in a press release. "Azure provides an oasis above the city for guests to go into 'vacation mode,' no matter if it's a Monday or a Saturday." He promises "weekday happy hours, themed events, live music and even 'Sunday-Funday' parties for guests to see, and be seen." (Niesel)

Saturday, May 2: Derby Daze - It's Kentucky Derby time and local bars will be televising the event and throwing parties to celebrate. Join Market Garden Brewery in Ohio City today from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for their first annual Down & Derby in CLE party. Tickets are $25 online and $35 at the door, and all of the proceeds go to the Scholars of Boys Hope Girls Hope. The ticket price includes an all-you-can eat buffet, two drink tickets, a Mint Julep Bourbon tasting and raffles. Also, if you dress in your Derby’s best you’ll be eligible for prizes. (Siegel, photo via Instagram)

Saturday, May 2: All that Jazz - For 30 years, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has nurtured new young talent and promoted an appreciation and love for jazz in Northeast Ohio. Tonight, the group celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special show, CJO Celebrates 30: Yesterday, Today & Forever. Sean Jones will lead the group of "your favorite CJO musicians and arrangers" and "introduce the future stars of jazz." The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Hanna Theatre and tickets start at $25. (Niesel)

Sunday, May 3: Champagne Toast - The local burlesque promotion company Toxic Burlesque returns to Brothers Lounge tonight for a special show. For tonight’s event, the Toxic folks have booked Head Mistress Carmen M'Knoxide, Ava Adore, Shrimp Cocktail, Chelsea Daring, Aurora Sans and many more. The show also marks the return of Champagne Charlie as MC. We trust these names mean something to those of you who know your burlesque dancers better than we do. The show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10. (Niesel)

Sunday, May 3: Make it Rain - Given how difficult it was to get tickets to the recent Rock Hall Inductions, chances are good that many Clevelanders didn't gets to see Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr when they were in town. If you're in need of a Beatles fix, you might want to head to the State Theatre today at 3 and 7 p.m. to see RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles. It's been called “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” The group performs "the full range of The Beatles' discography," including songs the Beatles never performed for an audience. Tickets start at $29. (Niesel, photo via Facebook)

Sunday, May 3: A Southern Man - Comedian Chad Thornsberry is a Southern man that just loves to make people laugh. Thornsberry has a very laid back attitude on stage and will not stop at anything to make you laugh, even if that means the joke is at his expense. Whether joking about how his accent makes people think he can fix their tractor (which he can) or making fun of everyday situations, he's not above self-deprecation. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Harp, photo via Wikimedia)