5-31: XainGO!

Stow painter Todd Volkmer hopes XainGO! will accomplish a couple things. First of all, he wanted to create a theatrical experience that shows what goes into making a painting. He also wanted to grow something organic out of local talent. So he teamed up with percussionist Olu Manns and the Ananda Dance Center in Massillon, and provided a musical structure (which he created with a computer program) for his collaborators to build on. Volkmer says the dancers act as “a physical manifestation of the artist’s mind.” As they dance and Manns does his thing, Volkmer will create work that he describes as “physically expressive” and “not some delicate little painting.” He’ll make three paintings during his hour-long shows, which are scheduled for seven weekends throughout the summer. XainGO! kicks off at 4 and 8 p.m. today at Kennedy’s at PlayhouseSquare (1501 Euclid Ave., 216.241.6000). Tickets: $18.50-$21. — Michael Gill