WED 06/06
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Back in the early '60s, Carole King and husband Gerry Goffin emerged as a formidable songwriting duo, crafting dozens of chart hits for other artists. In the '70s, King finally started singing and recording her own tunes. Her 1971 album Tapestry became a huge hit. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical tells the story of her career. Tonight's performance takes place 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through June 17. Tickets are $10 to $100. (Jeff Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Summer Concert Series
Each summer, the National Park Service teams up with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park to produce a free summer concert series at Howe Meadow in Peninsula. This summer's schedule includes several terrific local acts such as the reggae group Carlos Jones and the PLUS Band, who perform tonight. The concerts start at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit the website. (Niesel)
4040 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, conservancyforcvnp.org.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The monthly series offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. The theme for tonight's storytelling is "2017," and the hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. Admission is $5. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details on the website. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Purple Rain
First released in 1984, Prince's Purple Rain helped establish the diminutive singer-guitarist as a super star. Prince not only wrote and recorded the soundtrack, he also starred in the movie, playing a quasi-autobiographical character, The Kid, in a musical drama designed to highlight his chops. It screens at 7 tonight at the Rock Hall as part of the Rock Hall's film series. Tickets are free for Rock Hall members, and $5.50 for the general public. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today it continues, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — as food trucks gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Follow the Downtown Cleveland Alliance on Facebook for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. The series continues through Sept. 26. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 06/07
AHA! Festival
The Arts and Humanities Alive Festival is back for the second straight year at Cleveland State University. The event kicks off today and continues through Saturday. And once again, CSU has partnered with Playhouse Square to celebrate dance, art, music, books and theater. Featured guests for this year's AHA! Festival include some "big" names — literally and figuratively. A six-time NBA champion and author, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks about his book, Becoming Kareem, and how reading books had an effect on his life. Actor, author and activist Hill Harper joins today's arts and education day luncheon, at which the co-star of the ABC drama The Good Doctor will contribute keynotes. Other guests include cartoonist Robert Mankoff, astrophysicist Dr. Janna Levin, New York Times author Maureen Dowd, writer John Frohnmayer, radio host Al Letson and choreographer Derek Hough. Consult the website for a complete schedule. (Matthew Poshedly) ahacsu.com.
Ian Bagg
If you end up going to see Ian Bagg tonight at Hilarities, you might want to think twice about sitting in the front row. The comic loves to pick on audience members and make fun of their body language, or ask personal questions about their sexual preferences. Though he's not nearly as manic as Robin Williams, he still possesses Williams' unhinged energy. And he's a talker. He's been a regular on all the usual late-night shows and currently hosts his own podcast, The Ian Bagg Show, where he and a couple of pals riff on popular culture for two hours at a time. Tonight's show starts at 8, and performances are scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $18 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Edgewater Live
A few years ago, the Cleveland Metroparks launched its extremely popular Edgewater Live series of Thursday-night happy-hour concerts. The fun returns this year, with musical performances from 4:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 2. In addition to a local band, activities include yoga, standup paddleboarding and cornhole. Those ubiquitous food trucks will be on hand, of course, and the Beach House will sell drinks and food as well. It's free. (Niesel)
6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway NW, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin
Actor Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro: Leonard Bernstein) tells the story of composer Irving Berlin, a guy who emerged from anti-Semitic czarist Russia and relocated to New York's Lower East Side, where he penned tunes such as "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Always," "God Bless America," "Puttin' on the Ritz," "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "White Christmas." Felder's blend of character and music brings Berlin's remarkable journey to life. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre, where performances continue through June 24. Tickets are $50 to $80. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Re: Sound
This summer, the Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project (CUSP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to "strengthening the artistic engagement of the Northeast Ohio community by championing the creation and performance of new music," will debut Re:Sound, a music festival that takes place at venues throughout town from today through Sunday. In addition to the musical performances, there will be a panel discussion with some of the performers as well as a post-concert free improvisation jam session on opening night. Venues include the Bop Stop at the Music Settlement, Coda, Visible Voice Books, Spaces and the Magalen. Find more info on the website. (Niesel) uncommonsoundcle.com.
FRI 06/08
Euclid Beach Live
Much like Edgewater Live, the weekly happy-hour concert series that takes place at Edgewater Park, the Euclid Beach Live concert series offers great music, delicious food and fun for the whole family. The setting couldn't be better either: The site overlooks the scenic Euclid Beach State Park on Lake Erie. Once completed, the 285-foot rebuilt pier should give the events a throwback feel and hearken back to the glory days of Euclid Beach amusement park. Starting tonight, the fun takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Aug. 3. This evening's musical entertainment comes from Spirit Plus Band, a local R&B act. It's free. (Niesel) 16301 Lake Shore Blvd., 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Flat Out Fridays
The East Bank of the Flats features a slew of great bars and restaurants. To take advantage of the terrific riverfront location, the venues have partnered for Flat Out Fridays, a summer music series by the waterfront that includes sweet treats, beverages and other outdoor entertainment. Tonight's premiere Flat Out Friday runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and features music from Binge Red. Additional festivities take place on the second Friday of every month through September. Admission is free, and you can find the details on the website. (Niesel)
Legacy Live
One of Northeast Ohio's most popular free concert series, Legacy Live has become a tradition that families and couples look forward to each summer. The concerts, which take place on the Legacy Village lawn at 6:30 each Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, feature local bands that play everything from blues to jazz and rock. Tonight's entertainment comes from popular local Cajun-pop band, Cats on Holiday; tomorrow, catch a performance from Santana tribute band, Evil Ways. Admission is free; the series continues through Aug. 31. (Niesel)
25333 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst, 216-382-3871, legacy-village.com.
Spring Badfish
Sublime-tribute band Badfish returns to Nelson Ledges Quarry this weekend for Spring Badfish, its annual two-night stand. The band will play a two-hour set tonight and tomorrow night. The lineup will also feature acts such as Tropidelic, Scotty Don't, Bumpin' Uglies, Sun Dried Vibes, Pero Bravo, Wanyama, the Quasi Kings and many more. Consult the website for ticket prices and more info. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Walkabout Tremont
During this month's Walkabout Tremont, you can stop by any of the Tremont art galleries to see their current and/or new exhibits. Of course, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and specialty shops in the neighborhood, too, that participate in Walkabout Tremont, so don't overlook them, either. The stroll takes place from 6 to 9 tonight. Check out the website for a schedule, maps and a listing of food and drink specials. (Niesel)
SAT 06/09
The Cleveland Flea
After a long, cold winter (and a crummy spring), Cleveland Flea kicked off its sixth season last month and is now on its once-a-month schedule until October. A self-described "small business incubator" that draws thousands of local shoppers to Tyler Village, the Cleveland Flea features a range of items you won't find at the typical retail store. The flea offers "curated vintage," "culinary all-stars" and "the most talented makers in the region." As much a social gathering as a shopping experience, the Flea serves as an excellent hang, a place to meet and make friends while supporting your local creatives. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues monthly through Oct. 16. Admission is free. (Niesel)
Parade the Circle
One of the signature events of summer in Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Museum of Art's annual Parade the Circle includes floats, dancers, live music, stilt-walkers, giant puppets, colorful costumes, vibrant characters, handmade masks and much more. This year's parade theme is Cadenza: A Flourish of Individual Creativity. The parade begins at noon, but guests can enjoy hands-on activities offered by local organizations in Circle Village, in the field inside Wade Oval, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. But do bring chairs or blankets and plan to arrive early: The spots with a view fill up fast. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
SUN 06/10
Magic Men Live!
A 2012 comedy-drama film from indie filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, Magic Mike didn't intentionally glamorize the life of a male stripper. And yet, the film, which stars Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello and Matthew McConaughey, certainly had sex appeal, as the hunky dudes appeared half-naked in many scenes. A touring male strip revue, Magic Men Live! attempts to capitalize on the film. Performances feature physically fit dancers who look like they could've been extras in the movie. The show bills itself as "a full-spectrum cabaret-style show filled with visual storylines, thrilling choreography, and audience participation." It comes to House of Blues tonight at 8. Tickets are $19.99 in advance, or $24.99 on the day of the show. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Sunday Beat
As part of a Sunday Beat promotion at Visible Voice Books, if you purchase a New York Times at the store, you'll receive a free cup of coffee or tea and a Jim Alesci's Place pastry. An added bonus: A jazz, Americana, samba or bossa nova band will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Anyone who shows a Sunday receipt from Music Box, Prosperity Social Club or any of the Tremont restaurants that offer brunch can enter a same-day drawing for a $30 Visible Voice gift certificate and a $25 Visible Voice Loyalty Card. They'll also receive 10 percent off any Visible Voice book purchase. The bookstore is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Taste of Lakewood
It's no secret that Lakewood has quickly become a booming hub of yum over the past few years, with a plethora of eating establishments. Today's Taste of Lakewood celebrates this fact; better yet, you can go to Madison Park and experience it all in one place. This year, the party moves outdoors, in order to accommodate the growing crowd it has attracted over the past 10 years. General admission is free, but $50 VIP tickets are available for those who want to "greatly enhance" their experience, with parking, a separate bar area and a special dessert, among other perks. Participating restaurants include Angelo's Pizza, the Beer Engine, Deagan's, El Carnicero, Forage Public House, Root Cafe and more. Everything starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. (Liz Trenholme) tasteoflakewood.com.
MON 06/11
Science Cafe
Tonight, and the second Monday of every month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club to talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, Robert F. Savinell, from the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Case Western Reserve University, talks about using batteries to power our homes and businesses. The talk is free, but bring some money for the bar and the restaurant. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 06/12
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. DJ Kris Koch offers 20-minute slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. Turntables are provided; you can play three to five songs during your time slot; and a mic is available to talk about the selections. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
Truck Stop Tuesday
As if to provide a westside counterpart to Walnut Wednesdays, Crocker Park in Westlake has launched Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. Truck Stop Tuesday continues through Sept. 25. (Niesel) 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
Vinyl Night
Hingetown's music-focused bar, Jukebox, hosts a vinyl night every Tuesday that serves as a listening party for new releases, partnering with Loop in Tremont, so patrons can hear a new album on vinyl. You can bring your own vinyl and spin it too. It all starts at 5 p.m. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
