WED 12/26
Jim Brickman's A Joyful Christmas
A Northeast Ohio native, singer-pianist Jim Brickman routinely brings his Christmas tours to town in December. This year is no different. Brickman's A Joyful Christmas tour comes to Severance Hall at 7:30 tonight. Special guests include singer Anne Cochran and electric violinist Tracy Silverman. The show will include "carols, classics and original songs." Tickets start at $35. (Jeff Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Home for the Holidays
Cleveland's comedy scene just keeps getting better. New comics keep cropping up and the veterans continue to hone their skills. Because some of the best comics will be in town for the holidays, Hilarities has booked them for one special night. Dubbed Home for the Holidays, tonight's show features Mike Paramore, Mike Polk Jr., Brendan Eyre, Raj Suresh, Ryan Dalton, Mary Santora and Brian Kenny. The jokes start flowing at 8 p.m., and tickets are $10 to $15. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Monsters vs. Rochester Americans
The Cleveland Monsters take on the Rochester Americans tonight at 7 at the Q, with a special Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle theme. The first 2,500 kids (12 and under) will receive one TMNT mask, and there will be a special jersey give-away too. The Monsters return to the Q at 7 on Friday night to take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. As part of the club's special 1-2-3 Friday promotion, there will be $1 Pepsis, $2 Sugardale hotdogs and $3 select 12-ounce beers at that game. Consult the Q website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Spamilton
The more successful something is, the more likely it is that someone somewhere will want to take the piss out of it with a parody. That would explain Spamilton: An American Parody. Created by and performed by a versatile cast of seven, it pokes fun at Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit about Alexander Hamilton. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the popular spoof Forbidden Broadway, the show plays at the Hanna Theatre tonight at 7:30. Performances continue through Jan. 6. Tickets start at $39. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 12/27
Nate Bargatze
Originally from Old Hickory, Tennessee, slow-talking comedian Nate Bargatze took inspiration from his dad, a former clown turned world class magician. In one bit, Bargatze talks about seeing a dead horse lying in someone's yard: If you ever have to move the thing, you "just run out there like you love it and it's the third one you've done that day." His narrative style is particularly unique; he performs at 8 tonight at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Ms. Pat
Ms. Pat's bio reads like that of a gangsta rapper. A former drug dealer, she bought her first Cadillac at age 16, and she's been shot twice. She's been arrested numerous times too. Now Ms. Pat, who writes about her childhood in her memoir Rabbit, can joke about her troubled past. "I don't want to leave my kids to my baby daddy — he can't read," she likes to joke about what was going through her head when she got shot. She performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where she has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $17. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
They Shall Not Grow Old
For They Shall Not Grow Old, director Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) has restored, colorized and transformed grainy, black-and-white footage of the World War I battlefront to allow modern audiences to experience what it was like to be there. Designed to mark the centennial of the World War I Armistice, the film shows today at 4 and 7 p.m. at area theaters as part of a nationwide release from Fathom Events. Special content offering firsthand insights into the making of the film follows. See the website for details. (Niesel)
FRI 12/28
Georgia O'Keeffe
Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons star in Georgia O'Keeffe, a 2009 biopic about the tumultuous relationship between the painter and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. The film screens at 7 tonight and at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art, which currently has an exhibit of O'Keeffe's work on display. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
SAT 12/29
Holiday Hangover Show
Dubbed the Holiday Hangover Show, Pickwick and Frolic's year-in-review revue will feature standup, sketches, music and "all kinds of shenanigans." Comedians slated to perform include Michael Busch, Mike Polk Jr. and Chelsea Davison. It all starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $20. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
I Got Five On It
One of the country's longest-running club parties, I Got Five On It will celebrate its 13th anniversary tonight at Touch Supper Club. Promoters boast that "the party provides the best in '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s music ... from disco to funk to rock, all mixed with classic hip-hop." DJs Mick Batyske, Terry Urban and Robert Ivanov co-founded the event. Urban, Babs, Nicnacc, and Eso & Friends will all perform tonight. The party gets rolling at 10. (Niesel)
2710 Lorain Ave., 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com.
Dave Hill
A Cleveland native, writer, comedian and self-proclaimed "rocker extraordinaire" Dave Hill published his second book, Dave Hill Doesn't Live Here Anymore, a terrific collection of humorous essays, last year. He mostly writes about his experiences in Northeast Ohio with an emphasis on his relationship with his father in the wake of his mother's death. Both funny and poignant, it's a great read. Tonight's show might feature a few excerpts from it, but Hill has recently refined his standup show, which sometimes even includes a segment during which he plugs in his electric guitar and shreds. Mary Santora and John Bruton join him for tonight's show, which takes place at 7:30 at the Grog Shop. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Om for the Holiday: Yoga & Live Music
Locals Jackie Sliva and Mike Bashur host this morning's Om for the Holiday, a yoga and live music event that takes place at the Beachland Ballroom. It promises to be "an invigorating and relaxing yoga practice" accompanied by "dreamy, meditative" electric guitar in the Ballroom. It all goes down at 11:30 a.m., and tickets cost $20 for the yoga and music, or $23 to add a specialty cocktail after the class. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Princemas
DJ Darrick Grant will honor the late, great Prince at tonight's show, dubbed Princemas. He'll play the hits but also B-sides, rarities and tunes by other like-minded artists. It all starts at 9 p.m. at the Grog Shop, and tickets are $10. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
SUN 12/30
American Girl Live!
An all-new musical, American Girl Live! is a stage production that features all-original songs and "unforgettable experiences." Promoters promise that all your favorite American Girl characters will be on hand for the event. The performance takes place at 2 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets start at $28. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
MON 12/31
A '90s-Themed New Year's Eve Party
For New Year's Eve, Punch Bowl Social, on the Flats' east bank, will host a special "totally radical" party inspired by the 1990s. There will be a balloon drop at midnight and special sparkling punch. Organizers encourage patrons to dress in era-appropriate threads (parachute pants, choker necklaces, and even flame-motif pedal pushers are highly recommended). There's no cover charge, and it all starts at 9 p.m. (Niesel)
1086 West 11th St., 216-239-1508, punchbowlsocial.com.
Ian Bagg
If you go 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 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. He performs two special New Year's Eve shows tonight at 7 and 10. Tickets start at $79.95. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Countdown to Noon New Year's Eve Brunch
Moss Stanley and Nitebridge will perform today at noon at the Music Box Supper Club as the club hosts a Countdown to Noon New Year's Eve Brunch. Tickets to see the band cost $12, and the brunch will set you back an extra $18. The brunch includes items such as scrambled eggs, smoked bacon and sausage, breakfast potatoes, seasonal salad and breakfast burritos. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Erich Bergen and the Hollywood Songbook
Erich Bergen, who currently stars as Blake Moran on the TV drama Madam Secretary, also sings and performs in concert venues all over the world. He joins the Cleveland Pops Orchestra tonight for a special New Year's Eve concert at Severance Hall. Expect to hear "songs from the big and small screen." A pop band and a rock band will be on hand for after-concert dancing that'll continue into the new year. There will be cash bars, refreshments and desserts for purchase as well as a balloon drop at midnight. Consult the Cleveland Orchestra website for ticket prices and more info. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Freedom Children Presents Pika's New Year's Eve
Hosted by Undergod & Angelswurld, tonight's New Year's Eve party at Now That's Class promises to be a rowdy good time. Tickets — $12 in advance, $15 at the door — include hors d'oeuvres and a glass of champagne for the toast at midnight. There will be four DJs, and a special performance by the terrific local hip-hop group Red Rose Panic. It all starts at 9 p.m. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
Movie Mondays
Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas hosts $5 Movie Mondays, where film fans can catch up on the latest Hollywood flicks for significantly reduced prices. Bring your friends and family and make Movie Mondays a weekly tradition — many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
New Year's Eve Soiree
For the sixth consecutive year, Lago will host an extravagant New Year's Eve party. There will be dining, dancing and entertainment at the black-tie optional event. DJ Flaco Flash will be on hand, along with DJ Maestro and a French jazz band. There will also be a special countdown to midnight and confetti drop as 2018 becomes 2019. Full admission tickets include a decadent buffet dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Riviera Ballroom. All-inclusive tickets are $200 per person or $350 per couple. For those who just want to partake in the late-night festivities, there's a $150 single ticket option that allows entry at 10 p.m. (Niesel)
1091 West 10th St., 216-862-8065, lagoeastbank.com.
New Year's Eve Celebration
Hofbräuhaus will roll out an exclusive menu and special beers for its New Year's Eve celebration. There will be two seatings — one at 7:15 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. Then, there will be a New Year's Eve countdown streamed live from the Bier Hall. Starting at 4:30 p.m., well-known polka accordion player Fred Zwick will perform and Schnicklefritz will take the stage at 8 p.m. (Niesel)
1550 Chester Ave., 216-621-2337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com.
New Year's Eve Party Package 2018
Each year, Pickwick and Frolic throws a massive New Year's Eve party. This year is no different. The New Year's Eve package includes live music and dancing with Nitebridge, numerous hors d'oeuvres stations, a balloon drop, a sparkling toast at midnight, a live countdown from New York and a Raise Your Glass: The NYE Cabaret performance. It all starts at 9:30 p.m., and tickets cost $60. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Noon Year's Eve
For those who don't want to stay up until midnight to celebrate the New Year, the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo offers its annual Noon Year's Eve party. There will be music, dancing and crafts, and a ball drop at noon. All activities are included with zoo admission. You can also upgrade to a special VIP experience that includes brunch, a character meet-and-greet, and family-friendly activities. Check the zoo's website for times and ticket prices. (Niesel)
3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com.
NYE Rainbow Ball
Billed as "the most glittering, colorful, inclusive New Year's Eve party ever," tonight's Rainbow Ball promises to be "a celebration of the rainbow to benefit Akron Pride Festival." The $100 ticket includes entertainment, a dance party, food by Moe's restaurant and a 5-hour open bar. There will be appearances by Cherry Veneer and 2018 Miss Akron Pride Festival Alejandra J-Love. It all starts at 7:30 p.m. at the spectacular Akron Civic Theatre. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Jay Phillips
You may recognize foul-mouthed comic Jay Phillips from his small roles in Baby Mama or Semi Pro. Phillips, who's often compared to Richard Pryor, likes to make fun of white people who try to act cool by wearing Obama T-shirts. He performs special NYE shows tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has performances scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $30 to $45. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Studio 54 New Year's Eve
In keeping with the Studio 54 theme of tonight's New Year's Eve party at Luxe, DJ Mazi Jahi will spin New York-style disco from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Disco attire is preferred, and there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. There's no cover, but for those interested in getting dinner, Luxe will have a special winter dinner menu and feature seasonal cocktails as well. The enclosed patio will be heated, and a second patio bar will be open. (Niesel)
6605 Detroit Ave., 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com.
The Sunrise Jones
This local group's members come from various bands, including the local, long-running Copperfoot. They jammed one night on a whim and decided they just wanted to play some covers that they were passionate about. The group grew from there and put together a setlist of fantastic covers. The band specializes in Beatles tunes, but you can expect to hear a wide mix of music at tonight's special New Year's Eve gig at the Music Box. The show starts at 9, and tickets are $25 to $30. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 01/01
New Year's Day Brunch
Though New Year's Day is a holiday for many establishments, Prosperity Social Club will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to serve a special brunch. In addition to spicy shrimp and grits, andouille-stuffed empanadas, fluffy buttermilk pancakes and other midday dining favorites, Prosperity will offer specials like Hoppin' John soup, pork schnitzel with cabbage and noodles and browned butter gravy, and salmon cake Eggs Benedict with peppered bacon and stadium mustard hollandaise. Special cocktails include Hey, Nineteen, concocted from Seagrams 7 Blended Whiskey, sweet vermouth, cranberry juice and ginger beer. Reservations are recommended but not required. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
A Special Jazz Brunch
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra singer Evelyn Wright teams up with piano master David Thomas today at noon for Nighttown's special Jazz Brunch. Wright sings jazz, R&B and pop, and Youngstown native Thomas — a public school music teacher, a faculty member at Cleveland State University, a musical staff member at the Southeast Seventh Day Adventist Church, and a minister of music at St. Timothy Baptist Church — was an original member of the R&B group Sweet Thunder. (Niesel)
12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-795-0550, nighttowncleveland.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.
Shit Show Karaoke
Local rapper/promoter Dirty Jones and Scene's own Manny Wallace host Shit Show Karaoke, a weekly event at the B-Side Liquor Lounge wherein patrons choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock," and are encouraged to "be as bad as you want." Fueled by drink and shot specials, it all goes down tonight at 10 p.m. (Niesel)
B-Side Liquor Lounge & Arcade, 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
