WED 02/06
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. Through it, the folks at Music Box Supper Club hope to raise awareness of the mission of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center. 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 Millionaires' Row," as it's put in a press release. Admission is free, with no cover charge, although a prix fixe dinner, designed to complement the night's theme, is $20. Tonight, history professor and author Kelly D. Mezurek talks about the Civil War and her book For Their Own Cause, reportedly the first comprehensive history of the 27th United States Colored Troops (USCT). Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
music
CWRU Baroque Ensembles
Chamber Music in the Galleries, a popular concert series hosted by the Cleveland Museum of Art, features artists from the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Case Western Reserve University's early and baroque music programs. You'll find outstanding musicians playing a mixed repertoire ranging from classical standards to unknown gems at tonight's free performance; the music begins at 6 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
The Great Big Home + Garden Show
Now in its 10th year, the 10-day Great Big Home + Garden Show is back at the I-X Center through Sunday. It features a whopping 600 exhibits centering on how to "renew, refresh and restore" your home and garden. This year's special exhibits include a fairytale-themed Garden Showcase, a Modernized Millennial Idea Home and a Backyard Living Showcase. Home improvement celebrities such as Madcap Cottage's John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon will be on hand as well. Loecke and Nixon will appear on today and tomorrow; Matt Fox, the creator of the HGTV show Room by Room, will serve as the Main Stage host. There will also be fine dining in the I-X Bistro, a full-service, white tablecloth restaurant, and landscaping experts will present daily gardening seminars. Check the show's website for hours and a complete schedule of happenings. Tickets cost $15 at the door, or $13 online. (Niesel)
1 I-X Center Drive, 216-676-6000, greatbighomeandgarden.com.
theater
An Iliad
With An Iliad, the Cleveland Play House takes on Homer's classic story, and the theatrical rendition of the epic narrative promises "vivid storytelling" and live cello as two women transform a bare stage into a "raging battlefield where gods, heroes, and empires clash in a quest for vengeance and glory." Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through Feb. 9. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.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. Tonight's show revolves around the theme, "Dating." The hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 8 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.
film
Marley
Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates Black History Month with a series of special programming and events that include film screenings and interviews. At 7 tonight, the celebration commences with a screening of Marley, a documentary that looks at Bob Marley's impact on the music industry. The movie features rare footage, never-before-seen performances, unreleased music and "revelatory" interviews with the people who knew him best. Admission is free for members and supporters of the Donor Circle, or $5.50 for non-members. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Miss Saigon
Part of the Broadway Series on Playhouse Square, Miss Saigon, which opened yesterday at the State Theatre, centers on a young Vietnamese woman who meets an American G.I. and falls in love. A stunning spectacle with a cast of 42, the musical features Broadway hits like "Last Night of the World," "The Movie in My Mind" and "The Heat Is On in Saigon." Tonight's performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and additional shows continue through Feb. 17. Tickets start at $10. Find details on the website. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Mark Normand
Most of comedian Mark Normand's material comes from observations of everyday life. A mild-mannered and soft-spoken guy who dresses like he's in a Gap ad, Normand likes to make fun of himself and other people who are self-conscious about being nerdy and white. As a result, he regularly comments on racism and other isms. Normand, who has appeared on Conan twice and made other appearances on a variety of programs, performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
A Cleveland favorite, playwright Ken Ludwig (Baskerville, A Comedy of Tenors) returns with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Cleveland Playhouse's "rollicking new take" on a beloved legend. In this particular production, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men take on a greedy prince. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre. Tickets start at $25. Performances continue through March 9. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Them!
In Them!, a classic monster movie that originally came out in 1954, radiation from atomic bomb tests creates giant, mutant ants that descend upon a town. James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn and James Arness star. The film screens tonight at 7 at the Capitol Theatre as part of the Reel Science Series with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Dr. Joe Hannibal, a curator of invertebrate paleontology, will host the screening. Tickets cost $8. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
THU 02/07
Michael Colyar
Comedian Michael Colyar tells the kinds of jokes that aren't designed to appeal solely to fans of a certain ethnicity, age or background. He aims at making everyone laugh. Colyar, who's just unleashed a Donald Trump impersonation that finds him spouting things like, "Let's make America white again," performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv. Tickets are $20 with performances scheduled through Sunday. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
International Clash Day
International Clash Day, an annual celebration of the seminal U.K. punk band, got its start when John Richards, the morning DJ on Seattle's KEXP-FM, arbitrarily declared Feb. 7 to be Clash Day. To mark this year's event, the city of Kent will host a wide array of activities stressing "the urgent need for social justice and the fundamental importance of the freedom of expression." It's so urgent, in fact, that this year's event has expanded to three days. Some highlights include the following: At 6:30 tonight, the Kent Stage will screen the 2007 documentary Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten; at 6 p.m. tomorrow, the Kent State University Library will host a book launch party for Jason Prufer's Small Town, Big Music; and at 7 p.m. tomorrow the Pogues tribute act, the Boys from the County Hell, will play a special tribute to the Clash at the Water Street Tavern. Events will take place throughout Kent through Saturday. Consult the Facebook page for details. (Niesel)
Risk! Live
An Ohio native who's gone on to become a successful actor, comedian and master storyteller, Kevin Allison brings his award winning storytelling show Risk! Live to the Music Box Supper Club tonight. Hosted by Allison, the show will feature local Cleveland residents who will share true, personal stories "they never thought they'd dare to share," and it'll be recorded for the popular Risk! podcast which gets a million downloads every month. Allison hosts monthly live shows in New York, where he currently lives, and he tours Risk! Live to collect stories from around the world. The show has featured Trevor Noah, Margaret Cho, Marc Maron, Sarah Silverman and more. The storytelling begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Adam Sandler
Late last year, comedian Adam Sandler announced dates for a surprise 2019 tour that'll include both his standup work and comic songs. It'll partly be based on his Netflix series 100% Fresh, and it'll include "surprise guests." The show stops in at the Connor Palace tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $53 to $278. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 02/08
Sweetheart Showcase: A Tribute to Broadway
The ninth annual Sweetheart Showcase promises a triumvirate of popular entertainments: singing, dancing and stripping. The showcase will feature songs from Little Shop of Horrors, The Ziegfeld Follies, Hamilton, Lion King, Get On Your Feet, Wicked and more. Local burlesque performers such as Bella Sin, Trick Diction, Samantha Echo, Poppy Poison, Selena Noir and Dakota Cox will be on hand. And special guests Veronica Otim and Jeremy Beloate of Baldwin Wallace University's musical theater program will be in attendance as well. The event starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom. Tickets are $17 in advance, or $20 at the door. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Abandoned Cleveland Book Launch Party
Local author Jeffrey Stroup has been exploring and documenting deserted and neglected sites in Northeast Ohio, and across the country, for more than 15 years now. Stroup, who describes himself as "a sentimental person who cherishes friends, experiences and the beauty he sees in the world," has collected a slew of his best photos in his new book, Abandoned Cleveland. The newest addition to the America Through Time series from Arcadia Publishing and the History Press, the book uses imagery to detail our fine city's boom and bust, growth and decay. At 7:30 tonight, Visible Voice Books will host a book launch party with Stroup. The Abandoned Cleveland launch party will take place during this month's Walkabout Tremont. Admission is free, and there will be food, beverages (including $3 beer and $6 wine) and books available for purchase. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Adult Swim
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, tonight's Adult Swim at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium pairs wine, sweets and chocolate from places like Jack Frost Donuts, Lilly Chocolates & Confections, Mitchell's Fine Chocolates, Nina Lau'Rens Cakeballs & Cakepops, Oh Fuudge, Sweet Bean and Sweet Designs Chocolatier. The tasting takes place from 7 to 10 p.m., and admission is $40, or $30 for Greater Cleveland Aquarium pass holders. The price of the ticket includes light hors d'oeuvres, 20 tasting tickets and a souvenir tasting glass. A $20 non-drinking "designated driver" option is also available. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Around India With a Movie Camera
For her film Around India With a Movie Camera, director Sandhya Suri assembled footage taken during the five decades prior to Indian independence. The result is an "exotic and expansive" documentary of the country. It screens at 7 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
BAYarts Opening Receptions
Tonight from 7 to 9, BAYarts celebrates the openings of its new art exhibits. In Intuitions, Tina Elkins and Patty Flauto use abstracted landscapes as metaphors for other ideas. In Whoa, three graduates of the Cleveland Institute of Art present a culmination of their B.F.A. thesis work. These works share a theme and center on "mediation on internal conflict due to external influences from our society." Admission to the reception is free. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention
Back for the fourth year, Villain Arts' Cleveland Tattoo Arts Convention brings together hundreds of tattoo artists and vendors from Cleveland and across the country for a weekend filled with tattoo sessions, entertainment, seminars, competitions and more at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. Special guests include Cleen Rock One from Ink Master Season 9, James Vaughn from Ink Master Season 7 and Cee Jay Jones from Ink Master Season 2. The convention takes place from 2 p.m. to midnight today, from 11 a.m. to midnight tomorrow, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20 per day or $40 for a three-day pass. For more information, visit the website. (Niesel),
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-928-1600, villainarts.com.
theater
Flanagan's Wake
Flanagan's Wake transports the audience to an Irish wake 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. Sort of like a tragic Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, the interactive and improvised show engages the entire audience. Tonight's show starts at 8 and repeats tomorrow night at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Performances continue weekends through April 27. Tickets are $26. (Patrick Stoops)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Get Shorty
Guests who attend tonight's special Cleveland International Film Festival event dubbed Get Shorty will cast votes for the shorts that'll show at the upcoming festival. The event will begin with hors d'oeuvres and beverages before the shorts screen. At the end of the evening, the film with the highest score will be guaranteed a spot in CIFF 43. It all starts at 7 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $50. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Hot Jazz
Tonight's performance by Frank Vignola's Hot Jazz Guitar Trio should be a treat. After all, guitarist Vignola has been dubbed "one of the brightest ... stars of the guitar" by no less than The New York Times. Indeed, his stunning virtuosity has attracted the attention of some of the world's top musicians — everyone from Ringo Starr and Madonna to Les Paul and the Boston Pops. Vignola's appearance is part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park concert series, presented in partnership with the Conservancy for CVNP. Doors open at 7 and the music starts at 8 p.m. at Happy Days Lodge. Consult the website, below, for ticket prices. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909, conservancyforCVNP.org.
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, drop in at the plentiful bars, restaurants and specialty shops that participate in the art stroll, and even nab a free ride on Lolly the Trolley. The walk takes place from 5 to 10 tonight. Check out the website for a schedule, maps and a listing of entertainment and food and drink specials. (Niesel) walkabouttremont.com.
SAT 02/09
MOCA's 50th Anniversary Party
The Museum of Contemporary Art will kick off a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with an arts-filled party tonight at 9. The lineup of local acts includes Mourning [A] BLKstar, Punch Drunk Tagalongs, DJ Candi Fresca, Sophie Benn and Case Barge. In addition, local burlesque queen Bella Sin will be on hand with guest performers, and there will be a special DJ event hosted by the local collaborative In Training. Inlet Dance Theatre will perform, and local poet Damien McClendon will read from his work. General admission is $15. VIP tickets include early entry, an open bar from 8 to 9 p.m., and special demonstrations by select New Agency chefs, mixologists and artists, along with a full-night private lounge, light fare, one drink ticket, top-shelf private cash bar and valet. Those tickets cost $75. (Niesel)
11400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
Monsters vs. Binghamton Devils
As part of a special Cleveland Sports Legends promotional event, the Cleveland Monsters will give away a Joe Thomas bobblehead to the first 10,000 fans who come to tonight's game, which takes place at 7 at the Q. The Monsters will be facing the Binghamton Devils; the teams face off again tomorrow at 3 p.m. Tomorrow's game giveaways include a Castaway Bay day pass; stick around for the post-game skate and a select player autograph session. You can also spend $6 for one Sugardale hotdog, chips and a drink. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
North Union Indoor Farmers Market
Until March 30, the North Union Indoor Farmers Market will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Crocker Park. Local farmers, makers and bakers will be on hand to sell seasonal greens and vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and bakery items. The market is held at 228 Market St., between the Gap and Cyclebar. Afterward, check out Comet Alley, which sits between Yard House and Hyatt Place Hotel: You'll find locally owned businesses and shops that'll appeal to a "shop local" mentality. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
Now That's Classy: A Formal Night Under the Sea
Now That's Class will be transformed into "an underwater paradise" for tonight's Now That's Classy: A Formal Night Under the Sea event. The club encourages patrons to wear their "finest aquatic formal wear" for a chance to win the "best-dressed" contest. DJ Hama will man the turntables. It all starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $5. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
Joshua Seth
A noted voice-over artist who can be heard in more than 50 TV shows and movies (including the SpongeBob SquarePants movie, for which he provided the voice of many characters), Joshua Seth is also a famous illusionist. His one-man show, Beyond Belief: An Intimate Evening of Psychological Illusion, arrives tonight for a month-long run. According to the press release hyping his appearance, the show "combines thought reading, magic and some good old-fashioned showmanship to create an atmosphere of mystery and laughter that will absolutely astonish you." We'll see about that. The show takes place today at 7:30 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $26. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SUN 02/10
Ed Caner with special guest Eric Noden
Violinist/fiddler and founding member of Hey Mavis, Ed Caner often invites guest musicians to perform with him, and tonight he'll share the stage with Eric Noden, a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose work is rooted in the music of 1920s and '30s blues pioneers. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series, the performance starts at 7 at the Hines Hill Conference Center. Check the Conservancy website for more info. (Niesel)
1403 West Hines Hill Rd., Peninsula, 216-479-8611, conservancyforCVNP.
The Devil's Backbone
Because Mexican directors have won four of the past five Oscars for Best Director, the Cleveland Museum of Art will pay tribute to Mexican directors this month with several special screenings. At 1:30 p.m. today and 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, it'll screen Guillermo del Toro's The Devil's Backbone, a ghost story set during the end of the Spanish Civil War. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
MON 02/11
Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Tonight's game at the Q between the New York Knicks and the Cavs represents one of the least consequential games of the season. Both teams occupy the Eastern Conference cellar; both franchises are in the process of rebuilding; and neither squad has any hope of making the playoffs. Given all of the above, tipoff is at 7 p.m. Consult the Cavs' website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
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. This month, the 7 p.m. talk is all about Stone Age technology and what life was like in Ohio 13,500 years ago. The talk is free, but bring some money for the bar and the restaurant. Check the Music Box website for tickets and additional information. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 02/12
Monsters vs. Rochester Americans
As part of a special Hockey Hoppy Hour promotion that takes place during non-holiday weekday games, the Monsters will offer tickets that start at just $11. They include a lower-level ticket and a beverage (a 12-ounce domestic beer or a Pepsi product/bottled water. Tonight's game against the Rochester Americans begins at 7 p.m. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has described his 1,350-square-foot music-focused bar in the Hingetown 'hood as "a place where people can expect to hear and learn about music of multiple genres, all of which is concentrated in a constantly evolving jukebox." The club 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.
