WED 09/18
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, true-crime author Jane Ann Turzillo recounts the many unsolved murders and chilling disappearances in Northeast Ohio's history. 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.
Marthe Cohn
As you can imagine, Marthe Cohn, an undercover Jewish spy in Nazi Germany during World War II, has a remarkable story. With her sister imprisoned at Auschwitz concentration camp and her family having fled, she posed as a nurse to slip behind enemy lines and collect intelligence on Nazi troop movements and locations — risking her life and changing the outcome of World War II. Tonight at 6:30 at Case Western Reserve University's Maltz Performing Arts Center, Cohn, 99, will speak about her experiences. Tickets are free but reservations are required. More information is available on the website. (Niesel)
855 Ansel Rd., 216-368-6062, case.edu/maltzcenter.
Ian Edwards
Fresh off his Comedy Central special presented by Bill Burr, Ian Edwards comes to the Winchester Tavern tonight at 8 in a show presented by Accidental Comedy. Born in England and raised in Jamaica, Edwards was working at a Burger King when a customer told him he should give standup a try. He went to Governors Comedy Club and bombed so badly that he subsequently put on a clinic about what not to do as a standup comedian. Edwards has gone on to co-produce Friends from College and Crashing. He's also had roles in indie flicks such as Tangerine and Dealing with Idiots. Tickets cost $15 to $20. (Niesel) 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
Indians vs. Detroit Tigers
The Indians get a break this week as the lowly Detroit Tigers come to town. The Tribe needs every win it can get to make the playoffs and this sad excuse for a MLB team gives them a good opportunity to pick up a few key wins. The game begins at 7:10 p.m. at Progressive Fields. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Into the Breeches!
Set in 1942, Into the Breeches! centers on a group of passionate yet inexperienced performers who rally together to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare's Henry IV and Henry V. The press release for the Cleveland Playhouse performance proclaims that it's "a hilarious and moving story about what happens when we're all in it together." Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre, where performances continue through Oct. 6. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel) 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Jason Lawhead
Ohio-born comedian Jason Lawhead is back in town, just in time to make fun of Cleveland sports. Again. A great impressionist, some of his talents include poking fun at the family lifestyle and complaining about pop culture. Lawhead has appeared on Gotham Comedy Live and is credited with helping the underground comedy scene arise in Cleveland. He performs at Hilarities today at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $20. (Niesel) 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Tootsie
Tootsie stars Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey, a talented actor willing to play the "role of a lifetime" in order to get his career back on track and pay his bills. Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray and Geena Davis round out the cast in director Sydney Pollack's classic. Part of the Cleveland Cinemas Happy Hour series, the Capitol Theatre screening features a complimentary cocktail or soft drink and light appetizers starting at 6 p.m. The film screens at 7 p.m., and tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
THU 09/19
Kevin Bozeman
Comedian Kevin Bozeman likes to joke about the mundane. "I got one thing out of college," he likes to say. "Bad credit." His problems are everyone's problems. He has trouble with women and issues with his finances. Expect him to touch on social issues too, as he's made fun of the fact that there aren't any "brothers" in auto racing. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards
An "instigator of creativity and a builder of community wherever she goes," Laura Cortese, a fiddler, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, played and sang with numerous artists before assembling the Dance Cards, a quartet of singing string players. Her latest album, California Calling, features terrific harmony vocals and twangy jams. Cortese and her Dance Cards perform tonight at 7:30 at the G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula. Tickets cost $16 in advance, or $20 at the door. (Niesel) 1785 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2528, peninsulahistory.org.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Way back in 1995, John Bauer and Mark Summers proclaimed Sept. 19 should forever be known as the day when we should all talk like pirates. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has embraced the resulting International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) and makes it a point to celebrate the date each year. If you come to the Aquarium today between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. dressed as a pirate and/or figure out your pirate name, you'll save $5 on same-day admission. There will be scheduled opportunities to quiz underwater scuba divers at 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and to feed the stingrays at 3 p.m. In addition, special ITLAPD Aquarium adventures include the chance to make and race a pirate-themed soap ship and an excuse to try out a few basic pirate phrases and meet mascot land shark Finn. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Nick Kroll
Comedian, writer, actor and producer Nick Kroll has been a busy man lately. He co-created, writes, produces and performs over 30 voices on the hit Netflix animated series Big Mouth and worked as a voice actor on Secret Life of Pets 2. He also recently made his Broadway debut with the critical and box-office hit Oh, Hello on Broadway. Tonight at 7, he brings his Middle-Aged Boy tour to the Ohio Theatre. Tickets cost $31.75. (Niesel) 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Donnell Rawlings
Best known as Ashy Larry, a character he created when he was on Chappelle's Show, funnyman Donnell Rawlings excels at sketch comedy. As Ashy Larry, he imagined himself to be a roving reporter with metrosexual impulses. He created some hilarious YouTube skits as the character, but for his standup shows, he tends to focus more on current events (he had a field day with Tiger Woods when news of the golfer's various extramarital affairs went public). He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv. Tickets are $20. Performances continue through Sunday. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Romeo and Juliet
Prokofiev's ballet score to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet stands as his best-known and most passionate score; and Schubert's joyous Third Symphony is an early masterpiece that he wrote when he was just 18. The Cleveland Orchestra takes on both pieces tonight at 7:30 and tomorrow night at 8 at Severance Hall. Prior to the performance, Franz Welser-Möst and Mark Williams, chief artistic officer of the Cleveland Orchestra, will talk about the orchestra's upcoming season. Consult the orchestra website for more info. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss
Comedian Shane Mauss brings his unique Stand Up Science show back to town tonight for a performance at the Phantasy. Mauss tends to open the show with some of his brainiest standup and then brings an area comedian and two local academics onto the stage. After the performances, Mauss and his guests return to the stage for an interactive discussion and Q&A with the audience. The press release for the tour boasts that it's "funnier than a TED Talk and smarter than your usual night of comedy." Dr. Heather Broihier and Dr. Robert Hurley will join him at the Cleveland concert. Broihier is an associate professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. Her lab investigates the development of neural circuits, in particular the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal communication in drosophila (fruitflies). Hurley is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Cleveland State University. He holds down a secondary appointment in the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University and has spent much of his career developing new ways to apply technology in the study of neurological syndromes. Comedian Rob O'Reilly, recently named in LA Weekly's Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch, will join the bill as well. The event begins at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $19.50 to $25. (Niesel)
11802 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-6300, facebook/phantnightclub.
Tigers Are Not Afraid
Since it hit the festival circuit two years ago, Issa Lopez's Tigers Are Not Afraid has won more than 50 awards. The film centers on a group of children who've been orphaned after the local drug cartel took out their parents. The movie makes its area debut tonight at 8:40 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it shows again at 6:30 on Sunday night. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel) 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The Voice: A Symposium on Mavis Staples
Tomorrow night at Playhouse Square, the Rock Hall will honor inductee Mavis Staples at a special concert and awards ceremony. Tonight at 6:30 at CWRU's Tinkham Veale University Center, several significant authors will be on hand to discuss her influence. Mark Burford will discuss Staples' connection/influence with gospel, including fellow inductee Mahalia Jackson. Rob Bowman will discuss the history and details of Staples' (and the Staples Singers) recording career. Maureen Mahon will talk about the themes around cultural context and popular music during Staples' career, especially in relation to civil rights. Jessica Edwards will discuss Staples as a person and performer. Admission is free, but you must RSVP through the Rock Hall website. (Niesel)
11038 Bellflower Rd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
FRI 09/20
78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk
Time again for the Third Friday Art Walk at the cavernous 78th Street Studios. More than 50 studios and galleries will participate in this popular indoor art walk; be sure to check out spots like the Derek Hess Gallery, Tregoning & Company and Hilary Gent Studio. Look for food trucks out front and live music on the first floor. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is free. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
The Addams Family
Near West Theatre kicks off its new season with The Addams Family, a musical based on the comic strip that became a TV show and then a movie. The play centers on how Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a "normal" man. Or so she thinks. Tonight and tomorrow night's performances take place at 7:30 p.m.; additional performances continue through Oct. 6. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Reserved Star Seat tickets are $25. (Niesel)
6702 Detroit Ave., 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org.
Adult Swim: Fall Wine Tasting
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium's fall wine tasting, an Adult Swim event for those 21 and over, will feature after-hours access to the aquarium and its newer attractions (blinking flashlight fish and colorful poison dart frogs) as well as the opportunity to sample up to 20 assorted varietals from an array of vineyards. Reps from Aurora's ThornCreek Winery & Gardens will be on hand to talk about their award-winning Ohio offerings. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and light hors d'oeuvres. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m., and tickets cost $40, or $30 for pass holders and $20 for designated drivers. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Copenhagen
Presented by Cesear's Forum in a limited engagement, the play Copenhagen centers on an actual meeting that took place between the two great physicists, German Werner Heisenberg and Danish Niels Bohr in 1941 in occupied Denmark. The play is presented fictionally, "inside the heads" of three characters, as they relive their memories and speculations. Tonight's performance takes place at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre. Tickets cost $18, and the show continues through Oct. 26. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Hampstead
Hampstead stars Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson as two very different individuals living in the same idyllic London neighborhood. They decide to put their differences aside to work together to fight developers. The movie screens at 7 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel) 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Indians vs. Philadelphia Phillies
As the season winds to a close, the Indians take on a tough Philadelphia Phillies team during a three-game interleague series. The Phillies are vying for a wildcard spot in the playoffs and the Indians still hope to win their division, so tonight's game should be a real battle. First pitch is at 7:10, and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Matt Johnson's Dueling Piano Fiasco!
Judging from the YouTube videos of pianist Matt Johnson's dueling piano concerts, it's safe to say the guy caters to bachelor and bachelorette parties. He can easily break into Journey's "Don't Stop Believing'" and then segue into Billy Joel's "The Piano Man," which he tends to alter with a few of his own ribald lyrics. Matt Johnson's Dueling Piano Fiasco! takes place tonight and tomorrow night at 8 at MGM Northfield Park's Neon Room. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
Pat McGann
A standup comedian and television host from Chicago, Pat McGann created and hosted the Emmy-nominated TV show, The Chicago Stand Up Project. He likes to joke about everyday things like gardening — "We live five blocks from the grocery store so what are we doing sweating over these crops?" He performs tonight at 8 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets cost $25 to $30. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rock Hall Honors: Mavis Staples
The new Rock Hall Honors award features a career celebration and full night of music from singer Mavis Staples tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. Inductee Jackson Browne and Valerie June will join Staples during the concert. General admission tickets are $30 to $100; get them on the website. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Whiskey & White Lightning
Regional and local distilleries will converge on House of Blues tonight at 7 for its annual Whiskey & White Lightning event. The club will serve up samples of bourbon, rye whiskey, moonshine and other spirits, and there will be live music in both the Music Hall and the Foundation Room VIP Club. Tickets cost $15 for a general admission ticket, or $20 for a general admission ticket and five sample tickets. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
SAT 09/21
The Cleveland Flea
A self-described "small business incubator" that draws thousands of locals hoping to snag some unique goods, the Cleveland Flea features items you won't find at the typical retail store, including goods from "culinary all-stars" and "the most talented makers in the region." This edition runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Tyler Village. Find additional info on the website, including dates for the Fall and Winter/Holiday fleas. Adult admission is $4. (Niesel)
3602 St. Clair Ave., theclevelandflea.com.
Downtown Willoughby Bourbon Trail 2019
Thirteen downtown Willoughby bars will participate in today's Downtown Willoughby Bourbon Trail bar crawl. The participating locations feature unique products and host reps to provide knowledge about their products. Three ticket options are available, and each includes 12 samples and a souvenir gift. (VIP tickets get you early admission too.) There will be live acoustic music and entertainment at each stop. There will also be food specials and raffles. The event takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Details and ticket prices are on the website. (Niesel) downtownwilloughby.city.
Norm Macdonald
Comedian Norm Macdonald — of SNL, The Norm Show and the recent Norm Macdonald Has a Show on Netflix — comes to the Masonic tonight. That's pretty special: The Canadian comic known for his deadpan delivery and long, meandering stories has only a handful of standup shows planned throughout America this year. Tonight's show takes place at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $37 to $57. (Laura Morrison)
3615 Euclid Ave., 216-881-6350, masoniccleveland.com.
SUN 09/22
85 South
A podcast that features improvisational sketches and freestyle by up-and-coming comics from the South, 85 South comes to Connor Palace tonight to broadcast a live show. Join DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean for a program that will be turned into one of their podcast's episodes. The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets start at $45. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Murder In The Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story
Narrated by Brian Posehn, this documentary film tells the story of how thrash metal emerged from the Bay Area in the early '80s. It features interviews with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Testament, Death Angel and Possessed. It screens today at 5:30 at the B-Side Liquor Lounge in Cleveland Heights. Admission is free. (Niesel) 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
MON 09/23
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 and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
TUE 09/24
Truck Stop Tuesday
This is your last chance this year to visit Crocker Park's Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that has been taking place this summer from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
Where Is the Friend's House?
Where Is the Friend's House?, a 1987 film by Abbas Kiarostami, centers on an Iranian schoolboy who walks miles to an unfamiliar village to return a notebook to a classmate who may be expelled without it. The first part of Kiarostami's Koker Trilogy, the film comes off as a "moving tale of compassion and moral courage enhanced by humor, suspense, and poetry." It screens at 1:45 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel) 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
ZZ Top That Little Ol' Band From Texas
This warts-and-all documentary tells the story of how three teenage bluesmen became ZZ Top, a band that sought to "take Texas culture to the rest of the world." The movie includes vintage footage and interviews. Expect to hear lots of jokes about long beards. It screens at 7:30 tonight at the Capitol Theatre as part of the Cleveland Cinemas Rock Doc Series. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
