WED 07/05
Fat Tire Presents Tour de Fat
An employee-owned brewery that's also a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, New Belgium Brewing makes some damn good beers, including Fat Tire Belgian Style Ale, Citradelic Tangerine IPA, Citradelic Lime Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA. And that's not even mentioning the super-exclusive Lips of Faith beers. This summer the brewery's Tour de Fat festival will hit 33 cities, including Cleveland. It comes to House of Blues tonight at 8. Indie rockers Rainbow Kitten Surprise will headline the event. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity; festival organizers hope to generate more than $600,000 in support of local causes. A touring ensemble of artists, cirque performers, and "general mayhemists" will appear alongside local buskers and street performers at each event. New Belgium Brewing will also host a battle of the bands in many cities prior to the event to give local bands the chance to participate. Tickets are $20. (Jeff Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
I Love My '90s Trivia Contest
Do you remember each Spice Girl? Do you recall how much a subscription cost for Teen People? Or who sings the Friends' theme song? The '90s are ripe with nostalgia, and Yuzu has the trivia questions to prove it. Tonight you can test your knowledge as Yuzu presents "I Love My '90s" trivia contest from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. The winning team will receive a $50 Yuzu gift card. Admission is free. (Daniela Cacho)
13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-799-8343, yuzulakewood.com.
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.
Joan Soriano
For the past couple of summers, the Cleveland Museum of Art has hosted Ohio City Stages, a weekly summer block party that takes place in front of the Transformer Station during the month of July. Steel string bachata icon Joan Soriano, a guy who plays a genre of Dominican music that draws upon influences from Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, kicks off the series tonight at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. Vendors will be on hand to sell food and drink as well. In addition, Studio Go, the CMA's mobile art studio, will offer hands-on art-making activities, pop-up drawing classes and other family-oriented art projects. (Niesel)
1460 West 29th St., 216-938-5429, transformerstation.org.
Wade Oval Wednesdays
A summer tradition, Wade Oval Wednesday takes place every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wade Oval in University Circle. The weekly party provides the opportunity to catch a free concert — jazz, swing, world music and more. Between sets, check out the local food vendors, the beer and wine tent, the farmers market, and free kid activities — all laid out on the Wade Oval lawn, adjacent to Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Art Museum, and the Cleveland Natural History Museum. Tonight, catch a performance from Danny Ray & the Boys. The series continues every Wednesday through August 30. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
Wine and a Workout
Wine and a Workout is a perfect name for an event that promises nothing but fun and physical activity. Tonight, CLE Urban Winery encourages you to stop by with your yoga mat and bodyweights, for a relaxing and rewarding evening. Best part? You'll get a glass of wine afterward! Admission is $12 at the door. Yoga practice is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Cacho)
2180B Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com.
THU 07/06
Edgewater Live
Now in its fourth season, Edgewater Live features local acts along the shore each Thursday throughout the summer. The event also boasts food trucks and recreational activities. The weekly beach party commences today at 4:30 p.m. on the Centennial Plaza at the new Edgewater Beach House with a performance by the Frats. From 6 to 9 p.m., Carlos Jones will perform on the RTA Main Stage. (Niesel)
6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway NW, 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com.
Ekphrastacy Artists Talk + Poets Respond
The current group exhibition at Heights Arts, Encore, showcases the work of several local artists. In conjunction with the exhibition, Heights Arts hosts Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond at 7 tonight. During the event, artists will discuss their work and local poets will read prose written in response to select works on view. Encore remains up through July 23. You can also check out Aimee Lee's Hanbok's Gifts, a series of new sculptural paper works created with hanji (Korean paper) in the Spotlight Gallery, just steps from the main gallery space. Lee's work has been exhibited internationally and resides in numerous public and private collections, including the Cleveland Institute of Art's Gund Library. Hanbok's Gifts remains on view through Aug. 6. Admission is free. (Usmani)
2175 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org.
Makers' Market Series
Looking for something truly unique and locally produced? Check out the Made in Collinwood Makers' Market on select Thursdays this summer. Each Makers' Market features a diverse collective of local makers and artisans from the greater Collinwood community. Tonight's event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 at the East Shore Park Club, and is produced in conjunction with the East Shore Park Club Summer Concert Series. Cello Fury will perform at 7. Can't make it tonight? Additional market dates include July 20 and August 3, 17 and 24. Admission is free. (Usmani)
17217 Dorchester Dr., 216-276-0097, facebook.com/madeincollinwood.
Gary Owen
Comedian Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences across America for more than a decade. He's not limited to the stage either, as he's had roles in the film Think Like A Man and in Tyler Perry's show House of Payne. Owen says he was always the class clown growing up and it has followed him into his adult life. Ebony magazine proclaimed him to be "Black America's Favorite White Comedian." Owen's set mainly focuses on his personal life and racial stereotypes. Catch his performance tonight at the Improv at 7:30. Tickets are $35 to $40, and performances continue through Sunday. (Martin Harp)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
FRI 07/07
Front Porch Concert Series
The Front Porch Concert series makes its return to the Lakewood Public Library tonight. Now in its seventh year, the concerts bring thousands of people to the library for performances that range from reggae to folk and rock 'n' roll. Tonight at 7, local reggae singer Carlos Jones kicks off the series. Admission is free. (Adrian Leuthauser)
15425 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216- 226-8275, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org.
Open Projector Night
You've heard of open mic night, but how about Open Projector Night? MOCA Cleveland's ongoing series encourages local filmmakers to bring their short films to the museum for an opportunity for experts and novices to review new shorts in an open mic-style. Films will be added to the night's lineup on a first-come, first-served basis until the 60-minute limit is reached. Admission is "pay what you can," with a $5 suggested donation. (Want to submit your short film? See the details on the website.) Screenings begin at 8 p.m. Uncensored and un-screened, viewer discretion is advised. (Usmani)
11400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
Walk All Over Waterloo
Historically, July's Walk All Over Waterloo has the lowest attendance of the year. But that doesn't mean there is nothing to do. Waterloo Arts Fest Annual Juried Exhibition remains on view at Waterloo Arts, Praxis Fiber Workshop and Brick Ceramic + Design Studio through July 21. If you haven't seen it, you have one last chance to visit all three galleries today. Maria Neil Art Project presents photographs by Cleveland photographer Bryon Miller. Miller's exhibition, entitled Name: Pending [Bryon Miller], collects photographs exploring the idea of losing oneself, which he describes as "eyes staring past the horizon, looking for something to fill the void." Miller's exhibition remains on view through Aug. 13. Admission is free. (Usmani)
SAT 07/08
3-D Classic Film Series
Way back in the 1950s, Hollywood studios started showing movies in widescreen formats and in 3-D to combat the growing popularity of television. Between 1952 and 1955, Hollywood studios produced 50 3-D films using a dual projection system that required audience members to wear polarized lenses. But because of issues keeping the images in sync, studios quickly lost interest. Now, digital technology has corrected the synchronization issue, and the classic 35-mm, 3-D films are available on new digital prints. To showcase the vintage films, the Cedar Lee Theatre will screen five "golden-era classics" as part of its 3-D Classic Film series. Kiss Me Kate, the 1952 musical-within-a-musical of a play-within-a-play, screens at 11 a.m. today and at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets are $7. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
Caturday Night Fever: A Disco Party
Calling all cat (and disco) lovers! ARTneo's current exhibition, ARTmeow, presents more than 100 years of artwork depicting cats by artists in Northeast Ohio. ARTmeow includes works by both archived and contemporary artists, as well as an interactive, visitor-driven display showcasing an Instagram feed of images tagged #ARTmeow. In conjunction with the exhibition, ARTneo hosts Caturday Night Fever: A Disco Party from 7 to 11 tonight. The event includes a cat-themed silent auction, cash bar, light refreshments and music courtesy of DJ Jerry. The exhibition is free during regular gallery hours, but tickets to the Caturday Night Fever party are $25 for non-members or $15 for members. ARTmeow: The Cool Cats of Cleveland remains on view through Sept. 1. (Usmani)
1305 W. 80th St., Suite 016, 216-227-9507, ARTneo.org/.
Fourth Annual Lavender Festival and Art in the Garden
Luvin Lavender Farms in Madison hosts its fourth annual Lavender Festival and Art in the Garden this weekend. Besides admiring the display gardens — complete with 3,500 plants across 48 acres — you can look at alpacas, take an art class or enjoy a yoga session. Bring a blanket and a picnic, if you like. Entry fee is $5 per car, and all admission will be donated to the Lake County Humane Society. The fest takes place today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A schedule of activities is on the website. (Cacho)
5861 Middle Ridge Rd., Madison, 440-497-7225, luvinlavender.com.
Indoor Drive-In Movie Night
At tonight's special Indoor Drive-In movie event, Mahall's will screen the 2001 comedy/romance, Wet Hot American Summer, a film directed by Clevelander David Wain. Starring pre-fame Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler, the film has become a cult classic. Popcorn will be on the house and beer will be available for purchase. The fun starts at 9 p.m. and admission is free. (Cacho)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Lakewood Summer Meltdown
Returning for the eighth year, Lakewood Summer Meltdown takes place today on Detroit Avenue between Marlowe and Elmwood. The street festival features all sorts of outdoor games and activities, including a 5-K race and a 1-Mile Kids Fun Race for the little ones. (You can register for the races on the website.) The local band Front Porch Lights will perform, food trucks will arrive, and (yes!) there is a beer garden. The fest takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. (Cacho)
Lebanese Food & Music Festival
The Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association's annual Lebanese Food & Music Festival offers a unique cultural experience. The event aims to celebrate the Lebanese culture with authentic cuisine and live music. There will also be activities and games for children. It takes place today from noon to 10 p.m. and tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2300 West Ridgewood Dr., Parma, facebook.com/LACS.NOLAA
A Night at the Opera
Tonight at 7 at Blossom, the Cleveland Orchestra plays several opera favorites, including works by Mozart, Strauss, Verdi and Puccini. Franz Welser-Möst conducts, and soprano Erin Wall handles the vocals. Tickets start at $24. (Niesel)
1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Pixelism: The New Medium
Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Michael Cartellone will be on hand from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown for the opening of Pixelism: The New Medium, his first Cleveland exhibit. According the press release, the art "pays homage to the iconic people, places and things that are the history and the legacy of the city of Cleveland." That includes the sign from Captain Frank's Seafood House, the Little Tom soda pop bottle and Mr. Jingeling's key. It'll also feature the Cleveland-centric Drumming Buzzard. Admission is free. (Niesel)
100 Lakeside Ave. East, 973-564-9776, wentworthgallery.com/cartellone.
Second Annual Inventory Swap Challenge
Do you have extra art supplies or upcyclable materials collecting dust in your basement? Bring them to ArtHouse for the organization's Second Annual Inventory Swap Challenge. from 1 to 4 p.m. today. During the event, artists will bring their own excess inventory to swap and use to create original works live on site. Inspired by the materials at hand, the artists must improvise to create their compositions. Completed artworks will be for sale at the end of the event. Admission is $5 at the door. (Usmani)
3119 Denison Ave., 216-398-8556, arthouseinc.org.
A Trip Up North: A Staged Reading of Brendan Whitt's A Summer in Harlem
Tonight at 8 at the Euclid Tavern, local author and filmmaker Brendan Whitt will produce a staged reading of his first novella A Summer in Harlem. A three-piece jazz ensemble led by saxophonist Brittany Atterberry will perform; readings will be by poet and local activist D.L. Ware, actor Khalim Hill, actress Dayshawnda Ash, and poet and journalist Timothy Cox. The show will end with a performance by Atterberry's trio, followed by a jazz and blues inspired hip-hop set by DJ Nuera. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
SUN 07/09
Asian Grocery Store Tour and Tasting
Today at Asia Town Center, Ice or Rice presents an Asian Grocery Tour and Tasting. The Ice or Rice folks will show you how to prepare Asian meals and talk about the history behind said meals. Plenty of spices and ingredients are used in these traditional dishes, so after attending this event you will officially know how to season your Asian dishes. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Asia Town Center. Cost is $25 and you can register on the website. (Cacho)
3820 Superior Ave. E., iceorice.com.
Northeast Ohio Swap & Spin Social
While sales of compact discs continue to decline, sales of vinyl, the format once considered obsolete, are on the rise. Today from 1 to 5 p.m. at Goldhorn Brewery, vinyl aficionados can potentially add to their collections as the Northeast Ohio Vinyl Club descends upon the place for a "social, swap, sell and spin." A Dj will spin, and admission is free. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Sloppy Sundays in the Sun
The bartenders at Now That's Class will serve "the coolest and tastiest pitchers" of cocktails today from 3 to 7 p.m. at Sloppy Sundays in the Sun. Pitchers of specialty cocktails ($12) include Paul's Puerto Rican Punch, Nascar Nectar and Stripple Nipple. The club will also set up a basketball hoop out back for patrons to show off their skills. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
Mon 07/10
Author Series with Harvey Kubernik
An active music journalist, Harvey Kubernick has written about music for more than 40 years. He's published 10 books about icons such as Neil Young and Leonard Cohen. At today's author series at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Archives and Library, Kubernick will discuss his new book, 1967: A Complete Rock Music History of Summer Love. After the book discussion, the author will hold a Q&A. The event takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free but you must RSVP through the Rock Hall website. (Cacho)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Science Cafe
The second Monday of each month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club so they can talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, organizers mark the event's 10th anniversary. Scott M. Williams, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at CWRU, talks about how some human populations have long co-existed with potential disease-causing microbes. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
TUE 07/11
Bud & Burgers CLE
Anheuser-Busch and Cleveland Scene present the inaugural Bud & Burgers CLE pop-up diner, a national burger- and-beer-centric event. Cleveland chefs will create unique burger pairings to match the "smooth, crisp taste" of a Bud. There will be various burgers and french fries for attendees, and the organizers promise vegetarian options too. The four-day event, which commences today, there will be live DJs and games. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, on the East Bank of the Flats by Aloft Hotel. Featured chefs include Mike Mariola (City Square Steakhouse and the Rail), Eric Williams (Momocho and El Carnicero), Demetrios Atheneos (the Oak Barrel, Bold Cleveland and Forage Public House) and Shawn Monday (Flip Side, One Red Door and 3 Palms Pizzeria). Tickets cost $4 in advance, plus a small processing fee. Proceeds will benefit Downtown Cleveland Alliance. A ticket provides attendees, who must be 21, a gourmet burger, a side and a beer. (Niesel)
1051 West 10th St., budandburgerscle.com.
