WED 07/19
Art of VNTG
Earlier this year, VNTG Home opened a 25,000-square-foot retail space in Tyler Village that offers shoppers an "unforgettable treasure hunt" filled with more than 3,000 one-of-a-kind pieces of vintage furniture, art and home decor. Upcycling experts on site can also paint or re-upholster your furniture or any furniture you buy at the store. Art of VNTG, a special vintage art sale and party hosted by the retailer, will feature thousands of pieces of framed fine art, decorative art, modern art and pop art at affordable prices. The Art of VNTG party takes place from 6 to 8 tonight, and there will be music, drinks, and light food. Admission is free. (Jeff Niesel)
1453 East 36th St., 216-505-4322vntghome.com.
Drawing Power
Once a month, Great Lakes Brewing Company hosts Cleveland's Drink & Draw Social Club. The event is organized by the Rust Belt Monster Collective and sponsored by Carol and John's Comic Book Shop. Drink & Draws are an opportunity for artists of all skill levels to drink, draw, socialize/network and collaborate in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Events take place at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, including tonight. At the end of each Drink & Draw, prizes are awarded for various superlatives. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani)
2516 Market Ave., 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com.
El Septeto Santiaguero
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. El Septeto Santiaguero, a Latin band that has performed in more than 30 countries, will perform tonight at 7:30, 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.
Songwriters on the Patio
Tonight at Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, Thor Platter, one of the city's better singer-songwriters, performs as part of the restaurant's annual Songwriters on the Patio series. Another great local singer-songwriter, Charles Hill Jr., will share the bill. The event begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. It will be rescheduled if it rains. Admission is free. (Daniela Cacho)
6605 Detroit Ave., 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com.
Stop Making Sense
To honor the late Jonathan Demme, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque will screen his 1984 film, Stop Making Sense. Demme, who lensed classic movies such as Melvin and Howard, The Silence of the Lambs and Rachel Getting Married, captures the unique energy of Talking Heads, who were performing at their peak at the time of his documentary. Captured in his oversized suit, singer David Byrne leads the band through hits such as "Psycho Killer" and "Burning Down the House." The movie shows at 7 p.m., and tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members, students and anyone under the age of 25. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Summer in the City Concert Series
Presented by Great Lakes Brewing Company, Fat Head's Brewery and Magic Hat Brewing Company, the Rock Hall's free Summer in the City concert series features some of the top bands in Cleveland. Concerts start at 6 p.m. on the seasonal outdoor stage, July through August. (Rain location is inside, on the Klipsch Audio Main Stage.) Tonight's concert features Part-Time Lover and the electronic group, Mist. Find out more on the website. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Wade Oval Wednesdays
A summer tradition, Wade Oval Wednesday takes place every Wednesday through Aug. 30, 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 kids' activities — all laid out on the Wade Oval lawn, adjacent to some of Cleveland's finest cultural institutions. Tonight's music comes by way of soul band Wesley Bright & the Honeytones. At 9, catch a screening of the movie, Sing. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — 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. 27. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 07/20
A Book Launch Party
Shaheen Modern and Contemporary Art hosts a book launch for Marc Lefkowitz's Borderlands tonight from 5:30 to 8:30. Lefkowitz is a longtime reporter on sustainability and urban design in Northeast Ohio. He studied English at the Ohio State University before graduate studies in urban planning at Cleveland State University. As part of the festivities, Lefkowitz will discuss the connection between the book and Shaheen's current exhibition, It's Hard to Explain, But It Happened Slowly, the Transition, with artist Corrie Slawson. Lefkowitz and Slawson have been married for 13 years. Slawson's exhibit remains on view at Shaheen through July 28. Admission is free. (Usmani)
740 West Superior Ave., 216-830-8888, shaheengallery.com.
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 an opening performance from No Good Solutions. From 6 to 9 p.m., Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean will perform on the RTA Main Stage. It's free. (Niesel)
6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway NW, 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com.
An Interactive Exhibit
Through a combination of murals and fundraising events at CLE Urban Winery, the winery and Graffiti HeArt have developed a strong relationship — with each other, local artists and residents of Cleveland Heights. They team up again tonight to host an interactive art event with local artist Rich Cihlar, co-founder of E11even 2 at 78th Street Studios and owner of the Pop Shop framing studio in Lakewood. It runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Described as a twist on traditional "paint & sip" classes, the event lets guests take part in making a large-scale, collaborative piece of graffiti art under Cihlar's guidance. At the end of the evening, each participant will leave with a 12-by-12-inch piece of the artwork. Tickets are $30 and include a glass of wine. Proceeds benefit the Graffiti HeArt scholarship fund. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. (Usmani)
2180B Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com.
Makers' Market in Collinwood
Looking for something truly unique and locally produced? Check out the Made in Collinwood Makers' Market tonight in Collinwood, featuring 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. A free concert by Red Light Roxy with special guests Dino & Frankie will begin at 7 p.m. Can't make it this Thursday? Additional market dates include Aug. 3, 17 and 24. Admission is free. (Usmani)
17217 Dorchester Dr., 216-276-0097, facebook.com/madeincollinwood.
FRI 07/21
Bey-Day
At Twist Social Club's summer edition of Bey-Day, you'll get a constant play list of all things Beyonce, including music and music videos. The event will include music from the Destiny's Child era to her B'Day hits and her latest album Lemonade. Fortunately, Beyonce has enough material to keep the dance floor hopping right up to last call. The party starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free. (Daniela Cacho)
11633 Clifton Blvd., 216-221-2333,
Bring It! Live
The stars of Lifetime's Bring It!, Miss D and her Dancing Dolls return to the stage with the Bring It! Live 2017 summer tour. Last year, the hip-hop majorette competition that toured theaters across the country featured "fierce, original, high-octane performances that brought motivation, inspiration and formation." This year's event promises to be "hotter-than-ever" and features "never-before-seen performances." It takes place tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. Tickets are $32.75 to $99.75. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Collage-A-Cat
Calling all cat lovers! Looking for a fun and creative evening? Create-A-Craft, in Euclid, hosts a special adults-only Collage-A-Cat class with local collage artist Perris Mackey from 7 to 9 tonight. Mackey's pop culture-themed art has been exhibited at events and venues around town, including Ingenuity Fest, 78th Street Studios, the Waterloo Arts Fest. Working with Mackey, participants will create an original cat-themed collage using an official "Collage-A-Cat" kit. Cost of the workshop is $35 (with discount code "earlynerd"), and includes everything needed to create your masterpiece. Guests are encouraged to bring your favorite adult beverage. Tickets are on Eventbrite. (Usmani)
291 East 222nd St., Euclid, 216-505-0684, create-a-craft.com.
Pet Days on the Plaza
Vendors, groomers and local rescue organizations will be on Playhouse Square today for Pet Days on the Plaza, an opportunity to give your pet some special treatment or even adopt a new furry friend. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the U.S. Bank Plaza. (Niesel)
East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Third Fridays
Even with the warm summer months upon us, Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios continue to be some of the busiest nights in the local art community. With so many galleries and artist studios hosting special events and open hours throughout the building's four floors, tonight's Third Friday promises another perfect storm of collective efforts. Highlights include new exhibitions by Justin Brennan and Stephen Kasner at Hedge Gallery; a solo exhibition of new work by James March at Tregoning & Co.; a circus-themed group exhibition at E11even 2 Gallery; and Word Up at PopEye Gallery, an all-female, text-based exhibition featuring work by Amber Esner, Erin Guido and Katy Kosman. As the action winds down, head to the third flood for live music, courtesy of Survival Kit. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.; individual gallery hours may vary slightly. As always, admission is free. (Usmani)
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Van Aken Beer Garden
The only thing better than a beer garden is an outdoor beer garden. Tonight from 6 to 10, the Van Aken Beer Garden returns to Shaker Plaza. The event takes place outside, in the plaza's west parking lot at the corner of Farnsleigh Road and Van Aken Boulevard, and inside, in the storefront next to the Pearl Asian Kitchen. The event will feature live music, food, beer, wine, cocktails, retail vendors and children's activities, and highlights the development of Shaker's new downtown, the Van Aken District, scheduled to open in the summer of 2018. When open, the District will feature a mix of restaurants, retail, residential and office space built around planned public spaces. Admission to tonight's event is free. (Niesel)
20040 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, vanakenbeergarden.com.
SAT 07/22
Bash on the Banks! Beer, Bourbon & Bacon Festival
Cleveland Beer Week and Jacobs Entertainment have partnered for Bash on the Banks! Beer, Bourbon & Bacon, a festival that will feature classic rocker Eddie Money and the return of Cleveland's Boat Parade. Slated to start at 4 p.m. today on the Nautica boardwalk, the fest will feature "beer, bacon and Jim Beam." Local breweries Butcher and Brewer, Collision Bend Brewery, Fat Head Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Great Lakes Brewing Company, Royal Docks Brewing Co., Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, and Willoughby Brewing Company, along with Winking Lizard Tavern, will all be on hand; you'll also find eateries such as Greenhouse Tavern, Hi and Dry, Market Garden Brewery, and Peace, Love and Doughnuts. Fireworks will follow the concert and take place during the boat parade on the river. Tickets are $25 to $100; snag 'em on the website below. Proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Malone Scholarship Fund and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium Education Fund. (Niesel)
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, bashcleveland.com.
Beachland's Rockin' Flea Market
The Beachland's Rockin' Flea Markets feature more than 40 vendors, both inside the ballroom and outside in the parking lot. Wares include clothing, records, music memorabilia and vintage items. In addition to vendors, the Rockin' Flea includes live music and a beer garden. Tonight's edition features performances by a variety of local Collinwood favorites, such as Salt Sinclair, John McGrail Band and Sands and Hearn. Additionally, the Cleveland Animal Protective League will have adoptable dogs and kittens available. The Beachland's Rockin' Flea takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While there, enjoy brunch with a full bar and patio seating. Can't make it this time? The Beachland hosts another Rockin' Flea on Aug. 19. Admission is free. (Usmani)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
SUN 07/23
Fire & Rain: Folk Anthems of the 1970s
Rob Fisher conducts the Cleveland Orchestra tonight in a program of music by folk rockers such as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Neil Diamond and Cat Stevens. Expect to hear classic tracks such as "Sundown," "You've Got a Friend" and "Time in a Bottle." Singer-guitarists A.J. Swearing and Jayne Kelli will accompany the orchestra. The concert begins at 7 at Blossom, and tickets start at $30. (Niesel)
1145 West Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.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 07/24
Monday Night Trivia
Do you have tons of obscure music knowledge? Are you a student of fast food menus and their nuanced histories? What say you about the geographic evolution of Scotch whisky? Tonight's your chance to wow your friends, make yourself instantly more desirable to someone you're newly dating, and hang with Cleveland's headiest hipsters and hot dog lovers. It's the Happy Dog Monday Night Trivia. Starting at 8 p.m., expect themed rounds and general knowledge questions that seem considerably trickier than some of the other live trivia locales in town. Obviously, have a hot dog and a craft brew while you're at it. And arrive early: Seats fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Wing Ding Doodle
Blues icon Howlin' Wolf famously covered "Wang Dang Doodle," the old blues tune penned by Willie Dixon. Prosperity Social Club in Tremont has adopted that slogan, calling its wing night Wing Ding Doodle. The weekly event features specials on Buffalo wings and cold brews. Prosperity will not only serve up substantial, $1 whole wings, but it'll also offering meatless Monday "wing" baskets for vegans. Discounted drafts and a playlist of vintage-electric blues and soulful R&B curated by local musician Clint Holley will be on tap as well. Wing Ding Doodle takes place every Monday from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 07/25
Dancing Under the Stars
As a part of the 12-week outdoor dance party at Playhouse Square, local instructors will lead Dancing Under the Stars tonight at 6 p.m., on U.S. Bank Plaza. Throw on your best dancing shoes, grab a partner and head downtown for a night full of salsa dancing. If you aren't familiar with the steps, then you won't want to miss fun instruction at 6, because from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the plaza will turn into a massive, fun-filled dance party featuring Sammy De Leon y Su Orquesta. For the opportunity to learn new moves and experience a different culture through dance, come on down. Admission is free. (Niesel)
East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, Goldhorn Brewery hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesdays. DJ Kris Koch will offer 20-minute time slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. The Northeast Ohio Vinyl Club and the locally based Gotta Groove Records serve as the sponsors, and turntables will be provided. Each person will be able to play three to five songs and there will be a mic available to talk about the selections. Along with theme nights, there will be giveaways, drawings and contests. (Niesel)
1361 East 55th St., 216-465-1352, goldhornbrewery.com.
The Mike Polk Jr. Show Live
If you've seen local comedian Mike Polk Jr., the man behind the Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video, the Factory of Sadness video (Parts 1 and 2), Last Call Cleveland comedy troupe and his very own show on Fox 8 (aptly called the Mike Polk Jr. Show), perform live, you know he really thrives on having an audience at his disposal. He hosts the Mike Polk Jr. Show Live tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
