WED 05/23
Disney's Aladdin
Part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, the hit musical Disney's Aladdin continues this week at the State Theatre in a run that concludes on May 27. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), the production features sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award-winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots) and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris). Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30. Tickets start at $40. (Jeff Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MAC Baseball Tournament
The Mid-American Conference Baseball Championship returns to Sprenger Stadium in Avon today and continues through Sunday. The five-day tournament features the conference's eight best teams; the tournament champion earns a berth in the NCAA tournament. Check the website for times and a schedule. (Niesel)
2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, 440-934-3636, lakeeriecrushers.com.
The Royale
Set in 1910, The Royale centers on Negro Heavyweight Champion Jay "The Sport" Jackson, a fighter who wants to prove that he's as tough as his white counterpart. The Cleveland Play House production takes place tonight at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre. Performances continue through May 27. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Stuff You Should Know
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the hosts of the research-based podcast Stuff You Should Know, have released two episodes each and every week since 2008. They've covered a wide range of subjects ranging from science and economics to plain old stuff you've never thought about, and have touched upon everything from disco to the time when Nazis invaded Florida during World War II. They bring their live iteration of the podcast to the Ohio Theatre tonight at 8. Tickets start at $27.50. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Walnut Wednesday
Walnut Wednesday is one of summer's great traditions. Today it continues, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — as 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. Today, DJ Mimo will spin. The series continues through Sept. 26. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel)
THUR 05/24
Blossom Time
A new Blossom Time Queen will be crowned tonight at 6 p.m. to kick off Blossom Time, a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend celebration beginning today, from 5:30 to 11 p.m., in downtown Chagrin Falls. The pie eating contest and hot air balloon launch will take place tomorrow, followed by Saturday's Taste of Chagrin, showcasing Chagrin Falls' finest eateries, with more than 20 food trucks and vendors. Carnival rides will operate throughout the weekend; the festivities will conclude with Sunday's Blossom Time Parade down East Washington Street. Admission is free. See the website for details. (Halle Weber)
Cool TLC
A veteran comic, local hero Cool TLC has worked the Cleveland scene for years now. During that time, he's shared the stage with national acts such as Eddie Griffin, Bruce Bruce, Snoop Dogg and Patti LaBelle. The rowdy, fast-talking comedian regularly punctuates his live show with singing and dancing as he brings an excessive amount of energy to the stage. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Indians vs. Houston Astros
The Houston Astros returned most of the players who went on to win the World Series last year. While the team didn't get off to a terrific start, it's still got one of the better records in the American League and appears headed to the post-season. Tonight's game begins at 6:10 at Progressive Field. It starts a four-game series. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
FRI 05/25
Berea's National Rib Cookoff
Over the past two decades, Berea's National Rib Cook-Off has been a Memorial Day staple. This year will mark the festivals 20th year at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Some 14 Rib Teams will compete weekend long for prizes for the top ribs. There will be live music and there will also be a children's activity area. For all festival information go to the website or call the Hotline Number at 440-234-5181. Admission is free before 5 p.m. today and $5 after 5 p.m. The festival continues through Monday. (Niesel), bereaRib.com.
164 Eastland Rd., Berea, 440-243-0090, berearib.com.
The Caramel Revue
In an effort to bring more attention to performers of color, local burlesque troupe Le Femme Mystique will present the Caramel Revue, a celebration of Ohio's black burlesque artists, at 8 tonight at the Beachland Ballroom. The show's producers, Cece Noir, Bella Sin and Mr. Tuesday, have teamed up to create a program that will "speak to the audience and highlight the beauty of diversity on stage." In addition to Cece Noir and Mr. Tuesday, local performers such as Deva Diamond, Selena Noir, Dakota Cox, Shari Turner and Lakota Shekhar will be on hand. Cleveland's only all-black Burlesque Troupe, Suga Shack Burlesque, will perform as well and so will burlesque star Bianca Coal, who's coming up from Columbus for the event. Tickets cost $17 in advance, or get them for $20 at the door. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Cleveland Pops' American Salute
As a tribute to Memorial Day, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra today plays several patriotic songs. You can expect to experience "military-inspired music and pageantry" courtesy of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Pops Chorus and Mutual Gifts Gospel Choir. Guests from all branches of the military and first responders who defend the home front will be on hand as well. The event begins at 8 at Severance Hall. Consult the Cleveland Orchestra website for ticket info. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Legacy Live
One of Northeast Ohio's most popular free concert series, Legacy Live has become a tradition that families and couples look forward to each summer. The concerts, which take place on the Legacy Village lawn at 6:30 each Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, feature local bands that play everything from blues to jazz and rock. Admission is free. (Niesel)
25333 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst, 216-382-3871, legacy-village.com.
Rebel Force Radio: Solo in Ohio
Rebel Force Radio, the popular Star Wars podcast, stops at Kennedy's Theatre tonight for a special live episode featuring the hosts' take on the latest Star Wars flick, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Special guests will be on hand as well. All tickets, which cost $25, include a T-shirt featuring the event logo. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Taste of Summer
Flats East Bank kicks off Memorial Day weekend with the third annual Taste of Summer, presented by Scene. The annual food festival features summertime eats from local restaurants along with live entertainment from some of Cleveland's most talented musicians and DJs. There will also be cocktails and beer, local vendors, a kids' play area and activities for all ages. Taste of Summer takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. today, from noon to 10 p.m. tomorrow and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. (Niesel)
Tremont Greek Festival
Held in Tremont every Memorial Day weekend at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the annual Greek Festival features Greek music, Greek food, Greek drink and even antiques (Greek or otherwise). Visitors will find a mouth-watering assortment of homemade Greek specialties like pastitsio, moussaka (Greek-style lasagna), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and lamb shanks. But the crowd favorite is always the gyro — and they don't get much better than they are here. Be sure to save some room for baklava or loukoumades (fried dough with honey). If you want something to wash it all down with, try the Greek beer Mythos or some Greek white wine. The festival starts at noon and admission is free. It continues through Monday. (Niesel) 2187 West 14th St., tremontgreekfest.com.
Damon Wayans Jr.
The second-gen comedian Damon Wayans Jr. will bring his snarky standup show to Cleveland Improv this weekend. The 35-year-old L.A. native has brought hilariously relatable social commentary to the scene for years. Wayans was also a staff writer on his father's sitcom, My Wife and Kids, and a co-star on New Girl and Happy Endings. Performances take place tonight at 7:30 and 10 and tomorrow night at 7 and 9:30. Tickets are $25. (Weber)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
SAT 05/26
4 Miles 4 Water
Drink Local. Drink Tap (DLDT), the local nonprofit organization that aims to "inspire individuals to recognize and solve our water issues," will host its annual 4 Miles 4 Water festival beginning at 8 a.m. today at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. The water-focused festival features a 1-mile walk and a 4-mile race, and offers interactive and educational games for both adults and children. Also, there will be music, food trucks and a cash bar. The event goes until 1 p.m. Race registration and more details can be found on the website. (Niesel)
Caitlin Canty
Produced by Punch Brothers banjoist Noam Pikelny and featuring a band of some of Nashville's best session players, Caitlin Canty's new album, Motel Bouquet, sounds surprisingly cohesive, given that Canty wrote the tunes in airplanes, motels and concert venues after moving from New York to Nashville. Album opener, "Take Me For a Ride," shows off her dreamy vocals, and strings liven up the ballad "River Alone." Canty performs tonight at 8 p.m. at the G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula. Tickets are $17 in advance, or $22 at the door. (Niesel)
1785 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2528, peninsulahistory.org.
SUN 05/27
Jonesfest 2018
The Youngstown jam band Jones for Revival hosts its annual Jonesfest at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park today. Jones For Revival will perform tonight. Admission is $20 per day at the gate, and there is no extra charge for camping. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Catch Meaning Music Festival
What began in 2016 as a way to honor the memory of Alex Doody and Josh Weil, two Hawken School students who died three years ago in a tragic car accident, is now a one-of-a-kind North Coast festival for nationally and locally recognized indie music talent. This year's fest, which takes place today at 3 p.m. at the Rock Hall, features the Floozies, Ripe, Aaron Benjamin, the Vindys, Tri-C High School Rock Off winner Montage, MalcUpNext, the Butterfly Experiment and a special appearance by the Young Souls Band of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. Day-of-show tickets are $35. VIP tickets are $125 ($90 of which is tax-deductible) and include exclusive stage-front viewing area, complimentary food and water, a private bar and a discount on Catch Meaning merchandise. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Jim Florentine
Inspired by loudmouth comics like Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Kinison, comedian Jim Florentine began doing standup comedy in the early '90s. Florentine's career took off after he released an album of crank phone calls. That led to an appearance on The Howard Stern Show and he became a regular. Florentine has kept plenty busy. He was the co-host of That Metal Show on VH1 Classic. It ran for 14 seasons before VH-1 pulled the plug. And Florentine has had appearances on Girls, Californication and Inside Amy Schumer. As part of a fundraiser for the Cleveland Comedy Festival, he performs tonight at 7 at Sachsenheim Hall Ballroom. While the Cleveland Comedy Festival is itself a nonprofit organization, organizers will donate an amount of ticket proceeds to WAGS4Kids, a local charity that helps train and pair service animals with special needs children. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. (Niesel)
7001 Denison Ave., 216-651-0888, clevelandcomedyfestival.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.
MON 05/28
Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
At the end of last season, the Chicago White Sox traded away several veteran players to get some good young talent. While the new players probably won't peak for another year or two, the White Sox appear headed in the right direction. They take on the Tribe today at 4:10 p.m. at Progressive Field as part of a three-game series. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
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)
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 that allows patrons to choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock." Participants 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)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
Wing Dang 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 Dang 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 offer 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 Dang Doodle takes place every Monday from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 05/29
Truck Stop Tuesday
As if to provide a westside counterpart to Walnut Wednesdays, Crocker Park in Westlake hosts Truck Stop Tuesdays, a weekly food truck gathering, today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. The trucks continue to stop through Sept. 25. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.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.