WED 11/21
Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Former Cav LeBron James returns to town tonight just in time for Thanksgiving. His Los Angeles Lakers make their sole appearance at the Q, and we hope that Cavs fans will show up en masse to root for the Cavs and not James, who left the team in the lurch after a very successful run. While the Cavs have struggled mightily this season, we truly hope they destroy the Lakers, a team that will have a hard time making the playoffs even with the addition of James, who signed a max deal over the summer. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. Check the Cavs' website for ticket prices. (Jeff Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
THU 11/22
Feed the Souls
When House of Blues first opened here 14 years ago, it provided a free Thanksgiving meal for those in need on Thanksgiving Day. The concert venue continues that tradition today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as House of Blues' volunteers (employees, friends, family and vendors) provide food for the homeless — and anyone who is either alone or can't afford a good meal. The venue serves an average of 400 people each year. There will be live music as well. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Post Thanksgiving Get Down
Most bars will be closed today. Now That's Class is the exception. One of our favorite punk clubs in town, the place will open at 5 p.m. "Avoid your family, bring your family, cheat on your partner, bring your partner, get twisted. Don't know, don't care, don't ask!!" reads the website description. Music starts at 9 with DJ Hama providing "a night of funky grooves, heavy riddims and smooth vibes that will have you sweating off all that Thanksgiving grub!" Admission is free. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
FRI 11/23
Author Ben Vendetta
Author Ben Vendetta will speak with local music journalist Jason Pettigrew about his new book, Sunset Trip, tonight at 6:30 at the Happy Dog. Set in and around the Y2K Los Angeles psych rock scene, which included bands such as Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Warlocks, Beachwood Sparks and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the novel centers on the life and times of a fictional music journalist. In addition, DJ IKE will spin psych, shoegaze and canyon rock. Admission is free. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
A Christmas Story
A near-genius piece of American reminiscence, A Christmas Story is so period-perfect and charming that the squishy sentimentality (of which there is plenty) never leads to saccharine reflux. Philip Grecian is listed as the playwright, but everyone understands that the bulk of the insights comes from the mind of Jean Shepherd, who wrote the original story, co-authored the movie, and narrated the flick in his distinctive, triple-wry voice. The Cleveland Play House's production rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back in time to when cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. See it tonight at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $25 to $97. (Christine Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000. playhousesquare.org.
Huggy Lowdown
Also known as the "Celebrity Snitch" because of the popular segment he contributes to The Tom Joyner Morning Show, comedian Huggy Lowdown likes to joke about how much money stars like Jay-Z have, and he regularly dishes dirt on celebs such as Geraldo Rivera and Bruce Willis. Think of him as a black Perez Hilton. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $22. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Laurie Kilmartin
A veteran comic who got her start in the late '80s, Laurie Kilmartin possesses a particularly irreverent sense of humor. She once made a comedy special she dubbed 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad and has written two books, Shitty Mom and Dead People Suck. She performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at Hilarities, where she has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $18 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play
Scuba Claus & the Seas'N of Play continues today, tomorrow and Sunday at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Kids get a temporary tattoo, an activity book and the chance to expend some of their excess holiday spirit by learning about and imitating the movements of crabs, archerfish, frogs, frilled lizards and other Aquarium residents. Guests of all ages can participate in an aquarium-wide scavenger hunt and/or talk to and snap a selfie with Scuba Claus while he dives in the Aquarium's 230,000-gallon shark exhibit from 1 to 2 p.m. Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
SAT 11/24
Holidazzle 2018
An annual holiday open house, Holidazzle 2018 features a variety of family-friendly indoor activities taking place throughout Playhouse Square. Cartoons, kids' crafts and balloon art will be in the Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre. Local vendors from the Cleveland Bazaar Holiday Market will set up in the Ohio Theatre Lobby, and the Festival of Trees returns to the Allen Theatre lobbies. It all starts at 1:30 p.m.; admission is free. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The Nutcracker
In years past, Akron Beacon Journal readers have voted the Ballet Theatre of Ohio's production of The Nutcracker as Akron's No. 1 holiday show. Set on Christmas Eve, the ballet, as you know, tells the story of a young girl and her beloved doll. As the clock strikes midnight, magical things begin to happen. Today's performances take place at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tomorrow's performance takes place at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 to $50. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Winterfest
Cleveland's annual Winterfest, which kicks off at 9 a.m. today at Public Square, includes free ice skating, free horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks, live music, fireworks and a Santa sighting. Those who wish to take advantage of the free skating should arrive early to secure a time slot: Only 150 tickets are given out per 45-minute session. Skate rentals are included along with your free ticket. Note that the all-important tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Admission is free. Find all the details on the website. (Laura Morrison)
50 Public Square, downtowncleveland.com.
SUN 11/25
Martin Atkins
Rocker and producer Martin Atkins presents two distinct programs today in North Collinwood. At 2 p.m., he offers "tangible strategies" and advice for independent artists that will translate into additional revenue; the free talk is based on his book Band:Smart, and takes place in Space: Rock Gallery (15721 Waterloo Rd.). He speaks again at 7 p.m. in the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd.), at which time he will regale the audience with tales from his time in and out of Public Image Ltd., mainly covering the years 1979 to 1985. Admission for that talk is $20. You can read all about it on the Beachland website. (Niesel)
Cleveland Then and Now Book Signing
Last year, Plain Dealer reporter Laura DeMarco released her first book, Lost Cleveland, which explored "long-gone places and historic events" to trace Cleveland's glorious past. Set to come out on Dec. 1, her followup book, Cleveland Then and Now, returns to those places and many more to explore how the city has changed over the past 150 years, and where it stands today. To this end, the book pairs modern-day photos of 67 locations with vintage ones and illustrates how our fine city has transformed. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Prosperity Social Club will host a launch party with DeMarco, who'll be on hand to sign copies of the book, which will be on sale at the event. Admission is free, and no restaurant purchase is required. But do note: Prosperity will serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day; launch party dining reservations are recommended. Prosperity chef Ed Kubitz is adding a "creamy chicken a la king over biscuit" special to the menu as a nod to classic eateries such as Higbee's Silver Grille and Miller's Dining Room. Drink specials include $1 off all local beers on draft. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable
New York street photographer, Garry Winogrand took photos in the 1950s and 1960s that captured the social issues of the time. He died in 1984, leaving behind thousands of rolls of undeveloped film. The documentary Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable provides an overview of his life. It screens today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art; catch it again at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Ghengis Con
Since the late '90s, local illustrator John G has drawn hundreds of "ridiculous, vivid posters" and done illustrations for Melt Bar & Grilled, Cleveland Cinemas, Scene and a multitude of bands and music venues. He also co-founded and continues to run Genghis Con, a small press and underground comics convention in Cleveland. This year is the 10th installment of the festival, and it takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the Lake Erie Building in Lakewood. Admission is free. (Niesel)
Athens, Lakewood, genghisconcleveland.com.
Searching for Ingmar Bergman
A slew of actors, filmmakers and family members participate in Searching for Ingmar Bergman, a documentary about the great Swedish director. The movie includes archival film clips and rare photos in telling the story of Bergman, who would've been 100 this year if he hadn't died 10 years ago. It shows tonight at 7:15 and tomorrow night at 6:45 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
MON 11/26
Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves, a playoff-caliber team, suffered a setback earlier this season when star player Jimmy Butler demanded a trade. The team shipped him off to Philadelphia, but it will have to make some serious adjustments in the wake of that trade. As a result, tonight's game against the lowly Cavs should be a tough one. Tipoff is at 7 at the Q. Consult the Cavs' website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.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; many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Find a list of participating theaters on the website. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
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 wherein patrons choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock," and 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, along with 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 11/27
Chicago
The production of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago that takes place tonight at 7:30 at the Connor Palace features former NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George in the role of Billy Flynn. That's reason enough to see the musical about fame, fortune and "all that jazz." Tickets start at $10, and performances continue through Dec. 2. Get your tickets on the website. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Life, the Universe & Hot Dogs
Glenn Starkman, a self-described cosmologist and "asker of the Big Questions about our universe," will present his talk, "The State of the Universe," tonight at 7:30 at the Happy Dog Tavern as part of the Happy Dog's lecture series Life, the Universe & Hot Dogs. Admission is free. (Niesel)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. DJ Kris Koch offers 20-minute slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. Turntables are provided; you can play three to five songs during your time slot; and a mic is available to talk about the selections. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-600-5338, facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
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.
