WED 12/11
The 11th Annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza
The 11th annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza, a benefit for the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, returns to the Akron Civic Theatre today. The special performances will feature Humbert's terrific honkytonk band the Shootouts as well as alt-country group the HawtThorns and local singer-songwriter Gretchen Pleuss. A different surprise guest will appear at each performance. This year's show will feature a blend of holiday classics and songs from the Shootouts' debut album Quick Draw, which spent over nine weeks on the Americana Radio Album Chart this past summer. During each performance, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will collect non-perishable food donations. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $35 for two (date-night special). Performances continue through Dec. 12. (Jeff Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Cavs vs. Houston Rockets
Sharpshooting Houston Rockets guard James Harden has put together a remarkable season so far. In one game against the lowly Atlanta Hawks, he scored 60 points in just three quarters. Expect him to dominate the court tonight when the Rockets take on the Cavs at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Check the FieldHouse website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.
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 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, Brian Jones talks about purchasing the home where A Christmas Story was filmed and turning it into A Christmas Story House & Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Every Brilliant Thing
Billed as "a surprising and immersive theatrical experience that speaks openly about depression, mental illness, and suicide," Every Brilliant Thing focuses on a character who decides to make a list of things he thinks will rescue his mother from her depression. The Cleveland Play House presents its take on the play tonight at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, where it continues through Dec. 22. Tickets start at $20. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Mean Girls
Part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, Mean Girls centers on a newbie who must navigate a high school filled with "frenemies." Book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw collaborated on this musical that's based on the movie of the same name. Tonight's show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Dec. 22. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Josh Sneed
An Ohio native, Josh Sneed holds the distinction of quitting his comfy job at Proctor & Gamble to become a comedian. That's a decision that could have gone terribly wrong. But Sneed has become a working comic and he has a distinctive delivery as his calm voice serves as a precursor to the hilarious punch line that comes next. He tends to share jokes about his everyday life. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
THU 12/12
Atlantics
This atmospheric film from French actress-turned-director Mati Diop centers on a construction worker who leaves his secret lover behind as he sets out in search of a better life. Set in contemporary Senegal, the movie won the Grand Prix at this year's Cannes Film Festival. It screens tonight at 8:35 and tomorrow night at 7 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The Beast in the Jungle
Based on a Henry James novella, The Beast in the Jungle focuses on the unrequited love between a man and a woman. Director Clara van Gool updates the story for modern times and uses dance to tell the story in her film that spans two centuries. The movie shows today at 7 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350,
A Christmas Carol
The Great Lakes Theatre's annual production of this Charles Dickens' classic continues its run at Playhouse Square tonight, where it has become a holiday staple. The story about how a certain Scrooge comes to realize that he needs to embrace the holiday season has proven to be a timeless tale. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre, where it continues through Dec. 22. Tickets are $28 to $75. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, greatlakestheater.org.
A Christmas Story
The Cleveland Play House's production of Jean Shepherd's beloved Christmas Story returns, as it does each holiday season, to the Allen Theatre — complete with leg lamps, pink bunny suits and hilarious family antics. See it tonight at 7:30. Performances continue through Dec. 23. Tickets are $20 to $97. (Christine Howey)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000,
It's a Wonderful Life in Concert
Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra will play the score to the classic Frank Capra film It's a Wonderful Life while the movie shows on the big screen. Vinery Parameswaran conducts the orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus will be on hand as well. Consult the orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
New Soft Shoe
Nine years ago, on what local singer-songwriter Brent Kirby calls a drunken dare, a group of Cleveland friends and musicians showed up at the Happy Dog to play a couple sets of tunes by the late, great Gram Parsons. Dubbed the New Soft Shoe, the group has been at it ever since, spreading the gospel of what it refers to "Gram's Cosmic American Music." Anything that Parsons played, the New Soft Shoe covers. As a result, the group plays tunes from the International Submarine Band, the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers. It also plays songs from Parsons' solo album GP/Grievous Angel. Tonight at 8, the band performs in the Waldorf Hall at Forest City Brewery. Admission is free, but a donation is requested. (Niesel) 2135 Columbus Rd., 216-228-9116, forestcitybrewery.com.
The Nutcracker
Tonight at the Hanna Theatre, the Cleveland Ballet takes on The Nutcracker, a ballet in two acts that tells the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and how a young woman's favorite Christmas toy comes to life and takes her on a fantastic trip through a magical kingdom. Tonight's performance begins at 7 p.m.; additional performances continue through Dec. 15. Tickets are $25 to $79; get them on the website. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, clevelandballet.com.
Brian Regan
Veteran comic Brian Regan originally set out to become an accountant. But when that didn't work out, he shifted to comedy. Years later, comedians around the country hail his impeccable delivery and ability to inject just enough physicality into his routines. Regan, who refrains from using profanity, relies on observational humor to entertain patrons. His bit on the Pop-Tart is a classic, making fun of the complex instructions that accompany a simple toaster snack. He performs tonight at 7:30 at the Masonic Auditorium. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel) 3615 Euclid Ave., 216-881-6350, masoniccleveland.com.
Tony Rock
While not as well known as his superstar brother, comedian Chris Rock, Tony Rock has plenty going for him. In one funny routine, he talks about the "whitest thing he ever saw." He recounts witnessing a citizen's arrest at an airport when a guy leaped into "full white-guy mode" after he saw someone take an elevator "without authorization." A great storyteller, Rock performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets cost $17. (Niesel) 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
The Wild Winter Lights Festival
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has brought back its holiday light event that was discontinued after the 2004 season. The zoo has reworked the bright spectacle to include thousands of lights, a visit from Santa, an extremely tall teddy bear and, of course, plenty of animals. Dubbed the Wild Winter Lights Festival, the event takes place today through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; additional select dates, through Jan. 5, are listed on the website. Tickets start at $18.50 for those who aren't members of the zoo and $15.50 for members. Find out more about the event and buy tickets on the website. (Laura Morrison)
3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com.
FRI 12/13
Big Fish
The critically acclaimed movie-turned-musical, Big Fish is the next installment in the Near West Theatre's Season of Discovery series. Based on the Daniel Wallace novel and the film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on parents and their children as well as "the tales we use to define ourselves and those we leave behind as our legacy." Music is directed by Jordan Cooper and choreography is led by Katie Gibson. The musical runs weekends through Dec. 15. Tickets are as low as $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Reserved Star Seat tickets are $25. (Niesel) 6702 Detroit Rd., 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org.
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra and Choruses team up tonight for the orchestra's annual offerings of music for the season, including singalongs and a very special guest. The concerts take place in the "yuletide splendor of Severance Hall," a gem of a space aglow with festive decor. Performances continue through Sunday. Consult the orchestra website for more info. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Genese
A boarding-school student falls in love with his best friend in the coming-of-age film Genese, while the student's half-sister struggles to navigate an open relationship with her boyfriend. The 2018 movie represents the latest film from Canadian director Phillippe Lesage. It makes its Cleveland debut at 9:05 tonight at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. Buy advance tickets on the website. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, The Hip Hop Nutcracker offers a contemporary update to Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. A supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop's founding fathers, will be on hand. Expect to see digital graffiti and visuals "transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. " It all goes down tonight at 8 at the State Theatre. Tickets cost $25 to $65. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Monsters vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
As part of a special promotion that runs all season, Cleveland Monsters fans can score a $1 Pepsi, $2 Sugardale hotdog and $3 select 12-ounce beer on Friday nights. Tonight, the team takes on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The game begins at 7 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the two teams face off again tomorrow at the same time. At tomorrow's game, the first 2,000 kids under the age of 12 will receive a Monsters trading card set. After the Monsters' first goal of the night, fans can chuck teddy bears onto the ice, and the bears will benefit a local children's hospital. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.
Scuba Claus
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium's annual Scuba Claus event continues today, tomorrow and Sunday. Guests can talk to Scuba Claus while he's in one of the exhibits and ask a question about diving or suggest gifts for the fish. Guests can also takes photos with Scuba Claus. The aquarium will also feature a chance to craft animal-themed snowflakes and take part in a cold weather trivia challenge for a chance to win an aquarium experience prize package valued at $200. In addition, the animal care team will present holiday- and cold-weather-themed feeding enrichment activities such as giving fish melting icicle treats and giving birds fruit ornaments. Children visiting on Scuba Claus appearance days also receive an original holiday mini activity book and a Scuba Claus temporary tattoo, while supplies last. Check the aquarium website for hours and ticket prices. The event continues through Dec. 24. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Tap Dance Killer Vol. 1 Book Release Signing
Tap Dance Killer Vol. 1, the latest graphic novel from local author Ted Sikora, has just come out. Set in Cleveland, it centers on a female mobster assassin who blurs the lines between villain and hero. To celebrate its release, Sikora will appear at Gypsy Beans today for a book signing. The book signing continues for the entire day, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. During those hours, Sikora will sell copies of the book alongside his other graphic novels and promises that there will be "groovy holiday combo deals," as well. (Niesel)
6425 Detroit Ave., 216-939-9009, gypsybeans.com.
Walkabout Tremont
Walkabout Tremont, which takes place on the second Friday of every month from 5 to 10 p.m., showcases the best of this smart neighborhood, with art openings, extended hours at galleries and shops, restaurant and bar specials, street performers, live music, neighborhood walking tours and much more. This month, the theme is Light Up Your Holidays, complete with holiday pop-up shops helmed by local artists. Also new this month, the holiday shopping ops extend into Saturday evening as well. See the event's Facebook page for more info. (Niesel) facebook.com/walkaboutTremont.
SAT 12/14
A Christmas Story
Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story follows the trials and tribulations of 9-year-old Ralph (Peter Billingsley), a boy who just wants a new Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The film has become a cult classic; it shows at noon and 2:30 p.m. today at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets cost $1. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Jingle Bell Rock N Shop 2019
In conjunction with the Coventry Village Winter Festival, the Grog Shop and B-Side Lounge will host their annual Jingle Bell Rock N Shop today from noon to 6 p.m. The event will feature a slew of local vendors such as Brittany's Record Shop, Cleveland Street Glass and Guitar Riot. DJs will spin during the event, and the bar will serve up "boozy" holiday drinks. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
This film about a young man who tries to reclaim his parents' Victorian mansion in San Francisco centers on issues of poverty and gentrification. It received wide acclaim when it had its theatrical release earlier this year. It screens at 9:10 tonight and at 6:30 tomorrow night at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Little Women
Director Greta Gerwig's take on Little Women will likely be an Oscar contender when it comes out this month. With that in mind, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque shows 1933's Little Women today at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $12, or $9 for Cinematheque members and students. Admission for students under the age of 17 will be only $3, and there will be free popcorn. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The Polar Express 3-D
Robert Zemeckis directs this classic Christmas story, based on a beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg, about a boy who boards a train that takes him to the North Pole and a personal encounter with Santa. The film's unique look features human characters animated by live-action motion-capture technology. The 3-D version of the film screens today at 11:30 at the Cedar Lee Theatre. A 2-D version screens at the theater tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $1. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 12/15
BAYarts Kids' Shopping Afternoon & Polar Express Pajama Party
Personal shoppers will help youngsters pick out special gifts for the family at today's holiday shopping event at BAYarts. From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be cocoa, cookies and free gift wrapping. Then from 3 to 5 p.m., The Polar Express will screen in the cozy Hearth Room: Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags are welcome. Admission is free. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
Beachland Holiday Flea and Record Fair
The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern's annual Holiday Flea and Record Fair provides a great opportunity to pick up some local arts-and-crafts gifts. More than 20 vendors will be on hand for the event, selling vintage wares, vinyl records and other unusual items. The fair takes place in the club's large ballroom, and food and beverages will be available in the Beachland Tavern, including a special holiday brunch menu. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Celebration
Olivier Meyrou directs this film about fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent's final fashion show. Suppressed for 10 years, the film finally started to screen at festivals last year. It shows at 1:30 p.m. today and at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Patrick Keane
Originally from the Midwest, comedian Patrick Keane likes to joke about going to Ireland and falling in love with the accent. "It's so adorable," he says. "It's lyrical, the way they speak; and when we try to do the accent, it turns into a Jamaican accent." Keane can slip into a variety of dialects with ease. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 and $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists
A three-time Oscar nominee who lives in the Dayton area, Julia Reichert is Ohio's foremost non-fiction filmmaker. Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film, a traveling retrospective that has come to the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, features screenings of restored versions of her films. Today at 4 p.m., the Cinematheque will screen Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists, her 1983 documentary about Americans who joined the Communist Party. Tickets cost $11, or $8 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Straight No Chaser
The male acappella group Straight No Chaser had such success with their 2013 release Under the Influence, with musical cameos from Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Phil Collins and Dolly Parton, that it essentially became a household name. Expect to hear songs from that album tonight, alongside holiday tunes and selections from the band's extensive back catalog. Performances are at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. Tickets are $34.50 to $62.50. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MON 12/16
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.
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 Heights 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 12/17
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the third Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Happy Dog. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, students of Cleveland Institute of Music, and even Cleveland Orchestra members grace the stage in these exciting, free concerts. Tonight's performance starts at 8. (Patrick Stoops)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. Jason Gokorsch will book guest DJs and offer slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. First time DJs are encouraged, and equipment is provided. Patrons can also bring records for the night's DJ to add to their set. Sign up on Northeast Ohio Vinyl Club's Facebook page. (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.