WED 11/07
Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Picked as one of the teams in the Western Conference that could potentially give the defending champion Golden State Warriors a run for their money, the Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a rough start this season. Part of the problem was that star guard Russell Westbrook was injured and didn't play in the first few games. Since he returned to the starting lineup, the Thunder have recovered some and will be a tough opponent for the Cavs tonight. The two teams play at 7 at the Q. Consult the Cavs website for ticket prices. (Jeff Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Chamber Music in the Galleries
This monthly concert series at the Cleveland Museum of Art places young musicians from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University in the CMA galleries. Now in its seventh season, the series features "mixed programs of chamber music" for "a unique and intimate experience." The performances often feature instruments from the museum's keyboard collection. Tonight's concert begins at 6 and lasts for about an hour. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
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 new Cleveland History Center. The goal of the Cleveland Stories Dinner Party 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. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. Tonight, William L. Tabac, a practicing lawyer and emeritus professor of law at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, talks about the unsolved case of the "mad murderess of Shaker Heights." (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The monthly series offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. The theme for tonight's storytelling is "My Hometown." The hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 8 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. Admission is $5. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details on the website. (Niesel) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Les Miserables
Cameron Mackintosh presents this new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical Les Miserables, which has hit the road after a return to Broadway. The play features songs such as "I Dreamed a Dream" and "One Day More." The production offers new staging and "dazzlingly reimagined" scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Tickets cost $10 to $125. (Read the full review by Scene critic Christine Howey, on page 22.) (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Mamma Mia!
This smash-hit musical features ABBA's greatest hits, including classics like "Dancing Queen," "S.O.S," "Super Trooper," "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Winner Takes It All," along with "an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship." The musical even spawned a commercially successful film. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, where the show goes on through Nov. 11. Tickets are $15 to $89. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
On the Trail of Big Cats
A determined explorer, award-winning photographer Steve Winter will lead you from Asian jungles to the Himalayas during tonight's National Geographic Live program, On the Trail of Big Cats. Coauthor of the National Geographic book Tigers Forever, Winter aims to "share the beauty of big cats while working to save them." Tonight's event takes place at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $45. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rock Hall Nights
On select Wednesday nights, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hosts Rock Hall Nights, an evening of special programming. Tonight from 6 to 9, the theme is "play," and you can test your skills on the drums or compete to be a Rock Band Champion. Admission is $20, or free for Cleveland residents. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
THU 11/08
Jeff Blanchard
Comedian Jeff Blanchard has attitude to spare, and nothing is out of bounds for him. His routine involves impressions, ragging on the Browns and the lovely town of Elyria. Some of the things he says may offend, but it's all in good fun, as this Cleveland native brings in that trademark sense of ironic humor. (You have to be tough, after all.) He takes the stage tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, and tickets are $15. (Liz Trenholme)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Hymn: Sarah Brightman in Concert
To build anticipation for soprano Sarah Brightman's upcoming new album Hymn, the Cedar Lee Theatre will screen Hymn: Sarah Brightman in Concert tonight at 7:30. The film features a concert that took place at the Festspielhaus in the Bavarian Alps. Staged in two acts, the 90-minute performance is a hybrid of a musical film, a classical-crossover program and a large-scale concert production. Brightman's band, the Munich orchestra, a 50-voice choir and the Ludwig Ensemble of dancers accompany the singer. Filmed using state-of-the-art video and audio technologies, the film also includes an exclusive "making of" segment. Tickets are $12.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Tom Papa
The funny stuff continues tonight with Tom Papa, the fun-loving guy who used to host the NBC comedy show Marriage Ref. Papa routinely likes to joke about how he misses the day when he didn't have kids or the responsibility that accompanies them. He likes to reminisce about his young life, and notes how being a dad has him drinking more now. "Daddy is a lot more fun when he gets his magic juice inside of him," he likes to say, as he ponders the fact that all his daughter's drawings are of him with a martini glass. But the guy will also switch gears and talk about antidepressants and societal pressures. His talent lies in the fact that he comes off as an average Joe. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where you can catch his act through Saturday. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Violet
A multi-award-winning musical, Violet features show-stopping anthems ranging from American-roots and folk to gospel. The story centers on a girl who was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved up, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle: the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. The performance takes place at 7:30 tonight at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab, where shows continue through Sunday. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 11/09
The Children Act
Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci star in The Children Act, a new adaptation of Ian McEwan's 2014 novel by the same name. Thompson plays a London judge who must rule in the case of a teenage boy who has religious objections to getting a blood transfusion that might save his life. The movie makes its Cleveland premiere tonight at 9:20 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, where it screens again at 6:55 tomorrow night. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Memoir of War
A young French female Resistance fighter befriends a Nazi collaborator in Memoir of War, a film based on Marguerite Duras' semi-autobiographical novel. The film makes its Cleveland debut today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it shows again at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Monsters vs. Laval Rocket
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 Laval Rocket. The game begins at 7, and the two teams face off again tomorrow at the same time. Tomorrow's game represents a special Salute to Service program, and the Monsters will acknowledge the many brave men and women who have fought for our country. Tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Rock/Roll Perspective
Last year, close to 1,000 people attended a rock 'n' roll photo show featuring the work of local photographers Joe Kleon and Anastasia Pantsios at the Loftworks Gallery. The duo will return to the gallery this weekend, with a new exhibit that opens with a reception tonight from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and closes on Sunday. This second installment of Rock/Roll Perspective features more concert photos and additional behind-the-scenes and backstage shots. Pantsios started shooting concerts in Cleveland in the 1970s; most of her photos were taken from 1975 to 1989. Kleon, a Scene contributor, has been shooting for the past 15 years, during which he has captured more than 1,000 concerts, shooting an average of 100 concerts a year. He is also the official photographer for local acts such as Michael Stanley and Wish You Were Here. More than 200 photos will be on display at the gallery, with additional prints available for purchase in the biggest offering yet from these two photographers. Local reggae singer-songwriter Carlos Jones will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, and classic rockers Eroc & Jim, members of Wish You Were Here, will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Gallery hours are 2 to 8 p.m. tomorrow and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (Niesel)
1667 East 40th St. #1A, 440-991-7097, loftworksgallery.com.
Walkabout Tremont
During this month's Walkabout Tremont, you can stop by any of the Tremont art galleries to see their current and/or new exhibits. Of course, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and specialty shops in the neighborhood, too, that participate in the arty stroll, so don't overlook them either. The walk takes place from 5 to 10 tonight. Check out the website for a schedule, maps and a listing of entertainment and food and drink specials. (Niesel)
Whiskey Business
Regardless of how you spell it (both whisky and whiskey are technically correct, by the way) or how you've enjoyed it in the past (neat, dirty, on the rocks, straight or mixed), the best way to appreciate whiskey is to savor it in the same way that you might a good wine. At tonight's Whiskey Business, a Scene event, you can sample single malt, blended scotches, bourbon, Irish, Tennessee, Ohio and Canadian whiskies. There will be entertainment courtesy of DJ Flaco Flash and Shawn Brewster and the Lovelies. Light appetizers also will be available throughout the night. It's happening at Red Space on Superior Avenue. Tickets are $50 in advance, or $75 at the door. Details are on the website. (Niesel)
SAT 11/10
Ballet Hispanico
In a show presented by DanceCleveland, Ballet Hispanico, a troupe that dates back to 1970, promises to bring "sizzling music" and a repertoire by "some of the most highly acclaimed Latin choreographers" to the Ohio Theatre stage tonight at 7:30. Tomorrow's 3 p.m. matinee will feature family fun activities before the show for young audience members. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Carolyn Hester
The first female star of the early-'60s folk revival, Carolyn Hester predated Joan Baez and Judy Collins and became the face of the movement, appearing on the Saturday Evening Post's cover. She started out in her native Texas recording for Coral Records, as a label-mate of Buddy Holly, with whom she sometimes sang before she moved to New York and signed with Columbia Records. During the recording of her first Columbia album, she let a young harmonica player accompany her on a few songs, thus introducing Bob Dylan to Columbia A&R man John Hammond, who soon signed the guy to the label. Hester will make an extremely rare appearance in this area, singing songs and telling stories tonight at 7:30 at Barnegie Hall in Avon Lake. She will be accompanied by her musician daughters, Karla and Amy Blume. All three will stay for a meet-and-greet after the performance. This concert, as with all shows at Barnegie Hall, is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Music on a Mission, which provides musical programming to enrich the lives of people with special needs, including children, seniors, veterans and other groups. Though Barnegie Hall doesn't sell or serve food or beverages, you are welcome to bring your own. A $15 donation is requested; you can make it online. (Niesel)
31950 Krebs Rd., Avon Lake,
Piff the Magic Dragon
With his wacky dragon suit and Chihuahua sidekick Mr. Piffles, standup comedian Piff the Magic Dragon left a lasting impression when he was on Season 10 of America's Got Talent. As a result, he's become a national (and even international) sensation. He's performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York, at Shakespeare's Globe in London and at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He's also had five record-breaking runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, two sellout seasons at SoHo Theatre in London's West End, and a national tour of the U.K. and Australia. Previously, he was the opening act for Mumford & Sons on their U.K. tour, and he has just completed a six-month residency at the swanky Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. He performs tonight at 8 at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron. Tickets are $25 to $35. (Niesel)
198 Hill St., Akron, uaevents.com.
SUN 11/11
Browns vs. Atlanta Falcons
As expected, the Cleveland Browns will limp through the rest of the season with an interim coach, after Hue Jackson got sacked last month. The team showed some promise early in the season but then returned to its losing ways with a shellacking in Pittsburgh that suggested the team needs better leadership. Today at 1 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium, they'll take on an Atlanta Falcons team that has struggled to live up to expectations and might even miss the playoffs. Consult the Browns website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, clevelandbrowns.com.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series
Presented by the National Park Service and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series aims to celebrate the valley's cultural legacy with a variety of folk and roots rock concerts in the park. Tonight's 7 p.m. concert features master fiddler Ed Caner and singer-songwriter Todd Burge performing at the picturesque Hines Hill Conference Center. Doors open at 6:30. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
403 West Hines Hill Rd., Peninsula, 216-479-8611, conservancyforcvnp.org.
Double Dare Live
A popular Nickelodeon TV show, Double Dare Live often involves messy things such as slime soaking, pie plastering and booger picking. Host Marc Summers will be on hand for the festivities, and patrons can participate in a trivia contest and even run an obstacle course. It all starts at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre on Playhouse Square. Tickets range from $29 to $59. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble
Today at 2 p.m., as part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's Performing Arts series, the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble presents a series of programs under the direction of Tim Weiss, the recipient of the Adventurous Programming Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League. Gregory Ristow conducts the group tonight as it plays works by composers-in-residence at Oberlin. Tickets are $10, or free for CMA members and students. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
The Wild Boys
A movie that's drawn comparisons to Lord of the Flies, The Wild Boys centers on five teenage boys who commit a sex crime and get shipped off to a tropical island for re-education. The Guardian declares the film, which makes its Cleveland debut tonight at 6:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, to be "erotically uninhibited and deeply bizarre." Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 16-421-7450, cia.edu.
MON 11/12
spoken word
Science Cafe
Tonight, and the second Monday of every month, Music Box Supper Club hosts Science Cafe, an informal lecture series that brings scientists from throughout the region to the club to talk about science topics. Tonight at 7, Scott Simpson, a professor in the department of anatomy at the CWRU School of Medicine, delivers the lecture, "Why Do Knuckle-Walking African Apes Knuckle-Walk?" The talk is free, but bring some money for the bar and the restaurant. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
business
Women's Entrepreneurship Day
Billed as "a global movement that celebrates, empowers and supports women in business to alleviate poverty," Women's Entrepreneurship Day comes to Cleveland today for the first time. Taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Linsalata Alumni Center of Case Western Reserve University, the program will feature founder, social entrepreneur and Cleveland native Wendy Diamond, who launched the WED organization in 2014 to "bring more support and awareness to the global impact of women in business." Panelists include Banyan Tree boutique owner Christie Murdoch, and Melissa Khoury, co-owner of Saucisson artisanal butcher shop. Tickets are available on the WED website. (Niesel)
TUE 11/13
Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets probably aren't a good enough team to make the playoffs, but they do have one of the Eastern Conference's best players in Kemba Walker. He dropped 41 points on Milwaukee to begin the 2018-2019 campaign and hasn't relented. The Cavs will have a tough time containing him tonight when they play the Hornets at 7 at the Q. Ticket prices are on the website. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Tears of Compassion in Classical Athens
An associate professor in Case's department of classics, Rachel Sternberg gives a "faculty work-in-progress" lecture today about the origins of "tears of compassion" in classical Athens. Part of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities lecture series, the talk takes place at 4:30 p.m. in CWRU's Clark Hall. A 4:15 reception precedes the lecture. Admission is free, but registration on the website is requested. (Niesel)
11130 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-1508,
