WED 09/12
Che Apalache
A four-man string band based in Buenos Aires, Che Apalache features members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. A North Carolinian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer, founder Joe Troop formed the group after he moved to Argentina in 2010 and taught himself to play bluegrass and old-time music and started teaching others how to play the music. Bandmates Pau Barjau (banjo), Franco Martino (guitar) and Martin Bobrik (mandolin) had originally been his students. Though Che Apalache began as a bluegrass band, it has also incorporated Latin American styles into its repertoire. Last year, the foursome received grants from the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities to tour the United States for five weeks. At the Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia, it won first place in the neo-traditional band competition. The group has returned to the States for another tour and will perform at 7 tonight at G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula. (Jeff Niesel)
1785 Main St., Peninsula,
330-657-2528. peninsulahistory.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, 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, Plain Dealer reporter Michael Heaton talks about the the things that make Cleveland "unique and unusual." (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Hoppy Hour
The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers an educational take on the beer tasting with its weekly Hoppy Hour, which takes place today from 5:30 to 8:30. You can sample pale ales, dark lagers and other cool craft brews while discussing hops and horticulture with staff from the Botanical Garden and experts from a guest brewery. Tickets are $5. The event is free for members. Twelve ounce beers are $4, while a tasting flight is $6. Also, there will be seasonal dinner specials from the Garden Cafe, fire pits, lawn games and flashlight garden tours. (Niesel)
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
Love Story
"Love Story," a video installation by artist Candice Breitz, aims to explore the "mechanics of identification and the conditions under which empathy is produced." Based on the personal narratives of six individuals who have fled their countries in response to a range of oppressive conditions, this piece of performance art examines the global scale of the so-called "refugee crisis" by presenting interviews with the six participants in the countries where they are seeking or have been granted asylum. Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 09/13
Heights Music Hop
Heights Music Hop features a slew of bands performing for free in three separate Cleveland Heights business districts. First, Coventry Village will host performances tonight by acts such as AJ and the Woods, Corey Grand, Floco Torres, Gretchen Pleuss, Madeline Finn and Maumin Collective. Tomorrow, venues in Cedar Fairmount will host the shows, and venues in the Cedar Lee area will feature performances on Saturday. Music begins at 6 p.m. today and tomorrow, and at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Bottlehouse hosts a special after show on Saturday. (Niesel)
Luenell
Fearless when it comes to making jokes and making the audience erupt in laughter, Luenell, a comedian who left a lasting impression as the "hooker with the heart of gold" in Borat, regularly jokes about being a full-figured woman and getting married later in life. She can find humor in any topic and situation. She performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv, where she has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets start at $20. (Hannah Borison)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
FRI 09/14
Chained for Life
Charlie Korsmo, a Case Western Reserve University law professor and lawyer who's had roles in films such as Hook, What About Bob? and Dick Tracy, returns to the screen in Chained for Life, a new film directed by Adam Schimberg (Go Down Death). Both Korsmo and Schimberg will be on hand when the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque screens the movie at 7:30 tonight. The film also stars Jess Weixler and British actor Adam Pearson (Under the Skin). In the flick, one of the highlights at this past summer's BAMcinemaFest, Korsmo plays Herr Director, an amalgam of directors R.W. Fassbinder and Werner Herzog. Described as a "meditation on beauty, physical deformities and disabilities, and their appropriation/representation on screen," the movie chronicles the shooting of a low-budget horror/exploitation film about the gruesome surgical experiments that take place in a hospital. Schimberg and Korsmo will answer audience questions after the screening, the film's local premiere. Tickets cost $12, or $9 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450,
The Dollop
Fans of both comedy and history like The Dollop, a podcast featuring history buff and comedian Dave Anthony and fellow comedian Gareth Reynolds. Anthony writes up an unknown story from American history and has Reynolds read it. They'll host a live event tonight at 8 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Embargo Exhibit Opening
Three previous resident artists from Chile and Cuba along with a Ukrainian photojournalist return to the Cleveland Print Room for the new exhibit, Embargo. Alexey Furman, a freelance photojournalist based in Kiev, Ukraine, who has been documenting the ongoing conflict in his native country, will show six works from three different series. In addition, Cuba's Sandra Ramos, Bolivia's Pilar Rubí and Chile's Pablo Serra Marino, from Chile will show their work. Marino has teamed up with Cleveland-area artist Greg Martin for a piece new work made specifically for Embargo. An opening reception takes place today from 5 to 9 p.m. Also on display during the Embargo exhibition, on the Print Room's specially-designated "Wall 5," will be current work by University of Akron's Galleries Director, Arnold Tunstall. He explores the imagery that we encounter daily and examines how we process the information. Admission to the opening is free. (Niesel)
2550 Superior Ave., 216-401-5981, clevelandprintroom.com.
Flat Out Fridays
The East Bank of the Flats features a slew of great bars and restaurants. To take advantage of the terrific riverfront location, the venues have partnered for Flat Out Fridays, a summer music series by the waterfront that includes sweet treats, beverages and other outdoor entertainment. Tonight's Flat Out Friday runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and features a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1055 Old River Rd.
Indians vs. Detroit Tigers
The Indians have held a large lead over the other teams in their division all season. This weekend, they'll have a chance to extend that lead as they take on the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have struggled to win games since the beginning of the season and threw in the towel a few weeks ago. The first in a three-game series, tonight's game begins at 7:10, and tickets start at $15. It's also Sugardale Dollar Dog night so be sure to bring your appetite for some cheap eats. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Michael Kosta
A former tennis player who made an attempt to go pro, comedian Michael Kosta likes to joke that he was once ranked No. 864 in the world of professional tennis. We're guessing that still means he was pretty damn good. Kosta, who has a long list of TV and late-night show credits on his resume, generally takes a cordial tone in his routines. But he also likes to get in fans' faces, especially if they spend too much time texting during his set. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 and tomorrow night at 7 and 9:30 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Kusama — Infinity
Seventeen years in the making, Kusama — Infinity, a new documentary film about visual artist Yayoi Kusama, debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival and also screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival. An Akron native, director Heather Lenz uses archival photos, letters and film clips to paint a portrait of Kusama, who currently has a major exhibit on view at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The film screens tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $12, $9 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
The Lazy Daisy Festival
The JiMiller Band will perform all Grateful Dead songs at the annual Lazy Daisy Festival, a three-day affair that commences today at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. JP and the Chatfield Boys, Cats On Holiday and An Unexpected Party will also perform at the intimate, family friendly festival. Admission is $60 ($45 presale) for Friday through Sunday, or $40 ($30 presale) for Saturday through Sunday. There is no extra charge for camping. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, nlqp.com.
Round Town Music Festival
Produced by the Crooked River Arts Council and Main Street Kent, the fifth annual 'Round Town Music Festival will feature free live music by 33 bands and artists at more than 30 venues. Launched 50 years ago as the Kent State Folk Festival, the event has transformed into the 'Round Town Music Festival. It takes place today at the restaurants, bars, galleries and shops in downtown Kent. Locals such as 15-60-75 (The Numbers Band), By Light We Loom, Cory Grinder Band, Monica Robins and the Whiskey Kings, Outlaws I & I, Roger Hoover, Ray Flanagan & the Authorities and Wallace Coleman are slated to perform. Acts making their 'Round Town debut this year include Thieves of Joy, Americana/pop singer-songwriter Kim Kennedy, Ka De Dunna and Michael Stanley band veteran Marc Lee Shannon. (Niesel)
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 Walkabout Tremont, so don't overlook them, either. The stroll takes place from 5 to 10 tonight; this month's theme is "Let's Luau." Check out the website for a schedule, maps and a listing of food and drink specials. (Niesel)
SAT 09/15
10th Annual Firefighter Chili Cook-Off
Every year since 2009, Rivals has teamed up with most of Northern Ohio's fire departments and hosts a chili cook-off to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Last year, 25 area fire departments participated. At this year's event, which takes place today, about the same number of fire departments will be on hand. There is also a celebrity category for local breweries The event begins at 2 p.m., The teams compete for two prizes, the Celebrity Judge's and People's Choice awards. The panel of judges is made up of several area hospitality professionals, food writers, volunteers and Make-A-Wish beneficiary families. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
6710 Smith Rd., Middleburg Hts.,
216-267-0005,
Blues Fest Cleveland
Some of the top local blues acts will perform at today's Blues Fest Cleveland, which takes place at 4 p.m. at the Perici Amphitheater in Twinsburg. Frankie Starr will open the show, which will also include acts such as Armstrong-Bearcat and the Mighty Smithtones. Various ticket options are available, starting with $20 general admission ticket that must be bought in advance and a $25 at the door GA ticket. Upgraded ticket options include admission to a Bourbon Barrel Aged Wine & Beer Tasting. Food trucks will also be available all throughout the show. (Niesel),
10260 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg, 330-963-8722, rocktheparkconcert.com.
Chalk Festival
Over the past 27 years, the Cleveland Museum of Art's Chalk Festival has become one of the museum's most highly anticipated community art events. This weekend, the event returns. It's based on a Renaissance tradition from 16th-century Italy in which beggars copied paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries by using chalk on the plazas outside cathedrals. Large squares (approximately 3-by-4-feet of sidewalk) can be reserved for $20 (includes a 24-color box of chalk), and small squares (approximately 2-by-3-feet) are $10 (including a 12-color box of chalk). It all takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow, rain or shine. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cleveland Eats
More than two dozen chefs will serve speciality dishes at today's Cleveland Eats event that takes place from noon to 10 p.m. at Mall B above the Huntington Convention Center. Several local bands will perform and local breweries will be on hand too. Admission is $5, but the food prices are a la carte. (Niesel)
Nature's Brew
The Holden Arboretum's popular outdoor Nature's Brew beer tasting event that takes place from 6 to 9 tonight features more than 30 local, domestic, international and gluten-free beers, as well as live music, food concessions and a raffle. Each ticket includes 20 tickets for 3 oz. pours, a take-home Holden beer tasting glass, three blind raffle tickets, complimentary pop, water, coffee and snacks. There will also be live music, and free parking is available at the Corning Visitor Center. Tickets are $60, $50 for members. (Niesel)
9500 Sperry Rd., Kirtland,
440-946-4400, holdenarb.org.
John Oates and the Good Road Band
Earlier this year, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee John Oates showed off the Americana side of his sound with his new album, Arkansas. Backed by the Good Road Band, a group that includes Sam Bush on mandolin, Russ Pahl on pedal steel, Guthrie Trapp on electric guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, Nat Smith on cello, and Josh Day on drums and percussion, Oates sounds particularly invigorated. He and the band perform today at 2 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Local rockers Falling Stars open the show. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd.,
216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival
The 20th Annual Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival features over 130 vendors in five Festival Villages. The festival also includes free live music and dance performances on three stages. Expect to find local artists who make everything from jewelry to ceramics at the event. This year's festival takes place from noon to 7 p.m. today and from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow at Lincoln Park. Admission is free. (Niesel)
1208 Starkweather Ave., tremontartsfestival.com.
The Uncle Louie Variety Show
The Uncle Louie Variety Show has been a hit with Italian American audiences and has proven to have great crossover potential as well. The current world tour began in February in Australia and comes to the Hanna Theatre tonight at 8. Tickets are $35 to $45. (Niesel) 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The Woman in Black
Tonight at 7:30 at the Allen theatre, the Cleveland Play House takes on The Woman in Black, a play that was a hit in London's West End. The ghost story centers on a guy who never believed in the supernatural until he came face to face with an apparition. Tickets start at $25, and performances continue through Oct. 7. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave.,
SUN 09/16
East Side Flea
A self-described "small business incubator" that draws thousands of local shoppers to Tyler Village, the Cleveland Flea features a range of unique items you won't find at the typical retail store. As much a social gathering as a shopping experience, the Flea also serves as an excellent hang, a place to meet and make friends while supporting your local creatives. Today's special East Side Flea takes place at the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Niesel)
Gospel Brunch
The monthly Gospel Brunch has been a spiritual Sunday staple for years at the House of Blues. The recently reinvigorated show puts a bit more emphasis on the music. As for the food, the all-you-can-eat musical extravaganza features Southern classics like chicken jambalaya, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles. Seatings are offered at 11 a.m. Tickets are $40 and are available online, by phone or at the box office. (Niesel)
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Nemr
Critics credit Nemr, a Lebanese/American stand-up comedian, with establishing the stand-up comedy scene throughout the Middle East. Nemr actually grew up in San Diego but then moved back with his family to Lebanon, where he sought to "break down barriers." He performs tonight at 6:30 at Hilarities. Tickets are $30 to $50. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
The Rise and Fall of a Small Company
Based on James Hadley Chase's The Soft Centre, The Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company represents director Jean-Luc Godard's contribution to the 1986 French TV series Serie Noire. It centers on a frustrated filmmaker who struggles to cast and finance his thriller. A new digital restoration of the film screens tonight at 6:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
Cleveland Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Woofstock
Billed as the "largest outdoor dog and family friendly festival and fundraiser in Northeast Ohio," the annual Woofstock festival features live music from local musicians, adoptable dogs from local rescue groups, games and contests for you and your dog, shopping along Vendors Rrrow, and so much more. Organizers thousands of human and dog attendees to join them at this unique event. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field. (Niesel)
Chagrin River Road and State Route 87, Chagrin Falls,
440-338-4819 ext. 50,
MON 09/17
Pacifists Making Guns: The Galton Family and Britain's Industrial Revolution
As part of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities lecture series, Stanford professor Priya Satia will talk about how a Quaker-owned biggest gun-making company in Britain in the 18th century supplied guns to the slave trade in West Africa as well as to the East India Company and other settlers and trading companies. The talk takes place at 5 p.m. at the Tikham Veale University Center's Ballroom A. Tickets are free. (Niesel) .
11038 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-5681, humanities.case.edu.
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 09/18
Ryan Humbert: Old Souls, New Shoes 10th Anniversary Concert
Ten years ago, local singer-songwriter Ryan Humbert released Old Souls, New Shoes. Humbert recorded the album in Nashville in 2008 with producer Eli "Lij" Shaw. It features members of Third Eye Blind, the Counting Crows, the Black Crowes, the Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow's band and the Nashville Opera. Now, Humbert just announced plans to celebrate its anniversary with a special concert at Gervasi Vineyard. At the event, which takes place at 8 tonight, Humbert will perform with a band that includes longtime bandmates Emily Bates, Ben Evans, Erin Vaughn, Brian Poston, Brian Piper and Brandon Covey. In addition, Michael Houff will lead a string quartet. Tickets are $19. (Niesel)
1700 55th St. NE, Canton,
330-497-1000, ryanhumbert.com.
Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
While the Chicago White Sox will end this season with a losing record, the young team has steadily improved throughout the season. In August, the squad won more games than it lost as its rookies have started to blossom. Expect them to give the Tribe a tough time when the two teams match up tonight at 7:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Path of Blood
Path of Blood centers on young thrill-seekers who sign up for a jihadi boot camp and subsequently plot to overthrow the Saudi government. They detonate three car bombs at Western compounds in downtown Riyadh and become embroiled in a nail-biting game of cat and mouse with government forces. As their plans unravel, they become even more desperate. The documentary film, which shows tonight at 7:30 at the Capitol Theatre, uses Al Qaeda home-movie footage captured by the security services to show how "brainwashed idealism and the youthful pursuit of adventure can descend into madness and carnage." Tickets cost $9.75. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
