The title of Massillon Museum's summer exhibition, Breaking With Tradition: Ohio Women Painters, 1870-1950, pretty much says it all. Still, it doesn't reveal the scope of the 65-plus paintings by 15 artists. While most of the works are done in watercolors and oils, the subjects -- self-portraits, docked boats, and country homes -- are quite varied. And the tone shifts from eerie (Natalie Grauer's "Ice Repose") to comfy (Harriet Kirkpatrick's "Indiana Farm"). Breaking With Tradition is at the museum (121 Lincoln Way in Massillon) through August 7. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free; call 330-833-4061.
Friday, June 24
Without a doubt, Beautiful Boxer is the best movie ever made about a transgendered Thai kickboxer. Based on a true story, the cheap-looking-but-sweet film explores the life of Parinya Charoenphol, who entered the sport as a way to make money for a sex-change operation. Despite his proclivity for makeup and skirts (which he wears during bouts), Charoenphol kicks some major ass. It also helps that he has a very supportive family and trainer to cheer on his dreams, in and out of the ring. It's kinda like Rocky, but with lipstick, rouge, and some mighty powerful feet. Beautiful Boxer is at Cleveland Cinematheque (11141 East Boulevard) at 7 tonight and 9 p.m. tomorrow. Admission is $8; call 216-421-7450.
We're certain there'll be lots of blowing at tonight's Night of Great Sax, happening at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Saxophonists Najee, Marion Meadows, and Walter Beasley will be joined by bassist Gerald Veasley, flute player Alexander Zonjic, and contemporary jazz trio Pieces of a Dream. Wondering what they all have in common (besides a fondness for smooth jazz)? They're all part of the locally based Heads Up International label. Showtime is 9 p.m. at the Rock Hall, One Key Plaza. Tickets are $30; call 216-241-5555.
Saturday, June 25
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Wingenstock, a local music festival -- which was held in 1970, 1971, and last year -- that originally took place in founder Dave Wingenfeld's parents' backyard. The location has grown (it's at Astrohurst Picnic Grove today), and so has the number of bands (eight are performing this year; in 1970, there were three groups). But the lineup is kinda familiar: BMZ and Gypsy Moth both performed at the initial gathering and will be onstage today. "It's good to see old friends again," says Wingenfeld. Also playing are Slim Goody, Frankie Starr, and the Swamp Boogie Band. "We have jazz, blues, rock . . . something for everybody. I just love music." It happens from noon to midnight at Astrohurst Picnic Grove (in the Tinkers Creek Valley on Dunham Road in Walton Hills). Admission is $10; call 216-642-3221.
Sunday, June 26
We love the idea of a bunch of fashionistas lacing up the gloves and stepping into the ring to throw down. Alas, tonight's Fashion Knockout: Round 10 is the 10th annual Designer of the Year competition, not a grudge match among style-makers. In addition to all the minority-targeted fashions on display (from New Jersey's Eastwick Urban Couture, Baltimore's Scandalous by Design, Cleveland's Nadira Collection, and others), there'll be door prizes, raffles, and hors d'oeuvres. And the first 100 people through the doors receive goody bags. Fierceness starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre Hotel, 777 St. Clair Avenue. Tickets are $35; call 216-544-7779.
Monday, June 27
Affected, Jamie Davis' solo exhibition at the Sculpture Center, has the potential to be a real downer. Looking at the connection between fertility and chemotherapy, the local artist incorporates images of blood clots, bandages, and "the deterioration of the human body" in her pieces. Fortunately, Davis can laugh at her sometimes absurd anxiety -- Afflicted is based on her own experiences and fears -- which turns the work into a quirky yet thought-provoking set. Affected is at the Sculpture Center (1834 East 123rd Street) through July 8. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 216-229-6527. See On View for review.
Tuesday, June 28
Boy, do we like free stuff. We've spent many Saturday afternoons at Giant Eagle, going up and down the aisles, sampling all the gratis food being handed out. And there have been more than a few weekends swallowed by those complimentary Showtime previews. So imagine our joy when we learned that the Western Reserve Historical Society is offering free admission all summer! That means no more overpriced tickets to look at the jalopies in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. No more scary entrance fees to check out the Where the Wild Things Are exhibit. And no more up-front cash to roam the rooms of the Hay-McKinney mansion. Everything's free through September 15. The society (10825 East Boulevard) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 216-721-5722 for more information.
Wednesday, June 29
Speaking of free stuff (see Tuesday), Loews Richmond Town Square Theater has a Free Kids Film Series running this summer. A bunch of recent theatrical releases unspool on the big screen, including winners (Shrek 2 on July 13 and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie on July 27), losers (Shark Tale on July 20), and a flick you never knew existed (Clifford's Really Big Movie on August 10). There's also something intriguingly referred to as Loews Wild Card Week (for you risk-takers, that happens on August 17). It kicks off today with Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, in which a talking tomato, his cucumber pal, and other garden goodies recount a tale from the Bible. Movies screen every Wednesday at 11 a.m. through August 17 at Loews, 631 Richmond Road in Richmond Heights. Call 440-720-0503 for a complete schedule.
