A Night of Promise: The Because I Said I Would Gala Thu., April 28 Fund-Raisers The organizers of because I said I would, a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to "the betterment of humanity," just announced details regarding their first big event in Cleveland. Set to take place on 7 p.m on April 28, at House of Blues, A Night of Promise: The Because I Said I Would Gala will feature “inspiration, entertainment and celebration.” “You’ve seen and heard the stories on the news, and through social media — now meet the people behind the stories. It is safe to assume this line-up of featured guests will not happen again," says founder Alex Sheen, a three-time TED speaker and the organization's founder, in a press release. Colonel Parker Schenecker, a guy who spent 30-plus years with the U.S. Army and Defense Department, will be one of the featured speakers at the event. He’ll share his story about “turning his personal tragedy into a promise of hope.” Clevelander Katie Spotz, the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, will also talk. The event will also serve to celebrate the kickoff of the chapter program, Echoes, the chapters will serve as "local hubs" where members can plan "thought-provoking, charitable promises to improve themselves and their communities." Dress is black and white and cocktail attire is required. Tickets, which start at $100, include hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and three drinks.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Fri., April 29
Theatrical Events
Choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York. The troupe aims to feature "incomparable dancers as they bring you the pulse-racing thrill of contemporary favorites and the spirit-lifting joy of classics." Check the Playhouse Square website for information on which piece the group will perform tonight at 8 at the State Theatre, where the group has performances scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $10 to $75.
The 2016 Early Bird Festival Fri., April 29 Seasonal Special Happenings Festival season at the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park kicks off this weekend with the Earlybird Music Festival, which takes place today through Sunday. There will be camping, hiking, biking, swimming, cliff diving, basketball and volleyball. Jam bands such as Wanyama, Color Wheel, the JiMiller Band, the Bees Trees, Tropidelic, Shrub and Buckethead are slated to perform. Tickets are $70 for a weekend pass that includes both music and camping.
The Blue Angel Fri., April 29 Film Marlene Dietrich and director Josef von Sternberg collaborated together for the first time on 1929's The Blue Angel, a film about the downfall of a university teacher after he becomes infatuated with a cabaret singer. At 7:30 tonight and at 8:25 on Sunday night, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque will screen the restored version of the movie that includes Dietrich's original screen test. Tickets are $10.
Beachland Record Riot Sat., April 30 Seasonal Special Happenings The compact disc might be headed toward extinction but vinyl sales continue to rise. Vinyl addicts will undoubtedly be happy to hear that the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern will host Record Riot, an all-vinyl record show, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. The event will feature national and local record dealers selling quality vinyl records. Admission to the event is free, but for $10, guests can purchase the early bird special and be admitted to the show at 9 a.m. to get the first crack at the shopping opportunities.
Cinderella Sat., April 30 Dance Performances The timeless story about a young woman in search of her prince, Cinderalla features "humor, love, and the triumph of the good and kind," a it's put in a press release describing the Ballet Theatre of Ohio's production. Under the artistic direction of Christine Meneer, the troupe performs the fairytale today at 2 and 7 p.m and tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets are $26 to $38.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dames! Edible Burlesque
Sat., April 30
Dance Performances
A burlesque performer, model and instructor in the fine art of striptease, Ms. Fever Blister presents tonight's burlesque show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dames! Edible Burlesque! It features burlesque performers from around Ohio, including Rena LaMarr & Clementine from Moonstruck Burlesque in Athens and Delhi Marquette from Columbus. Locals Ginger Rockwell, Shrimp Cocktail and Ms. Fever Blister will also be on hand for the festivities. It all starts at 10 at the 5 O'Clock Lounge in Lakewood. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $12 to $15 for reserved seating. brownpapertickets.com/event/2522504.
Close Encounters: A Gypsy Mixer
Sun., May 1, 3-5 p.m.
phone 216-371-3457
[email protected]
Music Around Town
Heights Arts ends its Close Encounters, Season 10 chamber music series with an energetic mashup of classical favorites! Gypsy music has been a fascinating influence on many composers throughout the centuries, including Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, David Popper, and Max Moszkowski . The virtuoso band of Cleveland Orchestra players Alicia Koelz, Isabel Trautwein, violins, and Tanya Ell, cello, with pianist Patti Wolf present a program of musical abandon at the spectacular Bop Stop in Ohio City. Limited seating; advance tickets only via Heights Arts website, phone to 216-371-3457 or in person at the Heights Arts gallery, 2175 Lee Road. $15-$55
http://www.heightsarts.org
Tropical Sundays Starts May 1. Sundays Seasonal Special Happenings A weekly summer celebration, Now That's Class's Tropical Sundays features cornhole and basketball in the club's back parking lot and exclusive Tropical Sunday cocktails including Pimms, Paulito’s Puerto Rican Punch, Mi’Monsters, Cucumber Bloody Marys and Bloody Tooth. The club promises "many more surprises and activities" too. The event starts at 3 today. Admission is free.
Slow Roll 2016 Opening Day and UH Community Bike Fest
Sun., May 1, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
phone 216-767-8469
[email protected]
Family & Kids, Fairs/Festivals, Seasonal Special Happenings
University Hospitals (UH) will help Slow Roll Cleveland – Ohio’s biggest weekly bicycle ride – kick off its 2016 season with a bike-oriented festival on Sunday, May 1, 2016, just outside UH’s Case Medical Center campus on the corner of Euclid Avenue and UH Drive. Free
http://www.slowrollcleveland.com
