WED 05/15
My Brother, My Brother and Me
First launched as a TV series on the NBC streaming app, Seeso, and now available on Google Play, VRV, and iTunes, My Brother, My Brother and Me has become an extremely popular podcast. One story was even adapted into a graphic novel that topped the New York Times Bestsellers list of paperbacks. Today at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre, Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy present a live episode of their podcast, an advice show for the modern era. Tickets cost $43.50. (Jeff Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Amit Peled
Today through Sunday, Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled will make his Cleveland debut in a series of concerts with CityMusic Cleveland. Performances will include Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 in a program titled Hidden Gems. Led by guest conductor Mélisse Brunet, who'll also make her Cleveland debut, the programs will also include Mendelssohn's Overture in C Major, Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 2 in A Minor, Op.55 and Kodály's Dances of Galánta. Peled's journey from the basketball courts of rural Israel to the world's greatest concert halls is the subject of the 2017 children's book, A Cello Named Pablo. Performances will take place at 7:30 tonight at St. Noel Church in Willoughby Hills, at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Temple Tiffereth-Israel in Beachwood, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus and at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at St. Jerome Church. Admission is free. (Niesel) citymusiccleveland.org.
View From Above
As a NASA astronaut, Terry Virts installed the Cupola module at the International Space Station (ISS) granting the team a 360-degree view from the station. Virts would go on to become commander of the ISS and take more photographs than any astronaut who came before him. Many of those images were used in the National Geographic book View From Above and in the IMAX film A Beautiful Planet. Virts talks about his experience and shows some photos tonight at 7:30 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Walnut Wednesday
Today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — food trucks once again gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Follow the Downtown Cleveland Alliance on Facebook for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. The series continues through Sept. 4. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
THU 05/16
Carrot Top
Though born in Florida, Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson has a special connection to Northeast Ohio. His parents met at Case Western Reserve University, where his dad studied aeronautical engineering. These days the comedian, who holds down a regular gig in Las Vegas, seeks to "carrotize" audiences with lasers and pyrotechnics. In the past, props have included a toilet attached to a plate and high heels with training wheels. In the many cameos he's had on TV and in films, he often appears as himself. That speaks to the extent to which he's made a name for himself in a comedy world cluttered with lesser talents. He performs tonight at 7:30 at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Rehearsal Featuring Bernie Dresel
After graduating from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, jazz drummer and percussionist Bernie Dresel moved to Los Angeles and has been busy ever since. For about 15 years, he was the drummer for the multi-Grammy Award-winning Brian Setzer Orchestra. Tonight at 7 at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, he rehearses with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. The practice session is open to the public. Admission is free. The dress rehearsal serves as a warmup for a performance that takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Ohio Theatre. Those tickets start at $35. (Niesel)
38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org.
Don "DC" Curry
The films Next Friday and Friday After Next were terrific vehicles for a number of black comedians. Don "DC" Curry, who played the part of sex-crazed Uncle Elroy Jones, certainly benefited from the exposure. Curry, who boasts he only talks about "the truth" in his standup routines, often sounds like a grumpy old man as he complains about fancy restaurants where the servers fawn over their customers. He doesn't like family-run places, either, as he says they don't clean their floors. It's a funny bit that reflects just what a curmudgeon he can be. Curry performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $18. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Geriatric Mayhem Art Show
Local acts We Live By Night, Grievance Committee, DJ Kung Fu Bob, DJ Grandbag and SquareBiz will provide the soundtrack to today's Geriatric Mayhem Art Show that'll feature art by locals such as Stacy McNasty, Derek Hess, Bernadette Glorioso, Scott Pickering, Barbara Eckles, Caroline Eckles and Dana Depew. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Grog Shop, and admission is free. (Niesel)
2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Frederic Lahey
Tonight, Music Box Supper Club will launch a new Film Cafe Series. The club has partnered with the Cleveland Film Commission and Cleveland State University School of Film and Media Arts for the series that will offer "a fun environment for fans and other film industry pros to learn more about filmmaking from each other." Each month, a local film expert will dissect a specific topic and lead a discussion. The event will also serve as a networking session, and there will be food and beverage specials. Tonight's speaker is Frederic Lahey, the founding director of the School of Film & Media Arts at Cleveland State University. Lahey was the founding director of the Colorado Film School, which he ran until January 2016, and he's won a variety of awards for his work as a filmmaker, producer and director. His BA and MFA degrees are from Columbia University. He'll speak about whether it's necessary to attend film school. The event starts at 7, and admission is free. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Mitsuko Uchida Plays Bartók
Tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall, pianist Mitsuko Uchida sits in with the Cleveland Orchestra to play Piano Concerto No. 3, the most popular of Bartok's three piano concertos. The concert will also include Schubert's Mass in E-flat Major. Guest speaker Cicilia Yudha, associate music prof at Youngstown State University, will give the free pre-concert talk at 7. Performances take place at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday. Consult the orchestra's website for more info. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
New Ground Theatre Festival: The Hat Box (or, The Inheritance)
Part of Cleveland Play House's annual New Ground Theatre Festival, The Hat Box (or, the Inheritance) focuses on two sisters who discover a hat box hidden in the back of their recently deceased father's closet and embark on a journey to discover their roots. Cleveland playwright Eric Coble wrote this comedy that "revels in the bizarre and beautiful mysteries that make up a life." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre. Tickets cost $20. The Hat Box is just one of four new plays being debuted during the festival. Find complete details and a schedule on the website. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Steve Rannazzisi
An American actor and comedian who got some good exposure through the FXX comedy hit The League, Steve Rannazzisi likes to draw from personal experience for his routines. In one bit, he talks about how his son took a massive dump on the living room floor to ward off a babysitter. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $23 to $28. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Shortform
Tonight, tomorrow and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., Maelstrom Collaborative Arts will produce another installment of Shortform, an anthology of live art that features artists from all over the creative spectrum. They'll showcase short original performances that are funny, absurd and experimental. Each act is 10 minutes or less. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
5403 Detroit Ave., 440-941-1482, maelstromcollaborativearts.org.
FRI 05/17
78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk
Time again for the Third Friday Art Walk at the cavernous 78th Street Studios. More than 50 studios and galleries will participate in this popular indoor art walk; be sure to check out spots like the Derek Hess Gallery, Tregoning & Company and Hilary Gent Studio for a chance to shop and interact with artists. Look for food trucks out front and live music on the first floor. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is free. (Niesel) 1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
The Bob Ross Experience
Fat Head's Brewery in Middleburg Heights will host the Bob Ross Experience, a paint-night fundraiser with proceeds going to the Cleveland chapter of A Special Wish Foundation. Fat Head's Brewery and A Special Wish Foundation encourage attendees to wear their best denim outfits as they channel their inner Ross while creating their own artistic masterpieces. Tickets to the event cost $45 plus a handling fee. The price of admission includes paint supplies, a canvas, one drink ticket and, perhaps most importantly, a Ross wig. (Niesel)
18741 Sheldon Rd., Middleburg Heights, 216-898-0242, fatheadsbeer.com.
Rise, the Inaugural Dance Academy Gala
Rise, the Inaugural Dance Academy Gala celebrates Cuyahoga Community College's Creative Arts Academy and the Cleveland Foundation, both of which aim to "expand dance education to the city's most deserving populations" through their Dance Academy and Arts Mastery program. Tonight's performance will include new works by guest choreographers Darrel Moultrie, Christopher Huggins, Troy Powell, Renee McDonald and Dance Academy director Terence Greene. It takes place at 8 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets cost $10. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
TVTV: Video Revolutionaries
Directed by Paul Goldsmith, TVTV: Video Revolutionaries explores the history of Top Value Television. Between 1972 to 1977, it unleashed a "band of crazies" with portable video cameras who shot satirical pieces and other footage too raw and unusual for the Big Three networks. The documentary includes interviews with celebs such as Bill Murray, Steven Spielberg, Hunter S. Thompson and Lily Tomlin. It screens at 7 tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Viva Acappella
An a cappella competition that takes place today and tomorrow at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Viva Acappella features quartets and choruses made up of more than 800 singers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and Indiana. The event kicks off today at 4 p.m., and competition continues at noon tomorrow. The Great Lakes Harmony Boutique will feature unique and homemade products from local vendors and home party consultants. Single event and two-day tickets are available. Consult the web site for prices. (Niesel)
24 Public Square, 216-241-3670, gcchorus.com.
SAT 05/18
Adopt-a-Beach Shoreline Cleanup
Since 2012, Greater Cleveland Aquarium's nonprofit Splash Fund has hosted an Adopt-a-Beach shoreline cleanup program. Today's cleanup takes place at 10 a.m. at Edgewater Park. Someone from the Splash Fund team will be on hand to "advise, assist and provide necessary supplies." Anyone who donates his or her time to help the lake stay great will be rewarded with one free general admission ticket to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Splash Fund leadership provides gloves, containers and guidance and, at the end of each session, the team records and analyzes the junk they have amassed. Over the course of four mornings, last year's volunteers helped the Splash Fund bag 386 pounds of trash that included bits of foam, glass and 7,686 pieces of plastic. (Niesel)
BayArts Get Out! Festival
From 11 to 3 p.m. today at BayArts, you can celebrate the outdoors and art at an event dubbed the BayArts Get Out! Festival. There will be live music by Kingfish and activities for all ages. There will also be wellness demonstrations and local vendors selling everything from beer to ice cream. Admission is free. Find details on the website. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
The Cleveland Asian Festival
The Cleveland Asian Festival has been in operation since 2010, and it returns today and tomorrow to the heart of Cleveland's Asia Town (Payne Avenue between East 30th and 27th streets) with all sorts of vendors, food, live entertainment and activities. Nearly two dozen Asian restaurants set up stands in the festival area, serving everything from banh mi to bubble tea. There are also two main stages that include demonstrations and competitions. Admission to the festival is free, but parking can be a little hairy. There's free parking at Cleveland State's magnet lots on East 24th Street, but you'll have to walk a few blocks. (Johnny Cook) clevelandasianfestival.org.
Cleveland VegFest
Expect to find array of vegan food vendors at Cleveland VegFest, which takes place today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. At the Vegan Food Court, you can learn how to make your own vegan dishes during one of the cooking demonstrations. There will also be a Cruelty Free Marketplace and a Vegan Kids Club. Experts in the fields of health and wellness, animal advocacy, ethics and social justice, and environmental sustainability will be on hand as well. A $5 donation is requested. (Niesel)
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-928-1600 clevelandvegansociety.org.
Cold War
Cold War, with its dramatic black-and-white photography, was one of the most visually arresting films of 2018. Its 3:2 aspect ratio contributes to its beauty as well. Unlike 2015's Son of Saul, which used the boxier aspect ratio to convey the claustrophobia of Auschwitz, Cold War uses it to compose images of remarkable height and depth in Poland's ravaged post-war landscape. At a trim 90 minutes, much of Cold War's narrative occurs between the precious images and representative scenes that Polish auteur Pawel Pawlikowski has selected. It's much like Pawlikowski's previous film Ida (2014), in this respect: spare but searing, with only the most important moments elevated. It screens tonight at 9:20 and tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for members and students. (Sam Allard)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The 2019 Dazzle Awards
The most talented high-school performers in Northeast Ohio take center stage tonight at 7:30 at the Connor Palace for the annual Dazzle Awards ceremony and showcase. Awards will be handed out in 14 categories, including Best Musical, Best Actor/Actress, Best Student Orchestra, Best Costume Design and Best Scenic Design. The winners in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories will go on to represent Northeast Ohio at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York. Tickets are $25. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off
The annual Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off returns to downtown Willoughby today and tomorrow. Attended by thousands from all over Northeast Ohio, the family-friendly outdoor celebration provides an opportunity to showcase some of the neighborhood's bars and restaurants as well as bring regional and national barbecue vendors to provide a wealth of food options. Drink options include Shocktop, Bud Light Lemon Tea, Tito's Vodka, Russel's Reserve, Three Olives and Pendelton Whisky. In addition, the Rib Burn Off includes three stages with live music all weekend long, where local bands and musicians will be featured exclusively. The kids' zone will include bounce houses, games, an activity tent and Sandy the Pony. Admission is free and the event runs from noon to 10 p.m. today and from noon to 8 p.m. tomorrow. (Niesel) dtwribburnoff.com.
Spirited Away
As part of its Family Film Series, the Cleveland Museum of Art will screen Hayao Miyazaki's anime classic Spirited Away today at 1 p.m. Miyazaki based the coming-of-age film on his friend's 10-year-old daughter. The screening takes place outdoors in the museum's Fine Arts Garden. It's free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Steam Family Festival 2019
The Rock Hall, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District have teamed up for Steam, a one-day festival of science and music. There will be innovative and hands-on science and arts experiences with an overall goal of "inspiring and empowering students and their families." Performances will take place on six stages. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and regular Rock Hall admission applies. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Tablao Flamenco: Del Campo
Tonight at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre, Abrepaso Flamenco gives a dance performance that "highlights the emotionally charged flamenco rhythms inspired by the farmers and miners of Andalusia." The concert features Marija Temo (guitar and voice), Alice Blumenfeld (dance) and other guest artists. It's the first in a series of exciting tablaos showcasing flamenco's roots. Tickets cost $25. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The University Settlement Homecoming Dance
The University Settlement Homecoming Dance takes place at 7:30 tonight at Sokol National Hall. It will feature band leader Lou Ragland, a guy with deep roots in Cleveland's soul and R&B scene. Years ago, Ragland worked with the O'Jays and has recorded in various formats with all sorts of Cleveland soul groups, including his own bands Hot Chocolate, Seven Miles High and Volcanic Eruption. Ragland's first single, "Never Let Me Go/Party at Lester's," was recorded locally in 1960 at Boddie Recording Studio on Union Avenue and was released on the Way Out label in 1961. Other guests who'll perform include Phil Coghill (True Movement, Avatar), Art Blakey (the Hesitations) and Harvey Hall (Harvey and the Phenomenals, Fabulous Flames). Actor Peter Lawson Jones will serve as emcee, and tickets cost $25. (Niesel),
4939 Broadway Ave., 216-883-0675, universitysettlement.org.
SUN 05/19
Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel Birthday Bash
May 19, 1910, was the day that opened the season for Euclid Beach Park, and that day also marked the first time attendees would ride the park's Grand Carousel. Installed by Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the carousel had four rows of horses — three inside rows of "jumpers" and an outside row of nearly life-size stationary horses. It cost a whopping $7,734.04. To mark the anniversary, the Cleveland History Center will host a Birthday Bash today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be Sugardale Hot Dogs and Weber's premium custard and ice cream as well as unlimited rides on the Grand Carousel. Tickets cost between $5 and $10. (Niesel)
10825 East Blvd., 216-721-5722, wrhs.org.
Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect
Directed by Mark Noonan, Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect documents the accomplishments of Pritzker Prize–winning Irish-American architect Kevin Roche, who designed a slew of buildings and had a more than 40-year association with the Metropolitan Museum. The movie makes its local debut today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA students. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Simon Keenlyside: Winterreise
One of the world's most charismatic singers, Simon Keenlyside brings his "refined musicality" to Severance Hall's Reinberger Chamber Hall tonight at 7:30. Pianist Natalia Katyukova joins him for Franz Schubert's Winterreise, one of the greatest song cycles ever written. Tickets cost $49. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
The Singing Angels
Now in their 55th year, the locally based Singing Angels will sing everything from Beethoven to Broadway classics at today's show at the State Theatre, a spring benefit concert that'll feature 200 local kids. The concert begins at 2 p.m., and tickets start at $18. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MON 05/20
Indians vs. Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics regularly stay in contention. Last year's team won 97 games and managed to snag a wild card spot in the playoffs. This year's team is playing .500 ball and should be a tough matchup for the Tribe. They come to town tonight for a three-game series; first pitch is at 6:10 at Progressive Field. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.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 Hts. Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
TUE 05/21
Art & Mind
Directed by Amélie Ravalec, the documentary Art & Mind explores the relationship between visionary art, madness, and the unconscious. Featured artists include Hieronymus Bosch, Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch and Salvador Dalí. The film shows at 1:45 p.m. today at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the first Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Happy Dog. Performers like the Trepanning Trio, Anime Duo, students of Cleveland Institute of Music and even Cleveland Orchestra members grace the stage in these exciting concerts. Tonight's free, all-ages 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.
Truck Stop Tuesday
Crocker Park in Westlake has launched its seasonal Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. Truck Stop Tuesdays continue through Sept. 24. You can find a lineup of upcoming food trucks on the website. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
