WED 10/31
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, local writers Charles Cassady Jr. and William Krejci tell stories about paranormal activity in Cleveland. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.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 play features 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. (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. Tickets range from $15 to $89. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Sweat
A Pulitzer Prize-winning drama set in Reading, Pennsylvania, Sweat centers on union lock-outs, massive lay-offs and jobs going overseas. In order to try to face such hardships, a group of life-long friends gather at their local bar to discuss ways of dealing with such hardships. Inspired by true stories, Sweat provides "a compelling portrait of pride and survival in the Rust Belt." Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 11/01
Author Series with Fran and Jules Belkin
The Rock Hall's Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement Jason Hanley will sit down with Fran and Jules Belkin to discuss their new book, Rock This Town!, a behind-the-scenes look at some of Cleveland's biggest concerts. One of the region's biggest promoters, Jules Belkin worked with his brother to help turn Cleveland into the rock 'n' roll town it is today. The conversation will be held in the Foster Theater starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are free with a RSVP. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd.,
216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
Even though they lost the first two games of the season, the Cavaliers looked pretty good in those games and competed until the very end. That wasn't the case at the home opener as the team got buried by the Atlanta Hawks. Tonight won't be a cakewalk as the Cavs take on a very good Denver Nuggets team that beat the reigning champion Golden State Warriors earlier this year. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Consult the Cavs website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
East 6th and Huron, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
The Dirty Songbook
Loosely based on Jerry Silverman's bawdy classic of the same name, Cameron Cabot and Nathan Maslyk's The Dirty Songbook features original tunes with "a healthy sprinkling of world renowned 'dirty' songs." A piano, bass, and drum set will accompany the duo. Performances take place tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Kennedy's Theatre. Tickets are $24. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Craig Robinson
Famous for his role as Darryl Philbin on The Office, Craig Robinson got his start with Second City, the improv troupe in Chicago that has given us comedic actors such as Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Mike Myers. Robinson has also appeared on TV shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Arrested Development, Lucky, Friends, Halfway Home and Reno 911! He's a pretty good singer too. Robinson performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. Tickets start at $50. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
The Second Annual Hispanic Burlesque Showcase
The inaugural Hispanic Burlesque Showcase that took place last year at the Beachland highlighted international Latina performers from all over the country. This year's incarnation of the event promises to be even bigger. It'll will feature latino vendors and a dia de los muertos public altar for those who wish to bring homage to their ancestors on the first night of the holiday. VIP ($40) packages include a Dia De Los Muertos Mask, food and a tequila tasting. Reserved tickets cost $25, and general admission tickets go for $15. The event starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
A View From the Bridge
Set in the 1950s near the Brooklyn Bridge, A View From the Bridge focuses on what happens when an Italian-American family offers up its home as sanctuary for Italian immigrants. Frederick Perry directs the play, which was written by Arthur Miller. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight, tomorrow night and Sunday night at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 11/02
Aziz Ansari
A standup comic who had a breakout role in the sit-com Parks and Recreation, Aziz Ansari has also received wide acclaim for his Netflix program, Master of None, which debuted three years ago. Note that he has a strict policy against taking pictures or recording the event. No cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed, and all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. The concert begins at 7 tonight at the State Theatre. Tickets are $41.75 to $67.75. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MIX at CMA: Thriller
November's MIX, a monthly after-hours event at the Cleveland Museum of Art, will keeping the Halloween spirit alive with spooky gallery tours, Halloween-inspired cocktails and a DJ spinning tunes. Organizers encourage patrons to come in costume. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. It's free for CMA members. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Mo'Nique
Comedian Mo'Nique is fat and Southern and proud of it. She'll eat a whole fresh pig and she's got the legs to prove it. Mo's other topics of humor include her divorce from her "leprechaun" ex (dude was too short and had designs on her lucky charms anyway), her very "nice" son and her kids' fear of playing Twister with their fat mom. Some of the stuff she talks about borders on the serious (like her mom life and why she moved to a white neighborhood) but she manages to find the funny in every situation life throws at her, and she'll have you laughing right along with her. She performs at 7:30 and 10 tonight and at 7 and 9:30 tomorrow night at the Improv. Tickets are $40. (Liz Trenholme)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Monsters vs. Toronto Marlies
As part of a special promotion, all season long the Cleveland Monsters will offer fans $1 Pepsis, $2 Sugardale hotdogs and $3 select 12 oz. beers on Friday nights. Tonight, the team takes on the Toronto Marlies. The game begins at 7. Consult the Monsters website for ticket info. (Niesel)
East 6th and Huron, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
The Other Side of the Wind
Started almost 50 years ago and shot off-and-on over a period of seven years, The Other Side of the Wind, the final feature from Orson Welles sat unedited for four decades. In 2016, Netflix stepped in to bankroll the completion of the film and enlisted producer Frank Marshall and director Peter Bogdanovich to help bring it to completion. Earlier this year, the film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Tonight at 9 at the Cleveland Institute of Cinematheque, the film, a "mockumentary" that captures the 70th birthday party for rugged, larger-than-life "old Hollywood" veteran director Jake Hanford (John Huston), makes its Cleveland theatrical premiere. The movie screens again at 7 tomorrow night and at 1:45 on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $12, or $9 for students and Cinematheque members. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450,
SAT 11/03
Dia de Muertos 2018
Though it might not sound like it, the Detroit Shoreway's Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is a family-friendly affair. Kids love to join the Parade of Skeletons that features life-sized puppets and plenty of people in costume. Vendors will set up inside Cleveland Public Theatre's Parish Hall, and Gordon Square Arts District bars and restaurants will have specials. The event kicks off at 11 a.m., and the spectacular Skulls & Skeletons parade starts at 3:30 p.m. (Niesel)
6415 Detroit Ave Cleveland OH 44102, 216.631.2727, cptonline.org.
Office Space
A 1999 comedy from writer-director Mike Judge, Office Space stars Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, Stephen Root, David Herman, Ajay Naidu, and Diedrich Bader. It centers on a group of disgruntled programmers at an IT company. The movie screens tonight at 9:30 and midnight and tomorrow night at 7 at the Cedar Lee Theatre as part of Cleveland Cinemas' Late Shift Cult Film Series. Tickets are $6. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights,
440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Pride & Prejudice
Adapted by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan and based on a Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice centers on the outspoken Elizabeth Bennet, a woman who shows no interest in marriage until she meets the handsome, enigmatic Mr. Darcy. The Great Lakes Theater presents its production of the play tonight at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 4. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month again, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre hosts its usual midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie. In addition, locals act out a floor show that mimics the movie, turning the event into a veritable party. Tickets are $9.75. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights,
440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Nick Swardson
A comedian and actor who started doing open mic nights in his Minneapolis hometown when he was only 18 years old, Nick Swardson has had a long and successful career ever since he made a name for himself as the roller skating cop Terry Bernadino in the popular Comedy Central series Reno 911! Swardson, who regularly works in movies that comedian Adam Sandler produces, brings his critically acclaimed new standup show, dubbed Too Many Smells 2018 Tour, to Hard Rock Live tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50. (Niesel)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield,
330-908-7793, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
Wizardfest
Wizardfest, an event that celebrates all things Harry Potter, comes to Musica in Akron tonight as part of a U.S. tour. The event includes Harry Potter-themed trivia, drink specials (i.e. Butterbeer, Fire Whisky, Polyjuice Potion, and Unicorn Blood for the diabolical), magicians, music, dancing, and cosplay. The best dressed patrons can enter into the costume contest for cash and prizes. There will be a special Quidditch Pong Tournament. Tickets range from $15 to $50. (Niesel)
51 East Market St., Akron,
330-374-1114, akronmusica.com.
SUN 11/04
Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Though much improved over last year's team, the Cleveland Browns have still struggled to notch wins this season. They came back valiantly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks but wound up losing in overtime. Today, they take on the Kansas City Chiefs, arguably one of the NFL's best teams. The battle begins at 1 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. 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 at the Happy Days Lodge. Tonight's concert features Stephane Wrembel, a virtuoso guitarist from France, and the show begins at 7 p.m. Consult the website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
500 West Streetsboro Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2909,
Jen Kober
Comedian Jen Kober likes to joke that you can tell by her Justin Bieber haircut that she "swims in the lady pond." Kober, who yells as much as she speaks during her performance, admits in one bit that she regularly gives ridiculous answers to straightforward questions that reporters ask about her comedic career. "I grew up Jewish and gay and went to Catholic school in Louisiana, so what fucking choice did I have?" she says she said in response to a question about what made her a comedian. Kober performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Monsters vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
It's Monsters Family Day and Blue Jackets Night today at the Q as the Monsters take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. Bring the kids and receive access to a post game skate. There will also be an autograph session with select players as the Monsters pay tribute to the team's NHL affiliate, the Columbus Blue Jackets, with themed jerseys and "game elements." The game begins at 5 p.m. Consult the Monsters website for ticket info. (Niesel)
East 6th and Huron, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Our Voices: Democracy RE:visited
As part of the Tri-C Performing Arts season, jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard will deliver the world premiere of his timely new composition, "Our Voices: Democracy RE:visited" tonight at 7 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center at the Temple-Tifereth Israel. The piece reflects "the conditions, events and individuals that produced historic political change and public policy." Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Consult the Maltz Performing Arts Center website for more info. (Niesel)
1855 Ansel Rd., 216-368-0295,
Sunday Beat
As part of a Sunday Beat promotion at Visible Voice Books, if you purchase a New York Times at the store, you'll receive a free cup of coffee or tea and a Jim Alesci's Place pastry. An added bonus: A jazz, Americana, samba or bossa nova band will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Anyone who shows a Sunday receipt from Music Box, Prosperity Social Club or any of the Tremont restaurants that offer brunch can enter a same-day drawing for a $30 Visible Voice gift certificate and a $25 Visible Voice Loyalty Card. They'll also receive 10 percent off any Visible Voice book purchase. The bookstore is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
MON 11/05
Material Performance and Ecological Priorities
Previously, architects didn't take issues of sustainability and environmental awareness into consideration. Today's architects have adopted a much more eco friendly approach, something Rashida Ng explores in her lecture, "Material Performance and Ecological Priorities." She delivers the talk, part of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities lecture series, at 4:30 pm. at the Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom A. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11038 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-5681, humanities.case.edu.
Movie Mondays
Every Monday, Cleveland Cinemas hosts $5 Movie Mondays, where film fans can catch up on the latest Hollywood flicks for significantly reduced prices. Bring your friends and family and make Movie Mondays a weekly tradition — many theaters even offer discounted concession stand items. Participating theaters include Apollo Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre, Chagrin Cinemas, Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinemas. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for 3-D movies. Given the cost of movie tickets these days, this remains a real bargain. (Alaina Nutile), clevelandcinemas.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)
B-Side Liquor Lounge & Arcade, 2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd., Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.
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 11/06
Classical Revolution Cleveland
Today, and the first Tuesday of every month, Classical Revolution Cleveland brings chamber music to the Euclid Tavern. 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) first Tuesday of every month.
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Open Turntable Tuesday
Tonight from 6 to 9, the Winchester hosts its weekly Open Turntable Tuesday. DJ Kris Koch offers 20-minute slots to people who want to bring their own vinyl and spin their favorite songs or deep tracks. Turntables are provided; you can play three to five songs during your time slot; and a mic is available to talk about the selections. (Niesel)
12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood,
216-600-5338,
facebook.com/TheWinchesterMusicTavern.
Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has described his 1,350-square-foot music-focused bar in the Hingetown 'hood as "a place where people can expect to hear and learn about music of multiple genres, all of which is concentrated in a constantly evolving jukebox." The club hosts a vinyl night every Tuesday that serves as a listening party for new releases, partnering with Loop in Tremont, so patrons can hear a new album on vinyl. You can bring your own vinyl and spin it too. It all starts at 5 p.m. (Niesel)
1404 West 29th St., 216-206-7699, jukeboxcle.com.
