WED 09/19
Henry Rollins
The former frontman of the monumental punk band Black Flag, Henry Rollins has spent the past three decades establishing himself as a true Renaissance man. A performer, writer, journalist, publisher, actor, comedian, radio host, motivational speaker, activist, voice-over actor, musician and now photographer, Henry Rollins is a living cultural icon. His most recent endeavor, the Henry Rollins Travel Slideshow Tour, is a special performance drawing on his personal experiences generating his vast archive of photographs. Rollins' exhibition contains stories from journeys all over the world, including the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, South America and Antarctica. Rollins has been documenting his travels for many years, and this performance is a comprehensive look at his life's journeys. He says that the more he's been traveling, the less gear he tries to take. Armed with a Canon 5D and medium and wide lenses, Rollins carries all of the gear on his back for weeks at a time. Rollins isn't sharing his photos just to show off his incredible adventures, but also to inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone and explore the world around them. The show comes to the Ohio Theatre at 8 tonight. Tickets are $35. (BJ Colangelo) 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
beer
Hoppy Hour
The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers an educational take on beer tasting with its weekly Hoppy Hour, which comes 'round 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 Botanical Garden staff and experts from a guest brewery. Admission is $5, but is free for members. Twelve-ounce beers are $4, while a tasting flight is $6. Also, there will be fire pits, lawn games, flashlight garden tours and seasonal dinner specials from the Garden Cafe. Tastings continue through Oct. 24. (Jeff Niesel)
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
sports
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.
Family fun
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Way back in 1995, John Bauer and Mark Summers proclaimed Sept. 19 should forever be known as a day when we should all talk like pirates. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has embraced the resulting International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) and makes it a point to celebrate the date each year. Today, if you come dressed as a pirate or read a randomly selected phrase while doing your best pirate impression, you'll receive $5 off your admission. The first 75 guests who attempt to utter an ITLAPD phrase at the ticket counter will receive an eye patch. In addition to the regularly scheduled Sharks & Scuba talks and a stingray feed, International Talk Like A Pirate Day activities include the opportunity to craft your own pirate accessories, enjoy appearances by friendly land shark Finn, and a chance to win prizes or a year-long family pass by embarking on a scavenger hunt for "hidden treasure" in the exhibits. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the website for ticket prices. (Niesel) 2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
food
Walnut Wednesday
Summer is almost over, but Walnut Wednesday remains one of the season's great traditions. Today, it continues from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Perk Plaza at Chester Commons — at East 12th and Walnut streets — as food trucks gather to serve up lunch to area residents and employees. Check out the Downtown Cleveland Alliance website for weekly updates on vendors, entertainment offerings and more. But hurry: Sept. 26 is the last Walnut Wednesday this year. Admission is free, but the food will cost you. (Niesel) downtowncleveland.com.
theater
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 on 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., 216- 241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
THU 09/20
film
American Poltergeist
Local horror-film maker, Eddie Lengyel, returns with American Poltergeist: The Curse of Lilith Ratchet, a film that centers on a woman and her friend who put a curse into motion after they acquire a shrunken head. They take the thing to a paranormal podcast host who helps them determine its identity, and they subsequently unleash a dead woman's evil spirit in the process. The movie makes its world premiere tonight at 7 at Atlas Cinema 7 in Euclid. Tickets are $10. (Niesel)
22624 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid, 216-731-1700.
music
A Celebration of the Life and Career of Nick DeCaro
During his career, the late Nick DeCaro collaborated on more than 380 albums and worked with the likes of Dolly Parton, Randy Newman, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, Arlo Guthrie and the Doobie Brothers. An accordionist, DeCaro has also performed on over 70 recordings for Grammy-winning artists and albums. As part of the Library & Archives NEO Sound initiative, an archival collection of personal items and library materials that "preserve Northeast Ohio's cultural heritage and the region's significant contributions to rock & roll history," the Library & Archives Reading Room will celebrate DeCaro's career with a special program tonight at 6. The reception will feature displays of DeCaro artifacts from the Rock Hall's vaults. Items include handwritten scores and arrangements, lyrics, music books, sheet music, albums, photographs and the accordion DeCaro played on the Rolling Stones' "Back Street Girl." (Niesel) 2809 Woodland Ave., 216-515-1956, library.rockhall.com.
spoken word
Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist at New York University's Stern School of Business. Haidt's research examines the intuitive foundations of morality, and how morality varies across cultures — including the cultures of American progressives, conservatives and libertarians. Haidt is the author of The Happiness Hypothesis and The New York Times bestseller The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion. He speaks tonight at 6 at Silver Hall in the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at the Temple-Tifereth Israel. Reserve your free seats on the website. (Niesel)
1855 Ansel Rd., 216-368-0295, case.edu/maltzcenter.
music
Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake
The Cleveland Orchestra kicks off its 101st season with a special program that includes a brand-new piece by the orchestra's assistant principal oboist Jeffrey Rathbun. The night will also include a performance of Tchaikovsky's first great ballet score, Swan Lake. The orchestra will also take on a piece by Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen, written for just one hand. The concert beings tonight at 7:30 and it repeats at 8 on Saturday night. (Niesel) 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
FRI 09/21
art
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.
wine
Adult Swim
Dubbed Adult Swim: An Underwater Tasting Adventure, tonight's all-wines tasting event at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium will feature a variety of wines. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. The tasting takes place from 7 to 10. Tickets are $40, or $30 for pass holders. Designated drivers pay $20. Admission includes 20 sample tickets and a souvenir glass, as well as full after-hours access to the aquarium. (Niesel) 2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
comedy
Bill Bellamy
If comic Bill Bellamy did nothing more than coin the phrase "booty call," he'd go down in comic history. But the guy has been a staple on the standup circuit for nearly 30 years now. His star power hasn't diminished over that time, either. Currently the host of his own TV show, Who's Got Jokes, he was also a regular on Chelsea Lately. His material tends to stick to tried-and-true topics like the differences between men and women when it comes to romantic love, and surviving the trials and tribulations of getting through security at the airport. Still, this guy is a pro storyteller who knows how to work the room. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $25. (Niesel) 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
fundraiser
DinoShow: Art & Autism
DinoShow: Art & Autism, a benefit that takes place today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Derek Hess Gallery, will raise money for Connecting for Kids, a nonprofit with a mission to provide education and support to families with concerns about their child. The event will feature local artists Derek Hess, Tim (Tim Jim) Eakin, Aaron (OKPants) Sechrist, Angela Oster and others who interpreted the artwork of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The show will highlight the work of 10 children who were asked to draw their favorite dinosaur. Each piece was then given to a professional artist whose job was to create his or her own representation of the child's drawing in any medium. The exhibit provides "an opportunity for children with ASD to express themselves through art" and have their work hung in a professional gallery. The event is produced in collaboration with the Child & Adolescent Research Department at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and all proceeds will be donated directly to Connecting for Kids. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 216-288-4868, derekhess.com.
festival
Fire Fish Festival
Launched four years ago, the FireFish Festival transforms downtown Lorain into a stage for vibrant arts performances. This year's event will take place from 4 to 11 p.m. today and tomorrow. Organizers promise there will be even more diversity in art and performances. The festival will conclude with "the most spectacular fiery finale yet with an interactive component and theme of 'release.'" Tonight will feature headliner Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band. Tomorrow night will feature "non-stop" international music, dance, theater, art and fire performers — both on stages and in the hidden alleys, empty storefronts, balconies and fire escapes on Broadway Avenue. The dance group Jasmine Dragons will be on hand as will Sammy De Leon and his fusion/salsa band, Oberlin samba dancer Alysia Ramos, the Exotic Fruit Club and the Great Lakes Light Opera. It will all lead up to a "one-of-kind" spectacle of the burning of the fish, a giant sculpture designed and choreographed by interdisciplinary theater and performance artist Daniel McNamara (alumni of the Bread and Puppet Theater.) In keeping with the theme of "release," patrons can bring flammable artifacts to a ceremonial bamboo altar which, when it burns along with the fish, will symbolize letting go of the past. Community members, students and teen arts apprentices from the Lorain County Community College's Summer STEAM Teen Academy will create the centerpiece of the festival, the giant FireFish sculpture that comes to life spewing fire. The fish will be created from upcycled paper and cardboard. Admission is free. (Niesel) firefishfestival.com.
sports
Indians vs. Boston Red Sox
When the Indians played the Boston Red Sox last month in Boston, they managed to split the series against the best team in baseball. Tonight at 7:10 at Progressive Field, the two teams begin a three-game series. These games should be tight ones and a good test for the playoffs. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
film
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, or $9 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Theater
Plath & Orion
Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, Pulitzer Prize-winning American poets, were known for personal verse that furthered the genre dubbed confessional poetry. Two one-act plays — Lanford Wilson's The Great Nebula Orion and Greg Cesear's Plath, Sexton and the Art of Confession — depict a chance meeting and "catch-up" conversation between the two women as the poets address their thoughts and comments directly to the audience. Produced by the Cesear's Forum theater company, the "companion play" performances takes place tonight at 8 at Kennedy's Theatre; additional performances continue through Oct. 14. Tickets are $18. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
music
Relax And Float Upstream: Behind The Beatles' Seminal Revolver Album
A couple of years back, local Bowie-phile Thomas Mulready began hosting "An Evening With(out) David Bowie," an in-depth presentation featuring rare video clips, "needle drops," obscure cuts and recently surfaced details regarding the Thin White Duke. The show offered "a multitude of factoids and little-known background informed by a framework of themes the artist mined at every stage of his career, right up to his untimely passing and beyond." Now Mulready has turned his attention to the Beatles' albums Revolver and The White Album. Tonight at the Bop Stop, he'll present "Relax and Float Upstream: Behind the Beatles' Masterpiece Revolver." He'll talk about how Revolver was recorded at a pivotal time for the group, which had just performed at Shea Stadium and had yet to record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. He'll divide the program into two segments with separate admission prices. The first will focus on Side A, and the second will focus on Side B. The lectures start at 8 and 9:30 p.m., respectively. Tickets are $25. Tomorrow, in a program dubbed "(secrets of the white album)," he'll talk about The White Album and explain why the Beatles embraced transcendental meditation and renounced their use of drugs. He'll discuss Album 1 at 8 p.m. and Album 2 at 9:30 p.m. Once again, tickets $25. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
men! men! Men!
Thunder From Down Under
The press release promoting the latest appearance by the group of burly hunks who call themselves the Thunder From Down Under boasts that they'll provide "the perfect girls' night outback," a reference to their Aussie heritage. Expect "seductive dance routines, cheeky humor and boy-next-door charm" from these topless dancers. The group performs tonight and tomorrow night at 7 and 10 at Club Velvet at the Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield Park. Tickets start at $29.95. (Niesel) 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
SAT 09/22
fundraiser
Dancing with the Docs
The Auxiliary of University Hospitals funds 70 programs, including A Celebration of Lives, Pediatric Bereavement Support, Be Our Guest, Pet Pals, NICY Breastfeeding Program. Dancing with Docs, a benefit that takes place tonight at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, raises funds for these programs. The event begins at 6 with a cocktail reception; dinner and dancing follows at 7 p.m. Consult the website for ticket prices and more info. (Niesel)
6111 Landerhaven Dr., 440-449-0700, uhgiving.org/dancingwiththedocs.
food
Pigtoberfest
Today from noon to 7 p.m., the Beer Engine in Lakewood hosts a special Pigtoberfest. The folks there hope it will be the first of many such annual events. Sierra Nevada and Weihenstephaner beers will be served by the stein. The $15 tickets includes a plate of pork with Engine BBQ sauce, house-made German potato salad, corn on the cob and garlic ciabatta bread. Plus, the Beer Engine has a vast beer selection, so if Sierra Nevada and Weihenstephaner aren't to your liking, you'll have plenty of other options. Order tickets on the Beer Engine website. (Niesel)
15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-2337, buckeyebeerengine.com.
SUN 09/23
film + Spoken word
William Shatner
William Shatner may be older than your grandparents, but this famed actor, singer and cheeseball refuses to throw in the towel. At 87, Shatner plans to appear at the Akron Civic Theatre today at 5 p.m. for a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, one of the most critically acclaimed films of the entire Star Trek film universe. Following the showing, Captain Kirk himself will take to the stage to answer fans' burning questions. He'll also no doubt tell a bunch of stories about himself, a subject he knows well. The film screening and talk is just part of a recent spate of shows put on by the Canadian legend. Tickets start at $53.25. VIP packages are also available for those willing to shell out the dough. You can even get your picture taken with the actor. (Laura Morrison) 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
books
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. Today's hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
MON 09/24
music
Meet Singer-Songwriter Kim Richey
A former professional chef, Kim Richey got her first record deal when she was nearly 40 years old, but that hasn't stood in the way of having a successful career. She's co-written hits for Trisha Yearwood and Radney Foster and written songs for Dixie Chicks, Jim Lauderdale, Brooks & Dunn and Patty Loveless. Her vocals also appear on albums by Ryan Adams and Shawn Colvin. Tonight at 7 at the Parma-Snow Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, she'll talk about her career and perform some songs too. Local singer-songwriter Marti Jones will join her. Jones signed to A&M records in the 1980s and released three albums that "helped define the trajectory of Americana." Check the library website for more details. (Niesel)
2121 Snow Rd., Parma, 216-661-4240, cuyahogalibrary.org.
trivia
Monday Night Trivia
Do you have tons of obscure music knowledge? Are you a student of fast food menus and their nuanced histories? What say you about the geographic evolution of Scotch whisky? Tonight's your chance to wow your friends, make yourself instantly more desirable to someone you're newly dating, and hang with Cleveland's headiest hipsters and hot dog lovers. It's the Happy Dog Monday Night Trivia. Starting at 8 p.m., expect themed rounds and general knowledge questions that seem considerably trickier than some of the other live trivia locales in town. Obviously, have a hot dog and a craft brew while you're at it. And arrive early: Seats fill up fast. (Sam Allard)
5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
film
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. (Alaina Nutile) clevelandcinemas.com.
nightlife
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 09/25
music
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.
food
Truck Stop Tuesday
As if to provide a westside counterpart to Walnut Wednesdays, Crocker Park in Westlake has launched Truck Stop Tuesday, a weekly food truck gathering that takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needless to say, admission is free, but the food will cost you. But nothing lasts forever: Truck Stop Tuesday comes to a halt on Sept. 25, so you better hurry. (Niesel)
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com.
music
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.
