WED 05/02
Maria Bamford
Known for telling jokes about her dysfunctional family and making fun of her battles with depression and anxiety, comedian Maria Bamford is the thinking woman's comic. She even successfully turned her life story into Lady Dynamite, a terrific Netflix original series. Last year, the brainy comic gave the commencement speaker for the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts. She makes a rare appearance in town tonight for a standup show that takes place at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets start at $25. (Jeff Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Mike Bonner
Call the sitter. Comic Mike Bonner takes the stage at the Improv tonight for a parent-friendly routine. Of course, that doesn't mean it's kid-friendly. Bonner has made a name for himself as a relatable, down-to-earth comedian who understands the everyday struggles of being a father. From dirty diapers to his daughter's first boyfriend, the BET comedian explores the small joys and annoyances of parenthood through a sardonic lens. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and Bonner performs at the club again at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $17. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
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, John Gorman, Flash Ferenc and Denny Sanders discuss the rise and fall of the local rock station WMMS. The menu includes Buzzard Stew, Roadkill Steak and Chocolate Cake. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Disney's Aladdin
Part of the KeyBank Broadway Series, the hit musical Disney's Aladdin comes to the State Theatre today for a month-long run through May 27. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), the production features sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award-winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots) and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris). Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30. Tickets start at $40. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Indians vs. Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers got off to a rough start this year as they lost three of four games. Of course, playing the World Champion Houston Astros will do that to you. Still, the takeaway from the series was that the Rangers' bullpen needs help and the bottom part of its order needs more offensive firepower. Expect the Tribe to exploit the Rangers' weaknesses at today's game, which begins at 1:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, clevelandindians.com.
Keep Talking
Keep Talking is an exciting storytellers program where locals can share their real-life experiences on a theme. The monthly series offers attendees the chance to grab a drink and a dog while listening to some of their Cleveland neighbors tell tall tales. The theme for tonight's storytelling is "My Last," and the hosts are Adam Richard and Zachariah Durr. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp at the Happy Dog. Admission is $5. Want to be a storyteller at a future session? See details on the website. (Niesel) 5801 Detroit Ave., 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com.
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World
Part of the Rock Hall's 2018 Film Series, Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World looks at the Native Americans who made serious contributions to the history of popular music. The new feature documentary premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and features such musical icons as Robbie Robertson, Jimi Hendrix and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Tickets are free for Rock Hall members, or $5.50 for the general public. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
THU 05/03
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Capitol Theatre celebrates its 97th anniversary tonight with a special screening of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, an adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play that stars Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. The event begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast and birthday cake. The movie shows at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Dave Landau
Last Comic Standing has introduced us to dozens of incredible comedians, but none quite like Dave Landau. Sharp, dark and sarcastic, Landau's stand-up act is stand-up for the cynic. He puts a new twist on the typically goofy nature of live comedy. He likes to joke that Halloween was a fun holiday for him as a kid. "I was poor and I used to have to wear a garbage bag and go as a raisin," he jokes in one bit. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $18 to $23. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Pyro de Mayo
Trevor Hall, Nahko and Rising Appalachia are among the notable acts performing at this weekend's Pyro de Mayo music festival at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. The event promises "a weekend of music, dancing, camping, fire art, interactive workshops and illumination." Gates open today for a special pre-party kick off; the festivities continue through Sunday. Check the website for ticket prices and more details. (Niesel)
12001 State Route 282, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716, pyrodemayo.com.
The Sax Man
The late Maurice "Sax Man" Reedus was best known as a street musician who played outside the Q and Progressive Field before and after sporting events. But prior to that, he had been a member of the '70s Motown band Sly, Slick & Wicked. As a tribute to the man, who recently passed away, Tower City Cinemas will screen The Sax Man, a documentary movie about the musician, at 7:30 tonight. The movie premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival in March of 2014, winning the Local Heroes award and playing to sold-out crowds. Tickets to this memorial screening are $10, and proceeds will be donated to Reedus' family to aid in his funeral expenses. Additional donations for the funeral fund will be accepted at the theater that evening. (Niesel)
230 West Huron Rd., 216-621-1374, clevelandcinemas.com.
FRI 05/04
American Idiot
A coming-of-age musical about three suburban teens struggling to "find meaning and purpose amid the paranoia, apathy and noise of a media-saturated post-9/11 America," American Idiot became a smash hit when it made its debut on Broadway in 2010. Based on the Green Day album 21st Century Breakdown, the musical also includes a handful of Green Day tunes, including "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "21 Guns" and "Wake Me Up When September Ends." This weekend, the Brecksville Theatre hosts a new local production of the play. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
49 Public Square, Brecksville, 440-736-7749, thebrecksvilletheatre.org.
Beehive: The 60s Musical
Produced by Great Lakes Theatre, Beehive: The 60s Musical features 40 chart-topping songs from the years as it aims to relive "one of music's truly golden eras." You'll hear tunes from the Supremes, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre. The play runs through May 20, and tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Cedric the Entertainer
One of the few comedians who has truly made the transition into acting, Cedric the Entertainer has certainly come a long way from the days when he was trying to make an impression on programs such as It's Showtime at the Apollo and Def Comedy Jam. Not all of his films have been hits (2007's horrid Code Name: The Cleaner was a real bust), but movies such as Barbershop have showed off his acting abilities. And he even held his own on Broadway, where he acted in a revival of American Buffalo. Expect Cedric, who has a big, booming voice, to take on current events and use lots of slang in his monologue. He performs at 7:30 and 10 tonight and at 7 and 9:30 tomorrow night at the Improv. Tickets are $45. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Tom Green
Funnyman Tom Green used to be the king of comedy. Green, who got his big break while hosting a show on MTV, has had roles in movies such as Road Trip and Freddy Got Fingered and was once a guest host for late-night icon David Letterman. All that fame and fortune came about in the early 2000s. Since then, Green has been under the radar, hosting an internet talk show in his living room and returning to standup. His standup act usually involves a series of rants about things like social media and health care; he's been known to smash a guitar on occasion too. Expect lots of yelling and cursing as Green likes to exaggerate his anger. He's at Hilarities at 7:30 and 10 tonight and at 7 and 9:30 tomorrow night. Tickets are $30 and $33. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Mix: Philosophy
The first Friday of each month, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its popular Mix at CMA event. The museum stays open later than normal for the occasion, which features dance, drink and a theme-based program. Tonight's event celebrates the special exhibition Eyewitness Views: Making History in Eighteenth-Century Europe with live music, dancing and wearable art. There will be specialty cocktails and free admission to the exhibition. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. CMA members get in for free. The party runs from 6 to 10 p.m. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
SAT 05/05
Bowieoke
Formed out of the ashes of the glam-punk band, the Angry Inch, which performed in Cleveland Public Theater's production of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Vanity Crash has become one of Cleveland's more outrageous bands. With its stage costumes and provocative attitude, the group is one of the only bands on the local circuit that keeps the glam rock flame burning brightly. It has pumped out good, gritty records with regularity. Last year, the band hosted Bowieoke, a tribute to the late David Bowie, at Musica in Akron. This year, it will move the show up to Cleveland, where it takes place at 8 tonight at the Bop Stop. As the program name suggests, audience members will have the opportunity to get on stage and sing their favorite Bowie song. Local acts such as Sarah Arafat, 45 Spiders (From Mars), Frigid Touch, Emily Keener, Kiss Me Deadly, Vanity Crash and Nick Wilkinson will perform Bowie songs as well. In addition, CoolCleveland's Thomas Mulready will give his multimedia presentation about Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.
Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
An ensemble of aspiring young student musicians, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra performs its annual spring concert tonight at 8 at Severance Hall. The ensemble will perform Beethoven's Overture to Coriolan and Lutoslawski's Concerto for Orchestra. Consult the Cleveland Orchestra website for ticket prices. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Punks for Profit Outdoor Flea Market & Punk Show
The westside punk and indie rock club Now That's Class turns into a flea market today for the Punks for Profit Outdoor Flea Market & Punk Show. The fun begins at 2 p.m., and Plasma Alliance, My Name is Joe, Black Static Eye and Hep Z are all slated to perform. Punk, hardcore and metal vendors will set up inside and outside the venue to sell "records, tapes, T-shirts and whatever." Admission is free. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
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. Tickets are $9.50. (Niesel)
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
The Royale
Set in 1910, The Royale centers on Negro Heavyweight Champion Jay "The Sport" Jackson, a fighter who wants to prove that he's as tough as his white counterpart. The Cleveland Play House production of the play opens tonight at 7:30 at the Outcalt Theatre. It runs through May 27. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Russo Rama
Former Clevelanders Anthony and Joe Russo return to town to celebrate the release of their new blockbuster, Avengers: Infinity War, with a day of special screenings of their most recent films at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Dubbed Russo Rama, the triple bill includes Captain America: The Winter Solider, which will show at 1 p.m. After a short intermission, Captain America: Civil War will show at 3:30 p.m.; and after a one-hour dinner break, Avengers: Infinity War will show at 7 p.m. At the conclusion of Infinity War, the Russo brothers will answer audience questions about their work and career. Special package admission to all three films is $35 or $25 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Suicide Awareness Benefit Concert
An athlete and local comedian who also served in the National Guard, Nick Ramsey tragically took his own life earlier this year. As a way of paying tribute to him and as a way of raising money for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, several Cleveland bands will play a special Suicide Awareness Benefit Concert at 8:30 tonight at Mahall's 20 Lanes in Lakewood. The show will kick off a number of fundraisers in Ramsey's honor. Acts such as Nothing Major, Kel SD, Times10 and Trios will perform. Tickets are $8. (Niesel)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Veg Fest
An annual event put on by the Cleveland Vegan Society, Veg Fest shows off the city's fine assortment of vegetarian and vegan eateries and advocates. The event's popularity has steadily grown and it now attracts some 10,000 patrons. There will be food demonstrations, children's activities, film screenings and yoga sessions. Celebrity chefs such as Sonia "Vegan Vicki" Steele, Doron Petersan, David Huffman and Da'Ves Malone will be on hand. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Huntington Convention Center. (Niesel)
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-928-1600, clevelandvegansociety.org.
SUN 05/06
Arthritis Foundation's Cleveland Walk to Cure Arthritis
More than 1,500 walkers will support the Arthritis Foundation's mission to cure arthritis and help arthritis sufferers live a full life as they participate in today's 2018 Walk to Cure Arthritis. The event takes place at 8:30 a.m. at the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. The Walk to Cure Arthritis is the nation's largest arthritis gathering, celebrating the foundation's warriors, raising funds for research, resources and a cure for arthritis, which is the nation's leading cause of disability. The disease impacts more than 1.3 million Northeast Ohioans. You can register on the website. (Niesel) events.arthritis.org.
Rob Kovacs in Residence
After forming 15 years ago, the local indie pop band Return of Simple released a couple of records and became a fixture on the scene before eventually relocating to New York in 2009. A few years ago, after getting "burned out" in New York, the band's frontman, singer-pianist Rob Kovacs, moved back to Cleveland. He just recently relaunched Return of Simple. Now Kovacs has announced a Euclid Tavern residency. He'll perform at the venue at 8 tonight and every Sunday through May 13; each week's program will be unique. Admission is free. (Niesel) 11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
Late Night with Leonard Bernstein
Late Night with Leonard Bernstein celebrates the life and legacy of iconic composer Leonard Bernstein with a multimedia portrait of the man. Hosted and narrated by his daughter Jamie, today's program — which takes place at 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art — features soprano Amy Burton and pianists John Musto and Michael Boriskin. The finale of the 2017-2018 Tri-C Presents Classical Piano Series, the event marks what would have been Bernstein's 100th birthday. Admission is free. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Bill Maher
As the host of two political talk shows, the author of five best-selling books and the documentarian behind 2008's Religulous, Bill Maher has been making his rounds for more than 30 years. In that time, he's been nominated for numerous Emmys for his live standup specials and talk shows, though the controversial comedian hasn't been popular with everyone. Maher's first foray into late-night television, Politically Incorrect, ran from 1993 until 2002, when it was canceled after the quick-witted and strong-willed comic referred to George W. Bush as "cowardly." Whoops. However, just a year after the remarks, HBO picked him up for Real Time with Bill Maher. The ongoing series blends comedy with serious political and social criticism. Maher performs tonight at 7:30 at Hard Rock Live. Consult the Hard Rock Rocksino website for ticket prices. (Brittany Rees)
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7771, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com.
Miranda Sings Live ... You're Welcome
Ten years ago, actor, comedian and singer Colleen Ballinger created her sarcastic alter ego Miranda Sings, a social media sensation who has more than 20 million followers on the net and has surpassed more than two billion views on YouTube. She appeared in one of the more bizarre episodes of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. She appears tonight at 7:30 at Connor Palace. Tickets start at $40. (Niesel)
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
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 05/07
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 that allows patrons to choose from "an unlimited selection of jams from hip-hop to hard rock." Participants 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 05/08
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.
