WED 03/29
Spoken Word:Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party, a weekly series at Music Box Supper Club that pairs fine food with storytelling, aims to help raise awareness of the mission of the Western Reserve Historical Society's new Cleveland History Center. The club's owners consider the Cleveland History Center to be "one of the most interesting museums in Cleveland" and "an unknown gem that Clevelanders should know more about and support." 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 Millionaire's Row," as it's put in a press release. Each week features a guest speaker and a custom prix fixe menu — a full three-course meal for only $20. (The talk, itself, is free to attend.) Dinner is served at 6 p.m., and the storytelling starts at 7. Tonight, Bob DiBiasio, Cleveland Indians' senior vice president, will share stories from the World Series. The featured three-course dinner includes popcorn bisque, brats and kraut, and a banana split. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Comedy: Billy Crystal
A Tony- and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer and director, Billy Crystal returns to his standup roots for his current tour, which includes tonight's show at Playhouse Square's State Theatre. Crystal became a household name after roles in films such as When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers and Analyze This. A nine-time host of the Academy Awards, he's also an award-winning author. His memoir, Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going and Where the Hell Are My Keys? was a New York Times best seller. "This show is unique," says Crystal in a press release. "There's standup, and 'sit down' which gives me great freedom to tell stories, show film clips and talk about my life and career and the world as I see it. It's loose, unpredictable and intimate. The most fun I've had on stage in a long time." The performance begins at 8, and tickets start at $64. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Music: Frode Haltli and Emilia Amper
Norwegian composer and accordionist Frode Haltli teams up with Swedish nyckelharpa virtuoso Emilia Amper to play Scandinavian folk-inspired music tonight at 7:30 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Over the years, Haltli has recorded more than 10 albums of music and premiered more than 100 new works. Tonight he and Amper will perform his concert-length piece, The Border Words, a work that traces the connection between Nordic folk music and Indian and Arabic scales. Tickets range from $30 to $45. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Film: Waters Wednesday
Director John Waters has made some remarkable movies over the course of a career that stretches back decades. He defined a satirical style that critics have subsequently dubbed camp. The last Wednesday of the month at Now That's Class is Waters Wednesday. The club will play a Waters movie and have a competition to go alongside it. For tonight's event, the club will screen his "gritty and high-spirited" A Dirty Shame. Admission is free, but the drinks will cost ya. (Niesel)
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, nowthatsclass.net.
THU 03/30
Comedy: Steve Byrne
Comedian Steve Byrne, the star and creator of Sullivan & Son, gets laughs by making fun of people based on the types of music they listen to; he also likes to have audience members join him on stage so he can create his own boy band. Next month, Byrne's new comedy special will premiere. It features observational jokes about married life. "Eating at McDonald's is the closest I'll come to cheating on my wife," he jokes. "I see those arches and think, 'Oh shit, I want you inside of me.'" Expect a lively, interactive show when Byrne performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities, where he has performances scheduled through Saturday. Tickets are $23 to $30. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Art: Ekphrastacy at Heights Arts
At 7 tonight, Heights Arts presents the multi-faceted gallery talk, Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk + Poets Respond, based on its current exhibit Public Conscience through Graphics and Illustration. At a time when our country's social and political future is perhaps its most uncertain, this group exhibition is well timed to explore and express our shared hopes and anxieties. The exhibition collects the work of local artists who utilize the communicative abilities of graphic art and illustration to express sometimes difficult ideas and concepts to their viewers. Co-curated by local artists Leslye Arian and David King, Public Conscience through Graphics and Illustration remains on view through Sunday, April 16. During tonight's event, many of the contributing artists will participate in a gallery talk and invited poets will read new writings in response to the works on view in the exhibition. Admission is free. (Josh Usmani)
2175 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org.
Music: Handel's Royal Fireworks Music
British conductor Harry Bicket leads the Cleveland Orchestra tonight as it plays the fireworks music that George II commissioned Handel to compose in 1749 for a grand festival celebration. The piece became one of Handel's most popular works and has remained so ever since. The concert, which begins at 7:30 at Severance Hall, will also include Handel's Concerto Grosso in A major, Opus 6, No. 11, as well as pieces by Rameau and Purcell. Performances also take place at 11 a.m. tomorrow (minus the Purcell piece) and at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $29 to $149. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Sports: Monsters vs. Charlotte Checkers
For Thursday games at the Q, the Cleveland Monsters offer a special deal for college students. Students with a proper ID can buy tickets for just 6 bucks, and they're eligible for a $6 College Meal Deal that includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. Tonight's opponent: the Charlotte Checkers. The game begins at 7 p.m. and general admission tickets start at $10. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Spoken Word: PechaKucha Night Cleveland
Taking place in dozens of cities around the world, every PechaKucha Night features 10 creative speakers using 20 slides, and each slide is limited to 20 seconds. The result is an evening of fast-paced, exciting presentations, limited to just 400 seconds. Rather than speaking to a particular theme, presenters offer topics about which they are most passionate. This may include visual art, photography, technology, architecture, food, film and furniture design. In Cleveland, PechaKucha Night marks its 30th event from 7 to 10 tonight at the Music Box Supper Club. Presentations begin at 8:20 p.m. Speakers include Muslim artist Ayman Alkayali, poet-rapper Daniel Gray-Kontar, and photographer-author James Douglas Shields. Although the event is free, donations are accepted. One dollar from each donation goes to PKN Global to support the organization, and the rest of the proceeds help keep PKN Cleveland free. See the website for registration and additional details. (Usmani)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, pechakucha.org.
Pop-Up Art Gallery
Today, Ohio City Moto hosts its first Pop-Up Art Gallery. Open to local artists on a first-come, first-claimed basis, Ohio City Moto's showroom will be filled with tables and other space for artists to display work at the beginning of the event. Show Your Work: Pop-Up Art Gallery takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Whether you're exhibiting or hanging out, admission is $10 and registration is available through Eventbrite. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, which serves students from pre-school through high school with workshops, programs and long-term residencies. (Usmani)
2515 Jay Ave., 216-600-9303, ohiocitymoto.com.
Drink: Tom's Foolery and Red Eagle Distillery Cocktail Class at the Flying Fig
Ryan Wilkins of the Flying Fig and Lorilei Bailey of Tom's Foolery will lead a class tonight making cocktails with Northeast Ohio's best locally distilled spirits. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Flying Fig. If you arrive early, you can take advantage of happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the cocktail class are $27.37 and include light hors d'oeuvres and two cocktails. (Niesel)
2523 Market Ave., 216-241-4243, theflyingfig.com.
Comedy: Brad Williams
At 4-foot-4, diminutive comic Brad Williams hasn't let his height become an obstacle. He prefers to think of his height (or lack thereof) as a disability that's become the basis for all his jokes. Carlos Mencia reportedly discovered him one night and made him his opening act. Williams has also made countless appearances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jackass and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His high energy combined with his raw skits about relationships and sex translates well to the stage. Williams performs tonight at 7:30 at the Improv Comedy Club; performances continue through Sunday. Tickets are $20. (Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
FRI 03/31
Burlesque: 13th Anniversary Show
Le Femme Mystique Burlesque, the local burlesque troupe, celebrates its 13th anniversary tonight with a special show that features Miss Aurora Matrix and Bella Sin in addition to local favorites Marley Teenie and Miss Holly Grail, and newcomer Trick Diction. Ken Schneck from This Show is So Gay hosts. The event begins at 7:30 at the Beachland Ballroom. Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 at the door. VIP and reserved seats are also available. (Niesel)
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Sports: Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
With the NBA regular season winding down, the Cavaliers still need every win they can get to ensure home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. Tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, one of the worst teams in the league, should provide a bit of a breather, even if the young players on the Philly team have recently played with plenty of heart. The game begins at 7:30 at the Q. Tickets start at $62. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Dance: CSU Spring Dance Concert 2017
Faculty, staff, musicians and guest artists will contribute to the CSU Spring Dance Concert 2017, which takes place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night at the Allen Theatre. Billed as "an eclectic evening of traditional contemporary choreography," the performance aims to appeal to a diverse audience of all ages, though all children must be seated with an adult. Tickets are $5. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Food: Fish Fry-Days
Throughout Lent, Prosperity Social Club hosts its fish fry, dubbed Fish Fry-Days, every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The special Lenten menu includes the Big Fish Fry, a seasonal staple that features a generous portion of haddock covered in a fluffy blanket of beer batter and complemented by homemade coleslaw, house tartar sauce and old-school-style mac and cheese. Last year, the event received national attention when the home-cooked Big Fish Fry was featured on TV chef Andrew Zimmern's Delicious Destinations. New this year: Chef Ed Kubitz has added a lemony shrimp piccata pasta to the list of Fish Fry-Day offerings. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
Art: A Grand Opening Celebration
A city better known for its mall than its culture, Mentor has a new art gallery. Owner Carol Pitts calls her new Stella's Art Gallery "the only working art gallery in Lake County." While it's not the only gallery in Lake County, the term "working art gallery" refers to the artists who maintain studios in the Matchworks of Mentor building. The resident artists work in the studios and display their work in the gallery. Stella's Art Gallery, in Suite 112, features the work of more than a dozen local artists and artisans. Stella's Art Gallery hosts a grand opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. Admission is free. (Usmani)
8500 Station St., Suite 112, Mentor, stellasartgallery.com.
Theater: Hamlet
For this production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Great Lakes Theater will transform the Hanna Theatre into a mini Elizabethan theater, adding seating on the stage and at the side of the stages. The makeover will create an immersive experience for this innovative production of the play about a young prince torn between "duty and doubt." Two actors (Laura Welsh Berg and Jonathan Dyrud) will play Hamlet during the play's run. They'll alternate by performance. The play opens tonight at 7:30, and it runs through April 15. Tickets start at $15. (Niesel)
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Art: Two New Exhibitions
The Sculpture Center debuts two new exhibitions today. Opening with a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m., these new exhibitions include Amy Ritter's Behind a Hedge and John Dickinson's Stepping Into/Stepping Over. Ritter's work is influenced by her upbringing in a mobile home community in Eastern Pennsylvania. Utilizing materials from her familiar surroundings, such as xerox prints, plywood and cinder blocks, Ritter explores the relationship between three-dimensional spaces and two-dimensional images. Using self-portraiture, she also challenges her audience's preconceptions of gender. Ritter received a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 2009, before earning her MFA from the Ohio State University in 2014. Meanwhile, John Dickinson's recent work explores issues of materiality, representation and scale, as well as how flat images and objects relate, through silicone molds created with architectural models. An assistant professor of sculpture at Wright State University in Dayton, Dickinson received his BFA from Colorado State University in 2008 and his MFA from Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University, in 2010. Tonight, both artists will discuss their work: Dickinson in the Euclid Avenue Gallery at 6:15 p.m. and Ritter in the Main Gallery at 7 p.m. Admission is free. (Usmani)
1834 East 123rd St., 216-229-6527, sculpturecenter.org.
SAT 04/01
Dance: Ballet Biarritz
DanceCleveland's 2016-2017 series closes with a performance by Thierry Malandain's Ballet Biarritz. Malandain, its founder, blends classic and contemporary dance into completely original works. Using iconic stories, Malandain exploits his "inventive choreographic eye, quirky humor and imaginative mind." Tonight's story is Cinderella, performed with dancing mannequins, hilarious stepsisters and the superbly talented company dancers. Performances take place at 7:30 tonight at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $55. (Niesel)
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Theater: Between Riverside and Crazy
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play Between Riverside and Crazy centers on an ex-cop who struggles to let go of the memory of his recently deceased wife while stewing over the racially charged lawsuit he filed against the NYPD. He's also in the process of being evicted from the apartment he shares with his son. The Cleveland Play House's production of the piece opens today at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through April 23. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com.
Art: CommunitySpaces
Northeast Ohio is lucky to have an abundance of educational services available through its many arts and cultural organizations. In celebration of these organizations and their efforts, Spaces hosts its second annual CommunitySpaces, a series of exhibitions showcasing organizations such as Art Therapy Studio, BAYarts, the Beck Cener for the Arts, Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, FrontLine Service and the Rainey Institute. In addition to showing off work created by students at these organizations, CommunitySpaces offers the public an overview of broad programming and services offered to the community by these groups. Spaces hosts an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. today, and CommunitySpaces remains on view through April 15. Both the reception and exhibitions are free. (Usmani)
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
Art: Free First Saturday
Admission to MOCA Cleveland is free on the first Saturday of each month, which makes today an ideal time to view the museum's Winter/Spring 2017 exhibitions. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can check out exhibits including Adam Pendleton's largest solo museum show to date, Lisa Oppenheim's first solo show in the United States, and a site-specific sound installation, Transport Empty, by artists Zarouhie Abdalian and Joseph Rosenzweig. MOCA Cleveland's Winter/Spring 2017 exhibitions remain on view through May 14. But it's only free if you go today. (Usmani)
11400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.
Art: Heavy the Sea
In its first exhibition of 2017, Transformer Station presents the first individual public exhibition of work by London-based artist Esther Teichmann. A large-scale multimedia exhibition, Heavy the Sea explores the relationship between desire, loss and the imaginary through narratives of longing in large-scale still and moving images, painting and sculpture. From 2 to 4 p.m. today, the Transformer Station hosts a special gallery talk with Teichmann, who was raised in southern Germany and earned her degrees from the Royal College of Art. Heavy the Sea remains on view through April 30. Admission is free. (Usmani)
1460 West 29th St., 216-938-5429, transformerstation.org.
Film: Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's the first Saturday of the month, so tonight the Cedar Lee Theatre will host a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film 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, 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.
SUN 04/02
Sports: Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
If the Indiana Pacers played in the more competitive Western Conference, they might just squeeze into the playoffs as the eighth seed. But in the weaker Eastern Conference, they could be a fifth seed. An elite player, forward Paul George carries the team, but his supporting cast doesn't play with as much consistency as he does. The team tends to struggle on the road too. Tonight's game against the Cavs begins at 6 p.m., and tickets start at $130. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Comedy: Cleveland Improv Jam
The Angry Ladies of Improv has hosted the Cleveland Improv Jam for four years now. A few years back, Scene described the show as "fierce, formidable and very funny." The women have some serious experience too. Katie White-Sonby is an actress who's performed at Clague Playhouse, Karamu and Kennedy's Cabaret. Marjorie Preston is an alumna of Something Dada and Rockwell 9 improvisational comedy troupes. The event begins with a short-form set of improv games, followed by a long-form improv set. It begins at 5 p.m. at Coffee Phix. Arrive early if you want to sign up and perform. Admission is free. (Niesel)
4485 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, 216-381-5706, coffeephixcafe.com.
Music: Peter and the Wolf
The Cleveland Orchestra and Magic Circle Mime Company team up today at Severance Hall for a family concert featuring Peter and the Wolf. In Prokofiev's tale, various instruments of the orchestra portray the characters of the story. The concert begins at 3 p.m., and tickets range from $15 to $30. (Niesel)
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
mon 04/03
Food: Industry Brunch
Brunch isn't just a Saturday/Sunday thing. Over at Mahall's, you can grab a great brunch on Mondays as the club caters to industry folks who have the day off. Not that you have to work in the restaurant industry to indulge. The menu features items such as Chicken and Donuts, a dish that features three pieces of fried chicken along with two Old Hushers doughnuts. Other staples include the Everything Pretzel and the Creamy Egg Sandwich. A live DJ from WCSB will be on hand to spin cool tunes too. It runs from noon to 4. (Niesel)
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Nightlife: 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 — it's a crapshoot — 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. The tables fill up quickly. (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; 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)
Food: Wing Ding 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 Ding 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 offering meatless Monday "wing" baskets for vegans. Discounted drafts and a playlist of vintage-electric blues and soulful R&B will be on tap as well. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight. (Niesel)
1109 Starkweather Ave., 216-937-1938, prosperitysocialclub.com.
TUE 04/04
Film: 1984
The sci-fi film 1984 seems more and more realistic with each passing year. The adaptation of George Orwell's highly acclaimed novel will screen at 6:45 tonight at the Nightlight in Akron. This dystopian film (which was released in 1984) features bold, surrealist visuals and a soundtrack composed by the Eurythmics. The film features the late John Hurt in the lead role and also stars Hollywood great Richard Burton (in what became his last screen appearance). Tickets are $9, or $7 for members and students. (Johnny Cook)
30 North High St., Akron, 330-252-5782, nightlightcinema.com.
Sports: Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
The top scorer on the Orlando Magic, shooting guard Evan Fournier averages only about 16 points a game, suggesting the degree to which the team has struggled to compete this year. With the playoffs gradually becoming out of reach, the Magic have less and less to play for as the season nears completion. Expect the Cavs to capitalize and take home a victory when the two teams face off today at 7 p.m. at the Q. Tickets start at $19. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, theqarena.com.
Music: Classical Revolution Cleveland
Classical Revolution Cleveland helps tear down the wall between classical music and the masses, showcasing a variety of performers in bars, cafes and the like. In fact, it's not that different from how people used to listen to chamber music. The first Tuesday of every month, CRC brings its wide array of chamber music to 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. Full of immensely talented performers, CRC re-instills the relevancy of this vibrant art form. Tonight's free, all-ages performance starts at 8. (Patrick Stoops)
11625 Euclid Ave., 216-231-5400, happydogcleveland.com.
