WED 11/14
Cleveland Stories Dinner Party
The goal of 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. Tonight, Brecksville native Michael Cheselka, who began his career at the infamous Comedy Store in Los Angeles and toured with the late Sam Kinison, will talk about how he became a comic. He'll perform a standup set after his talk too. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7. (Jeff Niesel)
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Derick Lengwenus
Comedian Derick Lengwenus has been described as the "perfect comedy package." He delivers a clean show that even includes a skit featuring the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. Born in Montreal, Lengwenus frequently talks about his experiences there. He also likes to make jokes about his German father. He has a knack for impersonations too. He performs tonight at 8 at Hilarities. Tickets are $13 to $18. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Rock on TV: Norma Coates on Shindig and Hullabaloo
An associate prof who holds a joint appointment in the Don Wright Faculty of Music and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University in London, Ontario, Dr. Norma Coates' research focuses on two areas: popular music and identity. Currently completing a book about popular music on U.S. television before MTV, Coates speaks today at 7 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Her talk will center on two TV music shows, Shindig and Hullabaloo, both of which are featured in the Rock Hall exhibit Stay Tuned: Rock on TV. Admission is free, but a RVSP through the Rock Hall website is required. (Niesel)
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Singers' Night
A few years ago, after getting "burned out" in New York, Return of Simple frontman Rob Kovacs moved back to Cleveland and relaunched the popular indie rock band. Kovacs has since started hosting a monthly Singers' Night at Bar 107 in Berea. The evening features local singers who perform a song while Kovacs accompanies them on piano. Singers are encouraged to bring sheet music or choose from Kovacs' song list. Lyrics aren't provided, but performers can bring their own if needed. Each month will feature a new local singer who will perform a short set. Sign-ups begin at 8 p.m. with the first singer kicking things off at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. (Niesel)
107 Front St., Berea, 440-973-4431, 107berea.com-singers-night.
THU 11/15
Corteo
Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Corteo, the latest Cirque du Soleil arena production, premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since then, it's traveled to 64 cities in 19 countries on four continents. Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, features a festive funeral imagined by a clown and watched over by angels. The cast of Corteo includes 51 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from all around the world. It comes to the Q tonight at 7:30 for a six-show, four-night run. Tickets start at $39. (Niesel)
1 Center Court, 216-420-2000, cirquedusoleil.com.
A Paris Education
A Paris Education, the latest film from French director Jean-Paul Civeyrac, centers on a young man who moves to Paris to study film. While there, he tries to "find himself" by arguing about movies and politics with his peers. The movie makes its Cleveland premiere tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. There will be free donuts and cider while supplies last. Admission is $11, or $8 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Violet
A multi-award-winning musical, Violet features show-stopping anthems ranging from American-roots and folk to gospel. The story centers on a girl who was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 toward a miracle: the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. The performance takes place at 7:30 tonight at the Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab, where shows continue through Sunday. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 11/16
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.
art
Altered Value: The Art of Funny Money
Over the past 10 years, local artist Josh Usmani has had his artwork featured in more than 100 group gallery exhibitions. A former Scene contributor, he's also put on several solo shows and presented workshops and lectures, and participated in panels. The release of his new book, Altered Value: The Art of Funny Money, coincides with an exhibition of new work from the book at Tregoning & Company at 78th Street Studios. A reception for the book and exhibit takes place today from 5 to 9 p.m. The works will remain on view through Dec. 1. (Niesel)
1300 West 78th St., 216-281-8626, tregoningandco.com.
Comedy
Arnez J
Arnez J's little brother is mentally handicapped and often gets him into trouble. Like that time at Burger King when he just wanted to buy his little bro a burger — until his brother beat up a man who wanted their handicapped spot! His humor is all over the place as he talks about colonoscopies, ladies who need to cover the glue of their weaves and the way his Uncle Charlie dances. His Rodney King skit is hilarious and his observations of the world are pretty spot-on. This one promises to be funny. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at the Improv, and performances run through Sunday. Tickets start at $25. (Liz Trenholme)
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-IMPROV, clevelandimprov.com.
Dave Attell
Known as the host of Comedy Central's Insomniac with Dave Attell and The Gong Show, Dave Attell is also a great standup comedian, writer and actor. A New York native, he graduated from NYU in 1987 with a degree in communications. During the day, he worked crappy jobs and did standup at night. After getting national exposure on David Letterman, his career took off. The caffeinated comic has a rapid-fire delivery that suggests he has trouble turning off his mind. He performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 at Hilarities; shows scheduled through Sunday. Tickets are $30 to $35. (Niesel)
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Cielo
A new film from director Alison McAlpine, the documentary film Cielo captures the night sky in Chile's Atacama desert. Since there's no light pollution in the region, it attracts astronomers and stargazers alike, something that McAlpine captures in her film. The movie screens tonight at 7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Friendsgiving Flea
It's tough to think about Christmas when we still have Thanksgiving to get through, but it's important to note that the Cleveland Flea is back for another holiday season. This year, the winter-themed Friendsgiving Flea is headed to the renovated Madison events venue. You'll find nearly 75 booths featuring enough locally made and antique items to cheer up even the biggest Scrooge around. The holiday market takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday. General admission is $10. Get your tickets on the website. (Laura Morrison) 4601 Payne Ave., theclevelandflea.com.
Jazzology
Jazzology, a program featuring Scotland's leading jazz musicians along with cultural commentator Dr. Wesley White, aims to explore "questions about life, God, and the world around us through the paradigm of jazz as a particular mode of musical and artistic expression." White and a jazz act featuring Euan Stevenson (piano), Douglas Whates (bass), and Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophone) will appear tonight at 7 at the CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2180B Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com.
SAT 11/17
Batman
Cleveland Cinemas' Late Shift series, a program dedicated to the nostalgic cult and camp cinema that we love and cherish even though it's certainly not Oscar-worthy material, has been a fixture at the local chain since 2006. The series continues tonight at the Capital Theatre with a midnight screening of Batman, starring Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight. Tickets are $6. Wear a cape and get a free popcorn. (Niesel)
1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.
Fran Belkin, Rock This Town
Fran Belkin, wife of concert promoter Jules Belkin, recently published her first book, Rock This Town. Inspired by the concert T-shirts in her attic, she reviews the more than 30 years of Cleveland rock 'n' roll history she experienced with Belkin Productions. The book includes vintage snapshots, concert photography and "intimate stories" shared by the Belkin Productions crew who lived them. Belkin will be signing her book at 1 p.m. today at Visible Voice Books. Admission is free. (Niesel)
2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.
Dark Xmas
Way back in 1999, Travis Bowen worked for Chiller Theater, which at the time was one of the biggest horror conventions on the East Coast. With Dark Xmas, which he founded in December 2003 in Trumbull County, he sought to emulate the original. His festival is still going strong; it comes to Norwood Inn & Suites in Hudson today and tomorrow. This year's incarnation will feature a Nightmare on Elm Street movie reunion, the original credited Michael Myers from Halloween, the star of the original Sleepaway Camp, zombies from The Walking Dead and lots more. Autographs will be signed by celebrity guests. Movie directors will take part in Q&A panels. And a gaming station will feature a video game system from the 1980s. Dress up as your favorite character and compete in the best-dressed cosplay characters' competition. Check the website for a schedule and ticket prices. (Niesel)
Holiday Shop Open House Weekend
The entire first floor of BAYarts Huntington House will be transformed into a winter wonderland for this weekend's Holiday Shop Open House, featuring the work of over 100 local artists offering jewelry, ornaments, soaps, candles, framed artwork, holiday cards, apparel and more. The mart runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow. (Niesel)
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts.net.
Kate Quigley
A comedian who's ventured into acting on occasion, Kate Quigley recently hosted the AVN Awards (airing on Showtime,) and can be seen on MTV2's ADD TV. Widely known as the "up for anything" star of Playboy TV's Undercover, Quigley has also appeared in shows such as The Office and The Megan Mullally Show. Cleveland native Rick Glassman opens the show, which is part of the 11th annual Cleveland Comedy Festival. It takes place at 8 tonight at the Hanna Theatre. Tickets are $25. (Niesel) 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Science Fair
A hit at this year's South by Southwest Film Festival, Science Fair, a documentary about nine teen STEM superstars who engage in some fierce competition for scholarships and jobs, screens tonight at 7:35 and tomorrow night at 8:45 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $10, or $7 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
Warren Miller's Face of Winter
The release of a new Warren Miller Entertainment ski film signals the start of ski season as much as anything. Tonight at 8, the Akron Civic Theatre will screen his latest, featuring skiers performing death defying stunts. A 6:30 "ski fest" precedes the screening. Tickets are $15. (Niesel)
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
SUN 11/18
Dolores
Peter Bratt directs Dolores, a documentary about the life of farm labor organizer and activist Dolores Huerta. The United Labor Agency and the North Shore Federation of Labor have sponsored today's screening, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Fifth Annual Touchdown for Hunger
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland aims to "reduce hunger and enhance nutrition in our community by providing food and other health-related vital services to individuals and families ... ." Today's fifth annual Touchdown for Hunger at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium will raise money for the organization. Anyone who brings jars of peanut butter, boxes of oatmeal, cans of beans and other non-perishable food items to the Aquarium between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will score discounted $7 same-day admission. Those who arrive between 11 a.m. and noon could also get a "high five" from Cleveland Browns' mascot Chomps, who'll be on hand for the event. (Niesel)
2000 Sycamore St., 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Girl Boss Business Brunch
The daughter of NFL star-turned-restaurateur, Al "Bubba" Baker, Brittani Bo' Baker has joined forces with Maria Jeancola, a serial networker and the creator of Network Fifty Two, to offer a "morning of motivation" for women. Their Girl Boss Business Brunch will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Bubba's-Q in Avon. The $40 ticket includes business brainstorming over brunch, mimosas, networking and tips on how to start a business or take an existing business to the next level. Find tickets on eventbrite. (Niesel)
820 Center Rd., Avon, eventbrite.com.
Alon Goldstein
One of the "most original and sensitive artists" of his generation, pianist Alon Goldstein has been praised for his musical intelligence and dynamic personality. He regularly performs throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. Today, as part of Tri-C's Performing Arts series, he plays a free show at 2 p.m. at the Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Paper Shadows
Paper Shadows, the long-awaited film from local director Robert C. Banks, makes its world premiere tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. The movie centers on a ragtag group of people who come together to take on a fictional philanthropic institution. Inner city kids from the NewBridge Cleveland after-school program appear in the movie, and Banks made use of many Cleveland locations. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Cinematheque members and students. (Niesel)
11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7450, cia.edu.
The Singing Angels: 2018 Holiday Spectacular
Today at 2 p.m. at the State Theatre, the Singing Angels, some of Cleveland's finest young singers, will perform winter, Christmas, and Hanukkah favorites. The program will feature everything from classical selections to barbershop harmony. You will even hear a medley from Frozen that will spotlight all three of the Singing Angels' choruses. Tickets are $18 to $43. (Niesel)
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
MON 11/19
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.
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 11/20
Making Montgomery Clift
Robert Clift, movie star Montgomery Clift's nephew, reexamines his uncle's life in Making Montgomery Clift, a movie that he co-directed. The film makes its Cleveland premiere today at 1:45 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tickets are $10, or $7 for CMA members. (Niesel)
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Vinyl Night
Jukebox owner Alex Budin has described his 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. 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.
