An evening with John Stewart, Creed in concert, Frost at the Botanical Garden and other holiday fun

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

An Evening with Jon Stewart

The acerbic comedian and former “Daily Show” host brings his political commentary to Cleveland for a sold-out show. Tickets available via secondary markets. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Creed

The Creed Are You Ready? tour hits the arena. 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH open. Tickets start at $39.50. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

Frost

Cleveland Botanical Garden’s indoor and outdoor gardens come alive with dazzling lights, a tunnel of flowers, seasonal soundscapes and much more to create a holiday experience. Admission prices vary. Check website for hours. Saturday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 5. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Cavaliers

The red-hot Cavs are in action for a pair of home games over the next week. Prices vary. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

Christmas Connection

The massive shopping extravaganza is back with 550 (!) exhibitors, a new holiday train display, a beauty feature and earlier Saturday hours to peruse artisan gifts and décor. Admission prices vary.

Illuminate the Circle tree-lighting ceremony

Wade Oval becomes a winter wonderland, with immersive light show, holiday vignettes and seasonal traditions. The 30-foot tree-lighting ceremony includes live music, entertainment, games, food and more. Free admission. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio

Experience the magic and whimsy of a life-sized gameboard and discover colorful habitats - forests, fields and wetlands - as well as animal displays. Hot chocolate will be available in Snowshoe Lodge, and you can shop for nature-themed gifts in The Nature Store. Plus there will be crafts, scavenger hunts and other interactive exhibits. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, to Wednesday, Jan. 1 (Nature Center is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland. DETAILS

Wild Winter Lights at Zoo

See more than 1.5 million little bulbs light up Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during Wild Winter Lights. Holiday-themed areas include Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway, and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. Take photos with Santa Claus and enjoy a dynamic musical light show featuring a 50-foot tree. Tickets are $24 per individual for walk through, $55 per car for drive through. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. Through Dec. 30. DETAILS

North Pole Adventure

Embark on a magical journey to the North Pole on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, where you’ll pass through the Christmas Tree Forest, see a Candy Cane Farm and maybe, just maybe, meet Santa. Tickets start at $50. CVSR Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence. Through Dec. 21. DETAILS

“Some Like It Hot”

This Tony Award-winning musical at Playhouse Square updates the classic comedy, about a pair of male musicians who pose as women and join an all-female band after witnessing a mob hit. Tickets $30-$129. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Now through Nov. 24. DETAILS

'Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford’s Mustang'

The Crawford-Auto Aviation Museum is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic Mustang automobile with a new exhibit. Titled “Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford’s Mustang,” it features 20 examples of the Mustang, from the little coupe launched by Lee Iacocca to the 2024 Dark Horse and it’s 500-horsepower Coyote V-8 engine. Tickets $10 to $15. Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland. Through May 2025. DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra

Santtu-Matias Rouvali will make his Cleveland conducting debut as the orchestra performs Carl Nielsen’s Overture to Maskarade, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. (The previously announced orchestra performance of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7 has been rescheduled for the 2025–26 season.) Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

D.L. Hughley

The comedian-actor hits town with his humor. And if you get a chance, find “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip;” it’s one of Aaron Sorkin’s best, and Hughley starred in it. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22; 9:30 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22; 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23; 9 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23; 5 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24. Funny Bone, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Charo

Spanish sensation Charo dazzles in her new show filled with humor, guitar skills and more. Cuchi cuchi everyone! Tickets: $40. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. DETAILS

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

The 50-plus year-old show meshes dreams, music and not-so-brotherly love. It opens a monthly run. Tickets: $16 to $36. Times vary. Friday, Nov. 22. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. DETAILS

University of Akron School of Music

Take in an opera! Frank Ward directs Act 1 of Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love.” Free. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157. University Ave., Akron. Email [email protected] or call 330-972-7590.

The Potluck

The Potluck has been around since 2007, establishing themselves as what B Side Lounge touts as a “neighborhood staple amongst Cleveland & Cleveland Heights kids coming home from HBCU’s and other colleges on break.” Enjoy some potluck before Thanksgiving. Tickets: $20. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. B Side Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Toledo at Akron football

MACtion continues with the Toledo Rockets facing the Akron Zips in football. Prices vary. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. InfoCision Stadium, 375 E. Market St., Akron. DETAILS

University of Akron men’s basketball

March Madness isn’t here, but it’s heating up in Northeast Ohio with the Akron Basketball Classic. 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, vs. Lamar University; 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, vs. Nebraska Omaha; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, vs. Alabama State. Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron. DETAILS

Cleveland State men’s basketball

A pair of Northeast Ohio colleges tangle in an inter-conference matchup. The Cleveland State Vikings of the Horizon League host the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mid-American Conference. Prices vary. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Jokes on You

It’s billed as Cleveland’s first crowd work comedy show, which challenges local and visiting comedians to think on their feet: Skip the prepared material and focus on the organic interaction with the audience. Who knows here the show will go? 21 and older. Tickets: $10. 7:15 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24. Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Professional Championship Bull Riders

World Class Bull Riding bucks and busts into Canton. Tickets: $25 to $50; discounts for kids. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Canton Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N, Canton. DETAILS

Cleveland Monsters hockey

Drop the puck! The Monsters host the Milwaukee Admirals for a pair of back-to-back home games. 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 (Pride Night)

Noon Sunday, Nov. 24 (Salute to Service, Family Day, Blue Jackets Night). Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. DETAILS

Crocker Park holiday festivities

The shopping-lifestyle center is set to host its annual tree lighting, holiday block party and other festivities. The lighting of a 50-foot tree kicks things off. Saturday, Nov. 23: 4 p.m. Joe Bell and the Swing Lizards perform; 7 p.m. tree lighting. 177 Market St., Westlake. DETAILS

'The Sound of Music'

The classic story of the musical Von Trapp family in Austria takes the stage. Will they escape? Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sunday, Dec. 15. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls. DETAILS

Mood Swing exhibition opening

An opening party is set to celebrate the new exhibition curated by Marcella Hackbardt. It features work by Allana Clarke, Stephanie Rond, A.F. Oehmke, Jonathan Vega, Amber N. Ford, Michelle Burdine and Michael Coppage. Free. 5:30 to 8 p.m. (6:30 to 7 p.m. artist talk) Friday, Nov. 22. The Sculpture Center, 12210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Western Reserve Historical Society Doll show

Cleveland History Center's new exhibit, “All Dolled Up: 200 Years of Dolls and Miniatures,” presents the museum’s collection of dolls, doll houses, miniatures, and toys. WRHS members are free. All others included with general admission. Through August 2025. 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland. DETAILS

Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins in Chinese Art

This spooky season exhibition features 20 paintings and sculptures exploring the role of supernatural spirits in Chinese art and culture. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Now through Jan. 20, 2025. DETAILS

GLOW: Neon and Light

GLOW: Neon & Light premiered at the end of September at Akron Art Museum’s Arnstein Galleries and runs through early February. The sculptural exhibit uses glass, neon tubes, light bulbs and more for an immersive experience. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Through February 9. DETAILS

FOOD & DRINK

Hot chocolate trail launched at 11 NE Ohio locations

The inaugural Tour Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail is under way. The digital-passport tour allows participants to explore cafes and businesses across the county, comparing decadent hot chocolates. Participants can download a free passport, and those who check in and try hot chocolates at eight of 11 featured locations will earn a limited-edition #TourLakeCOcoa mug. The trail runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31. READ MORE

Cleveland Restaurant Week

The promotional week ends its run this week, with almost 30 restaurants offering deals – mostly $39 prix fixe specials. The annual promotion helps kick off the holiday season for member restaurants. Dine-in and carryout options vary. The promotion serves as a way to draw diners to restaurants often during slower sales times. Final day is Friday, Nov. 22. Multiple locations. DETAILS

Sleigh

Sleigh, a pop-up bar, is back at Jack Casino. Enjoy a festive bar on the casino’s third floor. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Sunday, Dec. 29 (closed Thanksgiving, Nov. 28). 100 Public Square, Cleveland. DETAILS

Cooking Demo: Stroopwafel with Annie’s Signature Sweets

Hudson Library and Historical Society presents a cooking demonstration with Ann LoParo of Annie’s Signature Sweets. LoParo, former pastry chef at the Cleveland Museum of Art, will guide attendees on making stroopwafel, a traditional Dutch dessert. Registration is required. Email [email protected] or call 330-653-6658, ext. 1010 if spots are available. 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. 96 Library St., Hudson. DETAILS

Cheese, Wine & Chocolate Fest Cleveland

The fest covers three favorites – cheese, wine and chocolate with more than 50 wines and 50 cheeses. It brings together food connoisseurs, wine enthusiasts and cheese lovers for nibbles and drinks. A marketplace will sell wines from the event. Prices vary. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Heights. DETAILS

M Cellars to hold 4-course wine and food pairing dinner

M Cellars is having a four-course wine and food pairing dinner featuring chef Zachary Bond from The Spot on Lakeshore. Check-in is 6 p.m. Dinner is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. M Cellars is at 6193 S. River Road W, Geneva. READ MORE

TV & MOVIES

‘Gladiator II’

"Gladiator II," the long-awaited sequel to its Oscar-winning predecessor, is everything you'd hope it would be: bigger, bloodier and more bonkers. This time, the focus is on Lucious (Paul Mescal), last seen in the original as a young boy. Taken as a prisoner of war by the Roman emporer, he shows his worth in gladiator ring, he captures the attention of a power-hungry promoter with ambitions for the throne. Filled with thrilling action, soapy drama and grand spectacle, "Gladiator II" is a worthy successor. REVIEW

‘Wicked’

"Wicked" is finally hitting the big screen, and and fans of the smash Broadway musical need not worry. The movie adaptation is a highly entertaining, emotional and exhilarating return to the magical land of Oz. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the young woman who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, while Ariana Grande is Glinda, the good witch. Packed with dazzling musical numbers and a healthy dusting of movie magic, "Wicked" defies gravity -- and description. REVIEW

‘Blitz’

Steve McQueen's "Blitz," streaming Friday on Apple TV+, is a wartime odyssey about a 9-year-old biracial boy (Elliott Heffernan) who, after being sent to the countryside during the Nazi bombing of London, tries to get home to his mother (Saoirse Ronan). "Blitz," McQueen's first narrative feature since 2018's "Widows," sometimes feels stuck between a conventional war drama and something more adventurous. But it's vividly drawn, and more complicated and unsparing than the average WWII drama. DETAILS

‘Interior Chinatown’

In "Interior Chinatown," actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang plays a Chinese American background actor in a police procedural who dreams of becoming a leading man. It's adapted from a novel by Charles Yu, who also served as showrunner of the series. Taika Waititi is an executive producer. "Interior Chinatown" premieres Tuesday on Hulu. DETAILS

‘The Sex Live of College Girls’

It's the beginning of sophomore year for the ladies of Max's "The Sex Lives of College Girls." The show, created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, follows roommates at a fictional college in Vermont. Season three, premiering Thursday, brings back original leads Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur and Alyah Chanelle Scott but will wrap up Reneé Rapp's storyline. She quit the show to focus on her music career. Mia Rodgers and Gracie Lawrence have been added to the mix as series regulars. DETAILS

‘Based on a True Story’

Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina have more problems when season two of "Based on a True Story" begins streaming Thursday on Peacock. Season one saw their characters, Ava and Nathan, launch a true crime podcast with an actual serial killer (played by Tom Bateman). In the new episodes, the couple are new parents attempting to return to a normal life, until a string of murders draws them back into amateur sleuthing. DETAILS

‘Cruel Intentions’

The 1999 film "Cruel Intentions" starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar remains a cult classic but Prime Video has updated the story with a TV series. Sarah Catherine Hook and Zac Burgess play wealthy stepsiblings who hatch a plan to seduce and deceive one of their college classmates, who also happens to be the daughter of the vice president of the United States. The show, premiering Thursday, also has plenty of Easter eggs in the that call back to the movie. DETAILS

‘The Piano Lesson’

Denzel Washington's quest to bring the works of August Wilson to the screen have already produced several exceptional films, and performances, in "Fences" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." In "The Piano Lesson" (on Netflix Friday), he hands the reins to his son, Malcolm Washington, who makes his directorial debut in a production starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Erykah Badu, Ray Fisher and Corey Hawkins. The film, set in 1930s Pittsburgh, is about a family wrestling with the legacy of a family heirloom, and of slavery. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr praised it as a "a literal ghost story, with creaks, spooks and shadows lurking." DETAILS

‘Spellbound’

Following its first foray into feature film animation, 2022's "Luck," Skydance returns with another original animated tale in "Spellbound" (on Netflix Friday). The film, set in the magical world of Lumbria, is about a young girl (voiced by Rachel Zegler) who must save the rulers of Lumbria, her parents (Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem), after they're turned into monsters. "Spellbound," produced by former Pixar boss John Lasseter, features original songs from Disney legend Alan Menken. DETAILS

‘Bird’

Academy Award-winner Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” a coming-of-age fable described as a “portrait of the transition from childhood to adolescence.” Multiple showtimes vary. Nov. 22-27. The Nightlight, 30 N. High St., Akron. DETAILS

‘Black Dog’

The award-winning film is billed as a poetic tale of isolation, companionship and redemption. When a recently released prisoner returns to his desolate hometown, he creates an unlikely bond with a stray dog. Cleveland premiere, China, 2024, subtitles, 116 minutes. Admission: $12. 9:15 to 11:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Cleveland Institute of Art, Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

MUSIC

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

The acclaimed folk duo does their thing. Tickets start at $44.50. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. DETAILS

Joseph Arthur

The Akron singer-songwriter has had a remarkable career, playing his unique alternative sounds with a bit of funk twirled in. He has recorded with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and others. Tickets: $30. 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) Wednesday, Nov. 27. House Three Thirty, 532 W Market St., Akron. DETAILS

Dirt Monkey

The electronic-music artist brings his sounds and style to Masonic Temple. Tickets start at $24.50. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Panza Foundation’s 10th anniversary show

Panza Foundation’s anniversary show features Napsack, Free Black, Powers/Rolin Duo and Teamonade. The foundation provides financial support for local musicians. Tickets: $12. 8:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23. Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Ave, Cleveland. DETAILS

Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration

The entire classic Back to Back album will be performed with 12-piece band and singers. Features Post Saga and Mikey Silas (Apostle Jones). Winehouse died July 23, 2011. (This is a new date for the show. Tickets from the previously scheduled performance on Aug. 6 are valid.) Tickets: $25 (advance), $28 (day of show), $40 (reserve). 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Thursday, Nov. 21. Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. DETAILS

Diana Chittester

The acclaimed Northeast Ohio-based singer-songwriter plays downtown. 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. House of Blues, Crossroads Stage, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Orchestra

Drink good beer and hear some Latin sounds. Moises Borges opens. Tickets: $20. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Market Garden Brewery tasting room, 1849 W. 24th St. Cleveland. Reservations: 216-621-4000. DETAILS

State Champs

The band - from Albany, New York – brings its pop-punk sounds to town. Openers: Knuckle Puck; Meet Me @ The Altar; Daisy Grenade. Tickets: $35 to $65. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24. Agora Cleveland, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Chris Knight

The singer-songwriter-storyteller from Kentucky is out with Almost Daylight, his ninth album and first new recording in more than seven years. Tickets start at $25. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Dinner & A Movie: The Last Waltz

Rolling Stone bills this as the greatest concert movie ever. Martin Scorsese directed the movie, which features a star-studded array of classic musicians at The Band’s final performance. Free; reservations required. 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Pat Harris

The vocalist hits the Bop Stop with her six-piece band. Tickets: $20. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham’s drummer-son pounds his way to Cleveland with his band. Tickets start at $57. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. DETAILS

‘Wicked’

We've already gotten an Ariana Grande album this year with "eternal sunshine" but there's more on the way. On Friday, her voice is all over the soundtrack for the movie "Wicked" as Glinda, opposite Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The album is part of a two-fer, with the first 11 songs from the first chapter of the two-part film adaptation. That means two of the musical's best tunes will be available — "Popular" and "Defying Gravity." Also listen for Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum. DETAILS

Kim Deal

Kim Deal, the center of bands like the Breeders and the Pixies, will release her debut solo album on Friday, "Nobody Loves You More," via the influential indie label 4AD Records. The project has been in the works for many years — beginning with tracks like "Are You Mine?" and "Wish I Was," dating back to 2011 — but no matter, it still sounds like some left-of-center future, from the Steve Albini-produced "Coast" to noisy, clangorous world-building of "Crystal Breathe." "Beat by beat I expel your point of view," Deal declares. "The heels of my imagination digging into you I start a new life/Beat's gonna lead us/Live on." DETAILS

"Patsy Cline: Walkin' After Midnight"

For those hoping for something a bit more classic, look no further: PBS' "Great Performances" anthology series, which features musicals, operas, plays, ballets and concerts, will spotlight the great Patsy Cline on Friday, broadcast on PBS and available to stream on the PBS app. "Patsy Cline: Walkin' After Midnight" celebrates the country music giant on stage at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium with performances by Wynonna Judd, Ashley McBryde, Mickey Guyton, Kristin Chenoweth, Rita Wilson and more, with interviews from her husband, Charlie Dick, and famous friends like Loretta Lynn. DETAILS

Entertainment | Music | Events

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