BorderLight Theatre Festival Inspired by the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this 4th annual event features an exciting and diverse lineup of international touring shows, self-produced acts and workshops. Tickets start at $12 but many performances are free. Playhouse Square. Now through July 27. DETAILS Preview: BorderLight Theater Festival brings the creative spirit of a fringe festival to Cleveland Michael Longfellow “Saturday Night Live” cast member Michael Longfellow brings his deadpan style of standup comedy to Hilarities 4th Street Theatre for three nights. Tickets start at $25. 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland. July 25-27. DETAILS Big Bounce America Tour The Big Bounce America 2024 tour features the world’s largest inflatable bounce house. It includes seven massive inflatable attractions including the newly expanded 24,000-square-foot bounce house. Reservations are a good idea. Tickets begin at $22. Through July 28. Victory Sports Park, 7777 Victory Ln, North Ridgeville. DETAILS Related: Big Bounce America tour headed for NE Ohio Cleveland Orchestra presents Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra returns to its scenic summer home at Blossom Music Center to perform Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s most powerful symphony. Conducted by Hannu Lintu, the program includes a featured performance by principal cello Mark Kosower. Tickets start at $25. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m., July 27. DETAILS “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.” Based on the popular animated franchise, this Cain Park youth theater production follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the hip hip Hippo on an unexpected musical adventure. Tickets $5-15. 14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights. July 26-28. DETAILS Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival Returning for its 50th year, the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival returns for the first of four weekends of free dance performances in Akron’s parks. The Ohio Contemporary Ballet is up first with an enchanting evening of classical and contemporary ballet at Forest Lodge Park. GroundWorks Dance Theater, Inlet Dance Theatre and Dayton Contemporary Dance Co. perform on subsequent weekends. 260 Greenwood Ave., Akron. July 26-27. DETAILS |
|
|
“MJ: The Musical” From the “ABC” to “Thriller” and everything in between, experience the generational talent and creative genius of Michael Jackson in this Tony-winning musical at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre. Tickets $39-$189. 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Now through Aug. 1. DETAILS Review: ‘MJ’ is an absolute thriller at Playhouse Square Related:‘MJ: The Musical’ introduces audiences to a Michael Jackson ‘they’ve never met before,’ playwright saysAsian Lantern Festival The Asian Lantern Festival returns with attractions that include a 50-foot-tall pagoda, walk-through tunnels, and immersive themed areas, including Crystal World and the Blooming Gardens. Live acrobatic performances will be featured every hour and culturally inspired food will be available. Tickets start at $21 in advance (members) or $24 in advance for nonmembers. Through August 25. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. DETAILS Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace ‘Tis the season for the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace. The festivities, entertainment, performances, themed weekends and more are every Saturday and Sunday through August 11. This weekend’s theme is “Pirates, Princesses, and Pups!” Tickets start at $25. 3033 State Route 534, Rock Creek. DETAILS “Beautiful, the Carole King Musical” Beck Center for the Arts’ production of this jukebox musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carole King features timeless hits such as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Tickets $10-$38. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Now through Aug. 11. DETAILS “Legally Blonde The Musical” Near West Theatre’s teen summer mainstage production is this fabulous musical based on the hit movie. Follow sorority girl Elle Woods to Harvard Law, where she surprises everybody including herself. Tickets $20 or pay what you choose. 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. Now through Aug. 4. DETAILS Balloon Classic Part of the ongoing Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, this picturesque event at the Kent State Stark Campus draws balloonists from across the country. Five hot-air balloon launches are scheduled. There are also tethered balloon rides, fireworks and a new drone light show. Free admission. Parking $10. 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton. July 26-28. DETAILS Historical Engine Society Antique Power Exhibition See antique tractors, construction and excavation equipment, cars, trucks and more at this 53th annual event at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Admission $7-$9. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland. July 26-28. DETAILS Opera in the Italian Garden Enjoy beautiful music in the Renaissance-themed Italian Garden located within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens as talented singers perform well-known opera, Broadway and Italian songs. Free with reserved seating available for $32. 990 East Blvd., Cleveland. 6 p.m., July 28. DETAILS ‘Corvair: The American Porsche’ Whether you think of the Corvair as a design innovation or unloved stepchild, the vehicle turns 64 years old this year, and the Crawford Auto Museum at the Western Reserve Historical Society has a full-throttle exhibition called “Corvair: The American Porsche?” which examines the sporty sedan line’s brief history. The exhibition itself is a delightful time warp, chock full of history, well-executed displays and impeccable automotive design prowess. With seven different Corvair models on display at the museum located at 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, this could be your car enthusiast’s banner event for the year. READ MORE “Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution” This exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art looks at history and the transformative legacy of Korean fashion. Thirty garments plus accompanying ephemera are showcased. These range from excavated 17th-century aristocratic garments to contemporary Korean couture by leading and emerging designers. Free. Through Oct. 13. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS Monet in Focus This special exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art showcases five exquisite paintings by French Impressionist Claude Monet created during the tail end of his career, including three works on loan from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Now through Aug. 11. DETAILS Related: Cleveland Museum of Art opens meditative mini-tribute to Monet with borrowed works from Paris |
|
|
FOOD & DRINK Strongsville Homecoming Festival Celebrate Strongsville’s rich heritage and community pride at this 82nd-annual festival full of carnival rides, delicious food, live music and family-friendly activities. Free admission. July 24-27. Strongsville City Commons at Royalton and Pearl Roads. DETAILS Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Festival Get your Greek on as this east-side favorite festival returns for a weekend of ethnic eats, live music and dance performances. Serving gyros, moussaka, baklava and much more. Free admission. 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights. July 25-28. DETAILS Serenite Restaurant Sérénité Restaurant and Culinary Institute in Medina has good food and a good mission. Housed in a vintage home in Medina, the classic French restaurant offers familiar favorites like escargot and fondue as well as duck aux cerise and eggplant gratin. While entrees are delicious, it’s easy to gather a table full of hors de oeuvres for the variety. The smoked salmon canapes and mac and cheese are large, delicious portions of starters and almost enough for a meal. Profits fund tuition and training for folks enrolled in an addiction recovery and restaurant training program. Bon Apetit. DETAILS Alexander Pierce Restaurant Alexander Pierce has been open a few years, serving a fine-dining niche in Akron. From mussels to meatballs as starters, with entrees ranging from ribeye to King Crab legs and more, the steak-and-seafood-centric restaurant hits the spot. Throw in friendly service, and it makes for a nice night out. It at 797 E. Market St. READ MORE Bella Luna Bakery Bella Luna Bakery is a downtown gem for a quick bite. The star of the menu is its empanadas, with different fillings like beef, chicken, pizza and more. The bakery also offers deli sandwiches, tacos and salads. Bella Luna is located at 3460 W. 25th Street in Cleveland. DETAILS |
|
|
TV & MOVIES "Deadpool & Wolverine" Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman look to turn Marvel’s recent fortunes around and re-energize its fanbase in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The raunchy bromance should have no problem clearing that bar. It’s an absolute blast: an action-packed, hilarious, heartfelt and inventive love letter to Marvel fans 25+ years in the making. Better, it doesn’t drown its own nostalgia and is full of surprises. In this post-“Spider-Man: No Way Home” world, that’s saying a lot. And nothing will prepare you for the superhero team Reynolds (also a producer and co-screenwriter) and director Shawn Levy have assembled. REVIEW "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” It's been 40 years since the original "Ghostbusters," and some might argue that it's time to move on. "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," which begins streaming Monday on Netflix, has some things going for it. Namely Kumail Nanjiani, who steals the movie as the reluctant "Fire Master." But there's a pleasant-enough kid-friendly-ish vibe to "Frozen Empire," in which the Spengler family (Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace) returns to New York. OG Ghostbusters Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and Dan Aykroyd are also still on hand. The AP says that the movie has "a modest charm as an '80s-tinged family adventure." DETAILS "Bob Marley: One Love" "Bob Marley: One Love," streaming this week on Prime Video, is the latest in a medley of music biopics. The film, which first debuted in theaters in February, stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the reggae legend. It's a muddled but sincere and textured approach in capturing one of the most potent musical forces of the 20th century. DETAILS "The Decameron" What would happen if the cast of "Love Island" caught the plague while sequestered in their villa? That's one way to describe "The Decameron" on Netflix, a black comedy set in Florence, Italy. Loosely based on stories from the 14th century, a collection of misfits end up hiding out and partying through the 1348 pandemic at a countryside villa. The eight-part series, debuting Thursday, stars comedy pros like Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet and Saoirse-Monica Jackson in a romp full of sex, booze, love and mortality. DETAILS "Dress My Tour" Fashion and music intersect in the new competition series "Dress My Tour" for Hulu. Hosted by Kate Upton, 11 contestants are challenged with designing looks for a different recording artist each episode who will judge their creations. The musicians who take part include JoJo Siwa, Toni Braxton and Ty Dolla $ign. The winner gets $100,000. DETAILS "Wayne Brady: The Family Remix" We've seen Wayne Brady in front of the camera as an actor, comedian and host of "Let's Make a Deal." Now, he's inviting cameras into his life off-screen with a reality series following his unconventional, blended family. Brady, who came out as pansexual last year, co-parents daughter Maīle' Masako Brady with his ex-wife and business partner, Mandie Taketa. Taketa has moved on with partner Jason Fordham and the two have a young son, Sundance-Isamu. Brady is the godfather of the boy and helping to raise him. "Wayne Brady: The Family Remix" premieres on Freeform on Wednesday and will stream next day on Hulu. DETAILS "Futurama" Matt Groening's sci-fi animated comedy "Futurama" returns for its 12th season on Hulu this week. The streamer revived the show last year and has 10 new episodes ready to roll out. In "Futurama," Billy West voices Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy who accidentally gets cryogenically frozen on the eve of Y2K in 1999. He defrosts one thousand years later and befriends a robot named Bender (John DiMaggio). The series is a workplace comedy following Fry, Bender and their colleagues at a delivery company called Planet Express. DETAILS "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" Guy Ritchie tells a true historical tale in "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" (streaming Thursday on Prime Video) albeit with plenty of amped-up, action-movie exaggeration. During World War II, a small band led by an ex-criminal (Henry Cavill) sails to the West African islands to sabotage a fleet of German U-boats. The tale boasts plenty of real-life intrigue, including James Bond author Ian Fleming, himself. The AP praised Ritchie's jauntily entertaining film but lamented that the real-life stealth mission "would have been thrilling enough if it had been told with a little historical accuracy." DETAILS |
|
|
Ice Spice The long-awaited debut album from everyone's favorite contemporary Bronx MC, Ice Spice, arrives Friday. On "Y2K!", Ice Spice amplifies her idiosyncratic, lackadaisical flow with boisterous, often hilarious bars. (That's immediately evident on the previously released singles, like "Phat Butt" and "Think U The S--- (Fart)." She's also brought out some heavy hitters for features: Travis Scott, Gunna, and the biggest British rapper of the current moment, Central Cee, make an appearance. DETAILS Empire of the Sun The Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun will return on Friday with "Ask That God," their fourth studio album and first in eight years, since 2016's "Two Vines." Fans will remember Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore for their 2008 psychedelic dance-pop smash "Walking on a Dream" — and now, there's new, similarly colorful and maximalist music to enjoy: Start with the shimmery "Cherry Blossom." DETAILS Sleater-Kinney Rockers and feminist rebels Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein take the Rock Hall’s outdoor plaza stage in support of their latest album “Little Rope.” Come early to check out the museum’s new “World Series of Rock” exhibit. Tickets $45 (museum admission not included). 1100 E. 9th. St, Cleveland. 8 p.m., July 27. DETAILS The Band Camino This Nashville-based rock group brings their unique style of ‘80s-influenced mix of indie rock and electropop to the Agora. Tickets start at $39.50. 8 p.m., July 27. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS Totally Tubular Festival See your favorite new wave artists from the 1980s on one stage as Thomas Dolby, Thompson Twins, Modern English, Men Without Hats and Bow Wow Wow perform at Blossom Music Center for one gnarly night. Lawn tickets start at $35. 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. 6 p.m., July 28. DETAILS 311: The Unity Tour Best known for their hit singles “Down” and “All Mixed Up,” ‘90s rockers 311 bring their unmistakable sound to the waterfront stage at Jacobs Pavilion. Awolnation and Neon Trees open. Tickets start at $25. 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland. 7 p.m., July 28. DETAILS Concert Over The Valley One of the most picturesque outdoor concert venues is located at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick. The orchard’s Friday summer concert series rolls on with Out of Eden, an Eagles tribute band performing ‘70s classics like “Hotel California,” “Desperado” and more. Tickets $10. 7 p.m., July 26. 294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick. DETAILS |
|
|
To ensure receipt of our emails, please add [email protected] to your address book or safe sender list. You received this email because you opted-in to the newsletter. Was it forwarded to you? Sign up now! 4800 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn OH 44144 |
|
|
|
