Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers, ‘King James, ’ ‘Cleveland Auto Sho w,’ ‘& Juliet’ & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers

Head to Rocket Arena as the Cavs host Portland in a Sunday afternoon match up. It’s Bow Tie Night as the team honors the life and legacy of Nick Gilbert with a special bobble head. 1 Center Court, Cleveland. 3:30 p.m., Mar. 2. nba.com/cavaliers/schedule

‘King James’

Clevelanders Shawn and Matt form an unlikely bond over their shared love for “King James.” Set at a local bar and stretching from LeBron’s rookie season to the 2016 Championship, watch the pair navigate years of friendship. Tickets $25 and up. Cleveland Play House 1901 E. 13th St., Cleveland. Previews: Mar. 1-6; Opening Night: Mar. 7. clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2024/king-james

10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival

Featuring talented tattoo artists from around the country, head downtown if you’re looking to add to your art, get your first tattoo or just to browse. Event also include live entertainment and vendors. Tickets $25 or $50 for a three-day pass. Children 12 and under free. Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.2 - 11 p.m., Feb. 28; 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Mar. 1; 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Mar. 2. villainarts.com/tattoo-conventions-villain-arts/

& Juliet

New musical poses the question of what life would have been like for Juliet if she hadn’t ended her life. Follow along as she set out on a journey with a second chance at life and love in mind. From the writers of “Schitt’s Creek,” enjoy songs from some of the biggest pop stars of all time. Tickets $40 and up. Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Premieres 7:30 p.m., Mar. 4 and runs through Mar. 23. playhousesquare.org/events/detail/juliet

Beethoven’s “Eroica”

The Cleveland Orchestra welcomes back Music Director Franz Welser-Möst to lead them in performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” It will be preceded by a performance of Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2 featuring Leonidas Kavakos. Tickets start at $35. Mandel Concert Hall, Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Feb. 27 & 28 and 8 p.m. Mar. 1. clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concerts-and-events

Cleveland Kurentovanje

This Slovenian version of Mardi Gras will take place this weekend in Cleveland. The cultural event features a parade full of costumed “kurent” creatures, food and drink specials, musical performances, dances and more. This year, the festival takes place entirely outdoors, outside of the Slovenian National Home. Free. 6417 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mar. 1. clevelandkurentovanje.com

2025 Jump Back Ball

Embrace your sweet side as this year’s theme is Candy in the Land. Treat yourself to endless cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music while supporting a good cause. General admission tickets are $155 for the public. VIP packages available for $200. A limited number of late-night entry tickets (9:30 p.m.) will be available for $75 each. Complimentary parking included. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., Mar. 1. playhousesquare.org/jump-back-ball-annual-fundraiser

Fasching Masquerade Party

Enjoy Mardi Gras with a German flair. Night includes live entertainment, an appearance from Krampus, stein holding, food specials, specialty cocktails & more. Costumes encouraged. Reservations required. Hofbräuhaus Cleveland, 1550 Chester Ave. 6:30 - 10 p.m., Mar. 4. hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events/fasching

Orchids: Love in Bloom

The theme this year's Cleveland Botanical Garden annual orchid show is “Love in Bloom.” Vibrant displays of heart-shaped arrangements and romantic backdrops will be presented in hues of pink, purple and yellow. Surround yourself with orchids throughout the indoor gardens and glasshouses. Admission: $20; $14, children; free, kids under 2 and members. (Save $1 per ticket by buying online in advance.) Through March 30. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. holdenfg.org

Peter and the Starcatcher

This Great Lakes Theater production takes viewers to the Neverland they never knew, charting a course through Peter’s untold, youthful escapades. Tickets $20 and up. Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through March 2. greatlakestheater.org

CIA student art exhibition

The Cleveland Institute of Art's 79th annual Student Independent Exhibition opens this Friday, showcasing selected works from 54 students across multiple disciplines. The free public reception runs from 6-9 p.m., featuring an awards ceremony at 7 p.m., reports Peter Chakerian. The exhibition, juried by nationally renowned creative professionals, will remain on view through April 6 at CIA's Reinberger Gallery. cleveland.com

Cleveland Auto Show

The start of the spring automotive selling season in Northeast Ohio kicks off with this perennial favorite. Concept cars, pre-production and production vehicles from the world’s automotive manufacturers are on display, along with entertainment, sports and celebrity appearances and more. Considered one of the country’s best auto shows in the country, this has been a family tradition since 1903. The first Cleveland Auto Show that year at Gray’s Armory downtown. Opens 11 a.m. Through Mar. 2. The International Exposition (I-X) Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. clevelandautoshow.com

Today’s Bride Wedding Show

Enjoy a one-stop approach to your wedding at this show featuring more than 75 local vendors. See the latest trends, enjoy exclusive show discounts and much more. Tickets $12 online or $15 at the door. Package ticket deals also available. John S. Knight Center 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mar. 2. todaysbride.com/bridal-shows/

Cleveland Monsters vs. Charlotte Checkers

Head downtown for a pair of pro hockey matches on the ice as the Monsters host the Checkers. Tickets start at $12. Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. 7 p.m., Feb. 28 and Mar. 1. clevelandmonsters.com/schedule/schedule

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy the Akron Symphony’s powerful performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” featuring soprano Sonya Headlam and alto Amanda Lynn Bottoms, alongside the Akron Symphony Chorus. Tickets $7 and up. E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Akron. 7:30 p.m., Mar. 1. calendar.uakron.edu/ej/event/

Ohio Contemporary Ballet

Enjoy a program that looks both back to the past and forward to the future. Titled “Echoes and Innovations,” tickets start at $10. Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., Feb. 28. playhousesquare.org/events/detail/echoes-and-innovations

Waitress: The Musical

This Beck Center/Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program Collaboration is directed by Victoria Bussert, with music direction by Matthew Webb, choreography by Lauren Marousek and features the music and lyrics of Sara Bareilles. Senney Theater sets the stage for “Waitress,” which tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who is stuck in a small town and loveless marriage. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 - Mar. 1 & 2:30 p.m., Mar. 2. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. beckcenter.org/shows/waitress

Showin’ Up Black

On the eve of their daughter’s cotillion, the Hopegoodes, an affluent African-American family in Cleveland, see their plans for the perfect debutante ball collide with a Black Lives Matter protest. As the protest gets nearer, secrets and competing desires get shaken loose, tearing at the fabric of the family, challenging what, exactly, it is to be Black. Originally workshopped as a part of Cleveland Public Theater’s 2023 “Test Flight” program. CPT Gordon Square Theater 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays through Mar. 8. cptonline.org

Quiereme Hasta La Locura at Latinus Theater Company

“Quiéreme hasta la locura” is a compelling drama set in the 1960s in the countryside of Argentina. The story follows two women, whose lives intertwine through their shared passion for singing in different churches, after almost killing each other Amidst the backdrop of a conservative society, their journey explores themes of love, identity, and resilience. As they navigate the complexities of their personal and spiritual lives, they face societal expectations and their own internal struggles. 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., weekends through Sunday, Mar. 2. latinustheater.com

Cleveland State Men’s Basketball

Cheer on the Vikings as they face off against Purdue - Ft. Wayne. Tickets $12 - $22. Wolstein Center 2000 Prospect Ave. 3 p.m., Mar. 1. csuvikings.com/sports/mens-basketball

Flanagan’s Wake

Take an imagined skip “across the pond” to a fictional Irish town for an interactive improv comedy show! With the audience dictating the direction of the story, “Flanagan’s Wake” is one of the most successful and longest-running improv comedy shows in Cleveland theater history! It kicked off last weekend and runs Fridays and Saturdays through the spring at Kennedy’s Cabaret. Kennedy’s Cabaret, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through late April. playhousesquare.org

History in Their Hands: Black Photographers in Cleveland

The exhibitshowcases Black photographers from 1968 to present. It’s the inaugural exhibition for the African American History Gallery at the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center. Works from Van Dillard, Gina Gayle, Jimmy Gayle, Amanda D. King, Mychal Lilly and Charles J. Pinkney are presented. Admission: $15, ages 13 to 61. Discounts available. Runs through Sunday, Aug. 31. Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. wrhs.org

Picasso and Paper at Cleveland Museum of Art

This highly anticipated exhibition takes an unprecedented look into Pablo Picasso’s creative process, featuring nearly 300 works that explore the artist’s use of paper as a medium. Advance tickets required $11-$22. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through March 23, 2025. 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. wrhs.org

FOOD & DRINK

Winter Warmer Fest

Presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, enjoy offerings from more than 50 local Ohio craft breweries. Early admission has sold out. Tickets $55 in advance, $65 at the door and include souvenir glass and tasting tickets for twenty 4-ounce samples. Designated driver tickets are $20 and include food truck voucher. Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland. 2-5 p.m., Mar. 1. ohiocraftbeer.org/winter-warmer-fest/

Paczki! Where to find the seasonal Lenten treats in Greater Cleveland

Paczkis are here! Area bakeries and stores are offering many flavors for Fat Tuesday. Here’s our annual guide, covering what’s offered at more than three dozen mom-and-pop bakeries to large stores. READ MORE

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown

The annual Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown, a tasting event of the classic comfort food, is noon to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, in Cleveland. Restaurants put their spin on mac and cheese. Many use three cheeses in their recipes. Attendees vote for their favorites. The panel of judges include Cleveland.com’s Paris Wolfe. It’s also a benefit for charity. READ MORE

Ice Wine Festival back for 22nd year in NE Ohio

The 22nd annual Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival is coming up. The festival, a progressive tasting, is scheduled for March 1 to March 30 at six Northeast Ohio wineries and a distillery. Ice wine can be made only when grapes are left on vines at the end of the harvest season. Once temperatures drop below 17 degrees, grapes are picked and pressed immediately before they have time to thaw. Many of the participating wineries have drink lists that include specialty cocktails, and the varietals used to make Ice Wine are expanding, too, organizers said. Tastings are available noon to 5 p.m. daily, though attendees should check on hours of wineries; not all are open seven days a week. Marc Bona has the details. READ MORE

Market Garden Brewery + River Roots Barrel Co. Team up

Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood is having a tasting of beers aged in River Roots Barrel Co. barrels. The beer and whiskey tasting is Friday, Feb. 28, at Market Garden. Here’s what’s being poured. READ MORE

Cleveland Restaurant Week: Here are the participating restaurants

The next Cleveland Restaurant Week is coming up in March. About 30 locally owned Cleveland Independents’ restaurants are slated to participate in the promotional event, which is set to run Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 14. Three-course prix fixe dinners will be priced around $39. Specific menus will be posted soon, but we’ve got the list now. READ MORE

TV & MOVIES

Oscars

The 97th Academy Awards will be handed out on Sunday, March 2. This year, the Spanish-language, French-made "Emilia Pérez," leads with 13 nominations, including best picture, best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón and best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña. The narco-musical could make history as Gascón is the first transgender performer to be nominated for a best actress Oscar. The enthusiasm over Gascón has waned in recent weeks, however, due to problematic past tweets. The musical "Wicked" and the postwar drama "The Brutalist" follow with 10 nominations each. The Oscars will air on ABC and stream on Hulu. DETAILS

‘Running Point’

Kate Hudson plays the new president of a pro basketball team in Los Angeles in a new Netflix series called "Running Point," executive produced by Mindy Kaling. Hudson's character is based on LA Lakers president Jeanie Buss. The sports comedy debuts Feb. 27 on the streamer and also features Drew Tarver, Brenda Song, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis and Max Greenfield. DETAILS

‘Nickel Boys’

RaMell Ross' "Nickel Boys" (streaming Friday, Feb. 28 on MGM+) adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, has been called the best American film of the year. It's up for two Oscars: best picture and best adapted screenplay. The film, about two young men who have been sent to an abusive, mid-century Florida reform school called Nickel Academy. Ross films it almost entirely from the first person of those two boys, played by Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called "Nickel Boys" "a lyrical, heartbreaking and haunting journey into the darkness of a brutal reform school in the Jim Crow South." DETAILS

‘Ghostlight’

One of 2024's small revelations was the indie stunner "Ghostlight,” which debuts this week on Hulu. Alex Thompson and Kelly O'Sullivan's film stars Keith Kupferer as a grieving father, a construction worker, who reluctantly joins a local theater production of "Romeo and Juliet." A nominee at both the Spirit Awards and the Gotham Awards, "Ghostlight" is an uncommonly gentle, warm-hearted testament to the therapeutic power of theater. DETAILS

MUSIC

Lisa

Lalisa Manobal — who performs under the first name moniker of "Lisa," communicating Cher- and Prince-like ambition — is best known as a vocalist and lead rapper of Blackpink, the impossibly popular K-pop girl group. Her story starts at age 14, when she auditioned for the quartet in her native Thailand, and explodes from there. Now 27, and with a "White Lotus" acting credit to her name, a debut solo album is the next milestone. "Alter Ego," out Friday, Feb. 28, demonstrates her chameleonic skills: from her fierce flow on "Rockstar" to the airy pop of "New Woman" featuring Rosalía and the transformative "Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)" that interpolates Sixpence None the Richer's 1998 hit "Kiss Me." DETAILS

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald fans, rejoice. A recently unearthed, never-before-released concert album, "The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum," arrives Friday. The LP, recorded at the Oakland Coliseum on June 30, 1967, includes nine tracks. Fitzgerald, her voice as powerful as ever, is joined by The Duke Ellington Orchestra. Start with "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)," her cover of the Cole Porter cut. Or start anywhere — just start. DETAILS

Grand Funk Railroad

Legendary rock band rolls into Northeast Ohio for one night only. 21 and over only show. Tickets $47 and up. MGM Northfield Park. 8 p.m., Mar. 1. mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html

Cats on Holiday

The annual "Fat Tuesday Big Bash," hosted by the band Cats on Holiday, will take place on March 4 at Forest City Brewery from 6-9 p.m., shifting from their long-time venue, Parkview Nite Club. The event will feature a mix of zydeco and swamp-pop music, food and drink specials, promising a lively Louisiana dance party atmosphere. Denis DeVito, the band leader, highlights their commitment to original music with a recent release of a 32-song “Cat Flash” drive, and they’re preparing to release a new single, "Esmerita." 2135 Columbus RoadCleveland. forestcitybrewery.com

Bevis Frond

The Bevis Frond, led by psychedelic rock virtuoso Nick Saloman, makes a rare U.S. appearance at Cleveland's Happy Dog on March 4 - their first American tour in 25 years. Peter Chakerian reports that with over three decades of groundbreaking music blending British psychedelia, space-rock, and grunge, the show promises an intimate experience with an underground legend known for Hendrix-level guitar work and uncompromising artistic vision. cleveland.com

Entertainment | Music | Events

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