Cleveland Asian Festival, Willoughby Rib Cook Off, 'Dear Evan Hansen' at Playhouse Square, 'Fast X' at the movies & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Cleveland Asian Festival

The Cleveland Asian Festival shares Asian Pacific American Heritage with the public offering a weekend of activities. Food vendors – Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and more -- are part of the draw for many attendees. Dance and music performances are also scheduled during the festival. Free 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 20-21. East 27th Street and Payne Avenue, Cleveland. DETAILS

‘Dear Evan Hansen’

“Dear Evan Hansen,” a winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, will be at the Connor Palace theater this week. It is described as “a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.” Tickets $35.00-$110.00. Through May 21. Connor Palace, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Tom Papa at Playhouse Square

Comedian, actor and author Tom Papa will be live at Playhouse Square for one night. Tickets $32.50-$42.50. 8 p.m., May 19. Mimi Theater, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra performs Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West”

The centerpiece of the Cleveland Orchestra’s inaugural Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival is this production of Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” (“The Girl of the Golden West”) at Severance Music Center. Franz Welser-Möst conducts what is described as the operatic equivalent of a spaghetti western about a love triangle. Tickets $25-$122. May 20. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Egyptomania: Fashion’s Conflicted Obsession

Exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art features dozens of objects exploring the influence of Egyptomania in fashion by juxtaposing contemporary clothing and jewelry with fine and decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through January 2024. DETAILS

Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel 113th Birthday – Free Rides

Euclid Beach’s Grand Carousel was installed at the park on May 19, 1910. To mark the anniversary, its current home, the Cleveland History Center, is offering unlimited rides with each museum admission. Originally installed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the state-of-the-art carousel has four rows of horses, three inside rows of “jumpers” and an outside row of stationary horses. Admission $8 to $15. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 19. 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland. DETAILS

Bill Maher at MGM Northfield Park

Late-night political commentator and comedian, Bill Maher will be at Center Stage this weekend. Maher is known for his liberal HBO political talk show “Real Time with Bill Maher.” Tickets start at $75. 8:30 p.m., May 20. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. DETAILS

78th Street Studios art walk

78th Street Studios opens its doors from 5-9 p.m., every third Friday, so visitors can admire (and buy) art from more than 50 local artists. The four floors are filled with visual displays. Music, food vendors and pop-up shops are usual offerings. Free. 5-9 p.m., May 19. 1300 West 78th Street, Cleveland. DETAILS

Hale Farm & Village Plant Sale

Hale Farm & Village doesn’t officially open until June 1, but the Citizens of Hale Farm volunteer auxiliary is holding a plant sale this weekend. Check out the herbs, perennials and pollinator-friendly plants. Visitors can enjoy Hale Farm experiences such as drop-in crafting projects and close-up encounters with heritage breed animals. Summer Savory Herb Planter Workshop is available for a fee. Admission $8 to $15. May 18-20. 2686 Oak Hill Rd. Bath. DETAILS

HorseFest at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

See horses perform old-time tasks like working livestock and powering a farm. Ride in a horse-pulled wagon. Visit the mule and donkey pavilion. See how police use horses to control crowds. HorseFest weekend will include hands-on activities, demonstrations and more. Free with admission ($7 to $9). Pony rides $6. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 20 & 21. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt. 6), Kirtland. DETAILS

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Described as a jazzy musical celebration of Fats Walker, this lively and energetic show showcases five actors as they croon, jive, wail and dance their way through the jazz legend’s impressive catalog. You’ll hear unforgettable songs like “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around,” “Honeysuckle Rose” and, of course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Tickets $15-$89. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. Through May 21. DETAILS

Keith Haring: Against All Odds

This special exhibition at the Akron Art Museum surveys the extraordinary career of Keith Haring, one of the most influential pop artists of the 1980, from his best-known works to some of his more personal pieces. Admission $8-$12. 1 S. High St, Akron. Through Sept. 24. DETAILS

‘What We Look Like’ at Dobama Theatre

Cleveland’s Off-Broadway Theatre hosts the professional world premiere of this comedy, which tells the story of the challenges and pressures faced by a black family after moving to a white suburban neighborhood. Tickets $15-$41. 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights. Through May 23. DETAILS

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Feel the magic when you step inside some of your favorite animated Disney films. This one-of-a-kind experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace gives you a front-row seat at Simba’s presentation ceremony, sends you on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and transports you to snowy Arendelle for a song by Elsa. Tickets start at $36. 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. Through May 29. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off

Downtown Willoughby will hold its 10th annual Rib Burn Off this weekend on Erie Street. The weekend full of bands includes an appearance by The Marshall Tucker Band. Activities include Axe Throwing, Mechanical Bull Riding, and a Pull-Up Bar Competition sponsored by the Marines. Free. Noon to 10 p.m., May 20; Noon to 8 p.m., May 21. Erie Street, Willoughby. DETAILS

The Sleepy Rooster

Get to the Geauga Fresh Farmers Market, 5205 Chillicothe Road, South Russell, when it opens at 9 a.m. for first dibs on just-picked asparagus. Then, cross the street to The Sleepy Rooster, 5210 Chillicothe Road, South Russell, for breakfast. Go beyond bacon and eggs with chorizo hash and eggs, Craig’s Benedict or apple-cheddar pancakes. Try Goetta, pronounced “get-uh”, as breakfast or side dish. It’s described as “a German breakfast sausage that blends the flavors and textures of beef, pork, steel-cut oats, onion and spices.” DETAILS

Kent Craft Beer Festival

The 5th annual Kent Craft Beer Festival (presented by Ray’s Place) is Saturday in downtown Kent. VIP tickets allow entry at 1 p.m. Festivalgoers can sample craft beers from Ohio Breweries, enjoy music and partake of food vendors. $35 includes admission and 10 samples. 2-6 p.m., May 20. Downtown Kent. DETAILS

Beachland Ballroom BrewDog Bingo

Beachland Ballroom is hosting bingo with BrewDog. Guests get two free cards for chances to win Beachland tickets, merchandise, BrewDog swag and more. BrewDog specials throughout the night. Additional bingo cards $5. 7:30 p.m., May 19. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. DETAILS

Say ‘cheers!’ at M Cellars in Geneva

Usually when you go to a winery with friends and order a sample or a glass you toast each other. But if you head to M Cellars, toast co-owner Tara Meineke, who recently won a prestigious award from Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international organization that promotes women in the culinary and hospitality industries. M Cellars is making some exceptional wine, worthy of a jaunt to Geneva. (Try its Brut Rosé and Meritage). It’s at 6193 S. River Road W, Geneva. Tasting-room hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. READ MORE

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

TV & MOVIES

'Fast X'

“Fast X,” the 11th film in the "Fast & Furious" saga, is a hell of a thrill ride, with insane action, an unhinged villain and a jaw-dropping ending. But the road isn't without potholes. As the first chapter in a two (or three)-part franchise finale, the movie suffers from a classic case of “Avengers: Infinity War”-itis. It’s more setup than a fully formed film. But when the movie works, it purrs like a finely tuned Lamborghini. Credit that to the elaborate and exciting set pieces and top-notch performances by the cast, particularly Jason Momoa as the bad guy. REVIEW

‘White Men Can’t Jump’

Three decades after Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson mixed it up on the black top, a new "White Men Can't Jump" has next. A remake of that 1992 film teams Sinqua Walls and rapper Jack Harlow as a pair of basketball players who hustle hoops for money and compete in a lucrative three-on-three tournament. The film, which debuts Friday, May 19, on Hulu, is directed by Calmatic and co-written by Kenya Barris ("black-ish"). In it, Harlow makes his acting debut. DETAILS

‘Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me’

Anna Nicole Smith gets the Netflix documentary treatment in "Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me." The film, debuting Tuesday, chronicles Smith's life as a model, Playboy playmate and reality star. Smith died in 2007 at the age of 39 from an accidental overdose. "You Don't Know Me" includes home video of Smith, whose birth name was Vickie Lynn Hogan. DETAILS

‘XO, Kitty ‘

If you watched the "To All the Boys" movies, you probably remember scene-stealer Anna Cathcart as the confident, chatty kid sister, Kitty, to Lana Condor's Lara Jean. Cathcart has landed her own spinoff series called "XO, Kitty." Created by "To All the Boys" author Jenny Han, Kitty travels to Korea to attend an elite boarding school that her long-distance boyfriend is a student at. It's also the same school where her late mother went as a teen. Kitty imagines a seamless transition to a new school in a new country and a romantic reunion with her boyfriend but quickly realizes life doesn't always go as planned. All 10 episodes drop Thursday on Netflix. DETAILS

‘R.M.N.

Cristian Mungiu's "R.M.N." is one of the cinematic highlights of the first half of 2023. The latest from the acclaimed Romanian filmmaker ("4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days") is a powerful microcosm of a migrant drama that has played out all around the world. A mountainous Transylvania village is increasingly torn apart by violent nationalist impulses that course through the town's civic life in response to a handful of foreign workers. Mungiu, the pioneering filmmaker of the Romanian New Wave, crafts an unflinching societal portrait both gripping and grim. Currently playing in theaters, "R.M.N." is available on-demand beginning Friday, May 16. DETAILS

‘Celebrity IOU ‘

Stock up on tissues because home renovation twins Drew and Jonathan Scott's series "Celebrity IOU" is back with new episodes on HGTV. Each episode features a Hollywood star who dreams up a home renovation project for someone they want to give back to. Enter the Scott brothers who use their knowledge of construction to make it happen. The episodes follow each project from start to finish with a heart-warming, emotional presentation at the end. This batch of eight episodes features Heidi Klum, Kristin Chenoweth, Glenn Close, Taraji P. Henson, Emma Roberts, Jay Leno, Derek Hough, Kristin Davis and Emma Roberts. "Celebrity IOU" returned Monday. DETAILS

‘I Survived Bear Grylls ‘

Wilderness expert and adventure-seeker Bear Grylls has never encountered a mountain he won't climb or a random creature he won't eat for fuel. We've seen him on TV venture into the great outdoors with celebrities but now he's taking everyday people out of their comfort zone in a new show, "I Survived Bear Grylls." With the help of comedian co-host Jordan Conley, Grylls uses simulated challenges to test contestants on their survival skills, physicality, and gross-out tolerance. Get ready for the hardest, the dirtiest, the most disgusting day of your life," Grylls says in the trailer. "I Survived Bear Grylls" debuts Thursday on TBS. DETAILS

MUSIC

Kesha

Check out Kesha's new album for what "post-pop" sounds like. That's what the ever-changing pop star is calling her Rick Rubin-produced record "Gag Order." Single "Fine Line" is an introspective, beatless ballad with the lyric "Am I bigger than Jesus/Or better off dead?/There's a fine line between genius and crazy." There's also "Eat the Acid," an experimental, mournful number. Her team says the album excavates "the deepest recesses of her soul to date." DETAILS

Def Leppard

Def Leppard are following in the footsteps of Metallica, the Scorpions and Bring Me the Horizon with an orchestral reworking of their catalogue. "Drastic Symphonies," features their greatest tracks reimagined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Fifteen of the hard rockers' hits like "Animal," "Love Bites," "Hysteria" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me" have a new sound. Some songs — "Rock of Ages," "Photograph" and "Let's Get Rocked" — didn't work and were left off. DETAILS

Brandy Clark

May turns out to be a great month for 11-time Grammy-nominated singer- songwriter Brandy Clark. Her Broadway musical "Shucked" was nominated for best original score and she's got a new self-titled album out Friday, May 19. Produced by Brandi Carlile, the album showcases Clark's tenderness, with the 11 songs including the heartbreaking "Buried," a celebration of her home in "Northwest" and a loving tribute to her grandma with "She Smoked in the House." DETAILS

Dave Matthews Band

Ahead of their first post-pandemic album, Dave Matthews Band has released two strong singles, including the nostalgia-drenched "Monsters," with the lyrics "Chutes and ladders/Pick up sticks/Counting cards and counting bricks/Driving past that old five and dime/Can't get nothing for a nickel since a long long time." The first single, "Madman's Eyes," leans into Middle Eastern rhythms for a darker song about the madness of violence. Both songs will be on the album "Walk Around the Moon," out Friday, May 19, and the band says it "is as much a reflection on the current times as it is an urge to find common ground." DETAILS

Lynyrd Skynyrd plays benefit at Jacobs Pavilion

The “new” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s May 20 performance at Jacob’s Pavilion at Nautica will benefit tree planting by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Tickets start at $85. 8 p.m., May 20. Jacob’s Pavilion at Nautica, Cleveland. DETAILS

Grog Shop remembers Hessler Street Fair

After 50 years, the Hessler Street Fair ended, but the Grog Shop is keeping the spirit alive with “An Ode To Hessler.” The weekend will feature two nights of music dedicated to the defunct event. To commemorate the historic gathering, the venue will host bands, vendors, and organizations from yesterday. Admission $10. 7 p.m., May 19, 4 p.m., May 20. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights. DETAILS

Paul Simon

He’s retired from touring but, as promised, Paul Simon isn’t done new making music -- or surprising us with it. “Seven Psalms” (Owl/Legacy) is a seven-part, 33-minute suite inspired by -- surprise! -- the Book of Psalms and performed almost entirely by Simon solo, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar though joined in spots by his wife, Edie Brickell and the British vocal troupe VOCES8. It’s also Simon’s first new release since 2018′s “In the Blue Light.” DETAILS

Want more concert & music picks?

Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE

Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE

Entertainment | Music | Events

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