Top Gun: Maverick Tom Cruise suits up once again as Pete "Mitchell" Maverick, the rule-breaking Naval aviator who made hearts swoon back in 1986. This time, he's tasked with training the next generation of Top Gun pilots for a seemingly impossible mission behind enemy lines. The diverse group of students includes Rooster (Miles Teller), son of Goose, who died flying with Maverick in the original film. Thirty-six years is a long time to wait for a sequel, but rest assured, "Top Gun: Maverick" is summer popcorn moviemaking at its finest, full of exhilarating high-flying action, stunning visuals and, surprisingly, heart. It may not take your breath away, but it comes close. Now playing in theaters. REVIEW Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off Because it isn’t Memorial Day Weekend in Northeast Ohio until you’ve feasted on a slab of ribs or two. This annual event returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds with 10 rib teams from across the area competing for top honors in categories such as the best ribs, best sauce and the people’s choice. The event also features a craft beer garden, live music and a Corvette show. Admission, $10. 164 Eastland Road, Berea. May 27-30. DETAILS Tremont Greek Festival Tremont’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church hosts the 50th edition of this annual celebration of Greek culture. Enjoy authentic delicacies like Souvlaki, Mousaka, Pastitsio and Spanakopita while you enjoy live music, dance performances, church tours and shopping. Free admission. 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland. May 27-30. DETAILS Kraftwerk The pioneering electronic music group didn’t much acknowledge its 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction. Kraftwerk skipped the ceremony held in Cleveland last year but is bringing its 3-D tour to Connor Palace on May 29. Get ready for man-meets-machine in Playhouse Square. DETAILS The Head and the Heart at the Agora “Every Shade of Blue” is The Head and the Heart’s fifth studio album and a follow-up to 2019′s “Living Mirage.” It rose to No. 21 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart after its April 29, 2022, release and launched the No. 1 Adult Alternative Airplay single “Virginia (Wind in the Night).” The alternative rock band will be in Cleveland on Sunday, May 29, for a show at the Agora Theater. Music writer Gary Graff talked with band members Jonathan Russell and Charity Rose Thielen about the album and tour. READ MORE Cleveland Orchestra performs “Otello” Jealousy, betrayal, and murder… Giuseppe Verdi’s opera based on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy has it all. Limmie Pulliam and Tamara Wilson’s voices soar over the Cleveland Orchestra and music director Franz Welser-Möst’s score in a powerful performance at Severance Music Center. Tickets start at $41. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. May 26 & May 28. DETAILS Blossom Time Festival This Chagrin Falls tradition includes midway rides, carnival games, food trucks, live music, a pie-eating contest, road race and parade. But it’s the hot air balloon launches and the beautiful Balloon Glow on Thursday night that make the fair unique. Free admission. Riverside Park, Chagrin Falls. May 26-29. DETAILS Cedar Point’s Frontier Festival The amusement park’s annual celebration of hope, health and harvest returns in the form of a street festival through Frontier Town. Highlights include a cherry-themed special menu, craft beer, live music, fun games and local artisans and crafters selling their one-of-a-kind wares. Park admission starts at $45. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky. Frontier Fair now through June 19. Park open daily through Sept. 5. DETAILS Read more: Frontier Festival kicks off at Cedar Point |
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“Waitress” at Playhouse Square This Broadway smash returns to Cleveland, this time in a more intimate setting at the Hanna Theatre. The musical, which tells the inspiring story of a struggling waitress looking to turn her life around via a pie baking contest, features a score by Grammy winner and Tony nominee Sara Bareilles. Tickets, $49-$109. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. Now through June 26. DETAILS Related: Broadway smash ‘Waitress’ brings the audience closer in for a month-long run at the Hanna Theatre Cleveland Public Theatre presents Station Hope This free community celebration features 250 artists performing social justice-inspired works. The performances, which include live theatre, music, storytelling and dance, address the most important issues of our time, taking place at Ohio City’s St. John’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site. 2600 Church Ave., Cleveland. 7-10 p.m., May 28. DETAILS “American Moor” at Karamu House The oldest producing African American theatre in the nation is staging a play by Keith Hamilton Cobb and Josh Tyson that follows a talented African-American actor as he auditions for the title character of Shakespeare’s Othello, encountering challenges and different perspectives from a younger white director. Tickets, $20-45. 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland. May 27-29. DETAILS Rockin’ on the River Northern Ohio’s longest-running and highest-attended outdoor concert series returns to downtown Lorain with its inaugural event of the season. The first headliner is Dirty Deeds, performing the music of AC/DC. Cover band Ace Molar, featuring Fox 8 anchor Todd Meany, opens. Admission, $7. 421 Black River Landing, Lorain. 6:15 p.m., May 27. DETAILS Jay Pharoah at Hilarities The comedian and actor is best known for his six seasons on “Saturday Night Live,” where he became a fan favorite for his spot-on impressions of Chris Rock, Will Smith, Denzel Washington and more. Pharoah, who more recently starred in the Netflix rom-com “Resort to Love” and on ABC’s “A Little Million Things,” brings his standup act to E. 4th Street for five shows. Tickets start at $70 for two. 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland. May 27-29. DETAILS The Beatles: Get Back to Let It Be
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s newest exhibit celebrates the legacy of the Fab Four with film clips, audio, custom projections, original instruments, clothing and handwritten lyrics. Artifacts include John Lennon’s iconic wire-rimmed glasses, a black and gray shirt worn by Paul McCartney in the recording studio, Ringo Starr’s maple Ludwig drum kit and more. Tickets, $20-$30. Cleveland residents get in free. 1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. DETAILS Looking for more things to do this week in Greater Cleveland?Cleveland.com's Joey Morona has your guide. READ MORE |
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Douglas Katz’ latest restaurant, Amba, open in Cleveland
Amba is now open in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. “Amba” a type of Indian mango chutney sauce, is a versatile flavor that can be served with many dishes. Douglas Katz’ latest restaurant offers an assortment of small plates to meaty entrees in a setting that strikes what cleveland.com’s Annie Nickoloff describes as “a moody, almost goth atmosphere.” Amba is at 1430 W. 28th St., Cleveland. DETAILS
Ohio breweries going strong – cheers!
Ohio recently hit a milestone: We have 400 breweries in the state. Celebrate by heading out to sip some Ohio-brewed suds. Here’s one to consider - Modern Methods Brewing Co. in Warren recently passed its fourth anniversary. Tucked into David Grohl Alley, the brewery is churning out an assortment of styles of beers and is fitting in comfortably near courthouse square. The brewery is at 125 David Grohl Alley, Warren. DETAILS |
TV & MOVIES “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen return to their iconic roles from the “Star Wars” prequels as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. The series picks up 10 years since we last saw them with the Empire hunting the last surviving Jedi while Obi-Wan watches over a young Luke Skywalker from afar, much to the dismay of the boy’s Uncle Owen (Joel Edgerton). Premieres May 27 on Disney+. DETAILS ‘Emergency’
In the satirical comedy "Emergency," college seniors Kunle (Donald Elise Watkins) and Sean (RJ Cyler) set out for an epic night of partying only to return home to a shocking scene: Their door is ajar and a woman is passed out on their floor. The men are Black and the woman is white and they know that calling the police is not a straightforward proposition. The film, directed by Carey Williams and written by KD Dávila, was one of the breakouts of the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year for its penetrating look at racial dynamics in a heightened, comedic setting. It's currently playing in theaters for a limited time before streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting Friday, May 27. DETAILS
‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’
The popular, Emmy-winning Fox animated series heads to the big screen as a musical/comedy/adventure in which Tina, Gene and Louise try to solve a mystery that could help save the Belchers from financial ruin after a sinkhole threatens the family business. Starring H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, Zach Galifianakis, Kevin Kline. Directed by Loren Bouchard & Bernard Derriman. DETAILS
“Pistol”
From director Danny Boyle (”Trainspotting”) comes this six-episode limited series from FX that tells the story of the punk rock movement of the 1970s as told by the Sex Pistols and their charismatic leader Steve Jones, played by Toby Wallace. Premieres May 31 on Hulu. DETAILS “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
Bravo’s unstoppable franchise travels to one of the world’s wealthiest cities for its first international edition. Expect glitz, glamour and, of course, plenty of manufactured, yet totally compelling drama. The show’s diverse cast includes a supermodel, fashion designer, doctor, real estate broker, entrepreneur and even an ex-cast member of another Bravo series. Where, when: Bravo, June 1. DETAILS ‘Prehistoric Planet’
The good old days for dinosaurs concluded some 60 million years ago, when they owned the ancient Earth in all its glory. That's where "Prehistoric Planet" is set, using a mix of wildlife filmmaking, paleontology findings and visual effects for a promised "one-of-a-kind immersive experience." Among the stars: the Mongolian Titan and the frightfully clawed Therizinosaurus, who along with other dinos are introduced in their respective land, sea and air habitats. The five-part Apple TV+ series, out Monday through Friday, May 23-27, boasts narrator David Attenborough and music by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. DETAILS
Related: Jaws of another kind: Groundbreaking Apple TV+ series ‘Prehistoric Planet’ features a swimming Tyrannosaurus rex
‘The Responder’
Martin Freeman keeps proving he can play anything. The "Sherlock" and "Breeders" actor stars as a deeply troubled English police officer in "The Responder," debuting this week on the Britbox streaming service. Demoted from inspector, Chris Carson is patrolling the streets of his Liverpool, England, hometown, confronting crime and his own angst. He's also reluctant partner to a rookie, played by Adelayo Adedayo, and his marriage is at risk. The series, inspired by the experiences of its creator and producer, Tony Schumacher, unfolds over a week of night shifts as Chris tries to rescue a young addict from deadly jeopardy. DETAILS
Cannes takeover on MUBI
While we sit and wait to see what the big breakouts will be at the Cannes Film Festival this year, the film streaming platform MUBI has one of the festival's all-timers coming on Friday, May 27: David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive," which won Lynch the directing prize at the festival in 2001 (shared with Joel Coen for "The Man Who Wasn't There"). And when you're done wandering around the fringes of Hollywood with Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harding, MUBI has an entire Cannes takeover section to explore with films like Andrea Arnold's "Fish Tank," Joachim Trier's "Oslo, August 31st" (for new Trier fans thanks to "The Worst Person in the World"), as well as Ruben Östlund's "The Square" and "Force Majeure.” DETAILS
‘Navalny’
"Navalny," the riveting documentary about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been making the rounds in theaters and on CNN, but now it’s available on HBO Max as well. Taut and suspenseful, Daniel Roher's film plays more like a John le Carré thriller than a true story. It has taken on even greater significance since the Russian war on Ukraine, too, according to many of the people involved. "It gives so much context to what's happening now in Ukraine," Maria Pevchikh, head of the investigative unit for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and an executive producer on the film, told the AP. DETAILS
‘Keeping Company with Sondheim’
"Keeping Company with Sondheim" follows the creation of Broadway's reimagined, gender-swapping version of the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical "Company." The documentary, filmed over a two-year period during the pandemic, also looks back at the original production's debut during a bleak time for New York City. Marianne Elliott, director of the new production, and members of the original 1970 cast were among those interviewed for the film airing Friday, May 27, as part of PBS' "Great Performances." So was Sondheim, the theater giant who died last November at age 91. DETAILS |
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Def Leppard
Def Leppard get back to basics with "Diamond Star Halos," their 12th studio album and first work since 2015. The first single, "Kick," is less hair metal and more classic arena rock. "You never quit" go the lyrics and that sounds apt for the band, too. Def Leppard recorded in three different countries, with singer Joe Elliott in Ireland, bassist Rick Savage in England, and guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, as well as drummer Rick Allen, in the United States. The album nods to the members' earliest collective influences, like David Bowie, T. Rex and Mott the Hoople, among others, and the title comes from T. Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)." DETAILS
Reggae Fest Cleveland
It’s good vibes only as a variety reggae bands take the stage at Voinovich Park on Saturday. Catch performances by the Ark Band, the Flex Crew, Mighty Mystic, Pato Banton and Carlos Jones and the Plus Band. The festival also features food trucks, craft beer and wine. Tickets start at $30. 800 E. 9th Street Pier, Cleveland. Noon-10 p.m., May 28. DETAILS
Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band Saturday will mark a new kind of day for Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band, one of Northeast Ohio’s most iconic reggae groups, when it releases its latest album. “A New Day,” arriving on May 28, marks the band’s third-ever studio album – and its first in more than 10 years, following 2009′s “Leave a Trail.” The band will celebrate the album’s release at Reggae Fest Cleveland on Saturday night, during its headlining slot at 8 p.m. DETAILS Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at the Agora
Legendary Cleveland hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony will perform their signature brand of flowing, rolling, rapid-clip, harmonized rap to the Agora for what promises to be a good time. Tickets, $35-65. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 8 p.m., May 28. DETAILS
Babyface Ray at House of Blues Cleveland
Detroit rapper Babyface Ray brings “The Sincerely Face Tour” to Cleveland. His latest singles include “Family Over Money,” “Motown Music,” and “My Thoughts 3/ Pops Prayer.” G.T., Peezy, Baby Money, and Los x Nutty are the opening acts. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., May 30. DETAILS
Ray LaMontagne at the Akron Civic Theater
Singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne comes to Akron in support of his most recent album, “Monovision.” Expect the folk artist to perform his latest songs including “I Was Born To Love You” and “Strong Enough,” plus his earlier material including the Grammy-nominated “Beg, Steal or Borrow.” 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m., May 29. DETAILS
Whole Lotta Love Live Band Burlesque Revue at Beachland Ballroom
The Beams provide the music as a cast of burlesque performers strut, shimmy, and shake on stage in this tribute to the history of rock and roll. See Bella Sin, Scarlett Chaton, Ruby Rabbit, Empress Dupree and more perform to the sounds of Led Zeppelin, The Pretty Reckless, Melissa Etheridge, AC/DC, Jefferson Airplane and more. Tickets, $20-$40. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. 8:30 p.m., May 28. DETAILS
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ soundtrack
The weekend's big movie is also a place for new music. The soundtrack from "Top Gun: Maverick" features the singles "Hold My Hand" by Lady Gaga and "I Ain't Worried" by OneRepublic. There's the return of "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins, while Miles Teller, who plays Goose's son, recorded a live rendition of "Great Balls of Fire." The album also features original tracks by the movie's composers but there's no reprise of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" — perhaps that would have been a step too far into the danger zone. DETAILS Want more concert & music picks?
Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE
Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE |
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