Double Dog Daddy-O!
The combined talents of two former underground concert hoppers are on display at 78th Street Studios’ monthly Third Friday open house. Artists Scott Pickering and Derek Hess met at the early ‘90s Euclid Tavern where Hess booked bands and crafted his famous concert posters and Pickering played in many local bands. Now, the artists’ disparate styles mash in these more than 25 unique pieces. Hess’ classically trained emotional depiction of struggles and Pickering’s crude, free-flying creatures clash to form a neon, visual mayhem. Hess fans won’t want to miss this rare show as it’s the first time he’s worked with another artist on single pieces. Free, March 17, 5-9 p.m., Derek Hess Gallery, 78th Street Studios, 1300 W 78th St., derekhessgallery.com
Lakeland Jazz Festival
Dizzy Gillespie may be long gone, but his music’s still bopping on. The Dizzy Gillespie All Stars, brass members of the bebop legend’s original band, headline this three-day mini music festival, along with Ohio laureate and sax superstar Ernie Krivda and the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra. Cats can anticipate Krivda classics along with some of bebop’s best on the bandstand in time to reign in Dizzy’s would-be 100th birthday celebration. $10, March 17 & 18, 8 p.m., March 19, 4 p.m., Lakeland Community College, Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, lakelandcc.edu
Wizard World Comic Con
One of the largest sci-fi and comic conventions in the world comes to Cleveland for a star-studded St. Patrick's Day weekend gathering featuring guest appearances by Kiss’ Gene Simmons, 1980s’ Hulk Lou Ferrigno and Firefly and Serenity actress Jewel Staite. Plenty of comic panels, meet-and-greets, magic demonstrations, Rocky Horror cosplaying and Walking Dead face-painting await con-goers and passionate fans of everything Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dexter. $35-$85, March 17, 5-10 p.m., March 18 10 a.m.-7 p.m., March 19 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, wizardworld.com
Cleveland Humanities Festival
Cleveland history is the history of immigrants. Lit Cleveland tells this tale with staged readings titled Crossing Borders: Immigrant Narratives that are part of Case Western Reserve University’s Cleveland Humanities Festival. Hear the story of Polish ancestors coming in through Ellis Island or a Syrian immigrant leaving her troubled homeland for the U.S. A cast of professional actors is performing the dramatic tales by local writers including Thrity Umrigar, Daniel Gray-Kontar and Philip Metres. Free, Registration required, March 18 & 19, 7 p.m., Cleveland State University, Student Center Ballroom, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, litcleveland.org
Buzzard Day
The local home of the buzzard is honoring its namesake this weekend. Start with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with “buzzard blend” sausage (no, it’s not made with buzzard). There’s a craft fair most of the day but spotters should buzz over to Brongers Park where the red-faced mascot makes a guest appearance. Pet owners can bring their four-legged friends for the pet contest and try to win a prize in the best trick, costume, prettiest eyes, pet owner/ look-alike and most unusual pet contest. Free, March 19, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., Hinckley Town Hall, 1410 Ridge Road, Hinckley, hinckleyohchamber.com