Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Nov. 20-23

Thursday, Nov. 20 

Barons vs. Hershey Bears at Rocket Arena
For a few select games this season, the Cleveland Monsters will become the Cleveland Barons as a nod to the hold Cleveland pro hockey team. They kick off a two-game contest against the Hershey Bears with Thursday's game at Rocket Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The two teams will play again at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the arena. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com 

Josh Blue at Hilarities
Winner of the 2006 edition of Last Comic Standing, comedian Josh Blue received rave reviews for his 2011 Comedy Central special. Recently, Blue, who has cerebral palsy and often references that in his routines, debuted the one-hour Showtime special, Sticky Change. Blue, who likes to joke that he's a "white African-American" because he was born in Africa, performs Thursday at 7 p.m. at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Blue Oyster Cult at the Agora
The classic rock group performs at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Agora. The band is still a staple on classic rock radio thanks to hits such as ""(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla" and "Burnin' for You." It is also the inspiration for the Saturday Night Live sketch "More Cowbell." Local rockers the Rick Ray Band open. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

Dvořák’s New World Symphony at Mandel Concert Hall
Conductor Dalia Stasevska leads the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays selections from both Revueltas and Dvorak at this special concert. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Sunday. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Gary Owen at the Funny Bone
Comedian Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences across America for more than a decade. He's not limited to the stage either, as he's had roles in the film Think Like a Man and in Tyler Perry's show House of Payne. Owen says he was always the class clown growing up and it has followed him into his adult life. Ebony magazine proclaimed him to be "Black America's Favorite White Comedian." Owen's set mainly focuses on his personal life and racial stereotypes. He performs at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com

Steve Martin and Martin Short: In Conversation at Akron Civic Theatre
The two comedians and actors who have struck gold with their Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building come to Akron Civic Theatre for a night of comedy and conversation. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Iam Tongi at Kent Stage
The Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter who won Season 21 of American Idol performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Kent Stage. His single "Road to Hana" typifies his good vibes approach and comes off as a jangly country pop number about a Maui tourist destination. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org

Evan Mobley's Beyond the Game Gala at Metropolitan at the 9
Cavaliers star Evan Mobley will host its inaugural gala on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to support the Mobley Family Foundation’s holiday shopping program for local foster children this December. Mobley and his teammates will mingle with guests and sign mini-basketballs for each attendee to take home. Attendees will enjoy a three-course dinner, cocktails, wine and a live auction. Tickets $550. 2017 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, mobleygala2025.givesmart.com

Friday, Nov. 21 

The Abnormal Heart at Kennedy’s Cabaret
Parker Mills stars in this one-man show about "a brave, unsuccessful, middle-aged homosexual and his lifelong search for something." Performances take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night at Kennedy's Cabaret. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena
Friday at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena, the Cavaliers play the Indiana Pacers, the team that beat them in last season's playoffs. The Pacers will be without their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, but will still be a formidable opponent. The game begins at 7 p.m. The Cavs will play at home again on Sunday at 6 p.m. when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

CLE Mixtape Live at Cleveland Museum of Art
Local musicians collaborate with composer-arranger Dan Bruce for this concert featuring "intimate storytelling with innovative orchestration. " In addition, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and all merchandise sales from this celebration benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, supporting vital programs that fight hunger. The performance includes original music by Ray Flanagan, Liz Bullock, Jinari Kemet and Gretchen Pleuss. It begins at 7 p.m. at Cleveland Museum of Art. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

Night Ranger at MGM Northfield Park
Singer-drummer Kelly Keagy and guitarist Brad Gillis founded this band in 1979, and it would go to have some commercial success in the 1980s thanks to hits such as "Sister Christian" and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me." Director Paul Thomas Anderson effectively uses "Sister Christian" in a pivotal scene in his 1997 movie Boogie Nights. The group returns to MGM Northfield Park's Center Stage. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com

They Might Be Giants at the Agora and Globe Iron
The quirky alternative rock band plays the Agora as part of its "The Big Tour." The group's career stretches back decades now, and press materials boast that the band will play wildly different sets when it performs for multiple nights in a single city. Doors open at 7 p.m. The group heads over to Globe Iron to perform Saturday night. That show also starts at 7 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com; 2320 Center St., Cleveland, globeironcle.com

Third Friday at 78th Street Studios
From 5 to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free. 1300 West 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com

Anne Wilson at Akron Civic Theatre
The country singer-songwriter comes to the Akron Civic Theatre in the wake of the release of her new single, the gospel-infused “God Story.” Friday's concert begins at 7:30 p.m. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Warren Zeiders: Relapse, Lies & Betrayal at the Covelli Centre
The country superstar brings his latest tour to the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. Earlier this year, Zeiders released Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal, a sprawling 21-track album that touches on all the themes mentioned in the album's title. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Chayce Beckham opens. 229 East Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com

Saturday, Nov. 22

Annual Panza Foundation Benefit
A few years back, local philanthropist and rocker John Panza started a foundation to help local bands succeed. The organization hosts an annual benefit to raise money for its grant recipients, and this year's event takes place at 8 p.m. at the Happy Dog. It'll feature performances by this year's four grant recipients, and music gear and other items will be raffled off during the proceedings. 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-9474, happydogcleveland.com

Blondeshell at Beachland Ballroom
Sabrina Teitelbaum, who records and tours as Blondeshell, brings her tour in support of her sophomore album, If You Asked for a Picture, to the Beachland Ballroom. She's just released an expanded version of the album that includes new and live Blondeshell songs along with a few choice covers of songs by influences such as Conor Oberst, Samia and Folk Bitch Trio. The Sonder Bombs open, and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Crocker Park’s Annual Tree Lighting at Crocker Park
An annual tradition, Crocker Park's annual tree lighting festival takes place Saturday with live entertainment, a special vendor market and face painting. Food trucks will be on hand, and Santa will roll into the event at 6 p.m. 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com

Frost at Cleveland Botanical Garden
This annual winter celebration at the Cleveland Botanical Garden features lights, seasonal displays and family activities. There will be a gingerbread competition and local garden clubs will decorate Christmas trees that'll be on display. Check the website for hours and more information. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

Just Dance 2 with Bad Boy Bill at Crobar
The locally based Superdank Productions celebrates its 28th anniversary with this special show featuring DJ Bad Boy Bill as well as DJ 7UP. The event begins at 9 p.m. at Crobar. 3244 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4727, crobar1921.com

Tropidelic at the Agora
The local act that's become a nationally touring band returns to the Agora. Tropidelic formed in 2008 in Kent and built a following after self-distributing more than 10,000 free copies of its self-produced first EP, Rebirth of the Dope. During the course of its nearly 20-year career, the group has opened for acts such as Slightly Stoopid, 311, Pepper, the Dirty Heads, Sublime with Rome, Soja, the Wailers and Flobots. It's now a legitimate headliner. Atrikal Sound System, Grieves and Land of Panda open. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

RELATED: At Home with Tropidelic: Cleveland's Breakout Reggae-Funk-Rock Band

Sunday, Nov. 23

Trey Anastasio Band at the Akron Civic Theatre
A founding member of the jam band Phish, singer-guitarist Anastasio has released more than two dozen studio and live albums as a solo artist and in addition to Phish, he's toured on his own and with the Trey Anastasio Band, Classic TAB, Trey Anastasio Trio and other iterations. The concert, which will feature Anastasio and his band along with a horn section, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

My Love Letter to Food at Imposters Theater
Comedian Samantha Woodman wrote, directed and produced this show about her relationship with food. Sunday's performance takes place at 6 p.m. at Imposters Theater. 4828 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, imposterstheater.com

YUNGBLUD at the Agora
Like the late David Bowie, one of this British singer-songwriter's influences, YUNGBLUD has the cheekbones of a model and a penchant for punk/New Wave melodies. He comes to the Agora on Sunday at 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Sawyer Hill opens. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com