Ohio City Stages, Wednesdays in July
When the Cleveland Museum of Art throws a block party in Ohio City, it's bound to be hip. Acclaimed global musicians, such as last year's Mokoomba, an Afro-fusion band from Zimbabwe, play free shows on a stage outside the Transformer Station. "There's a ton of dancing," says Michael George, frequent attendee and owner of Cleveland Tea Revival. 7:30-9 p.m., 1460 W. 29th St., Cleveland, 216-421-7340, clevelandart.org
Summer Garden Concert Series, Tuesdays July 21-Aug. 25
Beautiful sights and sounds collide at the Holden Arboretum on Tuesdays when six diverse musical acts perform in the picturesque display garden in a show that's free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Musicians include Erie Heights Brass Ensemble, country and blues act Spyder Stompers and Sugar Pie, and a jazz quartet from the Cleveland Institute of Music. "It is very relaxed and easy feeling," says Madeline Tolliver, returning flutist in the North Coast Winds ensemble. 7-8:30 p.m., Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org
Front Porch Concerts, Fridays July 3-Sept. 11
The Lakewood Public Library serves as an idyllic community porch for this free series. Expect a bluesy performance from local favorite Cats on Holiday as well as energetic numbers from student rock bands selected by Chris Vance of Vance Music Studios. "These guys are all really good musicians," Vance says. "They're all really passionate." 7 p.m., Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave., 216-521-0655, lakewoodalive.com
