Almost, Maine
It’s cold outside and even colder on this stage. Set in the midwinter night in the mystical place of Almost, Maine, a town that barely exists. Couples journey through pain and love in the most surreal ways possible. Get ready for the emotional rollercoaster ride of heartbreak, laughter, romance and more as these couples try to make it through the frigid night. $10-$22. Feb. 1 & Feb. 2 7:30 p.m., Feb. 3 2:30 p.m., Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-2626, weathervaneplayhouse.com
Beijing Dance Theater
The Beijing Dance Theater leaps into the Ohio Theatre with its international tour of performances. The beautiful combination of visual, performance, musical and dramatic arts is hard to take your eyes off. Mixed with contemporary and Chinese culture influences, Beijing Dance Theater is pushing the limits of traditional dance choreography and combining the elements of art for a captivating show. $25-$50. Feb. 2 7:30 p.m., Feb. 3 2 p.m., Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org
Brent Webb
The mastermind Brent Webb is appearing at the Hard Rock Rocksino and he has a few tricks up his sleeve. He performs a high speed, interactive, full stage extravaganza that will have you questioning what is real and unreal. $15-$20, Feb. 1 & Feb. 2 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Hard Rock Rocksino, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7625, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com
Metallica
Ten years after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Metallica, the California native heavy metal band, is coming to Cleveland for one night on its World Wired Tour. From playing the small crowd at the Agora in 1983 to now the legends of mainstream heavy metal, Metallica is bringing head-banging right back to one of the places it started on its music journey: Cleveland. $75-$145. Feb. 1 7:30 p.m., Quicken Loans Arena,1 Center Court, Cleveland, theqarena.com
The Puppy Bowl
Now this is the type of sport where we're alright with a little drool. The second annual Pre-Super Bowl Puppy bowl is here. What’s better than getting off the couch and watching puppies play for the win on the field before the Patriots and Rams face off. Have a brew and watch your favorite animals take home the gold at Terrestrial Brewing’s Puppy Bowl. Free. Feb. 3 noon, Terrestrial Brewing Co., 7524 Father Frascati, Cleveland, facebook.com/terrestrialbrewing
Ray Flanagan's Album Release Party
Since bursting onto the scene as a high schooler, Ray Flanagan has become one of the most prolific performers in Cleveland. Almost every night, music fans can find the guitar virtuoso hosting open mics or backing other bands. But Saturday night, after a year-long residency at The Winchester Music Tavern, the spotlight is all on Flanagan as he releases his new album, Passerby, with highlights such as "Positive Nihilism Song" and "Lord's Day Blues," in front of a multimedia presentation. The Whiskey Hollow's Maddie Finn kicks off a night of music that celebrates one of the local scene's most talented players and writers. $10 in advance, $15 at the door, Feb. 2, 9 p.m., 12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood, thewinchestermusictavern.com