Thursday Dec. 5
Ax Plays Mozart at Mandel Concert Hall
Conductor Pablo Heras-Casado leads the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20. Pianist Emanuel Ax will join the orchestra for the concert. It takes place tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Saturday. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Tab Benoit at the Music Box Supper Club
Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Tab Benoit has expressed his passion for environmental activism. On tour to promote his latest album, I Hear Thunder, the Louisiana Bayou blues singer-songwriter performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Music Box Supper Club. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
Black Nativity at the Hanna Theatre
Way back in 1961, Russell and Rowena Jelliffe, founders of Karamu House, commissioned Langston Hughes to write Black Nativity. The retelling of the Nativity Story performed using gospel music became a hit. It returns to the Hanna Theatre tonight at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue through Dec. 15. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
The Black Rose Xperience at Cleveland Public Theatre
Akron indie rockers Church of Starry Wisdom present this multi-media show at Cleveland Public Theatre. The show is about "rebellion" and "revolution" in a dystopic United States. Tonight's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m., and performances continue through Sunday. 6415 Detroit Ave., 216-631-2727, cptonline.org
Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Tonight at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavs, who own the best record in the whole damn league after they defeated the Boston Celtics last weekend, take on the Denver Nuggets, one of the better teams in the Western Conference. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
A Christmas Carol at the Mimi Ohio Theatre
Great Lakes Theatre revives its rendition of the Charles Dickens classic about an ornery miser named Scrooge. Today's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, and the play runs through Dec. 22. 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
A Christmas Story at the Allen Theatre
The Cleveland Play House’s production of A Christmas Story rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. Today's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 22. 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Cleveland Charge vs. Motor City Cruise at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The Cavs' G-League team takes on the Motor City Cruise today at noon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
How Hip-Hop Became Pop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Hosted by writer and professor Amy Coddington, this lecture will look at hip-hop's evolution and will particularly examine "the critical role commercial radio stations had in this transformation of the genre, examining how the racial organization of the radio industry influenced the way hip-hop music was sold to the American public." The talk takes place at 7 p.m. at the Rock Hall. It's free with a reservation. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com
In This Moment at the Agora Theater
The hard rock band fronted by Maria Brink formed in Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago and released its debut, Beautiful Tragedy, back in 2007. The current tour that brings it to the Agora supports the latest album, Godmode, a collection of heavy tunes that show off Brink's intensity (she whispers evocatively on the album opener and effectively screams on "Sanctify Me"). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Scrooge! at Near West Theatre
This musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic runs three weekends at Near West Theatre. The musical's scenic design will emphasize class structures and societal divisions. A performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. tonight and performances continue through the weekend. 6702 Detroit Road, 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org
Twas the Night Before Christmas by Cirque du Soleil at the State Theatre
Expect acrobats and dancers as Cirque du Soleil takes on the traditional Christmas story for this special performance that takes place tonight at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 15. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Friday Dec. 6
2024 Student Holiday Sale and 100 Show + Sale at Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland
Institute of Art students will be selling their artwork at this Student Holiday Sale. More than 80 CIA students across multiple majors will have work for sale. The event takes place from 5-9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow in CIA's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Atrium as well as throughout the first floor of the academic building. In addition, works of art by students, faculty and friends of CIA will be sold for $100 each (or in denominations of $100) at the student-organized 100 Show + Sale. Proceeds go toward the annual spring break student trip to visit galleries, museums and artists' studios. 11610 Euclid Ave., 216-421-7461, cia.edu
Adele Givens at the Funny Bone Comedy Club
Known as the "Queen of Comedy," Adele Givens uses her crass sense of humor to focus on everyday situations such as marriage, going to the gynecologist, and picking baby names. She also examines double standards. She performs tonight at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. tonight at the Funny Bone, where she has shows scheduled through Sunday. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Connor Palace
The self-proclaimed "Queens of Christmas” bring their new holiday-themed variety show to Connor Palace. The event begins at 8 p.m. 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
The Marshall Tucker Band at MGM Northfield Park
The veteran Southern rock group performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. Since founding member Doug Gray still fronts the band, you can expect songs such as "Can't You See" and "Ramblin'" to resemble their originals thanks to his distinctively husky voice. Jefferson Starship, another classic rock act that's gone through various lineup changes over the decades, opens. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
MIX: The Art of the Game at Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art's monthly MIX event celebrates the Cavs' new City Edition jerseys. Cavs' DJ Steph Floss will man the turntables at the event, which takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Monsters vs. Syracuse Crunch
At 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Monsters play the Syracuse Crunch. As part of a regular Friday promotion, there will be discounted concessions at tonight's game. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Kate Reid's Have Yourself a Kate Reid Christmas at Maltz Performing Arts Center
Singer Kate Reid joins the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra for this special holiday show that takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Case Western Reserve University’s Maltz Performing Arts Center. Expect to hear classic Christmas stands that Reid considers her favorites. 1855 Ansel Road, 216-368-0295, case.edu/maltzcenter/
Star Wars Burlesque: The Tease Strikes Back at Beachland Ballroom
Cleveland Burlesque presents this annual Star Wars-themed burlesque show. The performance begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Suki Waterhouse at the Agora Theater
Sub Pop recording artist Suki Waterhouse has worked steadily since the 2022 release of I Can’t Let Go, her label debut. She embarked on a successful headline tour and played major festivals in North and South America. She somehow found time to write and record the tunes for Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, a terrific collection of dream-pop tunes. Her tour in support of the album comes to the Agora. Doors open at 7 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Saturday Dec. 7
Cleveland Pride Band: Happy Holi-Gays at Maltz Performing Arts Center
The Cleveland Pride Band that "creates an authentic space for LGBTQ+ and allied musicians to promote community, visibility, education and engagement through music performance" brings its holiday show to the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m. 1855 Ansel Road, 216-368-0295, case.edu/maltzcenter
Donnie Iris & the Cruisers at MGM Northfield Park
Now one of rock's elder statesmen, singer Donnie Iris regularly still makes his way from his Pittsburgh home to perform in Cleveland with his backing band the Cruisers. The guy’s career goes back decades. In 1970, he earned a gold record with the Jaggerz for “The Rapper.” In 1978, he joined Wild Cherry, and in 1979 he formed Donnie Iris & the Cruisers. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., he returns to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
Krampusnacht with Ohio Krampus Society at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Local vendors will sell Krampus swag and the local act City of Invention will provide the tunes at this annual event that takes place at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Proceeds from ticket sales support Ohio Hands & Voices. 11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org
Native Americans of the Cuyahoga Valley — Peg Bobel and Linda G. Whitman at Visible Voice Books
Peg Bobel and Linda G. Whitman come to Visible Voice books today to discuss their new book of essays about Native Americans of Northeast Ohio. The reading takes place at 6 p.m. It's free. 2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com
The Ohio City Singers at the Music Box Supper
This local band's festive live shows typically celebrate the season in grand fashion. Singer-songwriter Don Dixon often dresses up as Santa Claus, and he’s been known to belt out an exuberant rendition of William Bell’s soulful “Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday.” Singer-multi-instrumentalist Doug McKean will lead the crowd in a chant of “E-G-G N-O-G!” during the zydeco-ish “Egg Nog,” and singer-guitarist Austin Walkin’ Cane often turns in a woozy rendition of “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” At 8 p.m. tonight, the group brings its annual holiday show back to the Music Box. 1148 Main Avenue, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Cedar Lee Theatre
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie, still draws big crowds to local showings. Expect a throng to show up for tonight's screening that takes place at 9:30 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets cost $12. 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com
Season’s Greetings from Shaker Square at Shaker Square
This free holiday event will feature photos with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, live holiday music and strolling performers. Cleveland City Dance will host an open house. It takes place from 2-6 p.m. at Shaker Square. 13000 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, shakersquare.com
Sip & Shop at StoneWater Golf Club
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., StoneWater in Highland Heights will host its annual holiday market, Sip & Shop. Admission and parking are complementary, and more than 30 local vendors will be on hand. The event will include a toy drive as well. 1 Club Dr., 440-461-4653, Highland Heights, stonewatergolf.com
Sunday Dec. 8
Better Lovers at the Roxy at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
This hard rock band features Greg Puciato (ex-Dillinger Escape Plan) and 3/5 of the rock group Every Time I Die. The band released its debut single, “30 Under 13,” in 2023, followed by the four-song God Made Me an Animal EP. Songs such as "At All Times" feature dynamic guitar interplay and complex time signatures. The current tour that brings it to the Roxy at Mahall's 20 Lanes supports its debut album, Highly Irresponsible. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com
Matteo Bocelli's A Night with Matteo at MGM Northfield Park
Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli gave a rousing performance at the 96th Academy Awards for a special rendition of “Time To Say Goodbye” with his father, Andrea Bocelli. On tour in support of his debut album, Matteo, the singer performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute at the Music Box Supper Club
Cliff Habian Quartet presents a special show with selections from the songbook of pianist Vince Guaraldi of Charlie Brown/Peanuts fame. Habian performs at noon and at 4 p.m. today at Music Box Supper Club. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
The Jesus Lizard at the Agora Theater
Having just released their first new studio album in years, the hard rock group returns to Cleveland for the first time in decades. A terrific live band led by unhinged frontman David Yow, the group has inspired acts such as Brit rockers Idles. It plays tonight at 7 p.m. at the Agora. Local rockers Disengage open. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024 at Connor Palace
The smooth jazz icon brings the 27th iteration of his Christmas tour to Connor Palace. Singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler, saxophonist Vincent Ingala, guitarist Adam Hawley and singer Rebecca Jade will join him for renditions of holiday classics. The show begins at 7 p.m. 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Pentatonix's Hallelujah! It's A Christmas Tour at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The popular vocal group brings its holiday tour to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The group has just released a new holiday tune, "Meet Me Next Christmas," a snappy tune that served as the title song for a Netflix special. It'll inevitably end up in the setlist for the tour. Tonight's concert begins at 8 p.m. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Yugo Rock Brunch at Beachland Tavern
Locally based rock ’n' roll aficionado Stanislav Zabic will join up with Toronto's DJ Beri to spin some deep Yugo Rock grooves at this special brunch that takes place at 11 a.m. at the Beachland Tavern. The event goes until 2 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Cleveland Play House's production of A Christmas Story takes place at the Allen Theatre, not the Mimi Ohio Theatre.
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