Dan Rather
Tune in to iconic newsman Dan Rather’s talk at the Hard Rock Rocksino March 16, where the Emmy and Peabody Award winner will break down his latest book, What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism. With 44 years at CBS, including 24 years as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, he was the voice that informed the country of many history-making events, including the Kennedy assassination, Watergate and the 9/11 attacks. Rather's new book of essays explores today’s self-described toxic political environment and traces the increase of polarized opinions in our present climate. Watching Rather, you’re in the front seat of history. $35-$55. March 16 7 p.m., Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7625, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com
Rodriguez
First releasing albums in the early ‘70s, Detroit-native Rodriguez’s musical career never really took off in America. Unbeknownst to him, his music was gaining a cult following in South America and Africa, eventually sending two South African filmmakers on a quest to find out what happened to their musical idol, a figure shrouded in mystery in their country. Their journey to find Rodriguez was documented in Searching For Sugar Man, the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary that re-launched Rodriguez’s career. The folk singer and guitarist now tours the globe extensively. On this American tour, Rodriguez will visit the Akron Civic Theater on March 16, showcasing counterculture lyrics and deft guitar stylings that prove his popularity is no mystery. $47-$67. March 16 8 p.m., Akron Civic Theatre, 182 South Main Street, Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Wade through a sea of green at the 176th annual Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade. With the theme “Prominent Irish Pioneers of the 20th Century,” the processional will run from the corner of Superior Ave and E. 18th St. to the intersection of Rockwell Ave. and Ontario St. One of the nation's largest St. Paddy's Day parades, almost 140 companies, organizations and universities will participate, including the Academy of Irish Dance, the Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland State University. Catch some green beads and tip your hat to the Emerald Isle — this family-friendly, classic Cleveland celebration is open to all, Irish or not. Free. March 17 1:04 p.m., Downtown Cleveland, stpatricksdaycleveland.com
Cleveland Museum of Art’s Recent Acquisitions 2014-2017
Exercise your artistic eye at Cleveland Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, featuring 29 of the more than 2,000 recent acquisitions that have been acquired by gift, purchase or bequest from 2014 through 2017. Running from March 17 to June 6, the exhibit showcases pieces that were created for devotional, social, aesthetic or practical purposes, ranging in time period and style. Along with this temporary exhibition, the permanent collection galleries currently feature more than 50 other recent acquisitions made by the museum. Free. March 17-June 6 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Big KRIT
Back with a new album after a two-year hiatus, Big KRIT will stop by the House of Blues March 18 for his North American “Heavy Is The Crown” tour. The Mississippi MC has collaborated with the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Ludacris, and is one of the scene’s biggest champions of the Southern sounds. Showcasing his signature charging and sincere blend of Southern hip-hop, Big KRIT's 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time explores the importance of self-love and confronts police brutality and social unrest in the U.S. Big KRIT will inspire and educate, pushing fans to face real-life issues with a dose of hope. $23.50 advance, $27 day of show. March 18 7 p.m., House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com/cleveland