Northeast Ohio produces more events each week than it would
be possible to attend, even if you had a full-time maid,
chef, and/or babysitter. Hot Picks: This Week’s Smart
Stuff sorts through the lists of concerts, festivals, exhibits,
plays, readings and all sorts of other events and pulls
out a few that seem out-of-the-ordinary. There will be new
things each week, with the list updating each Monday.
Even though we like to think of ourselves as “in
the know,” there will always be things that escape
our notice. Please feel free to make suggestions to
(be aware, we make no promises and the final decision rests
with us). Enjoy!
Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express
May 15 at 8:30 p.m.
Beachland Ballroom and Tavern
For most of his life, San Francisco has been Chuck Prophet's muse...or more accurately, his drug of choice. "It can suck you under. That first hit. It really does a whammy to you. And if you're like me you can find yourself chasing the San Francisco dragon for the rest of your life. That's what the record is about." Named for the ill-fated rock club of the same name, Temple Beautiful was "made in San Francisco, by San Franciscans about San Francisco."
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Judas Priest Epitaph
May 15
Capitol Theatre
Judas Priest celebrates 40 years of heavy metal dominance with the theatrical release of a 23 song concert film. This film captures the climatic closing night of the 50-week Epitaph World Tour - the band's final world tour - recorded at London's HMV Hammersmith Apollo in May 2012. There are blazing live versions of at least one song from each of Judas Priest's 14 classic albums from 1974 to 2008. This is a one night only theatrical event.
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Manning Up
May 16 - June 2
Actor's Summit Theater
Two men are hunkered down in their basement man cave. Their wives are both expecting and are due at any minute. Fearing that they may be becoming too sensitive, they prepare for a seminar (manimar) by practicing their tales of manliness and rehearsing their primal screams. Unfortunately, one of their wives goes into labor while on a shopping trip and they discover that they’ve locked themselves into the basement. Lots of laughs and male bonding.
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Voices of Canton: The Music Man
May 17 - 19
Lions Lincoln Theatre
The Music Man is a musical by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader, and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother overcome his fear of social interactions due to his lisp, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her.
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The SteelDrivers
May 17 at 8 p.m.
The Kent Stage
America's hottest new bluegrass band comes to Kent, Ohio.
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Lee Murdock: A Song to Commemorate the War of 1812
May 17 at 6 p.m.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Internationally acclaimed singer and historian Lee Murdock will commemorate the Bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie, when he takes the stage at Happy Days Lodge to wrap up the park's Lyceum Lecture Series. In Murdock's latest recording, Here We'll Stand: The War of 1812 and the Struggle that Forged Two Nations, his music is centered on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a struggle between the young United States and Great Britain for the riches of North America.
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A Lass and Over 40 Lads
May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Breen Center
Come enjoy the unforgettable mid-century music that followed the Big Band era and preceded Rock and Roll... Songs like Moments To Remember, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, and Yesterday.
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The Stan Hywet Plant Sale
May 18 at 10 a.m.
Stan Hywet's Garden Shop at Molly's
A variety of plants are for sale, including Stan Hywet's 'Homegrown Series.' Plant and garden accessories are available for purchase throughout the season during Molly's business hours, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
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Patti Austin: The Music of Ella and Ellington
May 18 at 8 p.m.
Severance Hall
Pop-jazz superstar entertainer Patti Austin is widely regarded as one of the most stunning interpreters of song onstage today. She joins The Cleveland Orchestra for a very special tribute to jazz giants Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. This program features songs from Austin's Grammy-nominated album, For Ella, including favorites such as 'I've Got You Under My Skin,' 'I Only Have Eyes For You,' 'Mack the Knife,' and more.
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Skate Dance Dream Cleveland, Ohio
May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Serpentini Arena at Winterhurst
We are proud to announce the Star cast of SDD-Cleveland!
Gev Manoukian -- Season 4 Top 10 Finalist from FOX's "SYTYCD"
Richard Dornbush -- 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Silver Medalist; World Team Member
Sean Rabbitt -- U.S. Figure Skating National Senior Competitor
Hannah Miller -- 2012 Junior Grand Prix Final Silver Medalist; U.S. Figure Skating National Senior Competitor
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