Cleveland Ballet, Cavs watch parties, Record Store Day, Jim Norton at Hilarities and more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

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Cleveland Ballet performs “Serenade” and “Symphony of Life”

Cleveland Ballet concludes its season performing with its own live orchestra for the first time. The program at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace includes its debut performance of George Balanchine, “Serenade,” described as one of the most celebrated ballets in the history of dance. The company will also perform to “Symphony of Life,” the first commissioned musical score for the ballet by world-renowned Israeli composer Anna Segal. Tickets $28-$131. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., April 21-22. DETAILS

Record Store Day

Saturday, April 22, marks Record Store Day. It's a great opportunity to stop streaming and downloading -- at least for a day -- and celebrate the joys of flipping through racks of vinyl and CDs in an actual bricks-and-mortar store. With hundreds of shops participating worldwide, including many in Cleveland, this year’s exclusive and limited-edition releases come from the likes of Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, the Black Keys, Billy Joel, Nas, Madonna, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Duran Duran, Bjork, Van Halen, the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Wilco...do we need to say that the list goes on? And on? And on? So clear the plastic and make a plan. A full list of releases and participating stores can be found at recordstoreday.com. Happy hunting!

The War & Treaty

The War & Treaty, the soulful husband-wife duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter, will perform songs from songs from their new album, "Lover's Game" at their show at The House of Blues Cleveland on Sunday, April 23. The Trotters talked with Plain Dealer/cleveland.com music critic Malcolm X Abram about the album, tour and their lives. Michael Trotter grew up in Cleveland. 8 p.m. Tickets are $23. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. READ MORE

NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Just because the Cavaliers are on the road in their opening-round playoff series against the Knicks doesn’t mean you have to cheer at home. The Cavaliers are hosting watch parties at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for Game 3 (8:30 p.m. Friday, April 21) and Game 4 (1 p.m. Sunday, April 23). Admission is only $5 and it goes for Habitat for Humanity, and all the pageantry will be in place as if it were a home game (player introductions, t-shirt tosses, more). For Friday's game, a watch party is also set at Studio West 117 in Lakewood. Cavs entertainment teams will be there in the entertainment-bar-restaurant space that opened last year. Studio West 117 is at 1384 Hird Ave., Lakewood. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the party.

DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra presents “All Mozart”

The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra is joined by conductor Bernard Labadie and soprano soloist Lucy Crowe in a performance of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, perhaps the greatest composer in history. The concert is highlighted by Mozart’s final-- and greatest symphony, “Jupiter.” Tickets $24-$164. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. April 20-23. DETAILS

Guardians vs. Marlins

Sure, it’s been 26 years since Miami’s Major League Baseball team broke our hearts and won the 1997 World Series. But beating the Marlins will always feel good and the Guardians get three chances this weekend. Tickets start at $15. Progressive Field, Cleveland. April 21-23. DETAILS

Jim Norton at Hilarities

The comedian, podcast host, author and actor will perform his edgy, sometimes raunchy style of comedy at four shows inside Pickwick & Frolic’s E. 4th Street entertainment complex. Tickets $35. Ages 21 & over only. 2035 E. 4th St, Cleveland. 7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m., April 21-22. DETAILS

Cleveland Burlesque presents “A Whole Lotta Love”

This burlesque revue at Beachland Ballroom is a rousing celebration of rock and roll. Special guest band The Beams performs live as performers strut, shimmy, and shake on stage at the city’s most eclectic music venue. Tickets $20-$60. 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland. 8:30 p.m., April 21. DETAILS

Quilts 2023 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Now in its 31st year, this event is known as one of the finest quilt shows in Ohio. The colorful display hosts 175 beautiful quilts. Quilts 2023 includes workshops, demonstrations, lectures, competitions and, of course, shopping. Admission, $7-$9. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland. Through April 30. DETAILS

‘What We Look Like’ at Dobama Theatre

Cleveland’s Off-Broadway Theatre hosts the professional world premiere of this comedy, which tells the story of the challenges and pressures faced by a black family after moving to a white suburban neighborhood. Tickets $15-$41. 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights. April 21-May 23. DETAILS

Limón Dance Company

DanceCleveland presents a performance of the Limón Dance Company at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre. Known as one of the pioneering companies of modern dance, the program includes “Only One Will Rise,” a new piece by Burkina Faso choreographer Olivier Tarpaga about the resilience of the human spirit. Tickets $25-$70. 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., April 22. DETAILS

Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival

Presented by the Kulas Foundation, the 91st edition of the festival includes pop-up performances, a Baroque dance workshop, historical displays, master classes, the Festival Brass and more. Featured concerts include two of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and his signature Mass in B Minor. Performance tickets start at $35. Baldwin Wallace University, Berea. April 21-23. DETAILS

Jeff Ross comedy show

Known as the Roastmaster General for his brand of insult comedy, Ross brings his standup act to MGM Northfield Park for one night only. Tickets $37.50. Ages 21 & over only. 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield. 8 p.m., April 21. DETAILS

Lake Metroparks’ Earth Day Celebration

Have fun while learning how to help protect the planet with hands-on activities, live animal programs, exhibits and more at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Highlights include an eco fair, Earth Day marketplace and appearances by native Ohio wildlife and farm animals. Free. 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland. Noon-4 p.m., April 23. DETAILS

Egyptomania: Fashion’s Conflicted Obsession

This recently opened exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art features dozens of objects exploring the influence of Egyptomania in fashion by juxtaposing contemporary clothing and jewelry with fine and decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Now through January 2024. DETAILS

Cleveland Botanical Garden presents House Plants!

Unique house plants fill the indoor spaces of the botanical garden. The idea is to, um, plant ideas in the minds of visitors of ways to decorate their homes with greenery. Shop for plants afterward in the garden store. Admission $14-$20. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through May 21. DETAILS

Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios

The largest fine arts complex in Northeast Ohio holds its monthly art walk with exciting new exhibits and artwork along with pop-up vendors, live music, local food, adult beverages and more. Free admission.

1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland. 5-9 p.m., April 21. DETAILS

Avon Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Shop a large variety of local artisans and vendors for original handmade crafts, art, jewelry, accessories, home goods, health, wellness and beauty products and more. Admission $3. 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 22. DETAILS

‘Becoming Dr. Ruth’

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, 94, is a legendary sex therapist who built a popular persona in the 1980s. Naomi Jacobson plays Dr. Ruth in a solo show, “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” and talks about life as a child escaping Nazi Germany, time as an Israeli sharpshooter, living as a single mother in America and transformation into a global celebrity. Tickets $25 - $75. Cleveland’s Play House’s Outcalt Theater, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through April 23. DETAILS

Return of the Butterflies at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Hundreds of newly emerged butterflies have been released to fly freely in the garden’s Costa Rica Cloud Forest biome. Observe more than 30 species of these colorful and curious insects as they search for nectar and explore their surroundings. Admission, $13-$19. 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland. Through Nov. 30. DETAILS

The Tudors at Cleveland Museum of Art

This touring exhibition explores the art and majesty of Renaissance England with more than 90 works that show how Tudor monarchs including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I used the arts as propaganda to prop up their dynasty. Timed tickets, $15 or free for members, recommended. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through May 14. DETAILS

Flanagan’s Wake at Kennedy’s Cabaret

Centered on an Irish funeral, “Flanagan’s Wake” doesn’t sound like an inherently humorous play. But the interactive performance, which has taken place in Cleveland regularly since 1996, relies on audience-interactive improv, usually producing hilarious results. Tickets, $29. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through April 29. DETAILS

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Feel the magic when you step inside some of your favorite animated Disney films. This one-of-a-kind experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace gives you a front-row seat at Simba’s presentation ceremony, sends you on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and transports you to snowy Arendelle for a song by Elsa. Tickets start at $36. 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. Through May 29. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Sirna’s Farm Fresh Kitchen

When the weather hits 80 as it did last week, we’re anxious to ride the Honda Goldwing in Northeast Ohio’s rural areas. The best destinations involve food. Last week we rode through southern Geauga County. We stopped for dinner at Sirna’s Farm Fresh Kitchen on Auburn Corners, near the intersection of East Washington Street and State Route 44/Ravenna Road. In growing season, restaurant food is fresh from Sirna’s farm. The homemade pasta dishes have become so popular that owner Craig Sirna bought new pasta-making equipment to keep up. We enjoyed the noodles under a freshly prepared chicken piccata with a light lemony sauce. We may need to ride there again for homemade cannoli or a Nutella calzone. 11773 E Washington Street, Chagrin Falls. DETAILS

Franklin Brewing Co. open, serving beer with a sense of history

Franklin Brewing Co. is open in Grafton in Lorain County. It gets its name from Benjamin Franklin. Owner Aaron Schickel is fond of the founding father. The brewery opened recently along the village’s Main Street and is now serving the Lorain County village and its surrounding communities. Many of its beers have references to Franklin’s history. Plain Dealer/cleveland.com beer writer Marc Bona paid a visit. READ MORE

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

TV & MOVIES

‘Ghosted’

In her young, flourishing career, Ana de Armas has already made three films with Chris Evans. Following "Knives Out" and "The Gray Man" — both of which positioned them as foes, either in family squabbles or assassin melees — they're more closely aligned in "Ghosted." In the Apple TV+ release, premiering Friday, April 21, "Rocketman" director Dexter Fletcher pairs them in a film that fuses rom-com with action thriller. After a promising first date between Cole (Evans) and Sadie (de Armas), Cole pursues the unreachable Sadie and becomes ensnarled in an international spy adventure. DETAILS

‘Mrs. Davis’

Netflix already used the title "Warrior Nun" so in Peacock's new series about a nun out for vengeance they went with "Mrs. Davis." The quirky, sci-fi show stars Betty Gilpin ("Nurse Jackie," "GLOW") as Simone, a nun determined to destroy a powerful artificial intelligence, known as the innocuous-sounding Mrs. Davis. The algorithm is viewed by society as a whole as a way technology makes life easier but Simone sees it as a big problem infringing on people's individual freedoms. Jake McDorman and Margo Martindale also co-star. "Mrs. Davis" is co-created by Damon Lindelof ("Lost", "The Watchmen.") "Mrs. Davis" premieres Thursday, April 20, with the first four episodes on Peacock. DETAILS

‘Evil Dead Rise’

Sam Raimi’s horror franchise is resurrected again with Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland as estranged sisters whose reunion is interrupted by flesh-possessing demons. Opens Friday in area theaters. DETAILS

‘The Covenant’

Guy Ritchie writes and directs Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim in a war drama-thriller about an Army sergeant who defies authorities to go back behind enemy lines and rescue the interpreter who saved his life. Opens Friday in area theaters. DETAILS

‘The Diplomat’

Keri Russell returns to TV in the Netflix series "The Diplomat," as Kate Wyler, a career envoy with a passion for Mideast affairs who randomly gets reassigned as the new U.S. ambassador in the UK. It's a major change for Wyler because diplomacy in the UK is much lower stakes than her previous post. She's placed in an estate that resembles Downton Abbey, complete with butlers and maids, and is now expected to be more of a social figurehead. The job ends up being more complicated than expected, and Kate must establish relationships and trust with those around her, plus navigate the red tape and bureaucracy that comes with a government job. Another daily obstacle she must navigate is her husband Hal, (Rufus Sewell) who was also a career diplomat (until he was fired). "The Diplomat" dropped its eight-episode season on Thursday, April 20. DETAILS

‘No Bears’

One of 2022's best films arrives this week on the Criterion Channel. For years, Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been finding intrepid ways to make films that cleverly reflect Iranian society despite government control. In "No Bears," Panahi — who has made acclaimed movies from within his apartment or the confines of a car — again plays a fictionalized version of himself, this time while he endeavors to remotely direct a film. When his collaborators' unwittingly capture a moment some locals don't want documented, scrutiny and pressure falls on Panahi. When "No Bears" opened in theaters, Panahi was in prison in Tehran. After declaring a hunger strike, he was freed on bail in February. DETAILS

‘Judy Blume Forever ‘

Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok's lively bio-doc "Judy Blume Forever" profiles an author who's had a lasting impact on generations of young readers. The film, which debuts Friday, April 21, on Prime Video, mixes interviews with Blume, now 85, and her many fans, ranging from kids to Lena Dunham and Molly Ringwald. The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, debuts just as a big-screen adaptation of one of Blume's most beloved books, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," hits theaters. DETAILS

‘Home in a Heartbeat’

Galey Alix used to work on Wall Street in finance and dabble in interior design and renovations on the side. She would post about her projects on social media and amassed millions of followers. She's now doing design full-time and has her own HGTV show, "Home in a Heartbeat." Alix chooses a social follower and takes a weekend to renovate their home and provide positive change. "Home in a Heartbeat" debuted Wednesday, April 19. DETAILS

MUSIC

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela — Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero — return with a new album, "In Between Thoughts... A New World," out Friday, April 21. It's the pair's first collection since their 2019 Grammy -winning "Mettavolution," which meld the power of thrash metal with fiery Spanish melodies. Self-produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela at their studio in Ixtapa, Mexico, the new album sees the duo "expanding their traditional approach to include inventive electronic and orchestral elements." Superb single "Descending to Nowhere" even has a little funk and danceability. DETAILS

Everything But the Girl

U.K. group Everything But the Girl will make a comeback this spring with their first studio album since 1999. The duo of Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt — known for the dreamy hit "Missing" — will release "Fuse" on Friday, April 21. Work on the 10-track project began in the spring of 2021 at the couple's home. "Of course, we were aware of the pressures of such a long-awaited comeback, so we tried to begin instead in a spirit of open-minded playfulness, uncertain of the direction, receptive to invention," Thorn says. First single "Nothing Left to Lose" is an electronic flashback that feels modern filled with thick slabs of synth. DETAILS

Tink

See this talented R&B and hip hop artist at the Agora as she performs songs from her latest album, “Thanks 4 Nothing,” which includes her two most recent singles “Toxic,” and “Fake Love.” Tickets $35-$135. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7 p.m., April 22. DETAILS

The Musical Box: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

The only group in the world authorized by Peter Gabriel and Genesis comes to the Connor Palace to perform the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s rock opera “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” The show recreates the final collaborative effort between Genesis and its original lead singer in painstaking detail. Tickets $44-54.

1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., April 23. DETAILS

Best Night Ever: Boy Band Bash

Dance the night away at Mahall’s, the city’s hippest bowling alley, as you get lost in the dreamy music of modern boy bands like One Direction, the Jonas Brothers, BTS and more. Tickets $15. Ages 18+. 3200 Madison Ave., Lakewood. 10 p.m., April 22. DETAILS

The Heavy

Have you been praying for some old-school punk and garage rock? Then say "Amen," the new album from The Heavy, their first in four years. The band — known for the song "How You Like Me Now?" — return with their humor intact as one of the singles shows — "Stone Cold Killer," a song about guitarist Dan Taylor's new kitten. "We got a new cat, a female Burmese. She's the cutest thing you've ever seen, but an absolute enemy of every living thing in the garden," he explains. The 10 new songs also include "I Feel the Love" and "Hurricane Coming." DETAILS

What's ahead for live music in 2023

Want more concert & music picks?

Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE

Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE

Entertainment | Music | Events

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