Guardians home opener, Cleveland International Film Festival, Sewing & Quilt Expo at the I-X Center & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Cleveland International Film Festival

It’s the toast of the town every spring, so we start here! Things are winding down, but there’s still plenty of feast for your eyes – the last of the 300 films from 60 countries in 10 days. Various times, through Saturday, April 5. Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. clevelandfilm.org

Cavaliers v. Sacramento Kings

It’s Kings tipping off against the (we hope) New Kings! Playoffs are on the horizon and while the team has taken a few tough losses, we all still believe in Spida & Co. You guys had us at “hello” this season! Two words: Look up! 6 p.m., Sunday, April 6. Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. cavs.com

Sewing & Quilt Expo at the I-X Center

The loss of Joann stores is smarting crafty souls across The Land. Find solace and salve in this mega show with over 100 exhibitors produced by a Westlake company! 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, April 4

- Saturday, April 5. International Exposition Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. sewingexpo.com

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”

Beautiful is the inspiring tale about a girl who became King, featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Natural Woman.” A Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays through April 13. Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. nearwesttheatre.org

Jova Lynne “Convergence” & Hanna Bates “Aggregate”

Two unique visual artists working magic with the natural and material worlds, each in their own unique ways. Interconnectedness is the thread hanging these exhibitions together. Various times, through April 28. Sculpture Center, 12210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. sculpturecenter.org

Apollo’s Fire - Bachanalia!

Grammy-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell will lead the Billboard-topping group through area performances Friday, April 4 – Tuesday, April 8, along with concurrent events in the ensemble’s “Bachanalia Mini-Festival.” Bach’s glorious B Minor Mass is the centerpiece. Friday, April 4 – Tuesday, April 8. Multiple locations. apollosfire.org

Astronaut Sally Ride’s Legacy

She was a household name when she became the first woman in space, but Ride’s legacy extends to LGBTQ+ rights, progress for women in STEM and inspiring girls everywhere. This special City Club forum is presented in conjunction with the Cleveland International Film Festival. Ticketed event. 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 4. City Club of Cleveland, 1317 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. www.cityclub.org

“Twelfth Night”

The Shakespearean comedy centers around a shipwreck that throws lives into disarray when mistaken identities create hilarious havoc and unlikely romantic entanglements. Tickets are $20 to $89. Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave. Through Sunday, April 6. greatlakestheater.org

Cleveland Guardians Opening Day

Your Cleveland Guardians home opener happens Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Not sure we need to say anything more than that. Not sure if that means your weekend will extend into Tuesday, but if it does, you’re not alone. 4:10 p.m., Tuesday, April 8. Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland. mlb.com/guardians

Unwritten: An Improvised Musical

Anything can happen and it usually does in this slapdash production that takes inspiration from the audience. If an episode of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” was set to showtunes and cosplay, it still wouldn’t be as good as this is. Happens weekly, so no excuses. 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 4. Imposters Theater, 4828 Lorain Ave., Cleveland. imposterstheater.com

Monsters v. Penguins at Rocket Arena

The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are in town for back-to-back faceoffs against the Monsters. With playoffs around the corner, the Pens are running hot. Should be a good matchup. 7 p.m., Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5. Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. clevelandmonsters.com

Seasons’ Greetings

Britain’s most successful comedic playwright makes satirical hay with a send-up of the holidays. Christmas in July? Bah humbug! Sometimes it snows in April. Prince said so! Friday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Helen at Playhouse Square, 1501 Dodge Ct., Cleveland. playhousesquare.org

El Coqu Espectacular & the Bottle of Doom

A stage play about a struggling comic book artist, who invents an alter ego to save his fellow Puerto Ricans – all while his advertising executive brother who doesn’t speak Spanish (reluctantly) becomes the “voice” of Spanish-speaking people everywhere. 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Cleveland Public Theater, 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. www.cptonline.org

Under a Baseball Sky

Baseball’s deep roots in the Mexican-American community are on offer when troublemaker Teo is put to work cleaning up a vacant lot belonging to his elderly neighbor. An unlikely bond is forged around America’s favorite pastime. FYI: No Easter Sunday performance. 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays beginning Friday, April 4 ; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Runs through May 4. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. beckcenter.org

The Nature of Healing

This group art exhibition features 30+ local artists, co-curated with (and presented by) Deep Roots Gallery. Grief, mental health and utilizing green spaces as healing spaces in the community are covered; workshops and panels are baked in (registration required). Opens Saturday, April 5 and runs through mid-May. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. holdenfg.org

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Hundreds of families and their parents together at Rocket Arena for games, fun activities and, for our basketball fans, some skills and drills on the practice court! There will be kids’ fitness classes, dancing, sports skills clinics, arts, crafts and other enrichment activities. 12 – 3 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland. clevelandymca.org/healthy-kids-day

Sakura Festival and Light the Locks in Akron

Akron’s bicentennial will be celebrated along the Towpath in downtown, including Locks 1, 2 and 3, the Towpath Trailhead at Spaghetti Warehouse; the James R. Williams Tower in Ohio & Erie Canal Park and at The Mustill Store. The festival culminates with a luminary. 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Downtown Akron. downtownakron.com, akron200.org

Not Another [Expletive] Gala

Dobama Theatre’s “Not Another [Expletive] Gala” marks 65 years of building audiences for the arts while provoking examination of our world. Dobama has pushed limits and bucked the system for generations, creating community and conversation around critical topics. 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 5. Grog Shop, 2875 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights. dobama.org/nafg, grogshop.gs

Collegiate Gothic

Author Matthew Meduri and Cleveland Heights poet-scribe Kyle Snyder will read from their respective works in this spoken word/signing event. We talked to Meduri about his wry, satirical take on academia through the lens of small-town Ohio. It’s Wes Andersonesque! 5 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Mac’s Backs on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights. macsbacks.com

Saints & Sinners

Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s (OCB, formerly Verb Ballets) Spring Gala evening includes wine and cocktails, dinner and dessert by Trifles Catering, and a captivating performance by OCB. The celebration will conclude with music and dancing. 7 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Convivium 33 Gallery, 1433 E. 33rd St., Cleveland. ocballet.org

DanceEvert presents Confluence

Featuring “Espirial” directed by renowned Susana Weingarten Evert, Ballet Excel Ohio Youth Ballet Company (mentored by Master Teaching Artist Tom Evert) and Reflections Dance Theatre led by Nehemiah Spencer, dance is on tap in Euclid. 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Shore Cultural Centre Auditorium, 291 E. 222nd St., Euclid. danceevert.org

“War on the Diamond”

CLE expat, filmmaker and all-around good guy Andy Billman’s follow-up to “Believeland” chronicles a day in baseball that will live in infamy – Ray Chapman’s tragic death. The Yankees v. Indians rivalry stretches back to 1920 and this movie takes you there. 4 p.m., Sunday, April 6. CFFF on the Triangle Headquarters, 3 N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls. chagrinfilmfest.org

Lyrical Rhythms

There comes a time in everybody’s week when you just need to “VIBE.” This happy hour has comedy and open mic components and is a neighborhood favorite. Make it a habit: this repeats weekly and is a great way to build community. 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 8. B-Side Liquor Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland. bsideliquorlounge.com

Rose B. Simpson: “Strata”

The artist envisioned a site-specific project for the museum’s light-filled atrium titled “Strata.” Strata is inspired by her time spent in Cleveland, bringing the city and the background in her ancestral homelands of Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, to her work. Strata comprises two monumental figural sculptures constructed from clay, in addition to metalwork, porous concrete, and cast bronze. Free. Through Sunday, April 13. Cleveland Museum of Art, Ames Family Atrium, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. clevelandart.org

Print Media Spotlight Exhibition: Meryl Engler and Rita Montlack

A two-woman exhibition featuring Meryl Engler and Rita Montlack, highlighting their artistic voices through enchanting woodcut prints, photography and installations. On view through Saturday, April 26. 1300 West 78th St., Suite 200, Cleveland. hedgeartgallery.com

FOOD & DRINK

Fish fry season

It’s fish fry season at many non-profits across Northeast Ohio. Churches, VFW halls and other places are hosting dinners featuring everything from perch to pierogies. Times and dates vary based on location, but the churches and groups are located from Amherst to Willoughby. Fridays through Lent (Good Friday is April 18). It guide is updated weekly. READ MORE

Chardon Restaurant Week 2025 starts April 7 with 15 eateries

Chardon Restaurant Week is earlier this year. It runs Monday, April 7, to Sunday, April 13. A new restaurant – The Hambone -- has joined the list of 15. Diners will enjoy discounts and daily specials at local restaurants, and they can participate in daily prize drawings. READ MORE

Outstanding in the Field returns to Thaxton’s Organic Garlic

Cordelia and Chef Vinnie Cimino will once again team up with Thaxton’s Organic Garlic farm for a luxury outdoor dining event celebrating quality, local ingredients. This year’s Outstanding in the Field in Hudson is set for 4 p.m. on April 12. Tickets are $385 person. READ MORE

TOP PICKS

Harlow’s Pizza

Fridays and pizza are just meant to be. Considering that Greater Cleveland has no shortage of amazing pizza places to try, it’s good to keep several on rotation. Harlow’s in Lakewood deserves to be included in that lineup. The wood-fired pies are as simple as they are delicious. No overloaded toppings or overly seasoned sauce is needed. Ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Genoa salami and pecorino Romano play a crucial supporting role to each pie’s delicate crust. Harlow’s reminds you why pizza is, inherently, so good in the first place. Harlow’s is at 14319 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. – Alex Darus DETAILS

Hotel Cleveland

Get classy and head to the bar at Hotel Cleveland for appetizers and/or dinner and artisanal cocktails. The elegant space is good for people watching while munching on a pretzel charcuterie and cheese plate. Or for pre-gaming with a pierogies and a local brew. The menu was designed for focus on local ties. Think Lake Erie and walleye. The food and atmosphere serve as conversation starters among strangers from Cleveland and around the country. - Paris Wolfe - DETAILS

Nervous Dog Coffee Bar

Nothing beats a comfortable coffee shop with a good cup of Joe. Nervous Dog fits the bill. A great place to meet someone, have a bite (full breakfast and lunch offerings) or choose anything from a regular coffee to signature lattes and more. Four locations: Akron, Beachwood, Fairlawn and Stow. – Marc Bona DETAILS

TV & MOVIES

‘Y2K’

"Snow White" star Rachel Zegler leads the horror comedy "Y2K" which kind of came and went from theaters without much notice in December. Some critics chalked it up to a good time, while others felt it was more of a sketch-length premise that overstays its welcome. The A24 movie, directed by Kyle Mooney of "Saturday Night Live," will be streaming on Max starting Friday, April 4. DETAILS

‘The Bondsman’

Prime Video has done well with its action originals like "Reacher," "Cross," and its satirical superhero show "The Boys." Kevin Bacon's new series, "The Bondsman," fits in that niche. He plays a murdered man who gets resurrected by the Devil to hunt demons that have escaped from Hell. Actor-recording artist Jennifer Nettles also co-stars. It premieres Thursday. DETAILS

‘Pulse’

Medical shows are popular right now and a new one, called "Pulse," comes to Netflix on Thursday. It features pretty doctors played by stars Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell working at a Level 1 trauma center in Miami. "Pulse," Netflix's first English-language medical procedural, is more "Grey's Anatomy" than Noah Wyle's "The Pitt," but if you like TV doctors, check it out. DETAILS

‘Dying for Sex’

Michelle Williams stars in the new FX dramedy "Dying for Sex," about Molly, a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to spend the rest of her days living for pleasure. It's also about the relationship with her best friend Nikki, played by Jenny Slate, who puts her own life on hold to be by Molly's side. The show is based on a true story that was shared in a podcast of the same name. All eight episodes drop Friday, April 4 on Hulu. DETAILS

‘Karma’

A new Korean thriller series called "Karma" comes to Netflix on Friday, April 4. It's about six people whose lives intersect after a car accident. The show is based on a webcomic by Choi Hee-sun and stars Park Hae-soo, who was in season one of "Squid Game." His work on that show earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for best supporting actor. DETAILS

50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon

The Criterion Channel is adding a batch of Vietnam War films around the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Filmmaker Tony Bui ("Three Seasons") curated a slate that goes beyond the obvious to give multiple perspectives on the war, including both famous Hollywood entries like "Platoon" and "Full Metal Jacket," but also Vietnamese films like "The Little Girl of Hanoi" and "When the Tenth Month Comes." Documentaries like "The Fog of War" and "Hearts and Minds" will also be available to watch. The slate will be streaming on Criterion starting Wednesday. DETAILS

Wes Anderson binge

With a new Wes Anderson movie on the horizon — "The Phoenician Scheme" — Hulu has several of his older films streaming this week, including "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums" (perfect for continued Gene Hackman appreciation), "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and "The Darjeeling Limited." DETAILS

MUSIC

Elton John and Brandi Carlile

It started with a movie. Country star Brandi Carlile, so moved by a rough cut of the 2024 music documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late," began writing a song inspired by John's incredible career. Titled "Never Too Late," it became the title track for the film and a collaboration with John, Andrew Watt, and John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. The song was shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars. It didn't win, but that's no matter: Now there's a full album's worth of collaborations between John and Carlile, called "Who Believes In Angels?" Out Friday, expect big empowerment anthems and balladic duets. Need more Elton John? On Sunday, following the release of "Who Believes In Angels?," CBS will air a one-hour concert special with the pair. Titled "An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile," the program will also be available to stream on Paramount+. DETAILS

Scowl

There comes a time in the lives of many up-and-coming hardcore bands when its members choose to drop their sneers and adopt a more melodic approach to delivering ferocity. That is the case of Scowl, the most exciting group in the always-rising Bay Area punk scene (made up Drain, Sunami and Gulch). On their latest album, "Are We All Angels," the band pulls from a surprising assortment of influences: Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Car Seat Headrest and boygenius' Julien Baker among them. There are hooks here, but anger and frustration, too. Consider it a new kind of catharsis, where intensity comes from singing, less screaming. DETAILS

Donnie Iris (Birthday) at Kent Stage

King Cool celebrates number 82 with a knapsack full of hits, Clevelander bandmates and a fervent fan club. Drummers Joe Vitale and Joe Vitale, Jr. will sit in. Classic rock! 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. kentstage.org

Bayside 25th Anniversary: The Errors Tour

Two nights of this punk rawk band from Queens, NY celebrating a quarter-century is sure to leave your head spinning and ears ringing. Two unique sets; one singular sensation. 7 p.m., Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. hob.com/cleveland

Pink Talking Fish

A fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish covers all in one night, as reimagined by a league of crafty musicians celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Floyd album “Wish You Were Here.” Two sets with an intermission. Should be a good time. 7 p.m., Friday, April 4. Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland. beachlandballroom.com

Entertainment | Music | Events

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