Dance! (10/10)

Friday, October 10th, 2008

This Friday there are so many wonderful arts driven events in Cleveland, why not add another event to the list? Join the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as they present three works from their extensive repertoire : J Lawrence Paint, Children of the Passage and Beyond a Cliff.

8:00pm, $15.00 For ticket information visit www.playhousesquare.com No children under 2.

MOCA Fall Kick Off (9/12)

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Come experience the sculpture work of artist Jorge Pardo. His work is bright, bold and playful, it is simply a joy to experience.

Along with the gallery exhibit opening, Jorge Pardo and Bonnie Clearwater will reflect upon Pardos' work. This talk will begin at 6pm. As the night temps drop, and the lecture comes to a close, DJ Neil Chastain will be mixing up the dance beat with a touch of live Conga drums. Super hot! So put your dancing shoes on and plan to drop a move or two. The evening will be topped off with stilt walkers and other fun surprises. Plus…MOCA Family Art Studio returns after a successful summer debut. The festivities will wrap at around 10pm



FREE and open to the public. For more information about the artists visit www.jorgepardosculpture.com for directions and more info about MOCA Cleveland visit www.mocacleveland.org

Swing Night (8/29)

Friday, August 29th, 2008

This free, outdoor jazz concert will explode on the deck of the parking garage at The Cleveland Museum of Art. This Friday will feature swing tunes performed by the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.



Cash bars and food stations offer beer, wine, and soft drinks; additional offerings include snack baskets, cheese boards, chips, salsa, and guacomole, and other appetizers. The Museum Café inside is open until 7:00 each evening with salads, soups and sandwiches. Tables and chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can bring their own chairs, but no outside food or beverages permitted.

6 to 10 p.m. Concerts will be cancelled for rain; call 216-707-2665 day of concert for recorded information. www.clevelandart.org

Wine & Ballet in Tremont (8/23)

This Saturday evening you will find me, with a picnic and a blanket nestled in Lincoln Park, the central hub of Tremont for the annual complimentary dance show by Verb Ballet (www.verbballets.org).

Verb Ballets' mission is to promote and develop interest in and appreciation for contemporary dance through performance, programs that promote learning and nurture wellness, audience and community dialogue and advocacy efforts to support the art form. Verb Ballets has a steadfast mission to promote and foster emerging talent, present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and revive and honor Modern Dance classics.

Actually, if I plan my day right, I may even be able to swing by the new wine bar at Visible Voice (www.visiblevoicebooks.com) prior to the show. This independent bookstore is inviting and relaxing and would be a great place to explore while in the neighborhood.

8:00pm. Bring the Family, your Friends... Enjoy the Magic of the Arts in Tremont's Lincoln Park!

Magical, a perfect description. (7/25-27)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 25th through the 27th, 2008

The Ingenuity Festival returns with a weekend-long celebration of art and technology, designed for audiences of any age and experience, staged in the center of Downtown Cleveland. Prominent international masters present original works alongside the finest of Northeast Ohio's performing and visual artists. High technology firms and major colleges and universities are presented alongside acclaimed artists to create a dazzling display of exciting and immersive new work! Ingenuity pushes boundaries, creating a unique festival experience that draws and celebrates diversity, and involves the audience as both spectator and participant!



There are so many interesting looking shows, exhibits and installations, but one that I deffinatley want to catch will be a late night performance by the Hot Cha Cha's Friday night at the Plain Dealer Star Plaza Stage.

Oh and if you haven't been to the Opening Ceremony (Friday, July 25 4-5:30 pm) before, it is worth it to skip out of work early for the big show...let's just say...it's Magical. :)

For the schedule and more information visit www.ingenuitycleveland.com

Clubbin' with the Kids (4/12)

Saturday April 12th, 2008

Rock-n-Tot is here! A VIP afternoon "on the town" party for kids and their parents.

From 2-5pm, Clevelands-own Velvet Dog Nightclub will be transformed into a kid-friendly party zone. The dj plays adult music and you'll find free airbrush tattoo artists for the kids and complimentary massages for the adults, not to mention free juice boxes and snacks!

The DJs play today's club mixes, no "kid" music here, just clean lyrics, a great beat and encourage everyone to get their booties shakin. When you just need to get away from it all, check out the lounge, stuffed to the brim with toys, puzzles, and books. Best of all, it is in a separate location from the dance floor, rejuvenate yourself and the kids here! For all those little Rock stars in our lives (kids 8 to 12) we know that sometimes they get tired of hangin' with younger siblings and just need to relax and chill with kids your their age, check out the rock star area and spend time getting to know other kids (that don't still take naps), play some games, and take some time for yourself.



Most importantly parents, services will vary month to month, but may include : mini-massages, paraffin wax dip, eyebrow waxing, golf pro tutoring - just to name a few! These services are complimentary, they just ask that you consider tipping the folks that have graciously offered these services. Also each family walks away with a fantastic goody bag filled with . . well, you'll have to wait and see!

Juice boxes and kid-friendly snacks are provided by Rock-n-Tot. Please remember to bring any necessary items such as bottles, sippy cups, wet wipes, etc. The bar is open (cash or plastic) for those parents not driving, who wish to have a drink.

Pre-walkers are admitted free, everyone else must have a ticket. $12 a ticket. For more info, or to purchase tickets visit www.rock-n-tot.com

Hot Cha Cha (4/11)

Friday April 11th, 2008

So, after you hit up MOCA Cleveland for the big Baby Dayliner show, make sure to make your final stop of the evening the Bella Dubby in Lakewood for their all night music fest.

One group that will really rock the house is the "Hot Cha Cha's," a smokin hot girl group. The girls are each 18, wear red shoes, are sassy, slim and play everything from jazz, classical, rock, country, modern.......as long as it is loud, they play it! Hot Cha Cha's debut album will be out on Cleveland's Exit Stencil Recordings later this year, be one of the first "in the know."



Along with the Hot Cha Cha's the evening will also feature:

The Dreadful Yawns-"The group's blend of alt-country and "minimalist psychedelic folk" is as diverse as it is texturally rich." -Scene Magazine

The Very Knees-"The local indie-rock group's noisy clamor resonates in a shambling wobble of unwavering pluck and natural charm." -Scene Magazine

Unsparing Sea-"if you haven't caught its whimsical blend of orchestral finesse and Nashville swagger, you'll soon have your chance." -Free Times

Romance of Young Tigers - "To say they have a simplistic approach to the music would be somewhat of an understatement. It's rare in the art of music to come across individuals who make music their own way, and for their own interest" -Wright State Campus Pub.

Shows start at 8 and will wrap up around midnight. Bella Dubby 13321 Madison (just west of 117th, Lakewood) 216-221-4479. coffee house. beer & snacks. art gallery.

Dance Dance Revolution! (3/28-30)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 28th, 29th & 30th, 2008

Not your grandmas dance recital....Groundworks Dancetheatre at Cleveland Public Theatre unleashes it's 2008 show. Do a pirouette and an arabesque and don't miss this weekend of modern dance.

Program features
> New Work Premier by Groundworks Artistsic Associate Amy Miller
> Sweet (Cleveland Premier) by David Shimotakahara
> Latitude performed with live music by Hal Walker
> Several Truths Duet by Gina Gibney

Friday & Saturday shows @ 8pm, Sunday @ 3pm. $20 general admission, $18 for students & seniors. For reservations call the CPT Box Office @ 216.631.2727 or visit www.notsoobvious.com for more information

Easter Weekend in Cleveland (3/21-22)

Friday & Saturday March 21st & 22nd, 2008

Although the weekend will be filled with Cadbury Cream Eggs and black jelly beans (my personal favorites!) there is a lot to do around town other than gorge ourselves on our Easter baskets.

Here are a few things that sound fun...

LISTEN : Parts & Labor perform (www.partsandlabor.net) as part of the rock! MOCA art rock series. $6 @ 8pm www.mocacleveland.org

SEE : Caramel (a big hit @ this years film festival) will be showing for an exclusive engagement @ the Cedar Lee Theatre. www.caramelmovie.com for show times visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

DO : Hunt Easter eggs with the kiddies @ Legacy Village (www.legacy-village.com). Between noon and 3pm. FREE

EAT : Saturday morning, explore the West Side Market for fresh spring produce, cheese & meats. The Easter holiday will bring out the best hustle and bustle the market has to offer. www.westsidemarket.com



Happy Easter Cleveland!

A Swinging Good Time (2/28)

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

The Peking Acrobats combine the color and spectacle of the circus (minus the creepy clowns) with the skill and discipline of Olympic gymnastics and live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments and you get a magical evening with performances that have amazed audiences worldwide.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.playhousesquare.org or call 216.241.6000. Playhouse Square's Palace Theater

Noche Flamenca (2/27)

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

"A soul-stirring tour-de-force of theater." The Madrid-based Noche Flamenco brings out the essence of flamenco's roots passed down by Andalusian gypsies: raw, earthy and hot. The New York Times proclaimed their performance in the New York Flamenco Festival, "by far the best...more than anyone else...breathed the essence of flamenco".



Tickets will only sold thru the Cleveland Museum of Art but the steamy performance will be at the Ohio Theatre. Call 216.421.7340 to order ticket or for more information visit www.playhousesquare.org

A "Wicked" Lottery

If you weren't able to get seats to the sold out performances of Wicked, getting your name on the list may be your ticket in.

A "day-of-performance" lottery for a limited number of seats will be held daily for each performance. 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the State Theatre Ticket Office will have their names placed in a lottery drum for tix to that day's sold-out performance. This cash-only lottery is available in-person at the box office only, limit 2 tix per person.

For information on the show, directions to the theatre and more visit www.playhousesquare.com

Celebrate Carnaval (2/02)

Saturday February 2nd, 2008

The crew at View Nightclub invite everyone to celebrate Carnaval just like they do it up in Rio. The evening will be filled with sequins, feather boas and luscious drinks. Performing will be an authentic Brazilian band...Magia Tropical, a young energetic group playing everything from Samba to Rio Pop. Doors open at 9PM. Party lasts till 4AM, so plan to sleep in on Sunday morning. $10.



The View 618 Prospect Ave E. For additional information call 216.664.1815 or visit www.viewnightclub.com

Bust a Move!

Tuesdays, January 22nd through March 11th

Join the hip-hop revolution! The Idea Center at Playhouse Square Center is offering an adult hip hop dance class open to anyone looking to get down and bust a move.

The original dance associated with hip hop is breakdance, which appeared in New York City during the early 1960s and truly became a cornerstone of hip hop as a culture. In the 1990s, new dance styles began appearing, most of them danced in an upright manner in contrast to breakdance with its many ground moves. These later styles are sometimes referred to as new school or new style while the older styles, including breakdance and various funk styles that were incorporated into hip hop, are considered old school. Hip hop dancing is evolving in many different directions today, heavily influenced by the evolution of hip hop music and its popularity in media, surrounded by heated debates on history and authenticity. Come and learn to groove the evening away!

The Idea Center at Playhouse Square Center (http://ideacenter.wviz.org)
6:30-7:45 p.m. $110 per 8-week session or $15 per class
To register, call 216.348.7909.

Tremont Art Walk & Live Music (1/11)

Friday, January 11th, 2008

It's the second Friday of the month so head down to Tremont for the monthly Art Walk. Tremont has thrived and grown through the years. Today the neighborhood has many more attractions to bring visitors and residents, with many new galleries and retail stores, as well as fine restaurants and local pubs, there is something for all. www.tremontartwalk.org

Also, head over to Prosperity Social Club for the intoxicating sounds of MARTINI FIVE-O at 10PM bring your party pants and dancing shoes and stay late for Audio Spectrums DJ Dance Party (12:30-2:00am!) The kitchen is also open until 2am in case you get hungry from all the action. www.prosperitysocialclub.com

An Evening of Dance (1/11-13)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday January 11th through the 13th, 2008

Join Cleveland Public Theatre for their annual Big {BOX} Series. Artists risk it all with their newest works! Big [BOX] encourages artists to experiment and produce their own work. Now in its fifth year, Big [BOX] is a series for those who love the thrill of new work.

This weekend join them for "Companions" Presented by Meg Louise Dance (www.meglouisedance.com) Choreographed and Directed by Megan Pitcher Come to an elegant, intimate 1920’s cabaret for conversation, dance and just a touch of drama. Subtle, delicious dancing and music that is enchanting. Meg Louise Dance invites you to experience a sensuous evening in the lap of luxury.



Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3:00pm Tickets: $15 General Admission | $12 Students and Seniors.
For more information visit www.cptonline.org

Explore Coventry Village

A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of spending an entire Saturday evening with my good friend, exploring a few of the funky places located within the east side, boho-chic neighborhood...Coventry Village.

We had dinner at the Mint Cafe (www.mintcafe.org) which included Thai Basil Chicken (extra spicy) and a tropical Mai Tai. The cafe offers dishes from Thailand, all prepared with the leanest cuts of meat, balanced with fresh veggies and spices. Reservations are recommended but only for a parties of two or more.

While we were waiting for our table at The Mint, we stopped into the newer location of Big Fun. Here we were treated to a little magic/card show while we shopped for humorous greeting cards, retro figurines (including E.T., Mr. T, Rambo, The Brady Bunch and Star Wars) and many novelties...candy necklace anyone? For store information, including special holiday hours, call 216.371.4386.

After Big Fun we explored City Buddha (www.citybuddha.com). This store is located in what used to be the Food Co-op, but they have transformed it into a magical shopping destination. Here we bought a wooden ring and a beaded change purse. You could also pick up some amazing silk pillows or bamboo bowls, either would make for great holiday gifts.

After shopping and dinner...but right before dancing the night away at the B-Side... we stopped into the newest location of Phoenix Coffee (old Caribou Coffee) for a cup of caffeine to keep us going strong. We sat in some impeccable vintage upholstered chairs and experienced some truly unique people watching.

Our last stop for the evening, and main reason for our visit (thanks for the invite B&D!) was a concert at the B-Side (www.bsideliquorlounge.com) located at the top of the street. This lounge club is open every night of the week, and offers a diverse range of sights and sounds. Depending on the evening, you may hear neo soul, electro house, mashed up hip-hop or even indie dance rock, but this evening we were there to see Baby DayLiner (www.babydayliner.com) a super 'danceable' one man band. He was awesome!

All in all the evening in Coventry was great...I sort of felt like I had taken a mini-trip out of town, when I had only been a few minutes away from home. For more information on the tastes, shops and sounds of Coventry, visit www.coventryvillage.org

Pipettes Live in Concert (11/20)

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

One of 2006's most beloved indie imports was We Are the Pipettes. The UK debut was a smart, impeccable, hip-counterculture take on tough/sweet '60s girl groups. Indie retro girl groups have come and gone, but few ever achieved the Pipettes' sharp vocal harmonies and catchy, hully-gully-inducing pop. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the gals do classic choreographed dance moves and have a top-notch backing band known as the Cassettes.


"Today, there's such a lack of any sort of self-awareness or a sense of humor," Gwenno says. "In a lot of the '60s girl groups, they were quite cheeky, and there was a quite a lot of sense of fun about it. And that seems to have disappeared. You either get a song that isn't really about anything, or you'll get a song that's desperately trying to be earnest."

Opening for The Pipettes will be Afternoon Naps and Monster Bobby. Beachland Ballroom and Tavern : 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44110 : 216-383-1124 For ticket information visit www.beachlandballroom.com for updates on the band visit their site www.thepipettes.co.uk

Martini's & Manicures at Mercury (11/15, 22, 29)

Every Thursday Night in November

After a stressful day, swing by the swanky Mercury Lounge located on West Sixth in the Cleveland Warehouse District for a wicked Thursday Night deal. From 9-11pm, Dino Palmeri Salon is offering manicures at the bar, while all night you can grab $4 Martinis & Cocktails, $3 Glasses of champagne and $2 Domestics. PLUS 2 for 1 shots!

The Mercury Lounge offers an alternative to typical club going. "Mercury" is host to some of Cleveland’s finest dance, hip hop and electro-pop music. Come enjoy an award winning cocktails amidst the vibrant crowd.

1392 W 6th St. Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 566-8840. For more information on free manicure nights, visit www.themercurylounge.com

The Kitty at the Lounge (11/9)

Friday, November 9th, 2007

Gather at Prosperity Social Club (located at the South end of Lincoln Park in the Historic Tremont Neighborhood) to hear the crooning tunes of the one, the only... lounge kitty!

Take a cup of cabaret... add a teaspoon of Jazz... pour in a pinch of the Blues and top it off with a drop of humor...Mix it all together and you'll get Lounge Kitty, always entertaining, often silly...indefinably unique.



Happy Hour begins at 4pm. Come early for the perfect seat!
For the menu (including Friday Night fish fry's!) and directions visit www.prosperitysocialclub.com for more info on musical maven visit www.loungekitty.net

Open Doors @ Anatomy (8/30)

Thursday, August 30th

Come down to Open Doors' monthly Young Professionals Happy Hour, with celebrity bartender Jen Toohey from Q104, at Anatomy Night Club + Ultralounge. Network with other Young Professionals from throughout the Cleveland area from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. while enjoying free appetizers, drink specials and mojitos.

Open Doors, Inc. is a non-profit organization developed to support and enhance academic, social and emotional growth in middle-school-aged children. To learn more about Open Doors, Inc., visit www.opendoorsafterschool.org or contact Annemarie Grassi at 216.320.9563 or e-mail grassiam@aol.com.

Walk Like a Bangle... (8/30)

Thursday, August 30th

New Wave, Pop or Dance...Whatever genre they categorize it nowadays...It will always be the music of “growing up” to me. Don’t miss out on another “Manic Monday, “ Eternal Flame” or the ever fabulous “Walk Like An Egyptian.” Visit the House of Blues next Tuesday for your chance at half price tickets, a perk to buying Tuesday tickets!

For tickets of concert information visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/

Tango Buenos Aires (9/29)

Saturday, September 29th

Considered the world's most authentic tango company. Tango Buenos Aires has taken the world by storm. They are sure to show Cleveland a flawless evening of spectacular costumes, dances and musicians.

The Washington Post reports "(Tango Buenos Aires is) Swirling, fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings."

For ticket information contact the Cleveland Museum of Art, www.cma.org or the State Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Flamenco does a booty good!

Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm

Dramatic. Sensuous. Sassy. Flamenco dancing brings out the gypsy in each of our "soles."

Instructor La Romera is an award winning, internationally recognized dancer with over 30 years experience performing and teaching in Spain and North America. Considered by the Spanish maestros as being one of the most authentic flamenco dancers in the US, La Romera's students can be assured of receiving the highest quality training. La Romera's uncanny ability to use her technical skills, teaching expertise and sense of humor to support your learning experience will leave you energized and amazed at your own accomplishments.

All classes are held at the Lisa Wilhelm Academy of Dance in Rocky River. $12 a class. For more information about dance classes visit http://laromeraflamenco.com

Dancing Under the Stars (8/10-8/11)

Friday August 10th & Saturday August 11th

Join Groundworks Dancetheater for their annual performance at Lincoln Park in Tremont. Pack a picnic, grab your chairs and blanket and head over to Tremont’s gathering place, Lincoln Park. All shows begin promptly at 7:00pm. Rain locations will provided within walking distance in the event of inclement weather.

Light Up The House (7/28)

Saturday, July 28th

Have you had a chance to visit the new Bar 2 in Lakewood (old Niko's location)? If not, Saturday night would be a great time to swing by for the "Light Up The House Party".

The bar is divided into two sides, "fire" and "ice" with DJ Kevin Cunningham mixing the tunes in the middle.
Enjoy hot or chilly drink specials on either side including $2 Fire Shots, Hot!

Join us at Lakewood's new hot but oh so cool night spot, 15625 Detroit Ave @ 10:00pm