GET OUT Everything to do in Cleveland for the next two weeks

WED 05/17

Dear Evan Hansen

The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen makes its way to Cleveland this month amidst lots of hype. The story centers on a high-schooler who wants to fit in at any cost and features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ( La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif ( Rent, Next to Normal). Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Sunday.

1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

THU 05/18

The American Dream, the American Nightmare, and Black American Music Julian Davis Reid, a pianist, producer and composer who’s performed and spoken throughout the country and around the world in various solo and collaborative musical projects, will reflect on his own experience as a Black composer and performer. Music selections include “Come Sunday” by Duke

Ellington, “Dolphin Dance” by Herbie Hancock and “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. The concert begins tonight at 7:30 at Reinberger Chamber Hall.

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

FRI 05/19

Tom Papa

The funny stuff continues tonight with Tom Papa, the fun-loving guy who used to host the NBC comedy show Marriage Ref. Papa routinely likes to joke about how he misses the day when he didn’t have kids or the responsibility that accompanies them. He likes to reminisce about his young life, and notes how being a dad has him drinking more now.

“Daddy is a lot more fun when he gets his magic juice inside of him,” he likes to say, as he ponders the fact that all his daughter’s drawings of him are with a martini glass. But the guy will also switch gears and talk about antidepressants and societal pressures. His talent lies in the fact that he comes off as an Average Joe. He performs tonight at 8 at the Ohio Theatre.

1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Words and Wine: A Fundraiser for Writers in Residence

Writers in Residence, a group that teaches creative writing to youth who are incarcerated to “empower their voices and assist in their re-entry into society,” hosts this fundraiser that takes place tonight at 6 at Visible Voice Books. Alums and local artists will read from the newest chapbooks; each ticket to the event comes with a copy of the new chapbook.

2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084, visiblevoicebooks.com.

SAT 05/20

Bill Maher

As the host of two political talk shows, the author of five best-selling books and the documentarian behind 2008’s Religulous, Bill Maher has been making his rounds for more than 30 years. In that time, he’s been nominated for numerous Emmys for his live standup specials and talk shows, though the controversial comedian hasn’t been popular with everyone. Maher’s first foray into late-night television, Politically Incorrect, ran from 1993 until 2002, when it was canceled after the quick-witted and strongwilled comic referred to George W. Bush as “cowardly.” Whoops. Maher, who would land on his feet after that and launch another talk show, performs tonight at 8:30 at MGM

Northfield Park —Center Stage. 10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark. mgmresorts.com/en.html.

MON 05/22

Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox

After missing the playoffs last year, the Chicago White Sox regrouped during the off-season and after a shaky start to the 2023 season, threaten to give the Guards a good run this year for the AL Central title. They come to Progressive Field this week for a three-game series that begins tonight. First pitch is at 6:10.

2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb. com/guardians.

TUE 05/23

Lyrical Rhythms Open Mic and Chill

This long-running open mic night at the B Side allows some of the city’s best rappers and poets to strut their stuff. The event begins at 8 with a comedy session dubbed 2 Drinks & a Joke with host Ant Morrow. The open mic performances begin at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $5 in advance, $10 at the door., $5. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.com.

WED 05/24

Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous

The Spinosaurus was nearly lost to science before Nizar Ibrahim, a paleontologist, discovered this prehistoric giant. He’ll show video tonight at the Ohio Theatre as he tells the story of Spinosaurus’ discovery, loss, and rediscovery, and explain what—other than its size— makes this ancient monster unique. Sponsored by National Geographic, the event begins at 7.

1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

THU 05/25

Cleveland Stories Dinner Party

Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is a weekly series that pairs fine food with storytelling. Through it, the folks at Music Box Supper Club hope to raise awareness of the mission of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center. The goal of the Cleveland Stories Dinner Party is to “bring to life some of the fun, interesting stories about Cleveland’s past — from sports, to rock ‘n’ roll, to Millionaires’ Row,” as it’s put in a press release. Admission is free, with no cover charge, although a prix fixe dinner, designed to complement the night’s theme, is $20. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6, and the storytelling starts at 7 when local mystery writer Les Roberts will discuss his latest book.

1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

FRI 05/26

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest

At this annual four-day event at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 12 rib teams will compete from all over the United States in hopes of garnering one of the three major awards: Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice. There will also be a kids’ activity wall with a rock climbing all, a super slide and swings. Admission is free from noon till 5 p.m. on Friday and then just $10 all weekend long (Friday after 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Monday) and kids under 12 are admitted for free. On Monday (Memorial Day), all retired and active military personnel showing military ID will be admitted for free to the event. Berea’s National Rib Cook-

Off & Beer Fest is a, rain or shine event. As always, parking is free all weekend long.

19201 East Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440- 243-0090.

SAT 05/27

Cleveland Celtic Ensemble

This group blends Scottish and Irish bagpipes, so you can expect to hear whistle, flute, fiddle and harp during bagpipe duets, harp airs and fiddle tunes in a chamber music ensemble setting. The concert begins at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre.

2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Reggae Fest Cleveland

Food trucks such as Wild Spork, SWAT BBBQ, Jamaican Kitchen and Original Steaks and Hoogies will feature special menus that have a Caribbean/Jamaican theme for this annual local reggae showcase that takes place today and tomorrow at Voinovich Park. This year will also feature a new tequila sampling tent. There will be 10 different tequilas that you’ll be able to sample while learning more about the drink.

End of E. 9th St., reggaefestcleveland.com.

SUN 05/28

Jokes on You

Inspired by crowd work clinicians like Dave Attell, Ian Bagg and Big Jay Oakerson, Jokes on You makes the audience the center of the show by “pushing comics to avoid prepared material or written jokes and instead focus on organic interaction with the audience,” as it’s put in a press release about this event, which takes place tonight at 7 at Hilarities. John Bruton and Jimmie Graham host the event. 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

MON 05/29

Memorial Monday scene@clevescene.com t@clevelandscene

Every Monday through Sept. 25, Fort Huntington Park, hosts food tracks and live music between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for this special event. Admission is free, but the food will cost you.

West 3rd St. and West Lakeside Ave., downtowncleveland.com.