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!
Lunch and Three Innings with the Tribe
September 1, 12:05 p.m.
Progressive Field
Catch the Indians take on the Chicago White Sox for an afternoon treat. Only $15 gets you a game ticket and a $10 gift card to spend in Progressive Field.
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Kent State vs. Murray State- Football
September 2 7:00 p.m.
Dix Stadium
Football is back! The Golden Flashes kick off the season with a Thursday night match-up against the Murray State Racers. Witness the begining of what should be a very memorable season as Kent State boasts its most experienced team in recent memory.
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The Breeders
September 2 8:00 p.m.
Beachland Ballroom
One of alternative rock's most promising bands, the Breeders were conceived initially as a way for Pixies bassist Kim Deal and Throwing Muses guitarist Tanya Donelly to let out some suppressed creative energy and to take a break from being the second bananas in each of their main bands. Nearly 20 years later they are still delighting their loyal audience with timeless alt-rock music.
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Geauga County Fair
September 2-6
Geauga County Fairgrounds
Demolition derbies on Thusday and Saturday night highlight five days of fun at this years Geauga County Fair. Rides, food, music and over 2,000 live animals will keep the entire family entertained.
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Brian Auger's Oblivion Express
September 2 8:00 and 10:00 p.m., September 3 8:00 and 10:00
Nighttown
Get off your feet and kick off the Labor Day weekend with Brian Auger's Oblivion Express! The "Godfather of acid jazz" has been entertaining fans for years with a unique mix of rock, jazz, soul and funk. It's no wonder that Auger has played alongside some of the most loved musical acts of all-time- including Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, Led Zepplin and a host of other music legends.
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Cleveland National Air Show
September 3-6
Burke Lakefront Airport
As usual, the Cleveland National Air Show will offer awe-inspiring moments in the sky. In addition, you can see the world's largest grill (all 65' and 27,000 tons of it), the NASA Research Center, and the rock-climbing and bungee jumping walls.
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Taste of Cleveland
September 3-6
Time Warner Cable Ampitheater
Satisfy your palate with cuisine from all across Cleveland. Even the pickiest eaters will have no trouble finding something they love. Once you've stuffed yourself stick around for an impressive entertainment schedule. This year's festivities will feature concerts from Train, "Weird Al" Yankovic, and Michael Stanley and the Resonators. All performers will also feature James Lewis, one of the featured vocalists from Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
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GroundWorks Dancetheater
September 3-5
Akron Ice House
GroundWorks has gained a reputation for its dance style that anyone can appreciate. The philosophy of GroundWorks is to create and present groundbreaking work in contemporary dance that embraces risk and imagination. For years they have made dance a more personal experience by expanding the parameters of how and where dance is presented.
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The Joffrey Ballet
September 4 and 5 8:30 p.m.
Blossom Music Center
You won't want to miss this visually stunning program. Featured works include Reflections (choreographed by Gerald Arpino to music by Tchaikovsky), Tarantella (choreographed by George Balanchine to music by Louis Gottschlak), and Pretty BALLET (choregraphed by James Kudelka to music by Bohuslav Martinù). With the magnificent sound of The Cleveland Orchestra supporting the dancers from Blossom’s orchestra pit.
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Todd Rundgren
September 5
Akron Civic Theatre
Todd Rundgren returns to the Akron Civic Theatre to do another World Premier Live Performance. This year, he will be performing the albums "Todd" and "Healing".
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