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!
It's All About Chocolate
May 20 at 6:00 p.m.
The Akron Civic Theatre
Enjoy an evening of fun and CHOCOLATE! Join us as we take you on a tasting of chocolate food samplings, Chocolate Martinis and more Chocolate! This Civic fundraiser is based on the very popular purse swaps, but this is more fun since it involves chocolates!
Lose a Pound, Gain a Pound - Everyone will need to bring one pound of divine chocolate, in it's original package, and then they will be able to swap it out for a pound of chocolates! Attendees will swap in order of ticket color, the sooner you order your ticket the sooner you swap!
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How We Survive: A Panel Discussion
May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Three extraordinary women – breast cancer survivor Jan Bursky, Holocaust Survivor Gita Frankel, and Cantor Kathy Sebo of The Temple-Tifereth Israel – each one speaking about survival and keeping the faith under extremely difficult circumstances. Moderated by former WKYC Medical Reporter Eileen Korey.
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Honeck Conducts Tchaikovsky's Fifth
May 23 - 26
Severance Hall
Tchaikovsky is often considered the most Romantic of composers. His Fifth has long been an audience favorite, ever since its premiere in 1888, for its soaring, memorable melodies and deeply passionate emotional richness.
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Charge
May 23
Cleveland Cinemas (Capitol Theatre)
Proof that maniacs on motorcycles can be a force for global good. Narrated by Ewan McGregor, director Mark Neale's film follows several teams from around the world to the first ever zero-emissions road race.
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Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band
May 24 at 8:00 p.m.
The Akron Civic Theatre
Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. Their power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has awed even the skeptics, selling out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom including London’s O2 in December of 2010, the venue where the King of Pop was slated to end his career with a 50-show This Is It concert series.
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Evil Ways, A Tribute to Carlos Santana with The Juke Hounds
May 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Lock 3 in Akron
Evil Ways is a high-energy tribute to the music of Santana, featuring some of Northern Ohio's most exciting and experienced musicians. Evil Ways approaches each memorable Santana tune with a dedication and motivation to making each performance perfect. Blues circuit legend Mike Goldberg has an uncanny ability to recreate the style and sound of Carlos Santana's fabled guitar.
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Rick Springfield
May 25 at 9:00 p.m.
Jacobs Pavilion
Part of Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival.
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The Strictly Business Band
May 25 at 8:00 p.m.
The Auricle Music Venue (Canton)
The Strictly Business Band is a high energy cover band. Were sure to get your foot tappin' and get you up dancing! Mr Peewee Calvin (lead vocals and keys) has opened for Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, SOS, Tyrone Davis and Z.Z. Hill to name a few. Peewee teams up with sultry sax man Paul Maine to put a unique stamp on great cover songs spanning five decades. Ray MacCarty (guitar) has performed with keyboardist Russ Ferrante of The Yellow Jackets as well as Albert Collins and numerous others, Bassist Jamison Toomey, Chris Hall (drums) and Jack Price (keys, guitar, sax, vocals) fill out the group.
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Buddy Guy
May 26 at 9:00 p.m.
Jacobs Pavilion
Part of Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival.
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The Womack Family Band
May 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Beachland Ballroom and Tavern
Since their debut in 2010, The Womack Family Band has captivated audiences all over the eastern U.S. with their spot on three part vocal harmony, tight musicianship and old soul songwriting. Calling on the spirit of The Beatles, The Band, Paul Simon, and James Taylor, the Womack Family Band combines the vibe of the 60’s - 70’s songwriter with the roots of American folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock music.
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