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!
Sondheim on Sondheim
May 16 to July 8
Hanna Theatre
The incomparable, Tony Award-winning compose-lyricist Stephen Sondheim is up close and personal in this landmark theatrical event, Sondheim on Sondheim. Ohio native James Lapine has created an evening that fuses exclusive interview footage about a life and artistic process that has touched the world. This live musical journey includes dozens of tunes from Sondheim’s amazing 50-year Broadway legacy that includes West Side Story, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd, Company, A Little Night Music, Follies and many more. This unforgettable experience takes you inside the mind of Broadway’s greatest living composer.
(
more 
)
The Creative Spirit
May 17 to July 22
Canton Museum of Art
The charm of folk art and outsider art is irresistible. Self-taught artists were moved by their own creative spirit and followed their impulses to express deeply felt emotions and ideas. This exhibit showcases the exuberance and diversity of folk art with examples of face jugs, furniture, paintings, quilts and carvings, inspired by themes such as religion, politics and daily life. Assembled by Mark Chepp, (Director of the Springfield Museum of Art 1991-2006), "The Creative Spirit" displays the comprehensive knowledge, taste and boundless enthusiasm of a collector, and the delight of a unique and engaging genre of art.
(
more )
Humor Hike
May 17 at 7 p.m.
F/Tuscarawas Meadows
Join other hilarious hikers for nature jokes and riddles and a steady hike along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail.
(
more )
Pedaling Art: A Celebration of Bicycle Art and Culture
May 18 at 6 p.m., May 19 at 12 p.m.
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op presents the second annual exhibit Pedaling Art, a celebration of bicycle art and culture, May 18 through May 26. The fundraiser exhibition includes visual art in a variety of media, as well as wearable art and crafts, all of which are made from recycled bike parts or have a bike focus. Cleveland Bicycle Week is May 14-18, culminating in Bike-to-Work Day and the Pedaling Art opening reception on Friday, May 18.
(
more )
Asleep At The Wheel and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
May 18 at 8 p.m.
The Kent Stage
The Kent State Folk Festival favorites swing into the Kent Stage for a night of folktastic foot-tapping. These days, the reinvented Wheel is also rolling down a couple of new avenues.
(
more )
Dazed and Confused
May 19 at 11:59 p.m.
Capitol Theatre
Complete with tie-dye and bell bottoms, macrame and mood rings, Dazed and Confused follows a group of high school students on the last day of school and one wild night they'd never forget...if only they could remember. Director Richard Linklater's critically acclaimed cult favorite features classic rock music by Aerosmith, Black Sabbath and KISS. Part of the Melt Bar and Grilled late Shift.
(
more )
Hessler Street Fair
May 19 and May 20
Hessler Street
The Hessler Street Fair is an annual community arts and music festival that dates back to the 1960s and manages to maintain the same "groovy" vibe it did in the beginning. Now in its 43rd year, the fair is just as popular as ever. This year's fair features performances by Cleveland favorites, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band, belly dancing, reptiles, poetry workshops and more.
(
more )
Paper Route with Bethesda
May 19 at 8 p.m.
Musica
Having toured relentlessly with the likes of Passion Pit and mewithoutyou, Paper Route won hearts and minds with their debut album Absence (2009), paid musical tribute to Lou Reed to the man's imperturbable face at South by Southwest, and insinuated themselves into pop culture consciousness when their song, "The Music," appeared in the film (500) Days of Summer.
Bethesda is an indie rock group bringing together folk roots, indie beats, crafty guitars, and soaring vocals with meaningful lyrics to build songs that move your heart and feet in equal measures.
(
more )
Glen Phillips
May 19 at 9 p.m.
Winchester Music Hall
Glen Phillips started his first band, Toad The Wet Sprocket, in Santa Barbara at age 15. He served as the frontman and main songwriter in the band. He has since collaborated on other projects such as the Mutual Admiration Society and Works Progress Administration with Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Luke Bulla from Lyle Lovett’s Large Band. This show will feature Glen Phillips performing in a solo acoustic format.
(
more )
Salome- Opera-In-Concert
May 19 at 8 p.m.
Severance Hall
In Salome, Richard Strauss set a scandalous libretto to some of the most incendiary and ingenious music ever written for an opera. Franz Welser-Most leads The Cleveland Orchestra and an international cast in concert performances of one of music history's most revolutionary works, with reigning stars of the opera house Nina Stemme and Eric Owens in leading roles.
(
more )
Horror Hotel: Horror Festival & Convention
May 19 and May 20
Clarion Inn, Hudson
If you're a horror fan, this is an event you don't want to miss! Branching off from The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Horror Hotel is a one-day festival and convention highlighting the horror genre. Screenings of Scream Queen Contest will take place, plus screenings of your favorite bloody-thirsty films.
(
more )
River Day 2012
May 19 at 9 a.m.
See event for details
Friends of the Crooked River and its partners are hoping local residents will take some time to appreciate and learn more about the Cuyahoga River on May 19. River Day 2012 will applaud this work, honor the results of past projects and preview what dreams may emerge, including removing the Big Dam! Hike the trails, hop in a canoe, enjoy the lakefront and much more!
(
more )
