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!
Norah Jones
March 11 at 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Hall
Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Norah Jones just released her fourth studio album The Fall. Since coming on the scene in 2002, Jones' has sold a collective 36 million albums worldwide. Her three studio albums have each topped the Billboard top 200 album charts in the U.S. and gone to No. 1 around the world. Witness her live, this weekend at E.J. Thomas Hall.
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FUZE! Concert featuring Brooklyn Rider
March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Akron Art Museum
Brooklyn Rider's repertoire is as likely to explore Haydn and Debussy as the music of our time. They've worked with numerous composers such as Lisa Bielawa and Philip Glass, and their affinity for global music has resulted in collaborations with everyone from Persian kamancheh virtuoso Kayhan Kalhor to Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes. Whether performing at Joe's Pub in NYC, the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan or the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Brooklyn Rider invites their audiences into an unforgettable shared experience.
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Dear Companion feat. Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore
March 11 at 8:30 p.m.
Beachland Tavern
Dear Companion is a collaboration between three Kentucky musicians: the songs are written and performed by Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore, produced by and featuring Yim Yames. Recorded in the first half of 2009 in their home state, Dear Companion explores their ties to the place they love and aims to draw attention to the problem of mountaintop removal coal mining and its impact on the people and heritage of central Appalchia.
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Explorer Lecture Series: Julie Zickefoose
March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Reading prose and poetry, showing her paintings and photography, naturalist and NPR commentator Julie Zickefoose reveals the deep connection with nature that keeps her walking her 80-acre Appalachian sanctuary outside Whipple, Ohio, where she has come to know wild creatures as individuals and neighbors. Her book Letters from Eden struck a powerful chord with readers nationwide, evoking the rhythms of the seasons and an awareness of natural events that many people long for in the age of "nature deficit disorder."
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Maple Camp Weekend
March 12 through 14
4-H Camp Whitewood
Camp Whitewood welcomes you to explore and experience our maple syrup production. Whether just visiting for a few hours or a whole weekend, its family-friendly activities and delicious meals are sure to make for a fun and memorable time.
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Fancy Nancy
March 13 and 14
Akron Civic Theatre
The Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet presents the world premiere of Fancy Nancy, a captivating tale about a fancy young girl with a penchant for all things glamorous. This enchanting ballet, set in a museum that comes to life, will delight audiences both young and old alike. A galaxy of stars, can-can dancers, and a posh puppy are but a few elements that are sure to make this ballet a crowd favorite.
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Narratives: Visual Storytelling
March 13 through April 17
Summit Artspace
This exhibition of paintings with elements of storytelling features three local artists of varying ages and styles. White, a self-trained artist, depicts African American life in a literal style. Sokol, a 1973 M.A. graduate of Kent State, bases his more abstract works on myth and ancient religion. O'Donnell, a student at the University of Akron, combines abstract with figurative inviting the viewer to develop a personal narrative.
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My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, I'm in Therapy!
March 14 at 6 p.m.
PlayhouseSquare
Twice the holidays, twice the hollering, and twice the guilt! Direct from the sold-out, extended Off-Broadway run,"Italian + Jewish = Therapy" is one part lasagna, one part kreplach and two parts Prozac. Written by and starring Steve Solomon, who combines comic voices, sound effects and astounding characterizations to tell stories of the wacky side of the human condition. Variety magazine says, "Steve Solomon is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a smidgen of Don Rickles, and George Carlin all thrown in."
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Akron Symphony Chorus Spring Concert
March 14 at 2 p.m.
Our Lady of the Elms
Celebrate spring with a concert of choral masterpieces. Music of moonlight and
memorials will include some of the most beautiful choral works written, to express the full range of the human heart through the powerful and evocative language of song.
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Mary Oliver Favorite Poem Reading
March 13
Cuyahoga County Library - Mayfield branch
What's your favorite Mary Oliver poem? This most beloved American poet is coming back to her hometown in a rare appearance for Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation's Writers Center Stage on Tuesday, April 13. To celebrate the occasion, come read your favorite poem by Mary Oliver at the Mary Oliver Favorite Poem Reading on March 13. Come be part of the tribute to Ms. Oliver!
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