Chorale Holiday Concert

Listen to the sounds of the season as the Western Reserve Chorale perform their Holiday Concert this Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church.

Formed in 1992, the Western Reserve Chorale is a non-profit group made up of professional and amateur performers.

The chorale will perform classic carols and holiday songs at their concert.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. with a brief reception following the event. Admission is free.

For more information, visit
Western Reserve Chorale.

Grace Lutheran Church is located at 13001 Cedar Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

The Rink at Wade Oval

Photo courtesy universitycircle.org

As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop and tiny snowflakes will soon fall from the sky. To beat the winter blues, head on over to the rink at Wade Oval to ice skate.

The rink provides a sheet of ice for ice skaters of all ages. Warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee available in the Information Center.

The rink is currently open Friday-Sunday until Dec. 19. The rink will open daily until Dec. 31, and will then return to weekend hours until Jan. 29.


Admission to the ice rink is free. Skate rentals cost $3 per person.

Wade Oval Ice Rink hours: 
Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m.
Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Weekday hours:
Sundays through Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit
The Rink at Wade Oval.

Light Up Lakewood

Ring in the holiday season with the fifth annual Light Up Lakewood this Saturday.

The festivities kick off with a winter parade at 5 p.m. The parade route will stretch from Bunts Avenue to Arthur Avenue down Detroit Ave.

The parade will be followed by the crowning of the first Festival King and Queen, and a "Lighting Extravaganza" at Lakewood Hospital at 6 p.m. The design of the lights has been kept a secret and will be revealed to the community when the lights are switched on.

The remainder of the evening will include musical entertainment from choirs and carolers, street hockey, ice carvings, free trolley rides, food trucks and carnival fare, and a "Gingerbread House Tour," featuring gingerbread houses created by members of the community that will be displayed in various store windows.

The event is sponsored by LakewoodAlive, an economic development organization dedicated to revitalizing Lakewood's historic downtown district.

Light Up Lakewood hours:
Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information and directions, visit
Downtown Lakewood.

Holiday Farmers' Market

Photo courtesy theclevelandarcade.com

Bring fresh local produce to your holiday meals this year with the Holiday Downtown Farmers' Market inside the Arcade in downtown Cleveland.

The market will feature goods from local businesses and farms, providing quality produce for the holidays. In addition to produce, the market will sell holiday gifts and specialty items. Ten minute massages will also be provided by Dreams Massage and BodyWorks for a $10 fee.

Featured vendors at the market include No Whey Chocolates, Oh Baby Cakes, SpiceHound, Ohio Farm Direct, Sweet Nostalgia Bakery, and many more.

The market will be open every Friday until Dec. 23.

Holiday Farmers' Market hours:
Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.


For more information, visit
Downtown Farmers' Market. 

The Arcade is located at 401 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114

Compassion from Fashion

Celebrate your love of fashion while giving back to the community at the third annual Compassion from Fashion event this Saturday at Beachwood Place.

All proceeds from ticket sales go toward The Gathering Place, a non-profit, community-based cancer support center.

The night includes a fashion show beginning at 7 p.m. with celebrity models and cancer survivors, and food and cash bars from 6-9 p.m. catered by Maggiano's Little Italy. Selected stores within Beachwood Place will also offer exclusive discounts to ticketholders starting at 4 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets cost $20, and $25 at the door. Patrons will receive a $10 mall gift card and a $10 McCormick & Schmick's dining certificate with each ticket purchased.

Compassion from Fashion hours:
Saturday, Nov. 19 from 4 to 9 p.m.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit
Compassion from Fashion.

Fabulous Food Show

Foodies, rejoice! The 6th annual Fabulous Food Show returns to the I-X Center this weekend.

This culinary event celebrates the love of the art of food. The show includes hundreds of vendors, free samples and cooking items for purchase. Celebrity chefs will perform live cooking demonstrations, including Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Robert Irvine, Duff Goldman and Cleveland's own Michael Symon.

The event will feature specialty sections located throughout the I-X Center, such as a Sweet Street, a Grand Tasting Pavilion, a Celebrity Autograph Pavilion, and an entire section dedicated to wine, beer and spirits.

Tickets for the event cost $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Parking is $8.

Fabulous Food Show hours:
Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, or to purchase pre-sale tickets, visit,
Fabulous Food Show.

Veterans' Day

Honor our country's heroes this Friday with a Veteran's Day Observance at Lake View Cemetery.

TSgt. August Castro, a World War II veteran and and a member of the Ohio Military Hall of Fame, will be the keynote speaker for the event. The memorial will also include music to honor veterans and those currently serving in the military.

The program begins at 11 a.m. inside the Lake View Community Mausoleum. The event is free and open to the public.

For directions or more information, visit
Lake View Cemetery.

Black is White Tour feat. Michael Ian Black

Looking for some laughs? Then head on down to the Grog Shop this Friday to watch comedian Michael Ian Black perform his infamous stand-up comedy.

Black has been featured on VH1's "I Love The..." series and started his own comedy troupe, Stella. Known for his sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek humor, Black leaves no topic of life untouched in his sketch comedy.

The tour is in support of his new Comedy Central special and CD titled "Very Famous" that premiered in August 2011.

Tickets for the show cost $20. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit
Black is White Tour.

Locksley: Live! At the Beachland Ballroom

This concert pick is a biased one, since Locksley happens to be a favorite band of mine, but hey they're an awesome band. I don't mind, so neither should you.

Hailing from Wisconsin, this four-piece band brings an indie, British-Invasion vibe to their music. Influenced by '60s rock 'n roll instrumentation, doo-wap vocals and punk rock tempos, Locksley creates songs with an eclectic and contagious sound.

The band will grace the stage of the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo Road this Thursday evening. Other acts on the bill include Alpha Rev and Tom Evanchuck & The Old Money.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit
The Beachland Ballroom.

Ohio's Best Dance Crew

 

Based off of the success of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew," Black Rose Entertainment is putting together its own competition to crown the best dance crew in Ohio.

This Friday, teams from across Ohio will compete against each other at the Agora to prove that they have what it takes to be named Ohio's Best Dance Crew. A panel of judges will lend their comments and critiques, but the audience has the ultimate vote as to who will be the winner.

Not only does the title come with bragging rights, but the winning team will receive a $1000 cash prize.

All are welcome to attend the competition and cheer on their favorite team. Tickets range from $15-$30 and can be purchased online. A free after party will follow inside the Agora (18+).

Ohio's Best Dance Crew hours:
Friday, Sept. 23 from 7-10 p.m.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit
Ohio's Best Dance Crew.

Days of Youth: NYC Edition

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel and spend the weekend in New York. Since I had such a good time, and am still wishing that I'm in NYC instead of rainy, gloomy Cleveland, I'm bringing you a special edition of "Days of Youth" highlighting some of the wonderful things the city has to offer.

Hard Rock Cafe 

For fans of rock 'n' roll, the Hard rock Cafe in Times Square is a must. Memorabilia from The Beatles, The Ramones, Billy Joel and Elvis line the walls of the cafe. Outfits worn by Gwen Stefani and Madonna are also on display. Stop by the gift shop after you grab a bite to eat to snag your own hard rock t-shirt and pin.





Monuments in Central Park
Central Park has long been an icon of New York City. Within this park, you can find street performers, bicyclists and horse drawn carriages. Besides being filled with NYC inhabitants, Central Park is also home to a myriad of monuments. Two of the most popular monuments are the Balto Statue and the Imagine memorial.

The Balto statue is dedicated to the Alaskan sled dog who led his musher and a team of sled dogs to deliver medicine to the sick during a blizzard. His statue has been in Central Park for over 85 years.



The Imagine Memorial is located within the Strawberry Fields portion of the park. Dedicated to John Lennon, who was killed at the Dakota Hotel just across the street, the memorial is often covered in flowers, peace signs and photos left in tribute by fans.



Garment District
A staple among aspiring fashion designers, the Garment District is home to stores filled floor to ceiling with fabric, trim, beads and buttons. These stores contain everything you need to create your own masterpiece, whether it's a glitzy night-out-on-the-town dress or a subdued vintage-inspired ensemble.





Times Square at Night
Although this destination is cliche, you just can't deny the beauty of Times Square lit up at night. With flashing signs and neon lights, the city comes to life as the sun sets.

Music Monday

Cleveland has long been known as the capital of rock and roll. This week the city lives up to its name by bringing a plethora of musicians to its concert venues. Below are my recommendations for the week.

Two Door Cinema Club

Hailing from Ireland, this trio combines indie rock with electronic beats to create catchy hooks that will immediately grab your attention. The band will grace the stage of the Beachland Ballroom Monday night at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Pre-sale tickets are $18; tickets at the door are $20. Give them a listen at Two Door Cinema Club.

Blink 182/My Chemical Romance/Matt & Kim

Fans of punk rock will race to Blossom this Tuesday and crowd surf to the guitar riffs and drum solos of the bands on this year's Honda Civic Tour. After coming back from hiatus in 2009, Blink 182 is stronger than ever with a newly released record under their belts. Not to be outdone, My Chemical Romance has steadfastly toured and recorded music since 2001. Openers Matt & Kim will offer a change of pace with their dance punk songs. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $20 lawn seats to $80 pavilion seats.


The Zombies

If you're into retro, or wish to relive the 1960s, you'll want to stop by the Beachland Ballroom on Tuesday and watch The Zombies take the stage. Vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the band. The Zombies music has remained popular up until today, so don't miss out on the chance to see them perform live. The show starts at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $50.

Willoughby Hills Fall Corn Fest

Continuing the trend of autumn themed festivals, Willoughby Hills is celebrating this weekend with its 3rd annual Corn Fest.

The community festival was started in 2008, after the "Community Days" festival was retired. Growing bigger each year, this fall's edition of the festival is sure to bring entertainment for the entire family.

The fest kicks off on Saturday at 11 a.m. with a parade along Chardon Road. Several corn themed activities will take place throughout the weekend including corn hole tournaments, corn bingo and a roasted corn dinner.

Face painting, magic shows and games will be available for children, while live music and a beer garden will present for adults.

Fireworks will light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, and a tenth anniversary salute to 9/11 will take place on Sunday at noon.

Visitors will also have the chance to enter a raffle to win a 2011 Chevy Cruze. Proceeds from the raffle help keep the Corn Fest alive and thriving.

Other events at the fest include an arts and crafts fair, a Madden NFL tournament, a historic bus tour and a chinese raffle.

Willoughby Hills Fall Corn Fest hours:
Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m.-midnight
Sunday, Sept. 11 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information, or directions to the festival, visit
Willoughby Hills Fall Corn Fest.

Autumn Fest in Asia Town

To usher in the fall season, Asia Town in downtown Cleveland is hosting an Autumn Festival. Complete with Asian cuisine and music, the event celebrates the culture of Asia and the Fall Equinox.

The streets of Asia Town will be lined with live entertainment: Chinese dancers, Japanese drummers and Korean hip-hop artists. The myriad of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Korean restaurants located in Asia Town will be open for business and offer delectable meals for visitors.

The end of the fest is marked with a lantern release, during which visitors will release hundreds of paper lanterns up into the skies.

The best part of the event? Completely free.

Autumn Fest in Asia Town hours: 
Saturday, Sept. 10 from noon-5 p.m.

Asia Town is located at 3820 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115

Playhouse Square Block Party

As the month of September rolls in, the summertime rolls out. To mark the end of summer, Playhouse Square is putting together its 12th annual block party for Friday, Sept. 9.

The soiree will be held on Star Plaza. The PopTarts will perform hits from the 60s, followed by Britton Roberts and The Jones who will pump out 80s tunes.

Food from Playhouse Square restaurants will be available for visitors, along with a cash bar.

A cornhole championship game will be played on the plaza. The game is a grand finale between 41 competitive teams. Prizes will be awarded to the overall winning team, runner-up team and the team with the best name.

Patrons who participate in the "Take A Hike" walking tour will catch a glimpse of the newly re-designed Allen Theatre and view a dance performance inside the Palace Theatre.

Tickets for the party cost $25. Tickets can be purchased online or via phone.

Playhouse Square Block Party hours:
Friday, Sept. 9 from 5-9 p.m.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit
www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=58&objId=1906.

Oktoberfest: Got Beer?

Looking for a way to celebrate the end of summer? Search no further than Cleveland's Labor Day Oktoberfest. Held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, the seventh annual fest brings together food, music and beer.

The fest celebrates the Bavarian culture and history in the city of Cleveland. Aspects of the culture are exhibited through art displays, traditional music, and ethnic food and drinks.

The fest will be jam-packed with events. The Bier Garden will host a "Microbrew Competition" featuring 16 brewers from major cities. Authentic German food will be dished out throughout the fairgrounds, along with a clambake to usher in the fall season.

Traditional German music, polkas and big band songs will be heard as visitors pass by the various bandstands. Patrons will also have the chance to peruse the Bavarian Bazaar, a collection of fine art and merchandise created by local artists.

Stop by and cheer on your favorite pup during the "Sugardale Weiner Dog Races." Other contests include a "Bavarian Strong Man and Woman" competition and a cornhole tournament. In addition, a 5K charity run and 1-mile walk will take place with all proceeds going toward the Alzheimer's Association.

Admission is $10 for adults. Children under 12 years old are admitted free. Parking is free all weekend long.

Oktoberfest hours:
Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, Sept. 3 from noon-midnight
Sunday, Sept. 4 from noon-midnight
Monday, Sept. 5 from noon-9 p.m.

For more information, directions, or a schedule of events, visit
www.clevelandoktoberfest.com.

Lake County Fair

Continuing the trends of county fairs in the month of August, the 155th Lake County Fair kicked off Tuesday morning.

Taking place in Painesville, the fair brings a little bit of the country to the city. Saddle horse shows, chainsaw carving demonstrations and petting zoos will all be in full swing. A Jungle Terry show will take place each day introducing children to a variety of wild animals. Rides and concession stands will also be open every day.

For the adults, a demolition derby will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday night at 7 p.m. Tickets for the derby range from $5 to $15. A stunt show will captivate audiences Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for just $5.

A World Music Stage will be set up at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds. The stage will feature blues, jazz, country, bluegrass and 60s rock bands.

Admission to the fair is $6 per day. Children 12 and under are free and parking is free the entire fair. Tickets for rides are an additional cost.

Lake County Fair hours:
Gates open at 8 a.m. daily
Exhibit buildings open noon-10 p.m.
Midway open from noon-11 p.m.

For more information, a schedule of events, and directions, visit
www.lakecountyfair.org.

Hunting Ghosts in Akron

Take a trip to Akron tomorrow to get a jump start on the Halloween season. The Akron Civic Theatre will open its doors to ghost hunters for a free tour of the historic building.

Built in 1929, the Civic Theatre is one of the last remaining theaters from the Depression-era. The building is rumored to be home to three separate ghosts: "Fred the Janitor" who has been spotted mopping the aisles and bathroom floors, a well-dressed man who lurks the upper balcony, and a young girl who reportedly committed suicide in the canal behind the theater and who now walks up and down the banks.

Visitors who are interested in going on a tour of the theater should gather in the lobby at noon.

The Akron Civic Theatre is located at:
182 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44308

Feast of the Assumption

Besides Italian food, Little Italy is known for its annual Feast of the Assumption festival. Celebrating its 113th year, the event is expected to bring in over 100,000 people throughout the weekend.

The festival began as a way for the Little Italy community to commemorate the holy day of the Feast of the Assumption, which takes place this year on Aug. 15. The event has since grown into a weekend-long festival that celebrates the culture and history of the community, as well as the holy day.

The festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Live bands will perform throughout the weekend, along with the St. James Italian Heritage Dance Company. Carnival rides will be available for children and vendors will sell a variety of handcrafted goods. And of course there will be plenty of authentic Italian food for everyone.

Visitors are invited to attend the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Monday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. A procession throughout Little Italy will take place after the Mass and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk.

Feast of the Assumption hours:
Friday, Aug. 12 from 6 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, Aug. 13 from noon-midnight
Sunday, Aug. 14 from noon-midnight
Monday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

For more information, and a list of events, visit
www.holy-rosary.org.

Simon dTOUR Live at Great Lakes Mall

Music, teens and free prizes will take over Great Lakes Mall tomorrow as the Simon dTOUR Live rolls into town. In its eighth year, the concert brings together live music, fans and giveaways at Simon malls across the country.

We The Kings will headline the tour tomorrow and will take the stage at 3:30 p.m. in the Macy's concourse. We The Kings is a pop punk band from Florida who soared to fame with hits including "Check Yes Juliet" and "Skyway Avenue."

Besides the live concert, the event will include karaoke booths and Glee trivia and prize packages. Stores within the mall will also take part in the event by offering discounts and free gifts to customers.

The event is free and open to the public.

Simon dTOUR Live hours:
Sunday, July 31 from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information about the event, visit
www.facebook.com/dtourlive.

To learn more about We The Kings, and listen to their new album, visit
http://www.wethekingsmusic.com/.

Irish Cultural Festival

Ireland is coming to Cleveland for the weekend as Celtic music, Irish dancers and pipe bands take over the Berea Fairgrounds for the 29th annual Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival.

Founded in 1982 by John O' Brien, the festival was created to celebrate the heritage and culture of Ireland. The first year brought in over 3,000 visitors and the festival continued to expand throughout the years. More than 30,000 people now attend the event each year.

This year's festival continues to highlight Irish traditions. Three different schools of Irish dance will perform, as well as Pat Campbell who spent eight years touring with "Lord of the Dance." Pipe bands and celtic rock bands will also take the stage to perform.

The event is rounded out with traditional Irish food, art exhibits and areas for children to play and make crafts.

Admission to the festival is $10. Children 10 and under will be admitted at no charge. Parking is free all weekend.

Irish Cultural Festival hours:
Friday, July 22 from 4:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23 from 1 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 from 1 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (An outdoor Mass will take place at 11:30 a.m.)

For more information, visit
clevelandirish.org.

Vans Warped Tour

Warped Tour has long been known as the punk rock music festival of the summer. Bringing together bands and fans from across the nation, the concert is an annual traditions for music lovers.

The festival hits Cleveland tomorrow, July 20 and will be hosted for the first time at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.

Warped Tour features and celebrates punk rock, ska, alternative rock and pop punk music. In recent years, over 100 bands have performed each day. This year's headliners include 3OH!3, A Day To Remember, Paramore, Jack's Mannequin, and The Devil Wears Prada, among others.

As many as eight stages are set up throughout the festival grounds with bands performing non-stop all day. Numerous vendors and non-profit tents can also be found at the event, including Fearless Records, Music Saves Lives, Alternative Press Magazine, peta, and To Write Love On Her Arms. These stands are famous for featuring meet and greets and autograph sessions with bands, so keep your eyes open.

Tickets are $40 at the door. To receive a "Jump the Line Pass" (get there late, the line can be upwards of an hour just to get in) bring a $5 donation, three canned goods or a used cellphone to the donation station at the gate.

Warped Tour hours:
Wednesday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m.-9ish (or until the last bands leave the stage)

For more information, and a list of bands playing at the Cleveland date, visit
warpedtour.com.

Party in the Park

Looking for one of the largest free music festivals in Ohio? Look no further than Veterans Park in downtown Painseville, where the 31st annual Party in the Park will take place this weekend.

Featuring over 40 bands on three stages, music fans will be sure to hear something they like. From Cleveland-based artists to national musicians, the event will highlight all genres of music including reggae, classic rock and blues.

In addition to music, the festival will include a chinese auction, a car show, a farmers market, and arts and crafts for children. Scott and Neil Hillstrand from "The Deadliest Catch" will also be present to sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Party in the Park hours:
Friday, July 15 from 11 a.m.-midnight
Saturday, July 16 from noon-midnight
Sunday, July 17 from noon-11 p.m.

For more information, a list of bands and directions to the park, visit
parkpartyinfo.com.

Avenging Cleveland

The Pop Shop Gallery in Lakewood is celebrating the soon-to-be

filmed Avengers movie with a brand new exhibit. Titled 'Avenging Cleveland,' the exhibit combines artwork from 25 local artists who pay homage to Marvel Comics superheroes.

Iconic characters such as Iron Man, Captain America and The Avengers will all be represented in the exhibit. Carol and John's Comic Book Shop, a Cleveland based comic retailer, has donated a variety of comic book paraphernalia to also be on display during the show.

The opening reception is tonight from 6-9 p.m. at the Pop Shop Gallery. The exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 6.

For more information, and directions to the gallery, visit
popshopgallery.com.

Tremont ArtWalk

This Friday night, the neighborhood of Tremont will be bustling with art lovers. Visitors from all across town will travel to Tremont to view one-of-a-kind artwork during the Tremont ArtWalk.

The ArtWalk has been held in historic Tremont since 1993. Seven businesses collaborated and opened up their doors to artists and patrons that year for the first ever ArtWalk. Now in its 18th year, the ArtWalk continues to thrive.

More than 30 galleries, shops and restaurants will participate in the event this Friday. The stores will showcase photography, collages, comics, water color paintings and handpainted guitars from local artists. Several of the artists will be present to meet with patrons and discuss their artwork.

The ArtWalks are held the second Friday of each month.

Tremont ArtWalk hours:
Friday, July 8 from 6-10 p.m.

For more information, and a map of the walk, visit
www.tremontartwalk.org.

Alley Cat Fridays

Where can you find live music, vinyl records and music fans of all ages? Tonight at Music Saves on Waterloo Road.

Music Saves is an independent music store that specializes in indie rock. The store is home to a plethora of vinyl records, new and used CDs, and random music memorabilia.

The Alley Cat Fridays series continues tonight. The store will open its back alley to visitors who can hang out, drink and listen to bands perform. The Crave (feat. RA Washington) will take the stage and perform from 6:30-9 p.m.

The series is held on the first Friday evening of each month through October.

The bands set to perform include:
-Dylan & Jayson of Cloud Nothings on Aug. 5
-Kalman & Kulcsar on Sept. 2
-Afternoon Naps & How to Breathe Underwater on Oct. 7

For more information, and directions to Music Saves, visit
www.musicsaves.com

Celebrate Mardi Gras in July



Photo courtesy lakemetroparks.com



For 70 years, Fairport Harbor has hosted a Mardi Gras celebration every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. The tradition continues this weekend at the lakefront beach.

The festivities kick off tonight with a parade through the town at 7 p.m. The fair continues throughout the weekend with carnival rides, games, vendor booths and a beer garden. Admission is free and the beach will be open to all visitors.

The celebrations conclude on July 4 with fireworks on the beach at dusk.

Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras hours:
Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4 from 1-11 p.m.

For more information, visit
fairportmardigras.vpweb.com

Coventry Street Arts Fair

Coventry Village has been long known as a community centered around music, art and creativity. The street arts fair this Sunday will highlight all three of those neighborhood characteristics.

Beginning in the 1970s, the street arts fair has been held each summer in Coventry. The event gathers together over 100 vendors selling organic local produce, vegan treats and handcrafted art.

Two stages will be set up along the street. Performances include a reggae band, a dance act and a comedy show. Jugglers, magicians and stiltwalkers will also be seen traipsing throughout the village.

The stores lining Coventry will all be open for business. Be sure to stop by Tommy's Restaurant for an award-winning milkshake or Record Revolution to pick up some vinyl records.

Coventry Street Arts Fair hours:
Sunday, June 26 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information, visit
www.coventryvillage.org/events-at-coventry-village/2011-coventry-street-arts-fair

Waterloo Arts Fest

Every summer, Waterloo Road is transformed into an eclectic mix of artists, musicians and performers for one day. This Saturday, an estimated 10,000 people will visit Waterloo to partake in the experience.

This year will mark the ninth anniversary of the block party. Events throughout the day include live music on several stages, art demonstrations, poetry readings and public art installations. Local vendors will line the street selling goods ranging from custom-made jewelry to wall paintings.

The Zaller Gallery will host an exhibit titled "Visual Music: Northeast Ohio Photographers Look at Rock and Roll." The exhibit highlights photographs of rock 'n' roll legends throughout the decades.

Continuing the rock theme, a "Rock 'n' Roll Flea Market" will be housed within the Beachland Ballroom, feautring vinyl records, limited edition CDs and various music memorabilia. An after-party will also take place at the Beachland Ballroom at 9 p.m.

Waterloo Arts Fest hours:
Saturday, June 25 from noon to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit
waterlooartsfest.com

Wade Oval Wednesdays

Located in the heart of University Circle, Wade Oval is home to seven acres of wildlife and landscape. This summer, Wade Oval will also be home to live music every week.

Beginning as a small concert series, the event has now grown to attract over 10,000 people each year. The concert series kicks off this evening from 6-9 p.m. with the Heart & Soul band playing a mix of R&B, Disco and Motown. The series will continue each Wednesday night and feature a diverse range of musical genres, from Indie Rock to Gospel.

A farmers market will also be open during the concerts for visitors to purchase fresh produce and baked goods.

For a list of performers, visit
www.universitycircle.org/uci.aspx?page=84.

Music, Yoga and More at Star Plaza

The PlayhouseSquare District in Downtown Cleveland is brimming with activities this summer.

If you've ever been interested in the history of Cleveland, be sure to sign up for a walking tour of the PlayhouseSquare neighborhood. Featuring prominent historical figures from Cleveland's history, the tours begin every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the State Theatre.

Take a break from your workdays on Monday at noon and enjoy free instrumental music performed by students and alumni from Baldwin-Wallace College. The first performance will be held on June 20 on Star Plaza.

An outdoor concert series has also been developed. Sponsored by Labatt Blue Light Lime and and V107.3, the concert series features local bands and happy hour specials. The concert series kicks on this Thursday, June 16 with the Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. band performing from 5-8 p.m. Tropidelic will perform on Thursday, July 14 and The School of Rock Headliners will close the concert series on Thursday, Aug. 11.

For increased relaxation, Star Plaza is offering free yoga and and tai chi classes. Beginning June 21, hatha yoga classes will take place each Tuesday from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Classes will be led by George F. Kroto. Tai chi classes will begin on June 22 and continue each Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information, and a list of all events, visit
www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=120&urlkeyword=summer.

Weapons of Mass Creation

The Weapons of Mass Creation Fest is a grassroots event celebrating the creative visions of those living in the community. Only in its second year, the event is continuing to gain national attention. Created by Jeff Finley, from creative agency Go Media, the WMC Fest is celebrated once a year in the Gordon Square Arts District.

Each day, ten speakers will present their thoughts, opinions and visions at the Reinberger Auditorium. Patrons will be able to hear all speakers for $10. A free art and design show at the Wall Eye Gallery will be open to all attendees. As compared to traditional art shows, these artists will showcase album art, fashion design and poster art. In addition, the Happy Dog will host 10 bands each day. Featuring both local and national talent, these bands will perform a diverse range of music. A meager five bucks gives access to all bands for the day.

Besides celebrating the creativity of the city, the fest also gives back to the community. For every ticket sold, the WMC Fest will donate $1 to the Anonymous Relief Mission. This non-profit helps relocate people from the street to a home and provides furniture and labor to aid the transition.

The fest is designed to applaud the artistic spirit of the community, and encourage others to express their creativity and follow suit.

"We believe that good things happen when ideas and talents are shared within the community. This mentality manifests itself in the lifestyle of a Weapon of Mass Creation." -- wmcfest.com


Weapons of Mass Creation Fest hours:
Saturday, June 11: Speakers and Art & Design show from noon-8 p.m.
                              Live music from noon to midnight

Sunday, June 12: Speakers and Art & Design show from noon-8 p.m.
                             Live music from noon to midnight


For more information, ticket prices, and a list of artists and musicians, visit
http://wmcfest.com/

Movies on a Summer Night

One of the classic activities of summertime is going to a drive-in theatre. Crocker Park and Coventry Village have both put a spin on this experience by creating separate outdoor summer movie series.

For those on the West side, Crocker Park debuted its "Movies in the Park" series on June 2. Every Thursday at 9 p.m. a different film will be played, including "The Goonies," "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

If you're living on the East side, Coventry Village will begin their summer movie series on June 23. Films will also be shown each Thursday at 9 p.m. in the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. park. Local bands will play live music before the start of each movie at 7:30 p.m. Selected films include "The Wizard of Oz," "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" and a cartoon night complete with a neighborhood pie fight.


For a list of movies showing at Crocker Park, visit
www.crockerpark.com/events/family-activities/information/movies-in-the-park

For a list of movies and bands playing in Coventry Village, visit
www.coventryvillage.org/events-at-coventry-village/music-movies-under-the-stars/

Art in the Village & Race for the Place

Art in the Village returns once again to Legacy Village on June 4 and June 5. The artists for the two-day event are carefully hand-selected by a panel of judges. All of the artwork is made in America. Live music will be performed in the courtyard throughout the event and the Ohio Wine Producers Association will host wine tastings both days from noon-6 p.m.

Art in the Village hours:
Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Stay in the Beachwood area to participate in the 11th annual Race for the Place at Beachwood Place Mall on Sunday, June 5. The event, which takes place on National Cancer Surivors Day, is expected to raise over $350,000. All of the proceeds will go toward The Gathering Place, a local cancer support center that offers programs such as counseling, support groups and exercise programs.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The festivities kick-off at 8 a.m. with face painting, music and games. A National Cancer Survivors Day ceremony will take place at 8:45 a.m. before the start of the race.

The race begins at 9 a.m. on the upper level parking deck between Nordstrom and Dillard’s. After the run, an awards ceremony will be held to recognize the team with the most members and the teams that raised the most money.

Participants can choose to run in a 1-mile or 5K race. The 5K race fees are $30 for adults, $20 for teens (13-17), $15 for youth (6-12) and free for children 5 and under. The 1-mile race fees are $25 for adults, $15 for teens (13-17) , $10 for youth (6-12) and free for children 5 and under.

Members of the community are invited to cheer on the participants and support the cause.

For event details, a race route map, or more information, visit
http://thegatheringplace.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=469003&lis=1&kntae469003=AE74AB24C4B942EFBAAAD557AA9076D6.

A Taste of Italy

This weekend, Little Italy in Cleveland will be hosting its 32nd annual Art Walk. The event brings together hundreds of artists from around the world to showcase their work. Artwork inclues ceramics, oil paintings, sculptures and metalwork, among others. The boutiques and galleries that line Little Italy will be open for patrons to explore, many with extended hours. During the Art Walk, visitors can dine at the numerous restaurants serving traditional Italian cuisine.

Art Walk hours:

Friday, June 3 from noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 4 from noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 5 from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, and a list of featured artists, visit
http://clevelandlittleitaly.com/june-2011-artwalk/.

Welcome!

Hello readers,

Welcome to Days of Youth. Each week I'll be bringing you the best of Cleveland festivals, art, concerts and entertainment. Although I'm an East Side gal, events on the West Side won't be overlooked. I hope this blog will serve as a tool to get you out and about in the city, and help you realize that Cleveland is just as exciting as any other major city out there.