Art

Beck Center for the Arts: 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, presents “Faculty Visual Arts Exhibition,” through Aug. 13 (reception 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 28). Call 216-521-2540, or visit beckcenter.org.

Cleveland Museum of Art: 11150 East Blvd., presents “The Medieval Top Seller: The Book of Hours,” through July 30; “When Salt Was Gold: Yangzhou, City of Riches and Art,” through Nov. 5; “Tilman Riemenschneider’s Saint Jerome and Late Medieval Alabaster Sculpture,” through July 23; “Egyptomania: Fashion’s Conflicted Obsession,” through Jan. 28; “A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur,” June 11 through Sept. 10. Call 216-421-7340 or visit clevelandart.org.

Ken Long: presents a solo exhibition of his work, through June 30 at the Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted. Call 440-666-1363 or email k_d_long@hotmail.com.

Kent State University Museum: 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent, presents “Head to Toe,” a trilogy of exhibitions that draws from the Kent State University Museum’s permanent collection, through July 23. Call 330-672-3450 or visit kent.edu/museum.

Lake Erie College’s B.K. Smith Gallery: in Royce Hall for the Fine and Performing Arts, Gillett Street, Painesville, presents “Paul Tikkanen: A Retrospective,” featuring the work of the artist in a variety of styles and media, June 8 through Aug. 1 (reception with refreshments, live music and Tikkanen expert, 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 8). Call 440-375-7050 or visit LEC.edu.

Lakeland Community College’s Gallery at Lakeland: 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, presents the 13th “May Show at Lakeland Juried Art Exhibition,” featuring 78 artworks created by 67 artists, through July 14. Call 440-525-7029 or visit lakelandcc.edu/gallery.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland: 11400 Euclid Ave., presents Nina Chanel Abney: “Big Butch Synergy,” Sam Falls: “We Are Dust and Shadow” and Amber N. Ford: “Someone, Somewhere, Something,” through June 11. Call 216-421-8671 or visit mocacleveland.org.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation: 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, presents 36th annual “Amateur Photo Contest & Show,” June 10 through Aug. 6. Call 440-256-1404 or visit lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/penitentiary-glen-reservation.

Valley Art Center: 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, presents 39th Art by the Falls festival, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls. Call 440-247-7507 or visit valleyartcenter.org.

Children’s entertainment

Playhouse Square: 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, June 8. Call 216-241-6000 or visit PlayhouseSquare.org.

Wolstein Center: 2000 Prospect Ave., presents “Monster High Live,” Oct. 13 through 15. Call 877-468-4946 or visit wolsteincenter.com.

Comedy

Agora Theatre & Ballroom: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Desi Banks, Sept. 22; Stavros Halkias, Oct. 7; Chris D’Elia, Oct. 20. Visit AgoraCleveland.com.

Cleveland Improv: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, presents John Morgan, June 2 and 3; Bruce Bruce, June 9 through 11; Jimmy Shin, June 14; Faizon Love, June 16 through 18; DeRay Davis, June 23 through 25. Call 216-696-4677 or visit ClevelandImprov.com.

French Creek Theatre: Pijor Hall, located within the French Creek Nature & Arts Center, Sheffield Village, presents improv troupe Something Dada, 7:30 p.m. June 9. Call 440-949-5200, ext. 221 or visit metroparks.cc/theatre.php.

Hilarities 4th Street Theatre: 2025 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, presents Brooks Wheelan, June 2 through 4; Nick Mullen, June 8 through 10; Frank Caliendo, June 21; Christopher Titus, Aug. 11 and 12; Russell Howard, Oct. 22; Matt Rife, Nov. 10 through 12. Call 216-736-4242 or visit pickwickandfrolic.com.

MGM Northfield Park: 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, presents The Bald Brothers, Aug. 25; Lewis Black, Oct. 20; Corey Holcomb, Nov. 3. Call 330-908-7625 or visit mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.

Playhouse Square: 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Chelsea Handler, Oct. 20. Call 216-241-6000 or visit PlayhouseSquare.org.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, presents Impractical Jokers, June 3. Call 888-894-9422 or visit rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

Dance

Akron Civic Theatre: 182 S. Main St., presents “Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance,” Nov. 3. Visit AkronCivic.com.

Cleveland Ballet: presents Sept. 22 and 23 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace; “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 14 though Dec. 23 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace; “Aurora: A Sleeping Beauty Story,” April 26 and 27 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. Visit Clevelandballet.com.

Dancing Wheels: 3030 Euclid Ave. #100, Cleveland, presents “Legendary Ladies of Jazz!,” choreographed to “the dynamic work of women of color who revolutionized the 1920’s-1950’s jazz era and changed the tenor and tone of the genre paving the way for female vocal and musical artists throughout history,” 8 p.m. June 16 at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre. Call 216-432-0306 or visit dancingwheels.org.

Film

Cleveland Cinemas: presents a 50th-anniversary screening of 1973’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” with guest Ted Neeley, 7 p.m. June 29. Visit ClevelandCinemas.com.

Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque: 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents “Hilma,” (Sweden, 2022, Lasse Hallström), 7 p.m. June 2 and 6:45 p.m. June 3; “The Doom Generation,” (USA, 1995, Gregg Araki), 8:20 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. June 3; “The Story of a Cheat” (aka “Confessions of a Cheat,” “Le Roman D’un Tricheur,” France, 1936, Sacha Guitry), 5 p.m. June 3; “The Eight Mountains (“Le Otto Montagne,” Italy/Belgium/France/UK, 2022, Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch), 3:30 p.m. June 4; “The Living Sea” (USA, 1995, Greg MacGillivray) and “Everest” (USA, 1998, David Breashears, Stephen Judson, Greg MacGillivray), 6:30 p.m. June 4; “Tori and Lokita” (“Tori Et Lokita,” Belgium/France, 2022, Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne), 8:15 p.m. June 4; “Blaze” (Australia, 2022, Del Kathryn Barton), 7 p.m. June 7. Call 216-421-7450 or visit CIA.edu/Cinematheque.

Music

Agora Theatre & Ballroom: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Death Cab for Cutie, June 4; The Flaming Lips, June 11; Fleet Floxes, June 13; Jinkx Monsoon, July 8; The Smile, July 11; Le Tigre, July 17; Declan McKenna, July 21; JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown, July 29; Death Grips, Aug. 2; Gojira, Mastodon, Lorna Shore, Aug. 8; Dark Star Orchestra, Aug. 11; Babymetal, Dethklok, Sept. 6; Tash Sultana, Sept. 10; Flogging Molly, Sept. 15; The Mars Volta, Sept. 16; Roya Blood, Sept. 19; Warren Zeiders, Sept. 21; Ashnikko, Sept. 23; Explosions in the Sky, Sept. 28; The Midnight, Oct. 2; Larry Fleet, Oct. 21; Mushroomhead — 30th-anniversary Halloween show, Oct. 28. Visit AgoraCleveland.com.

Akron Civic Theatre: 182 S. Main St., presents Ryan Humbert & Emily Bates, July 28; Straight No Chaser, Dec. 14. Visit AkronCivic.com.

Apollo’s Fire, The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra: presents 2023 Summer Countryside Concerts: “The Fiddlers of Dublin,” 7:30 p.m. June 8 at Avon Lake United Church of Christ | 7:30 p.m. June 9, 4 and7:30 p.m. June 10 and 7 p.m. June 11 at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland | 7:30 p.m. June 12 at the Bath Church (UCC) | 7:30 p.m. June 13 at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick. Call 216-320-0012 or 800-314-2535, or visit apollosfire.org.

Bash on the Bay: a music fest in Put-in-Bay featuring Pitpull, Luke Bryan, Elle King, Brothers Osborne and more, will be Aug. 23 and 24. Visit bashonthebay.com.

Beachland Ballroom: 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, presents Start Making Sense (Talking Heads tribute), June 2; Legendary Shack Shakers, Dexter Remweber, Viva Le Vox, June 2; Panchiko, Horse Jumper of Love, LSD, June 3; Televisionaries, Radio Dummies, Jack McLaughlin & the Optimists, June 3; Caitlin Rose and Andrew Combs, June 4; Autopilot, June 5; Bad Cop / Bad Cop, The Last Gang, June 6; Chayla Hope, The Ghost Club, Kyle Mahlik, June 9; Joshua Hedley, Lauren Morrow June 9; Olde Wrestling “Returns,” June 10; WAVVES, Cloud Nothings, Wavves, Ultra Q, June 11; Integrity, The Acacia Strain, Tribal Gaze, June 13; An Evening With Jason Ricci, June 13; Josh Meloy, June 15; This Summer, Mr. Princess, Rusted Hearts, June 16; Joseph Huber, June 16; Bonny Doon, June 17; The Family Crest, July 17; Possessed by Paul James, June 18; The 40 Acre Mule, June 20; Deer Tick, Country Westerns, June 21; The Hi-Jivers, June 22; Melted Strawberry, Higher Vibration, Mellowman Funk, June 23; Victoria Victoria featuring Charlie Hunter, June 25; PRINS, Jace Martin, June 26; Jungle Brothers, June 29; Blossom Park, Clementine, June 30: black midi, July 1; The Iron Maidens, Olathia, July 6; Into The Blue: Grateful Dead Revival, July 7; Arcy Drive, July 7; Ballyhoo!, July 12; Altin Gun, July 13; The Plate Scrapers, July 14; The Bellrays, July 16; Imarhan, July 17; The Family Crest, July 17; Braid, July 18; Destroy Boys, July 19; Dead Tooth, Dino Gala, Honey Pocket, July 19; Clare Maloney & The Great Adventure, Taylor Lamborn, July 20; John R. Miller, July 21; Matt Watson, Ben Beal, July 24; Reverend Horton Heat, The Delta Bombers, July 25; Kid Koala, July 26; The Wildlife, July 28; Blue Lunch, Billy Price, July 28; Barely Dead, Aug. 1; The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., Aug. 3; Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Aug. 4; The Beths, Aug. 5; Rachel Brooke, Aug. 8; 12th Annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival 2023, Aug. 10; Oneida, Wrong Places, Aug. 12; American Football, Aug. 14; Robbie Fulks, The Shootouts (acoustic trio), Aug. 20; an evening with The Baseball Project, featuring Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Mike Mills, Linda Pitmon, and Steve Wynn, Aug. 24; Messer Chups, Ichi Bons, Aug. 25; Dry Reef, Aug. 25; Drifting Roots, Lake Irie, Aug. 30; Clem Snide, Sept. 15; OSEES, Sept. 17; Black Joe Lewis, Sept. 21; DEVOtional 2023, Sept. 22 and 23; Fortunate Youth, Dubbest, Sept. 28; Boy Pablo, Oct. 4; mssv, Oct. 7; Cam Cole, Oct. 8; Kings Kaleidoscope, Mike Mains & The Branches, Oct. 25. Call 216-383-1124 or visit beachlandballroom.com.

Blossom Music Center: 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, presents Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, June 3; The Cure, The Twilight Sad, June 11; Weezer, Modest Mouse, Momma, June 16; The Used, Pierce the Veil, Don Broco, June 17; Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays, June 24; Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, JD McPherson, June 28; Shania Twain, June 30; Yellowcard, Mayday Parade, Story of the Year, July 12; Big Time Rush, Jax & Max, July 17; Fall Out Boy, Bring Me the Horizon, Royal & the Serpent, July 18; Jason Aldean, Mitchell Tenpenny, Corry Kent, July 20; Barenaked Ladies, Five for Fighting, Del Amitri, July 21; Foreigner, Loverboy, July 24; Mudvayne, Coal Chamber, Gwar, Aug. 4; 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Jeremih, Aug. 6; Nickelback, Brantley Gilbert, Josh Ross, Aug. 9; Lil Durk, Kodak Black, Nile Choppa, Aug. 16; Pentatonix, Lauren Alaina, Aug. 17; Goo Goo Dolls, O.A.R., Aug. 20; 5 Seconds of Summer, Aug. 25; Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin and Jinjer, Aug. 27; Shinedown, Papa Roach, Spiritbox, Sept. 6; Duran Duran, Bastille, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sept. 10; Brandi Carlile, Katie Pruitt, Sept. 16; Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings, Josh Adam Meyers, Sept. 30. Call 330-920-8040 or visit livemu.sc/2QcbKUb.

Blossom Music Festival: at Blossom Music Center, the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra, presents “Beethoven’s Ode to Joy,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing music by Beethoven and Wagner, 8 p.m. July 1; “Salute to America,” featuring the Blossom Festival Band performing patriotic marches, Broadway favorites and more, along with fireworks, 8 p.m. July 2 through 4; “Movie Night Live: ‘Jurassic Park,’” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing the score by John Williams along to the movie, 7 p.m. July 7 through 9; “Romantic Rachmaninoff,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing music by Rachmaninoff, 7 p.m. July 15; “She’s Got Soul,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing “a wide-ranging revue of R&B classics,” 7 p.m. July 16; “La Mer,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing music by Akutagawa, Shostakovich and Debussy, 7 p.m. July 22; “Two Pianos: Who Could Ask for Anything More,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra with Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano) Michael Feinstein (piano and vocals) performing music from Gershwin and more, 7 p.m. July 23; “Movie Night Live: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus performing Howard Shore’s score along to the movie, 7 p.m. July 28 through 30; “Sibelius’s First Symphony,” featuring the Kent Blossom Chamber Orchestra performing the music of Snider, Adams and Sibelius, 7 p.m. Aug. 5; “Mozart in the Meadows,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing music by Mozart, Langer and Mendelssohn, 7 p.m. Aug. 12; “An Evening with Audra McDonald,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra with vocalist McDonald performing an evening of Broadway favorites and songs from her latest album, “Sing Happy,” 7 p.m. Aug. 13; “Fujita Plays Tchaikovsky,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra with Mao Fujita (piano), performing music by Shaw, Dawson and Tchaikovsky, 7 p.m. Aug. 19; “Impressions of France and Spain,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing music by Ravel, Saint-Saëns and De Falla, 7 p.m. Aug. 26; “Movie Night Live: Disney: The Sound of Magic,” featuring The Cleveland Orchestra performing 100 years of Disney music, 7 p.m. Sept. 1 through 3; “Distant Worlds: Music From FINAL FANTASY,” featuring The Blossom Festival Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chamber Chorus performing music from the video game series, 7 p.m. Sept. 9. Call 216-231-1111 or visit clevelandorchestra.com.

Covelli Centre: 229 E. French St., Youngstown, presents Hardy, Lainey Wilson, Dylan Marleowe, Sept. 16. Call 800-745-3000 or visit covellicentre.com.

Firelands Symphony Orchestra: presents Olympic Jazz Quintet, 4 p.m. June 11 at McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road); Samba da Cidade Percussion Ensemble, 4 p.m. June 25 at McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road); Cleveland Wind and Friends, 4 p.m. July 9 McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road); FSO Chorale Showcase, 4 p.m. July 16 at McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road); High Frequency Flute Quartet, 6 p.m. July 20 at Ritter Library, Vermilion Third Thursday; Firelands String Quartet, 4 p.m. July 23 at McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road); Firelands Brass Quintet, 6 p.m. July 28 at Meals on Madison/Riverfront Live, downtown Port Clinton; Summer Pops Orchestra Concert, featuring vocalist Laura Peterson, 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands: Parking Lots D & F (Off of Boos Road). Call 419-621-4800 or visit FirelandsSymphony.com.

Frankie Scinta’s “The Showman”: will be at 8 p.m. June 17 at House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St., Akron. Visit bit.ly/FrankieScinta2023.

Goodyear Theater: 1201 E. Market St., Akron, presents Grand Funk Railroad, June 2; The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes. Oct. 1; A.J Croce (“Croce Plays Croce”), Nov. 11. Call 330-690-2307 or visit goodyeartheater.com.

Grog Shop: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, presents Tobyraps, .wavrunner, Recess, June 2; GlamGore: fifth annual Pre-Pride on the Eastside, June 3; Unc D, LoConti, Billy Carrick, June 4; Midnight Rental’s Secret Movie Night, June 5; On Paper, Cellar Dwellar, The Little Dummies, June 6; Fig, Heavy Forgiveness, Wes Meadows, June 7; Window Weather, Lake Phily, June 8; Glow 17 featuring Westside Tony & Rosello, Danasaf, June 9; Sparta, Geoff Rickly, Zeta, June 10; THICK, TVOD, Xanny Stars, June 15; Jesse Malin, June 16; Chuchito Valdes Trio, June 17; P—— Jeans, Killyn LUnsford, Woodstock ‘99, June 18; Starbenders, The Haunt June 19; CupcakKe, Solon, HIM HUN, June 21 (rescheduled from April 26); CupcakKe, Namejai, DJ Navy, June 22 (rescheduled from April 28); Bedlocked, Downward, Unrecovery, June 25; Conway the Machine, June 27; Feeble Little Horse, June 29; Sugar: Nu-Metal Party, July 8; The Queers, July 11; Grumpy Plumb, Who Saved Who, Tall Grass; July 15; Julia Jacklin, July 17; The Soul Rebels, July 21; Nick Hakim, July 22; Dive Boms, DRIXY, The Skies Above Us, July 27; School of Rock All Stars,Cleveland School of Rock House Band, Aug. 5; Hobo Johnson, Aug. 13; AJJ, Open Mike Eagle, Foot Ox, Aug. 18; Fake Names, Sept. 16; Sweeping Promises, Aug. 16; Murder by Death, Sept. 5; Local Natives, Sept. 9; Mustard Plug, Toasters, Half Past Two, Sept. 10; The Milk Carton Kids, Sept. 15; IDK, Sept. 27; Margaret Glaspy, Oct. 3; Low Cut Connie, Oct. 11; Nation of Language, Oct. 14; Bob Mould (solo electric), Jason Narducy, Oct. 20; Gilla Band, Oct. 23; Mudhoney, Oct. 24. Call 216-321-5588 or visit grogshop.gs.

House of Blues: 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents $NOT, Night Lovel, DC The Don, June 8; Smells Like Nirvana, Grunge DNA, June 9; Big Wreck, June 14; K-Hole — A DJ Dance Party hoted by Kim Chi + Plastique Tiara, June 16; Jesse & Joy, June 24; X, July 5; We Are the Union, Catbite, Kill Lincoln, July 5; The Taylor Party – Taylor Swift Night (Eras Version), July 7; Candlebox, MONA, July 9; Less Than Jake, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Pink Spiders, July 11; Jenny Lewis, July 13; Red Wanting Blue, July 14; The Steel Woods, July 15; Dexter and the Moonrocks, June 16; Des Rocks, July 22; Rema, Vicony, July 23; Bayside, I Am the Avalanche, Koyo, July 25; Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNCH, O-Town, BBMak, July 27; Gorgol Bordello, July 29; Gaelic Storm, Aug. 3; Baylen Levine, Aug. 6; Mickey Avalon, Aug. 12; Back to the Top, Aug. 25; Sorry Papi Tour – The All Girl Party, Aug. 26; Corey Taylor, WARGASM, Oxymorrons, Sept. 7; Hulvey, Sept. 7; Local Natives, HalfNOise, Sept. 9; Everclear, The Ataris, Sept. 11; Poppy, PVRIS, Pom Pom Suad, Sept. 14; Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Sept. 15; Here Come the Mummies, Perpetual Groove, Sept. 16; The Gaslight Anthem, Sept. 19; Nothing But Thieves, Kid Kapichi, Sept. 22; Dean Lewis, Sara Kays, Sept. 23; Jake Miller, Sept. 24; Sammy Rae & The Friends, Sept. 26; Chris Renzema, Jess Ray, Oct. 3; Wheeler Walker J., Oct. 6; Jean Dawson, Oct. 11; Stephen Sanchez, Oct. 15; TV Girl, Oct. 17; Ekoostik Hookah, Nov. 24; NEFFEX, Nov. 28 and 30. Visit houseofblues.com/Cleveland.

Jacobs Pavilion: Nautica Entertainment Complex, West Bank of the Flats, Cleveland, presents Rainbow Kitten Surprise June 6; Cody Jinks, June 9; Two Friends, June 12; Billy Strings, June 13 and 14; Jacob Collier, June 15; Illenium, June 20; Young the Giant, Milky Chance, Talk, June 21; Noah Kahan, June 22; Rebelution, Iration, July 2; Bryson Tiller, July 3; Melanie Martinez, July 5; Dreamsonic 2023 with Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Animals as Leaders, July 8; Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco, G. Love & Special Sauce, Tropidelic, July 10; Yungblud, The Regrettes, July 11; Orville Peck, July 26; Cavetown, Aug. 1; The Revivalists, Band of Horses, The Heavy Heavy, Aug. 6; Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Mammoth WVH, Aug. 8; The Beach Boys, Aug. 9; CAKE, Sept. 16; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Sept. 19; Parkway Drive, Sept. 22. Visit bit.ly/axs-jacobs.

Kent Stage: 175 E. Main St., Kent, presents The Lettermen, June 3; Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre with Dan Crisp, June 7; Eric Gales, June 8; Jonah Koslen, Tommy Dobeck and Daniel Pecchio — founding members of the Michael Stanley Band, June 9; Bruce Cockburn, Dar Williams, June 13; Phillip Phillips, June 17; Darrell Scott, June 24; Toad the Wet Sproket, June 25; Hard Day’s Night, June 30; JD Souther, July 15; A Flock of Seagulls, Annabella, July 21; Vanilla Fudge, July 22; Spyro Gyra, Aug. 11; Pablo Cruise, Aug. 13; Steve Earle, Aug. 16; Al Stewart, The Empty Pockets, Aug. 20; Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Costa, Aug. 25; Men Without Hats, Annabella, Sept. 1; Marcc Nutter and Friends, Sept. 9; Mighty Poplar, Sept. 15; Humble Pie Legacy, Sept. 24; CLANNAD, Sept. 29; Jimmy Webb, Oct. 15; Harry Chapin at 80: A Retrospective, Oct. 21; Donna the Buffalo, Nov. 9. Call 330-677-5005 or visit kentstage.org.

Lorain Palace Theatre: 617 Broadway, Lorain, presents Emerson, Lake & Palmer, July 15; Back to the 90’s, featuring Ton Loc, Color Me Badd, Young MC and hosted by Christopher “Kid” Reid,” Aug. 5; Stars of the Sixties featuring Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone, Oct. 20; Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel, Oct. 28. Call 440-245-2323 or visit lorainpalace.com.

Madison Concerts in the Park: a series with shows at 7 p.m. at Madison Village Park, River and West Main streets, presents Steve Madewell, June 2; Nick Zuber, June 9; Risk factor, June 16; Glass House Band, June 23; Gospel Friends, June 30; Geauga Fair Band, July 7; The Swamp Rattlers, July 14; Madtown Jazz, July 21; Rte 202, July 28; Back When (Aug. 4), Night Owls, Aug. 11; Kelly & Randall, Aug. 18; Take II Band, Aug. 25. Call 440-428-7526.

Masonic Cleveland: 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Potions and Player Dave, July 21; My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Nov. 2. Visit MasonicCleveland.com.

Mentor Rocks concert series: with shows at 7 p.m. at Mentor Civic Amphitheater, 8600 Munson Road, presents The Prince Experience (Prince tribute), June 6; Nirvani (Nirvana tribute), June 13; Parmalee,, June 20; Queen Nation (Queen tribute), June 27; E5C4P3 (Journey tribute), July 4; Simply Spice (Spice Girls tribute), July 11; Right Now (Sammy Hagar-era Van Halen tribute), July 18; Terry Lee Goffee (Johnny Cash tribute), July 25; Just Like Pink (Pink tribute), Aug. 1; Sound of Sting (Police/Sting tribute), Aug. 8; to-be-announced national recording artist, Aug. 15; Forever Seger Band (Bob Seger tribute), Aug. 29; Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd tribute). Visit mentorrocks.info.

MGM Northfield Park: 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, presents Santana, June 25; Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional, June 29; Scotty McCreery, July 7; Ann Wilson of Heart, Tripsitter, July 14; Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Chris Trapper, July 22; Donny Osmond, July 28; Tesla, Aug. 4; Happy Together Tour 2023, featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, Aug. 6; Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton, Aug. 24; Don Felder, Aug. 26; Air Supply, Sept. 9; George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Sept. 12; Beth Hart, Sept. 23; Engelbert Humperdinck, Oct. 21; Great White, Slaughter, Oct. 28; Aaron Lewis (acoustic), Nov. 16. Call 330-908-7625 or visit mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.

Music Box Supper Club: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, presents Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Brunch featuring Long Time Gon, June 4; Carols Jones+, June 4; Mac McAnally, June 7; Billy Prine & The Prine Time Band present The Songs of John Prine, June 8; JP Soars & The Red Hots, Anne Harris, June 9; John Pizzarelli Trio, June 9; ABBA Brunch with Super Troupers, June 11; Umojah Nation, June 11; Irish Brunch with Custy & McNamara, June 11; Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, June 14; Classic Stones Live featuring The Glimmer Tiwns, June 15; Stevie Wonder Night with The Reid Project, June 17; Father’s Day Beatles Brunch with The Sunrise Jones, June 18; Father’s Day Jimmy Buffett Brunch with Cheeseburgers in Paradise, June 18; Jah Messengers, June 18; Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, June 20; Queen tribute by Queen Flash, June 23; Drag Bingo with Veranda L’Ni & Friends, June 23; Fleetwood Mac Brunch with Rumours, June 25; Ghani & The No Bad Daze Band, June 25; Stella Maris Rock of Faith (benefit concert), June 25; Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones, June 28; Griffin House, June 29; The Gholden Gays Hot Flashbacks, June 30; Neil Diamond Night with The Diamond Project, July 1; Elton John Brunch with Tommy Lee Thompson, July 2; Steely Dan Brunch with The FM Project,” July 2; The Ark Band, July 2; Jesus Jones, The American Scientific, July 3; ELO Tribute by Ticket to the Moon, July 4; Nightbridge, July 4; Van Morrison Tribute with Nitebridge & Colin Dussault, July 7; Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, July 13; Hawaiian Elvis tribute by Dave Banks Big Band Featuring Walt Sanders, July 14; Chicago Tribute by Brass Metropolis, July 15; Tom Petty Night with Shadow of Doubt, July 15; Blues Brunch with Colin Dussault & Friends, July 16; Rooftop VIP Members Party, July 16; Lazo & Exodus (Bob Marley show), July 16; Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, July 16; Peter Mayer Group, July 20; The Songs of Burt Bacharach with Nitebridge and guests, July 21; Dolly Parton Brunch with Rachel & The Beatnik Playboys, July 23; Pink Floyd Brunch with Dark Side of the Moon, July 23; Elementree Livity Project, July 23; Madeline Finn & Friends, July 27; Bluegrass Brunch with The Chatfield Boys, July 30; Billy Joel Brunch with 52nd St Stranger, July 30; The Flex Crew, July 30; In the Heartland, July 30; Los Lobos, Aug. 3; The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Aug. 4; Sun Shade, Aug. 6; REM tribute by Dead Letter Office. Aug. 9; Carl Baldassarre’s Led Zeppelin Revival, Aug. 11; Paul Thorn, Aug. 9; Big Band Brunch with Dan Zola Orchestra, Aug. 13; Shake Ground, Aug. 13; Bettye LaVette, Aug. 16; Morgan James, Aug. 17; The Smithereens with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw, Aug. 18; One World Tribe, Aug. 20; Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli, Aug. 24; Ras Khalifa, Aug. 27; Phat Cat Swinger, Aug. 31; Carlos Jones+, Sept. 3; Tuba Skinny, Sept. 6; Malinda, Sept. 12; Waco Brothers, Sept. 21; Joshua Radin, Sept. 26; Rush tribute with Sawyer, Oct. 5; Tannahill Weavers, Oct. 18; Neil Young tribute by Broken Arrow, Oct. 19; Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, Oct. 27; Eagles Brunch with Out Of Eden, Oct. 29; The Jersey Beat Band, Nov. 25. Call 216-242-1250 or visit musicboxcle.com.

Perry Christian Church: 3270 Call Road, Perry, presents outdoor Christmas in July Market, with proceeds being used for mission projects, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15. Call 440-537-4907.

Piano Cleveland: presents the 2023 Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, June 22 through July 15 at various locations; Cleveland International Piano Competition, July 28 through Aug. 10, 2024. Call 216-707-5397 or visit PianoCleveland.org.

Playhouse Square: 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Nick Cave (solo), Sept. 25; Straight No Chaser, Dec. 2. Call 216-241-6000 or visit PlayhouseSquare.org.

Quire Cleveland: presents “Churches of the Same God: Mass Settings of Byrd and Tallis,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Saint Paschal Baylon Church, Highland Heights | 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at Our Lady of Peach Church, Shaker Square | and 4 p.m. Oct. 1 at St. John Cantius Church, Cleveland. Call 216-223-8854 or visit QuireCleveland.org.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, presents Zach Bryan, Trampled by Turtles, June 2; Paramore, June 4; Bryan Adams, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, June 15; Alicia Keys, July 15; Madonna, Bob the Drag Queen, Aug. 2; LL Cool J, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Common, Method Man, Redman, Aug. 12; Jonas Brothers, Sept. 18; Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, Sept. 21; Greta Van Fleet, Surf Curse, Sept. 23; Peter Gabriel, Sept. 27; Pink, Grouplove, Kidcutup, Nov. 8; Depeche Mode, Nov. 10. Call 888-894-9422 or visit rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

Rockin’ on the River: at Lorain’s Black Water Landing, presents Disco Inferno, 1988 (1980s rock tribute), June 2; Hotel California (Eagles tribute), My Drunk’n Uncle, June 9; The King & Queen of Country Music (Garth Brooks-and-Shania Twain tribute), Country Honk, June 16; E5C4P3 (Journey tribute), Best of Times (Styx tribute), June 17; 24K Magic! (Bruno Mars tribute), Nonica Robins and The Whiskey Kings, June 30; Dirty Deeds (AC/DC tribute), Back & Forth (Foo Fighters tribute), July 7; Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd tribute), Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, July 8; Face 2 Face (Elton John-and-Billy Joel tribute), Zoo Station (U2 tribute), July 14; Queen Nation (Queen tribute), Black River, July 28; Bee Gees Gold (Bee Gees tribute), Dancing Queen (ABBA tribute), The Michael Weber Show, July 29; Forever Seger (Bob Seger tribute), Moving in Stereo (Cars tribute), Aug. 4; Double Vision (Foreigner tribute), The FM Project (Steely Dan tribute), Aug. 11; The Atomic Punks (Van Halen tribute), Motley Inc. (Motley Crue tribute), Aug. 18; Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson tribute), Shout!, Aug. 19; ZOSO (Led Zeppelin tribute), House Party (J Geils tribute), Aug. 25; Fleetwood Gold (Fleetwood Mac tribute), Harvest (Neil Young tribute), Sept. 1; Revival ABB (Allman Brothers Band tribute), Freebird (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute), Sept. 8; The Four Horsemen (Metallica tribute), Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip, Sept. 15. Visit rockinontheriver.com.

Victory Live!: a two-day musical featuring WMMS Buzzard Fest — with Incubus, Bush, +Live+, Filter, Weshly Arms — on Aug. 4 and WGAR Country Jam — Chris Young, Brian Kelley, Gavin DeGraw, Dalton Dover, Tigirlily Gold — on Aug. 5 at Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane, North Ridgeville. Visit victorylivefest.com.

WonderStruck in Cleveland: a music festival with headliners Khalid, Walker Hayes, Nelly and Flo Rida, will be July 8 and 9 at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. Visit WonderStruckFest.com.

Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre: 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, presents REO Speedwagon, Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, June 21; Rick Springfield, The Hooters, Paul Young, Tommy Tutone, Aug. 4; The Doobie Brothers, June 28; Steve Miller Band, Aug. 9. Visit theyoungstownfoundationamp.com.

Nightlife

Bainbridge Swing Dance: at Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, presents Blues DeVille, June 3 (lesson at 8 p.m., dancing and music at 9 p.m.). Visit WillCraigProductions.com.

Ferrante Winery and Ristorante: 5585 N. River Road W., Geneva, presents Then Neverleys Duo, 5:30 p.m. June 2; Bobby Potts, 1 p.m. June 3; Porch Rockers, 5:30 p.m. June 3; Eric Andrews, 2 p.m. June 4; Mitch & Melissa, 5:30 p.m. June 9; Eric Andrews 1 p.m. June 10; 4-Kings, 5:30 p.m. June 10; Dennis Ford, 2 p.m. June 11; Uncharted Course, 5:30 p.m. June 16; Anthony Gregorie, 1 p.m. June 17; O’Neiders, 5:30 p.m. June 17; Tommy Hook, 2 p.m. June 18; The Night Shift, 5:30 p.m. June 23; Holly’s Uncle Duo, 1 p.m. June 24; Back Spin, 5:30 p.m. June 24; Porch Rockers, 2 p.m. June 25; Don Perry, 5:30 p.m. June 30. Call 440-466-8466 or visit ferrantewinery.com.

Parks

Holden Arboretum: 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, presents “Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks,” featuring “more than a dozen colorful creations that will pop out of garden and trail landscapes creating a magical new world at the arboretum,” through Sept. 4; “Bloom! Botanicals & Birdhouses, featuring “hundreds of unique birdhouses, stunning glass art, and artwork from Cleveland artist Asia Armour,” through Sept. 4; Twilight at the Arboretum, a benefit pick with music and entertainment for the family, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 15.. Visit holdenarb.org.

Lake Erie Bluffs: 3301 Lane Road, Perry, presents Best of the Bluffs: Migration Rest Stop, 1 to 4 p.m. June 4. Call 440-358-7275 or visit lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/lake-erie-bluffs.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark: 8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland, presents Railroads in the Park, featuring operating model train displays and N-Scale layouts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 and 4; Farmfest, a free event with food, beer, music, cow milking, farm demonstrations and more, July 9; Historical Engine Society’s 52nd annual Antique Power Exhibition, featuring a variety of antique tractors, construction and excavation equipment, cars, trucks, demonstrations and more, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20; Milk & Honey Weekend, in which visitors can “Learn how milk becomes cheese, butter or ice cream and watch the production process, learn about bees and their role in pollination, how honey is harvested, pollinator-friendly plants and more, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and 20. Call 440-256-2122 or 800-366-3276, or visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/farmpark.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation: 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, presents Wildlife Festival: Celebrating 40 Years, a celebration of 40 years of helping Ohio’s wildlife with activity, history and more, noon to 4 p.m. July 23. Call 440-256-1404 or visit lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/penitentiary-glen-reservation.

Theater

Beck Center for the Arts: 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, presents “Doubt: A Parable,” by John Patrick Shanley, through June 25, in Studio Theater; “Once on This Island,” with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty,” through Aug. 6, in Senney Theater. Call 216-521-2540 or visit beckcenter.org.

BorderLight International Theatre + Fringe Festival: featuring an eclectic mix of touring and regional productions, will be Aug. 3 through 5 in and around Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Visit BorderLightCle.org.

Broadway in Akron: a series at E.J. Thomas Hall in conjunction with Playhouse Square, presents “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” Oct. 17 and 19; “Mean Girls,” Nov. 13 and 14; “The Cher Show,” Jan. 30 and 31; “CLUE,” April 23 through 25. Call 330-253-2488 or visit broadwayinakron.com.

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre: 40 River St., Chagrin Falls, presents “The Play That Goes Wrong,” a comedy by Henry Lewis, weekends June 2 through 18 (7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. June 11 and 18). Call 440-247-8955 or visit CVLT.org.

Clague Playhouse: 1371 Clague Road, Westlake, presents “Failure: A Love Story,” by Philip Dawkins, through June 4. Call 440-331-0403 or visit ClaguePlayhouse.org.

Cleveland Play House: Performing at Playhouse Square, presents “Watching Butterflies,” June 17 through 24. Call 216-241-6000 or visit clevelandplayhouse.com.

convergence-continuum: 2438 Scranton Road, Cleveland, presents “Walking to Buchenwald,” by Tom Jacobson, June 2 through 24 (8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays). Call 216-687-0074 or visit convergence-continuum.org.

Fine Arts Association: 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, presents “The Who’s Tommy,” June 9 through 25. Call 440-951-7500 or visit fineartsassociation.org.

Karamu House: 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, presents “Clyde’s,” by Lynn Nottage, Sept. 22 through Oct. 15; “Black Nativity,” by Langston Huges,” Dec. 1 through 17; “The Breakfast at the Bookstore,” by Lisa Langford, Jan. 26 through Feb. 18; “It Happened in Atlanta,” March 8 through 30; “Choir Boy,” April 26 through May 19. Call 216-795-7070 or visit KaramuHouse.org.

Playhouse Square: 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” June 7 through July 2; “Late Nite Catechism,” June 11; Two Faces of Jane’s “People, Places and Things,” Thursdays through Sundays June 22 to July 2; “Six the Musical,” Aug. 8 through Sept. 19; “The Wiz,” Oct. 3 through 22; “Girl From the North Country,” Oct. 31 through Nov. 19; “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Jan. 9 through 28; “Funny Girl,” Feb. 20 through March 10; “Company,” April 30 through May 19; “BAck to the Future,” June 11 through July 7; “MJ the Musical,” July 16 through Aug. 11. Call 216-241-6000 or visit PlayhouseSquare.org.

Porthouse Theatre: 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls, presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” June 9 through 24; “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” June 30 through July 15; “The Prom, July 21 through Aug. 6. Call 330-672-3884 or visit PorthouseTheatre.com.

Rabbit Run Theater: 5648 W. Chapel Road, Madison Township, presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a drama by Brian Friel, 7:30 p.m. June 1 through 4 and 8 through 10. Call 440-428-7092 or visit RabbitRun.org.

Misc.

Agora Theatre & Ballroom: 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, presents Watcher Podcast: ghost Files, Oct. 8. Visit AgoraCleveland.com.

Beachland Ballroom: 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, presents Beachland Flea, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19. Call 216-383-1124 or visit beachlandballroom.com.

Beck Center for the Arts: 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, presents Poetry Readings and Storytelling series — 2 to 4 p.m. June 10; Spotlight Gala, with the theme, “Celebrating Our Past, Creating Our Future,” 6 p.m. July 14 at Gordon Green. Call 216-521-2540, or visit beckcenter.org.

Candytopia: a “nationally acclaimed, sweet interactive wonderland” featuring 14 interactive environments over 19,000 square feet, runs through Dec. 31 at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst (located between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Ethan Allen). Visit Candytopia.com.

Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic: a horse show, runs July 7 through 9 at Chagrin valley Farms in Bainbridge Township. Visit ChagrinHunterJumperClassic.org.

Cleveland Botanical Garden: 11030 East Blvd., presents “Bloom! Botanicals & Birdhouses,” featuring “hundreds of unique birdhouses, stunning glass art, and artwork from Cleveland artist Asia Armour,” opening through Sept. 4; “Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks,” featuring more than a dozen larger-than-life creations, through Sept. 4. Call 216-721-1600 or visit cbgarden.org.

Cleveland Museum of Art: 11150 East Blvd., presents Parade the Circle, noon June 10 in Wade Oval; Solstice, “an energy-filled night of music and art,” with 7 p.m. June 24. Call 216-421-7340 or visit clevelandart.org.

Cleveland Public Theatre: 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, presents Pandemonium 2023, CPT’s “Fantastical Benefit” honoring Nic Bariage, Sept. 9. Call 216-631-2727 or visit cptonline.org.

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum:10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, presents “Top Brass,” featuring Fred Crawford’s collection as it was when this museum’s predecessor—The Thompson Auto Album—first opened in 1943, through Oct. 8. Visit thecrawfordmuseum.org.

Disney Animation — Immersive Experience: a collaboration of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producer of “Immersive Van Gogh,” featuring projections and music pertaining to Disney classics, runs through Aug. 13 at Lighthouse Artspace Cleveland, 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. Visit lighthouseimmersive.com/disney/cleveland.

FireFish Arts: presents the 2023 annual FireFish Festival, featuring “unique art installations, music, food, fun, fire – and the much anticipated and signature burning of the FireFish with its parade, pageantry, and performance,” Sept. 16 in Lorain. Visit FireFishFestival.com.

Great Lakes Science Center: 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, presents “”Dinosaurs of the Sahara,” bringing “the unique world of African dinosaurs to life with original fossils from the Sahara, one-of-a-kind mounted skeletons and flesh models, and a show-stopping giant 32-foot rearing long-necked Jobaria skeleton,” through Sept. 4. Call 216-694-2000 or visit greatscience.com.

Juneteenth Freedom Fest: featuring musical performances, live visual artists, fireworks show, educational workshops and more, will be 6 to 10 p.m. June 16 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 17 at Mall C in downtown Cleveland. Visit juneteenthcle.com.

LakewoodAlive: presents Lakewood Summer Meltdown, a street party, 4 to 10 p.m. July 15 at in downtown Lakewood. Visit LakewoodAlive.org.

Loganberry Books: 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights, presents “Lightness of Being,” an evening of live chamber music and a panel discussion on the novel “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera, 7 p.m. June 8. Call 216-795-9800, visit LoganberryBooks.com or email books@logan.com.

Lorain Palace Theatre: 617 Broadway, Lorain, presents Michael Franzase’s “A Mob Story,” June 24. Call 440-245-2323 or visit lorainpalace.com.

MGM Northfield Park: 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, presents psychic medium Matt Fraser, Aug. 10. Call 330-908-7625 or visit mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com.

Music Box Supper Club: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, presents A Night of Magic, featuring David McCreary, June 16; Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties — “From Rocking on the Radio . . . to Rocking the RV Life,” with Jeff & Patti Kinzbach, June 28; Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties — “Noir at the Bar,” Aug. 31. Call 216-242-1250 or visit musicboxcle.com.

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival: featuring music, competitions and more, will be June 23 and 24 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. Visit ohioscottishgames.com.

Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau: presents first Pride at Put-in-Bay, “a vibrant day filled with laughter, color, and good vibes,” June 12; Ohio’s Island Wine Festival, June 17; Pyrate Fest XV, which is “promisin’ a swashbucklin’ good time for the whole crew … full of pirate antics, mermaid sightings, and booming cannons, June 23 through 25. Visit visitputinbay.com.

Reithoffer’s Art, Spirits & Entertainment: 17711 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Valls, presents Aurburn Art Festivals, featuring artisan crafts, food trucks, music and more, June 16 through 18 and Aug. 18 through 20 (5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday). Visit reithoffers.com.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: Cleveland, presents “The Beatles: Get Back to Let It Be,” curated by the Rock Hall and meant as an immersive complement to Peter Jackson’s docuseries “The Beatles Get Back,” through December (extended). Call 888-588-ROCK or visit rockhall.com.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, presents Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s The Greatest Show On Earth, Oct. 6 through 8. Call 888-894-9422 or visit rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com.

Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub: 348 Mentor Ave. Painesville, presents Public Guided Tour, June 20, Sept. 19. Call 440-639-7948 or visit SteeleMansion.com.

Wolstein Center: 2000 Prospect Ave., presents Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo,” Nov. 22 through 26. Call 877-468-4946 or visit wolsteincenter.com.

One-piece suits

Supported and sexy: Color blocking is a huge swimwear trend this season, and The Marina ($95 on summersalt.com) is right on-point. With built-in cups in a slight V-neck design and adjustable straps, it provides comfortable structure and makes you look like a million bucks. The higher-cut hip line elongates legs, and the diagonal seaming accentuates waists. Meanwhile, the material is thick and tight, so you feel snug and properly held in.

Softly nautical (and sustainable): Ookioh is a terrific brand for simple and sweet designs. They also source their fabrics from an Italian mill that uses 100% regenerated materials “like ocean wastes (such as sunken fishing nets) and pre-consumer waste products (things people might throw away in production) and turns them into dreamy, luxurious textiles.” They’re also on a mission to not use plastic in their packaging. And their overall aesthetic is equally natural — like the fantastic Nantucket One Piece ($100 on ookioh.com) with blue and white stripes and an elegant high neckline, a plunging back, high-cut leg, and shelf bra underneath for A+ shaping.

Cool prints (and sustainable): Made from recycled nylon, nylon, and elastane, the Idalia One-piece ($350 on marahoffman.com) is a full-on color statement. It’s fully lined with a scoop neck and a low open back and high leg cut, and I love it in Alegasia — a gorgeous neo-psychedelic print with multicolor swirls.

Long sleeved (and sustainable): Cali’s wet suits have inspired a wave of long-sleeve swimsuits, and they provide lots of coverage, feel like a second skin, and are just plain cool. One example: The Lotte Spring Suit Shell ($350 on abysseofficial.com) looks sleek with a bikini bottom cut and is made of thin, 100% Japanese limestone-based super stretch neoprene — which boasts the lowest carbon footprint of any around — and is lined in a fabric made of recycled consumer plastica

Two-piece suits

Sporty bikinis: Without ever falling into tomboy territory, the current crop of athletic two-pieces rely on playful and cute details like zippers, asymmetrical straps, and more color blocking to make it clear you’re not sacrificing style for sport. They also offer a little more coverage than most bikinis, so you can surf, play, swim, or blast a volleyball without worry. For all of the above, the sassy Helena Bikini Top ($220 on araks.com) and Hyma Bikini Bottom ($140 on araks.com) perfectly fit the bill.

The L.B.D of tankinis (and sustainable): Sometimes you just need a well-made, simple black suit to stand out and feel completely put-together in. When that’s the case, the Square Neck Bra Cup Tankini ($50 on athleta.gap.com) and Cinch Full Swim Bottom ($40 on athletica.gap.com) step right up and do the job. They’ve got a powerful stretch in their fabric made of recycled H₂ECO, and feature hidden underwire support, so you can do everything from paddleboarding to diving with abandon.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and the free concerts begin at 7 p.m.  All events take place at the Gazebo in front of City Hall, 9301 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland.

The public is invited to bring a blanket or chair and relax with friends and neighbors and enjoy the music. People also can bring a picnic or take advantage of the city’s grill masters or checkout the available food trucks, according to a news release.

These concerts are sponsored by the Friends of the Kirtland Public Library and the City of Kirtland and paid for, in part, by a grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, or NOPEC.

There will also be a trivia contest at every concert.

Attendees can pick up a trivia sheet between 6 and 7 p.m., and answer as many questions as you can by the end of the concert. The turn the sheet in at the Friends of the Library table. Answer sheets with at least 10 correct answers will be entered into a prize drawing.

The concert schedule will be:

• June 28: Beauty Night with the Chardon Polka Band

Visit with representatives of local parks, then show off polka skills with The Chardon Polka Band. There will be food available for purchase.

• July 12: Faith Night with Perfect Choice

Meet representatives of the local churches and faith communities. Perfect Choice is a 10-piece party band with a four-piece horn section. There will be food available for purchase from Fungry Food Truck!

• July 19: City Night with The PopTarts

Curious about local businesses?  Meet the people that work in the community. There will burgers and hot dogs on the grill.

The PopTarts are “four groovy chicks who sing the most popular hits from the ’60’s girl groups. With their mini-skirts and big hair, they are hoppin’ and boppin’ with their choreographed movements,” according to the release

• July 26: “City Night” PrimeTime Big Band

Cleveland’s PrimeTime Big Band plays swing, big band, jazz and ballads with Debbie Gifford as the featured vocalist. There will burgers and hot dogs on the grill.

• Aug. 2: Dog Days of Summer  with Debbie Gifford Quartet

Kirtland’s own Debbie Gifford is back and keeping it jazzy with her quartet. Attendees are invited to bring their dogs. Also, there will be hot dogs available.

Urrea turned to his family history again for his latest novel, “Good Night, Irene,” published by Little, Brown on May 30. The book is inspired by his mother, Phyllis McLaughlin, who served in the Red Cross Clubmobile Service in World War II. The “Donut Dollies” followed American troops around Europe, driving trucks that offered the soldiers comfort in the form of hot coffee and freshly made treats.

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“Good Night, Irene” follows Irene Woodward, a New Yorker who leaves her abusive fiancé and volunteers with the Donut Dollies, where she forms a fast friendship with Dorothy Dunford, a sharp-witted woman from the Midwest. The two look out for each other as they try to dodge the dangers of war while keeping the soldiers fed and cared for.

“My mom was the only American in my entire family,” says Urrea, who was born in Tijuana and grew up in the San Diego area. “She would always foist great American authors on me, even when I was a little kid. I owe my writing life to her.”

Urrea, whose books include “The Devil’s Highway,” “The House of Broken Angels,” and “Into the Beautiful North,” will discuss his new novel at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on June 8 at 7 p.m. He answered questions about the book via telephone from Naperville, Illinois, where he lives. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to write a novel based on her experiences during the war?

I was talking to my wife, Cindy, about my mom one night. I said, “I wish you’d met my mom. You two would’ve gotten along.” And she said, “Tell me about Phyllis.” I told her she was a Donut Dolly, and she said, “What is that? I said, “You know, the Red Cross women that went into World War II and made donuts in big trucks and drove around with the soldiers, and for part of it followed Patton.” And she just yelled, “What?” It was that cry of “What?” that got me going.

Q: When you were growing up, did your mom talk about her service?

She would talk, but only so much. One thing she would talk about was her Jeep crash. And that also was very sketchy. She woke up in a pool of her own blood. She was torn apart, and she was screaming. She could see the vehicle down the hill, burning. She heard people, and they were shining their lights down at her, and she thought she was going to be killed. She thought, “It’s over. I can’t even run.” And she prayed there, kneeling in the mud as they came down, and then she heard this New York accent saying, “Jesus, it’s goils.” 

They field-dressed her, made slings out of their shirts, and took her on their backs and climbed up a mountain, and then walked her six miles back to one of the field hospitals, a little tent hospital mass unit. She was sutured and wired back together, but still completely physically devastated. So those little things would slip through but not much else.

Q: You were able to meet your mom’s best friend during the war, Jill.

My wife and I found among my mom’s things a remembrance of war by Jill Pitts Knappenberger. We thought, “Where did this come from?” On the back, there was an old address label from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Cindy and I live in Naperville, west of Chicago. And I thought, “It’s not possible that Jill lived 90 minutes away from our house. That’s not possible.” And Cindy said, “Well, let’s try this.” She sent a card to the address. Jill had lived in the same apartment since the late 1940s. She wrote back immediately and then called.

She said to me, “Luis, but you must come down and see me as soon as possible. And don’t try to wait until I turn 95, if you catch my drift.” [Laughs.] And I thought, “Oh, crap. I’m in love already.” So the next day we drive down there, and this old woman opens the door to this apartment. It was 1944 inside the apartment still. She’d kept a picture of my mother on her wall. I’m standing there staring at it, and Jill said, “Luis, I drove the truck, but your mother brought the joy.” 

Jill had it together. The only time she would show emotion, she would warn you; she’d say, “I’m going to be sad now.” And then she would put her hand over her eyes for a second and put it down and keep talking. That woman had an iron grip. I don’t know if she suffered or not. She seemed full of joy and pride. She was so proud of what they had done.

Q: The other research you did from this book had to be extensive.

Cindy and I went down to New Orleans to the National World War II Museum. The docent there was super kind. For example, there were only black and white photographs of Donut Dollies in World War II, and I always thought the uniforms were probably some sort of drab olive or brown. The docent told us that the museum had some of their uniforms, and took us back and pulled them down. The really haunting thing is they have cards with the names of the women who donated them. Not women I had heard of. But the uniforms are a beautiful teal blue. That was Eisenhower’s doing. He had the uniforms made bespoke by tailors in London, and they were elegant and beautiful. 

Then she said, “What did they drive?” And I said, “A two-and-a half-ton GMC six-by.” 

She said, “Oh, we’ve got one.” She told us that it wasn’t in the collection yet, that it’s being refurbished in the big repair and rebuild garage. She asked if we wanted to see it, and I was like, “Try and stop me. Are you kidding?” So she and Cindy and I walked over, and the docent opens these giant barn doors, and there’s a B-24 Liberator inside in parts, and they’re putting it back together. I was like, “Oh my God. I’m in heaven.” [Laughs.] Then we saw the truck. She let me crawl all over it. It has all kinds of stick shifts, and I could see what the seats were like. I took pictures of it for reference. I mean, tell me that isn’t a dream.

Q: Writing this book had to be pretty emotional, I’m guessing.

This thing cost me so much. It was just so painful, man. You know, you don’t understand your own mom. And then you’re confronted with the things that made her this person. I feel like I’m some kind of evangelist for moms and old women right now to tell people, Stop ignoring them and stop resenting them. We don’t know what they went through.

The parade is scheduled for June 4 and will begin at 12:50 p.m. at Manry Park, located at 30100 Arnold Road. Participants will then head down Arnold, turn north on East 305th Street, venture up Willowick Drive and end at the St. Mary Magdalene Parish Festival, 32114 Vine St.

Last year, Willowick’s police and fire departments kicked off the parade. Willowick City Council, the Recreation Department, elected officials, classic cars and North High School’s marching band were among the many who then followed.

Sponsored by local business, the parade used to start at Shoregate Town Center, but has since been changed. Previously, the city had a year where it thought about not having the parade, but the residents thought otherwise, according to Council President Bob Patton.

“The residents made it clear they want the parade and we’re here to serve,” he said.

In last year’s parade, roughly 52 vehicles and more than 200 walkers participated.

“I think it’s a great thing for the residents and then it’s also good for the church because it ends at the church, and everybody can be together at the festival,” said Recreation Director Julie Kless. “It brings all the sports leagues together and it’s just a great community event.”

Kless credited the parade’s success to Maureen Brennan, recreation administrative assistant who has been with the city for 25 years and the head of the parade.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without her,” Kless said.

1798: Robert Willan, the father of modern dermatology, describes a skin condition called eczema solare, or skin sensitivity to light.

1820: English physician Sir Everard Home first proposes that skin pigmentation has protective effects against the sun and that a component of sunlight other than heat affects the skin.

1878: Otto Veiel of Austria describes tannins as a form of sun protection. However, the darkening effect of tannins on the skin prevents them from being commercialized as a sunscreen.

1889: Erik Johan Widmark of Stockholm publishes a landmark study that experimentally proves UV radiation can cause skin erythema and burns.

1891: Dr. Hammer of Stuttgart, Germany, is the first to specifically recommend the use of chemical sunscreens to prevent UV radiation from causing erythema solare of the skin; he uses quinine prepared in an ointment as the first human sunscreen.

1896: Dr. Paul Unna, a German physician, first describes an association between sun exposure and skin cancer: he explains precursor skin cancer changes, such as hyperkeratosis, on sun-exposed skin.

1910: Dr. Unna develops a sunscreen from chestnut extract, sold under the names “Zeozon” and “Ultrazeozon.”

1920s: Coco Chanel popularizes the idea of tanning after photographs of her are taken following a Mediterranean cruise. Her friend, Prince Jean-Louis de Faucigny-Lucigne, says: “I think she may have invented sunbathing.” Tanned skin becomes a sign of a healthy, leisurely, and privileged way of life in Western culture.

1928: Dr. G. M. Findlay publishes a paper with the first experimental proof of the association between UV radiation and skin cancer in an animal study (mice).

1935: Eugene Schueler, founder of today’s L’Oréal, develops the first tanning oil with UV radiation-filtering properties; the active ingredient is benzyl salicylate.

1938: Swiss chemist Franz Greiter gets sunburned while climbing Mt. Piz Buin — an event that will inspire him to create the first modern sunscreen a decade later.

1942: Stephen Rothman and Jack Rubin first describe para-aminobenzoic acid, active ingredients that will become the most popular in sunscreens in the U.S. for many years.

1942: The Army Air Force approaches the American Medical Association Council of Pharmacy and Chemistry for a “top secret experiment” to study the most effective protective substances to prevent sunburn of men stranded in the desert or on life rafts. They find that dark red veterinary petroleum is waterproof, inexpensive and free of toxicity.

1944: Pharmacist Benjamin Green, who served as an airman during World War II and used red veterinary petroleum, develops a more pleasing, consumer-friendly version of the product by adding cocoa butter and coconut oil, a combination that eventually becomes the Coppertone suntan lotion.

1946: Swiss chemist Franz Greiter develops and commercializes the first modern sunscreen, known as “Gletscher Crème,” or Glacier Cream. He names his brand Piz Buin in honor of the mountain he climbed.

1962: Greiter is credited with inventing the sun protection factor (SPF) rating; the original Gletscher Crème has an SPF rating of 2.

1967: Water-resistant sunscreens are developed.

1978: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration begins to regulate the booming sunscreen market. UV tanning beds also start to appear in the U.S.

1980s: Australia, followed by other countries, accepts the definition of SPF as “the ratio of UV energy needed to produce a minimal erythemal dose on protected to unprotected skin.” SPF becomes the standard in testing sunscreen formulations.

1990s: Most sunscreen products in the market have SPFs ranging from 15 to 30; avobenzone (with octyl triazone added to increase photostability) is the most common ingredient for UVA protection, whereas octyl methoxycinnamate is the most common ingredient for UVB protection.

2007: The International Agency for Research on Cancer publishes a landmark study confirming the association between tanning beds and melanoma.

2008: Marine scientist Roberto Danovaro and colleagues publish the first study describing the potential role of sunscreen ingredients causing coral bleaching in areas with high levels of human recreational use.

2018: Following ecotoxicologist Craig Downs and colleagues’ paper raising concern for potential harm of two sunscreen ingredients — oxybenzone and octinoxate — on coral bleaching and underwater ecosystems, Hawaii becomes the first state to pass a bill banning the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, active ingredients found in most major sunscreen brands.

2019: The FDA‘s Muraili Matta and colleagues’ study in the Journal of the American Medical Association details the application of four commonly available sunscreens on healthy volunteers that resulted in plasma concentrations above the exceeded level established by the FDA for waiving nonclinical toxicology studies for sunscreen. The active ingredients included in the study are avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule. This study has served as a catapult for the need for further studies to determine the significance of these findings as the chemicals were being absorbed by the body.

Sources: National Library of Medicine, American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, Cancernet.org, Melanoma Research Foundation

While some people rightfully detest airports, NerdWallet has rounded up a collection of nine U.S. airports that are enjoyable to spend time in. Some are like a cozy coffee shop, while others have retro vibes that harken back to the golden age of aviation. These airports were chosen for several reasons, some of which might include their unbeatable views, unique amenities, charming atmosphere — or a combination of it all.

But NerdWallet also included key details that can impact the airport experience, including on-time arrivals rate, based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics data between February 2022 and February 2023. For comparison, the national average on-time arrivals rate is 76.98%.

To qualify for this list, airports also had to have fewer than 1.5 million arriving passengers in 2022. To put that into perspective, America’s largest airport by arriving passengers — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International — had more than 37 million arriving passengers in 2022.

The data is sorted by the number of arriving passengers in 2022, also based on BTS data, from most to least.

9. Long Beach Airport

(Photo courtesy of Long Beach Airport)

Long Beach, California

On-time arrivals rate: 78.9%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 1.3 million.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 1.3 million.

Airlines served: Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Long Beach Airport is the oldest airport in California, and it still largely maintains the art deco style there when it was built in 1941. Today, the avant-garde work of architecture is a recognized historical landmark. And while many of the original features have been preserved, such as a mosaic masterwork incorporating more than a million hand-cut tiles, there are also modern touches.

A sprawling, post-security outdoor space makes it possible to take advantage of Southern California’s sunshine before departure. Most eateries are an extension of Long Beach’s local food scene, such as the airport outpost of Sweet Jill’s Bakery — famous for its cinnamon rolls.

8. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Belgrade, Montana

On-time arrivals rate: 78.2%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 981,807.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 970,728.

Airlines served: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has cozy mountain vibes, designed with natural wood and stone. Gaze at the crackling fireplace inside, or enjoy the picturesque views of the mountain outside.

7. Asheville Regional Airport

Fletcher, North Carolina

On-time arrivals rate: 77.23%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 756,726.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 761,652.

Airlines served: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United.

Asheville is known for its vibrant art scene, and that extends to Asheville Regional Airport. Inside, you might hear a concert pianist performing on the airport’s grand piano or a live musical performance by local schools, choral groups or folk musicians. There’s also an art gallery featuring rotating, curated artwork exhibits by local fine artists.

Though small, the airport is growing: The airport says it saw a 29% increase in 2022 passengers over 2021 — and that 2022 marked the highest number of passengers ever served in one year for the airport.

6. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

(Photo by Sally French)

Santa Barbara, California

On-time arrivals rate: 78.9%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 505,104.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 503,645.

Airlines served: Alaska, American, Southwest, and United.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is decorated with Mediterranean-style colorful tiles, rustic lanterns, modern art and beautiful Spanish murals, reflecting the distinctive architecture throughout the city. There’s also a small outdoor seating area for plane spotting and enjoying the landscaping of local plants, such as purple sage, magenta bougainvillea and lemon trees.

The airport is growing, having “experienced a faster than predicted operational recovery” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the airport. Much of that was driven by the addition of Southwest, which began service in Santa Barbara in 2021 with routes including Las Vegas and Denver.

The airport also has a mini museum on Santa Barbara’s aviation history, including photos of actor James Dean with a 356 Speedster race car — as his last drag race was at the airport.

5. Jackson Hole Airport

Jackson, Wyoming

On-time arrivals rate: 78.4%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 351,977.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 338,015.

Airlines served: Alaska, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United.

Located within Grand Teton National Park at the base of the Teton mountain range, Jackson Hole Airport has spectacular views.

The airport offers standard services like a restaurant, market and gift shop, but here’s something particularly charming: the Teton County Library Bookshelf. You can take a book with you or leave a book for the next visitor.

Cozy up to the fireplace or spread out on one of the branded wooden benches, representing the ranching families in Jackson Hole for generations.

4. Cherry Capital Airport

Traverse City, Michigan

On-time arrivals rate: 79.8%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 254,263.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 250,777.

Airlines served: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

Cherry Capital Airport’s architecture and design are inspired by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s works, with details like copper light fixtures, stone wainscoting and stained glass. The welcome area, complete with a stone fireplace, feels more like a lodge than an airport.

3. Ketchikan International Airport

Ketchikan, Alaska

On-time arrivals rate: 80.1%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 125,641.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 125,994.

Airlines served: Alaska.

To get to and from the airport and the actual city of Ketchikan, you’ll likely end up boarding a ferry. The five-minute ride on the water only adds to the charming experience of Ketchikan International Airport, located on Gravina Island.

2. Martha’s Vineyard Airport

(Photo courtesy of Tim Johnson, Martha’s Vineyard Airport)

West Tisbury, Massachusetts

On-time arrivals rate: 76.7%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 66,698.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 67,464.

Airlines served: American, Cape Air, Delta, and JetBlue.

The airport terminal is built in the same Cape Cod style found across the island of Martha’s Vineyard, down to its cedar shingles. Look out the window as you take off and land for aerial views of the island’s beaches and lighthouses.

It’s centrally located in the middle of the 100-square-mile island. And for those staying in Edgartown, you might even take the bus, as it’s just a three-minute ride to the classic New England seaport village.

1. Branson Airport

(Photo courtesy of Branson Airport)

Hollister, Missouri

On-time arrivals rate: 61.7%.

Total 2022 passengers (departing): 5,999.

Total 2022 passengers (arriving): 6,016.

Airlines served: Sun Country.

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson Airport captures the broader spirit of Branson, which is known for its live entertainment, lakes, museums and historic downtown. The airport has a wild west vibe, featuring facades of a saloon and sawmill, plus a real babbling creek inside.

If you have time before going through security, you might grab a meal at Branson Jet Center, which offers outdoor patio dining adjacent to a putting green. And while Bass Pro Shops is generally known for its massive size, there’s also a relatively tiny Bass Pro Shops General Store inside the airport.

(Top photo courtesy of Blake Bronstad, Santa Barbara Airport)

More From NerdWallet

They’re often a hot, sticky mess, but roasted marshmallows just go so incredibly well with chocolate and graham crackers, right? The fact that you can make them over a campfire only adds to their crowd appeal.

But what if you don’t have a fire pit in your backyard, or aren’t keen about letting your kids cook over hot coals with a pointy stick? Or maybe you just want to impress friends and family with a make-ahead, party-worthy dessert.

This decadent pie recipe brings together all the familiar and sugary-sweet flavors of a s’more, only with a bit more flair, which makes it the perfect showstopper for a summer barbecue.

Built on a sweet and sturdy graham cracker crust, it pairs a thick and gooey brownie layer crafted with two types of chocolate with a creamy milk chocolate ganache. It’s topped with a sweet and fluffy meringue that when toasted under the broiler or scorched with a kitchen torch, tastes exactly like a fire-roasted marshmallow.

If you’re thinking “ambitious” instead of “effortless,” you’d be right: The pie’s composition requires several steps and cooling periods, along with the ability to whip up a light and airy meringue. (Mine looked and tasted more like marshmallow Fluff, but it was still delicious.) Then again, each individual step is pretty easy — and the results are nothing short of fantastic.

The recipe’s creator, Cook’s Country, isn’t kidding when it claims, “This pie will definitely leave you wanting s’more.” It’s a decadent start to summer.

S’more Pie

Serves 10-12; PG tested

For crust

12 whole graham crackers, broken into pieces

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

For brownie layer

6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

5 Tbsp. vegetable oil

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 Tbsp. Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1 cup packed light brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For fudge layer

4 oz. milk chocolate, chopped fine

1/3 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp. light corn syrup

For meringue

3/4 cup sugar

3 large egg whites

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

Prepare crust: Adjust oven rack 8 inches for broiler element and heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Process graham cracker pieces in food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add sugar and salt and pulse to combine. Add melted butter and pulse until combined.

Transfer crumbs to 9-inch pie plate. Using bottom of dry measuring cup, press crumbs into bottom and up sides of plate. Bake until crust is fragrant and beginning to brown, 16-18 minutes. Transfer plate to wire rack.

Prepare brownie layer: Combine chocolate, oil, butter and cocoa in a large bowl, Microwave at 50% power until chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Let cool 5 minutes.

Whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt into chocolate mixture until fully combined. Whisk in flour until just incorporated. Pour brownie batter into crust (does not need to be fully cooled).

Bake pie until edge of brownie begins to set and toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 40 minutes. Let pie cool at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Prepare fudge layer: Meanwhile, combine chocolate, cream and corn syrup in medium bowl and microwave at 50% until chocolate is fully melted, 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through microwaving. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Pour cooled fudge mixture over brownie layer and smooth into even layer. Let set completely at room temperature, at least 3 hours.

Make meringue: Whisk all ingredients together in bowl of stand mixer. Place bowl over saucepan filled with 1 inch simmering water, making sure water does not touch bottom of bowl. Whisking gently and constantly, heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture registers 160-165 degrees, 4-7 minutes.

Fit stand mixer with whisk attachment and whip on high speed until meringue forms stiff peaks and is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Spread meringue over filling, making sure it touches edges of crust. Use spatula or spoon to create swirls over the meringue.

Using a kitchen torch, continually sweep flame about 2 inches above meringue until well browned, 1-2 minutes. Or, broil pie under broiler until meringue is well browned, 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through broiling.

Slice pie into wedges with wet knife, wiping knife clean between slices. Serve. Topped pie can be held at room temperature for up to 4 hours before serving.

— Cook’s Country June/July 2023

(c)2023 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

In years past, salad was served as an appetizer or side dish, with little creativity in its preparation. Remember the salads that included cubes of Jell-O? Am I aging myself now?

Fast forward. Salads today, quite often, take center stage of meals, using a variety of greens largely unbeknownst to most in the past. Arugula seems to be popular and has become a favorite of mine. Watercress, Bok choy, endive, kale, and a plethora of lettuces have taken over from plain old iceberg. Fruits, both fresh and dried, heirloom vegetables (roasted ones add great flavor), seeds, beans, grains, nuts, meats, fish, cheese and easily made delicious dressings are now part of the ingredient repertoire.

Salads are a time-poor cook’s secret weapon for putting a healthy and delicious meal on the table. They offer endless possibilities; go to your local farmers market and introduce yourself to some unfamiliar greens and vegetables. Ask the farmer for some suggestions too. With some creativity, a simple, easy to prepare dish becomes a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner. But remember, some salad dressings can add those unnecessary, and unwanted, calories.

Many years ago, I met Wiley Mullins, (aka “The Salad Man,”) author of “Salad Makes the Meal,” published in 2008. He inspired me to add more dinner and lunch salads to my diet. It is quite easy with a cookbook giving inspiration.

“The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2021, America’s Test Kitchen, $32.99), is a welcome addition to my collection, especially with all the local produce becoming available. You might be thinking you don’t need a cookbook to make salad — perhaps you don’t if you choose not to go beyond tossed greens and a couple of other ingredients. Why not take your salads to the next level, mixing textures, and flavors. You’ll learn to incorporate roasted, grilled, sauteed and pickled vegetables as well as grains, dried and fresh fruit, beans, and a variety of pastas.

Before getting into the recipes, the editors differentiate salads by cutting technique, cooking method, assembly, and flavor profiles. Think, chopped, or sliced, shaved, spiralized, shredded, grilled, warm and wilted. A layered salad will impress your guests. The architecture of a salad and flight plan information is helpful in constructing a salad — “do you want it to be filling or light? Is it going to be the whole meal or just the starter?” Following the suggestions about how to get the most out of the ingredients, enhancing their flavor and appearance will make your salad appealing, anything but boring. The “what should I make?” section suggests specific recipes to make for each season: brunch, main-dish vegetarian, fruit-forward, dinner salads, around-the-world salads, salads in less than 15 minutes. I found the information on how to keep wooden salad bowls in tip-top shape helpful as well as the recommended tools to make salad making a cinch.

You’ll be introduced to new ingredients to use as well as the science behind making a vinaigrette that doesn’t separate. And talking about new ingredients to use, I was intrigued by the use of grated chocolate that the editors said adds the perfect finish to the recipe for Pinto Bean, Ancho, and Beef Salad with Pickled Poblanos. Ready to make your salad a masterpiece? Here are a few recipes from the book to get started. For the recipe on green bean salad with shallot, mustard and tarragon go to: bit.ly/43jxBci

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

The headnote says: “Why This Recipe Works: For a black bean salad with bold but balanced flavors that evoked the Southwest, we used a judicious mixture of black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, and cilantro. Sautéing the corn (both fresh and frozen worked well) in a skillet until it was toasty and just starting to brown added a pleasant nuttiness to the kernels. For a dressing that could stand up to the hearty beans, we used lots of lime juice and spicy chipotle chile, with a little honey to balance the bright citrus. Raw onion was too harsh in the dressing, but thinly sliced scallions provided a pleasant onion flavor. You will need three to four ears of corn to yield 2 cups of fresh kernels.”

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn

4 scallions, sliced thin

⅓ cup lime juice (3 limes)

1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce

1 teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon table salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed

2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and chopped

2 tomatoes, cored and chopped

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add corn and cook until spotty brown, about 5 minutes; let cool slightly. Whisk scallions, lime juice, chipotle, honey, salt, and pepper together in large bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in remaining 2 tablespoons oil until emulsified. Add beans, avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste Serves 6-8.

California Chicken Salad

Serves 4

The headnote says: “Why This Recipe Works: You can put avocado on just about anything and call it “Californian,” but we wanted to earn our West Coast cred with a healthy, hearty salad that paid respect to the Golden State in every bite. Instead of just throwing on diced avocado, we prepared our luscious, dairy-free dressing with avocado, pureeing the ripe fruit with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Of course, a California salad should burst with fresh flavors, so we went heavy on green vegetables such as spinach and sugar snap peas. Thinly sliced radishes offered a pop of color, then we added sweet grapes (think Napa Valley). And then we realized we were missing something quintessentially West Coast: a light, fluffy mound of alfalfa sprouts. Sprinkle on chopped California almonds, too, if you like. We like using Perfect Poached Chicken (page 43 in the book) here, but any cooked chicken would work.”

8 oz. (8 cups) baby spinach

2 scallions, sliced thin

1 cup Creamy Avocado Dressing (recipe below), divided

4 cups cooked chicken, chopped

9 oz. seedless grapes, halved (1½ cups)

4 oz. sugar snap peas or snow peas, strings removed, halved

8 radishes, trimmed, halved, and sliced thin

2 oz. (1 cup) alfalfa sprouts or microgreens

¼ cup chopped almonds

DIRECTIONS

Toss spinach, scallions, and half of dressing together in bowl to coat, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among individual plates. Serve, topping individual portions with chicken, grapes, snap peas, and radishes. Drizzle with remaining dressing, add alfalfa sprouts, and top with chopped almonds.

Creamy Avocado Dressing

1 avocado, halved, pitted, and cut into ½ inch pieces

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. juice

1 garlic clove, minced

¾ tsp. salt

¾ tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS

Process all ingredients in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately. Makes about 1 cup.

Cherry and Goat Cheese Couscous Salad

Serves 4-6

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works: Back-of-the-box instructions for couscous yield mushy, clumpy granules. Toasting uncooked couscous in butter and garlic sets the starch in the pasta, which keeps the granules separate and prevents them from blowing out. It also adds nutty flavor. To enhance the cooked couscous further, we added sweet, tart, and spicy flavors—dried cherries, pecans, arugula, and goat cheese. You can eat the salad immediately, but it will improve if you let the flavors meld for 30 minutes or so. Do not substitute pearl couscous in this dish, as it requires a different cooking method and will not work in this recipe.”

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups couscous

1 cup water

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp. table salt

1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped

1 cup baby arugula, chopped

1 cup dried cherries, chopped

4 oz. goat or feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

4 scallions, sliced thin

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add couscous and cook, stirring frequently, until grains begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add water, broth, and salt; stir briefly to combine, cover, and remove saucepan from heat. Let sit until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 7 minutes. Uncover and fluff couscous with fork.

Combine pecans, arugula, cherries, goat cheese, oil, scallions, and lemon juice in large bowl. Stir in couscous until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Recipes and photos courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen

Stephen Fries, is Professor Emeritus and former coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, in New Haven, CT. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 15 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Stephen@stephenfries.com For more, go to stephenfries.com.

Like 2018’s acclaimed “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the second chapter is more than a comic book come to life. It’s akin to a million lovingly create paintings being mashed together in the world’s greatest flipbook.

And it’s constantly changing its visual vibe — brilliant but somehow subtle color combinations giving way to striking black-and-white sequences without a moment’s notice.

And that’s just the tip of the animated iceberg, as this somehow manages to be an improvement on an already incredibly impressive visual formula.

Fortunately, this middle “Spider-Verse” chapter — it is to be followed by the trilogy-closing “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” in March — offers more than jaw-dropping eye-candy. It tells a compelling, emotionally rich story, one accentuated by terrific vocal performances from a star-studded cast and topnotch music and sound work.

To use a couple of well-worn Spider-Man-associated adjectives, it is spectacular and, to be sure, amazing.

Summer movie preview: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Indiana Jones,’ ‘The Flash’ and ‘Fast X’ lead appealing slate

Co-written by the prolific producing tandem of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (“The Lego Movie,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines”), along with David Callaham, and helmed by the trio of Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, “Across the Spider-Verse” is a second film packed with Spider-People, each from a different universe.

The two that matter most, however, are returnees Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), a Spider-Man and Spider-Woman, respectively, with much in common, most notably they’re high schoolers with cop fathers.

The film’s prologue centers around Gwen, on her Earth, where she keeps her super identity secret from her dad, Capt. George Stacy (Shea Whigham), who believes Spider-Woman murdered Gwen’s best friend, Peter Parker. We are treated to an action-filled sequence culminating in a highly emotional moment between father and daughter before the film begins to tell its main story.

Following a mind-blowing credits sequence, we are reintroduced to Miles, the 15-year-old half-Black, half-Puerto Rican friendly neighborhood patrolling the Brooklyn, New York, of his universe. Miles has maintained good grades, but he has a way of consistently frustrating his parents (Brian Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Velez). For instance, he’s late for a meeting with them and a school counselor as Spider-Man tangles with a seemingly low-threat villain, The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), who’s causing, lets say, a “holes” lot of problems in a neighborhood store.

However, The Spot has big, multidimensional plans for himself — and for Spidey — that should help him shed his “villain of the week” status.

A grounded Miles soon is visited by Gwen, who has missed him as much as he has missed her — even if, unlike him, she doesn’t have a notebook full of drawings suggesting as much. Although both are spiderly gifted, each, ultimately, is a struggling teen wishing he or she could be closer to the other. This is punctuated by a gorgeous scene as they look out at the New York skyline, sitting upside-down together.

Gwen, Miles learns, has joined the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People dedicated to preserving the existence of the multiverse. Miles wants to enlist, as well, but she tells him it’s a very small group, clearly hiding something from him.

Soon enough, he’s jumped through a multidimensional portal and quickly among a cluster of Spider-People, including Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), a highly capable, very pregnant Spider-Woman; Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni), an Indian Spider-Man who protects the metropolis of Mumbattan; Hobart “Hobie” Brown (Daniel Kaluuya), a British Spider-Punk who’s anarchist leanings mix pleasantly with a laid-back attitude; and Miles’ mentor, Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), who has passed on his abilities to his adorable baby daughter.

The Spider Society is led by Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Issac), a big, ninja-like hero from a universe set in the future. He is furious when Miles shows up at the group’s headquarters.

While The Spot is being set up to be the big bad of “Beyond," Miguel is Miles’ immediate problem.

As with any story involving a multiverse, “Across” eventually becomes too unintentionally silly for its own good, the meta-heavy concept of a “canon event” becoming of paramount concern.

Set that aside, though, and this is a virtually perfect movie — or at least a perfect middle chapter. “Across” very much is the “Empire Strikes Back” of the “Spider-Verse” saga, delivering high-stakes thrills and leaving us wanting more — as our hero is left in a not-so-great place.

The film’s astounding density goes beyond its rich visuals, baking in well-thought-out thematic work and surely enough Easter eggs to keep YouTubers busy for weeks.

On top of all that, it is constantly good for a laugh. Returning to the topic of the prologue, after Gwen and some other Spideys save folks at an art museum from being crushed by a falling helicopter, someone remarks, looking up at the web-suspended machine, “I think it’s a Banksy.”

The talented Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) regularly adds to the laughs with his chill line reads as Hobie — just one example of the excellent voice work on display throughout the affair.

“Into the Spider-Verse” deservedly won the statuette for Best Animated Feature at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. With apologies to all the animated movies still to come, it honestly feels like this year’s race for that Oscar is already over.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

Where: Theaters.

When: June 2.

Rated: PG for sequences of animated action violence, some language and thematic elements.

Runtime: 2 hours, 20 minutes.

Stars (of four): 3.5.