Convergence-continuum presents the Ohio premiere of Jordan Harrison’s darkly-comedic look at the circumstances of gay artists during wartime. In 1930’s Berlin, the Frau used to direct beautiful propaganda films for the fascist government. Now she's trying to make a film that's simply beautiful. The Frau casts herself in the lead role of the Amazon queen Penthesilea, who falls in love with Achilles on the battlefield of the Trojan War. She recruits a man from the Jewish ghetto to play her handsome Achilles, and a gorgeous young Romany man to play Achilles’ on-camera companion and lover, Petroclus. But things start to get complicated when the men’s off-camera life begins to imitate art. Meanwhile, the Frau’s sister (who has a secret life of her own), a recurring extra in her films whose specialty is spectacularly dying on camera, is trying to get her to wake up to the ominous goings-on in the world.
Amazons and Their Men opens Fri, Aug 8 and runs Thu-Sat at 8 pm at the Liminis theater, 2438 Scranton Rd, Cleveland 44113. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 seniors, $10 students. Reservations and info are available at
Sunday, August 10th at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m; Monday, August 11th at 7 p.m.
All performances benefit The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Join Hollywood’s favorite has-been as she sings the songs and tells the tales of her long, arduous climb to the middle. John Vessels is Lillian Baxter--with Jay Schwandt at the piano as her third and favorite exhusband, Corky Weinstopper. Together they carry you through a cabaret comedy that chronicles Baxter’s childhood, early years at MGM, and short but colorful television career—all the time highlighting Lillian’s upbeat outlook on a life just left of the spotlight. It’s The Great American Songbook in 3 inch heels!
Friday, August 15th at The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 26000 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, OH.
5:30 p.m. - Children's Activities
6:30 p.m. - Shabbat Picnic Dinner
7:30 p.m. - Rock My Soul Shabbat
Tickets: Non-participant dinner cost $10 adults and $5 for children
* Gay Games participants and family attend at no cost
Click here for more information.
July 11 – August 17; Show times 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. Sundays
It’s Alive! From the creators of Broadway’s record-breaking sensation The producers comes this monstrously entertaining musical comedy. Based on Mel Brooks’ parody of classic horror films, the story follows Dr. Frankenstein (that’s FRAHN-ken-steen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather’s scientific work and bring a corpse to life – but not without scary and quite often hilarious consequences!
More info here.
August 15-16, specifics times/ticket information available here
Employing what he’s labeled “hard funny,” Christopher Titus has released three ninety-minute albums in as many years. That’s 270 minutes of material when most comics do the same act for years. He has three one-hour comedy specials currently running on Comedy Central. After years of experimentation with dark and personal storytelling, he debuted his one-man show “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding” at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. It was from this performance that the dark comedy, “Titus,” was born on Fox. The show earned Titus a Writer’s Guild nomination as well as an Emmy nomination, and Newsday called him “TV’s most original voice since Seinfeld.”
Inspired by such greats as Woody Allen, Steve Martin, and Cosby, who wrote, directed, produced and performed, Titus has sold ideas to NBC, ABC, FOX and Comedy Central. His pilot “Special Unit” which is about four disabled detectives, is edgy and laugh-out-loud funny. Titus describes it as “The Shield with handicapped people” and is shooting for film production in 2012. His script “Five Seconds” has been optioned by High Road Entertainment and is slated for a 2012 release.
After watching Christopher Titus perform live, there is no doubt that he is one of the best comics working today. With the complete package of comedy, acting and writing, there hasn’t been someone like him in a long time.
Wednesday, August 13, 8 p.m.
The Velvet Dog, Cleveland
The Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend Presents the Victory Party for Women, featuring Robin S. Recognized as the Gay Games Official Female Pride Party, this not-to-be-missed event features a live performance at midnight, three floors of the hottest DJs, celesbians, Go Go dancers and you! We've secured The Velvet Dog, one of Cleveland, Ohio’s hottest nightclubs with three floors of music, including a roof top patio overlooking Cleveland! Must be 21 and over to attend. For tickets, please click here!
Wednesday, August 13, 8 p.m.
Highland Theatre, 826 W. Market Street, Akron, Oh 44303
Tickets: available here ($25 General Admission/$35 VIP)
Box Office: 330.253.2488
Del Shores, the creator of Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies and so on and so forth is BACK with his greatest hits plus some bonus tracks.
Rest assured, some of Del's favorite stories will be told at this night of hysteria. Who and what will be featured? Y-vonne, the anti-vegetarian waitress from Mama's Daughters in Dallas? Eric, the date with the crooked....mind? Del's unapologetic letters to the haters? The angry little person go-go dancer from Swinging Richards in Atlanta? How about Del's mom Loraine being able to accept her gay son because her friend Ethel Struble could accept her daughter's short comings. And please let's not forget Del's Vagina Monologues, the gym amputee, Dyan Cannon and Del's interval gasping lessons! Del will also pay tribute to his dear Aunt Sissy who recently passed away and inspired the iconic Sordid Lives character Sissy Hickey.
The censors will be absent, the language will be crude, the stories will be raw and if you are offended, "that's your choice" Del warns.
So get ready for a night of wrongful hysteria from the twisted, demented mind of oh-so-sordid -- DEL SHORES!
8 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
LOCATION: Asia Town Center, second floor, Negative Space Gallery's special "Budha Lounge" and mall common areas. Located in the heart of the growing Asiatown district of Cleveland.
SPONSOR: A presentation of Asians & Friends Cleveland, part of an international network of GLTB social groups for Asians and their friends.
EVENT DETAILS: A casual social evening for members of the Gay Games and their friends to say hello to some of Cleveland's Asian GLBT community. Complementary light snacks include finger foods from several different Asian countries. Drinks include Sake and Beer for a nominal donation. We will feature local art and live music from the Asian community, plus some locally produced video entertainment.
ADMISSION DETAILS: This event is FREE to all official members and participants of the Gay Games, but you must register for a ticket online. For others who wish to join in, a $5 donation is requested.
CONTACT: Visit www.afcleveland.org
Thursday, August 14th, noon on Main Street in Downtown Akron, free to attend
The festival begins at noon with great local entertainment occurring throughout the day along with street performers, a juried art show and food vendors.
Click here for more information.
5:30 p.m. Indigo Girls, Lock 3, Akron ($10) Opening acts Hannah Thomas, followed by Anne E. DeChants. Tickets available online or through Akron Civic Theatre box office.
7– 9 p.m. Tuesday, August 12
Departing Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
Climb aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a unique Gatsby-themed champagne tasting excursion while traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Guests are invited to don their best 1920’s attire and come prepared for an unforgettable evening with music, food, drinks, and fun…all on one of the oldest, longest, and most scenic tourist excursion railways in the country! Sample five unique champagnes (both sweet and dry) that originate from a variety of regions and learn about their characteristics. Chef-prepared appetizers designed to complement each champagne will also be served. Ticket prices range from $59-$92. Advance registration is required. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cvsr.com/gg9 or call 1-800-468-4070.
Gay Games Interfaith Service, Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m. Monday, August 11th
Service features the participation of local, national and international faith leaders. Music, prayers and messages grounded in the values of equality, justice and human dignity will be shared to inspire, uplift and rally the spirits of those gathered. The service will raise positive faith voices, create awareness and promote global solidarity and action in support of human rights, as well as, to join the struggle against homophobia, violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Tuesday, August 12th at 7pm, Gay Games Night at Cleveland Indians v. Arizona Diamondbacks (Major League Baseball), Progressive Field, Cleveland
As a sponsor, The Cleveland Indians will be hosting a Gay Games Night at Progressive Field. Three ticket levels; tickets include full access to the Terrace Club. The Terrace Club is the ideal setting to view a baseball game. Taste the latest culinary trends while cheering on our Cleveland Indians.
To purchase tickets, click here.
August 7-10, specific times/ticket information available here
Currently starring in the Disney XD show, LAB RATS, actor/comedian Hal Sparks began his professional career as a teenager in Chicago. As a member of the famed Second City Troupe, his quick wit and affable personality quickly gained him recognition and acclaim and he was named the “Funniest Teenager In Chicago” by the Chicago Sun Times. Sparks went on to host the Emmy Award- winning “Talk Soup” on E! Entertainment Television, winning rave reviews from fans and critics alike. He starred for five seasons on Showtime’s hit series “Queer As Folk” and appeared in the films “Extract,” “Spiderman 2” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Sparks recently starred in his own one hour Showtime comedy special, “Charmageddon,” which is now a best-selling DVD. He is a star commentator on VH1's popular “I Love the 80’s” series and can be hear every Wednesday on the nationally syndicated “Stephanie Miller Radio Show.” Hal is also a pop culture expert and regularly appears on such shows as “Joy Behar” and CNN’s “Your Money.” His numerous other television appearances include “The Tonight Show,” “Larry King Live,” “Charlie Rose,” “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “Jimmy Kimmel” and MTV. In addition to a busy acting and stand-up career, he is an accomplished musician. Hal and his band, Zero 1, recently released their debut album.
8 p.m. - 1 a.m. August 10, Hot in Cleveland Casino Night, Horseshoe Casino, downtown Cleveland
Hot in Cleveland Casino Night includes a special DJ on the first floor in Legends Bar and a band at Vintage 51 on the second floor. All the sounds, great food and hot casino games are still in play at the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland.
8 p.m. to Midnight at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Oven Productions, Cleveland's 40-year-old, lesbian feminist, community-based production company, hosts a womyn-only Dance Party for all women enjoying the Games. Cash bar, sober support and snacks. Accessible entrance and parking available off Prospect Ave. Tickets ($25) available here.
Without gays and lesbians on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience there would be no Broadway. This multi-media concert celebrates a culture's rich contribution to musical theater art, from the "coded" songs of Cole Porter and Lorenz Hart in the 1920s to the breakout musicals of the post-Stonewall 1970s, to the current hit "Kinky Boots."Loaded with video clips and still images, the concert is hosted by Bill Rudman and Scott Plate, featuring vocalists Molly Andrews-Hinders, Jared Leal and Katherine Deboer.
Tickets: $28 for 2 p.m. show; $40 for 7 p.m. show, post-show karaoke and drink ticket. Call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727 or visit cptonline.org.
Saturday, August 16 at 7 p.m.
The Sanctuary
350 S. Portage Path, Akron, OH
Cleveland's own Karen Williams...star of Logo TV's "I Need a Snack!" ONE NIGHT ONLY in Akron (click
here for flyer)
KAREN WILLIAMS is one of today's hottest comedy stars -- with an awesome personality, stunning good looks, and a sterling reputation for delivering laughs each and every time! A favorite Olivia Cruises and Resorts featured artist, KAREN WILLIAMS' wildly funny comedy has entertained
audiences on over 150 trips around the globe since 1990!
Tickets: $25 FLOOR/$20 BALCONY (click
here)
VIP Tickets & Reception with Karen: $50*
*Benefits the Food Pantry &
HIV Program @ First Grace Church
THE SANCTUARY is the perfect place for the hysterical comedy and healing humor of KAREN WILLIAMS, one of the country's premier comics! Spacious, with lovely floor and elegant balcony seating, THE SANCTUARY is a smoke-free community haven for everyone! With easy access right off of I-77 and ample parking in the lot of First Grace Church, you have every reason to come LAUGH OUT LOUD WITH KAREN WILLIAMS
REFRESHMENTS, including bottled water will be available during the show, with light snacks and finger foods served at the Reception with KAREN WILLIAMS after the show.
For more information and *VIP
TICKETS: 440-479-7475
Wednesday, August 13th, 5:30-8 p.m. at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Howe Meadow (Greater Akron)
In celebration of the 2014 Gay Games, join us for this special two-act extended concert. Americana duo Ingrid Elizabeth (of Coyote Grace) and Tylan Greenstein (of Girlyman) kick off the spirited evening. Next, The Laura Love Duo blends funk, folk, pop, bluegrass, jazz, and country. A phenomenal vocalist/songwriter/bassist, Laura is backed by guitarist Jen Todd. Additional support provided by the National Park Foundation and The Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation. If there is inclement weather, the concert will move to Happy Days Lodge and free same-day tickets will be available here.
Music in the Meadow VIP Package - $95
- Gourmet dinner before the concert: Browse food stations under a tent in Howe Meadow starting at 5:30. The menu will include chilled flank steak, salmon with chimichurri sauce, pasta with marinara, pesto, or cream sauce, fresh salad greens, and homemade bread—plus dessert.
- Hassle-free shuttle from both Cleveland and Akron: We’ll pick you up at 4:30 p.m. and bring you back by 9:00 p.m.—early enough to continue your evening after the event.
- Backstage pass: Go behind the scenes to chat one-on-one with the musicians of The Laura Love Duo and Tylan & Ingrid.
- Private seating near the stage
- VIP beverage bar: Enjoy signature beverages all evening long.
- Exclusive tent access
- Limited-edition VIP lanyard
Separate transportation will be provided from Cleveland and Akron for concertgoers without a VIP pass —check our website for details. This concert is supported by grants from the National Park Foundation and the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation.
Presented by Actors’ Summit, Akron’s Professional Theater- “My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding” is returning to Actors’ Summit Theater, in time for the 9th International Cleveland–Akron Gay Games. This delightful musical, based on a true story, will have a preview performance on Aug. 7th, followed by opening night on Aug. 8th. This show will perform thru Aug. 17th, 2014, at Actors’ Summit, Akron’s professional theater at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron.
My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding is based on the real life experiences of David Hein who co-authored the play with his wife, Irene Carl Sankoff.
Claire, David’s mother, after going through a messy divorce, takes a teaching position at the University of Ottawa. Her son joins her to go to high school. He discovers that his mother, a psychology professor, has fallen in love with a therapist named Jane. Claire returns to her Jewish faith, while Jane continues her practice of Wicca.
This 2009 Toronto Musical Theatre Fringe Festival; and 2010 New York Musical Theatre Festival Award winning production also tells the story of Canada’s drive to approval same sex marriage, becoming the 4th nation in the world to do so.
Ticket Information
Individual ticket prices are $20 at the preview on Thursday, Aug 7, 2014. Tickets for the remaining performances are $33.00 for adults at all shows; $28.00 for seniors over 65; and $10 for all students under 30-with a full time student ID. Tickets can be purchased on our website, www.actorssummit.org or by phone at (330) 374-7568.
The Theater
The theater is located on the sixth floor of historic Greystone Hall in downtown Akron. It it a completely handicap accessible building, with free parking, and full bar service.
A century ago, our founders established the Cleveland Museum of Art “for the benefit of all the people forever.” Gay Games 9 – “The Games for All” – exemplifies our mission of inclusion and access to the arts for all.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is proud to be a community partner of Gay Games 9 and very pleased to host Night Before 9: Out in Art on Friday night, August 8. We look forward to welcoming participants from around the globe, their families and other guests for an evening of celebration, culture and camaraderie the night before the Games begin.
Gay Games athletes and guests get an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets before they are released to the general public.
Event details:
- 8:00 p.m. to midnight
- Ambassador tickets: $100/per person – include food and beverages (VIP area)
- General admission: $25/per person – food and beverages available for purchase
- World-class entertainment and dancing all evening
- All galleries will be open throughout the evening (museum closed to the public)
- Museum store will remain open until 11:00pm
To purchase tickets to Night Before 9: Out in Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art Celebrates Gay Games 9, please click here.
For more information please contact Maria-Cristina Carbonell at mcarbonell@clevelandart.org or 216-707-6875.
Wednesday, August 13
The Dinah/Club Skirts presents The Official Female Pride Party! Featuring a live performance at midnight, three floors of the hottest DJs, Celesbians, Go Go dancers and you! We've secured The Velvet Dog, one of Cleveland, Ohio’s hottest nightclubs with three floors of music, including a roof top patio overlooking Cleveland! Must be 21 and over to attend.
For tickets, please click here!
Wednesday, August 13 at 9 p.m.
House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
Ages: 18+
Tickets: General Admission $20 advance/$25 day of show
Participating Athletes $15
Two Day Passes for Black & Gold Parties $35 General/$25 Participants
Support: DJ Saint
Artist Website: http://www.dijonmusic.com
Honey Dijon DJed at the Saint at Large Black Party in New York City in 2013.
Contact Info (web, phone, email): www.houseofblues.com / 216.523.2583
Thursday, August 14 at 9 p.m.
House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Ages: 18+
Tickets: General Admission $20 advance/$25 day of show
Participating Athletes $15
Two Day Passes for Black & Gold Parties $35 General/$25 Participants
Support: Robin Harris
Artist Website: http://www.tonymoran.com
Contact Info (web, phone, email): www.houseofblues.com / 216.523.2583
Wednesday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.) at Cleveland State University, Robert F. Busbey Natatorium, 2451 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH. 44115
(spectator ticketed event*)
Tickets $30; to purchase, click here.
When the swim teams wrap up the competition, they’re dipping into the pool to entertain. Think of it as a drag show in water where the only rules are no sequins, no feathers and no nudity.
Saturday, August 9th at 8:30am
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Plaza (1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114)
Cost: Free (each participant will receive a commemorative tshirt)
Course: The 1 mile course will begin and end at the Rock Hall and loop around First Energy Stadium.
Each Gay Games is associated with an International Rainbow Memorial Run. The event pays tribute to the memory of artist Keith Haring, lesbian activist Rikki Streicher and Dr. Tom Waddell, the Founder of the Gay Games, and to all members of the Gay Games family lost, and in particular to AIDS and breast cancer.
As part of the IRMR, runs have been held in past Gay Games host cities, starting with San Francisco, and leading to a final run in Cleveland on opening day of the Games.
Hundreds of people in many cities take part, with the largest numbers found on opening day, with countless people running, walking and biking on a route chosen for its memorial impact. We could not speak of the IRMR without mentioning the tireless efforts of Brent Nicholson Earle who ensures that this event, along with the memorial quilt exhibition, takes place at each Gay Games. The 2014 Gay Games quilt will be available during the rainbow run for participants to leave memorials on. Participants are encouraged to bring rainbow flags and wear rainbow clothes. The official Gay Games flag will be passed from between each participant during the walk/run.
Thursday, August 14 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.
"Recharge on the Rooftop" GG9 Style, FREE Gay Games 9 Party atop the Velvet Dog with legendary DJ Rob Sherwood spinning house & techno, sponsored by GayPrinters.com.
All you have to do is accept our FB invitation and then walk a few blocks from the festival village and up a lot of stairs. Overflow is floors 1 through 3 of the club.
Tuesday, August 12 from 7 p.m. - Midnight
West Sixth Rock the Block Street Fest presented by Tru Events
Featuring The Chainsmokers, Corporate Slackrs, Mimo and Donkis
*Headliner performs at 10 pm (approx. time)
General admission tickets $10- You must be 18+ to attend.
See flyer here.
Saturday, August 16th 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Cleveland House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Tickets: $55-65 (online here) at door
When Closing Ceremony ends, it’s time to go deadly. The House of Blues brings to life the seven deadly sins with unique staging, music, propping and graphics in distinctive areas to each -- wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony. Complimentary food and open bar until 1 a.m. (cash bar between 1 and 2 a.m.)
CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
Severance Hall – Friday, August 15, 7:00 pm – 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
The Cleveland Orchestra salutes the Gay Games with an evening of beautiful music in a friendly and casual atmosphere for socializing with friends. Experience one of Cleveland’s most beloved cultural experiences in University Circle!
The Cleveland Orchestra
Jahja Ling, conductor
Orion Weiss, piano
Blossom Festival Chorus
BEETHOVEN - Overture to Prometheus
BEETHOVEN - Symphony No. 4
BEETHOVEN - Choral Fantasy
Use promo code GG9SSEV for a special 50% off ticket price offer available on the Cleveland Orchestra website at clevelandorchestra.com or 216-231-1111. Offer not valid on day of performance.
New World Performance Lab's production of Virginia Woolf's ORLANDO adapted by Sarah Ruhl, The Balch Street Theatre, 220 South Balch Street, Akron OH. 44302
The Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture (CATAC) is pleased to present the premiere of New World Performance Laboratory’s production of “Virginia Woolf’s ORLANDO adapted by Sarah Ruhl." This playful, passionate, and poetic rendering of Virginia Woolf’s gender-bending novel is a fantastic theatrical excursion displaying the physical and vocal versatility of NWPL’s actors in time for the Cleveland-Akron Gay Games 2014.
Admission is $15 (2 for 1 on Thursday, August 14 and $10 for students or with a Gay Games ID). Reservations can be made by calling 330-867-3299 or online at https://catac.tixato.com/events/sales#event_2390. For more information, call 330-867-3299, email nwplab@gmail.com or visit CATAC/NWPL’s website at www.nwplab.com.
Monday, August 11th 7 p.m. - Midnight Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, Downtown Cleveland
A tradition of “not-so-traditional,” the White Clothing Party happens because "white stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful.” With attendees, DJs, performers and artists attending from all over the world, the electronic dance music has come to be renowned and a central part of the party. White Party CDs have been produced since 1996 with White Party remixes reaching the top of the dance charts. Don’t miss universally recognized iconic performer Boy George as he headlines the premier official Gay Games White Party.