Dive into local history, be carried away by the voice of a violin and see the Cleveland community on display in a parade this weekend in Cleveland.
Amanda Wicker: Black Fashion Design in Cleveland at the Cleveland History Center
On June 10, a new exhibit opens at the Cleveland History Center. Almost 100 years ago, Amanda Wicker moved to Cleveland in 1924. Her home on Cedar Avenue would become the starting point of the Clarke School of Dressmaking and Fashion Design. For the next 60 years, her Fairfax neighborhood would revere her as a fashion mentor. Be inspired by 15 of Wicker’s works, on display for the first time, either on Thursday’s opening ($20-$25) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., or during regular visiting hours. $12, June 11 thru 2021, Fri-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, 216-721-5722, wrhs.org
Community Arts Center opening and Parade the City at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The former Astrup Awning factory complex is officially transforming into something new this weekend. The Cleveland Museum of Art is opening its Community Arts Center in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood this Saturday, a space dedicated to exploring the arts and connecting communities. A prime example of aspired connection, Parade the City, will be held afterward. A revamp of the inaugural Parade the Circle, Parade the City features eight art installations throughout Cleveland made by community groups like Extended Family, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland and Karamu House. Free, June 12, 10 a.m., 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Crocker Park Block Party at Crocker Park
There’s something for everyone on the block at the inaugural Crocker Park Block Party — even our friends with four legs! The day starts at 9:30 a.m., with the Crocker Bark 5K and 1 Mile Walk ($30), which welcomes leashed dogs to participate. The proceeds appropriately go toward the City of Westlake’s K9 Unit. The rest of the day offers free events from 11 a.m. on, including live music, a rock wall, sidewalk art, vendors, animal shows and food trucks. Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Cleveland Baseball Team and Cleveland Browns will also be hosting giveaways for kids. Free, June 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Crocker Park, 177 Market St., Westlake, crockerpark.com/blockparty
Fire by Encore Chamber Music Institute at Dodero Center for Performing Arts at Gilmour Academy
Internationally known violinist and founder of Encore Chamber Music Institute, Jinjoo Cho, returns home to Cleveland to kick off the institute’s sixth annual season, Fire. Inspired by well-known figures from Billie Holiday to Theodore Roosevelt, the first event performed by The Ariel Quartet pays tribute to Marie Curie Friday, June 11. The second, performed by violist Mathieu Herzog and violinist Dorothy Ro, draws its flame from Murakami Haruki, Sunday, June 13. Fire will continue through July 17 with further concerts, which includes discussions about the individuals before and after shows. Specially priced livestream tickets are also available, as well as a full season pass ($220). $10-$30 per concert, June 11 & 13, Fri 7 p.m., Sun 4:30 p.m., 2045 SOM Center Road, Gates Mills, 216-559-4015, encorechambermusic.org
Lost Civil War Book Launch at Prosperity Social Club
Laura DeMarco made her mark at The Plain Dealer as an arts and culture reporter, and the journalist continues to keep history alive in her latest book, Lost Civil War: The Disappearing Legacy of America’s Greatest Conflict. The book, which is set for release on June 15, will celebrate its launch with a book signing at Prosperity Social Club. Accompanying it will be a test to anyone’s inner history buff with a Civil War trivia contest, as well as food and drink specials — including a civil war-inspired cocktail, named Bourbon Junkie ($10). Free, June 12, 2-4 p.m., Prosperity Social Club, 1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-937-1938, laurademarcoauthor.com
