Nela Park holiday lights, Yolanda Adams in concert, the return of Martini Five-O, more

 

Prosecution exhibit depicts Michael Brelo standing atop the hood of car from where he fired dozens of shots that left Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams dead and mutilated inside. 

‘137 Shots’ – Streaming on Netflix

It’s not exactly what you’d call entertainment, but it is most definitely riveting. The documentary 137 Shots chronicles the 2012 Cleveland Police chase that ended with the car occupied by Malissa Williams and Timothy Russell (who were unarmed) being riddled with 137 bullets fired by officers. The incident was a major element leading to the investigation by the US Department of Justice that resulted in the 2015 Consent Decree that is now the basis for the ongoing reform of the Cleveland Police Department.

The film, now streaming on Netflix, is directed by Cleveland native Michael Milano. The film features considerable commentary from journalist and activist Mansfield Frazier, who passed away earlier this year.

 

The 97th Holiday Lighting Display at Nela Park in East Cleveland will remain lit until January 3. (Photo: Nate Paige)

GE/Nela Park Holiday Light Display

The annual tradition at the GE Lighting Headquarters at Nela Park in East Cleveland illuminates a section of Noble Road for the 97th year.  The 2021 Holiday Lighting Display includes nearly one million LED lights and stretches approximately four blocks. This year’s theme is “Holiday Season is in the Air,” and features a series of hot-air balloons, Santa’s reindeer and more.  The display will remain lit until January 3, 2022.

 

Local trio Martini Five-0 will perform at the Milliard Fillmore Presidential Library on December 17. (Photo: Facebook)

Martini Five-O in concert – December 17

It’s been a minute, but the local trio Martini Five-O is back for one performance tonight, Friday, December 17 at 8:30p at the Millard Fillmore Presidential Library, 15617 Waterloo Road [44110] in the Collinwood arts district, offering their unique twist on holiday classics.

 

Find last-minute holiday items at the Screw Factory Holiday Market in Lakewood December 17-19.

Screw Factory Holiday Market – December 17-19

Looking for a one-stop shopping experience for holiday gifts?  Head to the Screw Factory Holiday Market, 13000 Athens in Lakewood [44107] featuring more than 90 artists/vendors on three floors.  Hours are Friday, December 17 from 6-10p; Saturday, December 18 from 10a-6p and Sunday, December 19 from 10a-3p.  Free. It is requested that all visitors wear masks.

 

Grammy-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams and saxophonist Andre Cavor will perform at the Cleveland Marriott Sunday, December 19.

Yolanda Adams, Andre Cavor in concert – December 19

Make an afternoon of it Sunday, December 19 for a holiday concert with Grammy Award-winning artist Yolanda Adams and Saxophonist Andre Cavor at Cleveland Marriott East, 26300 Harvard Road [44122]. Tickets range from $75-$150 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. Cash bar. $150 VIP tickets include preferred seating and a buffet that allows 2p access. General admission tickets can enter at 3p. The After Party is open to all.

 

The family-friendly musical event “Light it Up” continues at Playhouse Square until January 22.  (Photo: playhousesquare.org) 

‘Light it Up’ at Allen Theatre -Through December 22

The family-friendly musical event, “Light it Up,” is currently on stage at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre through Wednesday, December 22.  Welcome to Tinselville, USA! It’s this holly-jolly town’s world-famous annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and you are invited to join in the fun! This world premiere one-of-a-kind musical event features original pop, rock, gospel, and jazz holiday tunes and new arrangements of Christmas favorites by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Michael Webb.

Tickets range from $25-$95. If you can’t make it to the show in person, a virtual option is available through December 31.

 

Top: Justino Diaz and Berry Gordy. Bottom: Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler and Joni Mitchell (Photo: kennedycenter.org)

44th Kennedy Center Honors – Wednesday, December 22

This year’s Kennedy Center Honorees are operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz, Motown founder, songwriter, producer, and director Berry GordySaturday Night Live creator and mega movie and sitcom producer Lorne Michaels; legendary stage and screen icon Bette Midler; and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.  The ceremony will air on CBS Wednesday, December 22 at 9p ET, and stream on Paramount Plus.

 

Is there an upcoming event you’d like included in this column? Please send the details, along with a high-resolution photo/graphic, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two weeks prior to the event.

 

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