Virtual Kwanzaa with Karamu – January 1
Saturday, January 1 marks the end of the 2021 Kwanzaa celebration. Close out this year’s celebration with "Kwanzaa with Karamu,” a community program that features not only song and dance performances, but also education into the meaning and traditions of the Kwanzaa holiday, the annual celebration of African American and Pan African culture. There is no cost to view this streaming program, but registration is required.
‘Return to Hogwarts: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary’ – Streaming begins January 1
It’s been 20 years since the adventures of the boy wizard-in-training, Harry Potter, hit the big screen. To commemorate the pop culture phenomenon that caused children and adults alike to avidly read the series of books, some of which were upwards of 800 pages long, HBO Max presents the reunion special, “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts,” featuring members of the principal cast. East Coast fans may want to take a disco nap after ringing in the New Year: the special will premiere at midnight PACIFIC TIME on New Year’s Day, which is 3am for this side of the country.
The gospel documentary, “How They Got Over,” is currently streaming via the Cleveland Cinematheque Virtual Cinema. (Photo: Cleveland Cinematheque)
‘How they Got Over’ – Streaming Through January 6
As part of their virtual cinema lineup, Cleveland Cinematheque presents the documentary “How They Got Over,” directed by Robert Clem and available for streaming through January 6. “How They Got Over” celebrates the spirit of gospel performers and how they helped usher in a musical revolution that changed the world forever. Featuring classic performance footage of the Soul Stirrers, Dixie Hummingbirds, Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi, Sensational Nightingales, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Highway QCs, Davis Sisters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and many more. Watch the trailer.
‘Homebody: Bridget Caswell and Dan Callaghan’ is the latest exhibit at Photocentric Gallery. (Photo: Facebook)
Homebody: Bridget Caswell at Photocentric Jan. 7
“Homebody: Bridget Caswell & Tim Callaghan” is the new exhibit opening Friday, January 7 at Photocentric Art Gallery, 15515 Waterloo Road [44110]. Callaghan's luminous works on paper portray unique vignettes of Collinwood's architecture paired with local photographer Caswell's ongoing intimate portraits of area residents. Opening reception from 5-8PM. Free.
Winterblast activities at Lock 3 in Akron continue into February. (Photo: lock3live.com)
Winterblast at Lock 3 Akron – Through January 8
Celebrate the season during Winterblast at Lock 3 in Akron, 200 S. Main St [44308]. Among the scheduled activities are igloo rentals, ice skating, ice bikes, fire pits and bumper cars. Rental fees range from $5-$50 required for activities. Children can also visit with Archie the Talking Snowman.
Gin and Jazz at Edwin’s Too – January 8
Make an evening of it Saturday, January 8 at Edwin’s Too, 13220 Shaker Square [44120] for sipping, dining, and music. At 6pm, take part in a free how-to cocktail demonstration, followed by a jazz set by Michael Cady at 8PM. The concert is $20. For an additional $50, enjoy a three-course gin-inspired dinner. Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Comedian Adele Givens comes to the Cleveland Improv during MLK weekend. (Photo: Cleveland Improv)
Adele Givens at Cleveland Improv – January 14-16
Comedienne/actress Adele Givens makes a stop in Cleveland January 14-16 for five performances at the Improv, 1148 Main Street [44113] on the West Bank of the Flats. Tickets for all shows are $32.
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.
• • •• • •