CLEVELAND -- Playhouse Square is the place to be in Cleveland this weekend, as the 36th annual Tri-C JazzFest brings live music, great food and kid-friendly fun to the theater district.
In addition to nine indoor concerts July 9 - 11, Tri-C JazzFest presents two long days of free outdoor concerts to the Scene Stage on Euclid Avenue between East 13th and East 14th. streets.
Neighborhood restaurants will have a wide variety of grab-and-go meals at tents along Huron Avenue, and they will be open for pre- and post-concert indoor dining.
Tri-C's Hospitality Management program will have its own tent on Euclid Avenue, where chef-instructors and special guests will present cooking demonstrations.
The festival makes a fine family destination. From 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, children can enjoy crafts, music workshops and storytelling sessions in the U.S. Bank KidBop station inside The Galleries @ CSU at 2121 Euclid Ave. The Rust Belt Monster Collective, a troupe of artist and illustrators, will be at work on Huron Road near Euclid Avenue Saturday creating an improvised painting.
A few highlights:
Friday, July 10
3 p.m. to midnight: Music and dancing outdoors at the Scene stage
3 -5:30 p.m.: Crafts with the Children's Museum of Cleveland at the U.S. Bank KidBop
6:10 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.: Second Line Celebration with Parade the Circle puppets, stilt-walkers and the Revolution Brass Band
7:25 p.m.: JazzFest artist-in-residence John Clayton shares his salmon recipe at the Tri-C culinary tent
8:25 p.m.: Record producer Tommy LiPuma shares his tomato sauce recipe at the Tri-C culinary tent
Saturday, July 11
9 a.m.: ALL IN Yoga under the GE Chandelier on Euclid Avenue
3 p.m. to midnight: Music and dancing outdoors at the Scene stage
3:30 p.m.: Steel drum workshop at the U.S. Bank KidBop
Food:
All Playhouse Square bars and restaurants will be open during JazzFest. Several restaurants will set up tents near U.S. Bank Plaza and offer food that is easy to eat while enjoying the outdoor activities. Bar and restaurant patios will be open (weather permitting), and several restaurants will feature entertainment inside and outside their establishments.
Parking
Parking may be available on the Playhouse Square parking garage off Chester Avenue as well as in lots in the theater district. Festival-goers are encouraged to visit www.RideRTA.com or call the RTAnswerline at 216-621-9500 to use public transportation.
Neighborhood Road Closures
Euclid Avenue will be closed eastbound between East 13th and East 14th streets beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, and remain closed through July 11. All of Euclid Avenue will be closed starting at 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, and remain closed through July 11.
Rain Plan
The festival goes on rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, outdoor acts may be moved to the Allen Theatre.
Special Note
Blankets and fold-up chairs are welcome outdoors at JazzFest, but coolers of any kind are prohibited.
Tickets are still available for nine indoor JazzFest concerts. See the lineup at www.tri-cjazzfest.com or call the Playhouse Square box office at 216-241-6000.
