Category Archives: Playhouse Square

Why? Playhouse Square Partners Life-Size Game Night!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to the Cleveland Wine Festival? Check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries!***

Last night, Matthew and I attended another fabulous and fun Playhouse Square Partners event: Life-Size Game Night! The lobby of the Palace Theater was filled with Twister, cornhole, life-size Jenga and Operation, and more.

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Matthew and I challenged Kimberly and Chris to intense games of table foosball and air hockey. I’m proud to say Team Why CLE? won both rounds! And that’s the  gregarious Clark Pope refereeing for the guys.

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Each game that you played earned you raffle tickets for some great prizes, including massages, wines, and restaurant gift cards. The big prize of the night was 2 loge tickets to see “The Book of Mormon” and we put most of our tickets into that drawing.

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You can imagine Matthew’s and my excitement when his name was drawn as the winner! We cannot wait to see the show!

But Kimberly was the real winner that night, as she took home the New Partner of the Year award. I’ve seen how much hard work and care Kimberly has put into her membership on the Partners’ social committee and I was so proud and not at all surprised that she won!

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Aside from the games and prizes fun, we enjoyed tasty food from Sammy’s. We nibbled on burger and pulled pork sliders and portobello mushroom sandwiches, tater tots, and cake balls and fruit and caramel fondue.

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Playhouse Square Partners is the young professionals group at Playhouse Square and is a great way to get involved in the community and meet other active, engaged Clevelanders. The next Partners events are a photo scavenger hunt around the Playhouse Square area on Wednesday, June 26 and a wine tasting on Thursday, July 25. Stay tuned to the Partners website for more details on both!

Have you been to a Playhouse Square Partners event? If so, which was your favorite?

jenclesig_pur

Why? Exxopolis!

*** A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win a $100 gift card to Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art? Today is your last chance, so check it out! Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries.***

There are moments when we all wish we could be a kid again, especially to be able to see the world with a sense of pure awe and wonder. Yesterday, Matthew and I got a chance to be kids again as we got a preview of the Exxopolis exhibit, which is featured at the International Children’s Festival at Playhouse Square.

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Exxopolis is the creation of Architects of Air. What from the outside looks like a giant winding bounce house turns into something quite different once you’re inside. Exxopolis uses only natural light coming through colored plastic to create what you see inside, which means every day (and even every hour) looks different.

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As you progress through Exxopolis, you find rooms of cool blue, hot red, and relaxing green. Each color lends its own distinct feel to the room. The red rooms felt pulsating and energetic, while the blue area were quiet and peaceful.

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Guests are encouraged to wander, explore, sit and look up at the ceiling, and just generally take it all in. I was amazed at what a cool sensory experience Exxopolis is. It may be part of the International Children’s Festival, but Exxopolis offers something for all ages.

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Exxopolis tickets are $5 and can be purchased either online or at the exhibit. Exxopolis is open today from 12pm-7pm, Friday, May 10 from 11am-7pm and Saturday, May 11 from 10am-6pm. The exhibit is located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 17th Street. Even if you just pop over on your lunch break, it’s well worth it!

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Everyone in the neighborhood is excited about Exxopolis, too. After viewing the exhibit, Playhouse Square generously treated us to dinner at Cowell & Hubbard. The restaurant has created a special colorful and layered Exxopolis martini for this weekend, with Buckeye vodka, violet liquor, cassis, and ginger.

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Aside from the delicious cocktails, we got to chat with the Architects of Air workers who make Exxopolis happen, as well as enjoy a fabulous dinner. The next time you’re at Cowell & Hubbard, try the chicken thighs with celery root puree, tobasco butter, and a bleu cheese croquette. You’re welcome in advance.

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I left feeling like a happy combination of kid and adult. The wonder and magic of Playhouse Square strikes again! The International Children’s Festival, of which Exxopolis is just one part, is happening now through Saturday, May 11 at Playhouse Square. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, click here.

***Disclosure: I was invited by Playhouse Square to attend the media preview for Exxopolis and the dinner afterward with a guest. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Tri-C Jazz Fest Giveaway!

Spring in Cleveland means lots of great events and fun things to do as we come out of hibernation. One of those great events is Tri-C Jazz Fest, happening Friday, April 19 through Saturday, May 4.

Image Source - tri-cjazzfest.com

Image Source – tri-cjazzfest.com

Tri-C Jazz Fest was founded in 1980 with three missions: (1) foster the history and nurture the future of jazz; (2) provide educational opportunities for students of all ages and in all walks of life; and (3) bring world-class jazz to Cleveland. Since then, Jazz Fest has been doing just that! Beyond just the concerts, Jazz Fest features lectures, master classes, and much more.

To kickoff this year’s Tri-C Jazz Fest, there will be an opening party on Friday, April 19 from 5-7pm in the lobby of the State Theater at Playhouse Square. The opening party is sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Company and is free and open to the public. There will be live music from Nadir & Distorted Soul, happy hour drink prices, food, and drawings for concert tickets and merchandise.

Image Source - tri-cjazzfest.com

Image Source – tri-cjazzfest.com

After the opening party, Tri-C Jazz Fest kicks off with Aaron Neville and Dr. John at 8pm at the State Theater. The concerts are spread between Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus, the State Theater, and MOCA Cleveland. A complete list of the concerts and events for Jazz Fest can be found here.

I have two tickets to give away to the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, which close Tri-C Jazz Fest on Saturday, May 4 at 8:30pm at the Tri-C Metro Auditorium.

Image Source - tri-cjazzfest.com

Image Source – tri-cjazzfest.com

Here’s how to enter (leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry):

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite musical festival that you’ve attended.

2. Follow @TriCJazzFest and @WhyCLE on Twitter and leave one comment letting me know you’re following both.

3. Tweet the following phrase:

I entered to win tickets to enjoy @TriCJazzFest with @WhyCLE and you can too: http://wp.me/p1fb9r-1q8 #TriCJazzFest

You can tweet daily for additional entries, just leave a separate comment each time you tweet.

The giveaway will close on Sunday, April 21 at 11:59pm and the winner will be announced the following day. Good luck!

***Disclosure: I was asked by Tri-C Jazz Fest to help promote the festival. In exchange, I will receive 2 tickets to the Spanish Harlem Orchestra concert for myself and 2 tickets to give away. The choice of which concert to attend was my own. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Playhouse Square Broadway Series!

On Monday night, Matthew and I got a sneak peek at the shows coming to Playhouse Square as part of the 2013-2014 Key Bank Broadway Series. As you know by now, Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts center in the country and hosts absolutely amazing, must-see shows.

2013-2014 KeyBank Broadway Series Logo

I met up with some of my favorite blogger babes to hear the line-up for this year’s Broadway Series.

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The evening started out with a performance from the All-City Drum Line, a group of talented Cleveland Municipal School District students. Playhouse Square promotes the budding artists as well as the Broadway stars!

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So, what does the 2013-2014 Key Bank Broadway Series hold?

Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty”

October 1-13, 2013

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In a time of fairies and vampires and magic spells, join Princess Aurora as she falls victim to an evil curse and wakes up in the present day. This is a stunning re-imagining of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet that any dance lover or fairy tale buff won’t want to miss!

“Once”

November 12-24, 2013

Every year, Playhouse Square brings at least one current Tony Award darling to Cleveland and, this year, “Once” is that darling. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Once” follows the love story between a Dublin street musician and a beautiful young woman. With haunting music and a lot of heart, “Once” is sure to captivate.

“Wicked”

December 4, 2013 – January 5, 2014

12-6 Wicked Munchkinland

There are certain shows you can see many times and still love. “Wicked” is that show for me. During the preview, we heard a live performance of “Defying Gravity” from Anne Brummel that brought me to tears, despite having seen the musical three times. Discover “Wicked” again (or for the first time) as a perfect holiday treat!

The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess”

February 4-16, 2014

Porgy and Bess New York

Another Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival in 2012, “Porgy and Bess” brings to life the stirring songs and powerhouse heroine of Bess. You won’t want to miss this powerful show!

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

March 4-16, 2014

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Andrew Lloyd Webber is a Broadway legend and this show combines music from his biggest hits into one spectacular evening. From “Phantom of the Opera” to “Cats,” hear all your favorites concert-style at “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.”

“Flashdance – The Musical”

April 1-13, 2014

It’s the iconic 80′s movie, with the music and the dance scenes you know and love, with even more. Original songs have been added to the story of a welder-by-day, dancer-by-night and her drive to hang on to her dream. Put on your leotard and leg warmers and get excited for “Flashdance – The Musical!”

“Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons”

May 6-18, 2014

Jersey Boys Marquee Logo

You’ve heard the music, now find out the story behind it. Follow each of the members of The Four Seasons and get four different perspectives on the making of one of the biggest bands in pop music history. “Jersey Boys” is not to be missed!

Season ticket packages for the Broadway Series are on sale now and range in price from $110-$565 per seat for all the shows. Payment plans are available, too. You can purchase season tickets online or by calling 216-640-8800. Don’t miss out on any of these fabulous shows!

***Disclosure: I was invited by Playhouse Square to attend the Broadway Series launch event with a guest. All images in this post courtesy of Playhouse Square. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Upcoming Events!

Spring is almost here! Can you feel it in the air?! Here are some great upcoming events to put a spring in your step, too:

St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday, March 17

Everywhere!

Image Source - cleveland.about.com

Image Source – cleveland.about.com

We know how to do St. Patrick’s Day right in Cleveland! Maybe because we’re so cooped up in the winter. For a run-down of great green events, from the parade to kegs and eggs, check out this post from Flee to the Cleve. Have fun and be safe!

cleveland.com Tweet-Up

Wednesday, March 20 at 5pm

Collection Auto Club at Progressive Field

Image Source - cleveland.com

Image Source – cleveland.com

Join cleveland.com and lots of your tweeps for a tweet-up in the new Collection Auto Club seating area at Progressive Field, a 5,000-square foot lounge next to the Press Box (If you click the link, Hammy will talk to you. WAAAY BACK!). You’ll get to taste some new concession items for the Indians upcoming season, as well as receiving 2 complimentary drink tickets. For more information and to RSVP (there is limited free parking if you sign up early), click here.

Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry Happy Hour

Thursday, March 21 at 5:30pm

Noodlecat

Image Source - clevelandfoodbank.org

Image Source – clevelandfoodbank.org

The Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry wants you to enjoy one of Cleveland’s best happy hours to benefit one of Cleveland’s best organizations. Enjoy Noodlecat‘s regular happy hour specials, plus bring 3 cans of food or a $5 donation to the Cleveland Foodbank to receive 1 complimentary drink ticket. You can also sign up that evening to become a member of the YP Pantry. Click here to RSVP.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Saturday, March 23 at 12:30pm

Brunswick Zone

Image Source - bowlbigforkids.org

Image Source – bowlbigforkids.org

Sign up with your friends, raise $50 per bowler, and bowl away to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. For registering, you receive one game of bowling, a t-shirt, refreshments and snacks, and a chance to win some great prizes. For more information and to register, click here.

Dyngus Day

Monday, April 1

“The Polish Triangle”

Image Source - facebook.com

Image Source – facebook.com

It’s Dyngus Day: a bonanza of Polish awesomeness! From DJ Kishka to pierogi to a parade to Miss Dyngus, you cannot miss this festive day. From Tremont to the Shoreline District to the Flats, many of your favorite restaurants and bars are participating. For a full list of events, locations, and specials, click here or check out the Dyngus Day Cleveland Facebook page.

Cleveland’s Finest Hors D’Oeuvre Contest

Thursday, April 4 at 6pm

Terrace Club at Progressive Field

Image Source - facebook.com

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Our Lady of the Wayside for this tasty event! Nibble away and then cast your ballot for Cleveland’s finest hors d’oeuvre. Among the competitors will be chefs from Battery Park Wine Bar, Corleone’s Ristorante and Bar, John Q’s Steakhouse, and the Zack Bruell restaurant group. Tickets are $80 and proceeds benefit Our Lady of the Wayside’s mission of helping those with developmental disabilities. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.

Playhouse Square Partners Bowl-a-Rama

Thursday, April 11 at 6pm

Mahall’s 20 Lanes

Image Source - playhousesquare.org

Image Source – playhousesquare.org

Playhouse Square Partners wants you to let the good times roll at Mahall’s 20 Lanes, Cleveland’s hot new bowling spot. There will be a happy hour at 6pm and bowling begins at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and include 3 hours of bowling, shoe rental, food and one drink ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Microsoft Retail Store Grand Opening

Saturday, April 13 at 11am

Beachwood Place Mall

Image Source - microsoftstore.com

Image Source – microsoftstore.com

Come check out all the tech goodness available at the grand opening of the Microsoft Retail Store at Beachwood Place Mall and score tickets to see Kelly Clarkson perform! The store opens at 11am and the first hundred people in line not only receive the first peek at the Microsoft wonderland, but also two free premier viewing tickets for the Kelly Clarkson concert to happen that afternoon at 4pm. One of those tickets gets you in to not only the concert, but also a meet and greet with Kelly! The next 1,000 people in line will receive 2 premier viewing tickets to the concert. For more information, click here.

What upcoming events are you most looking forward to as we welcome Spring?

***Disclosures: I am a member of the council for the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. I was invited by Microsoft to attend the grand opening of the Microsoft Retail Store. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Jump Back Ball!

It’s one of the biggest, most anticipated fundraisers of the year: Playhouse Square’s Jump Back Ball. From the decorations to the outfits to the food to the music, this event never fails to provide a night that will be talked about for a long time afterward. In it’s 22nd year, Jump Back Ball had a record-breaking early sell-out on tickets, which only heightened the buzz leading up to Saturday’s party.

This year’s theme was “Jump Back Two Spaces” and the State Theater was filled with decorations based on classic board games like Monopoly, Candy Land, and Twister.

I made the bow tie at Shop Night!

I made the bow tie at Shop Night!

I already knew Matthew and I would be hanging out with Kimberly, Chris, Amanda, and Scott at JBB, but as we arrived I got a wonderful surprise: Alicia and Hans were able to score last-minute tickets from Twitter! There’s nothing better than having the whole group together!

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On the enormous State Theater stage was everything from stilt walkers to a delicious buffet from Sammy’s to awesome music from SWAGG.

IMG_3092We also enjoyed some tasty ice luge cocktails from Buckeye Vodka.

IMG_3093It may have been the cocktails which led to a spirited challenge game of Twister: husbands v. husbands and wives v. wives, for a $5 buy-in.

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Team PIP dominated both games, but Team Why CLE hung in until the (almost) bitter end. The families that yoga together win (or almost win) Twister together!

The rest of the evening consisted of silly photo booth pictures, more dancing and singing with late-night band Velvet Shake in the State Theater lobby, eating lots of mini hot pretzels, and just enjoying every minute of this spectacular party.

IMG_5450I couldn’t have imagined a better night in such a beautiful setting with such wonderful friends. And it all benefits Playhouse Square, helping to keep the arts community in Cleveland strong and thriving. It may sound cliche, but I already can’t wait for next year’s Jump Back Ball!

Did you attend Jump Back Ball? What was your favorite part of the evening?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Jump Back Ball. In exchange, I received one complimentary general admission ticket. As always, all opinions and decisions to play Twister in a ball gown in public are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Jump Back Ball Shop Nights and Outfits!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Happy Valentine’s Day! Congratulations to Rebecca Jahnke, randomly-selected winner of two tickets to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to enjoy Love Rocks. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen. If you didn’t win, you can still get in on the Love Rocks fun by purchasing tickets here.***

Playhouse Square’s 23rd annual Jump Back Ball is just around the corner! This sold-out event is sure to be one of the social highlights of the year and I can’t wait to attend. Last year, one of my favorite parts of JBB was participating in the Shop Nights, where volunteers come together to make the fabulous decorations that fill the theaters.

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Last night, I attended one of the Shop Nights to help make decorations for this year’s board game-themed party. I saw a lot of the same volunteers I met at Shop Night last year. People get hooked on Playhouse Square and Jump Back Ball! One of my favorite volunteers is Clark, who is a teacher by day, chef by night (his amazing goodies get sold to Fresh Fork Market), and JBB master volunteer. Clark is just one of the many talented and dedicated people working to make this a party you’ll never forget.

I love going to JBB and being able to point out something I did as a small part of how the whole evening comes together. And I love getting a sneak peek at some of the decorations, including a large Mr. Monopoly, a huge Twister board, and some very cool photo opp props.

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If you’re interested in attending a Shop Night, there are two left: Monday, February 18 and Thursday, February 21, both starting at 5:30pm. Dinner is provided, as well as lots of laughs and a chance to participate in making JBB the great night it is. Grab a paint brush, roll up your sleeves, and let your inner artist come out to play!

Another important part of JBB preparations is the outfit. I decided to do a nod to a costume this year by being the female Professor Plum from the Clue, in keeping with the classic board game theme of the evening. Not only do I love anything plum-colored, I happened to have the perfect dress already in my closet!

378596_666999271106_149335082_nFor the first time in the history of bridesmaid dresses, I am wearing the dress from my friend Beth’s wedding (she picked a nice one, what can I say?). I will likely still look like that while dancing, so it should be easy to find me.

I also needed a fabulous accessory, so where else does a girl go but Etsy? I ordered this hairpiece that is fun and sassy and something I would likely never wear except to an event like JBB.

Image Source - etsy.com/shop/indigodaisyweddings

Image Source – etsy.com/shop/indigodaisyweddings

If you’re interested in something like this, all the way from England no less, here’s the Etsy shop where I found it.

Between Shop Nights and outfit preparations, I am officially excited and ready for Jump Back Ball! Are you attending JBB? What have you done to get ready?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Jump Back Ball. In exchange for blogging about JBB, I will receive 1 complimentary regular admission ticket. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

Why? Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody!

You all know I love time with my girls: time to just relax, laugh, be silly and maybe a little scandalous. On Sunday, “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” provided the perfect setting for some girl time.

IMG_5232We started out with some naughty cocktails in keeping with the theme of the show. There was “Whips and Cuffs” with vodka, blueberry pomegranate juice, and lemon and “The Playroom” with vodka, cranberry juice, soda, and cherry.

Then it was time for “Spank!” to start. My date for the afternoon was my mom.

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At first, neither of us wanted to laugh too hard in front of the other at the scandalous parts, but we soon let go and found ourselves giggling uncontrollably. The show combines a bit of Chippendales, a bit of musical theater, and a bit of audience participation into poking lighthearted fun at the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy.

After the show, you could stick around and get a picture with the handsome leading man and his tie, which figured heavily into most people’s photos.

IMG_5236“Spank!” made the perfect setting for everything I love about girl time: fun, silliness, and general good times. If you need to let go and laugh with your girls (and who doesn’t), don’t miss this! The show runs at the Hanna Theater until Sunday, January 27 and tickets range from $10-$45. Click here for more information.

After the show, Kimberly, Michelle, Mom and I headed across the street to Cowell & Hubbard for dinner. It’s Zack Bruell Restaurant Week, which means until January 26 at all five of Bruell’s restaurants, you can get a 3-course meal for $30. It’s a great deal we couldn’t pass up!

I started out with the roasted carrot and ginger soup with five-spice creme fraiche and lime. My second course was pork medallions with polenta and root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga). And I somehow found room to finish up with the decadent mocha pot de creme.

mycollageThe food was delicious and the service was wonderfully unhurried, but the company was the best part. The conversation covered everything from the show to exes to home remodeling projects to the adorable teenagers on a date near our table. We had a lovely dinner that was the perfect cap on our girls’ day out.

What’s your favorite place for a girls’ day out?

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody.” In exchange, I received two tickets to the show and two complimentary drink tickets to use at the theater. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

jenclesig_pur

 

 

 

Why? Playhouse Square Partners Trivia Night!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Congratulations to mojamala2 (Comment #44), winner of the $25 Piada gift card, as selected by random.org. Please check your email and respond by the end of the day or a new winner will be chosen. Even if you didn’t win, be sure to check out all the fast, tasty, and affordable Italian cuisine at Piada soon!***

Last night, Matthew and I attended Playhouse Square Partners‘ first-ever trivia night. In keeping with this year’s Jump Back Ball theme of “Jump Back Two Spaces,” celebrating famous board games, this was the “Get a Clue!” trivia night. There was a Board Games category, as well as Awards Shows, Super Bowls, and Cleveland categories.

Event planners Kimberly and Emma keeping things in order

Event planners Kimberly and Emma keeping things in order

The event was organized by Kimberly and Emma, who did a fabulous job keeping a sold-out crowd of 60 rowdy trivia players in line. Our trivia team was a lineup of heavy mental hitters: Matthew, Amanda, Scott, Kate, Brian and me. Our name was “Pinky and the Brains” (5 are geniuses, the other’s insane).

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The event took place at Black Dog Kitchen and Bar. I had not been to Black Dog yet and was excited to check it out, especially the large craft beer list. Your trivia night ticket got you a buffet of tasty appetizers and two drink tickets.

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Our favorites were the Guinness wings and the sweet potato fries with cinnamon butter. I definitely want to head back for Black Dog’s happy hour sometime: from 3-7pm, you can get $3 craft beers, $4 wines, $5 signature cocktails and martinis, and $5 select food items.

After we filled up, it was time for trivia! All smartphones were placed in the middle of the table, so no one had an extra team member named Siri.

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After the first two rounds, our team was tied for second place and only out of first by half a point. The pressure was on, but in the final Cleveland round, the power of 2 local bloggers and some long-time Cleveland natives came through. Pinky and the Brains won trivia night! We chose the “night out” prize package, which had six tickets to see War Horse at Playhouse Square in April and $100 in gift cards to any Dante Boccuzzi restaurant. That will make for an incredible night out!

You don’t have to be a member of Partners to attend these events, although the more I go to, the more I want to join! The next Partners’ event is a Dine Around in Ohio City on Thursday, January 31 at 6:30pm. There will be groups of Partners dining at Crop Bar and Bistro, Soho Kitchen and Bar, The Black Pig, and Touch Supper Club. You rank your dining preferences, get assigned to a restaurant, have dinner with a small group, and meet up with everyone at Bier Markt at the end of the evening. Cost to attend is whatever your food and drink costs. If you’re interested, email Sarah at biondos@playhousesquare.org by January 25.

For now, Pinky and the Brains are planning our next trivia night victory. Have you ever done trivia nights? Where’s your favorite place to go for brain-bending fun?

jenclesig_pur

Why? Spank Giveaway!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Why, hello, there! It’s the new look of Why CLE! After months of talking about it, I finally pulled the trigger on a blog redesign. The cool new look you see is courtesy of the amazing, responsive, creative, and lovely Carrie of Carrie Loves DesignHat tip to Smitten in Cleveland (another happy client) for putting Carrie on my radar. If you’re in the market for a new look for your blog, I highly recommend Carrie. 

While there are still a couple minor changes and additions coming in the next few days, I couldn’t be happier with how the blog looks. I hope you love it, too!***

How many of you have read any (or all) of the Fifty Shades of Grey books? While I know they’re not great literature, I will admit to reading them all on the beach on my honeymoon last summer. One of the best parts was that they were easy, light, and fun…I could be reading the book while drinking lots of mojitos and still follow the plot! Even if you haven’t read the books, I’m sure you’ve heard about Christian Grey and his naughty ways.

From January 17-27 at Playhouse Square, Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody brings all the sexiness of the books to life with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Described as part Chippendales and part Second City, Spank! is sure to be a hilarious good time! Spank! is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

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This show is perfect for a girls’ night out. You can even stay after the show to get photos with the “devil”  himself. Here’s a quick sneak preview of what you’ll see on stage at Spank!

Ticket prices range from $10-$45 to see this musical romp at the Hanna Theater. Or you can enter here to win 2 tickets to the 3pm matinee performance on Sunday, January 20 courtesy of Playhouse Square!

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The winner also receives 2 drink tickets for pre-show cocktails with Kimberly, Amanda, Charlene, their winners, and me.

Here’s how to enter (leave a SEPARATE comment for each item):

1. Leave a comment telling me why you need a girls’ night out.

2. Follow @WhyCLE and @playhousesquare on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you’re following.

3. Tweet the following phrase and leave a comment letting me know you tweeted: I want to win a girls night out at Spank! from @playhousesquare and @WhyCLE: http://wp.me/p1fb9r-1cV

You can tweet once a day for additional entries, just leave a separate comment each time you tweet.

The giveaway will close at 11:59pm on Monday, January 14 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 15. Good luck!

And for even more opportunities to win, check out Amanda‘s, Kimberly‘s, and Charlene‘s giveaways!

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Spank! In exchange, I will receive 2 tickets for myself (and 2 pre-show drink tickets), as well as 2 tickets (and 2 pre-show drink tickets) to give away. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***