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5 things to do in NEO: Gospel, ‘Parade,’ waterfall hike and more

Black choir performs with soloist holding a microphone
Maltz Performing Arts Center
People for Your Life Choir sing at the Maltz Performing Arts Center this Friday.

A gospel choir celebrates Black History Month while a Northeast Ohio native takes the stage in a Broadway musical.

Gospel concerts

The voices of People for Your Life Choir come together for a Celebration of Black Excellence at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland on Friday. Though the show is sold out, a livestream is available beginning at 7:30 p.m. At the same time on Saturday, the annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert rocks Akron's E.J. Thomas Hall for a tradition now in its 31st year.

‘Parade’ at Playhouse Square

A Shaker Heights native leads the cast of “Parade” as the Tony Award-winning musical takes the stage at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Max Chernin returns to his home state in this touching story that follows a young Jewish couple as they face many challenges of faith and humanity. Performances run through Feb. 23.

Artistic evening in Akron

A celebration of music and culture promises to melt the winter blues at the Akron Art Museum on Saturday. The free Midwinter Tunes event offers live performances from local acts such as Abrepaso Flamenco and Flaco Torres, plus a valentine printmaking workshop. Catch “GLOW: Neon and Light” in its final days, and don’t miss a neon bending demonstration from one of the exhibit’s artists. The event runs 6-10 p.m.

Winter waterfalls

Embrace the beauty of winter with a hike through the South Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks on Sunday. A naturalist leads the walk along the Chagrin River to discuss highlights of the area’s ecosystem. The journey begins at 10:30 a.m. and is recommended for ages 18 and up.

Posters of Black History

Through a partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., Stark Library brings a special exhibit to its main branch in Canton for Black History Month. “A Place for All People” features limited-edition posters that explore artifacts within the NMAAHC’s collection. The exhibit is on view through Feb. 28 during regular branch hours.

Updated: February 6, 2025 at 12:42 PM EST
The Celebration of Black Excellence concert at Maltz Performing Arts Center has been updated to reflect that the show is sold out and a livestream is available.
Jean-Marie Papoi is a digital producer for the arts & culture team at Ideastream Public Media.