One performance attendees will witness at this year’s Station Hope event is inspired by the life and legacy of Robert Smalls. 

Smalls was born into slavery in 1839. At the age of 23, he commandeered an armed Confederate ship one the night in May 1862 in Charleston, South Carolina.

In the midst of the American Civil War, he led a rebellion doubling as captain that night and sailed safely from slavery to freedom with 17 other enslaved men, women and children passengers. He later served in South Carolina’s state legislature and Congress before dying in 1915. 

His courageous story is explored through dance by Cleveland’s Blakk Jakk Dance Collective

“This piece honors his story, legacy and uplifts the hope our ancestors had seeking promise through freedom,” said Ron’Dale Simpson, founder of the dance troupe. “Our performance at [Station Hope] will just be a snippet of what we have in store for our full Juneteenth performance this year.” 

Station Hope (May 25) 

Simpson and his collective of artists and dancers will be one of the many groups performing at Cleveland Public Theatre’s 11th Station Hope celebration on Saturday, May 25, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is held on the grounds of Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site, St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2600 Church Ave. 

With more than 100 Northeast Ohio artists, theatrical performances, music and dance, attendees will commemorate Cleveland’s historic legacy and explore contemporary issues around freedom, hope and equality through community and storytelling. The event is open to the public. 

Reggae Fest Cleveland (May 26-27)  

We jammin’, Cleveland? If you’re in the mood for some good vibes, great music and soulful food, look no further than Cleveland’s best Reggae Party. This year’s performers feature some of reggae’s greats, including The Quasi Kings, The Flex Crew, Mighty Mystic, Umojah Nation, Lazo & Exodus and local musician Carlos Jones. Irie eats and drinks will also be available at food trucks and stands on festival grounds. For tickets, you can visit the festival’s website

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off (May 24-27) 

It is the perfect weekend event for carnivore enthusiasts and BBQ finger-licking freaks. Whether you like your ribs smoky, spicy or saucy, this national event gathers the country’s best grillmasters at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

The event will also offer live music, entertainment and activities for kids. Admission is free on Friday before 5 p.m. For more information, visit the event’s website

Carnaval in The Land (May 25) 

Why is everyone so happy and dancing in the streets? Because there’s a party at Playhouse Square theatre district. This free, outdoor event on Saturday, May 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at U.S. Bank Plaza at East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue, will be filled with live music, food, crafts, performances, a Bachata class and social dancing with DJ Bachatero Dex. After the party, you can check out “In The Heights” at the Allen Theatre at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets for the show here

Gary Clark Jr. at Jacobs Pavilion (May 24) 

The four-time Grammy award-winning blues guitarist and singer Gary Clark Jr. makes a stop in Cleveland touring his latest album, “JPEG RAW.“ You can catch him May 24 from 7-11 p.m. at the Pavilion. You can purchase tickets here

MicroTheatre Cle (May 25) 

Catch the final round of 16 short performances with 60 local actors who are all acting in different rooms at the Brownhoist Building, 4403 St. Clair Ave., in the Goodrich-Kirkland neighborhood. You’ll see traditional plays and comedies about terrible dates, accordion operettas, burlesque shows, immersive performance art and theatrical confessions about steamy make-out sessions with Cleveland Brown announcers. For more information, you can view their website.

Candice covered health and arts and culture for Signal Cleveland until July, 2024. Her health reporting focused on women's health and lead poisoning.