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Arts & Entertainment

Get Out: Shakespeare, Dollar Hot Dogs and Vegan Iron Chef This Weekend

See Hamlet, an Indians game or chefs battling with vegetables this weekend

Kent State University's "Spring for the Arts" celebration continues this weekend with student performances of William Shakespeare's Hamlet and a professional performance of Magic Flute by pianists Lisa Yui and Jerry Wong.

The Cleveland Indians have returned home for baseball games and tonight feature $1 hot dogs for all fans and certain half price tickets for students.

Are you a foodie? You may like the Vegan Iron Chef competition that kicks off the "Who's Your Mama" Earth Day & Environmental Film Festival on Sunday.

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Whether it's art, food, baseball, music or hiking, you have these options and more to pick from as the buds of Spring begin to rise.

1. Hamlet

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Where/When: Wright Curtis Theatre, , Kent,

Friday, April 15 8 p.m. - opening night reception to follow.

Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m.

Why Go: Students perform this classic Shakespeare tale of political gamesmanship and familial chaos featuring timeless acts of murder and seduction. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is directed by Mark Monday. Daily performance until April 23, except Monday.

Pricing: $16 Adults, $12 Faculty/Alumni/Seniors, $8 Students. 

2. Cleveland Indians baseball game

Where/When: Progressive Field, Downtown Cleveland,

Friday, April 15, 7:05 p.m. ($1 hot dogs & discount student tickets)

Saturday, April 16, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, April 17, 1:05 p.m.

Why Go: Established in 1901, your Cleveland Indians are in first place in the American League Central Division. It's still early in the season, so enjoy it while you can. If you're a student or you know one, and you like hot dogs, Friday's game cannot be missed.

Pricing: Various options to pick from, starting with $8 upper deck and $10 bleacher seats on up to over $100 a seat. Student half-price tickets on Friday are for lower reserved and mezzanine. 

3. Neil Zaza

Where/When: The Kent Stage, ., Kent,

Friday, April 15, 8 p.m.

Why Go: This local guitar prodigy returns home from his world tour to hold a for his latest album 212. He is known for his technical skill and ability to unleash several different genres from his electric stringed instrument. Zaza is a noted performer of melodic instrumental rock, using some Bach and Mozart progressions in his music.

Pricing: $21, $55 and special workshop package for $100   

4. River Edge Park hike

Where/When: , Downtown Kent and Cuyahoga River

Daily from sunrise to sunset.

Why Go: The weather is getting better everyday, the trees are starting to bud and some plants are begining to break through the ground. Enjoy the trail along the Cuyahoga River and see the changes the winter and spring thaw have brought about. were added on the trail recently, so  see if you can find them.

Pricing: Free and open to the public.

5.

Where/When: 2nd Floor Student Center Dining Services, , Kent

Sunday, April 17, noon to 5 p.m.

Why Go: This begins a series of events surrounding "Who's Your Mama" Earth Day & Environmental Film Festival. It's an attempt to bring greater awareness to sustainable, ecological activities. At this opening presentation, student and professional chefs will utilize vegetables in competitions to create tasty and attractive food for your belly.  

Pricing: Free and open to the public. Free parking.

6. Lisa Yui and Jerry Wong perform Mozart Busconi's Magic Flute

Where/When: Ludwig Recital Hall, , Kent,

Sunday, April 17, 5 p.m.

Why Go: This is another edition of the Kent Keyboard Series. Hear prize-winning pianist Lisa Yui join Kent State's Steinway Artist-in-Residence Jerry Wong as they make beautiful music together. These are both internationally recognized artists in their field of music.

Pricing: $10        

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