More than 52,000 moviegoers watched 220 films and contributed to 64 sold-out screenings at the 30th Cleveland International Film Festival at Tower City Cinemas March 16 through 26. Opening night featured “Akeelah and the Bee” with a gala reception at MK Ferguson Plaza attended by the film’s director Doug Atchison and actress Keke Palmer. Overall, festival attendance was up 20 percent over last year and Saturday, March 25, set a one-day attendance record. Audience members also donated more than $40,000 to charities benefiting the Greater Cleveland community. The dates for next year’s film festival are March 15 through 25. Cleveland Magazine was a sponsor of this event.

15th Annual Tops Great American Rib Cook-Off
Break out the barbecue sauce and make your way to the 15th Annual Tops Great American Rib Cook-Off May 25 through 29 at Tower City Amphitheater. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Blues Traveler, Southside Johnny, The Spin Doctors and Rick Springfield will serve as the entertainment during the Cleveland Memorial Day tradition. Tickets are $6 for adults and free for children ages 12 and younger. Entertainment is free with admission. For more information, call (440) 247-4FUN or visit www.cleveland.com/rib. Cleveland Magazine is a sponsor of this event.

CIM Uncorked!
Foster’s Wine Estates joins the Cleveland Institute of Music and Cleveland Originals for CIM Uncorked! — an evening of fine wines, good food and great music Tuesday, May 2, at 6 p.m. at Windows on the River. All proceeds benefit the Cleveland Institute of Music and the $40 million expansion of its campus on University Circle. Tickets are $75 or $125. Call (216) 791-5000 or visit www.cim.edu for more information. Cleveland Magazine is a sponsor of this event.

United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Annual Meeting
The United Way of Greater Cleveland announced at its March 10 annual meeting that the 2005 campaign raised nearly $44 million. Nearly 1,200 people attended the event held at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. KeyCorp, National City, Eaton Corp. and The Cleveland Clinic were all honored for donating more than $1 million to the United Way’s 2005 campaign, and Mayor Frank Jackson spoke about the organization’s impact on the community. Cleveland Magazine was a sponsor of this event.

Community Care Network
Violinist Itzhak Perlman will perform at Severance Hall with pianist Rohan DeSilva May 8 at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the concert benefit Community Care Network, which helps children and adults who are recovering from mental illness, addiction, abuse or neglect. Arrive early for a discussion in the Reinberger Chamber Hall led by Mark Pennel, classical music host at WKSU, at 7 p.m. Call (216) 231-1111 or visit www.severancehall.com for more information. Cleveland Magazine is a sponsor of this event.