Actor and musician Drake Bell returns to Fresno at Strummer’s in the Tower District on Friday. He performed an acoustic set with passion and soul here in 2018.

He recently exhibited bravery by speaking out about the unspeakable behavior towards children at Nickelodeon on the documentary series “Quiet on Set” streaming on Max. He’s setting the record straight about his life and is using music to express the truth of his story.

Recognizable from starring in the Nickelodeon series “Drake & Josh,” he’s on tour with a new album, “Non-Stop Flight,” that is scheduled for release later this year. He’s already released two music videos on YouTube for the singles “I Kind of Relate,” accumulating 3.2 million views, and “Te Desenamoraste,” accumulating 2.2 million views.

He’s become quite popular on the Spanish music scene, releasing the album “Sesiones en Casa” (translated to Home Sessions). His single “Going Away” debuted on top of the iTunes Charts in April 2023.

“I love doing these small shows. A lot of my fans have responded saying they like the intimate shows. They request songs. It’s really personal and collaborative with the audience when you see the faces up close compared to a bigger venue. They’re great,” said Bell in doing club performances.

“The Fresno crowds have always been awesome. I love Fresno. I’ve gotten some of my tattoos here. I’ve gone back and forth to the area. It’s a cool city, people dig the music, it’s always great fun to play in this area.”

Get your tickets here.

Check out our expanded list of events at this link.

Review: Deadpool & Wolverine

The highly anticipated sequel to the first two “Deadpool” movies is out. And it delivers on a big scale.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” completes the trilogy from the prior Deadpool films while being introduced for the first time into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and thus might be described as a semi-sequel to the X-Men movies.

Ryan Reynolds returns as the “merc with the mouth,” and continues to play the character to perfection. Hugh Jackman claws back into the character that put him on the map having been away from the comic book icon for seven years.

Their dynamic is hilarious, the action is stellar, and the jokes will have you rolling. It was amazing to finally see Jackman don the yellow suit that appeared in the comics and animated series.

There are many cameos from characters throughout the MCU and the X-Men films and Marvel related properties before the MCU began. Don’t want to spoil anything as there are surprise moments but the reveals are some of the best parts of the film. I haven’t seen reactions and crowd investment and cheering like that for a movie in a long time.

Shawn Levy directs this entry, and it checks all the boxes for a great summer blockbuster.

Grade: A

Related Story: Fresno Extends Free Movie Tickets Offer for Seniors to Beat the Heat

52nd Indian Fair Days Pow Wow

Experience the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Native America at Indian Fair Days on Saturday and Sunday at the North Fork Recreation Center.

It’s two days of festivities, including traditional dances, arts and crafts, delicious food, and live music. This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage and spirit of the local tribes.

Tickets are $5 at the gate.

More information here.

Fresno Grizzlies vs Lake Elsinore Storm

The Grizzlies return to Chukchansi Park to take on the Lake Elsinore Storm in a series this weekend.

Friday is “Livin’ The Meme Night,” where they’ll bring your favorite online moments to life for a night of laughs and entertainment. The evening will end with fireworks.

Saturday is “Back to School Night” with special activities for all ages. It was just announced that actor Thomas Nicholas from the films “Rookie of the Year,” and “American Pie” will appear at the game.

Get your tickets here.

Related Story: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Smashes R-Rated Record With $205 ...

Bass Lake Live

Bass Lake Live takes place Thursday at The Pines Resort. What Comes Next will perform. They play rock, country, and pop. The food will be a Hawaiian buffet.

The resort puts this on every summer.

Get your tickets here.

Back to School Bash

The Back to School Bash is Saturday at Fashion Fair Mall. There’ll be games, crafts, and live music from local country/rock band Dakota Crossing.

Plus, bring a backpack or school supplies to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California and receive a free $10 game card to XLanes. Feel free to bring lawn furniture, blankets, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Get your tickets here.

Related Story: Review: Candlelight Delivers an Enchanting Performance

Check it Out:

Slice of Comedy: Nat Baimel

Nat Baimel headlines at DiCicco’s in Old Town Clovis. His albums “Be Nice!” and “Nihilist Pep Talk” debuted atop the Amazon and iTunes Comedy Charts, and play regularly on XM Radio. Nat has also been heard on Gabriel Iglesias’ Stand-Up Revolution on XM Radio, and performed on ‘Inside Joke with Asif Ali’ on Amazon Prime.

Get your tickets here.

Fashion Fair Family Fridays

Bring the whole family to the Outdoor Village from 6p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays in August to enjoy games, crafts, and interactive fun like giant bubbles, face painting, and balloon animals. Interactive events vary from week to week. There’ll be games of giant checkers, giant connect four, giant Jenga, and cornhole available weekly.

Get your tickets here.

K-Tel All-Stars at Engelmann Cellars

The K-Tel All-Stars are at Engelmann Cellars on Friday. They play classics from the ’70s. They’re received high praises from distinguished members of Rare Earth, The Raspberries, The Little River Band, and Three Dog Night. It figures to be a great evening under the stars with live music, wine, beer, frosé, food trucks, and dancing.

Get your tickets here.

Wine Down Fridays at Toca Madera Winery

Wine Down Fridays happens every Friday through Sept. 13 at Toca Madera Winery. Dakota Crossing headlines and local country artist John Pemberton opens the show. They have wine specials. Food will be provided by Kerrib Flava (Jamaican food). There’ll be a sangria happy hour. Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

Get your tickets here.

ApCal Rock’n Ranch

The Good OL’ Boyz perform at ApCal Rock’n Ranch on Saturday. They play country. There’ll be beer, spirits, food, dancing, and cigars.

Get your tickets here.