The Next Akron' 14-35 'The Akron We Know' As Told by 34 Different People 17 How to Know When You've Hit Rock Bottom 24-29 a Shopper's Guide to Akron Made Awesome

DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 • THEDEVILSTRIP.COM 10 Where to find 'The Next Akron' 14-35 'The Akron We Know' as told by 34 different people 17 How to know when you've hit rock bottom 24-29 A Shopper's Guide to Akron Made Awesome

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More than 40 experiences Huntington Bank fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight Free parking and METRO shuttles New attractions Wesley Bright & the Honeytones at the Akron Civic Theatre Jul Big Green on the Mill Street Main Stage The Chardon Polka Band at the JSK Center Learn a little about a lot from eight inspirational Akronites at PechaKucha Saturday, December 31 Returning crowd favorites Silent Disco is back and bigger from 6 p.m.-midnight than ever Dance the night away at Admission $ Greystone Hall with Akron Big Band buttons available for 10 Bundle up and enjoy horse drawn at Acme Fresh Market, sleigh rides on Main Street FirstMerit Bank branches and Goodyear Ice Sculpture Garden with carving demos and firstnightakron.org special appearances Follow us on

#firstnightakron17 Discover Downtown Akron Passports also available for $15 and include admission to PLATINUMFirst Night PARTNERSAkron 2017. table of contents table of 18 contents 14 THE ARTS 13 Author Corey Sheldon gives us a peek into the Valley of Progress 14 Humans of Akron know art. The Devil Strip 12 E. Exchange Street 2nd Floor CULTURE CLUB Akron, Ohio 44308

17 Humans of Akron recover, too. Publisher: Chris “no carny-handed mango man” Horne Email: [email protected] 18 Humans of Akron have culture Phone: 330-555-GHOSTBUSTERS 13 22 Art Director: Alesa “doesn’t sleep” Upholzer Managing Editor: ENTREPRENEURSHIP M. Sophie “Has Many Names, Wears Many Hats” Franchi Email: [email protected] 21 Humans of Akron run businesses. 22 How can local libraries give your Visuals Editor: Svetla “The Balkan Comrade” Morrison business a boost? Director of Sales & Distribution: TJ "is in fact a Newsie, hat and all" Masterson Email: [email protected] SPECIAL FEATURE: The Editorial Team LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE THE ARTS Lead Editor ...... Bronlynn “Space Kitty” Thurman 24- Tired of department stores and Asst. Editor ...... Megan “Oxford comma slayer” Combs 29 shopping malls? Shop local 21 17 Literary Arts Editor ...... Noor "Nervous Poodle Poet" Hindi FOOD & DRINK Lead Editor ...... Lia Pietrolungo

FOOD & DRINK COMMUNITY & CULTURE Lead Editor ...... Katie “Miss Jackson if You’re Nasty” Jackson 30 The Wanderer loves Taco Tuesday Asst. Editor ...... Jessica “Spreadsheets!” Cherok Asst. Editor ...... Ilenia “Our Short, Tired Garbanzo Bean Eatin', 31 Humans of Akron like food WTF Video Girl Writer” Pezzaniti

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Music ...... Brittany “Sass Master Flash” Nader MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment ...... Andrew “Has a Mighty Fine Beard” Leask Sta Writers, Columnists & The A/V Club: 33 Humans of Akron rock. And rap. Kristina “Urban Explorer” Aiad-Toss; Emily “Lady Beer Drinker” And sing. And dance. Anderson; Melanie “newbie for now” Anderson; Rick “Small Business Chronicler” Bohan; Holly “The Wanderer” Brown; 36 Super No Bueno: Floco Torres heats Christina “no paddles, fl ow downstream” Dearing; Sam "Buzzkilling up the basement at It’s a Kling Thing! Feminist" DePaul; Michelle “The Camera Nerd” DeShon; Emily “Potty Perfectionist” Dressler and Marissa Marangoni, Bathroom House 30 31 Culture Enthusiast; Brian “Wemlo Twinge” Dunphy; Grace “Always Running Away” Ebner; Lois “Beautyscandal” Elswick; Kait "rice cake enthusiast" Erdman; Gabe “Softballin’” Gott; Dan “The Akron Knight” Gorman; Paul “I don’t write but I can draw” Ho man; Jacob Luther, the Towny Townie Toonist; Hillary "Gets Lost in Her Own World but Reappears if There is Dancing Involved" Martter; TJ “Don’t Call Me Shirley” Masterson; Krissy "Someone make me a real fi sh taco before I go insane" O'Connor; Atticus “Wreckage” Pamer Adoptable Pets the absolutely real and totally non-fi ctional Georgio Pelogrande; Roger Riddle, Wears the Purple Pants; Amanda "That Crazy Cat Lady" Sedlak-Hevener; Lenny “Where’s Squiggy?” Spengler; Nicole “likes the way Akron sounds” Stempak; Steve “is not a zombie” Van Auken; Patrick “Pattycakes” Worden; and The Shane Wynn Blue Dodge was born in November 2014 and weighs about 65 pounds. This handsome man takes some Supremacy; Scott "The Swiss Army Intern" Piepho; Ted "Super No time to warm up to new people but some yummy treats is the way to his heart. He shows potential with the Bueno" Lehr; "Awesome" Dawson Steeber right dog but also wouldn't mind being the only pooch in the palace. He also requires an adult only home. In his previous home, Blue Dodge did live with cats but he enjoyed chasing them around the house from time ————————————————————

to time. If Blue Dodge is your boy stop in and meet this lovely pup today. CONTACT US: O c e ...... (330) 842-6606 General Info ...... [email protected] Meet William! This easy going guy is sure to ﬁ ll your home with loads Advertising ...... [email protected] of love! William is a very friendly guy who adores everyone he meets! Dstribution ...... [email protected] Website ...... www.thedevilstrip.com William just purrs away in pure bliss the moment pets and love come his Facebook ...... Facebook.com/thedevilstrip way. William doesn't seem to mind be held and even shows great lap Twitter ...... @akrondevilstrip cat potential. He should do ﬁ ne in a home with children. He will also be happiest in a Instagram ...... @thedevilstrip home without dogs, but he shows potential to get along with a calm laid back cat. William likes to spend his day rolling around in cat nip or bird watching from safely inside through a window. William hopes you stop ———————————————————— by our shelter and ask to check him out today! The Devil Strip is published bi-monthly by Random Family, LLC. Akron Distribution: The Devil Strip is available free of charge, limited to one copy PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron per reader. Copyright: The entire contents of The Devil Strip are copyright 2016 by Random Family, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087 | 1.888.588.8436 | 330.487.0333 written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume [email protected] | www.summithumane.org | www.facebook.com/summithumane any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above. 4 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 pub notes

of color at this pool. One guy offered to pay people, but I am of the opinion that in their wired to connect and cooperate. If you want to for his membership on the spot. They were still social relations, the two races should be end bigotry, commit to community. turned away but he had a smirk on his face as separate and that they should not have pleasure Pub Notes >> they left. He was proving a point. or recreation grounds to be used or enjoyed One of my heroes is Will Campbell, a Southern together and in common.” writer and Civil Rights activist who abandoned The pool closed a few years later. I heard organized religion but not his faith. Whenever someone sued the owner for discrimination That might be the earliest recorded use of “I’m he preached to the choir, the choir got nervous. and he was ordered to open to everybody. He not racist but…” In a 1984 sermon, addressing other activists fi lled it in with concrete instead. As the great about race in America, he said, “Whether we philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman Since the election, I’ve worried with my friends know it or not, whether we live like it or not, we observed, “Hatred is destructive to the hated who fear that the threats against people of are already brothers and sisters. Not perhaps, and hater alike.” color, women, immigrants, refugees and maybe, someday, if we be good boys and girls, members of the LGBTQ community will be but already. Then our vocation becomes to be, Sometimes it’s also instructive. I was a chubby, made against them next. Or worse, acted upon. not to do but to be what we already are… ...to popcorn-loving white kid absorbing someone’s Over the past month, I’ve learned that the overt be what we are by our nature, reconciled to hand-me-down racism, unwittingly a participant bigotry most expect in Georgia isn’t hard to God and all his creatures, and unable to endure in the ongoing effort to keep whites and blacks fi nd here. Evidently, the President-Elect’s hateful the indignities and injustices that are heaped The Akron We Know apart. Estrangement is the aim of bigotry. The rhetoric has encouraged some of our fellow upon them.” less we get to know each other, the less likely Americans to behave in very un-American ways. A couple summers after my folks divorced, Mom we are to see each other as human and the When you connect with and care about got enough money together to get the three quicker we’ll default to thug, bitch, homo or Richard Spencer is one of those, a white someone else, you can’t ignore their suffering. of us kids a membership to the neighborhood terrorist instead of sister and brother. Disunity nationalist who says he views Mr. Trump’s Maybe this explains why I maintain greater faith pool so we’d have somewhere to go while she begets disunity. election as progress towards the “white ethno- in potlucks and parties than politics. It’s why I worked. Half the thrill was the half-mile walk state” desired by the “alt-right”. Speaking to started The Devil Strip and why we share stories down our street. The other half, for me, was About three miles from my neighborhood pool the National Policy Institute's conference this about the Akron we know. discovering Lance’s White Cheddar Popcorn. you’ll fi nd a shopping center called Baconsfi eld November, Spencer said, “We recognize the Even with the sweltering middle Georgia heat, Plaza. It was named for Baconsfi eld Park, which central lie of American race relations. We don’t That’s what I hope you fi nd in this issue: the I didn’t care much for swimming but I do love once belonged to US Senator Augustus Octavius exploit other groups. We don’t gain anything Akron we know. Inside, there about three to snack. Bacon. He deeded the land to the city upon his from their presence. They need us, and not the dozen of the coolest, most interesting people death and it became the nicest park in Macon. other way around.” we know. Some are women. Some are people That’s what I was doing at the pool when three However, a stipulation in his will allowed his of color. Some are members of the LGBTQ young black dudes walked through the gate. family to reclaim the land after integration That’s the lie of bigotry. It’s the lie of racism, community. Some come from other countries. They weren’t dressed for swimming, but that was federally enforced. His heirs sold it to misogyny and sexism, of homophobia, Some are our editors and contributors. All of wasn’t why they were being turned away. They developers. Islamophobia, xenophobia and hatred in them are Akronites. All are proof that we’re weren’t members. Until that moment, I hadn’t general. We all benefi t from each other’s stronger together. noticed that despite our neighborhood being In his will, Bacon wrote, “I am not infl uenced presence. Whatever friction Spencer sees a pretty representative mix of black and white by any unkindness of feeling or want of between races, I think, is actually caused by the Take care, working class households, there were no people consideration for the Negroes, or any colored continued efforts to keep us apart. Humans are Chris About the Cover - Rob Jordan's "Dream of a Future Spaceman" A freelance illustrator from Akron, Rob Jordan currently lives in Denver, where he serves as co-curator and retail relations at Helikon Gallery and Studios. I stumbled across the full-sized, uncropped version of his “Dreams of a Future Spaceman” at the Akron Art Prize and it was love at fi rst sight for me. As soon as I could get to my laptop, I searched for Rob, found his website and pretty soon after, he agreed to let us use his illustration on the cover, which is perfect. While we’re putting 2016 to bed, I think “Dreams” strikes just the right tone for those of us looking for good news in 2017.

When you get the chance, you should look up Rob and his work because it’s all stellar. He’s doing Akron proud, whether it’s creating graphics for the action sports industry or being featured in several galleries in the Denver area. Recently, his love of visual storytelling was featured in The Society of Illustrators’ 58th Annual Editorial and Book Exhibition in New York City. You can ﬁ nd him online at RobJordanart.com and on Instagram by following @sexualthunder.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 5 agenda í ì ê

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è The Devil’s Picks for music events in DecemberDozen by Kristina Aiad-Toss µ UA’s TubaChristmas City of Akron’s 29th Holocaust EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St. • Noon & 2:30pm In its 37th year and you still can’t get enough of this surprising annual Arts and Writing Contest performance. Tucker Jolly conducts a gift to the community Heads up, student writers and artists! The City of Akron has announced the 2017 theme for its from The University of Akron School of Music and EJ Thomas long-running contest is “When Hatred Becomes Law: The Eroding of Rights in Nazi Germany Hall, featuring hundreds of tubas with special guest tubist 1933-1939.” First place winners and their teachers will receive an all expense paid trip to Matthew Wilson, President of The University of Akron. Free Washington, D.C. All winners will be part of the annual exhibit from April 17 to May 17, for audience, $10 for performers. Interested in performing? 2017, as well as the awards ceremony and commemoration on April 25, 2017. But take note Contact Tucker Jolly at [email protected]. 330-972-8301 or because entries are due February 3, 2017. For complete contest information, visit the website [email protected]. at akronohio.gov/holocaust

Where can you see Create holiday memories at your Akron Zoo! Event Details: 6:00-9:00 p.m. Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-23 & 26-30 Be mesmerized by a spectacular lighting f lemurs, event at Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo types o ® and a sponsored by Kay Jewelers. Event may grizzly bears sell out. Buy tickets before they’re gone A at akronzoo.org. BALD EAGLE IN YOU’VE NEVER BEEN THIS CLOSE!

akronzoo.org

6 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM agenda

ë muggins!” and “You did it! Congratulations! the night before Christmas and all through the World’s best coffee!” So if that isn’t enough, A-K, everybody’s tired of family and looking to know there’ll be loads of candy, contests — get ...drunk. Or just to laugh. Lots of people Best Etch-a-Sketch, Best Costume, etc. — and like laughing. Like the people who go to prizes, fi repits for warmth, and Thirsty Dog Beer comedy shows, which is what The Akron Art for warmth and pleasure, as well as food and Show is. This is round 2, so whatchoo gone do? Artisan Craft Mead. ...AND you get to watch (Answer: Go.) Crack up with your favorite local the movie. Admission is free, by the way. Details comics and test your skills on the dance fl oor at bit.ly/ELFconAkron when the live music starts, knowing all along you’re raising money for the VH1 Save The è Grab ‘em By the Cookie, Pt. 2 Music Foundation, which supports youth music Sat., Dec. 17 from 4-8pm programs. Bring your extra big wallet to help Revival, 822 W. Market St, Akron Whoops, them reach their modest goal of raising 130x as they’re doing it again! Why? Because you much as last year’s event. ç cookie-grabbin’ mofos stormed the fi rst event and they sold out inside of an hour. So they’ll ‹ EarthQuaker Devices Movie Nite be prepared this time as you help them top the Tuesday, Dec. 27 • The Nightlight, 30 N impressive $2,135 the Akron and Cleveland High St, Akron • Two showings: 6:45pm events raised for Planned Parenthood health and 9:15pm EarthQuaker Devices and The centers in Northeast Ohio. Get details, ask Nightlight present "EarthQuaker Devices: A DECEMBER RELEASES questions and invite your friends to the Mini Movie" and “Goodnight Brooklyn - The Beck - Odelay Facebook event at bit.ly/GrabCookies2 then use Story of Death by Audio” double-feature for Jim James - Eternally Even é #grabmycookie to spread the word on social one night only. Hang out before/after the movie Tribe Called Quest - We Got if From Here….. media. Just remember: Don’t grab anyone’s for an EQD B-stock sale. Check out the full line Social Distortion - The Independent Years anything because sexual assault is not okay. of EQD effects at the headphone demo station. Plus 40% o All apparel Details at nightlightcinemas.com for the entire month. ê Trivia Night + Potluck Fundraiser Sat., Dec.17, potluck - 7pm; trivia - 8:30pm î Full Circle Storytelling, Vol. 2: Hive Mind, 373 W Exchange St, Akron Family Celebrations Bring a vegan/vegetarian dish, your thinking Weds., Dec. 28 at 7pm • Jilly’s Music Room, caps and some money for the donation jar. 111 N Main St, Akron Fans of events and Hive Mind is hosting its very fi rst trivia night! podcasts like The Moth and Snap Judgment Proceeds will go toward covering Hive Mind’s will feel right at home in Wandering Aesthetics’ costs and growth as a venue and safe space. Full Circle Storytelling, which has very quickly Email [email protected] or become a favorite for locals who know what’s go to the Facebook event page, which can be up. This month, The Devil Strip’s very own å John Cleese & “The Holy Grail” found at facebook.com/hivemindOH/events, to Chris Horne will host this month’s event, which Akron Civic Theatre • Sat., Dec. 10 - 7:30pm register your 5-7 person team. Registration is sounds like a reason to avoid it, but wait! He’ll This is not a test and it is not a joke. THE one $25 per team. Prizes will be awarded. BYOB. share a story so revealing, so embarrassing and and only John Cleese — Monty Python alum facebook.com/hivemindOH so shocking you are unlikely to ever forget it. and Mr. Basil Fawlty himself — will be in the Better yet, this event is free and open to the AK for an incredible evening that includes a ë GRADUATION: A Comedy Show public. Details available at watheatre.com screening of the comedy classic “Monty Python Rialto Theatre, Kenmore Blvd., Akron and The Holy Grail” followed by a Q&A with Sat., Dec. 17 at 8pm to midnight ï First Night Akron Mr. Cleese afterwards. Tickets are going fast so Chad Weaver’s sketch/stand-up/music/weird/ Sat., Dec. 31 at 6pm to midnight if you score one, consider yourself lucky! For inanimate objects/art piece/experience features All over downtown Akron details or to get your seats, visit them online at comedians Bill Squire, Alex Hirz, Jasmyn Carter, Woowee! We know where to fi nd some of our akroncivic.com. sketch group Pizza Money, musicians Nate Vaill favorite local acts playing on New Year’s Eve: and Darshawn Allen + many more. It’s also Mr. Kofi Boakye, Boy=Girl, The Gage Brothers, Jul ç Yoni HONORments Weaver’s graduation day, so if nothing else, it Big Green, Umojah Nation, and Wesley Bright see smART Studio, 678 Payne Ave, Akron will be a party in Akron, the "Paris, New York" and the Honeytones, among others. Like The here can you Create holiday memories Thurs., Dec. 15 at 6:30 - 8:30pm Akron Craft of Northeast Ohio. Akron Big Band. Didn’t know even know there W + Social Club presents an evening where you was a The Akron Big Band. Can’t wait for that. at your Akron Zoo! can learn hand-sewing FUNdamentals while í Crafty Mart at Goodyear On top of all the music (and inevitable dancing), creating felt ornaments that not only celebrate Friday, Dec. 23 at noon to 7pm • Goodyear you’ll fi nd performances by Magical Theatre Event Details: 6:00-9:00 p.m. the season, but celebrate and honor your Auditorium, 1201 E. Market Street, Akron Co. and Neos Dance Theatre with a very special Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-23 & 26-30 feminine power. A portion of the proceeds Rut-row. Looks like someone didn’t fi nish their PechaKucha, plus the return of Silent Disco. will benefi t Planned Parenthood of Greater Christmas shopping and you know certain death All this and it only sets you back $10?! And Be mesmerized by a spectacular lighting Ohio. BYOB. Grab Em By the Cookie will awaits you at the big box stores and national there’s a whole bunch of stuff we couldn’t list. s, event at Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo es of lemur provide baked treats in the shape of lady bits. chains. What ever will you do? Don’t sweat it Admission buttons are on sale now for $10 and typ sponsored by Kay ® Jewelers. Event may Registration is required. Register on Eventbrite, because Crafty Mart has your back. Plus, you are available at Acme Fresh Market stores, First and a because space is limited. $25 event registration know you’ve wanted to check out how the Merit Bank participating branches, the Akron Art ly bears sell out. Buy tickets before they’re gone grizz fee includes all supplies and materials. old Goodyear buildings are shaping up in the Museum, the Akron Civic Theatre Box Offi ce, at akronzoo.org. LE IN A facebook.com/akroncraftsocialclub East End Development, right? It’s a win-win. the Library Shop at Main at the Akron-Summit BALD EAG Details on the full list of artists and makers at county Main Library, Lock 3, Angel Falls Coffee YOU’VE NEVER BEEN é ELFcon craftymart.org. (And if you’re a procrastiHATER Shop and online. Children under 10 are free THIS CLOSE! Friday, Dec. 16 at 5pm - 9pm • Lock 4 then holler at Cottage Mart in Lock 3 on Dec. when accompanied by a button-wearing adult. Akron, 200 S. Main St, Akron Does it 10, 11, 17 and 18 starting at 11 am.) For artist descriptions, times, venues, map, even matter what’s happening at ELFcon so food guide and performance schedule, go to 2721 W. Market Street • Fairlawn akronzoo.org long as you fi nally get to seize the chance to ì The Akron Art Show downtownakron.com/explore/fi rst-night-akron. (234) 334-7484 dress up like Buddy the Elf and say things to Friday, Dec. 23 at 8pm - 11pm • Musica, hollowbonerecords.com strangers like, “Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny 51 E Market St, Akron Twas the night before Mon Closed Tue-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-5pm AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE the agenda There's Nothing to Do in Akron

THROUGH DEC. 31 hand out, as they spend the “dollars” they’ve Gesture, Form Line & Color: Exploring earned on Christmas gifts for their families. Contemporary Abstract Art • The BOX urbanvisionministry.org Gallery, 140 E Market St, 3rd Floor, Akron Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 5 pm; additional The Nighthawks • Jilly's Music Room 111 N hours: Dec. 3 and Dec. 31, 5 - 9pm • This Main St, Akron • 8pm • Playing and touring group show includes artists who employ since the early 1970s, this legendary blues rock a variety of disciplines including painting, outﬁ t brings the party to Akron all the way printmaking, metalsmithing, sculpture, textiles, from the nation’s capital. photography, and ceramics. The BOX Gallery is FREE and open to the public during exhibitions. Big Love Network Holiday Hullabaloo • artistsofrubbercity.org/Box_Gallery Mustard Seed Market and Cafe, Highland Square • Music begins at 9pm • Free community holiday party with music from Zach Friday, Dec. 9 & the Bright Lights with special guests. Rubber City Promotion presents Contrive facebook.com/TheBigLoveNetwork • Thursday’s Lounge, 306 E Exchange St. • 10pm • House and techno monthly show featuring Love Thang, Myster E and Justin Bailey. 18 and over. $5 cover. • facebook.com/ rubbercitypromotion

Gallery Talk - Glitter and Glamour • Akron Art Museum, 1 S High St, Akron • 2 - 3pm • Assistant Curator Elizabeth Carney will talk about two major works by Brooklyn-based artist Mickalene Thomas. Free for members, HEY ZANE Album Release • Ohio Brewing free for non-members with gallery admission. Company, 804 W Market St. • 8pm • All-ages akronartmuseum.org show featuring artists from the Akron music compilation HEY ZANE. ohiobrewing.com Oddmall: Chrishanukwanzmadan 2016 • Cultureal Center for the Arts, 900 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton •Saturday 10am - 6pm, Saturday, Dec. 10 Sunday 10 am - 5 pm • Northeast Ohio’s most unique exhibition of art, craft and everything interesting. chrishanukwanzmadan.oddmall.info New Year’s Eve in Akron

New Year’s Eve Greenshow Gala Cottage Mart • Lock 3, 200 S Main St, Akron Ohio Shakespeare Festival, 103 S High St, • Dec. 10 & 17, 11am - 7pm • Dec. 11 & 18, Akron • 8pm • It's been a big year for Ohio 11am - 5pm • Crafty Mart is working again this Shakespeare Festival, and they’re celebrating it year with the Downtown Akron Partnership to in style this New Year's Eve with their ﬁ rst-ever expand its Christkindl-style market at Lock 3. Greenshow Gala, including their "Best of the Local artists and makers are taking over eight of Greenshow Show." the cottages and they will surely enhance your Holidayfest experience downtown. Each of the Black tie optional, costumes encouraged. This three weekends in December, Cottage Mart will fancy-dress gala will include drinks and heavy feature an all-new curated collection of local hors d'oeuvres, mingling with friends and OSF artists and makers occupying the charming company members in the lobby, DJ and dancing wooden cottages. This event is made possible on the Greystone stage, pop-up scenes from by the generous support of The Muriel A. the Greenshow company to entertain you Zodrow Fund of Akron Community Foundation. throughout the night, champagne toast with th MOONLIGHT opens November 18 song at midnight. 99% on Rotten Tomatoes // A landmark film. Christmas with Dignity Store • Urban Vision, 749 Blaine Ave, Akron • 8 - 10am • The Best of the Greenshow Show will include 30 N HIGH ST Help offer children an hand up, rather than a your favorite sea shanties, drinking songs, SHOWTIMES AT AKRON HISTORIC ARTS DISTRICT NIGHTLIGHTCINEMA.COM NEAR CRAVE, URBAN EATS, & NUEVO WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the agenda

Thursday, Dec. 15 Nights, EYE, Me Time & The Raging Crush DEC. 16th 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. CVNP Festival of Lights • Cuyahoga Valley Thursday’s Lounge, 306 E Exchange St. • 9pm • Environmental, 3675 Oak Hill Rd, Peninsula • $5 • facebook.com/thursdayslounge 6 - 9pm • Join the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park in celebration of the winter solstice by learning why many cultures observe Saturday, Dec. 17 Daniel Horrigan, Mayor days of celebration during the month of Selfl ess Elf 5k • Akron-Canton Regional FIRST December. conservancyforcvnp.org Foodbank, 350 • Opportunity Pkwy, Akron • 8am • Put on your festive holiday-themed EVER costumes or running gear and join the fourth annual Selfl ess Elf 5k run/walk. $35 advance registration, $40 on-site registration. selfl esself.com

Winter Solstice/Yule Sabbat Ritual & Gallery Talk: Jimmy Kuehnle • Akron Art Celebration • The Dragon’s Mantle, 962 Museum, 1 S High St, Akron • 6:30pm • Jimmy Kenmore Blvd, Akron • 1 - 6pm • Drumming Kuehnle’s sculptures, created from coated and meet & greet at 1. Ritual begins at 2 pm, polyester and coated nylon fabric, infl ate and followed by potluck feast and fellowship. defl ate, breathing like an organism, sometimes dragonsmantle.webs.com even pulsating with light. The bright red piece he has created at the Akron Art Museum, Poetry Open Mic • Uncorked Wine Bar, 22 N Join us for the first ever ELFcon at LOCK 4 (located next to Lock 3 titled “Wiggle, Giggle, Jiggle,” engulfs the High St. • 5:30 - 8pm • Nervous Poodle Poetry and behind The Akron Civic Theatre.) Wear your best Elf gear (hats, museum entrance and stretches into the gallery, and Poetry in Akron host an open mic night. t-shirt or full costume if you like!) Watch the movie, enjoy The World's fi lling the space with a maze that can be 10 open slots: fi rst come, fi rst served. Signups Best Cup of Coffee, eat candy, candy corn, candy canes explored and even touched. Admission is free. begin at 5:30. facebook.com/akronpoetrycapital and maple syrup. Stay warm by the firepits. Prizes for best akronartmuseum.org costume, best Etch-A-Sketch drawing, singing and more. Winter Formal Christmas Party • Annabell’s Admission is FREE. Thirtsy Dog Beer, Artisan Craft Mead and Acid Cats Return to Hoppin’ Frog • Hoppin’ Bar & Lounge, 784 W Market St. • 9pm • Frog Brewery, 1680 E Waterloo Rd, Akron • Annual Christmas Jam featuring Missile Toe, food available. Don't be a cotton headed ninny muggins... 8pm • Enjoy good food and craft beer to the arguably the greatest Christmas band in the join the fun! sounds of the Acid Cats. hoppinfrog.com world. facebook.com/akronannabells Featuring Friday, Dec. 16 Thursday, Dec. 22 Brian Lisik and Get On Up! • Jilly’s Music Room • 5pm • Beloved local singing- songwriting rocker Brian Lisik is joined by the Northeast Ohio’s Largest Holiday Light Show butt-shaking funk of Get On Up! Details at jillysmusicroom.com

Open Mic Night Ugly Christmas Sweater Pizza Party • Aqueduct Brewing, 529 Grant St, Book Up, People: Akron Book Signing Akron • 7pm • Wear an ugly Christmas sweater Square Records, 824 W Market St, Akron 6 - and join the open mic fun, complete with pizza 8pm • Last minute holiday shopping and craft beer. aqueductbrew.com (continued on page 12)

and parody songs (including a brand new First Night one you'll only hear on this night!), as well as Downtown Akron • 6pm - midnight comedic swordplay with Folio Puckbottom and First Night Akron is Akron’s New Year’s Eve Nov. 25-27 & Dec. 1-4, 8-23, 26-30 Bard Shakesberry. Explore the different ticket community celebration and features the region’s Deck the Hall Festivities 5-8pm packages to gain access to even more exciting best in music, dance, theater, interactive and perks, such as all-inclusive drinks, early access visual arts. Admission buttons are on sale now to the event (including a special cocktail with for $10 and are available at Acme Fresh Market the actors) and raiding OSF’s costume wardrobe stores, First Merit Bank participating branches, for the night. All proceeds beyond the price of the Akron Art Museum, the Akron Civic Theatre A Storybook Christmas food and beverage go directly into the Ohio Box Offi ce, the Library Shop at Main at the Over 850,000 Holiday Lights Shakespeare Festival annual giving campaign Akron-Summit county Main Library, Lock 3, Decorated Manor House and are tax deductible. Tickets available at Angel Falls Coffee Shop and online. Children showclix.com. For more information, visit under 10 are free when accompanied by a Nightly Tree Lighting at 5:30pm ohioshakespeare.com. button-wearing adult. For artist descriptions, n Santa & Rudolph Meet-&-Greet times, venues, map, food guide and n Animated Windows It’s a Roxxy New Year performance schedule, go to downtownakron. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N Main St, Akron • com/explore/fi rst-night-akron. Gingerbread Land 8pm Ring in the new year with Roxxymoron. n Dazzle Light Show Doors at 7, music at 8. $60 includes all-night Nuevo New Year’s Celebration buffet, champagne toast, and a Jilly’s Music Starting at 5 pm Room champagne fl ute to take home. Buy Nuevo Akron will have music and special food & tickets at squareup.com. For more information, tequila pairings for New Year’s Eve. Reservations visit jillysmusicroom.com. required. Details at nuevomodmex.com 714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 stanhywet.org 330.836.5533 AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE the agenda

Ed. note: Mark gave this as a talk at the most recent PechaKucha Night in Akron. It's not just an excellent example of the reason PK has become my favorite local event, but it perfectly sets the tone for this issue. We who love Akron and its The Next Akron people have a lot to celebrate but we have a lot of work left to do. I think Mark Looking forward and behind words and slides by Mark Schweitzer does a compelling job here making the case that we will prevail. - Chris H.

hat I want to share is about how I somewhere else. They were imaginative, hard- Wsee the world. Let’s talk about vision: working people from other places and other Usually, when we talk about vision we are countries. For whatever reason — they were speaking of being able to imagine the future. drawn to Akron. How many people do you But I think it also means being able to look both know came here from somewhere else? forward AND backward. I’m also reminded that these people lived in a We all remember Haley Joel Osment in “The place with a strong sense of civic duty. One that Sixth Sense” when he said, “I see dead encouraged healthy competition but also smart people.” Well, I see old buildings, especially coordination, cooperation and collaboration. I the ones that aren’t there anymore. I look at old ask you: what is so different, now? photos of Akron and am amazed. For example, if you look at the area around B.F. Goodrich What all of this tells me is that the patterns about 65 years ago, it’s a marvel — the density and formulas for greatness don’t change. Only of buildings, the sheer amount of activity that the faces do. Just look at some of the Akron must be going on in those streets. But most all business and creative leaders of yesteryear – of those buildings are gone. It makes me shake and today. If you’ve study Akron’s past, you my head. may have read about some of these people in our history books. Now, the fact that so little is left is stunning to me. In most other Midwestern cities, a lot “We are knockin’ it out of the park. It can’t rebuilding demolishing and rebuilding again – I am also sure that, in the future, more books of these old buildings—these ghosts of the get any better than this.” But we know better, for better or for worse. As an example, think about the history of Akron and Summit County past—are still there. But then, Akron is not and right? Akron was just getting started. of the spot at Wallhaven that was home to will be written. Let me say without a doubt, never has been like most other Midwestern, the West Point Market. When the new Whole there are people you know—friends, neighbors, post-industrial cities. For most of our history, we Books have called Akron “The Rubber Industry’s Foods store is completed, I will have seen three co-workers, fellow artists and activists, including preferred to tear shit down. Rome”. As you look around at the greater different buildings on this site — in my own some of the people you read about here in The Akron Area there is plenty of evidence for lifetime. How many other cities have passed Devil Strip—who will be in those books. I’ve always loved the concept of Urban this. The Rubber Bowl, a mighty, ruined sports through so many waves of change to transform Archaeology. I look at a place and wonder facility, is our Coliseum. The Airdock, a marvel themselves into something totally new? We are Look around our community. We have “What was there before?” Sometimes there are of engineering, built with no visible means of still doing it. Entrepreneurs. Artists. Creators. Software clues. Sometimes you have to dig through old support, could be our version of The Pantheon. Coders. Poets and writers. Community leaders. books, old photo collections, old city directories. The stately, reclaimed brick and stone arches Now, this eye on the past is important to Above all, we have the thing we need MOST of But sometimes, I’ve discovered you don’t have found on the U of A campus remind one of the me, not because I like to dwell there, or keep all, and that is DREAMERS. to dig at all. Arch of Constantine. reminding myself “how great things used to be.” The French historian and political leader For example, I was checking out the Better The point is, go to Rome and you won’t find Jean Jaures said, “Take from the altars of the Block event in Middlebury this summer. I parked one true Roman who doesn’t look upon their That’s not the point. past the fire -- not the ashes.” It’s great to in Dave’s parking lot. Years ago, this spot was own landmarks and feel pride. Even after two appreciate the Old Akron. But look around home to a huge clay sewer pipe factory. So I go millennia, they still speak to — and about — What it does is remind me that many of these today and what will you see? You’ll see the walking over there and what do I find on the every Roman. Even today. past achievements were the result of happy faces of the people who are going to create ground? An old piece of clay pipe. Seriously, I accidents. It was about Akron having the right The Next Akron. could have tripped over it. How much closer are we to our own great people at the just right time. achievements? A half-century is just a blink of // Mark Schweitzer is a lifelong resident of Akron, As I mentioned in an article I wrote in October, an eye — 50 years, a speed bump. How do Many of these achievements were built who published a novel, “The Steadfast”, in 2002. With 30 years experience in advertising, marketing the clay product and cereal industries – these these achievements speak to us? What do they upon smarts, hard work, creativity. And we and public relations as a copywriter, account executive are Akron’s ancient empires. We only find say about Akron and the people who live here? have plenty of that in in Akron today, am I and creative director, Mark also designs and publishes traces now. An old coal pit. An old garage right? Look around at the next event where books via his American Biblioverken imprint. He made of clay tiles. Some pieces of these We tend to think about this history and feel a our creative people, our leaders and our maintains three blogs about some of his favorite empires are visible, others are found under later sense of loss. I think we need a need a broader, entrepreneurs are gathered and you’ll know this subjects: historical architecture, beer and Akron history. Currently Mark works at FirstEnergy and development. Like ancient Troy, they lie buried longer term perspective. is true. resides in Ellet, where he enjoys watching airplanes under all the things that came after. fly overhead, getting ice cream at Strickland’s and Akron really is one of the most unique and It’s also important to reflect on the fact that watching the Rubber Bowl become a worthy and Now, if you lived in Akron around 1900 people fascinating cities in America. No other city our many of these achievements were brought picturesque ruin. were probably saying to themselves: size has seen so much building, demolishing, about by outsiders who came here from

10 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the agenda

Akron-Americans Abroad Being overseas with the eyes of the world on the 2016 Presidential Election as told to Chris Horne Visit yourbus.org to track Being an American abroad can be odd at any time, but for some of our Akron friends who are currently traveling overseas, that sometimes strange experience blossomed into something more surreal as they watched your bus in real time! You from afar as the unexpected results of the 2016 Presidential Election became reality. Here our friends Stephanie Baker, a devoted member of the Akron Pizza Task Force who is currently teaching in France, and Josiah Sprague, a JavaScript engineer on a year-long globetrotting adventure, share their experience leading up to and following can also set up alerts for the election. There’s still some processing they must get through. As Stephanie writes, “I can’t really believe what happened, and while European news is reporting on it, I feel a distance. It’s almost as if this is all a crazy routes you ride. dream.” - Chris H.

WHERE ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE THINGS WHAT DO YOU THINK AMERICAN LOOKS LIKE THERE RIGHT NOW? LIKE IN FOUR YEARS? Stephanie Baker: I live and work in Le Mans; Stephanie: I really can’t imagine what will it’s a small city to the west of Paris. Everyone happen. here is in shock about the results. No one here Josiah: Hopefully we've managed to avoid thought Trump could possibly win. Everyone any major wars, and we haven't rolled back 50 understands that we live in a global society years of social progress toward equality. I think where this will have repercussions throughout people will be more angry about inequality, and the world. There aren't many Americans in my I hope we're able to channel that anger into city, and I frequently asked what I think about building a more equal world with life, liberty the election and what my friends and family are and justice for everyone. saying back in Akron. Josiah Sprague: I'm in Indonesia surrounded HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS TO by travelers from Canada, Austria, Sweden, PEOPLE WHO FEEL MARGINALIZED OR Switzerland and Pakistan. Appropriately, ENDANGERED BY THE RESULTS? Nov. 25th – Feb. 20th there was an ominous thunderstorm rolling in Stephanie: The results reﬂ ect the anger that yesterday as we watched the election results everyone is feeling. I think that we are seeing come in. Yesterday, Indonesians offered to the same things in other countries. Brexit is also marry me so I can have Indonesian citizenship a result of people voting to disrupt the system, as a consolation prize. Canadians told me that and the same anger is present in France, too. moving to their country is a privilege, not a Josiah: I don't want to offer an explanation. All consolation prize. The Swiss did a great job of I want to offer is my solidarity with the people remaining neutral. The Swede lost $10k on a and communities who have been overlooked. bet, and was more positive and talkative that Though our country has chosen to overlook Daniel Horrigan, Mayor I was. The Austrian reminded me that he was them, I will not overlook them, and I will born within 30 minutes of the Iron Curtain. continue to work for a world where people and And I spent the afternoon getting drunk with communities are not overlooked. As far as why the Pakistani and trying to ﬁ nd some ray of I think this happened, I think it boils down to hope, realizing that the only consequences to a lack of empathy. We need to become more me personally are hurt feelings while for her, familiar with people who are different than us, and a large percentage of Americans and good and cultivate shared values. people around the world, tangible suffering will come from this result. WHERE IS THE SILVER LINING? Stephanie: I am not sure there is a silver lining. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE RESULTS IN OHIO The best I can hope for is that this is the end of — NOT NECESSARILY SUMMIT CO. — WHAT the two-party system because it’s what caused DO YOU FEEL? this. In order to appeal broadly, the parties Stephanie: I look at the results in Ohio, and in aren’t representing the majority of people. the whole country, and I am reminded of the Voting for a third party shouldn’t be considered fact that people constantly vote against their throwing away a vote; choosing a candidate to own interests. Ohio is a rural state, but I had best represent your interests is the point. We ELFcon Dec. 16th hoped that people would look past single issues should look to Maine; they just voted for the and vote for the good of everyone. ability to rank their candidates. Josiah: Betrayed. Not surprised, in retrospect. Josiah: I think the silver lining is that young $ Most Ohioans I know, and in Akron and people did not support Trump. Trump's America Unlimited All-Day Pass Summit County, did not vote for Trump. But is not the future of America. I hope that in four 12 Holiday and Birthday I now see that I am much more disconnected years, we can cultivate more empathy and care LOCK 3 ALSO OFFERS: NEWLY EXPANDED! Party Packages, Private Rentals, Group AkronKids.org from rural Ohio than I realized. for people who aren't in the same demographic Sales and Fundraising Opportunities. Located at Lock 3 as us.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE the agenda

Akron WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE AT STANDING ROCK Local musician’s fi rst-person account of HERstory: joining water protectors in North Dakota by Sydnie Barnette Shirla R McClain n late August, the little information my dad one in the morning. I go out to Costco every By Ilenia Pezzaniti and I had of the pipeline and happenings few days and bring back food,” Sam said. Iin North Dakota came from small local and Shirla R. McClain is such a badass, she has her independent news articles reposted by our We ventured to the main camp around dusk. own Wikipedia page. An Aquarius, only born more socially aware friends on Facebook. Soon A donation of $2000 was being made to the three days and 55 years before me, baby Shirla we found ourselves passing through North Standing Rock Sioux camp. A truck was parked was birthed on February 4, 1935. Dakota to join the Standing Rock Sioux water with the gift of a beautifully painted totem pole protectors. sent by a tribe from Washington. The sense of Shirla was a big deal here in Akron. And in solidarity was amazing. A man got on the PA our need, especially with the current election, At a point down Highway 6, we ran into police after dinner to make an announcement. He Shirla continues to be a pioneer for minority blocking the road. We assumed they were reminded us to remain in a constant state of recognition, equality, and leadership in the trying to mitigate access to the camp, but we tent all the way up. We have brown recluse prayer. He told us to love our fellow man and African American history of Akron, even in her later learned they were blocking the main route spiders.” to stay peaceful. Everything always came back death, as both a champion of race and gender. to the reservation’s casino in an attempt to to peace. reduce traffi c to their main source of income. We took our cameras back to the car and be- Shirla earned her PhD in 1975. Her The police sent us down an adjacent road and gan unpacking our tent, almost instantaneously The next morning, I walked up to main camp dissertation, “The Contributions of Blacks in eventually we came upon a prayer camp. we were met by protectors. Did we need help and was stopped by a woman who invited me Akron: 1825-1975,” was published as a book with our tent? Were we hungry? When had we to a women's water ceremony. The women and and widely used by those studying African Two friendly teens with walkie-talkies greeted gotten in? There was a real sense of camarade- I met there were very inviting and warm. We American history in Akron. It became her us at the gate and gave us a run-down of the rie. We learned that many protectors had been waded in the river together, sunk knee-deep in mission to tell the story of African Americans rules, main information and medic tents down there for over a month, others just a few days. the mud and prayed for the government, the in the city. She graduated from The University by the fi re pit. No drugs or alcohol. Respect All were eager to offer us any support they protectors, peace, protection and understand- of Akron with a Bachelor’s, Master’s and the camp, protectors and the earth, and don’t could. ing in all four directions. Then we scooped up Doctorate in education. She became a teacher, forget to remain in a constant state of prayer. some water into a wooden bowl and prayed working with Headstart, elementary and That was when we met a man named Sam over it, passing it around to one another. I felt secondary students, and eventually became a We drove into camp, passing around fi fty fl ags, from Seattle, who was representing his tribe a palpable sense of community, surrounded professor at Kent State University and Walsh each representing a different tribe that stood in from Hawaii. Sam had stopped by with his by such a compassionate and strong group of University. Shirla went on to publish over 15 solidarity with Standing Rock. Dad and I parked family. He said they'd come without knowing women of all ages. articles and 45 academic papers. In 1994, at the end of a row of teepees and tents. Imme- what to expect, because of such little media the University of Akron honored her with diately we strapped on our cameras and took attention, they relied mostly We walked back to main camp singing, fi sts an Alumni Honor Award for Excellence in off to photograph everything we could. on word-of-mouth for their in the air and the protectors we Professional Achievement. information. They showed up just passed raised their fi sts in solidarity. A man on a horse who had an air of authority wanting to help. They'd found a Not only was she a ninja at education, she was approached us. He was patient and kind as he purpose though, and intended // Sydnie Barnette is a musician, writer, activist and community organizer from Kent, also an activist. She pushed for Black History explained that we should ask for permission be- to stay for as long as there were Ohio, currently residing in Eugene, Ore- curriculum in Akron Public Schools, and her fore taking photographs of anyone or anything. mouths to feed. gon. She and her sister Kreigh performed dissertation/book inspired a gallery on Akron’s for 12 years around Akron and Northeast Ohio as Vivian and Midge Ramone in folk- Black History. The Gallery of Akron’s Black “Oh,” he told us, “and don’t forget to zip your “We cook breakfast for every- punk duo ShiSho. History opened in 1994, with Shirla serving as a co-chair of the gallery’s endowment (continued from page 10) The Brothers Band EP Release w/ Acid campaign. She and the committee collected opportunity: meet four Akron-area authors and Cats and Coup de Grace • Annabell’s Bar Thursday, Jan. 6 artifacts and historical documents. In 1997, purchase their books. Cory Michael Sheldon, & Lounge, 784 W Market St, Akron • 9pm • the gallery opened its fi rst exhibit, “Blacks in DX Ferris, Ann Otto and Joanna Wilson will be Release for the new EP, “her.” No cover. Education.” there to sign books. brothersband.bandcamp.com soundcloud.com/ thebrothersband That same year, Shirla passed away from Anne E. DeChant • Jilly’s Music Room • 8pm adrenal gland cancer, and the gallery was • This Nashville-based pop Americana musician renamed in her honor. At her funeral, she was is a Cleveland native on a swing through Tuesday, Dec. 27 remembered in high regards. Reverend Ronald tour of Northeast Ohio for the holidays. EarthQuaker Devices Movie Nite • The Fowler of Arlington Church of God called jillysmusicroom.com Nightlight, 30 N High St, Akron • Two showings: Daniel & the Best Dressed, Allen Cruz & the her “a tremendous giant in our community,” 6:45pm and 9:15 pm • EarthQuaker Devices Galaxy, Reddy Freddy? (from Columbus), & furthering his respect and admiration of and The Nightlight present "EarthQuaker Of Heart & Mind • The Empire Concert Club, Shirla by adding, “She taught us to believe in Friday, Dec. 23 Devices: A Mini Movie" and Goodnight 1305 E. Tallmadge Ave. • Doors at 7pm. Show ourselves, in our potential as people, to make Crafty Mart @ Goodyear • Goodyear Brooklyn - The Story of Death by Audio at 8 pm. • The show is a "single release" show contributions to the broader community and to Auditorium, 1201 E Market St, Akron • 12 - double-feature for one night only. Hang out for Daniel & the Best Dressed’s new single: be proud of our African-American heritage.” 7pm • Last minute holiday shopping from a before/after the movie for an EQD B-stock sale. "Understanding." Tickets: $8 presale, $10 at curated collection of handmade artists and Check out the full line of EQD effects at the the door. Details, visit empireconcertclub.com Can I get an Amen? makers. craftymart.org headphone demo station. nightlightcinemas.com

12 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the arts THE AKRON ART SCENE Peek into the “Valley of Progress” Q&A with author Cory Sheldon

by Melanie Anderson

which are the highest peaks in the world. suggested reading order listed on the website, some story specifi c audio accompaniment. I There, he plans on creating a forward thinking, which is also the order they will be published. like immersion with stories, reading with an technological utopia. The result of that So I'd start with “The Murde Mountains— imagination as powerful as when I was a child, pilgrimage is where most of the story Archive 1.” hopefully all the extra stuff helps with that. takes place. Akron is known for its place in the quickly MA: Your website has a fascinating section MA: It seems as though a lot of work has changing industrial scene of this region. Author During the course of the story, we follow a called the Catalogue, containing images gone into developing the world of your Cory Sheldon, an Akronite and teacher of fi lm spectrum of individuals from a former civil and soundbites of the valley. Can you tell story. How do you go about building a and design has taken these familiar scenes enforcer named Gozen, to a young, ambitious us a little about those? fi ctional world? and stories and developed a world of industry, farmer named Nia, to an idiosyncratic heir of CS: My design background is partially to blame, CS: Studying Visual Communication Design power, and ambition in his new series, “Valley an industrial empire named Jin—just to name but I have an enthusiastic appreciation for at Ohio State, I got well conditioned to a of Progress.” This last month, the fi rst two a few. immersive, supplemental material produced scientifi c approach to the arts, which included books of the series, “Chigou” and “The Murde to support any work of fi ction. I certainly feel an ongoing process of research, outlining, Mountains,” were celebrated with an offi cial MA: I see there are two books so far: the books need to stand on their own, but I sketches, iterations etc. I like to build up the book launch event in Akron. “The Murde Mountains—Archive 1” and couldn't help myself building out the world story in layers; fi rst outlining a world, then “Book 1—Chigou.” Should they be read in other mediums. I created advertisements a plot, fi guring out character actions and MELANIE ANDERSON: Can you tell me a consecutively, or are they separate stories for companies and cafés, blueprint drawings motivations, and ending with dialogue and little about your book? What is the setting, about the same place? How should readers for machines and vehicles from the story, and details. The process loops back on itself and I and who are some of the characters that approach the books? of course, maps, which are always helpful just keep creating, recording, and organizing we can expect to meet? CS: The series will contain three novellas and for any "world-building" piece of fi ction. I as needed in order to fi ll out the world for the CORY SHELDON: “Valley of Progress” takes three novels. The shorter books—Archive 1, generally avoid drawing characters or anything characters and the readers. Being my fi rst novel, place in a fi ctional world, but similar to the 2 and 3—tell stories that take place before too directly connected, as I like to allow the there was certainly a moment where I had to western world during the end of the industrial the main novels. The Archives are structured reader to illustrate with their mind, and have stop and appreciate just how much I needed to revolution. The series begins as a visionary more as self-contained stories, but connect to all these extra pieces simply fi ll in the edges. I invent. I may have questioned my sanity a few industrialist named Jean Batsu leads a group the overall narrative of the main books, which also wrote a few pieces of semi-ambient music times, spending hours coming up with street of followers towards the Murde Mountains, follow a longer, continuous timeline. There is a that continuously loop, so readers can have (continued on page 37)

and "Lives" are in Flower Poems. admittedly fl awed: "maybe I am part of the written by the NEO-based band DEVO. problem" ("Pando," line 32). The last poem Book Review: Published by Frontier Slumber Press, Flower in the chapbook, titled "Lives," dwells on "If I had any goal, it is simply to be an outlet Poems was released this year. This is Mertz’s fi rst the importance of pain for existence. Even as for others—for writers who have just published FLOWER chapbook, and she has a lot of advice for those the speaker says, "some days I am // dripping a book or chapbook and are looking for some who are thinking about publishing their own. so much human sadness" (lines 18-19) she publicity, and for listeners who are looking to POEMS admits that "the pain / is welcome because I take a breather from the world to grab a drink Katie Mertz "My advice to writers looking to have a understand // it is fl eeting" (lines 14-16). It is and, maybe, be inspired in some way" chapbook published is going to sound really this raw emotional honesty that makes me love says Mertz. by Noor Hindi cheesy, and probably not all that helpful: Flower Poems. Don’t Stop. A lot of the writing and publishing Check out Flower Poems by process can wear on you, but it’s so important Mertz is a graduate of the visiting Frontier Slumber’s Katie Mertz's new chapbook Flower Poems to just keep going because the work itself is too NEOMFA, and an employee at website at is exploding with dazzling images and fi erce important to give up on," Mertz says. the Akron-Summit County Public frontierslumber.com. humor. Readers will fall in love with this Library. She also co-curates the collection because it's quirky and emotionally Flower Poems does an excellent job at exposing Big, Big Mess Reading Series, a Keep up with the Big, Big Mess compelling. Mertz's voice is honest and funny, the tension between hope and despair. There's monthly event that hosts local by visiting their Facebook. and I want to carry so many of these poems an underlying sadness threaded throughout and national poets at Annabell's // For more poetic badassery, check in my pocket for the rainy days. Although this the chapbook that is balanced with a brave Bar and Lounge. The Big, Big out The Nervous Poodle Poet’s blog chapbook only houses 12 poems, some of my refl ection on the nature of mankind. The Mess takes its name from the at nervouspoodlepoetry.com. Then go favorites, including "Rebuilding the Titanic" speaker feels very human because she is song "Big Mess," which was write some poems, you poet, you.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 13 the arts

ILENIA PEZZANITI Occupation: Freelance artist, photographer, videographer, storyteller, and writer Multimedia Storyteller and Herstory columnist for The Devil Strip Multimedia Storyteller for United Way of Summit County Project and Production Assistant at Pritt Entertainment Group Hometown: Tallmadge, OH Current neighborhood: Highland Square

I’m a jack-of-all-trades and still mediocre at best, with a better attitude. I’m a tinkerer, creative-problem solver, and a constant learner. I’m a big-hearted, anxiety-ridden, sassy woman, an animal lover, a germaphobe, a gut-instinct goer, and a ﬁ rst generation Italian-American. I like history and thinking outside of the box. My closest relationship is with food. I am very proud to own a vagina—my vagina. ...I wasn’t supposed to end up in Akron. My roommates and I were looking for a place in Kent, but couldn’t ﬁ nd anything. ...Everyday I’m grateful I ended up here and not where I thought I wanted to be. Now I’m here because I’m connected, my lifestyle alliances, the beautiful Devil Strip magazine and the walkability. (Photo by Ilenia Pezzaniti)

BRONLYNN THURMAN Occupation: Program Associate for Knight Foundation, Program Assistant for GAR Foundation, Arts Editor for The Devil Strip Hometown: Akron Current neighborhood: Cuyahoga Falls

I would consider myself a Creative (with a big C) ﬁ rst and foremost. Without my art, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Beyond that, I'm a Black woman, bibliophile, storyteller, Akronite and nature lover. I often immerse myself in whatever I’m doing. Some may call it escapism, and it very well may be, but I like to think of it as being wholly present. I do a lot, so my mind is constantly running on overdrive. Reading and hiking give me a chance to step outside of ILENIA myself, my thoughts, and truly connect to stories, to a world beyond my own. PEZZANITI (Photo by Paul Hoffman)

THURMANBRONLYNN YOLY MILLER Yoly Heisler, or even Elvira Yolanda Miller Heisler, but I prefer to keep it simple, Yoly Occupation: Writer, poet, storyteller, photographer Hometown: El Paso, TX, but Akron has been my hometown for half my life. Current neighborhood: East End of Northside, just one street over from downtown

I am a social butterﬂ y. I love meeting new people and visiting new places. I love intelligent conversation, learning new things, and I surround myself with creative, civic-minded people. That is why I love Akron so much. Everywhere I go, everywhere I look, there is something new and exciting happening. It's not just in the arts and culture scene, but in business and academia as well. People are not only being creative and innovative, they support other creatives and share their knowledge. This has given me the incentive to push (promote) as much of what I see and experience as I can. Someone needs to be the highlighter, I'm that MILLERYOLY highlighter. (Photo by Svetla Morrison) 14 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the arts

ILENIA PEZZANITI SHANE WYNN Occupation: Freelance artist, photographer, videographer, storyteller, and writer Occupation: Photographer Multimedia Storyteller and Herstory columnist for The Devil Strip Multimedia KYLE Hometown: Canton Storyteller for United Way of Summit County Project and Production Assistant at Current neighborhood: Highland Square Pritt Entertainment Group Hometown: Tallmadge, OH I love people. I collect them like some people Current neighborhood: Highland Square collect salt and pepper shakers; I have the fi nest collection. I am enamored by the rooms I’m a jack-of-all-trades and still mediocre at best, with a better attitude. I’m of people I fi nd myself in here in Akron. I am a tinkerer, creative-problem solver, and a constant learner. I’m a big-hearted, a champion for the underdog as I am aware anxiety-ridden, sassy woman, an animal lover, a germaphobe, a gut-instinct goer, of the uneven playing fi eld that is life. I want and a fi rst generation Italian-American. I like history and thinking outside of the to help raise awareness through my camera. I box. My closest relationship is with food. I am very proud to own a vagina—my don’t like being told I can’t do something and vagina. ...I wasn’t supposed to end up in Akron. My roommates and I were therefore have worked for myself for a very looking for a place in Kent, but couldn’t fi nd anything. ...Everyday I’m grateful I long time. I recently took a test that indicated ended up here and not where I thought I wanted to be. Now I’m here because my overriding trait is that of a risk taker. I was I’m connected, my lifestyle alliances, the beautiful Devil Strip magazine and the completely unaware that I am one. (Photo by walkability. (Photo by Ilenia Pezzaniti) WYNNSHANE self portrait)

BRONLYNN THURMAN Occupation: Program Associate for Knight Foundation, Program Assistant for GAR Foundation, Arts Editor for The Devil Strip Hometown: Akron BENJAMIN Current neighborhood: Cuyahoga Falls KYLE & BENJAMIN Name: KYLE JOZSA BENJAMIN REXROAD I would consider myself a Creative (with a big C) ﬁ rst and foremost. Without Occupation: Storyteller/Director of Education, Managing Artistic Director, my art, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Beyond that, I'm a Black woman, Wandering Aesthetics Wandering Aesthetics bibliophile, storyteller, Akronite and nature lover. I often immerse myself in Hometown: Stow Portage Lakes whatever I’m doing. Some may call it escapism, and it very well may be, but I Current Neighborhood: Downtown (West Hill Border – We’ve heard our residence will like to think of it as being wholly present. I do a lot, so my mind is constantly soon be included as part of West Hill) running on overdrive. Reading and hiking give me a chance to step outside of myself, my thoughts, and truly connect to stories, to a world beyond my own. “Akron is a high place. Akron is a low place. Akron is my home.” And Akron is our home. NOOR (Photo by Paul Hoffman) I love that we have family ties to Akron. I love that Akron is a welcoming city. I love that HINDI in Akron, folks are quick to encourage rather than discourage. I love that Akron is full of NOOR HINDI free-thinking creatives looking to better not only this community, but the world. I Occupation: Public Service Assistant at Kenmore Branch Library. Student at the University of Akron, love that Akron provides us with valuable resources, such as time and space. I love that The Devil Strip Literary Arts Editor. Akron has granted us – and many others – the opportunity to live out our dreams. I love Hometown: Firestone Park that Akron – like it’s community – is always striving for greatness. I love the very name of Current neighborhood: Firestone Park this city – AKRON. ...Benjamin and I are best described as intrepid explorers – wanderers, if you will. Together we form a dynamic duo (#DogAndBearAdventures) bent on I'm an Arab-American immigrant. I'm also Muslim. I was born in Amman, Jordan, but I've lived in the discovering our American roots and identity through the lens of narrative. We use our Northeast Ohio community my entire life. Right now, I live in Firestone Park. My favorite Akron event is work as an investigation into the art of storytelling and the ever-changing dynamics PechaKucha, my favorite spot here is Nervous Dog Coffee, and my favorite place to grab pizza is Pierre's between performer and audience. We endeavor to build community through person-to- Pizza in Kenmore, right across from where I work. Right now, I've really been enjoying hosting poetry person contact, connecting disparate "tribes" through our performances, studying the readings for local writers in Akron, as well as promoting current literary events and organizations here. human link in our diverse cultural heritage. (Photo by Shane Wynn) (Photo by Grace Ebner)

THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2017

Intersections: Artists Master Line and Space is organized by the Akron Art Museum and generously supported in part by the Lehner Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council. Special thanks to Hilton Garden Inn – Akron.

Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation One South High I Akron, OH 44308 I AkronArtMuseum.org

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 15 the arts

MEGAN COMBS STACI JORDAN SHELTON Occupation: Webinar Manager and Occupation: Fiber Artist TDS Assistant Arts Editor Hometown: Cleveland Hometown: Green Current neighborhood: Wallhaven Current neighborhood: Copley How do you identify? Artist. It took a long time to embrace it since I was I am constantly surprised by the number taught that it's not a "real" job. My background is Training & Organizational of generous, caring and creative people Development. Development. I have a passion for seeing people improve. I still I meet on a daily basis. I love being do Training and Diversity & Inclusion consulting. But creativity, art, artisans surrounded by all of them. I started and artists are my air. It's what I do and who I am. My goal is to use my working with The Devil Strip because I passion for humans and my art to inspire change. (Photo by Jef Janis, Double had no idea what was going around me Vision Photographic) at any given time. As an editor, and a reader in general, I've gotten to know so much about this city, which gives me the ability to pimp it out to everyone I meet. I love gushing about how great Akron is and why people should visit. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our city. It's such an exciting and invigorating time to be an Akronite. (Photo by MEGAN Steve Combs) COMBS

STACI MORRISONSVELTA SHELTONJORDAN SVETLA MORRISON Occupation: Photographer, The Devil Strip Visuals Editor Hometown: a small town in Bulgaria Current neighborhood: Akron

I left my hometown when I was 18. I'm turning 40 (like in 2 days). I have lived in quite a few places. Akron is the only place, other than my hometown, that has made me feel like HOME again, 22 years later. I am forever grateful for the incredible people I've met here, since day one. They have offered me, as new to this country and how things work here, so much support, help and understanding. And treating me as an equal contributing member. I wouldn't have been where I am today without those carrying souls. When I think Akron, I think about all these countless loving hearts. Akron is a truly unique place. I hope everyone who lives here sees it too.

KRISTINA AIAD-TOSS Occupation: UA Student, Buchtelite News Editor, ZPN Traditional Events Chair Hometown: Youngstown Current neighborhood: University Park

The best part of Akron is by far all of the amazing people I've met. Wherever I go in Akron I always meet interesting people who have amazing stories to tell. Everyone I've met has touched me in a unique way or taught me something. I'm also incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities I have had here in Akron and at the University. I've gotten to study abroad in Spain, be a part of different organizations at the University, I'm studying the things I love, and I discovered how much I love journalism. I've gotten to write for two awesome publications—The Devil Strip and the Buchtelite—where I've gotten to tell all of the amazing stories of the people I have met here. (Photo self portrait) KRISTINAAIAD-TOSS 16 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM 18 KNIGHT ARTS WINNER ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO ACHIEVE GOALS

20 COMMUNITY THEATER EMBODIES culture club THE VOICE OF AKRON AKRON'S COMMUNITY & CULTURE 22 CALLING ALL BIBLIOPHILES! Part 1: Putting i shovel down when you hit rock bottomV Abuse and violence led this man to addiction. Here’s how he found his way out.

written by Noor Hindi; photography by Ilenia Pezzaniti

6 min. read

ED. NOTE: Be advised the following story This began at home. Red was affected by more than just the trauma "I ended up homeless in southern California at contains adult language and describes drug use, of the abuse he suffered or being witness to a really young age. I ended up robbing a gas graphic violence, child abuse and suicide.  his stepfather’s suicide. It was what the abuse station with a knife. There was a police chase. I ——————————————————— taught him. got busted. They sent me to Corcoran," Red’s stepfather quit spanking him when he Red says. ed hair, red beard, red shirt and a red was 10 years old. Instead, he would take the "At that time, I became very violent. I was bandanna. It seems obvious why people boy out to the backyard to fi st fi ght. During one always in fi ghts and I was in special schools. I At Corcoran State Prison, Red says he joined R call him “Red”, but really, it’s short for of these assaults, when Red was just 13, his learned that the most violent person had all the the Aryan Brotherhood, which he describes as Redwood. He’s built like one. His large frame stepfather broke Red’s arm. His mother fi nally power, and I defi nitely wanted the power. I was a perfect fi t because he was a huge kid who easily fi lls the doorway of this Ravenna trailer. stepped in, threatening to kick his abuser out. It thirsty for it.” loved violence. Plus, he had access to needles He’s at least six feet tall and his giant arms are didn’t stop for long. because of his diabetes. There, he was willing covered in tattoos.  to do anything. Later that year, Red went out with his William “Red” Birchfi eld is intimidating grandfather for a whole day on the canoe. He Red ended up in foster care for a while, but "They were pit fi ghting guys there. They'd send without necessarily intending to be. It’s easy came back so severely sunburned, he had to ran away to fi nd his mom, who was managing me and a black guy out, or me and a Mexican to imagine that, if he wanted to be, Red could stay home from school to recover. That day, he a few bars in downtown Kent. In those bars, guy out, and we'd fi ght in the yard, videotaped, be genuinely frightening, which you get the mistakenly left an ice cream sandwich on the he met members of punk, metal and rock and the guards would bet on it. And if you sense he knows and has, in the past, used to bathroom sink, where it melted. That’s where bands like Hed PE, Coal Chamber and SNOT. weren't the guy they bet on, they'd shoot you his advantage. Multiple times, he will tell us, his stepfather found it. He followed one back to California at age 16, if you lost.” "I love violence." When he admits to joining working as a roadie while they toured. He says the Aryan Brotherhood in prison, every fi ber of "He pulled his belt off and just started beating he smoked a lot of pot, drank a lot and played He found more than an outlet for the violence my Arab-American being goes on alert. This is me with it. Because of all the blisters, my skin around with psychedelics, but never did heroin. he kept pent up. "I fi nally had father fi gures not, however, the way he wants to live going peeled off, and I was bleeding everywhere really that I thought loved me and cared about me. I forward. It is not, in fact, who he is anymore. bad," Red says. "My mom was in Vegas, and After the tour ended, Red lived with one of fi t in really well there." when my sisters got home, they called mom and the drummers, but when the bands left for a Today, Red is closing in on two years of said, 'We think dad killed him' because I was European tour, he couldn’t join them because But it wasn’t “Ozzie and Harriet.” This was sobriety. He’s married with three kids. He’s been bleeding, and I was just out from the pain.’" he was still on the run from foster care and where, at 18, Red injected heroin for the fi rst promoted to supervisor by an employer who couldn't get a passport. (continued on page 37) gives him the fl exibility to help others, whether True to her word, Red's mom kicked her he’s putting together bicycles to give away at husband out, but a few days later, he came Christmas through the Akron area nonprofi t back with a .38 handgun. He fi red a few rounds IN JANUARY issue Elves & More, or establishing a support group in the kitchen and everyone scattered to the Red says… in his hometown for other recovering addicts. back porch. That’s when Red's stepfather shot “So, I'm in jail. I know that I'm going away for a long time. They're talking like 30 It’s important to know up front his story has a himself in the head. years. And I'm just — I don’t know — I'm not at peace with it, but I'm not letting it happy ending because it won’t seem possible change who I am or what I'm trying to do. ...I went in front of the judge, and I said, considering how it starts. He didn’t come “We looked like a great family, you know?” ‘Look, I take accountability for this. I've never gotten a chance in my life. Y'all have to his heroin addiction through prescription Red says. “But nobody knew that my mom had been throwing the key away for years, and honestly, I don't blame you because I painkillers. He was 18 and already in a warrants for selling cocaine to a federal agent, didn't deserve a chance. I'm not saying I deserve one now, but I think that if you were California prison on an armed robbery charge and when he would beat our ass, nobody called to give me a chance right now, this would probably be the best opportunity in my when he fi rst shot up. the cops, because mom would go to jail.” whole life because I think I can run with it.’”

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 17 culture club culture Humans OF AKRON

776 N. Main St. ABDULSALAM MOHAMMED DAARU Occupation: Senior Nursing Ofﬁ cer, social entrepreneur, Lead Akron Ohio 44310 Researcher of The PPF Research and Peace Institute of Ghana, Peace Activist from Ghana working to promote peace in Ghana and globally Tavern for the Night through research, national dialogue, advocacy and consultation. Hometown: Ghana, a West African nation that was ﬁ rst to achieve • Burgers • independence in 1957 in sub Saharan African. It is a country of political • Salads • and interreligious stability in Africa with rich history and heritage. Current neighborhood: Highland Square • Sandwiches • • Steaks • What do you like about Akron? • Cocktails • Akron means a lot to me because of the unique transformation I have witness in this four months period. I think more global now than ever • Desserts • before and feel more obliged to work for global peace. There are many • Appetizers • things that make Akron unique across many of the communities and • Pasta • states of America that I visited in the course of this fellowship. I really love the collective sense of neighborhood that I see more in Akron. We were welcomed to Akron at Angel Falls on the eve of the memorial service of the late Summit County Executive Russ Pry. On many occasion we We can satisfy received visitors from the neighborhood in our house. That for me tells your appetite more about the bond and connections between the people of Akron as supposed to the general notions of Americans being independent and individualistic.

How do you identify yourself? My vision is to contribute to creating a world where humanity live in absolute peace with each other with a great sense of respect for diversity and conﬂ ict is resolved through mediation, dialogue and not through war. I dream of a globe where humanity see themselves as global citizens and 2.3139 in committed to creating opportunities for all regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or race. ...When I return to Ghana, my focus will be to put a team x 12.75 in to begin working on achieving that. I feel obliged as an international ambassador of Akron to introduce Akron to a lot more Ghanaians

What did you think of your ﬁ rst experience with snow? My ﬁ rst snow experience was a unique and memorable occasion I will

(continued on page 36) ABDULSALAM MOHAMMED DAARU

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JUDI HILL Occupation: retired administrator Akron Public Schools. Currently, in my second term as president Akron NAACP. Hometown: Oberlin, Ohio--major stop on the Underground Railroad. One of the ﬁ rst colleges to allow women and African America. Current neighborhood: Copley

I am a mother, grandmother, wife, educator, and woman of strong faith. I came to Akron to attend college and teach. I taught students and adults in the Akron Public Schools and my church. As president of Akron NAACP arnie’s I advocate for the political, social, educational and economic well being. I ap have a special interest in educational opportunities and advancement for public our youth. I love my God, my family, reading, traveling and justice. I love when human words align with human actions and human spirit for the house betterment of society. (Photo by Svetla Morrison)

ARTHUR FREEMAN Arthur Freeman, 69, of Akron, is homeless. He sits at the corner of Elegantly Casual JUDI W. Exchange and Rand every day, rocking back and forth in his chair, Dining featuring HILL collecting donations. His inhaler recently ran out, and he’s hoping to get Modern Twists on a new one. "Everyday is a good day long as he wakes me up," Freeman Your Favorite says. (Photo by Ilenia Pezzaniti) Comfort Foods and Classic Cocktails

SCOTT PIEPHO AND FAMILY 1682 W. Market St Name: ELIZABETH REILLY SCOTT PIEPHO at Westgate Plaza Occupation: Retired legal educator ...... Writer in Akron Hometown: Woodbury, NJ ...... Wadsworth, OH Current Neighborhood: Merriman Hills ...... Merriman Hills 330-867-0154

NAOMI PIEPHO Open 7 days a week Occupation: Student 11:00am-2:30am Hometown: Akron by way of Tam Ky, Vietnam Current Neighborhood: Merriman Hills

We are a loving family in the process of setting two amazing young TRY ONE OF OUR women loose upon the world. Akron has lots of big-city amenities without the scaled-up big-city problems. (Not Pictured: Chloe Piepho, WESTGATE PLAZA Student/Artist from Akron) (Photo by Shane Wynn) RESTAURANTS!

FREEMANARTHUR MADHU SHARMA Occupation: Attorney; Director of Immigrant Services at the International Institute of Akron Akron’s Home Hometown: Born in Jalandhar, India; grew up in New London, Ohio, of the All Day spent the last 18 years in Los Angeles before moving back to Akron last Breakfast year featuring a Current neighborhood: lives in Stow; works in North Hill. Bloody Mary I work as a human rights attorney, and it grounds me, but I'm also a Menu, Mimosas writer. I represent victims of state-sponsored torture, violent crimes and much more... and human trafﬁ cking from all over the world, and I've helped people who are undocumented in the United States secure immigration status 1688 W. Market St no matter how or why they came here. I'm a different kind of lawyer at Westgate Plaza because I get to tell stories and hear stories all day. I also write poetry, essays and short stories. in Akron

I came to Akron just over a year ago because it became more important SCOTT 330-867-1114 to me to spend time with my family here, and I was lucky to ﬁ nd the Open 7 days a week gem that is North Hill and the International Institute, where I'm able to 6:30am-3:00pm continue the work I do. PIEPHO Sundays AND FAMILY 8:00am-3:00pm AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE culture club culture Humans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 OF AKRON

BRANT LEE Occupation: Law Professor Hometown: San Francisco Current neighborhood: Merriman Hills (Paisades)

I am a teacher. Sometimes I do that in a classroom through my job as a law professor. Sometimes I do that as a parent to my children. Sometimes I just do it as a person who observes and listens. I feel I have a gift for articulating and explaining certain aspects of the world in way that makes sense to a particular audience. (Photo by Shane Wynn)

LEEBRANT AMANI ABRAHAM Occupation: Reporter Hometown: Akron Current neighborhood: Green

The best part of Akron is the people. It may sound cliche, but there is something special about the people who hold so much passion for this city. There's not a day that goes by where I don't ﬁ nd myself learning something new from an Akronite—whether it's someone developing a new business or an individual who is sharing a vision that could ABRAHAMAMANI change the way we see things. Akron has essentially become part of my identity. As a reporter in my hometown, I am able to dig deeper into what makes this city light up and learn from those making positive changes to transform Akron into a name that's recognized for its vibrancy and character. As I grow and learn, my city it doing the same—and that's a beautiful thing. (Photo by Shane Wynn)

PATRICK L. BRAVO Occupation: Executive Director, Summit County Land Bank Hometown: Lebanon, Indiana Current neighborhood: West Akron (Northwest Akron, Upper Castle)

Akron is big enough to matter in the world, but small enough for you to matter in it. I am a partner to Michael, a father to Aiden, and a friend. I moved here for school, but I stayed to make a difference. I believe in the power of community and I am an advocate for PATRICK L. children and families. I love movies and music, and I enjoy reading just about everything I BRAVO can get my hands on. (Photo by Shane Wynn) Serving Authentic Italian Cuisine for 86 years!

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20 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

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FLETCHERERIC R. J. Occupation: President - Young Black Professionals Coalition. The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program - City of Akron Program Coordinator Hometown: Akron, Oh. AUDREYWALLACE Current Neighborhood: West Akron AUDREY WALLACE AMY HUSTED I am a black man, trying to make dreams reality, trying to Be Relevant. I am a loving husband, Occupation: Co-Founder of Komae Occupation: Co-Founder of Komae falling in love with my wife each and every day. I am father to two wonderful sons, trying my Hometown: Valley City, OH Hometown: Parma Heights, OH best to be a positive role model. I am a servant of my community. Akron is home. My family and Current Neighborhood: West Akron, OH Current Neighborhood: Copley, OH friends reside here. I am doing my best to leave Akron in better shape than when I inherited it. I love my family and friends. They motivate me to be better, to strive for greatness. Without We are two SAHMs turned Co-Founders of a hot new startup in Akron called Komae. We are the guidance and support of my family, I wouldn't be who I am today; I wouldn’t have the building an app that empowers parents to exchange free babysitting with their personal network opportunity to engage with my community and build relationships with community leaders. My of friends—a solution to a very real problem to ﬁ nd trusted, affordable care that we experienced passion is working with the African American community and encouraging our youth. There is in our own lives. We love God, our husbands, our sons, and our city. Being female tech startup a lot of potential for greatness here in Akron, and I want others to seize the opportunity and entrepreneurs in Akron is kind of like crowd surﬁ ng; we love being surrounded by amazing enhance not only themselves but our community. I am a connector and enjoy networking with people and programs that lift us up and cheers us on! people and connecting the right people with each other. Be Relevant.

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AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 21 biz Bootstrapping >>> Tip Sheet compiled by/photos by Scott Piepho

Dig Deeper Question: The presidential election result was a surprise. What’s one thing that has changed in your outlook or plans for into the Data your business as a result? One way local libraries could give your business a boost by Jodie M. Grasgreen Jeff Wilhite President and CEO, Whether an idea for a business is still a glimmer • Keep current with information within is located in a database of specialized Hydrogen Energy in your mind or if you are preparing for a an industry information,government, academic and Systems, LLC. sales call, free, quality business information is • Have icebreaker questions for interviewing trade publications. “More focus on tolerance. abundant if you have a library card. You need or sales calls That would be the thing that I to be introduced to the magic world of research • Find content for social media, personal Finally, there are three additional databases am concerned about. ...One of the things that’s Wdatabases, your source for amazing business and/or company that provide a wealth of information and are so unique about Summit County is we blend information. • Gain access to appropriate trade publications accessed directly without the need of a well with collaborations, working with each library card. other, trying to create a unifi ed front and there Two area libraries, Hudson Library & Historical Between the two libraries, you will fi nd many was anything but a unifi ed front nationally.” Society and the Akron Summit County Public answers in these databases: AtoZ Database, American FactFinder and American Community Library, have expanded collections of business Business Insights: Essential, Business Source Survey are incredibly data-rich resources from databases that will enhance the budding Premiere, First Research, Hoover’s, LexisNexis, the US Bureau of the Census. Community Amy Husted business or veteran entrepreneur with the and Reference USA. stats on housing, race, gender, commute time, Co-Founder and COO, information they need to get the job done. wealth are just the tip of the iceberg. Komae HL&HS requires a Clevnet library card that They provide access to many full-text articles “I don’t think that I’ve provides access to resources in nearly 40 from trade and academic journals, magazines, ThomasNet.com, once known as the “Big thought about it affecting my libraries including Cleveland Public Library. You SWOT, marketing reports and newspapers. Green Books”, is now online and free. Find business per se. I’m at such may also want an ASCPL card. You may hold You will fi nd emails, company histories, lists of manufactures, companies to contact for an early growth stage. I think if I was a larger multiple public library cards. management and corporate trees, expenditures, prototypes, industry white papers and more. company maybe I would have more concerns, consumer spending trends, historic business but I don’t see any way it’s going to affect me There are stages to running a business information and geographic-based searching. It is important to note that these business right now, right in the stage where I’m at.” beginning with the creation of a business resources are valuable to job seekers as well. plan. For that, you need lists of competitors, Networking is vital for conducting business and You should be conducting the same research industrial analysis, target audience the list-making capabilities of ReferenceUSA for your job search as you would while Aaron “A.C.” identifi cation, competitive analysis, SWOT and AtoZ Database is mind-boggling. developing or running a business. Christopher reports (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, President and CEO, Drips Threats) for companies and industries. Additionally, several of the databases will Make friends with a public library’s business “This is not going to be provide content for your personal and librarian and expand your opportunities. a popular answer. So I’ve Once you have established your enterprise, the company’s social media pages. been an entrepreneur from // Jodie M. Grasgreen is a Reference need for quality, information is still vital. You before I ever heard the word. I fi rmly believe and Adult Services Librarian. She has will continue to need to: Many people are amazed to learn a search- enjoyed living in Akron for 33 years. that any man or woman that believes that the engine search (Google, DuckDuckGo, Dogpile) Prior to becoming a librarian, she President of the United States is going to affect • Explore industries and companies you are accessing a mere 15 percent of what was involved in education politics the outcome on the success or failure of their • Create contact and networking lists is on the web. The bulk of the information and wrote for the West Side Leader. business has already lost.”

22 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Tip Sheet compiled by/photos by Scott Piepho

Question: The presidential election december comics result was a surprise. What’s one thing that has changed in your outlook or plans for your business as a result?

Jeff Wilhite President and CEO, Hydrogen Energy Systems, LLC. “More focus on tolerance. That would be the thing that I am concerned about. ...One of the things that’s so unique about Summit County is we blend well with collaborations, working with each other, trying to create a unified front and there was anything but a unified front nationally.”

Amy Husted Co-Founder and COO, Komae “I don’t think that I’ve thought about it affecting my business per se. I’m at such an early growth stage. I think if I was a larger company maybe I would have more concerns, but I don’t see any way it’s going to affect me right now, right in the stage where I’m at.”

Aaron “A.C.” Christopher President and CEO, Drips “This is not going to be a popular answer. So I’ve been an entrepreneur from before I ever heard the word. I firmly believe that any man or woman that believes that the President of the United States is going to affect the outcome on the success or failure of their business has already lost.”

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 23 shopping guide

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t-shirt guide shop online at thegoodyearstore.summitmg.com Cavs” line that borrows from the logo of the 1. Akron Rubber Ducks reigning NBA champs. Cost: $26 for the shirt Logo shirts for the reigning Eastern League 6. Human Unlimited Available: notperfectworld.com champions in a full range of colors and styles. Locals may think fi rst of Human Unlimited as Authentic Akron” Cost: $10 and up Available: The Team Shop a great spot for yoga, but people all over the 10. Revival Clothing, Gifts and More! at the Canal Park, 300 S. Main St, Akron, or country have been going bonkers for their line This Highland Square staple is well-known as a online at rubberducks.milbstore.com of inspirational and aspirational shirt designs for place to get vintage fashions, jewelry, knick- 18 N. High St., Akron, OH both men and women. Cost: Most shirts are knacks and art but they’ve long produced some RubberCityClothing.com 2. Brick Street Apparel $32 Available: 1650 West Market Street, Suite the best and most unique, Akron-loving shirts A local company whose shirt designs emphasize 31 (in Wallhaven above Einstein Bros.) or online too. Cost: $20 and up Available: 822 W. the founders’ home neighborhood North Hill at humanunlimited.com Market St., Akron Cost: $18 and up Available: Online only, brickstreetapparel.com 7. Luigi’s 11. Rubber City Clothing Company Akron’s most popular red sauce restaurant The city’s best-known T-shirt store features a 3. Dropkick Apparel claims it’s t shirt design goes back to its 1950s number of Akron-inspired designs in sizes from The local company offers a number of Akron- origins. Try the vintage “If Lost” design or their baby onsies to XXXLarge. You can get their centric designs alongside athletic gear and Get current “Try a Piece.” Cost: $15 Available: At designs put on practically anything for that Nasty Apparel. Cost: $10.99 and up Available: the restaurant, 105 N. Main, Akron, or online at custom touch. (We may or may not have put Online at dropkickapparel.storenvy.com shop.luigisrestaurant.com The Don’s face on the fl y of some boxer shorts.) They also offer other cool Akron gear from belt 4. Fred’s Diner 8. Neighbors Apparel buckles to pint glasses. Cost: $19 and up Not only does the iconic breakfast spot have When you purchase these shirts, apparel and Available: Peruse in person at 18 N. High St. its own old school tees, but a couple of local accessories made by women from Akron’s Akron, or shop online at rubbercityclothing.com designers have been inspired by Fred’s feisty refugee population, you’re being a neighbor to “Eat, pay, get out” slogan. Cost: $10-14 people who have fl ed persecution by helping 12. Shivering Timbers Available: 930 Home Ave., Akron, or from a them establish economic independence. You can get the Akron band’s logo—the name different vendor like RockEVERYwear (shown) Cost: $25 and up Available: Carried by san serif across a stylized cross-section of a which you can get through their mobile fashion various retailers around Akron, like Market Path tree—in black on a white shirt or white or truck wrapped in screaming comic-inspired in Highland Square, or you can shop online at white on a black shirt. Cost: $15 Available: designs at events around the city, or check them neighborsapparel.com The merch table at their live shows, or online at out at rockeverywear.com shiveringtimbersmusic.com/store 9. NotPerfect 5. Goodyear Before King James surprised everybody by 13. The Social Dept. The iconic Akron brand has a varied line of coming back, this low-key local designer made Akron’s own helps folks all over the nation branded shirts and other merchandise. waves with his “Akron Heat” swag, which celebrate their home state and hometown pride Cost: $10.60 and up Available: Not available allowed LeBron’s Blimp City fans to cheer but owner Andy Taray saves a little something- at the tire centers, but there is a store attached specifi cally for their Hometown Hero. Now that something for his Akron-specifi c work, in to headquarters, 200 Innovation Way, Akron, or he’s come home, NotPerfect offers an “Akron (T-Shirt Guide continued on page 35)

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM shopping guide experiences guide 1. Rock Mill This is a workout unlike any other in Akron. At Rock Mill, you can challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing, yoga, equipped ﬁ tness room and training programs. (Photo courtesy of 6 3 1 5 the Rock Mill Facebook page) Cost: $55/mo. or $595 if you prepay for a year Available: In person at 677 Carroll St., Akron, and online at rockmillclimbing.com

2. The Nightlight Cinema Akron’s own downtown indie movie theater is built not just for cinema lovers but to foster community. As such, they offer several annual membership levels with beneﬁ ts ranging from 2 4 8 7 discounts on tickets to free admission, free popcorn, members only screenings, guest passes and more. (Photo by Rob Vaughn, courtesy of The Nightlight’s Facebook page) Cost: $50-$300 Available: In person at 30 N. High St. and online at nightlightcinema.com

3. Akron Zoo If you have children, you’ll be hard-pressed 9 11 10 13 12 to fi nd a better deal than an an annual family membership to the Akron Zoo. Member Levack/Studio Akron, courtesy of the AAM Facebook 6. Akron Children’s Museum textiles to fi ne art photography and paintings benefi ts include free admission here (and page) Cost: Personal Memberships: $25-$500 / The wait is over and the now the ACM is and everything in between. Cost: $100-$5000 discounted admission at other major zoos), free Business Memberships: $500-$5000 open in its permanent spot at Lock 3 after an Available: In person at 1765 W Market St. parking, zoo gift shop discounts, after-hours Available: In person at One South High St. or incredible pilot period. Go ahead and treat Akron, and online at akrona.com zoo experiences, behind-the-scenes tours and online at akronartmuseum.org your family with a membership, which includes more. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo Facebook unlimited admission, members only events, 8. Akron Glassworks page) Cost: Starts at $55 Available: In person 5. Akron RubberDucks discounts on birthday party packages, free An assortment of decorative holiday and at 505 Euclid Ave and online at akronzoo.org Whether you’re trying to catch some future parking and more. (Photo courtesy of the Akron all-occasion hand-blown glass pieces ranging MLB stars on their rise, or you just want a good Children’s Museum) Cost: $55-$125 Available: from ornaments to vases, platters, bowls 4. Akron Art Museum hot dog and a great place to enjoy it, your 2016 In person at 216 S. Main St. and online at and lighting. Workshops include a hands-on Though they brought the collection to your Eastern League Champs can accommodate you. akronkids.org experience with a professional glassblowing neighborhood with Inside/Out and open to the Season ticket holders get 18 percent off regular artist and a piece to keep that you will make. public for free every Thursday, there are special single game tickets, name recognition on seats, (Photo courtesy of Akron Glassworks) perks for Akronites who invest in a membership a complimentary ceremonial fi rst pitch during Cost: Glass pieces starting at $20; workshops to support our internationally recognized the season, invitations to exclusive season ticket art guide $60/person Available: Gifts available at their modern art museum. Benefi ts include free year- holder events, express lane access to concession 7. Akrona Gallery new location at 421 Spicer St. (a re-purposed long admission, discounts to the art museum stands and more. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Offers sculpture, original paintings, blown glass, church building) and workshop registration store and reciprocal benefi ts to art museums RubberDucks) Cost: $550 Available: Online at jewelry and fi ne art reproductions with custom available online at akronglassworks.com throughout the U.S. and more. (Photo by Joe akronrubberducks.com framing for everything from cross-stitched (continued on page 35)

United Way of Summit County give the gift of healthy snacks for kids to eat on their winter break.

Your year-end, tax-deductible donation can support the Holiday Snack Packs food drive. This new United Way of Summit County program distributes tote bags full of nutritious snacks for Akron Public Schools students to enjoy over their winter break.

When parents don’t need to worry about their children going hungry, families can spend more time creating meaningful, lasting holiday memories. DoNaTE aT UwsUmmIT.org/sNacks

great things happen yEar-END gIVINg when we LIVE UNITED!

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 25 shopping guide

Stocking 9. Lowtique The official shop for Andy Hopp’s Mutha stuffers Oith Creations features Low Life RPG, the 1. Akron Honey Company Dementalism card game, the Low Life Known for their sweet, sticky gold-to-red nectar Miniatures line of collectible figures, the Lowlies harvested at several Akron locations, AHC now plush toys, original and reproduction artwork, as makes honey-based skin care products like well as merch from Oddmall and an overflowing lip balm and salve. Cost: Varies Available: barrel of raw, burning assorted othernesses. At local craft events, pop-ups and Watch for Cost: varies Available: At any Oddmall event updates online at akronhoney.com and online all the time at lowtique.com 1 5 18 19 2. Urban Buzz 10. NORKA All Urban Buzz candles are hand poured in In addition to delicious, sugary soda pop, Akron and contain only the purest beeswax Akron’s NORKA Beverage also sells T-shirts, from local Ohio apiaries. UB makes tea lights, sunglasses and vintage tins in their online store. aromatherapy tins, pillar candles, adorable Cost: varies Available: Just like every Cracker votives and more. Cost: $1 for tea lights up Barrell now, many local retailers carry NORKA to $20 for a fancy pillar candle Available: beverage but you can have yours delivered Several local shops carry Urban Buzz, from the when you shop online at norkabeverage.com Lifesource Yoga to Ritzman Pharmacies, but for a full list or to order direct, visit them online at 11. Not Wasted urbnbuzz.com Handcrafted products made from upcycled materials by women in a job skills training 3 12 11 17 3. Butter Your Nuts program committed to reentry after Slow-ground nut butter that uses only natural incarceration or during addiction recovery. ingredients with no added oils, stabilizers or Cost: varies Available: Akron Art Museum, preservatives, and sometimes features local favs Rubber City Clothing and The Market Path and like Akron Coffee Roasters. Cost: $7.99 and up online at trynotwasted.net for 16 oz Available: At a few local shops and online at butteryournuts.com 12. Captain Eyeball What better way to surprise your loved one 4. Not Yo’ Daddy’s Hot Sauce than by sticking an eyeball nightlight in their Artisan, small batch Mexican Hot Sauce made stocking? Hard to explain so see for yourself. in Akron, Ohio with a recipe from Durango, Cost: Starts at $4.99/each. Mexico. Cost: $7.95 for 5 oz, $12.95 for 12 oz Available: Complicated… you have to visit Available: In person at local events and shops captaineyeball.net to print off an order form 8 4 9 9 like Sweet Mary’s Bakery, Urban Eats and Stray with your payment Dog. Get updates online at notyodaddys.com 13. StegoKitty 5. Akron Icons Poster Collaborative project between artists Mori Clark This clever art by 427 Design began as an and Erin Latham who create one-of-a-kind exclusive for Unbox Akron subscribers but zipper pouches and bags from adorbs fabric may become a series celebrating iconic Akron designed by Mori. Available: Find them at establishments and landmarks. Cost: $10+ Crafty Mart like events or online at Available: They have an amazing office etsy.com/shop/stegokittycollab (190 N. Union St, Suite 200, Akron), but you can order the poster online at 14. ReGeeked store.427design.com/products/akron-icons-print Wallets and whatnot crafted from the pages of 14 21 23 10 comic books. It’s the perfect synergy of geekery 6. Saint Augustine and Suds and practicality. Cost: $10+ Available: The most beautiful and pleasantly fragrant In person at craft shows like Crafty Mart’s handmade soaps, scrubs, soaks, candles, shave special Dec. 23 show at Goodyear Theatre. kits and beard oil you can imagine. Cost: $5 Full schedule online at facebook.com/pg/ and up Available: Visit the store (1947 W. ItsReGeeked Market St., Suite 102, Akron) or shop online at saintaugustineandsuds.com 15. Tiny Cloud Ceramics They cost more than whatever you’d get at 7. Tea Dude Big Lots, but with biting phrases that contrast Cool, funky flavors made from personal recipes with twinkle-oriented design, you won’t find with natural tea leaves and other dried herbs anything like them anywhere else. Cost: $38 and spices. Cost: $6+ Available: Hower House, Available: etsy.com/shop/TinyCloudCeramics 26 15 24 25 Wolf Creek Trading Co., Urban Eats and online at teaduder.com 4 coffee bean 8. Lost Lust Supply Beautifully made, intricately detailed enamel roasters / lapel pins created by Akronite Charlie Wagers and his close Portland-based friend sellers Brian Stowell. Cost: $6.50 - $9 Available: 16. Akron Coffee Roasters Nationwide, including Urban Outfitters, and The specialty roaster features a number of online at lostlustsupply.com single origin varieties roasted in-house. Cost: Starts at $12/10 oz. Available: 30 N. 7 20 22 2 26 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM shopping guide

High St, Akron, next to the Nightlight Cinema Online: akron.coffee We Have

17. Angel Falls In addition to a selection of coffees and accoutrements, the shop boasts one of the area’s most impressive selections of loose-leaf tea. Cost: varies Available: 792 W Market St, the Pie Akron, OH

19 18. Artisan coffee Recently celebrating its first year in business, the shop offers coffee and tea, plus you can purchase a Christmas special version of one of its hand-thrown pottery mugs made by Yost Pottery. Cost: $35.00 for the mug. Available: 662 Canton Rd, Akron Online: artisancoffeeshop.com (And so much more!)

19. Nervous Dog The shop offers whole bean coffee and a variety of mugs and clothing items Cost: varies Available: 1530 W Market St, Akron or 4161 17 16 Steels Pointe, Stow Online: nervousdog.com

8 akron books 20. Mary Biddinger and Jay Robinson, “The Czar” Biddinger, a professor of English at the University of Akron and Robinson, who teaches at UA and Ashland University, collaborated on this volume of poems that stands “at the intersection of ironic political commentary and 9 27 hyperbolized body currency.” Cost: $15.95 Available: Black Lawrence Press and online at blacklawrence.com/the-czar

21. Bill Broun, “Night of the Animals” Broun, who grew up in Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, has released a futuristic fiction novel that includes a European Union devolved into oligarchy, a suicide cult bent on destroying the world’s animals and an elderly, mentally ill protagonist. Cost: $18.89 Available: The kinds of places where you buy books and 10 6 online from the publisher at harpercollins. com/9780062400796/night-of-the-animals

22. Rita Dove, “Collected Poems 1974-2004” An essential collection for anyone who loves poetry, especially if they love Akron because Rita Dove isn’t just a Rubber City original; she’s a Pulitzer Prize winner and the nation’s first African-American Poet Laureate. Cost: $39.95 Available: Fine bookstores everywhere. Learn more about Dove at engl.virginia.edu/ people/rfd4b

25 13 23. James Renner, “The Great Forgetting” An Akron-based true crime writer (his latest is a memoir “True Crime Addict”), James Renner’s most recent novel is another genre- bending and -blending work that plays with sci-fi, fantasy and thrillers, featuring a history teacher who is pulled into web of conspiracy theories in his effort to save the world. Cost: $20+ Available: Book-selling type places in real life and online. Learn more about him at jamesrenner.com (continued on page 38) 2 AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE shopping guide

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Market St, Akron. Parking and entrance in rear, 7. Ely Road new and consignment clothing and accessories. vintage & off North St Online: landofplentyakron.com Boutique with quality, contemporary Lots of Akron-themed items. Cost: varies retail shops women’s clothing and accessories. Cost: varies Available: 822 W Market St, Akron 4. Dragon’s Mantle Available: 21 Maiden Ln, Akron Online: revivalresale.com 1. Gypsy Grace & the Vintage Goat Metaphysical supplies for pagan and spiritual Online: elyrdboutique.com Weird stuff, cool junk, retro, odd but not needs, and just for fun. Herbs, oils, candles, 11. Urban Lace obsolete and custom items. Cost: varies books, incense, gemstones, statuary, jewelry 8. Bomb Shelter Women’s boutique offering unique clothing, Available: 451 W Market St, Akron and more. Cost: varies Available: 962 Kenmore Akron’s retro superstore. This 18,000 sq ft jewelry and accessories in the heart of Online: gypsygracevintagegoat.com Blvd, Akron Online: dragonsmantle.webs.com warehouse is packed with antique, vintage downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Cost: varies and retro goods from around the world. Available: 119 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls 2. Vintage Vault 5. NOTO Cost: varies Available: 923 Bank St, Akron Online: urbanlace.fashion Vast selection of vintage lighters, jewelry, Small boutique selling a variety of locally/ Online: thebombshelterstore.com furniture, toys and odds and ends. Cost: varies USA made women’s contemporary fashion. 12. Birchwood Supply Available: 1900 W Market St, Akron Cost: varies Available: North: 106 N Main St, 9. Steam Trunk This store boasts a large collection of Akron or South: 76 S Main St, Akron Online: An handsome boutique with antiques, cigars, found and vintage home decor, and they 3. Land of Plenty notoboutique.com gifts and men’s merchandise. Cost: varies specialize in custom work. Cost: varies Vintage and antique furniture and decor; Available: 16 S Highland Ave, Akron Available: 21 Merriman Rd, Akron houseplants, succulents and terrariums; vintage 6. The Market Path Online: facebook.com/veniaantiques Online: birchwoodsupplyco.com and modern jewelry; metaphysical and new Fair Trade store offering items that are age. Beautiful selection of crystals and salt handmade by artisans around the world. 10. Revival lamps. Incense, bulk herbs, locally made candles Cost: varies Available: 833 W Market St, This Highland Square staple nestled next door and more. Cost: varies Available: 339 W Akron Online: themarketpathakron.com to Square Records boasts a large selection of

28 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM shopping guide the akron 8 coolist gifts 1. EQD pedal EarthQuaker Devices makes quality effects pedals, one-at-a-time, by hand right here in Akron. Even if you aren’t a musician, you can still rock some sweet EQD hoodies, T-shirts and coffee mugs, which you’ll ﬁ nd in their online store. Cost: varies Available: In real life at 4 5 Replay Music, Guitar Department, Woodsy’s Music and Wadsworth Music and online at earthquakerdevices.com

2. Jaswig standing desk Sitting is the new smoking, and if you’re going for a standing desk, don’t settle for something ugly. Jaswig was conceived by a biomimicry student at UA and has been seen in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, which sounds weird when you put it that way. Cost: $449 for the Nomad Available: Only online via their store 7 8 1 at jaswig.com

3. Event 38 drones Yeah, these Akron-made beauties are the big-time industrial strength unmanned ﬂ ying systems that the folks in precision agriculture, construction, environmental conservation and mining use, but that doesn’t we wouldn’t want one for ourselves. Cost: $1,799 and up, up, up… Available: There are probably drone stores somewhere, but it’d be easier if you ordered from their website at event38.com 6

4. Whiskertin Lighting Handcrafted from various sheet metal parts, these new styles of light ﬁ xtures put a hip bend on the blue collar, factory town vibe that gave Akron its reputation. Cost: starts at $100 Available: You can ﬁ nd their lights at Hazel Tree Interiors or online at whiskertinlight.com. 2 3

5. Burns Boards 6. Blimp City Bike and Hike 7. Renaissance Artisan Distillers 8. TinyCircuits arcade game Technically, they’re Doylestown but their cutting There are lots of bike shops around Northeast A cousin to the great Grape and Granary, where It’s the world’s smallest cabinet, which is only boards are amazing and one time, co-owner Ohio so we’re liable to upset someone by you can buy DIY beer kits and take classes in part of its super dope appeal. For sure you can Krista Burns sent me an old Akron magazine so picking a favorite, but the heart wants what it brewing, RAD is Akron’s ﬁ rst distillery. When just play games on a tiny arcade but this could it’s close enough. Hubby Bob has been crafting wants. If you’re in the market for a bike, you you give the gift of booze, it’s like you’re giving also be the gateway that draws you into the these high-end gorgeous specimens since can rent one and take it out on the towpath a bottle of parties. Cost: $30+ Available: ardent Arduino community of makers. 2010 and his work just gets more impressive. for a test before buying it. Cost: from $499 You can buy direct from Grape and Granary, Cost: $59 Available: You can get your game Seriously, I want one. Cost: from $17 to ~$100 Available: You can learn more about them or at Giant Eagle. Details about the spirits at online at tinycircuits.com/collections/all/ Available: Online at etsy.com/shop/burnsboards online at blimpcitybikeandhike.com but you’ll renartisan.com. products/tinyarcade and in person at events like Crafty Mart. need to mosey into the store to get your new set of wheels.

Antiques, Collectibles Nostalgia Unique Gifts Furniture Lighting Jewelry Oriental Rugs Artwork Mid-Century Modern 1900 West Market St Sun & Mon 12-5 Akron, OH 44313 Tues – Sat 10-5 216-513-0918 • 516-305-1039

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 29 Drinks of the Month Food & Drink “The Usual” and AKRON FOOD SCENE Brick Oven Brew Pub’s “Black IPA”

Words and Photos by Sam DePaul

Cocktail of the Month: “The Usual” What you need: some deep breaths and a good book. Without going into detail or an unsolicited political rant, I think it’s safe to say, simply, that a lot of us Akronites are feeling disappointed, doubtful, scared. So instead of sending you off with a complicated list of ingredients and subsequent cleanup, take this simple list of The Wanderer steps, from my lush heart to yours. TACO TUESDAY TACO TUESDAY Turn your phone off/stay away from all the words by Holly Brown // photos by Lia Pietrolungo Facebook bullshit for a sec.

There are two things I know to be true: the counter and it is riddled with Mexican accompanying pineapple cut it all with My go-to is a whiskey ginger and a lemon slice Tuesdays are for tacos, and nothing warms staples: tacos, burritos, tostadas, as well as sweetness. The bite of the red onions with if I’ve got ‘em. Whatever yours is – a glass of you up in the transition to winter quite like some unfamiliar items (at least to me). I’ve got the sweetness of the fruit created variety with wine, a beer, a martini – pour whatever the hell authentic Mexican food. For that reason, on my eye on something called the Cubana next every bite, the kind of genius fl avor tension that you want. perhaps the fi rst of many frigid Tuesdays to time I visit, but it was Tuesday and tacos were comes with pineapple salsa, at once cutting and come, my anticipation for Taqueria Tres Amigos happening. forgiving. Take a candle-lit bubble bath • Relax • Sip • had doubled. Shhhhh • Get tipsy, be hopeful and stay kind • I had spotted our fearless food editor, Lia, The pork of the carnitas was thicker than that Treat yourself. Love yourself and others always • Bundled up, I pulled my little car into a small through the window (another indication that of the al pastor, but no less tender. The chunks Remember: it’s all gonna be okay • Refi ll parking lot off of Copley Rd. I looked around, I had arrived at the right location) and joined of pork were thin and chewy as pork should be, surveying the Mexican grocery in front of me, her at a sunny table in the back. While I quickly though it was not so hard to break apart as to the building which I believed to be the home read through the menu on the wall, trying try for a small bite and come away with a whole Beer of the of tacos next door. I braced the cold, removed desperately to nail down meat selection, the piece. These were certainly more savory, a little Month: myself from the car and began to walk toward extremely nice and accommodating woman juicy, a lot delicious. Brick Oven the taqueria. behind the counter came over to our table to Brew Pub’s take my order. Now perhaps because I wasn’t expecting it, “Black IPA” I peeked in the window and was greeted perhaps because it was a last minute game My name is by chartreuse walls. These walls had struck I scrambled a little, knowing I wanted tacos, time decision, or perhaps because it is just Sam and pizza me during my casual google searches of the unsure of which tacos exactly, but intrigued by so damn good, the chorizo tacos were my and beer make me happy. In addition to their establishment. There was no way I was in the each and every offer. I blurted out al pastor, favorite of the bunch. Don’t get me wrong, I delectable handmade pizzas, Brick Oven Brew wrong place. I threw open the door. because that is my absolute favorite kind of love a good chorizo dish, however my problem Pub in my home neighborhood Ellet – a hole of taco and I wasn’t going without it. Quickly, I with chorizo is that it is so greasy that it often hidden Akron gems – offers 4 craft beers made There are simple tables spread out around the settled on carnitas and chorizo. My mouth was overpowers other fl avors. This was not the case on site. In house now is the oatmeal stout, a room, a TV quietly broadcasting a soap opera watering reading this menu, I was getting my on this taco Tuesday. This chorizo taco was sweet cream ale, a Fall cider and a tasty black in Spanish. Los Tres Amigos has windows that order in ASAP. absolutely outstanding. It was just smoky and IPA (Indian Pale Ale). The stout is all a gal can look out onto Copley, though the view of the spicy enough to give a kick without hiding the ask for, and then some: dark with a luscious, street is partly obscured by some sheer curtains It didn’t take long for the tacos to arrive. As Lia taste of sausage. Though, as with any chorizo, creamy foam. Once you get past the piney which allow daylight to stream in. When the and I caught up with one another, I watched you get some of that run off, there was by no aroma, you’ll taste the perfect blend of malt sun hits those walls it feels like you are literally plates of steaming food come out of the means too much. My taco didn’t leak, didn’t and hops with a subtle bit of citrus- fl avors inside of a key lime. At the back of the dining kitchen and my stomach rumbled. I couldn’t feel weighed down with the liquid. Rather, the that complimented my basil-y margherita pizza room is the kitchen with a window open to the wait to be fed. chorizo runoff served as an au jus which, when shockingly well. (Their homemade tomato restaurant, and a counter where you order coupled with cilantro, made this so fl avorful sauce—DUDE. So. Good.) Check out this small your food. The tacos were so aesthetically pleasing. Each that I’m not sure I will be able to return to and relaxing diner setting with enough beer pile of meat rested on two corn tortillas and Taqueria Los Tres Amigos without getting and pizza to make any lover of this winning The interior is simultaneously modest and was sprinkled with small bits of onion and it again. combo swoon. striking. It feels more like a Mexican taqueria cilantro. These tacos have no frills and trust me, than anywhere I’ve been on both the east coast they don’t need them. Taco Bajaa Fresh (now) Brick Oven Brew Pub: 604 Canton Rd. Akron. and the Midwest. Taqueria Tres Amigos Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 4 -10pm, The al pastor was everything I imagined. 1444 Copley Rd, Akron. Friday & Saturday 11:30am - 11pm, Sunday The menu is plastered to the upper right of The pork was tender and savory but the Hours: Sunday 8am-5pm, Mon - Sat 8am-8pm 11:30am - 10pm, closed Monday & Tuesday.

30 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM food & drink Foodie Humans // Photos by M. Sophie Franchi OF AKRON

ELAINECHIN Occupation: Owner at Chin’s Place Hometown: Akron Current Neighborhood: Akron

I love the closeness of the community. The people. Everyone seems so unselﬁ sh when it comes to certain things, when they’re willing to give their time and their energy and support each other. . . I’m so excited with the new businesses going in. . . It’s thriving. We’re supporting each other.

T e he B quar rewpub in Highland S LIA NOW ON TAP> Jingle Bell Ale PIETROLUNGO Occupation: The Devil Strip Food & Drink Section Editor; Baker; Feminist; Monday House Margarita Madness English major; wearer of watches, yet always late Hometown: Voorhees, NJ $5Friday Ladies Night - House Martinis Current Neighborhood: Highland Square Happy Hour Daily 3 - 6:30 pm Half-o apps & $3 House Drafts! I love how Akron always seems to be unfolding, growing. It has a heartbeat, if that makes any sense. I've never met friendlier, more accepting people than the folks in Akron. And the Metro Parks, the small businesses with big hearts, the creativity, the Akron pride, I could go on for days... Tuesdays: Live Trivia and Thursdays Live Music Say what you will, but Akron's got soul. I've lived here for about 5 years now, but it feels like Akron has been my home forever. I just friggin’ love it here. "Live Comedy Saturday Nights"

Baking is a huge part of my life and my identity. I feel the most like myself/present when I'm in the December 2nd and 16th kitchen. And making bread is probably the most therapeutic thing in the world to me. You gotta For details visit or www.ohiobrewing.com love the dough, be patient with it, nurture it, roll with it. Sourdough is life. Drop a line if you ever need some starter! 804 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44303 • (234) 208-6797 (at the corner of Highland Ave and W. Market St.) (continued on page 32) NEW Winter Hours: M-W 3pm-midnight, TH 3pm-Close, Fri-Sat 11:30-Close, Sun Noon-Midnight AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE food & drink (continued from page 31)

SANJUPOUDEL Occupation: Restaurant owner, Everest Restaurant Hometown: Nepal, moved to Seattle at age 15 Current Neighborhood: North Hill

When we were in Seattle, there was not a lot you could do there because the place was really expensive, and you have to know English or have a car to get a job or anything. But here, there is a lot of opportunity, especially for my parents and relatives. That’s why we moved to Akron, because there are a lot of job openings here and you can ﬁ nd a job easily.

Ashley Layland Dublin Hometown: Akron Behind the Bar Bar: EuroGyro by Sam DePaul

What was your fi rst night tending bar like? the most would be Irish Car Bombs. People I've been tending bar for three years now. It's either love them or hate them but the reaction one of the best jobs I've ever after the glass if empty is had. However, my fi rst night always priceless. was very overwhelming. It is not a task that you pick What’s your poison when up overnight, it takes time. I on the other side of the remember being so nervous bar? My poison would have that a customer wouldn't to be Tito's and water. I like like any of the drinks I made to keep it simple but tasty. If them. I've always been an I'm really feeling dangerous a outgoing person but It is easy to become shot of Patron is my fi rst choice. nervous when fi rst learning to tend bar. While bartending is a fun and personal job, What is the strangest or most notable it also comes with its awkward hardships. conversation you’ve ever had with a Have you had to remove anyone from the patron? One Monday night, I had these two establishment? I know I have once or twice, and women come into my bar that were in town on it turned out to be some of my funniest stories. business from Colorado. We chatted for a few hours while they continued to drink and drink. Unfortunately, I have had to kick out a lot of By the end of the night, they were telling me people in my past three years. It’s is an aspect stories about how they smoke Marijuana with of the job that is not so great important. As a their husbands and share each other’s husbands bartender, you have to be able to handle drunk NUEVO MODERN MEXICAN several nights a week. I was in disbelief that people that are happy or upset. One night, I & TEQUILA BAR strangers would feel so comfortable exposing had these group of girls that were so drunk RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR SEATING BUT their sex life, but I guess that's a part of the job that they sat down and began eating another description – to listen – right? group’s pizza- some girls that were in the ADVENTURESOME TASTE BUDS REQUIRED FOR DINING restroom. They did order pizza, and thought Best tip you ever received? The best tip I it was theirs. Before I could explain to the ever received was from a group of guys that intoxicated ladies that it was not their pizza, the  were out of town from New York, they left me other group of girls came back and beat me to We dined at Nuevo on a busy Saturday night. The staff couldn't have been kinder or more 100 dollars on a 70-dollar tab. Needless to say, it. The desire for pizza after a night of drinking effi cient, and the food was delicious. I was so pleased with my order (saltando burrito), that was a great night. brings out an ugly side of some humans. The and other members of our party appeared pleased as well. Our waitress made excellent ladies began arguing and hitting one another. recommendations for appetizers and entrees, and she was well versed in the new menu Do you have a favorite drink to make? I I had to kick both groups out. And waste all items even though the menu had changed only days ago. Thank you, Nuevo! We'll be back! love making shots, any type. I think it’s one of that pizza. the best parts of my job. There really is a trial and error part of tending bar that I think people (Photo courtesy of EuroGyro) // Sam DePaul recently 54 East Mill St. Akron 44308 • (330) 762-8000 look past. I love experimenting with different embarrassed herself when the car beside her noticed her head-banging to and singing “We Didn’t Start the 1000 E. 9th St. Cleveland 44114 • (216) 737-1000 booze. If I had to pick one drink I enjoy making nuevomodmex.com Fire” by Billy Joel at a stoplight. Hours: M-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 3-11 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM NKʼS PLA A CE Music & Entertainment FR THE AKRON SCENE

Music Humans Open OF AKRON Xmas Eve with DJ Larry ISMAIL AL-AMIN Xmas Day @ 5pm Occupation: educator, entrepreneur, cultural critic and activist, and youth worker New Year's Eve bash with Hometown: Akron Current neighborhood: West Akron DJ joey Mac!

I identify myself as a world citizen making the world more livable and pleasant for the voiceless and the under- represented. I'm in Akron to bring and showcase more urban ﬂ avor from around the Globe. ...I love Africa, my Book your Ancestors, my wife Candice, my sons M'Shinda and Azekiel. I love my Keepers of the Art Bruthas. I love dope Holiday Party Now people who consistently go against the grain in life. I also love the process of creating. I sometimes love creating Mondays more than the ﬁ nished project. (Photo by Shane Wynn) CuSTomer APPreciATion niGHT� Buy One Drink, Get One 10pm until midnight SARAH JONES Compliments of TPH Productions Occupation: Comedian $1.75 Pint Special • $1 o sandwiches Hometown: Morristown, OH DJ Larry starts at 9pm with early trivia Current neighborhood: Highland Square

Annal Vyas (a very important and mysterious Akron man) Tuesdays Taco Nights — $1.50 to $3.00 says I am the Queen of Akron Comedy. So that is now Drink Specials Available a permanent and recorded fact. I like to inspire people to think. That's my purpose—to make people laugh and think. When the communion between comic and Wednesdays audience rings that sweet tune of "in this moment, we Chef Todd’s Food Specials are together," that's what I yearn for. And I have those kinds of moments in my community all the time. In Akron, Thursdays ISMAIL friends are everywhere. They tell me I'm funny but I say $4 Burgers (dine-in only) looks aren't everything. (Photo by Paul Hoffman) AL-AMIN Fridays 12oz Strip Steak $12.00 Cupcakes by Sweet Mary's Bakery. (234) 706-6088

Saturdays Check Out Our Live Music Schedule

Sundays Karaoke hosted by Natalie (Now 9pm to 1am) $0.60 Wings (dine-in only) Super Power Hour • From Open - 8:00pm $3.50 Well Drinks • $3.50 Bud Light Drafts HAPPY Hour Monday - Friday Until 8pm Mon - Fri open at 2pm Sat & Sun open at 12:30

SARAH 549 W Market St, Akron JONES Phone: (330) 376-8307 AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Music Humans CONTINUED.... OF AKRON

NATALIE GRACE MARTIN Occupation: Musician, teacher, activist Hometown: Wadsworth, OH Current neighborhood: Wadsworth, OH

Here's what I like most about Akron. To a kid from a little town (like me), Akron is "the Big City." To any big city kid, however, Akron is just a tiny suburb of Cleveland. Essentially, Akron can be whatever you want it to be. Whether that's a bohemian haven of artists, a nice place to work or raise a family, a venue for an exciting nightlife, a place to make a name for yourself, or a safe community of support, whatever you want; Akron can be that for you. I dig that. ...I identify as a "musical activist," which means that I use my music and stories to spread a message of love, positivity, and perseverance. I'm also a faithful daughter, a doting father, a teacher, a mentor, a loving girlfriend, a surrogate sister and a very proud transgender woman. (Photo self portrait)

SAPRONETTIJERI JERI SAPRONETTI Occupation: Musician Hometown: Akron Current neighborhood: Currently living between Akron's west side and Coventry in Cleveland

I'm an adventurer. Constantly on the road and always running somewhere...mad hatter style. There are too many books to read and too many songs to write to have a normal career path. You could see me any given day rambling down West Market Street...going nowhere. (Photo by Svetla Morrison)

LUVABSTRACT Occupation: alternative hip-hop artist. Hometown: Stow Current neighborhood: Just moved back to Stow.

The main thing I love about Akron is how open they are! I'm not originally from Akron, but all the producers, artist and venues are still welcoming and willing to help me out. I believe that I (Mark) am not from Akron but because of how welcoming Akron is, LuvAbstract was born and raised in Akron. ...The NATALIE reason I rep Akron is because of the support. Literally, Akron created LuvAbstract. I ﬁ rst recorded in Akron, my graphic designer is in akron, my photographer, my videographer, my producer my dj. I am LuvAbstract only because of this city. MARTINGRACE

LUVABSTRACT 34 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

ANDREW LEASK Occupation: Marketing Manager, United Way of Summit County Hometown: Bayamón, Puerto Rico Current neighborhood: Highland Square

I’ve spent the last decade of my life living like a nomad. In ten years, I’ve lived in six cities in four states. I know, it’s a cliché, but what I like most about Akron are the people, who have been nothing but welcoming Highland Square since I ﬁ rst arrived here a year and a half ago. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where every local is an American citizen, yet almost none of them would refer to themselves as American. My mother is LIVE MUSIC Puerto Rican, my father a Scotsman. I have tan skin and dark hair, but also freckles and a Scottish name. Thanks to fourteen years at an English-speaking private school, I speak English without an accent. And although Spanish was my ﬁ rst language, after twelve years of living in LINEUP the states, I can tell it’s fading. Friday, 12/2 • 9pm – Midnight Moustache Yourself – Gypsy Jazz

Saturday, 12/3 • 9pm – Midnight TBA ANDREW Sunday, 12/4 • 12 – 3pm Jeri Sapronetti – LEASK Classic Rock & Pop Hits BRITTANY NADER & Originals Occupation: Content Marketing Specialist; freelance journalist; The Devil Strip Music Editor Hometown: Akron Friday, 12/9 • 7pm – 9pm Current neighborhood: North Hill The Night Travelers – Virtuoso Banjo & Stand up Bass What I like best about Akron is both its diversity and sense of community. Each neighborhood in this city has its own identity, and there are "scenes" as well as small, distinct groups within the region, yet there's something Friday, 12/9 • 9pm – Midnight that binds us all together. Maybe it's a midwestern thing, but it's not Mo’ Mojo – diffi cult to notice how many hardworking, creative and resourceful people Zydeco & Roots make up the heartbeat of this city. Whether it's an artist, a union worker, a teacher, small business owner, musician, factory laborer, bus driver or Saturday, 12/10 • 9 – Midnight restaurateur, each Akronite has a story to tell and works tirelessly day in Big Love Hullabaloo with and day out. ...I identify as your stereotypical Akronite in one sense: I grew Zach & The Bright Lights – up in an Akron suburb and left, swearing I'd never come back to this part BRITTANY NADER Soul & Inspiring of town — and several years later I've returned a proud resident. (Photo by Indie Folk Rock M. Sophie Franchi) Sunday, 12/11 • 12 – 3pm t-shirt guide (continued from page 24) art guide (continued from page 25) Akron grit you know and love. (Photo of one of Little Steve O Blues Duo – addition to his killer designs for Crafty 9. Hazel Tree Interiors the Scala pieces hanging in publisher Chris Horne’s Blues Mart, The Nightlight, Square Records and The There are all kinds of ways to explore your artsy house) Cost: $50-$250 Available: In person Friday, 12/16 • 9pm – Midnight Towpath. Soon, he’ll be kicking it in a brewery side at Hazel Tree, from Karen Starr’s interior at Urban Eats Cafe (51 E. Market St., next to Ray Flanagan & The in Cuyahoga Falls where you’ll be able to take design and Jon Haidet’s custom framing to Musica), or online at urbankanvas.com Authorities – Rock & Roll screen printing lessons with a master. locally crafted and ecologically responsible art Cost: $22 and up Available: 1707 Front St., and furnishings. (Photo courtesy of Hazel Tree 12. Woodrow Nash fi ne art Saturday, 12/17 • 9pm – Midnight Cuyahoga Falls, and the store’s always opens Interiors) Cost: Varies Available: At the store Multimedia African fi gural sculptures, books, Dan Wilson – Eclectic online at thesocialdepartment.com at 143 W. Market St. (formerly Norka Futon; calendars and framed prints by a local art icon adorned with a metal tree on one side and whose books, calendars and framed prints Sunday, 12/18 • 12 – 3pm 14. Swensons a painted tree on the other) and online at can be purchases for under $100. If you have Jazz Shepherds – Jazz If your full belly isn’t enough to show off your hazeltreeinteriors.com deeper pockets, one of his fi ne art sculptures love of Swensons, then maybe it’s time you get will set you back up to $20,000. Available: your own offi cial Galley Boy tee. Cost: $10 10. Leandra Drumm art Books, calendars and prints for sale online Friday, 12/23 • 9pm – Midnight Available: Online at maspremium.com/ Talent runs in the family, which is evident in under the “Related Items” tab online at Ahi-nama Quintet – Akron’s swensonsstore Leandra’s pewter switchplates, ornaments and woodrownashstudios.com. Sculptures available Only Live Salsa Band etched drinking glasses featuring whimsical for purchase via the “Contact” tab online 15. University of Akron Bookstore characters and motifs. (Photo courtesy of Don (Photo courtesy of Woodrow Nash) Sunday, 12/30 • 12 – 3pm Show off your Zips pride with a full range of Drumm Studios) Cost: $20-$60 Available: Visit Anthony & Jen – University gear, from logo shirts to an ugly in person at Don Drumm Studios, 437 Crouse 13. Zeber-Martell Studio and Gallery Blues, Jazz, & Old-Time Christmas sweater themed sweatshirt. For some St. and online, just type Leandra Drumm in the Professional-class pottery in the form of dishes, reason, you can no longer fi nd shirts celebrating search box at dondrummstudios.com lamps, tables and more. Pieces are hand-painted UA’s historic baseball team. Cost: $24.98 and with geometric and organic forms inspired by up Available: The main University Bookstore 11. Urban Kanvas nature. Cost: $30-$400 Available: Seven days in the Student Union, 303 Carroll Street, or Jason Scala’s black-and-white, highly detailed a week at 43 E. Furnace St. in the Northside *NO COVER CHARGE the satellite store in the Polsky Building, 225 stencil art on industrial-style plywood canvases District and online at zeber-martell.com S. Main Street, both in Akron, and online at features a wide array of pop culture and art HIGHLAND SQUARE: uakron.bncollege.com historical references with that rough-hewn 867 West Market Street Akron, Ohio, 44303 • 330-434-7333 www.MustardSeedMarket.com AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE music & entertainment Floco Torres / LuvAbstract / (continued from page 18) SUPER Boy Kudzi / Joey Sprinkles never forget. It was a moment when I admired more profoundly the beauty of nature entirely No Bueno Reviews... Where: It's a Kling Thing! different from what I know after 30 years of When: November 14, 2016 by Zep the Bear my existence on earth. As I walked through Time: 7:00 PM the neighborhood on that memorable day, all I could see was snow and everything was crystal Halfway House He is a bit of a triple threat. He is Torres mesmerized white. That was truly amazing, startling and There are about a half dozen of them scattered a story-teller rapper who can still the small but beautiful new experience for me. The happiness around Akron; nondescript houses by day, DIY deliver a banger. He has a nice furious crowd. The made me forget how cold and freezing it was music venues by night. It's a Kling Thing! is clean fl ow that he ratchets down set felt short but and kept pushing me to move around until one of them. Just on the periphery of the main to a gravelly bark when needed. left everyone with I come to accidentally meet the famous and campus of the University of Akron, the Kling And, perhaps most importantly, the feeling that legendary American sculptor and craftsman house is rather ordinary in appearance. The he is stacked with charisma. there will be much Don Drumm. I did not know him but he was front yard is neat and trim. There is a warm He has a contagious smile more to come. welcoming and nice to me even without glow emanating from the front windows. But and positive demeanor that knowing me and without any prior notifi cation if you walk up the driveway, enter through commands attention. It's often said that accepted to be in my selfi e video which went the side door, and make a hard right down you only get one viral with over 23k views and about 300 shares. the steps to the basement, you enter another Voted the best local hip-hop artist four years chance to make a fi rst impression. Torres didn't world. in a row in Macon, I sense shades of other make an impression, he made a statement. What was it like to learn who Don Drumm emcees in him. He has the evocative shrug of was after meeting him on your walk? White cabinets that have been stenciled Kid Cudi and the soulful warmth, sans the overt When I returned from the walk, I was beaming with the venue name and a crude spirituality, of Brother Ali. with smile and happiness because of the joyful cityscape serve as stage My Bars Are Excellent, snow experience. I showed my host mother decoration. A lone Pictured left: Floco Torres My Cars Are Excellent Judy Casey all the videos I shot and she told me microphone stand is Boy Kudzi (Akron) started the evening the person I met was a famous person called positioned in the middle Even during songs like "'87 with a short, tight set of hip-hop. He has a Don Drumm. I just Googled and read about of the room. To the left, 911" where Torres recounts contemporary swag that provided just the right him and then I began to refl ect about how a DJ has set up his laptop his aspiration of owning note to begin the evening. welcoming, simple, peaceful and approachable in front of a washer. The a Porsche, he comes off he was to me. It reinforced my impression of right side of the room hopeful, not materialistic. His LuvAbstract (Akron) was up to bat next. With Akron as a welcoming community. That was the contains a dryer with content is more dreamy than a name like "LuvAbstract," I was expecting reason why I posted that video. I am happy the speakers stacked on top lustful. Most rappers tend to straight RnB, but Abstract is a versatile rapper. video brought some feeling of happiness and of them. Orange extension trip over braggadocio on their He worked hard on stage and delivered some joy to Akronites. cords crisscross the fl oor. way to success. catchy hooks. He had the crowd in the palm of A cute redhead is making his hands by the end of the set. Now that you've become famous in her way through the crowd passing out stickers Torres confi rmed the rumor circulating that Akron, what do you think of the reaction that she designed herself. The basement is he will be relocating to Akron in January. He Joey Sprinkles (Akron). Sprinkles was probably to your video? full of people. The space is snug but the vibe played his last hometown gig in October. the most compelling of the supporting acts. I have never felt more welcomed, appreciated is chill. Performing after Torres, he and loved in my life than what I received Pictured right: Joey Sprinkles played a scratchy, fuzzy set from Akronites as a response to that video. It Usually, the music alone is the draw for these of garage-punk-pop over a opened doors for me to meet very amazing and type of shows. Tonight is a little different. Floco It seems like a prudent grouchy electric guitar and great personalities like Chris Miller of (Akron Torres will be performing. There is a buzz in decision. After years of whining keyboard. Visually, Community Foundation), Shane Wynn (The the crowd. polishing his act in the he is clean cut, but his music Devil Strip, Cleveland.com); Tom Ghinder (Akron relatively insulated Macon leans toward experimental Promise), Michelle Boasten and Linda Mckinney scene, now he will be and is oddly catchy. (You Can Care, Inc.), and Frank Azona (former within driving distance candidate for Ohio State Legislature). On many Hot Like The Sun of Cleveland, Columbus, - Zep the Bear occasion, I meet people who easily recognize Torres takes the stage just after ten o'clock. Cincinnati, Chicago, and me, present gifts to me and take pictures with Dressed in black from head-to-toe, the Philly Detroit--not to mention me. What an amazing transformation. I am emcee--by way of Macon, GA.--galloped the Akron scene which is forever grateful to Akron, Ohio. through a six-song set of infectious hip-hop. low-key white hot. (Photo by Shane Wynn)

pleasure of delivering food here or picking up the fi ve people that used to hang out there >> The Bar Crawler is on vacation. See you a fare in my cab back in the ‘90s, I would say are sadly no longer with us. Also gone is next month! — Leslie Shirley Nielsen Adopt-a-bar to myself, “I just won the workday lottery!.” what used to be my favorite storefront sign by Leslie Shirley Nielsen I can't remember any customers treating me in Akron. It was a crudely painted blue and better in my working career than they did in white image of King Kong on top of the Big Al's this place. Empire State Building. By crudely, I mean you Address: 847 Johnston St. had to squint to fi gure out what you were This walk-in closet consisted of a bar, pool looking at. What a visual joy to behold. Nestled on a hilly bend of Johnston Street in table and about six bar stools. I always Akron's south side sits a potential goldmine. marveled at the fact that, despite it's size, All this baby needs is a little elbow grease This is a quaint little area of our town it could still run at 25 percent capacity. For and the same kind of pioneering vision that that I like to call ‘Little West Virginia.’ I've years, Big Al’s was a model in minimalist amazed all that entered. Couple that with referenced this charismatic landmark of a bar hospitality. They set the standard. fi ve regular customers and a sign that was many times over the years. Any time I had the painted during a bumpy car ride and you'll be Why did it close? I can only assume that able to retire early. You can thank me later.

36 | THE Devil Strip / DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM misc.

(continued from page 17) he got out and started lose to his addiction. "As I would stick the needle in my arm, I would doing better. He had a Something had to be in tears because I always thought I was a time, which he has since come to suspect was little boy, Connor, and change but he didn’t hopeless case, that nothing was ever going to the dirty needle that gave him Hepatitis C. checked in with his know what. If he hadn’t be bad enough to make me want to stop." parole offi cer, stayed hit bottom yet what  sober and held a stable would it take? He kept This is what he was saying to an “old-timer” job. But drugs crept looking for answers. named Ralph, a suburbanite who seemed to be Red was 29 years old when he got out of back into his life and Red’s polar opposite. Ralph’s response changed Corcoran and met up with his mother in everything quickly “I’d go to meetings, everything. Chicago. Over the preceding 11-year period, changed. It almost cost and I'd hear these he was never out of prison for more than six Connor’s life. addicts say, ‘You can't "Let me explain it to you so you understand months at a time. However, he wasn’t turning get help until you hit it,” he told Red. "Your rock bottom isn't going over a new leaf in the Windy City. “I had my son over one your bottom.’ And to be an incident. Your bottom is a decision. weekend. I dropped an that used to just throw The bottom is when you make a choice that “We went on the run together out there. She 80-milligram Oxycontin me in this huge spiral no matter what you're going to do whatever it did her thing. And I did mine. And we kind of on the fl oor, and I was of despair. Because takes to never pick up again. You have to make teamed up. It was a really sick mother-and-son on the couch all nodded I would think, ‘How that decision every day for the rest of your life." drug team. We'd shoot each other up,” he out and high as hell. I is this son of a bitch says. “I could fi nd my mom’s veins better than saw him put something going to sit across from That’s when Red fi nally put the shovel down. she could.” in his mouth, and it me and tell me he hit He was done digging past rock bottom. He was was through the grace of God that I got up his bottom at 40 years old because he got his done with heroin. It ended badly in Chicago too. He landed in the and pulled the pill out of his mouth because it fi rst DUI? I've done 11 years in prison. I've lost a hospital after a violent altercation with a police would have killed him.” kid. I've got Hepatitis C, B, D, E, Q. I'm insulin- Red’s story doesn’t end here. It continues offi cer. Red says he escaped naked in the middle dependent. I'm diabetic. I can't hold a job. I'm in January when we’ll learn more about his of winter, but got caught and ended up back in  living in a trailer with three kids and a wife, and commitment to sobriety and the incredible prison. When his stint was up, Red returned to I’m still digging. I haven’t found a bottom.’” obstacles he still had to overcome. Northeast Ohio, joining his mom here. Red lost custody of Connor and came back to Ohio where he stayed clean for a short time. It was January 11, 2015. Red was in detox He was soon in trouble again, and he ended He met his current wife and started going to again, but he’d done that 10 times before. He’d up getting fl own back to California. This time, meetings but he still felt like he was going to overdosed a few too.

(continued on page 13) CS: Knowledge, relationships and new park simply felt normal. I've also had a lot of names for a city that didn't exist, but if it makes experiences certainly make writing easier, jobs, including designing tires at Goodyear, The fi rst two books of “Valley of Progress”— the story come alive just a little bit more, I jot it and although this is a work of fi ction, I did a being a mail carrier, teacher, and even learning ”Chigou” and “The Murde Mountains”— can down in my binder and move on to the lot of research while writing it (I know a lot how to create a bar when I helped design be purchased online at Amazon.com. Be sure next thing. more about lock-picking, steam engines, and The Nightlight. Ultimately, I think to enhance your reading experience by mountain climbing now than when I started). being a good listener visiting valleyofprogress.com, where you MA: As a writer, I have often heard the I defi nitely agree that even fantastical fi ction really helps one to can access artwork of the city, soundbites advice, "Write what you know." While I'm only manages a healthy suspension of disbelief become a good writer. of the valley, maps, and illustrations that skeptical of taking any writing rule and if it roots in some truth. Imagination needs real Whenever I travel or meet make the city come alive. sticking to it too strongly, I think it is true experiences to vault off of. someone new, I want to that much of what we write, however pay attention, see the Cory Sheldon will be signing copies of fantastical, fi nds its origin in our own Looking back at the book, I feel if you squint details and see the truth. his book at Book Up, People: Akron experience. Have you found this to be true your mind's eye, you can see this alternate- I never know when a new Book Signing on December 22nd, from in your writing? In other words, what real- history version of Akron, which is where I experience is going to make 6 - 8 pm at Square Records. world inspiration did you draw upon while grew up. As a kid, seeing blimps fl ying over the perfect addition to a creating the world of your story? this quirky, industrial city nestled in a national new chapter.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE DECEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #12 / THE Devil Strip | 37 back of the book Urine Luck

single-staller. All okay and up to our standards. instead. I’d like to say that I might, too, but I Working sink, working toilet, diaper changing can guarantee I won’t. I’ll be hauling a car seat, station, soap, towels: the requirements were and, well, I’m not going drag that thing out met. Air quality? I’ve smelled worse (and of the store and then into another if I don’t better). But satisfactory doesn’t drive a four or absolutely have to. Plus, Hobby Lobby doesn’t ﬁ ve toilet rating, here, folks! Visual interest? have groceries. Hobby Lobby doesn’t have There’s nothing to see while you do your much besides a lot of overpriced string and a business here. Maybe a shot of wheatgrass maze of buttons that somehow fails to include from the hot foods/smoothie counter could that one damn button that shouldn’t be hard to liven up the experience if you drink it really fast. match but is.

I like the sign about employees needing to Earth Fare has the groceries. And that rock wash their hands. In general, though, shouldn’t that mists good-smelling stuff on you as you everyone wash their hands after they touch get in the checkout line. So while Earth Fare’s offered free frozen chickens to anyone a toilet? America, let’s get on board here. In women’s restroom gets just a 2.5 out of 5 who walked in their doors to celebrate their addition to the somewhat interesting sign is toilets from me, I have no plans to avoid their Fair Enough at Earth Fare, opening. Pretty nice, right? Does anyone know a record sheet of who cleaned the bathroom aisles any time soon. Plus, they have those dried or Earth without Art is if a frozen chicken that is 6+ years old is still when. Cleaning logs are never that interesting, mangoes. Once you eat one, you can’t stop safe to eat? Asking for a friend. but I realize now that maybe I should have there. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. just "eh" looked at it because in addition to being a by Marissa Marangoni Maybe another free frozen chicken would boring bathroom, the space felt a little dirty. // Marissa doesn’t have a friend with an old Earth Fare I went for the bathrooms, but I left with so redeem this bathroom experience. I hate to dig chicken in the freezer. She has the chicken. :( Want much more. It’s a good thing, too. For one, on EF; I really like the place. And the facilities Surfaces were wet, stray toilet paper pieces more UL insider secrets? Follow us on Twitter, Earth Fare is a grocery store, not a dedicated won’t stop me from shopping there (unless I littered the fl oor, and there wasn’t a whole lot @urin3luck. bathroom house. And for two, well, you’ll just am banned after writing this review). However. in this little spot that made me want to make have to read on to fi nd out. Something could be done to improve the toilet this my emergency bathroom location. If you’re game. I expected a little more swag. Partially a germophobe, you might even opt to use the I remember when Earth Fare opened. They white-tiled and yellow painted walls, tiled fl oor, facilities at Hobby Lobby a few doors down

Artsy Fartsy at stainless steel stalls and high ceilings. It has It’s also right next to a trashcan. the Akron Art Museum a nice mix of dark and light colors. I bet this The art museum is partnering with the Akron by Marissa Marangoni bathroom gets loud during events. There are Summit County Public Library to create a some interesting looking vents or exhaust fans lending library of art. This program sounds The public restrooms at the Akron Art Museum on the ceiling with a spiral layout of vanes or like an awesome way to bring art out of the are in a hallway on the fi rst fl oor, past the front something. I don’t think this is art, though. confi nes of a museum and into everyday desk and the coffee/snack stand. I bet there Art museum patrons will fi nd a well-stocked spaces. The art museum should think about are swankier restrooms elsewhere, but I am not bathroom with 10 stalls, one of which is adding some art to their bathroom if they fancy enough to know about those. handicapped and two of which seem to be really want to make art more accessible. I tend to want a place’s bathroom to be perpetually out of order. The toilets have a Why shouldn’t a museum bathroom be just reminiscent of the place in which it is located. serious cone shape (is this just me?) and are as exciting as other parts of the museum? I like when content and form meet. Maybe automatic fl ush, so make sure to have a good A white toilet is a wonderful blank canvas. everyone else thinks this too, but when the toilet-fl ush dance at the ready. The toilet did not This bathroom is not living up to its electoral college of bathrooms convened, fl ush until I left the stall. potential, but it’s clean and bright, so it they decided to screw the popular vote. Or earns 3 out 5 toilets. maybe everyone is just like, “Shut up. It’s only A row of sinks and soap dispensers is across a bathroom.” It’s not just a bathroom. This is a from the stalls. The sinks are automatic, too, major part of our lives, damnit. so it’s likely that some will not work. Friends, // Emily Dressler wants to be a bathroom ambassador for Akron. Follow @urin3luck on this bathroom has a changing table--rejoice! It’s instagram and pee your pants laughing. The women’s restroom at the art museum fl ush against the wall (until you pull it down, feels cavernous and sterile with its numerous obviously) and across from the handicap stall.

8 akron books (continued on page 27) 25. Joanna Wilson, “Triple Dog Dare” 26. Mila Jaroniec, 27. Cory Sheldon, “Valley of Progress” The latest book by our favorite prolifi c pop “Plastic Vodka Bottle Sleepover” Check out our Q&A with local author Cory 24. James Segedy, editor, culture Christmas author, Akron’s Joanna A native New Yorker turned Akronite, Jaroniec Sheldon (pg. 13) then buy the fi rst couple books “The Akron Anthology” Wilson, is perhaps her most impressive because delivers a highly praised debut novel —“...a of his series for your favorite bookworm. Belt Magazine’s wide-ranging collection she goes deep into “A Christmas Story” while razor-sharp meditation on loneliness in sex, Cost: Archive 1 - “The Murde Mountains” is of essays and stories about Akron includes testing her limits by watching Bob Clark’s classic under capitalism, in the face of mortality, even $6.95; Book 1 - “Chigou” is $14.95. an introduction by David Giffels and a fi lm on repeat during Turner Broadcasting’s in the arms of those we claim to love…” Available:: In bookstores or online at contributions by Rita Dove and Emilia Sykes, annual 24-hour TV marathon. Cost: $19.99 Cost: $16 Available: In bookstores or online valleyofprogress.com among others. Cost: $16.99 Available: In Available: In local bookstores or online at at splitlippress.com bookstores or online at beltmag.com/shop 1701press.com/shop

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