JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 • THEDEVILSTRIP.COM The Devil Strip FREE ture Akron Music, Art & Cul

in this issue

"We need to remember what 's important in life: The Devil Strip friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third." ture Akron Music, Art & Cul - Leslie Knope

I have a large appetite. “no discount for kinfolk.” A velvet painting of the to find my Honeybear’s in Akron, my Cox Café, my CONTACT US: In my family, this was Last Supper watched over a jukebox that hadn’t Ron & Cheng’s Kitchen—those places that say more Office: some kind of measure worked in a long, long time. The tables were about Akron than words can. (330) 842-6606 of manliness. My dad stocked with pepper sauces and at least one out- and uncles ate platefuls of-date bottle of teriyaki sauce marked with stickers One that really feels like Akron to us is Urban General Info: so I trained myself to from Big Lots. One visit to that now-shuttered place Eats. It isn’t necessarily the menu, which is always [email protected] do the same, leaving no told you more about the city of Macon than any changing, but rather Liz, Jason, Max and Maya taters behind. Over Sunday dinner, my folks joked guidebook ever could. who are steadfast in their love of the city. It shows Advertising: I had a hollow leg while I headed back for my in the way they push for, support and promote [email protected] unnecessary thirds, ignoring the fact I was the cool things that come their way. Like The already full. This “clean plate club” thing is to Devil Strip, of which they were very early (like Distribution: me what the Hulk is to Bruce Banner. Yeah, I pre-print) fans. [email protected] can “Hulk smash” a cookout, but damn—there are consequences. It’s also in the way they show their love for their customers, like my 4-year-old daughter ONLINE: As we wrap up this issue, our 10th (double Madeline. The first time I took her to Urban Website: digits, yay!), I’m in Las Vegas with my wife and Eats, she fell for Liz, who gave her crayons www.thedevilstrip.com kid visiting my in-laws. Generally, we stay off and a pizza box to color, which later appeared The Strip where people reach for authenticity on their social media. From there, we joked Facebook: but leave smiling with photos in front of a about an art show but Maddy took it seriously, Facebook.com/thedevilstrip fake Statue of Liberty with fake showgirls making piles of art and inviting people to her then get dinner at a fake Eiffel Tower. This art show. So Liz said, “Why not?” Now we Twitter: time, with Grandma volunteering to babysit, have a date. On August 1, while you’re out @akrondevilstrip we pretended to get away, embracing the for the Downtown Art Walk, please join us at Vegas-ness of it all, which included indulging Urban Eats to celebrate Madeline Olivia Horne’s Instagram: at a buffet. Of all the places, this is where it first art exhibition. (Yay!) @thedevilstrip finally occurred to me that the quickest way to ______a city’s heart is through your stomach. In closing, don’t expect this issue to be a Publisher >> In Macon, there was this one soul food joint Chris Horne // [email protected] Maddy has a thing for art museums. named Honeybear’s. It sat on the seam where (Photo: Daddy Mermaid von Braun Horne) Art Director >> abandoned houses and abandoned factories Alesa Upholzer met. Once, I sent an intern there to get photos for a story and Honeybear herself caught him Aside from my family and friends, the food is what comprehensive look at Akron food. Like the Illustration and Design >> taking pics of the exterior then pulled a shotgun I miss most about my hometown. It’s one part music and art issues before it, this is a start, a Bronlynn Thurman, Chris Grady, Jacob Luther on him, demanding the film from his digital because of the food itself—burgers and shakes commitment to the exploration itself. As always, camera. Hers was a windowless, wood-paneled at The Rookery, pizza at IVP, coastal seafood at I’d love to hear what you think and where you Photographers >> room where the kitchen was just a stove and an Jim Shaw’s, etc.—but it’s two parts the intangible want this paper to go, so shoot me an email or a old white fridge. You scribbled your order on the quality that means we can’t find *this* anywhere message. Mail me a letter. Fly us a pigeon. Send us Svetla Morrison, Paul Hoffman, freebie notepads pharmaceutical reps give doctors but Macon, Georgia. And that’s what I’m hunting smoke signals. Say hello in person. I’ll listen. Bronlynn Thurman, Ilenia Pezzaniti, but whatever Honeybear wanted to fix you is what in Akron. The reason I asked y’all which restaurants Shane Wynn you’d get. There were two signs near the register: you consider the “Most Akron” is so I could turn “no credit to movie stars, inlaws or outlaws” and your responses into a checklist for myself. I want Thank y’all, Chris Contributing Writers >> Ben Arrington, Holly Brown, Jenny Conn, Jessica Conti, Susan Covey, Madison Cummins, Katelyn Gainer, M. Sophie Hamad, Noor Hindi, Katie Jackson, Jecca, Chris Kessinger, Isaac Kelley, Greg Milo, Eric Morris, Christopher Morrison, Brittany Nader, Ilenia ABOUT THE COVER Pezzaniti, Scott Piepho, Audrey Quinn, Roger Riddle, Sarah Stubbs, Bronlynn Thurman, Katie Wheeler, Joanna Wilson We received more than 100 responses from our friends and fans on social media to our nosey questions. Which local restaurant to you miss most? What are the most Interns >> overlooked dishes in Akron? Which local eatery do you consider the “Most Akron” for Madison Cummins, Sarah Stubbs, Audrey Quinn breakfast, for lunch and for dinner? The answers were fantastic and so we used them ______in this issue and culled the names for this cover. One stood out because it kind of made me sad that I never got to experience it: Dodie’s Highland Café. By an almost The Devil Strip is published bi-monthly by Random Family, LLC. Akron Distribution: The Devil Strip two-to-one margin, that’s the restaurant folks said they missed most. Googling is available free of charge, limited to one copy per for answers about what happened to Dodie’s, I came across—and was soon reader. Copyright: The entire contents ofThe Devil Strip are copyright 2015 by Random Family, LLC. mesmerized by—this lovely photograph by the generous and immensely talented Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher Tim Fitzwater, who graciously let me share it here. does not assume any liability for unsolicited Thank you, Tim manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed (CREDIT: Tim Fitzwater) envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 3 the agenda ICYMI News n’ stuff, in case you missed it The Lead : UA’s President Business changes mind about $50 fee; violates ‘no take-backsies rule’

After taking flack in public from a state legislator, Academic Partnerships. This company uses the presidents of several other Ohio universities, and reputations of real-life universities to sell online the faculty, staff and students at the University of courses for students around the globe, operating Akron, Scott Scarborough is rolling back on his under a university’s name despite condensing the plans to charge upper-classmen a $50 per credit curriculum and providing its own instructors. While hour “fee.” This outcry will likely die down as it did Scarborough was at DePaul, that university sold the when the “name change” was packaged by the "academic assets" of Barat College to Academic administration as a “rebranding.” Small victories Partnerships. An article by the Texas Observer, can be dangerous distractions. titled “Randy Best Is Going to Save Texas’ Public Universities, Or Get Rich Trying,” noted that while Losing the fee hike is good news but Scarborough’s Scarborough was at the University of Toledo, he plan means the baseball team will still get tried to bring in Academic Partnerships but failed dismantled. As former faculty union president because of a “faculty uprising.” Walter Hixson wrote in an ABJ editorial, the program costs $700,000 while former UA president So, what’s it say that a year into his UA job he’s Luis Proenza pocketed $500,000 for his year-long already contracted with Academic Partnerships? sabbatical. UA could have saved baseball between They will run an online RN to Bachelor of Science in that and the $375,000 spent to renovate the Nursing degree through UA, according to a memo current prez’s rent-free house (Scarborough was posted at OhioHigherEd.org. While this means reportedly allergic to Proenza’s cats so…). And, 215 UA may get a boost in enrollment, much of the people in our community will still lose their jobs. profit from the online courses ships back to Texas. The chances are slim that Scarborough wants to The bigger problem may ultimately prove to be the stop there. But let’s stop here and say it’s a great connection, outlined in a report by the Chronicle of idea—maybe even the future of higher education. Higher Education, that Scarborough has with Texas However, some questions remain: Why Academic businessman Randy Best. After making almost Partnerships? Who else was considered? Was $400 million from selling an education company there ever an RFP and should there have been? Of that serviced No Child Left Behind, Best started course, we have other questions but let’s start here. In other news

St. V alum takes friends to get burgers, DEVO becomes (slightly) bigger than life in cvcountryside.org, or download the official RFP business people, public servants and workers in see movie downtown Akron at nps.gov/cuva by following the links to farm the nonprofit sector who will learn “to achieve LeBron Raymone James (St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Class Good news for folks who really loved the cover offering, or visit cvcountryside.org. greater levels of involvement and effectiveness as of 2003) visited the Regal Cinemas in Montrose of our last issue—or at least love Janet Macoska’s community leaders.” for a screening of a film he recently made with notable photo of Devo, taken in 1978 on a break friends. (It’s even feature length. Wowsers!) The while the band shot its video for “Satisfaction” local product, who is reportedly taking time from at the Akron Civic Theatre. On Saturday, August his passion for earth science to pursue basketball, 15, the Civic, the Akron Summit CVB and Nagel even fed his pals at a nearby Swensons. Hey, hey, Advertising are installing a 20-foot by 20-foot Galley Boys for everyone! Suffice it to say, we’re all version that will make the members of the band looking forward to what this young man does next. just a tad bigger than life size. Macoska will be in town and so will Devo founding member Gerald Summa CEO schedules unexpected Casale. Festivities begin at 11 AM. The art park cometh foot-extraction surgery at Akron Roundtable As local institutions go, the Akron Art Museum is Tom Malone, Summa’s president and CEO, was Countryside adds two more farms to its Nat’l kicking ass as a cultural change agent. Breaking the speaker at the Akron Roundtable on July 16, Park lease program ground this month, the Bud and Susie Rogers which happened to be the day the Akron Beacon If being the “farm” part of the “farm-to-table” Garden will be a one-acre tract that’ll be open to Journal broke the news that our largest employer equation and living in a national park are on your the public and available for “creative activities, such will enforce a new dress code that requires women bucket list, Countryside Conservancy and the as a trailhead for bicyclists, a picnic and play space The outdoor art moveth to wear pantyhose with skirts and dresses—for National Park Service have an opportunity for you. for families, an outdoor space for yoga or even an The 30 framed reproductions of iconic artwork “professional” reasons. In defending the plan, They’re adding two more farms—on in Valley View exploration space for urban naturalists,” inside the Akron Art Museum will be moved Malone said to soon-to-be-groaning community and the other in Boston Heights—to their long- so sayeth the AAM press release. The grand to new locations this month, including spots in leaders, “Have you been to Walmart? People term (i.e. – 60 years) lease program, which already opening is planned for Spring 2016 with limited new neighborhoods. (New to the Knight-funded who left the house actually thought they looked includes nine other farms, including a vineyard and programming by late fall this year. Inside|Out project, not like neighborhoods new good some days.” Because professionalism. So, winery, livestock, pick-your-own (which sounds like to Akron.) Soon, folks in Highland Square, West to recap, we can trust the health professionals at what my folks would have said if we were farmers), 36 leaders picked to get their leadership on for Hill, The University of Akron, University Park and Summa with our lives, but Malone and company egg and community-supported veggie farmers. the 32nd class of Leadership Akron Cuyahoga Falls will get to enjoy the art. Maps will do not think the women who work there can be Each farm includes a rehabbed residence and up Out of 90 applicants, 36 emerging leaders were be available throughout the neighborhoods and trusted to dress themselves without ending up on to 12 acres of land. For all the deets or to RSVP for picked to participate in the year-old “signature at the museum. For more info, visit PeopleOfWalmart.com. the open houses on July 31 and August 10, contact program” hosted by Leadership Akron. The AkronArtMuseum.org/inside-out. Julie Gabelman at 330-657-2542 or Jgabelman@ class, which is the organization’s 32nd, includes

4 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM The Agenda

Taste of Akron | THURSDAY, JULY 23 6pm at Hardesty Park (FREE) | 1615 W Market St, Akron This year marks the 10th anniversary of our most delicious summer event, which kicks off Akron Arts Expo. At the Taste of Akron, you can get the full flavor of Akron by sampling appetizers, entrees, and desserts from over 20 area restaurants, including Papa Joe's, The Beachcomber, Miss Julie's Kitchen, Frank's Place, D'Agnese's, Bombay Grill, Popsmith, Dante Boccuzzi Akron, Stray Dog, Ivan's Deli, Three Sisters Momo, Old Carolina BBQ, Southern Thangs and The Office Bistro. Enjoy great food, beverages and live entertainment by GET ON UP! Food samples cost 1, 2 or 3 tickets. Tickets are $2 each.

“Tangerine” | Opens July 24 at Nightlight Cinema ($8.50) 30 N High St, Akron Shot entirely on iPhones, “Tangerine” has been an indie flick force since smashing through Sundance. Sin-Dee is on a tear. Fresh out of prison, the trans working girl just learned that her man and pimp, Chester, has been hanging out with another woman, a biological female no less. Whichever one she finds first had better watch out. Alexandra has a nightclub gig to prepare for but sets off with her on a madcap quest that crisscrosses the sun-baked and neon-bathed strip malls and subcultures of Los Angeles. But it’s the empathetic portrayal of its two stigma-busting stars that make this open-hearted ode to outsiders so memorable.

The Golden Age of Restaurants in Summit County | Tuesday, August 18 6:30 pm at the Highland Square library It fits our food theme AND it looks fascinating. Do you remember the days of Themely’s, Yanko’s, The Embers, Marcel’s, Iacomini’s and Sanginiti's? Either way, take a walk down memory lane with Sharon Myers back to the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s when Akron was the place that out-of-towners came to eat. Registration is requested, which you can do by calling 330-376-2927 or visiting the Highland Square Branch Library. If you want to catch this presentation early, go to the Green library on Monday, SPOTLIGHT August 10 at 6:30 pm.

What’s your best idea Arts & Culture for the arts? We want to hear it! Event Listings This summer, the Knight Arts Challenge is offering a share of $1 million down his wild adolescent past, when he used to to the best arts ideas for Akron. ONGOING consort with thieves and drunkards on the seedy “Tangerine” side of London. Opens July 24 at The Nightlight Cinema ($8.50) Get ready: the challenge opens 30 N High St, Akron Aug. 10, and it’s open to everyone. Sin-Dee is on a tear. Fresh out of prison, the trans working girl just learned that her man and pimp, Chester, has been hanging out with another Learn more at woman, a biological female no less. Whichever one KnightArts.org. she finds first had better watch out. Alexandra has a nightclub gig to prepare for but sets off with her Photo courtesy of Downtown Akron Partnership Downtown Akron Photo courtesy of on a madcap quest that crisscrosses the sun-baked and neon-bathed strip malls and subcultures of Los Angeles. But it’s the empathetic portrayal of its two stigma-busting stars that make this open-hearted ode to outsiders so memorable.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Henry V Opens July 30 at Stan Hywet ($15-$33) Peter Pan 714 N Portage Path, Akron Opens July 31 at Weathervane Playhouse ($18) Enjoy a wonderful evening of Shakespeare under 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron the stars in the Lagoon area of Stan Hywet, Broadway's timeless classic musical whisks you presented in partnership with the Ohio Shakespeare away to a place where dreams are born and no one Festival. “Henry V” is set in England in the early ever grows up! Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale 15th century where the political situation in and featuring an unforgettable score, Peter Pan is England is tense. In order to gain the respect of the one of the most beloved and frequently performed English people and the court, Henry V must live family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 5 The Agenda

CONNECTING THE ARTS Learning the art of business at

byBoston Katelyn Gainer Mills Art Festival

Artists don’t have to starve or at least that is what says she discovered, “I could make a good living.” the July 4 weekend to visit the the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art Emerging Artists booth. Before is teaching their students. A new class offered Later Simms returned to Akron, where she making it over to the Emerging through the school teaches students the business pursued her graduate degree then later became a Artists booth I walked around side of being an artist, which is often overlooked faculty member at the university. to see what other artists had in typical art classes. to offer. When I arrived at the Last year, someone from the Boston Mills Art Myers School of Art booth I was Artists who take the art school route often forget Festival approached Simms and asked if she pleasantly surprised and impressed there are two sides of being an artist—creating wanted to take on an Emerging Artist tent with to say the least. and then selling what you’ve made. Art students her students. Students of the class were invited to often get thrown into the real world not participate in the Annual Boston Mills Art Festival It obvious that the class had taught knowing how to promote or market their at the Brandywine Resort in Peninsula, Ohio for the students what they needed to selves or their art. the weekends of June 26-28 and the dates of know about the business side of July 2–5. being an artist. I spoke to students Jaclyn Hale packing, price points and how important those The Myers School of Art now offers what and Bridget Hoosic to hear what aspects are too,” Hoosic says. they call the Boston Mills Experience with the “A lot of students don’t even know this is an they learned from the class and the experience. help of professor and artist Sherry Simms. option; usually the gallery is the option that they The work and booth was well presented. The Simms received her undergraduate degree in have,” Simm explains. “We learn a lot about making art but not the students were charming and engaging with metalsmithing from the University of Akron. business side like making a website and business their customers. The quality of work was on “When I was in school there was no business For the project, students were expected to cards. It was really helpful how to learn how to par if not better than the other professional tie,” she says. “The idea of selling your work produce a collection of work and showcase to do that kind of thing. When you do graduate artists presenting at the festival. I personally was never really mentioned…the emphasis was sell it at the art festival. They had the semester you really are trying to start your own business,” left with a few purchases of Mary Clark’s work, on making the work.” After graduating from the to create the work. They were expected to make Hale tells me. which I adore. I can say I’ve found new artists I’ll University of Akron she moved to Memphis where business cards, help put the Emerging Artists definitely be supporting in the future and I hope she started making jewelry and had to start booth together and set-up displays for their work. The Boston Mills Arts Festival gives us real world Akron does too. teaching herself the business side of being an experience. We’ve learned how to make products artist. What she found might surprise most. She I visited the Boston Mills Arts Festival during targeted for specific audiences, branding,

Award-winning musical has been performed and desserts from over 20 area restaurants. Enjoy favorite fandom and participate in trivia, a cosplay around the world and delighted audiences for great food, beverages and live entertainment by FRIDAY, JULY 24 contest, DIY crafts, photo ops, and much more. 60 years, and this run features local young GET ON UP! Food samples cost 1, 2 or 3 tickets, Boogers, Witches and Haints: emerging artists. and tickets are $2 each. Spooky Stories from Appalachia World Premiere 8 pm at Standing Rock Cultural Arts Center ($15) 300 N Water St, Suite H, Kent WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 In 2013, Wandering Aesthetics’ co-artistic Michael Trixx directors completed a thru-hike of the 2,185.9- 6 pm at Funny Stop Comedy Club ($6) mile Appalachian Trail. But they didn’t come 1757 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls back alone… Master Storyteller Kyle Jozsa leads With a background in music, Michael Trixx audiences on a spine-tingling journey into the heart combines his two passions, Rock N' Roll and Magic of Appalachia. Intertwining real-life experiences to give an unforgettable performance. Live doves with campfire stories collected on their adventure, and parakeets appearing and vanishing from thin Jozsa conjures BOOGERS, WITCHES AND HAINTS air, levitations, confetti blizzards, fire magic second off the AT and into the imagination. There are to none and his magic bunny "Hocus Pocus" all many chills, thrills, and laughs sprinkled throughout Akron2Akron: make for a rockin' good time. Performing Chinese Girls Don’t Swear this hour-long solo performance. Also being Trapped in a World That They Never Made through July 25. 7 pm at Akron Civic Theatre ($15) performed July 25, July 31, and Aug 1. 3 pm at Cascade Plaza (FREE) 182 S Main St, Akron S Main and Mill, Akron Lucy Wang is M.I.T. (Made in Taiwan), but she is no Akron’s own David Giffels highlights landmarks cheap import. Raised on Midwestern beef and corn and key moments in Akron’s history featured in THURSDAY, JULY 23 (Akron, Ohio!), she does her best to follow the SATURDAY, JULY 25 his book, “The Hard Way on Purpose”. The tour Taste of Akron unwritten Asian American handbook and achieve Geekfest 2015 Mini-ComiCon wraps up around 4pm at The Lockview for light 6 pm at Hardesty Park (FREE) the American Dream. Chinese Girls Don’t Swear is 12 pm at Main Library (FREE) appetizers. (Photo courtesy of Carissa Russell) 1615 W Market St, Akron a comedic and searing look at how one Chinese 60 S High St, Akron The most delicious event to hit this summer, get the American woman uses her wits to defy, exceed and Looking for a way to celebrate your geeky full flavor of Akron by sampling appetizers, entrees, redefine expectations. obsessions? Here’s your chance! Celebrate your

6 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the agenda

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 AKRON HISTORY Akron Farm & Flea Market 9 am outside Urban Eats (FREE) 51 E Market St, Akron The first Saturday of every month, head to Urban Eats and Musica for shopping, eating and entertainment that is uniquely Akron. Vendors will change each month and will include rummage, vintage, arts, crafts, farm produce, food and services.

Blues & Brews 2 pm at Lock 3 ($40) 200 S Main St, Akron Don’t miss one of Northeast Ohio’s largest craft beer festivals! Sample more than 200 craft beers from 70+ renowned breweries, plus enjoy food from local favorites like Winking Lizard and Wholly Frijoles, as well as live music! Ferdinand Schumacher: A Thing Downtown 4 pm at Downtown Akron (FREE) Formerly Homeless Foundation 5k Not a Fan of Coats S Main St, Akron 3 pm at Johnny J’s ($20) by Joanna Wilson Live music, Crafty Mart vendors, yoga, and a 1282 Weathervane Lane, Akron free outdoor movie! Enjoy a summer evening in johnny J's Pub & Grille has partnered up with Blue downtown Akron with refreshments available Moon for a 5k charity run and pub crawl to benefit from the Coffee Pot Cafe and Stray Dog. At 9pm, The Formerly Homeless Foundation. Proceeds We all know Quaker Square Schumacher was also watch “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” in the Main from bar sales and runner registration will be on Broadway Street in so cheap he refused to Library’s ampitheater. donated to the foundation. The Formerly Homeless downtown Akron—what purchase insurance. In Foundation seeks to change misconception about is now The University of 1886, when a fire (not his “The Story of Archie Book” Release Party homelessness, and employs those who were Akron residence hall was first) destroyed the entire 6 pm at Summit Artspace (FREE) homeless to help them build resume and workforce converted from grain silos. complex of mills including 140 E Market St, Akron experience. Visit formerlyhomelessfoundation5k. Many of us have visited the eight-story Jumbo Mill, Celebrate Christmas in July AND the release of The com to register. the giant, red waterwheel Schumacher was unable Devil Strip contributor Joanna Wilson’s book, “The sculpture along the to rebuild. Story of Archie”. Enjoy food from Urban Eats and Downtown Akron Artwalk Towpath Trail at Cascade drinks from Thirsty Dog and NORKA Beverage, and 5 pm in Downtown Akron (FREE) Locks Park, located in the In order to raise funds get your book signed! Experience local art, live music and fun for all ages footprint of one of the to rebuild, Schumacher at the award-winning Artwalk in Downtown Akron. former mills owned by agreed to merge his cereal Venues include galleries located in the Northside Ferdinand Schumacher, the company with several of District, North High Street, and East & West Market “Oatmeal King” of Akron. his competitors in order Schumacher’s legacy: Quaker St. Don’t forget to stop by Crafty Mart’s Pop Up Details of the oat, barley to fix prices and drive WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Square Residence Hall. Knight Arts Challenge Akron Shops at Summit Artspace. By the way, a brand and flour company started other businesses out of (Photo: Joanna Wilson) Informational Session new local artist, Madeline O. Horne, will have her by Schumacher can be the market. The stubborn 5 pm at BLU Jazz+ (FREE) first art show at Urban Eats. (She may or may not found on display at the waterwheel as well as Schumacher wasn’t concerned with violating 47 E Market St, Akron be publisher Chris Horne’s daughter.) online. But what I find just as fascinating as the anti-trust laws—instead he resisted the business The Knight Foundation is just weeks away from grand cereal empire that began in Akron is the decisions of his new partners, especially wasting launching the first Knight Arts Challenge, which colorful character of Schumacher himself. his money on advertising. So he mortgaged will offer $3 million over three years to the best most of his holdings in an attempt to buy out ideas for the arts in Akron. Join them for Happy SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 German immigrant Ferdinand Schumacher his partners—which left him bankrupt. Hour on July 29, to meet the people behind the Slide the City started his oat, barley, and flour business here contest and find out more about the challenge. 12 pm at Lock 3 Park ($21) becoming the wealthiest man in town after Another contributing factor in his eventual And save the date: the Knight Arts Challenge 200 S Main St, Akron the Civil War. All this, despite being known as bankruptcy was Schumacher’s investments in Akron officially launches August 10. 1000 feet of sweet slippery water slide through stubborn, a skinflint, and a strict advocate of starting a temperance town in Tennessee. He Downtown Akron, plus proceeds benefit United temperance. I’m thinking his wallet may have was committed to developing a city that would Way of Summit County! What more convincing do been his best guarantee for party invitations. give its citizens the opportunity to escape the you need?? For example, the history books reveal that temptation of John Barleycorn—thirty one years FRIDAY, JULY 31 Schumacher was so frugal that although he was before Prohibition. We all know how well that Balloon Classic/Beldon-Jackson Music Festival Summer Lace & Bow Ties Tea & Tour the richest man in town, he refused to buy an turned out. Schumacher proudly had paid off all July 31 - August 2 at Kent State Stark (FREE) 2 pm at Hower House ($32) overcoat. Ferdinand instead preferred to walk his debts before he died in his E. Market Street 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton 60 Fir Hill, Akron Akron’s streets with a tattered shawl pulled up home in 1908. However, the company he had Watch hot air balloons take flight, and enjoy Delicious tea, sweets and savories, followed by an over his head and shoulders throughout our started, officially became Quaker Oats in 1901 dozens of children’s activities, food vendors, and interesting program on the vintage jewelry of five cold, long and bitter winters. According to a several years after he was forced out. I guess entertainment! Balloon launches take place on well-known Ohio First Ladies. A walk-through story shared by his sons, when they arranged that’s how the oatmeal cookie crumbles. Friday at 7:30pm and 9pm, Saturday at 6:30pm, tour of the Hower House and shopping in the an elaborate plan to trick Schumacher into and Sunday at 6:30am, and fireworks will take delightful Cellar Door Store. Creative and elegant purchasing an overcoat at a big discount, he // Joanna Wilson enjoys writing and researching Akron place on Saturday at 10pm. attire encouraged. was so delighted with the bargain that he history, quoting Morrissey lyrics and collecting tattoos. sold the coat to another retailer, preferring a Full Blue Moon Hike small profit over the warmth of the new coat. 8 pm at Hunt House (FREE) 2054 Bolanz Rd, Peninsula Enjoy a 2.2 mile walk along the Towpath Trail to Beaver Marsh under a rare blue moon!

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 7 the agenda

about how good it is. They also have Bloody Marys topped with everything but the kitchen sink.

Crave Hands down, my favorite burger and fries in town. If Laurie’s on the grill, you’re in awesome hands. Get it doctored to your liking—I go without the crispy onions or aioli in favor of some good ol’ ketchup, mustard, pickle, fresh onion and lettuce on because I want to really taste the burger— Hanini’s and while you can choose from several different Best gyro for your buck. cheeses, like Iron Chef Guarnaschelli once said, “Ain’t no cheese meant for a burger like American cheese.” Their steak skewer recipe just changed Akron for the first time in years and for the better. Now In-the-Know they’re more tender and juicier than before. How this downtown resident, patron and restaurateur eats in Akron by Elizabeth Tyran La Loma I know a lot of you still need to try this little authentic Mexican gem and you’re gonna think Here are some of the hints, must-try-this tips and best-of-Akron recommendations from a dba tacos, as you should, but try the torta and always woman who really knows local food, Elizabeth Tyran, co-owner of Urban Eats. Whether you want Its chic, modern decor comes complete with use the fresh lime with either. something exotic or a downhome staple, Liz has you covered in her go-to guide. – Chris Horne brocade patterned walls and chandeliers but with bold dark colors for an even more dramatic look. I also love that there are distinct areas that feel like little rooms. The contemporary-style patio features an indoor/outdoor bar and fireplace that’s equally inviting. It’s easy to feel like you’re having a glamorous night out in a bigger city when you’re here.

Lockview Known for grilled cheese, of course, but I know Akron Family Restaurant Chin’s Place people who get the fish taco (wrap) every time they They make a perfect, traditional-style French toast. Yellow curry tofu stir fry, or the Peking shrimp, go because they love it so much. I’m also a fan of Not thin or wimpy, over-cooked or stale, and not which proves very sweet plus medium heat equals the garden burger, well-balanced with the aioli and over-the-top gourmet—just fresh and soft and the damn good. roasted red peppers that they add and the saltiness perfect thickness, it’s exactly what you want when Frank’s Place from the burger goes really well with a side of you want good French toast. The dark, dive bar atmosphere is a sharp contrast sweet potato fries. with warmth and charm of its t-shirt covered walls, strings of red and green and blue Christmas lights hung overhead and the signature not-so-small toy airplane that hovers over the bar with a tiny version of Frank at the helm.

Cilantro If you’re downtown and need a Thai food fix, you Aladdin’s can’t go wrong with any of their coconut curry Three favorite dishes: the grilled tuna salad or the stir-fry dishes. If you want to plan an evening out Michael Trecasso’s/Mary Coyle’s grilled lamb salad with yogurt dressing, which I with friends make a reservation for a table on their On the dessert end, try Jack’s Maple Marvel blend with a little of their house hot sauce, and the patio, it’s a lovely little spot that a lot of people Sundae. But don’t just think ice cream, think pizza flavor savor plate (again with a side of hot sauce). don’t even realize is there. Then really impress your too. Dare I say it, might be the best in town. Everything there is good, and everything there is guests by ordering the sushi-filled wooden boat for Gasoline Alley even better with their hot sauce. your party. Get a large Reuben pizza and bring some friends to (continued on page 26) help you eat it. Then you’ll also have people to talk

8 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM the agenda

ome partnerships just seem natural (peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, Hall Sand Oates, etc.) and then there are perfect pairings that take some time to warm up to before you realize they were meant to be together. (Think Harold and Maude or sea salt and caramel.) Yoga and beer might seem to fall into that latter category, but if you try it out, you’ll see that they really do flow together.

"Yoga and beer ARE traditionally seen as two different lifestyles, and that's precisely why I like pairing them," says Balance & Brews founder Melissa Klimo-Major, who hosts yoga and beer events all over Northeast Ohio. "I don't think things have to be 'labeled' or fit neatly into only one box. I get the most out of my yoga practice when I back off and surrender a bit. When enjoyed responsibly, our guards come down and we are open to chat with the person sitting next to us at a brewery bar. We know at the very least we have that beer in common. It helps bridge a connection. And then through July 26th. Follow @balanceandbrews you start to see that these two things actually are to get the details and stroll through the "[It's] a current favorite staple! I normally prefer not that different... they're both creating unity, #yogaandbeer hashtag to check out the entries a piney hop over citrus but this one is perfectly they're creating a like-minded tribe." so far. You might see a few of ours! brewed and I really love it."

Balance & Brews events offer all-levels yoga in an THEIR NEXT AKRON EVENT IS BREWS & BREWS // Mathias Noble King is a dude with a beard who likes unassuming environment (typically a brewery or WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH AT drinking, brewing, and talking about beer. You can follow a tasting room) so that anyone can feel welcome, THIRSTY DOG BREWING COMPANY. him on Untappd at NobleInterest.

even if you are dragged there by your wife and To register, visit // Brit Charek is Mathias’s SWMBO. (That’s homebrew might be the only dude in the room. After 60 www.balanceandbrews.com. forum speak for She Who Must Be Obeyed.) The whole minutes of practice, participants awake from their operation would fall apart without her. savasana refreshed to enjoy beers and a group And what should you order after your hour of The two of them live with their 6-year-old son, Holden, brewery tour where new friends are sure to be practice? Klimo-Major recommends Citra Dog. and their pet rat, Richard.

by Brit Charek and Mathias Noble King by Brit Charek made.

The classes at Thirsty Dog are taught by Kara Sullivan, an Akron native who developed a love for yoga on the West Coast which she brought

originally published at AkronEmpire.com and updated for The Devil Strip originally published at AkronEmpire.com home to share with others. With her day job being the Northeast Ohio Sales Specialist for Deschutes Brewery, she's more than excited to combine her love of yoga with her love of craft beer.

Kara also has an assistant, Sarah, who floats around

at Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Brewing Dog Thirsty at the class and discretely corrects participants’ poses, which is perfect if you’re a newbie or a little rusty in your practice.

"B&B's original business plan was to be a supplemental side job to compliment my studio teaching but it grew into something really big really quick," says Klimo-Major. Right now, they are working with Mikki Trowbridge Yoga in Oregon to promote the beer yogi community coast to coast through an Instagram challenge taking place now BALANCE

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 9 food and Culture the Akron is filled with both delicious breakfast options learn from each other. He’s doing this with his wife and a significant number of creatives who are Ashley, a chef, who you can meet on page 18. passionate about their work and their city, which helps explain why there has been a sudden Knapp has been organizing web meetups for a takeoff in the “breakfast club” trend. Each while now and he says he noticed that people s breakfast club has a different objective but felt intimidated when they didn’t know enough Aof the NewBC each exists to bring Akron together to create an on a certain topic or if they knew too much on empowering community. another topic. He wants the Akron Tech Breakfast Breakfast Club to eliminate that intimidation by fostering an environment where people of all backgrounds How local early birds are feel comfortable enough to discuss their expertise building community over breakfast A is for Akron Tech Breakfast while connecting with new and familiar people. Over breakfast, this group, started by Jonathan The conversations are unstructured and meant to by Jessica Conti Knapp, talks about the local tech community. include anyone that wants to join regardless of Knapp, who runs a web development consultancy their personal history. called Coffee and Code, is also the force behind Akron.io, whose mission is “Connecting the Knapp explains, “I wanted to help achieve diversity unconnected and promoting Akron's tech in our area's tech sector. No matter our title at community.” It’s also the heart of the work, we're all people and can contribute to a Tech Breakfasts. greater conversation.”

You may also recognize Knapp from our Big Ideas For more information about how to get involved, issue regarding the Akron Kitchen Community, an visit akron.io or go to meetup.com/akron-io effort to open a shared commercial kitchen space and help Akron's food businesses succeed by (continued on page 26) creating a network of local entrepreneurs who can

FRED’S DINER Midwest Muse’s Best Bets for Breakfast 930 Home Ave., Akron by Jessica Conti Go-to dish: #8 Three Egg Cheese Omelette, Homefries, Toast & Jelly When it comes to breakfast or brunch, Akron is a city that does not disappoint. From the gourmet to the >> Oh, Fred’s. Fred’s is 100% the greasy spoon of hole in the wall diners—we’ve got it all. Here are a few local spots that I think will undoubtedly satisfy Akron. It’s a real tiny gem that does not disappoint your tastebuds and prove worthy of your money and time. when a classic diner is what you’re looking for.

ON TAP 3263 State Rd., Cuy Falls Go-to dish: Veggie Skillet Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 8:00AM - 12:00 PM >> Surprise! On Tap is typically known for their unlimited popcorn and dinners, but they recently started serving breakfast and you need to try it. It’s delicious, cheap, and incredibly filling. The service AKRON FAMILY BURNTWOOD TAVERN is great too. 250 W Market St., Akron 2291 Riverfront Pkwy., Cuy Falls Go-to dish: The #1 (two pancakes or toast, two Go-to dish: Breakfast Burrito eggs, coffee, and orange juice for under $8) >> Burntwood Tavern might just have the best >> Akron Family is probably my favorite breakfast brunch in town. For starters, it’s absolutely beautiful place in all of Akron. They have the vibe of a diner, inside and they have a wonderful patio. If booze but with the quality of a four star breakfast joint. is your thing, they have a top notch Bloody Mary The menu is huge, the service impeccable, and the bar. The brunch menu is very small, but has a just prices are unbeatable. The wait is never long and enough to satisfy. your coffee will never be empty. EYE OPENER SWEET PEA CAFÉ BLUE DOOR BAKERY & CAFE 1688 W Market St., Akron 117 Merz Blvd., Fairlawn 1970 State Rd., Cuy Falls Go-to dish: Build-your-own omelette Go-to dish: California Omelet Go-to dish: Tartines >> The Eye Opener has the alcohol appeal that >> Sweet Pea is a lot like the standard chain >> The Blue Door is not your average breakfast most breakfast places in the area do not. So, if breakfast joints you’ll find in most cities—but it’s joint. You won’t find the standard biscuits and booze with breakfast is your thing, this is your better. The menu is expansive and accommodating gravy on the menu, but you will find beautiful place. The menu is decently sized, diversified, and to most diets. While the service can be slow, they handcrafted dishes made from fresh ingredients. delicious. Not exactly the place for large groups or certainly make up for it in portion sizes and prices. The set menu is relatively small but satisfying. From the impatient. tartines (D.I.Y. crêpes) to Monte Cristo sandwiches WALLY WAFFLE to the standard eggs & bacon, you won’t leave FLURY’S CAFÉ 845 W Market., Akron hungry. The daily specials rotate and will without a 2202 Front St., Cuy Falls Go-to dish: Apple Cinnamon Waffle doubt blow your mind. In addition to the insanely Go-to dish: Pumpkin pancakes >> I’m in love with waffles, but I am not in love beautiful and high quality food, they serve Angel >> Flury’s is as delicious as they are tiny. The with Wally Waffle. The waffles aren’t special but Falls coffee and some of the most delectable restaurant maybe seats thirty people, but the wait the variety and the ability to order half a waffle is. European-style artisan bakery treats. is never too long. Delicious and efficient. Though, They have other breakfast foods to satisfy most they’re “cash only” and closed on Sunday’s which everyone, even those without a sweet tooth. take them down a few notches. Luckily, the food is good enough to bring you back.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Food & Culture

Foodie Feature Akron Quest Akron’s by Noor Hindi and Sarah Stubbs food favorites submitted by the extended Devil Strip family Whether we were enjoying an impromptu pizza stop at Davinci’s, walking into the Bomb Shelter for the first time or learning about how coffee is roasted, our quest toCoffee discover the many faces of Akron coffee lead us on many detours. The diversions we took defined our journey. For us, this was more than just a search for a cup of Joe. It was a way to discover how these shops uniquely fit and characterize the What’s your favorite ever-expanding city we love. There’s more to tell about these shops—their history and their people—but for now, this will do to get us started. overlooked Akron dish? – Noor & Sarah “Papa Joe's 1932 Express.” – Dave Lieberth

“EVERYTHING at Nepali Kitchen (recently the chow mein and samosas).” – Kate Yu Sarah: I felt like I was at The Hub with the cast of “That ‘70s Show” “Mock Duck Basil at Cilantro.” 121 Café when I walked into Crest Bakery – Alicia Wagner Noor: This quick fix coffee spot and saw two rows of bright orange “The Pickled Henry at Edgar's. (Drinks are inside downtown’s Fifth Third Bank booths and other psychedelically- dishes, right?)” – Nate White building is perfect for the 9-5 shifter dated features. That is, until the who is looking for a decent lunch sweet woman behind the counter “My fave ‘secret’ item is actually a cocktail, Rose's Gimlet at Ken Stewart's Grille.” and coffee, or perhaps a quiet place began boasting about Crest Bakery’s – Beth Hemmelgarn to sit with a co-worker. The calm family history and amazing treats. atmosphere is also a great way to And that’s what I immediately “The Pho at Thai Pho Cuisine.” come back to yourself if you’ve had loved about this place. It screams – Benjamin Rexroad a particularly stressful day at work. tradition. I asked her which of the “The most underappreciated restaurant The large windows overlooking cookies they sell is her favorite, (where all the dishes are divine) is La Loma in South Main Street offer ample which resulted in sharing three Ellet.” - Anne Harmon people-watching opportunities peanut butter sugar cookies with “Chicken Paprikash at the New Era.” whilst eating your house salad. Noor and our friend Mariah over a – Bob Ferguson quick cup of coffee since they were Sarah: Quiet, corporate and about to close. “Ravioli at Luigi's!” – Cathy Kemp Erisey homemade chocolate chip “My favorite underappreciated dish/snack is cookies—these are three subjects the fried pepperoni at Lockview downtown. that come to mind first about 121 Damascus That's a delicious little morsel that I can't get Cafe. It obviously isn’t a hipster enough of.” – Melissa Markulis hangout like others on our list may Road Café “Mandarin chicken carryout special at be, but it offers downtown office Noor: I loved the family feel of this Chin's Place.” – Mordecai Jones workers the option of either getting coffee shop. Although I expected a quick coffee and a treat to-go or it would be more corporate, their “Burnt cheese foldover from the basement.” kicking back on modern, chic stools coffee tasted great and the staff – Rick Stockburger to relax for a little while. really gets to know their customers. “Most underappreciated dish: Jojos at I felt welcome, and their menu is full Showcase Meats, which itself is a hidden Sarah: Angel Falls Rocks. It’s my go-to place to of goodies and changes frequently. I’m a sucker for Akron gem.” – Liz Yokum sit down and have some me-time with my books sitting in booths, so this was a win for me. “My favorite hidden gem is Sushi Katsu in and journals and laptop, so I’m a tad biased, but the valley.” – Sandra Emmeline Angel Falls AF really has helped make Highland Square one of (continued on page 23) Noor: Angel Falls is my personal home away from my favorite parts of Akron. The environment is so home. The outdoor seating area with the free little dynamic—it’s perfect for being alone, catching up library, along with the comfortable couches and the with friends and/or meeting new people. The funky strong smell of coffee puts me in a relaxed mood. furniture and sweet drinks and pastries cannot be Being an equal tea and coffee fanatic, I love their matched. After a good week of workouts, I always unique and large selection of teas lining the reward myself with one of their sugar cookies that back wall. is literally the size of my face and wash it down with a cinnamon latte.

Crest Bakery Noor: Being at Crest Bakery feels a lot like being at your grandmother’s house—everything smells like detergent, the décor seems straight out of the 70s or 80s, and there are lots of sugary treats, namely homemade cakes and cookies. More unique still, Crest sells its very own branded root beer, which we enjoyed sipping after a hot day.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 11 the wanderer

THE POWER OF FOOD by Holly Brown

Once I started writing breakfast food and nothing else (breakfast food is (typically breakfast or dinner) and one home meal affectionately say that I knew Ryan was the guy for for the Devil Strip, I was bestest food). in order to keep our hunger at bay. me when he was impressed rather than horrified. really able to get to the core (or gut as it were) For the last year that I’ve lived in Akron, I have Ryan’s visits, though he didn’t exactly know it, were Our first meal as co-Akronites? of the things that got me been slowly trying to convince Ryan to move to under very careful consideration. How do I make The Lamp Post Diner. to love Akron: the sense this hidden gem of a culinary hotbed. I like to think the Akron food scene look better than any other? of community, the food I was relatively sneaky about it. I needed to make Having my own food column certainly didn’t hurt It’s exactly what you want in a diner: everything and the conversations sure that he wanted to be here as much as I did. my chances. The week after my first Wanderer centered around the kitchen. It smells like you that surround that food. I like to think that this If you guessed that I used food as my weapon of article dropped was the week that Ryan told me he are inside of a griddle and you can watch your has made me a pretty good ambassador of Akron, attack, you are very correct. was going to move to Akron in July. meal come into being from anywhere in the place the kind of person who can convince other people (except for maybe the outdoor seating area). The of Akron’s greatness, the kind of person who can I literally scheduled Ryan’s visits around food. As you may have noticed—or not, summer moves menu has all of your classic combinations. I ordered convince her boyfriend to become an Akronite I like to think there is an artistry in developing pretty fast—July is upon us. Ryan moved into my something similar to that of our first date: French himself (spoiler alert: that’s what happened). a food tour similar to creating a batting lineup Highland Square Apartment with me just three toast, bacon, eggs over easy with American cheese. for a baseball team. Day one: make waffles at days ago, as I write this. Now that everyone Ryan got steak, with homemade gravy, eggs over One of the cornerstones of my relationship with home, order takeout from Chin’s Place. Day two: knows how seriously I plan my meals, you may be easy, hash browns, and white toast. my boyfriend Ryan is food. We love to eat. We love egg scramble at home, pizza from Luigi’s. Day wondering “where was the first place you took him to go out to eat. We love to cook for ourselves. three: Cheesecapade at West Point Market (that as a real Akronite?” To that, I have to say that there Both of us killed every last thing on our plate (I We love to talk about what we eat and why we is, sampling and buying much cheese for home was nothing for us except breakfast. thoroughly enjoy making egg, cheese, and bacon like it. We love to experiment with ingredients and indulgence with a bottle of wine) and dinner at breakfast sandwiches with French toast… seriously, techniques. We love to try new foods and share Crave. You get the picture. I would literally write Our first date was at the Hideaway Cafe in Colton, try it out). It was diner food at its best: quick, the same favorite things (most notably steak and down my list of places to go and strategize. I made NY. We ordered the same thing: coffee and the greasy, comfortable. Ryan commented specifically cheeses of all kinds). Our various dreams include: sure that we didn’t eat in places that were too Number 4: two pancakes, two eegs, meat, home on the hash browns, saying they were crispy but to open a winery-brewery-ice cream shop, to travel similar or too filling in one day. That is, we could fries, toast. I ate the whole damn thing with not hard (very important). We sipped our coffee the world as shandy-sampling vagabond poet food either fit in a moderately sized breakfast and dinner chocolate chip pancakes and bacon and eggs with full bellies and reveled in the food of our city. writers, to open our own diner that serves only in one day OR we could have one super meal over easy with American cheese and I like to

A MEAL DOWN MEMORY LANE: AKRON RESTAURANTS YOU MISS MOST

Most missed...... Dodie’s “I miss eating with my mom after a day of shopping downtown 2nd...... Lou & Hy's What restaurant do you miss the most? at O'Neil's in the Georgian Room. Also, Tommy's Pizza on 3rd...... Jack Horner’s Damon Street.” – Stephanie Donovan 4th...... Two Amigos “I miss Dodie's in Highland Square! It was THE BEST breakfast spot in Akron. In fact, it was part of the reason I moved to Akron, “OK… and for the best least expensive stick-to-your-ribs Honorable mentions: and more specifically, Highland Square.” – Sarah Neff breakfast, lunch or dinner, for a few brief years in the 1960s, Country Kitchen Diner, Nick Anthe's, Egg Castle, Sangeniti's, there was Phelps. Kinda like Fred's without a published menu. Trecaso's, Casa Mimi, Scotto’s, Original New Era, Around the “Grappa in Fairlawn Town Center when James Scot Jones Don't think I ever broke so much as a dollar bill there unless I took Clock, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Vegiterranean,Meeker's Kitchen, was chef.” – Tamara Mitchell a date. (And, Reader, she married me.)” – Mark Auburn Brendan & Finn's, Cannova's, Lujan's, Art’s Place, Zeppo’s, The Fiesta Room, Kaase's, The Garden Grille, The Brown Derby, “I miss Market Street Cafe and their chicken pesto pizza.” “(Most missed restaurant) would have to be Jack Horner's. Iacomini's, Phelps, Martini's, Covered Bridge Lounge, – Gretchen Hendryx Gallimore Used to go there as a kid after church, plus my friend called it The Other Place, Little Joe's Pub, Balluns, Yoconno's, ‘The Horney Clown’ because of the weird man it had as its logo.” Huckleberrys, Jacob Goode “Carousel Dinner Theatre was cool. Wish we had something like – Greg Milo that again.” - Nichole Booker “I miss Nick Anthes on Main—their amazing Chicken Winston dish!” – Nadine Desimone

12 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM foodie FEED YOURSELF. the Food NOURISH OUR COMMUNITY. WTf:Truck?! Why food trucks are not popping up all over Akron like they have elsewhere

by Greg Milo

“Five Cubans all day!” Megan shouted to our a residence, 1000 feet of a school or 200 feet of a cook, as she raced to prepare the orders. The line permanent food service (aka - a restaurant). at the window snaked as far as I could see, but my attention was on the guy in front of me ordering Former Akron Deputy Mayor David Lieberth, who cgfs.org/foodtruckfridays another three Cuban sandwiches. I realized after I was involved in the food truck debate when it first took the order that I forgot to write the dude’s name began, tried to shed light on the thinking behind on the order sheet, which was going to make it the ordinance. JOIN US AS THE AREA’S BEST FOOD TRUCKS SERVE UP SCRUMPTIOUS LUNCHES awkward when I started calling for the guy with the AND TREATS TO SUPPORT CHILD GUIDANCE & FAMILY SOLUTIONS. red shirt. “Red shirt! Your order’s up!” Five people in “Where do the trucks park on Main Street? What red shirts turned to look. time do we allow them to block the street? How many spaces do we block off? Who pays for the 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EVERY FRIDAY 18 NORTH FORGE ST. IN AKRON. Last summer, I worked on the Beachcomber food lost revenue of the meters?” Lieberth asks, recalling (AT THE CORNER OF EAST MARKET ST.) truck. As the vegan-on-board, I mainly played some of the questions the city faces regarding THROUGH AUGUST 28 cashier, doing little to aid in the flipping of beef on food trucks. the steaming grill. I was the novice, though I was pretty awesome at dropping fries into the deep fryer. Not to mention, Lieberth says, restaurants like The Follow Akron Food Truck Friday Lockview have made “significant investments” on Facebook for weekly specials and a list of food trucks who There’s not much glamour in working a food to their permanent locations, on which they pay will be serving. truck. It’s greasy and sweaty and can be outright property taxes, unlike food trucks. Their investment exhausting when it’s booming. At the same time, is measured in time, too. Restaurants often open it’s exhilarating—not just for those racing inside early and stay open late five, six and seven days CGFS_FTF_DS-Ad.indd 1 7/2/15 12:37 PM the cramped quarters of the truck, but also for the a week but food trucks swoop in for prime lunch customers who are enjoying something different. hours. “Food trucks would skim the cream off the We set up mainly at special events or at a business top of the profit,” Lieberth says. that had requested we stop by during their lunch break. Neel disagrees. “We don’t compete with restaurants. We have no air conditioning. We have no restrooms. Food Truck Fridays, in the parking lot of Child When we’re out, we’re out, and we leave. Thinking Guidance and Family Solutions, are a melding of the we’re competition is absurd.” two—something of an event itself set up on private property—and a great example of food trucks You have to wonder how many of the 400 to 600 in action. people at Food Truck Fridays are leaving downtown altogether at lunch and how many, had the food “It’s been great,” says Tiffany Jamison, who helps trucks been on Main Street instead, would have organize the event. “It’s brought awareness to Child wandered out of a long food truck line and into a Guidance and what we do.” restaurant.

A fundraiser for Child Guidance, Jamison says Food What of the summer festivals that shut down Main Truck Fridays attract 400 to 600 people each week, Street, setting up rows of out-of-town vendors with and with about 20 trucks rotating in and out during their backs to locals like Baxter’s and The Lockview? the summer, customers are treated to a variety. Are downtown restaurants busier or emptier because of the crowds drawn to events like the For food truck fans, events like Food Truck Fridays Rib, White & Blue Festival? Does it hurt or help the are a work-around because the city of Akron isn’t eateries further away from Lock 3 and what would exactly food truck friendly. While privately-owned the impact be if food trucks had a regular day—say, businesses can allow trucks on their property during a Monday—when they could set up for lunch? lunch hours, using public space can be a challenge for food truck owners. This debate is happening all across the nation. Regardless, city restrictions certainly won’t change “The license fee is upwards of $2000 to operate on this season. Perhaps the next mayor will jumpstart the city streets deemed appropriate (by the city),” the conversation, leading to some new ideas. Until says Judy Neel of the Stone Pelican Rolling Cafe food then, food truck foodies will keep getting their fix at truck. “And none of them have high foot traffic.” Food Truck Fridays and other nearby round-ups and festivals. In Cleveland, the fee is a little over $400. But it’s not just cost-prohibitive in Akron. The city ordinance But what about me? Where’s my vegan food truck? restricts food trucks from operating within 50 feet of

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE out and about

I scream for ice cream …because I get so excited about ice cream (Or, How to enjoy Akron’s great ice cream and its great outdoors) ...... by Katie Wheeler In high school, I had to give a presentation about what I wanted to be when I grow up. It was in one of those classes where they’re prepping you for college by making you think long and hard about your future. While my friends painstakingly weighed the pros and cons of becoming a doctor instead of an engineer, it took me minutes to figure out what I wanted to be—an ice cream taste tester. Hey, I know what I’m passionate about!

I also realized a little later in life that I’m passionate about being active, which is probably a really good thing for the amount of ice cream I consume. I’m sure that you’re aware there are great places to get cones and sundaes within the radius of just a few miles of Akron, but what you might not realize is that each of those ice cream shops are within miles of diverse ways to burn off...... the extra energy that comes along with a cone full of sugar.

MARY COYLE’S ICE CREAM AND GOLF: STRICKLAND’S FROZEN CUSTARD PAV’S CREAMERY AND DISC GOLF: This Highland Square legend is a short drive AND WATER SKIING: Right down the road from this Portage Lakes from a number of places where you can work As a little kid, I associated Strickland’s with favorite, Portage Lakes State Park is a great up an appetite by chasing a golfball across going to the Soapbox Derby or the Rubber place to swim and play sand volleyball. Lesser freshly manicured greens. Valley View Golf Bowl, but if you’re looking for a great way known though, is the fact that there’s also a Club, Mud Run Golf Course and Good Park to earn your sundae, Springfield Lake is right full 18-hole disc golf course that runs Golf Course are all great public courses in the down the road. The lake permits waterskiing throughout the park. Maintained by the area—and great places to earn your daily, and there’s nothing like a water sport to Portage Lakes Disc Golf Association, which ice cream. remind you of how good ice-cream can taste. hosts scrambles every Thursday, this is a There’s also an exercise park with low impact unique way to get some fresh air and get rid BIGGINS’ BIG DIP AND HIKING: equipment at Springfield Lake Park, the first of some energy. Located in the Portage Lakes, Biggins’ is of its kind in Ohio. usually associated with swimming and boating, but this tasty location is also just a DURBIN’S MAGIC FREEZE AND BIKING: With all of the amazing ice couple miles from Firestone Metro Park. The Durbin’s, an ice-cream staple in Barberton, cream in Akron, it’s a good park has beautiful shaded trails that wind sits less than two miles from the Wolf Creek next to the Tuscarawas River and around Little Trailhead of the Towpath. This area is perfect thing that we have so many Turtle Pond, and is the perfect place to hike for biking, and whether you head south up an appetite. towards Clinton, or north into downtown, amazing ways to stay active in you can work up quite a sweet tooth along our city. Try a new workout, Towpath Trail. Akron—but remember it’s summer so grab a scoop while you’re out!

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WWhathat thisthis PPlalaCCee neeneeDDss Talking Corn isis healthyhealthy foofooDD WITH METROPOLIS POPCORN forfor eeVVeryone.eryone.

by Audrey Quinn

Got a craving for both cake and popcorn at the Fans of their unique popcorn flavors can order same time? Okay, how about Girl Scout cookies online in bulk and ship anywhere in the United and popcorn? If that describes you and you haven’t States. Customers can sample any flavors they yet found Metropolis Popcorn, you should plan a want, and there is a loyalty program where signing United Way is a champion for healthy food for all in Summit County. trip to Front Street Mall in Cuyahoga Falls. in for six purchases gets a free medium popcorn. We believe that nutritious food should be available to everyone, Prices range for small bags from $3 for a seasoned regardless of income. So we partner with many nonprofit organizations Metropolis Popcorn serves the local community but flavor bag to $5 for a deluxe flavor bag. Tins start to promote equal access to healthy, high-quality food. also ships their 50+ flavors across the nation over at $11 and can be refilled for $6. 50 flavors of popcorn, ranging from the simple (bacon and cheese) to the bizarre (green apple). A special promotion for the summer time includes Join us at the table. Volunteer. Their three biggest sellers are Puppy Chow, an initial $5 purchase of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and refillable cup and allows the If you have a passion for healthy food education, access and policy, Super Three Cheese. Yes… Puppy customer unlimited refills connect with the United Way Volunteer Center to find ways to get Chow. on Fridays from May to involved with amazing programs and people in your community. September, perfect for the Whether you have just one evening to help out a community garden, “Our most unique flavors are frequent Riverfront visitors. want to volunteer weekly at a farmers’ market or can spend some time in lime margarita, lemonade and an office supporting a program, you can become a part of the solution. dill pickle,” says cashier and Fans who like the Facebook popcorn enthusiast Sydney page can also enter to win free Trathen. While these flavors popcorn on Tuesdays, as well as Current volunteer opportunities: aren’t the most popular, Trathen vote on which flavors they would like to 1. Help with planting, weeding, watering and harvesting at says, “you get those customers that see in the store. A recent poll asked users to vote an urban farm or community garden are like, ‘that’s my favorite!’” for which Christmas-time flavor they would like to 2. Lend support to a weekly farmer’s market come back for a limited time in July. 3. Organize a healthy food drive Flavors come and go throughout the year, 4. Deliver meals to seniors in their homes depending on seasonal preferences. All recipes 5. Mentor kids on nutrition and exercise start with Ohio-grown popcorn and are popped in small, five-gallon batches to ensure freshness for customers. The popcorn is popped in 100% pure Many more projects are available! Contact the United Way Volunteer coconut oil. Center at [email protected] or 330.643.5512 for a complete list of opportunities or search our online volunteer project database at The location of Metropolis Popcorn works well for uwsummit.org. Under ‘Take Action,’ click the Volunteer link, and then the the business, which sees an influx of traffic from link for food-related opportunities. Nonprofits – contact the Volunteer summertime Riverfront events such as IROK and Center to add your project. the Irish Festival. On these days, Trathen said there’s a line out the door. Inside, a map is dotted with 2164 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls pins representing customers from 48 other states, Monday-Saturday, 11 am-8 pm beCause Great thinGs haPPen When We liVe uniteD. and even other countries, who have visited the Sun 12 pm-6 pm store on trips to see family and friends. United Way of Summit County PopOhio.com “We had someone from Lorain drive an hour just 330-928-6446 uWsuMMit.orG to try our popcorn,” says Trathen.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE food & Culture

Spirits are Alive at Renaissance Artisan Distillers by Brittany Nader

The craft beer scene is booming in Greater Akron “The name Renaissance comes from a resurgence as locals embrace the complex flavors and creative of interest in artisan spirits,” Pastor says. “People’s offerings of the numerous breweries in the area. tastes are changing. They prefer local and quality Now, those with a higher tolerance for their over the mass produced. Mass-produced products preferred alcoholic beverages are in luck. Akron’s just don’t have a lot of character.” first commercial distillery has opened its doors, and business is booming. Pastor and Petrosky agree that having a deep understanding of beer and wine making has been Renaissance Artisan Distillers operates adjacent to essential in the development of the rich, vibrant Grape and Granary, the one-stop shop where local flavors of their craft spirits. Visitors will instantly home brewers and winemakers taste the difference between NUEVO MODERN MEXICAN load up on all their supplies big-name liquors they’re used and ingredients. The creation to, like Jim Beam or Jack & TEQUILA BAR of the distillery was a natural Daniels, and the unique flavor RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR SEATING BUT progression for John Pastor fusions in the local distillery’s ADVENTURESOME TASTE BUDS REQUIRED FOR DINING and Ron Petrosky, two avid single-malt whiskey, gin or brewers who were eager to brandy. Developing these give Akronites high spirits and kinds of high-quality spirits is homegrown artisanal liquor truly a science, and one look ««««« options. at the still and set up of the "My first visit to Nuevo was AMAZING!! I was blown away with our very knowledgeable and operation conjures images attentive bartender. Going into this dinner I would never order tequila (except in a margarita), Pastor, who co-owns Grape of mad scientists or chefs I was glancing at the tequila list when Eric (our great bartender) stopped by to walk us and Granary with his family, working tirelessly to develop through aging, and tasting notes on some of his favorite tequilas. He was so passionate about has become a working expert the perfect formula or recipe these tequilas I agreed to try some. He poured a couple tasters of his favorite tequilas for in the art of distilling. Through for their creations. my friends and I, and I couldn't believe how delicious they were...... Now it was time to order his years running Grape and dinner and again we went with his favs. I got scallops while my friends got tacos with shrimp, Granary, he has witnessed Renaissance Artisan Distillers’ and a burrito with chorizo and pears! Everything was right on. This is not your typical Mexican craft beer enthusiasts evolve goods are made from as restaurant (not that there's anything wrong with them) but the food here definitely had a lot from curious shoppers to owners of successful many local ingredients as its operators can get of time and thought put into it. All in all everything was great! I will be back!" - Danielle S. in local breweries like Thirsty Dog and Hoppin’ Frog. their hands on. Its grappa, a spicy, fruity Italian Akron, OH on July 15, 2015 Inspired by their drive to take their love of the spirit, is produced from soaked grape skins given craft to a commercial level, he and Petrosky began to the distillers from nearby Viking Vineyards. The attending conferences around the globe to stay vanilla and caramelized sugar used for its Crooked 54 East Mill St. Akron 44308 apprised of industry trends and learn tricks of the Cannon coffee liqueur are both made in house. (330) 762-8000 trade from seasoned distillers. Special time and care go into each of the distillery’s nuevomodmex.com Hours: M-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 3-11 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM food & Culture

WHAT ARE the most “Akron” RESTAURANTS FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER?

Most Akron Breakfast “Breakfast at Valley Café (or Blue Door, though it's not in Akron). For Mexican, 1st ...... Fred’s Taqueria Rancheros, and pizza, it’s Emidio's. Fried chicken and jojos at Rascissi’s and burgers at 2nd ...... Akron Family Louie's (with Christy fries). Meatballs and subs, go to Deviti’s— 3rd ...... Wally Waffle I could go on and on about the food in Akron!” – Paula Ann Sauter 4th ...... Valley Café & Blue Door Honorably mentioned: Eye Opener, The Lamp Post, the Waterloo, Eat n’ Run, Molly Brown’s “Akron Family for breakfast. Rockne's for lunch. Luigi's for dinner—the most Akron, not my Most Akron Lunch favorite—and Zub's for Akron fourthmeal.” – Nate White 1st ...... Swensons “I guess The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery is technically Cuyahoga Falls but it is the best restaurant, 2nd ...... Skyway breakfast or otherwise, in Akron and the surrounding area. Hands. Down. Period. For lunch I am 3rd (tie) ...... Urban Eats & The Lockview a big fan of Lockview, Urban Eats, or the Diamond Deli. For dinner, I'm going Primo's Deli. Or if 4th (tie) ...... Diamond Deli & La Loma Taqueria it's a Tuesday night the pasta at the Carovillese Club.” – Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout-Bartman Honorably mentioned: Rockne’s, The Ido, The Rail, Papa Joe’s, Bob's Hamburg, Front Porch Café, Taste of Bangkok, DeViti’s, Aladdin’s, The Merchant, Mustard Seed Market & Café, Taqueria “Akron Family for breakfast; Hamburger Station for elevensies; Primo's Deli for lunch (nap on Rancheros, The Office, Ripper’s Rock House, Thai Pho Cuisine, Stray Dog Cart a bench on the Towpath after too many Primo's beers); Papa Joe's for dinner; and a nightmare from the Corral after a movie at the Nightlight, and drinks at Frank's and Ray's.” Most Akron Dinner – Todd Taras (Editor’s note: I want to party with you, cowboy.) 1st ...... Luigi’s 2nd (tie) ...... Nuevo & Primo’s “Breakfast at Fred's, after waiting in line for 15 minutes because the place is terribly small. Lunch 3rd ...... Crave at Valley Café for the tuna pita with their home fries. For dinner, I'm going Tito's or Dontinos!” 4th ...... Diamond Grill – Deron Boyd Honorably mentioned: Gasoline Alley, Vasili's, Bricco, El Ranchero’s , Dontino's, Edgar’s, Chowder House, Parasson’s, Old 97 Café, Mr. Zubs, The Waterloo, Mi Casa Mexican, Spaghetti “I love Wally Waffle. …I get pancakes at Wally Waffle. Also, let's just have breakfast for lunch Warehouse, Mr. Gs, Nepali Kitchen, New Era and dinner too and call this questionnaire filled out.” – Danny Paparella

products, from month-long soaking of fruits and embraced by the local community, there is a good herbs to yearlong barrel aging of its flavorful and chance enthusiasts could soon see new high-quality aromatic whiskey. offerings widely available across the region.

“Making everything under one roof means you “No one has been able to find another commercial won’t have to worry about extra expenses,” distillery in Akron’s history,” Pastor says. “We love Petrosky says. the creative aspect of it, and we think people are going to be really surprised when they try it.” This is especially important for the distillers as they work to get their spirits into local bars and Renaissance Artisan Distillers is located at 915 restaurants. Right now, the artisan offerings are Home Ave in North Hill. Locals can stop in to the only available for sampling and purchase at the tasting room to sample the latest craft spirits, or FREE Workshop Series distillery’s location on Home Avenue. The operators sip on wine from Grape and Granary if that’s more are currently working on developing a barrel- their style. Pastor and Petrosky are more than aged rum, in addition to their current offerings, willing to share their extensive knowledge of spirits Mobile Storytelling/Journalism which they hope to have completed and bottled and give a brief tour of their operation to curious This workshop is a MUST for artists, musicians, vendors or anyone who in the next month. The goal is to make enough of patrons. Bottles of the distillery’s creations can wants to learn to better promote their work via social media. each type of spirit for distribution. Ohio laws are be purchased directly from the store, with prices Presented by The Akronist, Highland Square Library stringent about the sale of craft spirits, limiting starting at $25. Learn more about RAD’s traditional Tuesday July 14, Thursday July 23 and Tuesday July 28. purchases from distilleries to 1.5 liters or four artisan distilling process at renartisan.com. quarter-ounce samples per customer per day. Performer's Tool Box Performers of all experience levels can enhance their onstage presence, work “We also have to have a distribution point,” through stage fright, practice in front of an audience, and perform with the Pastor says, “You can’t just take spirits to a bar or group at the PorchRokr Festival. restaurant like you can with beer or wine.” Presented by The Wandering Aesthetics, None Too Fragile Theater August 1 - 22 Despite the current limitations with the availability of its products, Pastor and Petrosky are optimistic Guitar Orchestra about the distillery’s future. Spirits are already flying Play in The PorchRokr Guitar Orchestra! All ages are welcome. All you need off the shelves–with their limoncello, whiskey and is an acoustic guitar. Levels range from basic strumming and plucking for the Route 8 gin being the most popular offerings–and novice to cool riffs for the experienced player. as the distillery grows, so will its output of craft Presented By James Marron, Rockynol July 20 - August 29 liquor. Laws in the state have become a bit more lax in recent years, allowing the passionate brewers Details and registration information at PorchRokr.org to open and operate the distillery in the first place. As craft spirits continue to rise in popularity and are

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 17 food & Culture

Whipping up a concept: How one chef is kneading life into the Akron Kitchen Chef Ashley Young and a group of aspiring restaurateurs are working to complete the concept of a community kitchen in downtown Akron

by Megan Combs

Starting a restaurant or catering business is grueling Catering, the now closed Sinergy Lounge and The “There’s competition, but it’s not cutthroat,” she “It’s in the beginning stages as far as equipment work. Just ask Chef Ashley Young, 31, owner of Flying Fig, Young started working for a catering says. “We all want each other to succeed. I’ve we’ll provide,” Young says. “We also have to talk Fire & Ash Catering. company where she was asked to do the work of picked up a couple (catering) jobs through there about whether we’ll have a sit-and-dine option. It’s three people because of cutbacks. just by word of mouth.” all ideas right now.” “It’s rough, the hours are crummy and sometimes you don’t even see your family for a week,” Young “I thought it would be a better idea if I took the In the end, local restaurants helping local farmers is says. “But in the end, it’s very rewarding to see energy I had and opened a business for myself,” what it’s all about, Young says. your vision or idea of a business manifest itself.” Young says. “If you’re doing three jobs for Akron Kitchen heats up someone else, it puts things in perspective. If I “Using organic, GMO-free food is just a healthier Young is one of the founding members of the could accomplish this much for someone else, what “The idea is to create a place for people like me, way to eat,” Young says. “Your fresh local Akron Kitchen concept, a place where aspiring can I accomplish for myself?” startups, to work and have a kitchen that is up strawberries will always taste better than the ones restaurateurs can go to start up their business with to date, inspected and depending on what area you buy at the store. Eating that way just makes all the tools they’ll need readily accessible. The When Young got Fire & Ash Catering going, you want to get into, they have a way to provide you feel more clean.” Akron Kitchen lives only as an idea at the moment she used the help of fellow chefs at Cleveland’s you with the equipment and tools you’ll need to but Young and other group members are getting Culinary Launch and Kitchen (CCLK), which is do that,” Young says. “There are startups all over So what’s her favorite dish to prepare? the input and resources they need to make it also a community kitchen. CCLK provides a fully Akron in the food business and maybe they aren’t a reality. equipped commercial kitchen for rent to food connected, so this would be a way for them to all “To be honest, I think that’s unfair,” she laughs. “I entrepreneurs on an as-needed basis, according to connect and network.” like to talk to the people and find out what they its website. Its mission is to “quicken and improve like and create or customize a dish catered to what the process of starting a food business by providing Young is working with Akron restaurant owner they like to eat. So that is my favorite dish.” A little help from my friends business support, peer support and networking.” “Ms. Julie” of Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, and Lloyd Hemphill of Next Level Development Group LLC. For more information about how to get involved Young got into the restaurant business back in Young still uses the CCLK and her work there Young says Hemphill and Ms. Julie came up with with Akron Kitchen, visit facebook.com/groups/ 2002 when she graduated from the Pennsylvania inspired her and her husband to develop the the Akron Kitchen idea a while ago, but now a akronkitchen or www.akronkitchen.org and Institute of Culinary Arts. She was taught all the Akron Kitchen concept, which was closer to her bigger group has formed and meets regularly to fill out the form to get involved and make your basics and thrown into the restaurant world. After Wadsworth home. talk about what the kitchen should incorporate. ideas heard. working for the now closed Flower, Bon Apetite

18 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Entertainment spotlight Keepers of the Art Music Showcase The Mighty Soul Night Saturday, July 25 at 7 pm 2nd Anniversary: Diaspora Diggin Akron Art Museum ($15) 7 pm at Uncorked Wine Bar (FREE) 1 S High St, Akron 22 N. High St Join Keepers of the Art, a nonprofit in Akron ded- Join The Mighty Soul Night as they celebrate their icated to preserving the integrity of urban artistic second year anniversary with "Diaspora Diggin." expression, in welcoming Grammy-nominated DJs Ben Crazy, Forrest Getem Gump and El Prezi- songwriter Teedra Moses, Akron’s own Dan Wilson dente with rock the wheels of steel while Dennis Trio, and Columbus DJ KR8 DGA for an evening of Oliver keeps it moving on drums. They’ll glide mu- music at the Akron Art Museum. sically around the globe with stops in Brazil, Peru, The ol' pub is still crankin' out cold beer Columbia, West Indes, Puerto Rico, Africa and Cuba, transported via LPs and 45s while you never and cocktails all summer. leave Downtown Akron's Historic Art District. Grab a bottle of Sam Adams, Admission is free so stop by and show them your gratitude with a dance. just $2.50 each this month, and catch the Tribe on the tube.

Stop by during Porch Rokr for an authentic Highland Square experience. Runaway Dorothy with Jon Mosey Thursday, July 30 at 5:30 pm Jilly’s Music Room (FREE) 816 W. MARKET STREET | AKRON 111 N Main St, Akron Americana quartet Runaway Dorothy returns to Akron from New York City, bringing along a host Josh Rzepka of celebrity fans, like Roseanne Cash, Adam Duritz, Saturday, August 1 at 8 pm Rob Thomas and Ryan Adams. Their sensibility is BLU Jazz+ ($15) both rustic and refined, mining folk, country, and 47 E Market St, Akron alt-country, featuring captivating storyteller lyrics, Welcome Akron native (and Chicago transplant) mesmerizingly melancholy vocals, and achingly Josh Rzepka back to BLU Jazz+, where he has beautiful harmonies. Akron’s own roots music sold out every show he’s played so far. He’ll be in maestro Jon Mosey opens. concert with some of Northeast Ohio’s finest jazz players, including Theron Brown, Lucas Kadish, Pe- ter Dominguez and Ron Godale. Josh is renowned not only for his jazz playing and composing, but also for his classical performances. Gates open at 6 pm | Concerts start at 7 pm JUL 24 TIME TRAVELER A Tribute to ROCK THE LOCK The Moody Blues with Shivering Timbers

JUL 25 THE FAMILY STONE with Marilyn Rivers All-Star Review Admission $10 (All tickets sold at gate, no-pre-sale)

JUL 31 DIRTY DEEDS ROCK THE LOCK Extreme AC/DC Tribute with Metal Inc. Music & COncerts AUG 1 NATURAL WONDER The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience with Colin Dussault’s Blues Project

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 THURSDAY, JULY 23 JUL 22 Fabulous Voices Ahi-Nama Vans Warped Tour The Wanda Hunt Band 7:30pm at Nuevo Modern Mexican (FREE) 11am at Blossom Music Center ($38.50) JUL 29 54 E Mill St, Akron 1145 W Steels Corner Rd, Cuyahoga Falls Concerts start at 7 pm Playing a fun and danceable mix of Latin Jazz, One of the longest-running music festivals in Lock 4 is located off of Bowery St., behind the Civic Theatre, next to Lock 3. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chair. Salsa, and Timba music from Cuba and the America, Vans Warped Tour is back for its 20th Carribean, Ahi-Nama is sure to enhance your year! Featuring a huge range of artists from punk, Nuevo experience! indie, hardcore, hip-hop and more, this is a day- long party you won’t want to miss.

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Tramonte AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE Distributing Co. Entertainment

(continued from page 19) TUESDAY, JULY 28 Whiskey Daredevils with Plastic Pinks and Occidental Gypsy Archie & The Bunkers 8pm at BLU Jazz+ ($20) 9pm at Musica ($8) 47 E Market St, Akron 51 E Market St, Akron Occidental Gypsy plays an exhilarating blend of Combining equal parts classic country, punk rock, gypsy swing, jazz and world music that enraptures and 60s garage, the Whiskey Daredevils mine the listener with a lightning fast, complex acoustic Americana music as a source of inspiration and sound, rounded by sultry smooth vocals reminiscent identity. They’re joined by Plastic Pinks, a South of the first era of swing. Join BLU Jazz+ as they Florida band that plays garage punk, surf, and dirty welcome this red-hot, Django-inspired, gypsy jazz indie jams, and Archie & The Bunkers, featuring a group in their Rubber City debut. whirling vintage organ sound driven by a thunder- ing, yet sophisticated pulse from the drums. Steely Dan with Elvis Costello & The Imposters FRIDAY, JULY 24 7pm at Blossom Music Center ($35.50) Mid West Reggae Fest Abby Rose 1145 W Steels Corner Rd, Cuyahoga Falls July 31 - August 2 at Clay’s Park ($70) 6:30pm at GAR Hall ($7 suggested donation) The Mighty Soul Night Steely Dan’s intricate blend of jazz rock with 13190 Patterson St NW, North Lawrence 1785 Main St, Peninsula 2nd Anniversary: Diaspora Diggin whimsical, ironically charged lyrics has built them a The Mid West Reggae Fest is back for its 24th year, Before she became one of the lead singers in a 7 pm at Uncorked Wine Bar (FREE) cult following over the last four decades, while Elvis featuring acts including Tropidelic, Umojah Nation, band, Abby Rose was an artist making waves on 22 N. High St Costello & The Imposters blend lyricism with the and Mighty Diamonds. If you like reggae, you will her own. With her unique vocals and catchy tunes, Join The Mighty Soul Night as they celebrate their ruthlessness of punk. Don’t miss these two classic love this festival! her solo material is sure to make you stop and take second year anniversary with "Diaspora Diggin." artists in concert together! notice. DJs Ben Crazy, Forrest Getem Gump and El Prezi- dente with rock the wheels of steel while Dennis SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Zach and the Bright Lights Oliver keeps it moving on drums. They’ll glide WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Josh Rzepka 9pm at Max McQ’s (FREE) musically around the globe with stops in Brazil, A Tribute to Billy Strayhorn featuring Bill 8pm at BLU Jazz+ ($15) 1562 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron Peru, Columbia, West Indes, Puerto Rico, Africa Dobbins 47 E Market St, Akron Don’t miss one of the limited full band shows Zach and Cuba, transported via LPs and 45s while you 7pm at BLU Jazz+ (FREE) Welcome Josh Rzepka back to BLU Jazz+, in and the Bright Lights are playing this summer! never leave Downtown Akron's Historic Art District. 47 E Market St, Akron concert with some of Northeast Ohio’s finest jazz Zach is known not only for his music, but also his Admission is free so stop by and show them your Bill Dobbins presents an exciting solo piano tribute players, including Theron Brown, Lucas Kadish, Pe- community involvement - he founded the Akron gratitude with a dance. to the famous American jazz composer, pianist, ter Dominguez, and Ron Godale. Josh is renowned Peace Project, an organization working to inspire lyricist, arranger, and longtime Duke Ellington not only for his jazz playing and composing, but nonviolence, and organizes Big Love Fest, a day- The Family Stone with Marilyn Rivers collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, whose 100th birthday also for his classical performances. long celebration of music, yoga, dance, visual arts, 7 pm at Akron Civic Theatre ($10) would be this year! and more. 182 S Main St, Akron Original Sly & The Family Stone founding mem- SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 David Wax Museum with Mike Reiter bers, Rock & Roll Hall of fame inductees, and R&B THURSDAY, JULY 30 Sunday Summer Concert: 9pm at Musica ($10) Pioneer Award Winners Jerry Martini, Cynthia Rob- Runaway Dorothy with Jon Mosey Bobby Selvaggio Quartet 51 E Market St, Akron inson, and Greg Errico, along with their powerful 5:30pm at Jilly’s Music Room (FREE) 5:30pm at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (FREE) Combining Latin rhythms, infectious melodies, and bandmates, bring the message of peace, love, and 111 N Main St, Akron 1828 Smith Rd, Akron call-and-response hollering, David Wax Museum social consciousness through musical harmony with Americana quartet Runaway Dorothy counts Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the soothing jazz fuses traditional Mexican folk with indie rock some of the funkiest players of all time. Roseanne Cash, Adam Duritz, Rob Thomas, and of the Bobby Selvaggio Quartet during this free and American roots to create a Mexo-Americana Ryan Adams as fans. Their sensibility is both rustic concert. If it rains, the concert will be moved to the aesthetic. Lucas Carpenter w/ Andrew Nielson and refined, mining folk, country, and alt-country, covered Seneca Deck. 7 pm at Musica ($8) featuring captivating storyteller lyrics, mesmeriz- 51 E Market St, Akron ingly melancholy vocals, and achingly beautiful SATURDAY, JULY 25 With a beat heavy and melody rich sound that harmonies. MONDAY, AUGUST 3 borrows from his love of folk songcraft, the Van Halen with Kenny Wayne Shephard colorfulness of pop, Nashville storytelling, and hip 7:30pm at Blossom Music Center ($43) electronic production values, Lucas Carpenter is FRIDAY, JULY 31 1145 W Steels Corner Rd, Cuyahoga Falls remixing what it means to be a singer-songwriter. Brent Kirby & His Luck Legendary rock band Van Halen is touring once His high-octane electro-acoustic show is not to 6:30pm at GAR Hall ($7 suggested donation) again - don’t miss your chance to see them in be missed! 1785 Main St, Peninsula Northeast Ohio! Support act Kenny Wayne Shep- Catch Brent with his new band His Luck, for the herd is a blues rock, singer/songwriter, who stays first time the entire band will be playing the Hall. true to his deep south roots. SUNDAY, JULY 26 This band has been tearing it up at every packed Music by Nature: A Romantic Summer’s Eve room they play. Hot off the release of their first CD, Keepers of the Art Music Showcase 6:30pm at Happy Days Lodge ($17 for members; Brent and the Boys will be playing Brent “penned” WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 7 pm at Akron Art Museum ($15) $20 for nonmembers) songs, old and new, some with a new twist, always 1 S High St, Akron 500 W Streetsboro St, Peninsula with meaning. Join Keepers of the Art, a nonprofit in Akron ded- With flute, guitar, viola and cello, this unusual icated to preserving the integrity of urban artistic grouping of instruments presents a concert that Tim McGraw with Billy Currington expression, in welcoming Grammy-nominated is sure to satisfy the music lover in everyone. The and Chase Bryant songwriter Teedra Moses, Akron’s own Dan Wilson evening features music from the Baroque to the 7pm at Blossom Music Center ($32.75) Trio, and Columbus DJ KR8 DGA for an evening of late Romantics, with an added touch of South 1145 W Steels Corner Rd, Cuyahoga Falls music at the Akron Art Museum. American flair. Country sensation Tim McGraw comes to Blossom to “…sling sweat, have fun and help make some Firestone Park Summer Concert summertime memories for everyone who joins us.” Music in the Meadow: Shivering Timbers 7:30pm at Firestone Park (FREE) Supported by special guest Billy Currington and 5:30pm at Howe Meadow (FREE) 40 Axline Ave, Akron newcomer Chase Bryant, you can be sure this show 4040 Riverview Rd, Peninsula Bring a blanket and have a picnic in the park while won’t disappoint. This captivating trio enthralls audiences with a com- enjoying the wonderful Akron Symphony Orchestra bination of indie rock energy, blues/punk passion, under the stars! and country/gospel reflection. Enjoy these local favorites in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

20 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Entertainment

2010 when Herring packed his bags and moved to own punk rock musical history is evident on the North Carolina. release, resulting in an upbeat, melodic experience.

Full Wave Rectifier held its farewell concert at Herring admits he’s been listening to some hip-hop Musica five years ago, but Herring knew deep again — the sound that inevitably influenced his down that geography couldn’t come between him work with Dink, as he was heavy into Beastie Boys and the familiar faces he enjoyed playing with. The and Public Enemy at the time of the group’s rise band will return to the venue August 7 for a special to fame — inspiring more funk and beats-driven reunion show, featuring Herring’s current project, material with Go Go Hero. Go Go Hero, along with longtime pals and show mates, Peep. A documentary on his work with Dink was created by a local filmmaker in 2012, stirring up all kinds of “I planned a trip to Ohio to visit family and friends, memories and allowing Herring to recognize how and I got it in my brain that we needed to have a special the dynamic has been in his most recent reunion,” Herring says. “Peep was the first band I musical projects. thought of to bring on board with us.” “In Go Go Hero, there’s lots of collaboration. Herring’s ties to the musical Midwest have We’re all navigators, since we’ve all been leaders influenced his work throughout his journey in in previous bands,” Herring says. “Everyone is music. In fact, when he first formed Go Go Hero enthusiastic about the ideas that get tossed around. in the 2000s, he recruited Akron-based bassist That’s not always the case in bands.” Tim Prentice to join the group, fusing the sounds he grew up with in Ohio and the southern aural From Dink to Full Wave Rectifier and Go Go experience he had been saturated in since moving Hero, Herring and his band mates have made a to North Carolina. significant mark on Northeast Ohio’s music history. Focusing on guitar-based melodies and bringing Herring points to differences in his home state’s in a diverse range of influences has given birth to musical atmosphere compared to his current locale, distinct sounds spanning the past two decades and with crossover scenes happening in Northeast Ohio lingering on throughout Akron’s airwaves. cities but not so much in the South.

“I was born and raised in the Akron’s Full Wave Rectifier Midwest, and I think location permeates my music,” Herring says. “It’s a subconscious kind of thing. I’ve developed a different sound Reunites for a since moving, and [Go Go Hero] has been trying to get in front of fans who listen to stuff in the same Special Performance neighborhood.” He hopes the upcoming reunion by Brittany Nader show in Akron will bring in both old friends and new fans. He expresses a bit of nervousness about getting together with his former band In the ‘90s, sounds from Northeast Ohio could “We went from playing houses in Akron to playing mates, but he says he’s excited to stir the pot and be heard pouring out of television sets across the on top of the Capitol Records building,” Herring show people what they’ve got cooking nowadays. country — specifically those tuned in to MTV. says. “When you have a good band, stuff like Locals are in for a treat with all-star From “Beavis and Butthead” to “120 Minutes,” that happens. We got our lucky break. It felt very Go Go Hero is surely climbing the ladder of success, alternative acts Go Go Hero, Full local band Dink’s fusion of guitar-driven alternative surreal.” with legendary producer Mitch Easter having a Wave Rectifier and Peep playing rock and industrial hip-hop became part of the hand in the production of the band’s sophomore under one roof in the heart of soundtrack of many Gen-Xers’ lives. After Dink disbanded in 1998, Herring remained release. Easter is noted for his significant work with downtown Akron. Tickets for the active in music, forming Full Wave Rectifier a year R.E.M., Pavement and Ex Hex, and his influence is reunion show are $8 and can be The band’s guitarist, Jer Herring, says his time in the later. Driven by influences from Pixies, Hüsker Dü clear on Go Go Hero’s recorded alternative music. purchased online at liveatmusica. Dink consisted of some of the highest highs and and Minutemen, this new project centered on up- com or at Musica’s doors on lowest lows as the group evolved from a significant tempo guitar riffs, fast-paced punk rock beats and The band’s sound is certainly reminiscent of ‘90s alt Friday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. part of the NEO music scene to a fixture on the poppy vocals. The band, consisting of Akron-based but with a crisper, more experimental modern twist. spectrum of national performers. musicians, was a fixture on the local scene until The blend of North Carolina influences with Akron’s

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 21 reading comics in public Con Recap: 24th Annual Akron-Canton Comic Con by Isaac Kelley

When the 24th annual Akron-Canton Comic Con era, an era when men needed things to pass the positive connotations to was held at Chapparelles Community Center the time, and when it was perfectly normal to exclude the terms “nerd” or “geek.” It's the old last Sunday in June, I was there. I don't normally women from anything remotely interesting. model of comics culture created when socially attend, but this year I went bright and early. Unlike awkward people banded together. Unsurprisingly, made up of white dudes with disposable income other comic book events, I left my voracious, Last time I went to this con, I was a young man as a defensive measure these early comics nerds who like stories about men punching each other comic-reading daughter at home for this one. and relatively new to comics. This scene was became hostile toward anyone on the outside. while wearing pajamas. I'm proud to say that this intimidating as hell. Everyone was crammed It's an attitude that can be felt today. If you can't is becoming less true every passing day. The comic This was not a modern, media-friendly convention together looking through old comics I had never rattle off the writers and artists of the 70's Marvel book culture of 2015 is welcoming to readers of with cosplay and panels and things that children read. I didn't know what was good or what was Bullpen, you aren't really wanted at the Akron- all backgrounds who like all sorts of stories about would enjoy. Akron has a con like that now, it is fairly priced. The whole environment was crammed Canton Comic Con. all sorts of people. The comic book culture of the called the Akron Comicon, and it is delightful. tight with men older than me who seemed to Akron-Canton Comic Con is just an echo of By contrast, the Akron-Canton Comic Con is a know exactly what they were looking for. I had no While most of the attendees are of the old guard, the past. hardcore hobbyist convention of the old school. “in.” It was so unfriendly an environment, that I there are smatterings of confused young people Old men and longboxes of comics crammed into a never came back. Returning now, many years later, wandering the floor. A few teenagers in costume, Still, while I like to read stories from a variety of bingo hall, the whole affair smelling like bowling I've discovered that I have become one of the old a few parents who brought their young children, genres and I like to read stories about people who alleys used to. That environment is implicitly hostile men. I can now navigate these waters. a few women. While surely some of them are are fundamentally different than me, certain facts to outsiders. There are few young attendees, and in their element, it seems likely that most were remain: I am a white man in my 30's who has fewer women. There are almost no people of I feel a strange mix of attraction and repulsion expecting a different comics culture, the culture of dedicated an oddly large percentage of his time in color. There are no events to speak of, no gateway within the walls of this convention. It's kind of a Ms. Marvel and Image Comics and Raina Telgemeir. the past year to the task of reading every canonical activities. Just a lot of old men selling other old glorious place, because I love comic books. I adore Nerd culture has won the day, but in doing so, it appearance of Thor printed in the pages of Marvel men old comic books in a confined space. rifling through longboxes. I'm surrounded by evolved. This con feels like a pocket universe frozen Comics. There are a lot of old Thor comics at this people who have serious opinions on who was the in amber, where the past 24 years of cultural con, priced to move. So I put my head down and When I refer to “old men,” I'm referring to best Kirby inker. (Sinnott, obviously.) progress never happened. spend a few hours digging through the stacks, “hobbyists.” A hobbyist can, of course, be any age filling some holes in my collection. or any gender, but young people don't really go in On the other hand, this con is a relic of a bygone For as long as there has been an American comic for hobbies these days. Hobbies are of a bygone era. It's a holdover of an era when there were no book culture, the core has been overwhelmingly AK Libs Fill in the blanks here and plug them into the paragraph below.

1. Noun ______The Waitresses were an experimental post-punk (1) ______from Akron, Ohio. The group was led by guitarist/songwriter Chris Butler with 2. Adjective ______(2) ______vocals performed by Patty Donahue. They had minor 3. Specific ______success in the (3) ______with the song “I Know What Boys

4. Noun ______Like,” from their 1982 debut album “Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful.” Originally released as a (4) ______single in 1980, “I Know What Boys Like” did not 5. Year ______chart initially but became an underground hit and by (5) ______, 6. Verb (past-tense) ______it peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Top Tracks chart, also charting in Australia and the 7. Plural noun ______UK. The Waitresses (6) ______the theme song for the TV show “Square Pegs,” appearing as (7) ______in the pilot episode. Their 8. Holiday ______(8) ______song “Christmas Wrapping” became a No. 45 hit in 9. Band ______the UK in 1982 and was covered by the (9) ______in 1998 and 10. TV Show ______later on the TV show (10)______their 2011 Christmas special. (Adapted from the Wikimedia entry for The Waitresses)

22 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Entertainment Akron Adolescence Ten Hours at the Rubber Bowl

by Chris Kessinger

Looking back on it now, Ozzfest ‘98 was probably Alice Cooper. I remember attending many Akron I became drained both a rough first concert for a 13-year-old. I had just vs Kent State matchups, one of which included an mentally and physically gotten into rock/alternative music fresh off a overtime thriller won by the Zips with a long field from a lack of liquids and country music phase when my best friend, Jeff Gill, goal. The Rubber Bowl helped stake Akron's claim the amount of energy that invited me to the biggest music festival of the year. to fame in an era when stadiums were built to I spent moshing around Thinking about where the road would take me, draw outsiders. with grown men as big as my mind wandered to exotic lands that I had never pro wrestlers. However, I been to—like Detroit, Pittsburgh or Columbus. As Tickets for Ozzfest were $32, which seemed like a got the blast of energy that I it turned out, my entrance into the rock-and-roll lot of money in 1998, but that lineup—Tool, Limp needed to get through the final two hours when The Rubber Bowl was left vacant world was a mile from my house, a stone's throw Bizkit, Megadeath and Ozzy Osbourne, just to my favorite band, Tool, fronted by Ravenna-born in 2008, with the Zips opting for the brand new from the safe haven of my protective childhood. name a few—has yet to be topped by any of the vocalist Maynard James Keenan, hit the stage. InfoCision Stadium on Exchange Street. It was This magical place was called the Rubber Bowl. 80 concerts that I have seen since. I arrived at the purchased by Team1 Marketing Group in January stadium around noon and was greeted by sights In the end, people were passed out on the turf 2013 for $38,000. With rumors of a USFL Pro It seems mind-boggling today to think big-name and smells generally forbidden a teenager. Thanks from a hard day of rock and roll, but I raged on as Football team taking over the stadium, perhaps music concerts were a regular occurrence at the to my proximity to so many attractive women that I ran along the field like a football player to get to some new life will be injected into the crumbling Rubber Bowl, but at the time it was Akron's biggest day, I officially surrendered my adolescent fear of the front of the crowd. Did I succeed? One fat lip ruins of one of Akron's biggest landmarks. People venue. It opened in 1940 as the hometown college the opposite sex. and a black eye later, I was jamming out painlessly love their history, and the Rubber Bowl is etched in football team, the Zips. The bowl also hosted local (until the next morning anyway) to cap off a day it for generations past, present and future. high school football games, including the City Since general admission granted you come-and-go that prepared me for many shows for years to Series Championship game every Thanksgiving, two passage between the stands and standing on the come. Since then, I have been to every venue in // Chris Kessinger is a regular contributor to The Devil Cleveland Browns regular season football games same turf that the Zips invaded every Saturday, I Northeast Ohio, but none of them will ever hold a Strip, often as “The Film Freak.” You can find The Film in 1941 and in 1942, and many must-see concerts chose to stand in the endzone to watch my biggest place in my heart like the Rubber Bowl did on that Freak's film reviews at thefilmfreak.com that included Metallica, The Rolling Stones and rock idols perform. As the night hours approached, hot and sunny Sunday afternoon in 1998.

(continued from page 11) the shop. It was also fun to see the different “Best Smelling Coffee Place in Akron.” The pictures on the wall that truly captured Hattie’s building seems small but the real magic Sarah: Damascus Road Café is somewhere I would family’s mission. happens in the back, which houses the go twice a day if I worked downtown: once in the millions and millions of coffee beans Pearl morning for coffee and again in the afternoon for Coffee Company receives each day from a sandwich. I did not expect to see such a huge around the world. Employee Johnna M. menu at such a small venue. There are so many Economou, whose family has owned options for different coffees, teas, and Nervous Dog the shop since 1919, kindly took us in deli sandwiches. Noor: Though I committed the sin of walking in the back and showed us the process of with a cup of tea from Angel Falls, nothing could how they roast their coffee. Oh, and if stop our kind and knowledgeable barista from you haven’t tried their blueberry coffee, introducing us to their eclectic menu with names you’re missing out. just as fun as their coffee. It’s the perfect place to Hattie’s Café bring your indecisive friend, or that friend who Sarah: I didn’t even know so many different flavors Noor: I’ve always loved Hattie Larlham because has cravings for mysterious foods and drinks— of coffee existed until I stepped foot in Pearl Coffee this city. The piece of bacon nonchalantly hanging aside from making a bad-ass cup of coffee, they Chihuahua, anyone? Company’s little hallway storefront. Immediately in the corner of the shop made me laugh, and have the coolest mission: providing jobs and thinking, “Oh, this place is cute,” Noor and I met to top it off, all of this observing was done while training services for people with developmental Sarah: Best barista experience ever! The girl Johnna and before I knew it we were touring a sipping a great cup of tea and participating in some disabilities. Hattie’s is an outgrowth of that mission. behind the counter was so funny and made my ginormous building with roasting equipment and healthy ass-kicking over a game of checkers with The decor is funky and fun, with ample seating in very first Nervous Dog experience awesome by thousands upon thousands of pounds of coffee my friend Mariah. the back, and a variety of coffees, sweets, lunch recommending several different flavored lattes beans. Pearl Coffee sells their coffee at Acme, items, ice cream and smoothies. based off of my interests. I particularly enjoyed which only makes me love the place even more for Sarah: As soon as I walked into Urban Eats, I Sarah: Hattie’s is so cozy and so cute. I love that the balance of Victorian-inspired decor and other its local-ness. I left Pearl with six different one- shouted, “OMG. I love this adaptation of ‘The the seating is tucked in the back, separated from weirdness that gives the shop its aesthetic sense. pot samples to try with mom and not a one has Tempest’!” That nerdy outbreak was sponsored by The chillness exudes from every corner of the coffee disappointed. I’ll be stocking up before the fall Julie Taymor’s 2010 “Tempest” up on the TV inside. shop. Next time I need to buckle down and focus semester hits. (Come on… that’s cool.) Settling down, I sipped on finishing a story or project, I will go to Nervous the best chai latte I’ve had in a while, watching Dog and sit in the corner of their long, comfy Noor and Mariah play checkers with chess pieces. bench with a latte, muffin and my thoughts. I’ve only ever peeked into Urban Eats. Getting the chance to soak it all in, I realized how the local Urban Eats art plastered all over the walls, along with the fun Noor: Akron. Akron. Akron. There is no other colors, make for a creative space and way to describe Urban Eats. The floor is made of awesome atmosphere. Pearl Coffee cracked cement, and the chipped brick along with Company the pops of color and local art displayed on the Noor: I’m nominating Pearl Coffee Company for walls embodies everything we know and love about

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 / THE Devil Strip | 23 Entertainment

conscience. His food is barely an afterthought. A white reflection on his shoulder almost reads as a comforting hand, but closer inspection reveals it to be the figure of a person on the busy street. In the background, the other customers don’t seem any better off: Evans captures the fleeting glimpse when each figure is focused on their plates, eyes downcast. If we imagine a soundtrack for the photograph, it’s the clinking of silverware on plates, chewing, the fumbling of papers as sandwiches are hastily unwrapped, street noise, and not much more. The scene becomes even heavier when we realize that the photograph was taken in 1929, the year of the Stock Market Crash which precipitated the Great Depression.

Admittedly, the photograph doesn’t make lunch any less angst-ridden. Not for me, anyway. That’s not Walker Evans’ concern in this photograph from Breaking the early in his career. Instead, he captures the worry, haste and speed of the lives of ordinary people in this photograph, and in doing so, he shows us the anxiety of our own often hectic lives. How we interpret that and what we do with it is up to us, psychology of busyness because, as we all know, photographs often raise as many questions as they answer. That’s true of by Dominic Caruso s it lunchtime yet? That’s the thought that seems even with a full hour for lunch, the psychology of “City Lunch Counter,” and it’s true of all the work to occur me–and likely many people–earlier busyness is tough to change, and lunch on a work featured in “Proof.” The exhibition includes more and earlier each day, or that’s what it feels day is always an antsy situation, wedged into the than one hundred photographs from masters Ilike. Sometimes I labor beneath the illusion of day by panicked necessity: I gotta eat something, of documentary photography, like Walker Evans frugality and pack my lunch, but too often I feel but I’m too busy! and Garry Winogrand, to contemporary artists the draw of the greasy spoon and visit a local, well- like Barbara Probst, Josh Azzarella and Jennifer worn establishment for an omelet, wrap, or quick So recently, when I forced myself to take a Williams, whose work expands and interrogates sandwich. Quick being the operative word, because moment of reflection, I wandered from my desk the genre of documentary. Each photograph offers into the Akron Art Museum gallery where “Proof: multiple points of reflection and exploration. We Photographs from the Collection” is currently on have only to stop, take a moment, and look. view, and I stopped before a photograph by Walker Evans, “City Lunch Counter,” 1929, because I ______travel made easy immediately recognized the looks of the men captured mid-bite in Evans’ masterful documentary Below: Walker Evans, City Lunch Counter, 1929, photograph. I knew those looks. I’ve lived them too Gelatin silver print. 5 in. x 7 1/4 in. Collection of many times. Probably you have, too. the Akron Art Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Blake McDowell, Jr. In “City Lunch Counter,” the men gaze into the diner window as they eat, separately, and in Above: Proof: Photographs from the Collection, silence. The speed and work and worry of their installation view. Photo: Joe Levack/Studio Akron lives seems to sweep before their eyes in the reflections of the city in the windows before them. Barbara Probst, Exposure #106: N.Y.C., Broome The workman in the center of the image lifts a & Crosby Streets, 04.17.13, 2:29 p.m. , 2013. fork to his mouth, but his eyes pull sharply to the Ultrachrome ink on paper. 22 x 44 in. (each). left and downward as though he is struggling Collection of the Akron Art Museum. Museum with the weight of some anxiety, some matter of Acquisition Fund.

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24 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM misc.

(continued from page 8) (continued from page 10)

B is for the Breakfast Club Unlike some other clubs, The Breakfast Club is not industry specific. Kaley Foster, the beeswax candle making owner of Urban Buzz (urbnbuzz.com), wanted to create a networking event that wasn’t about networking. The Breakfast Club meets the Rasicci’s first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 am at For a movie night at home, when you want the Front Porch Cafe on Grant Street. The Mustard Seed Market & Café some sinful deep-dish pizza and/or fried chicken meetings are casual and open to (Highland Square) and jojo’s. anyone interested. Obviously you can get food from the café upstairs Gainer says she got the idea while working on but you can also buy food from their prepared Over breakfast, motivational and educational the “Art of Akron” cover story for The Devil Strip. foods case in the store and take it upstairs. I’m speakers give a pep talk to inspire attendees to She interviewed a significant number of artists telling you this because if you didn’t already know build a better Akron. (Editor’s note: Kaley was and noticed they shared an underlying theme in their ginger tofu is the bomb. Rumor has it, their another person who responded to our Big Ideas their careers: failure and rejection. Each person pizza by-the-slice is also on point. survey because her big ideas aren’t limited to bees had personal anecdotes and major life lessons but how she can help build a better Akron. And that stemmed from failing. Gainer, who describes she smiles, like, all the time so if you need a boost herself as a natural planner, was intrigued and of good cheer, she’s your woman.) wanted to find a way to connect these types of people. Urban Eats “When you look around the room during the The menu changes every month but keep an eye meeting, guests aren't talking about business. Though the first meet-up isn’t scheduled until out for their fruit pies and by pies I mean pizzas, They're talking about friends, family, and ways August 11, the pre-registered event attendees the one with apple, cheddar, and bacon for to improve our city,” Foster says, “They're truly represent a wide variety of fields, from artists to instance or strawberry, walnut and bleu cheese. connecting, not just swapping business cards. That lawyers to non-profit organizers—and that’s exactly is the main goal: to connect motivated individuals what Gainer wants. trying to make Akron a better place to live.” Nuevo “I think there needs to be more attention focused I love to nibble and drink here—chips, queso The Breakfast Club is works to create a brighter on our creative community. I hope this starts fundido, salsa trio, guacs, ceviche and then there’s future for Akron by bringing the people that care a discussion and opens up more collaboration the bar. Try the smoked sea salt rim on your next about Akron together. The attendees and speakers opportunities among the creative community, margarita. On the entree side, I always enjoy vary, but Foster’s core goal is to build a better businesses, nonprofits, and others.” the scallops. community and she’s succeeding one breakfast at a time. To learn more, show up at the Front Porch Creative Cog kicks off at Musica at 7:30 am Café at 7:30 am on the first Tuesday of on August 11 and its first speaker is Devil Strip Wally Waffle each month. publisher and Knight Cities Challenge winner Chris Chocolate chip pancakes with butter and maple Horne. His talk will be “Dancing with Failure and syrup all day. the Art of Living Local.”

C is for Creative Cog For more information visit The Creative Cog is the new kid on the block, the facebook.com/CreativeCogAkron. Pad Thai brainchild of Devil Strip contributor Katelyn Gainer. As the name suggests, BEST PAD THAI around and She says her goal is to bring together like-minded for god’s sake USE THE LIME PEOPLE! It makes the creative, once a month, to talk about the trials food pop. and tribulations of pursuing their career in a creative field. Each meeting will feature a different local discussing their personal and professional experiences. West Side Bakery Broccoli cheddar bread.

26 | THE Devil Strip / JULY 2015 • VOL 1 • ISSUE #10 WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM Before the rain moved in July 12, the Akron Black Stockings--featured in Issue 9--made the best of the weather, playing other vintage base ball teams from around the state in the Akron Cup Vintage Base Ball Exhibition at Stan Hywet. (PHOTOS: Paul Hoffman/paulhoffmanphoto.com) INVITES YOU TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT OF THE SUMMER growing6th ANNUAL upAkron FRIDAY TASTY GRUB This event sells out. AUGUST 14 THIRSTY DOG BEER You must make 6-9 pm a reservation in ROCKIN’ SOUNDS advance online at at THIRSTY DOG cgfsevents.org. BREWING CO. FESTIVE ACTIVITIES 529 GRANT ST. IN AKRON

JIM & CHERYL NILSEN ARE AKRON! THEY SUPPORT CHILD GUIDANCE & FAMILY SOLUTIONS

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