Akron venues pack the house

For archival purposes only. Event has passed!

By: Jay Minkin
Date: 10/31/2007
APRIL 5, 2007—Cleveland is not the only big city to boast great live music and national talent performing in area venues. While you may not be lucky enough to catch a show from local favorites The Black Keys, Joseph Arthur, or Chrissy Hynde, the Akron sound is alive and well.

In the heart of the city, check out The Lime Spider located at 207 S. Main Street across from The Akron Civic Theatre and Lock 3 Park. Inside the historic building that was once the home of the legendary Mr. Bilbo’s, The Lime Spider frequently has an eclectic mix of indie label artists and local area talent performing weekly. Along with an extensive list of 150 imported beers, the roof top patio will open on April 21st featuring The Patrick Sweany Band. Schedule highlights include the critically acclaimed group Over The Rhine performing a special intimate show on May 4th.

Just down the street at Main and Market streets are the upscale and classy Musica and Mocha Maiden located in the rear between Big City Chop House and Crave restaurants. Musica offers a full bar with live music entertainment in an intimate setting. Situated in Akron’s Historic District, Musica hosts Tony and Jill Troppe have opened the doors of this building and added lots of charm. Connected to Musica is Mocha Maiden, where you can enjoy a cup of roasted java or herbal tea and explore the creative inspirations of distinguished local artists in their own gallery, featuring leaded glass, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other creative works.

Then there is The Kent Stage located at 175 E. Main Street in downtown Kent. Constructed in 1927, this old movie house is now operated by the Western Reserve Folk Arts Association and has been a premier area concert venue since 2002. The acoustics are incredible and the talent consists of some of the best musicians in the world. Hot upcoming shows include Gandalf Murphy on April 6; Rodney Crowell and Maia Sharp on April 10; The Drifters, The Tokens, and The Marcels on May 5th, and Iris DeMent on May 11th.

Jay Minkin is an Akron area entrepreneur, music promoter and critic. For more of his thoughts on music, you may e-mail him at blues4bird@aol.com.

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