July 2018 - The Devil Strip by The Devil Strip

JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 • THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

22: IT'S A BEAUTIFUL GAME

24: RUBBER BOWL DEMOLITION

FREE

33: MAKING AKRON MORE AKRONY

Eat through eight of downtown Akronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastiest spots by August 31 and win sweet prizes.

SATURDAY AUGUST 4 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6pm: EarthQuaker Devices HQ 350 West Bowery St, Akron, OH 44307

Workshop Tours / Pedal Building Workshops / Local Food & Drink / Vendors / Prizes / Clinics / Live Music with Uno Lady, Shivering Timbers, Lisa Bella Donna, Houseguest, The Man I Fell in Love With, This Moment in Black History Concerts start at 7 pm Free Admission

(Except GBF*)

6pm: Lock 3 Akron

JUL 27 ONE Metallica Tribute with Grunge DNA AUG 3

ALMOST QUEEN Ultimate Queen Experience with Twistoffs

200 S. Main St, Akron, OH 44308

PRS Guitars Riff Contest / Live Music with Glanzig and Black Sabath SPONSORED BY

Food and drink available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets.

The Devil Strip Akron Music, Art & Culture

www.earthquakerday.com

12 E. Exchange Street • 2nd Floor Akron, Ohio 44308 (330) 842-6606 Publisher: .......................................................Chris “was born a Ramblin’ Man” Horne • chris@thedevilstrip.com Art Director: .................................................................................................Alesa “doesn’t sleep til Brooklyn” Upholzer Managing Editor: ...........................................................Noor “Filthy Poodle Poet” Hindi • noor@thedevilstrip.com Events & Music: ........................ Floco “no wonder he’s a lover and a writer” Torres • floco@thedevilstrip.com Director of Sales & Distribution: ........................TJ "don’t call him Shirley" Masterson • TJ@thedevilstrip.com Copy Editors: ...........................................Megan “Who is Megan?” Combs, Devon “Tastes Life Twice” Anderson, Emily “Potty Perfectionist” Dressler Staff Writers, Columnists & The A/V Club: Dave “All-Day” Daly; Mark “of the East(side)” Schweitzer; Charlotte “is easier to recognize in her Twitter hat” Gintert; Kristina “Ambitious Is My Middle Name” AiadToss; Devon “Tastes Life Twice” Anderson; Anthony “Who Needs a Trail” Boarman, Kyle “Only Listens to Pavement Right Now” Cochrun; Claude “Got to Hold a Bumblebee in His Hand” Christensen; Dave “Baseball Now!” Daly; Emily “Potty Perfectionist” Dressler; Tyron “To Dine or Not to Dine” Hoisten; Josy “is everywhere already” Jones; Ashley “In the Crowd with a Camera” Kouri; Jacob Luther, the Towny Town Toonist; Marissa Marangoni, Bathroom Culture Enthusiast; TJ “Don’t Call Me Nostradamus” Masterson; Grant “Needs a Whimsical Nickname” Morgan; Svetla “The Balkan Comrade” Morrison; Brittany “Sass Master Flash” Nader; Steve “Is Not a Zombie” Van Auken; Eliza R. Williams, Creative and Connected; Pat “The Rhyming Riddler” Worden; The Shane Wynn Supremacy; Ted “Super No Bueno” Zep ———————————————————— Facebook ..................... Facebook.com/thedevilstrip General Info ......................... info@thedevilstrip.com Twitter .................................................@akrondevilstrip Advertising ...........................ads@thedevilstrip.com Instagram .............................................. @thedevilstrip Distribution .......................distro@thedevilstrip.com Website ...................................www.thedevilstrip.com

fun, sun & SucculentS

table of contents

AGENDA 5 7 8 10 12

treat yourself

25% OFF your next succulent purchase

Coupon valid July 5- August 5, 2018. Not valid on sale items or specials. Coupon must be present at time of purchase

tropical Succulents String of Pearls, echeverias, Haworthias, Jades, Burro’s tail and more Hardy Succulents Hens & chicks and Sedums

Garden shop

THE PALETTE 13 14 15 16 17

nothing says summer - inside and out like sun-loving succulents!

Devil’s Dozen Reviews of Ledges Nothing to Do in Akron How to Prep for the Akron Marathon Mexico City Mexican Restaurant

Poem from The University of Akron Press Islam, A Woman’s Perspective What the Heck is the Bechdel Film Festival Miss Dreadful Preview An Interview with Rachel Roberts

CULTURE CLUB 18 19 20 23 26

What’s in Store at Restore Outdoor Gems Vintage Structures Baseball Now! Faces of the Homeless

THE DISH 30 31 33

Lady Beer Drinker What is Ice Cream!? Stray Dog Café

12 14 16

19 23 18

BACK OF THE BOOK 33 35 38

Louder than Outer Space, A Review Service is the Measure of Greatness Urine Luck

About the Cover Diane Pribojan's painting "House with Pink Flamingos" will be showcased at the HarrisStanton Gallery on July 12 from 5:30-8pm. Pribojan's pieces frequently interrogate the changes our society faces due to our use of technology. Pribojan says that they note, "our obsession with technology and the social dynamic that it fosters." Although "House with Pink Flamingos" is sold, you can view and buy her other work at the Harris-Stanton Gallery.

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OUR PICKS FOR THE 12 BEST CHOICES YOU CAN MAKE THIS MONTH

ONGOING JULY 27- AUGUST 5 ‹ Shakespeare’s All’s Well that Ends Well Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens // 7:30 pm Playing the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August, Shakespeare’s All’s Well that Ends Well tells the story of Helen, who saves the King’s life and is granted permission to marry whatever nobleman she wants. Although she chooses Bertram, he’s not super into her. This romantic tragicomedy was first performed in 1741 but is believed to have been written between 1604 and 1605. Bring your family and pretend you live in Shakespearean times for the evening. Part of Stan Hywet’s outdoor summer season, this comedy turns the classic fairy tale trope upside down. Tickets cost between $15 and $33, and drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. www.showclix.com

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

µ Name this Tune & Ladies Night Zodiac // 9 - 11:45 pm // No more using Shazam every time you need help recognizing a song. Every Wednesday bring your girl friends to play music trivia and win some prizes. Enjoy some food and drink specials, like $1 tacos and $3 wells. You can also order some of Ed’s cheesesteak sandwiches that are on special, too. You can also challenge your friends to a game of pool or darts if music trivia isn’t up your alley. This humpday night out is free to attend, so get the ladies together for a fun trivia night. What could be better than listening to music, playing games, eating tacos and drinking a margarita at the same time? Whatever it is, it’s probably more expensive. bit.ly/2KdYPMM

SATURDAY, JULY 7 å VAIN: AKRON at Interbelt Nightclub feat. Miz Cracker Interbelt Nightclub // 9 pm // If you’re a fan of watching drag races, this might be the spot for you. Drag Queen Miz Cracker from season 10 of RuPaul’s “Drag Race” is coming to Akron for a meet and greet and a performance hosted by Lola LeCroix. VAIN, a show from Pittsburgh, is coming to Akron for a night of drag. Lola LeCroix is one of the top drag performers around the country and has performed cities such as Cleveland and Denver. Although she didn’t win the season of “Drag Race,” Miz Cracker has gained enough of a following and will even have her own show called “JewTorials.” General admission tickets cost $18, and VIP tickets cost either $30 or $45. bit.ly/2K1WRM4 MONDAY, JULY 9 ç Witchcraft throughout the World A Creative ApothaCare // 7 - 8 pm

No, it’s not Halloween and it’s not a play about the Salem Witch Trials. It’s an educational talk about where witches came from and their different meanings around the world. Discuss the history and origins of witchcraft from around the world with A Creative ApothaCare, an alternative and holistic health service, what the owners call a “herbal hippie witchy” shop, on Massillon Road. They will mention the Salem Witch Trials and note the similarities between the events of witchcraft in the United States and events in different regions around the world. bit.ly/2yxYrUs é Summer Arts Camp: Busy Bee’s Akron Sustainer // 9 am - 12 pm // It’s no secret that bees are essential to the environment and to all life. This summer, your kids can experience the importance of honey bees in a fun art camp. Using Ohio beeswax, local artists are teaming (continued on page 6)

JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

THE Devil Strip |

AGENDA Devil's Dozen (continued from page 5) up to teach kids how to make their own beeswax honeycomb keepsake. They’ll also get a lesson on hand-building with clay and how to create their very own bumble bee figurine. A freelance artist, candle chandler from Urban Buzz and a foster and pollinator specialist will be leading this summer art workshop for kids. The young campers will also learn about the importance of honey bees while exploring the Cascade Valley park. They’ll also take a walk to the Mustill Store, which is one of the oldest structures in Akron and has been restored as a museum, where pollinator specialist Denny Reiser will talk about the importance of the honey bee culture. Tickets cost $25 per child. bit.ly/2yssjlm è Music in the Valley Folk and Wine Festival 10 am Saturday - 7 pm Sunday // Did you know wine and folk music is the perfect combo? Hale Farm does. Come soak up the sun, listen to folk music and experiment with different local wineries at your favorite historical spot in Bath. At the Hale Farm and Village, located off of Ira Road on Oak Hill Road, you can purchase drink tickets and try wine from 11 different wineries. Hundreds of musicians jam out in the grass in circles and strum their banjos and ukuleles. Regional musicians will also play their hits on the Village Green Stage where wine drinkers can sip and enjoy the surroundings. And of course, there’ll be plenty of food vendors and children’s activities. This is a great way to spend a hot summer’s day. For more information, check out: www.wrhs.org

THURSDAY, JULY 12 ê Choir of Babble, The Lowsiders and Joe Ridson and The 815 Live Annabell’s Bar & Lounge // 10 pm - 2 am Sometimes, all you need is a night of fist-pumping rock music and psychedelic bands. At Annabell’s Bar & Lounge, Georgia-based rock band the Choir of Babble, which formed in 2016, will perform its “haunting melodies” that were inspired from bands like The Smiths, Radiohead and Nirvana. The Lowsiders, a psychedelic garage band from Northeast Ohio will fill the lounge with “schizophrenic melodies.” If these two bands won’t be enough mind-changing music, Joe Ridson and The 815 from Green Valley, Ohio, will also show off their talents and their energetic songs. bit.ly/2Kva9Ux

8 - 10 pm // Sometimes you have to have a night out with your lady friends to burn some energy and relieve stress. Use your arm strength to lift yourself up a rock wall and spend quality time with your pals at the Rock Mill, located near University of Akron and downtown. You’ll kick off the night with a yoga class and then learn how to rock climb. You can even try out bouldering, a more short-range climb that doesn’t involve being hooked up to ropes. The event is free for members and firsttime visitors and is $10 for non-members. bit.ly/2I92sy8

ì Akron African American Cultural Association Festival // Lock 3 // 12 - 9 pm Come celebrate African American culture with local music and art as well as a talent show and a chess tournament. The 38th annual African American THURSDAY, JULY 19 Cultural Association Festival is a ë Moe. at the Goodyear Theater weekend that highlights the talents and The Goodyear Theater // 8 - 11 pm accomplishments of African American In the same theater that has been around culture. Learn about your roots through since 1920 where greats such as Lyle African drum making workshops and an Lovett and Oasis has performed, another African marketplace filled with different band will be making its mark in Akron. vendors. Timbara, a Latin, soul and Afro Moe., a rock band from Buffalo, is coming funk band will kick off the festivities on to perform its newest album, “The Friday and groups such as Half Mile Home Conch” during its summer tour around and Hubby Groove will perform Saturday. the country. Forming in 2001, the band This free event is a fun weekend activity has created several albums, one of which with the family. The festival starts Friday got four stars from Rolling Stone and and goes ‘til Sunday, when the band Zapp Blender Magazine. Moe. has performed from Dayton, Ohio will take things home. at theaters in New York, Chicago, Denver www.akronafricanculture.com/ and even the Caribbean before making its way to Akron. Tickets for the show cost î Spider Baby (1967) between $20 and $37. The Nightlight // 10:30 pm - 1:30 am The Nightlight movie theater is showing events/421569734956786/ vintage horror movies every Friday night. Dubbed the “maddest story ever told,” í Ladies’ Night Spider Baby, rated R, tells the tale of a Rock Mill Climbing, Yoga & Fitness

family with a disease that causes them to regress mentally after the age of 10 as they physically develop. Distant relatives come to take advantage of them and try to steal their home. The 1967 film directed by Jack Hill has been converted to stage adaptations as well as different remakes. The Nightlight Cinema is an independent, nonprofit movie theater in Akron that opened in 2014 and since then has featured many different films, from indie films to the most popular films in the box office. General admissions tickets cost $9. bit.ly/2toRMpP

MONDAY, JULY 30 ï Jewish Shakespeare Week Greystone Hall // 7 - 9 pm // You probably read Romeo & Juliet in high school or heard people recite “To be or not to be” from Hamlet before, but you haven’t dug down into Shakespeare’s works like you can during Shakespeare Week. Kick off the first-ever Jewish Shakespeare Week with a workshop in which you can analyze and examine different Jewish themes in Shakespeare’s works while eating dessert and sipping on drinks. Two actors from the Ohio Shakespeare Festival will be there to help study scenes and play theater games to help you “demystify” Shakespeare’s texts. bit.ly/2K7NaPr

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| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

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AGENDA

ROOM

Live Review:

LEDGES, WHISKEY HOLLOW, JOSHUA POWELL AND ZACH BEAVER By Ted Zep

prefer to watch musicians perform from the side of the stage. I always have. And while I’m not always thrilled with the layout of Musica (it is wide and narrow) the one feature it does afford me is the ability to view shows to the side and slightly behind the entertainers. Being able to watch band members signal each other to adjust speed, exchange smiles or hack away at an uncooperative foot pedal appeals to my voyeuristic side. Also, I can see the crowd from their perspective. The ecstatic charge of electricity that emits from an audience as they voraciously latch on to an incredible performance is an intoxicating thing. Or conversely, the icy look of disengaged blankness as the musician is unable to connect with their muse is equally telling. That’s where the story of a performance lives; on those faces.

volumes about her passion as a performer. to Say.” They quickly transition to the achingly earnest rocker, “Teenage Daydream.” Zach Beaver was up next. He led a six-piece group that punched out a Singer Andy Hoffman and the band respectable set of R&B flavored dance meticulously construct a dreamy and intoxicating set that builds momentum to the closing one-two punch of the finale. Along the way, they even throw in an unnamed, un-recorded new song that they are working on. Like I said, a tiny surprise here and there makes a performance feel special. Pictured left: Madeline Finn (tiptoes)

The band closes the set with the oldest original song in their repertoire, “This House.” Sincere and confessional, “This House” has a haunting quality that sticks with you.

For example, take tonight’s show at Musica on June 15, 2018. “It’s about to get real interesting up in here,” barks Whiskey Hollow vocalist Madeline Finn. Finn, sporting a brown felt fedora, white t-shirt and black trousers commands the stage with the swagger and metered charmed of early rock ‘n roll pioneer Gene Vincent. Her presence, however, isn’t merely a posture. Finn has palpable charisma and legit vocal chops. The band savaged its way through a set of rootsy, Americana and jukehouse rock. Finn’s vocals were substantial and aggressive while drummer Tom Stankiewicz beat the veritable blood out of his drums. Bassist Holly Camp was aggressive and entertaining. I watched Finn as she performed. When she begins to lose herself in a song she unwittingly perches up on her tiptoes to give herself that extra little oomph. It’s an easily missed nonverbal cue but it speaks

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

pop. There was a noticeable contingent of the female element of the audience (and surely fellas, too) who snapped to rapt attention the moment his performance started. I think he is capable and entertaining, but the set felt sorely lacking in any sort of surprises. The road from the first song to the last inhabited the same general aural space. A tiny hint of danger would go a long way in giving dimension to the music. Joshua Powell and the Great Train Robbery occupied the semi-main event position. He and his band faced a minor uphill battle as a portion of the audience left after Beaver’s set. It left him in the position of recalibrating the energy in the room. Powell and company forged on playing a collection of well-executed and memorable psychedelic indie rock. At 10:15, nearly three hours into the evening, Ledges take the stage. They open with the keyboard-infused, “Nothing

MUSIC

Hoffman dashes off stage, asking fans to stick around for just a moment. He returns with an acoustic guitar and invites the vocalists from the other acts to join him as the evening closes with the collection of singers performing “The Ocean.” As the disparate voices merge together it creates a moment that is elegant and genuine and intimate. It’s a realization of the aesthetic of Ledges (the band) as a concept. It was really quite special.

FOOD, MUSIC, R) (OH! AND A BA FUN!

LIVE MUSIC 4 DAYS A WEEK(SOMETIMES MORE) W 7/4 CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY TH 7/5 Happy Hour Trivia 5:30PM | Tim Coyne Jazz Trio 8PM F 7/6 Tracey Thomas Band 8PM S 7/7 Mo’ Mojo 8:30PM W 7/11 Drink & Draw w Dr Sketchy 7:30PM TH 7/12 Happy Hour Trivia 5:30PM | Funk Worthy & Runaway Lucy & Red Rose Panic 8PM F 7/13 Girls Rock Camp Showcase ft. Antigone Rising 7:30PM S 7/14 Highway 61 8PM TH 7/19 Happy Hour Trivia 5:30PM | Layer Cake CD Release 8PM F 7/20 CHRISTMAS IN JULY: The Bizarros 7:30PM | Bad Dudes 9PM | MissileToe 10:30PM S 7/21 Colin Dussault’s Blues Project 8PM W 7/25 Wandering Aesthetics Full Circle Storytelling: Collected Works Finale 7PM TH 7/26 Jilly’s Open Jam Hosted by Jen Maurer & Mike Lenz 8PM F 7/27 Get On Up! 8PM S 7/28 The Rhythm Syndicate 8PM

As the crowd begins to exit, Hoffman’s wife approaches the stage. He leans down. “You’re sweaty,” she laughs as the two kiss. Visit the following sites for more information about the artists and upcoming events: www.ledgesmusic.com joshuapowellmusic.com www.thewhiskeyhollow.com www.celebrityetc.com/musica

111 N. MAIN ST, AKRON, OH!

WWW.JILLYSMUSIC ROOM.COM

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There's Nothing to Do in Akron The Devil Strip’s comprehensive, monthly argument that there’s plenty of fun to be had in Akron

ONGOING THROUGH AUGUST 6 Summer at the Elms Our Lady of the Elms // 9 am // Every Monday, bring your daughters to Summer Scholars Camp where they can practice different academic skills. For middle school and high school ages, the Summer Scholars Camp will keep your teens busy during the long summer days.

SUNDAY, JULY 8 Intro to Meditation Yoga Squared // 1:30 pm - 3 pm // Learn about the many forms of meditation and how to practice it. Matthew DeRubertis will lead this informative workshop that will teach you how to have a more peaceful and harmonious life. Tickets cost $15. www.yogasquaredakron.com

DJ Smoov Fox First Fridays Red Fox Sports Pub and Grille // 9 pm - 2:30 am // On the first Friday of every month, DJ Smoov, who has played private events for LeBron James, Jimmy Fallon and Nicki Minaj, plays everything from the 80s, 90s to 2000s. This 21-and-over event is a perfect night out with friends and has no cover charge. bit.ly/2JU8SXM Art with Heart: A Rolling Coaster of Emotions Northside Marketplace // 10 am - 12 pm Learn how to make colorful drink coasters with alcohol ink and then take them home with you. You’ll also get the chance to roll your own ice cream at Akron Creamery. This family-friendly event costs $27. bit.ly/2ts8Uer Rockin’ July Comedy Show with Ray Gootz and Jax Dell’Osso None Too Fragile Theatre // 8:30 pm -

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

TUESDAY, JULY 10

FRIDAY, JULY 6 10:30 pm // New York City comic Ray Gootz is opening for this night of comedy. He has toured around the country for 10 years performing stand up and has directed a YouTube series and a show called “Monday Night Gootz.” Jax Dell’Osso, born in Brooklyn, spent her childhood on musical theater stages and performing sketches. Her experience with her crazy family and her time as a stripper have given her hilarious material about her life. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. bit.ly/2tfunIh

Entertainment. The event is free, but be sure to register and bring business cards. bit.ly/2K5d2v9

2018 Professionals’ Luau Akron Yacht Club // 5:30 pm - 8 pm Network in style with an evening of boating, a Hawaiian burger bar from SMOKE The Burger Joint, Teresa’s Pizza, drinks from Gianna’s Roofing, dessert from Rita’s Ice and Hawaiian music from Melton

Jackie Warren BLU Jazz+ // 8 pm - 11 pm // Northeast Ohio musician Jackie Warren will perform her jazz and salsa music on the piano. She has been dubbed the “First Lady of Jazz” and has taught at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Cuyahoga Community College. Throughout her career, she has performed alongside countless successful musicians. bit.ly/2MNPjxY

(continued on page 9)

ONGOING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 Bigfoot Patrol Bike Rides Northside Marketplace // 9:30 am // Every Sunday until September 30, join Dirty River Bicycle Works for a ride around Akron. Get a glimpse of all the best Akron sites and make friends with fellow bikers. events/2155021168061730/

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AGENDA Nothing to Do... (continued from page 8) THURSDAY, JULY 12

SATURDAY, JULY 21

TUESDAY, JULY 17 mater, University of Akron, to perform his modern and “extroverted” jazz in his seventh album. He has played with dozens of jazz musicians and was called a “slypianist raconteur” by the New York Times. Tickets cost $15. bit.ly/2MMFLUj SATURDAY, JULY 14

Akron’s Italian-American Festival Lock 3 // 8 pm - 10 pm // Attend a night of Italian-American culture filled with food and music. Hosted by Straight On, a Heart tribute band made up of singers from Northeast Ohio. Mo Mojo and Satisfaction will also be performing. The three-day festival opens for lunch Thursday, and Parents’ Night Out admission is free. lock3live.com/event/ Shaw JCC of Akron // 5:30 pm // italian-american-festival Drop your kids off to enjoy a night of swimming, sports, games and pizza while FRIDAY, JULY 13 you treat yo’ self to a night out. The kids will end the night with a fun movie while being supervised by the Camp JCC staff. The event costs $20 to $25 per kid. shawjcc.org

Curated Storefront Tour Akron Art Museum // 5 pm - 6:15 pm Walk downtown with members of Curated Storefront and Akron Soul Train to take a glimpse of art exhibitions by local and regional artists in storefronts. This kidfriendly event is free, but space is limited so register beforehand. www.akronsoultrain.org/event

Ales on Rails: Great British Beers Northside Train Station // 7:30 - 9:30 pm // ‘Ello, gov’na! Live like a Brit for a night and sip five different British beers and taste five different appetizers while chugging through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Coach tickets cost $50 and deluxe tickets cost $70. events/251728212242612

Open Mic at Compass Coffee Compass Coffee // 7 pm // Show off your talent at the open mic in Compass Coffee where you can perform your favorite music with your friends. Open mics happen the first and third week of every month, so you can showcase your work often. bit.ly/2JYdLiq

Feast of Santo Stefano Carovillese Lodge and Club // 4 pm Cavatelli, cannolis and sausage — oh my! Stuff yourself at this annual italian food festival. There’ll be raffles, contests, music, and of course, classic Italian dishes. Admission is free. bit.ly/2K4N9bG Brew at the Akron Zoo Akron Zoo // 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm // Get a glimpse of the zoo after-hours with a glass of beer in hand. This night’s theme is Paradise Island, so come in your favorite vacation gear. Tickets cost $17 and include a keepsake tasting glass, eight tastings and zoo admission. bit.ly/2I5GJax

FRIDAY, JULY 20 Roller Dance Party — Totally 80’s Cascade Plaza // 8 pm - 10 pm // Get groovy with the classic 80s music and skate around Cascade Plaza. This free event is perfect for a family night out where you can play lawn games, grab a bite or buy a drink. bit.ly/2I9XVLQ

Dred Scott Trio at BLU Jazz+ BLU Jazz+ // 8 pm - 11 pm // Brooklyn pianist returns to the city of his alma

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Black Out and White Out Party Blue Note Lounge // 9 pm // Dance the night away at this party where men wear black and women wear white. DJ Mo Lee will be providing the beats, and there’ll be free food while supplies last. Admission before 11 is free, so don’t forget to don your favorite black or white outfit for a night of partying. bit.ly/2ytEMVK

The Scenic Route & Line of Defense! The Empire Concert Club & Bar // 8 pm 11:59 pm // The Scenic Route, a fivepiece female alternative rock band from Canton, and Line of Defense, a hard rock band from Massillon, are returning to the Empire Concert Club for a show. Special guest bands The Permanents and Well Trained Failures are also performing. bit.ly/2Maw5Bz

Run to the Ohio Wall 1945 Mogadore Rd // 9 am - 12 pm This event is in support of all Ohio veterans, past and present, with a run/ bike ride to the Ohio Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall. It is free, and there will be free breakfast included. bit.ly/2ysruZD WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 Power Wheels Demolition Derby Summit County Fairgrounds // 6:15 6:45 pm // This kid-friendly event is (continued on page 11)

JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

THE Devil Strip |

Remembering

1968

When Akron’s History of Race Relations Went into the Streets.

The Wooster Avenue Disturbances

AGENDA

BLUE DEVIL RUNNING

An Introduction to Running from an Akron Fanatic

Tuesday, July 17, 6 pm

Odom Boulevard Branch Library This lecture features former Board Chair of the Summit County Historical Society, Dave Lieberth, as he talks about the disturbances in 1968. We invite you to stay for discussion afterward and to share your memories of this symbolic event that happened 50 years ago in our community. For more information, contact: Theresa Boware, Manager Odom Boulevard Branch Library 330-434-8726 odom@akronlibrary.org Photos: Akron Beacon Journal/Summit Memory.

MEDICAL STUDENT/INTERN DISCOUNTS UNIVERSITY OF AKRON STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Photos and words by Claude Christensen

urious about what it takes to run a marathon? Never seriously ran before, but considering taking it up and looking for some advice? Well, get ready, because for the first time ever, the Devil Strip is partnering up with the Akron Marathon!

Pictured right: A runner on the Sand Run Metro Path trail.

The first in a series of articles on running in Akron, this column will give some advice on running basics for those new to the sport, explore the history of running in the U.S. and Akron and cover the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay. In addition to cross-promoting the Goodyear Half Marathon and the Devil Strip’s Signal Tree Fest (which are both on Aug. 11), the Devil Strip will have a team relay for the FirstEnergy marathon on Sept. 29. And I, Claude Christensen, longtime Devil Strip contributing writer and experienced runner, will be running the full FirstEnergy Marathon as the Devil Strip’s Blue Line Ambassador!

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was a cross between an anemic bull and a flightless bird, head bent to the ground and arms locked close to my chest. It was tough going. But I haven’t stopped running since. For those who stick with it, running goes beyond staying in shape. It becomes a need, a thing that must be done. Like the first cup of morning coffee for the caffeine addict, running is essential. It sharpens focus, relieves stress and endows the runner with a general sense of well-being. Plus, you get some wickedly lean legs. Did I just convince you to start running? Perfect. Here are five things you should immediately do: GO BUY YOURSELF SOME NEW KICKS. And not just any shoes. Running can be hard on your body. Without the proper footwear, injury is just another step away. My advice? Find a local running shop staffed with experienced runners -- experts who know the running industry throughand-through.

I buy my running shoes from Second Sole in the valley, 1466 North Portage I love to run, love to push through long Path. With the exception of an occasional 12+ miles and to sprint up hills on short dalliance with a running store in Ann days. In the fall, my weekly mileage usually Arbor, where I went to college, I’ve peaks in the mid-60s. bought every pair of running shoes I’ve ever owned from these guys. I often get a look when I tell someone this for the first time. The “you’re crazy” kind. They know their stuff. Many are former collegiate runners, and all of them have And it’s true. What person in their right been running for years. If you’re new to mind would go for a 10-mile run before running or new to Akron, I’d stop reading dawn or after an exhausting day at work? this column ASAP and go check them out. The answer is simple: someone who can’t stop. Someone who will go bananas if LEARN PROPER RUNNING FORM they do stop. Running form is perhaps even more important than footwear. Even with the It wasn’t always that way. right shoes, if your form is off, it’ll cost you dearly. Shin splints, back pain, sprained ankles, damage to the hip and It’s been eight years since I first began running cross country with Firestone High knee joints, the list goes on and on. School during my sophomore year. Not very athletic, bone-thin and incredibly The good news? With a little practice, uncoordinated from a growth spurt that good form is easy to learn. Runner’s World never seemed to end, I ran as though I (continued page 11)

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AGENDA Nothing to Do... (continued from page 9) perfect for a midweek break with the family. Build your own power wheels and compete in a drag race. Registration costs $5. For more information, go here: bit.ly/2KcdHeA

Just Go with It Improv Rialto Theatre // 7 pm - 10 pm // An improv group of local performing artists will have a show and a workshop for anyone who wants to sharpen their improvisational skills. There will be a performance at 8 followed by the workshop at 9. Tickets cost $5 for the show and $10 for the show and the workshop. www.therialtotheatre.com THURSDAY, JULY 26 Yoga with Dogs Summit County Historical Society // 6 - 9 pm // Are your two favorite things dogs and yoga? Or can you only force yourself to exercise when there are cute dogs around? Then Summit County Historical Society’s Yoga with Dogs event might be perfect. Spend the evening exercising outside with dogs nearby to pet. End the

Blue Devil Running

bluegrass with a hint of Colorado night with dinner from the Spice Corner influence. The Square Scullery Food Truck while watching the sunset. Tickets cost between $37.79 and $58.80. bit.ly/2tqsJTn and the HiHo Brewing Co. will be serving food and drinks. Tickets cost $12. www.therialtotheatre.com

Dreamgirls Akron Civic Theatre // 8 pm // Come see “The Dreams” perform live in the classic musical “Dreamgirls,” which tells the story of three African American singers and their rise to fame. After entering a talent show in New York City and attracting the attention of a talent agent, the three women experience show business and all the drama that goes with it. Presented by the Millennial Theatre Project, the performance costs $20 per ticket. bit.ly/2ytQXlp

Akron Beer and Wine Festival Hardesty Park // 6 pm - 9 pm // Taste different beer and wine from local breweries and vineyards at the largest tasting event of the year. Robert J. Catering will also serve appetizers and local guitarist Dan Wilson will perform live jazz music. Tickets cost $45. bit.ly/2MHKwhH

FRIDAY, JULY 27

SATURDAY, JULY 28

2018 Dragons on the Lake Festival Portage Lakes State Park // 8 am - 3 pm Spend the day on the beach or paddle Mountain Ride away in a team boat race with your Rialto Theatre // 7:30 pm - 10 pm friends. Registration is $50 per person, Celebrating the release of their third album “One Place to Go,” Mountain Ride and all proceeds benefit the Dragon will perform their original bluegrass songs. Dream Team, Ohio’s group of breast cancer survivors. bit.ly/2looNPh Their music has notes of Pennsylvania

Don’t forget to warm up before a run and stretch after. (continued from page 10) • Finally, remember to breath. Breath from Magazine has a great article on proper your nose and mouth. Keep your facial running form here: www.runnersworld. muscles loose. Experiment with taking com/beginner/a20811257/proper-runninglonger and deeper breaths. form-0/ But real quick, here are some of the basics: DEVELOP A TRAINING PLAN AND • Keep your back straight, your shoulders STICK WITH IT Success in running requires dedication. loose and your arms at a 90 degree Run today, tomorrow, the day after that, angle, away from your midsection, the day after that, and the day after that. hands in a loose fist. • Always keep your knees bent, and don’t If you’re new to running, try to run at overextend your stride, which can easily least 20 minutes three, four, five, then six lead to injury and also slows you down. days a week. Gradually build up to longer • Aim to land between the ball and arch of distances and faster workouts, and vary longer runs with shorter ones. Don’t forget your foot. Try not to land on your heel, to take one day off each week to recover. and keep your foot under your knee. • Don’t stare at the ground, look up. Ever since the running boom in the 70s, You’re going somewhere. • Strengthen your core. Crunches, sit-ups, authors and running addicts have been bicycles, push-ups, planks, and a couple whipping out various kinds of training Superman exercises are all good ways to plans. There are plenty online, in training strengthen your core and prevent injury. guides in local bookstores and the Akron Library. On their website, the Akron Marathon provides a marathon training schedule for beginners adapted from one of Hal Higdon’s training plans. I’m relying on Hal Higdon’s book, “Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide,” to train for the Akron Marathon.

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If you’re ready to move beyond casual running, consider buying a GPS watch to track your mileage and pace. When I was in high school, these watches were expensive, heavy, and awkward. They’ve vastly improved since then, and gotten relatively cheaper. Currently on Amazon for less than $100, the Garmin Forerunner 15 is accurate and holds up for years of runs. EXPLORE NEW TRAILS, TRY NEW ROUTES Running the same route over and over is both tedious and unproductive. You’re not going to do your best doing the same thing every day. Challenge yourself to vary running locations and routes. I’m the sort that likes to get a little lost in a new place, again and again. It’s a good way to discover more trails and running routes. Having run in numerous places, from the U.S. West Coast to the East, in Spain, England, Wales, Scotland, and parts of France, I can honestly say that Akron is one of the best places in the world to be a runner.

Engelbert Humperdinck E.J. Thomas Hall // 7 pm // Born in England and starting off as a saxophonist, Arnold George Dorsey turned from a musician to an impressionist and then to a singer. His stage name, Engelbert Humperdinck, named after the composer who wrote Hansel and Gretel, led him into the 60s as a performer. He became best friends with Elvis Presley and toured the country. His song “Release Me” became No. 1 in 11 countries. Tickets cost between $48 and $68. bit.ly/2MKt3VY Recess Adult Game Night The Rialto Theatre // 9 pm - 1 am // Admit it, you miss being a kid. For a night, relive your favorite subject, recess, with games like Twister and Giant Jenga. If you’re not much of a gamer, a DJ will be playing music throughout the night for dancing. Tickets cost $15. bit.ly/2lHBNzO SUNDAY, JULY 29 ASO Firestone Park Summer Concert Firestone Park Community Center // 7:30 pm - 9 pm // Spend an evening in the park listening to the Akron Symphony perform your favorite classics, from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story to music from Star Wars. These free summer in the park series are fun for the family. bit.ly/2yqvyJK To find new trails, check out these nearby park websites: Summit Metro Parks: www. summitmetroparks.org, The Cuyahoga Valley National Park: www.nps.gov/cuva/ index.htm, or mapmyrun.com/us/akron-oh FIND A RUNNING GROUP A lot of runners do most of their training solo, myself included. But running with others at or near your own skill level will push you to improve. Camaraderie and a sense of shared commitment can be essential for competitive and noncompetitive runners alike. The Akron Marathon has a list of local running groups available on their website:http://www.akronmarathon.org/ training/partners-places-to-run/. These clubs cater to all skill levels. Most meet once a week, some more often. If you’re a student, UA has a running group, the Akron Running Club, that meets Monday through Friday at Climbing Rock Cafe in the Recreational Center.

Follow these steps, and you should come to like (and need) running as much as I do. With the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Commit to running multiple days a week Park, the almost innumerable Metro Parks, and you’ll soon improve, but remember, don’t overdo it. Take it slow. This is an we are blessed with a huge number of trails along with the beautiful 87 mile-long endurance sport, meant to last a lifetime. Towpath Trail. Akron is a runner’s dream. JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

THE Devil Strip |

AGENDA

Following the Family Business Son starts Mexican restaurant, following in his father’s footsteps By Jessica Hill Eduardo Castro always knew he wanted to start a business. With his family’s history of owning restaurants and his growing up in a Mexican restaurant, the decision to start his own restaurant was an obvious one. The Mexico City Mexican Restaurant, located at 778 North Main St. in North Hill officially opened its doors June 1 and offers a mix of traditional Mexican food and Tex Mex. Previously The Office, a bar and bistro, the Mexican restaurant’s building stands across from Arsenic & Old Lace, a clothing store, and down the street from Temple Square Park. With opening the restaurant, 23-yearold Eduardo has fallen into his father’s footsteps. In 1984, Eduardo’s father, Miguel Castro, moved from Guanajuato, Mexico to California for work. “It was like a dream,” Miguel said. “Some of my friends came to the United States and started working on the farms, picking vegetables in the fields in California.”

He and his friends worked temporarily, “from one field to another field.” One month he worked on lettuce fields, then peppers, then strawberries. In 1998, a friend in Akron had started a Mexican restaurant and wanted his help, kick starting the Castro family’s path in the restaurant business. Miguel did not want to stay at his friend’s restaurant for a long time.

Eduardo how to run the business, how to cook, prepare the food and manage the restaurant.

“I (had) my own dreams,” he said. “I wanted to open my own place.”

“I was born in California, (but) Akron is the closest thing to a home that I know,” Eduardo said. “There’s something that feels meaningful about helping the place that you grew up in.”

Later, Miguel opened his own restaurant called Azteca Mexican Restaurant on East Market Street. Although he is glad he started the restaurant, which is still running today, he thinks it is too much work and originally discouraged his son from opening his own. “I think he is crazy,” Miguel lauged. “I told him not to do it. I’ve been here for many years and I love it, but it’s time consuming. But he’s young and has the power to do it.” Despite his concerns, Miguel has taught

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Although Eduardo was born in Hesperia, California, a city of 90,000 people and about 80 miles from Los Angeles, he has found a home in Akron. He went to high school at Green and lived on Piedmont Avenue near Chapel Hill Mall.

Eduardo hopes to help build the Akron community and work with local business owners. He has purchased the uniforms and signs from Akron businesses and also buys the bread for the restaurant from Crust Bakery, down the street from his restaurant. The father and son duo believe the food sets their restaurant apart from others in Akron. The menu offers a good mix of traditional Mexican food and the

classic Tex Mex, which Eduardo said is uncommon in other restaurants. They also serve street tacos with corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, hot sauce and meat. “I think the big difference between other restaurants and this restaurant is we prepare everything fresh in the morning,” Miguel said. “So we try to keep the freshness of the food because I think there is a big difference between fresh and a can.” Mexico City Mexican Restaurant is three miles north of Downtown, and has an urban style to it. A large, wooden map of Akron hangs from the back wall of the restaurant. Next to the main dining rooms, a modern bar offers a spot for customers to sit and watch sports games while sipping on margaritas. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating in the patio. Soon, Miguel and Eduardo hope to have online ordering for customers to place orders and pick up their favorite Mexican dishes. “Everybody loves Mexican food,” Eduardo said. “It’s one of the best parts of the culture.”

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the palette

15 WHAT THE HECK IS THE BECHDEL FILM FESTIVAL 16 MISS DREADFUL PREVIEW 17 AN INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL ROBERTS

THE AKRON ART SCENE

Cussing in the Playground

I was irreverent in my youth. Not a hair of mine was trained on words I said. At the first red flare, I’d hurl curses. They were bees spiraling out of me. Sometimes I wanted to gather them in the playground with my bare hands, I thought, much like guiding water into a plastic bag. I was stung for my wretchedness frequently. At times I was the hollow place between my clavicle and my neck. Troublesome, I was uncomfortable with eye contact because of their slant and so I became troublesome . . . often sidelong. Little mastications dotted my ears, telling me to shut up. So I would clamp shut my heathen mouth. There was nothing to prove to God or otherwise. In the untimely event of my death, I decided I would look up. And if there were a blemish on my face my mouth won’t falter.

“Cussing in the Playground” by Oliver de la Paz

The poem “Cussing in the Playground” appears in the poetry collection “Requiem for the Orchard” by Oliver de la Paz, published by The University of Akron Press as part of the Akron Series in Poetry. Visit uakron.edu/ uapress to order a copy of Oliver’s book and to browse other Akron Series in Poetry books. // Cover image courtesy of The University of Akron Press.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

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THE Devil Strip |

THE PALETTE comparison. “This [wearing the hijab] is a way for me to not conform to the beauty standards of society today,” she says. On June 12, with only three days left of Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays, Toqa stood at the front of a small room in the Northwest Akron Branch Library. Her satin two-toned purple and floral hijab framed her face and was pinned and styled purposefully toward her right shoulder. Eighteen people sat scattered across five rows, waiting to hear her presentation, “Introduction to Islam: A Woman’s Perspective.”

A Rhombus Is Not a Hijab Toqa Hassan

Feminist Muslim Explains Islam and the Role of the Hijab words and photos by Ilenia Pezzaniti

“And tell believing women that they should lower their glances, guard their private parts, and not display their charms beyond what [it is acceptable] to reveal…” Qur’an, Verse (24:31) translation by Abdul Haleem. “Indonesia,” one of the only four white men in the room confidently answered. He was right. Indonesia does have the largest population of Muslims in the world. Among the many misconceptions about Muslims is that the majority of Muslims are Arabs from the Middle East. Actually, the majority of Muslims are not Arabs from the Middle East, but the majority of Arabs are Muslim. “It’s like a rhombus is not a square but a square is a rhombus kind of thing,” Muslim and researcher Toqa Hassan says.

Another major misconception is that all Muslim women who wear the hijab are oppressed. “Hijab is just the fabric we wear as a form of obedience [to Islam],” Toqa said. According to Islam, the official religion of Muslims, wearing the hijab is technically a choice.

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer and introspection for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, must restrain from sexual activity and immoral behavior and focus on being better versions of themselves. The idea is to create discipline, cultivate clarity and gratitude, honor Allah and ultimately achieve salvation. Timing is precious to the rules of fasting. Fasts are broken as soon as the sun peaks above the horizon and then again in the evening when the sun sits directly between the horizon and the other side of the world once more. It’s 6 pm when Toqa begins the discussion. She’s already been fasting for approximately 12 hours, and apologizes “if she sounds tired.” At exactly 8:58 pm, Toqa and her family will break their fast and share a meal together. The crowd at the library was the largest Toqa had ever spoken to. Among the folks attending, seven were men and women of color, seven were white women, and four were white men. Four of the women of color, including Toqa, her mom, and her sister, were wearing hijab. One white woman, a former Christian turned Muslim was also wearing a hijab. “Women are the highest converters to Muslim in the US and UK,” Toqa reports.

“If women thought that this religion was terrible, you wouldn’t have this statistic.” The hijab is a symbol of what’s inside of a Muslim woman. Without speaking, the hijab tells you what she believes, how she expects to be treated, and how you can expect to be treated by her. “It’s kind of like a filter,” Toqa explains. Toqa was 13 when she started wearing her hijab. She couldn’t wait to wear it, surprising even her parents, who told her it wasn’t time just yet, until eventually it was. Toqa grew up in Egypt until her 4th grade year. In 2006, she and her family moved to the United States where her father was earning his PhD at the University of Akron, and where her mother also ended up earning her PhD. Karen Jones, a white woman and community member, sat in the front row closest to Toqa. She asked question after question, discarding old notions with each of Toqa’s answers. “What I thought was completely wrong,” Karen said, “I came here to ask you, ‘Why are you doing this? Why are they making you do this?’” she adds, referring to the hijab. Toqa, a feminist, interprets the suggestions for men and women in the Qur’an as non-binary. “I don’t think I would stand for something that degrades me as a person. I’m a woman, you know? I can’t change that,” Toqa laughed. For Toqa and other women who choose to don their headwear, it’s a symbol of inner beauty, pride and individuality. “The hijab is a constant way of me remembering that I do not conform, I only submit to my lord… I don’t submit to social media standards, I submit to my lord,” Toqa declared against western beauty standards. Though Toqa is dedicated to her decision to wear the hijab, she respects individuality and believes in self-government, “I want people to make their own choice,” she said.

“Islam is not requiring you to cover. Islam is giving you the option to obey,” Toqa said. “The rules for modesty are intended to protect and guard the dignity and honor of Muslim women.” However, some countries, like Saudi Arabia, legally require women to use the cover. Toqa is a communications graduate student at the University of Akron and researcher of the hijab and its influences on Muslim women who live in the West. Toqa admits that as a person of today’s society, she sometimes falls victim to

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THE PALETTE

//Comic by Alison Bechdel

What the Heck is the Bechdel Film Festival? Akron Film Festival to Celebrate Inclusivity in Industry By Devon Anderson To understand the importance of Akron’s first Bechdel Film Fest coming next spring to the Nightlight Cinema, one must understand what the Bechdel Test represents for films and other works of fiction. In 1985, Oberlin graduate and cartoonist Alison Bechdel conceived of what is now known as the Bechdel Test in a comic strip. In order to pass the Bechdel Test, a film must meet three rules: it must have two female characters with names, those two characters must talk to each other and their conversation must center on something other than a man or boy. Sounds easy enough, right? Unfortunately, in Hollywood, it seems to not be so easy. In fact, it may boggle your mind to know that “Alien” is more feminist (in that it passes the Bechdel Test) than “Thelma and Louise” (which fails the Test). It sounds absurd, but it’s true. Obviously, this shines a pretty bright light on the work that still needs doing in terms of moving toward more equal representation in both film and fiction for women. Fortunately, many people exist who want to do that work. One of them lives right here in our own backyard. Akron school teacher and director of Crafty Mart Brit Charek has proposed a film festival in Akron that focuses on films that pass the Bechdel Test. Thankfully, others have shared her vision, and with funding from a successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this spring, as well as a 2017 award from the Akron Knight Arts Challenge Grant and a partnership with both the Nightlight and the Akron Summit County Public Library, Bechdel Film Fest

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

is coming to life. Kicking off on May 28, 2019, on the anniversary of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech, this five-day event is a milestone for our area. Though other events like this are held in other cities around the country, until now, Akron has not seen its own celebration of this kind. The priorities for the Bechdel Film Fest are not only in showcasing equal representation for women on screen, but it will also celebrate those who are often routinely underrepresented in the film industry: female screenwriters and directors, people of color, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. So, not only will the work of women as a collective be the forefront of the festival, but everyone who attends will hopefully be able to see themselves represented, which is one of the keys to starting a dialogue about the future of equal representation in all forms of media, not just films. Why Akron? Well, why not? We all already know how inclusive, diverse and beautiful our city is, and the ties to our collective history make it a no-brainer. History (re: men) has not given us an accurate account of what Sojourner Truth said in Akron during the 1851 Women's Convention, but one thing is certain: we should all be damn thankful to be sharing such hallowed space. Holding the Bechdel Film Fest on the here in Akron will hopefully inspire the next generation of creators to do their part to turn the world right side up again. It seems a lofty goal to ask for equal representation for all in industries that have historically favored men (mainly white, able-bodied men, if we’re honest), but at this point, what could it hurt?

May 28 June 30, 2019

The Nightlight Theatre • 30 North High St. For more information, visit

bechdelfilmfest.com

THE PALETTE

f legendary Cleveland horror host Ernie “Ghouldardi” Anderson’s legacy could be summed up in one word, it’d be “irreverent.” The quick-witted, jivetalking television personality captivated a generation of Cleveland teenagers in the 1960s who were deeply influenced by his cool, contemptuous on-air personality.

Stay Sick: An Interview with purplE k’niF’s John Teagle Preview of band’s 7/12 performance at Akron Art Museum interview by Ted Zep

Miss Dreadful’s ‘Evil Hides’ Takes the Listener on a Delightfully Dark Ride

The Spooky Blues-Rock Album Dropped June 22 by Brittany Nader

kron-based guitarist and vocalist Rachel Carano has a voice and style that encapsulates all that is revered about timeless rock ‘n’ roll. Her blend of divine falsettos and gritty melodies, intertwined with blues-driven guitar, could place her music in any decade. A few minutes into the listening experience of her latest release, “Evil Hides,” recalls the energy and power of modern female rock icons like Bonnie Raitt, Veruca Salt

and The Gits. But stepping back to view the full picture, this is not Carano’s solo endeavor. This is Miss Dreadful, where Carano is joined by her partner and bass player Johnathan Hatter, creating highly conceptual tunes with a perfectly palatable garage-rock sound.

The band’s B-movieinspired lyrics, horror-rock aesthetic and dark song names that sound more like titles of Ed Wood films introduce a fresh perspective when listening to the 11song rock release. “Evil Hides” kicks off with the album’s eponymous track, which opens with tribal drums and moody guitar chords. Carano’s vocals slither in to set a dark, velvety tone, which is then shaken alive as the speed picks up, and soon the drums and vocals complement to create an unmistakable classic rock chorus. The track then slides back into the dirge-like tone of its opening and volleys again to the point where it picks up. The ebb and flow, mixed with honeyed vocals and dynamic instrumentation, make this a

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In the mid-90s, four Northeast Ohio transplants met in New York City and decided to form a band. Drawing inspiration from their childhood hero, Purple K’nif was born. Naming themselves after one of Anderson’s most popular catchphrases, Bob Basone, Ted Lawrence, John Teagle and Chris Butler formed an instrumental rock ‘n roll band that absolutely refused to play by the rules. And 25 years later, they are still at it. The Devil Strip recently spoke to guitarist John Teagle about the band. Ted Zep: Purple K’nif was formed in New York City in the mid-90s. Considering the era and location, why did the members decide to become a surf band? John Teagle: [We started the band powerful opening track. The album carries on to the hyper-bluesy “Leave Your Friends Behind,” followed by drum-heavy “Howling” and standout track, “Schizophrenic Psychopathic Love.” It isn’t until halfway through the album with “Bitches’ Blood” that the horror-themed lyrics overshadow the tight blues chords and aggressive drum beats. Suddenly, Miss Dreadful’s outward appearance while performing — black lipstick, kohl-rimmed eyes and vampiric clothing — brings elements of darkness to the forefront. Without Pictured above: Miss Dreadful bathes in “Bitches’ Blood” — an homage to the sixth track on new release,

because of] a common love of instrumental music, particularly guitardriven tunes. We don't sing at all, but aren't really a "surf" band, per se, either. Or [if we are] we're an irreverent one. We do a lot of songs that are pure surf, but we're willing to step outside the limitations many bands put on themselves, both musically and stylistically. Ted (Lawrence) was in a “matching suits” surf band that was a bit stifling. He tried to get me in as a third guitar but that idea was met with resistance, so he quit and we formed Purple K’nif. We do however try to wear matching purple sneakers! TZ: Who are some musicians that inspire the group? JT: Certainly, the Ventures [the SoCal one-hit wonders], NYC's the Raybeats, the Shadows, and, of course, Link Wray, who we embrace in a big way. Ditto for the Atlantics, [who are] my faves by a mile. There is also some hillbilly, a touch of jazz . . . we stay away from the instrumental versions of vocal hits. TZ: The band exclusively plays vintage instruments. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so? (continued on page 37) media, there’s no shortage of twisted humor and tongue-in-cheek aspects of Carano’s songwriting throughout “Evil Hides.” The blend of goth sensibilities and skillful blues songwriting elevates Miss Dreadful from prosaic local rock band to memorable group of performers. Live performances can range from a fullyfleshed rock group to a stripped-down acoustic duo, adding to Carano and Hatter’s eclectic yet universally appealing musicianship. Miss Dreadful will celebrate the release of “Evil Hides” with an evening of live music at Empire Concert Club & Bar, located at 1305 E. Tallmadge Ave. in Akron on June 22. For those eager to hear the 11-track album in advance, check out missdreadful. bandcamp.com. bandcamp.com

“Evil Hides,” perhaps. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Carano) Pictured right: “Evil Hides”

Celebrate Miss Dreadful’s “Evil Hides” album release at a careful listen to Miss Dreadful’s Empire Concert Club & Bar at 8 p.m. June 22. The horror rockers will be penned words, the band is a tight, polished, female-fronted blues-rock outfit. accompanied by RadiatriX, Dolly Rocker A deeper dive unveils the evil hiding below Ragdoll and The Southside Choir Boys. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $7 at the the surface, which makes for a more inspired and focused listening experience. door with a $3 surcharge for attendees under 21. Like any good piece of horror-related album cover art.

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THE PALETTE

An Interview with Singer/Songwriter

Rachel Roberts interviewed by Kyle Cochrun

// An Akron institution, Rachel Roberts opened the new season of Live at Lock 4 on Thursday, June 28 with Curtains and ShiSho. Our next Live at Lock 4 is Thursday, July 26, featuring Theron Brown, Jul Big Green and Hayden Gilbert and The Ruckus. Admission is free, the craft brew is cold and food truck dinner is delicious. More info at devilst.rip/LAL4_July26

As a singer-songwriter, I've been more obsessed with particular songs than necessarily one album. For instance, “Glory Bound” by Martin Sexton. If you've never heard this song, stop reading this and listen to it (especially if you are a songwriter)! I've had many songs I consider my lovers, like “Last Goodbye” by Jeff Buckley or “Gracias a la Vida” sung by Mercedes Sosa. If I need to get going for the day, I play “Gotta Get Up” by Harry Nilsson or “25 Miles” by Edwin Starr. I think I've got songs for every mood I'm in. But, if I had to name a couple of my favorite albums that influenced me, they would be:

Henry Mancini – This has the perfect mixture of melodies and quirkiness. Mancini is the master of genre-bending. It's a combination of classical psychedelia, jazz, bossa nova and cheesiness. I love it. “Little Earthquakes” by Tori Amos – I had a babysitter, Trina, who I went to see perform in a school talent show. She played piano and sang the song “Winter” off this album and I was hooked. I was only 11, but that performance made me want to write music. I wasn't able to get a copy of the album until high school, but I wrote several songs on the piano because I wanted to recreate how that song made me feel. I love how Tori uses her voice on that album and it gave me several ideas about the way I wanted my voice to lilt. Also, shout out to local poet Ace Boogie whose album “A New Definition of Love” still rotates in my player. Ace's lyrics are poignant and remind me that poetry is alive and well and that love isn't defined by pop culture. I suppose if I had to say what really inspires me in music, it's honesty, playfulness and passion for the craft. I could go on about different instrumentation, harmonies, lyrics and time signature changes but I'd rather just listen to it, dissect it in my own mind and think about how I can use the energy it gives me in my own music.

KC: Your website also states that you're working on two new records. Are these records going to be grounded by specific concepts? (I'm thinking of the story behind your “Chocolate and Cheese” by Ween – This album made me feel like I could be off the "Lightning Loves the Kite" record, which I find a fascinating way to go wall, I could have multiple genres on one about constructing an LP.) And when album and that lyrics can involve things can we expect them to drop? like a “wrinkled raisin.” RR: I am working on two records, one is (continued on page 35) “This is Henry Mancini” by (obviously)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Bring us your used cooking oil for proper handling. Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Center 1201 Graham Road in Stow 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Every Thursday, now through the end of September > For Summit County Residents Only > Limit 15 gallons per vehicle Get all the details at summitreworks.com/cookingoil

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Wednesday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-4pm Located at: 2301 Romig Rd., Akron

@hfhsummitcounty

Kyle Cochrun: Is there a particular record you could nerd-out about that helped inspire your sound or the way you approach making music? Rachel Roberts: When I made my first profile/bio online I listed every influence I felt contributed to my sound, from Mozart to Led Zeppelin to Ella Fitzgerald to Jamiroquai. Later, an agent told me I needed to “wrap myself up in a box and tie it with a bow.” Essentially, he said I needed to pick a genre and brand myself. This was incredibly difficult to do. Not only had I been writing folk and indie music (“Ripe n' Juicy” and “Lightning Loves the Kite”), I also was writing music for my then-funk rock band Rachel's Secret Stache (“The Brown Bag” and “Alive in the Dungeon”). I didn't like the idea of choosing, so I continued to write what I knew how to write – that stuff that came from my heart and soul.

330-745-9098 hfhsummitcounty.org Schedule a pick up or drop off & see a list of items we accept!

DRINK TANK A SALON-STYLE HANGOUT WITH A HAPPY HOUR VIBE AND SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FOLKS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 5:30-7:30 PM AT MR. ZUBS

MEMBER RALLY SATURDAY, JULY 28 1-6 PM AT QUARTER UP

THE PALETTE work alongside construction professionals to gain experience while giving them the chance to take an active role in serving their communities and advocating for affordable housing. Their Home Repair program, “A Brush with Kindness,” (ABWK) helps low-income homeowners maintain the exterior of their homes.

What’s in Store at the Habitat for Humanity of Summit County gears up for their Inaugural Flip event, plus another volunteer-driven summer packed full of community building by Sophie Franchi

f Home Depot added furniture to its in-store inventory, the result would look much like a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Upon entering the vast warehouse, a DIY home renovator walks into a dream: aisles of paint supplies, building materials and safety materials; rows of doors, windows and gently used furniture. While Habitat for Humanity is pretty well-known, few people know about the ReStores. Each ReStore supports its local Habitat affiliate, providing funding for home building and repair programs, while also keeping unused materials out of landfills. The ReStores are direct beneficiaries of Habitat’s Deconstruction program. Summit County residents and businesses who are working on remodel or demolition can coordinate with their local Habitat Deconstruction Team to help with removal of building material and accessories, which will either be sold at

The ReStore is also holding a new event this month: Flip. While Habitat has previously asked local artisans to refurbish or repurpose items to be auctioned off in the past, this year they are holding a larger event, dedicated to the same concept. About a dozen artists and groups have picked up items to repurpose. The items will be auctioned off July 11-14 in the The Neighborhood Reborn program is ReStore, with all proceeds to benefit the similar to ABWK, except it concentrates on Home Construction program. several buildings on the same street, with only a two-day block of time to complete “In the past we have had artisans take the project. This program began in items to repurpose for us and even high partnership with Neighborhood Network school art programs,” says Rochelle. two years ago. Now, Neighborhood “Larry Rider is a favorite partner of this Network is a program of Habitat for type of event for us and he has taken old Humanity of Summit County, and the console stereos and turned them into wine coordinator, Marissa Little, is now a cabinets, refinished an old cherry desk and Habitat employee. The next Neighborhood chair and created some wonderful items Reborn project will take place Thursday, for us to auction off.” August 23 and Friday, August 24 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. The project will There’s still a little time left to pick up your remain in the Middlebury neighborhood, free item to refurbish, but items must focusing this time on Arch Street, Upson be returned to the ReStore by July 9. To Street and Adams Street. participate, contact Anne Boyer, Marketing

the ReStore, reused or recycled. Pictured above:

“Revenue covers the operations of the ReStore and its staffing and provides the revenue needed to support operations of the affiliate and assists us in building more new homes and repairing more new homes,” says Rochelle D. Sibbio, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. “Overall the ReStore also benefits the customers who shop for items in providing discount pricing on building materials, furniture and appliances.”

Photo of the ReStore

Besides the Deconstruction program, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has a couple more programs that benefit locals. Their Home Construction program helps families achieve homeownership through sweat equity — future homeowners put in about 250 hours of work into the construction of their home at the build site alongside volunteers. The Women Build program invites women to

“We have submitted for additional funding to Summa and hope to work with both Lowe’s employees and Summa employees to volunteer on the two days of each event as we partner with the residents to improve their community,” Rochelle says.

on Romig Road. Photo by Sophie Franchi/The Devil Strip. Pictured right: Volunteers help with last year’s Neighborhood Reborn project. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.

Manager at 330-745-7734 ext.214 or anneb@hfhsummitcounty.org. Other events to look forward to this (continued on page 33)

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| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

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culture club

20 SOCCER CLUB 21 THIS IS OUR CITY 22 RUBBER BOWL DEMOLITION

AKRON'S COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Outdoor Gems: Exploring Northeast Ohio TOWPATH TRAIL, PART 2: MUSTILL STORE TO BEAVER MARSH words and photos by Anthony Boarman

his is a two-part Outdoor Gems series on the Towpath Trail, one of Northeast Ohio’s most prized recreational trails. The focus of Part II travels north this month from the Mustill Store to the Beaver Marsh. Last month’s Outdoor Gems column attempted to give some love to a piece of the Towpath that often goes unrecognized. If you haven’t explored north from the Cascade Valley to the Summit Lake area, I highly recommend you see all that it has to offer. This month, I set out to capture the beauty of the more popular portion of the trail from the Mustill Store to the Beaver Marsh. Recently, this portion of the trail has been redirected due to the Akron Waterways Renewed Sewer Project, but in my opinion, it is all the more reason to bike it.

Store, you will quickly be detoured to your left to go up Hickory Street. This is where you can see one of my favorite streets in Akron. Some have avoided starting at this point due to the detour, but it has created an opportunity to see a small part of Akron that, prior to the sewer project, was mostly an unknown commodity.

If you’re anything like me, you want to get on your bike and go without stopping, but the times that I get off my bike allow me to appreciate some sites along the way: a beautiful bridge along the Valley Link Trail that hovers over the Cuyahoga Hickory is unique because it offers a mix River, Peter Jones’ statue of an American of something old and something new. Indian portaging his canoe at the northern Within the last decade, several new construction homes have popped up along terminus of the Portage Path, the Poop Factory aka Akron’s Water Reclamation this street, which makes it an interesting Facility (just kidding - go as fast as you can neighborhood for potential Akron residents and the future of the city. It also through here!), the southern entrance to Ohio’s only national park - OUR Cuyahoga offers a great overlook of the interceptor Valley National Park, Botzum Farm, tunnel for the ongoing sewer project. historic canal locks and my favorite, the Once you reach Memorial Parkway, you’ll Beaver Marsh. hop back on to the original trail.

This portion of the Towpath is popular among Akronites for walking, biking and running. It’s likely that you have experienced it for yourself before, but have you appreciated everything it offers? When you start your journey at the Mustill I biked this route on two occasions not

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

only to take photos for this issue, but also to discover the beauty that is often overlooked here.

Do you love biking? Do you love the Towpath? The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will be hosting “Towpath 50” on Saturday, September 15, 2018. This is a bicycling event to raise funds for the continued development, maintenance and activation of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, Towpath Trail and connector trails. Learn more at

www.towpath50.com.

Check out more photos from this edition of NEO Outdoor Gems at

thedevilstrip.com.

Pictured (far left): Peter Jones’ woodland Indian statue at the corner of Merriman and Portage Path; Pictured (clockwise from top right): The southern

There are other twists and turns that will catch your eye if you’re looking. Our lives are more fast-paced than ever before. Don’t forget to slow down, hop off your bike, and soak in the scenery (and maybe snap a few pictures if that’s your thing).

entrance to the CVNP along the Towpath; The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad running along the Towpath Trail; The entrance to the Beaver Marsh boardwalk along the Towpath; The Valley Link trail bridge over the Cuyahoga River

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CULTURE CLUB and by the time the Civil War started in 1861, he had moved the E.H. Merrill Company—also known as the Akron Pottery—to the corner of South Main and Center streets in downtown Akron. Initially working with his brother Calvin, and later his son, Henry, Merrill’s company produced beer and ink bottles, jugs, smoking pipes and many other ceramic specialties. The company steadily grew in the post-war period as markets expanded and technology rapidly evolved. After surviving the Panic of 1873, the company stabilized and prospered greatly during the 1880s. By the time Edwin decided to build his home on Fir Hill in 1884, his company had already started to diversify its line of products to include sewer pipe and other new items. Like many local industrialists of the Victorian era, Merrill located his house just off East Market Street in a neighborhood that was popular with many of Akron’s leading citizens of the time, and just minutes away from his business.

Vintage

structures The Merrill House by Charlotte Gintert and Mark Schweitzer

hen people talk of Akron’s history as a leading producer of clay products, most thoughts turn to Byron Robinson, whose house was profiled in the May issue.

ended up buying out his employer just three years later. Pictured left: Akron Industrialist Edwin H. Merrill (Image: Samuel Lane, Fifty Years and Over of Akron and

Another leader in the industry was Edwin H. Merrill, who started out in Mogadore as a pottery works helper in 1830 and

Summit County)

Originally born in Painesville, Merrill was an expert in his trade,

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

Few of these neighbors remain today, though Akron’s well-known Hower House Museum remains, just across South Forge Street. The Merrill house is probably the best (and one of the few) remaining local examples of what is called the Eastlake Style—similar to Queen Pictured left (top to bottom): South side of the Merrill House; Stained glass windows of the Merrill

Sadly, Merrill only enjoyed his new house for a short time, as he passed in 1888, just a few years after it was built. His company merged with Robinson Clay Products in 1902, and Merrill’s factory on Main Street was bulldozed in 1927 to make way for another successful Akron business: O’Neil’s Department Store. Thankfully, many decades-worth of subsequent owners have proven to be good stewards of Edwin Merrill’s home. Today, it stands in essentially its original condition, and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.

Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church Churches are built to stand the test of time and often do, long after their congregations have disbanded or moved to the suburbs. Akron has many historic religious buildings that have been repurposed, abandoned, or demolished, and very few still serve their original denomination or congregation.

House. (Photo: Charlotte Gintert/Captured Glimpses)

Anne, but without the round/octagonal towers and occasional classic details often found in the latter. Eastlake houses had their exteriors broken into panels and sections, often featuring different types of siding, like horizontal and vertical boards, shingles, and carved inserts. The exterior designs were highly asymmetrical, fanciful, and filled with typical Victorian-era details, like brackets, fancy barge boards at the gable ends, and turned porch railings— often on multiple porches.

Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, I’m happy to report, is not one of those churches. The Neo-Classical Revival brick church on the corner of Prospect and Perkins in downtown Akron is still home to the African Methodist Episcopal congregation it was built for.

You may not have noticed the church before, and that’s not surprising. It is reminiscent of a Greek or Roman temple, a design more commonly used for government buildings in the United States. This nondescript church, however, The Merrill house features all of these, and happens to be one of the most significant churches in Akron’s history. adds details like wavy panels of siding, stained glass windows, a cute third-story The African Methodist Episcopal Zion porch with a balcony suspended above a large angled bay, and an eyebrow window denomination was founded in 1796 after splitting from the Methodist church in the attic. Like many of its type, the because of racial discrimination. It is the house features tall, fancy chimney stacks oldest African American denomination and still retains its original slate roof. in the United States. After the Civil War ended, African American families began Documented in the Akron Historic moving north to cities and towns like Landmark Survey of 1988 as House Akron. They were not permitted to attend SUM-366-16, Edwin Merrill’s home also included exquisite butternut-colored trim, most white churches, so they formed their own. Akron’s first black congregation, the with fancy fireplace mantels featuring African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church multiple shelves, colored tilework, was created in 1866. additional decorative stained glass and other period details. For many years, the Akron congregation

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CULTURE CLUB met in homes and meeting halls until they were able to build a small structure on High Street in 1882. The church was incredibly important for Akron’s growing black community because it provided a place for cultural and family unity, as well as a location for meetings and special events.

Akron’s black community. The congregation held a fundraiser to cover the costs of construction. Pictured right: Wesley Temple viewed from the north. (Photo: Charlotte Gintert/Captured Glimpses)

Akron’s black population began to rise at the turn of the 20th century as more and more families moved north for jobs in Akron’s rubber factories. Between 1900 and 1920 the city’s black population rose from 657 to 5,580. The tiny church on High Street could no longer serve its growing congregation so they elected to build a new church on the larger lot located at Perkins and Prospect. They hired black architects Herbert L. Wardner and John O. Sommerville of Akron to design the new church in 1926. Pictured opposite: The Ohio Historical Marker at

The person who could raise the most money would be given the honor of naming the new church. Mrs. Belle Wesley won the contest and the church was renamed the Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. Construction was completed in 1928. Except for an addition that was added to the rear of the building in 1963, the church has remained mostly original and is in excellent condition.

Wesley Temple. (Photo: Charlotte Gintert/Captured Glimpses)

It has two sanctuaries; the main sanctuary and the lower sanctuary, which is located in the basement. The lower sanctuary was based on the Akron Plan, a church architectural design created by Akron’s Lewis Miller, whom we covered in the last issue. The builder of the Wesley Temple, Samuel Plato, was also a member of

Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church is home of the oldest black congregation in Akron. Some of its prominent members include Emmer Lancaster, the first black graduate of the University of Akron; Edward Davis, the first black member of Akron City Council; Judge James R. Williams, U.S. Attorney General under President Jimmy Carter; and Shelton Lee, the first black appointee to the

United States Naval Academy. The Akron Chapter of the NAACP was founded at the Wesley Temple and the reverend at that time, Rev. James H. McMullen, served as its first president. George Mathews, who is honored by the Hotel Mathews Monument at the corner of North Howard and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., was also a member of the church. During the Great Depression, the church was the principal support location for local unemployed

African Americans. It continues to remain a pillar of Akron’s black community. The Wesley Temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 because of its historical and architectural significance. There is also an Ohio Historical Marker on the southeast corner of the property. Services are held every Sunday.

Ride METRO, PARTA & SARTA free* every Friday in July and August! Keep an eye out for Ride Patrol distributing prizes to riders every Free Fare Friday!

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PARTAonline.org *Some restrictions apply. For more information, visit NEORide.org or METRO, PARTA or SARTA on Facebook. . AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

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CULTURE CLUB

Akron Inner City Soccer Club Helps Kids words and photos by Noor Hindi

‘It’s a Beautiful ’

Game

“A lot of them don’t speak English but they come here and Coach Dele gives them an experience and teaches them some life skills and social skills.”

Because of the support of the parents and coaches, Akron Inner City Soccer Club wins most of their games. Just last Spring, three of their teams became division champions and six out of the seven teams made the playoffs.

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young girl kicks a soccer ball into the air and watches it soar while her teammates cheer. It’s chilly outside and a fading sun hangs in the sky. Despite the cold, the kids at Akron Inner City Soccer Club play on, encouraging each other as coaches guide them. Cameron, one of the players, is about nine years old. Although he wants to be a basketball player when he grows up, he enjoys coming to practice and seeing his friends. “I like to play soccer,” he says. “You get to be part of a team.” Josh is one of over 150 kids who are part of Akron Inner City Soccer Club. The group consists of kids ranging from 5-18 years old. Coach Dele Olabisi founded the group in 1999 for his son. Since its founding, Coach Dele has mentored over 10,000 kids. He loves providing them with a strong community centered around his favorite sport. Coach Dele is from Nigeria and he has fond memories of playing soccer as a kid. “In Nigeria, that’s our sport. That’s what we do. We played until there was no more sunlight. It’s a beautiful game.” Parent Denise Jenkins has seen her daughter’s confidence grow because of the team.

Parent and coach Angelica Reeves says the team is always looking for more volunteer coaches. Akron Inner City Soccer Club is also a nonprofit, so any donations help. “For a lot of these kids, their parents don’t have the funds to buy shoes and all the equipment that comes with playing soccer.” Coach Dele picks and drops off many of the kids who are part of the team. Some of the kids have families who are homeless or fathers who are in jail. “We are coming from a game once and this boy said, ‘coach Dele, I wish my dad could be here.’ His dad was in jail. I will never forget this,’” says Coach Dele. Aside from monetary donations, Coach Dele would like to see community members come to the games and support the kids. “It means a lot to me because I want to give them opportunities. Especially in the inner city, [I want to] open their eyes to another sport.” Akron Inner City Soccer Club is open for kids to join in the Fall and Spring for $35. They also offer indoor training in the winter for free and a four-week summer camp for free. The summer camp offers over 100 meals for free at no cost for the parents. Additionally, much of the equipment is also offered for free.

“For my daughter, she really enjoys her soccer matches. Join Akron Inner City Soccer Club for their one-day I’ve seen her confidence grow, her self-esteem grow tournament on Saturday, August 11 at Copley Road and her leadership skills grow.” Soccer Complex. She also appreciates that the team is so diverse. There For more information about Akron Inner City Soccer are coaches from Nigeria, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Club, visit inner-citysoccer.org or call Liberia, Philippines, Egypt and Jamaica. The kids, too, 330-524-3776. come from all parts of the world.

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

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CULTURE CLUB

baseball now

F****** City and ain’t nobody gonna dictate our freedom.” Cheers erupted. The FCC declared there would be no fines. He thanked Mayor Menino, Governor Patrick and the Boston Police Department. He was able to unite a city, entire region and beyond for at least a brief moment in time. He also happens to be an immigrant.

What the World Needs Now is Baseball, Sweet Baseball Who’s your favorite baseball player? I’m not just talking about the Rubber Ducks. You can choose from anyone that has or is currently playing in the majors or minors, whether they’re alive or otherwise. My choice is an easy one: David Ortiz. Ortiz, affectionately nicknamed Big Papi, spent 14 seasons on the Red Sox and has always been a fan favorite. Never

Pictured above: Canal Park makes for a gorgeous summer eve. Pictured left: Batter up. (photos by Dave Daly/Baseball Now!)

That’s right. Big Papi was born and raised in the Dominican Republic along with many other current, past and future ball players. In fact the Rubber Ducks very own Dorssys Paulino is also a DR native. Nearly 30 percent of major leaguers are immigrants. Many international players spend time on minor league teams. Akron is no exception.

We have a diverse roster and that should be a point of pride. Players from the states come from all over. Outfielder Ka’ai forget, I’m a Masshole. For me, Big Papi Tom grew up in Hawaii. First baseman cemented his lore early in the 2013 Bobby Bradley hales from Mississippi. baseball season. It was the first home game since the Boston Marathon bombing Third baseman Joe Sever comes by way of California. No hometown heroes yet, on April 15. Ortiz, a bona fide baseball but maybe Bronny Jr. will make a dramatic superstar at this point, was asked to rally sports switch and start playing baseball! the crowd and television audience with a few words before the game. They brought He could be a Duck in, say five years? tears to my eyes. Even thinking about Players abound from outside the U.S. them gets me all emotional. too. Catcher Sicnarf Loopstok, possibly the best name ever, is Aruban. Pitcher Know this. Ortiz gave a simple, short Keiran Lovegrove is South African. Argenis speech in which he stated “This is our

Angulo, also a pitcher, is Venezuelan. Shortstop Yu Chang, former Duck and current Columbus Clipper, is Taiwanese. Professional baseball draws players from countries far and wide. What am I getting at? I love baseball. I love humans from around the world. Borders hinder progress. Akron is a cool city with a diverse population. We have a great baseball team that represents our country and beyond. Celebrate differences. Be tolerant. I will. Anyways, get your pedal pushers, tank tops and flip-flops on. It’s summer at the ballpark! Go sit in the sun on a hot day and sweat it out. Ponder how overheated the players are in their uniforms. Are they cotton? Decide between a hotdog, hamburger or something gluttonous over at The Game Restaurant & Bar attached to the park. I’m vegetarian and know how to cook so I’ll eat beforehand and spend my hard earned money on a beverage or two. So Akron, this is our f****** city. All of ours. Yours in Baseball,

Dave Daly Akron Rubber Ducks July Homestands Thurs. 7/12 through Sun. 7/15; Thurs. 7/19 – Wed. 7/25; Tues. 7/31 – Thurs. 8/2 300 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308 For more information on dates, times and tickets visit akronrubberducks.com

Featured events!

August 3

Genki Genki Panic with Tufted Puffins

Genki Genki Panic ride the wave north from Tennessee to bring their Instrumental Horror-Surf and Spook-xotica to TU.

September 8

The Torments get down at their debut show!

A Tiki Bar for the 21st century! Tiki Underground is the first tiki bar and restaurant in the Akron, Ohio area featuring high quality food and cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Picture yourself with a Mai Tai, edamame, and coconut shrimp; or a Painkiller and tropical habanero wings. 5893 Akron Cleveland Road, Hudson Open: T-TH 11am - 11pm • Fri-Sat 11am - midnight

@tikiunderground

234-380-5398 • tikiunderground.com AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Ongoing!

TU Trivia Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, Taco Thursdays

Upcoming TU events! 7/7:

Local vintage rock Hoodoo BBQ & David Loy

7/11:

Colin John world and surf music in the TU Lounge

7/14:

J.J. Vicars & The Desiatos rock and rockabilly

7/21:

The Kahuna Kings + Seafoam Tsunami Surf & Swig

7/25:

Jen Mauer & Anthony Papaleo

7/28: The Modernes local rockabilly 8/8:

Colin John world and surf music in the TU Lounge JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

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CULTURE CLUB

Rubber Bowl Demolition

ru Pictured clockwsie (from top): Eslich Wrecking begins demolishing the Rubber Bowl; Mayor Dan Horrigan explains to members of the media the plan to demolish the Rubber Bowl; After years of abandonment the stadium was deemed no longer structurally sound. The demolition project will remove 60% of the stadium. The other 40% will remain in place to support George Washington Boulevard; The Rubber Bowl was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression and was home to the Akron Zips football team from 1940 until 2008. (Photo: Charlotte Gintert/Captured Glimpses)

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TEACHING GIRLS TO HAVE

SOUTH POINT

Alicia Robinson’s nonprofit helps young girls achieve their goals

TAVERN

By Jillian Holness

hotos of smiling family members, framed diplomas and a bedazzled graduation cap with the words ‘‘Limitless Ambition” decorate Alicia Robinson’s office at the Kent State Women's Center. Looking at her academic credentials as a two-time Kent State graduate and an impressive professional resume, you wouldn’t guess that Robinson grew up in a neighborhood where gun violence and teenage pregnancy are rampant.

Robinson says. “We all have a path in life, and it’s influenced by all these different things. How do we maneuver and get out of that?” With the help of volunteers, Robinson started speaking at churches, workshops and youth conferences before creating the curriculum for the Purposely Chosen Teen Workshop. Robinson wrote and did research on the topics she wanted to cover, and with the help of Jennifer Remus, the director of program development and outreach at Limitless Ambition, they developed the workbook to organize the different modules and help structure each meeting.

As a teenager, Robinson struggled with self-esteem issues but was able to stay on the right path with the support of her parents and the Upward Bound Program, a precollege summer program that “We’ll typically have some worksheets for exposed her to the possibilities beyond her them to do and some discussion points,” community. Remus says. Remus says that Robinson is good at observing what the girls are Now, Robinson is giving young women interested in and plans the meetings the confidence to write their own stories accordingly. with her nonprofit, Limitless Ambition. “She’ll decide the girls have been talking Limitless Ambition first started out in a lot about relationships, so we are going 2013 as an Instagram page with inspiring to do the healthy relationship module,” quotes. A few months later, Robinson got Remus says. involved with LaunchNet, a free consulting service for student entrepreneurs at Kent Besides emotional support, the workshop State. also provides career planning and financial literacy. “They helped me with all the legal parts of things incorporated into a nonprofit Remus says they have the girls state [like] how to develop a business plan,” what their career goal is and then work Robinson says. backwards to think about what they have to do to achieve that goal. Remus also felt Robinson’s thesis for her master’s in early it was important to provide the girls with childhood development was the building basic financial literacy. block for Limitless Ambition’s mission. Her thesis focuses on African-American “It’s more like introducing them to the women who are academically successful different concepts like, why do I need and the contextual factors to get there. a checking account? What exactly is a checking account” Remus says. “My number one passion is AfricanAmerican women and giving them the In 2016, Robinson brought the Purposely tools they need to excel in their lives,” (continued on page 38)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

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On the Street

Faces of the Homeless, previously homeless and those still struggling By Lisa Kane Different story, same story. They all have some things in common. They almost always have a hard childhood. Every person I sit and talk to. I met this sweet lady and her little dog over the winter. They shared a tent for seven months. The coldest months of the year, but they are in an apartment now. The only problem is that just getting the roof over your head doesn’t fix everything. It starts the hardest part. You have to get everything turned on, and first and last month’s rent, and furniture and food. It’s awesome to not be “homeless” anymore, but it takes so much to get back on your feet and make it a “home.” Brooke is trying very hard. Her apartment is adorable. She’s made it so cute with the little that she has.

Meet Brooke ........................ Brooke (and Molly) Age: Hometown:

40 Cleveland

........................ Lisa Kane: What brought you to Akron? Brooke: I moved here and lived in Cuyahoga Falls for six years. Basically, when my kids left I lost my Section 8 and lost my house in [Cuyahoga] Falls because I couldn’t afford it. I came to Akron, but it actually was more expensive here. I guess I didn’t really have to leave the other house. That’s where I started doing the “bad stuff,” so I feel like God didn’t want me to be there anymore. LK: Occupation/Previous Occupation/ Source of income? Brooke: I’ve done different things. I do house cleaning a lot. That’s what I’ve been doing.

Brooke: The truth is I lost my house because I couldn’t keep up on the rent. I told everyone it was the city, but it was because I couldn’t pay my rent. I did pay it. I gave the landlord $2800, but he was a new landlord. He saw that I was two months behind on the rent and I think it scared him. I finally got the money together and paid up, but I took too long, and he got weary. I told everyone the city bought my house. The city didn’t buy my house. I was just too embarrassed to tell people I lost it. You’re the only one that knows the truth. Well, I guess after this a lot of people will know!! I want to be honest though. It’s sad that people are so embarrassed about having a hard time that they feel like they have to lie and not ask for help until it’s too late.

a tent for seven months. It’s like sleeping on springs. I put all my stuff in storage. I couldn’t pay it all and they just keep adding each month on to the total. I’ll never afford to get it out at this point!

LK: Do you have family? Brooke: No, they’re all dead. I really didn’t have a relationship with my dad. I didn’t see him much. He died of cancer. I didn’t have any brothers or sisters. I didn’t really know what a “family” was. I was twelve when I first started using drugs. I left home young. When I was 23 I moved back in with my mom. I found out that she had Hepatitis C. She told me, then it was really never brought up again. Than all of a sudden she was in the hospital and told me she was dying. It actually explained so much about why I had such a crappy childhood. All of a sudden, I understood. She was an addict. That’s why my childhood sucked so bad. Then she died. Imagine never knowing why your mom treated you so bad until she was dead. I couldn’t even talk to her about any of it. Why didn’t she just tell me? She’s gone now and I’ll never get any answers. I can presume and guess.

LK: Do you feel safe? Brooke: I felt pretty safe when I was in my tent.

I almost say, “thank God” I was an addict, because if I wasn’t I would never understand her. I know the reasons I was treated so bad. She was an addict. I could never figure it out. All the times she would freak out on me for no reason and wasn’t there for me. I remember doing that to my kids when I was using. I didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t want to. I never wanted to let them down. It’s sad. I see it all now. It all makes sense now, but it’s too late. She was a smart woman. She was in the top of her classes. It pisses me off that she became an addict and wasn’t the best mom and person she could have been. It makes me wonder, didn’t she care about me?

LK: What is the hardest thing about being homeless? Brooke: Same thing, money. Knowing that the only thing keeping me from being normal is that I don’t have enough money. I mean, I don’t want to say “normal.” People say the world doesn’t revolve around money? Bullshit! Try not having any.

Then I ended up becoming the same thing. She didn’t even know I was using drugs for years. Life is just hard. It’s hard and it’s sad. I’m honest with my kids. I want them to understand.

LK: How long have you been homeless? Brooke: All together it was seven months. LK: Where did you sleep last night? Brooke: In my new apartment. In my I just got into my new apartment. “bed, if you can call it that. It’s a medical mattress that I used in my tent. I was in LK: What lead you to homelessness?

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

LK: Do you usually have three meals a day? Brooke: Not always. When you first get on your feet you have so much that you need. Money is really tight. When I was homeless I was always offered three meals a day, but you have to have an iron stomach to eat a lot of it. People are kind and bring us food, but a lot of times it’s been sitting out all day. Sometimes it’s come from place to place and ended up with us. Everyone means well though. It just would make me sick sometimes.

LK: What is your biggest fear? Brooke: The funny thing is the first thing that popped into my mind is the woods. I’m deathly afraid of the woods. It just freaks me out for some reason. The animals, all the trees. Even taking my kids for walks in the park I’d have to talk to myself in my head. Funny that I ended up having to live in a tent for a while. LK: What are some of your daily struggles being homeless? Brooke: Money. When I was houseless and now. Not having enough money to get by even when I’m working my ass off. I have a hard time sleeping too. I’m so worried about everything that I can’t sleep.

LK: What 3 words would you use to describe being homeless? Brooke: Okay, you’re going to think I’m weird, but the first word that popped into my head was “fun.” I know it sounds weird, but I didn’t have to worry about losing everything. I already had. I was “free” for a minute. I didn’t have to worry each day about what bills were due that day and what I was going to lose if I didn’t make it. I had nothing more to lose. LK: What do you think is the leading causes of homelessness? Brooke: Again, I think it all just comes down to money. People being uneducated and can’t get jobs that they make enough to survive.

LK: What do you think is the biggest misconception about the homeless? Brooke: That they are all dirty, lazy, drug addicts. I’ve been clean for five years now! I was an addict for 23 years. That whole time I always had a job. I had a house and a car. I didn’t become homeless until I was clean. LK: Do most people show you kindness or treat you rudely? Brooke: Mostly kind, but people also have no problem telling you how they feel. LK: What does the word “home” mean to you? Brooke: Just a place to live that has four walls. LK: What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week? Brooke: Being able to have a special day with my daughter. I know I disappoint her a lot and I don’t mean to. I want to see her all the time and just give her everything. I tell her, “I’m sorry. I do want to be able to give you all the things you want. I just don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.” I start to think about all the times I was disappointed and let down as a kid. I’m trying really to only say yes to what I can actually do. I just want to be with her all the time and be a good mom. She’s with her dad. When I was getting sober off heroin I knew it was best for her to live with him. Somehow one month has turned into six years. I’m like, wow, I can’t believe it’s been six years. Everyone always says, “they grow up so fast”. It’s unbelievable how fast it goes. LK: Is there anything that you really need right now? Brooke: I would love to be able to get all my stuff out of storage. LK: Is there anything else you want people to know about you, or about being homeless? Brooke: Just to be kind. People need to follow the golden rule of ‘treat others like you want to be treated.’ Think about how you treat people and what you say to them.

Between doing this interview a week ago and today Brooke has gotten custody of her daughter. She saw a judge. Case workers came out to her new apartment to make sure everything looked good. Brooke is doing great and is thrilled to have her daughter back. If anyone would like to help to get Brooke’s stuff out of storage email the Akron Snow Angels at www.akronsnowangels.com and let them know.

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CULTURE CLUB Streets, and what Great Streets aims to do is make certain streets around Akron more like Highland Square. Highland Square is walkable, filled with strange people, and has cafes and bars and restaurants and places to hang out.

TO MAKE EVERYWHERE LIKE HIGHLAND SQUARE ... Or like some very quaint European city neighborhoods

................... by L.D. Grievious

bunch of people, maybe a couple hundred, gathered on Aster Avenue in Firestone Park June 19 to listen to an evening concert that is usually in the actual park. I left before the Murphy’s Law concert really began but my sources tell me it was very good.

There are a bunch of Great Streets programs across the country. Washington, D.C., started Great Streets, but their pamphlets, though pretty, were awful, and highlighted places that were already prospering. I couldn’t quite figure out the use of that, unless they were just trying to show off – power to them. Over here in old A-town, on the other hand, Great Streets is all about building streets up. The city has already made a list of 10 locations which it wants to improve, mostly through façade renovations, infrastructure improvements (sidewalks and streetlamps, for example), and incentives for business owners to come in and set up shop (like tax abatement or revolving loan programs).

(The pet store is now the only vacancy on the strip.) The highlight of the area, what Kammer calls the “anchor,” is A Walk in the Park Café. One kind lady I talked to, who has lived in Firestone Park all her life and is very much enjoying the resurgence of Aster, said she hasn’t gone to the restaurant yet but plans to do so soon. In other words, Kammer is excited for what Great Streets will further do for the area, and looks forward to façade improvements and fixing up the sidewalks, curbs and surfaces. The area is already benefiting from security cameras installed in late 2017.

bulk of upcoming improvements will come from $600,000 in federal funds that the city of Akron gets for storefront and aesthetic improvements every year. The money hasn’t been approved to come yet, but it usually always is. The heavy lifting like sidewalk and road renovations or other infrastructure repairs will have to come from Akron’s capital budget, which is planned five years ahead and is still in the early stages regarding Great Streets. (continued on page 38)

Pictured: Darryl Kleinhenz, a City of Akron employee involved with Great Streets, pins on a map where in Akron he grew up.

For some time Aster Avenue has been improving without the help of Great Streets. Councilman Donnie Kammer, who represents the area, said he used to be really concerned because of all the vacant storefronts.

The other and more significant thing happening was a celebration of the City of “But now we’re almost at 100 percent Akron’s new program called Great Streets. capacity, minus the pet store because the Aster Avenue is one of the streets of Great pet store wasn’t being a good neighbor.”

Attendees could pin and post notes to each area with recommendations and comments. (PHOTO: L.D. Grievious/The Devil Strip)

Each Great Streets location needs different things to make it better. The

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JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

THE Devil Strip |

CULTURE CLUB

Reopened Front Street Revitalizes Downtown Cuyahoga Falls words and photos by Kristina Aiad-Toss

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In 1978, Front Street — the main drag in Cuyahoga Falls — was closed off to traffic to create a pedestrian mall. Exactly 40 years later on June 2, the street in the center of downtown was reopened to traffic to revitalize downtown. As the city’s first event of the summer, the Grand Opening of Front Street began with a parade down the newly finished road, which ended at the River City Pop Culture Fest. The festival featured local music, food, small business vendors and entertainment. Originally, the city decided to turn Front Street into a pedestrian zone to compete with the growing popularity of shopping malls in the 1970s. However, this effort to bring people to the street never worked, as the downtown slowly deteriorated and business growth dwindled. The only feature that continued to survive were the

well-known festivals that happen yearly. Last year, the city decided to take a new approach to revitalize downtown. Mayor Don Walters spearheaded the initiative to reopen Front Street to traffic over a year ago because low foot traffic in the neighborhood was negatively affecting businesses there. “We knew we needed a road, because there aren’t enough pedestrians,” Walters said. “The problem with the pedestrian mall is that no one sees the businesses. Retail demands visibility and accessibility. If we open a coffee shop now, everyone will see it while they’re driving by.” The Downtown Transformation Project, which cost roughly $10 million, was passed unanimously by Cuyahoga Falls City Council last March. According to Walters, the city’s low debt made this project affordable, especially because the investment in a vibrant downtown will pay itself back. Construction began in April, the road opened up in February 2018, and the other improvements were finished on June. Throughout the process, the city gathered recommendations from the public, property owners, and merchants and contacted experts such as traffic engineers and retail researchers to create the plan. Aside from Front Street opening, other improvements included renovated fountains, water stations for dogs, bike racks and a bike repair station, and new park benches. Front Street always features

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

a play area for children, which has a Splash Pad. In addition, parking decks were renovated and the downtown now has 650 free parking spots in three decks.

and shopping at the River City Pop Culture Festival. Performances included Brooke Bowen, Guy Randall, Dead End Job, Hogan's Last Smash, The Camel Hunters, Cosplay Contest, and Roxxymoron. Many local businesses selling merchandise and food trucks occupied the stretch of Front Street during the event.

At the beginning, some residents and merchants were skeptical of the plan. However, Walters noted that residents and businesses have expressed positive feedback, as the new downtown is already The city has many other events on Front Street this summer, including Falls starting to grow. Downtown Fridays which are similar to the Pop Culture Festival. In addition, the “It’s an amazing time. The downtown is very popular,” he said. “The businesses are city hosts car shows every Monday and free “Flicks on the Falls” every Thursday. now coming and getting spots filled and Others include Oktoberfest, the Italian people are coming downtown more.” Festival, and the Irish Festival, which Business owners on Front Street shared his happen every year. sentiments. For more information about events, visit Micah Watts, a bartender at HiHo Brewery www.downtowncf.com. said, “I think the opening is revitalizing Walters has high hopes for downtown in downtown and it’s attracting a lot more the future. people to Cuyahoga Falls, including the ones who want to open restaurants and “I want Cuyahoga Falls to be a hotspot,” businesses.” he said. “We have to retain the younger talent and offer fun elements. Young Amy Mothersbaugh, owner of Mothersbaugh Gallery and her family have and old — everyone likes fun and we owned businesses on Front Street for more have elements on Front Street for all ages to enjoy. And we have a safe, vibrant than 40 years. downtown where you can spend the whole afternoon.” “We know how to run a business that’s not dependent on foot traffic,” she said. “But now, I think the changes are so Pictured above (clockwise from top left): Band exciting. I never thought there would be marching on Front Street; Local businesses from so much life down here. This needs to be Cuyahoga Falls were sell merchandise to event an artisan corridor… and the city is well attendees on Front Street; Children play on the newly on its way to creating that.” renovated Splash Pad in downtown Cuyahoga Falls;

The City of Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Building signage.

Following the Grand Opening Parade, the celebration commenced with food, music,

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TROUBLE S U O R E G N A OF D

// S G THIN

WITH OLD T S I L HE

PEOPLE

// T

by Steve Van Auken

ou have probably noticed that the older people in your life tend to move slowly. There is a reason for this. I mean, beyond the fact that our knees haven't worked properly since the first Reagan administration. The reason is that we are constantly being warned to “Be careful.” The list of things that are dangerous to seniors is now about as long as the tax code, and growing by the day. As a special bonus to those of us who worry as a hobby, the list of Dangerous Things contradicts itself. As one example, consider the bizarre fact that we seniors are advised to maintain our self-esteem, and also advised that yoga is good for us. All well and good, you say? When is the last time you actually tried yoga?

football, basketball, or soccer for a coach you bitterly recall as having been tough. The kind of coach who was convinced that pain -- at least, pain that was not his own -- was nothing more than an appetite stimulant, and who believed that stopping to drink water during a workout in the afternoon sun caused atrophy of the male genitals. You know the coach I mean. I am here to tell you that he was not tough enough to carry a yoga instructor's sweatband. The key difference between an old-school sports coach and a yoga coach is this: The yoga coach will not get angry with you, ever. He doesn't need to. He knows how to totally dismantle you while he smiles gently upon you.

It took me five minutes at my first yoga class to learn the terrible truth. It is more painful to hold a pose than it is to jump around from here to there. Ernest Hemingway said, "Never mistake motion In my innocence, I once thought that yoga for action." Garrett, the instructor who worked hard to teach me yoga, would must be a nice way to get a stretch. It probably say, "Never mistake motion for was something a person might do if the action. And I know you can hold that basketball court was being resurfaced pose for another two minutes." or the weight room was crowded. I thought it was cute that yoga ladies, Do not, by the way, be deceived by and some yoga men, arrived for their the cute names -- like "Child Pose" class with a mat and a matching bag. I and "Downward Dog"-- that yoga figured the mat was there to facilitate a practitioners have assigned to their poses. nice nap while zither music played in the background and the instructor droned on They selected these innocuous-sounding names because no one would show up about chakras. Then I succumbed to my to learn "Slow Death" or "Abandon All wife's suggestions that I try yoga. Hope." It didn't take long to learn what the mats I do worry about any of my peers who are really for. They are there to keep might naively wander into a yoga class. your blood off the floor. And to give My own instructor was brilliant, and he you something to bite on to contain your did all he could to encourage me. It was screams when a joint you had forgotten not his fault that I dropped out. A better you had pops out of place. man than I would have had the selfesteem to cheerfully accept being the only A word of caution to older men about (continued pn page 33) yoga instructors. You may have played

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THE DISH

V I E WS

by Emily Anderson

and brewing equipment – but they quickly realized there just wasn’t enough space. They made negotiations with the landlord and bought a few extra yards of property from the City of Cuyahoga Falls that gave them enough room to construct a whole new structure to house all the brewing equipment. This was a genius plan, not only because it freed up Despite the crowd of beer lovers when I space in the tap room for more seating, came to visit, I was still able to meet and extra bathrooms, and kitchen space, but chat with the four guys who partnered together to make their long-time dream of also because they were able to design opening a brewery a reality - Dan Kephart, their own custom house for their 10-barrel brewing system. They definitely made the most of those extra few yards and built a perfectly efficient brew house complete with a water filtration system in the basement and a second floor landing above the mash tun and kettle where they store the grain and milling equipment. Flooded with natural light pouring through the huge windows, their shiny new brewing system, complete with the Missing Mountain logo freshly engraved, is literally gleaming in the sun. It’s a truly beautiful sight! uyahoga Falls added another brewery to their lineup this month when Missing Falls Brewing Company opened on June 9. Apparently opening weekend was totally packed – way busier than expected. I came in a few days later on a Tuesday afternoon and it was packed then too!

Dave Bertolottil, Kieth McFarlane, and Danny Yagerszi. Over the last decade they bonded over homebrewing and their love for outdoor winter sports. They decided to name the brewery after the only thing missing from northeast Ohio – a real mountain to ski and snowboard on. This whole idea of a “missing mountain” really sets in when you walk inside the taproom – it feels just like a ski lodge! Yagerszi told me the hardest part working up to opening day was the interior layout and design, but it ended up looking great. You would never guess that the space was previously a gas station! There are big windows everywhere, and the design is simplistic and industrial yet cozy. Their original plan was to keep everything under one roof – the tap room, kitchen,

When I finished swooning over the tap room and brew house, I finally made my way around the back of the building where they have a gorgeous patio. It seems to be hanging right over the Cuyahoga river, and even though it’s right on Front Street, sitting on this back patio is peaceful and serene. There are plenty of tables where people can relax and have dinner. The whole place is very kid friendly, and well behaved dogs are allowed on the patio. Hopefully by this point you have a picture in your mind of this beautiful spot, but it’s time to talk beer. Firstly, Missing Mountain Brewing Company made an interesting decision that affects every beer they pour. It’s their tap system. It’s not like typical American taps that use carbon dioxide gas to pressurize the beer from the keg into your glass; instead they use a special blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. I won’t get too technical, but nitrogen bubbles

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

are much smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles. If you’ve ever had a “nitro” beer, like Guinness, you know that these tiny nitrogen bubbles create a smooth and creamy mouthfeel in each sip. Now imagine a hazy IPA or an imperial stout with this effect. Sounds pretty dreamy, right? It is. The guys drew inspiration for this decision from some of their favorite breweries like Hill Farmstead in Vermont and Brew Gentlemen in Pennsylvania that utilize this technique.

when I say this one was delicious. Perfectly salted and baked on the outside, super soft and fluffy on the inside. The dip was the best. Cheesy beer dip with some extra spices – and they give you a huge cup of it so you don’t have to skimp yourself on any bites. If this pretzel is a representation of the rest of their menu I can confidently say that the food here is very good.

While this brewery is off to a great start, they have big plans for the future. They’re working on the second floor of the tap room to create an event space and extra dinner seating. The patio out The options available when I visited back has a whole other level to it down where three pale ales, a kolsch, an IPA, a on the river that is still under construction porter, an imperial stout, a blonde, and but will no doubt be beautiful when two cream ales – one with orange and it’s finished. They also want to get a one with raspberry. I got a flight to try a sour beer program started. It’s almost bit of everything and the beers fit right impossible to brew sour beers alongside in with the atmosphere – clean, simple, other styles without accidentally souring precise. The pale ale I tried was brightly everything, so brewing sours will require hopped and fresh. The porter was bitter and roasty. The cream ale with raspberries, a separate space. They also have plans to add barrel-aged beers to their lineup, called Prince Juice, was probably my and some of the imperial stout is already favorite. It had a ton of tart raspberry sitting in a few Buffalo Trace barrels in flavor but didn’t come off as too juicy or the brew house. We can look forward to intense. The nitro creaminess in all these tasting that one in the fall. They plan on beers was definitely a bonus. The porter giving back to the community as much as was silky smooth and the bright hops in the pale ale were tamed and rounded out. possible, especially all the friends they’ve made from other breweries who helped I was apprehensive about their decision them to get to where they are now. to pour all their beers this way, but after trying them out I see why they went this You can visit MMBC any day of the route. week. It’s located at 2811 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. See you there! Aside from the beer, MMBC offers 14 different wines, mostly from the West Lady Beer Drinker can’t stop thinking Coast USA, and a variety of liquor. There isn’t a cocktail list but they offer Fever Tree about giant pretzels. You can follow her on @ladybeerdrinker mixers and Mexican Coke and Sprite. The food menu, made by the brewer Keith, is small but efficient, much like his brewing operation. They offer a few appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and brisket and wings from the smoker out back. There are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The only thing I tried was the Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese. Pretzels are my favorite appetizer and I get them everywhere, so you can trust me

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THE DISH

American he average stuff. American This makes consumes more it more dense than 23 pounds of and creamy instead of icy. ice cream per year Gelato isn’t that popular according to the around here as it is in the International Dairy rest of the world, but you Foods Association. can find it at the Mustard As an avid ice cream Seed. eater, I definitely contribute to this stat, and So what about frozen custard? I do not discriminate on Is that the same as ice cream? style. I love it in a waffle The answer is basically yes, cone, between except frozen custard also two cookies, contains at least 1.4% egg yolk and wrapped in has about 30% less air than regular mochi, covered hard ice cream. Sometimes called in sprinkles, “French Style,” this version is richer and rolled, whatever. I want it all! But thicker than most other styles. They do it when I actually thought about it, I like the French at Pav’s. had very little idea what ice cream lingo actually means. I did my research and now Frozen yogurt, AKA FroYo, is usually I will present to you my findings. regular ice cream ingredients with yogurt added before the churning, giving it some Webster defines ice cream as “a sweet tangy flavor. A lot of people seem to feel flavored frozen food containing cream like frozen yogurt is somehow “healthier” or butterfat and usually eggs.” In order than ice cream, but it isn’t. You can get to keep the ice cream from freezing into your FroYo fix at popular chains like a solid block, it must be churned (AKA sweetFrog and Menchie’s. stirred) while it freezes. This churning also mixes in tiny air bubbles giving ice cream its creamy texture. “Slow Churned” Although it’s not at all ice cream, another common frozen treat is sorbet. This one is and “Double Churned” brands often are arguably healthier because it’s traditionally supposed to be creamier and smoother. vegan. Made with just fruit juice, water, and sugar and churned like ice cream, The two most common ice creams in the it’s refreshing and fruity. They have bomb US are hard serve and soft serve. sorbet at Chill Artisan Ice Cream. Plain old hard serve ice cream, sometimes Sidenote: Italian Ice is the same as sorbet, called “Philadelphia Style,” is the but it’s hard, frozen and chipped apart traditional stuff. It’s made with sugar, instead of churned. cream, milkfat, and whatever flavors or fruits you want. It has to contain at If you’re like me, you probably went least 20% cream and has a high milk your whole life up to this point thinking fat content (10%-18%). Handel’s makes that sherbet was just a silly Midwestern regular old hard ice cream, along with pronunciation of sorbet, but it’s not! other options. Sherbet, that rainbow stuff that comes in a clear plastic tub, is actually sorbet with Soft serve, on the other hand, is a added milk or cream. Some restaurants cheaper, lighter version of the hard stuff. make vegan sherbet with coconut or It’s made with the same ingredients, but almond milk. has a much lower milk fat content and contains much more air, making it very Whatever your favorite style or flavor is, soft and fluffy. This is what the serve at McDonald’s, when the ice cream machine there is an ice cream out there for you! And now that you are armed with all this isn’t broken. new information you can impress your friends and family the next time you’re Gelato, the Italian version, also has the eating ice cream together! same ingredients but is different because it’s churned very slowly and is served at warmer temperatures than traditional

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Mondays ..............Queen of Heart Drawing Monday 8pm! All new music trivia • Contests 9pm & 11pm with Dj Ricky Mars Tuesdays ............... Taco Nights $1.50 to $3.75 and Drink Specials All new trivia starting at 7 pm Wednesdays ................................................ Chef Todd’s Food Specials Thursdays....................................................... $5 Burgers (dine-in only) Fridays ........................................... 12oz Strip Steak $12. Cupcakes by Sweet Mary's Bakery (234) 706-6088 Saturdays ...... Stop in for one of Chef Everett 's dinner specials Sundays .................................... Karaoke hosted by Lori: 9pm to 1am $0.60 Wings (dine-in only) • Yeung & Wings for $6 til 9pm Super Power Hour: open - 8pm $3.75 Well Drinks • $3.75 Select Draft

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Patio Now Open! Best draft beer selection in Akron Monday: $5 steak dinner/$5 pitchers on select drafts * We now have beer flights *

Happy Hour everyday 4-7pm • Friday 4-9pm Stop in for drinks before and after The Rubber Ducks games and Lock 3 concerts Pool/darts (spots available for leagues) • Cornhole/giant Jenga/Foosball • Outside patio

Now hiring bartenders... will train! 370 Paul Williams St. • 330 253 4554 OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR 4pm - 2:30am Check our daily specials on the UConnection app

Multi-day walking and cycling holidays in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. ExploreAFoot provides cartage! Contact us: ExploreAFoot P.O. Box 2284 Akron, Ohio 44325 (216) 755-HIKE (4453) hello@exploreafoot.com

www.exploreafoot.com

THE DISH

Trouble with Old People (continued from page 29) person in the room who needed to do some of the poses while seated in a chair. The list of things for seniors to Be Careful about continues to grow, and it contradicts itself. Yoga is one example. It is great for your flexibility, but only if you have iron-clad self esteem and a professional boxer's tolerance for pain. The list is replete with other contradictions. Coffee is good for you and it is bad for you. Hiking is good but it increases your Risk of Falling. Which is something that makes all the lists of things not to do. Sex and broccoli are about the only things that make every Good List and avoid every Bad List. (Although doctors do advise seniors against having sex while cooking broccoli. Clinical research recently published shows that hot, spilled water poses a Risk of Falling.)

Making Akron

More Akrony since

2009

STRAY DOG CAFE OFFERS A VARIETY OF DISHES

FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

So if the older person in your life seems preoccupied and slow to move her grocery cart out of the middle of the aisle, give her a break. She has a lot on her mind. Words and photos by Jessica Hill

Steve Van Auken Restore (continued from page 18) summer include an annual golf outing on July 30 at the Country Club of Hudson. Habitat is looking for sponsors, golfers and hole sponsors and they’re collecting items for an auction at the event as well. They are also a partner of the August 3 concert in Cuyahoga Falls on Front Street and the 50/50 Charity Partner of the Akron RubberDucks at every home game.

n the heart of downtown Akron sits a cafe that has transformed over the years from a simple hot dog cart to a coffee shop and restaurant, as well as a mustard-making enterprise. Stray Dog opened in 2009 as a hot dog cart, operated by Charly Murphy, and later moved into the space connected to the library last October.

and of course, hot dogs. Murphy’s favorite dogs include the grilled cheese dog and the Big Irish Weiner, a hot dog topped with corned beef, sauerkraut and honey mustard. The cafe’s coffee is roasted by Berardi’s in North Royalton. Stray Dog is not Murphy’s first try in the restaurant business. He previously owned the Urbean Cafe at the Metro

Be the lifeblood.

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

Hfhsummitcounty.org ReStore is located at 2301 Romig Rd Hours: W-F: 8am - 6pm; SAT: 8am - 4pm To volunteer: Contact Mary Shepherd at marys@hfhsummitcounty.org or call 330-745-7734 x 200.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Located on South Main Street, the Stray Dog Cafe blends in with the library. Lining the window sills are several plaques from the National Hamburger Festival that declare Stray Dog as the third-place winner for different burgers, like the title of Best Creative Burger in 2014. Tall, white letters painted on the glass spell out “Stray Dog” and “Making Akron more Akrony since 2009.” Its long blue “Stray Dog Cafe” sign covers the bottom of the countertops that run half the length of the restaurant. High ceilings with exposed black pipes complement the location with its modern feel. Behind the counter, various menus show the wide range of dishes a customer can enjoy. Its menu consists of drinks, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, burgers,

Murphy had his eye on the spot next to the library for a long time. Murphy and Alicia Kennedy, his business partner, were competing with a couple other businesses for the spot before the library’s board of directors picked them. “(Murphy) always thought it would be a great place to be able to create and meet people and make food and make a little bit of money,” Kennedy says. She has been partners with him since the beginning of Stray Dog. They had met as neighbors when she was pregnant at the same time as his wife and became friends.

“That’s kind of where we got the name,” Murphy, a North Hill native, recalls. “We just sold hot dogs and didn’t have If you’re wondering how you can help with any of these programs, or events, just a home base, so we became a reach out. They have many open slots for stray dog. The name has stuck through the years now.” volunteers. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat and what we do,” says Rochelle. “Nearly 80 percent of each home build and home repair is completed with volunteers working alongside our construction staff.”

conclusion I came to is that for me, helping them find employment was much more fulfilling than any other aspect of the job,” Murphy says.

Transit Center on South Broadway Street. Because it did not get a lot of foot traffic, Murphy decided he wanted to buy a hot dog cart as a hobby and roam the streets of Akron. “People talk about supporting local, and we’re as local as it gets here,” Murphy says. “We’re employing people that are local and we’re sourcing things that are local and we’re supporting the local economy.” Murphy’s desire to help support people goes back to his original occupation. Before opening up his own businesses, he worked in ministry. “My passion when I was in ministry was helping people in need, and the

If operating a hot dog cart as well running a cafe wasn’t enough to take on, Stray Dog also sells its own mustard. They have sold more than a thousand bottles of mustard and have been named the official condiment of Lock 3 Park. It’s no wonder the mustard and the hot dogs are best sellers. The beef hot dogs are cut in half and grilled to a crisp, and are bursting full of flavor and juiciness. The grilled cheese dog is a dog folded between a grilled cheese sandwich. A dog overflowing with macaroni noodles and topped with shredded cheese is the mac n’ cheese dog. If you visit the cafe to grab a bite, be sure to add some of their homemade mustard. You won’t be disappointed.

JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

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THE DISH

LOUDER IN OUTER SPACE: SKATING POLLY LIVE Review of June 13 In-Store Performance of Skating Polly by Ted Zep

Taryn Manning. Her exterior matches the raw punk snarl of her vocals, which are evocative of those of Jessicka Addams of cult riot grrrl act Jack Off Jill. She simmers Clutching an acoustic guitar while squared and explodes as the song repeatedly builds and folds in upon itself. up to the microphone, Mayo’s sibling, Peyton Bighorse, purrs the opening Bighorse then guides the pair through lyrics to “Louder in Outer Space,” a a rendition of song composed “Free Will at of verses and Ease.” The song choruses that is vocally and crash into one sonically crisp. another like They trade waves on shore at lines back and high tide. Dressed forth on the entirely in black, understated Bighorse sports a yet seemingly pair of red framed frustrated heart-shaped “Picker of His sunglasses that Words.” The women switch instruments Pictured above: Kelli Mayo (r) Peyton Bighorse (l) and match the tattoos she has on each knee. and stage positions to perform the Her vocals are poppy and innocent. They the Chalkboard pleasing rocker, “Flatwound Strings,” lend a gentle ache to the song, which is reminiscent of something the Pixies might which closes their set. Though surely Standing on a slightly elevated 10x10 have done if they were young musicians in excluded for logistical reasons, the stage near the rear of the shop and absence of the contributions of drummer 2018. The song is a catchy rager. flanked by two portable speakers, the Kurtis Mayo was noticeable. Oklahoma natives are a few feet in front of a wall that is covered with posters touting Mayo is up to bat next. She is wearing a nationally known acts like KISS, Mastodon, pair of scuffed Doc Martens, cut-off denim Upon wrapping, the band chatted with fans, posed for pictures and signed shorts and a white T-shirt underneath Death Cab For Cutie and The Clash. autographs. They were demure and a red silk western shirt complete with gracious. The store sold out of available fringe. She is a prettier version of actress The show is sponsored by 91.3 WAPS elli Mayo fiddles nervously with her black bass guitar as she and her bandmate and stepsister bustle through a brief sound check before their scheduled in-store performance. It is 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon at Hollow Bone Records, a stylish record shop which is neatly tucked away in a commercial strip mall just off West Market Street in Fairlawn. Skating Polly is in the middle of a national tour that includes a performance later in the evening at the famed Grog Shop in Cleveland. This, however, will be an abbreviated version of what is to come. Far more relaxed, it is an opportunity for the women to promote their new album, The Make It All Show, as well as meet their fans in a low-key, grassroots manner.

“The Summit.” Music director and airtalent Chad Miller takes to the stage to introduce the band.

copies of their album in mere minutes. With their work often tagged with the designation “Ugly Pop,” Skating Polly dexterously writes material that balances fast and slow and soft and hard. Their music is accessible yet lacks the spurious contrivance of early-century pop punk. Their songs are pretty and tough. That’s not always an easy balance to strike. And with the support of such industry luminaries as Exene Cervenka, Nina Gordon and Louise Post, the sky is the veritable limit for the young trio. Despite high-profile gigs looming in England, Germany and Scotland this fall, the band breaks down its own equipment and lugs it out to the parking lot, only to do it all again in a few hours. Visit SkatingPolly.com for more information about the band. Go to HollowBoneRecords.com for information about new releases and upcoming in-store appearances. Check out TheSummit.FM for news, event updates and great music.

55 Shiawassee Ave. AKRON, OH 44333

lifesourceyoga.com • 330.835.9945 34

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

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BACK OF THE BOOK

Rachel Roberts (continued from page 17) a yet-to-be-titled album by my rock band The Queen Cobra (I'm rooting for “Oh the Horror of it All”). The other is a solo album called “Love is the Color.” The Queen Cobra album will be rocking fun, with song titles like “Moondust,” “Tidal Wave” and “Sweet Ride.” We are hoping to have it ready by Halloween, though albums take time, so I'm not making any promises, though that's the goal. The solo “Love is the Color” album is definitely a concept album. It will have songs about different kinds of love, or the feelings that love can bring you or leave with you. A parent's love of their children, a love of God and nature, the bleeding and heartbroken, the tales of young and old. The songs will loosely relate to colors as well. I'm not sure when that will drop. I've been writing and singing some of these songs for a while, but haven't conjured the funds yet to record the kind of project I have in mind. KC: What excites you most about getting to play Lock 4? RR: I love Akron. It's my favorite place to be. I grew up in Highland Square and love historic downtown Akron. Lock 4 is a beautiful space where we can see the canals – the reason Akron came to be! When Akron was founded they would take supplies (like lumber) up and down the canals. Lock 4 reminds me of an Akron long ago, when they used these waterways to start our city. I also think that though many people live in Akron, they don't know a canal runs underneath it, and you can see it in its glory at Lock 4. Another reason I'm excited to play at Lock 4 is that it's underneath the Akron Civic corridor, and I love the Civic. It holds many fond memories for me, like listening to my mother singing opera there, and playing and singing with Chrissie Hynde. It's also super close to my favorite Akron institution, The Peanut Shoppe. I'll probably grab some spicy peanuts there before I play. Also, I'll be playing a loungy set with Dan Kshywonis, and it's a great way to relax and enjoy a summer evening. // All photos courtesy of Rachel Roberts.

THE NG ROAD HOME

‘Service is the measure of greatness’

by Willis Gordon

here are philosophies in every corner of the world that tell us that we are part of a greater collective. They tell us that we are unique individuals who make up a whole, and that we are all connected by whatever mechanism they choose. There are those who hold to the theory that the universe created life in order to experience itself subjectively, meaning that we are walking individual paths, but are in fact part of a greater collective consciousness that binds us together as celestial siblings. Alan Watts put it this way; “We must see that consciousness is neither an isolated soul nor the mere function of a single nervous system, but of that totality of interrelated stars and galaxies which makes a nervous system possible.” I’ve written about the elemental factors that bind us together, but what about the more tangible things that make up the human experience? Running home from school to play with friends, your first kiss, your first great loss, goofy facial expressions you just can’t hide, laughing until you can’t breathe…beyond language and culture we can cite so many innate things that connect us on a level we can’t explain. Without diving too deep into the “We are all stardust” rabbit-hole, I’d like to address the most important element in cooperation and pluralism. Service. Real service. Not a social media photo-op in a third world country, not self-gratification, but service. It doesn’t have to be on a grand and global scale, I’m not asking everyone to open an orphanage or a hospital. We just have to understand that working together towards a goal that is greater than ourselves is the best possible way to get to know each other.

It’s no secret that I’m a veteran. I’m proud of my service to my country, and I’m a better man not only because of my experiences, but because of the people I met and learned from along the way. Straight, gay, bi, trans, black, white, Latino, Asian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, atheist, even the occasional Steelers fan. You name it. I met and befriended folks from all over the world and all walks of life, and there was a simple understanding. Our differences were never as important as the mission. The job came first. We are one people. Not just here in America but all across the world. The sooner we understand that the sooner we can stop hurting ourselves for shortsighted gain. We have to quell this wild and unbridled tribalism that seeks to divide us by race, gender, orientation, geography, politics and class. We are wasting our potential. Together we possess the ability for unbelievable achievement and innovation, but we can only get there together. A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us, so just because you’re not currently in the crosshairs of hate, doesn’t mean you don’t have to care. The time has passed for us to say, “that’s not my problem”. It’s our problem, and it always has been. We have to defend those who can’t sufficiently defend themselves and give them the means to level the playing field. This isn’t some Red White and Blue lecture about “American Freedom” these are basic human values. People have the right to life and health. They deserve equality of opportunity, not result. They deserve to be free to live their life free from harm without bringing harm to others. It is not too much to ask to vigorously defend these values. Every. Day. We have to be committed to our ideals if we’re going to tout them or

brag about our liberty. We have to make sure it’s accessible to every one of us. If I were king for a day, if I could make one change in this country that I believed would make a lasting and positive impact, I would ensure that every capable American did at least two years of national or international service at age 18. I don’t just mean the military, though you could go there if you chose. It could be the Peace Corps, it could be Americorps, you could go deliver medicine to impoverished areas in the States or around the globe, or you could rebuild houses in devastated areas. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re helping people. To work shoulder to shoulder with people you would have otherwise never met, and learn from them, understand them, and teach them a thing or two as well. Experiencing the world is vital to understanding the world, and understanding the world is vital to improving the world. We cannot get any further if we treat each other like distant islands in a vast ocean, detached, unrelated, and isolated. Our connectivity is what gives us strength, and the opportunity to meet our greatest challenges with fresh ideas and multiple perspectives. Even the folks who we disagree with most can often have something to teach us. It’s important to be able to hear different perspectives that aren’t hate-filled or destructive. You have this opportunity today. You can go global, you can serve your community, or you could serve the people in your day-to-day life with your time, talent and resources. As long as you understand that the culture of connectivity is the only thing that can propel us into the future. We have greatness within our grasp, but we can only reach it together.

NOW BUYING ESTATES

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AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Newly Acquired: Hundreds of vintage jewelry items, and vintage Japanese and Chinese collectibles. As Always: Many pieces of Akron history 1900 W. Market St. • Akron, OH 44313 • 516-305-1039 Located in the Pat Catan's parking lot Hours Mon-Thurs. & Sat. 9am-6pm • Fri. 9am-5pm • Sun. 12-5pm JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7 /

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JULY MICS

BACK OF THE BOOK

Pictured (clockwise from top): Music entertainment for all ages; Rachel Roberts, Curtains Gear; Food Trucks

Stay Sick

Ghoulardi endured? JT: Turn blue. There's a k'nock on my phone. Stay sick. This is what we were exposed to as a generation of kids that made Ghoulardi their king. Look at all the bands from the 70s that were in the path of his on-air madness; all the Northeast Ohio bands that list him as an influence and not just because he played great TZ: When it comes to original work, TZ: What is a typical performance like? obscure beatnik music. His DIY approach what is the group’s creative process and total disregard for respecting anything JT: A lot of how we approach the gig is like? "proper" taught us everything we needed dependent on where we're playing. If it's JT: We're lazy and it's always been more to know to live happily ever after. He a concert, we play mostly originals and of a boys’ club, much to [Chris] Butler's rip through them nonstop. For bar nights, was enormously influential and it was dismay. One of the things I love is that we might stray into more danceable stuff something that the four guys that started we let everybody else play how they feel. the band had in common. And the name and engage the crowd more. We tend to Rarely does anyone make suggestions to was a no-brainer! the other members. Ted writes most of the be as loud in a small bar as we are on a tunes and he likes what we do with them. big stage or outdoors, which is just who TZ: What does Purple K’nif have in we are. My stuff is a bit trickier but I try to clarify store for the Downtown@Dusk crowd more than preach. on July 12th? TZ: There is a real cult of personality JT: Everything we know and more---and surrounding legendary Cleveland TZ: There is a fair amount of some extra Link Wray for the promoter! horror movie host Ernie Anderson. knowledge and taste that goes into [It’s going to be] two sets of full-tilt rock Why has the fascination with selecting and crafting cover songs. (continued from page 16) JT: No disadvantages other than we are really attached to them. We've all been playing the same instruments since we started in the early 90s . . . and they were old then.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

How does Purple K’nif choose the covers that go into its repertoire? JT: We're fans. We learned how and what to play from the era before CDs, so you had to be a record collector to get the goods. We aren't slaves to anything; we're willing to play covers as though we wrote them.

‘n roll without the distraction of a lead singer. You can sit and listen, mingle with the crowd, dance, or watch the sun go down. We'll work up a sweat, just like every show for the last 25 years! True to their analog roots, Purple K’nif has no website or social media accounts. The only way to enjoy their music is to get off your keister and see them live. Their next show is July 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the gorgeous Bud and Susie Rogers Garden at the Akron Art Museum as part of the Downtown@Dusk summer concert series. And, oh yeah, the show is free. For more information about Downtown@ Dusk, visit: AkronArtMuseum.org/ calender.

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Urine Luck Stan Hywet and Canal Place by Emily Dressler and Marissa Marangoni

Stan Hywet: A Bathroom Trifecta by Emily Dressler

I love my May-December romance with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Up until just now, I thought the phrase “May-December romance” literally meant a relationship that starts in the spring/summer and ends after the December holidays. Thanks to an article on WebMD (it’s weird that this is the first Google result), I have learned that “May-December romance” refers to a relationship in which there is a large age gap between the partners. In the case of my romance with Stan Hywet, either definition applies. There are three public restrooms at Stan Hywet that I know of. The first one is

Canal Place by Marissa Marangoni You can’t get much more Akron than Canal Place. The rubber factory turned office space, gym, eatery, roller derby practice rink and even a brewery offers everyone a little something. Including your friendly UL representatives. I’ve been sitting here trying to explain where this bathroom is, but if you’ve ever walked through this place, you know it’s not that easy. I walked in one building, went to the bathroom in another and was none the wiser until I exited out a door that did not lead me to my car. If you’re in the area, you should look for this bathroom. You’ll probably get stuck in a freight elevator and you might end up on some closed-off staircase, unable to find your original destination and slightly terrified you may never see the light of day again, but the bathroom, oh, the

Limiteless Ambition (continued from page 25) Chosen Teen Program to CASTLE High School. Jaeda Dancy, a counselor at CASTLE says the students were excited for the workshop and were happy to have ‘girl time’ during school. “The program really allowed the girls to be themselves

between the parking lot and the main entrance. It is nice enough and very convenient, but it is not my favorite. The layout feels cramped, but it is in a Carriage House/ Fancy Garage that was retrofitted to house a public restroom. Likely, no one cared about some weirdo bathroom reviewer having opinions about layout. This bathroom is usually clean and wellstocked. You should use this one before you start exploring the grounds. Back in the day when I played on the women’s vintage softball team (I’m talking early 2000s, not late 1800s), I used this restroom while contending with the unbecoming long black skirt required of (lady) ballplayers. Someone please tell me what monster invented thick, drapey skirts

bathroom will be worth your trouble. I’m sorry I can’t direct you to it. Some of you may follow the Urine Luck instagram (@ urin3luck if you don’t), and if so, you may be able to conjure up an image of this pink poo palace right now. If not, let me introduce you to this House of Lords (oh yes, that’s real bathroom slang). The entry door features a keypad on its exterior. I was slightly afraid that someone might come by and lock me in the loo once I left my exit to fate, but I was okay, and I’m going to fashion a guess that you would be, too. My fear quickly abated as I walked into the very pink, cinder block-walled room. The walls are floor-to-ceiling baby pink. And as if that wasn’t enough spice for a public bathroom, whoever did this design and painting must have thought, “You know, let’s just do it big.” And they did. There’s a single dark pink stripe running all the way around the bathroom walls at and gave them the freedom to work on solutions together and see others’ perspectives,” Dancy said.

coupled with cramped bathroom stalls on a hot day. To hell with that person. That person can suck on the hem of a wet skirt that has been dragged around the floor of a public bathroom. Your next bathroom adventure is in the basement of the Manor House. You should ask the tour guides at the front door for help finding this one because I don’t listen to directions and I get lost in big houses. But I do remember quaint details: the women’s bathroom in the Manor House is next to the Flower Arranging Room. We have the exact setup at home. For a basement bathroom, this is luxurious. There is even a full-length mirror. Take some time to go on a tour and ooh and ahh over the splendid and numerous bathrooms in the Manor House. Yes, that is an historic bidet in Mrs. Seiberling’s bathroom suite. The final leg of our toilet tour takes

sink-level. It’s my favorite feature about this bathroom. It says, “This was no mistake.” And if we want to dig deeper, which we clearly should, by extension, it says, “You are meant to be here.” My other favorite feature is the ceiling height, but I can’t attribute that to the bathroom painter designer person, as I doubt it’s the same person, considering the building’s history. High ceilings make a small space seem bigger than it is, and these ceilings certainly give the illusion that this hidden hole is quite expansive. I can’t help but think this would be helpful if you ever did get locked in this Canal Place commode. You could fool yourself into thinking you had room for your hopes and dreams in here. And you could try to climb the plumbing to the ceiling for entertainment purposes while attempting to forget about the vending machine directly across from the locked door. The toilets work here and so do the sinks. They’re your very basic, industrial-type bathroom fixtures, and I wouldn’t expect anything else in this place. The mirrors

Great Streets

(continued from page 27) City planners and other officials have been sitting down with business and Limitless Ambition will continue the property owners in each of the 10 areas to Purposely Chosen Teen Program on July figure out what they most need. Anyone 19 at SPAN Ministries in Tallmadge. The in the community can also give their workshop is free and interested participants recommendations by finding Great Streets can visit Limitless Ambition’s website to on the city of Akron’s website. And the sign up at https://goo.gl/65HQBy city plans to continue holding community

| THE Devil Strip / JULY 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #7

us to the wonderfully soothing Corbin Conservatory and Greenhouse. These bathrooms seem to be more easily accessible. If you’re anything like me, you daydream about greenhouse bathrooms. Yes, they are everything you thought they would be. There’s even white noise and a brick wall. The other luxuries in this lush wonderland are a skylight, the perfect amount of humidity and spider plants on the sink. This is why people get married at Stan Hywet. The bathroom situation at Stan Hywet earns a 5/5 cabinets de toilettes.

// Emily always wants to quote the part in “Tender is the Night” where Dick Durbin says he wants to give a bad party, “where there’s a brawl and seductions and people going home with their feelings hurt and women passed out in the cabinet de toilette.”

exist, and the whole place is generally clean. It’s old, but it wears its age well. You know, this might not be the worst place to be trapped. There’s color, a certain factory aesthetic many would find pleasing, running water and there are mirrors. What more does a person need? This bathroom also seems water tight. I think that’s probably a weird thing to think about, but you know who you’re talking with here, so you shouldn’t be surprised. If ever there is a time to test whether or not a portion of Canal Place could be used as a holding tank for sharks or poisonous jellyfish, this would be the room I would suggest. I’ve visited this bathroom more than once. I’ve had the same opinion of it each time: it’s solid. And tries to be sweet at the same time. The definition of a modern lady. Four out of five toilets.

// Marissa’s new goal in life is to find a bathroom door marked “House of Lords.”

events like the one in Firestone Park. Besides Aster Avenue (Firestone Park), the other nine Great Streets include: West Hill, North Hill, Copley Road East, Maple Valley, Middlebury, Ellet, Wallhaven, Kenmore and Goodyear Heights.

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An Akron Tradition for 39 Years

Hardesty Park

July 26th – 29th

AkronArtsExpo.org

Beer & Wine Tasting

Taste of Akron

Fri. July 27th | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Thur. July 26th 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Get the full flavor of Akron by sampling appetizers, entrees and desserts from a variety of area restaurants and food trucks. Admission is free. Samples are available for one, two or three tickets. Tickets are $2.00 each.