Aug. 2018 - Akron Homecoming Month by The Devil Strip

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AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 • THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

MEET OUR NEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF!

SAT. AM CARTOONS + 90S BLACK SITCOMS + DANCE

WHO ARE THE CHILDREN OF NEW AMERICANS?

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table of contents

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12 E. Exchange Street • 2nd Floor Akron, Ohio 44308 (330) 842-6606

Publisher:

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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

Rosaline Murphy, our new editor-in-chief

Devil’s Dozen

Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival

Nothing to Do in Akron

THE PALETTE 16

The Black Card Project

Jeremy Jenkins

Why you need to go to Porch Rokr this year

CULTURE CLUB

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” Aiad-Toss; 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

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Yoga at Signal Tree Fest

Vintage Structures visits the Mayer Building

Meet the Children of New Americans

THE SCENE 30

Earthquaker Day

Album review of Time Attack by Red Rose Panic

Weeezer

LuvAbstract Invades Signal Tree Fest

———————————————————— General Info ................................................info@thedevilstrip.com Advertising .................................................ads@thedevilstrip.com Distribution ............................................distro@thedevilstrip.com Website ........................................................www.thedevilstrip.com Facebook ........................................... Facebook.com/thedevilstrip Twitter .......................................................................@akrondevilstrip Instagram .................................................................... @thedevilstrip

BACK OF THE BOOK

———————————————————— The Devil Strip is published bi-monthly by Random Family, LLC. Akron Distribution: The Devil Strip is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Copyright: The entire contents of The Devil Strip are copyright 2018 by Random Family, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Trouble with Old People

The Road Forward

Urine Luck

31 AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

THE Devil Strip |

r u o t ee M ontributors! C CONTRIBUTORS SPOTLIGHT

• Kristina Aiad-Toss • Kristina Aiad-Toss is a senior student at UA studying International Politics and Spanish. While in college, Kristina has lived abroad in 3 countries: studying abroad in Spain over the summer, interning under a member of parliament in Toronto, and working for the Department of State in Rome. At the University of Akron, Kristina worked in journalism with the Buchtelite and event planning with the Department of Student Life for two years. She has worked for the International Institute of Akron and is currently interning with Akron's City Council. Although Kristina is working in politics, she also has a photography business on the side and specializes in portrait, event, promotional and lifestyle photography. Next year, Kristina hopes to attend law school to study international development law. >> Check out her story on page 22. • Anthony Boarman • Anthony Boarman is a social studies teacher and the head baseball coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He lives in Wallhaven with his wife Emily and his dog Ava. He is a lover of all things Akron. To check out more of his work, follow Anthony on @aboarman. >> Check out his story, “Outdoor Gems” on page 25.

• Sophie Franchi • Sophie Franchi has spent most of her life in and around Akron, and graduated in 2016 from The University of Akron with a BA in English and a minor in Creative Writing. She started writing for TDS soon after its inception, first as the columnist of “Hike and Picnic” and a writer for the Culture Club section, then moving on to become part of the team covering opioid addiction and recovery in Summit County. After a year as an intern, Sophie was promoted to Managing Editor, working to curate and edit content for the magazine for two more years. This spring, Sophie stepped down from her role as Managing Editor to pursue more writing opportunities, but she still writes for TDS. >> Check out her story, “Every Day, in Every Way” on page 27.

JOSY

ANTHONY

• Willis Gordon • Willis Gordon is a comedian, actor, author, essayist, musician, activist, and veteran of the War on Terror. Gordon is committed to quality entertainment and the improvement of our communities through art, action, and inclusion. >> Check out his column, “The Road Forward” on page 36.

• Josy Jones • Josy Jones is a Cleveland native and one of many Macon, GA transplants. Josy's • Claude Christensen • background is in theatre. Her hobbies “A University of Michigan English literature include working, collecting rubber ducks, avoiding small talk and romanticizing grad, Claude spends a good deal of his time either outdoors running or indoors anonymity. >> Check out her story, “The Black Card reading speculative fiction, Jane Austen Project: Movement Based Examination and E.M. Forster. Raised in Akron, Claude of Black Authenticity” on page 16. loves his hometown for its libraries, vast number of parks, and vibrant art scene. He lives in the West Hill neighborhood with two cats and a well-used lint roller. • Zaina Salem • >> Check out his story, “The Devil Running Zaina is a written and visual storyteller The Blue Line” on page 23. who has a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless. She's also a coffee enthusiast, news junkie, and avid pun-maker. >> Check out her story “Children of New Americans” on page 26.

ZAINA

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

GORDON

SOPHIE

KRISTINA

CLAUDE

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Pub Notes

One more FOR THE ROAD by Chris Horne

‘hello!’

and what it might mean for the future,” Rosalie wrote in an email to us this spring. “If readers aren't finishing my stories with useful knowledge, I'm not serving them. This is the spirit I hope to bring to The Devil Strip — one of openness with and service toward readers; of curiosity and excitement; of understanding a place so we can make it better.” Hey, everybody — it’s great to meet you! It’s a weird thing to introduce yourself in a She graduated from one-way letter, but I’ll do my best. Come the University of say hi in person sometime. Southern California with a journalism Chris and I met via Twitter and began degree and soon exchanging emails in early 2018. By after became an Frankly, I know I’m serendipity or kismet, you pick, Chris was award-winning missing out on a lot looking for a new leader just as I was reporter at The here because things looking for my next step. I moved back Desert Sun in Palm are about to get to Akron in July and into the office at the Springs, covering really exciting for this OSC Tech Lab two days later. business, real estate city and The Little and development Publication That As Chris said, I’m an Akron native and stories across California. She comes back Could. a Tallmadge High School grad. My to Akron after spending a year researching grandparents grew up in North Hill, and We already have an incredible team, from and teaching journalism at a university we still have dinner most Thursdays at the near New Delhi. Rosalie will first work to our managing editor Noor Hindi to the Italian Center. Among my cousins there improve the quality and consistency of our are marathoners, teachers, church staffers, contributors you met on page 5 and the current coverage to set the foundation for engineers, parents and grandparents and many others who shape the publication, local reporting that will deliver stories you toddlers. I’m thrilled to be back. including our community outreach can’t find anywhere else. That’s just the manager Floco Torres, who’s leading Live start! at Lock 4 and Signal Tree Fest for us. But For the next year, I’ll be running The Devil now the team is growing. Strip alongside Noor, Floco and the rest Teaser: We’ll also soon welcome our first of the team that has carried magazine That’s why I’m thrilled to announce Akron Business Development Director who will this far. native Rosalie Murphy has joined The Devil work with TJ Masterson to make our Strip as our first Editor-in-Chief. However, Devil’s Advocates membership better and We’ll also be evolving and growing. Here’s more consistent to ensure we’re taking she’s not just a placeholder to provide what you can expect from us: care of the people who are taking care of a steady hand while I’m away. Rosalie’s passion for local journalism and love of her us. Sooooo much is happening! We’re going to continue doing the music, hometown perfectly match our mission to arts, food and culture coverage that See why I’m bummed to be going now, connect Akronites to their neighbors, to has sustained the magazine for the last our city and to a greater sense of purpose. right? Plus, they don’t have jojos and three years — lots of it. And it’s going to sauerkraut balls in Silicon Valley. They She will lead The Devil Strip as we evolve get deeper, more consistent and more damn sure don’t have you — and that’s into a nonprofit news organization thorough. what I’ll miss the most. So please come that offers in-depth, contextual and out to Signal Tree on August 11 and say investigative local reporting. We’re expanding our mission to cover hello to me. a wider range of local issues. In the “My goal isn’t just to tell you what coming months, we’ll publish stories Yours, happened this week — it’s to help you about economic development, evolving understand why it happened, the context neighborhoods, addiction, incarceration in which it happened, how big a deal it is and more. I and other journalists will he morning after Signal Tree Fest, I’ll board a plane bound for Silicon Valley where I’ll spend almost a year as one of 17 journalists selected to join Stanford University’s JSK Journalism Fellowship, named for Akron’s own John S. Knight. Though I’m eager to study with the most innovative people in our field, I really love my life here and the work I get to do with The Devil Strip, so leaving is bittersweet, at best.

Rosalie says

be reporting for every issue — asking questions, parsing public documents, analyzing market data and talking to experts.

A lot of this expanded coverage will be driven by your curiosity. What do you want to know more about? What have you noticed recently? What Akron trends have you never fully understood? Ask me, and we’ll try to answer those questions. In the not-too-distant future, you’ll see initiatives from us that involve you more and more deeply in our work. I believe the process of reporting can be distributed and democratized, and that you can join in. All year, you’ll be able to find me working at a library or coffee shop at least once a week. We’ll continue frequent events, including Live at Lock 4 and Drink Tank while adding some new ones. If you want to write for The Devil Strip, I or someone from our masthead will work one-on-one with you to focus your questions, gather information and develop your voice. Last week, an advisor told me that journalism should “equip citizens to do the work of being citizens.” There’s no better way to describe what I hope to do this year. I’m excited — to meet all of you, and then to get to work. I hope you are too.

Chris

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

Cheers,

Rosalie

THE Devil Strip |

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‹

é ë ì

Delux: SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 å Akron Ale Fest Trolley Barn // 1 - 5 pm // Taste what 15 different local and regional breweries have to offer, including Akronym Brewing, HiHo, Thirsty Dog, Hopping Frog, Canton Brewing and Royal Docks. No need to worry about drinking on an empty stomach because Fire Truck Pizza Co. and The Pierogi Lady are among the food vendors who’ll be in attendance. Shop local artisans like Whiskerton, Champaign Paper, The Social Dept. and Akron Henna Art. Stay perked-up with Akron Coffee Roasters who’ll be there throughout the afternoon. Tickets include an Akron Ale Fest 2018 drinking glass and 20 beer tickets for $45. akronalefest.com ç EarthQuaker Day 2018 EarthQuaker Devices // 11 am - 9 pm It’s probably time we petition the powersthat-be to add EarthQuaker’s Octoskull to the pantheon of Akron icons, joining the Blimp, Devo’s Energy Dome, soap box derby cars, the Signal Tree and Swensons’ olive-topped Galley Boy. They are *that* Akron and their artful pedals are beloved by guitarists the world over. So as much as EarthQuaker Day is a customer appreciation day meets a music festival, this is how a growing local company, which employs about 85 percent of Akron’s musicians (*our unofficial count), celebrates its home in Akron. Check out performances by Uno Lady, Shivering Timbers, Lisa Bella Donna, Houseguest, The Man I Fell in Love With and This Moment in Black History or learn how to build your own preamp booster,

í HERE’S WHAT WE’D DO IF WE WERE YOU

power amp distortion or overdrive. Bring the kiddos, if you’ve got ‘em, because smART Studio will be on-site with art activities. We’ll even have a booth so stop by and say hello to your little friends. New for this year: an after-party at Lock 3 with performances by Black Sabbath tribute BLACK SABATH and Danzig tribute GLANZIG. devilst.rip/EQD2018 THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 é BBS Speaker Series The Uncorked Winebar // 6 - 9 pm Small business owners, sip on wine and learn how to improve your company’s online presence all at the same time when Dan Jones of Paramount Publishing Group joins the BBS Speaker Series. The retired president and CEO of Hitchcock Fleming and Associates will also conduct a talk about how to be successful in business. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and your best anecdotes for a night of networking and business advice. Tickets start at $10. devilst.rip/BBS_Aug2018 FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 è Roller Dance Party - I love the 90s Cascade Plaza // 8 - 10 pm // It’s a roller skating jam named “Fridays” when “I Love the 90s” takes over Cascade Plaza with this family-friendly roller dance party that’s totally free for the public to attend, features food, drinks and lotsa lawn games. Bring your own skates, if you’ve got it like that, or rent a pair at the plaza. devilst.rip/LoveThe90s ê RecoveryFEST 2018 ARC Recovery Services // 5 - 10 pm //

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

Back for its second year, this celebration of sober fun and entertainment is doubling the good times with twice as many bands, games, inflatables, food trucks and community impact as last year. Take your family and friends to join ARC Recovery Services and the Community of Christ Church for an evening that supports the incredible work and dedication of the folks in Akron’s recovery services community. devilst.rip/RecoveryFest2018 SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 § Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k Goodyear World HQ // 6:30 - 10 am // Does it get more Akron-y than this? The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k brings the iconic landmarks of Goodyear right under your feet for a unique and unforgettable racing experience. Set a personal record on Goodyear's Akron Proving Grounds before making your way to the company's global HQ and new campus. akronmarathon.org/registration ë Signal Tree Festival Lock 3 // 9 am - 9 pm // Hundreds of years ago, the Signal Tree let people coming off the river know exactly where they were. In that spirit, The Devil Strip’s Signal Tree Fest is a celebration of those things that tell us we’re somewhere special: our music, food, art, culture and community. In a single day, you can overindulge your Akron urges, enjoying yoga in Lock 3 and meditation in Lock 2, finding the perfect gift at Maker’s Mart in Lock 4, knocking back Thirsty Dog brew and scarfing down pizza from Luigi’s,

challenging yourself in the Jojo Eating Competition, discovering (or rediscovering) incredible local music acts like Posture, Gretchen Pleuss, Blaak Mvtter, Ben Gage, Floco Torres, CityCop and the Bizarros, among many more — while catching a different perspective on the city with sneak peek performances by the Black Card Project and Rebranding the City. Admission is free but a limited number of VIP tickets are available at devilst. rip/SignalTreeVIP for folks who want to upgrade their experience. For more details about the festivities — like how to enter the Three-Legged Construction Barrel Race or the Not Yo Daddy’s Hot Sauce Temptation — visit our website at signaltreefest.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 fi Gypsy Caravan Flea Gypsy Grace & the Vintage Goat // 12 to 5 pm // Join the unapologetically Akron-y folks at the Gypsy Caravan Flea where Gypsy Grace & The Vintage Goat, The Square Scullery and The Devil Strip have teamed with the area’s bold, beautiful and eclectic entrepreneurs for a fantastic event full of unique treasures, gourmet food, chill music and a lot of good vibes. devilst. rip/GCF-Aug2018 í Akron VegFest Lock 4 // First off, that logo. Wow. Two, if you are a vegetarian or just like food on the healthier side of the spectrum, VegFest is your chance to enjoy some fresh tastes with local vendors selling a variety of dishes. All of this comes from Charly Murphy the Akron entrepreneur behind

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Swingin’Beats & Rockin’ Tunes

Akron celebrates its third annual Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival by Jillian Holness The Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival first started in 2016 to revitalize the rich history of Akron’s jazz and blues scene that took place on Howard Street during the 1940s and 50s. Now in its third year, the festival has grown into a four-day celebration.

Over the past two years, Brown and Open Tone Music have been able to work with students in the Akron Public Schools. They also started a Saturday music program at Compass Christian Church and a summer camp.

Theron Brown, the co-creator and director of the festival says the event exposes Akron’s rich music history and the artists that help carry on the legacy.

“These students are able to work with local professionals and gain performance opportunities,” Brown says. “We also help students that may not be able to afford instruments.”

“Our artists need the community and our community need the artist. The festival is a way to expose both sides to each other,” Brown says. Besides supporting local musicians, attendees also help keep music education alive for Akron Public Schools. Brown says the festival partners with Open Tone Music, which focuses on making music performance and education accessible to students.

Brown hopes that these programs will help to strengthen Akron’s music scene for years to come. The festival kicks off Aug. 23 with a jam session at BLU Jazz+. This family-friendly event features free jazz and blues performances from local musicians, including a performance by the festival’s co-founder and director Theron Brown and the Theron Brown Trio. After the performances, audience members can take the stage and share their own soulful

Stray Dog cart, Stray Dog Mustard and the its neighbors. This year, the festival’s between S. Highland and Belvedere and Akron Pickle! akronvegfest.com on the South side of Market. devilst.rip/ PorchRokr2018 AUGUST 17-18 ‹ Dayton Contemporary Dance Co ì Polish Spaghetti Dinner Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival Polish American Citizens Club of Akron Goodyear Heights Metro Park // 8:45 10:30 pm // The Heinz Poll Summer Dance 1 - 5 pm // Feast on a Polish meal on a Sunday afternoon. The early dinner will Festival continues Akron’s tradition of include spaghetti made with a secret providing free dance performances in the sauce, meatballs, bread, salad, dessert park. The festival has expanded this year and coffee or tea. Tickets cost $9 for to offer 16 to 18 different ballets and will be presented by the Dance Institute of the adults and $4 for children. While you eat a delicious dinner surrounded by new University of Akron with performances by friends, maybe you will learn something several renowned Ohio dance companies. about the culture and community as well. Enjoy a weekend of beautiful, challenging ballet in the park. devilst.rip/HeinzPoll-2018 bit.ly/2mHs4di SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 ¢ Porch Rokr Highland Square // 10:30 am - 8 pm Porch Rokr is the city’s pre-eminent music event, transforming the verandas of one of Akron's most historic and eclectic neighborhoods into one-day art studios and concert venues. Thousands of locals and out-of-towners rock out to some 130 diverse musicians and artists, using both area residences and business establishments as their personal stage. The festival rotates each year among four sections of Highland Square to encourage spontaneous interaction among all

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

MONDAY, AUGUST 20 î Creativity & Creative Marionette Making Crave Cantina // 6:30 - 8:30 pm Create your own marionette or puppet at this class. Many marionettes — the popular toy made of wood, leather, cloth and glass — were crafted in Central America after the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. Studio 2091 will teach you how make your own basic puppet like Pinocchio. All the materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any extra supplies to add to your marionette’s personality. Tickets cost $35. devilst.rip/CraveCreativity

tunes for the open jam session. Local funky soul band, The Admirables, fronted by saxophonist Nathan-Paul Davis headline the second day of the festival. According to the band’s website, their hypnotic tunes and bold saxophone notes are inspired by many feel-good muses of groove music such as Kool & The Gang, J-Dilla, James Brown, Erykah Badu, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, plus many more. The festival concludes on August 26 with an opening performance by Pat Harris followed by performances throughout the day and evening by Schantz Quartet, Bluelight, Dan Wilson Quartet, Lucas Kadish Tundra, Shekwoga and Sammy De León y Su Orchestra. This year, there will be two new special events. For the festival’s piano series called “Piano Palooza,” Justin Kauflin, a blind pianist will be sharing his documentary at the Akron Public Library followed by a solo piano performance. Gospel band Judah Brown will help close the festival with the new event, “Be a Miracle Concert” at Burning Bush Church.

Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street

Aug. 23 - Aug 26 Free Admission Rubbercityjazz.com // Photos: Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 ï Akron Pride Music & Arts Festival Hardesty Park // 11 am - 6 pm // The Akron Pride Festival is getting bigger every year with more music and entertainment that promotes equality and inclusivity to all people. The Equality March will begin at 11 am and the entertainment will go on throughout the afternoon. Betty Who, an Australian singer known for the song “All Things,” the theme song for Netflix’s Queer Eye, will play the main stage at the free festival. With different food trucks, a children’s area and local vendors and businesses, this event will have something for everybody. akronpridefestival.org/home FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 µ Stories with the Sheep Summit County Historical Society 10:30 am // Have you ever wanted to be told a story while sitting among sheep? No? Does it sound interesting now? We thought so. Join the Summit County Historical Society at the Perkins Stone Mansion for story time. With sheep-themed stories, poems and songs from the AkronSummit County Library, librarians will read as the story comes alive. You can meet the sheep that will be grazing on Mutton Hill and make friends with the fuzzy creatures. This free event is perfect for the family, rain or shine. devilst.rip/SheepStories

MUSIC

ROOM

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

LIVE MUSIC 4 DAYS A WEEK (SOMETIMES MORE) W 8/1 The Hurt 8PM TH 8/2 Trivia 5:30PM | Tim Coyne Jazz Quartet 8PM F 8/3 Mike Lenz Band 8PM S 8/4 15-60-75 Numbers Band 8PM W 8/8 Drink & Draw with Dr Sketchy 7:30PM TH 8/9 Danjo Jazz Rock Orchestra 8PM F 8/10 The Electric Garden 8PM S 8/11 TBA SU 8/12 LO-HIO 2018 6PM W 8/15 The Record Party 7:30PM TH 8/16 Trivia 5:30PM | Karaoke w/ DJ Jon 8PM F 8/17 The Hi-Fis & Peep 8PM S 8/18 Swizzle Stick Band 8PM W 8/22 Jilly!s Open Jam 8PM TH 8/23 Trivia 5:30PM | Os Gringos 8PM F 8/24 Tim Carson 5PM | Kathy Johnson Group 7:30PM | Martha’s Mistake 10PM S 8/25 Ashley McLelland 6:30PM | Hannah Rose Collins & The Garden 7PM | Infinite Soul 8:30PM SU 8/26 LGBT/Akron Pride Drag Brunch 11AM W 8/29 The Carson Cabaret 5:30PM / The Hurt 8PM TH 8/30 Trivia 5:30PM | Fairfax & Perry 8PM F 8/31 My Friend Jack 8PM

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 Akron Ale Fest Trolley Barn // 1 pm - 5 pm // The third annual Akron Ale Fest is upon us and is better than ever. Taste what local and regional breweries have to offer with beer coming from 15 different breweries including Akronym Brewing, HiHo, Thirsty Dog, Hopping Frog, Canton Brewing and Royal Docks. No need to worry about drinking on an empty stomach. Fire Truck Pizza Co. and The Pierogi Lady are just some of the food vendors attending that will keep you full. To make the afternoon even more complete, you can shop from local artisans’ stands while sipping on a beer. Whiskerton, Champaign Paper, The Social Dept. and Akron Henna Art are just a few of 10 different stands that will be there. The Akron Coffee Roasters will also have a stand to keep you perked up throughout the afternoon. Tickets cost $45, which include an Akron Ale Fest 2018 drinking glass and 20 beer tickets. akronalefest.com Hot Summer Nights Comedy Show None Too Fragile Theatre // 8:30 - 11 pm Spend your Saturday night laughing as co-headliners Brad Kofman and Sohrab Foroozesh perform their stand-ups. Brad Kofman is a regular at several different comedy clubs including Zanies, Comedy Bar and Comedy Club on State and has been featured at the Hollywood Improv. Sohrab Foroozesh has been on the Chicago Comedy Circuit and is the producer of two long running shows in Chicago. He won The Last Bronco Standing and Funniest Person in Kalamazoo. Hosted by Funny Noizes Productions, the comedy show will also feature performances by three other stand ups throughout the night. It will be a night of jam-packed comedy you don’t want to miss. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. bit.ly/2LDuXty EarthQuaker Day 2018 EarthQuaker Devices // 11 am - 9 pm Instead of “What is EarthQuaker Day?” the better question is “What isn’t it?” Hosted by EarthQuaker Devices, a musical instrument store, and a dozen other local companies this festival has everything. EarthQuaker Day is a music festival, a customer appreciation day, a guitar show, a pedal building workshop, an art installation, a carnival and a bazaar. As a summary, it is a day to celebrate Akron. Artists Uno Lady, Shivering Timbers, Lisa Bella Donna, Houseguest, The Man I Fell

in Love With and This Moment in Black History will all have slots to perform. You might also get the chance to learn how to build your own pre-amp booster, power amp distortion or overdrive. There will also be plenty of art activities for kids to do, like drawing with smART Studio. But it doesn’t end there. The after-party at Lock 3 will have a guitar rift contest and performances by BLACK SABATH and GLANZIG. bit.ly/2uPa6Kx

colors and sparkles. Local art educator Sarah Gott is joining the Akron Sustainer to present a sill summer art camp workshop for kids between 5 and 12. The campers will also get the chance to explore bubbles with different recyclable materials. Tickets cost $25 per child, and the event will include the instruction, a snack and project materials. bit.ly/2LawFn8 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

When Dinosaurs Ruled America Cuyahoga Falls Library // 7 - 8 pm Trial by Fire Car Show Chapel Hill Mall // 6 - 11:55 pm // Show Spend the evening learning about the creatures that once roamed and off your sweet ride at this car show. The host Trial by Fire welcomes all bikes, trucks dominated the Earth before we came along. Speaker Lynette Reiner will explore and cars and people passionate about different archeological sites in America their rides. Chat with other car fanatics and see what local owners are doing with and discuss the dinosaurs that once inhabited the continent. She will also go their rides. The event only costs $1, so drive your beloved wheels to the show to into different theories about the past with dinosaurs. Was it a meteor? A flood? check out some sweet digs. Starvation? Learn about it at a thoughtful bit.ly/2NLoWZw night of dinosaurs. bit.ly/2uNnmiE SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

about how to expand your small business as well as hear from other business owners in the region. While sipping on wine, you can learn how to increase your business’ online presence. Dan Jones of Paramount Publishing Group will give a talk about how to quickly build your presence and generate more customers without spending a fortune on advertising. Retired President and CEO of Hitchcock Fleming and Associates will also conduct a talk about how to be successful in business. Tickets cost between $10 and $15. www.eventbrite.com/e/bbs-speakerseries-tickets-39626057605?aff=ebdssbd estsearch FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 Roller Dance Party - I love the 90’s Cascade Plaza // 8 - 10 pm // Start your Friday night off right with a roller dance party, ‘90s theme. Enjoy a drink, a bite to eat or one of the many lawn games available. Sponsored by the John S. And James L. Knight Foundation, this familyfriendly event is free to all. bit.ly/2zYmWLs

RecoveryFEST 2018 ARC Recovery Services // 5 - 10 pm // ARC Recovery Services and the Community of Christ Church brings a night of sober fun and entertainment in the name of recovery services for those Community Dance Class struggling with addiction. Southern Hive Mind // 1 - 2:15 pm // Get the Little Shop of Horrors Thangs Food Truck and Sandy Bottom blood in your veins flowing and your Akron Civic Theatre // 8 pm // One of Bowls will be some of many food vendors, heart rate up while also getting to the longest-running off-Broadway shows and there’ll be double the bands of last know the community at this dance is coming to Akron for a night of sci-fi year’s event. Don’t miss out on a night of class. Teacher Chloe Napoletano from goodness. Little Shop of Horrors revolves Columbus will lead the contemporary around a floral assistant Seymour Krelborn clean fun. events/363963847444959/ dance class. She is a part of several who finds a mysterious, carnivorous plant different dance organizations in Columbus that he names “Audrey II” after a crush. including SeaBus Dance Company and The plant promises the floral assistant the BalletMet. Wear whatever you’re fame and fortune so long as he continues comfortable with and just have fun at this to feed it blood, but he will later discover 18 and up event. The class is free, but the plant’s intentions of world domination. 9th Annual Growing Up Akron donations are suggested. bit.ly/2LliOKC With music and lyrics by Howard Ashman Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. // 6 - 9 pm // and Alan Menken and countless awards, If drinking and philanthropy appeals to Little Shop of Horrors is sure to bring TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 you, combine the two at Akron’s favorite a titillating performance for the night. summer fundraiser. The event benefits Tickets cost $20. Child Guidance and Family Services, an organization that provides mental health events/783835478475241/ care to youth, adults and families. Spend the night enjoying Akron beer and food BBS Speaker Series while giving to a worthwhile organization. Summer Arts Camp: Water Colors The Uncorked Winebar // 6 - 9 pm // Tickets start at $60. Akron Sustainer // 9 am - 12 pm // Are you a small business owner in the Create your very own slime with different Akron area? Come network and learn events/1825574221078540/

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AGENDA SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Poetry Hour Akron-Summit County Public Library 3 - 4 pm // Surround yourself with other poets or people who love to read them, and recite your original poems. Let the poet inside you come out to perform you work. At the library’s poetry hour, you can listen to the beauty that is poetry while enjoying complimentary coffee and cookies. bit.ly/2Aa9X9z Signal Tree Festival Lock 3 // 9 am - 9 pm // Come join us, The Devil Strip, at Akron’s Food, Music and Culture Festival. This festival is a must-go. Enjoy Akron classics like the Galley Boy, jojos and sauerkraut balls and many other food and drinks from local businesses. Akron Coffee Roasters, Sweet Mary’s Bakery and Mr. Zub’s are just some of the Akron places that will be making an appearance. And that’s just the food. What festival is complete without music? We’ve got over 15 performers that will be jamming out on stage throughout the day. Ben Gage, CityCop, Gretchen Pleuss and many other local bands and artists will be performing. Even the Ohio Shakespeare Festival will give us a little performance. If the local food and music aren’t enticing enough for you to go, we’ll also have different activities that the whole family can enjoy. You can do yoga, rock climbing, giant chess games and other extracurriculars. Don’t miss out on this perfectly-Akron festival. For more information about the event, go to Signal Tree’s website: www.signaltreefest.com/

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Goodyear Half Marathon & 10K Goodyear World Headquarters // 6:30 - 10 am // Set a personal record of achievement while catching glimpses of Goodyear’s classic scenery. Start off at 394 South Seiberling Street and end at 200 Innovation Way. With marathons since 2003, the Akron Marathon has benefited Akron Children’s Hospital with its its thousands of runners and volunteers. Since 2016 alone the organization has raised more than $900,000 for kids in the region. www.akronmarathon.org // bit.ly/2Aa0XRQ SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 Gypsy Caravan Flea GypsyGrace and The VintageGoat 12 - 5 pm // Join The Devil Strip, Gypsy Grace, The Vintage Goat and The Square Scullery for the second Gypsy Caravan Akroncentric Flea in support of Akron’s entrepreneurs. This flea market combined with a food festival will give you the chance to taste local foods and shop from local vendors. bit.ly/2LAopbW Akron VegFest Lock 4 // If you are a vegetarian or even have found yourself eating too much meat lately, enjoy the fresh tastes at VegFest. Celebrate your love of vegetables, animals and the environment at this free food festival. The vegetarian festival will have local vendors selling a variety of dishes. You’ll be able to paint and also enter into a dessert competition to see if you can cook up the best vegetarian dessert. Eat healthy for a change and dine one some veggie dinners. akronvegfest.com MONDAY, AUGUST 13 The Divine Sister at the Weathervane Weathervane Playhouse // 7:30 10:30 pm // Akron’s favorite youth performers are back with a new comedy about St. Veronica’s Mother Superior and (continued on page 11)

ONGOING

AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 12: The Three Musketeers: An Adventure, With Music // Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens // 7:45 - 10 pm // The centuries- old tale of friendship, adventure and romance is being reborn by the Ohio Shakes Family Theater Adventure. With new scripts, original music and lyrics and a local cast, The Three Musketeers will perform a thrilling, family-friendly story in one of Akron’s most historical settings. Don’t miss your chance to watch this one-weekend performance. The gates open at 6 pm for dinner, and the show starts at 8. Tickets cost between $15 and $33. bit.ly/2mIYCDT

AUGUST 16 - SEPTEMBER 16: LightNights // Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens // 7 pm // Spend an evening at Stan Hywet touring the first floor of the manor, listening to live music and watching a 3-D projection show created by Paintscaping about the Seiberling legacy. This kid-friendly event will give you and your family a blast from the past with an immersive experience about local history. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $9 for kids. stanhywet.org/events/lightnights

AUGUST 17-18: Dayton Contemporary Dance Co - Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival // Goodyear Heights Metro Park // 8:45 - 10:30 pm // Since Ohio Ballet Summer Festival ended in 2006, there hasn’t been much of an outlet for dance in Ohio. The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival is continuing Akron’s tradition of providing free dance performances in the park. The festival has expanded this year to offer 16 to 18 different ballets and will be presented by the Dance Institute of the University of Akron with performances by several renowned Ohio dance companies. Enjoy a weekend of beautiful, challenging ballet in the park. bit.ly/2LQuWPO

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THE Devil Strip |

AGENDA

y e v a D 'Taste s of theBig-Time Treen Rubber City Rocks co-founder stars in the Food Network's Kids Baking Championship! words by Paul, Davey & Jayna Treen, photos by Food Network

really reach or open after lots of trying. The bakers help each other, too, like if someone gets stuck fixing a problem, they will help each other through it. But no grown ups help bake.

Hey, Akronites!

We have some fantastic news to share! Davey, that co-author guy that we all know and love, is going to be on “Kids Baking Championship” on Food Network. Tune in Monday nights starting August 6 at 9 pm to see him whip up something sweet! My mom and I put Davey in the hot seat for an interview because he can handle the heat and stay in the kitchen. We asked him questions all of us want to know. Paul: Do Valerie and Duff [hosts of “Kids Baking Championship”] have sharp teeth? Davey: …. ummm… No! Paul: Did you get asked to make something you had never made before? Davey: Yes! We had to incorporate a special secret ingredient technique into our decorating and one of the twists was something I had never used before. Mom: People sometimes think the kids don’t actually make the food. Is that true? Did adults help you bake? Davey: You can ask for help from staff only for help with stuff you can’t

Paul: Did you get to use the ice cream maker? Davey: Yes! We all had to use it in a challenge! It was great! Paul: Did you get to use the fondant roller? Davey: Yes. I got to use the sheeter! It’s called “a sheeter!” It’s so satisfying to watch the fondant go through it and get flat. Mom: What was the most exciting part of the experience? Davey: Meeting Duff and Valerie and being in the “Kids Baking Championship” kitchen. We have our own personal kitchen area with our own mixer, basic ingredients and tasting spoons. Tasting spoons are so important because saliva is not a good ingredient in our batter! Mom: What are some of the fun things available in the kitchen? Davey: Every color of melting chocolate, lots of different types of chocolate, fun cutters for fondant, the blast chiller. Paul: Did you have a script? Davey: No. Mom: What are your future baking plans? Davey: I want to bake more miniatures. I want to make videos of miniatures baking and open a bakery shop.

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Paul: Why do you want to bake in miniatures? Davey: It’s really trendy and fun. Plus it takes up less space and mess and time! Mom: What is a great memory from the experience? Davey: Meeting a bunch of other kids with the same interests. Sadly, I was the only one from Ohio. The other kids were from all over—Colorado, New York, Florida, Washington, Georgia, Hawaii, Texas and California. Paul: Do you have any other film jobs lined up like movies or sitcoms? Davey: No! Paul: Do Valerie and Duff have sharp teeth? Davey: No?! Paul!! Mom: Paul... Paul: Okay, okay . . . Mom: How long have you been baking and how did you learn? Davey: About two years ago I got into it by trying what the kids on “Kids Baking Championship” did. I guess I got pretty good! Mom: So, what advice would you give to thousands of brand new kid bakers who are going to be inspired by you and the bakers of this season’s “Kids Baking Championship”? Davey: If you’re just starting out, start off by not staying in the “box mix phase” very long. Try different types of desserts and expand your environment. Bake for parties and bake any chance you get. Use lots of different equipment. Practice decorating.

Try to calm down and think when things go wrong so you can fix problems. Mom: Paul, how did you feel when you heard Davey was going to be on the show? Paul: I felt proud of him! Mom: Did you give him any special advice for the competition? Paul: I told him to do what he can in the time limit and experiment if he gets the chance. And to try not to talk about me too much because that could get in the way of his baking... Mom: We’re all so proud of you, Davey! Any other questions Paul? Paul: Do Valerie and Duff have sharp teeth? Davey: Arrrrrgh! Paul…! Be sure to watch Davey, who also started out as just a kid from Akron (and still lives in Akron), on “Kids Baking Championship” starting Monday, August 6, 9pm on Food Network.

—

See ya next month!

Paul, Mom and Davey

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AGENDA Nothing to Do... (continued from page 9) her challenges to faith. The performance will be performed as stage readings without feature sets. Charles Busch’s “The Divine Sister,” published in 2011, was nominated as Best New Play for the OffBroadway Alliance Award. bit.ly/2LCzNaK WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Cats on Holiday at Howe Meadow Howe Meadow // 6:30 - 8:30 pm Pop squat in the grass with your family and bring a picnic while listening to Cats on Holiday as part of the “Music in the Meadow” series. Cats on Holiday, a band from Cleveland that performs roots, Americana and zydeco music, will be performing in one of the area’s most relaxing and beautiful parks. This free event is the perfect evening activity for the family. bit.ly/2uQ6pEi THURSDAY, AUGUST 16

Salsa & Bachata Thursdays Latin Dance Party BLU Jazz+ // 9 pm // Twist those hips and move those feet to upbeat, energetic Latin music. The free Latin Dance Parties that happen every third Thursday are back with salsa, merengue, bachata and the chacha. Come at 8 for a dance lesson before the music starts. Drinks and food will also be available while you dance to the best and latest salsa, spun by DJ Yama. bit.ly/2O8fTm6 FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 Taste of Ireland Festival + WONE Rock the Lock U2 Tribute Band: Desire // Lock 3 // 6 - 11 pm // Celebrate Irish heritage with this weekend full of everything Irish: authentic Irish food, Irish beer, a tasting of Jameson, hurling, dance and music. On the first night, U2 tribute band Desire will perform and on Saturday the festival will end with a variety of different local Irish musicians. bit.ly/2LCLbDn SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 Highland Square PorchRokr Festival Highland Square // 8 am - 6 pm // If you are new to town or live underneath a rock, you might not have heard of PorchRokr, Highland Square’s annual music and art festival. In a neighborhood surrounded by coffee shops, bookstores and a Heinen’s, the festival transforms Akron’s historic and opulent neighborhood into an outdoor concert venue. More than 100 musicians take over the residents’ porches and yards, business’ properties and outdoor public spaces to jam out

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

to every genre of music. The square will also be bombarded with food vendors and artist booths featuring local talent, as well as small shops selling handmade jewelry, vintage clothes and many different trinkets. The festival starts at 11 am with the first music at noon and ends at 6. If you are an early bird and an athlete, however, a 5K will start at 8 am and finish with a cool-down yoga session. Whether you run or not, you don’t want to miss PorchRokr. www.highlandsquareakron. org/porchrokr.aspx The Slay Factory featuring Ego Maserati New Concepts and Solutions Hall 11 am - 6 pm // You might have wondered, “Could I ever be a model?” Now’s your chance to figure that out. Hosted by Micah Stevens Fashion Worldwide, the day will teach you how to be a model. Atlanta’s own Ego Maserati will coach you on runway and posing tips. No model is successful without a photoshoot, however. Michael Mills Photography will take glamorous photos of you in your own outfits and a makeover by Beauty for Ashes by Sukii will make your hair and face look fabulous. You’ll learn how to create your signature walk and how best to pose. Don’t miss your chance to be a supermodel. Tickets cost $275. bit.ly/2JFwQ3S Props & Pistons Festival Akron Fulton International Airport 10 am - Aug. 19 5 pm // Have you ever wanted to see military aircrafts and civilian airplanes up close? Now’s your chance to see military aircrafts and airplanes of all sizes. You might even have the opportunity to ride one. A car show will also take place at the airport along with food trucks and different vendors. A kids zone makes the festival perfect for a family outing. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for kids. bit.ly/2NEWE2x

Smudge Making A Creative Apothacare // 1:30 - 3:30 pm Remember the last time you watched a paranormal horror movie and some old lady walked from room to room with a bunch of smoking plants to ward off evil spirits? Well now you can learn how to make your own smudges, a form of cleansing an area of negative or unwanted energy. It uses a collection of ceremonial herbs that have been twisted into a smudge stick. Most of the time, smudge sticks are made out of sage, cedar or (continued on page 12)

AGENDA Nothing to Do... (continued from page 11) sweetgrass that help purify a room. Using a smudge stick in a room has been known to lighten one’s mood. Tickets cost $15, but be sure to reserve a spot soon as it is likely to fill up. bit.ly/2NH0dFK SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Polish Spaghetti Dinner Polish American Citizens Club of Akron 1 - 5 pm // Feast on a Polish meal on a Sunday afternoon. The early dinner will include spaghetti made with a secret sauce, meatballs, bread, salad, dessert and coffee or tea. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $4 for children. While you eat a delicious dinner, maybe you will learn something about the culture and community as well. bit.ly/2mHs4di MONDAY, AUGUST 20

Creativity & Creative Marionette Making Crave Cantina // 6:30 - 8:30 pm Create your own marionette or puppet at this class. Many marionettes were made in Central America after the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. Often made of wood, leather, cloth and glass, marionettes became a popular toy and craft. With the help of Studio 2091, you can learn how make a basic puppet like Pinocchio while eating Latin American food from Crave. Tickets cost $35. bit.ly/2LEm439 THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

Sweeney Todd Akron Civic Theatre // 8 pm // Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd. Presented by

The Millennial Theatre Project, the demon barber of Fleet Street is coming to Akron’s Civic Theatre. It has received eight Tony’s and has toured worldwide. The musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, an exiled barber who returns to London to seek vengeance against those that wronged him. This cabaret performance is sure to thrill and entertain you. Tickets cost $20. bit.ly/2LwIOCg

ice, baby. Relive the 90s (which is almost 20 years ago) with a night of classic 90s artists. Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Naughty by Nature, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, and Young MC will all be making appearances throughout the night. Tickets cost between $34 and $104. bit.ly/2LQ1I3U Blues & Brews presented by Thirsty Dog Lock 3 // 2 pm // Get a chance to taste Thirsty Dog’s limited edition, barrel-aged beers while enjoying lunch and listening to local blues music. Sounds like a perfect summer afternoon. bit.ly/2mxzhwm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival: The Admirables BLU Jazz+ // 7:30 - 11 pm // Take the family to experience a free night of jazz and blues music from both local and national performers. Presented by Open Tone Music, the event benefits youth education programming and will feature a performance by Cleveland soul band Nathan-Paul & The Admirables. The band’s music touches several different genres, like Afro-Caribbean Spice (Spreading The funk, trap, jazz, soul and hiphop. Don’t Kulcha) Reggae Dancehall Music miss a night of groovy tunes. bit.ly/2NzFfIS The Rialto Theatre // 8 pm - 1 am Revel in a night of African and Caribbean SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 culture with music, dance and food. Different music from Africa and the Caribbean will be performed, including reggae, with the intention of spreading the Kulcha, or culture of Afro-Caribbeans. Dinner from Pots & Pans Jamaican Cuisine will include chicken frikazee, rasta stew and ochie mix. Travel down south and Akron Pride Music & Arts Festival taste the sweet flavors of the Caribbean Hardesty Park // 11 am - 6 pm // The Akron Pride Festival is getting bigger every while moving to the fast rhythms of reggae. bit.ly/2LpXcMy year with more music and entertainment that promotes equality and inclusivity to SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 all people. The Equality March will begin Band of Outsiders (1964) at 11 am and the entertainment will go on throughout the afternoon. Betty Who, The Nightlight // 6:30 pm // As a welcome of the Young French Cinema an Australian singer known for the song “All Things,” the theme song for Netflix’s Festival, the Nightlight theater is Queer Eye, will play the main stage at the screening Band of Outisders. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, the movie is about free festival. With different food trucks, cinephile slackers who spend their days a children’s area and local vendors and businesses, this event will have something mimicking wild westerns and classic for everybody. www.akronpridefestival.org Hollywood movies. Eventually, their love for courageous outlaws leads them to plan their own heist. This drama and I Love the 90’s Tour InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field // 7 pm crime film tells the story of romantics and *Beginning of “Under Pressure” plays* Ice their desire to go out in a blaze of glory.

nightlightcinema.com/movie/band-ofoutsiders THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 Salvestrin Wine Tasting The Wine Mill // 6 - 9 pm // The Salvestrin Winery from Napa Valley is sending four special wines along with a representative to the local Wine Mill for this not-to-miss event. The Salvestrin Winery has been in business since 1932 and takes pride in its sustainable production of their handcrafted wine. bit.ly/2NLysvH FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 Rubber City Shakedown The Vortex // 7 - 11:59 pm // This free music event is headlined by Northcoast Shakedown, an Akron rock and blues band with an eclectic mix of rock-and-roll music. Bands HEXUM, Fifth & Aurora and Divorce Horse will also be performing. HEXUM is a band from Canton that specializes in hard, punk rock music or stoner rock. Fifth & Aurora, an indie band from Youngstown and Divorce Horse, a Buddhist, free jazz band with pop sensibilities will show off their tunes. bit.ly/2uRCk7a

Stories with the Sheep Summit County Historical Society 10:30 am // Have you ever wanted to be told a story while sitting amongst sheep? No? Does it sound interesting now? We thought so. Join the Summit County Historical Society at the Perkins Stone Mansion for story time. With sheepthemed stories, poems and songs from the Akron-Summit County Library, librarians will read as the story comes alive. You can meet the sheep that will be grazing on Mutton Hill and live inside a story book. This free event is perfect for the family, rain or shine. bit.ly/2JUqWvS

We are YOUR Summit County

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

@hfhsummitcounty

NEW STORE HOURS

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

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

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SCRAP TIRE RECYCLING Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Center 1201 Graham Road in Stow

Every Thursday, now through the end of September

from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

> Summit County residents only (no businesses) > Limit of 10 Tires Per Car > $1.00 fee per tire (CASH ONLY)

To learn more about this event go to summitreworks.com/tires

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Akron Mini

7/19/18 1:55 PM

THE EXCITING SUMMER SPECTACULAR RETURNS

CALL FOR MAKERS through August 22 Not Sure If You’re a Maker? Visit our webpage for more information.

akron.makerfaire.com August 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 30, 31 September 2, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16 Evenings 7 to 10pm Manor House open until 8pm. $14 member adults $7 member youth (ages 6-17) Visit stanhywet.org

For more information please call 330-643-9145

Presented by

714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 330.836.5533

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COMICS AUGUST

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

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the palette

16 WHAT IS THE BLACK CARD PROJECT 17 JEREMY JENKINS TO REVEAL PROJECT AT SIGNAL TREE FEST

THE AKRON ART SCENE

20 COMICS

we had (the now defunct Audio Eagle) and went to see bands all the time and kept abreast of what was going on. There was also Myspace, which was cool. Everything’s just Facebook now and I don’t find it’s easy to keep apprised of what’s going on with Facebook. I’m just old. I think the music scene comes and goes. The time that we were playing was really nice because we had a venue downtown that we were kind of personally connected to. The Lime Spider was right downtown around the exact years we were together.

About the Cover...

A conversation with

Ted Mallison words and photos by Dave Daly

Ted Mallison has been part of the Akron art scene for the last two decades, establishing himself as a singer in the band Houseguest during the heady days of the aughts and, more recently, as a visual artist. His artwork graces the cover of this issue and you’ve probably seen his comics in previous issues. He also has feelings and emotions about Akron’s architecture. I caught up with Ted at Nervous Dog to grab a cup of joe while chatting about Houseguest’s upcoming reunion show at Earthquaker Day, how the city’s art has evolved over the years and more. Dave Daly: Houseguest stopped playing regularly and recording together in 2009. You’ve had several reunion shows between now and then. How does it feel getting together every few years compared to when you all played regularly? Ted Mallison: It doesn’t really feel any different. Time goes by so fast now it doesn’t even seem weird. Plus, I mean, I see all these people all the time anyway.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

We all still live here, except for one of us lives in Los Angeles and he’s not coming back for this show.

DD: Does your music still feel relevant to your life? TM: No, not at all. We decided we weren’t going to play anything off the last record and, actually, since we’re only going to have one guitar player (for the upcoming show) we’re not playing much off of the second to last record either and that’s good because I don’t relate to anything I was writing at the time lyric wise. We identify with the older stuff we wrote when we were in college more than the stuff we wrote later when we started taking the band seriously. DD: As someone who’s bore witness to it, how has Akron’s music scene evolved and changed over the last 20 years? TM: I have no idea because I’m 38 now and I don’t know what’s going on. I mean I have no clue. I am so out of touch with everything. The last time I paid attention to what was going on in Akron music was 2009. I helped run the record label

DD: You’re also a visual artist and designing August’s Devil Strip cover. What draws you to making art, whether it’s music or otherwise? TM: I’m not sure. Because I need to do it? I need to do something, to get ideas out somehow. I mostly draw comics and that’s what I always wanted to do so the drawing is a means to an end in that way. I have only recently started to draw just to draw for its own sake. Like, draw a picture that doesn’t have a narrative accompanying it. DD: How does one ‘Chow Up?’ TM: I don’t know what that means and I don’t know where it came from. DD: I was thinking chow down, but chow up instead? I noticed it on the Houseguest Facebook page as a common refrain in posts. TM: It was something we used to say. We used to write these fan fictions on the Myspace page and they were our adventures as a band and we just had all these catchphrases that we would say that made no sense and I think that’s probably where that came from. I lost all those when Myspace changed their format. They got rid of all of our data, not that I would probably actually want to read those again. I remember staying up late, writing them and giggling. DD: As a fan of some of the architecture around these parts, are there any buildings

and structures in Akron that have inspired your art? TM: The album covers got some buildings on them. I was trying to draw a conglomeration of Akron buildings. I like Akron’s architecture a lot. I like Akron’s, like, 60’s reinforced concrete architecture. There’s something about it. I like the way it looks. It’s kind of harsh. DD: What’s next for you and your art? TM: Trying to be more of just an artist, to develop something that goes beyond trying to draw comics all the time because it can be frustrating to try and write a story and have characters look the same from page to page. It becomes a lot of work. For the past 20 years that’s all I’ve done is draw comics and it’s kind of restrictive. Musically, my current band is attempting to record stuff. DD: Is Tommy Wiseau invited to the show? I noticed he was invited to a 2013 reunion show and just happened to have watched The Disaster Artist the other night. TM: That’s really good. I was really surprised by how good it was. I don’t know if it’s just because I enjoy 90 minutes of James Franco doing that impression or if it was actually a good movie, but I enjoyed it. Yeah sure, he’s always invited. It’s a standing invitation. Check Ted and his band Houseguest’s highly anticipated reunion show at Earthquaker Day on Saturday, August 4. They play at 3:15 pm. Mallison’s current band, We Be Brakes ‘N’ Shit, will play at the Matinee on August 18 at 10 pm. Let’s chat again,

Dave Daly

EARTHQUAKER DAY 350 W. Bowery Street, Akron, OH 44307

Saturday, August 4, 11a – 9p For more information visit earthquakerdevices.com

Houseguest For more information, check out Houseguest on Myspace Oh wait…you’ll have to look them up on Facebook

AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

THE Devil Strip |

THE PALETTE

PREVIEW:

The Black Card Project: Movement Based Examination of Black Authenticity by Josy Jones

ood morning children and welcome to “Booker-T Malcolm Luther Parks Academy of Absolute Blackness.” I know, I giggled too. This fictional institution of higher learning is from the dance theatre piece “The Black Card Project,” the brainchild of dancer and choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson in collaboration with fellow dancer, Kevin Parker. Although comedy is his tool, this Akron native’s intention is far more complicated than an easy-going comedy. “The Black Card Project” is the story of a young Black kid named Artie whose mother sends him to Booker-T Malcolm Luther Parks Academy of Absolute Blackness to connect to his cultural identity. There, Artie has an entire school day to get all of the pieces of the puzzle that complete his Black Card. He takes classes like “How to Dance on Beat” and “Thuggin’ 101” in order to accomplish this goal. Dominic describes it as taking Saturday morning cartoons, like “Fat Albert,” 90s Black sitcoms, like “Family Matters” and Minstrel shows, throwing them in a blender and pouring them out. From this, you have “The Black Card Project,” a project designed to challenge the definition of Blackness and widen the scope of its meaning.

planted. In the meantime, Dominic spent his time continuing to do the things he loved in the shadows and picking up track [a “Black” sport] to regain his points with his community. In later years, he was able to begin working for the Inlet Dance Theatre out of Cleveland and has since been the recipient of local, national and international fellowships for his work. Meanwhile, many individuals he knew from his childhood were taking a less prosperous path, including prison in some cases and death in others. He felt like he needed to do something.

“I’m not making this show for other dancers,” Dominic admits about the importance of involving others in the process. Currently, the project is in partnership with the Goodyear Black Network to develop more portions.

The goal? To use this dance theatre piece to create a dialogue and widen the narrow scope of what Black people can be. For Dominic and a lot of people he grew up with, if you were Black you could be a basketball player, rapper or a thug, the readily available images of Black success. He wants to make sustainable, measurable change for Black people to Dominic received the National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellowship see past those three options into a world The term “Black Card,” according to Dominic’s elegant definition, is “an African (NASCCF), a program designed to provide of endless possibility. The creation of the dance is only Phase 1 of 3 to complete his artists with the tools needed to support American metaphor for one’s Black vision. Phase 2 allows the project to tour their project ideas. It was here that he identity, authenticity and belonging.” In realized that there was a show in his head schools, leads to movement workshops use, many African Americans use it with and discussions with students about one another and will take away a person’s and “The Black Card Project” was born. identity, travels to businesses where there imaginary Black Card for doing things that Thanks to Inlet Dance Theatre receiving they perceive to be less Black. In Dominic’s Knight Arts Challenge funds, he was able are Black people in fields other than the three options above and eventually ends to start working on bringing it to life. In case, this offense came young. Many of with some of those kids having internship collaboration with Kevin Parker, another his friends wanted to be great athletes, like LeBron. Dominic, however, wanted to artist from Inlet, Dominic was able to start or apprenticeship opportunities. Phase 3 takes this model to a national scale. the project by going into schools to do dance in Paris or play professional soccer movement workshops to create portions in England and was quickly told by his Pictured above: Kevin Parker (left) playing Artie and of the show with community input. childhood friends that those things Dominic Moore-Dunson (right) playing teachers. Photo Students were able to inform costume “ain’t Black.” courtesy of Dominic Moore-Dunson; Right: Dominic decisions and content and Kevin and Dunson-Moore’s Inlet Dance Theatre headshot. Photo Dominic added it to the show. The seeds of the Black Card Project were courtesy of Inlet Dance Theatre.

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

“The Black Card Project’s” Kevin Parker and Dominic Moore-Dunson will be showing a 15- minute snippet at Signal Tree Fest on Aug. 11 at 1:30 pm. The piece will premiere in its entirety on September 14 and 15 at Firestone High School. To find out more about the Black Card Project and to follow its progress, please visit them at blackcardproject or the Inlet Dance Theatre at InletDance.org.

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Jeremy Jenkins Will Unveil a Special Project at

on August 11 By Yoly Miller

rtist Jeremy Jenkins has been keeping secrets. As any good artist will avow, this is all for a good reason. Ideas, good or bad, have a way of walking into other’s brainstorming sessions. Keeping his current work under wraps ensures that Jenkins can work without interference, or unsolicited advice, on an art project that might have an impact on the city at large. With his latest project, he dips into his mixed media and muralist background to bring renewed interest to overlooked places in Akron. It is part of the Art+Love project housed in the Law Building in Downtown Akron. He is working out of the Comunale Sculptural Concepts Studio in Canal Place, where all sorts of metal sculpting and fabricating takes place. It is sponsored in part by APV Engineered Coatings of Akron. The unveiling for Jeremy Jenkins’ project will be this August at Signal Tree Fest on August 11. Jenkins, an Akron native, is known for his large, colorful and fun paintings. They are inspired, in part, by his extensive travel abroad and by his early life in Firestone

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Park. Influences from 1960s and 1970s expressionism abound in his work as well. His “Untitled” piece in the 2016 FRESH juried show at Summit Art Space won him an Honorable Mention. He was one of 10 artists chosen by Reworks in 2015 to make art using household paints slated for disposal. He was also a participant in the Akron High Arts Festival. All that aside, this new project is going to be very different. It waits to be seen if his signature style, one that has been associated with Jenkins since he came to the notice of Akron art enthusiasts, still shines through or if he has decided to go in a totally new direction with this endeavor. Either way, Jeremy Jenkins is putting his mark on the Akron landscape. To see more of Jeremy Jenkins’ work you can visit his Artist Profile at summitlive365.com or at JeremyJenkinsArtist.

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THE Black B OX

It Must Ring True: A Review of “Silentious Scream” by Progressive Perspective Theatrical words and photos by Josy Jones

members who sexually abuse their kin are often treated. No one says anything and those hurt are expected to move forward. I did not like the fact that it was about rape and drugs and that it was in the vein of urban theater, but maybe the message needs to be repeated until we embrace the messages of these pieces that are telling us to stop hurting one another and to stop letting addiction destroy our families and our health. And if this is the way we get the message out and people are enjoying it, who am I to say anything? Who am I to tell Black people how to tell their stories? Just because it is not my current experience as a Black woman does not mean it is not true. A woman in the audience of this production may feel less alone and someone who knows a family member being abused may speak up.

’m starting this Black Box review in a weird place and I need to begin with an odd statement: I do not like urban theater. I define urban theater, known by many names (including “gospel plays” and “inspirational plays”) to be an African American-focused play that follows a woman’s inner turmoil, usually a product of physical abuse by a man. These plays normally take place in contemporary settings and have exaggerated archetypes, Christian messages and music throughout as well as an inspirational message. The most popular producer of urban theater is the famous Tyler Perry. I say all of these things because I consider “Silentious Scream,” created by A. Marie Haugabrook of Progressive Perspective Theatrical, urban theater. It is the story of the Johnson family’s youngest daughter, Byline, who has experienced sexual abuse from her sibling and is doing her best to heal and move forward. Byline, who is electrifyingly played by Chaunice Kendking — really, the woman had me in tears — has frequent discussions with her pastor and is in the process of applying to Juilliard to study theatre. The 17-year-old struggles to unearth family secrets and emerge whole again. someone close to them to speak out. The cast was primarily African American and written by an African American woman. I should be ecstatic; however, I could Pastor (left) and Byline (right) as Byline gets not shake the feeling of wanting to see counseling;Character Allyse (standing) calling more Black stories that do not have rape, ambulance for unconscious Byline. drugs or poverty as their subjects. If these subjects do show up, I would like to see On the surface, the story is meant to be them explored differently. Although, credit a positive message to encourage those to “Silentious Scream” for not ending who are held hostage by the trauma of physical abuse experienced at the hands of with the principal woman finding the Pictured below (left to right): Cast standing over a sick Byline on her hospital bed;

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

healing she desired in another man. This was my genuine, initial response. Then I thought, “Who cares how I feel?” This story would not be retold again and again if it did not ring true for Black people and the audiences that love these stories. I did not like the way the person who physically abused Byline was allowed to stay around as if he had done nothing, but that rings true for how family

Although it was not the type of theater I prefer, I admired the hard work of the cast. They brought a new theater piece to life with energy and stage presence, which is not an easy thing to do. Haugabrook wrote and directed a new theater piece (which not everyone has the gumption to do), and brought organizations, like the Rape Crisis Center and Battered Women’s Shelter, to speak to the audience. But most of all, Haugabrook spoke her truth and the production had an engaged, devoted crowd ready to receive her message. So congratulations and thank you for continuing to do the work that you do, as a Black woman but also as an advocate for those who need to be heard. Follow Progressive Prospective Theatrical at www.pptheatrical.org.

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Welcome Angie & Jessica to our team

COMICS

Frank's Place 2018 by Emily Dressler The annual Highland Square PorchRokr Music and Art Festival will take place Saturday, August 18 from 10:15 am to 8 pm. More than 30 porches, lawns and businesses between South Highland Avenue and Belvidere Way on the south side of West Market Street will host bands, artists, food vendors and drink vendors. This daylong event, created and managed by the Highland Square Neighborhood Association (HSNA), is held in a different quadrant of Highland Square each year and is expected to draw at least 10,000 people to the area. PorchRokr is the cool, real-life application of those nightmare word problems from middle school math: area bands will perform on porches every hour throughout the ten-hour festival. Each porch will host one band every other hour. At least three bands will perform on each porch. If you add all that together and round up your answer, it equals a lot of music. You should bring ear plugs because it is important to be proactive about preserving your hearing. Performances are scheduled strategically across porches and front yards so that sounds and songs are not constantly overlapping, but some overlap seems likely. Local bands have not always proven themselves to be bastions of punctuality. Hopefully, event volunteers will help keep things on schedule. In total, about 130 bands are slated to perform. Each year, the HSNA receives more applicants than the year before, and each year, they have had to turn down an increasing number of acts due to time and space constraints. This year, more than 260 bands submitted applications. Reflect momentarily on the fact that PorchRokr 2013 featured 90 bands.

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Organizers have also had to reject some porches, mostly due to their proximity to other porches. Getting a rejection letter for your porch seems like a strangely sad event. In addition to the numerous porch-stages, there are also four actual stages within the event footprint. The mainstage, located behind Fifth Third Bank on Beck Avenue, will host various performances and giveaways throughout the day. The Guitar Orchestra will formally kick off the event at 10:15 on the mainstage. The event headliner, Red Rose Panic, will close out the day on the mainstage. The other stages are located near the Beer Garden, behind the Two Turtles plaza and at the corner of West Market Street and Byers Avenue. Although the wide breadth of music and artists at PorchRokr is impressive, the festival also has admirable zero waste initiatives. The HSNA has reached out to the Big Love Network and Summit ReWorks for assistance with composting and recycling. This is good, considering Akron’s recent problems with putting dirty or contaminated recyclables into our recycle bins. Sorry, Mayor Horrigan — we’re trying to be better! As part of the zero waste goal, the HSNA says they have made efforts to guide food vendors toward using compostable materials, like corn-based utensils and plates. The Beer Garden will be using compostable cups that will eventually be composted by the Akron Zoo’s aerobic composter. This means that the Akron Zoo will turn your empty beer cup into soil conditioners, which is pretty cool. For event updates, band schedules and other relevant information, check out the Highland Square PorchRokr 2018 event page on Facebook.

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The Wanderer

Festivals You Might See Hippie Johnny At by Dave Daly Summer ain’t no bummer this August in Akron.

Park. Rather, it takes place downtown spread

On Saturday, August 18 they’ll be over a 100

We got festivals coming out the wazoo every weekend! I usually only wander down to Canal

throughout Lock’s 2, 3 and 4. Don’t know what a lock is or where they are? Just hop in the canal and you’ll figure it out.

performances on a bunch of different porches. Of course, they’ll also be plenty of food, art and booze for sale throughout the day too.

This fest starts off with a welcome and yoga

Highland Square watering holes will have plenty to offer as well during and after the fest. A little

breakfast at 8:30 am and goes till midnight so be sure to go to bed early Friday night. I’m

bird on the street told me The Matinee will be hosting a reunion show by one of Akron’s finest

looking forward to watching people stuff their faces with pizza and jojos during the food

bands of the aughts, Houseguest. Chow up!

Park during the warm season for you my dear readers. However, this month I’m committed to hitting all the carnivals, fiestas and jubilees up, camping trips be damned! I may get a baseball game or two in still. Here’s a look at where I’ll saunter and what I might do once I get there.

Earthquaker Day

eating contests, as well as performances by LuvAbstract and Ghost Slime.

_______________

________

I love Earthquaker Day. The fact that we have

Akron VegFest

______________

Three years deep now, the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival just gets better and better. I

one of the premier guitar pedal manufacturers, Earthquaker Devices, creating fantastic gadgets

Vegetables rule. Festivals do too. Cleveland has a tremendous vegetarian festival early in the

remember the craziest thunder and lightning storm during the inaugural fest. The tent above

right downtown is phenomenal. Even more phenomenal is their love for the community and those that support them. Come see some killer bands, support local artists, coffee makers, breweries and more on Saturday, August 4 from 11 am to 9 pm at their headquarters. Don’t forget after the party is the after party! Seriously, they have Glanzig, a Danzig cover band and Black Sabath, a, you guessed it, Black Sabbath cover band, slated to play at Lock 3. Mothersaaa, tell your children to get their asses down to Earthquaker Day.

summer and it’s no wonder Akron wouldn’t wants to get in on the action as well. This will be Akron VegFest’s inaugural season and community support will be pivotal in creating an annual event. Plan on getting your veg on Sunday, August 12 from 10-6p at Lock 4.

the main stage nearly blew away. Dudes had to jump and grab the thing before the wind took it. Last year the festival increased in size and scope with additional venues and performers. This year, from August 23-26, hear some of the finest jazz and blues music from local acts and more. Akron’s music history has deep blues and jazz roots and we are fortunate that folks like Theron Brown are able to make such an event happen.

Signal Tree Festival

________

Porchrokr

___________________

You’re probably a sucker if you haven’t heard of and/or attended PorchRokr in Highland Square. I say probably because I’m willing to entertain excuses. They’re going to be lame though. “I was out of town.” “My sister got married.” “I had a bad case of the cooties.” No worries

Get out this month in Akron. There are many things to do week in and out. All events detailed above are FREE to attend! So there, now you have to go.

See you in the mix.

Is it a conflict of interest that I’m going to hype the festival put on by this very magazine? Hopefully. Billed as “An All-About-Akron Extravaganza,” Signal Tree Festival takes

though because once again Porchrokr returns bigger and better than ever. This year they’ll be back in the quadrant of Highland Square I witnessed my inaugural vestibule extravaganza.

place Saturday, August 11 and is not held at

Since 2014, it’s grown impressively and become

Church of Starry Wisdom playing on a random porch post

the Signal Tree in the Cascade Valley Metro

a gem of the summer festival circuit.

PorchRokr (Photos courtesy of The Wanderer/Dave Daly).

Notes on First Kisses

Allen Wexler thought he was the first, and I let him strut that fact for days. The only myth of first kisses is that there is only one. The first kiss on the lips, the first one with tongues. The first with feeling (it’s probably fear). How can you believe a word I say, once you know where my mouth has been? Josh Elias asked first. Kenny Hudgins should have brushed his teeth better. Can you believe a word I say, until you know what else my mouth can do? Shut up and kiss me, fool.

Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

Pictured (top to bottom): JoJo eating contest at last year’s Signal Tree Fest; Rhodes Street Rude Boys taking it to the porch;

“NOTES OF FIRST KISSES” BY SARAH PERRIER The poem “Notes of First Kisses” appears in the poetry collection “Nothing Fatal” by Sarah Perrier, published by The University of Akron Press as part of the Akron Series in Poetry. Visit uakron.edu/uapress to order a copy of Sarah’s book and to browse other Akron Series in Poetry books. // Cover image courtesy of The University of Akron Press.

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culture club

22 YOGA AT SIGNAL TREE FEST 23 AKRON MARATHON 24 THE CHILDREN OF NEW AMERICANS

AKRON'S COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Break Out Your Rainbow Flags! Akron Pride Fest Comes to Hardesty Park Words by Devon Anderson, Photos by Claude Christensen

t seems like all summer long, Pride events have popped up in cities across the country, and Akron finally gets its turn on Aug. 25 in Hardesty Park from noon to 6 pm. An Equality March leading the way to Hardesty kicks off at 11 am in Highland Square. This year’s event will be the second of its kind. Sponsored by corporations and local businesses, including PNC Bank, the First Congregational Church of Akron, Mustard Seed, and Summa Health, Akron Pride Festival 2018 is a great day for the community to come together to support everyone within its borders, regardless of who or how they love. Pride promises vendors and nonprofits whose mission is to enhance and promote equality for all families in Akron and surrounding areas. Local musicians will take the stage, including Australian pop star Betty Who on the Main Stage. Volunteers, marchers, and sponsors are still needed. More information can be found at akronpridefestival.org.

Akron Pride Festival 2018 August 25; 12-6pm 1615 W Market St akronpridefestival.org Admission: Free Equality March starts at 11am in Highland Square

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Meet Akron’s Yoga Connoisseurs words by Kristina Aiad-Toss

Gretchen Horinger kicks off Signal Tree with Yoga What a better way to kick off Signal Tree Fest than starting the day with Gretchen Horinger’s yoga practice at Lock 3. The free class will begin at 9 am on August 11 and will be followed by a meditation at 10 am at Lock 2 taught by Nikki Shell from Yoga Squared. Signal Tree Fest will begin at 12 pm at Lock 3 and will feature local artists, music, and vendors to celebrate Akron. Learn about Gretchen, the yoga teacher leading the event.

GRETCHEN HORINGER Gretchen’s love of yoga started with a passion for running while attending college at Virginia Tech in Richmond. She began practicing yoga as a supplement to running and eventually graduated from YMCA classes to attending a fullon yoga studio. Having a good teacher made her “fall deeper in love” with the physical, mental and emotional benefits of practicing yoga. After practicing for three years, Gretchen completed her yoga training at the Yoga Room with Marni Task in Cleveland’s Little Italy.

+ Fitness Coordinator. In addition, she teaches one class a week at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center Modern life can be fragmented and disconnected because technology is isolating people from authentic relationships with others and themselves. For this reason, Gretchen practices and teaches yoga. She loves the sense of connection that yoga brings and its ability to teach us to foster our inner selves.

What's special about the yoga community in Akron? Gretchen has taught yoga for seven years “There’s something for everyone in the at many studios including Lifesource Yoga, Akron yoga community. Each studio offers their own approach, their own ‘flavor’ of Yoga Bliss, Release Yoga, The Little Yoga yoga so to speak. The yoga-curious in our Shop, TraK Athletics, Do Good Yoga and even had her own studio. However, today city are pretty lucky because they’ve got options and can shop around to find a Gretchen says she found her “home” at Rock Mill Climbing as a Jivamukti-inspired studio or teacher that really resonates with them.” Vinyasa class instructor and the Yoga

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Blair Teal

is the 2017 Akron Marathon champ. He won with a time of 2:23:39. From Charlotte, North Carolina, Blair is an experienced marathon-runner. And he highly recommends the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, even though he’s from out-of-state.

The Devil Running The Blue Line What it Takes to Win: Verrelle Wyatt words and photos by Claude Christensen

Verrelle won the JV race at an invitational. Two days later, he finished second in the varsity race at another invitational. He kept on winning, and he enjoyed it.

s summer winds down this August, competitors in the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon reach the peak of their conditioning and turn their thoughts toward race day on September 29.

Pictured: Important to stretch before a workout.

“The race is very well managed,” says Blair. Plus, as an elite runner, the race organizers let him supply his own fluids at aid stations. Like Verrelle, running is how Blair decompresses. But it’s also more than that. “Running is a great metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put in it. It teaches you to set goals and follow through. And you can take those lessons you learn through running and apply them to everyday life.” Blair attributes most of his successes in life to the simple wisdom he’s learned while running. And it makes sense. There are few challenges as daunting as training for the 26 miles, 385 yards of a marathon. You just have to commit and follow through. // Photo: twitter.com/AkronMarathon

And I wonder: Who will win this year? And what kind of person finishes first in a marathon? I went to find out. Two hours, 24 minutes, 57 seconds. That’s how long it took Verrelle Wyatt to run the Akron Marathon. He won second place in 2017. That means he ran an average pace of 5:32 per mile. For 26.2 miles. I dream about running that fast. Only 1:18 behind the winner of last year’s Akron Marathon, Blair Teal from North Carolina, Verrelle is itching for a win when he competes in the Akron Marathon this September. I caught up with Verrelle in July on an easy day of his marathon training. Lean and bespectacled, Verrelle has the easy grace of someone well accustomed to long distances. An Akron native, Verrelle grew up on the west side near Buchtel High,

Verrelle is 31 years old this year, edging into the end of his prime as a long-distance but he moved when his mom, Veronica runner. After the 2018 Akron Marathon, Walker, uprooted the family to Copley. “My he doesn’t plan on training for another brothers and I were getting into trouble. marathon, at least not competitively. We all joined different gangs. My mother didn’t want any of that. So, we moved.” This is why he’s putting it all in this year and taking a risk that could be the difference At Copley, Verrelle had difficulty adjusting between gold or no medal whatsoever. to his new school, the absence of his friends and the complete change in culture He’s going on a diet — The keto (short and skin tone that Copley represented. As for ketogenic) diet, to be exact. That an outsider, he often butted heads with means Verrelle has forsaken the runner’s his classmates and with the Copley crosspreferred source of fuel, carbohydrates and country team sugars, for fat. “I can only eat 50 grams of carbohydrates a day,” he says. “I bragged that I was faster than any of the other guys on the team,” says Verrelle. That’s right. Only 50 grams of So, the summer after his freshman year, he carbohydrates. That’s equivalent to about trained to prove his brag. He ran a lot. four slices of white bread. It’s also less than 300 calories. When cross-country season rolled around, (continued on page 26)

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Outdoor Gems: Exploring Northeast Ohio SILVER CREEK METRO PARK words and photos by Anthony Boarman

ne of the many things I love about living in Akron is the proximity to such a wide range of amenities like restaurants, theaters, parks, bike trails, markets … the list goes on. The great part about living in an area that offers so much is that you have no reason to branch away from it. However, the worst part about living in an area that offers so much is that you have no reason to branch away from it. I was thinking about this as I was hiking Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton for the first time. Just like anyone else, I get in a comfort zone with the parks that I visit and tend to not try anything new. I have been wanting to check this one out for a long time, but have not done so mostly because of its distance from Akron (about 15-20 minutes away). I was blown away by this park that I have now visited twice. I can’t really pick a favorite destination within the Summit Metro Parks, but Silver Creek is now in my top three. As much as I love living in Akron, this park gives you a rural escape with a lot of history.

1990s, the 50-acre spring-fed Silver Creek Lake was added to the property, making use of a spring from an old mine near Wall Road. This lake offers recreational swimming, water sports and fishing. On my first visit to the park, I started in the Big Oak area and set out on 2-mile Chippewa Trail. This path guides you through a mix of open fields and wooded areas, but most importantly this is where you can view the Civil War era Harter Dairy barn and silos. The trail offers some really neat perspectives of these structures. Many of the trees you see along the trail that have matured were planted in the 1960s and 1980s by Girl Scout troops. You really get a feel for the history of the area as you walk along this trail. During my second visit, I wanted to make sure to hike the less strenuous Pheasant Run Trail. This is a 1.2-mile loop which offers similar open fields as the Chippewa Trail, but the main feature, about a half mile in, is the trail-lined pines. I have never experienced the smell of pine the way I did along this trail. It was amazing!

Pictured above: The Harter Dairy Farm barn If you feel like escaping some of the hustle

at Silver Creek Metro Park According to the Summit Metro Park website, Silver Creek spans more than 1,000 acres and is the site of the former Harter Dairy Farm, which traces its roots back to the Civil War. Also, part of this park’s history lies beneath the surface as it was the site of a former coal mine until about the turn of the 20th century. In the

of Akron, Silver Creek Metro Park is a great place to go. I only scratched the surface on everything that this park offers. I highly recommend you put this one at the top of your list to explore next. Check out more photos from this edition of NEO Outdoor Gems at thedevilstrip.com.

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Pictured (clockwise from top right): The Chippewa Trail; Silver Creek Lake at sunset; The infamous trail lined pines along the Pheasant Run Trail; The Harter Dairy Farm silos from The Chippewa Trail; A duck protects its chicks at Silver Creek Lake.

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THE CHILDREN OF NEW AMERICANS

————————————————————— by Zaina Salem —————————————————————

to accept that no matter where, who, or what you come from it’s looked at as a new way to see the world.

it thought our history —people just hate each other for the dumbest reasons. But the more that we can talk and share love and open-mindedness —I think we can make a difference.

Judy Lin

Pictured above: Verrelle often trains at the Sand Run Metro Park in the Valley.

After that, runner’s bodies’ will switch to burning just fat. Fat is a much more complex molecule than glycogen, and, as a result, a lot harder to burn.

Luis Escudero

I’m really proud of what my family has been able to accomplish in the states and just to be against all odds. That’s been my motivation. Many of my friends who are American citizens who have complete freedom and rights in this country don’t even take advantage of what they have. Coming here to this country and being on DACA and not have the privileges that most Americans have but still graduate college, be thriving, happy, and part of a successful family business….It makes me proud that I am an immigrant so I can represent underprivileged people or underrepresented people and kind of be the voice for those who are struggling. Sometimes people have come to my restaurant and make very ignorant comments that weren’t directed toward me but disrespected my background. And I would stand up against it. I think it’s just the human condition. We’ve seen

In a way, all the bullying and negative things me and my family have faced as immigrants only made us stronger. Stronger to help ourselves and our family. It helped us shape who we are now as people. I should be valued as much as any white person. I should be able to practice all of my rights and not be subjected just because I’m a little different. Everyone’s views of the world matter —not one way is the right way. I want to hope that as we move forward there isn’t such hatred for a race or religion or belief. I want people

(continued from page 23) By changing his diet, Verrelle is hoping he can successfully tackle an age-old problem facing distance runners: the wall.

Many runners, even experienced ones, can hit “the wall.” Runners rely on a combination of glycogen, a carbohydrate stored in their muscles, and fat to fuel their exertion. And that store of glycogen can run out. For some, it often occurs about an hour and a half into a run, for others, around 20 miles.

I feel like being a child of an immigrant is the best thing ever. I get the best of both worlds. On one side, I get to experience the American culture. On the other, I get to experience the Chinese culture. It affords me the privilege of having an opened mind and to different ideas. At the same time, I hated being a child of Chinese descent. I was bullied so harshly when I was in school. Everyone made fun of me for being Chinese. They made fun of my eyes, called me derogatory terms. It made my childhood horrible and I always felt so different from everyone. I was constantly reminded that I wasn’t American enough to be American.

Suri Patel

Running the Blue Line

Noha Elsayed

The sheer idea of being anti-immigrant in America is seemingly silly and hypocritical. Unless you are Native American, you too came from a lineage of immigrants. That’s what makes America so beautiful; the wide array of cultures, languages, faiths and unique physical differences among its citizens. It’s not called a “Melting Pot” for nothing. And despite all the differences, we are all human beings who have so much more in common. I encourage anyone and everyone to step outside of their comfort and try to meet/get to know someone different from themselves. You’ll see that there is nothing to be fearful of/hateful towards. As an immigrant, American citizen, professional therapist, and human who does this every single day, I will leave you with this: “There isn’t a person you wouldn’t love if you could read their story.”

"That’s what makes America so beautiful; the wide array of cultures, languages, faiths and unique physical differences among its citizens."

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This is why when runners deplete their glycogen stores, it’s like they’ve “hit a wall.” It’s incredibly difficult not to slow down when this happens. The fear of slowing down is why Verrelle is adapting his body to burning a higher ratio of fat while training. Hopefully, his new diet will help him achieve a faster overall time. By forcing his body to adjust to burning fat, thus making the process more efficient, he might be able to jump the wall and speed through to the finish. Maybe. Verrelle’s positive about his chances. But he also doesn’t have the time to fret. His younger brother, Virgil Walker, died in a car crash when Verrelle was an undergrad. As a result of that loss, he threw himself into his studies. Running isn’t his only passion anymore. As a physical therapist, he gets a kick helping others recover, whether from injury or illness. Still, running has come to define Verrelle’s life. “It’s the only way I can relieve stress,” he concedes. So, no matter what happens at the Akron Marathon this September, he’ll still be on his feet, running.

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CULTURE CLUB A blue and white striped straightjacket sits on an average-sized bust inside a glass case. The sleeves, crossed loosely through the loops on the front of the jacket, aren’t tied around the back. More glass cases along the walls contain lobotomy picks and an electroconvulsive therapy machine. An enclosed wooden crib, which looks like it could have contained a wild animal, shows one method of restraint for mental patients in the mid- to late-19th century. At the far end of the room, a therapist’s couch awaits, covered with a soft blanket. There’s a chair at the head and a giant portrait of Freud on the wall behind it. Giant wall-Freud has watched the viewer ease her way through the room, stopping to watch videos of lobotomy patients, or look over floor plans of asylums, or read about the first antipsychotic medications. He’s ready to psychoanalyze her unconscious mind and help her deal with repressed trauma. A placard reads: “Photo Opp! Lie down and tell Dr. Freud about yourselfie. #nationalmuseumofpsychology.”

Akron EveryHow quietly became world Day, inthe center of Everypsychology's history Way by Sophie Franchi

director at the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology. “We were using a clicker to record the number of people that were coming, and I think we ended up somewhere around 400, which was a really great surprise.… The sheer number of people has been fantastic.” Dr. Faye says the quality of feedback has been good, and even kids seem to like the museum, especially the interactive exhibits. “One of the things we were trying to accomplish was to build a museum for anyone, not just psychologists. Not just people who are familiar with psychology, but really anyone. And that to me has been a success.... I feel like anyone can walk into the museum and have a really good time.” The museum is on the first floor of CCHP, and it spans 8,500 square feet, divided into three main sections: Psychology as a Profession (which includes mental health and illness), Psychology as an Agent of Social Change and Psychology as a Science. The museum’s mission is to show psychology in all of its forms.

This is the first room in the National Museum of Psychology at The University of Akron’s Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology “So, one of the things that happens, I (CCHP). think, with the general public is when they think of psychology, they think of therapy. The museum is huge, in size and scope. They think of mental health,” says Dr. One could spend an hour or more in Faye. “ ... We wanted to give them that this room alone, reading through all the whole section that looks at the history of journals and floor plans, taking in all the psychology in relation to mental health information about the history of mental treatment and illness. But we also really health, illness and treatment. But there is wanted people to understand that there's so much more to see and experience in this place than one would think upon first a lot more to psychology — that it's all around them, every day, in every way.” entering the museum. From racial segregation in schools, to prison experiments, to laboratory testing on animals, there’s plenty to discuss, and interactive exhibits throughout stimulate the intellect and senses. So far, since opening at the end of June 2018, the museum has had a great response. “At our opening, we were expecting maybe 100 people,” says Dr. Faye, assistant

Dr. Faye says that while the public is most familiar with the typical story about psychology, like asylums and Freud, most people don’t think of the role psychology has in professions that apply psychological research, such as vocational testing, advertising and marketing. Psychological research on our social world — in the areas of gender and homosexuality and (continued on page 36)

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Vintage

structures

The Mayer Building Words and photos by Charlotte Gintert Akron, believe it or not, has managed to hold onto quite a few of its historic downtown buildings. While several are architecturally significant and some are even on the National Register, most of us probably pass by them during our commutes without giving them much notice. The Mayer Building at 168 E Market St. is likely one of them. By 1910, Akron had outgrown its 1890’s post office. The population was exploding thanks to the rubber industry and the original post office could no longer support the amount of mail coming to and going from the city. James A. Wetmore, the supervising government architect, designed the new Akron post office in 1927. The goal was to create a building that could serve multiple purposes in addition to sorting mail. The ground floor was home to the postal offices and operations and the second floor housed offices for the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs, various civil service departments and military recruitment. It was designed in the neo-classical revival style. It is perfectly symmetrical with two pavilion style structures flanking the front entrance “court.” It has Tuscan columns, geometric decorations, five large arched windows and a wide staircase leading to the front entrance. The entire building is faced in limestone. Its most striking feature is the twin large lanterns on either side of the staircase.

The new post office opened to the public in February 1929 and became known as the second post office building. It served as Akron’s post office until 1975. Once again, the city needed a larger postal facility. The main Akron post office was relocated to its present underwhelming location on Wolf Ledges Parkway. The second post office building sat vacant for many years and fell into disrepair until Charles Mayer Jr. purchased it through a last minute bid. He completely restored it, rescuing it from the wrecking ball. Mr. Mayer was a forward thinker. In the late 1970’s, older buildings were usually torn down, not saved. Upon completing the restoration, Mayer relocated his nationally recognized photography and design firm to the building. The second post office has been known as the Mayer Building ever since. Thanks to Mayer’s care, it retained its architectural integrity and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 for its architectural and historical significance. Mayer Studios moved from the building in 2007 and the space is now occupied by Summa Health Corporate Services. It remains in excellent condition. Thanks to the preservation efforts by Charles Mayer and its current owners, the building has been repurposed more than once and remains a downtown landmark. By the way, the original Akron Post Office is also still standing. The small red brick building at East Market and High Street became home to the Akron Art Museum in 1981.

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The Scene

30 ON THE RECORD WITH SWELL TIDES 32 IN THE CROWD WITH WEEZER AND WOMBATS

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

34 WARPED TOUR

Live Album Recording TIME CAT

photos by Ashley Kouri

Time Cat recently recorded a live album in the new Akron Recording Company studio on Friday, June 29. Check out Ashley Kouri's photos of the event.

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AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

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On the Record

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Swell Tides Deliver Summertime Garage-Rock Review of “Thing” by Swell Tides by Kyle Cochrun

The Earthquaker Days of Summer by Ted Zep Every year when I was a child, my mother would say the same thing after the conclusion of Independence Day. “Once you hit the Fourth of July, summer is basically over.”

Here is how it’s described in the press release for this year’s event:

“EarthQuaker Day 2018 is two-parts music Rounding out the day are local darlings festival, three-parts customer appreciation Shivering Timbers, The Man I Fell in Love With, Uno Lady and Lisa Bella Donna. It’s day, one-part effect pedal factory open an impressive roster of talent.

I hated when she’d say that because the end of summer meant one thing: back to school. And a return to school was the bane of the existence of any kid growing up in Akron at that time, or any time, really. Anyway, I’m older now and some things never change. I still live for summer each year and the promises it holds. And, ironically, I’m still involved in the world of education so I still tremble under the looming specter of “school” returning each fall. But this is a different Akron than the one from my formative years. We’ve made strides to make the most out of not only our precious sunny days but also the talented people within the borders of the Rubber City. Events like Signal Tree Fest and PorchRokr have blossomed into mustattend celebrations of the 330 that are filled with music, food, art and culture. One such entry in this cornucopia of summer entertainment is EarthQuaker Day. Now in its third year, the event is the brainchild of the good people who own EarthQuaker Devices, a local effects pedal manufacturer located in downtown Akron. The event is fun and incredibly eclectic.

of kinda-sorta retirement to shred the EarthQuaker stage.

Additionally, there will be clinics lead by Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz), Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos) and Lisa Bella Donna (EYE). The seminar I absolutely refuse to miss is being held by Juan Alderete, who has most notably worked with Marilyn Manson and the Mars Volta.

house, one-part art installation, and onepart street fair with a pinch of fun and games, and a side of bazaar…” The math may be a little fudged but the description is right on the money. The entertainment this year will surely not disappoint. For instance, headliners This Moment in Black History generally put on a bonkers live show. I remember seeing them play shortly after they formed in 2001-2002 at the Beachland Tavern in Cleveland. They would amaze the audience with their aggressive and askew brand of punk rock. Or what about Houseguest? Once labeled “the best pop band in the country” by the uber-hip literary magazine “McSweeney’s,” the group is coming out

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In addition to the music, there will be a wide assortment of local art and business installations, guided workshop tours, door and raffle prizes and games.

EarthQuaker Day • Aug. 4 It runs from 10:30 am until 6:00 pm at the EarthQuaker facilities located at 350 W. Bowery St. Immediately after the event, the festivities move over to Lock 3 where there will be the finals of a guitar riff contest as well as performances by cover bands Black Sabath and Glanzig. The event is free and family friendly. For more information about the event, visit: www.EarthQuakerDay.com.

ew genres are as perfect for drinking at the beach on a balmy summer afternoon as garage rock. Good old breezy, guitar-based rock ‘n’ roll, muscled and accessible, straightforward pop songwriting, the kind of raucous gunk harkening back to the ‘60s psychedelic bands on Lenny Kaye’s “Nuggets” compilation and best represented today by prolific acts like Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall. “Thing,” the latest batch of songs from Akron’s own Swell Tides (the project of 22 year-old multi-instrumentalist Jordan King), fits neatly into this lineage and, naturally, would make for an enjoyable day spent lounging in the sand and sipping Pabst Blue Ribbon. After a celebratory yelp and the snap of drumsticks, “Eyes” opens the collection with a tidy, fast-paced guitar-and-drums workout and a melodica solo. Under two minutes and out. Cool. “The Mirror” slows the tempo and bursts with glinting guitar melodies and catchy vocal harmonies evoking the Beach Boys but with occasional creepy baritone growls. “Thing” doesn’t stray far from the tried-and-true formula of electric guitars, (continued on page 38)

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Yo shots ur beer a nd he POR adquarte C r AuguH ROKR s st 18 th

Album RevieW: TIME ATTACK by

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kron’s alt-hip-hop collective Red Rose Panic has returned with an album of new material. Nearly three years in the making, “Time Attack” is a masterful concoction of jazz, R&B and rap.

At the forefront of the project is writer and emcee Luminari Eleven. As always, his verses are canny and unpredictable. They are smart and sync well with the breezy grooves that the band provides as a foundation. His writing and delivery are nearly always impeccable. They are quality and have the feel of a finely tailored suit. Though well-crafted, they drip with style and flavor. But the lyrics and vocals are only half the equation. The airiness and “lift” created by bandmates Styxx (lead guitar), SMOKEFACE (bass), Reo Dinero (drums) and Gold Frame Quis (keys) breathes life into the in-between moments of the songs. In a recent interview, Luminari revealed that the goal with this album was to pull the focus from a heavily digital sound and attempt to capture the live feel of the band.

The lead single is “Change Your Mind.” Both effortless and sexy, in many aspects this is the quintessential Red Rose Panic song. Luminari is at his best when he is writing about the sweet spot in a relationship, sometime after the first few dates but before the first argument. When you wake each other up with morning texts or drive for hours together at night, holding hands and listening to music. He understands how to articulate what that feels like. “PTE” (Party Time, Excellent) is another strong entry on the album. The band has been crafting and honing the song over the last couple years. Live, it is a bit of a rager and has often closed their sets. The recorded version is dialed down just a half step, but it still bangs. “Been There” is an ebullient headnodder. It struts. It’s the kind of song you play before you go out for the evening. Looking good and feeling sharp, nobody is going to bring you down. In our interview, Luminari explained his thought process behind the frantic “Hulk Hogan.”

“’Hulk Hogan’ is a battle with your inner “We wanted the soul of the instruments, real instruments, to actually bleed through self, your inner insecurities, the thoughts about rushing to be great and how folks the records,” says Luminari. perceive you in the real world.” In addition to his duties on the keyboard, That brought to mind the album title, Gold mixed and mastered the album. He “Time Attack.” found that balance of authenticity and soul that the group was looking (continued on page 33) to present.

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TAKES FANS ON NOSTALGIC TRIP Twenty-five years of hits delivered to Blossom crowd ———————— Words by Devon Anderson, Photos by Devon Keller ————————

or 25 years running, Weezer has always been the band that made the geeks feel welcome at the party. Taking thick glasses and sweater vests out of school cafeterias and onto the stage, Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo took the crowd on a throwback ride through their past hits, barely touching on their latest release. For those looking for a sense of nostalgia, Weezer’s set delivered in spades. To open the night, UK-based trio, The Wombats, ripped through a seven-song set that was, to me, way too short. A little biased, as I am a fan, but they left me wanting more. The crowd was equally into their performance, and when they left the stage, everyone went still, probably thinking, “Well, I was kind of loving that.” Fortunately, they wouldn’t be still for long. After a brief stage switch, punk legends, The Pixies, took over crowd-warming duties. They seemed a little out of their element on such a large stage, and their performance overall lacked energy. Never bothering to interact with the crowd, they appeared simply to be phoning it in. It wasn’t a performance I expected out of such a legendary band, but I suppose

everyone has their off nights. And, let’s be honest, they probably don’t have to work as hard, as their reputation likely precedes them. When their set was over, I was ready, and everyone around me seemed equally stoked for Cuomo and crew. Thankfully, the stage didn’t stay silent for too long after The Pixies took their exit. The breeze blowing through Blossom was absolutely delicious as the opening riffs of “Buddy Holly” swept over the crowd. The screams and cheers of those around me were deafening, and every word was shouted as Cuomo and friends made seemingly everyone in attendance lose their collective minds. Rainbow streamers and bits of confetti rained down on the crowd in the pavilion, and one girl beside me so was so excited about it, she screamed, “I’m going to be pulling this stuff out of my hair for weeks!”

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Weezer seemed ready to give the fans all of their favorite hits in one night, which is really, if you think about it, what bands should do when performing live. Rarely do I find myself wishing a band would play a track that is a rare gem among their hits. Hit after hit rang out, and the crowd did not stop singing each song as loud as they possibly could.

that to their stage show was welcome. Heading back through another handful of songs, it was clear Weezer was giving the crowd everything they wanted. It was definitely an, “I know right where I was when I first heard that song,” kind of night for me. Those nights that help the audience time travel a little bit are always fun. It shows the true transcendental power of music.

Speaking of, Weezer seems to revel in that power they know they have, as the crowd eats from the palms of their hands. Making everyone wait until the very end, Cuomo and friends finally broke into their current chart-topper, a cover of Toward the middle of their set, a quick Toto’s “Africa.” I am not usually one for backdrop change led to more of their covers, but for whatever reason, Weezer hits, including “In the Garage” and “My covers songs and makes them their own Name is Jonas.” Scootering over to a unique brand of cool. And, for the crowd smaller stage, Cuomo and his acoustic at Blossom that night, it only made sense guitar led the crowd through “Island in to leave the crowd sweaty, exhilarated, the Sun” and a shockingly great cover of A-Ha’s “Take on Me.” I don’t think anyone and full of over two decades of musical expected it, and everyone I could see was goodness all wrapped into one solid night. waving their hands and singing. I know some of the kids around me were not Pictured above: Rivers Cuomo proves he’s more than born when that one was first released, but just a pretty voice. Center: Cuomo again shows off music is truly timeless, and the addition of with the strings, as only he can.

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LUV & THE CITY SINGER

Album review (continued from page 31) “‘Time Attack’ is about the creators and artists all over the world who are currently fighting to win back their 40 hours. For those like me who work a nine-to-five job, [and are] also a fulltime dad, it’s hard to find those creative moments to just engage in your art. This is a [tribute] to those who are on the same rung, and this piece of art, the album, is a rope ladder into our dreamworld. Everyone would love to be able to live comfortably doing what they love to do, right? There’s enough success out there for everyone. Stay passionate and consistent in your art and you will successfully power through.” Who can’t relate to that? Red Rose Panic is an act just waiting to erupt into the mainstream. Luminari is a quintessential frontman who is working in tandem with a group of supremely talented musicians. “Time Attack” is a choice offering of what this band does best. They collage familiar sounds with modern lyrics and delivery to generate something entirely new. The album is honest and ambitious. And most important, it has some terrific songs on it. Designed to please pop enthusiasts as well as fans of unerring musicianship, “Time Attack” will surely be one of the stronger musical offerings coming out of Akron this year.

Visit www.RedRosePanic.com for more information about the album and upcoming performances.

Singer LuvAbstract to Invade Signal Tree Fest 2018 on August 11, 2018 by Ted Zep

uvAbstract is every bit as mysterious as his name implies. Preferring not to reveal his off-stage identity, the 25-year-old singer and emcee from Stow continues to keep audiences on the heels of their feet with his unique blend of hiphop, R&B, pop and electronic music. “I always had an interest in a lot of different genres,” the singer explained in a recent interview with The Devil Strip. “In high school, a buddy asked me to be part of his band. I said yes and it was fun.” LuvAbstract did that for a couple years before branching out and making his own music. During his junior year at The University of Akron, he played some of his songs for friends. As only close pals can be, they were honest with him. They told him that his material was good but the production was meh. The next day he took a sizeable chunk of his savings and secured some recording time at a local studio. By 2015, he was ready to make this solo act a “thing.” Riffing off the name of an apparel line that he ran in high school (Abstract Clothing), and tinkering with the spelling due to an unavailable Twitter handle, LuvAbstract was born.

what direction to take the performance. elements of electronic, R&B, rap and soul to produce a rather distinct pop sound. His They are kinda old school like that. work is emotional and expressive. And oh yeah, he does make one promise. “Ninety percent of what I write about “Expect me to be passing out donuts,” is stuff I’ve gone through,” reveals the the affable singer vows. “It’s something performer. “The other 10 percent are I’ve done since very early in my career. It things I’ve observed.” helps hook the crowd. People love it.” Songs like the evocative “Risk” are about the critical moments of negotiation before LuvAbstract and Krispy Kreme, now that’s fire. a one night stand goes down. he silky smooth “Lost Girls” takes a hard look at a woman who compromises herself at a party for some perceived gain. His material To check out LuvAbstract’s is tactile and contemporary. It covers music, visit SoundCloud. familiar territory without tawdry shortcuts. com/LuvAbstract. He will The singer is smart and has a point be dropping a new EP of view. (“The Abstract”) near the end of August or early September. LuvAbstract is scheduled to play the Signal Tree Fest at Lock 3 in Downtown Akron on Saturday, August 11. Luv is excited about performing at Signal Tree Fest. “My first kiss was in Akron. My first fight was in Akron. I’m a University of Akron graduate. It’s [the city] where my friends told me to follow my music. I mean, my first show was in Akron. Literally, Akron has made me into the artist and person that I am.”

“Not to be cliché,” the musician chuckled, As for his gig at Signal Tree, he plans to come in loose. He likes to use a lot of call “but my songs are very ‘abstract.’” and response to energize and engage the audience. He and his onstage accomplice, Working in tandem with his production JStrokes (DJ), read the crowd to determine team “The Wavys,” LuvAbstract mixes

Saturday, August 11 at Lock 3 in Downtown Akron. SignalTreeFest.com is the place to go for the skinny on all the music, food and activities happening at this year’s event. There’s an incredible assembly of talent appearing. There will be a little bit of something for everyone. The event is FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY.

Featured events!

September 8

The Torments get down at their debut show!

September 15

TU TIKI FLEA 3 ~ Art ~ Music ~ Cocktails

Featuring Chicago's Kymm! Bang, The Kahuna Kings, and DJ Max Payola.

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

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Ongoing!

Happy Hour Tue-Thu 4-7pm, TU Trivia Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, Taco Thursdays

Upcoming TU events! 8/8:

Colin John world and surf music in the TU Lounge

8/11:

Long Tall Deb & Colin John & Chris Butler

8/18: Stripperobics & Bumps n Grinds classes-Bunny Galore 8/23: The Surfrajettes with The Kahuna Kings 8/24: Hoodoo BBQ do the TU Patio 8/25: Public Squares invasion with Gingermon AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

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THE SCENE

Photos By Nathan Rogers

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Horns in the sky with Silverstein on the Mutant Red Dawn stage; Story Untold on the owly.fm stage; Lauren Kashan of Sharptooth gets up close and personal with the Warped Tour crowd; 3OH!3’s Nathaniel Motte live at Vans Warped Tour live at Blossom; Story Untold on the owly.fm stage; Less Than Jake bassist showing you his eager face; The Interrupters — Rockstar stance.

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

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E L B U O R T

D L O H T I W

E L P O PE rries

o W No T

here is no shortage of things for the aging person to worry about. If we are ever at a loss, there are professionals—joint replacement doctors, certified financial planners—with bad news on demand. The good news is that there are things we don't have to worry about anymore. My peer group and I have aged-out of some life problems that once loomed large. For example, I don't have to worry about acquiring any more bad habits. There just isn't time. Take smoking. Smokers have all kinds of bits of business they have

By Steve Van Auken

taken years to learn. Like how to fieldstrip a butt, or how to light-up in a strong wind. I would have to take a course at the community college to have any hope of learning to be a smoker. And I'm guessing that smoking would be one of the easier bad habits to learn. I have no worries about Reaching my Potential. This was something dear to the heart of Mr. Yerovich, my high school guidance counselor. I think he had a vision of one of us standing in Stockholm, pausing to acknowledge Findlay High School before accepting the Nobel Prize. Mr. Yerovich was a fine man. I hope he

BACK OF THE BOOK that contained no sentences starting with would not be too disappointed to learn that the only way I've reached my potential Q because no one knew how to write it. is in the amount of time I can spend drinking coffee and reading mystery novels. I no longer need to worry about having a low draft lottery number. Hint to younger I don't have to think anymore about Being readers: Do not ask a man of the Viet Nam War era about his draft number unless you Cool. I'm not saying I ever was cool, just that I thought about it. It's kind of a relief have no particular place to be for the next that cool has left the building. The closest few hours. I come to worrying about being cool is The most common nightmare among trying not to pee on my shoes. older people who attended college is I no longer have nightmares about having the one where you realize this is the day to turn in your term paper, and you to Diagram a Sentence. For younger completely forgot about it. Or maybe readers: Students were once required to know an adverb from an adjective, a verb you dream a variant of that, in which you signed up for a class but never attended from a noun. In English class, starting in and now you can't find the room. I don't the 7th grade, we could be Called to the Board at any moment to dissect and label wake up anxious from this dream anymore because all my college cares about is sentences dripping with prepositional phrases. Take a moment to feel the horror. persuading me to sign up for a cruise down some canal in Holland. Which I would do in a heartbeat if they ever found I do have to worry about not really being out about that term paper. able to operate a computer. But at least I no longer have to be ashamed of not knowing how to use a slide-rule. Thought I don't worry about learning the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Let the experiment: Bill Gates spent $30 million to build his house, based upon wealth he Highly Effective People learn my damn habits. accumulated selling computer software. How big would his house be if he had I am especially glad not to have to worry been selling slide-rules instead? about Structuring my Resume. Apparently it isn't enough these days to list the jobs At one time there was a subject called you've had. No, you are supposed to handwriting, otherwise known as color-code them or something to capture cursive. I am grateful that I am no longer the interest of the hiring specialist. My expected to know how to write a cursive view is, if she needed her work to be so capital Q. Any teacher had the power interesting, she should have gone into to Grade your Handwriting. Even math teachers. We were assured that employers skydiving instead of human resources. looked carefully at every job candidate's And then there is this. I don't expect ever handwriting. ("General Eisenhower, again to have someone try to get me to you have distinguished yourself in every do some thankless task because it will aspect of your military career. We, the Look Good on my Resume. If my resume Joint Chiefs, were about to place you in wanted to look good, it would exercise charge of all American forces. However, your handwriting sample...") Generations more. It is happy the way it is. of students learned to write book reports

Ohio’s Top Rated Coworking Space

OSCTechLab.com A better way to work

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AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

THE Devil Strip |

The Road Forward

BACK OF THE BOOK What we absolutely cannot do is allow the extremism and intolerance of the moment to redefine our discourse and become the New Normal. Human rights cannot be a “liberal platform.” It has to remain a human platform. Some universal truths must hold in the center. We don’t mistreat children. Everyone deserves equal protection under the law and the equality of opportunity, not equality of result.

as we’re headed to the same place, committed to combating extremism and hatred, be patient with each other. If someone doesn’t phrase their perspective exactly to your liking, take a minute to consider the source and the intent before rushing to Twitter. We have to get involved in our communities, talk to each other and turn out to vote.

It’s important to remember who we are and who we strive to be. We can’t gloss over past sins and we can’t become overly cynical about our own history. I’ve seen far too many people observing the human rights crisis on the border and proclaiming, “This is not who we are” only to be met with people citing the Trail of Tears, Slavery, and Japanese Internment saying, “This is exactly who we are.” While the legacy of these sins will never leave us, we right will engage in unnecessary abject by Willis Gordon have to remember that it was Americans cruelty and as soon as they are criticized who fought for the abolition of slavery, he world is not ending. That doesn’t for it, call for civility in discourse. When Americans who went to foreign shores the government engages in a new and mean that there haven’t been dark to destroy fascism in the world’s darkest intensified family separation policy days, or that the very nature of our hour, Americans who laid their lives on designed as a “deterrent” to immigration, republic isn’t under siege. We have to the line for civil rights and voting rights. the supporters of such a policy cannot understand that we have every reason Americans were willing to be pepper expect calm and understanding responses. to be concerned and disgusted by the sprayed and beaten at Standing Rock for There is a left-right paradigm throughout Ripping children away from their families mounting assaults on the soul of our what they believed in. The history of this all western liberal democracies. What we and putting them in cages is worthy of country, while resisting the urge to run nation is an undying struggle between cannot do is allow right-wing extremism outrage. You don’t get to play the victim around with our hair on fire. the darkness and the light. We can either to push one side of the paradigm into the when someone pushes back against your extreme where authoritarianism, legalized give in to the Fear allowing barbarism to cruelty. One of the biggest threats to I’ve been getting approached more and bigotry and a flagrant disregard for equality become the norm, or we can embrace us right now is the call for centrism or more on the street and online about Love and our inner courage to make sure become a legitimate alternative. It never compromise with the most extreme of feelings of helplessness and anger, and I everyone gets a fair shake. has been, and it never will be, legitimate. ideologies. understand. There’s a lot going on, and a lot of different narratives being cranked Stand up and speak out when you At the same time we cannot let the I love a good debate, and I believe in out to tell you how to feel. We can’t give hear people trying to normalize hatred, perfect be the enemy of the good. We compromise and striking deals with in to the sheer volume of problems. The discrimination, or cruelty. Lashing out in can’t pick apart emerging leaders or people who want to stifle our voices want people we disagree with to get things fear does nothing for us in the long run. awakening citizens because they don’t us to be overwhelmed and checked out so done. That’s how any group moves Alex Haley once said, “Find the good and check every box for us. We’re going that we don’t engage in our communities forward and accomplishes large goals. praise it,” and while that is sage advice, we to disagree, we’re not going to see However, there is a difference between and vote in these crucial elections. should go a step farther. Find the good and everything the same, and some people conflicting opinions finding common join it. Get involved. It’s going to take all of ground, and ceding ground to immorality, are on different parts of the journey, One thing I have noticed over the course us. There is much more work to be done. some farther along than others. As long human rights violations, and bigotry. of the last few years is that the extreme

‘ . . . Find the Good and Join it’

Every Day, in Every Way (continued from page 27) race, for instance — also greatly impacts how our world changes. “We wanted to show the sort of multi-faceted, multi-layered identity of the field, and to help people sort of see it in ways that are outside of common understanding of psychology.” The main part of the gallery will be a permanent exhibit, and will remain the same for about five to seven years. However, there is a rotating gallery at one end of the museum that will change more often. The current student-curated exhibit in that space, “The Test of Time” will be on display until fall of 2018. The exhibit will be student-curated about half the time. The other half of the space will showcase some of the stories that couldn’t fit into the permanent exhibition. There are three arms of the CCHP: the

museum, the Archives of the History of American Psychology and the Institute for Human Science and Culture. The Archives, founded in 1965, constitute the largest collection of its kind in the world, containing about 10,000 linear feet of materials such as artifacts, psychologists’ personal papers, records of psychological organizations and various types of moving and still media. The museum houses about 1 percent of the CCHP’s entire collection. Some of the other 99 percent will eventually make its way into the rotating gallery in the museum, but it’s also possible for anyone with an interest in psychology to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives and reading room by scheduling an appointment with the reference archivist. Soon, the institute arm of CCHP will also open to the public. Currently under construction, the third and fourth floor galleries, which could open in late 2019, will focus their collections around CCHP’s tagline, “Exploring what it means to

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

Americans believe in fair play, which is why demagogues play on the insecurity of “someone getting more than you.” Whether it’s Black athletes appearing to be “ungrateful” after being blessed with money and talent, undocumented immigrants “stealing jobs” and raking in welfare, or women claiming their own voice after being “protected” by a patriarchal society. All of these things are misconceptions, or just flat out lies, but they pick at our desire for fair play. We must not hold each other back, but lift each other up. The goal is not to make sure everyone struggles equally but that the rising tide lifts all boats.

be human.” “ . . . The Institute is sort of our interdisciplinary place where we get to play with and collect and exhibit and do educational activities with materials that extend beyond psychology into art, anthropology, religion, all these other areas.” Dr. Faye has really enjoyed hearing how visitors relate to different stories in the museum, the connections they make, and how those stories spark conversation between friends. She says the interactive exhibit on intelligence testing at Ellis Island prompted visitor conversations about their own relatives who would have undergone such testing, while also igniting discussions about contemporary immigration issues. “It's just really nice to see that these exhibits have become a space where people can have these kinds of conversations that they might not otherwise have. And they're personal conversations. But the

exhibits give people this opportunity to sort of open up about it in a different kind of way, it's a prompt that encourages people to talk with their friends about these things, and I love that.”

The National Museum of Psychology 73 S College St Hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm Thursday: 11am - 8pm Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children (12 and under); and free for all UA students, faculty and military personnel with a valid ID. Metered parking on College Street, or park in Lot 30 at the corner of E Market St and S College St. // Photos courtesy of The University of Akron Communications and Marketing

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BACK OF THE BOOK

by Lisa Kane of Akron Snow Angels

FACES OF THE HOMELESS

Previously homeless and those still struggling

It’s time to do an interview, so I get in my car and start driving to downtown Akron. Everyone sees the people standing on the corners with their signs. I feel lucky that I have gotten to stop and have real conversations with them. I would have been afraid to go up to these people before. Now, I feel lucky. They’re not scary. Every person I have talked to has been extremely kind, funny, articulate and sweet. I hope reading about the homeless people in Akron opens your eyes to see them as the kind people they are and not just some person on the corner of a street asking for money. They don’t want to be there. Most tell me how embarrassing it is for them, how lonely they are, how hard they work to just get by day to day. I see a man sitting in a chair on a corner downtown. I park my car and go ask him if he will talk to me. He says “Sure, but you be careful crossing these busy streets!”

Meet Jeff. Age: 57 // Hometown: Akron

Lisa Kane: Occupation/Previous Occupation/Source of income? Jeff: I was a chef. Now I live off my disability. I panhandle to make ends meet and [to] be able to have a little something to afford some Dr. Pepper every once in a while. LK: Why don’t you have “a job”? Jeff: I’m diabetic. I have bad diabetic neuropathy. That’s why I’m sitting in this chair. It’s really hard for me to stand for very long. I have a lot of nerve damage. LK: How long have you been homeless? Jeff: It’s been about six months now. LK: What led you to homelessness? Jeff: Not one thing in particular. I actually like being at the Haven [Haven of Rest] now. I like being around the people. I’m not alone.

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LK: Do you have family? Jeff: Yes. I have a daughter and a granddaughter. I just talked to them a little bit ago. Today is my granddaughter’s birthday.

Jeff: Oh, very much! LK: What is your biggest fear? Jeff: Being homeless, out in the streets.

LK: How many hours of sleep do you get a night? Jeff: I wear earplugs! They all snore there! I still probably get eight or nine hours of sleep.

LK: What can people find you doing during the day? Jeff: This [panhandling] and going to AA meetings. I always go to the morning meeting at St. Thomas. I go to them every day. [Jeff shows me all his sobriety chips from AA and his coin from Dr. Bob’s house, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron.]

LK: Do you usually have three meals a day? Jeff: Yes. Today I went and ate up at [a] church called Jesus Said. I probably won’t eat tonight at the Haven. Unless they have pierogies and sausage!

LK: What is the hardest thing about being homeless? Jeff: I really feel for the people who are out on the streets. I have no fear at the Haven, but I really feel for the people who are out here on the streets.

LK: Do you feel safe?

LK: What three words would you use

LK: Where did you sleep last night? Jeff: The Haven of Rest

to describe being homeless? Jeff: Fear. Scared. Hungry. I’m not hungry, but I know a lot of people who are. LK: What do you think are the leading causes of homelessness? Jeff: Alcohol and drugs. LK: Do most people show you kindness or treat you rudely? Jeff: Very kind! LK: What does the word “home” mean to you? Jeff: Family. LK: What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week? Jeff: Being able to stay at the Haven. We have chapel at 6:45 every night before dinner.

AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8 /

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BACK OF THE BOOK

Urine Luck by Emily Dressler and Marissa Marangoni

Green, the People’s Bathroom Color by Emily Dressler As they (should) say, “You can tell a lot about a person by their favorite bathroom color.” Mine is green. Any shade or hue, it doesn’t matter. Green seems to be a favorite for Akron-area bathroom decision-makers, too. This tells me that Akron is cool. R. Shea Brewing on Merriman Road in the valley has a lot of beer. Luckily, they also have easy-to-find bathrooms, neatly tucked away in a corner by the bar, which adhere to socially constructed gender norms. The women’s room, as you have probably guessed, is green with varying other shades and hues of green. I love it. There

is no actual artwork hanging on the walls, but who needs it when you can pretend you’re standing in thick swathes of seaweed? Rest assured, there was no seaweed smell. There was not even the “Valley Bathroom Smell” that sometimes plagues businesses located so close to the compost facility and sewage treatment/water reclamation facility. Instead, this single-person bathroom offers the basics: a toilet, a sink, some soap, paper towels, and a trash receptacle. The room is longer than it is wide and has a fluorescent light fixture that is probably sturdy enough on that ceiling panel tile. Toilet paper rolls

Lowlight in the Nightlight Bathrooms

The small theater space in the Nightlight provides an intimate atmosphere unmatched by other theaters I’ve been to... which leads to the reason by Marissa Marangoni you’ll need to go to the bathroom. In such a small Hello, neighbor. I assume space, people would totally at this point in our relationship, I can call you notice if you peed on the floor (or did any other that. This month I took a bathroom activities in the long overdue visit to the non-bathroom area). Now, Nightlight. If you haven’t fine, I have not witnessed bathroom been, you should go. And by that I mean activities in a movie theater, but I’m just to the bathroom, of course. Sort of. saying this is the situation. And if you’re drinking your booze and watching a The positives at the Nightlight are aplenty. movie, you’re probably going to have to It has air conditioning. There is popcorn and booze. You can drink the booze during go to the bathroom. the movie. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” There are two bathrooms down the hall is still showing. A nice human introduces to the right if you walk straight inside the the movie in person, and the trailers don’t Nightlight, past the concession counter on take up as much of your life (this also means that you have to show up nearly on the left. Neither is marked gender-specific, so either throne is yours. There are no time) as they do at Regal Cinemas.

in various stages of un-roll are stored in a small niche above the toilet. I am not sure what prompts someone to remove a mostly full roll of toilet paper and replace it with another mostly full roll. Maybe this is a form of power cycling. The high point, aside from all the green and the trio of partially used toilet paper rolls, is the presence of the outside main disconnect electrical panel. The panel door is set off from the rest of the wall by a thick layer of pale green paint. A tiny padlock holds the panel door closed. Oh, the power this electrical panel represents for women! I have grown out of/repressed most of my destructive traits, thank goodness. My powers of restraint prevailed and I did not try to break a padlock just to see how many lights I could turn out. You’re welcome. I know

differences in the spaces or porcelain quality. Each bathroom is a clean and functional one-staller. One toilet, one sink, one trash can, one soap dispenser. On the surface, there isn’t much here to talk about. That’s the problem. For such a unique establishment in such a cool space--an old dark warehouse, showing non-mainstream movies and offering non-standard refreshments-the bathrooms are pretty lackluster. The bathrooms and everything in them are off-white, and there is nothing going on aesthetically to make you think, “Hey, this is a real indie movie bathroom right here.” There’s no lushness in these lavatories; they’re just empty spaces begging to be filled.

that electrical panels are perfectly ordinary things, but I don’t often see them in public bathrooms, so I was delighted. I used the purse hook on the wall, even though I honestly questioned its staying power. It looked like a Command brand hook that could be brought down by a heavy purse. I really did like this bathroom, mostly because of the slightly odd elements and its potential. R. Shea brewing, you get a 3.5 out of 5 toilets.

R Shea Brewing 1662 Merriman Rd. • Akron, OH 44313 (330) 794-5654 // In Russia, if you need to use a public bathroom, ask where the tualet is, which is the room containing the toilet and TP if you’re lucky. The bathroom is usually a separate room with a sink. Might come in handy.

someone has already given them a great starting point. You know those little three-tiered beverage carts that came back courtesy of the Pinterest phenomenon few years ago? You couldn’t find them anywhere, had to upcycle ones from the olden days and all that, and now they are a dime a dozen except they’re more like $50? Well, there are two of those things here in a delightful shade of dusty red-one in each bathroom--holding several rolls of toilet paper. What could you do to make those TP carts proud, Nightlight? Imagine the possibilities. Three out of five toilets.

The Nightlight 30 N. High St. • Akron, OH 44308 (330) 252-5782

Don’t be gross. // Marissa’s bathroom is probably worthy of a 1.5 of 5

There is a lot to capitalize on with the decor of the Nightlight bathrooms. Luckily,

toilets right now. Blame the toddler.

big hitters in the genre. His aforementioned creepy baritone growl brings to mind Ty Segall, and the hollers and screams on “Dig It” are trademark John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees. “School” could be thrown into Harlem’s 2010 album “Hippies.” You wouldn’t even notice.

“Thing” deserves the summertime day-drink-worthy stamp of all good garage-rock records (whereas bad garage-rock is meant for day-chugging). This dude has talent, and if he keeps it up, there’s more in his future than playing anthems for crushing aluminum cans while relaxing in a beach chair.

On The Record (continued from page 30) uncomplicated drumming and short songs. King busts out the acoustic for “Outside,” “American Mummies” and “Dreaming,” an easygoing and pretty kick-back jam immediately followed by the piercing noise overload of “Make It Real.” The record eases back from there and finishes out with five languid numbers, including “Ocean (Stuck in the Middle of the),” a minute of synth drone filler that stands as the only track on the album that could be cut, and “Moon and Sky,” which features billowy slide guitar.

”Thing” could have been released by Matador or In the Red, labels that have been churning out records in this vein for years. King has the garage-rock aesthetic down, and most of these songs are major indie label-worthy. His next move should be to find ways to further differentiate himself from his fellow garage-rockers, to carve out his sonic signature on the genre’s framework. One of the few critiques that could be voiced against “Thing” is that King sometimes sounds a bit too close to current-day

| THE Devil Strip / AUGUST 2018 • VOL 4 • ISSUE #8

Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “Hippies” is a great record, and it could be argued that King’s close resemblance to his peers says more about the limitations of stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll than it does about his music.

Or he can just keep making better and better anthems for crushing aluminum cans while relaxing in a beach chair. That might be the best option, actually.

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