Akron Life December 2022

PAGES

R A D A R

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by Kelly Petryszyn

LOCAL GIFTS

seen + heard

FOR TWEENS: “Play Like a Girl” Despite pushback from other kids, including male players, Misty Wilson joined her seventh-grade football team in Wadsworth. In this debut graphic memoir for 8- to 12-year-olds, Wilson cap tures what it was like being the only girl and charging through gender stereotypes. With nostal gic illustrations by her husband, David Wilson, and its status as a Junior Library Gold Standard Selection, it’s a winning pick to inspire young adolescents to fol low their passions and be true to themselves. Paperback $12.99, Harper Collins/Balzer & Bray FOR FOODIES: “Akron Family Recipes” With a whole chapter on quintes sential Akron sauerkraut balls, retired Akron librarian Judy Orr James helps home cooks discover recipes brought to Akron as people of different ethnicities made it their homes. Enjoy historical res taurant photos alongside local reci pes like Italian-style city chicken or Polish Easter bread. Paperback Billed as a snapshot of the local music scene, this compilation of songs recorded at Akron Recording Co. brings all the vibes. Through various genres, tracks offer a rich mix of local music ranging from queer Akron singer songwriter Samantha Grace’s “Light it Up” that rocks out with soft defiance to Akron hip-hop duo Free Black’s soulful “Don’t Make Me” that tackles societal issues and features Akron front man Wesley Bright. Vinyl $25, akronrecordingcompany.com $23.99, The History Pres s FOR MUSIC LOVERS: “Where in the Hell is Akron, OH?” Vol. 4

photo by Bill Naiman

FESTIVE MISCHIEF

NEW TRADITION The Seiberlings stand in for the Stahlbaums in “The Akron Nutcracker,” which gives the popular ballet a Rubber City spin Dec. 22 and 23 at E.J. Thomas Hall. Back for a second year, this original work is set at Stan Hywet Hall. It includes 1930s set pieces of beloved local landmarks, like Polsky’s and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, done by community artists. Diverse professional Verb Ballets dancers and University of Akron and ArtSparks students perform this reimagining of the classic that still features the mouse king, the eponymous nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s resounding score played by the Akron Symphony Orchestra. 198 Hill St., Akron, uakron.edu/ej

Those who would rather be naughty than nice can head to the new Crafty Sirens alt maker showcase Dec. 10 at Missing Falls Brewery and R. Shea Brewing in Canal Place. Appropriately dubbed Santa’s Little Heathens, the mischievous market’s crew brings together over 50 regional makers selling wicked good gifts like Hoops and Horror embroidery art of Drew Barrymore in “Scream” or Ethereal and Enchanting healing crystal jewelry. Plus, get henna tattoos, tarot card readings and pictures with a buff Santa. And you can have devilish fun with out guilt — proceeds benefit One of a Kind Pet Rescue. 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, instagram.com/crafty.sirens

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