Akron Life March 2022

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3 | MARCH 2022

SUPER MARKETS 8 SPECIALTY STORES IN THE 330

STORY T IME

MAKE A FAMILY PODCAST TOP DENT ISTS 2022

CAMP SPOTL IGHTS

ENTERTAIN KIDS THIS SUMMER

VISIT LOCAL NICHE SHOPS TO LEVEL UP YOUR COOKING , p.18 photo by Tylar Calhoun

MAR. 2022 $3.95

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MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

Pages start here

On The Cover | 18 Local Markets | photo by Tylar Calhoun

[ FEATURE ]

18 SUPER MARKETS Visit these niche shops for

enhanced flavors. Whether you’re looking for organic produce, fresh meat or exciting spices, these specialty markets have what you need to level up your cooking.

photo by Tylar Calhoun

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27 UNCORKED Jameson Ginger & Lime

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

28 UNTAPPED Fruit Tart Seltzer

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 12 Entertainment listings + Calendar of events

08 MAIL BONDING

Special Sections

30 TOP DENTISTS 2022

09 FROM THE PUBLISHER Golden Smile

26 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 26 Restaurant listings 27 Uncorked: Jameson Ginger & Lime 28 Untapped: Fruit Tart Seltzer

40 EDUCATION Entertain kids with hands-on summer camps

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

46 CELEBRATING DD AWARENESS MONTH

11 UPFRONT Play On

51 PARTING SHOT Traditional Meal

48 FOREVER YOUNG Posterity Podcasts helps preserve family stories.

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M A I L B O N D I N G

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

Tell us what's on your mind.

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2022

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

5 B E S T N E W R E S T A U R A N T S T O T R Y N O W

FRESH TASTE T ST

FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

DIVINE FOOD SPIRITS WINE RUBBER SOUL How Akron Got on the Map photo by Stefanie Manley VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2022

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life ? Or maybe you want to tel l us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life , 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

330 FLAVOR AWARDS OVER 225 OF YOUR FAVORITES ALL STARS STUDENT ATHLETES EXCEL IN CLASS & ON THE F I ELD

PUBL I SHER Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com CREAT IVE DIRECTOR William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDI TOR Kelly Petryszyn kpet ryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ASS I STANT EDI TOR Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DES IGNER Tylar Calhoun tsut ton@bakermediagroup.com CONTRIBUT ING WRI TERS Brendan Baker Aaron Fowler Mike McKenney CONTRIBUT ING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alan Chavez Tylar Calhoun SALES Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com CIRCUL AT ION ci rculat ion@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ex t . 104

FOREVER MORE DREAM WEDDINGS COME TO LIFE

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FACES OF THE 330

MONEY MAP PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

FIRESTONE TIRE BUILDER photo by Daniel Mainzer

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EDI TORIAL INTERN London Green

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3 ( ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1 ) akronlife is published monthly by

Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2022© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store . $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, adver tising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

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F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

Golden Smile

Find someone great to take care of your teeth.

My dental issues continued into my teens. I attempted to jump into a swimming pool — from a roof — and missed, knocking out my front tooth again. However, this was more of a teenage stupidity problem. Due to this incident, I started going to the den tist I still have today, Dr. Mastroianni, in Kent. He could’ve easily put in some cheap dentures and sent me out the door, but I appreciated that he wanted the best solution. He didn’t want to do anything permanent because dental technology was changing fast. He said, Better solutions will be available Mastroianni’s dental chair too many times to count, and I’ve learned a few tricks to cope with it. First, the sounds are seldom related to the pain. I’m usually quite numb from the Novocain, so the sound of the drill is just a sound. I try to relax, and I also don’t get too worked up about what he might find. I can’t change it, but I don’t want to avoid it either. Thanks to the invention of implants, I’m part cyborg today. I don’t even worry about chipping a tooth now because the dentist can just get out his little wrench and rachet in a new one. While some of you may be nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, keep in mind that it is far better to go to a good one. Check out The 330’s Top Dentists list on pg. 30, and make it a starting point for your next dental visit. If your dentist isn’t on our list, look at their smile and make sure they don’t have a mouth full of golden teeth. soon, and you are still very young . Over the years, I have been in Dr.

the dental chair when I was young. I had an unfortunate accident where my face met a baseball bat unexpectedly. Let me just say, When you are playing catcher, you really should wear a mask. The first dentist I remember going to see was after that baseball accident. What I remem ber about him was that he had gold fillings between his teeth. I’m not sure you should trust a dentist with gold teeth. If he can’t find a better solution for his own teeth, just imagine what he will do with yours. I also remember this dentist drove a pretty nice Porsche 911. I later realized that my visits likely paid for a good portion of that car.

Going to the dentist is a dreaded event for many people. Whether you have a fear of needles (or drills) or just don’t like the idea of someone poking around in your mouth, it can be a daunting experience. It’s not just about sitting in a chair and getting your teeth cleaned. Many things can go wrong, from finding out you need a root canal to having cavities that need fillings. Between 10 and 20 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety, but I spent many hours in

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ]

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R A D A R

20 YEARS

by London Green

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

SOUND OF AKRON March 2003: By 1977 downtown Akron and aesthetics didn’t belong in the same sentence. As the rubber industry was rapidly closing plants and offices, downtown became a

seen + heard

ghostly image of its former self. ... The Crypt located near the Goodyear plant served as an incubator of Akron’s brief reign as a center of the punk and new wave movement. The Crypt’s owner was weary of night-to-night operations and offered Rod Firestone and Buzz Clic, members of a punk garage band named King Cobra, a chance to manage the place. They promptly showcased local acts like DEVO, The Dead Boys, Pere Ubu and The Bizarros, as well as their own band, which was later named The Rubber City Rebels. ... It was then that British label Stiff Records released “Akron Compilation” in 1978, an album that included a cut by the Rebels. Among other acts included was Chi Pig, a band that origi

photo provided by Akron Zoo

SHINING ART Learn the art of glassblowing at Akron Glass Works, housed in an old church adorned with stained glass windows. Complementing the windows are hand-blown glass chan deliers made in the studio. Sign up for on-site workshops, with options this month like making marbles, friendship ball ornaments and birds. Check out the online info sheet for dos and don’ts as well as tips for making the glassblowing experience memorable. Handmade art, decor and glass gifts can be purchased in the on-site gallery. 421 Spicer St., Akron, akronglassworks.com

BUNDLE OF FUR In December, the Akron Zoo got quite the gift — its first white cheeked gibbon birth. Born to duo Parker and Milo, who moved to the zoo in late 2020, the baby, who the community named Lolani, has a safe place to live at the zoo, as the gibbon species is endangered due to deforestation. Baby gibbons cling to their mother from the time they are born, and Parker has been caring for the baby while zoo staff have been largely hands-off. The baby’s name is meaningful, too. Lolani is Lao for “royal hawk, soaring to new heights.” Visit the gibbon family, standing strong, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. now and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. starting April 1. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

nally started as the Poor Girls at Firestone High School. ... The album itself appears to be well-known in collector circles. ... It is fascinating that in the midst of utter despair, Akron let out a howl that was heard around the world. March 30, 2022: Music continues to connect people around The 330, and The Summit 90.7 FM is all about support ing local artists. Back live and in person for the first time in two years, the radio station’s 330 Day Concert is set to rock Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown March 30. Artists from the area like the Labra Brothers, J.D. Eicher, Leanne Binder, Rolling Boxcar International and more are set to get people moving in cel ebration of all The 330 has to offer. For more information, visit thesummit.fm.

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U P F R O N T

[ Assistant Editor | Alexandra Sobczak | asobczak@bakermediagroup.com ]

Play On

Going to camp can change your life.

photo by Kristen Hardesty Photography LLC

I was 13 the first time I went to camp. I was an eighth grader attending band camp for my home town’s high school marching band. I didn’t anticipate it would be the start of years (and years) of band camps to come. By that point, I had been playing clarinet for three years, but it was the first time I would be marching and playing an instru ment at the same time. I had a strong background in performing and considered myself to be well-coordinated thanks to years of twirling baton, so I figured band camp wouldn’t be too hard. I was very much mistaken. It challenged me, both mentally and physically. We were outside marching and practicing in the summer heat for about 10 hours a day, and it was my first time being away from home like that, staying in cab ins with a bunch of kids from my school, which I found challenging as a shy kid. And yet, I fell completely in love with it. Throughout my five years in my home town’s marching band, I played clarinet, spun flag and twirled baton. It made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself, and I wanted to keep going. So I auditioned to spin flag for the color guard at Kent State University. That’s when I found out how much work marching band really was. During our 10-day camp, we spent days doing physical conditioning before we started learning our halftime shows, and the flag work had my muscles burning as I put everything I had into memorizing the routines.

But it paid off — I learned so many new things, made great friends, experienced the rush of performing at football games over and over again and fell in love with the marching arts in a whole new way. Naturally, I wanted more. I landed a job as the instructor of my hometown’s color guard, entering the activ ity from a new angle. With how intensely I loved performing, I didn’t expect to enjoy anything else as much, but I was wrong. I’m still coaching each fall, and I adore the creative aspects of it almost as much as I love watching students expand their skills and grow to love spinning. And I love get ting to go to camp.

There’s no need to wait until the age I started camp — get kids started early on, having fun and finding their passions. Check out our camp guide on pg. 40 for spotlights on Canton Country Day School’s camp for lower school students and the University of Akron’s STEM camps for middle and high school girls, along with a list of camps to consider for some ideas. That first year of camp ended up being a life-changing experience for me. It intro duced me to an activity that I absolutely love, and I’m so grateful that it led me down the path it has. There are so many camps offered in The 330, and I say, Give them a try .

[ Assistant Editor Alexandra Sobczak is passionate about inclusivity, correct grammar and pop music. ]

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AGENDA

MARCH 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

Agenda the essential social digest

3/5 EarthQuaker Symphony p15

A special collaboration with Akron’s own EarthQuaker Devices presents the Orchestra’s talents in a way they have never been heard, as Jon Sonnenberg and Jake Gunnar Walsh use EarthQuaker’s effects pedals to fuse electronica and acoustic instruments, emulating innovators like Haydn and Beethoven. E.J. Thomas Hall. 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org

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SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS on akronlife.com or email asobczak@bakermediagroup.com.

Canton Symphony Orchestra The orchestra is offering fun ways to connect virtually. Watch mini concerts and learn about the issue of diversity in classical music during the “Orchestrating Change” podcast. cantonsymphony.org Cleveland Orchestra Connect with the orchestra via the streaming platform Adella to access new performances recorded in Severance Hall through the In Focus series, as well as the “On a Personal Note” podcast that’s about classical music. clevelandorchestra.com Gage House Sessions Grab your favorite drink and enjoy an evening with local musicians via Gage House’s live sessions. Check out previous shows from artists including Madison Cummins and Ben Gage, who both make for evenings of soothing tunes. facebook.com/gagehousesessions Jilly’s Music Room The Akron music venue is hosting select Streaming Fridays on its YouTube channel. Watch the livestreams and visit the online store to order dinner, tip the band, make a donation and buy merchandise. jillysmusicroom.com Magical Theatre Company The Barberton theater company is offering game nights and educational videos. Children can also enjoy stories read by local theater veterans during Magical Storytime. magicaltheatre.org Nightlight Cinema Purchase tickets to rent movies online through the Akron art house cinema’s virtual screening room— you’ll have access to the films at nightlightcinema.com/ virtual-screening-room. Ohio Shakespeare Festival Check out its venture, Ohio Shakespeare Festival Radio Plays, in which the troupe adapts plays and short stories for livestreaming. facebook.com/ohioshakespeare Radio on the Lake Theatre The Shaker Heights-based organization utilizes modern technology to connect with actors, directors and artists from throughout the country to perform and record radio plays. radioonthelaketheatre.org Rubber City Theatre Dive into the world of online theater with its Shakespeare in the Living Room series in which professional actors perform Shakespearean works using props they found lying around their homes. facebook. com/rubbercitytheatre Standing Rock Cultural Arts Enjoy a podcast of “Arcade Cheezy Town,” a play written and performed by students in the New World Children’s Theatre based in Kent. standingrock.podbean.com Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is offering virtual tours of the first floor of the Manor House at Stan Hywet. Guests can tour the most impressive floor without leaving their homes. stanhywet.org Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH Learn about historical figures on their birthdays, join virtual book talks, view artifacts and more on its Facebook page. facebook.com/ summitcountyhistoricalsociety

Summit Metro Parks Explore many different topics, including animals, plants, different habitats, fitness and more, through virtual events. summitmetroparks.org Up Front Art Space This Cuyahoga Falls gallery is sharing photos and videos of artwork for sale to support local creatives. facebook. com/upfrontartspace Virtual Jukebox Dance and sing along to videos made by local artists. You may have heard some of these 330 artists, like Jim Ballard, Shelby Olive and Adrian Labra on 90.7 and 91.3 Summit FM radio waves in the past. Check out the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox performance videos frommembers and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre Weathervane Playhouse Sign up for virtual workshops and classes for all ages that focus on dancing, acting and more. Also, view short films on the theater’s YouTube channel. weathervaneplayhouse.com Events Through 3/6 “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross” This comic book artist has produced some of the most iconic images for the Marvel Universe today, including Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther and more. See art from his recent book, “Marvelocity,” and learn about Ross through childhood drawings, sketches, head busts and more. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 nonmember adults. cantonart.org Through 3/26 Haymaker Farmers’ Market Enjoy the winter season of this year-round market by shopping indoors for local food, art, handmade products and more. United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St., Kent. Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. haymakermarket.com Through 3/27 “More is More: Visual Richness in Contemporary Art” Viewers who look closely are rewarded at this Akron Art Museum exhibit of intricate art with rich patterns, ornate surfaces and unexpected details. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $3-$12. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. akronartmuseum.org Through 3/13 “The Color Purple” With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, “The Color Purple” is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. $12-$35. weathervaneplayhouse.com Wandering Aesthetics Theatre Go on this Akron troupe’s Facebook page for

NOTE : Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Remote

Akron Art Museum Explore the museum’s collections online. Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can craft via video lessons. akronartmuseum.org/at-home Akron Civic Theatre The Civic has an assortment of live performances from all over with its Live Virtually portal. Check its Facebook every week for local musicians’ streams, events, stage shows and other performances. facebook.com/ akroncivic Akron Soul Train View video profiles from past, current and future Soul Train artists-in-residence. facebook.com/akronsoultrain Akron-Summit County Public Library Sit kids down for regular storytimes with children’s librarians or various book talks via videos on its Facebook page. Books are available inside or for curbside pickup. facebook.com/akronlibrary Akron Symphony Orchestra Theron Brown, an Akron-based jazz musician, and Thomas Moore, director of marketing for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, discuss different jazz-centered topics in their new podcast, “Backstage at the Hi Hat,” available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. akronsymphony.org Akron Zoo Visit the zoo digitally to enjoy live keeper talks, animal encounters and presentations from local experts. akronzoo.org The Americana Roundup Akron musician Ryan Humbert launched an online radio station, the Americana Roundup, which plays more than 3,000 songs he handpicked. The station plays all day and focuses on rock, country, folk and more. americanaroundup.com ArtsInStark Check Facebook for videos with fun things to do at home including crafts and dance lessons, music performances and book readings. facebook.com/ artsinstark Apollo’s Fire Indulge in music, art and literature with the Music for the Soul video series from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra. The group posts past concert videos, interviews with people like the Grammy Award-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and related readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org Blu Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite tunes through livestreams on Blu Jazz’s Facebook page and support local artists. facebook.com/blujazzakron

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Through 3/31 Featured Musicians at the Still House Gervasi features a variety of talented musicians at multiple venues on the estate. Visit The Still House for live performances Wednesday-Sunday evenings all year long. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Free. For a full list of performers and showtimes, visit gervasivineyard.com. Through 4/3 “Pop Op” See pop and op art from the Canton Museum of Art’s collection and lenders, with featured artists including Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and Clevelander Julian Stanczak. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 nonmember adults. cantonart.org Through 4/30 Countryside Winter Farmers’ Market Shop from local farmers, food entrepreneurs and artists at Countryside’s indoor farmers market on select Saturdays. Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Road, Bath. 9 a.m.-noon. countrysidefoodandfarms.org Through 5/15 “The 10,000 Things” Cleveland artist Jordan Wong melds inspiration from Asian art with graphic design, iconographies and his musings on triumph and growth. The exhibit features brightly colored large-scale vinyl printworks both inside the museum and outside in the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $3-$12. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. akronartmuseum.org

Through 7/17 “What’s in Your Bag?” The Kent State Museum features an exhibit inspired by a purse in its collection that still had personal items in it. This display imagines what could be in others’ purses. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 8/7 “Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair” The Kent State University Museum features an exhibit that connects the history, fashion and art of Black hair. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 3/4 The Kent Stage presents Keillor and Company Keillor & Company is an evening of stand up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry starring Garrison Keillor and featuring pianist Dan Chouinard and vocalist Prudence Johnson. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $40-$50. thekentstage.com 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 Fish Fry Dinners Join the German Family Society of Akron for Friday evenings in March, with all the proceeds directly benefiting the youth dance programs. German Family Society of Akron, 3871 Ranfield Road, Kent. 5:30 p.m. germanfamilysociety.com

3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 CVSR Dinner on the Train Experience the luxury of the golden age of rail travel aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This excursion is an experience to remember. Whether you are looking for a date night out or an evening with friends, this is the perfect way to dine in sophisticated comfort. Passengers must be 21 and over to ride. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. 6:30 p.m. $105-$120. cvsr.com 3/5 The Kent Stage presents Standing Rock Cultural Arts Short Film & Video Festival This 19th annual film shorts festival will feature short films from around the world, including animation, music videos, short comedy, experimental films, documentaries and more. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 6:30 p.m. $5-$10. thekentstage.com 3/5 Special Film Presentation: “The Big Lebowski” “The Dude” Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Avenue N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org 3/5 Celebration of the CSO Two composers make their Masterworks series debuts in this evening’s performance. Molly Leach was our inaugural Composer Fellow with the Canton Youth Symphony Advanced Orchestra in the 21-22 season. Composed to fulfill the fellowship’s commission, Glow takes inspiration from the glistening and glimmering of the natural world. Canton Symphony Orchestra, 2331 17th St. N.W., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $12-$52. cantonsymphony.org

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3/5 EarthQuaker Symphony A special collaboration with Akron’s own EarthQuaker Devices presents the Orchestra’s talents in a way they have never been heard, as Jon Sonnenberg and Jake Gunnar Walsh use EarthQuaker’s effects pedals to fuse electronica and acoustic instruments, emulating innovators like Haydn and Beethoven. E.J. Thomas Hall. 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org 3/5 Jilly’s presents The Claudettes This band fuses Chicago piano blues with the full-throttle energy of rockabilly and punk and the sultriness of ’60s soul to write a thrilling new chapter in American roots music. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com 3/5-3/7 Inclusion Day at Akron Zoo Wear orange to the zoo and receive free admission for the day. March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and to kick off the month, the Akron Zoo is partnering with Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities and celebrating people of all abilities. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. $9. akronzoo.org 3/6 The Kent Stage presents Arielle Arielle released her most recent studio album titled “Analog Girl In A Digital World.” Her music videos released include “Inside & Outside” and “Peace of Mind.” The collection of songs exhibited her true love of the 60’s and 70’s, and the inspiration that lives in her art from a connection to this wondrous time. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 7 p.m. $20-$30. thekentstage.com 3/9 Women’s Endowment Fund’s “For Women, Forever” Annual Dinner Save the date for the Women’s Endowment Fund’s 2022 annual dinner celebrating uplifting women and girls in the community. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Ernst & Young LLP Vice Chair and US-Central Region Managing Partner, Julie Boland. Goodyear Hall at The East End, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $75 and up. eventbrite.com 3/9 Voices in the Valley presents Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas The musical partnership between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser and brilliant Californian cellist, Natalie Haas, spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 16 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 8 p.m. $28. peninsulahistory.org 3/10 Ladies Night Out Grab the girlfriends and stroll the beautiful Medina Square for an evening of shopping, tasting, socializing and fun. Medina Square, 39 Public Square, Medina. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. mainstreetmedina.com 3/10 Jilly’s presents Dr. Sketchy’s Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is the world’s premier alternative drawing movement. Artists draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality. Found in 2005 in a dive bar in Brooklyn, Dr. Sketchy’s has now spread to over 100 cities around the world. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10. jillysmusicroom.com 3/10 The Kent Stage presents The High Kings The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $30-$40. thekentstage.com

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3/11 CVSR Ales on Rails Beer Tasting Excursion: Irish Ales Climb aboard for a two-hour train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park while enjoying four beer selections paired with light appetizers. Seating is assigned. Commemorative glass is included. You must be at least 21 years of age to ride. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. 6:30 p.m. $50-$60. cvsr.com 3/12, 3/13 Ballet Excel Ohio presents “Beauty and the Beast” Enjoy a classical ballet choreographed by internationally known dancer and choreographer Tom Gold. Based on the classic fairy tale, this enchanting story is about the relationship between an arrogant prince and a young maiden. Ballet Excel Ohio, one of the first youth ballets in the country, is a nationally acclaimed pre-professional dance not-for profit company that performs original works under the artistic direction of Mia Klinger. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. $25-$35. akroncivic.com 3/13 Celebrate Spring Wine Pairing Celebrate Spring at Gervasi’s wine pairing event in The Villa Grande. Try bites of delicious food paired with Gervasi’s award-winning wines. Reservations are recommended. Gervasi Vineyard, The Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 3/13 Voices in the Valley presents Mipso with Belle White Since making their acclaimed debut, North Carolina-bred four-piece Mipso has captivated audiences with their finely layered vocal harmonies, graceful fluency in the timeless musical traditions of their home state. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. $30-$35. peninsulahistory.org 3/13 The Kent Stage presents Rick Wakeman: The Even Grumpier Old Rock Star Tour In his solo shows, Wakeman returns to his roots with a program packed with virtuosic piano performances and hilarious anecdotes inspired by his 50-plus-year career. His repertoire will range from his solo works and his stints in the band Yes, through to his early days as a session musician playing keyboards on such classics as David Bowie’s “Life On Mars.” The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $65-$260. thekentstage.com 3/17 Akron Roundtable presents Hans von Spakovsky Spend lunch with the manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative and Senior Legal Fellow for the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, as well as The Heritage Foundation. Akron Roundtable, Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org 3/17 Wellness through Art: Painting and Renewal Join Dr. Karin Coifman for a series of workshops that integrate wellness and relaxation through art. Take a moment each week to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media. Each class begins and ends with brief relaxation or easy meditation. Explore fun art activities that will leave you refreshed and enriched. Session includes all instruction and materials. Akron Artworks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com 3/17 Jilly’s Music Room presents St Patrick’s Day Party with The Mickeys Founded in 1994, the Mickeys combines traditional Celtic sounds with rock ’n’ roll versions of old favorites. Live performances consist of melodic Celtic covers, as well as originals penned by band members. Also look out for food and drink specials. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com

3/18 Jilly’s presents Easton Union with Yankee Bravo Easton Union’s music is a coalescence of all things town and country. Blending the styles of Americana, roots rock, R&B as well as straight ahead barn burners, this brand of music produces inspiring songs that look inward while also observing the outside world. Yankee Bravo blends roots with Americana and rock. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com 3/19 Jilly’s Music Room presents Highway 61 This Rust Belt-based band features Bob Moughler on harmonica and vocals, Mike Lenz on guitar and vocals and Dylan Roth on drums. Moughler’s quest was to form a band that would incorporate Chicago-style blues and West Coast boogie. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $5-$10. jillysmusicroom.com 3/20 Clint Black This country artist has sold over 20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada including a Grammy, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $40-$113. akroncivic.com 3/20 Voices in the Valley presents Ordinary Elephant International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 8 p.m. $22. peninsulahistory.org flying in this program that heads to Carnegie Hall following local performances. The program includes Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concerto no. 3, selections from the Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D, and the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor for Two Violins, featuring Olivier Brault and Susanna Perry Gilmore. Violinist Francisco Fullana joins the fun with Bach’s Violin Concerto in D Minor. The Bath Church, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$70. apollosfire.org 3/24-3/26 Jason Banks at The Funny Stop Comedy Club Jason Banks is a stand-up comedian based out of Columbus, Ohio. His unique and refreshing style of comedy has helped him emerge as one of the top rising talents on the comedy scene. The Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. funnystop.com 3/25 & 3/26 The Vindys The Vindys have become one of the most sought-after bands in the Northeast Ohio area with their unique blend of alt-rock. They are in Akron to promote their new album, “Bugs.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $25. akroncivic.com 3/26 Celebrate! Akron Symphony Gala 2022 Celebrate Akron Symphony’s return to live symphonic music, meaningful community partnerships, inspirational educational programming and much more. Enjoy music performed by members of the Akron Symphony, a gourmet dinner and irresistible live and silent auction items. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 5:30-11 p.m. $175-$225. akronsymphony.org 3/26 The Red Hot Chili Pipers The Chilis have a pool of the very best musicians from Scotland and across the globe, many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $33. akroncivic.com 3/22 Apollo’s Fire presents Virtuoso Bach & Vivaldi Apollo’s Fire and Jeannette Sorrell set sparks

A handpicked, eclectic selection of music including rock, indie, folk, local, reggae, blues and more curated for Northeast Ohio Listen now – on-air, online at thesummit.fm or download The Summit app MUSIC & MORE... 91.3 FM AKRON CANTON

LISTENER-SUPPORTED MISSION-DRIVEN PUBLIC RADIO

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AGENDA

3/26 The Kent Stage presents Mardi Gras Mamba featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Cha’s For more than 40 years, the group has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B and Soul. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $30. thekentstage.com 3/27 Gervasi Spirits Experience Join this exclusive event in The Villa Grande, where guests will experience three delightful cocktail demonstrations and tastings paired with savory bites. Gervasi Vineyard, The Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 3/31 Wellness through Art: Spring Mandala Join Dr. Karin Coifman for a series of workshops that integrate wellness and relaxation through art. Take a moment each week to destress while exploring your creativity with a variety of artistic media. Each class begins and ends with brief relaxation or easy meditation. Explore fun, art activities that will leave you refreshed and enriched. Session includes all instruction and materials. Akron Artworks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $25. akronartworks.com 4/1 Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 2022 Season This year, the focus will be how the Seiberling family used the estate to entertain family and friends as well as the wider Akron community. An exhibit in the Manor House will showcase how the estate was used as an event space, with a deep dive into the types of parties and events that were held there, and who attended. The exhibit will also explore how the staff created these events, and what was going on behind-the-scenes to orchestrate a party or event. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. stanhywet.org 4/2 Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience The Perondi’s dogs have been featured on national television numerous times. They have been guests on talk shows such as the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Ellen” and “Oprah Winfrey.” Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 and 6 p.m. $15-$25. akroncivic.com 4/2 Symphonic Dances A performance of color, movement and a kaleidoscope of international styles will be capped off by Rachmaninoff’s last score. The concert will also feature the virtuosic Korean Three Drum Dance, which amazes for its multi-layered brilliance: the music, the dance, and the remarkable women who perform both at the same time. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$60. akronsymphony.org 4/2, 4/3, 4/9, 4/10, 4/16 Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, perfect for your little kiddos. All participants will receive a bag of holiday treats. Tickets include admission to the zoo following the event. Costume characters are provided by Imaginos Productions, LLC. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Avenue, Akron. 8:30-11 a.m. $7-$18. akronzoo.org 4/3 Brit Floyd World Tour 2022 Brit Floyd has circled the world with sold-out tours across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and some of the world’s greatest venues. The Brit Floyd show has become a phenomenon widely regarded as the world’s greatest rock tribute show, faithfully recreating the scale and pomp of the final 1994 Pink Floyd tour. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $40-$160. akroncivic.com

DAYS Sugar & Pancake Breakfast

MAPLE March 12, 13, 19 & 20 9 AM - 4PM

Explore the sweet side of history and experience how maple sap processing changed through the 19th century

330-666-3711 | HaleFarm.org | 2686OakHill Road, Bath,OH44210

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by Brendan Baker, Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

photos by Tylar Calhoun and Alan Chavez

SUPER

MARKETS

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE, FRESH MEAT OR EXCITING SPICES, THESE SPECIALTY MARKETS HAVE WHAT YOU NEED TO LEVEL UP YOUR COOKING.

photo by Tylar Calhoun

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LOCAL MARKETS

FARM STAND

Something kept drawing Kayleigh Keller to a condemned 50,000-square foot historic Medina building.

“I kept sitting in the dilapidated parking lot, having a conversation with God,” says the Keller Meats owner. “What could we do with this building? How could we put a butcher shop into it?” Keller got her answer when Jon and Patty Stahl, the owners of P.J. Marley’s Restaurant & Pub, called, saying they were looking to open a local fare-focused restaurant. She began envisioning not only a Keller Meats butcher shop, but a complex featuring other farm fresh businesses. The rich agricultural history of the 1904 build ing, where farmers traded supplies through the Medina Farmers Exchange and a grain mill and feed store operated before being condemned in 2016, could flourish again. “We are a fifth-generation farm family in Medina County,” Keller says. “We can tell that story inside of a building that helped other farms survive and thrive.” She teamed with the Stahls, developer Beacon Marshall Co. and others to purchase the structure and embark on a massive $5.5 mil lion remodel. The hub opened in early 2020 with tenants including Jon Stahl’s rustic Farmer’s Table restaurant, Medina Brewing Co., 16 apartments and the Exchange Market anchored by main vendor Keller Meats. Where silos once stood, a sleek Keller Meats counter displays fresh beef, pork and poultry from crop-fed livestock raised at its 130 acre Medina farm. Head butcher, Gary Quesada, who was a chef at Main Street Cafe in Medina, is known for his artisanal cuts like bone-in tomahawk steaks and prepared foods such as smoked bacon-wrapped corn. “He has an exquisite palate,” Keller notes. Enjoy that same craft at the 1904 coffee bar, another vendor in the Exchange Market. Sip custom drinks like the Alotta Colada, a take on a Cuban breakfast coffee. Also browse the marketplace for small batch goods like Wooster-based Ol’ Dirty Sheets Hot Sauce products and Medina-based Ravine’s Edge carrot glow antiaging cream. The Exchange Market led to a Main Street Medina-run seasonal Sunday market, the Mill Street Makers’ Market and the burgeoning South Town entertainment district. It embodies Medina’s legacy of supporting its own. “The city has used this building as an exciting piece to revitalize on,” Keller adds. “Medina turns up for local businesses.” KP 320 S. Court St., Medina, facebook.com/theexchangemarket.com

photos by Alan Chavez

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COME TOGETHER

Kent Natural Foods Co-op opened in 1971, during a time when residents were working together to brighten the community and bring people together following the shootings at Kent State University on May 4, 1970. That effort to cultivate positivity became the Kent Community Project, through which residents met to brainstorm and eventu ally launch multiple local businesses. “They met in people’s houses and just said, Let’s do something that’s more community-minded ... and do something out of kind ness, ” says Jeff Ingram, the facilities coordinator at Kent Natural Foods. “A bunch of folks just wanted to create something posi tive after such a harsh tragedy.” One of those businesses was Kent Natural Foods, a general store that focuses on healthy living by selling products that are primar ily organic and locally sourced. Patrons can find items like fresh produce, meat, herbs, vitamins and supplements and household goods — many of which were found by Kent Natural Foods staff at the year-round Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Go-to options for many regulars include meat and eggs from Tierra Verde Farms in Deerfield and soaps and essential oils from Emily’s Soaps in Ravenna. “Tierra Verde Farms, the way they treat their animals — they just have a beautiful philosophy,” Ingram says. “[Emily’s Soaps] has all these wonderful scents, all natural.” Another popular pick is the organic produce that’s delivered to the store each week. “People can come in here and get food that’s going to be good for them and good for the planet,” Ingram says. “A lot of our shop pers are concerned about the health of the planet as well as the health of themselves.” The Kent Natural Foods staff works to facilitate conversations and increase education about healthy eating and sustainable choices. “People come here asking questions all the time, and we’re willing to research it if we don’t know or haven’t had an experience ourselves,” he says. In addition to emphasizing education and eco-friendly practices, Kent Natural Foods still has that original mission of commu nity at its center. “The bottom line is about sharing the knowledge of everybody in the community and sharing locally made products.” Ingram says. “It’s really a community vibe when you walk through the door.” AS

151 E. Main St., Kent, kentnaturalfoods.org

photos by Alan Chavez

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BOOSTING TRADITION

photo by Tylar Calhoun

more wine labels and more gro ceries, according to Lynch. “We want to keep the country market feel, but also add a bit more on the gourmet side,” he says. “We’re going to bring a lot more cheeses, like a mini-West Point Market.” The market is certainly stocked with experience. “We’ve hired two co-managers to run the facility,” Lynch notes. “One is Jamie Boyd, who used to manage the wine department at West Point Market. We also hired Christina Lusk, who man aged the cheese department at West Point. I also worked at West Point for about five years in the wine department as a consultant.” Schmidt adds that Beau’s Market features a variety of fresh foods for quick service. “You will be able to stop, get some hummus, some cheese, some carrot sticks, a cucumber and whatever else you might

want to take home — perhaps a sandwich and a bottle of wine,” he says. “There will be plenty of variety.” Like at Shisler’s, patrons can still order things like Boar’s Head meat from the deli coun ter and get a sandwich to-go, but as a new addition, there is also a full-service restaurant. “We will still have the counter service to purchase sliced meats, cheeses and grocery items. But then we’re going more towards specialty food,” Schmidt says. “We’re trying to bring a cozy res taurant experience and tie it in with the market and deli.” Beau’s Market plans to expand beyond its 53 seats in the spring or early summer, with 40 or 50 more seats on the patio. As for what they might call the new motif? “It could be country chic,” Lynch says. “We didn’t want to move too far away from the country feel, but we wanted to freshen the place up with more

table seating, some new fixtures. We’ve also got wine racks that will dress up the area around the steps.” Schmidt envisions happy hours from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with some tastings of cheeses or sandwiches and wine. “We’ll do events as we’ve done at the Sheraton and Hilton,” he says. “We’ll have about 40 to 50 dif ferent craft beers to choose from, as well as specialty sodas from Norka.” The market also features items like unique hot sauces — since Lynch is a self-described “chili head” — and products like Cleveland Ketchup, specialty pickles and local pasta and sauces. “We’re taking the systems that [Shisler’s] did well and enhanc ing them. We did a lot of research,” Lynch says. “We want to become a destination like it was before.” BB 1275 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, beausmarket.com

If you’ve been around Copley much in the past 20 years, you’ve probably stopped in for a sandwich and some cheese at Shisler’s Cheese House, located on South Cleveland Massillon Road, just off Copley Circle. When restaurateur Beau Schmidt heard Shisler’s was closing, he saw an opening for a new market-themed restaurant and deli. Schmidt, along with his business partners, Rennick Andreoli and Jeff Lynch, aimed to create something new with out losing what Shisler’s offered. That’s how the new Beau’s Market came to be. It’s a slightly different endeavor for the three partners, who own spots like Beau’s Grille, Beau’s on the River and some local hotels. Beau’s Market is similar to Shisler’s, only a bit more “amped up.” Shoppers can expect

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HEALTHY HARVEST

When Mike and Jean Krieger started their business in 1963, they didn’t even have a name for their farm stand, which was just an open-air market selling fresh produce. After a few years, however, Mike got the idea to call it Krieger’s Ranch Market, as he had seen one out in California during a trip. Now, Krieger’s Health Foods Market is a landmark in the commu nity where generations of customers have shopped for fresh, local produce and Ohio-made products for nearly 60 years. “We pride ourselves on having a wide variety of Ohio products,” says the owner’s daughter, Susan Krieger Kraus, who has worked at the market since she was 12 years old and is now the general man ager. “We promote products like Ohio Amish cheeses and baked goods, pies, maple syrup, Ohio honey, and when in season, a wide variety of Ohio produce that’s grown right here.” Owner and president Jean Krieger adds that throughout Krieger’s Market’s 50-plus years, customers’ shopping habits have changed a great deal, now shifting towards organics and dark, leafy greens. “When we first started, shoppers wanted to buy 50-pound bags of potatoes and 50-pound bags of onions. They wanted cabbage and head lettuce. You could hardly sell them enough,” Jean says. “We stocked some Romain and Bibb lettuce, but it was a tiny percent age. ... There’s been a lot of changes over the years.” Other changes include the whole front of the building. Mike built the original farm stand with his bare hands. Despite renova tions, that part is still there when you walk in, offering the feeling of a farmer’s market. “That’s the way my parents wanted it,” says Krieger Kraus. “And that’s what our customers love, too.” Krieger’s Market still has a lot of customers that have been coming in from the beginning, when there was a gravel drive and a chain link fence. “Customers still remember my kids running around on gravel floors,” Jean says. “We weren’t big for many years. It wasn’t until 1986 when we did the addition.” While Jean says she didn’t necessarily see the market growing to what it is today, she believes her husband had the vision for it. “I think that was always a dream that both of us had,” she says. “Whatever he wanted to do was my dream too.” Krieger Kraus notes that her parents have lived the American dream. “Both my father and my mother always appreciated the opportunities of this great country,” she says. “They really have lived the American dream.” BB Item to buy: Buckeye Basket $57.99, 615 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, kriegersmarket.com

photos by Alan Chavez

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