Northeast Ohio produces more events each week than it would
be possible to attend, even if you had a full-time maid,
chef, and/or babysitter. Hot Picks: This Week’s Smart
Stuff sorts through the lists of concerts, festivals, exhibits,
plays, readings and all sorts of other events and pulls
out a few that seem out-of-the-ordinary. There will be new
things each week, with the list updating each Monday.
Even though we like to think of ourselves as “in
the know,” there will always be things that escape
our notice. Please feel free to make suggestions to
(be aware, we make no promises and the final decision rests
with us). Enjoy!
Over the Rhine
July 22
Cain Park
Hipster extrordinaires Linford Detwiler and Karin Bergquist hail from our very own Buckeye state, but they've made a name for themselves all over the country. After more than 15 years making music, it’s obvious Over The Rhine is in it for the long haul, and for keeps. They've been recently named to Paste magazine’s list of 100 Best Living Songwriters, and for good reason. Tickets are a mere $2 - it will be the most fulfilling $2 you will ever spend.
(
more 
)
Summit County Fair
July 22-27
Summit Fair Grounds
Who doesn't love a quality county fair? Summit does its up right with a demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, and motocross. See 4-Hers show off their cows and piggies. See the less animal-inclined show off their gardening, sewing, baking, canning, photography, drawing, scrapbooking and stamping. Musical guests Keith Anderson and Tony Rio round out the festivities. Yee-haw!
(
more )
Carlos Jones & PLUS Band
July 24
Akron Art Museum
Carlos Jones & the PLUS Band deliver a dose of soulful roots reggae with infectious rhythms woven by the group's use of a variety of percussion instruments. They create an irresistible and uplifting vibration, hooking the crowd into their performance. For many Northeast Ohioans, Jones is the undisputed king of Ohio reggae, with nearly 30 years of music-making under his dreadlocks. Since the late 70s, Jones has dedicated his life to spreading reggae's message of peace, love, and unity and the healing power of music to the people.
(
more )
Taste of Akron
July 24 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Hardesty Park
Enjoy the full flavor of Akron with food samples from a variety of area restaurants. There will be great food, live entertainment and fun events throughout the evening. Admission is free. Food samples will be available for $2, $4 and $6. Enter the West Point Market dessert recipe contest! Entry forms available at West Point Market.
(
more )
Ingenuity Festival
July 25 - 27
Playhouse Square
Cleveland's annual festival of Art and Technology is back and at Playhouse Square this year. Hear the sound of 1,000 drums. Listen to live jazz, hip-hop, folk, rock, techno, classical, and more. See opera, theater, ballet, step dancing, breakdancing, and contemporary dance. Enjoy visual exhibits, concerts, poetry slams, stilt walkers, jugglers, parades, food, flowers, and activities for kids, all transformed by technology. Four days of creativity and innovation--there's sure to be something for everyone.
(
more )
Earth, Wind and Fire
July 26
Plain Dealer Pavillion
Enjoy the smooth sounds of the Chicago-based group who influenced so many funk and soul artists today. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, Earth Wind and Fire's nearly 40-year history includes eight double-platinum albums, two platinum albums and three gold albums. They have been nominated for twenty Grammy awards and eight are currently sitting on their shelves. The Elements come to town with a show that promises to get you up out of your seat and dancing in the aisles. Let their groove get you to move!
(
more )
A Midsummer's Night Dream
July 26
Blossom Music Center
Drew Carey comes home for his first-ever appearance with The Cleveland Orchestra, narrating Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in a concert featuring musical settings of Shakespeare. On the program: Weber's Overture to Oberon, Foote's A Night Piece for Flute and Strings, Sullivan's Masquerade from The Merchant of Venice, and Mendelssohn's Incidental Music, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
(
more )
Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival
July 25 - Aug 4
Canton
Nearly 700,000 people flock to Canton each year for the festival leading up to the enshrinement of the class of 2008 inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The festival includes 15 events over a 10 day period. Highlights include the Hot Air Balloon Classic, fireworks, 5K & 2K races, the Grand Timken Parade, the National Rib Burnoff, concerts, and more--all leading up to the enshrinement and Hall of Fame Game on August 4th.
(
more )
All-American Soap Box Derby
July 26
Derby Downs, Akron
Take the kiddies on a field trip to Akron for a longstanding tradition and American pastime--the Soap Box Derby. The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott. He covered a race of boy-built cars in his home community and was so impressed with this event that he acquired a copyright for the idea and began development of a similar program on a national scale. This year marks the 71st Derby, and will host local and rally winners from over 40 states and even a few foreign countries.
(
more )
