The Akron area will play a pivotal role in an upcoming short film. “Escaping Ohio” is a rom-com that hearkens back to movies like “Clueless” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” while attempting to break the formulaic mold of typical movies in this genre. The film focuses on two 18-year-olds facing adulthood: while Sam intends to leave their small town for California, JJ … [Read more...]
Akron Municipal Court administrator named to Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors
Akron Municipal Court Administrator Montrella S. Jackson was recently named to the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) Board of Governors as an at-large representative. Her term began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2023. Jackson was appointed by incoming OSBA President and local Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. The OSBA Board of Governors is a … [Read more...]
Nichole Epps of INKtricate Art Originals
What first caught my attention was the use of black and white voids that are filled in and oozing with bold, bright, vibrant color. Nichole Epps is an Artist and Owner of INKtricate Art Originals in Akron, took some time out of her busy schedule to interview for a segment on Around Akron with Blue Green on PBS Western Reserve. Since each segment on the show is only … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train discussion examines burdens, weight of words
Akron Soul Train will host an interactive discussion derived from the residency work of Akron artist Shani Richards, Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m. on Akron Soul Train’s Facebook page. Her exhibit, “United,” opened March 5 and subsequently the show closed a week later due to COVID-19. Richards, a trained metalsmith, created 100 pendant necklaces of racial and ethnic … [Read more...]
Ms. Julie’s Kitchen serves up vegan, locally sourced cuisine with community connections
Ms. Julie’s passion for her community and the future of sustainable food come through in everything she makes at her aptly-named restaurant, Ms. Julie’s Kitchen. The way Ms. Julie talks about a fresh ripe tomato off the vine makes your mouth water for one of her sandwiches, which will certainly have slices of the sweet and salty gems that she picked as recently as five minutes … [Read more...]
Diamond Kites announce new EP, livestream release show May 23
Akron band Diamond Kites announces a new EP, titled “Working Life,” featuring three songs recorded before the pandemic and finished during the quarantine. The EP will be released Friday, May 22 on all digital platforms, with a livestream release show Saturday, May 23, at 8 p.m., on the group’s Facebook page (facebook.com/diamondkites). The show is sponsored by Central … [Read more...]
Local parks and a history in social distancing
It’s put into the air when a person with an infection of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or sings. People nearby may breathe it in and become infected. Sounds like COVID-19, but actually it’s a description of tuberculosis, better known as TB, the leading killer during the 1800s and a top killer well into the 1900s. But the disease could have also had a hand in helping to … [Read more...]
A legendary actress from Akron: The story of Wendy Duke
Editor’s note: Tessa Gaffney is a graduate assistant in the Arts Admin program at the University of Akron. This is the second in a series of interviews with notable UA alumni. Wendy Duke is the coolest person I’ve ever met and my new role model. She views theatre the same way I do: as a tool for building community and a platform to talk about important … [Read more...]
Boys & Girls Club mentors go online to connect with members
Nearly 2,000 kids a day were suddenly without contact with a group of caring adult mentors when Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (BGCNEO) was forced to temporarily close sites due to the health crisis. Now they can reconnect virtually. This week, BGCNEO launched Cyber Club, a daily digital menu of activities and programs that are aligned with the organization’s … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train hosts opening reception for ‘United’ exhibit March 5
Akron Soul Train will host an opening reception for “United,” a show featuring the works of its artist-in-residence and Akron native, Shani Richards, Thursday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Akron Soul Train Gallery, 191 King James Way, in downtown Akron. As a trained metalsmith, Shani says she is fascinated with “how people use jewelry, body modifications, shoes and … [Read more...]