(Photo: John R. Aylward)
The Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret, an anything goes open mic, returns to the stage Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. at Aqueduct Brewing, just as Wandering Aesthetics gears up for the upcoming launch of Bigger Than A Breadbox.
The Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret (#EPCooker ) is open the public. There is a $5 cover charge or pay-what-you-can at the door. Audience members also may pay their covers ahead of time and artists may pre-register for a performance slot online at epcooker.com or via phone at (330) 612-3090.
Aqueduct Brewing is located at 529 Grant St #106 and is an official stop on the Summit Brew Path.
Proceeds will support #EPCooker team members and help reach Wandering Aesthetics’ Year Two match for The Electric Pressure Cooker… presents Bigger than a Breadbox. Bigger Than A Breadbox – launching this Fall – is one of the 27 winners of the of the 2015 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge Akron. #AkronBreadbox needs to raise $75,000 in matching funds over two years – but only $37,500 over the next 15 months.
For info (including the up-to-date funds raised) visit akronbreadbox.com or email [email protected].
The Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret is piggybacking off of the growing Friday*Night*Mic, also at Aqueduct Brewing. The event has bloomed from humble beginnings in the basement of a Highland Square flower shop and is an artist-driven event that sees over 100 audience members, 20-plus performances and six non-stop hours of art.
Registration for performers begins at 7:30 p.m. Performances begin between 8 and 8:30 p.m.
Anyone may sign up for a 12-minute slot. Performers may pre-register at epcooker.com.
An emcee, house drum kit, keyboard and sound system (with operators) are provided. This month’s emcee is Comedian and Improviser Ruben Ryan.
All varieties of acts are encouraged to perform. Previous acts have included: monologues, acoustic musicians, comedians, feats of strength, play readings, experimental art, dancers, scenes from plays, improvisation, devised work, full rock bands and performance artists. But the sky is the limit; no art is too taboo for the #EPCooker.
All levels – from beginner to the most experienced – are encouraged to perform. Those under 18 are permitted to attend (and perform) with adult supervision.
The #EPCooker is not just an open mic. It is an open and welcoming community of artists. It is also a great networking event and a place to improve stage presence and develop as an artist. Comedian Sarah Jones, Storyteller Kyle Jozsa, Just Go With It Improv, Copper Pennies and many other acts premiered at the #EPCooker.
Aqueduct Brewing has a quality selection of craft beer, cider and food available for sale. Outside beverages are not permitted. Outside food is allowed.
Ruben Ryan has been doing improv comedy almost half his life and performing on stage even longer. You can catch him performing Short-Form with Point of No Return Improv and Something Dada or Long-Form with Just Go With It Improv.
Building on the success of Wandering Aesthetics’ reoccurring Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret, Bigger Than a Breadbox (#AkronBreadbox) draws inspiration from Akron’s historic ties to vaudeville. Using this vaudevillian blueprint, #AkronBreadbox will be a dynamic quarterly event that explores Akron’s roots, celebrates artistic excellence and unites audiences through affordable access to a revolving lineup of high quality performers. #AkronBreadbox will tour the quadrants of Akron; each “bill” will be comprised of acts selected from the #EPCooker and the neighborhoods where #AkronBreadbox events are held. Acts will reflect a diverse array of talent and receive a performance stipend.
