This week’s Setlist brings us into the first full week of November. Yesterday voters participated in one of the most important midterm elections in recent history. As many of us hope to change the trajectory our country has been heading, it’s hard not to feel some stress.
Which brings me to the importance of live music. How many times have you been feeling somewhat stressed, tired, and ready for some rest after a long work week? Friday arrives and you meet the weekend break with a sense of relief.
Then you realize some long-time friends and musicians are playing locally, and you push yourself to get off the couch and go enjoy their show. You have a wonderful time, catch up with some folks you haven’t seen in ages, and when you arrive home, you feel invigorated and a sense of positivity and newfound energy embraces you.
How important is live music to you? I encourage comments and suggestions today. Tell us why you love experiencing live music, or why it doesn’t do the same for you as it used to, or why you choose not to be a fan of live music. All comments are welcome.
For all you country music, and Americana fans, this week I would suggest the Nov. 6 show at the lovely GAR Hall in Peninsula. It features a band, Country Honk, https://countryhonkmusic.com, out of Cleveland. Great musicians who serve up an interesting mix of country classics and Americana style offerings. I hope to see you there!
Band Members & Roles
● Thor Platter — Guitar, co-lead vocals
● Thomas Prebish — Bass, co-lead vocals
● Anthony Papaleo — Lead and steel guitar
● Alfredo "Freddy" Perez-Stable — Drums/percussion
As always, if you are a musician with gigs coming up in Portage or eastern Summit County, let me know at miked@theportager.com. I’d love to promote your performances.
Until next week, stay warm and dry, and I hope to see you out and about!
Mike D
Here’s what’s going on in Portage County:
KENT
Standing Rock Cultural Arts 300 N. Water Street
- Nov. 6: Old Time Jams with Adam Brodsky 6 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Music with Kane Fahl 7-9 p.m.
Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street
- Nov. 6: Gaetano's Underworld Blues Band
The Kent Stage 175 E. Main Street. Only purchase tickets through kentstage.org or at the Box Office on West Main Street. Alternative ticket vendors may be overpriced and/or invalid.
- Nov. 7: 25th annual Woodchopper’s Ball. Doors open 6:30, show at 7 p.m.
- Nov. 8: Black Violin: The Be Free Tour with special guest Jon Muq. Doors open 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
- Nov. 10: Bela Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, featuring Michael Cleveland, Dominick Leslie, Jeff Partin, Mark Schatz and Jake Stargel. Doors open 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 11: GCS, featuring Eric Gales, Dennis Chambers and Billy Sheehan. Doors open 6:35 p.m., show at 7:35 p.m.
North Water Brewing Co. 101 Crain Avenue 330-778-4677
- Nov. 7: Hippie Fest Makers Market, featuring local artisans and makers. 1-6 p.m. Good Day Pizza Oven open all day. Live music with Art Michaud at 7 p.m.
Bell Tower Brewing Co. 310 Park Avenue
- Nov. 8: Tunes at the Tower with Ed Caner and Jim Tigue
STREETSBORO
Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon 9470 Route 14
- Nov. 7: Endrock 9 p.m.
- Nov. 10: Jeep Night: First Responders Appreciation. Food and drink specials, live music, raffle prizes, and RC crawler course, a flex ramp photo opp, and more. 5-9 p.m.
Chuggers Bar & Grill 9244 Market Square Drive
- Nov. 7: Jump the Gun
FREEDOM
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303
- Nov. 7: Whiskey Outlaws
ROOTSTOWN
Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44
- Nov. 7: Lily Rose. All info and purchase tickets at www.DustyA.com
RAVENNA
Tavs 106 E. Main Street
- Nov. 7: Rat’a’Tat Matt and Buck Andrews 7 p.m.
Make the short trip to catch performances in Summit County. As I said in my intro, Country Honk will be at the GAR Hall on Nov. 6.
TWINSBURG
Sassy’s Bar & Grille 10755 Ravenna Road
- Nov. 6: Strat Kings 9 p.m.-midnight
Brewsters 2681 Creekside Drive
- Nov. 6: Real Deal Blues Band
- Nov. 7: The Bluescasters
CUYAHOGA FALLS
Basement in the Falls 740 Munroe Falls Avenue
- Nov. 4: John Gall
- Nov. 11: Twin B Project
The Workz 2220 Front Street
- Nov. 6 Tricky Dick & The Cover Ups 8 p.m.
- Nov. 7: The Cover Band 8 p.m.
The Jenks 1884 Front Street
Live music by a variety of performers Wednesdays through Friday evenings, and afternoons into the evening Saturdays. Click on https://jenks1929.com/pages/live-music-performance to see schedules.
CBG Falls 503 Chestnut Blvd.
- Every Tuesday: Vinyl Night from 4-7PM followed by Jazz Night 7-9PM. Jazz night varies between three regular performers.
- Every Wednesday: Pickin' Wednesdays, an open bluegrass jam except for when bluegrass bands are scheduled.
PENINSULA
GAR Hall 1785 Main Street
- Nov. 6: Country Honk with special guest Mike Stinson 8-10 p.m.
- Nov. 7: dobro artist Abbie Gardner 8-9:30 p.m.
- Nov. 12: The Local Honeys with Special Guest David Mayfield 8-10 p.m.