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Opinion / The Setlist

The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 12-18

- Mike D

Hey Folks,

Here we are kicking into mid-August already! I hope the summer has been filled with lots of fun and good live music. 

This week I would like to recognize a band with over 55 years of contributions to the local music scene, the incomparable 15-60-75, aka The Numbers Band

The Numbers Band needs no introduction to most local music fans, as their legendary performances in the Cleveland and Akron area are well known to many.

Led by Bob and Jack Kidney, with the great Terry Hynde on sax, and a rhythm section of Bill Watson on bass and Clint Alguire on drums, The Numbers Band delivers a sound as unique as can be created on this ethereal planet!

They will be playing Jilly's in Akron this coming Saturday evening August 15, 2026. 7-11 p.m.

Stop out and hear this local treasure!

Mike D 


STREETSBORO

Aug. 15: BREW & BBQ BASH all day at Streetsboro City Park. Noon - 7 p.m.

Live music includes the alternative rock band End Rock and the Chili Peppers tribute band Hot Red Chili Peppers. Enjoy more than 50 crafters, a line up of BBQ pitmasters competing to be named this year’s BBQ Grand Champion, traditional food trucks, and more than 16 craft beer breweries.

Also appearing will be the St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team and Pure Passions Live Animals and Alpacas. Sponsored by Action Auto Body, Chainsaw Shari will do wood carving demonstrations and display her wood carvings. Kids will gravitate to games, face painting, Yo Big Bounce inflatables and The Foam Zone.

Admission is free but food and drink is not. Save on advance tickets bundles via https://brew-bbq-bash-discount-beer-sample-ticket-bundle-153000-copy.cheddarup.com

Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon 9470 Route 14

  •     Aug. 15: Moving in Stereo (tribute to Cars) 9-midnight

KENT

Aug. 15: Dog Days of Summer at Hometown Bank Plaza, corner Main and Water streets. Sponsor: Madonio Animal Trust, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting animal causes such as the Portage APL, Rose’s Rescue, the Portage County Dog Warden, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, and Family & Community Services' Doggie Bags program. MAT also works with local veterinarians to support the care of less fortunate pets who require emergency services.

Besides providing pets and their people with an entertaining afternoon, Dog Days of Summer is a fundraising festival. Bring your hearts, your pets, and your wallet while you enjoy some of the area’s popular bands:

  • The DB Band 11 a.m.
  • Long Time Gone 1:15 p.m. (approx.)
  • Rio Neon 3 p.m.

Gigi’s Restorante & Market 210 S. Depeyster St.

  • Aug. 13: Nick Zuber

Nineteen 10 215 South Depeyster St.

  • July 18 In Like Flinn 5-8 p.m. on the patio if weather permits, inside if it doesn’t

Dan Smith Park Concert series 168 East Erie St.

  • Aug. 15: Hot Potatoes 6-8 p.m.

Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street

  •     Aug. 14: The Brown Brothers 6-9 p.m.

Hometown Bank concert series Hometown Bank Plaza, downtown Kent

  • Aug 13: Van Sailin’ 7-9

Bell Tower Brewing Co. 310 Park Avenue

  • Aug. 15: Ava Leone 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    Haymaker Farmers’ Market on Franklin Ave, just north of the Summit Street intersection.
  • Aug 15 Mick Rogers and the Red Guitar of Truth  10 a.m.-noon

RAVENNA

TAVS Bar & Grill 106 E. Main St.

  • Aug. 15 It’s About Time Band 7-9 p.m.

AURORA

Orchid House Winery 155 Treat Road

  • Aug. 18: Diana Chittester

GARRETTSVILLE

Garrettsville Farmers Market 8119 Main Street

  • Aug 13: Crazy James

FREEDOM

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303

  • Aug. 15: Two Docks Down


ROOTSTOWN


Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44

  • Aug. 16: Sunday Funday concert featuring Ash Taylor on the patio stage from 3-5 p.m. No ticket required.

 

OPEN MICS/OPEN JAMS

Open mics and jams are an excellent way for aspiring musicians to gauge their progress as stage performers. They also provide a great networking tool for current musicians who may need a temporary or permanent new band member for the projects they are involved in. Here are some of the area’s upcoming events:

CUYAHOGA FALLS

Aug. 16: Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

Aug. 12: Divine Food & Spirits 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls. Host: Kevin Brosein. 7-9 p.m. Signups start at 6:30.

KENT

Aug. 16: EuroGyro 107 S. Depeyster St., Kent. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m.(330) 678-4976

Aug. 17: Woodsy’s Music 118 E. Main St. Jazz jam session. Host: Chris Coles. 7-9:30 p.m. Open to community members and high school and college students interested in jazz. Chris provides a percussion and bass player. 


Aug. 18: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame 1524 S. Water St., Kent Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

RAVENNA

Aug. 13: Tavs 106 E. Main St. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

Mike D

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