Opinion / The Setlist

The Setlist: Portage County live music for Aug. 5-11, 2026

- Mike D

Good morning, fans of all things music. Here we are rolling into the first week of August already. This week finds me with two nice gigs to play with the local band The Shootouts.

I will be playing pedal steel guitar with them on Friday, August 7. The Shootouts will headline Lock 3 in Downtown Akron, OH, with special guest Rye Valley opening the show. Come early for food trucks! Free admission on the lawn, or ticketed reserved seating is available.

On Sunday, August 9, I will join them at the Sugardale Fan Fest in Canton across from the Football Hall of Fame Stadium. This is the last show of the four day festival that is being put on as a thank you to all the fans of pro football. It also coordinates with Lainey Wilson’s show at the stadium that evening at 7:30 p.m.

As always, if you own a venue, and want live performances you’ve booked included in this roundup, please email me at miked@theportager.com. I’ll want to know who you have booked, the date, time and any costs or restrictions. If you know of a venue that provides live music, please contact me and I’ll take it from there.

AURORA

Orchid House Winery 155 Treat Road

  • August 11: Nick Zuber

MANTUA

Los Venados 11697 Route 44

  • Aug. 7: 6-9 Boomer Trio

NELSON

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (see this link for details)

GARRETTSVILLE

Garrettsville Farmers Market 8119 Main Street

  • Aug 6 - Lisa Diemler

STREETSBORO

Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon 9470 Route 14

  • Aug. 6 Ill Tempered (tribute to Alanis Morrisette) 9 p.m.-midnight

FREEDOM

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303

  • Aug. 8: Bush Nelson

ROOTSTOWN

Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44

  • Aug. 9: Sunday Funday concert featuring Chad Baker on the patio stage from 3-5 p.m. No ticket required.

BRIMFIELD

Aug. 8: Brimfield Block Party. Noon-6 p.m. at Brimfield Town Centre Plaza. Live music on the soccer fields, car cruise-in, food trucks, family-friendly activities and community fun.  Hosts: The Villas at Wyles Farm Apartment Homes, Double O Developments and Brimfield Township.

KENT

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

  • Aug. 6: Julian Kimbrough 6-9 p.m.

Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street

  • Aug. 7: Stamper-Starr 6-9 p.m.

Venice Cafe 163 Franklin Avenue

  • Aug 8: The Dukes of Darrowville

Haymaker Farmers’ Market on Franklin Ave, just north of the Summit Street intersection.

  • Aug 8: Oak Street Band 10 a.m.-noon

RAVENNA

TAVS Bar & Grill 106 E. Main Street

  • Aug. 8: Baker 7-9 p.m.

OPEN MICS/OPEN JAMS

CUYAHOGA FALLS

  • Aug 5: Divine Food & Spirits 2752 Hudson Drive. Host: Kevin Brosein. 7-9 p.m. Signups start at 6:30.
  • Aug 9: Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

KENT

  • Aug 5: Venice Cafe 163 Franklin Avenue. Hosts: BC Hudson, Jesse Carter. Open Mic/Jam. 7:30-10 p.m.
  • Aug. 7:     Woodsy’s Music 118 E. Main Street. Host: False Spring. 6:30-8 p.m. Signups start at 5:30 p.m. Singer/songwriters, solo performers, small groups/bands welcome. Back line gear provided.
  • Aug. 9: EuroGyro 107 S. Depeyster Street. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m.
  • Aug 11: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame 1524 S. Water Street. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

RAVENNA

Aug 6: Tavs 106 E. Main Street. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m. 330-719-3541

STREETSBORO

  • Aug. 6: Streets Tavern 9107 Route 14. Hosts: Marquee Roberts and the Other Guys. Solos, duets, bands welcome: all genres. 7-11 p.m. 

Mike D

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