Hey Folks,
I think we all have had our fill of political ads as the mid-term elections approach with less than 2 weeks remaining of the candidates’ campaigns.
Music has always provided an outlet for folks to express their political views, with pioneers like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie leading the way.
They first met in 1940. The younger Seeger viewed Guthrie as an essential mentor, inspiration and guide who taught him about the realities of working-class America, train hopping and simple, direct folk music. As Guthrie's physical and mental health deteriorated due to Huntington's Disease (he became an unreliable performer around the late 1940s and entered a hospital in 1952), Seeger's role shifted from a student to Guthrie's primary champion.
After Guthrie's death in 1967, Seeger spent decades performing, teaching, and popularizing Guthrie’s catalog — most notably "This Land Is Your Land" — ensuring it became a permanent part of American culture.
So as we navigate our way through the next 2 weeks, let's keep these pioneers of free speech and equality in our thoughts. Remember, these protest songs were performed LIVE… and with your continued support, live music will survive and flourish as we enter the era of AI and all of the challenges it presents.
Music always sounds best in its original form, presented live for your enjoyment. Here’s who’s playing where in Portage County and beyond.
KENT
Gigi’s Restorante & Market 210 S. Depeyster St.
- Oct. 22: Fighting Chance Records 6-9 p.m.
Water Street Tavern 132 South Water Street
- Oct 23: Conway Brothers Band
Standing Rock Cultural Arts 300 North Water Street
- Oct. 24: Standing Rock and Blues Music Festival featuring The Greasy Boys, Jon Mosey, Timothy Koehler and more. Serving food and beverages. Donations benefit Standing Rock Cultural Arts. 3-11 p.m.
North Water Brewing Co. 101 E. Crain. St.
- Oct. 25: The Highland Street Squirrels 7-9 p.m.
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.
- Oct. 21: Jeff Tweedy with special guest Case Oats (sold out)
- Oct. 22: Jonah Koslen Doors open 6:30, show starts 7:30
- Oct. 24: Jonah Koslen Doors open 4 p.m., show starts 5 p.m.
- Oct. 25: An Evening with Noel “Paul” Stookey of Peter Paul & Mary. Doors open 6 p.m., show starts 7 p.m.
STREETSBORO
Chuggers Bar & Grill 9244 Market Square Drive
- Oct. 24: Dirty Lookz approx 8:30 p.m.-midnight
FREEDOM
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill 7160 Route 303
- Oct. 24: Restricted
ROOTSTOWN
Dusty Armadillo 3147 Route 44
- Oct. 23: Spencer Crandall. All info and purchase tickets at www.DustyA.com
AURORA
Orchid House Winery 155 Treat Road
- Oct. 27: Diana Chittester
PENINSULA
The GAR Hall 1785 Main Street
- Oct. 22: Larry & Joe present a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music 8-9:30 p.m.
- Oct. 23: Nashville-based string band The Howlin’ Brothers 8-9:30 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Folk/modern roots musicians The Lowest Pair 8-9:30 p.m.