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First Night Artists
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Arists: Music
Adam Cord, Fingerstyle Guitarist
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 7:30-8:15 p.m.
Malone University’s Adam Cord is an instructor of guitar and author from Akron, Ohio. His performances, recordings and publications reflect his love for the guitar.
Site supported by: METRO
Akron Big Band
Greystone Hall: Ballroom, 2nd Floor 6-10 p.m.
Come, listen and dance the night away to classic big band songs of the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. Whether it's Glenn Miller's “In the Mood” or Cole Porter's “Begin the Beguine” you’re sure to have a good time. Performance supported by A Schulman Inc.
Site supported by: Akron Beacon Journal / Ohio.com
Akron Symphony Gospel Meets Symphony Choir
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Jennifer Jones leads members of the Akron Symphony Gospel Meets Symphony choir in a performance of some of the world’s most inspiring gospel selections.
Stage supported by: Labels & Letters
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
Alex Bevan
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 6-7:15 p.m.
Alex Bevan, Great Lakes Bard and Low Tech Troubadour, returns to First Night.
Performance supported by Cohen & Company
Site supported by: PNC Foundation
Bongo Joe and Little Steve-O
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 7:15-8 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 8:15-9 p.m.
Winners of the 2014 Northeast Ohio Blues Association blues challenge - this duo offers a truly unique and intense acoustic blues experience.
Stage supported by: The Welty Family Foundation
Site supported by: City of Akron
Box of Squirrels
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 2 (Bridgestone/Hay/Foundations 9:30-10:15 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 2 (Bridgestone/Hay/Foundations 10:30-11:15 p.m.
Box of Squirrels plays a unique and eclectic blend of acoustic music, from the Beatles and Chuck Berry to Gillian Welch and Lyle Lovett, with great harmonies and an assortment of instruments.
Stage supported by: Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site supported by: City of Akron
Brian Henke
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 7-7:45 p.m.
Virtuoso acoustic guitarist and harp guitarist Brian Henke will be performing music from all seven of his solo CD’s including his latest, Seven Magic Spells.
Stage supported by: Robert O. &Annamae Orr Family Foundation
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
Brian Lisik
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 8-9 p.m.
Akron singer songwriter Brian Lisik is currently touring in support of his third CD release. His performances have been described by WKSU-FM as "the epitome of coffee house cool."
Stage supported by: Robert O. &Annamae Orr Family Foundation
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
Café 80’s
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 1 (Firestone/OMNOVA/Goodrich) 10-10:30 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 1 (Firestone/OMNOVA/Goodrich) 10:45-11:15 p.m.
Cafe 80's - The Premier 80's Tribute Experience
Performance supported by Huntington Bank
Stage supported by: Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site supported by: City of Akron
Cleveland Chinese Music Ensemble featuring Sandra Emmeline and martial arts master Shifu Gary Harris
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 7-7:45 p.m.
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Chinese music on authentic string, wind and percussion instruments by Northeast Ohio's traditional Chinese orchestra. Program features special guest vocalist Sandra Emmeline.
Performance supported by R.C. Musson and Katharine M. Musson Foundation
Site supported by: Akron Community Foundation
Colin Dussault's Blues Project LLC
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 9:15-10 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 8:15-9 p.m.
The hardest working band in Northeast Ohio.Making award-wining, harmonica driven, blues based, roots, rock n’ soul music since 1989.
Performance supported by: Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation
Site supported by: City of Akron
Dale A. Galgozy
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 7-7:45 p.m.
Dale Galgozy performs music that evokes the songs that you want to hear; they are classics before they're classics. Straight ahead vocal and guitar with no affectation or gimmicks.
Stage supported by: The Sisler McFawn Foundation
Site supported by Acme Fresh Market
Dark Side of the Moon
Akron Civic Theatre 9:30-10:15 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre 10:30-11:15 p.m.
Dark Side of the Moon, a Pink Floyd Concert Experience, performs all of your favorites, including full laser light show, video, smoke and haze.
Site Sponsored by: Ohio Arts Council
David & Valerie Mayfield
Greystone Hall, 4th floor 8:15-9 p.m.
Greystone Hall, 4th floor 9:15-10 p.m.
You don't want to miss this dynamic bluegrass duo with unbelievable tight harmonies and a true beautiful blend of talent. Also enjoy some fast hot pick-in by two wonderful highly entertaining musicians.
EKCO Ringers
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 8:15-9 p.m.
Akron Art Museum: Lobby 9:15-10 p.m.
Experience holiday music, classics and fun tunes on bronze English handbells by two ringers. Enjoy watching the unison moves and hearing the unique sound of handbells.
Site supported by: Akron Community Foundation
Front Page Quartet
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 6-6:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Sanctuary 6:45-7:15 p.m.
This well-established group has ease and fun with audience. Their 25-30 song repertoire includes 50's and 60's gospel, familiar tunes and Christmas music. They have entertained at parties, festivals and shows.
Site sponsored by: METRO
Jim Knight
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 6:15-6:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 7:15-7:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 8:15-8:30 p.m.
Guitarist Jim Knight will entertain Zion’s Food Court guests during the intermissions with light rock and folk songs from the 60’s and 70’s.
Site supported by: METRO
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash Tribute Show
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 8:30-9:15 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Bill and Susie Timmons from Wadsworth perform a Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Show. This "dynamic duo" sings many of the Cash favorites that audiences applaud. They have been singing together for 20 years and perform at numerous events such as weddings, festivals and church concerts.
Performance supported by Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
Site supported by: METRO
Mame Daiko, Cleveland JACL’s Japanese Taiko Ensemble
The Shoppes at Akron Centre 7:45-9 p.m.
Mame Daiko, Cleveland JACL’s Japanese Taiko Ensemble, performs traditional and contemporary songs in a high energy performance that combines choreography and drumming.
Site supported by: PNC Foundation
Mo’ Mojo
Akron Civic Theatre 7:15-8 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre 8:15-9 p.m.
Mo’ Mojo is a hard driving, high energy, Zydeco-based “Party-Gras” Band. The female fronted group features three-part harmonies, accordion, fiddle, guitar, rubboard, sax, trumpet, harp, bass, percussion and drums.
Nate Vaill and A Band Named Ashes
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 8:15-9 p.m.
Akron Art Museum: Auditorium 9:15-10 p.m.
Nate Vailll and A Band Named Ashes is a five-piece ensemble hailing from Akron that produces what has best been deemed as a "Progressive, Funky, Folk" mix of dynamic music.Performance supported by The Murdough Foundation
Site supported by: Akron Community Foundation
Neil Jacobs "World 12-String Guitar"
Summit Artspace: Gallery 7-7:45 p.m.
Summit Artspace: Gallery 8-8:45 p.m.
Masterful Gypsy, Classical, World and Fingerstyle 12-string guitar, featuring mesmerizing original compositions combined with entertaining anecdotes from world travels and experiences.
Site supported by: County of Summit
Paul Kovac
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 6-6:45 p.m.
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 7-7:45 p.m.
Summit Artspace: 3rd Floor 8-8:45 p.m.
Multi-instrumentalist Paul Kovac has performed with Bill Monroe, Roy Clark and Garrison Keillor to name a few. Expect banjo fast and slow, original and traditional songs, different instruments, humor and sincerity-he delivers!
Performance supported by Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation
Site supported by: County of Summit
Percussion Discussion Akron
John S. Knight Center 6-8 p.m.
A unique blend of Afro- Cuban and African rhythms.
Site supported by: City of Akron
Popfusion – Momentum Marketing
Mainstage 8-8:45 p.m.
Each interactive music-fueled Popfusion show gives guests the opportunity to win incredible Popfusion prizes while competing in incredible challenges and unique contests. Step into the Popfusion spotlight for your chance to win BIG!
Site supported by: FirstMerit Foundation
Shivering Timbers
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 9:15-10 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 10:15-11 p.m.
Shivering Timbers' music defies categorization. While the songs often strive for simplicity, they just as frequently shake the heavens.
Stage supported by: Labels & Letters
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
The Angie Haze Project
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 6-6:45 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Goodyear Ballroom 7-7:45 p.m.
The Angie Haze Project always delivers a high energy show that will keep you moving with a sound "so addicting you can't get enough."
Performance supported by: Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust, Keybank, Trustee
Site supported by: City of Akron
The Gage Brothers
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 2 (Bridgestone/Hay/Foundations 7:15-8 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 2 (Bridgestone/Hay/Foundations 8:15-9 p.m.
A folk/blues duo from Akron, OH, Zach and Ben Gage, covertly posing as The Gage Brothers.
Stage supported by: Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site supported by City of Akron
The Jon Mosey Trio
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 9:15-10 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 10:15-11 p.m.
Original Akron roots-rock band The Jon Mosey Trio consists of three of the area's top musicians, each highly respected performers. Together, they craft a rootsy, powerful and instantly recognizable sound.
Performance supported by Moffit Foundation
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
University of Akron Steel Drum Band
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 1 (Firestone/OMNOVA/Goodrich) 8:45-9:30 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Main Fl 1 (Firestone/OMNOVA/Goodrich) 7:45-8:30 p.m.
Let the University of Akron Steel Drum Band transport you to the sounds of the Caribbean! Learn how the steelpan was invented and developed into this unique instrument!
Stage supported by: Omnova Solutions Inc.
Site supported by: City of Akron
Wandering Aesthetics
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 6-6:45 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Classroom 7-7:45 p.m.
Gather 'round as Wandering Aesthetics' storyteller Kyle Jozsa weaves a web of Appalachian thrills, chills, songs and laughter. WARNING: "Boogers, Witches and Haints" may appear during this interactive, family-friendly performance.
Performance supported by GOJO Industries, Inc.
Site supported by: Acme Fresh Market
Westside Steve Simmons
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 8:15-9 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library-High St. Level 9:15-10 p.m.
Musical styles ranging from nautical to Irish to country to sing along to island to oldies.
Stage supported by: The Sisler McFawn Foundation
Site supported by Acme Fresh Market
Yiddishe Cup
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 9:30-10:15 p.m.
John S. Knight Center-Exhibit Hall 2 10:30-11:15 p.m.
“Hava Nagila” to the 10th Power! This Klezmer Band lights up the stage with their eccentric mix of Yiddish Music.
Stage supported by: The Welty Family Foundation
Site supported by City of Akron
Zion's Praise Singers
Zion Lutheran Church - Gym/Food Court 5:30-6:15 p.m.
The Praise Team of Zion Lutheran Church will offer joyous, up-beat songs that praise the Lord.
Site supported by: METRO