New year, new themes: First Friday 2014

WHATWHEREWHEN

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SPACE AVAILABLE

Each month, the art galleries and studios of downtown Canton welcome you to experience a night of creativity. The local restaurants cook up heavenly cuisine, and the shops and businesses absolutely come alive.

I s s u e

First Friday, the arts, music and entertainment festival that transforms downtown Canton on the First Friday of each month, is back with its seventh year of monthly art rendezvous in the Canton Arts District!

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• Light Up Downtown • First Friday 2014 Lineup • New Business Spotlight • Canton Charge • SID Annual Meeting • Downtown Deals Wednesdays • Canton Farmers’ Market Recap • Community Garden Recap

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SPECIAL FEATURES

During the event, the Canton City Fire Department will distribute hats and mittens to children in need. If you would like to donate new children’s hats and mittens, please bring them to one of our donation boxes, located at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other downtown Canton locations, between now and the Light Up event. Visit LightUpDowntown.com for a list of all donation locations.

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PARTNERSHIP REPORT

You can look forward to carriage rides, singing and local dance troupe performances, children’s crafts and activities and much, much more! The downtown center city is transformed into a winter wonderland for the occasion, and our local businesses will provide activities and refreshments as you take in all the holiday delights our community has to offer.

Donate Hats & Mittens!

J A N U A R Y

Thursday, Dec. 5

This year’s Light Up will feature Christopher Pop-In-Kins, every child’s favorite elf, in a very special musical main stage show that will light up the skies and light up your spirits with community musical acts, fantastic fireworks and a ho, ho, ho-liday visit from the man in red. You’re in for a night of surprises and fun for all ages! Best of all? This festive festival is FREE!

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Through November

Light Up is your chance to watch 16 city blocks come alive with attractions, entertainment, refreshments and fun for children of all ages. The excitement is happening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Canton.

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First Friday of every month

D E C E M B E R

Downtown Canton’s streetscape comes alive with fun festivals!

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2013 Downtown Event Schedule

ight Up Downtown, presented by the Canton Development Partnership, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber, returns for another year of downtown family fun on Thursday, Dec. 5.

N O V E M B E R

Christopher Pop-In-Kins pops in again to spread the joy of the holidays at Light Up Downtown

Downtown Developments is published quarterly by Canton Development Partnership, a department of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Downtown Canton Special Improvement District

Partnership Report Nine challenges and opportunities help predict the future of Downtown Canton As we close the year on 2013, the Canton Development Partnership is pleased with the progress that we have made in a number of different aspects of our center city. The hope is that this continued progress would transfer to the months and years ahead.

222 Market Ave. N. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-0468 fax (330) 452-7786 cdp@cantonchamber.org www.DowntownCanton.com Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Michael P. Gill Director Annette Rosenberger Office Manager Denise Burton Membership Director Jessica Bennett Marketing Director & Editor Erin Thompson Downtown Events Manager Sarah Lutz Graphics Manager The Canton Development Partnership is a coalition of area development organizations and city government that share an interest in downtown Canton’s continual improvement, revitalization, image, and quality of life for its citizens. Its mission is to support and coordinate the activities and programs of its partner organizations in order to encourage and sustain community and economic development in downtown Canton. The partnering organizations include: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Downtown Canton Land Bank, Canton Tomorrow, Inc., and City of Canton. Information regarding downtown events and news can be submitted for reprint at the discretion of the Partnership director and publication editor. The Canton Development Partnership reserves the right to edit all copy. Deadlines are the 15th of the month, two months prior to publication (i.e., May 15 for the July/August issue). Statements of fact and opinion within Downtown Developments are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply the opinion of the members of Canton Development Partnership or its partnering organizations. Advertising rates and specifications are available by contacting the Chamber sales department at (330) 458-2067.

One important measure of our future success will be how our public and private organizations, and their leaders, address the challenges and opportunities of our city. In addition to managing the crime in our neighborhoods, maintaining our infrastructure, ensuring that downtown is aesthetically pleasing to downtown employees and visitors, there are presently nine major challenges and opportunities ahead that will help determine the progress of our downtown: 1. Canton, The Utica Capital: Regional oil and gas activity will increase in earnest once midstream infrastructure has accommodated the distribution of oil and oil products, which can be expected in 2014. 2. Stark State College: With the college’s announcement of a planned oil and gas-themed campus in downtown Canton, we look forward to incorporating the students, faculty and visitors into our downtown community. The proposed physical layout of the campus will be an important aspect of their presence. 3. McKinley Grand Hotel: The physical improvement of our only downtown hotel is critical for the future of our tourism downtown. The image and presence of the hotel must be upgraded to ensure it remains a critical aspect of our downtown activity. 4. Onesto Hotel, Bliss Tower and parking deck: The upgrades planned for this entire block are critical to our success downtown. New ownership of the block will assist with its renovation and revitalization.

Michael P. Gill

5. Eric Snow YMCA: The YMCA’s renewed commitment to downtown is very much appreciated and its new building will create a positive transformation to the western boundary of the Canton Arts District. 6. 12th Street Improvement Project: The improvement of the 12th Street corridor will not only improve the roadway and streets, but will create a real halo effect on both sides of the corridor. 7. Downtown Living: The Chamber started the movement toward downtown market rate living this year, and early analysis indicates a steep demand for urban living. More units are needed in the center city. 8. 2013 Downtown Master Plan: As the updated version of our 2003 Master Plan is rolled out, public and private leadership will be required to implement the many aspects the plan calls for. This will be crucial to continuing the momentum of revitalization downtown. 9. City of Canton Comprehensive Plan: The city is committed to updating their mid-1960s plan. Land use and planning will be strengthened as a result. All of us at the Canton Development Partnership and Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce look forward to tackling these items and the others we will face in the years to come. Best wishes for a wonderful winter season and thank you for your support of downtown.

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New Business Spotlight Feather Your Nest With so much talk about urban center living, there is no finer time for Feather Your Nest to have opened its doors in downtown Canton. Boutique candlemaker Cheryl Leach, and her motherin-law Elaine Miller, have teamed up to debut an eclectic antique shop, home décor boutique, and yes, scentsational destination for candles and home fragrance.

Grapes in a Glass

The bright, inviting and ever-changing shop carries what Leach describes as “midcentury funky retro” décor and accent furniture, along with vintage jewelry, advertising and toys, some primitive décor, and of course, Leach’s distinctive line of candles, Erinn Laine Primitive candles, named for her two daughters.

The experience awaiting guests at Grapes in a Glass is as diverse as its wine selection. Sommelier owner Tamara Jorgensen has handpicked an array of more than 30 wines that are available by the glass, and hundreds more await you by the bottle. Add to that creative wine flights like “Call me a Cab,” lively entertainment, access to the full menu from neighboring Basil Asian Bistro, and the art gallery surroundings, and you’ve stumbled into more than a new hot spot. It’s the total “night out” package.

While small, the shop is expertly curated by Miller, an antiques dealer with over 30 years experience buying and selling vintage goods. Her assemblage of knickknacks gives off a vibe of warmth and nostalgia; the overall experience during a visit to the shop is pure charm. Without question, the highlight of the boutique is Leach’s assortment of candles. They are primarily vegetable-based wax, with some beeswax and paraffin varieties, and prices range from $1.50 to $21.99 each, depending on size. And each candle is hand poured by Leach in her adjacent workshop. Dozens of scents are available year round, including the bestselling Vanilla Pumpkin, with new experiments always underway. Handmade soaps, stationery and sundry items, and incense round out the shop’s selections. Feather Your Nest is located at 410 McKinley Avenue NW in the recently renovated 400 McKinley building, alongside Journey Art Gallery and below the new downtown Canton apartments. The store is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m. on First Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. They also open through the week by appointment. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ErinnLainePrimitiveCandles.

Tamara Jorgensen

And Jorgensen isn’t finished yet. The not-a-bit pretentious wine bar, which also features a dozen craft brews and selection of liquor, opened in July and has been filled to the brim with casual and connoisseur customers alike in the evenings ever since. “There is such a complexity to wine. It’s like a living entity,” said Jorgensen about her passion for teaching others the fundamentals, and learning them herself. “Wine has influenced many facets of our history and culture—from Napoleon to nursery rhymes. It was the fascinating facts that really sucked me in.” To that end, Grapes in a Glass features regular wine education classes on Tuesday evenings. Students will leave with an understanding of how to identify and differentiate wine varieties, and enjoy four to six varieties over the course of the evening. Classes are limited to 20 students and are available at $35 per class. Jorgensen has combined her wine and art passions: her own stained glass artwork and her husband’s photographs line the bar, along with local jewelers and other artists, and more work and artist spotlights are planned for the future. Grapes in a Glass also carries your typical wine paraphernalia and gift items for wine lovers and more. Plus, all of the bottles for sale are available for carryout. Beyond ordering from Basil, guests are welcome to bring their own food in, with cheese plates, crackers and assorted meats available onsite. What’s next? Grapes in a Glass is putting the finishing touches on plans to open an outdoor wine patio right along Market Avenue. The space will extend to and include Basil, and the two will partner on shared entertainment, making the 500-block a true wine and dine experience. Grapes in a Glass is located at 575 Market Ave. N. The bar is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and is available for private event bookings on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, visit www.50ShadesofVine.com.

More new downtown additions coming soon .... Cheese Louise: Gourmet grilled cheese shop and bar opening soon at 324 Cleveland Ave. N (cheeselouiseohio.com) La Miga Tapas Bar: Spanish tapas restaurant—first in Stark County!—opening soon at 218 Court Ave. NW

First Friday ... Live theater performances, poetry slams, public art demonstrations, painting experiments, improv comedy, children’s activities and gallery openings abound, as do opportunities to get to know the artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs who are making the revitalization of our center city a reality. Mark you calendar now for the exciting lineup of themes coming in 2014—and make sure you come back downtown throughout the month for even more to see and do in the Canton Arts District and surrounding community. For the most up-to-date First Friday information, visit CantonFirstFriday.com. First Friday is celebrated every first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Canton. First Friday is sponsored by Stark Community Foundation, and presented by ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council, and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District.

CANTON CHARGE: Big league fun with minor league affordability The Canton Charge, owned and operated by the Cleveland Cavaliers and members of the NBA Development League, have had two stellar seasons of rocking the Canton Civic Center into playoff runs. Now, the team is laser focused on an exceptional third season. The price, atmosphere and proximity make attending a Charge game the ultimate no-brainer for families looking for some basketball excitement. And single game tickets start at just $7, making it an affordable venture for even the most casual basketball fans. Charge games are the perfect spot for families. Players regularly sign autographs and pose for pictures after games. Plus, the kids can go on the big court to shoot free throws, and hang out in the FirstEnergy Solutions Kid Zone, making their own signs, getting temporary Canton Charge tattoos, and even having their hair spray painted in the team’s signature wine and gold colors. And no game would be complete without a visit from Pozzie, the Charge’s furry and fun-loving official mascot, and a fantastic performance from the high-energy Charge Girls Dance Team. On average, more than 2,700 fans turn out to support the Charge at their home games. The team has quickly become part of the rich tradition of sports fandom in the Hall of Fame City. Come out this season and check out a game for yourself! Visit CantonCharge.com for details on all of the exciting promotional nights and giveaways this season, ticket packages, player and coach updates, and much more.

SAVE THE DATE NOW FOR 2014 January February March April May June July August September October November December

Icy Resolutions Twisted Tales Arts in the ‘80s Games People Play Cycle of Art Summer Lovin’ Independence Day Chalk My World Dog Daze of Summer Arts on Fire Home of the Brave Jingle Mingle

Special Improvement District Annual Meeting The Downtown Canton Special Improvement District (SID) annual meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (located at 222 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton). This meeting will include a review of 2013, the election of board members, and the presentation of SID annual awards, which recognize projects and investments in our downtown. SID Annual Awards The businesses receiving the annual awards at this year’s meeting are: B-Loco, Canton Police Patrolmen’s Association, Cork and Canvas, DCLB Corp., Deli Ohio, Erinn Laine Primitive Candles/Feather Your Nest, Ferruccio Law Firm, George’s Lounge, Grapes in a Glass, Journey Art Gallery, Canton Palace Theatre, and Tab Construction. Board Member Election Board members that are up for election are: David T. Beule, Robert J. Hankins, Michael E. King, Rodney W. Meadows, David Peppard and Thomas W. Schervish II.

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2013 Annual Report The Special Improvement District 2013 Annual Report will also be distributed at this meeting. To obtain a copy of the Annual Report, visit www.downtowncanton.com or stop in to the Canton Development Partnership offices.

All property owners in the SID—as well as members of the public—are welcome to attend the meeting to learn about downtown projects and to network with fellow property owners, downtown supporters and business owners. Please RSVP by calling Annette Rosenberger at (330) 458-2092. The SID is a non-profit corporation that provides programming to preserve the economic well being of downtown Canton. The organization is dedicated to preserving the aesthetic, architectural and historic character of the downtown area and is funded by special assessments on downtown property owners. Boundaries of the district generally are Ninth Street on the south, 12th Street on the north, Savannah Avenue on the east, and High Avenue on the west.

Downtown Dining Deals n Wednesdays in November, the Downtown Special Improvement District will once again be hosting the “Downtown Dining Deals” promotion.

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Diners to the participating downtown Canton restaurants will receive one half-priced entrée for each entrée they purchase at regular price. Select downtown restaurants will offer this special discount to diners every Wednesday through November 27. The discount is valid after 5 p.m. only. In order to receive the discount, a coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons can be downloaded from DowntownCanton.com, or clipped from upcoming issues of The Repository. Downtown Deals will feature 10 downtown Canton restaurants, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Arcadia Grille Bender’s Tavern Deli Ohio Desert Inn Lucca Napoli’s Italian Eatery Sheri’s at Shears Sports Therapy Bar and Grill Thatsa Wrapp Thorpe’s Grill at the McKinley Grand

“The Downtown Deals Wednesday promotion is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the incredible local restaurants in downtown Canton,” said Mike Gill, director of the Downtown Special Improvement District. “Diners can experience all types of cuisines and enjoy both casual and fine dining with this exciting promotion.” New this fall!  Stop in on Wednesdays before or after dinner and mention this promotion at Journey Art Gallery–

downtown Canton’s newest gallery–for wine, hors d’oeuvres, and your FREE GIFT until 9 p.m. For details about Downtown Deals Wednesday, visit DowntownCanton. com, or contact Annette Rosenberger at annette@cantonchamber.org or (330) 4582092. The Downtown Deals promotion is presented by the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District and sponsored by The Repository.

Farewell to the biggest Farmers’ Market season yet The Canton Development Partnership would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to all of our market vendors, our Canton Farmers’ Market supporters and customers, Timken High School and the downtown Canton community for an incredible 10th market season! For 18 weeks this summer, Canton Farmer’s Market growers and producers offered Stark County the freshest produce, organic meats, artisan cheeses, the freshest breads, scrumptious baked goods, vibrant flowers, artisan wares, and much, much more. During the height of the season, as many as 30 vendors—the most in our history— convened in the Timken High School Administrative parking lot (at the corner of Fourth Street and McKinley Avenue NW). Live entertainment, children’s art projects, gardening advice and more rounded out each Saturday morning in downtown Canton. This season would not have been possible without our wonderful vendors, loyal customers and generous sponsors. A special thank you goes to the market sponsors including, Aultman Health Foundation, The Repository, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC, and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. While the market has ended for this season, we’re already looking ahead to next year. See you all there in June! Visit CantonFarmersMarket.com this spring for more details on the 2014 Market.

Community Garden sprouts strong in the fourth year

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nother season has come and gone, and one thing is clear: downtown residents can’t get enough of tomatoes, beans, peppers, cucumbers, squash and strawberries, fresh from the garden!

The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden has just completed its most successful year and produced hundreds of pounds of produce again this season. The Community Garden is located at the intersection of Fifth Street and High Street NW. This year, Project REBUILD, garden coordinators, built new raised beds, and all 79 boxes were filled to the brim with local plants! Other improvements this year included a new garden shed for tools, and mulch for covering the common areas, thanks in part to a grant received from the Foundation for Community Betterment. Once again, the dedication of the local gardeners made the space bright and cheerful for all that visited. The garden offers the community a place to grow healthy, nutritious food, and helps to ease food costs and build awareness for the importance of locally grown produce. The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden is sponsored by the Special Improvement District, with support from Project REBUILD, the garden coordinator. The garden will reopen next spring for another bountiful season!

Light Up Downtown ...

Light Up Downtown will be held rain, snow or shine. There will be plenty of free parking, both on-street and in the Timken High School and Stark County District Library parking lots, as well as parking in various decks and lots throughout downtown for a nominal fee.

About Christopher Pop-InKinsTM and Imaginatives®

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Christopher Pop-In-Kins, written and published in 1985 by Flora Johnson of Atwater, Ohio, is the award winning story of Santa’s “very first Children’s Elf.” Imaginatives is the creative team behind Christopher Pop-In-Kins. Located in Alliance, Ohio, Imaginatives specializes in the development, marketing and distribution of children’s books and toys. For more information, visit Christopher Pop-In-Kins online at www.ChristopherPopInKins.com. Visit LightUpDowntown.com for a full schedule of events and even more details about Christopher Pop-In-Kins and this year’s show. For those looking to double the dose of downtown holiday hoopla, continue the holiday festivities downtown at the “Art Under the Tree” First Friday on December 6. Visit CantonFirstFriday.com for all the details.

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NOVEMBER

The Mask Affair Journey Art Gallery www.journeyartgallery.com First Friday – Cultural Cornucopia Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com First Friday Family Movie – Home Alone Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org The Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Three Stooges Film Festival Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Little Shop of Horrors Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Baroque Bash Umstattd Hall www.cantonsymphony.org Legacy Lecture National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org Old Fashioned Canton Christmas Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Christkindl Markt Canton Museum of Art www.CantonArt.org Soup at Six McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Exhibit: The Art of First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org Exhibit: A Secret Gift McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Canton Glass Works & Yost Pottery Open House and Glass Blowing Demonstrations Canton Glassworks www.cantonglassworks.com

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Dancing with Canton’s Stars III Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Exhibit Opening: The Art of Annette Poitau Journey Art Gallery www.journeyartgallery.com Art Film Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Mike Albert as Elvis Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org The St. John’s Bible Exhibit Film Series: Ben-Hur Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Alexander Schimpf Umstattd Hall www.cantonsymphony.org A Christmas Story Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Day After Thanksgiving Activities McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Jason Farnham in Concert Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org

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DECEMBER

Exhibit – The Art of First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org Exhibit – A Secret Gift McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org OHSAA State Football Championships Canton/Stark CVB www.VisitCantonStark.com Illuminating the Word: The St. John’s Bible Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Light Up Downtown Canton Development Partnership www.LightUpDowntown.com

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First Friday – Art Under the Tree Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com Christmas with the Kilgen Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org First Friday Family Movie: Polar Express Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org The Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Holiday Party McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org A Christmas Carol Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Christmas Candlelight Tour National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org A Very Canton Christmas Umstattd Hall www.cantonsymphony.org A Christmas Carol Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com The Nutcracker Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Holiday Open Hearth Dinner McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Christmas in Candy Cane Land Voices of Canton www.voicesofcanton.org The Goo Goo Dolls, Presented by WHBC FM Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org A Christmas Carol Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com St. John’s Bible Exhibit Film Series: The Nativity Story Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org

More event information at www.DowntownCanton.com

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JANUARY

Illuminating the Word: The St. John’s Bible Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Exhibit – The Art of First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org Exhibit – A Secret Gift McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org First Friday Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com The Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org String Bass & Piano Cable Recital Hall www.cantonsymphony.org Soup at Six – Evening with the President McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Sleeping Beauty Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Sleeping Beauty Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Andre Watts Umstattd Hall www.cantonsymphony.org McKinley Day McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Sleeping Beauty Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com

Looking for live weekly music downtown? Visit Buzzbin Art & Music Shop (BuzzbinShop.com), Frankenstein Records (CantonStein.com) and The Auricle (TheAuricle.net) for live music event news and calendars.