May/Jun Downtown Developments Newsletter 2010

2010 Downtown Event Schedule Downtown Canton’s streetscape comes alive with fun festivals!

First Friday of every month

May 27

June 18 & 19

Saturdays, starting June 19

Boogie woogie your way downtown to Canton Blues Fest this June Canton Blues Fest kicks off downtown June 18-19

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he Northeast’s premier free Blues Festival, Canton Blues Fest, is back in its ninth year with a 2010 lineup sure to strike a chord with blues fans large and small! The FREE outdoor summer festival is happening in downtown Canton Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19, with incredible headliners Elvin Bishop and Hot Tuna Electric and music ALL DAY from noon to 10:30 p.m.!

Boogie woogie your way downtown, kick back with a refreshing, ice cold drink, delicious midway fare, super cool tunes and great friends, and enjoy the best outdoor music festival north of Memphis!

Want the best seats in town? Buy a two-day Blues Fest VIP Pass online for $75 and take advantage of FREE food, beer and incredible views of the stage.

Visit CantonBluesFest.com for a full list of festival performers, including special guest stars John Lee Hooker, Jr. and Ana Popovic!

June 30 Mark your calendar and plan to atte n d !

Hot Tuna Electric, [Top - Elvin Bishop]

GUEST COLUMN LOOKING INSIDE SPECIAL FEATURES • Downtown Canton Blues Festival • First Friday Tidbits • Canton Farmers’ Market • Brownstone Steakhouse • Thatsa Wrap • Community Garden • Color Downtown • Spring & Summer Fe st i va l s WHATWHEREWHEN

First Friday Tidbits Can you feel it in the air? The May 7th First Friday activities will again fill the downtown streets with fun and excitement for a Spring Fever. A major “high” light is the Ryan Humbert Band’s rooftop performance. More live music will fill the streets, the Street Art Parade returns for children (of all ages) to zigzag around the Arts District and make a bit of noise and restaurants will provide tasty outdoor fare.

On June 4th, join us for Summer in the City where you will feel the heat of the city streets.

Even more fun is planned outdoors as Dover High School steel drum band performs, a Middle Ages reenactment shows off some sword fighting, the Vietnam Veteran traveling wall will fill the (continued on page 4)

There’s even more in store at this year’s Canton Farmers’ Market Downtown Developments is published bi-monthly by Canton Development Partnership, a department of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Downtown Canton Special Improvement District

222 Market Ave. N. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-0468 fax (330) 452-7786 cdp@cantonchamber.org www.cantondevelopmentpartnership.com

Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Michael P. Gill Director Kelly Blandford Bah Project Manager Laurie Fife Harbert Project Manager Annette Rosenberger Administrative Assistant Denise Burton Membership Director Jessica Bennett Editor David Zingery Marketing Director Sarah Bhatia Graphic Designer

The Canton Development Part n e rship is a coalition of area development organizations and city g ove rn m en t that share an interest in downtown C a n ton’s continual imp rovement, 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.

For seven years, the Canton Farmers’ Market has been bringing fresh, local food to downtown Canton. This year’s market is slated to open on June 19th – not soon enough for some. While the market will certainly have some tasty offerings, it is so much more.

The market provides consumers with an opportunity to buy fresh, quality products at reasonable prices directly from producers. This gives small farmers a direct outlet where they can sell the produce and products that they themselves produce.

Along with fresh, local produce, the market offers baked goods, flowers, honey, cheese, eggs and meat, just to name a few.

More and more, the market creates a festive gathering place in the center of our growing Arts District for the community to come together and gain access to nutrition education, healthy choices for family meals, sustainable agriculture, community resources and art. The market lends itself to creating a higher quality of life for Canton residents and neighboring communities.

This year the list of activities expands, thanks in part to an ArtsinStark grant, as we invite Elec Simon, currently on tour with the Broadway Show Stomp, to join us on four market days for exciting drumming sessions for kids of all ages. We will feature a Veggie Carving Contest in mid-August to showcase the talents of some local chefs as well as show off the ‘art’ aspect of food. Throughout the market season local artists will demonstrate their talents in the midst of market-goers. Again, we’ll have great live music at each market, local chef cooking demos with some tasty recipes and delicious samples, free art classes for children and organic gardening questions and answers by local gardening expert Cindy Petitti. The list goes on and on and a full schedule is available on the website.

Come visit each Saturday morning this summer.

With over 20 vendors and a slew of activities, you’ll find exactly what you need. The market season runs June 19 to October 16 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday in the lot at Cleveland Ave. N between Fourth and Fifth Sts. NW, rain or shine.

The market is managed by the Dow n town Canton Special Imp rovement District and is

thankful for its supporte rs: Aultman Health Foundation, The Re p o s i tory, ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Canton.

Looking to join in the fun? We still have a few vendor spaces available – contact Kelly Blandford Bah at kellyb@cantonchamber.org or (330) 4582063 before these sell out!

To learn more about the Canton Farmers’ Market visit www.CantonFarmersMarket.com.

The Brownstone Steakhouse: Famous Steaks, Legendary Service

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hen you venture into The Brownstone Steakhouse for the first time this month, it will likely be the prime cuts of beef that entice you. You’ll soon discover that it’s the service and the atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more.

Warm and welcoming ambiance Named for the desirable brick residences built in the late 1800s, The Brownstone Steakhouse opened April 23 in the location that previously housed Little Chicago Bistro. The new tenants have struck just the right balance in the dining ambiance and exquisite touches have been added to the beautiful bones of the historic building. Elegant fabrics, rich artwork and posh details will charm you on your visit. The total experience at The Brownstone is intimate and comfortable.

The restaurant is a family venture through and through. Brothers Michael and Gary Zeigler, Jr. their wives and their mother Terri, will welcome you to their classic steakhouse. Michael has more than fifteen years experience in the restaurant business, running the gamut from management to serving and everywhere in between. Gary Jr. works with the Stark County Auditor as a real estate appraiser, and has significant experience in finance.

“Ours is a place where you can sit down for a nice meal with the best service possible. I’m not kidding, the best,” said Gary Zeigler, Jr. when describing the experience you can expect from the staff.

He and his family hope to create the perfect place for great conversation with great friends.

Classic steakhouse with affordable fare Prepare to be delighted by the handiwork of Chef Troy Tucker and his staff as they prepare the finest USDA Prime and Angus cuts of beef, Kobe steaks, chops and ribs, fresh scallops, salmon and other seafood. They even have an epic wine selection to complement your main course! Coming for lunch? Get started with the Courtyard Kobe Sliders, three mini Kobe burgers topped with gru ye re cheese. The lunchtime lineup also features a delectable array of burgers, including the Brownstone Burger finished with the restaurant’s namesake BBQ sauce, along with fresh wraps and salads. The restaurant will also feature daily lunch and dinner specials, so stop in often.

The Zeiglers look forward to getting involved with First Fridays and other downtown Canton events and will offer live jazz and R&B music during the week from Passport 7.

The Brownstone Steakhouse will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays for private parties. For more information about this classic steakhouse, call (330) 580-4444 or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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A Real H o m etown Boy !

By Jeffrey Dreyer

As a third generation Cantonian, I knew that when I went away to college I would be back, and here I am! I loved all that Canton had to offer me then as much as I do now. I am glad to still be a part of it all.

Many of my peers did not return to Canton and I feel they have really missed out.

Canton offers the best of both worlds; it is a small town but is close enough to the big cities that we can be there in a flash. If that weren’t enough, we have a great airport that helps us to get just about anywhere!

Both of my grandfathers started businesses in downtown Canton, as did my father Mark Dreyer. Downtown Canton has given its best to my family and my family has given its best to downtown. I’m proud to be part of the revitalization happening here.

As my father and I watched downtown rejuvenate and enjoyed celebrating First Friday each month, we were both proud to see the re-blossoming of the area.

It is just amazing to see all the people come out on the coldest, snowiest nights of the year to enjoy what downtown has to offer.

I am currently the president of The Red Ribbon Connection. We recently moved our offices into the Canton “Arts District,” and I am happy to say that we’ve jumped right into the arts movement that has helped to revitalize downtown Canton. Each month, we spotlight different artists for First Friday. It is wonderful that we are able to raise awareness for our organization and the work we do to provide services, education and awareness for the HIV/AIDS infected and affected community, while at the same time giving talented local artists an outlet for their work.

All I have to say is yea for downtown!

Jeffrey Dreyer is the president of The Red Ribbon Connection.

New Business No Longer Under Wraps Fresh, homemade food presented in a quick-service style. That’s the premise of Thatsa Wrap, an all-new cafe opening in downtown Canton this May. Thatsa Wrap will be a café-style shop with a relaxed atmosphere where everything is made-toorder. From the Buffalo Wrap to the Peanut Butter Fudge Pie, all items will be prepared fresh.

The menu will feature 12 wraps, 10 salads, a handful of desserts, and specialty items that will vary each day. Thatsa Wrap will serve breakfast foods as well, including homemade granola, cinnamon rolls and pastries. The café will have several beers on tap and a variety of bottled beers, but it won’t serve liquor or wine.

Entrepreneurs Jeff and Jamie Wagner are the creative minds behind the startup shop, and they believe pleasing people is the most important part of running any business. “Nothing makes us happier than seeing smiles on people’s faces after giving them exactly what they wanted,” said Mr. Wagner.

two about providing excellent customer service.

“Jeff the Chef” earned his culinary degree from Hawking College, and Mrs. Wagner has been in customer service for years. The duo is an excellent team, and they are passionate about what they do.

“The combinations of our flavors, the process of putting together our wraps, there is nothing else like it,” said Mr. Wagner.

Why Downtown Canton?

The Wagners grew up in Canton and say they have always loved the area. “We feel tremendously blessed that we found a place downtown and can start our business here,” said Mrs. Wagner.

Look for Thatsa Wrap at downtown events, like First Fridays and the Taste of Canton, because the Wagners are excited to get inv olved in the community!

by Carson Pavkov

Tidbits ... green space, and Anderson Creative hosts Constellations, a community-based art project.

School’s out for summer, so come down for a multitude of family-friendly art activities.

First Friday is celebrated every first Friday of the month, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Canton. First Friday is presented

by ArtsinStark, the County Arts Council, and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District. For the most up-to-date First Friday information, visit CantonDevelopmentPartnership.com and click on the First Friday logo.

Thatsa Wrap is located at 600 Sixth St. NW in downtown Canton, Ohio. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both Wagners have been in the food business for most of their working lives, and they know a thing or

Calling local green thumbs!

Downtown Canton is ripe with projects for you Growing Spots The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden is open and it’s not too late to get started! The garden is located at the intersection of Fifth Street NW and King Court. Individual 8’ x 9’ plots are ripe for the picking at $20 each and are designed to grow a multitude of garden ve getables for family consumption. All tools, water and security are provided on the premises.

The garden will increase locally grown food and help ease food costs for the residents of the Summit Neighborhood while providing a place for resident social interaction, building a greater sense of community and increasing personal connections. The garden provides an avenue of access to locally produced food and engages both children and adults in food production. Bring your kids down to teach them about the comp l ex relationship between food, health, nutrition and the environment.

Canton residents, too, are encouraged to participate in growing the garden!

The downtown Summit Neighborhood Community Garden is sponsored by J.P. Morgan, The Chase Foundation and the Stark Community Foundation.

To learn more about the garden, please contact project manager Kelly Blandford Bah at kellyb@cantonchamber.org.

Color Downtown seeks volunteers – help us beautify downtown Canton June 5 marks the seventh annual Color Downtown project in downtown Canton.

This annual planting of colorful flowers in the downtown flowerbeds continues to be an important beautification element in the downtown. Once again, volunteers from church groups, area businesses, yo u th groups and downtown property owners are needed to help with the planting.

All volunteers should meet at 8 a.m. at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, located at 222 Market Ave. N. The Downtown Canton Special Improvement

District will provide the funds to buy the flowers for this project.

To volunteer for this project, or for more information, please contact Annette Rosenberger at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce at (330) 456-0468 or email Annette@cantonchamber.org.

Looking inside ...

2nd April Galerie & Studios

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efore anyone ever whispered the words “arts district.” Before even the first murmurs of First Friday began rumbling around downtown, 2nd April Galerie, a downtown arts and entertainment staple, has been offering artists a venue to splash their creativity around.

Opened in June 2002 by partners Brennis Booth and Todd Walburn, Second April has had eight long years of introducing local art into the lives of people throughout Stark County and Northeast Ohio.

“Brennis and I had always had the idea in the back of our minds to open a gallery someday. We were in South Carolina working at jobs that made us mostly miserable,” said Walburn. He goes on to describe the attacks on September 11 as a big catalyst in bringing 2nd April to fruition, helping them to take the plunge to return to Ohio and open the gallery.

2nd April Galerie offers a diverse selection of art – ranging from traditional fine art paintings and prints, to photography, fiber arts, mixed media, jewelry and more. They seek to feature unique local art, with a special focus on emerging talent.

Everything about the gallery is unique – including the name. “When we started the business filings, we were trying to find a unique gallery name and they were literally all taken. I found a piece of poetry, Song of a Second April, from Edna St. Vincent Millay. We liked the idea of a rebirth, a beginning. The name has been so appropriate for us because we’ve continued to reinvent ourselves and be a part of the revitalization of downtown,” said Walburn.

Longtime Champions of the Arts The gallery originally began 25 blocks north along Cleveland Avenue, but they quickly moved to their first downtown location after only a year. 2nd April’s final move in October of 2007 came as a result of the arts explosion dow n town: “We began to realize that the arts district was d eveloping and that we we re on the perimeter,” said Walburn. “We wanted to become more central to all of the activity!”

The new location at 324 Cleveland Avenue has brought a new set of adventures. 2nd April is now able to accommodate almost two-dozen artists studios in the second floor and neighboring annex. Between the main gallery, eclectic juried shows and the artist studios, the gallery has featured the work of hundreds of local artists.

In 2008, they added a completely new element with the addition of the Kathleen Howland Theatre. The renovated basement theatre features fifteen stage performances a year from local playwrights, performance troupes, musicians and comedians.

What’s in store for 2nd April and Canton’s Arts District “The growth of the arts district and the downtown area started to develop just as the economy went south. If it weren’t for the momentum of ga l l e ries, restaurants and organizations dedicated to downtown, we may not have survived the downturn. I think as the economy recovers we’ll see more businesses move downtown,” said Walburn.

He believes that there are many parallels between Canton’s Arts District and the emergence of the arts in Columbus’s Short North years before.

“We have developers investing in the arts.

We have talented artists who are putting everything on the line to make it happen.

Everyone is risking a lot. I don’t think any of us would be doing what we’re doing if we didn’t foresee future success. The more studios and galleries there are the better it is for all of us!”

2nd April will feature new work by artists Marti Jones Dixon and Lynn Digby in the upcoming show Dress Code, opening June 11. The Kathleen Howland Theatre has a wonderful lineup of shows, including Twelve Angry Men, throughout the summer. Visit SecondApril.org for a full schedule of upcoming shows, or stop by the gallery at 324 Cleveland Avenue N in downtown Canton Tues. through Thurs., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPRING & SUMMER festivals abound downtown Don’t miss Taste of Canton and NEW! Patriotic Zing in the City – a star-spangled spectacular!

Taste of Canton | May 27 Prepare your appetite for the second annual Taste of Canton on Thursday, May 27. Festivities will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the Kresge Lot in downtown Canton. This delightful festival, featuring wonderful local flavor and local fare, is brought to you by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Repository.

Sponsors to date:

Downtown Canton never tasted quite this good! Food lovers will find themselves mingling with their munchables around the beautiful downtown cityscape and spending quality time with family and friends.

More than 30 restaurants from Stark County will showcase their cuisines sample-style so guests can enjoy many dishes. Plates range from $2 to $6 each, which is a great price to sample a variety of foods. Selections will include appetizers, entrees and desserts from an assortment of cuisines. While enjoying the “tastes” of Canton, visitors will sip on fine wines and beers and listen to live entertainment from great local acts.

Food tickets can be purchased onsite the day of the event, or in advance at all seven Fishers Foods locations, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, or online at www.cantonchamber.org. Buy before the day of the event, and you’ll receive 30 tickets for $25!

Lee Spencer Photography

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SUMMER FESTIVALS continued ...

Zing in the City | June 30 Come downtown on Wednesday, June 30, for some red, white and blue music

Sponsors to date:

under the twilight’s last gleaming at Zing in the City! This FREE spectacular summer symphony performance is sure to have you waving your flag!

Prepare to take an amaZING Patriotic Adventure with the Canton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of assistant conductor Matthew Brown! You’ll be proud to be an American with moving performances of 1812 Overture, The Stars and Stripes Forever, America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner. Theatre-style concession snacks will be on sale for munching.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular begins at 8 p.m. and a dazzling array of bombs bursting in air will kick off at 10 p.m. Come down early to save your seats and enjoy the oldies music of Ryan Parkinson from 5 - 7 p.m., with other patriotic celebrations happening at 7 p.m. Visit www.ZingintheCity.com for more information and a full schedule.

funtastic festivals

Want to advertise here? Contact Denise Burton, 330.458.2067.

Cost is $75 per issue.

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Spring Ring Bel’ VOCI at Our Lady of Peace Church www.voicesofcanton.org Battle of the Magicians Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Conversations in Music Second April Galerie www.secondapril.org Art Film Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org First Friday – Spring Fever Canton Arts District www.cantonfirstfriday.com Wilderness Visions Exhibition Opening Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Book Signing with Photographer Clyde Butcher Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Ceramic Artists Guild May Sale Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Of Time and Place: A Year of Collages by Clare Murray Adams Anderson Creative Studio www.andersoncreativestudio.com Strung Out Concert with Ryan Humbert Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Get Together Second April Galerie www.secondapril.org Twelve Angry Men Kathleen Howland Theatre www.secondapril.org/theatre First Ladies’ Mother’s Day Tribute Tea National First Ladies’ Library www.firstladies.org Power and Passion MasterWorks Classical Concert Canton Symphony Orchestra at Umstattd Hall www.cantonsymphony.org Fine Wednesday Wine Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Queens Pageant Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Twelve Angry Men Kathleen Howland Theatre www.secondapril.org/theatre Encore - Celebrating 70 Season of Song VOCI at Oakwood Middle School www.voicesofcanton.org

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Canton Idol finals Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Canton Children’s Chorus Spring Concert Trinity United Church of Christ www.voicesofcanton.org Museum Auxiliary High Tea McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org J-Jams Live Music ArtsinStark at the Cultural Center www.artsinstark.com VOCI’s Scholarship Luncheon Cable Hall Cultural Center for the Arts www.voicesofcanton.org Entries Due for the Canton Luminaries Photo Competition Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Preview Party, Canton Museum National Art Show Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Folk Friday Second April Galerie www.secondapril.org Annie Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Canton Museum National Art Show Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Free Documentary Film Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Coffee & Crafts: Stamping McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Art Film Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Taste of Canton Downtown Canton www.tasteofcanton.com

JUNE

J-Jams Live Music ArtsinStark at the Cultural Center www.artsinstark.com Form, Figure & Function: Contemporary Ohio Ceramic Exhibit Re-opens Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Art Film Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org First Friday – Summer in the City Canton Arts District www.cantonfirstfriday.com

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First Stop First Friday with About Magazine Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Canton Luminaries Photography Entries on View Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Annie Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Constellations of Women: A New Installation by Emily Vigil Anderson Creative Studio www.andersoncreativestudio.com A Stitch in Time Quilt Exhibit Closes McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Fine Wednesday Wine Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Dress Code Featuring Marti Jones Dixon & Lynn Digby Opening Reception Second April Galerie www.secondapril.org School of Canton Ballet Summer Classes Begin Canton Ballet www.cantonballet.com Canton Blues Festival Downtown Canton www.cantonbluesfest.com The Victorian Age Exhibit Opening McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org White House Weddings National First Ladies’ Library www.firstladies.org Canton Farmers’ Market www.cantonfarmersmarket.com Summer Kids’ Movie Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Coffee & Crafts: Calligraphy McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Wilderness Visions Exhibition Closes Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com

9th Annual Cruisin’ Thru History Car Show

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Free Documentary Film Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography www.jsaxtongallery.com Zing in the City Downtown Canton www.zinginthecity.com

For more downtown event information log on to www.cantondevelopmentpartnership.com