back of book (continued from page 14) and it helped me understand the kinds of plays
(continued from page 34) wore Chuck Taylors and denim. I didn’t get the vibe that there was a superstar amongst session musicians, and they all seemed to like each other. Lead vocal/guitarist Mike Montali has a textbook Nashville sound to his vocals that makes their song “Wait for me Virginia,” a heartfelt tune about being disconnected from family, seem believable. “Let Me Love You” won the ladies over, and their covers of The Beatles’ “Oh Darling” (led by keyboardist Adam Bock) and Neil Young’s “Revolution
produced at none too fragile.
(continued from page 24) where you’re from, but more about where you’re at. You create your own destiny.
simple and true. 9. Never take anything for granted. There is always someone else having a worse day
If you’re looking for a new theater to try out to see something new and thought provoking,
Hard work does pay off. 7. Every moment and day of your life doesn’t need to be planned out. Sometimes you
than you. Be grateful. The grass is usually not greener on the other side. 10. Failure. It’s the best way to learn. If you’re
I’d say none too fragile is your place. Their season is filled with high quality, off-Broadway shows that are unique to the area that will keep you talking long after you’ve left. And although they produce difficult, off-Broadway work, the none too fragile family loves Akron and welcomes you with open arms and a
just need to go with the flow. I thank my wife for this one! 8. In business and in life, follow the golden rule and do unto others as you would wish
afraid of failure, don’t start a business. Every day is a different challenge, it’s how you handle it that will make you successful.
them to do unto you. It’s cliché, but so
shot of Jameson (literally), so you won’t feel like an outsider and you’ll be comfortable to experience what they offer in their (super cool) black box theater.
Blues” (which they killed) were tasteful. Mike continuously thanked us all for taking a chance on music we’ve never heard of, and when the audience didn’t come as close as he would’ve liked, he dropped his guitar and came closer to us. From that “HEY” right before the guitar solo starts to the solos themselves (guitar faces included), Hollis Brown delivered a solid set by doing what a good band does best: keeping the focus on the music.
Next show at none too fragile: Impending Rupture of the Belly by Matt Pelfrey Show run: June 23 - July 8
Pictured above: Mike Montali raises the energy
Check out more at nonetoofragile.com
(Photo courtesy of Floco’s crappy (but better than his last one) phone) (Photo on page 34 courtesy of
// Josy Jones loves theatre and is in love with the
Google images)
diversity of theatre in Akron.
(continued from page 34) surprising when interacting with the warm, often-smiling Socha. He says many of the songs stemmed from personal problems and served as a way for him to work through and express those darker times. One song in particular — his favorite track, no less — called “Other People” was written as a tribute to his dog, Riley, whom he put down this past summer. Socha says his dog was deaf and would often bark incessantly at night, and the song’s lyrics: “You wouldn’t let me back into your house
his material solo in the past, and the album was recorded under his first and last name, he hopes to come up with a proper band name soon so each party involved with the release can be involved on a more permanent, regular basis. The idea for the album title itself came from the artist Cassandra Jerman who designed the cover after the words “wild race” from a track on the album stuck out to her. It’s evident Socha appreciates and values the input from the local artists he’s worked with, and the future is open to greater collaboration with the
with all of your people/And I begged and I howled, and I scratched and I screamed” reflect an intentional dualism between both Socha’s and pet’s misunderstood suffering. But the vivacious drums, Socha’s bright vocals and
creative community.
Tibbs’ smooth sax give the song a feel-good quality that masks the pain and loss that lies
“We are playing a lot of shows with the full
beneath it. “For me, personally, I think Dan's songwriting ability is easy to overlook simply because of his vocal talent,” Graening says. “Songs like ‘Miserable Escape,’ ‘Heartache’ and ‘Waiting’ were written as far back as five years ago, and Dan would continue to tinker with the lyrics, melody
“All the pieces are finally coming together,” Socha says.
band coming up, and hopefully it won't be another eight years before he comes out with another album,” Meadows says. “But I think that with the renewed vigor he shows with this release, he won't be slowing down anytime soon.”
Catch Daniel Socha and his band performing at Uncorked Wine Bar at 22 N. High St. on May 26.
or chords until they were just right. These are my favorite tracks on the album because there's such a history attached to them, and they bring about
The album “Wild Races” is available for purchase at flowerpotrecords. bandcamp.com/album/wild-race.
so many memories for me, personally.” Socha says that while he’s been used to playing
AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE
Keep up to date with Socha’s music and upcoming shows at facebook.com/dansocha.
(continued from page 24) discomfort, Andrea leapt into action, studying and researching the labels of everything that
Get the story in Andrea’s own words by watching our video at bit.ly/EP5_OY-L. To learn more about what OY-L offers, visit them online
went into and on her daughter’s body.
at oy-l.com
From the shock at what she found on those
This video series, shot and edited by Ilenia
labels, OY-L was born, initially as a product she made in her basement for family and friends. Now, OY-L is being shipped to large buyers in California and sold by upscale retail outlets like Sak’s Fifth Avenue.
Pezzaniti, is part of The Devil Strip’s reporting on small business ownership and entrepreneurship, which has been made possible with support from The Fund for Our Economic Future and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.