The Devil Strip | September 2016 (Issue 25) by The Devil Strip

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 • THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

9 Rhea Butcher misses Luigi’s 20 How I kicked my Heroin Addiction 35 You’re welcome, Cleveland ...again 45 Time Cat gets ‘Sassy and Romantic’ FREE

BABYFACES &

BRUSHES Wrestling with Art in Akron — pg. 17

THE ARTS 15 Dad meets Devo 18 Rob Sheffield: #1 Bowie fan 19 What’s up with this Akron superhero?

SPECIAL SECTION: HEROIN 20 How laughter and long walks led to her recovery

21 What the governor could do to dent the epidemic 22 Akron’s Recovery Court, where hope beats heroin

The Devil Strip

24 BMe helps Denny Wilson help recovering addicts

12 E. Exchange Street 2nd Floor Akron, Ohio 44308

Publisher: Chris “no carny-handed mango man” Horne

29 24

Email: chris@thedevilstrip.com Phone: 330-555-GHOSTBUSTERS

CULTURE CLUB

Art Director: Alesa “doesn’t sleep” Upholzer Managing Editor:

29 What PechaKucha Akron founders wish they had known

Visuals Editor: Svetla “The Balkan Comrade” Morrison

31 Why the Comunale Foundation shouldn’t be a secret

Director of Sales & Distribution:

TJ "is in fact a Newsie, hat and all" Masterson Email: TJ@thedevilstrip.com

The Editorial Team

THE ARTS Lead Editor.......................................Bronlynn “Space Kitty” Thurman Asst. Editor............................Megan “Oxford comma slayer” Combs Literary Arts Editor.................Noor "Nervous Poodle Poet" Hindi COMMUNITY & CULTURE Lead Editor ...............Katie “Miss Jackson if You’re Nasty” Jackson Asst. Editor..........................................Jessica “Spreadsheets!” Cherok Asst. Editor...............Ilenia “Our Short, Tired Garbanzo Bean Eatin',

WTF Video Girl Writer” Pezzaniti

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Music ............................................ Brittany “Sass Master Flash” Nader Entertainment .............. Andrew “Has a Mighty Fine Beard” Leask Staff Writers, Columnists & The A/V Club:

Kristina “Urban Explorer” Aiad-Toss; Emily “Lady Beer Drinker” Anderson; Melanie “newbie for now” Anderson; Rick “Small Business Chronicler” Bohan; Holly “The Wanderer” Brown; Christina “no paddles, flow downstream” Dearing; Sam "Buzzkilling Feminist" DePaul; Michelle “The Camera Nerd” DeShon; Emily “Potty Perfectionist” Dressler and Marissa Marangoni, Bathroom Culture Enthusiast; Brian “Wemlo Twinge” Dunphy; Grace “Always Running Away” Ebner; Lois “Beautyscandal” Elswick; Kait "rice cake enthusiast" Erdman; Gabe “Softballin’” Gott; Dan “The Akron Knight” Gorman; Paul “I don’t write but I can draw” Hoffman; Jacob Luther, the Towny Townie Toonist; Hillary "Gets Lost in Her Own World but Reappears if There is Dancing Involved" Martter; TJ “Don’t Call Me Shirley” Masterson; Krissy "Someone make me a real fish taco before I go insane" O'Connor; Atticus “Wreckage” Pamer the absolutely real and totally non-fictional Georgio Pelogrande; Roger Riddle, Wears the Purple Pants; Amanda "That Crazy Cat Lady" Sedlak-Hevener; Lenny “Where’s Squiggy?” Spengler; Nicole “likes the way Akron sounds” Stempak; Steve “is not a zombie” Van Auken; Patrick “Pattycakes” Worden; and The Shane Wynn Supremacy; Scott "The Swiss Army Intern" Piepho; Ted "Super Muy Bueno" Lehr; "Awesome" Dawson Steeber

CONTACT US: Office ....................................................................(330) 842-6606 General Info .........................................info@thedevilstrip.com Advertising .......................................... ads@thedevilstrip.com Distribution .................................... distro@thedevilstrip.com Website ................................................. www.thedevilstrip.com Facebook ...................................Facebook.com/thedevilstrip Twitter ................................................................. @akrondevilstrip Instagram ............................................................... @thedevilstrip ————————————————————

The Devil Strip is published bi-monthly by Random Family, LLC. Akron Distribution: The Devil Strip is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Copyright: The entire contents of The Devil Strip are copyright 2016 by Random Family, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above.

FOOD & DRINK 37 A most majestic dinner with The Wanderer 38 We asked, you answered: chip-chop 41 From homebrewer to award winner

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

47 32

table of contents 48 21 46

46 Boy Kudzi: super team 47 Eriq Troi is the Solo Funkateer 48 Rubber City’s Jazz Renaissance

Meet Aqua! This pretty girl arrived at our shelter after being brought in by our Humane Officers. Aqua is a sweet girl who warms up quickly with a few gentle pets and tasty treats! Aqua will rub up all against you asking for pets and love. Once she really feels comfortable around you, Aqua will even hop up into your lap! With a slow and proper introduction, Aqua shows potential

OPTAB D

————————————————————

32 Get crunchy with Ms. Julie’s Kitchen & Firestone Metro Park

M. Sophie “Has Many Names, Wears Many Hats” Franchi Email: sophie@thedevilstrip.com

PETS

to co-exist with another cat and she shows good potential to get along well with dogs. If you're interested in meeting Aqua, please stop by shelter Pawsibilities, Humane Society of Greater Akron and ask to meet her today! Toby was born in May of 2012 and currently weighs about 100 pounds. Toby would feel a lot better if he could join an active family who will help him lose a few pounds. This big boy can be a little shy when first meeting new people and would do best in a home with older children. Toby gets along well with most other dogs, big or small. In his previous home, Toby lived with cats but he will need some time to adjust to a new feline buddy. Toby was house trained, but may need some time to get used to a new home and schedule after being at the shelter. If you have room in your heart, home, and lap for this large lovely boy stop in to see this moose today at Pawsibilities, Humane Society of Greater Akron. PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087 | 1.888.588.8436 | 330.487.0333 info@summithumane.org | www.summithumane.org | www.facebook.com/summithumane

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

pub notes

AKRON, WE NEED TO TALK... ABOUT THE BEACON JOURNAL Let me clear my throat...

reason to believe addiction can be beat. Even

Beacon Journal. But we also need it to be good.

led to believe the only opioid addicts worth mentioning in Summit County are those who have overdosed or died. That the only people whose story is worth telling are those who’ve

if there were ten times the number of those stories than I found, that pales compared to the 200 stories you’ll find Ohio.com by searching “heroin” and 200 if you search “overdose.”

Though journalists may spend their days critiquing the powers-that-be, they generally see themselves as the underdogs, not as one

lost a loved one. That the only answers worth exploring are through law enforcement and prosecution or as the by-products of candlelight

(I’m guessing the searches end at 200.) The Beacon Journal’s blind spot, I think, stems

of the powers. So, I doubt this will be wellreceived. I understand this may come across like an unwarranted attack. But it is neither an

vigils and paper-sponsored forums. A heavy, pervasive sense of helplessness surrounds the opiate epidemic and while it certainly isn’t the

from a lack of empathy with addicts. It isn’t that they lack sympathy, but they haven’t seemed able to embrace the reality that we’re

attack, nor unwarranted. As individuals, I have absolutely no doubt that the reporters, editors and staff care deeply about this issue and the

daily’s fault, I think they’re doing more to fuel it

all generally as vulnerable to the same chemical

city of Akron. Their sincerity isn’t in question,

than fight it. As a result, there are sides to this crisis that you seldom glimpse in the regular, ongoing coverage.

hijacking as active addicts — and therefore we’re as likely to become addicts ourselves. That hit home for me observing Recovery

but editorially, I think they’ve lost perspective. One of the great things about journalism is getting to ask smart and experienced

Court. (Story on pg. 22)

people questions about the subjects we don’t understand. Right now, the Beacon Journal seems to be telling us they already know best.

o judge from the headlines, you could be

Pub Notes >>

For every awful, heartbreaking overdose, several hundred opiate addicts are successfully maintaining their sobriety and their optimism

I was 15 when I was prescribed my first bottle of Lortab. Over the years, it was torn ligaments,

for the future, which is a thing that should make our helplessness feel unwarranted. The best work being done through our criminal

broken bones, teeth pulled, dry socket, kidney stones, pneumonia and minor surgery. Each time, the doctor or dentist gave me at least

So yes, BJ, we need to talk. But not about heroin. We know how deadly it is. We need to talk about how we talk about this epidemic.

justice system is focused around recovery. The people do not struggle with addiction because

30 pills to manage pain that, maybe, lasted a week. Vicodin, Oxy, Percocet. I saved my

The danger of telling that story poorly still needs to be explored. Until the successes are

they are morally flawed. When they succumb, it’s to a powerful chemical hijacking and rewiring of their brains. When they overcome, it’s the kind of miracle we should celebrate so it becomes easier to repeat, if we truly care about ending this epidemic.

leftovers as a rainy-day stash. What if I got hurt or had another kidney stone? In practice, it was more like wanting a two-fer to make cheap beer go further. What if I wanted help passing out when I can’t sleep? What if I like the way they make me feel? I don’t know what it would have taken for my reckless use to have crossed over into something dangerous, but since four out of five new heroin users were first hooked on

given their due, I don’t think we can realistically expect them to ever outnumber the failures.

We do not find much cause for celebration in the daily. The repeated focus on fatal overdoses forms a narrative that is dangerous for our community: That there is only one way

About the Cover Head Over Heals Hank and Henry Hotlunch are an Akron-based tag team of golden-masked evil philanthropists ready to establish their dominance in the Artists Wrestling League, which has made its way over from Columbus to set up a local chapter here. On page 17, there’s a great story about what Beth Yoder and Ralph Walters are trying to do, but going through potential images for this issue, none gripped me like this one. Kudos to photographer Beck Flach for capturing what I suspect may be the true nature of man. At least when it involves wrestling and putt-putt golf.

Chris

painkillers, I understand

addiction ends. It is absolutely important to hear from the mothers and fathers and siblings and friends who have lost those they love, but when we overlook the living, we condemn some to death. The consistent focus on the

how someone can unintentionally end up with

families of addicts is no doubt well-intentioned but we’re beyond the tipping point where it

Turn to page 20 and read. I’ve seldom been as proud

begins to reinforce the stigma that users are bad people. If only they cared more about their families… Headlines like “Allure of heroin proves stronger

of another human not related by blood as I am of our managing editor, M. Sophie Franchi (pictured), who writes frankly and honestly

than love for Northeast Ohio man” summarize the daily’s take on the opiate epidemic. If the message isn’t about how an addict failed to

about her heroin addiction and what it took for her to overcome it. Every time I read it, I’m filled with the same kind of hope I feel when I enter

love his family more than drugs then it’s about what a burden they are on their loved ones. When the ABJ reported on local treatment

Recovery Court. These stories are not outliers, and while they may not yet be the norm, I’d like for them to be.

options, they made it about the impact limited resources have on the families. Again, it is an important perspective. It just shouldn’t be the only one.

That’s why I’ve been so frustrated lately with the Beacon Journal, which has done a Trumpian job describing a foe only they can defeat

I get it. It’s easier to picture having an addict in your life than to imagine being an addict

through their reporting and their “Ending The Silence” event. I doubt that’s their intended message, but it’s the one I get. Based off a

yourself. But at what point do you think about the people trying to kick this addiction? To date, I’ve noticed two ABJ stories actually about recovery. One regarding a podcast. The most

dozen conversations about the series and this event, suffice it to say I’m not alone. However, I allowed myself this commentary not because I want to compete or replace the ABJ (I don’t

recent talked to a few recovering addicts about their first high, which by the end gave you

and we can’t) but because the people of Akron — myself, a subscriber, included — need the

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

—

an addiction they never wanted or saw coming.

It’s not all black & white By Lenny Spengler

reason #256 pandas are endangered:

// Photo courtesy of Bronlynn Thurman

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

agenda

CONTEXT FOR IMPORTANT NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED by Chris Horne

to put its big ol’ Lake Erie monster foot down. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson announced the lawsuit against the state, saying it limits the city’s constitutional right to self-governance. Cleveland.com reported the local hiring quota led to $34 million from construction projects

Local November ballot doesn’t lack initiative

staying in the pockets of Clevelanders.

During this general election cycle, voters in Akron will hold in their hands the fate of several …liquor permits. When the 90-day filing

Trump speaks in Akron, ejects racist baby

deadline passed in early August, it brought with it ten ballot initiatives regarding who gets to sell what booze where and when from the fine folks at Copley Mini Mart, Inc. to the big

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump

METRO is on a roll — it’s a pun! (And it’s also true.)

dogs at Giant Eagle’s GetGo on E. Waterloo. packed the JAR in Akron for a rally that made We’re looking forward to the town halls and national headlines for his “What the hell do you debates that will help us understand the issues. have to lose?” invitation to black voters. While Personally I’m excited to write an editorial he was slammed for kicking a crying baby out explaining why The Devil Strip says “Yes!” of a rally in Virginia — it didn’t happen the when the ballot asks, “Should we let The Score way it appeared, a reporter for the Toronto on E. Exchange sell ‘wine and mixed beverages Star explained later — his campaign did have and spirituous liquor’ on Sundays between 10

better match the needs of their current (and future) riders. Next up, the unveiling of their new fueling and charging stations. (Ed. note -

Remember the guy who did those Micro METRO sends the best media kits.) Machines commercials? He talked really fast and it was cool because #the80s. Well, we need him to write this update on everything METRO is cooking up now. (Wait ...What? You don’t remember Micro Machines? Moving on...) On Sometimes it really seems like Gov. John Kasich August 22, they started running the DASH must hate the cities in the state over which downtown on a loop, taking over the ol’ Roo he presides. After balancing the budget on Express West Loop (aka - UA students, you are welcome to hang out downtown) and FREE for the backs of local municipalities, he signed HB 190 — the “local hiring ban” — which outlaws both students and the public. The Barney Bus requirements that a certain percentage of (Get it? It’s large and purple. You don’t know

police remove a woman and her infant from his Akron speech. That’s probably because she was holding a makeshift protest sign that read:

am and midnight?”

“Racist babies for Trump.”

No, CLE ain’t gonna take it ...anymore!

who Barney is either?) is a weekday-only affair, running every 10 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm, and every 15 minutes from 7 pm to 11 pm. This comes on the heels of a two-month run of Free Fare Fridays and the on-going community conversation to change the bus routes to

workers on a project come from the area where from whence the money comes and where the work is being done. While that causes problems for places like Akron, which has a bazillion dollar sewer project you may have noticed, the City of Cleveland actually decided

Why Is It Called Quaker Square? by Amanda Sedlak-Hevsener

uaker Square sits on the edge of the University

an oatmeal storage and processing plant that once

of Akron campus, right in the middle of downtown Akron proper. This unusuallyshaped building, complete with former grain silos turned into eight floors of dorm rooms, also houses dining options for students. However, the complex

held 1.5 million bushels of grain at one time. Parts of the building were constructed by Schumacher in 1886, and the grain silos were added by the Quaker Oats Company in 1932. When Quaker shut down its Akron operations in 1970, the remaining

has had several former lives.

buildings were turned into a hotel, as well as restaurants, shops and an ice cream parlor. The University of Akron bought the complex in 2007.

Before Akron was the Rubber City, it was part of the breadbasket of the state. In 1870 alone,

Quaker Square is all that remains of the company

farmers in the state managed to grow a whopping 3,750 bushels of grain per square mile. Those

that once employed more people in the city of Akron than any other, and the building itself is

grains were turned into many things, including oatmeal. Ferdinand Schumacher, an Akron-based grocery merchant, used part of the Ohio Canal that

proof that former warehouses and manufacturing buildings can find other lives after their originals ones have ended.

runs through the city to power a mill that processed oats. He called his new business the American Oatmeal Company. Over time, Schumacher’s company merged with other local businesses. The conglomerate became known as the Quaker Oats Company.

// Amanda Sedlak-Hevener is a local historian. She has a Master of Arts in History from the University of Akron, and is currently enrolled in the MLIS Museum Studies program at Kent State.

Pictured left: Quaker Square as seen from East Mill Street. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Sedlak-Hevener/The Devil Strip)

The Quaker Square building is all that remains of

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

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agenda

In Brief

Who could possibly be against this law passing? Though sponsored by two Democrats — Akron Rep. Emilia Sykes and Cincinnati Rep. Christie Kuhns — the bill had bipartisan support as it passed the Ohio House of Representatives

HOW HB 392

by a 89-0 vote. The overwhelming support stems, in part, from testimony to the house judiciary committee from the likes of Valdez,

WOULD OFFER PROTECTION

Summit Co. Domestic Relations Court’s Chief Magistrate Ron Cable, a sexual assault examiner nurse at Akron General, multiple NEOMED

TO SOME OF OHIO'S MOST VULNERABLE

representatives and others who support it.

WOMEN

Surprisingly, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network opposes it. In their testimony, ODVN

by Chris Horne

pieces and bury her in the yard. She sought an anti-stalking protective order (ASCPO), which was denied. The same day, the ex-boyfriend pulled the fire alarm at her apartment building

noted several objections: the recommendation not to change the domestic violence statute but rather expand stalking instead; concern that HB 392’s definition of “intimate partners”

state’s domestic violence statutes, House Bill 392 would extend to victims of dating violence For some women, the result could be death at the ability to get a civil protective order (CPO) to the hands of their abuser. A protection order

and tried to attack her when she went outside. He was arrested and admitted to stalking her, saying he would kill her if she didn’t take him

would create confusion with the DV statute; suggesting an expanded definition isn’t needed because some dating relationships (“living

threaten an abuser with arrest if they don’t stay away from their victim.

back. Despite all that, her second attempt for a ASCPO was also denied.

Who can and cannot get a protective order

allows law enforcement to intervene before another round of violence has taken place, instead of making an arrest after someone has been injured or killed. In the meantime, until

Why does Ohio need it?

as spouses”) qualify already; the absence of a parallel criminal protective order; the potential that “lawyers, magistrates, judges, court personnel and abusers” would ask “very

under the current law? According to Ohio Revised Code 3113.31, if you are married to, are related to, living

this legal gap is closed, dating violence victims can petition for a protective order in stalking cases, but that requires a “pattern of conduct”

Only one other state lacks this protection: Georgia. The alternative, going through local legal bodies, would create a patchwork of

personal questions of victims” to prove the dating relationship; and that alleged abusers would not dodge attempts to be served with a

with or had a child with someone who is abusive, you can seek a CPO. Thanks to 2010’s “Shynerra Grant Law”, juveniles can now also get a protective order if they experience dating violence, but adult victims of dating violence are out of luck. This loophole in the law may affect young women most, particularly college students who are already disproportionately vulnerable to sexual assault on campus.

which means potentially enduring multiple episodes of violence before finding relief. It’s also not guaranteed to work.

mismatched laws when something universal could address it throughout the state. HB 392 is victim-oriented, but it’s worth considering how protective orders make otherwise dangerous domestic violence calls safe for police officers. In the worst situations, things are already out of hand when they get a DV call, but a protective order means potentially de-escalating the situation instead.

CPO, which is no doubt true for all protective orders already.

In brief… An effort to close a “loophole” in the

What happens if dating violence victims can’t get a protective order?

In testimony provided to the house judiciary committee, Mickey Valdez, a victim advocate at Summit County’s Victim Assistance Program, told the story of a woman whose recent ex-boyfriend threatened to chop her up in

BORING BUT IMPORTANT

Ohio bureaucrats threaten early childhood services Without involving the Early Childhood Advisory Council — or any organizations in the field — the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services proposed a rule change that would eliminate about $12 million statewide to Head Start/Child Care programs, which serve some of Ohio’s most vulnerable kids. Set to go in effect Sept 3, the rule change would prevent programs from getting state funds and federal funds at the same time. Proponents of the rule change call the current situation “double-dipping” but it’s really “layering,” the Toledo Blade editorial board writes. That layering allows programs to add services or hire better-prepared teachers, which these children need. Kasich’s office has pledged to put that $12 million “savings” into education around the state. However, as the Cleveland.com editorial board pointed out, that means plucking the money from programs that are addressing a need and spreading it “like peanut butter around the state.”

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

What’s next? HB 392 will be considered by the Ohio Senate this month, which is where it could get derailed just as a similar bill had years before. If it fails to pass this year, Sykes and Kuhns — and the victims they’re trying to help — would have to start all over.

Help HB 392 Become Law: Rep. Emilia Sykes urges Ohioans who want HB 392 to become law to contact Senate President Keith Faber at 614-466-7584, Keith.Faber@ohiosenate.gov or 1 Capitol Square, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; and Senator John Eklund, the presumed committee chair, at 614-644-7718, John. Eklund@ohiosenate.gov or 1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

agenda (continued from page 5)

THE PEOPLE'S

Fairlawn won’t puff-puff, does pass on legal weed

STATE OF THE UNION

With the state’s new medical marijuana law about to take effect in September, the West Side Leader reports Fairlawn City Council decided it doesn’t want anything to do with all that ...for at least six months. The city placed a moratorium on allowing businesses connected with the legal weed law and may extend it again if they’re still feeling uncomfortable with their grasp on the regulations and whatnot.

Good month for a different kind of grass Rubberducks groundskeeper Chris Walsh is the Eastern League’s 2016 Field Manager of the Year. He’s been at it for six years at Canal Park, and clearly he knows what he’s doing, but you knew that before the award just by looking at the field. However, as talented as Chris is, his accomplishments are overshadowed, on Twitter at least, by his dog Duke, who is one of our favorite local celebs to follow (@DukeWalsh). Tweet your congrats for Chris to @cwalsh0014

Bad month for ITT Tech The end is ever-nigh for the for-profit college chain state insiders and higher ed officials wanted the University of Akron to buy up. That’s because the US Department of Education won’t allow ITT Tech to enroll any more students using federal funds, which are the lifeblood of the one-time behemoth. Gotta wonder whether the trustees and regents heard the news and breathed a sigh of relief or muttered a few choice words because the price must really be low now.

KENYONA "SUNNY" MATTHEWS

BIG IDEA

Occupation: Public Speaker and Deputy Service Bailiff Hometown: Home Now: Contact:

What's your big idea? those who are are affected by those decisions. I want to have a community dialogue about the For example, in North Carolina, where I’m issues we are facing in our society, with hopes from, they just passed a law on transgender to find solutions that come from the people. The People’s State of the Union in its simplest form is a chance for us to determine what

bathroom use, basically requiring that people use the bathroom according to the sex they were born into. Who in North Carolina thought

happens in our society to make it a better one. Just like the President, governors and mayors give State of the Union/State/City addresses, I want the people to do the same. Through

this was an issue? It wasn’t. But some higherup made it an issue, passed a law, and now it affects everyone. We’re facing the same problem nationwide, where people in power

nationwide simultaneous conversations, we will are making decisions without input from develop the People’s State of the Union, and their constituents. My goal is to hold leaders together, we will deliver it in a formal address. It’s a three part movement. First, we’ll have community conversations led by community panelists to define the issues. Second, we’ll have discussion-based solution-generating dialogues. Third, we’ll deliver the formal The People’s State of the Union Address from Akron. All three of these events will happen simultaneously nationwide.

accountable for their decisions and give voice and power back to the community—not just protest afterwards, but influence, by defining the issues, preparing solutions and then working to make those solutions realities. If we come together, hold community conversations and then send those people out to implement those solutions through grassroots organizing within groups that already exist, how cool is that?

Why pursue it?

When did you know your big idea was a

At some point America became disconnected.

good idea?

Those who make decisions aren’t in tune with

I knew it was a good idea when I was talking to

Greensboro, NC Cuyahoga Falls kenyonamatthews@ymail.com or Facebook at Kenyona Matthews

someone, and she said it gave her chills. I knew it was a good idea when I was listening to community activists and seeing smaller versions of this happen all over different towns, and I thought, “How cool would it be to have the same conversations at the same time all across the county?” How do you hope your big idea helps Akron grow? Number one, I want Akron to be the birthplace of this national movement. Being the birthplace of a movement in and of itself is amazing. Akron has the power to do that. I also hope the community leaders here in Akron will help to spread the idea, and will in turn get more help from their community to implement solutions to the problems we face here in Akron. //Photo by M. Sophie Franchi

Soak up a memorable experience with your fam ily! Come say “bon voyage” to our Journey to the Reef exhibit before it swims away on Nov. 19.

YOU’VE NEVER BEEN THIS CLOSE! akronzoo.org

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

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THE Devil Strip |

agenda

Rubber City Bounce

New / Native: Photos by Jessica Morris

Kurt Anshutz

Occupation:

Head Teller at Towpath Credit Union

Hometown: Creston, OH Neighborhood: Highland Square What do you wish was more on Akronites' radar? Akron has a really vibrant arts scene. There’s always something going on in Akron worth seeing.

new

There has just always been something about this place that I sincerely love. Where in Akron do you like to escape? Square Records. Still, to this day, there is no better getaway for me than to go record shopping. Even if I don't buy anything (which is rare), flipping and digging through vinyl is always therapeutic. Why should everyone try your favorite local restaurant? This is tough. There are so many. However,

Big Love Network’s Project, Akron City Repair raises funds for Love on Akron: A Village Building Experience

“Paintings and such are exciting,” says Big Love Network organizer Beth Vild, “but secondary to what’s really important—which is people reclaiming neighborhoods.” Join Big Love Network’s Akron City Repair for Love on Akron, a village building experience. The event is family-friendly and free, though donations are accepted. You can expect meals, entertainment, music, workshops, discussions, hands-on activities, a healing space and more.

What is your favorite local cultural asset? My favorite local cultural asset without a doubt is the Goodyear Blimp.

right now, which could always change at any moment, my favorite restaurant is Bob's Hamburg. This is the greatest thing to ever

When did you fall for Akron?

happen to a hamburger, since a hamburger. Enough said. It isn't the fanciest or the most

647 E. Market St. For more information, look for Love on Akron on Facebook.

I think I fell for Akron immediately after getting a license to drive. I used to drive to Akron to

trendy, but I would question the quality of my life without ever experiencing Bobs Hamburg. If

Pictured: Akron City Repair hosted Rubber City

see shows and stop at Quonset Hut for records.

you have not eaten at Bob's, you haven't lived.

Bounce, another fundraising and organizing event

September 16-19, 6 pm at The Well,

August 13 at Pure Intentions. Photos by Paul Hoffman

Jessica Morris Occupation:

Office Manager/Social Media, EarthQuaker Devices

Hometown: Akron Neighborhood: Highland Square

Goodyear Theater and Hive Mind. Thursday’s is having live music again on certain Fridays, and someone is always playing at Annabell’s. I go to way too many sparsely attended shows in this town, and it shouldn’t be that way.

native What do you wish was more on Akronites' radar? I wish more people went out to see live music. We have some great venues, like Musica,

What is your favorite local cultural asset? I love Thursday nights, because I can go to the Akron Art Museum to check out whatever exhibit I want for free, grab a cocktail with friends at Crave, and then go to The Nightlight and catch a movie that I can’t see anywhere else locally.

When did you fall for Akron? I’ve always loved Akron, but really fell for it once I moved back from Cuyahoga Falls. There’s so much about this city that is cool. I love when friends from out of town come to visit, so I can show them all of my favorite spots. We’re way more than an abandoned mall, a couple bands, and a basketball player. Where in Akron do you like to escape? My favorite place to have great conversations is in a booth at The Lockview. My favorite spot to fly under the radar is Wingfoot Lake State Park. It’s really nice to sit on the swings by the lake and maybe see the Goodyear Blimp take off or land. If I really need to escape, you can find me at the Akron-Canton Airport. Why should everyone try your favorite local restaurant? Because Larry’s has really good burgers and always has great music playing. Because La Loma has the best el pastor I’ve ever eaten.

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10% OFF Accessories! Must present coupon. Excludes car racks. Offer expires 10/16/16.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

agenda

Highland Square

LIVE MUSIC

LINEUP

Friday, 9/2 • 9pm – Midnight Erin Nicole Neal & The Chill Factors – Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz & Soul Saturday, 9/3 • 9pm – Midnight DJ Moonhawk– Electronic & Deep House Sunday, 9/4 • 12 – 3pm Turner & Williams – Eclectic Soft Rock Friday, 9/9 • 9pm – Midnight Gretchen Pleuss – Singer/Songwriter OFFICIAL SQUARE FEST AFTER PARTY Saturday, 9/10 • 7 – 9pm DJ Ben Fulkman – Spinning Funky Soul-filled Vinyl Balcony Party Saturday, 9/10 • 9 – Midnight Acid Cats – Soul Funk Jazz Fusion

Akron Ex-Pat

Sunday, 9/11 • 12 – 3pm Anthony Papaleo – Blues, Jazz, & Old-Time

Akron comic Rhea Butcher conquers LA, TV and iTunes

Friday, 9/16 • 9pm – Midnight The Underworld – Blues

by Brittany Nader

Saturday, 9/17 • 9pm – Midnight DJ Naeno – Funky Dance Party

Though she lives in Los Angeles now, standup comic Rhea Butcher is an Akron original and proud of it. That’s evident throughout her TV show “Take My Wife,” which she

Sunday, 9/18 • 12 – 3pm Little Steve O Blues Duo – Blues

created with her wife, Carmen Esposito. You can picture her growing up in Kenmore listening to her debut comedy album, “BUTCHER,” which took over #1 iTunes from a bunch of dudes like Jim Gaffigan, Daniel Tosh, George Carlin and Weird Al Yankovic. She comes home for a Sept. 1 in-store at Square Records before tossing out the first pitch for the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 5. Read the full interview online at thedevilstrip.

Friday, 9/23 • 9pm – Midnight Duchess – Classic Country

com and learn more about Rhea at rheabutcher.com.

Brittany Nader: How do you feel about the

something distinctly different. What

way comedians are generally depicted on screen? How do you think “Take My Wife”

“Take My Wife” shows about the industry that we maybe haven’t seen before is just that:

showcases the industry in a way that’s different than what we’ve seen before?

different. It’s not about comics who go up at the local club, or tour theaters, or have huge movies or whatever. It’s about two women doing comedy as a job that allows them to

Rhea Butcher: I think we both just wanted to

Saturday, 9/24 • 9pm – Midnight Ryan Humbert – Pop Rock & Americana BN: How much did your experience at University of Akron’s Myers School of Art influence your creative sensibilities? RB: There’s a print in the opening shot of me in

make something that felt real. Not that previous get by, and they talk about their lives onstage. shows didn’t feel real, but just something We also wanted it to be more of a “workplace

episode one of “Take My Wife” where there’s a beautiful screenprint behind me — it’s for

that felt lived from our experience. Most of the shows about standups doing standup have been about men. We wanted to make

Myers. This awesome couple who go by Little Friends of Printmaking made it when they (continued on page 10)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

comedy” than a “standup comedy comedy.” I hope that shines through.

Sunday, 9/25 • 12 – 3pm Jen Maurer – Roots Friday, 9/30 • 9pm – Midnight Acid Cats – Soul Funk Jazz Fusion *NO COVER CHARGE HIGHLAND SQUARE: 867 West Market Street Akron, Ohio, 44303 • 330-434-7333

www.MustardSeedMarket.com

agenda

Urban Explorer:

Kenmore

THE DRAGON’S MANTLE

KENMORE KOMICS & GAMES

EAT-N-RUN

962 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, Ohio 44314

1020 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, OH 44314

1323 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, OH 44314

(330) 687-5654 dragonsmantle.webs.com Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm

(330) 745-5530 kenmore-komics.com/kenmore.htm Hours: Mon 12-5pm, Wed 12-7pm, Thurs 12-5pm, Fri 12-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm

(330) 848-3212 Hours: Tues - Fri 6am-2pm, Sat - Sun 6am-1pm

With a collection of curious memorabilia, this bizarre joint sells supplies to help you with

Rivaling Rubber City Comics, the walls of this cozy little store are lined with rows and rows of

From outside, this tiny building seems to blend in with the others on the street, but the scents

outside appearance.

all of your pagan, Wiccan, and metaphysical needs. Whether you’re in need of herbs for your next culinary delight or tarot cards to test

legendary stories of superheroes and villains. As of home-cooked food convince visitors that this you step inside, a giant inflatable Spider-Man small-town diner is the definition of the classic greets you before your action-packed adventure American breakfast. With mouthwatering

Pictured right: The Dragon’s Mantle; Kenmore Komics

your fortune-telling abilities, visit this store to

browsing through the excellent selection of

dishes perfect for anytime of the day, this quirky

& Games; Eat-n-Run (All photos courtesy of Kristina

encounter interesting products that will surely put a spell on you.

new and collectible comics.

restaurant offers friendly service, affordable prices, and cute decorations that will make you smile.

it a bunch of times until it’s perfect. That’s how I see standup too.

I really loved Rosie and Ellen and Brett Butler and all the women on those shows. I

open mic to check it out, I was very very inspired by her standup. She spoke so honestly

words and photos by Kristina Aiad-Toss

Driving up and down Kenmore Boulevard may seem dull and boring as you pass buildings that resemble each other in a seemingly inescapable way. However, stepping into these places may surprise many Akronites by revealing a few unique finds which offer much more than their

Aiad-Toss/The Devil Strip)

(continued from page 9) were doing a residency there. I was so stoked when they said I could put it in the show. I think it absolutely influenced me. I spent every day in Folk Hall on Exchange Street from August 2001 to December of 2005. We were the little art school that could. ...That school is so resourceful and it taught me to be. I got my BFA in printmaking, and in Folk Hall it is situated in the center of the building; almost everyone takes a printmaking class at some point. I always saw it as the hub of the wheel. And when I went there no one had gotten a printmaking degree in like, 10 years. So I was like, “Oh no one does that? I’m totally doing that.” I must’ve been so annoying in college. Printmaking is screenprinting and lithography and intaglio. But the basic process is to come up with an idea, make that idea and then make

also think being from Akron, we all just have an odd sense of humor; there’s a lot of sarcasm and self-deprecation. When I moved to Chicago I got to see standup live for the first time and the first show I ever saw was Paul F Tompkins at The Lakeshore Theater,

BN: I’m sure you’re asked this often, but what has influenced you most as a comedian? RB: When I was a kid I used to watch this show “Standup Spotlight” on VH1 hosted by Rosie O’Donnell, and my mom and I rented a standup special called “Women of the Night” (the title was totally lost on me) from Roadrunner.

and I was hooked. I loved what he was doing: telling really funny and intricate stories that were wild but also totally relatable. Then when I later went to Cameron’s

about who she was that it legitimately changed my life. I came out to the members of my family that I hadn’t yet come out to after getting into the standup scene there. Also, “Back To The Future.”

BN: You grew up skateboarding around Akron and still give the Rubber City and its inhabitants shout outs on the regular. What do you miss most about your hometown? RB: Luigi’s.

H A R V E S T F E S T I VA L & 5 K R U N

OCTOBER 1ST 9:15AM

OCTOBER 1 & 2, 8 & 9

Celebrate the fall bounty amid the sights, smells and tastes of the Cuyahoga Valley.

• Sign up online at www.HaleFarm.org

Apple Cider Press | Johnny Appleseed Pumpkin Patch | Pumpkin Painting Wagon Rides | Corn Maze Kettle Corn | Food Preservation AND MORE!

• Participant t-shirt & prizes for winner of each group

$10 ADULTS; $5 YOUTH 3-12; MEMBERS FREE

2686 Oak Hill Rd. | Peninsula, OH | 330-666-3711

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

www.halefarm.org

For updates follow us on social media!

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

agenda

OCTOBER 6-9

• 120 Artisans • Live Entertainment • Delicious Food • Stitchery Showcase • Inspiration In Bloom:* Floral Display

Thurs-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 10am-4pm. Tickets: $10 adult, $4 youth (ages 6-17). Parking: On the Great Meadow $5 per car daily. Free off-site parking Saturday and Sunday with free shuttle.

T WE' R HA E

*part of the Combo Ticket with self-guided tour ($16).

Digging

330.836.5533 714 N. Portage Path • Akron, OH 44303 For tickets and parking information: stanhywet.org

We Get You ...

Here’s what our some of our staff and contributors are currently digging . MICHELLE DESHON I have no shame in my thrifting game. My favorite thrift store is Village Discount Outlet at 193 E Waterloo Road in Akron. Last time I went, I made a tall and wobbly pile of jeans in my cart and my mom was shocked by how many pairs I had gathered in about ten minutes and surprisingly, many of them fit. I secretly love getting compliments on an outfit composed entirely from thrift store finds. (Photo courtesy of Michelle DeShon/The Devil Strip) © Sigrid Olsson / Alamy

SAM DEPAUL I can’t stop reading Robert M. Drake. Particularly I’m devouring his poetry. I’ve come across many writers who encapsulate our troubles and the simultaneous feeling that everything is going to be just fine during and after the mess – whatever it may be – but what’s rare is a male writer who can make a young flustered woman feel so god damn…woman. There’s a lot of pause and thoughtful exhaling when reading him.

MARILYN ICSMAN

• Where you want to go with TripTik® Travel Planner maps and directions

• What you want to know with hotel, discount and gas price information

• Help along the way -

with easy road service request

I'm really digging choker necklaces. They had a big moment in the 2000s, and I never really grew out of them, even though they went way out of style. Now they're kind of trendy again, which is awesome, and I rock them more than ever. A lot of people are scared to wear chokers because it reminds them of their emo phase, but I say just embrace it. If you want to make any outfit look edgy, definitely invest in a choker and enjoy the nostalgia.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Our apps keep you mobile. Download today. AAA.com/mobile

Your news feed is full of parenting advice.

So are our pediatricians. To find a pediatrician near you, visit akronchildrens.org/achpediatrics. WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

12730-12_DevilStrip_9.55x12.75_v02AR_20160408.indd 1

4/8/16 5:39 PM

the arts

EXPLORING THE ARTS IN AKRON

14 GET ARTSY AT ONE OF OUR EVENT PICKS 18 ROB SHEFFIELD: #1 BOWIE FAN 19 WHAT’S UP WITH THIS AKRON SUPERHERO?

PORCHROKR

The literary art community is very much alive here in Akron, the Poetry Capital of the Midwest. Proof: the Mini Poetry Festival at PorchRokr was a success. (Photos by Svetla Morrison)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

JULY 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #7 /

THE Devil Strip |

the arts

The palette: å Akron Art Prize 2016 Sept 3 - Oct 1 at Summit Artspace Join the Downtown Akron Partnership for their 5th annual Akron Art Prize presented by The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. With over 100 local artists in the line-up, this event showcases how talented the Akron community really is. This month-long event will allow residents to cast their vote for their favorite artists. This year there will also be a juried component along with several prizes. Visit downtownakron.com/enjoy/akron-art-prize for more information.

‹ Point of No Return Improv Sept 3 & 17 • Quirk Cultural Center, 7:30pm The Point of No Return Improv group will have you shaking with laughter. Featured at Big-Little Comedy Fest, First Night Akron and Oberlin College, this group is sure to be a knee slapper. More information at pnrimprov.org. Admission is $5.

Our picks for arts events happening in September

Inside the Studio Dara Harper: “Color is Essential”

by Bronlynn Thurman

words and photos by C. Birch

‹ Shane Wynn: How I Invented My Own Career

character Laura. This production is sure to touch your heart. Visit centerforada.org for more

Sept 13 at Musica, 5:30 pm Local photographer, Shane Wynn, has been capturing her environment since the age of 13. Over the last 27 years, she’s carved her own path and made her life her own. Listen to her share her story, presented by Creative Cog. Visit creativecogakron.org for more information.

information.

é Sarah Vowell Sept 15 at Akron-Summit County Public Library, 7 pm New York Times Bestselling author and contributor of This American Life will be

ê 23rd Annual ART-tini Auction Sept 16 - 23 at Harris Stanton Gallery Join the Hartis Stanton Gallery at their annual silent auction that benefits a local nonprofit. This year’s nonprofit is Summit Artspace. The auction will showcase more than 80 international and regional artists’ pieces. The bidding will begin on the 16th and end with a themed party on the 23rd. Admission is $15. Check their website HarrisStantonGallery.com for gallery hours and location.

spending an evening at the ASCPL’s Main Library for the launch of their Main Event Speaker Series. Visit the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Facebook page for more information. (Photo of Sarah Vowell by Bennett Miller)

ë Little Shop of Horrors Sept 25 - Oct 16 at Weathervane Playhouse Weathervane Playhouse is back at it again with another stellar production of a cult classic. Little Shop of Horrors is a sci-fi musical about a talking, singing, carnivorous plant named

Dara Harper’s painting studio takes up just a portion of a dark and cold basement. But this basement atmosphere has little time to make an impression as an incredible burst of color transforms the barely-windowed space. Her studio is so full of color that the impact isn’t necessarily one piece but the collective force of color that hits. The acrylic paint splashes around the studio. Abstract and figurative forms gleam from various surfaces. “First of all, color is essential,” Harper describes as we survey her work, “Color… and history.” There is a young black boy looking at us stoically from one canvas. He could be a boy from the early 1900s or a well-dressed boy of today. There are men in hats, ready for work, passing by on another canvas. Two young figures, much more abstract, walk towards us on a smaller canvas.

ç Square Fest

è Tennessee Williams’ Glass Menagerie

Audrey II that promises to bring its owner, Seymour, all the riches as long as he keeps

Many of her paintings include men. She thinks this is because she is striving to understand the

Sept 10 in Highland Square, 11 am - 8 pm

(Through the Prism of Autism) • Sept 15 at

Come on out for the City of Akron’s yearly Square Fest in the Highland Square neighborhood. This all-day event features a wide variety of local artists, musicians

Kenmore Community Center, 7 pm Revisit Tennessee Williams’ Glass Menagerie presented by the Center for Applied Drama and Autism. This performance is an interpretation

feeding him blood. This production has been capturing the hearts of audiences for more than 30 years.Tickets range between $10 and $26. Visit weathervaneplayhouse.com for more

tension between being a strong, independent black woman and being a Christian woman

and a family friendly atmosphere.Visit akronsquarefest.org for more information.

by the Theatre on the Spectrum and inspired by Williams’ description of his sister, Rose via the

arts News Brief

information.

who is married, supporting and working with her husband. Any figures that appear spring from a world of abstraction and are brought to life by Harper's skill. (continued on page 54)

AKRON SOUL TRAIN ANNOUNCES FIRST FELLOWSHIP Akron Soul Train, a non-profit arts organization

lectures, teaching workshops and presenting

whose goal is to provide local artists an oasis made from refurbished train cars and tiny houses has announced their first artist

his work to the public. Sokol's paintings have residential space during the summer of 2017. appeared at the Akron Art Museum, Canton Art Museum, Kent State University and other artist Visit their website at venues throughout the United States. Aside from this, Sokol is also a published writer. for additional information.

fellowship. Awarded to local painter, sculptor and author John Sokol, the fellowship will take place at 526 South Main St. Throughout the month of September, Sokol will be leading

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

break ground next Spring and open their first

akronsoultrain.org

Made possible from winning the 2015 Knight Arts Challenge, Akron Soul Train expects to

”

ust a t this make olor Her sn’t orce of around gleam

the arts

THE NIGHT MY DAD MET

MARK MOTHERSBAUGH This is the look of sheer joy, people by Megan Combs

“What am I going to wear?” That was my dad’s showed up in a nice polo and jeans. Going for reaction the day he learned he was going to the Joe Cool approach, I guess. Heck, even I

Pictured right: Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh

meet Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, founding members of the 80s band Devo.

Q&A. Pictured left: Megan’s dad and Mark

was more dressed up!

and Dave Lieberth on stage during the Mothersbaugh. (Photos courtesy of Megan Combs)

It was supposed to be a surprise, but it was

After an introduction of Mothersbaugh and Casale,we watched a selection of 15 films,

blown after we attended a SmART Studio Mark Mothersbaugh painting party at the Akron Art Museum. They had fliers for the event

most of which were Devo music videos and TV commercials, almost all directly by Casale. Local historian Dave Lieberth, our moderator for the

everywhere.

evening, opened up the Q&A, which led to the musicians explaining their process and the

Before I bought the tickets, I asked my dad if he was “Mark Mothersbaugh’ed out.” We

credit Devo still gets for pioneering the music video as we know it. Hearing how much work

had already attended his lecture when the Myopia exhibit opened, then his exhibit and the painting party. He told me too much Mark

went into each video — and the not-so-subtle subtexts of the plots — made me appreciate their art more. There was also some general

Mothersbaugh was impossible, so I bought the tickets. I knew it would blow his hair back.

lamenting about how easy kids have it these days with their iPads and iPhones.

You would think my dad would have dressed to impress, but when the day finally came, he

After the Q&A, my dad and I were fourth in line for autographs. While he will deny it, my dad

was all jitters. He couldn’t stand still. The guys in front of us brought seemingly everything Mothersbaugh had ever worked on, including “Rugrats” posters. We stood there with our Myopia albums, eagerly awaiting our turn.

Mothersbaugh is their secret, but the man crossed his eyes on

purpose in my dad’s picture. Hilarious.

Dad let me go first. I had Casale sign my event

So that was the day my dad met Mark Mothersbaugh, and it actually wasn’t his first time. He met him in the peak of Devo’s

program, and of course Mothersbaugh sign

career, and now he’s come full circle. What a

my album. No one said we weren’t allowed to take pictures with him, so I asked, and we were permitted to take a quick snap. As you

special moment. Happy birthday, Dad. I love you.

can see in the picture, my dad’s face when Mothersbaugh was signing his album was sheer // Megan grew up listening to Devo and was just as excited to meet Mothersbaugh. Not gonna lie. joy. Just look at it. Then he practically skipped over to him for a picture. What he said to

SUMMIT ARTSPACE SEPT 3 - OCT 1

escribes tory.” stoiy from today. assing

COME TO OPENING NIGHT! Saturday, September 3, 5-10 p.m. Live entertainment, food and beer

s, na

from 5-9 p.m.

COME TO CLOSING NIGHT! Saturday, October 1, 12-9 p.m.

thinks nd the ndent man with ring ught to

Finale reception is at 8 p.m. at the Akron Art Museum

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING Akron Art Prize Hours: Thursday through Saturday 12-9 p.m.

age 54)

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP Vote for your favorite artists!

AKRONART PRIZE.ORG #AKRONART PRIZE 16

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

The arts

Citizen University rekindling creativity in local voting culture by C. Birch The Joy of Voting project, which aims to create a new culture around voting, was born from in-

Glassblowing on Wheels

Why one creative thinks a mobile studio will bring Akron together by Michelle DeShon

After a day in the Kent State University glass studio with his cousin in 1993, Chad Mason was hooked. Mason was 23 years old and he liked creating things with his hands.

stuff like this,” said Mason in reference to the surge of art in the Akron area. Where industrial past meets present, Mason believes that glass art is exciting, attractive and intriguing. It has

quiries by people around the country who read Citizen University president Eric Lui’s article in “The Atlantic” last year. Akron joins Miami, Wichita and Philadelphia as the four cities where the Joy of Voting is being initiated. Each city’s experimental projects are very different from one another because locals were invited to submit ideas to spur excitement around voting in the November election. To learn more about the project, visit thedevilstrip.com Here’s a peek at Akron’s lineup: ALL IN AKRON: Vote the Goat • September 18 Engaging to Excel with Excellence will host a community voting event with goats at a public park with festive activities and a collective count of community participation on billboards around the city. STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL:

the possibility to bring people together and give Currently, Mason is working on starting a The following spring semester, Mason met with the founder of the glass blowing program at KSU, was accepted and started in the fall. Due to the high demand, he was lucky to get in and those next five years were spent diligently

GoFundMe account that will bring awareness to his organization and help him fund the project to raise his Knight Arts match. He said meeting the match will be the more challenging part of the project, while getting out and traveling with

working in the studio.

the studio will be easy. He hopes to have the studio built and operating by Spring 2017.

Screening of winning videos • October 18 The Akron Beacon Journal in collaboration with the Jefferson Center will host a film festival highlighting student perspectives on the election and voting. ELECTION DAY PARTY TROLLEY RIDES:

Pictured (clockwise from top): Chad Mason cutting

Election Day • November 8 The Big Love Network will host festive rides to the polls complete with music, performances,

the excess from the ball in glass studio; Portrait of

and festive costumes along the way.

Chad Mason; Ball of glass at furnace door at Kent

UNSUCCESSFUL WRESTLING: November 15 Artist Megan Young will create a motion capture installation piece where viewers will get to “wrestle” over the election in a virtual

State University glass studio. (Photo courtesy of Eartha L. Goodwin Photography 2016)

After working for a number of years at the Corning Museum of Glass and seeing working examples of glassblowing studios like Glass Axis in Columbus and Akron Glass Works, an idea began to form: What if he took his love on the

reality space.

road? This lead to Heart of Glass, Mason’s own mobile glassblowing studio. He submitted the idea to the Knight Arts Challenge and was one

them a hands-on experience with a skill from

of the 27 finalists. For his idea, he was awarded $50,000 and charged with raising a matching amount. With this he hopes to build a mobile

Mason would also like to feature local glass

studio and travel throughout the community, educating along the way. “The town seems ready for it. It’s hungry for

our distant past.

artists on Heart of Glass’ social media pages and bring them in to do live demos in the mobile studio. In the future, Mason hopes that his studio will find a permanent location where people can rent time to use it, take a class and participate in weekend-long workshops.

akronheartofglass.com // While joining The Devil Strip team for the summer, Michelle DeShon has realized that Akron has an abundance of genuine and passionate people. Keep being awesome Akron, I love you.

POLITICAL THEATRE FROM THE BACK OF A PICKUP Wandering Aesthetics will create original short plays performed from the back of a pickup truck, including music and an opportunity for the audience at each stop to fill out original artist-designed postcards committing to vote. For continuously updated information on when and where these will take place, visit citizenuniversity.us/programs/the-joy-of-voting/ and click on the orange Akron arrow.

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

the arts

PUT A LITTLE ART IN YOUR WRESTLING, BROTHER WHERE ART MEETS PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING IN AKRON THIS FALL by Megan Combs

t’s pro wrestling without the pain, but with all the gusto, costumes and storylines you can handle. Oh, and throw in a little bit of paint,

and you’ve got yourself a party. No, we’re not talking about some weird match where two artists are thrown into a ring with wrestling alter egos and costumes a’blazin’. Oh wait, yes we are. It’s called the Artists Wrestling League (AWL), and it’s awesome. Here’s how it works: Akron artists are encouraged to create a wrestling alter ego, costume and storyline. If you’re accepted into the league, you’ll be invited to occasional wrestling matches that are usually tied to art shows or outdoor festivals. AWL referee Thomas Refferson puts two artists into a ring and takes a topic suggestion from the audience. The artists then have seven minutes to paint that topic.

head. We said no pain, right? We’re pretty

art show. Each themed exhibit will start in

mask because he was horribly disfigured in a

sure a sugar glass bottle or foam table won’t hurt breaking over your noggin. Plus, you’re a wrestler! Buck up!

Columbus and then move along to Akron or Kent and then another location. It’s likely that wrestling matches would accompany the

g-string accident; El Durango, who also wears a mask because he was bitten by his Spanish teacher; Feral Dog Buhler and his brother the

opening nights of these exhibits, Yoder said.

Atomic Pug; Swiss Missile, who boasts a Ho-Ho

All paintings can be bought outright for $20 or are raffled off during the accompanying art show.

Yoder and Walter already have one Akron tag team: Hank and Henry Hotlunch, the evil

The AWL started in Columbus with Beth Yoder, of Akron, and her partner Ralph Walters.

philanthropists. The wrestlers are Joe Flach, owner of the Skeleton Key Tattoo shop in Cuyahoga Falls, and his friend Matt “Rooster”

Walters, also an artist, thought it would be cool if there was some sort of live painting challenge in the area. He’d always enjoyed wrestling, Yoder said, and so the AWL was born. “I don’t think people were prepared for how silly it was,” Yoder said of the first match in March 2015. “During the first round of our first match, the audience was a little unsure of it. But the second round was amazing. They loved it.”

bazooka; and more. // Megan’s wrestling alter ego is Honey Combs. She’s the queen of the spelling bee and slays her victims with her bee-filled beehive hairdo.

Vernon. But they’re looking for more Akron wrestlers. The first Akron AWL art show is at the Nightlight on Oct. 1. The theme of the show is “I am the Knight,” or Batman-related art. Yoder and Walters hope to open the show with a wrestling match if they have enough wrestlers involved.

Pictured above (left to right): Hank and Henry Hotlunch, the evil philanthropists; The Pretty Pair (Beth Yoder and Ralph Walters) and Hank and Henry Hotlunch; The Pretty Pair (Beth Yoder and Ralph Walters) and Hank and Henry Hotlunch; Hank and Henry Hotlunch (Photos courtesy of Beck Flach)

Eventually the event picked up popularity and

“Everyone involved (in Columbus) is very creative, and they’ve come up with their own

even gained a few sponsors, such as Pabst

storylines,” Yoder said. “We help them tweak

Blue Ribbon and Blick art supplies. Walters and Yoder have taken the league to several outdoor festivals where the crowd gets bigger each time.

it if need be. But if there’s something you want to do and it’s within our means to create, we’ll do it.”

Audience applause determines the winner. The loser gets something smashed over their

The duo also own an art gallery in Columbus that they want to transform into a traveling

A few wrestlers in Columbus include El Diablo Blanco, a man who has to wear a luchador

For more information about AWL and its traveling art shows, visit

artistswrestlingleague.com How to apply for the AWL: Submit a sample of your work, a picture or rendering of your wrestling costume and your wrestling alter ego and backstory to Beth Yoder at artistswrestlingleague@gmail.com

Eugene O. Goldbeck, Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range – Mt. McKinley National Park, Alaska, 1957, gelatin silver print, 9 ⅛ x 44 ¼ in. Collection of the Akron Art Museum. Gift of David Cooper.

Through February 12, 2017

•

Akron Art Museum

Our Land is organized by the Akron Art Museum and supported by funding from the museum’s Evelyne Shaffer Endowment for Exhibitions and Ohio Arts Council.

One South High I Akron, OH 44308 I 330.376.9185 | AkronArtMuseum.org

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

the arts

Mixtapes, Bowie, Karaoke and the Beatles Rob Sheffield talks about the

Power of Fandom by Brittany Nader

n an age when “I started writing [the book] the night he died.” anyone can broadcast Sheffield says. “I was just stunned because we an opinion and reach had been listening to the new Bowie album for

massive audiences, it can be hard to care about one person’s critique on something as subjective as music or art. But when we read something that connects us as fans, viewers and listeners, the words take on a life of their own. Rob Sheffield has an ability to help give a story or a song wings and soar beyond the original creator’s intent.

The Main Event Speaker Series

The night of January 10, he wrote about his experiences listening to Bowie throughout his life, pouring out his thoughts and feelings while grieving, like so much of the rest of the world. In just one month, the book was finished. Sheffield was in the midst of working on another book, “Dreaming The Beatles: A Love Story of One Band and the Whole World,” when his editor suggested he shelf that story for now and finish “On Bowie.”

Autumn 2016

Sheffield has contributed to Rolling Stone, Blender and Spin magazines and has published four books detailing his personal experiences and relationship with music and how it relates

An author series featuring prominent voices from the worlds of literature, the arts, politics and journalism.

to our culture as a whole. Sheffield’s work is distinct from other pieces of music criticism

“Everywhere I went, Bowie was playing, and everyone wanted to talk about Bowie. Everyone

because he tends to write from the fan’s perspective.

was collectively mourning,” Sheffield says. “I remember my editor telling me, ‘You have a Bowie chapter in every book you write. Whether the book has anything to do with

Main Library Auditorium

Thursday, September 15, 7 pm

An Evening with SARAH VOWELL – New

Sarah Vowell

(credit Bennett Miller)

“I feel like that level of fan enthusiasm, to me that’s the really interesting thing about rock

York Times Bestselling Author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, Assassination Vacation, and Take the Cannoli and contributor to THIS AMERICAN LIFE.

music—the way it has a ton of power to take us over emotionally,” Sheffield says.

Thursday, September 29, 7 pm

ROB SHEFFIELD - Rolling Stone columnist and author of Love Is A Mix Tape, On Bowie, and the upcoming Dreaming the Beatles: the Love Story of One Band and the Whole World.

Rob Sheffield

His debut memoir, “Love is a Mixtape: Life

and Loss, One Song at a Time,” uses 15 mixtapes that serve as symbols to illustrate

Saturday, October 15, 7 pm

his relationship with his late wife. The

States Poet Laureate (2001-2003), bestselling author of Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems, amongst many other award-winning volumes.

heartbreaking story carries the reader through the journey of his courtship and marriage using music as an important tool that creates an education of different

An Evening with BILLY COLLINS - United

Billy Collins

(credit Bill Hayes)

Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm

genres and links key elements of his personal story together. Sheffield’s latest

JAMAAL MAY – Poet, and winner of the Beatrice

Hawley Award and NAACP Image Award Nominee. Author of the volumes Hum and The Big Book of Exit Strategies. Presented by the Akron-Summit County Public Library and Friends of Main Library. (Friends members receive preferred seating). All programs are free of charge. Books will be available for purchase.

Jamaal May

Auditorium doors will open at 6:30 pm. Call 330-643-9015, or go to www.akronlibrary.org for more information.

a few days… somebody who had already been such a huge part of not just my sense of music, but my sense of life, was gone.”

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

book, “On Bowie,” once again uses music to explain a relationship that is so important to the author, this time with a larger-than-life music icon who had a profound impact on Sheffield. Pictured right: The New York Times Best Seller "Love is a Mixtape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time"

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

the arts Pictured left: Rob's newest book "On Bowie" uses music to explain a relationship.

ultimate karaoke song that lights up a room with its emotional power and creates perfect opportunities for collective group sing-alongs. “Sometimes [when performing karaoke] I come in with too many songs in mind, but you really have to get a feel for the room. It’s best not to over plan,” he says. “One of the things I like about karaoke is that it forces you to abandon your plan.”

Bowie or not, you always find a way to sneak in a Bowie chapter.’”

While researching Bowie, Scheffield discovered that Cleveland was the first city in the U.S. to become “hip” to Bowie’s unique look and sound and regard him as a rock star. Some of Bowie’s initial failures and insecurities about his

Sheffield certainly knows a thing or two about abandoning his plan, as evidenced by his decision to put a hold on publication of his Beatles book until spring of 2017 and knock the Bowie story out in one short month.

THE AKRON KNIGHT: The Story Behind The Comic by Brian Dunphy

“Dreaming The Beatles” details the different forms the Fab Four have taken in pop culture over the years after they disbanded. He says it’s fascinating how the band has gotten bigger and bigger since they broke up, and as a kid

If you're like me, you are enjoying The Akron Knight comic strip monthly in the pages of The Devil Strip and weekly online. What creators

that project to a guy that went on to produce some classic mainstream books, so we took the loss as an honor," says Miller. That story

Dan Gorman and J. Alan Miller have created is in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the adult figures in his truly special: a full color superhero strip whose life couldn’t understand why the younger reception in the U.S. were explained in the song generations cared so much about this band that style calls to mind the Golden Age of comics while telling a story that is entirely original and “Young Americans,” where the singer feels was no longer together or making new music.

came and went, but the desire to produce an Akron-based hero using real people and places never died.

uniquely local. But how local? What's the story behind the story? “For me, that’s a really interesting part of the story: the way the world has continued to make The Beatles a thing long after The Beatles really Well, here's the short version:

Fast forward to 2016. Gorman and Miller host the internet radio show The Altered Realm on KRMA Karma Internet Radio. Gorman is a

old in his 20s, feels very English, and is putting on the mask of an American soul singer. He embraces his fandom of American soul music and escapes himself while turning into a different person. Sheffield’s writing often explores this idea of transforming one’s identity to become more secure by using one’s love and fandom

wanted to break the spell. The world was like, ‘Nope, we’re going to keep The Beatles alive,’” he says. Both Bowie and The Beatles have created bodies of work that resonate with people in ways the artists never could have predicted. Out of all the extensive, exhaustive things that have been written about these two megastars, Sheffield’s work takes a look at its impact on fans—specifically the emotional response and manner in which the creative efforts

Pictured right: Rob writes about coping with sudden loss and gaining new perspective in his book "Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love and Karaoke."

for a particular musical genre or performer.

He’s a karaoke advocate because he says it creates a supportive and welcoming environment and evokes a cosmic shift within the performer. His book, “Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love and Karaoke,” details how he, as a shy, admittedly bad singer, was able to cope with the sudden loss of his wife and gain a new perspective through the act of grabbing the mic and unabashedly belting out pop songs and rock ballads from the musicians that have been so influential throughout his life. Sheffield says Bowie is like the “guiding light” of karaoke singers everywhere—he wasn’t afraid to metamorphose into a different character with a vastly different look or identity for the purpose of art and entertainment. Sheffield also says “Young Americans” is the

Real-life Akronite and heavy metal legend Tim "The Ripper" Owens, features heavily in the story and is (spoiler alert) slowly being revealed as perhaps the city's second superhero. The story has brought us to the point when Owens is realizing he may have to wield his gauntlet and spring into action following city-wide terror attacks that have to this point been thwarted by

published comic book artist and has worked on trading card sets for titles ranging from Star Wars to Marvel Superheroes. Miller is the owner of local businesses Stuff Genie Emporium and Buddah's Auction Works, routinely dealing in vintage toys and comics. When the notion of creating an original comic for The Devil Strip came about, the choice for content was an easy one and The Akron Knight was reborn.

a mysterious figure known only as "Balance." Sounds cool right? That's because it is. But this idea has been in Gorman and Miller's collective mental foot locker for some time.

Ladies and gents, if you're not caught up, get there. Read The Akron Knight monthly here in the pages of The Devil Strip and online at akronknight.thecomicseries.com

Rewind the clock. The idea sprang from a project originally launched back in the mid 90's when Owens became the lead singer of metal mainstay Judas Priest. Gorman and Miller were in the running to produce an original comic

// Brian Dunphy is an illustrator and writer, and the creator of Wemlo Twinge, which appears alongside The Akron Knight in this here magazine.

about the band; a project which eventually came to fruition in a different manner with another creator providing album art. "We lost

create memories and shared experiences among audiences.

As part of the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Event Speaker Series, Rob Sheffield will discuss his latest book, “On Bowie,” and other works Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 pm.

// Photos courtesy of robsheffield.com

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

SPECIAL SECTION:

HEROIN

20 HOW LAUGHTER AND LONG WALKS LED TO RECOVERY 22 AKRON'S RECOVERY COURT, WHERE HOPE BEATS HEROIN 24 BME HELPS DENNY WILSON HELP RECOVERING ADDICTS

Together and Alone Nine years since I kicked my heroin addiction by M. Sophie Franchi

itting on the warm cement close to the sidewalk at the end of my dad’s driveway

in Highland Square, I kicked around a few pebbles and tried not to cry as I looked at the red brick street. I was on my pink flip phone, talking to my childhood friend, Abe, who was one of a few people that knew what was going on. He and his girlfriend, Jill, had been supporting me during rehab — distracting me with new music, taking me out and introducing me to new people.

addiction, and that it wouldn’t be as easy to get dad moved back to Akron and asked me to clean as we had expected. visit. I brought enough morphine to get me

through the week. Even as I crushed up pills Trey lived off his parents’ money and credit cards, but we could only take out so many

on the bathroom countertop of his Highland Square home and parachuted them down my unnoticed cash advances. My serving job wasn’t throat, I wanted something to change. When I supporting our habit anymore, partially because got back to Florida, I told Trey that I had to get we had fallen deeper into addiction, partially clean. He could recover with me or not, but I because heroin was a lot more expensive in was done. Florida. I walked into a strip club intending to ask for a cocktail serving position. Instead, The doctor at an outpatient rehabilitation clinic I auditioned to be a dancer. For the next six prescribed buprenorphine to wean me off the

I told him I was starting to feel really shitty. The months, every day went like this: clonazepam was almost gone and my anxiety å Wake up around noon, slightly dopesick. was taking over. Dad wanted to know why I Call our dealer. was in such a bad mood all the time, why I was never home, and I was going to have to tell him ç Drive 30-45 minutes to meet him in a random parking lot. Trey insisted that I do the truth. Abe told me I should, that it would this alone, because he thought I was less make me feel better. My dad, he said, loved me no matter what, and there was no reason to be afraid. I wanted to believe him, but I didn’t want to explain to my dad how I had become so weak, how I had been lying to him for five years. I wanted compassion where I assumed

there would be none.

v I met Trey in Portland, Oregon, where he introduced me to space rock and heroin. We lived in Hollywood for a year and a half while his band tried to “make it,” but we ran out of money. Heroin was cheap in Los Angeles, but good jobs were hard to find. Our best option was to get clean, so we moved into his parents’ huge home in southwest Florida, living with them, his grandma, his brother and sister-in-law and two dogs. We knew we would have access to drugs if we got desperate. We didn’t know that his brother and sister-in-law were deep into their own

likely to get pulled over as a woman.

é Buy heroin. è Drive 30-45 anxious minutes home to do

heroin and clonazepam for panic and anxiety. The combination made withdrawal more tolerable, but it left large gaps in my memory. He told me to come back in a month when I needed more. Instead, I left West Palm with

Jill and Abe went to a lot of festivals. They were going to Bonaroo at the same time that I would be starting the worst part of withdrawal. My buprenorphine ran out the day they were leaving for Tennessee. Since returning to Akron, I spent most of my days with Jill. She and Abe shared a beautiful old apartment, which looked like it came from an Ikea catalogue because Jill, an artist and a neat freak, kept it spotless. She

in one of my bags so no one else would see my name on the labels.

kept me sane.

Dad thought I was moving back to Ohio to escape depression. I let him believe that.

of the morning.

To make the pills last, I broke them into

Really, though, I wanted to come back for two reasons: I didn’t know anyone here who sold heroin, and I knew a lot of people in Akron who cared about me.

It got old. It wasn’t just the excessive anxious driving, the ridiculous amount of wasted money, and the daily interactions with gropey

halves and then quarters. Instead of a sudden and terrible withdrawal,

men and women. I got sick of lying. Somehow Trey’s parents didn’t know, or pretended not to know what was going on. My parents and

I endured a slow, long, dull-aching one. My heart

siblings and friends were all far away, and I barely spoke to them anymore, but when I did, I lied.

would race and skip beats. At Pictured left: Sophie

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

my dad, Akron-bound in a rental car full of my belongings, two orange bottles stashed deep

heroin with Trey while getting ready for a night at the club. Drive 30-45 minutes to work, where I would spend eight hours naked and numb. Make the long, slightly dopesick drive back home. Do more heroin. Nod out watching “X-Files” or “Star Trek” in the early hours

Around the time I started crying every day, my

night, my legs kicked around under the covers like I’d just gotten off a bicycle after a long ride. My lower spine felt like someone was holding it in their hands and squeezing, gripping, twisting it. My lungs were heavy, as though they could never take in enough air, like I was breathing in water.

living in Hollywood

The hardest part of recovery was that I could feel again. EVERYTHING. Constant overstimulation, emotionally and physically. I had never been so afraid to drive, avoiding highways at all costs even if it took an hour and a half to get to Cleveland. That was better than pulling over to cry because I’d passed a semi truck filled with pigs on their way to the slaughterhouse. But Jill was a strong woman who helped me find my own strength again. Her Toyota Corolla was covered with vibrant graffiti. She was covered in tattoos and piercings. She always had the best short haircuts. She taught me to hula-hoop, and she filled my ears with beautiful music. She was the best friend I had. I was scared to face withdrawal without the buprenorphine,

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

heroin How she got involved: Prior to being elected to the Ohio House, Johnson was a Summit Co. prosecutor. Her husband is a police officer. She says she remembers having one case in the mid-2000s involving heroin and thinking, “How did this guy end up in Akron?” She thought it was an anomaly, “a weird blip on my radar,” but now it is “the center of everything.” Committees can’t fix everything: A mother of two, Johnson also thinks Ohio’s parents have a responsibility to make sometimes difficult decisions as “aggressive advocates” for their children. “Do you really want your 13-year-old

Pictured above: State Rep. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)

What will it take for state legislators to focus on answers to the opioid epidemic? by Chris Horne

Why she thinks this is a good idea: Johnson points to the speed with which a medical

announcing plans in January 2016 for the Medical Marijuana Task Force. (Photo courtesy of ohiohouse.gov)

marijuana bill was passed after Kasich convened a special legislative committee. It both signals to have Vicodin after getting a wisdom tooth where the issue ranks on the state’s list of pulled?” She says the faith community has a priorities and can expedite action, especially larger role to play but they haven’t fully been around the financial aspects of battling the epidemic. “We are sitting $2 billion in the rainy day fund,” she points out, suggesting the state

included yet. Medically, Johnson sees potential in broadening the availability and use of the socalled “silver bullet” treatment, opiate-blocker

“All 99 of us (in the Ohio House of Representatives) couldn’t be more different, but we all have heroin in common,” says State Rep.

While there are task forces in Summit Co. and around the state, Johnson says there is a practical reason for the governor to do this.

Greta Johnson (Akron-D), who has twice in six weeks called for Gov. John Kasich to recognize the opioid epidemic as a public health crisis.

“We could have 10 to 15 bills related to the epidemic and if they were all signed tomorrow, it would be a disaster,” she says, citing question

could redirect $400 million to $500 million from Vivitrol, which lasts 30 days for each injection the “rainy day fund” to municipalities to help but can cost upwards of $17,000 out-of-pocket them attack the problem on a local level. But for the full treatment course. it’s not just about money, it’s about creating a

about funding, sentencing and whether the different bills would interfere with one another.

clearinghouse for expert testimony and tackling problems like how to still provide quality care

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you can get help by calling the

The joint committee would help ensure the General Assembly is “rowing in the same direction, even if I don’t agree with the direction.”

to patients who need help with chronic pain. She also sees the committee as a pathway to increasing the number of qualified providers by helping medical schools and nursing programs find ways to turn out more trained specialists.

Summit Co. ADM Board’s Crisis Hotline at 330-434-9144, or visit them online at admboard.org.

enough and stretched enough, my legs would

chain-smoking American Spirits, smelling flowers and talking about feminism. And we would laugh. Jill has the best laugh.

What she wants: A bipartisan joint committee of state representatives and senators appointed by Kasich to spearhead the state’s response to the opioid epidemic. “This is the number one issue I hear about from my constituents,” Johnson says. especially because I would have to do it while she and Abe were out of town.

I read their words and cried. Then I crawled into their comfy bed and slept, with the sunlight shining through long black and white curtains.

That’s when they shocked me, letting me stay in their apartment to detox in peace and quiet — no little sister and stepbrother, no dad and

stepmom, no loud dog barking. No judgment.

When I’d finally told Dad the truth, I realized Abe was right: He didn’t hate me. But I couldn’t

Me. A recovering addict. A junkie. Alone in their apartment full of valuables. I had never

ask him to save me either. I didn’t have the

be too tired to kick at night, or at least I would be too exhausted to notice. Plus, physical activity produces endorphins and chemicals that aren’t present in the opiate-addict’s brain.

v Sophie in her first year of recovery. Photo by Joy Huth.

courage to ask my parents for help. While I stayed off heroin, I continued addictive behaviors for many years, abusing alcohol and marijuana, staying in codependent romantic relationships, smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee. Maybe group therapy or individual drug

stolen anything, even during the height of my addiction, but they didn’t know that. When I arrived at their apartment, I found the notes they each left me. Along with the instructions on how to water the plants and their permission to eat or drink whatever I wanted,

I didn’t have money. I didn’t have health insurance. I couldn’t afford drug counseling. I was terrified of group therapy because I had no idea that secular group therapy was a thing

they wrote that they were happy I was in their lives. They were proud of me for going through

and I was turned off by the religious aspects of NA or AA or HA. But I also didn’t want to do this for years. I wanted to just be done with

this and were thinking of me.

addiction, and I wanted withdrawal to be over.

“Stay Strong,” Jill wrote, complete with illustration of a flexing arm.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Laughter produces endorphins, too.

counseling would have helped me avoid those Jill was a walker. Sometimes we’d go hiking on the trails in the Summit County Metro Parks or in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In nature,

patterns. If I’d gone back to an outpatient clinic for more anti-anxiety meds and buprenorphine, maybe my physical symptoms wouldn’t have been so bothersome. Maybe I’d be more in

For a few days at Jill and Abe’s apartment, I cried through back pain, stretched and breathed. I tossed and turned under their cool comforter. I drank a lot of water. I didn’t eat much. By the time they came back, the worst was over, though a few side effects lingered. Shortness of breath. Restless legs. The anxiety. Difficulty maintaining emotional control. My back pain would still be intense almost a decade later.

I could meditate on the beauty of all the things

control of my anxiety now.

Sometimes we’d just hit the brick streets and busted sidewalks of Highland Square. Jill

me, who have compassion for me and for my struggle, and who support the woman I have become.

The one thing that relieved my symptoms most was exercise. Specifically, walking. If I walked

would bring her camera or her portable iPod boombox, and we’d sing and romp around,

Those friendships are what really saved me.

around me: the chirping squirrels, the hawk’s screech, water trickling down limestone walls, wind blowing through trees. I would touch a moss-covered boulder and smile at the bright, soft covering. I would sit atop a glacial ledge overlooking the valley and revel in the green of early summer.

But I made my own way. That’s what’s important—that I made it one way or another. On my nine-year anniversary of leaving Florida for Akron, I graduated college with honors. I’ve got two darling young sons. I have a great job and I am surrounded by friends who love

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

heroin

COUNTING

DAYS hope If you’re looking for

you can

find it in the

Akron Municipal Recovery Court by Chris Horne

Pictured left: Recovery Court crew - (L-R) Rhonda Brink, Alexa Montesano, Judge Joy Oldfield, Laura Ramey, Jeff Sturmi and Emily Beers collectively work with 60 to 70 clients through the Recovery Court.

small blond boy scampers around on the burgundy

carpet, going as he pleases between the tables and chairs. He’s oblivious to the proceedings, even

to their addiction, not just drugs.

when everyone erupts into applause for his mother because she quit smoking four months earlier. Outside

Violent offenders aren’t allowed. Judge Thomas Teodosio runs the federal version, Turning Point, for felonies. Both have relationships with service providers so the clients in their courts

of these four walls, that might seem minor, but the people here understand. Every step counts. She smiles as she straps her son into a stroller, walking out of the Akron Municipal Recovery Court a little prouder than when she arrived.

get priority access.

In a movie, this would make a great ending — challenges met, victory obtained, the day and her demons conquered. But this day is just starting. Two dozen other

Oldfield says. “He had to tell me, ‘There’s relapse. It’s part of recovery.’ I learned you have to respect that recovery is not magic.”

something else, like fentanyl or carfentanil, that’s often when they die. Cassandra needs more support.

people are waiting to go next. Each faces demons that aren’t going away any time soon.

Her new understanding encouraged the judge

Perhaps ever. An estimated 80 percent of the Recovery Court’s clients are addicted to opiates. And still, they are buoyed by an optimism

to change the name from Drug Court to Recovery Court. This, she thought, put more emphasis on the solution, not the problem.

“I don’t have too many sober people in my life,” she admits.

that was in short supply before they arrived. Here, they are not bad people. They have an

It isn’t about diverting people away from incarceration, but rather helping people change

addiction. They can get help.

their own lives.

"We try to treat our clients with respect and dignity,” says Jeff Sturmi, Deputy Chief Probation Officer. “They don't often get a lot of that." As a result, they speak with a lilting hope that their future isn’t doomed by their past. They come in as addicts and leave as addicts, but

version of Big Brothers Big Sisters for adult addicts could fill that need.

Cassandra says she’s been doing better since her last positive drug screen. She had been sober for a month but then went out drinking.

“If I could wave a wand to change something,” Oldfield says over coffee, days after court, “I’d want everyone to have a community of support

Her caseworker, Rhonda Brink tells the judge her client is also an alcoholic, which helps

— 20 to 25 people you could call if things go bad.”

they are not defined by that alone.

explain how she ended up using heroin again with an old friend that night.

Sturmi has worked with multiple judges here

“I’m so ashamed and disappointed with

myself,” she says. but Judge Joy Oldfield, he says, was quick to grasp “the devastation of addiction.” When she “You cannot reward yourself with drugs and came in three years ago, she thought, as many alcohol in this program,” Oldfield says. “You outside the field still do, that addicts simply are someone who could have died.” make a choice to use, and they should just stop making that choice, and if they make the wrong choice, it just means they’re weak. She

This is true. When addicts relapse, their credits Sturmi with helping shift her perspective. tolerance is down dramatically. If they try to use at the same level they had when they were active, that’s when they overdose. If it’s cut with “I’m just a different person than I was,”

This is where concerned citizens could play a role. Oftentimes, the difference between a successful recovery and a relapse is the number of people there to support you. Perhaps a

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

She calls this The Cocoon, the layering of structure and support, care and accountability that have made Recovery Court work for more than 1,000 graduates since it started 20 years ago.

“I’ve had people say, ‘I’m so glad I got arrested’,” Oldfield says, acknowledging how this imperfect scenario means addicts who aren’t in the criminal justice system wait an average of two weeks for access to finite resources. The alternative, she says, means letting things deteriorate further for those who’ve already been arrested for a crime. Because it’s voluntary, clients must agree to a set of rules and consequences. It’s designed with flexibility because the ultimate goal is recovery. However, to provide accountability, the threat of jail time is real. Each client is assessed and stabilized then they get a treatment plan. Caseworkers from Oriana House do weekly follow-ups then report back to the court, but clients can be referred anywhere for residential, detox, therapy and/ or treatment options. Service providers and law enforcement sit in court at the ready if needed. Sturmi ballparks the success rate around 75 percent, saying the “vast majority respond to the model.” Currently, the court’s capacity is between 60 and 70 clients.

v “It’s too bad everyone doesn’t have The Cocoon,” Oldfield laments.

v Clients qualify for Recovery Court by committing a misdemeanor that’s connected

There are two Christophers in court this day. One says, “I have lots of people I can turn to at church, AA, my family.” He’s going on a church retreat soon. He does temp work to pay bills, but he’s applying for something full-time.

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heroin Pictured above: Akron Municipal Recovery Court is possible in large part thanks to the work of the team of probation officers and caseworkers. L to R (seated) Laura Ramey, Jeff Sturmi and Rhonda Brink; (standing) Alexa Montesano and Emily Beers

hair is pulled back. She wears a little silver necklace and a big grin. If you

The other Christopher is going

Today, she’s been sober for 17

to jail. Too many violations. He’ll have a termination hearing to decide whether he gets to stay in the program. Oldfield sets bond at

months. She’s graduating from the program and later on, at work, she’ll

$25,000 and advises him to get a lawyer. His mom sits quietly in the back, watching an officer put handcuffs on her son. Even after he’s led away, she stays. Throughout the day, Oldfield stresses the importance of “sober support” but cautions against depending on family alone. That burden is unfair. Yes, they want to help, but they’re too close to it. They get fed-up, tired, angry, burned-out. You need sober friends, she says, and sober strangers too. That’s why many go to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Rebuilding socially is one of a recovering addict’s biggest challenges. Dealers sometimes infiltrate the groups where the addicted seek solace and friends from that old life come calling. Jacqueline knew two young women who fatally overdosed together. That didn’t make her hate living in a halfway house any less. But a note from her dad, who joined her in court, did. “I told Jackie,” he says to Oldfield, “she needs to look at what she already wants and see what this court is offering her and embrace it.”

called central casting for a lively 20-something caucasian female, they might send you Eliza.

get a promotion. It’s a good day, even if — or especially because — her path took longer than most. Shelly has been sober for 30 days, thanks in part to Vivitrol, which negates the euphoric effects of opioids. Despite the progress, she got in a little trouble because she stopped at a yard sale and her driving privileges only allow her to make trips to work, court and the doctor. LeAnn has been sober for 11 months. She’s closing in on graduation. She has her car back with limited driving privileges. “It’s stressful,” she tells the judge, “but everything gets better if I wait.” That’s one of the guiding principles of the court — the 24-hour rule. You can get upset but give it 24 hours before you act. LeAnn practically giggles as her caseworkers lavish praise on her. She beams as she says,

him. Oldfield reiterates how hard this is on families. She’s a mother herself. Turning to Christopher’s mom, she says, “We just want to solve all the problems, all the time, right?” Christopher’s mom breaks down. Her voice cracks as she cries. “I do.”

Then one day, she looked at the people trying to help her. She saw people with jobs, marriages, families — the same kind of things she wanted for herself. “So I decided to listen,” she says. “I did the things I was told, even the things I thought were ridiculous. That changed my life.”

offer hope and support to another person who is vulnerable but ready to fight for her life.

“She didn’t want to die,” Oldfield says, struggling through tears to talk about this 27-year-old woman who had a degree and six months of sobriety, a young woman who was also five months pregnant. “These people don’t want to die.” Hope is really what The Cocoon provides. The sense that you don’t have to do this by yourself. It’s a reminder that other people have succeeded. Hope tells you, if they did this then you can. It whispers that, contrary to what

Nicholas has had trouble sleeping. He’s experiencing flashbacks and anxiety. When he wakes up, he feels like he used. “It’s post acute withdrawal,” Brink says. “Your brain is

can feel like popular opinion, you are worth the effort.

healing.” He goes to three or four meetings a week. He has a 50-something friend who is a

Sturmi says. “These are not ‘bad people.’ They are people with a substance abuse problem.

recovering alcoholic. All things considering, he feels okay. He’s three months sober.

For many, the first time they used was the last choice they had. The consequences happen quickly. One, two, three months — and your life is a trainwreck. ...We want to empower

“We’re trying to reduce the stigmatization,”

the client by giving them a nice snapshot of what your life can be in a year without drugs and alcohol.” Pictured left: Judge Joy Oldfield behind the bench in Recovery Court in downtown Akron

v She’s fresh-faced and bright-eyed, wearing a

—— All figures from the 2015 Summit County Medical Examiner’s Report ——

She told herself she was different, that she didn’t need to do everything the court required.

When she returns to Recovery Court, it will be to help others the way she has been helped, to

That fact breaks her heart just to speak it. Tiffany, who has been sober for almost four months, is joined by her grandpa but he’s too emotional to speak when the judge addresses

Looking at Opiate FACTS & FIGURES

“I got caught when I overdosed,” she says. “That wasn’t what I wanted for my life but I kept doing it.”

“I’m not dopesick today.”

Since Oldfield took over, only two clients have fatally overdosed. One had only just started in the program. The other she describes as a young woman she expected would make it.

In Context

729........... Total autopsies 51............. Motor vehicle deaths (accidental) 6 .............. deaths w/ BAC above .10 percent 50............. Homicides 28 ............ Homicides by gunshot 110........... Suicides 57 ............ Suicides by gunshot 8 .............. Suicides by drug overdose 303........... All deaths caused by Opiates 44............. Deaths caused by Cocaine

Someone like Ashley. One of her friends died because of an addiction. Another has been in a coma for a month. Ashley doesn’t want to die but she knows that’s the risk. Sometimes that sounds better than being dopesick. “I pushed it to the back of my mind. I told myself, ‘You’ll be high. You won’t feel anything.’,” she admits. “Now, I’m scared to even touch it. I want to feel everything.”

Drug Screens: Natural Deaths Drug Screens: Accidental Deaths

Oldfield asks Ashley how long she’s been sober. “Twelve days,” she says. She’s proud and should be, the judge says. “You can’t get to 12 months without getting to 12 days,” Oldfield says. With that, the room applauds just as loudly as they had for Eliza. However, when they realize Ashley’s drug screen was dirty, she has to revise her sober date. A little defeated, but only just so, she says, “It’s been 10 days.” “In Recovery Court, it gets harder before it gets easier,” Oldfield says. “I’m sorry you lost your friends, but I’m glad it wasn’t you.” The next time I see the judge, she says Ashley has 17 days sober and counting. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you can get help by calling the Summit Co. ADM Board’s Crisis Hotline at 330-434-9144, or visit them online at

admboard.org

light blue and brown plaid shirt. Her brown

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

heroin

Denny Wilson of F I Community Housing receives leadership award and funding by M. Sophie Franchi

hen asked whether there are any other recovery housing services like his in Akron, Denny Wilson, President, CEO

whatever it is they want to in life.

and Founder of F I Community Housing says, “There’s nothing like it in the world.”

Operations, the love and guidance provided by this man proved to be the one thing lacking in my life. He believed in me.”

F I Community Housing operates the only

has allowed them to expand social enterprise opportunities for clients who may need a few dollars in their pocket while working on more pressing issues while recovery, including clients

Recovery Community Center in N.E. Ohio that provides low to no-cost services to people in recovery from a substance use disorder. They

who are 'hard to employ' for various reasons. Wilson plans to open a car wash which will employ returning citizens.

Over the next five years, Wilson and Boyd expanded their services to eight facilities and a corporate office serving over 18,000 men

BMe Community recognition and support

Wilson. “From client, to assistant manager, to manager, to director, all the way up to Director of

F I Community Housing has helped thousands

of men and women overcome addiction. They also work to break the stereotypes surround returning citizens and help hundreds of patients take control of their mental health.

regularly provide free food and clothing to the

and women up and down the West Coast.

community, and they were recognized as the #1 “F I Community Housing started when I myself Provider of Recovery Housing five years in a row received similar services back in June of 1995... by the Ohio Empowerment Coalition. The bed in Orange County California,” Wilson says.

They also provided opportunity for people who weren’t able to secure stable employment due to drug and alcohol history or felony

“As a black male who grew up under some of the most detrimental social and environmental circumstances...my heart’s desire is that no one

fees are income-based, and include all utilities, food and transportation, as well as access to spacious facilities, complete with exercise room, rec room, movie theatre and laundry facilities. They also provide recovery coaching, education, advocacy and referral services.

convictions.

ever struggle in the ways I have,” says Wilson. He wants to provide “the most quality and loving services our entire community has ever seen.”

“Having 'burnt' all my relationships with family and friends due to my behaviors surrounding drug and alcohol use, and not properly dealing with a mental illness, I found myself looking to end my life.”

Wilson was recently awarded $10,000 by BMe Community Akron for his work in the community. F I Community Housing is a faithbased organization, founded and rooted in Biblical principles, which provides housing and recovery support services to substance abuse

“Having an extensive criminal background starting as a juvenile well into my adult life, I worked hard to educate myself,” says Wilson. “In January 2000, I returned to my hometown Wilson says that his failed suicide attempt landed of Akron, Ohio to help those in the community him in a 21-day treatment program in California. I love.” Wilson returned because his friends He then moved into a “sober house”—an eight- and family back home were dying or being bed facility providing housing and supportive incarcerated due to drug and alcohol use, services where he met Warren J. Boyd. untreated (or undiagnosed) mental illness, and the associated lifestyle. “I took everything I “[Warren] took me under his wing...took a knew and loved that worked to help others

patients and returning citizens. Wilson says that F I Community Housing is designed to

genuine interest in my future, and wasn't concerned with my past. Warren afforded

in the past, and formulated a plan which included the needs of the community here in

meet anyone where they are and provide them the necessary tools and support to become

me the opportunity to learn, and provided employment through his organization,” says

Akron. From that, F I Community Housing was born.”

619 Johnston St, Akron, 44311. To learn more, find them on Facebook at F I Community Housing of Summit County, or call 888-422-2759. // Denny Wilson photo courtesy of M. Sophie Franchi/ The Devil Strip; Photos of F I Community Housing by Svetla Morrison.

United Way of Summit County

VOLUNTEERS PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN UNITED WAY’S WORK TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER. we are hosting a variety of community engagement events in 2016, uniting volunteers to make a difference for our neighbors. the projects can accept large groups, and offer teambuilding and networking opportunities.

WhAT ThIS PLACE NEEDS.

GET INVOLVED @ UWSUMMIT.ORG/VOLUNTEER great things happen when we LIVE UNITED! United Way of Summit County UWSUMMIT.ORG

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

community & culture CULTURE CLUB

Falls Better Block brought several new elements to the Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront Pedestrian Mall. Performers representing different backgrounds and cultures took the stage in front of a beach plaza lining the fountain at the north end. While children built castles in the sand, their parents sipped fancy cocktails from the Happy Camper Bar Car. Check out more photos on thedevilstrip.com. (Photo by Svelta Morrison)

26 FIND YOUR COMMUNITY 29 HOW SAND RUN PHARMACY COMPETES 31 WHY THE COMUNALE FOUNDATION SHOULDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BE A SECRET

culture & Community

å ç

Community News Brief ë

è í

community events

An overview of community events happening in Akron this September by Amanda Sedlak-Hevener

å Senior Safari

on the autism spectrum and their families. After

‹ Fall in Love with West Hill

Sept 2 at Akron Zoo, 10am – 2pm Enjoy the Akron Zoo and all that it has to offer alongside other elder residents of the area. There will also be a number of booths set up with information on services available to the mature members of our community. (Senior

the performances, audience talk-backs hosted by autism experts and experienced parents will encourage viewers to reflect on their own challenges and share current resources for families living with autism. Visti centerforada. org for tickets, showtimes and details.

Sept 17 in the West Market St. business corridor, 12-5pm Come stroll through the heart of West Hill on this day of celebration of one of Akron's oldest neighborhoods! Local shop owners and restaurant owners between downtown and

Safari photo courtesy of Akron Zoo)

ç Made in Ohio Arts and

Crafts Festival

Sept 3 - 4 at Hale Farm & Village, 10am – 5pm Peruse and purchase works of art, handmade soap, jewelry, glass and other crafts all made

‹ Murder Mystery Train Ride Sept 9 at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 7pm Figure out who did it, and enjoy a quiet night at the Courtyard Akron Downtown afterwards. Each event package consists of 2 tickets for the murder mystery train ride, a room for two at

Rhodes Ave and the surrounding West Hill neighborhood are planning event-day specials, community art projects, workshops, a scavenger hunt, the planting of the new community fruit orchard, local realty open houses, and the West Hill City Repair installation. Park at St. Vincent/ St. Mary or Hazel Tree Interiors, grab a map

Run a Virtual 5 or 10K You can get in shape and help a local a charity at the same time with the Haven’s Heroes Virtual Run. This combination fundraiser and exercise festival runs (no pun intended) through September 25, and ten lucky participants will win a free comic book, courtesy of Rubber City Comics. Proceeds from the race go to Haven of Rest, one of the largest privately-run social service agencies in Summit County and the surrounding area. Set up in conjunction with the Love Wins Project, the virtual run is just that – you can run your distance (either 5K or 10K) at any time from now through September 25. After registering and running your distance, submit your information on the run’s website, and you’ll receive a specially designed medal, as well as an entry into the comic book giveaway. For more information, or to register, go to lovewinsproject.com/havens-heroes.

the hotel, and a boxed dinner. A cash bar will also be available.

at the info booth at the corner of Walnut and Market and head out to explore all that West Hill has to offer.

‹ Atlatl Demonstration

‹ Free Outdoor Movie Night

Sept 11 at Tuscarawas Meadows, Summit County Metro Park, 1–2:30 pm

Sept 17 at Glendale Cemetery. Gates open at 6 pm; movies starts at 8 pm

Learn how to hunt the way it was done back when wooly mammoth walked the planet. Paul Wischt, a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Archaeological Society will be demonstrating

Pack some lawn chairs and enjoy the beautiful, historic setting of the Great Meadow during the 5th year of this community event favorite! The feature film this year will be The Wizard of Oz.

Known for providing classes, workshops and other developmental opportunities for young people on the autism spectrum, Akronbased Center for Applied Drama & Autism

how to properly use an atlatl to hunt – just like

In addition to the movie, there will be activities

our early ancestors did.

Join in the Fall Hiking Spree

é Akron Farm and Flea Market

for children courtesy of smART Studio Akron, and Ed Cote will be on hand to teach rock stacking.

(CADA) will present Tennessee Williams’ Glass Menagerie through its performance wing,

Sept 11 at Musica Performing Arts, 10am - 2pm

Visitors are encouraged to come when the

Theatre on the Spectrum. The play will tour to locations throughout Akron. The theme of the production is autism within the family and the community. This production will include

Live music and shopping go hand in hand at the Akron Farm and Flea Market. Come prepared to shop for vintage goods, standard

the leaves change, and get some exercise at the same time! In order to complete the Fall Hiking Spree, participants need to hike a total

right here in Ohio. There will be over 120 artisans exhibiting their wares at this juried festival. Plus, the cost of entry includes admission to Hale Farm & Village’s grounds and buildings. (Photo courtesy of Made in Ohio Arts and Crafts Festival)

‹ Tennessee Williams’ Glass

Menagerie

Sept 8 - 11 at CADA Studios

young people on the spectrum, on stage and backstage, who have received training and

flea market items, freshly grown local produce and handmade arts and crafts.

local food vendors, Square Scullery Food Truck and Ms. Julie's Kitchen. Coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters plus additional snacks, popcorn, and hot and cold beverages will also be available for purchase.

mentoring from theatre professionals. All actors and crew will receive stipends for their work thanks to the generous contribution of the

è Akron Bike Party

Knight Foundation. Theatre on the Spectrum has designed special “surround scenes” and experiences to provide audiences with a greater

downtown Akron. The Coffee Pot encourages riders to come in costume or don feather boas, hang lights on their bicycles, and get ready to

understanding of the challenges facing people

for this fun ten mile ride set to music.

gates open to have a picnic dinner and support

Sept 16 at The Coffee Pot Cafe, 7:30 pm Turn exercise into a party while biking around

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

The Summit Metro Parks’ annual Fall Hiking Spree begins on September 1 and runs through November 30. Enjoy the fall air, watch

of eight trails during the allotted time period. There are fourteen designated trails to choose from, each at a different Summit Metro Park. You need to pick seven of these trails, and then hike the trail of your choice.

Park in the city parking lot on Glendale Avenue outside the main gate or at January Paint & Wallpaper across the street from the west entrance. Trolleys will run on a loop between

Signups for the Fall Hiking Spree can be done online or via the forms available at Summit Metro Parks and Acme Fresh Market stores.

the main gate and the meadow until the movie (continued on page 28)

Participation is free for Summit County Residents. First-year hikers receive a hiking staff and a shield after completing 8 the Fall Hiking (continued on page 28) WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

culture & community

UNDERSTANDING THE

R E FUG E E CR ISIS Interview with ‘SEEKING REFUGE’ co-author Matthew Soerens by Noor Hindi

people. They’ve gone through horrific stuff. But with that, there’s a lot of healing that has to happen when they get here,

hree weeks ago, I foolishly suggested to my dad that we go camping. He slowly set his black tea down on our coffee table, raised his eyebrows at me, and then let out a long sigh. In Arabic, my father’s native tongue, he said, “Noor, I was a Palestinian refugee for most of my young life. I lived in camps that entire time. No.” At that moment, I understood the lack of camping trips growing up and my father’s annoyance at my suggestion. My father and

for my Palestinian father being resettled as a Palestinian refugee to Amman, I wouldn’t have been born. If it weren’t for my family immigrating to the U.S, I wouldn’t

That’s why I was so excited when World Relief Akron Volunteer and Donations Coordinator Rachel Stoneking introduced me to “Seeking Refuge,”which I couldn’t wait to read as a practice of compassion through education. In a phone interview with co-author Matthew Soerens, he laid down some important facts about the current refugee crisis. This interview

community is so vital. I’ve heard many refugees tell me that the thing they most need is a friend. A friend who understands the culture in a place like Akron, who can

no goats no glory — Custom pieces include lighting, wood pieces and metal fabrication as well as custom jewelry, aprons, boho-style clothing, gypsy ﬂags as well as monthly tarot and oracle reading and massage therapy, acoustic artists and more. — HOURS: Mon-Tues 12-6 * Wed closed Thurs-Fri Sat 10-6 * Sun 12-4

a letter that says you’ve won a million dollars, that unfortunately, you probably didn’t win a million dollars. All of those things are things that most of us who have

I was born in Amman, Jordan. If it weren’t

be in Akron right now. This is all to say that if it weren’t for refugee resettlement programs like World Relief Akron, so many opportunities would be lost to people like my father and me.

LIVE MUSIC, CARD READERS, POETRY, MASSAGES AND MORE

help them understand how the bus system works, how grocery shopping works, or banking. Or even mail. When you get

I have lived very different lives.

grown up in this community know how to navigate, but if you’re entirely new, you need someone to help you understand those dynamics. has been edited for length but the full interview NH: How does this book help address the fear is available at thedevilstrip.com. that many Americans feel when thinking about the refugee crisis? Noor Hindi: What are some of the challenges MS: Our goal is really to present the facts refugees face when resettling, and how and let people make up their own minds on can communities do a better job at helping how they want to respond to them. But there them transition? are a lot of facts that are relevant to those Matt Soerens: Most refugees are incredibly discussions. For example, if you look at public grateful to this country for having received them. And they’re also very strong, resilient

MONTHLY EVENTS:

both from past traumas and also from the challenges of cultural adjustments. And that’s where we think the role of the local

health concerns, there is a screening that every (continued on page 52)

Junior League of Akron to Hold “Big Reveal” Preview Gala Photo courtesy of Shane Wynn Join the Junior League of Akron for their Designer ShowHouse 2016 “Big Reveal” Preview Gala, as they unveil the remarkable

attire. Portions of the event will be outside. Patron level benefits include listing in the Gala program, one ShowHouse ticket to return to

designers are willing to provide, without charge, the time, labor, skill and materials necessary to create their individual areas. Guests experience

work of 15 area designers.

the event and access to a VIP party prior to the Gala at 5:00PM.

firsthand the extraordinary results of all this hard work and are given the opportunity to

Designer ShowHouse provides an opportunity for the Junior League of Akron to make a

meet in-person the talented members of the local design community who participated in the event. The funds raised by each Designer

The Gala will begin with cocktails, appetizers and dinner at The Tangier. Following dinner, everyone will be transported to the 2016

two-fold contribution to the community by showcasing innovative design and by raising funds to support projects that improve the

ShowHouse event will allow the Junior League of Akron to continue its 90-year legacy of supporting valuable community projects.

ShowHouse, The Junior League of Akron Headquarters for a private home tour, drinks, dessert and silent auction.

lives of residents in our community. Since 1978, The Junior League of Akron has always sought beautiful and intriguing homes for its

Those interested in receiving an invitation

signature fundraiser, Designer ShowHouse. During this event, the area’s foremost interior

Friday, September 16 at The Tangier, 6 pm

should contact the Junior League of Akron and landscape designers demonstrate their at (330) 836-4905. Ticket price is $125 per talents and unique ideas through the complete person or $250 patron level and dress is cocktail redecoration of the selected home. These

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

For more information or to RSVP online, visit

juniorleagueakron.org

culture & community

Historical Akron FirstMerit Tower by Katie Jackson As the brightest jewel of the Akron skyline, the FirstMerit Tower is easily identifiable from

Akron HERstory:

Ruth Emma Alderfer Oenslager By Ilenia Pezzaniti

Ladies and gentleman, we have our first HERstory visual artist! Ruth Emma Alderfer Oenslager was a painter. However, artistic talent was not her only admirable trait. She was also gutsy and a leader. Ruth helped found the Junior League of Akron. Furthermore, she became its first president. When the Akron Civic Theater (then the Loew’s Theater) was going to be demolished in 1965, guess who saved it? Yep, Ruth. And one day, ten years after she saved the theater, she decided to donate her 103-acre family farm, now called Alderfer-Oenslager Wildlife Sancturay/Wolf Creek Environmental Center, to the Medina County Park District. That’s a lotta grass. Ruth was a Scorpio, born on November 12, 1892, in Katytown, Medina County. She grew up well-educated. Ruth went to Oberlin College and then to Cleveland School of Fine Arts to study still life. At some point, she worked as a home decorator in Akron. Eventually, she went (continued from page 26) starts at 8 pm and then resume following the movie. * If it rains, this event will be moved to the following day, Sunday 9/18, at the same times.

ê Vintage Base Ball Sept 18 at Stan Hywet Hall, 1-3pm See base ball (the original spelling of the sport) the way that it was played back in the 1860s! Stan Hywet’s resident team, the Akron Black Stockings will be playing in the Great Meadow.

to smog created by local factories and

any downtown vantage point. Standing tall at a coincidental 330 feet, the Art-Deco style building

uncooperative Ohio weather. As other

was completed in 1931 by the architectural firm Walker & Weeks

observation deck became less and less of a tourist

building tenants filled the floors, the

attraction and was quietly closed in the early

to Columbia to learn occupational therapy and

as headquarters for the Central Depositors Bank and Trust, and remains

when World War I started, she took her practice to France. She returned to Akron after.

Akron’s tallest skyscraper to-date.

were permanently removed in 1952 when

Ruth started the Junior League of Akron in

On its opening day

WAKR installed giant broadcasting antenna.

1923 with Mrs. George Crouse Jr. and Mrs. R.G. Shirk. Ruth was also one of the founders and presidents of the Women’s Overseas Service

on July 23, 1931, the building hosted nearly 40,000 visitors who were The building has stood as the cornerstone awestruck at its grandiose limestone exterior of Cascade Plaza and has housed many

League in Akron and a board member of Goodwill Industries.

and Tennessee marble interior. Visitors had the opportunity to be whisked up 27 stories to the observation platform to enjoy an awe-inspiring view, reported to reach “six counties away.” For those who could not make the trek to the Empire State Building in New York City, this was surely the next best thing. The observation deck was open to visitors at any time, day or night, where floodlights from the 24th-floor terrace created a glowing halo around the top four

professional businesses over the years. Most notably it has been home to the largest local regional bank, FirstMerit, throughout its history in the area. With the acquisition of FirstMerit Bank by Huntington Bank, scheduled to be completed this month, some had speculated what would become of the building. Huntington states the tower will remain the bank’s regional headquarters, furthering the legacy of this building and its position as a

Visit invaluable.com/auction-lot/three-portraitsby-ruth-alderfer-oenslager-1892-1383a-c0292c84b41 to take a look at some of Ruth’s paintings.

levels of the building.

keystone to Akron’s horizon along King James Way and East Mill Street.

of meditation and stretching, led by Maria Santoferraro from the Daily Downward Dog.

bands, and artists. Shops, restaurants and art galleries are open late. Nine Muses Art Gallery

(continued from page 26) Spree. Returning participants receive a shield

The 40-minute meditation session takes place in the new Bud and Susie Rogers Garden, right outside of the Akron Art Museum.

will feature the art of Nikki Bartel.

only. Additional details about the Fall Hiking Spree can be found at hikingspree.summitmetroparks.org.

í Crafty Mart: The Maker Sessions

be a walk of fame induction at 5 pm to kick

Ruth married George Oenslager, a chemist with Goodrich Tire and Rubber, at age 47. When she wasn’t helping babies and women and Akron, she was traveling the world and painting. She passed away on March 7, 1992 at the age of 99.

Sept 24 at The Bit Factory, 6-9pm

The final installment of the Maker Sessions, all of which have taught different aspects of Be prepared for vintage base ball uniforms, polite running a craft-based business, focuses on Social Media. This is an important way of behavior on the field, and a lack of modern reaching new and current customers or clients. safety equipment. (Photo: Akron Black Stockings)

1940’s. The observation platform walkways

When the rose-colored romanticism wore off, the reality of the observation platform was

This month, the City of Barberton is also celebrating its 125 year anniversary. There will off the event, and then they’ve got something extra special planned in collaboration with the Barberton Community Leadership Institute. Tuscany on Tusc is a chance for the community to celebrate the stringing of lights that are going up on West Tuscarawas Avenue with an evening of music, food and wine.

ë Mary Campbell Cave History Hike

The Magical Theatre will be offering tours

Sept 18 at Gorge Metro Park, 1-3pm Explore Mary Campbell Cave and discover the history of the area with this program, developed

of their theater from 5 - 6 pm. From 7 - 9 pm, folks will be able to "soak up the Tuscan sun” as they're serenaded by strolling opera

by Summit Metro Parks and the Summit County Historical Society. In addition, if you finish the trail after the program, this hike will counts

singers. Classical guitar duo M.R. will play live music throughout the event, and the lighting ceremony will take place at 7:30. Snowball

towards your Fall Hiking Spree goals.

Bookshop will also be offering a 50 percent discount on foreign language and foreign countries books.

Prepare to Run the First Energy Akron Marathon The final event of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Series, the First Energy Akron Marathon, takes place on September 24 at 7 am. There are three different levels of entry: the full marathon, the half marathon, and the relay marathon. The race takes participants around Akron, starting at 217 South High Street and ending at Canal Park Stadium.

‹ Meditation in the Garden

Tuscany on Tusc

Sept 22 at Akron Akron Art Museum, Noon Even beginners will enjoy this relaxing round

Every fourth Friday, Barberton throws a big party from 5:30 - 9 pm with a pop-up mart,

more often clouded in poor visibility due

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

Those not running in the marathon itself can volunteer to help out during the race. All volunteers receive an official commemorative t-shirt and a commemorative gift. Volunteers work either before the race at the expo, or during the race at one of many stations set up along the route. The Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Series consists of three races, including the previously completed National Interstate 8K and 1 mile, and the Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

culture & community

SMALL BUSINESS CHRONICLES SAND RUN PHARMACY by Rick Bohan

WHAT I WISH I KNEW... PechaKucha Akron Founders

PechaKucha Akron volume 5 is right around the corner, which means that the volunteer founders have been organizing these quarterly events in Akron for almost a year. We asked

How does Sand Run Pharmacy compete with the titans like Walgreens and CVS, who have

vaccines, we always have them. We’re independently owned but we belong to a larger purchasing group to keep our costs down.”

millions of dollars to spend on marketing? “It all has to do with the connections we make with our customers and with

“The difference between us and the national pharmacies is caring. We can handle the questions and special needs that the big stores can’t or don’t want to.

the community," owner and pharmacist Tom Lamb says. Sand Run Pharmacy has been in business

Tom and his wife, Meg, also a pharmacist,

They’re interest is in efficiency and keeping

since 1958. Tom purchased the store in 1989. “When you own your own business, it’s a 24/7 commitment,” says Tom. “We owned the

have made the business a success through this participation in the community. “We know everyone in the surrounding neighborhoods, it

costs low. Our interest is in serving customers’ needs so they keep coming back because of a relationship with us,” says Tom. “We think

collaboration.

business for years before we were able to take a vacation. We regularly get calls at night, and we’re happy to take them because we have

seems. We go out to eat and everybody knows us. The pharmacy has preceptors, students who are like interns or residents, who ask us, ‘How

we’re doing a good job of it because there are families in the area that we’ve been serving for four generations.”

NICOLE L MULLET

that personal relationship with our customers.”

do you know everyone’s names?’”

“I wish I had fully appreciated the bravery of our presenters before they took the stage. It is something I am so keenly aware of now that I don't know how I missed it that first time. For someone to get up in front of 400 people and give something to the audience is a beautiful thing...and it does not come without a cost. A lot of these folks are asked by friends or even people they hardly know to share their stories. And they do it. They open-up and give of themselves and they trust Akron to treat it carefully...and so far I hope we haven't let them

Tom tells a story about a panel he participated on that was presenting to a class of pharmacy students. “There were guys from CVS and Walgreens there with projectors and slides to show. I was just winging it. At one point, one of the other presenters told the students that customer complaints were handled by giving the customer a gift card. I told the class that we don’t have to give gift cards to customers with complaints, because we handle their needs individually and with care.”

I saw this same closeness to community and neighbors even during our interview. Twice, Tom broke off our interview for a few moments to greet customers by name and make sure they were taken care of.

them what they wish they had known when they first started organizing these “mini-TED Talk” style presentations which aim to inspire community connectedness and creative

down. They jump. We have to catch them. It's part of this unspoken pact we have at these events.”

“It’s true that getting the word out can be a

challenge, but we’ve found that word of mouth works well for us. Also, being involved in the (continued on page 52) community brings new customers in.”

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

What does the future hold for Sand Run Pharmacy and other small stores? “There is still that need for small businesses that can develop relationships with customers without sacrificing price or quality,” says Tom. “There’s a myth that we must be more expensive than the larger stores, but we have the same prices and the same capabilities they do and some that they don’t. For example, we compound veterinary medicines. When the large stores run out of

Sand Run Pharmacy 40 Sand Run Road, Akron, OH 44313 Hours: Monday through Friday 9am - 7pm, Closed Sunday // Photos courtesy of Sand Run Pharmacy

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

community & Culture

Never Count the Cost Breakfast with Brian Harrell by Chris Horne

s phone calls go, this wasn't a good one, but it wasn't the worst Brian Harrell has ever had. Not by a long shot, even though he was on vacation with his family. His job at the University of Akron, he was informed, wouldn't return with the students in the fall. As

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a temporary, visiting lecturer, his job was never guaranteed but it was more than a job. “I was born to teach,” he says. So he focused on the moment, standing in his native California with his daughter, Emma, his wife, Cassandra, and their baby, Christopher, at the foot of the Hearst Castle with the elephant seals barking below. It took something of a miracle to get there, to have this family and that job. In his 20s, Brian “flunked out” of four colleges from LA to Akron in just two years. Estranged from his parents, he worked as a Burger King manager, spending his nights at the Boot Scootin’

Elegantly Casual Dining featuring Modern Twists on Your Favorite Comfort Foods and Classic Cocktails

Saloon — “The Boot” he calls it — a competition-level country dancer. “That was another life,” he says. One before becoming the “Mr. Harrell” his students at UA know, the kind of guy who makes a bowtie work because its cheerful exuberance seems to match his own.

1682 W. Market St at Westgate Plaza in Akron

“Every eye is on her, as she moves across the floor as though she is dancing on a cloud. I can still see her today, Left foot: I prep her for the next spin, Right foot: underneath my outstretched arm, she spins effortlessly,

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Left Foot: my hand comes across her back as I spin in front of her, reaching out to pull her back to me, Right foot: the move is completed as she is back in my arms, a full spin together as the music moves on to the second verse, and we start again. Dancing with Laura…” — Brian Harrell, “Quick Quick, Slow Slow”

The Little engine that Does You haven’t heard of the Comunale foundation? Let’s change that by Jessica Kaisk

It isn’t a secret on purpose, it’s more that it operates so efficiently on the sidelines that no one really knows about it. Monica Stevens, Executive Director of the Stephen A. Comunale,

financial assistance. “Not everyone has a family to rally around them, to be there and help them with things they might need, and if we can help

someone even a little bit, then we will,” Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, is an Akron angel. says Stevens. She and Colleen Iacianci, who handles the social media for the nonprofit, are in it for the And they do. All the money raised by local people, and it shows in everything that they do. private donors goes to local families in Summit County and surrounding areas. What’s better We are all affected by cancer, whether it is is that they have not had to turn down anyone yourself or someone you know. “You know for help. With an average of 15-20 applications someone we have helped; you just don’t know to go through a week, that is a lot of families, they asked for help,” Iacianci says. especially with only one staff member. The Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organized in honor

That’s right, Stevens is the only full-time staffer! Talk about your little engine that could, would,

of Stevens’ nephew, Stephen, his aunt Amy Comunale Klein, and his mother Jane Comunale. Cancer took all three of their lives.

and does! From stuffing their Sunshine Bags for newly diagnosed cancer patients, to Sibling Bags for children, to day-to-day operations, Stevens does it all. She has a great board,

Stephen Comunale, Jr. was only 29 when he passed away. If there ever was a family who saw the ravages of cancer, and what it does to a family, they know it. But when talking about the foundation, Stevens says, “It’s not about

too, with members from the Comunale family and close family friends. “There is a great philanthropic community in Akron, and we are

our story, it’s about them.”

lucky enough to benefit from it,” Stevens says about her board.

Pictured left: Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. photo

It is invigorating to know that Akron has such

courtesy of Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family

a big, helping heart. The foundation hosts programs such as the Summa Screens, Camp Days, Art Therapy, and so much more. “Holiday

Cancer Foundation

The foundation raises money through private donations to help families in desperate need of

Meals is my favorite program” Iacianci says. This provides over 400 meals every holiday

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who he wanted: Someone willing to listen, someone who would laugh with him, who respected the fact he had a past, who wasn't turned off by the fact that he worked at Burger King and liked it.

Over the months that Laura was sick, Brian says he had started working through the stages of grief. One day, as he changed Emma, he was overwhelmed. Anger. He called his mom. "I just bawled and bawled and bawled," he says. "Then I hear my mom say to my dad, 'He's crying.' So my dad got on the other line and we just had this moment. It was the best moment I've ever had with my parents. Always will be."

Their social world revolved around The Boot. Brian and Laura were constant dance partners

While Laura was still pregnant with Emma,

and even entered competitions together, taking all comers in the two-step. About a year after

they realized Brian’s fast food salary would only cover daycare. Better to have him as a stay-at-home dad. But being Laura’s nurse was a full-time job too. So, his mother, who was a

they met, they married. Laura took a new job at Progressive Insurance and it wasn’t long before the happy couple would find out she was pregnant. A month after Emma was born, Laura calls Brian from work. She hadn’t been feeling well so she went to see Progressive’s in-house nurse who immediately ordered her to the

year from retirement, took a year off to spend six months in Akron with Brian, Laura and the grandbaby. He would find a much-needed breather officiating youth sports. During a pee wee football game in Wadsworth, a security officer

Cleveland Clinic.

came to Brian with a phone, saying 9-1-1 was on the other end. Not yet a year old, Emma’s

“Why?” he asked. “Is it cancer?” Leukemia.

temperature had spiked, triggering a febrile

seizure. Thanks to a police escort, he was able to get to the hospital quickly. Thanks to Akron Children’s, Emma would be fine.

“Chemotherapy took her hair and the steroids took her ability to õ walk. I would wheel her into the bar, just so she could be around “At this point, I don't have a the people she loved.... The twice a degree. I don't have an AA. week routine of going out to dance I don't have anything.” was replaced with multiple days of traveling back and forth to the (continued on page 52) Clinic.” - also from “Quick Quick, Slow Slow”

Pictured right: Sunshine bag. Photo courtesy of Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation

season, and volunteers pack and deliver them. From children to the elderly, those interested get a meal when they otherwise would have to dine alone. “One of my favorites was when an elderly woman wrote me a thank you note for the meal, saying she contacted her sister for the first time in 12 years, and set a place for Stephen at her table.” The foundation also helps families with everyday needs. Looking through applications, they try to balance true need with what they can financially fund. Some of the more surprising things they help with are food, childcare, Ensure or Depends, air conditioners

are celebrating with a themed event. Havana Nights will be hosted at the home of Steve Comunale on October 1. With music provided by The Spinners, great food and drinks provided by Beau’s Grille, they’ll celebrate the last ten years, and look forward to another ten years of helping local families. All proceeds from the tickets go to helping even more families.

for respiratory patients, or—for one woman—a hot water tank. “She went all winter with no hot water while going through cancer treatments, and her son couldn’t shower at home. So, through contacts, we got a hot water tank,” Stevens says. When asked how she does it with no staff, Stevens laughs and shakes her head. “I don’t know, but it gets done!” With over $1.5 million dollars donated over the span of ten years, the foundation is definitely getting things done. This year is their ten year anniversary, and they

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Check out their website for what you can do to help at stephencomunale.org.

Oh, did we mention it’s free? Let’s Dash!

Laura Brady was Brian’s first wife. They met at The Boot through a mutual friend, an older woman also named Laura. The next evening, they were at the movies. They clicked. She was

DASH around downtown Akron with our free weekday shuttle! The DASH runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes during the evening.

culture & Community

culture & community

Out & About RIDE THE RAILWAY words and photos by Kait Erdman Looking for an activity to enjoy as the summer starts to cool down? This fall, enjoy a ride with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The Akron

Explorer trips to visit the outdoor living history museum. Breakfast and Lunch tours also depart on various weekends.

Northside Station offers a variety of trips that are perfect as a family adventure. Enjoy our National Parks from the towpath with Bike

For an adult-only excursion, check out Ales on the Rails or one of the multiple wine and beer

Abroad, a program for cyclists old and new to ride their bikes through the parks and hitch a

tasting events offered throughout the season. A hard cider tasting departs from Akron Northside

ride at a train stop to return to your starting point. Not into biking? The towpath is great for

Station on October 22. Participants must be 21 to attend, and commemorative glasses are

runs and hikes as well as for a one-way ride. There are also round trips offered Wednesdays through Sundays for those who just want to

included with your ticket.

experience an old-fashioned train ride. For a more elaborate experience, try out “Steam in the Valley,” a historic three-hour trip on one of the largest steam trains in the country.

about the holidays. Tickets will only be on sale for the Polar Express until November 1, so make sure to grab them this Fall to experience a magical ride with cocoa, cookies, and a ride through a village of caroling elves. Events have assigned seats, and tickets are sold in increments from coach to deluxe.

Special events are also offered throughout the year. On September 9, enjoy the Murder Mystery Train Package, which includes a boxed dinner and hotel stay. The Haunted Cuyahoga tour also takes place on September 9 and includes local ghost stories and a night of

Plus, don’t think it’s too early to start thinking

//Kait is just a writer posing as a STEM major. She enjoys short adventures and caffeine-induced panic attacks.

spooks (recommended for anyone age 12 and older). Akron Northside also offers Hale Farm

Parking: Plant Power The Perfect Midweek Pick-Me-Up

words and photos by Grace Ebner I work a summer job at a daycare. It’s exhausting, and I almost always come home in a bad mood. I can’t help but count down the days until the weekend. So when I found myself feeling stressed out and grumpy on a Tuesday evening, I knew I needed a mood booster. What’s happier than hiking with friends? Hiking plus dinner, of course! So that’s what I set out to do. After picking up my friend Jana, I drove to Ms.

A few months ago, our Akron-lovin’ friend Rachel Whinnery started Summit Peeks, a social media empire inspired to share the best of the area’s treasures. Each week a different local takes control of the Summit Peeks account on Twitter (@SummitPeeks) to share their go-to spots with the 500+ faithful followers. Each issue, we’ll showcase a couple of our favorites. “I started off the morning at Hampton Hill’s new mountain bike trail. @SMPmountainbike” — Stephanie Baker (@flyngzebra) started her day - and her takeover - with some mountain biking

black bean burger and my friend chose the falafel. Both were served as hearty helpings in pita bread.

Julie’s Kitchen. Despite having been a vegan since February and a vegetarian for years before, I had never visited Ms. Julie’s Kitchen. Yet I immediately felt welcome as I entered. The mismatched tables, bookshelves of cookbooks and photo albums of Ms. Julie and her gardens created a homey atmosphere. I ordered the

After eating our plants, my friend and I took the short drive to Firestone Metro Park’s Tuscarawas Meadows area. From that lot, we departed on the Redwing Trail, an easy one mile hike. After looping around Turtle Pond, the trail meanders into the woods, following a stream. The dirt path then becomes a boardwalk, talking folks through a marshy section filled with cattails and wildflowers. After a few days of rain, the plants along the trail were especially lush and green. After an evening spent filling my belly with a delicious plant-based meal and strolling through the park, I was feeling refreshed and reenergized. This combo comes highly recommended for anyone else who feels frazzled at five o’clock on a weekday! // Grace Ebner’s favorite fruit is canteloupe.

“When hunger hits, @artisanakron hits the spot! Love the lavender latte!” — Jessica Kaisk (@aayla305)

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

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Food & Drink AKRON FOOD SCENE

34 Q&A WITH URBAN EATS SUPER COUPLE, LIZ AND JASON 35 YOU’RE WELCOME, CLEVELAND...AGAIN 37 AKRON PIZZA TASK FORCE: MISSION PAVONA’S

AKRON HONEY COMPANY

Akron Honey Company held its Market Day the day after PorchRokr. It was like the laid-back block party sequel to PorchRokr. Kudos to Wesley and friends on such a good hang! (Photos by Chris Horne)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

//Photos by Ilenia Pezzaniti

food & Drink

Front of the House, Back of the House

Elizabeth & Jason, the Akron super couple behind Urban Eats as told to Chris Horne Musica, not to mention coordinating events

really good days in the shop. I don’t mean sales;

Urban Eats was my first real Akron sanctuary. I’d sit in the corner with a dirty chai and dream about quitting my job and starting a magazine. Once, I even shared my idea with the friendly lady taking orders, Elizabeth Tyran. She was so enthusiastic I thought, ‘Okay, maybe I should.’ When we launched, she wrote for us and even set up the party. While her partner, Jason Scala, wasn’t as quick to embrace me, he now literally does, regularly with a big, friendly bear hug. They are integral to the way I see Akron. More importantly, they are family. Enjoy this little profile, but trust me when I say they’re so much

and handling our creative marketing — my creative outlets are many and those are just the ones that are strictly tied to the cafe. And yet I wish I had time for more. I wish creating and designing is all I had to do sometimes. Too many ideas, too little time, and you want to give each one you really go after its due diligence.

I mean people coming in because they like what we do. There’s an ultimate satisfaction when someone really appreciates and wants more of what you’ve created, it’s reaffirming to say the least. We have such awesome customers, many of them are friends now.

better in real life. Grab a bite and strike up a conversation when you do. It worked for me.

might say don’t do it. It is insanely stressful at times and there are a lot of reasons for that. But

CH: If you could go back, what would the current you tell the you that was just starting out? ET: This is a hard question for me. If I’m honest about starting the business part of me

— Chris Horne

What we asked Elizabeth Chris: How does an art major end up coowning a restaurant? Is it a creative outlet for you? Elizabeth: I was dating a classically trained chef who I shared a great love for food and art

the freedoms I spoke of earlier and how proud I am of what Jason and I have created makes with. We sat on a stoop on Main Street one day it all worth it, so I think that’s what I’d go back where we had our own little art gallery and said wouldn’t it be cool if we could start a pop-art

and tell myself, it will be hard, but it will be worth it.

cafe. That’s the short answer. ...To say it’s a creative outlet for me is an understatement. From designing our monthly menu items, to decorating our walls with Jason’s art, to working within the realm of live musicians at

CH: When you're having a rough day, what makes it better? ET: Jason. As long as he’s not the reason for the rough day. : ) And just having one of those

CH: Why are you so damn nice all the time? ET: I like to have fun, being a crappy person isn’t fun. Ergo niceness, which isn’t to say I’m nice ALL the time, those people are aliens. (See, not nice).

What we asked Jason Chris: How does an artist end up a chef and co-owning a restaurant? Jason: Well, I definitely started out a chef. It's something I started setting into motion back in high school. As for the art, that's something I just kinda fell into 10 plus years ago. I had a friend who inspired me to start painting and it (continued on page 38)

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| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

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NUEVO GOES NORTE

Th eB words and photos by Patrick J. Worden

Akron’s favorite cantina proves I-77 runs both ways

When asked about Nuevo’s speedy ascent, Executive Chef and co-founder Zack Hirt answered simply, “Akron wanted this.”

The change has been subtle and slow, so you can be forgiven if you didn’t notice the ground itself shifting under your feet. But it did—there’s been an altering of the cultural center-ofgravity in our region. Akron has emerged from

Recognizing, then, that what’s wildly popular in

a supporting role to one co-equal with our metropolitan neighbor to the north. At times we’re even taking the lead.

began talks with lakefront developers to lease a site under construction on the East Ninth Street Pier, close to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Akron has at least a betting chance for success in Cleveland, the Hirts decided to “clone ourselves,” as Hirt put it. In early 2015 they

If a restaurant’s location is paramount—and the

The new dynamic can be seen, in part, in the flow of talent running south

new Nuevo’s expansive view of Lake Erie insists

to north along Interstate 77. You might recall the

(at the corner of Highland Ave and W. Market St.) Hours: M-W 11:30-midnight, TH-Sat 11:30-Close, Sun 1pm-midnight

Construction was completed just in time

Street Pier; Pictured right: Neuvo Akron interior detail

for a ‘soft opening,’ hosted by the Hirts and

(Photos courtesy of Pat Worden)

nearly lost itself in the joy of shedding perennial sports-underdog status,

jointly catered by the creme of Cleveland’s culinary elite, during the Republican National Convention in late July. This served to introduce the Neuvo experience

and of at last being a city of champions. You might recall that at

to Cleveland diners and build enough buzz for a very successful grand opening a few weeks

the center of this celebration was “just a kid from Akron.”

later in August.

This is but a single, shining example.

Referring to the relatively rare phenomenon of Akron-to-Cleveland expansion, Hirt says it was a natural outcome of Cleveland’s culinary

Another way in which the Summit County seat is bringing it to Cuyahoga is the northward trajectory of Neuvo, the downtown Akron

homogeneity. “Cleveland was saturated,” he says, by a handful of celebrity chefs, each owning five or six restaurants throughout the

cantina and tequila bar of choice. Nuevo numero uno, which owners Zack and Lisa Hirt opened in 2014 at the corner of E. Mill and S. High Streets, quickly established itself as a hip,

city. Variety suffered. Diners began looking to the suburbs, and to the little sister to the south, for something new.

casual destination and purveyor of cutting-edge modern Mexican cuisine. With an agreeable

The result for Neuvo has been a growth of its festive brand and an expansion into a nearby

and eye-catching interior design, an inviting roof-top deck, and a tequila selection sure to sate the thirstiest connoisseur, Neuvo has in

and much larger market. For all of Akron, and especially for our dreamers, makers, and wouldbe entrepreneurs, it’s an intriguing example to

near record time risen to enviable loftiness in Akron’s culinary hierarchy.

emulate. Cleveland need no longer be seen as (continued on page 38)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

For details visit or www.ohiobrewing.com 804 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44303 • (234) 208-6797

so. The Hirts’ timing was impeccable:

Cleveland on the Ninth

ago, when Cleveland

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it is—then timing is only marginally less

Pictured above: Neuvo

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Food & Drink

Live @ Lock 4 Food Trucks If you’re planning to head down to Lock 4 for the Third Thursday Live at Lock 4 event on September 15, you might be wondering what’s on the menu. Here’s who’ll be serving up some tasty treats:

Jimmy’s Backyard Grill Jimmy’s has been serving barbecue since 2010, not only with their food truck but with 4 other Ohio locations. If you’re looking for traditional barbecue favorites, Jimmy’s can deliver-- their meats are hand rubbed and hickory smoked

AKRON PIZZA TASK FORCE

every day. They also offer twists on original recipes, such as their “Mexi-cue” menu that combines burritos and barbecue. (Photo courtesy of Jimmy’s Backyard Grill)

Pavona's Pizza Joint

by Stephanie Baker, Kevin Wirth and Justin Lyons (@akronpizzatf)

The Manna Food Truck

There’s a new pizza shop in town, Pavona’s Pizza Joint at 32 Sand Run Rd. In order to get the best idea of the shop, we went over incognito in their first week and sampled a

spicy things, you will love this pizza. The pizza is kicked up a notch with Habanero vodka sauce, mozzarella cheese, EVOO, and fresh basil. It was topped with an assortment of

him through his uncle. in keeping the family tradition alive, seven of Mark and Courtney's children work in restaurant.

variety of pies.

hot peppers: fresh jalapenos, poblano peppers

The secret to their success is the dough; Mark

and a cherry bomb pepper. An excellent combination for a super spicy and delicious pizza!

makes it everyday along with the house sauce. They use fresh, quality ingredients, unbleached flour, stanislaw tomatoes, and cheese with no fillers to make their pizza special.

workforce reentry program. Sponsored by the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry of Cleveland, the truck provides culinary training and jobs to

// Akron Pizza Task Force - we support local pizza.

used by Bethel to feed the homeless throughout northeast Ohio. (Photo courtesy

There are an abundance of specialty pizzas available, and we made a valiant effort to try them all; we ordered the Basic, the Diablo, the White, the Russian, and the Margherita.

The white pizza was also most divine. The

All of the pizzas are cooked in the same style in

generous portions of mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and pecorino complimented the

a rotating brick oven, giving the crust an even bake with a perfectly chewy-yet-crispy crust.

subtlety of the garlic and olive oil sauce wonderfully.

The Basic and the Margherita both have

The Russian pizza stood out with it’s house

the delicious house sauce. It is wonderfully

made vodka cream sauce, prosciutto,

seasoned and good enough to drink.

mushrooms and peas. Having never had peas on a pizza, this seemed like a topping we needed to try. The peas accented the delicate flavor of the mushrooms. Paired with the smooth vodka sauce, this pie is a winner.

The Diablo lived up to its name and was as spicy as promised. If you are a fan of very

We liked the pizza so much that we went back to get more and chatted with the owners, Mark and Courtney, to find out what makes Pavona’s so great. Mark is the chef behind the operation. He uses Sicilian family recipes that were passed down to

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

// Photos courtesy of Kevin Wirth

The Manna Truck offers a variety of foods for every taste, from Asian to Italian. Their slogan, “feeding the rich to feed the poor,” reflects the truck’s founding as a partnership with a

formerly incarcerated men and women in the area. A portion of the truck’s proceeds are

of Manna Food Truck)

Southern Thangs The Southern Thangs Grub Truck serves up “food with twang” and features Southerninspired favorites like Po Boys with selection of

Pavona’s Pizza Joint at 32 Sand Run Rd. —————————————— We want to hear from you! Tweet us @akronpizzatf — Where should the Akron Pizza Task Force go next?

hand-battered side dishes, including gator bites and deep fried deviled eggs. The truck also has a kid’s menu and an enticing dessert menu with items such as their fried bacon sundae and caramel apple taco. This truck is the perfect way for anyone to “get their grub on” with a homemade Southern meal. (Photo courtesy of Southern Thangs)

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food & Drink

The Wanderer

Climbing Through Flavor: Everest Restaurant words and photos by Holly Brown

When the Chicken Thali was placed on our table, I stared in reverent silence and then said to Ryan, “That is the most majestic dinner I have ever seen.”

Nepalese style -- a small red drapery with an intricate pattern hung above the doorway to the dining room and more red curtains, this time sheer, partially obscure the view of

And that it was. In front of us were four golden bowls filled to the brim with thick, fragrant mixtures. A carefully placed set of beautiful

State Road outside. There’s a relatively large bookshelf holding a few knick knacks, including one elephant figurine I was very partial to. Soft Nepalese music jingled in the background.

silverware rested around the edge of a golden platter containing a generous heap of basmati rice and folded roti. As Ryan sipped his slowly steaming cup of Masala

My boyfriend/roomie/ partner in all things culinary, Ryan, and I sat down across from one another at a small booth and immediately began

Chai (superb, made individually and to order), he surveyed the feast before him. Both he and I were fully aware that he had ordered from the

surveying the menu. “So we definitely have to get ‘teezers, right?” Ryan said, immediately flipping through the

Everest Menu like a seasoned eater well beyond

menu, calling into use the affectionate term for

this evening, our first trip.

“appetizers” employed by my brother for many years.

*** Of course I agreed, at once charmed by Everest Restaurant is exactly the kind of hole in the wall that warrants a devoted following.

the momo—Tibetan dumplings—because dumplings are, after all, delicious nuggets of

Located in a small strip mall in Cuyahoga Falls, you certainly need to be looking to find this restaurant.

meat and/or vegetables snuggled in dough. After discovering that it was in fact okay and even encouraged for us to order momo as a shareable appetizer, we settled on the pork

Let me tell you right now, look for it.

variety, steamed.

Unassuming from the outside, the inside of Everest is modestly decorated in an Indian and

The pork mixture inside the thick and savory (continued on page 38)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

LM EL

(continued from page 37)

The tandoori shrimp was delicious in its own dumpling skin was soft and immensely flavorful. right. Placed carefully around the rim of a small With just a slight kick that was less spicy than it white plate, the shrimp were red and vibrant.

E AB O U T

food & Drink

-CH

the momo, I was scraping my fingers along the bottom of the sauce cup,

chip.”

trying to get every last drop.

— Janice Schoffman

— Kimara DiSalvo

“Isaly's made chipped ham famous, as far as I know. I grew up in Marion, Ohio and after

“Fried in BBQ sauce or in a great cheese egg baked sandwich. These are the ONLY times I'll

church on Sundays we had chipped ham sandwiches on Wonder bread with butter and mustard. We never BBB sauced it, but

eat it AND it has to be ISLAY'S chip chop ham!” concluded to order a modest plate for dinner: — Amy Samblanet-McNamee tandoori shrimp. Ryan took a decidedly different course ordering Chicken Thali. Little

some do.”

“Great when fried in BBQ sauce and put on a

“My mom made an app out if it, rolled it up with cream cheese stuck a toothpick in it.” — Rick Stockburger “Skyway has a chip chop ham sandwich. They

they looked: bright and peppery. They were exactly the right compliment to

of the various spices and herbs. I would not deny that after I had completed my share of

“Only Lawson's! Good as a sandwich on a bun “Loved Lawson’s, but it had to be fried up in with Mayo or as a meal fried in oil with ketchup a skillet before loaded on Italian bread, with a added! Always served with Lawson's dip and little brown mustard. Still indulge occasionally.”

— Cheryl Lister

they really tasted how

was just salty enough to complement the intimacy

the dish

In the middle was a small pile of greens, slices was earthy in nature, the momo had layers of flavor similar to a curry but drier, more compact. of carrots and cucumber. With just a little kick but a whole lot of flavor, The sesame dipping sauce

In the wake of the mountain of momo, I

did we know, Chicken Thali was about to

the momo. Meanwhile, Ryan was involved in a hell of an endeavor with that Thali, and honestly, I was right there eating it too. You know something is good when you keep sneaking bites across the table. Of all the dishes, I have to say I became completely infatuated with the red lentil soup. This was flavor that ran deep: earthy and subtle and just savory enough. There’s something

hamburger bun. It was something my dad loved become the rockstar of Everest. to make for us.” — Joanne Pasko This particular Chicken Thali is made up of the

about soup that really gets at the essence of a food and this soup was no different.

“Totally what I was raised with cuz we were poor folk. No one in my family liked bologna. We got it from Click's which is now Acme.”

In the wake of once again scraping a bowl dry

following: Chicken cooked in a thick, spiced sauce along with tomato, onions, garlic and ginger (reminded me of a curry), red lentil soup,

with my finger to get every last drop, I decided I would figure out a way to order an entire bowl of red lentil soup next time I go to Everest.

fry it up in BBQ sauce and serve it on a bun that — Heather Johnson has been toasted and buttered. Pretty frakin good when I was a kid.” — Becca Leidy “ Chip-chop ham with iceberg lettuce and Miracle Whip on white Wonder Bread. My “I thought it was disgusting but my parents childhood lunch.” — Cyndi Hazen Ott loved it. When they moved to Texas in the 80's, my mom tried to get some from the butcher at “My husband just said 'chip what??', LMAO. their local grocery and was shocked to discover We've been married 11 years and I have never it was a real regional thing. The term "chipspoke of that dark part of my childhood.” chop" is the food equivalent of Devil Strip" — Amanda Fretz Sterling — Kriss Pip Kovach “Fried with ketchup on Wonder bread. Nothin “I was raised on chip chop ham and if I never better to my inner 8 year old.”

mango pickle, rice pudding, and a cauliflower, potato, pea mixture— lightly sauced. All of this surrounds a heap of basmati rice and roti, a thin and chewy, dense and malleable bread used as a vehicle for the various dishes. I was stunned into silence when the mammoth meal was placed on our table. It was just so…aesthetically pleasing and smelled so damn good. (continued from page 34) seemed I was pretty good at it so I just stuck with it. And for the restaurant part of things, we just kinda fell into that as well. It's amazing

and order a meal — are you taking notes, making a critique, just enjoying the grub, or what? JS: I'm just happy I'm not the one doing the

have it again in my life it will be too soon! #yuck” — Terri LaFerre Stripe Lamm

what can happen when you have such a wonderful partner!

cooking. It's like a mini-vacation but at the same time I can gain inspiration. Just like when

— Christian Odadzin

// Holly Brown loves to write and eat and vows to work on her own soup crafting skills this winter.

EVEREST RESTAURANT 2033 State Rd Cuyahoga Falls Tues-Sun: 11am–2:30pm, 5–10pm

“The Waterloo Restaurant still sells a chip-chop sandwich, but they call it chopped ham or

“Chip chop was a house staple; the food of the working middle class in this area. And nothing takes me back to my childhood like a chip

I go to a museum and look at someone else's art; it's easy for me to appreciate the work CH: When you were getting started as a chef, what was the hardest thing to figure out — and someone else has done

something. I like it two ways - on white bread with mayonnaise, or fried on white bread with

chop sandwich on white bread with chips and Lawson's chip dip. Bliss.” — Heather Loughney

what is it about being in the kitchen made you want to stick with it?

“It's an Akron delicacy. Prepared correctly, the fat in the ham melts, and it becomes more “Good for kid sandwiches but adults who can tender than the best pulled pork. We serve it in chew and actually like good food should opt for two different styles at the Snakron Cottage at

JS: Just learning how to cook really. It's all about training and over the years I've had some kickass teachers. I'm very fortunate for the path I've found during this crazy career. As for sticking with it, until cooking came along

JS: I had great parents who taught me how to be a good person is part of it, I think. ...Another part of it is my wonderful girlfriend

regular slices of smoked or honey ham.”

Lock 3. Along with many other nostalgic Akron

I didn't really stick with many things. I found

Foods.”

most stuff boring and just kinda gave up but cooking was different for me. I finally found a way to express myself and I was amazed how good I was at it.

to everyone that has really opened my eyes. I have learned so much from having her in my life. I just like to be good to my friends and the people I care about. ...But beware. Below this kind, charming exterior, there is a person who

CH: What's it like to go into another restaurant

you don't want to end up on the bad side of… Hahahahaha!!!

(continued from page 35) an outsized, arguably intimidating neighbor.

issue. Wherever Neuvo expands (and further expansion, according to Hirt, is categorically not

nothing else. Oh, and Lawson's all the way.” — Anne Giffels

— Judy Schwager

— Charly Murphy

CH: Why are you so damn nice?

Elizabeth. Spending 10 years with her has had a big impact on me. She is so nice and amazing

“I think it's all the weird bits the processor can't sell as sliceable ham. Squooshed and extruded.

“Lawson's, also Islay's. Thinly sliced pieces, wavy & curled, between 2 pieces of bread with

Never liked it much, although Lawson's was

swiss cheese, mustard & relish in my Beatles

better than Islay's.”

“ My grandma always made an appetizer out of it. She would spread cream cheese on chip

lunchbox.. Then Aunt Peg made me delicious fried chip-chop ham with ketchup added directly into skillet as it cooked -- Another great sandwich. Now I am a vegan, & a piggy would

chop.. Roll it up... Put toothpicks in it... Finally, cut it into delicious pinwheel appetizers.” — Daniel Stitzel

be about the last animal I would ever eat again! We can now begin looking to it as a land of P.S. Lawson's Chip Dip is still available at Dairy opportunity. Mart & Circle K. Remember Islay's Rainbow

ruled out), the Akron location will always be primero.

ice-cream?”

“Akron is our flagship,” he said.

— Bobbi Horvath

“Use to be a staple of my lunch when I was in school. Sometime I would heat it up in a skillet then make my sandwich with mayo.”

— Paula Reed St John

“Yummy. A lunch staple for my family in the 50's and 60's.” — Mary Gill

— Stephanie Moses

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

That said, and with no offense intended to the metropolis on the lake, we’ll urge those Akronites who seek a Cleveland fortune to always remember from whence they came. As for Neuvo, Hirt says this will never be an

// Pat Worden recommends the Neuvo mule with jalapeño-infused tequila, and he almost never speaks in the third person.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

food & drink

Running the Pass by Marilyn Icsman

SQUARE FEST SQUARE FAIR This year’s Square Fest will host the second annual Square Fair--a baking, canning and gardening competition. The Highland Square Garden Club organized the contest, which includes awards for produce, flowers, baked goods, canned goods and herbs. Square Fest is Sept. 10 in Highland Square. Along with the Square Fair, the Fest will feature visual and performance artists, and Mustard Seed Market will host after-hours activities. (Photo courtesy of Akron Square Fest)

WEST POINT MARKET Construction has now begun on the new West Point Market location in Fairlawn, and the “Best of West Point” store is set to open this October. The popular Akron store—established in 1936—recently closed its location on West Market to make room for a Whole Foods. Their new store will have most of the components of the old store, including a wine department, deli, bakery, catering and local produce. This location will be the flagship store, but smaller sites are expected to open in Akron and Medina.

NEW CRAVE LOCATION The Akron Beacon Journal recently reported that the popular downtown restaurant Crave will open a second spin-off location in Cuyahoga Falls. The new location, called Crave Cantina, plans to open next spring on Front Street along a pedestrian mall. Fans of the restaurant’s unique food and atmosphere will enjoy this new addition, which Crave says will feature “global tacos, Latin fare, craft cocktails and Crave hospitality.” (Photo courtesy of Crave in Downtown Akron)

Behind the Bar:

ANN SENN Bar: Ohio Brewing Company Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls

by Sam DePaul WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST NIGHT TENDING BAR LIKE? A little overwhelming. It was a golf outing, and I had shattered my shin bone

WHAT CRAFT BEER ARE YOU DRINKIN’ RIGHT NOW? We have a Kolsch style on

the night before at a friend’s house so I was working with that along with the nerves.

Mary. It’s like a light golden ale with honey and lemon zest to give it a little sweetness. Delicious.

BEST TIP YOU EVER RECEIVED? 400 dollars from a man whose son was in town. He was throwing money at anyone who walked by his table, even hosts and bussers. HOW DOES WORKING IN THE BREWERY ENVIRONMENT DIFFER FROM THAT OF NORMAL BARS? We talk about and taste beer. A lot.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

tap that we made in house called Cross-eyed

Pictured above: Ann Senn

NUEVO MODERN MEXICAN & TEQUILA BAR

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR SEATING BUT ADVENTURESOME TASTE BUDS REQUIRED FOR DINING

at Ohio Brewing Company. (Photo courtesy of Sam DePaul/The Devil Strip)

WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK? (Scoffs) I go home. // Sam DePaul, a born Akronite, leads a double life as a bartender and aspiring personal essayist/ screenwriter. Dogs, craft beer and feminist rants are kind of her thing.

«««««

Quick and friendly service. Tonight was fantastic. The tequila selection was beyond this world. Only to be complimented by the services that brought it. Lingua tacos blew every expectation out of the water. The atmosphere, the aroma, the service, and the experience... Do not go anywhere else. A+, A1.

54 East Mill St. Akron 44308 • (330) 762-8000 1000 E. 9th St. Cleveland 44114 • (216) 737-1000 nuevomodmex.com Hours: M-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 3-11

A FR

N K ʼS PL A C

food & Drink

Try our new menu items Mondays

CuSTomer APPreciATion niGHT�

Buy One Drink, Get One 9:00 p.m. until midnight Compliments of TPH Productions $1.75 Pint Special $6 Burgers DJ Larry starts at 9 pm with early trivia

and others. It’s a crying shame. Shouldn’t there be someone in local government in charge of preserving these places? (If any of you know

area. On East Exchange, the emergence of the new football stadium completely changed the boozing landscape. The Zip Strip used to be an area where underage college kids could bar hop and then walk home.

how to create this office, let me know and I’ll run for election.) No doubt, as the years go by, this trend will continue all over our great city. These lovers of demolition and drywall must be stopped!

Today, some of the bars have changed names, but many have been tragically demolished. The bar count has been cut in half! I’d probably be more OK with that if I had ever heard someone say how wonderful the

The next time any of us hears of a bar headed for the wrecking ball, we must band together. If tree-huggers can rescue a tree, then bar-flies

new Zips stadium is.

should be able to save a bar. We could strap ourselves to the outside of

The construction of Canal Park downtown transformed it into an area that all of Akron could be proud of. Instead of The Downtown Adult

a tavern in danger and put on some patchouli. Well, maybe some cheap cologne might be better, and Doc Martins instead of Birkenstocks. You get the idea. I think it could work.

lot has changed in Akron over the last few decades, and most of that change has occurred in the downtown/University of Akron

Movie Theater, the sex shops, pawn shops and the like, we now have fancy restaurants and upscale night clubs. That’s all fine and dandy, but couldn’t we have saved at least some of the cool, old bars?

Might even get you your fifteen minutes of fame.

Join La Resistance!

Gone are The Sun Bar & Grille, The Met, The Taj Mahal, Bob-A-Louie’s,

Leslie Shirley Nielson "The Bar Crawler"

69 Taps

Baxter's

BLU Jazz+

Tear-Ez

Thursday's Lounge

370 Paul Williams St.

205 S. Main St.

47 E. Market St.

360 S.Main St.

306 E. Exchange St.

330-253-4554

234-678-0761

Entrance is on 11 S. Main St. 330-252-1190

330-376-0011

330-253-2651

AREA IN AKRON

Downtown

Zip Strip

ESTABLISHED

2000

2012

2014

1986

1983

HAPPY HOUR

4-7pm

3-7pm

Always Happy Hour

11am - 9pm

9 - 11pm

BIGGEST SELLERS BEER/LIQUOR

Craft Beer/ Jameson

Craft beer / Pyrat Rum

Northwest Brewery / Crafted cocktails

Bud Lt. / Korski Vodka

PBR / Fireball

ENTERTAINMENT

Pool / Darts / Foosball

Open Mic Night

Jazz Wednesday

Drag shows

through Saturday

(not the NHRA kind)

FOOD

Bar Menu

Full Menu

No food

PREVIOUSLY

It was part of the old Daily Double concert club

Ray's Discount Drug

Botzum Seed Co. storage room

The Coral Lounge

Zips Varsity Club

CELEBRITY PERSONALITY

Sigourney Weaver meets Reese Witherspoon

Matthew McConaughey meets Florence Welsh

Miles Davis meets Buddy Rich

Paul Lind meets Denise Russell

Henry Rollins meets Jimmy Fallon

For lovers of draft beer, this

A place for young

I had been saying for decades that Akron needed

The longest tenured bar

is your heaven on Earth.

professionals

The last of the old Akron U. nightclubs and they still

Tuesdays Taco Nights $1.50 to $3.00 Drink Specials Available Wednesdays Chef Todd’s Food Specials

Fridays 12oz Strip Steak $12.00 Cupcakes by Sweet Mary's Bakery. (234)706-6088 Saturdays Check Out Our Live Music Schedule Sundays Karaoke hosted by Natalie (Now 9:00 to 1:00) $0.60 Wings (dine-in only) Super Power Hour From Open - 8:00 P.M. $3.50 Well Drinks $3.50 Bud Light Drafts

HAPPY Hour Monday - Friday Until 8pm Mon - Fri open at 2pm Sat & Sun open at 12:30

549 W Market St, Akron Phone: (330) 376-8307

COMMENTS

Adopt-a-bar

Thursdays $4 Burgers (dine-in only)

a true jazz bar. Thank you, Mr. Troppe!

downtown.

Live music / DJ’s / Pool

pack ’em in.

The Ultra Lounge Location: Downtown Address: 1 W. Exchange St. This place is freaking huge! It was called a number of places over the years, like Posh and Lux. Whatever it was at the time, it reminded me of a place that should bae in Miami. Like that club in the movie Scarface, but without the mobsters.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

// Photos cPhoto of Fred Karm

Food & Drink

HOPPIN’ FROG CELEBRATES

A DECADE OF BREWING by Scott Piepho The first time Fred Karm brewed beer, helping a friend from college, the experience did not seem likely to change the course of his life. “It was such a

with hops, winning three awards with a hoppy beer. His longtime nickname and signature brewing skill came together in Hoppin’ Frog.

pain in the butt I said, ‘Don’t ask me to do that again.’” Then a few months later he tasted what they had brewed. “I said, ‘Wow, we

As he launched, Karm was the sole employee. When asked how he mastered all of the different roles required of a sole proprietor, he replied, “I wouldn’t know where to start. There were so many things to learn and do. It was all-consuming. And I

made this?” That first experience in 1994 set Karm on a new career that hits another milestone this month as his Hoppin’ Frog

never lost sight of the risk involved. I had many

Brewery celebrates its tenth anniversary. Soon

sleepless nights in the early years.”

after that first brewing experience, the same friend took him to a homebrewers’ meeting at which he won barley and hops as a door prize. After a couple of years homebrewing, he

Karm learned how to work with distributors to get his beers in stores, which freed him up to develop recipes and concentrate on his primary

landed his first job as a professional brewer in 1996 with Thirsty Dog Brewing Company—a

concern: brewing the best-tasting beer. He calls the craft brew business “the quest for the

major change from his day job as an electrical engineer.

perfect pint.”

Karm worked for Thirsty Dog for nearly ten

Early on, he established a niche as a brewer of bold-flavored, high-alcohol beers and

years until it shut down operations. Karm bought its brewing system and launched Hoppin’ Frog in 2006 in a small facility across

caught the attention of beer connoisseurs and writers. Throughout its history, Hoppin’ Frog has collected awards at beer competitions and

from the Akron Airdock.

secured high ratings at “beer geek” websites like BeerAdvocate.com and RateBeer.com. In

Karm named the new venture after himself. Growing up his family had nicknamed him Frog “since my dad is also Fred.” While at Thirsty Dog, he developed a reputation for skillful work

2013, the last year that RateBeer ranked its entire Top 100, Hoppin’ Frog was rated the seventeenth best brewery in the world. It (continued on page 51)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

Akron's friendly home for draft beer enthusiasts

Welcome back students Best draft beer selection in Akron Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Satday Sunday

$5 steak dinner/$5 pitchers on select drafts $2 mini corndogs/$2 margarita $5 flatbreads/$2 cherry bombs $1 jumbo pretzels/$2 Long Islands & Vegas Bombs Free bar snacks/super happy hour 1/2 price chips and dips/$2 mimosas $3 BYO burgers/$2 Smirnoff vodka (15 flavors)

Pool/darts (spots available for leagues) • Cornhole/giant Jenga/Foosball • Outside patio

Now hiring bartenders ... will train!

www.69Taps.com

370 Paul Williams St. • OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR 4pm - 2:30am

< << s ep t em ber c o m ic s > > >

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

Music & Entertainment THE AKRON SCENE

44 SHAKE YOUR BOOTY AT ONE OF OUR MUSIC EVENT PICKS 47 WHAT ARE THEY LISTENING TO? 51 SUPER NO BUENO

BOY KUDZI Just released “Shallow Hearts,” his second

single from the album Pieces. Go listen to it, and get ready to buy the album October 1. (Photo by Pat Connell)

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

music & Entertainment

ë å µ

é î

í ï

The Devil’s Dozen å Agent Orange with Counterpunch Thursday, Sept. 8 • Musica, 8pm Agent Orange formed in 1979 in Orange County, Florida and is still going strong today. They’ll bring their distinct sound, a combination of surf and punk rock, to downtown Akron to shift September into high gear. Agent Orange will be joined by Counterpunch, a four-piece punk band from Chicago. Come see them at Musica for an up-close-and-personal show at this intimate venue. General admission costs $15. (Photo courtesy of liveatmusica.com)

ç Downtown@Dusk: JD Eicher & the Goodnights Thursday, Sept. 8 • Akron Art Museum, 6:30 - 8:30 pm JD Eicher & the Goodnights will put on the last show of this year’s Downtown@Dusk concert series at the Akron Art Museum’s Bud and Susie Rogers Garden. JD Eicher & the Goodnights, a quartet fronted by Eicher, are a pop and indie group from Youngstown, Ohio. Their music is full of soothing guitar and vocals. The outdoor show and admission to the museum galleries are free. (Photo courtesy of akronartmuseum.org)

Blossom Music Center to see Florida Georgia Line on their Dig Your Roots 2016 Tour. Hear hits like “Cruise” and “This Is How We Roll” in person, and experience the pure energy the duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, put into a live show. Tickets in all available sections are $65 each, and lawn seats are $52 each. Tickets can be found on Livenation.com. // Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. (Photo courtesy of livenation.com)

‹ Roxxymoron with Tracey Thomas, Ralph Carney & Friends Friday, Sept. 9 • Jilly’s Music Room, 5:30pm Roxxymoron is an Akron-based eight-piece rock cover band with a “full horn section, tight vocals and harmonies, witty banter [and] ridiculous costumes for Halloween,” according to their Facebook page. The group will share the stage with Tracey Thomas, Ralph Carney and other artists. Thomas is a jazz musician and a staple of Akron’s music history, having played

é Colin Shoff & Co.

Pat Carney – is one of the founders of another Akron band, Tin Huey. How can you pass up a free show with musicians that have shaped Colin Shoff & Co. will perform at Musica for the Akron’s music history? Admission is free. (Photo courtesy of Roxxymoron Facebook page.) release of their new full-length LP. Their sound (album release show) Friday, Sept. 9 • Musica, 8 pm

is a blend of blues, funk and folk. The band has been performing for years and recently played at another hometown venue, Jilly’s Music Room. General admission tickets are $6 each. (Photo courtesy of liveatmusica.com)

è Florida Georgia Line Tour Friday, Sept. 9 • Blossom Music Center, 7pm Grab your cowboy boots and hat and head to

ê Shakusky, The Promise Hero, Everyone Leaves Sunday, Sept. 11 • Hive Mind, 8 - 11:30pm Hive Mind is a community art space that showcases film, music and art. Shakusky, an indie rock quintet from Massachusetts, will be joining Cleveland pop rock singer, Bobby

the night, Everyone Leaves, is an alternative rasp/angst band from Columbus. Suggested admission is a $5 donation at the door, but you will not be denied access if you do not have money. (Photo courtesy of The Promise Hero//

î The Funkyard Experiment

Shakusky// Everyone Leaves Facebook event page.)

jazz and gospel into their own unique sound. They will release their first single later this year. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance and $20 at the door. (Photo courtesy of blujazzakron.

ë Wave Magnetik Thursday, Sept. 15 • BLU Jazz+, 8 pm Wave Magnetik, featuring musician Donald Malloy, is releasing its 4th EP, “Abstract Compulsion.” Their sound is a curious blend

Friday, Sept. 16 • BLU Jazz +, 8 pm The Funkyard Experiment began in Cleveland in 2013, when founder Steve Johnson brought together nine musicians to fuse funk, pop, rock,

com)

ï Royal Bangs, The Beyonderers

of jazz and electronic dance music. Come see Malloy perform at BLU Jazz+ for a night

(album release show) Friday, Sept. 30 • Thursday’s Lounge,

of drinks, fine dining and the energy of live jazz music. Tickets are $10. (Photo courtesy of

9:30pm Tennessee indie-rock band, Royal Bangs, will

blujazzakron.com)

join Akron surf-rock band, The Beyonderers at Thursday’s Lounge to celebrate the release of The Beyonderers’ 5th album, Fourth Wave. Hang loose with two solid, exciting groups at

í Amanda Shires with Rusten Kelly Thursday, Sept. 15 • Musica, 8 pm

Two Nashville natives, Amanda Shires and Rusten Kelly, will hit Musica’s stage mida major role in bands such as Unit 5, Persona September. Shires will bring her voice and violin 74 and Gone To Egypt. She has also had a successful career as a solo musician with albums to the 330, alongside Kelly, an indie rock singer, as part of Shires’ 2016 tour. General admission like “Standing Alone,” “The Poet Tree” and tickets are $15. Attendees under 21 pay “Lights.” Ralph Carney – yes, you heard that name right; he is the uncle of The Black Keys’

additional $2. (Photo courtesy of liveatmusica.com)

ì Filthy Kangaroos with The Hurt, TBA

Thursday’s on a Friday. Admission is free. (Photo courtesy of Royal Bangs’ Facebook page.)

µ Alice Cooper Friday, Sept. 23 • Akron Civic Theatre, 8 pm Alice Cooper brings his Shock Rock show to our historic Akron theater. Be forewarned – his shows typically include electric chairs, fake blood and other tricks sure to shock the audience. If you’re a diehard fan, the Diamond Insanity Package will get you as close to the stage as possible for $650. Balcony seats are

Friday, Sept. 16 • Jilly’s Music Room, 8 pm Akron’s own Filthy Kangaroos will join The Hurt, available for $39.50. Reserve your spot now a band that has been well known for years in through Ticketmaster or the Civic Theatre’s box the local music scene. Filthy Kangaroos are an office. (Photo courtesy of akroncivic.com) alternative blues and hard rock band, and The Hurt describe their genre as “over-the-top rock and rumble.” The Hurt will perform at 8:30 pm and Filthy Kangaroos will perform at 10 pm.

// by Michelle DeShon — While joining The Devil Strip

(Photo courtesy of reverbnation.com)

Akron has an abundance of genuine and passionate

team for the summer, Michelle DeShon has realized that people. Keep being awesome Akron, I love you.

Vaughn, of The Promise Hero. The third act of

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

music & entertainment

Yes. Purple, and yes. The Soul of Time Cat by Dawson Steeber

n the realm of easy labels, Jeri Sapronetti of Akron’s Time Cat is a singer-songwriter. After

all, on the surface, the new self-titled album is lined with heart-bent lyrics and raucous rock riffs while keeping a sliver of hope and a cautiously redemptive undertone. However,

Huffman helps power a resilient simplicity congruent and never interfering with the

than mine? She answered without pause, “Yes. Purple,

whimsy and madness of Sapronetti’s guitar. From end to end, the self-titled “Time Cat” feels like the work of a

and yes.”

Time Cat isn’t just another three piece of singer-songwriter with drums, bass and a six-string with a story to sing. a definitive stylistic

every aspect of being in a band. Still far from knowing, but still growing,

she received a text from

we added young local songwriter and musician

a strange number that read, “I’ll meet up with

expectation and a

At any rate, fueling up,

you out in Austin and we can become rockstars.” That November, Caler and Sapronetti began playing the five or six songs

Colten Huffman on bass in April 2015. The sound was finally full, and I was finally able to express more precisely what I needed to

This is an album simultaneously winsome and worried. Every track genuflects and rises up. These songs, ranging from the predictable to the unmooring, are sassy and romantic, folky

supporting cast that can supply it.

and wild. This is a band at ease with its identity and though, at first listen, I heard toe-stubbing detours and superfluous tangents, I couldn’t

old Caler got together after Sapronetti came out of her gas-leak, “Syd Barrett-esque state of

resist the sonic blend of psych, blues, folk and jazz in the variety of guitar solos. But let’s not forget that animal behind the

madness,” got off Pat Carney’s old chair and began hosting in-house jam sessions. Burning out on the nature of all-night jam sessions, Sapronetti quit her job, loaded up

Asked about how the band got where it is today, Sapronetti said, “We went on crazy

Taking their moniker from a children’s book of the same name about a boy and his time-

kit, Sam Caler, nor the ballast and texturemaking on the bass by Colten Huffman. Caler plays with a certain deliberation and effortless expression that makes me feel even I could

her Jeep Cherokee and set off for The Great American Adventure. Given the soul-searching nature of this type of trip, I asked her about whether or not she believed we have a soul.

tours, slept in our van in 100-degree desert heat and the freezing, bitter cold of a Great Plains winter to play in front of hilariously small audiences. After much trial and error, we began

traveling cat, the band is well on their way to a successful future inspired by their checkered past.

sound awesome against that banging, while

And, if so, what’s it look like? And is hers better

really finding out how to become better in

// Photo courtesy of Jarrod Berger

Sapronetti and an 18-year-

she’d scratched out “inspired by tumultuous times at the jam house, desert blizzards and obsessive/ destructive love affairs.”

musically. This last year has seen us play big shows at the Beachland Ballroom, the Grog Shop, the Rialto Theater, Musica, PorchRokr, Nashville clubs and more. We’ve recently had the great pleasure of been filmed by the BBC as part of Chrissie Hynde’s upcoming documentary and opened for A-list actress Juliette Lewis’ rock group, The Licks.”

Great New Releases Coming In September! 2721 W. Market St Fairlawn, OH 44333 (234) 334-7484

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

music & entertainment

� Music is Minor Boy Kudzi wants you to picture his life picture perfect by M. Sophie Franchi

For Kudzi Munodawafa, a.k.a. Boy Kudzi, the music is minor. “It’s got nothing to do with music...It’s about change. It’s about working with people,” he says.

Kudzi says, is what makes this track the most commercially viable. That’s why the group chose it as the first single to drop.

“Picture My Life” is the last track the group Kudzi, whose parents are from Zimbabwe, grew recorded for Pieces. “The album was made and up with a passion for music—one of his favorite we went out to celebrate it...We had a list of goals that we wanted to get through, and one musicians from his childhood is Dolly Parton— of them was to make a song for the radio, and but he also grew up loving dance and theater. “Music just happened to be a platform. I always we just didn’t have it,” says Kudzi. “Then we went in the next day, and it was the very last wanted to be an actor. I never wanted to be a rapper. But we just started from there and we’ll day of production, and we made that song.” The song opens with an invitation to “Take

“The lyrical content on the entire album is very deep,” says Kudzi, “not like anything people are rapping about nowadays.” Kudzi is a poet, but most of the lyrics for this album were either

a walk on the wild side. Come see where I reside.” Then it goes on to describe a life full

freestyled or a group effort. “The three of us would go in there and start rifling,” says Kudzi.

of overcoming obstacles: “These eyes have seen through frustration, no pay and no compensation. So long as I can push through it, you bet I’ll do it.” And while life can get

“It’s nice because three freestyle artists are in the studio working together. It’s like a super team.” In fact, the entirety of the album was a group effort in every way: Kudzi, Alex and

complicated, it’s all about getting through and

Duncan worked together on all aspects of the

making the most of it: “Most words get twisted like scriptures written in cursive, so if you

album—lyrics, instrumentals and production. (continued on page 51)

see where it takes us. This is the first step.” On August 1, Kudzi released the first single from his album Pieces. “Picture My Life” features vocals by Jovan Wilder, whose voice, Kudzi says, “transcends it to another realm.” Guitarist Alex Urquhart and audio engineer Duncan Houseman worked with Kudzi to create this track heavy with guitar effects. It’s a true multi-genre track with plenty of reverb and delay and a lot of bounce. “The bounce,”

picture it, picture it’s picture perfect.”

What I'm Listening To

Chris Costigan Thee Oh Sees – A Weird Exits Thee Oh Sees is great summer music, and this album is definitely that. I love the fuzzed-out guitars and crazy directions, changes in tempo and weird

sounds. Their sound is hard to put into a category, but they combine many different genres and noises to make something unexpected and enjoyable. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I can't get enough.

Aumaine Gruich Liz Vice – There’s a Light Taking arrangement cues from late ‘50s soul artists, this Portland-based neo-gospel artist performs songs which are expansive, joyful numbers backed by snappy percussion and slithering guitar parts. The simplicity and clarity of her lyrics are never overshadowed by the instrumentation; instead, her charisma shines through as she adjusts her delivery, sometimes sassy, sometimes delicate, to flow with her band. And her voice — fierce to drive home the good parts, smooth as a porch swing's arc through all the rest — it's all balance and staying power.

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

Music & Entertainment

The Solo Funkateer

Akron Apex of ENTERTAINMENT

From the studio to the stage, Eriq Troi is one man on a mission. by Roger Riddle Eriq Troi is a funk and soul one man band. If you follow him on Facebook, you will see daily video posts of him playing instruments and tinkering with recording software. This is the life you imagine when you think of what musicians must do with their time – always experimenting, always creating.

in the studio? Troi has been puzzling over this since the release of “Blooming…” “I've always played with a band,” says Troi. “But now times have changed.” With the help of technology, he believes he

will combine elements of pre-programmed tracks, live sampling loops, and live instrumentation. To round out

“Blooming Where Planted.” Inspired by Quincy Jones' album,

the show, he is planning to

“The Dude,” Troi produced each track – and played all the instruments – and then

The legacy and influence of Ohio greats like the O'Jays, Bootsy Collins, the Ohio Players and Zapp with Roger Troutman as well as many others can be heard throughout the album. “Funkyfeelgoodmusic” and the playful “Sucker Punch (Remix)” both remind you of the some of the 70s and 80s funk from the region while still being current. The very ambitious “Summertime” takes the jazz standard and reinterprets it in a style that would make Eddie Hazel of Funkadelic proud.

project video as an accompaniment to the performance. “I want people to have a musical experience and not just come to a gig,” he says.

He is keeping the details of the event quiet for now, but he alludes to a date in October. Until then, he suggests people who are hungry to hear more listen to his podcast “E. 99th & Groove.” The show is dedicated to playing music from Northeast Ohio artists. You can stream past episodes on Mixcloud.com. You can also stream and download “Blooming Where Planted” at eriqtroi.com. Be sure to join his email list to find out when and where his one-man show will be. // Photo courtesy of Jef Janis/Double Vision

So how does a solo funkateer make a live show out of the great music he has been creating

Photographic

Jeffrey Vita Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life About 8 years ago, I took over the lease for my good friend's apartment on North Main, where he left me a box of records that he didn't want anymore. I thumbed through them and found some serious gems, like a good chunk of Prince's 80's career, The Time's "Ice Cream Castles," Parliament's "Gloryhollastupid” and "The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein" and about 15 more good records. But then an orange sunburst cover caught my eye. "Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder" is what it read. Not even looking at the track list, I opened the album, found disc 1, side 1 of the three-record set (two 33s and a 45) and put it on my turntable. The mood of moving into a new place and the first chords of "Love's in Need of Love Today" were the perfect storm for me to fall in love instantly. The tone of the instruments is so round and perfect, most notably the bass tones in songs like "Ordinary Pain" and "Have a Talk with God." It is an iconic album, with tracks that have been sampled or emulated like the aforementioned "Have a Talk with God," which Beck borrowed elements of for "Dark Star." And of course Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" emulates the album's "Pastime Paradise." This album got me into Stevie, personally signifies new beginnings and will always be one I go back to, and I still rock it today.

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

LIVE JAZZ, FINE FOOD & SPIRITS

has found the answer to putting on a solo show. The show

That spirit of experimentation led to the creation of Troi's full length release

worked with performers across Northeast Ohio to add the vocals to the tracks. The result is an album that showcases Troi's talents through funk, R&B, Latin, and spoken-word styles.

INTIMATE PRFORMANCE SPACE, TOURING ARTISTS & LOCAL SONGWRITERS

FRIDAY, SEPT 2, 8PM GILDERSLEEVE REUNION - $10 THURS., SEPT 8, 8PM AGENT ORANGE - $15 W/ COUNTERPUNCH FRIDAY, SEPT 9, 8PM COLIN SHOFF & CO. - $6 ALBUM RELEASE SHOW SUNDAY, SEPT 11, 8PM CODY CANADA & THE DEPARTED - $15 W/ MIKE MCCLURE THURS., SEPT 14, 8PM AMANDA SHIRES - $15 W/ RUSTON KELLY FRIDAY, SEPT 23, 9PM THE REAL CALIFORNIA - $8 PLAYING TO VAPORS * DAY OLD HATE SAT., SEPT 24, 8 PM THE CLARKS - $20 FRIDAY, SEPT 30, 9 PM VIC SPENCER & CHRIS CRACK - $10 DENMARK VESSEY FRIDAY, OCT. 7, 8PM I FIGHT FAIL - $10 W/ JEFF KLEMM & THE LETTERS KEYS & CORRIDORS * MORNING IN MAY SAT., OCT. 8, 9PM GRANDMASTER FLASH - $15

MUSICA

51 E. MARKET ST. AKRON, OH 44308

LIVEATMUSICA.COM

FRIDAY, SEPT 2, 8PM BLACK DOG OCTET - $15 SAT., SEPT 3, 8PM LAURENCE HOBGOOD TRIO - $20 TUES., SEPT 6, 7PM DORI AMARILIO & GRETJE ANGELL - $18 THURS., SEPT 8, 8PM BLU JAZZ JAM - FREE W/ THERON BROWN FRIDAY, SEPT 9, 8PM LAURA CAMARA - $12 SAT., SEPT 10, 8PM BOBBY SELVAGGIO QUARTET - $15 TUES., SEPT 13, 8PM STAND UP TO CANCER - $12 BENEFIT COMEDY SHOW WEDS., SEPT 14, 6PM & 8PM RUSSELL MALONE - $20-$30 MASTERCLASS & CONCERT THURS., SEPT 15, 8PM WAVE MAGNETIK - $10 FRIDAY, SEPT 16, 8PM THE FUNKYARD EXPERIMENT - $20 WEDS., SEPT 21, 8PM MICHAEL ODE QUINTET - $10 FRIDAY, SEPT 23, 8PM JOHN COLTRANE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - $15 THURS., SEPT 29, 8PM THE RECLAMATION BAND - $10 FRIDAY, SEPT 30, 5PM & 8PM BEN MONDER - $20 MASTERCLASS & CONCERT

BLU JAZZ+

47 E MARKET ST. AKRON, OH 44308

BLUJAZZAKRON.COM

// Photo by Ralph Arvesen

music & entertainment

Square Fest is a family friendly event featuring live local entertainment on two stages and over 100 exhibitors including artists, community organizations and neighborhood businesses. Other features include street performers, stilt walkers, a children’s area, a video game truck, food and specials from the neighborhood businesses. FREE ADMISSION

Presented by:

September 10, 11am – 7pm After hours concert located inside the Mustard Seed Market & Café on West Market Street between Portage Path and Hawthorne Avenue in the heart of Highland Square.

• Raffle for Rockers: enter to win one of the rockers decorated by the community. • Enter your flowers, produce, herbs, baked or canned goods in Square Fair, our mini country fair. • New this year: Square Beer Fest with Ohio craft beer sampling! • Join us as we work to make Square Fest a zero waste event.

www.akronsquarefest.org

Music Festival Checklist Bring Guitar Pack Camper Van Bring AAA Card

Hit the Road & Rock on

RUBBER CITY RENAISSANCE

Akron holds its first annual Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival Words and photos by Dawson Steeber Having been a fan of jazz for a long time, and having moved to Akron over 14 years ago, I

of stuffed mushrooms, steak bruschetta, meatball sliders, and leg of lamb. The venue filled

always wondered what happened to the rich jazz tradition Akron had.

quickly before Brown opened the evening introducing the program

At one time, Akron’s Howard Street was the place to be for the best live jazz in the region. A perfect halfway point

and thanking donors and supporters. Then he introduced Akron natives Josh Rzepka (trumpet) and Mike Forfia (bass).

between Chicago and New York, Howard Street clubs and house parties were graced with all-night jam sessions with artists such as Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, and Cab Calloway

From that point on, the night transformed into one like I’d imagined while listening to live recordings of Chet Baker, Lee Morgan, or Miles Davis—the blowing horn and thumping bass

just to name a few. But by the 1960’s, the

abbreviated by the clink of glasses and cutlery

scene dissipated with the development of Route 59.

and conversation.

Now, with the opening of clubs like BLU Jazz+

Chris Anderson, Director of the Jazz Discovery Ensemble, gave a brief introduction before

and Musica in Akron’s Historic District, the Akron jazz scene has been revitalized. The First

making way for the Children’s Ensemble. One of his final comments stuck with me all

Annual Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival kicked off on August 26 with a VIP event held at BLU Jazz+. The two-day event hosted bands at four different venues: the Akron Art

weekend: “Tell your enemies, ‘music changes things’.” The Children’s Ensemble, ranging in ages from 7-15 , was incredible and provided a nice segue into a jam session to beat all jam

Museum, BLU Jazz+, Musica and Maiden Lane. The festival was created to orchestrate work

sessions. It reminded me of the long nights at the old Northside. Theron Brown sat at the

ethic, self-esteem and respect through music performance and education, with an eye to fostering a vibrant arts community.

piano, another Akron legend Dan Wilson tickled his guitar as only he can do, and a procession of talented horns blew us all into the night.

On Friday night, I raced downtown to BLU Jazz+ hoping not to miss a second of the VIP

Saturday was a day so jam-packed with music, it was impossible to see everyone worth seeing,

event. When I arrived, the place was buzzing with staff and musicians. Akron guitarist Dan Wilson was in deep conversation. One of the event leaders, Akron’s own Theron Brown was

but I was lucky enough to get Phil Anderson of Bluelight to answer my question, “Why jazz?”

zipping back and forth between handshakes and shoulder pats with his perpetual smile.

commitment to face one's self head-on, not only as a performer but as a human,” he said.

A host walked around with a silver tray offering glasses of “Brass in the Basement,” the featured house drink. Food was laid out

“You ask about souls; I believe music is a direct connect to that ‘something deeper’.”

between the bar and the stage: an ensemble

“Because to play improvised music is a

(continued on page 51)

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

// Photo by Ralph Arvesen

music & entertainment

SUPER COOPER

The Godfather of Shock Rock brings his antics to the Civic Theatre stage by T.J. Masterson When music lovers speak of the trendsetters and innovators of modern music, Alice Cooper's name ought to come up more often than it does. Vincent Furnier adopted his band’s name

was a naked Alice Cooper, lying on his side and spooning with a boa constrictor. The concert sold out. When the band played the Rubber Bowl in 1972, they had a helicopter fly over

as his legal name when he went solo in 1975. When he first caught my attention as a little kid around that year on TV, I didn't know what to make of it, but I was certainly entertained. Here was this guy who looked more like he belonged in a horror film, wearing women's clothes while singing amongst a guillotine and electric chair, with smoke and fire all around. This was far more exciting than seeing Captain & Tenille or

and crop dust the crowd with white panties. Mock fights, Gothic torture, fake blood… Alice Cooper took stage theatrics to another level. Mae West and Groucho Marx were known to be fans of his villainous act – no surprise, given their Vaudeville backgrounds.

Leo Sayer playing their brand of soft pop-rock back then. I remember being transfixed for

and justifiably so. Pretty much the whole heavy metal scene owes The Prince of Darkness a

the duration of the broadcast. This was The Godfather of Shock Rock's intention.

huge debt – if not musically, then certainly in appearance and performance. Cooper has influenced everyone from the Sex Pistols to

Like a lot of young musicians back in the ‘60s, Alice Cooper was inspired by The Who, The

Iron Maiden and beyond. He is a successful restaurateur, radio show host, actor in numerous

Rolling Stones and The Beatles – tough acts to follow. Without the good looks of Elvis or the dance moves of James Brown, his path to stardom would have to take a different course.

films and TV shows. Oh, did I mention that he's a scratch golfer? (That means he's really freaking good, to those of you not in the know.) He took it up as his new addiction in 1984

After a show where he and his bandmates cleared out a club in 10 minutes, they were

when he got sober. Since then, he has mentored many rock stars battling substance abuse.

taken under the wing of legendary music manager, Shep Gordon. Together, they created a Vaudeville-style act that would change the rock ‘n’ roll landscape forever.

Clearly, he’s more than just an onstage badass.

Gordon's genius for publicity led to such

Cooper and his band mates were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011,

In a year that has not been kind to music legends, this is your opportunity to go see one whose career has spanned five decades, in the flesh, just down the street.

incidents as having Cooper wear nothing on stage but a see-through raincoat and calling the cops himself, posing as an angry parent just to

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1 8PM

make the news. On another occasion, as the band struggled to fill a London venue, Gordon had an idea. He had a crew member drive a billboard truck into Piccadilly Circus at rush hour and pretend that it had broken down. On the side of that truck for thousands to see

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22 • 8pm

Akron Civic Theater at 8pm on Friday, September 23. Tickets, which start at $39.50, are available at ticketmaster.com.

Tickets Available At TicketFly.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 8PM

THE GOODYEAR THEATER 1201 East Market Street, Akron

GoodyearTheater.com | EastendAkron.com • An Elevation/East End Production •

Charge-By-Phone:

877.4.FLY.TIX (877.435.9849)

music & entertainment

KNIGHT DOES RIGHT BY THE NIGHTLIGHT

Cinema awarded $20,000 Knight Arts Challenge grant

...................................... photos and words by Michelle DeShon

sign glowing with bright white lights on North High Street is all that suggests The Nightlight Cinema’s originality

and artistry from outside. Inside Akron’s only arthouse cinema, however, guests are greeted by a space designed for visitors to engage in post-film discussions.

for his audience with plans to host Skype-based Q&A sessions with directors, actors and other talents, directly connecting the audience with filmmakers in ways that don’t require the talent to travel to Akron. He also wants to incorporate a “confessional booth” that guests can go into and privately share their thoughts on the film, similar to what is used on reality television

The concession stand (which doubles as a bar) features local brews and custom cocktails that

shows.

are in theme with the movie that is currently showing. The cinema’s only auditorium boasts a couple of plush loveseats – the perfect spot for patrons on a date night. Kurtiss Hare, executive

Pictured right: Approaching Nightlight Cinema

director of Nightlight Cinema, hopes to bring film culture to Akron where this kind of cinema experience has not existed before. Earlier this year, Hare and his crew at the Nightlight Cinema made multiple submissions to the Knight Arts Challenge, two of which – Nightlight Production and Nightlight Explorers – were selected as finalists. The Knight Foundation provided one $20,000 grant for both finalists. Hare hopes to bring in new equipment to provide a more interactive cinema experience

“With Nightlight Productions,” says Hare, “we’re much more focused on building that grassroots discussion that happens around the film ... We think those are the two critical pieces to building film culture – the film itself and then the discussion.” The second finalist, Nightlight Explorers, which begins this month, will bring Akron high school students to a special screening of a film. After the screening, each student will create an “artifact” that represents what they took from the film. This artifact can be a video, a poem or even a discussion that they hold at their high schools with their peers. Hare said he has already met his match for Nightlight Explorers with the cinema’s ticketing sales. Picture left: This cinema serves a menu custom

culture there, which “lit a passion” in him, and he hopes to bring some of that film culture to Akron.

cocktails and local brews.

Hare advises future grant winners to be “I don't think that a person who’s interested

ambitious. “Knight is basically demonstrating that they value the role of arts and culture in

in film and cinema culture should have to go move to a big city in order to experience

our community, and now it’s up to us to deliver on that.” // While joining The Devil Strip team for the summer,

the life-changing things

Michelle DeShon has realized that Akron has an

that it actually holds,” Hare says. He lived in San Francisco and experienced the film

abundance of genuine and passionate people. Keep

Nightlight Cinema is located at 30 N. High Street in downtown Akron.

being awesome Akron, I love you.

Admission: Adults .......................................................... $9 Seniors Citizens (65 and over) ...................... $8 Children (12 and under) ............................... $8 Members ..................................................... $7

NIGHTLIGHT CINEMA CROWDFUNDS NEW SEATING On August 1, The Nightlight Cinema launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for upgraded seating in its single auditorium. Though the indie theater has managed to put more than 25,000 butts in its seats since opening two years ago, its Kickstarter page admits that “tolerable isn’t good enough” when it comes to the discerning derrières of its cinema-savvy audience. Funds raised will go toward plush, modern, cup-friendly chairs. Backers who treated their backsides by donating to the campaign could choose from several support levels, with corresponding rewards. After meeting its initial $14,000 goal in just eight days, the cinema introduced a stretch goal of $20,000. The additional funds will go toward filling the auditorium’s front row with as many new loveseats as possible. The Kickstarter campaign ended on August 31.

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

music & entertainment

SUPER NO BUENO SAYS…

Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World by Zeb the Bear

............................ (continued from page 48) From Maiden Lane to Musica to BLU Jazz+, one could dig the likes of James Johnson

“The Sun gives life but it’s also destructive.”

Quartet, Akron’s Bluelight, Kenny Davis Quintet, Moustache Yourself, and Acid Cats. Even Tony Troppe got down on his flute. One of the highlights of the day took place on the outdoor

there is science behind it, the Internet is essentially modern day magic to the average person. It entertains us, informs us, gives us

stage with DTC Organ Trio featuring the incomparable saxophonist, Chris Potter. Despite being interrupted by an Ohio summer storm, everything was seamlessly picked back up inside Musica, where the evening culminated in another essential jam session and dance party.

Ones and zeros. Blips and beeps. While

consequences, some choose to spew venom. The most horrifying example that Herzog provides is an interview with the family of a deceased woman. She had passed away as a

BUT what if a company uses AI to run their finances? Without the filter of human morality, a computer might make choices that are fiscally prudent yet devastating to lives, political

result of a car accident. Someone at the scene snapped photographs of her mutilated, nearly decapitated corpse. The pictures were spread

relationships, and the overall big picture.

online. They were viewed millions of times and turned into memes. Sickeningly, a small segment of people discovered how to contact the woman’s family and, for no other reason

special, “Hilarious,” comedian Louis C.K. tackled the subject of people’s relationship to technology. He presciently pointed out how spoiled humanity as a whole has become by

than just to be cruel, would send the photos along with a mocking comment to her parents.

it. He notes that if a cell phone temporarily loses Internet connection or runs a little slow, the first thing a person says is that they “hate” the phone, device, or company. In reality, these creations are a miracle and a testament to human ingenuity. There isn’t enough appreciation or respect for these achievements.

companionship, allows us to be heard, and Moral issues aside, there makes us witness. However, like all good things, is danger attached to our those benefits don’t come for free. dependency on the Internet. As people do less and less and Werner Herzog’s new documentary “Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World” is

computers do more and more, there is a very real risk of total

wasn’t just the turnout or the purpose of the event that leads me to believe this festival will be around for a long time. It was the collective energy of the event. It was the ways in which

calamity upon failure of the system. A natural occurrence such as a massive solar flare would essentially wipe out In context of the film, Herzog is an off-screen satellites, cell phones, and interviewer who guides us from the infancy of servers…basically the whole the Internet at UCLA in 1969 to current projects ball of wax. One interviewee underway that would enable life and society as questioned how many people would even be a whole to continue on other planets. Among able to survive a collapse of that magnitude. others, he interviews Bob Kahn, who is credited If society was reset to zero, could the average as one of “inventors” of the Net, as well person obtain food, provide their own medical industrialist Elon Musk who has a striking vision care, or even survive life in the brutal elements?

veterans and newbees connected and blended

of the future.

It was an amazing event from start to finish, with all the proceeds going to support an education outreach program for students K-12 through the collaboration of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Reserve, The University of Akron, and Compass Christian Church. It

sounds. It was witnessing the sincerity of a passionate youth ready to keep the scene growing. There was a palpable excitement and electricity this weekend...I’m still buzzing.

(continued from page 41) continues to make the site’s annual list of the world’s 100 best breweries. The brewery maintains a line of seven to nine beers that are in regular production. Through

a literal and philosophical examination of the Internet and its impact, both past and future, upon us as a people.

Much of the film focuses on the darker side of what the Internet represents. Anonymous connectivity in forums such as social media reveals the harsh nature of many people. With the freedom to comment without identity or

of futbol. Who wouldn’t want to see that?

related offspring) is a runaway freight train on an ever-widening track. Decades ago during its gestation period there may have been a way to control or constrain the monolith going forward become. Just like we don’t know now. // Zep the Bear is the man-beast social critic responsible for the pop culture blog “Super No Bueno,” which you can read at supernobueno.wordpress.com

ingredients. Thanks in large part to the tasting the proposed law. Ultimately they “were able to Oatmeal Imperial Stout. When the new law room, the employee roster has grown from Fred rally the troops and get it shot down.” Over the goes into effect on Wednesday, August 31, Karm to over 35 employees. years, craft brewers were able to form the Ohio Hoppin’ Frog will release T.O.R.I.S. the Tyrant Craft Brewers Association. “We learned to have Triple Oatmeal Imperial Stout which clocks in at 13.8 percent alcohol. Becoming a brewery owner also led Karm to a voice,” says Karm. lobbying. During his first year in operation, the Ohio legislature considered a law that would have required all brewers to sell beer through distributors even if they sold it in their own facilities. Such a law would have little

Today the association lobbies for laws that help small breweries, brew pubs and tasting rooms. For example, the legislature recently lifted the 12 percent cap on percentage of alcohol a beer

year, it produced 1600 and, after having added

effect on large breweries but would have hurt

can contain.

additional tanks to the brewing system, Karm aims to produce 2200 this year. In 2013, Hoppin’ Frog introduced a tasting

the craft brewers. For example, sales at the brewery made up ten percent of Hoppin’ Frog’s revenues in the early years because the brewery received the retail price without a cut going to

Thanks to that change, Hoppin’ Frog will introduce the latest in its most famous line of beers—the oatmeal Russian imperial stouts.

room, also to critical acclaim. In addition to 24

a distributor.

From the beginning, the brewery won plaudits

Fred Karm helped lead an effort to bring the craft brewing community together to oppose

for its B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher Oatmeal Imperial Stout. A few years later saw the release of the barrel-aged. D.O.R.I.S. the Destroyer Double

AKRON MUSIC, ART & CULTURE

“Lo and Behold” is both informative and chilling. It ponders a future that will be far different than anything any generation of humanity has ever experienced. The Internet (and its

but we didn’t know what it was going to Herzog also delves into the nuances and complications of Artificial Intelligence. Sure it’s neat to see if engineers are able to create a team of robots who are smart enough to beat the reigning FIFA champions in a game

its history, it has registered over 60 different beers, producing 25-30 different brews in a given year. In its first year of operation, Hoppin’ Frog produced around 800 barrels of beer. Last

taps running at three different temperature settings, patrons can pair beers with dishes that emphasize fresh, seasonal, and locally produced

A few years ago during his standup comedy

Even with a thriving business, Karm is cautious about expansion. While other craft brewers seem determined to grow at all costs, Karm believes that “slow, meticulous growth is what will carry the day.”

Find Hoppin’ Frog on the web at

hoppinfrog.com or check out the tasting room at 1680 E Waterloo Rd.

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

misc. (continued from page 31) By August 2006, it had been a decade since Brian skipped from college to college, applying

“Oh, okay,” Brian said. “We'll be up there soon to visit.”

instructors hired after the TVLs were let go.

to one before the transcript from another could catch up with him, but he was ready now. Laura didn’t need him 24/7 anymore but he

“You know by stopping the CPR what that means, right?”

He looks great, too. Like a different man. When he turned 40, his wife Cassandra,

figured, as a student college, he could still be around. They went down to Stark State to re-

Brian said, “Yeah, she's alright now.”

who is a pediatric physician, gently prodded, "Get yourself

enroll him together.

“No. She's died.”

checked out. We've got a baby now." A year ago this August,

“She wrote me a really cool note on my planner, which she'd set up for me,” Brian says. “She said she was proud of me — ‘Good luck.

Minutes later, Emma kissed her mommy on the forehead, saying goodbye exactly a month after she turned two. It was August 31, 2006.

he weighed 208 pounds, which led three doctors to warn him to lose weight if he wanted to see Emma and Christopher

“Friday was her funeral. That next Monday, I was back in school,” Brian says. “I knew, if I didn't go back to school on that Monday, I

graduate. He cut back from 5000 calories — “Go to work on McDonald's. Go home on Burger King. Have dinner with the family. That

got to know each other.

wasn't ever going to go back.”

was my life.” — down to 1500 calories a day, dropping 50 pounds in the process.

went to Children’s with a seizure. Cassandra remembered it because she was there. She performed the spinal tap on Emma that night.

I can't wait for another four years from now when you're graduating.’” His first day back in school was a Monday. He came home and offered to make her favorite meal but she wasn’t feeling well. He got her in the car and headed to the hospital.

The future looked a lot different than he expected. He had to go back.

“Her last words to me were, ‘I don't know what's going on with me, Brian.’” She was in the ICU for a couple of days, her condition deteriorating. Wednesday, he only left her side to get Emma for a visit. That’s when a resident at the hospital called. “He says, ‘Can we stop the CPR?’,” Brian

õ “What could I have done differently? I don't know, but when I look back at the whole story and I wouldn't change anything.”

recalls. Confused, he asked, “What CPR?” The resident said, “Oh, we've been doing CPR on your wife for a half-hour. Can we stop?” (continued fromp age 29) ANNAL VYAS “I'll put my two cents in: Something I suspected, but didn't truly realize, was how much Akron was willing to help! Akronites are passionate about their city, and I was amazed how people just offered their support to this cool project. It's been awesome.” STACI JORDAN SHELTON “I really wish I knew there was such an appreciative, robust arts community. I've met so many amazing people and made new friends and contacts.”

Brian has a job this fall. After considering two other offers, he’ll be back at the University of Akron as one of the full-time, non-tenure track and discuss those hard subject our speakers bring up. PechaKucha has allowed us to take ownership of our conversations not because we had one engaging motivational speaker tell us what to do or how to think, but because in hearing those individual stories we can see that we all have mutual struggles, adversities, and triumphs. The fact that not one single person chooses who we get to listen to ensures that we aren't railroaded into one way of thinking, or one way of seeing the world. It makes you think hard about becoming a presenter or inviting someone to present. You don't want to pass that spotlight to just anyone because we deserve so much better than the same-oldsame-old.”

BRIT CHAREK “I wish I had known what a hard act Annal is to follow when I volunteered to emcee the first time! ;) But really, I'm amazed at the passion and energy in the room both on and off the stage at every PK. It's what keeps us going as organizers!” YOLY MILLER “I wish I had understood then what great potential PechaKucha Akron has in educating and influencing people, and how a democratic process can work in bringing great ideas out

HEATHER ROSZCZYK “Just how supportive Akron would be. It's always scary to offer up something new -

into the public sphere. Akron is primed for amazing things and hearing different voices sharing their stories keeps the fuse lit. You can't be complacent after an Akron PK, you have to talk about what you heard, what you saw,

“People say to me all the time, ‘Obviously, you wouldn't want that to go through again.’ You

Brian started dating too but he wouldn’t go out with anyone who knew Laura. As he became even more selective, he found Cassandra on Match.com and “winked” at her.

know what? I'm not sure of that now that I have Christopher and Cassandra,” Brian says, pausing. “Christopher wouldn't exist without all of the stuff leading up to this. That's a really weird thing, man."

Before their first date, she had spent 36 hours at the hospital. He offered to reschedule but

// A grateful, lucky father and husband, Chris Horne is

she was afraid they would never meet if they didn’t stick with it. “I made her brownies because flowers are played out,” he says, a grin in his voice, remembering how they sat at a

the publisher of The Devil Strip.

(continued from page 27)

of the cars, and 13 percent of the iPhones, and 13 percent of the hamburgers, and [that they] pay 13 percent of the rent. All of that goes back into the U.S. economy. Most economists will tell you that it's very difficult to sustain the growing economy with a shrinking population.

single refugee is required to undergo with a medical doctor before they’re allowed on the airplane to make sure that they do not have any sort of contagious disease. And if they have any sort of disease that could in any way send a public health threat, they are treated and no longer contagious. There are safeguards there to prevent any sort of disease from spreading. Likewise, there are processes in place to look at the terrorist dynamic. We make sure we know

And because we tend to have not very high birth rates in the United States, at this point, it’s what we would probably have if it weren’t for immigrants and their kids. That includes refugees, and refugees are only a small part of the total immigrant population.

who’s coming in and their full biographies. Our government not only interviews each refugee individually, often many times, but we’ll also interview other people who could have a kind of witness perspective on their story. And because the U.S is only resettling one half of one percent of the world's refugees, our

MS: Well, first of all, “a lot of refugees” is a relative thing. Because even if we went back to 200,000 in a single year, like in 1980, that’s

Volunteer at World Relief Akron by visiting

worldreliefakron.org or calling 234-334-5190 Visit their office at 801 Grant St., Akron Buy the book at

worldrelief.org/seekingrefuge

actually a small percentage compared to the For more information about PechaKucha Akron, visit

pechakucha.org/cities/akron or find them on Facebook.

and what you experienced. I've had so many // Photos courtesy of Svetla Morrison intelligent conversations weeks after an event. It's amazing how eager people are to talk about

One day, he told her about the time Emma

To get here, he leaned on Laura’s mom, Becky, who watched Emma so he could go back to school and work in the evenings. Eventually,

government can be very picky. If there's any truthfully, the original password to our PK files doubt on any case, if there's a question, if and accounts was "hopethisdoesntsuck" (we've there’s a potential red flag, they’re not going to changed it, don't bother). But the city showed be allowed in. up to this weird thing no one could explain with a name it couldn't pronounce, because that's NH: What are the benefits of bringing in a what we do. We support each other. I hope it lot of refugees? encourages others to see how far their idea can fly!”

coffee shop so she could stay awake while they

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

U.S. population. But if you brought in a number like that, I think our economy would benefit from it. Refugees and other immigrants are not just workers. They are also consumers. The

// Noor Hindi feels very passionate about the refugee resettlement debate. Follow her on Twitter @MyNrhindi.

foreign-born population in the U.S. is about 13 percent of the population. And it's probably fair to presume that they're buying 13 percent

WWW.THEDEVILSTRIP.COM

Back of Book (continued from page 46)

Popular Music (Specifically Rap)

Wake Up Mr. West

Kudzi, Alex, Duncan and Jordan Roman, who mixed and mastered Pieces, all grew up together. Naturally, they don’t always agree on everything. “I took a trip to Africa in the middle of this because I was lost,” says Kudzi. “I messaged my dad and said, ‘I just don’t know what I’m doing.’...We weren’t agreeing. We had the whole plan on the whiteboard, but we just couldn’t stick with it. I needed to know who I was and what I was doing, so my dad was like, ‘You need to come home. You’ve never been.’ So we took a trip to Zimbabwe together, and when I came back I was ready to

by Georgio Pelogrande

See, I toldja I was going to write an article about ol' Kanye West. I always deliver

second you're in for a surprise. All I need is

(especially when I'm working delivery at my uncle's restaurant. Wait, actually that's not true. One time I dropped an order on a customer's front porch. They refused to pay and... Never

agreed and I was ready to show why I was named the Best Mopper four months in a row.

go.” Kudzi says that in addition to being raised “very ethnic” by his Zimbabwean parents,

mind.)

his trip to Zimbabwe influenced the sound of

Where was I? Ah yes, Kanye West: my old

Pieces; for instance, “Room Full of Nobody” features a lot of Djembe and deep drum.

rapping nemesis. My arch-rapper. The readers of The Devil Strip may be interested to know that I had a personal relationship with Kanye West. He's actually a pretty okay guy, despite

Kudzi attended college at Brown Mackie

College for Business Management, and it shows what that ne'er-do-good Taylor Swimp has to in the way he and the group are promoting and say about him. But seriously, our rap battles branding their music. In addition to releasing were legendary. more singles on September 1 and 15, followed by the album release on October 1, Kudzi is I intend to prove what a great emcee I can be opening for King Chip, a.k.a. Chip the Ripper at (see) but first let me get back to that delivery the Agora Theatre in Cleveland on Sept 10. But story for a second. Here's what happened... they have much bigger ideas. They are currently planning a house show/event called Fun House, which will be an ultimate collaborative music experience. Each room of the house will feature one performing artist. All the performers will be able to hear each other via headsets. Guests can go from room to room to hear each artist separately, but in the common area, all the music will come together as one. While Kudzi will be out of the country for a few months starting in October, he’ll return early in 2017, and he’s got big plans for Akron’s music and art community. He promises that Pieces is

It was a regular night at Pelogrande and Sons. I was working the kitchen, itchin' to double my funds. Now have you ever met a man who

a bucket and some cleaning supplies." She

G Pizzle, no need for Bissell, lickety-split and it was clean as a whistle. Flipped the script, cleaned up the last chip, she extended her hand and gave me a fat tip. "That's the cleanest I've ever seen the stoop ever since the neighbor kid left a flaming bag of poop." I took a bow and she extended her thanks. I took the $4.38 and put it in the gas tank. Boom... ordered at 9:40 it was quarter past 10. Jumped out the Civic, pulled up my socks, grabbed the greasy bags I was ready to rock. Sidewalk, front

Beat that, Kanye! I shall now leave you with my favorite quote about the rap game:

porch, doorbell. The lady of the house said, "well, well, well. Sorry son, you're late! I'm not paying for that. The Pelogrande guarantee says

"Visit Pelogrande and Sons Taste of Madrid Family Style Buffet and take the Tub O' Guac Challenge! If you find an action figure in the

under six minutes flat." She was right, but really children's swimming pool filled with guacamole what could I do? Free Tex-Mex courtesy of you you'll win a prize!*" - Georgio Pelogrande. know who. Dang... So that wasn't about rap. Who cares? I Pay attention this is where it gets real. It was midnight and I was driving my last meal. 12:05,

promised my uncle I'd promote the restaurant. Psst... Here's a word to the wise: read the

could mop up a spill, with the skills to make sure that the salsa was chilled? Well it's me, hello, the fact checker G Pello. Yo ma, I'm sicker than an detuned cello. Here we go, my shift was almost done when my cousin Fippo called with the 411. He said, "Remember that driver that we hired named McGuire? He was out making deliveries and got a flat tire. I need you to go recover the food and finish making his deliveries. You feelin' me dude?" Yep...

pulled in the drive, take-out arrived with sour cream and chives. The door opened; there I stood with a smile but I was so dang tired I dropped the food in a pile. Nachos, guacamole and beans, some rice, a soft taco and a gallon of cheese, four enchiladas and some chili bomb fries, and a big ol' S.S. Chalupa Enterprise. It was like slow motion, nothing I could do and that lady had a look like she was ready to sue. Splat...

fine print...

Fast forward twenty minutes or less. No stress,

"Ma'am I'm really sorry. If you'll let me

I got the orders it was time to impress. At the first house I checked the address again, they

explain..." But she wasn't tryin' to hear it she

just the beginning. // Photos courtesy of Pat Connell; Album art by Duncan Houseman

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SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9 /

THE Devil Strip |

back of the book

Urine Luck

Goin' at the Gourmet and Peein' at the Park photos and words by Emily Dressler and Marissa Marangoni

Maybe if I say it three times fast, a bowl of their delicious (vegetarian!) hot and sour soup will materialize. Sushi Asia Gourmet is located in the Valley on North Portage Path. If you’re coming from the Highland Square area, you’ll probably need to take a detour. Upon arrival, you might confront a smell. Do not blame SAG for the sewer smell: it’s not their fault. Maybe the Akron Waterways Renewed project will extinguish that sewer smell once and for all. Right about the same time we’re all ice skating around hell, I bet.

mounted soap dispenser and also some stuff on

The seat was up when I used this restroom at

the sink. Pick your poison. No changing table, but it’s not a big deal. However, the tile floor looks grungy and

around 5 pm on a Friday. Either a man had just used it (in which case, hey, lazy dude, put the seat down in the ladies’ room!) or it had just been cleaned. Let’s go with that one.

I wouldn’t be crazy about laying down a changing pad to change a tot’s diaper. I would change my kid’s diaper in the car if such a

This bathroom is not spectacular and is not totally disgusting, but the hot and sour soup is

situation arose.

spectacular, so I give this restroom a 2 ¾ out of 5 toilets.

I dig the look of bathroom tile going more than halfway up a wall. It’s a solid, contemporary // For a couple months, Emily has another bathroom

The restrooms are in the back of the dining

choice. This bathroom has white tile with some dark blue, red, and green tiles thrown in, coupled with dark khaki paint on the top quarter of the wall. The paint is probably ugly, but I am drawn to warm, ugly colors. It’s a sloppy paint job with thin dashes of paint on the tile that I want to peel off. That would

pot for the courageous men and women re-routing

I’m not sure why I use a sing-songy commercial

room in a small hallway, right past a side door with some odds and ends stacked in front of it. The women’s room is a single-occupant with basic bathroom stuff: toilet, sink, soap, trash

jingle tone when I say Sushi Asia Gourmet.

can, mirror and paper towels. There’s a wall-

soothe me.

I recently attended a small family gathering at Copley Community Park. My nephew lovingly (and accurately) dubbed the event the “Poop Party Fart Fest.” There were a few babies in diapers, so you can guess where the name came from. The babies didn’t require bathroom facilities, but other park goers did. Luckily for those hearing the call of nature...in nature, bathrooms are available on site.

with running water. However, these bathrooms are just a step above your standard port-apot—the step above being the permanent construction.

Goin’ at the Gourmet: Sushi Asia Gourmet

Peein’ at the Park: Copley Community Park

Copley Community Park is a small local park with trails through trees, a big open field often used for soccer games, two small playgrounds, and even a pond. Its bathrooms are located in a

My nephews were particularly impressed by the skylight. I’m with them. When I’m unable to avoid using a toilet that does not flush, I try not to breathe during the event. Unfortunately, this never works, so I find it helpful to have

Renewed project, her street has a temporary port-aour city’s waste.

you as you sit on the throne, lighting the space well and giving sort of a calming feeling to a typically unpleasant experience. I give the bathrooms at the Copley Community Park a 3 out of 5 toilets. I’d rather pee in these pots than the trees.

// Marissa made her own bathroom art that hangs above her toilet at home. It says “POOP.” Just like that. But there is no skylight.

small, nondescript tan building to the left of the some other distraction for my senses. Usually, first parking lot at the entrance. Because the I read graffitti, but CCP only has cleanish walls building is clearly permanent, I must admit that I was expecting a full-fledged bathroom facility

and doors in its one-step-up port-a-potties. But through the skylight, sunlight streams in above

(continued from page 14) Deep patches, drips, and strokes of pur-

in Akron means staying true to family. Being from Akron also means that she is influenced

poseful color and collage all add to the atmosphere of her paintings. Behind Harper’s easel, an almost 8-foot vertical canvas is

by the local industry, with all of its industrial fluctuations, men gaining and losing jobs and the affect on a family’s identity.

covered with swaths of color, each bursting from the canvas like musical beats and flashes of light —expressive but uncategoriz-

Her parents both worked full-time jobs but painted in their free time, which introduced

able. This atmosphere is her signature style, whether there is a figurative element or not. Figures often show up when she “is trying to say something,” she explains. “You can

her to the medium and skill. Harper attended art school, but it wasn’t a clean start and stop. Marriage and kids (including triplets) peppered the years, but she eventually fin-

talk about the paintings, but you’ll never know the whole story.” Figures give her a chance to develop that backstory. She feels

ished and got her MA. School taught her the riches of art history and to maintain control over her materials.

that her paintings succeed when they evoke a conversation.

Inside the women’s and men’s stalls, you will find the same things: a single toilet, a dispenser of hand sanitizer, toilet paper that is locked onto the roller, and a bonus feature skylight.

option at home. Thanks to the Akron Waterways

Harper is a West Akron native. Her family has

One of Harper’s professors ultimately influenced her extensive use of color when he said, “Those that use every color win.” In ad-

lived here for generations, and to her, being

dition to color, she fell in love with Abstract

| THE Devil Strip / SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL 2 • ISSUE #9

Expressionism, a movement that continues to influence her work. Harper enjoys the attention to material and has respect for all of the factors that go into a painting outside of the painter’s control. When Harper isn’t painting in her studio, she is teaching art to infants – 8th graders at Emmanuel Christian Academy. You may find her exploring new work at the Zeber-Martell Studios in North Hill or enjoying all of the beauty that Mustard Seed Market has to offer. If you are interested in her artwork, you can search for her on SummitLive365.com or contact her through ArtOnlyBoutique.weebly.com. // C. Birch is not an Akron native but has fallen in line with the natives. While not on the search for Akron area artists, Birch is a lover of the outdoors (especially birch trees), people who make things, and ice cream.

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WKSU PRESENTS:

LIVE Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:00 pm Akron Civic Theatre

Purchase Tickets at Ticketmaster or WKSU.org

Conquer Addiction One Step at a Time Join us for a celebration of recovery, prevention and awareness. What:

1 Mile Family Fun Walk

When:

Friday, September 30, 2016 5:30 p.m. kickoff, walk at 6 p.m.

Where: Lock 3 - Downtown Akron 200 S. Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308 Register at commhealthcenter.org/walk

Event hosted by: Contact: Dave Rich | 330.315.3770 | dave.rich@commhealthcenter.org A WhiteSpace Pro-Bono Creative Marathon 2016 Project