Sat 10/12 @ 10AM-7PM
Akron Porch Rokr is only in its second year. But in size and scope, it’s already outstripped Cleveland’s five-year-old Larchmere Porchfest.
Taking place in and around Highland Square, it’ll feature 120 acts on more than 50 porches and stages during one ten-hour day.
It’s got a heavy focus on Akron-based acts, both popular and obscure, with some from Cleveland and other nearby places thrown into the mix. Among the better known names are Brent Kirby, Hayden Calling, ShiSho, Dave Hammer, Scott Franklin, Ryann Anderson and Rachel Roberts.
Performances start at 11, with as many as 23 acts in each time slot, which start on the hour. And you can hear pretty much any kind of music you like: classical, jazz, reggae, blues, soul, folk, gospel, indie rock, punk, classic rock, Americana.
The 6 pm slot features a smaller number of headline performances by better-known bands like soul/rockers Winslow and roots-music trio Shivering Timbers, both Akron-based.
The event wraps up with a 7-8 pm all-star singer-songwriter conclave, hosted by yet another prominent Akron musician, Zach Freidhof. His guests include Rachel Roberts, Ryan Humbert, Emma Shepard, Charlie Mosbrook, Kristine Jackson, Brent Kirby, Scott Franklin, Maurice Martin, Colin Jon, T.M. Gotti and more to be announced.
In addition to music, there’ll be a skateboard park, a kids’ corner, a film fest, a yoga workshop and, of course, food. And Art in the Square is running simultaneously, so there’ll be lots of visual art to check out too.
And it’s all free.
Photo: Zack Freidhof