Thu 6/27 @ 6:30PM
The Akron Art Museum kicks off its 35th season of its outdoor concert series Downtown @ Dusk, which features a lineup of mostly tried-and-true favorites from the Akron area. But it’s certainly come a long way: just a few years ago, it didn’t have its outdoor Bud and Susie Rogers Garden, which has given the event a far more summery and relaxing ambience.
The free concerts kick off this week with Cleveland percussionist Sammy DeLeon and his Latin Jazz Septet (you’ll be seeing a lot of him this week, as he’s also playing the Tri-C JazzFest outdoor stage Saturday and opening the Lake View Cemetery concert series Sunday).
The series skips July 4, then returns July 11 with Kent legends the Numbers Band, who turn 50 next year. Akron blues band the Wanda Hunt Band returns for a reunion show on July 18; popular Cleveland/Nashville singer/songwriter Anne E. DeChant does her annual Downtown @ Dusk show on July 25. The series closes with Akron-based jazz pianist Theron Brown and his band on August 1.
The concerts take place rain or shine; they’re free and open to all. Food and beverages will be available in the museum café. The museum is open until 9pm and is free on Thursdays so plan to browse the galleries as well.
Akron, OH 44308