Sat 8/17 @ 10:30AM
The Highland Square PorchRokr Music and Art Festival returns to homes, businesses and streets around Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood. More than 130 musicians will be set up or playing in a several-block area for the largest of several “porch” festivals in northeast Ohio.
Following the 10:30am opening ceremony featuring the Highland Square Guitar Orchestra, visitors can choose from between 18-20 local bands in each on-the-hour tie slot from 11am-7pm. Some will be familiar names from playing extensively around the area; area music fans will recognize names like Hey Monea, White Buffalo Woman, the Beyonderers, Umojah Nation, Acid Cats, Jul Big Green, Red Rose Panic, Kiss Me Deadly, Forager, Duo Decibel System, and Zach & the Bright Lights. But it’s a great opportunity to check out some unfamiliar artists too; the Porch Rokr website helpfully provides each act’s genre and a link so you can plan ahead. The acts range from cover bands (luckily, not too many) to noisy experimental bands, from metal to classical to jazz and folk.
Everyone comes together in the 8pm slot when the Admirables take over the main stage with their (mostly) instrumental funk/R&B. That’s followed at 9pm by a silent disco dance party at the Mustard Seed Cafe. (Headphone rental is $5), and the F5 band, also at the Mustard Seed.
You’ll also find more than 100 booths offering everything from local artisanal foods and beverages, to arts and handmade crafts, to clothing, jewelry, books, henna art and body care products. There will also be booths providing information about local businesses and organizations such as climbing gyms, the Akron Art Museum, Summit Metro Parks and the League of Women Voters, who will have voter registration information. Make sure to stop there!
The entire event is free.
highlandsquareakron.org/porchrokr
Akron, OH