By Mike D

Well as we all know, the summer days tend to fly by once the 4th of July festivities are in our rear view mirror. It is July 15 as I write, and half of July has passed us by. So folks, it’s time to get out and hear some live homegrown music, and enjoy the second half of the outdoor summer concert season.

Last Friday I played with the opening act The Shootouts for the Bailey Zimmerman concert at the Kaulig PGA Concert, and what an outdoor event it was. The weather cooperated, golf was played, and we set the tone for this young country/rocker to take the stage and wow the audience. Bailey put on quite the energetic show for the folks, with his 3 piece band backing him up nicely. I believe a good time was had by all. It kind of had a fair like vibe to it, with lots of food trucks, and folks of all ages gathered together in front of the stage.

The wonderful thing about Northeast Ohio is that there is a great choice of diverse musical styles available for listening, on any given night. Whether it’s jazz, pop, blues, reggae, or country/folk, your preference is usually happening somewhere in the region.

An interesting ensemble, The Crooked River Ragtime Quintet, will be performing an amazing show this evening at the GAR Hall in Peninsula. Soak in some ragtime chestnuts from years gone by with a symphony style string section. Group members are John Reynolds, my brother Jack DiAlesandro, Tim Staron, Devon Caskey and Brendon Phelps. I’ve played shows with many of these guys, and believe me, they’re worth hearing.

I've added the GAR Hall to Setlist because even though it's in Peninsula, I know a lot of local music lovers enjoy their performances. It’s a cozy venue where patrons sit at tables, enjoying drinks while soaking in some fine music. Hungry? Bring your own snacks or suppers.

As always, if you own a venue, and want live performances you’ve booked included in this roundup, please email me at miked@theportager.com. I’ll want to know who you have booked, the date, time, and any costs or restrictions. If you know of a venue that provides live music, or you perform locally, please contact me and I’ll take it from there. 

Blossom Music Center 1145 W. Steels Corner Road. Click on link for ticket information.

July 17: Tim McGraw: Pawn Shop Guitar Tour 2026

July 21: John Mellencamp Dancing Worlds Tour

GAR Hall, 1785 Main Street, Peninsula.  Click on https://thepeninsulafoundation.org/events/ for event details and ticket costs. Doors open a half hour before showtime.

July 17: Crooked River Ragtime Quartet, featuring John Reynolds, Jack DiAlesandro, Tim Staron, Devon Caskey and Brendon Phelps  8-9:30 p.m.

July 18: An Evening with Darrell Scott 8-9:30 p.m.

Sassy’s Bar & Grille. 10755 Ravenna Road.

July 17: Vinyl Warning 9 p.m.-midnight

Brewsters Cafe & Bistro Pub, 2681 Creekside Drive.

July 17: Sommertime

July 18: Paul Christensen

Aaron & Moses, 2615 Glennwood Drive.

July 17: Blue Cadillac 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Rock the Park, Perici Amphitheatre at Glen Chamberlin Park, 10260 Ravenna Road

July 17: Hubb’s Groove, a mix of soul, jazz, R&B, and a splash of gospel. Opening act is The Four Kings & Queen Band. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Click here https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rock-the-park-concert-series-20078546818 for ticket information.

Hudson Bandstand

July 19: Blue Lunch 6:30 p.m.  Enjoy the music while relaxing on the gazebo or clocktower greens

July 19: Bailey Road Tavern, 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

July 19: EuroGyro, 107 S. Depeyster St., Kent. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m.

July 20: Woodsy’s Music,118 E. Main St., Kent. Jazz jam session. Host: Chris Coles. 7-9:30 p.m. Open to community members and high school and college students interested in jazz. Chris provides a percussion and bass player. 

July 21: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame, 1524 S. Water St., Kent Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.