By Mike D.

Hey Folks,

Summer is flying by as we enter the last week of July. There is lots of great music coming up this week, and I hope you can get out and enjoy what our local scene has to offer. 

Of particular note this week is the BBQ & Blues benefit concert in the parking lot of Kent United Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St. This will feature the band The Back Alley Relics on August 2 from 5 - 8 p.m. 

Check out their website - https://backalleyrelics.com/

Also, if you are searching for something going on in Kent on Saturday night, The Rare Birds will be continuing their first Saturday of the month slot at the Belltower Brewery on August 1st from 7-9 p.m. The Rare Birds are led by vocalist Rod Buecher, with Bill Poston on percussion and Ari Raj Ghahremani on fiddle. A fun band with great vocals and a laid back vibe.

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, please contact me and I’ll take it from there. 

Stay safe, enjoy the warm weather and see you next week.

Mike D 

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

July 31: Böaterhead

Aaron & Moses 2615 Glenwood Drive (234) 212-9533 11 a.m. Shawn is GM

 July 31: Tom Gaurino 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

Sassy’s Bar & Grille 10755 Ravenna Road

July 31: The Nightwalkers

Brewsters 2681 Creekside Drive

 July 31: Rockport

 Aug. 1 Sommer, Klann & Clark

July 31:

 Fountain Stage, located at Stow Avenue & Front Street: Wave Magnetik 6-7:30 p.m.

 Paddle Park, located at Portage Trail and Front Street: Ben Gage 6-7:30 p.m.

The Workz 2220 Front Street

 Aug. 1: Grunge N Glam 8-11 p.m.

The Jenks 1884 Front Street Live music by a variety of performers Wednesdays and Thursday evening, and afternoons into the evening Saturdays. Click on https://jenks1929.com/pages/live-music-performance to see schedules.

Summer Music Nights First & Main Green

July 31: Mick & Rick Band 7-9 p.m.

 Aug. 1: Masterpiece 7-9 p.m.

Hudson Bandstand Due to the renovation of the gazebo, the band will perform on CHurch Street. Enjoy the music while relaxing on the Gazebo and Clocktower greens.

 Aug. 2: Pop Fiction 6:30 p.m.

Firehouse Tallmadge 10 Tallmadge Circle

 Aug. 4: Cool Change 5-8 p.m. Enjoy the cruise-in, too.

Aug. 2: Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road. Acoustic open mic. All skill levels welcome. Host: Wendy Darling. 7-10 p.m.

 Aug. 4: Sassy’s Bar & Grille 10755 Ravenna Rd., Ste. 7. Host: Billy Capuana. Open Jam 8-11 p.m. 

Aug. 2: EuroGyro 107 S. Depeyster St. Host: Nick Fleming. 8-11 p.m.

Aug. 4: Kent Lanes: The 11th Frame 1524 S. Water St. Host: Jesse Carter. 7-9 p.m.

Aug. 4: North Water St. Brewing Co. 101 E. Crain Ave. Host: Mick Rogers. 6:30-9 p.m. Signups start at 6 p.m.