By Mike D

Hey Folks,

I think we all have had our fill of political ads as the mid-term elections approach with less than two weeks remaining of the candidates’ campaigns. 

Music has always provided an outlet for folks to express their political views, with pioneers like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie leading the way. 

They first met in 1940. The younger Seeger viewed Guthrie as an essential mentor, inspiration, and guide who taught him about the realities of working-class America, train hopping, and simple, direct folk music. As Guthrie's physical and mental health deteriorated due to Huntington's Disease (he became an unreliable performer around the late 1940s and entered a hospital in 1952), Seeger's role shifted from a student to Guthrie's primary champion.

After Guthrie's death in 1967, Seeger spent decades performing, teaching, and popularizing Guthrie’s catalog — most notably "This Land Is Your Land" — ensuring it became a permanent part of American culture.

So as we navigate our way through the next 2 weeks, let's keep these pioneers of free speech and equality in our thoughts. Remember, these protest songs were performed LIVE. And with your continued support, live music will survive and flourish as we enter the era of AI and all of the challenges it presents. 

Music always sounds best in its original form: presented live for your enjoyment. Here’s who’s playing where in Summit County and beyond.

Sassy’s Bar and Grille 10755 Ravenna Road

Oct. 23: Real Deal Blues Band 9 p.m.-midnight

Brewsters 2681 Creekside Drive

Oct. 23: Ed Sarley

Oct. 24: Stamper Starr

The Workz 2220 Front Street

Oct. 24: Rock the Rainbow fundraiser: 50/50 raffle, games, raffle baskets, food, prizes, and more from 6-11 p.m. The Other Side Band takes the stage at 7 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.

CBG Falls 503 Chestnut Blvd.

Every Tuesday: Vinyl Night from 4-7PM followed by Jazz Night 7-9PM. Jazz night varies between three regular performers during the month, but Tuesdays are for Jazz :)

Every Wednesday: Pickin' Wednesdays, which is an open bluegrass jam except for when bluegrass bands are scheduled.

Chuggers Bar & Grill 9244 Market Square Drive

Oct. 24: Dirty Lookz approx 8:30 p.m.-midnight

The Kent Stage 175 E. Main Street. Only purchase tickets through kentstage.org or at the Box Office on West Main Street. Alternative ticket vendors may be overpriced and/or invalid.

Oct. 21: Jeff Tweedy with special guest Case Oats (sold out)

Oct. 22: Jonah Koslen Doors open 6:30, show starts 7:30

Oct. 24: Jonah Koslen Doors open 4 p.m., show starts 5 p.m.

Oct. 25: An Evening with Noel “Paul” Stookey of Peter Paul & Mary. Doors open 6 p.m., show starts 7 p.m. 

The GAR Hall 1785 Main Street

Oct. 22: Larry & Joe present a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music 8-9:30 p.m.

Oct. 23:  Nashville-based string band The Howlin’ Brothers 8-9:30 p.m.

Oct. 24:  Folk/modern roots musicians The Lowest Pair 8-9:30 p.m.