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🗞️Big Brass Energy

December 20, 2024

Good Morning, Akron!

Happy National Ugly Sweater Day! 🎄 Whether you’re rocking a Rudolph knit with a blinking nose or a questionable DIY creation involving hot glue and tinsel, today is the day to embrace the festive, the tacky, and the downright absurd. Much like Akron’s lineup of holiday events, ugly sweaters bring joy, a touch of nostalgia, and a reason to gather. Speaking of events, we’ve got everything from tubas to pierogies — read on for your weekend plans!

Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

Amazon Workers Strike Amid Holiday Rush

Amazon workers, including those at Akron's Romig Road fulfillment center, began striking Thursday after the company missed a Dec. 15 deadline for contract negotiations set by the Teamsters union. Union leaders accuse Amazon of prioritizing profits over fair pay, benefits, and workplace safety, with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien blaming "Amazon’s insatiable greed" for the standoff.

Amazon pushed back, calling the union’s claims a “false narrative” and accusing Teamsters of coercion and intimidation. While the union says it represents 10,000 Amazon workers across the U.S., Amazon maintains the strikes are largely orchestrated by "outsiders." With the busy holiday season in full swing, all eyes are on how this labor dispute impacts deliveries.

Akron Tech Lands on TIME's Best Inventions List

Akron’s innovation game is strong. Tech developed at The University of Akron is part of Amplio, the world’s first wearable 3D full-color surgical microscope, earning a spot on TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2024.

With features like surgical magnification, night vision, AI, and augmented reality, Amplio is poised to revolutionize operating rooms. UA’s tech enhances the surgical lenses, offering real-time optimized imaging and functionality akin to a traditional microscope.

Developed by former UA professor Yang Liu and licensed to startup Unify Medical, this game-changing device aims to elevate surgical precision and patient outcomes. As UA’s Suzanne Bausch put it, “This technology is transformative.”

Polsky Gets Some Needed Attention

Via Signal Akron - Downtown Akron’s Polsky Building is shedding its fortress-like past. Locked doors and mirrored windows will soon make way for an inviting, multipurpose space, thanks to a University of Akron renovation plan. The goal? Transform the former department store into a hub for both the city and university.

The $32 million project will add Main Street-facing cafes, retail, community spaces, and a reimagined bookstore. With construction slated to wrap in three years, Polsky is set to bridge Akron’s downtown revitalization and university life.

What’s Happening?

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

Sleigh the Season with Selfless Elf 5k 🏃

Channel your inner 80s Christmas icon for the 12th annual Selfless Elf 5k, benefiting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Think neon leg warmers, teased hair, and mullet galore as you hit the course in festive style to support local hunger relief.

Whether you're running or strutting as a competitive walker, this chip-timed event kicks off at Saturday at 8 AM at the Foodbank’s main campus. Participants snag a long-sleeve tee and striped elf socks. You can sign up here.

A Candlelit Christmas at St. Bernard 🕯️

Get ready to light up your holiday season at the historic St. Bernard Catholic Church with Summit Choral Society’s Christmas Candlelight Concerts. Under the direction of Dr. Britt Cooper, the Metropolitan Chorus and SCS Children's Choir Program will serenade you with traditional holiday classics and Mozart’s Coronation Mass Missa in C, K. 137.

This enchanting evening promises stunning choral performances by candlelight, festive carols, and timeless works that will fill your heart with holiday spirit in an unforgettable setting. Happening Friday and Saturday. Tickets Here

Muppets, Dickens, and Michael Caine—Oh My!

Starting this weekend at The Nightlight Cinema, relive the timeless charm of The Muppet Christmas Carol. Join Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his feisty better half, and Michael Caine as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in this whimsical retelling of Dickens’ holiday classic. With Gonzo narrating, Fozzie cracking jokes, and three ghostly spirits attempting to redeem Scrooge, it’s a heartwarming mix of laughter, music, and Christmas cheer you won’t want to miss. Tickets Here.

TubaChristmas Returns 📯

Get ready for a low-end holiday tradition that’s anything but low energy! TubaChristmas celebrates its 44th year at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, combining hundreds of tubas, festive sing-alongs, and twinkling lights for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. With performances at noon and 2:30 p.m., this year’s event will be led by UA’s tuba professor Chris Blaha and TubaMaestro Tucker Jolly, who started the Akron tradition in 1979. Admission is free for audiences ($10 for performers), with parking and merch available on-site. Info Here

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 🤘

Neil Zaza’s One Silent Night... returns Saturday at the Goodyear Theatre with a holiday concert unlike any other. Imagine Mozart jamming with Hendrix under the glow of twinkling lights. This sonic spectacle features the internationally renowned guitar virtuoso mashing up holiday classics, rock anthems, and orchestral arrangements into an electrifying instrumental production. Whether you’re a music aficionado or just here for the holiday vibes, this supercharged show promises timeless tunes and jaw-dropping guitar mastery. Fair warning: this isn’t your Granddaddy’s Christmas concert. Tickets Here

Akron Bites 🍔

Move over, mashed potatoes—downtown Akron’s United States Potato Service has pivoted to pierogi perfection. Now called United States Pierogi Service, the eatery embraces the doughy dumplings with a menu designed by Chef Katie Martin, featuring classics from Garfield Heights’ Sophie’s Natural Pierogi and seasonal twists. Founder Danny Basone said the switch was inspired by one thing: pierogi mania. “They flew off the menu,” he said. Turns out, Akronites are more about sauerkraut than spuds.

Ilić Café, the latest spot to hit Akron’s coffee scene, brings 30 years of baking and brewing expertise to its December opening. Owned by industry veteran Vaska Ilić, the café serves up classic coffee, tea, and espresso alongside sweet and savory baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Bonus? You can take the magic home with coffee beans, loose-leaf teas, and coffee accessories for sale. Check them out downtown, at 161 S. Main St.

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Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron:

Weather

Today

36 🌡️ 23 | 🌨️ | 88% 🌨️

Saturday

26 🌡️ 21 | 🌨️ | 65% 🌧️

Sunday

24 🌡️ 17 | 🌨️ | 65% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!