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🗞️Dolly Parton at the BMV

🗞️Dolly Parton at the BMV

January 24, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

This is Akron Digest. God bless the Swenson’s curb servers for bringing us Galley Boys when the wind chill is -20.

In this week’s issue:

Blossom’s 2025 Music Lineup
Dolly Parton is coming to your local BMV
Plenty of Akron Poetry

…And much more.

Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

Blossom’s 2025 Lineup Hits the High Notes 🎶

Blossom Music Center is tuning up for an exciting 2025 season with a lineup that spans country, classics, rock, and hip-hop. Expect performances from Jason Aldean, James Taylor, and even Weird Al. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Orchestra’s schedule is locked in, featuring a 4th of July Concert, The Lion King Live in Concert, a Harry Potter symphony spectacular, and more. Whether you’re into country hits or cinematic scores, there’s something for everyone at Blossom next year.

You can find their summer concert series schedule here, and the Cleveland Orchestra schedule here.

Poetic Roots: Akron's Rita Dove on PBS 🌳

Akron-born Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove traced her ancestry on PBS’s Finding Your Roots, which premiered this week. Alongside author Amy Tan, Dove uncovered family stories spanning the American South and beyond, offering a glimpse into the histories that helped shape her journey from Akron to literary stardom. Celebrate one of Akron’s finest in this inspiring exploration of heritage and creativity. You can catch the episode on the PBS website for free.

Drive with Dolly in Ohio 🚗🎶

Ohio drivers can now sport a Dolly Parton license plate for $35, with $25 supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. Last year, the program mailed over 4 million books to more than 500,000 kids statewide, providing 12 free books a year to children under 5.

Ohio is the second state, after Dolly’s home state of Tennessee, to offer the plate. Get yours at your local BMV or OPLATES.com.

What’s Happening

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

Rock and Roll Royalty Takes the Stage 🎸🎤

Step back into the golden age of rock 'n' roll with One Night in Memphis, coming to E.J. Thomas Hall Sunday at 4:00 PM. This tribute show celebrates the legendary Sun Records icons—Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley—with over 90 minutes of live rockabilly, gospel, and 1950s hits.

Featuring former cast members of the Broadway smash Million Dollar Quartet, this is your chance to relive the sounds that shaped music history. Don't miss this unforgettable homage to rock and roll royalty! Tickets Here

Adult Pizza Party🍕🍺

Start your weekend with the ultimate pairing: Totally Baked Pizza and Fat Head’s beer! High St. Hop House is hosting a pizza party today from 4–7 PM. Grab a slice, a brew, and some good vibes to kick off your evening. Don’t miss out—this is a Friday night cheat day done right. Info Here.

Spoken Word, Local Flavor 🎤📚

House Three Thirty is transforming its iconic Cabaret stage into a platform for Akron’s most creative voices with Poetry Night, hosted by CC Speaks. Saturday at 7:30 PM, experience an evening of interactive poetry, soulful beats from DJ Jay Buggz, and community connection. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just want to share a thought, the mic is open to all.

Enjoy a special food menu, grab a drink, and soak in the inspiring vibes. Free on-site parking makes it even easier to join this celebration of Akron’s creative spirit. Tickets Here

Goosebumps of Joy 🎭

Looking to introduce your little ones to the magic of theater? Magical Theatre Company presents Mother Goose’s Pocket Full of Rhymes, an interactive adventure perfect for the youngest audiences. This whimsical production brings classic nursery rhymes and songs to life, with plenty of giggles and audience participation along the way.

With over 50 years of creating unforgettable experiences for families, Magical Theatre Company remains Northeast Ohio’s go-to for quality, kid-friendly performances. This one’s sure to have your kiddos clapping, laughing, and singing along! Happening Sunday at 2:30 at Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets Here.

New Year, New You 🧘🍲

Kickstart 2025 with a day of wellness and self-care at Main Library’s Complementary and Integrative Healthcare Day on Saturday. Explore techniques to relax your mind, heal your body, and boost your health with sessions like journaling for personal growth, neurofeedback to train your brain, and crafting herbal balms with local ingredients. Plus, don’t miss the midday pick-me-up: a live cooking demo with soup samples from a Whole Foods chef. Wrap up the day with a fun and energizing line-dancing session led by the JustUs Line Dance Crew. It’s a perfect opportunity to recharge and start the year strong! 🌿💃 Info and Schedule Here.

Akron Bites 🍔

Cleveland.com is reporting that the former Dante Boccuzzi’s Akron, DBA, will be re-opening as Luciano’s Cucina Italiano by Valentines Day. The restaurant is to be an upscale Italian restaurant in the spirit of the old DBA.

On Jan. 7, America’s Best Restaurants filmed episodes at two local favorites: Sammie’s Bar and Grill in Tallmadge and Wolf Creek Tavern in Norton. Both restaurants were nominated by loyal customers, earning them a spot on the popular roadshow that highlights independent eateries across the country. The episodes are expected to air in March.

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

The Brutalist
Escaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Tóth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren recognizes his talent for building. But power and legacy come at a heavy cost.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Moana 2
Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical "Moana 2" takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced.
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
Showtimes

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Live Music Breakdown

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

Weather

Today

21 🌡️ 8 | ☁️ | 55% 🌨️

Saturday

32 🌡️ 25 | ☁️ | 25% 🌧️

Sunday

29 🌡️ 16 | ☁️ | 3% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!