Latest news with #FirstFriday
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blues Fest 2.0. New version of popular event returning to downtown Canton
CANTON − Is a sequel ever as good as the original? Blockbuster movie franchises sometimes replicate success. Other times, subsequent films bomb at the box office. But what about the 2025 version of the Blues Fest in downtown Canton? Blues fans have lamented the loss of the original Canton Blues Fest, which ended after the 2022 event. Previously presented and coordinated by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the free event was reduced to one day its final year due to rising costs. But Todd Herberghs and the Downtown Canton Partnership will give a blues-themed event another try July 11-12 at Centennial Plaza. Event sponsors also include International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 540 and Visit Canton. Northeast Ohio musicians will be featured. "The Canton Blues Fest was absolutely amazing," he said. "This is something different. People can come and walk around downtown and support downtown businesses and have a good time, and we'll see where it goes (in the future)." The original Blues Fest "was wildly successful, and people loved it, and it had a great following," Herberghs added. "But like all events, you have to at least break even, or you make some money or it's difficult to operate." The new Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival will pair live music with barbecue vendors and food trucks while also featuring a craft beer garden comprised of local breweries. Part of the proceeds from beer sales will benefit the Canton Palace Theatre's renovation project. Blues Fest hours will be 5 to 9:30 p.m. July 11 and 2 to 9:30 p.m. July 12. The July 11 music lineup will be Austin Walkin Cane from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., and Bob Frank Trio from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. July 12 will feature Willis Gordon Band from 2:30 to 430 p.m.; Jake Friel Band from 5 to 7 p.m.; and The Blue Lunch Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The first day of the Blues & BBQ Festival will coincide with July First Friday festivities (First Friday is taking place the second Friday of July due to the Fourth of July holiday). Food trucks and vendors will include Uncle Bacon's BBQ, The Ohio BBQ Crew, The Hickory Hog, RaK's BBQ, Mydee Good Eatin, Twisted Grill & Grind, Don Polo Mexican Food, Metropolis Popcorn, Island Delight Smoothies and Hampy Camper Cocktail Co. Herberghs, executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership, said this will be the first step toward bringing back a blues-based event on what he hopes is an annual basis. Performers won't be national acts or as well-known as those in the past because the Downtown Canton Partnership lacks the resources to book them, he said. Paying for such musicians and bands costs tens of thousands of dollars, and the Downtown Canton Partnership has a limited budget and sources of funding, he said. Security and marketing are other event costs. He also noted the Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival is a free event. Jonathan Becker of the Downtown Canton Partnership said the group worked with the Northeast Ohio Blues Association to identify and book bands. "These are all regional and local performers that we wanted to feature and celebrate as we re-establish the blues event here," said Becker, creative director of First Friday for the Downtown Canton Partnership. Additionally, DJ Krooze will "provide an interactive experience filled with blues music as we change over the bands," Becker said. "... That gives us four-and-a-half hours of blues music on Friday, and a seven-hour show Saturday." Things to do: Ultimate summer fun guide for Canton: Nearly 50 concerts, fests and events to enjoy In 2023, the Downtown Canton Partnership presented the Downtown Canton Music Festival in absence of the Blues Fest. Local, regional and tribute bands performed at the free event. Attendance was low on the first day (Thursday) before rebounding strongly on the second day, but the Downtown Canton Music Fest was canceled after one year because it wasn't financially feasible to hold again, Herberghs said. The nonprofit Downtown Canton Partnership was formed in October 2022 by downtown property and business owners, and includes the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, a designated area downtown where property owners pay a special assessment for services, such as landscaping. The Downtown Canton Partnership receives 40% of its funding from the city of Canton. Other sources include grants and sponsorships. The organization also awards grants to support downtown events such as the Canton Farmers Market, Stark Pride Festival, Canton Pickle Fest, African American Arts & Cultural Festival and the summer movie series at Centennial Park. Along with paying for entertainment, events at Centennial Plaza are limited on how much revenue they can generate through alcohol sales, Herberghs said. "It makes the economics of this event difficult," he said of the Blues Fest. Jerzee's Cafe, a sports bar and eatery, holds the liquor license for Centennial Plaza. Events like the Blues & BBQ Festival are limited to street sales of alcohol after securing a temporary permit through the state of Ohio. The city of Canton recently transferred management of Centennial Plaza from the Pro Football Hall of Fame to ASM Global, a private company that manages the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Jerzee's, however, will still maintain the liquor license for the site, Mayor William V. Sherer II said. Liquor sales at events help keep Jerzee's economically viable at Centennial Plaza since business fluctuates greatly, Sherer said. "Jerzee's (and owner Chris Maggiore) came down (to Centennial Plaza to open a restaurant and bar) when nobody else wanted to," he said. "And my intent the whole time was to have Jerzee's stay. We negotiated with (ASM Global) and ASM negotiated with Chris. I think everything is going to be headed in the right direction." Visit Canton, also known as the Stark County Convention and Visitors' Bureau, is enthused to welcome back a blues-centric event. "Stark County is fortunate to offer a remarkable array of live music for both residents and visitors," said Allyson Bussey, president and CEO of Visit Canton. "However, this particular genre has been absent from our offerings. The previous Blues Festival served as a regional attraction for visitors, positively impacting the community through increased visitor spending." "We are confident that the Downtown Canton Partnership's new Blues & BBQ Festival will bring back previous blues fans to the community and attract new audiences to experience both outstanding music and great (barbecue)." Sherer is also pleased to have a variation of the Blues Fest back. The mayor hopes the event grows. He also would like to add other new events downtown, including one focusing on ribs at Centennial Plaza. However, a ribs event would not compete with the annual Ribs Burnoff at the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus during Memorial Day weekend, he said. "I've lived here my entire life," Sherer said. "I remember how impactful the Ribs Burnoff was downtown for the city of Canton, and I would like to see that come back to be able to take our downtown to the next level." New plaza plans: 'Take it to the next level.' Canton looks to boost entertainment at Centennial Plaza Sherer said a potential Canton Ribs Burnoff also would not take place during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Both the city and Herberghs are hoping for bigger musical acts at the Blues & BBQ Festival in the future. They believe ASM Global and Canton Civic Center General Manager Blake Schilling could help make that happen. ASM Global is assuming management of Centennial Plaza under a lease agreement with the city of Canton. "With their nationwide clout, we can continue to build (the event)," Herberghs said of ASM Global, which manages arenas and entertainment venues across the country and world. "I hope to build up the event to be something that would draw national performers, and I hope to work with (ASM Global) and build that up." The plan is to bring ticketed events and concerts to the city-owned Centennial Plaza, Sherer said. "If you want the good bands to come, you're going to have to pay them," he said. "Blake Schilling and SMG can really take it to the next level with his contacts and being hooked up with Ticketmaster," Sherer said. "... And it will benefit all downtown businesses. "I think it's only going to complement what we already have at Centennial Plaza," the mayor added. "We've got a lot of great stuff in the pipeline." Schilling said he shares the mayor's desire to take Centennial Plaza "to the next level ... and to provide increased content and provide quality and quantity." More diverse entertainment is also planned, Schilling said, noting he's had conversations with Caged Thunder MMA about the possibility of bringing events to Centennial Plaza. Caged Thunder already holds events at the Civic Center. "Some of the acts that we look to get there may warrant a ticket price," he said of Centennial Plaza. "I look forward to collaborating with everyone down there to see where I can be of assistance," he said. "And I'm excited to see the Blues Fest this year and certainly take notes and see in what ways I can help." Bill Wright, 70, of Canton Township, is among the fans who would love to see notable blues artists perform downtown again at a multi-day event. "I was a big fan of the past Blues Fests because they always brought in top bands and artists who were on the rise," he said. "Seeing bands like Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and Robert Cray was pretty cool. "I'm pleased to see that they are trying again because there is a big blues audience in the area," Wright added. "Plans are up in the air for me this year, but I hope it builds from here. Who knows, a band that plays this year might just make it." Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@ Follow on Instagram at ed_balint This article originally appeared on The Repository: Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival fills hole of Blues Fest
Axios
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philadelphia weekend: Odunde, Luke Bryan and First Friday
🤠 Country star Luke Bryan is playing at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden at 7pm tonight as part of his Country Song Came On tour. Tickets: $172+ 🥳 It's First Friday again! Cherry Street Pier is lined with art exhibitions, live music, a makers market, ticketed paint and sip from 4-9pm tonight. Chestnut Hill is having its third annual Pride Party at NoName Gallery from 5-8pm. Arts, zero-proof drinks, and a book signing from author Kay Synclaire, who is touting her new book " House of Frank." Dominican musician Yasser Tejeda will play hits from his latest album "La Madrugá" at the Barnes Foundation from 6-9pm. Tickets required. 🍓 Have a berry good Saturday at Linvilla Orchards' Strawberry Festival. Food, family-friendly fun and everyone's favorite unveiling of the largest strawberry shortcake at 11am. Pick your own strawberries, while you're at it. Admission is free but tickets are required for other activities. 🌍 Odunde marks its 50th year at 10am on Sunday around the intersection of 23rd and South Streets. This big African-American street festival will draw as many as 500,000 attendees to a roughly 16-block stretch of South Philly, and feature live performances, art, food and vendors. 🧙 Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Academy of Music to check out " The Wiz." In this modern twist on the American classic, Dorothy finds herself searching for her place in a new world. Runs through June 15. Ticket prices vary. 🖼️ The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show enters its 98th year and showcases about 150 artists at Rittenhouse Square this weekend. Friday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. ⚾ Head over to the Navy Yard for a fanatical 25th anniversary celebration. Food trucks, games, and a visit from the Phillie Phanatic. Saturday, 1-6pm at the Central Green. 😀 The Disability Pride Philly Party takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday with a parade that steps off from City Hall at 11am.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kansas City superheroes assemble behind local child battling cancer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Superheroes assembled on Sunday for a five-year-old who's battling cancer. Jason Wayman was diagnosed with leukemia in 2024 and has been battling for more than a year. 'He was just having a lot of fevers and then we went down to Children's Mercy,' his father, Jeremy, said. 'And then we heard the worst news just about any parent could hear is that your child has cancer.' Royals survive 9th inning scare; Caglianone notches 4 hits vs. White Sox A friend of the Waymans saw that Jeremy and his family needed a super spark and organized the parade with the Just-Us League, a cosplay charity. 'We loved it, absolutely loved it,' said Brad Nottingham, dressed as Batman. 'Obviously, this is exactly what I would hope for.' He said it's a parade he'll remember for a long time and hopes Jason does too. 'I don't know if anybody looks back and says, 'I remember this,'' he said. 'I don't care. They don't ever have to say thank you. It's just out of your heart.' 'The treatment for leukemia. It can be awful heavy for a little one at times,' Jeremy said. 'My wife has to be in the hospital, to be separated a little bit here and there that's the worst part.' He says that Jason has had multiple stays in the hospital that have been more than 20 days, and he's had blood transfusions, spinal taps and more. 'When we got in the car and first started on the parade, my wife and I were like, 'This is awesome!'' Jeremy said. Superheroes, including Jason's favorite, Spider-Man, surrounded him and the family as they paraded down Main Street in Belton. Family and friends lined the streets before a ceremony where Jason was given the key to the city by the mayor. 'I never thought that today would be like this. I had no idea,' Jeremy said. 'And I never expected anything like this to happen for us.' Kansas City police stop potential sideshow during First Friday; enforcement continues In addition to the parade, the Just-Us league provided Jason's sister with a $2,000 scholarship as she heads to college. Nottingham says he hopes that the entire day can provide hope to a family battling their own villains. 'Hope is always what we kind of hope that, that they can take something from meeting their hero or villain and know that there is people out there that care, right?' For Jeremy, he's glad Jason can spend the day just like any other five-year-old would. 'Sitting in the hospital countless hours, there's no running and playing. His immune system's down. He can't be with other kids. He can't play in the lake anymore,' he said. 'Watching him go through the treatments, he is the strongest little, strongest little boy I've ever known. He's the strongest person I've known to sit there and go through all the different things that he's had.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Familiar Places and Spaces' showcases Broome County's beauty
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A local artist is showcasing the beauty and grittiness of Broome County with her latest exhibition. Joanne Thorne Arnold's 'Familiar Places and Spaces' opens on Friday at the Arts Council's Artisan Gallery as part of First Friday. The gallery features oil paintings depicting well-known scenes from around the local area, including Otsiningo Park, Cutler Pond, and the Chenango Street viaduct. There's also a series of paintings of animals and landscapes, as well as abstract paintings representing the change in seasons. Thorne Arnold says she has worked very hard on the exhibit over the last year and a half. She says the use of color makes her paintings feel familiar to viewers, creating a connection with the art. 'It's not trying to find the most prettiest picture or scenery, photographs can do that. This is a way of picking out the gritty with the beauty,' said Thorne Arnold. You can check out Familiar Places and Spaces on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. It will be on display throughout the month of June. Artisan Gallery is located at 223 State Street in Binghamton. Lockheed Martin secures $9.5 million deal with U.S. Navy 'Familiar Places and Spaces' showcases Broome County's beauty Port Dickinson Elementary opens Outdoor Learning Center Tom's Coffee Cards and Gifts sells one million pounds of coffee Owego Hose Team sells 1,000th memorial brick at Baker Fireman's Fountain Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Sidney man charged with vehicle arson
DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Sidney man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on a sealed indictment on Wednesday. District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that when the indictment was unsealed, Steven Baker, 43, was charged with Arson in the Third Degree, a Class C Felony. According to the indictment, on or about May 19, Baker and another individual stole a motor vehicle in the Town of Sidney and proceeded to intentionally set fire to it, causing the vehicle to be destroyed. Baker pleaded not guilty. The Honorable John Hubbard remanded Baker to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail. Two minors charged for incident with Waverly School Resource Officer Sidney man charged with vehicle arson Attorney General releases body camera footage of trooper-involved shooting in Malta Truth Pharm to unveil mural during First Friday event Scattered showers and storms continue heading into the weekend Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
