This week’s Fresh Start is a venerable feast. With the dog days of summer upon us, and the fast track to Labor Day just ahead, our trio of marquee cultural events is sure to fill your bodies, souls and appetites.
Jah Watches
Ras Gato signs on and off of his WCSB-FM reggae radio show with "Jah watches" every Tuesday. No doubt he’ll be one of thousands of regional ska and reggae buffs headed to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville this weekend for the annual Midwest Reggae Fest, brainchild of music entrepreneur, Packy Malley. The co-owner of Malley's Chocolates is also a DJ, operates the Cleveland Reggae website, and organizes and promotes concerts. The Midwest Reggae Festival is his flagship event, with local and national acts anchoring a weekend-long camping-and-concert experience. This year’s edition starts Friday, August 13 and runs through the weekend. Local favorites Prayer Warriors and Carlos Jones join headliners Third World, Skatalites and Dread Zeppelin will perform.
The Whole(y) Cannoli
It’s Feast of the Assumption time. Holy Rosary Church in Little Italy hosts the four-day street fair, which was created to celebrate the Catholic Holy Day in reverence to the Assumption of Mary. The Feast is the largest of its kind between New York and Chicago, and has a positively devout following. Live music, carnival games and rides, street booths and galleries please thousands of visitors every year, but “feast” is the operative word. If you can dream it, you can eat it: from homemade cannelloni and eggplant parmesan to lasagna and cannoli, and everything in between. We suggest a brief fast before attending… and comfortable clothing. Definitely leave your belt at home. The 112th edition of the Feast starts Thursday, August 12 and runs through the weekend.
Style & Grace
The University Park neighborhood is Akron’s pulse. City and public school offices, the city’s central business district and the University of Akron all call University Park Home. It stands to reason that the Art Fair and Music Fest at Grace Park would be held there. This shindig doesn’t get enough run for how good it is: more than 100 regional artists offer work from every medium, with live music, food and family friendly events. As a bonus, admission to the fair is absolutely free.
