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Porches are rock’n and roll’n in Highland Square
Published: August 16, 2017
:AKRON––Highland Square’s annual PorchRokr Music and Art Festival transforms the verandas of one of Akron's most historic and eclectic neighborhoods into one-day art studios and concert venues.
Thousands of locals and out-of-towners rock out to some 130 diverse musicians and artists, using both area residences and business establishments as their personal stage.
The festival rotates each year among four sections of Highland Square to encourage spontaneous interaction among all its neighbors.
Highland Square Neighborhood Associations event, PorchRokr, is going on its 6th successful year of rockin’ the socks off of the Highland Square neighborhood.
Mark your calendars for Aug. 19 for a full day of music, art, friends and free entertainment.
The festival is hosted by the Highland Square Neighborhood Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultural and economic prosperity of the neighborhood.
The purpose of the festival is to highlight the creative and cultural assets of the Akron area while encouraging connection among residents and visitors.
“This festival is neighbor-led, and we spend a majority of the year preparing,” said board president and festival co-chair Katie Carver Reed. “We are excited to bring our neighbors together for the biggest party in Akron.”
The fun starts at Jilly’s Music Room Main Stage at Will Christy Park at 10:30 a.m. with opening remarks and the PorchRokr Guitar Orchestra, who will be featuring music from The Allman Brothers, along with some other great styles and favorites.
The orchestra is made up of local players and have been practicing for the past five weeks through free workshops made available to them.
Live music will also be featured throughout the day at the Fairlawn & Hudson Schools of Music stage that will feature righteous teen bands all day. It will be a great day full of music, art, food, dancing, singing and neighborhood camaraderie.
The festival will be between South Rose Boulevard, South Portage Path, West Market Street and West Exchange Street with bands performing folk and blues, reggae, rock and roll, R&B, funk, classical, jazz, Americana and more.
Along with local music, there will be vendors set up along the festival’s footprint selling things like handmade bags, jewelry, food and beverage, tie dyed apparel, candles, apothecary items, fine art, musical instruments and more.
Make sure to visit the Beer Garden Stage, sponsored by EarthQuaker Devices.
This year’s Beer Garden, sponsored by Southpoint Tavern, will feature Fat Head’s and Jackie O’s beers available for purchase. Don’t forget to pick up your custom-designed glasses and growlers designed by local artist Jacob Mollohan and sponsored by Ray’s Pub! Annual festival tee shirts will also be ready for you.
PorchRokr is excited to announce that there will be an artfully decorated guitar raffle the day of the event.
The guitar raffle is graciously sponsored by The Devil Strip and was created by Highland Square artist and resident Matt Miller.
Not only is this guitar beautiful, it is also signed by founding member and bassist Mike Mills from R.E.M.
Tickets will be available for purchase at all information booths for $5 or 5 for$20. Winner does not have to be present when announced but must pick up the guitar by Aug. 26.
Make sure to put your name into the hat for a chance to win.
Headliner for this year’s event is local favorite, Time Cat. They will be playing at the main stage from 8 to 9 p.m. with a special guest making an appearance.
“We are unbelievably excited to headline this year,” said Corey Jenkins, bassist for Time Cat “We always look forward to playing and seeing everyone having fun. We have all kinds of surprises and special rock n’ roll treats planned for all our friends.”
Time Cat will surely be a highlight of the festival.
There will be a Silent Disco at Highland Square Mustard Seed Market following Time Cat’s set that will begin at 9 p.m. and jam until 11 p.m.
Grab a pair of headphones and dance the night away!
More details, event schedule and map will be available at porchrokr.org.
Porch Rokr is supported by the Akron Community Foundation and generous local businesses such as Jilly’s Music Room and EarthQuaker Devices.
For more information, visit www.highlandsquare.org or https://www.facebook.com/porchrokr