Release Date: August 24,2020
DAP Kicks Off Concerts in the Commons with a New EarthQuaker Device
(Akron, Ohio) - Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) announces the launch of Concerts in the Commons, a new music series with weekly performances planned for public spaces across downtown, which will be accessible both in-person and via live streaming. Passersby are welcome to enjoy the live music in downtown spaces, with masks and appropriate physical distancing required, and DAP will work with AV Club to live stream the concerts to DAP's Facebook page.
The first concert is scheduled for this evening, Monday, August 24, 2020, from 6 to 7 pm, featuring Joe Golden in the Northside Green. Golden will be debuting a new, custom-made portable busking station designed by Puzzle Creative and EarthQuaker Devices. Concerts in the Commons and the new busking station were made possible by grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, with additional support from EarthQuaker Devices and the City of Akron. The concert schedule can be viewed online at: http://bit.ly/DAP_ConcertsInTheCommons
DAP President and CEO Suzie Graham said, "Part of DAP's mission is to enhance our public spaces, making them more engaging, vibrant and welcoming for all. We're proud and excited to bring more great programming to downtown for everyone's enjoyment, and we're especially proud to unveil the new, innovative performance station from EarthQuaker and Puzzle for musicians to use."
The busking station is available to musicians for impromptu performances in the Northside Green and can be accessed from Northside Marketplace. The station consists of a cabinet on wheels with a stool, small chalkboard sign and a rechargeable, battery-powered amplifier, complete with three EarthQuaker Devices effects pedals. It's all in service of creating engaging public spaces with opportunities for meaningful interactions, including the ongoing evolution of the Akron sound.
DAP Director of Engagement and Events Kelli Fetter said, "Concerts in the Commons grew from our desire to activate the great places to spend time in downtown. With so many artists mastering ways to live stream performances, it was only natural to make the concerts accessible virtually as well as in person."
DAP and EarthQuaker plan to crowdsource an official name for the busking station during tonight's live streaming concert.
EarthQuaker Devices manufactures guitar effects pedals in downtown Akron, which are distributed worldwide. EarthQuaker Devices CEO Julie Robbins said, "EarthQuaker Devices is proud to partner with DAP to bring music to our public spaces. We hope the busking station is enjoyed by our community and look forward to live music performances in our beautiful downtown Akron. Thank you to DAP and the AV Club for allowing us to listen from home!"
Concerts in the Commons schedule
August 24 - Joe Golden | Northside Green
August 31 - Samantha Grace | High St. Parklet
September 7 - Nathan Paul Davis | 106 N. Main St.
September 14 - The Bandemics (Featuring Mike O'Hara, Darrell Stamps, Jeremiah Hawkins, Greg Smith, Stan Davis and Victor Head) | Hamo Plaza
September 21 - Floco Torres | Akron Civic Theatre
September 28 - Madison Cummins | Canal Park
October 5 - TBA | Lock 4
October 12 - TBA | Maiden Lane