Around Akron with Blue Green

Oct 3, 2016

In this premiere episode of the Akron-centric series, host Blue Green features Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, entrepreneur and Peaceful Fruits founder Evan Delahanty, muralist Jessica Lofthus and more.

Nov 4, 2016

This episode of the Akron-centric series features BMe Akron, an organization that helps promote strong leadership in African-American males; the Vaill brothers, owners of The Rialto Theatre; local musician Zach of The Big Love Network and Sweet Mary’s Bakery.

Dec 16, 2016

In this episode of the Akron-centric series we learn more about musician Ryan Humbert’s Christmas Extravaganza benefit show; hip-hop artist A-Minus; and Stan Hywet Hall.

Jan 13, 2017

This episode features interesting stories about Life Is Good No Matter What, RunningDog, One of a Kind Pets, 7th Floor Clothing, Art Bomb Brigade and the art of Matt Miller.

Feb 7, 2017

Find out more about Dream Team Boxing & Learning Center, Nepali Kitchen, piano player Kofi Boakye and Springfield Roller Rink.

Mar 24, 2017

Find out how Elec Simon, a performer with the Cleveland Cavaliers QStix drum team, uses music to offer an anti-bullying message to young people. Then meet Karen Starr of Hazel Tree Interiors, who is a self-proclaimed community dreamer. We visit Akron Coffee Roasters, which roasts specialty coffees in Akron, and then we sit down with Ted Sikora, a filmmaker, musician and comic-book creator.

Apr 16, 2017

This month on Around Akron with Blue Green, we talk with David Giffels author of The Hard Way on Purpose, Kurtiss Hare of the The Nightlight about creating a comfortable small venue to view great films. We talk to Akron Maker Space a club for making all kinds of cool things and then we talk to Crafty Mart about becoming an entrepreneur and selling your own products at their amazing events.

May 14, 2017

This month we will spotlight Paul Hays of the Second Chance Store, the historic Goodyear Theater and Shane Wynn of Shane Wynn photography. We are also honored to interview Akron's Mayor Dan Horrigan in our Movers & Shakers segment.

Jun 15, 2017

This edition spotlights the Portage Lakes region, including Portage Lakes State Park, area history and a yearly festival featuring dragon boat racing.

Jul 16, 2017

This edition features musician and producer Eriq Troi, the West Akron 5K, filmmaker/director/producer Miki Blak and world-class chromatic harmonica player David Kettlewell.

Aug 25, 2017

It's all about Kenmore this month! We visit Lay's Guitar Shop, renowned for its custom guitar repair, and we learn about Kenmore's connection to movie theater "silver screens." We also visit Panyard, which crafts steel pan musical instruments and accessories.

Sep 15, 2017

It's all about jazz on this episode of AROUND AKRON WITH BLUE GREEN. We tell the history of jazz music on Howard Street. We sit down and talk with Tony Troppe about BLU Jazz+, BLU Plate and the future Blutique Hotel in the United Building. To wrap up the show, we talk with Ace Boogie about his new album release "The Opposite of What's Hot Now." If you love jazz, you’re going love this episode.

Oct 13, 2017

This episode is all about the interesting, the underground and the eccentric people, places and things in Akron. Season 2 kicks off with visits to The Dragon's Mantle, The Bomb Shelter, Aqueduct Brewing and Bob Jones's amazing car collection.

Nov 11, 2017

This episode we visit the Mustill Store Visitor Center at the Cascade Locks Park Association and learn all about the deep history of this location. We take a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and learn all about the history of this gem of the National Park Service. We also visit with David DiDomenico of the Waters Park Renewal Society to learn all about the fascinating history and restorat

Dec 22, 2017

Enjoy a chat with JT Buck, creative director of Coach House Theatre in Akron. Then learn about Christmas in Akron with author Joanna Wilson, plus downtown Akron's amazing window displays in the O'Neil's, Polsky and Landmark buildings.

Jan 15, 2018

This episode is all about hip-hop in the Akron area. Enjoy interviews with Dre Live Borders (Dre Live), Josh Land of LSquared Photography, Forrest Webb (Forrest Get'em Gump) and Floco Torres. Photo credit: LSquared Photography.

Feb 16, 2018

So many talented artists in our area! Find out more about the creative works of April Nicholson-Couch, wildfowl carver Tom Baldwin and carver Ron White, plus visit Summit Artspace.

Mar 13, 2018

It's all about "Things in the Air" this month. We're visiting the Medina Raptor Center, MAPS Air Museum, Akron-Canton Airport and aerospace photo illustrator James Vaughan.

Apr 21, 2018

It's all about family fun, education and culture. Blue Green visits the Curated Storefront project, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Lock 3 Akron and Akron Zoo.

May 18, 2018

It's all about the Sounds of Akron. Blue Green sits down with Wayne Beck of the Akron Sound Museum and learns about the Akron Sound. He visits a few poets and sees what’s on their minds. He also stops at EarthQuaker Devices and finds out about their pedals that makes guitars all around the world sound amazing. Last he visits Joe Heindel, a guy who makes his own handmade string instruments.

Jul 17, 2018

Visit Highland Square, Akron Historic Arts District, Kenmore Boulevard and the north side of Akron.

Aug 17, 2018

Check out the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Akron Pride Festival, Innerbelt National Forest and events at Summit Lake.

Sep 14, 2018

This episode is all about community building through the arts, theater, music and gardening. We visit Ma'Sue Productions, Keepers of the Art, Wandering Aesthetics and Shanti Community Farms, Inc.

Oct 11, 2018

Visit some of Akron's oldest buildings including the Akron Soap Company Building, The John Brown House, The Selle Gear Company Building and The Quaker Square Complex.

Nov 17, 2018

Akron-area bands including The Numbers Band, The Waitresses, The Bizarros and more continue to influence rock ‘n’ roll. See more from Around Akron with Blue Green at https://westernreservepublicmedia.org/around-akron-with-blue-green.htm.

Dec 15, 2018

Enjoy profiles of noteworthy people in our community including Travis Lee, founder of The House of Kung Fu; Eartha L. Goodwin, photographer and dark room developer; Jason Prufer, author of “Small Town, Big Music: The Outsized Influence of Kent, Ohio, on the History of Rock and Roll”; and Chris Miller, co-founder of Akronist.com.

Jan 13, 2019

To kick off 2019, we reflect on the first two seasons of AROUND AKRON WITH BLUE GREEN, spotlighting some of the most popular stories. See more from Around Akron with Blue Green at https://westernreservepublicmedia.org/around-akron-with-blue-green.htm.

Feb 14, 2019

February is all about love for independent media in Akron. This month Blue Green sits down with 330ToGo, Akron Hip Hop.Com, The PLX Live and The Devil Strip. See more from Around Akron with Blue Green at https://westernreservepublicmedia.org/around-akron-with-blue-green.htm.

Mar 22, 2019

Gain insight from musicians Hayden Gilbert and Jeri Sapronetti, learn about The Akron Children’s Museum and travel back to when Akron had a pro football team.

Apr 14, 2019

The spotlight is on The Hatterie, Akron Recording Company, Mustard Seed Market and sculptor John C Comunale.

May 21, 2019

Enjoy this episode of Around Akron with Blue Green featuring The West Theater; 3D art of Angry Bob; citizen journalist Yoly; and part one of a two-part story on O.C. Barber, the founder of Barberton.

Jun 22, 2019

Visit Himalayan Arts Language & Cultural Academy, learn about SikRik Masks by Rick Fisher and meet the queen and king of the 2018 Akron Pride Festival Drag Battle with Nina West! Then stay tuned for part two of the O.C. Barber story featuring Anna Dean Farm.

Jul 19, 2019

Learn about urban gardening and soil with Steve Larson, Musica with Jennifer Lynn Kidd and the Glendale Steps with local author Tim Carroll. Then check out the Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team.

Aug 22, 2019

Tim Carroll discusses his new book “World War II Akron” and Mike “Maxheat” Mosley talks about his program Pro Flow Radio. We also visit Scott Shepherd of Time Traveler Records and share a variety of interviews from our production vault.

Sep 13, 2019

AROUND AKRON visits Rubber City Comics, TinyCircuits, Chestnut Ridge Park in Kenmore and much more!

Oct 15, 2019

The Season 4 premiere features an interview with filmmaker Dray Evans, exploration of murals around town and visits to Angel Falls Coffee and Showcase Meats.

Dec 13, 2019

In Portage Lakes, visit the new restaurant Pick’s and the area’s Polar Bear Club. Also, find out about The University of Akron’s esports program and visit with magazine collage artist Deborah Shapiro.

Jan 18, 2020

Get to know artist P.R. Miller, craft knife maker Jared Lees and longtime Acme employee Scott Fox. Also, visit CNC Training Center.

Feb 20, 2020

Visit the Akron Aviators basketball team, Akron Henna Art and Akron Blind Center. Then travel to Canton for a stop at the First Ladies National Historic Site.

Mar 25, 2020

Visit two local libraries—The Emily Davis Gallery at The University of Akron and the National First Ladies’ Library in Canton. Find out about Akron’s very own futsal team, the Vulcans. Meet video producer Josh Gippin, owner of Joshua Tree Video Productions.

May 16, 2020

We visit popular area businesses, including Metro RTA, Summit Metro Parks, Akron Civic Theatre and Akron-Summit County Public Library, to learn how they are addressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jun 27, 2020

Find out what inspires local artists Anika Ame, Gyasi Jones and Nichole Epps, then visit with singer and vocal coach Jaron M. LeGrair.

Aug 8, 2020

Visit with amateur archivist Jimi Imij, artists Pach Atomz and Woodrow Nash, and Akron Glass Works.

Sep 19, 2020

Children learn to grow, sow and make friends in Akron’s City Sprouts program. Rustbelt Rebirth and motivational speaker Mark Burnett manipulate metal for interesting purposes. The Summit Lapidary Club turns rocks into art and jewelry.

Oct 17, 2020

The show’s Season 5 premiere includes visits with violinist Justin Curry, performance consultant Staci Jordan Shelton, glass artist Bob Pozarski and producer Eric Vaughan of Red Point Digital.

Nov 21, 2020

Find out about all the cool downtown developments, including the reopening of Main Street, from Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. Then take a short trip to North Hill to visit interesting shops and restaurants. Finally, visit with photographer Jef Janis, photographer at NASA and portrait photographer.

Dec 19, 2020

Jennifer L Worden Arts uses recycled glass to make art. Chad Jenson is one of the voices of PBS Western Reserve. Community Tool Library helps homeowners tackle improvement projects. Gypsy Grace & the Vintage Goat makes old things new again. It’s all happening in Akron!

Jan 16, 2021

Learn more about two local businesses that have served the Akron area for decades: 2 Live Music is a superstore that specializes in urban music, while Dontino’s Italian Restaurant serves old-world Italian cuisine to its customers. Also visit Rail N Road Hobby, which offers model train and slot car equipment and supplies. Finally, learn more about the man behind the show’s camera—host Blue Green.

Mar 20, 2021

Visit North Hill Veterinary Hospital, which has been in continuous operation since 1927, and Global Ties Akron, which sells products from all over the world. Eliza Beth Vild tells us about the land management approach called permaculture, and local Lego artist Todd Wolf shows us his creations, including a replica of Stan Hywet Hall.

Apr 17, 2021

The spotlight shines on two iconic Akron businesses: Don Drumm Studio and January Paints and Wallpaper. Then we focus on Community Support Services, which offers preventive care, disease management and wellness support. Finally, we learn about the podcast Rubber City ReSisters, which covers women’s rights, racial inequality and much more.

May 15, 2021

Host Blue Green visits The Tea Lady, where tea time is elegant and special. Then he stops by Irie Jamaican Kitchen to talk with Chef Omar about his authentic Jamaican food. Another stop is West Hill Hardware Store, where owner Richard Tschantz shares its history during its last days. Also, urban photographer Thomas Skala shows us his love of Akron.

Jun 18, 2021

Let your imagination go wild at Clayton G. Bailey’s World of Wonders Museum exhibit and at Abbey Ann’s thrift store. Visit Heritage Farms in Peninsula, which offers year-round events and activities for the whole family. Then take a foodie adventure with Stray Dog, offering hot dog carts, cafes, a food truck and more.

Jul 12, 2021

Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra, is considered one of the finest outdoor music venues in the country. Host Blue Green takes you there and then visits Bounce Innovation Hub, Hale Farm and Village and more.

Aug 18, 2021

Host Blue Green visits Square Records in Akron and Quiet Mind Designs. Then he checks in with juggler Dan Wasdahl and area resident The Garbage Pail Queen, who collects Garbage Pail Kids merchandise and hosts “The Daughter of the Ghoul Show.”

Sep 16, 2021

Host Blue Green visits Ethicrace Clothing Company in Kenmore and DiCarlo’s Pizza in Cuyahoga Falls. Then he talks with renowned cartoonist Chuck Ayers and videographer Vanessa Michelle, who is the producer of Creating Impact with Vanessa Michelle.

Oct 17, 2021

Learn about architectural treasure The O’Neil House Bed and Breakfast in Akron. In Cuyahoga Falls, the organization Friends of Keyser-Swain Farmhouse strives to preserve the 144-year-old homestead. A ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a great way to explore Ohio’s only national park. Also, host Blue Green hangs out with the local band Detention.

Nov 16, 2021

Celebrate all things artistic with visits to Sassy Sunflower boutique in Copley and Standing Rock Cultural Arts in Kent, plus a chat with painter Danny Ratcliff. Then travel to Klein’s Seafood in Akron—a locally owned retail fish market and carryout restaurant.

Dec 16, 2021

Local artists and shops featured include 1474 Art Gallery, The Hideaway Studio and Herbal Gift Shop, Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce and NoTique Boutique.

Jan 15, 2022

Mac Love of creative firm Art x Love discusses murals, art, the Akron Stories Rubber Worker Project and Akron on Deck playing cards. A trip to Summit Metro Parks leads to exploration of the park’s trails, Himelright Lodge and land conservation efforts. African dance troupe The Black Beanz shows why they are Akron’s newest sensation.

Feb 17, 2022

Host Blue Green visits Purplebrown Farmstead, which is part of the Countryside Initiative Program in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Then it’s off to the popular diner Bob’s Hamburg in Akron. Black Culture Candles in Akron creates candles that celebrate cultural experiences. In Wadsworth, find out about SydeQuest Games and Opal Dragonfly Boutique.

Mar 17, 2022

Fun happens at Stonehedge, which offers bowling, a putter park, an arcade and more. For a different kind of entertainment, Rage Room Ohio is a place to release all your pent-up anger by breaking things. Two of our area’s gastronomic treasures are Hartville Potato Chips and The Pierogi Lady. Visit them all!

Apr 18, 2022

Akron Promise helps students access educational support, resources and opportunities. A Walk in the Park Café serves up deliciousness with a creative menu and a unique décor. Host Blue Green gives blood at an American Red Cross of Northern Ohio blood drive. The Peanut Shoppe of Akron has offered fresh roasted peanuts and more since 1933.

May 17, 2022

V-Rock Shop is well known for its rocks, gemstones and handmade clay pottery. Zeber-Martell Studio offers a collaborative line of decorative and functional clay pieces. JW Cooper is an art photographer who focuses on Americana of all kinds. Pearl Coffee Company is a premier specialty coffee and tea company in Akron. Host Blue Green visits them all in this episode!

Jun 18, 2022

Host Blue Green visits OH SNAP, Akron’s premier selfie museum, followed by the makers of Victory Pose deodorant. Then he learns about Akron to Farm Community and the women’s boutique Northside Cellar.

Jul 15, 2022

Sweet treats await you at Essential Dipped Delights, located in downtown Akron. The owners of Mueller Honey Bee are doing all they can to save bees and educate others as to their importance. ArtSparks was founded on the belief that the arts play a vital role in fostering the creativity and self-confidence. Killinit Kayaks in Portage Lakes offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Aug 13, 2022

Host Blue Green visits with Jim Ballard, who has long been a part of the Northeast Ohio music scene. Then he drops in at Wadsworth Community Radio, which supports the local community with news, sports and talk segments. In Akron, Arnold’s Candies has been manufacturing sweet treats since 1953, and Oddmall Outpost: Assembly of Odd offers unique works of art.

Sep 14, 2022

Host Blue Green learns about horticultural practices and gardening with Summit County Master Gardeners. Then he drops in for a cup of coffee at Porchlight Coffee Co. In Akron, Rock Candy Holds has been producing unique colorful hand holds for indoor rock climbing walls, and Rock Mill is Akron’s premier gym to engage in movement and community through climbing, yoga and alternative fitness.

Oct 24, 2022

Find out how Progress Through Preservation of Greater Akron supports historically and architecturally significant areas and buildings, and learn about the Special Collections Division of Akron-Summit County Public Library. Visit with artist Michael Gearhart, who has been painting murals in Akron since the 1980s, and LOLO, an artist, skin care therapist and owner of the brand LOLO KNOWS.

Nov 18, 2022

Host Blue Green travels to Cuyahoga Falls to visit Jenks Building vendors and Falls Outdoor Company. Then it’s off to Coral Reefs Marine Fish to learn about aquaculture, saltwater aquariums and more. At Bereka Coffee & Kitchen in Akron, he learns about their products and experiences an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Dec 17, 2022

Summit Artspace in Akron strives to support artists through every step of the creative process. Artists featured include Jessica Skinner, Mike Alejandro and Izzy Aronhalt.

Jan 15, 2023

Creativity abounds at Summit Artspace in downtown Akron, where ZaBre Inspire specializes in designing Christian-themed apparel and Susie Lilley Flashes of Life Photography combines two media—photography and clay. In Cuyahoga Falls, visit Ruff Guide Maps, which creates custom trail and race maps. Back in Akron, Galenas offers soil-grown medical cannabis.

Feb 15, 2023

Rubber City Clothing has a new location on the west side of Akron. Table tennis coach Samson Dubina talks about his nationally recognized training center, Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy. A new plaza and monument in Akron will honor Sojourner Truth and the celebrated speech she gave in 1851.

Mar 18, 2023

As one of the largest honeybee removal services in Stark and Summit counties, Hatch’s Honey is dedicated to saving honeybees and providing quality raw honey. At Hale Farm & Village, it’s time to learn about 19th-century maple production. Then it’s off to Akron to learn more about family-owned Lucky Shoes.

Apr 16, 2023

Host Blue Green visits with Jakard the Artist, a former podiatrist who changed careers. Then it’s off to Chin’s Place, offering traditional Cantonese Chinese food, to visit with owner Elaine Chin. The Cigar Lodge is an upscale cigar lounge featuring a movie theatre indoor golf simulator and more. Finally, DiFeo’s Poultry owner Ed DiFeo talks about the products and history of his establishment.

May 18, 2023

Host Blue Green meets up with Tom Ghinder to learn all about the Akron Promise City Series Neighborhood Races. Then it’s off to downtown to Cilantro to eat some Thai and Sushi. After dinner, it’s next door to the Akron Axe House to learn how to throw an Axe. To wrap things up, Blue talks with Shammas Malik, Akron’s next Presumptive Mayor.