Skip to Main Content

 View All News


Release Date: August 28,2023

A Rhapsody of Arts And Music Await: Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival Partners With Akron Artwalk for an Unforgettable Evening

Akron, Ohio – August 22, 2023 – Get ready to swing to the rhythm of creativity and groove to the beat of culture as the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival returns for its eighth annual showcase from September 7th to September 9th. This year, we're not just striking a chord; we're painting a masterpiece of collaboration with the Akron ArtWalk on Friday, September 8th and setting the stage for an enchanting evening that combines soul-stirring melodies and captivating artistic expressions.

The Open Tone Music’s Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival is the heartbeat of Akron's jazz heritage, infusing the city with the rich legacy of music that transcends time. From intimate jam sessions to electrifying performances, the festival promises a harmonious celebration that resonates with jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. As the sun sets on September 8th, the Midwest air will be alive with the soulful notes that define the festival's spirit.

But wait, there's more to this year's extravaganza! We are thrilled to announce an unprecedented collaboration with the Akron ArtWalk, a quarterly celebration of the arts that has become a cherished tradition in Akron's Historic Arts District. Picture this: the rhythmic cadence of jazz intertwined with the strokes of artistic brilliance, creating an immersive experience that's as vibrant as the heart of Akron itself. All from 5pm to 9pm on Friday, September 8th.

Our partners for this evening’s symphony of events include Summit Artspace, Akron Art Museum, Akron-Summit County Public Library, The Nightlight, and Open Tone Music. Together, we're crafting an experience that harmonizes musical enchantment with the visual magic of art. These partners have elevated the Akron ArtWalk to new heights, each contributing their unique flair to the crescendo of culture that will sweep through the city.

Speaking of crescendos, hold onto your seats because we've got some incredible highlights in store. The Nightlight will be presenting a screening of the movie "The Wiz", starting at 8:30pm, at the Akron Art Museum – a cinematic treat that's as groovy as it is timeless. Meanwhile, Summit Artspace will be a haven for art enthusiasts, with a diverse range of art and art vendors that promise to delight the senses. And let's not forget the Akron-Summit County Public Library, which will be presenting the enchanting sounds of the J. Porter Ensemble, right between the Akron Art Museum and Summit Artspace from 6pm to 8pm.

As we tune our instruments and prepare to welcome you to this harmonious convergence of art and music, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Akron for their unwavering support. Their belief in the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival's vision has allowed us to create an experience that transcends entertainment, becoming a true celebration of community, creativity, and camaraderie.

So mark your calendars and embrace the rhythm of Akron's soul. Let's make this weekend a crescendo of culture that resonates far beyond the Midwest, celebrating the symphony of talents and passions that make our city shine.

For more details, ticket information, and a schedule of events, please visit www.rubbercityjazz.org. Stay tuned for exciting updates and sneak peeks by following us on social media @RubberCityJazz.