Rockin' Akron's Highland Square

Devo. Howard Hewett. Chrissie Hynde. James Ingram. The Black Keys. Akron, probably best known these days as the birthplace and home of NBA superstar LeBron James, also happens to be a wellspring of much musical talent and creativity. This weekend pays homage to these local and other performing legends, both established and aspiring, during the city's third annual Porch Rokr Music and Art Festival, hosted by its Highland Square community on September 20. More than 70 acts will be featured from dawn through dusk at points--many of them literally porches--throughout Highland Square.

On the eve of Porch Rokr Saturday, Friday, September 19, David Giffels, author of The Hard Way on Purpose: Essays and Dispatches from the Rust Belt will lead a film and panel discussion of new documentary It's Everything and Then It's Gone: History of Akron Rock. Film screening and panel session with crew and producers Phil Hoffman, Harvey Gold, Ralph Carney, Bob Ethington, Kurt Reed and Steve Felix will run from 8pm to 9:30pm at Akron's downtown Main Library. Tickets are available same day at the Main Library from 5:30pm to 6pm.