From Akron & Beyond Podcast

The much-anticipated Akron History Center opens on Saturday, April 5th.  Just in time for the City's Bicentennial, we talk with Dave Lieberth.  No one knows Akron and it's history better than Dave.  In this episode , we discuss the planning and commitment necessary to make the History Center a reality.  Lots of great Akron stories ensue! Listen Thursday, March 27, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

If you've been to Downtown Akron lately, you've noticed the eye-catching, appealing window displays and artful design and use of public spaces. This is the work of Curated Storefront, an innovative approach to adding art and excitement to our urban landscape. In this episode, we talk with Operations Director Julian Curet about their mission and future projects.   ...

This year, the legendary 15-60-75 (aka The Numbers Band) celebrate their 55th anniversary as a working band.  Kicking things off is a March 8th concert at the Kent Stage. To celebrate the occasion, we visit again with Robert Kidney, Jack Kidney, and Terry Hynde to discuss the band's origins, the current state of the group, still writing new material, and their relationship to their audience. It's a revealing conversation (with lots of music). Don't miss this one! Listen Thursday, February 27, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

In this, the first of a two-parter, we go “Beyond” to the Motor City and San Francisco (among other places) with our guest John Bellas. John is one of the nation's premier experts on vintage Rock posters, and he has the collection to prove it. How he built his collection, and his tips on how and what to look for, are all part of this fun conversation.

We welcome back Akron Diva Tracey Thomas as she celebrates two major career milestones: Her new album “Words Can't Save Us Now”, and the release of her memoir “Little Miss Akron”! Both the album and book were done with the support of singer/songwriter/honkytonker Ryan Humbert, who also joins the conversation. “Words Can't Save Us Now” is classic Tracey, featuring new original songs, and great covers of some of her favorites.  The book is a highly readable look at her life - “Little Miss Akron” is an honest, funny, complex, and moving memoir. We delve deep into both on this revealing and fun episode! Listen to The Summit FM, 91.3, this Thursday, January 23 at 10 pm, or later wherever you get your podcasts!

Our in-depth conversation continues! Listen to The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, January 16, at 10 pm, or later, wherever you get your podcasts!    

Nick and Bob welcome in the new year with an expansive two-part interview with Akron's own Derf Backderf! In these episodes, we do a deep dive into Derf's youth in Richfield, his pursuit of art as a career, working as a comic artist for newspapers and magazines, his popular strip “The City”, on through his breakthrough as an internationally successful graphic novelist. Amongst other topics, we discuss “Punk Rock and Trailer Parks”, “Trashed”, Derf's life-changing “My Friend Dahmer”, the acclaimed “Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio”, and get a sneak peek at his forthcoming epic project…. The Bank, press rooms, controversies, health challenges, his working methods - It's all here, in Derf's most extensive interview yet.  Don't miss this one!

Our “Getting to Know The Summit FM” Series continues as we chat with Sales Director and On-Air Host Laura Smiley.  We talk with Laura about her path to radio, her many diverse interests, and (of course!) her deep love of music.  Nick and Bob learn a lot, and so will you! Listen this Thursday, December 5, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

In this this episode, we talk with publishing veteran, raconteur, and all-around Man About Town, Ronald Koltnow. An Akron native, now living in Boston, Ron has long been interested (ie, obsessed) with our area's nationally known delicacy: Barberton Fried Chicken!  So much so that he literally wrote the book about it. Exploring its Serbian origins, the immigrant community that popularized it, and yes, just how it's prepared, Koltnow answers the question: What makes this dish so distinctive, and just plain good to eat? (Don't forget the Jo-Jo's and hot sauce!). Along the way, Ron has some hilarious stories and general life wisdom from his career in the book trade. Listen Thursday, 11/14, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3…. Or wherever you get your podcasts!

Rock ‘n' Roll drummer turned entrepreneur, Danny Basone has for years been a major player in downtown Akron.  There was The Lime Spider, a club which featured both National and local bands, and has become legendary for many great shows.  Then, the Lockview, which remains one of best bars and restaurants in town. And now, he's opened United States Potato Service, a truly unique new eatery. In this epidode, Nick and Bob talk with Danny about his life in music, the memorable shows he's hosted, and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic, with regular street repairs, etc… This is a fun one! Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, November 7, at 10 pm - or later anytime, on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Maybe you know him from his radio show/podcast REVOLT INTO STYLE. Or from his bands Rainy Day Saints, Death of Samantha, or currently Dave Swanson's Mystery Airship…. But you'll really know Dave after our two-part deep dive conversation with one of NE Ohio's most respected musicians and knowledgeable fans. If Rock can be a religion, then Dave Swanson is high priest! LOTS of great music in this one!  (And Bob gets his GUIDED BY VOICES questions about Dave's time with the band answered!) Listen to Part One on The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, October 31 at 10 pm, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube - or wherever you get your podcasts!

Nick and Bob chat with Kenny Lambert, whose journey from addiction through recovery has resulted in his becoming an in-demand clothing designer, starting his Just A Dad From Akron business in Kenmore, and being a respected community leader. His commitment to helping others - and how he got there, is a truly inspiring story, and we go deep in this episode. Listen Thursday, October 17, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

For over 30 years, Kenmore Komics and Games has been a fixture in Kenmore, and a destination for comics fans from all over Northeast Ohio.  John Buntin is the person behind the magic.  Nick and Bob discover that running Kenmore Komics is similar to a record store - you have to have a passion for the business, deep knowledge of the genres, and good relationships with your customers. Lots of fun geekiness in this episode! Listen to The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, October 24 at 10 pm, or soon on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube - or wherever you get your podcasts!

One of the most creative, talented and eclectic musicians working in NE Ohio today is Jacob Trombetta.  Producer-Filmmaker-Guitarist-Keyboardist-Pedal Steel Guitar Player…. Well, you get the idea!  He's played with Six Parts Seven and Richard Buckner, and leads an untold number of bands and artistic projects, including Glenn Lazear, Phantom Lease, Horses 4K, and his most recent endeavor Greening.  He's composed soundtrack music, produced albums by other artists (Anya Van Rose), and made acclaimed films and music videos….. …. But, for all of his accomplishments, Jacob remains little known in the Akron area, a situation Bob and Nick have found to be all too common with any number of local artists. A lot of great music and stories in this episode! Listen Thursday, September 12, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or soon afterwards on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

One of Akron's most talented and busy musicians is saxophonist extraordinaire Justin Tibbs. Whether playing on other musicians' dates, recording, composing, arranging, or leading his own group JT's Electrik Blackout, Justin Tibbs has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Justin about his life, inspirations, and goals, as he negotiates the challenging life of a working Jazz musician. Lots of good talk and great music in this episode! Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3, Thursday, September 5 at 10 pm - or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

          In this episode, Nick and Bob continue to ponder the musical artists and bands who had a particular affect on the “Akron Sound” of the late 1970's/early 1980's. Lots of great music - too much for one episode!  Listen to Part 2 on Thursday, August 29, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

“Influences & Inspirations, Part 1” In this episode, Nick and Bob ponder the musical artists and bands who had a particular affect on the “Akron Sound” of the late 1970's/early 1980's. Lots of great music - too much for one episode!  Listen to Part 1 on Thursday, August 15, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

So, one evening, Nick is watching “Restoration Road”, a home rehab TV show. And there he sees host Clint Harp interviewing Tim Franklin, whose local company is rehabbing an 1884 historic Akron mansion, right near downtown! The above raises the question: How is there a national television show focusing an entire episode on our very own Akron, Ohio, and no one in Akron seems to be aware of it? After his first love, music, Tim Franklin owned a record store.  Later, Tim started Franklin and Associates  Design-Builder, a successful custom home building company.  In this episode, we discuss historic buildings, Akron's media presence, and, of course, favorite bands! Listen Thursday, August 8, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode, Bob and Nick visit with the very fun and accomplished Marti Jones and Don Dixon. Marti has had a long career as a singer, making numerous solo albums after her beginnings with Akron band Color Me Gone. Currently she is focusing on her first artistic love, painting. Musician Don Dixon is most known for his influential production work on such key “jangle pop” records as REM's Murmer and Reckoning, The Smithereens, Chris Stamey, and many others. Don also shares the story of how he ALMOST was the producer of Nirvana's Nevermind! Together, they are a very fun and fascinating duo, and a great interview! Listen Thursday, August 1, at 10 pm to The Summit FM, 91.3, or check it out later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, YouTube, SoundCloud- or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks Brad Savage) ...

With Susan Schmidt Horning, Debbie Smith-Cahan, and Rich Roberts Bob and Nick are celebrating our 50th* episode on The Summit FM with three guests we've been trying to wrangle together since the beginning!  In this 2nd episode of a two-parter, we move on from the Poor Girls to the legendary Chi-Pig, as Rich Roberts joins Sue and Debbie to create one of the most fun and innovative bands to ever come from Akron - or Beyond! Listen this Thursday, July 18 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks Brad Savage!) * Well, somewhere around 50! Maybe a little beyond that number now….

With Susan Schmidt Horning, Debbie Smith-Cahan, and Rich Roberts Bob and Nick are celebrating our 50th* episode on The Summit FM with three guests we've been trying to wrangle together since the beginning!  Sue and Debbie were members of the historic, all-female rock group The Poor Girls in the mid-late 1960's, opening for bands like Cream and Steppenwolf.  In this first of a two-parter, we look back at story of this unique band. Listen this Thursday, July 11, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks Brad Savage!) * Well, somewhere around 50! Maybe a little beyond that number now….

Matt Anthony 8:26 AM (20 minutes ago)     to me                     Matt Anthony   Digital Media Producer The Summit FM 309 Woolf Ave. Akron, OH 44312 330-761-3096 matt@thesummit.fm “Hangin' with Chad” You hear him daily on the air playing a wide variety of great (and new) tunes on The Summit FM.  And if you go to a cool concert, it's very likely that you'll see him there as well.  No one loves bands and artists more than Music Director Chad Miller. On this episode, Nick and Bob dig deep into Chad's career, his favorite musicians, and his irrepressible love of the local concert scene. Just what makes Chad Miller tick?  Listen and find out! Tune in Thursday, June 13 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or listen later anytime in Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

One of the most important bands to emerge from Akron is The Bizarros.  Making records that bridged hard rock to a proto-punk sound, their influence proved important to many bands, and has been regularly noted in such seminal chronicles of American punk rock as Clinton Heylin's “From the Velvets to the Voidoids” and Jon Savages' “England's Dreaming”, and numerous LP and CD compilations. FROM AKRON's own Nick Nicholis was and is the singer and lyricist of the band, who along with Jerry Parkins, Don Parkins, and Martyn Flunoy are still rockin', playing gigs and recording new music. We also pay tribute to original member, the late Terry Walker. In this episode, we go deep into their history, inspirations, and the bond that's kept them going for nearly fifty years. We'll also be playing some of their most noteworthy songs, along with some surprising deep cuts. This is a special episode - Don't miss it! Listen this Thursday, June 6, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

  From his large studio in Canal Place, John Comunale has created sculptural art that has come to define many of Akron's public places. In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with John about his earliest artistic inspirations, his obsession with working with metals, how he created some of his best known works, and frankly discuss the challenges of the life of an artist. This is a fascinating episode, don't miss it! Listen this Thursday, May 30, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

A mainstay of the Northeast Ohio Music Scene (and beyond!), Marc Lee Shannon has done it all. From being a West Coast session musician, to his many years with Michael Stanley, to his long  and rewarding career as a bandleader and solo artist, Marc has many stories to share.  And probably none are more rewarding than those regarding his commitment to the sober life and helping others in recovery. In fact, there are so many great stories that Bob and Nick need two episodes to even touch the surface! Listen to Part 2 on Thursday, May 23 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, and now on YouTube - Or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage) (E47)

A mainstay of the Northeast Ohio Music Scene (and beyond!), Marc Lee Shannon has done it all. From being a West Coast session musician, to his many years with Michael Stanley, to his long  and rewarding career as a bandleader and solo artist, Marc has many stories to share.  And probably none are more rewarding than those regarding his commitment to the sober life and helping others in recovery. In fact, there are so many great stories that Bob and Nick need two episodes to even touch the surface! Listen to Part 1 on Thursday, May 16 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, and now on YouTube - Or wherever you get your podcasts! (E46)

If there's one person in the local music scene who is a Rock Star, it's Akron's own Jeff Hardy. None other than critic Chuck Klosterman has compared him to Marc Bolan. ‘Nuff said! He's known for numerous bands, including CD Truth, Zero Defex, and, of course, the World's Greatest Christmas Band, Missile Toe.   In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Jeff about his early years, his many bands, future projects, the struggles and fun of the Rock Life - and you won't be surprised - it's a lot of fun.  Don't miss this one! Listen this Thursday, May 2, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage) 

Whether shredding on guitar, or writing a song a day, no musician in Akron currently is busier or more accomplished than Dave Rich. Not surprisingly, he is the 2024 Arts Alive Award Winner for Outstanding Artist in Music! In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Dave about his early inspirations, and his work with the legendary band Houseguest, Surf Rock dynamos The Beyonderers, and his current project, supergroup Dave Rich and The Enablers (who are enabling his prolific output of new songs). And, we also discuss the important work that Dave does in the Recovery community as Director for Strategic Initiatives at BrightView. It's a great episode - Don't miss it! Listen Thursday, April 18, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, and now on YouTube - Wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

A major component of the Downtown Akron area is, of course, the University of Akron. And a key player in the planning and design aspects is Jason Segedy.  An Akronite through and through, in this episode Nick and Bob learn about Jason's love and long involvement with our community.   After many years as planning director for the City of Akron, Jason is now Planning Manager for the University of Akron, his main focus currently being the renovation of the landmark Polsky Buliding. Lots of good stories and hope in this episode! Listen on Thursday, March 28, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

Nick and Bob have been doing our From Akron & Beyond show for over a year now, always with Program Director and Afternoon Host Brad Savage in the studio with us, making sure the microphones work, adding the right music, and editing out (most of) our flubs…. But just Who IS this Brad guy?  What's his story? Exactly what do we REALLY KNOW about this guy? So, on this episode, we begin our ”Inside The Summit FM Series”, with an in depth interview with guest Brad Savage! And don't forget - This is Pledge Week at The Summit FM!  This is the perfect time to renew (or begin) your membership to your favorite radio station! Listen this Thursday, March 21, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!  

Located at 923 Bank Street in Akron is one of the coolest places in town - The Bomb Shelter.   A truly unique store, the Bomb Shelter sells (and buys) all sorts of vintage items, from clothes, to furniture, to vinyl albums, to… Well, frankly everything! In this episode, Nick and Bob chat with Bomb Shelter owner Kevin Royer, and discuss his devotion to preserving Akron's history, the joys (and perils) of collecting, and how Kevin got into such an interesting business in the first place. Tune into The Summit FM, 91.3, this Thursday, March 14 at 10 pm, or listen anytime later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage!)

From the late glory days of newspapers to the internet, Malcolm Abram has been writing about local and national music scenes for decades.  First known to Northeast Ohio readers from his work at the Akron Beacon Journal, he now is a Music and Entertainment writer for Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer. In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Malcolm about his career, and how the news and music industries have radically changed over the years. Lots of insights - and great stories! Tune in to The Summit FM, 91.3, this Thursday, March 7 at 10 pm, or listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage!)  

In this episode, Nick and Bob pay tribute to some notable musicians whom you may - or may not - realize were from right here in Akron.  Some surprises, and a lot of great music! Tune in to The Summit FM, 91.3 this Thursday, February 29, at 10 pm, or listen later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud (for complete songs), or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage!)

The homegrown Akron company, EarthQuaker Devices has become world-renowned for their innovative and quality guitar and effects pedals.  Founded in 2004 by Jamie Stillman and Julie Robbins, their products are used and highly valued by musicians such as Paul Simon, Coldplay, the Black Keys, among thousands of others. In this episode, Nick and Bob visit with CEO Julie Robbins.  We learn about their history, innovative pedals, community involvement, and plans for the future. An Akron phenomenon, they have truly “gone beyond” to amazing success. Tune in to The SummitFM, 91.3, this Thursday, February 22, at 10 pm, or later listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage!)

In this episode, Bob and Nick visit with Howard Parr, Executive Director of the historic Akron Civic Theatre.   A beautiful living landmark of Akron's Downtown, we discuss its fascinating past and it's vibrant present and promising future. There are many interesting anecdotes and funny stories along the way! Tune In Thursday, February 15 at 10 pm to The Summit FM, 91.3, or check it out later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud , or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)                 

Mark Windt, born in Cleveland, later a resident of Holland, and now back in Ohio, performs under the name Kramies.  Have you heard of him?  We hadn't. But Patrick Carney of the Black Keys has. So has Jason Lytle of Grandaddy. Kramies has performed with Spiritualized, Yo La Tengo, and Calexico, and currently is on tour with Tyler Ramsey of Band Of Horses.   In this episode, Bob and Nick visit with Kramies, learn about his interesting career and listen to some of his evocative dream pop.  And we discuss the current weirdness of the music business, how difficult and yet simultaneously easy it is to develop an audience, and get your music heard. Note: Kramies is also a very funny fellow, and this is a particularly interesting episode! Tune in Thursday, February 8, at 10 pm to The Summit FM, 91.3, or listen anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

The Nightlight Cinema is a true gem in Downtown Akron. Showing acclaimed new films, interspersed with occasional classics and popular favorites from the past, the Nightlight provides the most comfortable and enjoyable theatre experience a movie lover could hope for.  In this episode, our guest is Jenn Kidd, Executive Director of the Nightlight Cinema. We learn about Jenn's background and career, the founding of the Nightlight, and challenges faced running an indie theatre.  And we celebrate their remarkable success, which has resulted in an exciting campaign to have a second screen at the Nightlight!  

In this episode, we pay another visit with historian and archivist Calvin Rydbom, this time with a focus on historical and iconic buildings from the industrial era of Akron.   Listen this Thursday, January 25 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage!)

What are your all-time favorite albums?  For music geeks, this is an impossible question to answer.  And yet…. It's fun to try! In this episode, Bob and Nick dig deep into this futile task, and each conjure up their own respective Top 10 Lists.  Is there some competition at play?  Absolutely! And now, after leaving the first half with five albums to go (that's called a “cliffhanger”), here's Part 2 of our two-parter, and a lot of fun. Play along at home! Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3 on Thursday, January 18 at 10 pm, or anytime later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

What are your all-time favorite albums?  For music geeks, this is an impossible question to answer.  And yet…. It's fun to try! In this episode, Bob and Nick dig deep into this futile task, and each conjure up their own respective Top 10 Lists.  Is there some competition at play?  Absolutely! This is the first of a two-parter, and a lot of fun. Play along at home! Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3 on Thursday, January 11 at 10 pm, or anytime later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

NIck and Bob are back with new shows!  For our first one for 2024, we are visited by rap artist Floco Torres.  One of the most dynamic and engaging performers working today, in this episode we dig deep into Floco ‘s roots and inspirations, learn more about his solo and Free Black projects, and get his insights on the challenges faced by independent musicians in the marketplace.  Available to listen on The Summit FM, 91.3, Thursday, January  at 10 pm or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

It's that Most (insert adjective that applies to you) Time Of The Year!  Bob (Cratchet) and  (Saint) Nick happen to love the Yuletide, and for this episode have each chosen some seasonal favorites, and in the spirit of generosity have invited Brad Savage to join in on the fun with a song of his own ! Listen this Thursday, 12/21 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts! Also, this special episode will be repeated on Christmas Day, December 25! We hope you enjoy the holiday season.

What role does public art play in our community?  It can beautify, and while sometimes be subtle, other times it can challenge and inspire. In this episode, Nick and Bob speak with two persons directly involved in these creative issues.  From the Massillon Museum of Art, Executive Director Alexandria Nicholis Coon and Operations Officer (and artist) Scot Phillips discuss the planning, creation, and implementation of public art in our community.

  We left the first part of our terrific discussion with Christopher Butler just as we were getting to his joining Tin Huey (call it a “cliffhanger”!).     Part 2 begins there, moves on to his successful creation of (and adventures with) The Waitresses, and ultimately ends up with his many current projects, his support of the local music scene, and his new studio and arts space in Kenmore.      More great stories and interesting insights - Don't miss it!   You can listen this Thursday, 8/31 at 10 pm on The Summit FM 91.3, or later anytime on Apple, Google, Spotify, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

 On this episode, Nick and Bob are visited by the internationally renowned collector and seller of rare photographs and manuscripts, Akron's own Andrew Cahan.  An accomplished photographer himself, Andy shares interesting anecdotes about his encounters with the famous and not so famous, though none surpass the story of his own career and the fascinating paths it's taken him on. Listen at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

The Kenmore area of Akron has a long and storied history, but in recent years, it had fallen on hard times.  But currently, due to the tireless efforts of community activists and a vibrant arts scene, Kenmore is thriving. How did such a transformation come about? In this episode, we talk with Tina Brode Boyes, Jim Ballard, and Corey Jenkins, all who have been at the forefront of the Kenmore Renaissance.  A story of hope, that can be applied to other areas.  Don't miss this compelling episode! Listen this Thursday, 11/30 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode 26:  “Tales of the Rock & Roll Life with Frank Secich” On this episode, we welcome consummate rocker Frank Secich, as he regales us with stories from his days playing with the innovative Youngstown power pop band Blue Ash, the Dead Boys, Stiv Bators Band, Club Wow and the Deadbeat Poets. Many of these stories can be found in Frank's two excellent memoirs: CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE and his brand new NOT THAT WAY ANYMORE (both highly recommended!). Listen this Thursday, 11/16 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or any time as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud , or wherever you get your podcasts!  

Big news! The FROM AKRON & BEYOND Podcast with Bob Ethington and Nick Nicholis is now available on all platforms!   Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google, SoundCloud - You name it!   Thanks to The Summit FM and all of our listeners for making this happen.  How better than to celebrate than with a two-parter featuring….. Chris Butler, Part 1 Christopher Butler, a true polymath - songwriter, producer, guitarist, drummer, known for his work with Tin Huey, The Waitresses, Half Cleveland, and far too many projects to mention here…. But we cover them all (or try to!) in these next two episodes.  Great stories, terrific insights, don't miss these! Thursday, 8/24, at 10 pm on The Summit FM 91.3, then available as a podcast on ALL PLATFORMS!

In this special episode (the second of another two-parter!), Bob and Nick are joined by Jade Dellinger and Bob Lewis.  Jade is co-author (with David Giffels of the definitive history THE BEGINNING WAS THE END: DEVO IN OHIO - and Bob Lewis was there at the beginning.  In fact, much of the worldview and philosophy of the band, the very theory of De-Evolution, was formed by Bob Lewis, which ultimately resulted in a major lawsuit.  In this episode, we get a rare and revealing firsthand account of one of the most innovative bands of the last 50 years! Tune in to The Summit FM, 91.3 this Thursday, November 9 at 10 pm, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this special episode (the first of another two-parter!), Bob and Nick are joined by Jade Dellinger and Bob Lewis.  Jade is co-author (with David Giffels) of the definitive history THE BEGINNING WAS THE END: DEVO IN OHIO - and Bob Lewis was there at the beginning.  In fact, much of the worldview and philosophy of the band, the very theory of De-Evolution, was formed by Bob Lewis, which ultimately resulted in a major lawsuit.  In this episode, we get a rare and revealing firsthand account of one of the most innovative bands of the last 50 years! Tune in to The Summit 91.3 this Thursday, November 2 at 10 pm, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode, Bob and Nick take a trip down the Memory Lane of Hell as we reminisce about shows we played that went terribly wrong, or gigs we attended that went completely off the rails…..  Available anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts!