The place to be on the first Saturday night of August is The Ohio Theatre and Event Center. The newly revitalized theatre recently installed several lighting and sound equipment upgrades and also obtained a liquor license. The August 1st concert will showcase the new setup.
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Headlining the event is Jack and the Bear, a folk rock band from Michigan known for their theatrical presence and eclectic style. Also on the bill is local favorite, Shmotel, a band that can do what few bands since Morphine in the 80s could do, completely rock out while innovatively incorporating the saxophone. Their unique sound and presence is a must see. Opening the show is Ben Barefoot, leader of another great local band, Ben Barefoot and the Handshakes, will kick off the night with a solo set of indie originals.
Larry Meyer, volunteer committee member at The Ohio Theatre and Event Center, is assisting with the coordination of the event.
“A good friend and neighbor who was involved asked me if I wanted to get involved as well, particularly to focus on music projects,” Meyer said.
Meyer has a love of both live music and old buildings, so working on this project was a natural fit. He took one look at The Ohio Theatre and could see the potential.
A special venture
“The theatre was built in 1921 and it was considered ‘the neighborhood theatre.’ It was a movie house, primarily. It has been rescued by United North, which is a nonprofit community development corporation, as part of their effort to revitalize the neighborhood. Recently, some grant money was received, specified for equipment and lighting upgrades and get a new PA system,” Meyer stated.
“One interesting thing is the size of the venue. It’s 600 seats. There are only a handful of other spaces in town that can host crowds at that level, “ Meyer said.
Currently, in Toledo, performers have the option of playing small bar venues or a big downtown arena. The Ohio Theatre offers an attractive midsize option.
“We’ll see how funding allows to put on more shows, but the goal is to get this option out there in hopes of striking up relationships with third concert party promoters that want to come in and rent the theatre and put on a show,” Meyer said. “We’re looking forward to music and in this case, contemporary indie rock music, being part of the mix at the theatre from this point forward.”
The August 1st show will be a night of original music in a beautiful venue. Don’t miss this unique experience. Be there.
The Ohio Theatre and Event Center presents Jack and the Bear with special guests Shmotel and Ben Barefoot.
All ages. 8pm Saturday, August 1. $8/advance, $10/door.
Ohio Theatre and Event Center, 3114 Lagrange St.
419-720-8952. ohiotheatretoledo.org or at the office of United North, located next to the theater at 3106 Lagrange St.
For more information about the event, contact Larry Meyer at [email protected]
