Good morning, Portage County. As Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" dominates IMAX screens nationwide, Akron's art scene is launching its own cosmic exploration. The Akron Soul Train gallery is set to become our own artistic mission control, where four local visionaries probe the depths of grief, space, and even April's upcoming solar eclipse through groundbreaking installations that prove creativity knows no bounds.
While our eyes turn skyward, our wallets remain firmly earthbound as Summit County grocery bills have rocketed up 36% since 2017. But before you can say "economic gravity," there's a blast from the past heading our way – Barenaked Ladies are bringing their "Last Summer on Earth Tour" to Blossom, with Sugar Ray and Fastball in tow. Nothing like a dose of 90s nostalgia to help the rising food prices go down just a little smoother.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎨 Akron artists explore grief, space, and solar eclipses in groundbreaking exhibition. The Akron Soul Train gallery presents three distinct installations featuring the work of four local artists running February 26 through April 5, 2025. Davon Brantley's paintings dive deep into personal grief through vibrant colors and dramatic self-portraits, while choreographer Elyse Morckel and cinematographer Denzel Washington premiere "Wanderlust Blue," a dance film exploring humanity's place in the universe. Artist Matt Kurtz rounds out the exhibition with a unique sound installation capturing the magic of April's total solar eclipse through a perfectly-timed percussion performance. The free public opening reception takes place February 28, welcoming art enthusiasts to experience these innovative works.
💰 Grocery bills soar 36% in Summit County since 2017. The average weekly food budget for one person has jumped from $64 to $93 for three daily meals. Shoppers can fight rising costs through programs like Produce Perks, which matches SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at participating stores and farmers markets. Experts recommend buying seasonal produce to freeze or can, planning meals carefully, and sticking to store brands. Smart shopping strategies include filling carts with fresh items from the store perimeter and seeking protein alternatives like beans and tofu.
🎸 90s icons Barenaked Ladies announce summer tour stop at Blossom. The Canadian alt-rock band will bring their "Last Summer on Earth Tour" to Cleveland on August 1, 2025, with Sugar Ray and Fastball as opening acts. The multiplatinum group, known for hits like "One Week" and "The Big Bang Theory" theme song, continues their tradition of nostalgia-packed summer tours. VIP packages and presales begin February 11-12, with general ticket sales launching February 14 through Live Nation. The 38-date tour features the band's current lineup of Ed Robertson, Jim Creeggan, Tyler Stewart, and Kevin Hearn.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious ranch ideal for families: This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home is listed at $219,900 and sits on nearly an acre, featuring a heated garage with a workshop, a fire pit under a pergola, and pull-through garage access. Perfect for families or teachers, it combines unique functionality with comfortable living near local schools.
Log home on spacious acreage: Nestled on 12.33 acres in Edinburg Township, this charming log home, priced at $449,900, features 3 bedrooms, a cozy sunroom, and a barn equipped for fish hatching adventures.
Gorgeous ranch on generous land: This gorgeous brick ranch, priced at $349,900, offers over 1.5 acres of land, 2400 sq ft of well-maintained living space, and features like a spacious living room with a gas fireplace and a sunny sunroom. Perfect for those seeking a solid home with a blend of comfort and style.