By Melanie Mohler, Everyday Akron team member
The Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival is an annual event that celebrates Akron, Ohio’s rich cultural history as a jazz and blues hub. To learn more about the festival, I chatted with Justin Tibbs, a local musician and the social media and marketing director for the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival.
What is the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival? When and where is it held?
The Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival celebrates Akron’s rich musical heritage and vibrant arts and culture scene, bringing together local, national, and international artists for a weekend of unforgettable performances and insightful discussions. Hosted by Open Tone Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to music education and cultural enrichment, the festival aims to make high-quality music and arts accessible to the entire community.
The Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival is a music festival that has been held in different parts of Downtown Akron since 2014 and is typically held in September. This year’s festival will be held September 5-7th. This will be our 9th year putting on the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival.
Locations for this year’s festival include Blu Jazz+, Akron Main Library, Akron Art Museum Garden, Mustill Store, Musica, Knight Stage, Jilly’s Music Room, and Baxter’s Speakeasy.
Who are some of the musicians that will be performing?
We have an amazing lineup this year. The following artists will be performing:
- Aneesa Strings
- Dan Wilson
- Sean Jones
- Chris Coles’ Love Demon
- Bobby Selvaggio
- Alex Hamburger
- Sam Blakeslee Large Group
- Nathan-Paul & The Admirables
- JT’s Electrik Blackout
- Hubb’s Groove
- Corey Dennison
- Aaron Smith & RDAA
- The Smokeface Band
- Ronell Regis’ Grenada the World
- Community Shoe
- Da Land Brass Band
- The Michael Weber Show
- Jazz Heritage Lil Orchestra
- JJ Johnson Centennial Celebration
- Dan Bruce’s Ohm!
- Abstract Sounds
- Sunny Tabler and the Trapper Keepers
- Barbara Rosene
- Nick Paparone
- Open Tone Music Youth Ensembles.
- DJ Foxytrott
What would you recommend to someone who is attending the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival for the first time?
Go to the festival’s website, Rubbercityjazz.org, check out the lineup, and see which artists interest you. We have a playlist on Spotify (see below) where you can listen to the artists performing.
Anything else people should know about the 2024 Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival?
With the exception of the Aneesa Strings and Dan Wilson concert, the entire festival is free and open to the public. Open Tone Music, the festival’s organizer, encourages the community to support this effort by purchasing tickets for the Aneesa Strings and Dan Wilson concert. There will be music, food, discussion panels, and fun. Don’t miss this unparalleled music and cultural event in the heart of Akron!
The 2024 Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival will be held at various locations throughout Downtown Akron on September 5-7, 2024. For the full festival lineup and schedule, visit rubbercityjazz.org.