Head "South of the Border"
Get What You Crave... in Akron

Why not shake off those shivers and get what you crave? There is nothing like a mini-adventure to slough off those post-holiday, pre-spring ho-hums. A trip south of the Cleveland border will warm your belly and fire your musical interest with a fusion of good food and passionate music.

The Akron Art Museum is a state of the art destination that warrants exploration not only because of its spectacular architecture, and first-rate exhibitions, but the museum's hot new musical programming is just what you need to warm up to a cool new venue. If you are overstuffed with commercialized, redundant formats spun off by radio jocks through a revolving door of same-stuff different-day tunes, this is a station switch you can love.

And you can combine your trip with a walk across the street to Crave, a local publication's "Reader's Choice" for best eatery and you have an evening that will take the bitter chill off and leave you "craving more." Co-owners and chefs Aaron Hervey and Deanna Akers always have some inventive delights in store for you.

I have never heard of a boring or sub-par meal served at Crave. It is one of my personal favorites for a foray into offbeat tastes that are homey and, just plain Mmmmmm! Even their website is a visual feast -- seductive and tempting. The same perfection is creatively carved into the casual, classy decor that surrounds you during your dining experience here.

My New Years prediction for others: you'll love this change of pace. Between the Akron Art Museum and Crave, you get a taste of the “best appetizers,” “best bar,” and “best new restaurant in Northern Ohio” tucked into a blossoming historic district. (Crave's home was built in 1870, as a doctor’s office, and later was home to the University of Akron Law School). Be sure to check out their website and see for yourself what the chatter is all about at http://www.EatDrinkCrave.com.

The awe-inspiring Art Museum is the grand dame of the historic district. Traversing the architectural designs of three centuries, the sleek shimmer of the 2007 addition hones the stark glass and steel structure artistically with the historic stately building that originally was the Akron Post Office erected in 1899.

So unique is its visual impression, the building received the 2005 American Architecture Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, before its completion in 2007. The radical nature of blending the deep red brick, and Italian Renaissance revival style of 1899 with the futuristic structure of today, is a stunning visual presence that is a striking and fitting venue for the innovative new musical concert series, FUSE.

Described as, “A program for the culturally adventurous,” this three-concert music forum will take place in the museum’s intimate 160-seat Charles and Jane Lehner Auditorium, giving an intimate, and personal feel to each performance.”

Aptly named, the FUSE series, much like the blend of the historic and the modern architecture, the series captures and defines a unique musical style. The performers defy the boundaries of classical music weaving together art, music, and multimedia. This is a musical experience that spans the range of artistic expression.

In a time of cultural cut backs, the collaborative efforts of two of Akron’s largest art organizations -- The Akron Art Museum, and The Tuesday Musical Association -- have cleverly set a model for orchestrating programs that bridge a variety of artistic disciplines to the delight of regional audiences.

Kudos go to each group of performers who have committed to educational community outreach programs, while in Akron. These will be directed to students at the college, high school, and middle school levels.

The FUSE series started at the end of January New York’s ETHEL “a string quartet of Juilliard School of Music alumni fueled by fiery passion and contemporary vision.” It continues this coming Thursday, March 5 with cellist Maya Beiser (pictured above). Described by the The New Yorker as a "cello goddess,” she is known for her unique virtuosity, unusual concert presentations and her eclectic repertoire. Hear an example of her extraordinary work on youtube via this link and then explore her official website at: http://MayaBeiser.com.

The final concert in the three part FUSE series will be presented Thursday, April 30, 2009 with SÔ Percussion. The group formed at the Yale School of Music. The Village Voice calls SÔ Percussion a “NYC experimental powerhouse.” The four musicians have received international acclaim, including performances at the Lincoln Center Festival, and Carnegie Hall. Visit SÔ Percussion’s official website at: http://SOpercussion.com.

A special cocktail reception will be held in the museum’s Beatrice Knapp McDowell Grand Lobby, following each performance. Audience members will have the opportunity to interact with the musicians at each event. Limited reserve seating is available for each performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 330-376-9185 or visit http://www.AkronArtMuseum.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Deb Dockery dddockeryATaol.com
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