Brent Kirby's 10x3 Songwriter/Band Showcase finds a rhythm with an Akron outpost.
Mana the Minimalist stepped onto the Brothers Lounge stage wearing steampunk goggles and talking of time travel. Then he launched into a performance using a homemade synthesizer to create a clash of noise and hip-hop. Uncovering quirky artists like Mana is the fun of Brent Kirby's 10x3 Songwriter/Band Showcase at Brothers. Every Wednesday, 10 predetermined artists each perform three songs with the requirement that only one can be acover. Singer-songwriter Kirby has seen success introducing new artists, fostering collaboration and creating a performance outlet, so in January he expanded the free 10x3 to Musica in Akron for a second Wednesday series. "I knew if I got more musicians in the room,more good stuffwas going to happen," he says. Here's a breakdown of 10x3.
This Month in Akron: A set list of performers
FEB. 3
9 p.m.: Roger Hoover
Set to perform new songs, the bluesy indie-folk artist says the showcase is a great venue for sharing music. "There's a good chance other songwriters are going to be talking about those songs on social media," he says.
10 p.m.: Ray Flanagan
The rocker has spent some showcases playing guitar for four or five people. "I pretty much never know the songs, so I just go off the fly," he says.
FEB. 10
10 p.m.: Kiss Me Deadly
The pop-punk band is working on a 10x3 documentary. "It's where [musicians] get off the couch, where they're crying on their guitar, and they actually get in front of people," says lead singer Jen Poland.
10:20 p.m.: The Gage Brothers
Akron-based Americana band
FEB. 24
Theme night: Opposite sex
Guys and girls flip the script by playing songs from the other team. Past monthly theme nights have included songs about Cleveland or cover a friend's song.
The new AEG-run venue announced a string of shows to celebrate its opening in May. The concerts include performances by MJ Lenderman, Mushroomhead and more. By Annie Nickoloff
