Todd Rundgren with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Akron Youth Symphony

Classic rocker Todd Rundgren has been popular in these parts throughout his entire career. Even when the singer-guitarist released weirdly conceptual albums such as 1973’s A Wizard/A True Star, he could still count on Cleveland fans to care. Rundgren, who just played in town at the end of the last year when he held down a two-night stand at the Agora, has a reputation as a consummate producer (he’s the guy turning knobs on albums such as Meat Loaf’s Bat out of Hell and XTC’s Skylarking) and has enough hits in his own catalogue (recognizable tunes include the poppy “Hello It’s Me” and the sporting event anthem “Bang the Drum All Day”) to keep more conservative classic rock fans happy. For tonight’s show, the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Akron Youth Symphony will join him, making it the first time he’s performed with a youth orchestra. Tomorrow night, he’ll play the “hits” in a solo performance at the Kent Stage. (Niesel)