“This is about original music,” Kirby states in a press release announcing the showcase’s expansion to Jilly’s Music Room in Akron. “There has been a huge investment in sports, food, and breweries, but music has not found the same level of support. It’s time for that to happen in Northeast Ohio.”
Ten performers play three songs each, two are required to be original, and the third can be an original or cover.
“It’s a performance opportunity, a place to try new songs, invite others onstage, and create some musical moments that are the whole reason us musicians write and play,” says Kirby. “Over the years, I have seen relationships made at the 10 x 3 between musicians and supporters that have spilled over into other aspects of what people do. It’s about connecting people, which is why I think the Akron/Cleveland kinship is so important.”
Kirby will host the Akron 10 x 3 on the first and third Wednesdays while local songwriters Jason Meyers and Ray Flanagan will trade off hosting the Cleveland 10 x 3.
The first show at Jilly’s will take place on Jan. 3 with Kirby as the host.
This article appears in Dec 20-26, 2017.
