Julie Johnson sometimes spends as much as 14 hours in a bar. As co-producer of The Show, she books a club, sets up cameras, and invites customers to watch the action unfold. "Although most everything is taped in the Akron-Cleveland area, we feature a skit from somewhere out of state," says Johnson, who plans to premiere the half-hour comedy and music program on WAX-TV 35 on Sunday nights next month. At a June taping with hosts Robin Stone, Adam Matthews, and a cast of regulars, pop-rockers the Kismets and Alexis Antes performed; skits included a take on ninja-style karate. This weekend, the bill includes swing-poppers King Dapper Combo, Celtic rockers the Mickeys, and punk-rock belly dancers. "When we tape, good music in any genre is the top priority," says Johnson. "And skit comedy with music mingled in makes sense." The Show tapes at 8 p.m. Saturday at Legends Sports Club, 1840 Town Park Boulevard in Green. It's free. Call 330-896-4433 for info. -- Cris Glaser
Angry American
THU 9/16
Toby Keith takes shit from no one . . . especially from the ladies. He came down hard on the Dixie Chicks last year for their anti-Dubya stance. The country superstar closes the season at Blossom Music Center (1145 West Steels Corners Road in Cuyahoga Falls) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $32.75 and $64.75, available by calling 216-241-5555. -- Michael Gallucci
Not Your Grandma's Swing
SAT 9/18
The Cherry Poppin' Daddies headline Saturday's Swing Time Festival. Yet "We unapologetically play ska right in the face of people who want to hear swing," says singer Steve Perry. That bastard! Show time is 4 to 10 p.m. at Lock 3 Live! on Main Street in Akron. Tickets are $10; call 330-253-2488. -- Cris Glaser
