Arts & Entertainment
Get Out: Watch Rollergirls and March Madness
See aggresive rollerskating, basketball tourneys and country hall of famers in the Kent area this weekend
Spring is in the air with March Madness basketball tournaments and the season opener for the Rubber City Rollergirls.
While Kent State University students may be leaving town for the upcoming spring break week, remember there are still plenty of things to do close by. There are local musicians to beckon you as well as beer & wine fundraisers.
1. NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
Find out what's happening in Kentwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where/When: Quicken Loans Arena, One Center Court, Cleveland,
Friday March 18th. Two sessions of two games apiece. First game starts 2:10 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Kentwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Sunday March 20th. Gametimes TBD.
Why Go: These games are part of the early rounds of the national championship tournament for Division I men's college basketball. Fans from around the country will be coming to Cleveland to support their teams at games being televised nationally. This weekend's schedule at Quicken Loans Arena is part of the East Regional bracket. Attend the games or mingle with fans at the bars and restaurants in Downtown Cleveland. The two Ohio colleges playing at The Q this weekend are Ohio State University and Xavier. The tournament starts every spring in March in different parts of the country and has occured since 1939. This year for the first time, the event features 68 teams at the start.
Pricing: Various prices and availability. Go to theqarena.com for details.
Also, our beloved Kent State Golden Flashes are playing the Fairfield Stags this weekend in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), a different national men's college basketball tournament held yearly as well. That game is Sunday March 2o, in Fairfield, CT, at 12:30 p.m. A hearty road trip, indeed. Limited tickets available. Contact kentstatesports.com for ticketing details and links.
Where/When: John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron
Saturday March 19th. Doors open at 4 p.m., first bout at 5 p.m.
Why Go: Determined local women on skates battle visiting teams at a roller rink near you. This classic American event features real teamwork, coordination and a will to win. You may see a flying rollergirl or an elbow to the jaw!
Pricing: Adults $9 advance, $13 door. Kids 12 & under $5 advance, $6 door.
3. Beer & Wine Fundraiser
Where/When: Kent,
Saturday March 19th., 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: This is a watershed awareness and local beer & wine fundraiser for the upcoming 5th Anuual Who's Your Momma Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival. There will be local food, organic pies, beer sampling, wine tasting, local musicians, short films, discussion and fun.
Pricing: Donations please, with a request of $20
4. Tropidelic opening for Groovesmith
Where/When: , 4962 State Route 43,
Saturday March 19, 8 p.m.
Why Go: These local musicians will make you get up and move to the beat as their sounds take you closer to summer. Also on the lineup: A-Rock, Amotions and Mr. 101.
Pricing: 21 & Over $5, Unders $8
5. Ashley Brooke Toussant opens for Don Williams
Where/When: Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron,
Tuesday March 22., 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: The unique and angelic voice of local musician Ashley Brooke Toussant is sweet. To have a chance to see her and the internationally recognized Don Williams on one playbill is a sure treat. Williams is a 2010 inductee to The Country Music Hall of Fame. He has 40 top 10 hits. Williams has invited Toussant to open another show for him in West Virgina. The sound dynamics in the beautiful Akron Civic Theatre will work well with these artists. It is a show you don't want to miss.
Pricing: $59 and $41