![The Akron Symphony Orchestra presents it final "Outside Voices" concert at Forest Lodge Park on Sunday. [Dale Dong Photography]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c8af2fa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1333+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F8%2F10%2FASO%20Parks%20Concert%2021.jpeg)
Northeast Ohio’s arts scene is still hot even as the school year creeps closer in view. From a free Akron Symphony outdoor to Massillon Museum’s “Fun Fest,” here are five events to look out for this week.
'Outside Voices' Concert Series
The final performance of the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s “ Outside Voices” concert series is Sunday, August 15, 7:30 p.m., at Forest Lodge Park. The series aims to highlight the music of underrepresented composers, and this concert features the works of Scott Joplin, David Amram, W.C. Handy, John Philip Sousa and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit on during the performance. Food and beverages are available for purchase from a local vendor.
River Gallery Artist Reception
River Gallery hosts an opening reception for its latest exhibitions on Saturday, August 14, 3 – 7 p.m. Painter Bess Rodriguez and wood turner and carver Mike Nathal, whose works are on display through September 25, will be at the reception to meet attendees and answer questions. Nathal is a former metallurgical engineer from NASA Glenn Research Center, and he is now a self-taught word carver and turner. Rodriguez’s colorful painting are inspired by the vibrant surrounding in Mexico City, where she lived as a child.
Jamey Haddad Quartet
BOP STOP at the Music Settlement hosts Jamey Haddad Quartet on Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. Haddad will be joined by Leo Blanco on piano, Kip Reed on bass and Chris Coles on reeds. The concert will also be available to livestream through BOP STOP’s Facebook page.
'Botanical Voices'
Transition Galley at Summit ArtSpace opens “ Botanical Voices,” a solo mixed-media exhibition by Helen Wilson on Saturday, August 14, at 2 p.m. Wilson will explain her creative process and sources of inspiration at the opening. Her tactile and colorful work incorporates many mediums to tell her story.
Mass Mu's Fun Fest
Massillon Museum presents “ Fun Fest,” a summer celebration featuring family-friendly games, trucks, contests, arts and crafts and more. The fest is Saturday, August 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will be centered at Duncan Plaza in downtown Massillon.