WARREN, Ohio – Ernie Haase and Signature Sound will come to Packard Music Hall on Tuesday, April 8, for a 7 p.m. concert.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased in advance at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 330 841 2931.

For two decades, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound have been sharing songs of hope around the world in four-part harmony. “Decades of Love” showcases the group’s unique arrangements of some of the world’s most romantic standards, such as “It Had to Be You,” “Blue Moon” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

The concert is part of the 2024-25 Warren Civic Music Association series. The final concert of the series will be Louie Prima Jr. and the Witnesses on May 1.

Whatta-Potato Coming to Eastwood Mall

NILES, Ohio – Whatta-Potato, a new eatery specializing in loaded potatoes, is coming to Eastwood Mall. 

Located in the JCPenney concourse near Center Court, the shop will officially open for business at 10:30 a.m. March 25. The first 15 customers will get a free T-shirt.

Owner India Hogans, a Mahoning Valley resident, has been a nurse for the past 20 years but is finally turning her lifelong passion for cooking into a reality. 

“I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant that wasn’t too small or too big, that offered a unique product,” Hogans said. “Whatta-Potato is the perfect size, offering a delicious and customizable experience that will keep people coming back for more.” 

Whatta-Potato offers a loaded-potato-made-your-way concept, allowing customers to choose their toppings or select from the menu of signature creations.

Lisik to Release ‘Goodnight, Detroit’

AKRON, Ohio – Brian Lisik will release “Goodnight, Detroit” – a limited-edition vinyl release of a summer 2024 show at Trixie’s Bar in Hamtramck, Mich. – on Record Store Day, April 12.

The 12-song release is an unvarnished and incendiary 45-minute trek through the Akron rocker’s most high-octane tunes, kicking off with “Another Friday Night” from the 2016 Brian Lisik and the Unfortunates release “We’re Sorry …” and continuing through “Billy The Kid,” from his most recent studio release, 2023’s “Nu Wreckard.”

Lisik and his band will celebrate the release of “Goodnight, Detroit” with a Record Store Day performance at 12:30 p.m. at Hollow Bone Records, 2721 W. Market St., Akron.

Open Mic to Raise Funds for Pink Out Fest 

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Pink Out Mahoning Valley, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, will present an open-mic fundraising event at 6 p.m. May 15 at JR’z Pub, 1722 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown. 

Performers can start signing up at 5:30 p.m.

The event will include a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle. Donations can be dropped off at JR’z Pub during regular business hours. To have your donation picked up at your business, email pinkoutmahoningvalley@gmail.com or call 330 978 1702. 

Proceeds will be used to help pay for costs associated with the annual Pink Out Mahoning Valley music festival. This year’s music festival will take place Oct. 5 at Austintown Township Park, 6000 Kirk Road. The free event, now in its third year, features live bands, vendors and other activities.

The music festival itself is not a fundraising event, but rather a gathering of those whose lives have been touched by cancer and those who want to support them. 

For information about sponsorship opportunities or to be considered as a vendor, email pinkoutmahoningvalley@gmail.com.

Historic Preservation Awards Seeks Nominees 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is accepting nominations for its  annual Historic Preservation Awards for outstanding building revitalization projects and the people who have made an impact on preservation. 

Call-for-entry details are being sent to members and various businesses, organizations, government offices and individuals across the Mahoning Valley. After a judging process is completed in May, which is National Historic Preservation Month, award winners will be recognized during the historical society’s 150th annual meeting in June.

MVHS has recognized more than 70 projects and individuals since the awards began in 2005. This year, digital submissions must be received by April 25. All complete entries will be judged by a special panel of local experts in early May. Winning submissions will include property owners, project designers/managers or individuals who have made significant accomplishments in local preservation, along with their nominators. Eligible projects must have been completed by March 1, 2025.

For information, contact Lindsay Samblanet at lsamblanet@mahoninghistory.org or 330 881 8933.

For details and a submission form, go to MahoningHistory.org.

Carole King and James Taylor Tribute Show

WARREN, Ohio – The Carole King & James Taylor Story, a tribute show, will come to the Robins Theatre on May 21 for an 8 p.m. performance.

Tickets are $35 and $25 and will go on sale Friday, March 28, at RobinsTheatre.com and at the box office, 160 E. Market St.

Tab Benoit Coming to Robins Theatre

WARREN, Ohio – Blues artist Tab Benoit will bring his “I Hear Thunder” tour to the Robins Theatre on Oct. 25 for an 8 p.m. concert.

The opening act is JD Simo.

Tickets range from $30 to $55 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

“I Hear Thunder” marks the long-awaited return of the four-time Grammy-nominated artist. 

Pictured at top: Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.