YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The monthly First Friday series will return this week with “Date with an Artist,” an evening of art, culture and community at The Butler Institute of American Art.

The event, which runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, will feature food and drinks and the opportunity to mingle with fellow art lovers in a beautiful setting. It is presented by Youngstown CityScape.

Guests can take a guided tour or go at their own pace, and even show their love for a piece by placing a cutout heart next to it. 

Featured exhibitions at The Butler include:

  • Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.’s “The Art Is on the Wall, Not the Posters.”
  • The Area Artists Annual Exhibition.
  • Charlee Brodsky’s “The Audacity of the Mundane.”
  • Pastel Society of America’s annual exhibition, “Enduring Brilliance!”
  • Sally Weber and Craig Newswanger’s “Entangled Attraction light installation.

Guests will also be able to engage in hands-on activities inspired by some of the exhibits.

Local painter Daniel Rauschenbach will create art live during the event, which will include a cash wine bar, complimentary egg rolls,  charcuterie and soft drinks.

Live music will be provided by violinist Erick Ramos and pianist Aaron White.

Other opportunities for after-work fun can be found near The Butler, including exhibitions at The McDonough Museum of Art and the Solomon Gallery in Bliss Hall. Both buildings are part of Youngstown State University and are across the street from The Butler. The McDonough closes at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The Ward Beecher Planetarium, in Ward Beecher Hall on the YSU campus, will show its “We Are Stars” show for free at 8 p.m.

Scott Stapp to Headline Ribs-N-Rock Fest

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Scott Stapp, the voice of rock band Creed, will headline this year’s Ribs-N-Rock festival in DeBartolo Commons at Southern Park Mall on June 21.

Other musical acts at the festival, which runs from June 19-22, will be announced later.

Admission on June 21 is free until 3 p.m., and $10 afterward.

Sock Hop at St. Michael’s Hall

CAMPBELL, Ohio – Tickets for a Rock Around the Clock, a 1950s-style sock hop, are $25 and available by calling Celeste at 330 755 4256.

The event will take place April 26 at St. Michael’s Hall, 463 Robison Road, and will feature music by Guys Without Ties from 6 to 10 p.m.

Attendees must be at least 21 years old. They can bring appetizers for themselves or their table. Pop, water, mixers, coffee and ice will be available, but guests must bring their own bottle.

Guests can learn The Stroll and other dances from the 1950s and 1960s from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

There will be a hand-jive dance off and a DJ and photo booth.

Cedar Point to Hire 7,000 Seasonal Worker

SANDUSKY, Ohio – Cedar Point will hire 7,000 seasonal associates as it prepares to open for the 2025 season in May. 

The park will start filling those roles during a weeklong hiring blitz Feb. 15-22 as part of a recruiting campaign by Cedar Point’s parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

A variety of positions are available, including food and beverage, ride operators, lifeguards and aquatics, security, hotels, maintenance and other behind the scenes roles.

Hourly pay ranges from $13 to $17 for those who are age 16 or older based on experience, prior service and position. Cedar Point also offers discounts on park food and merchandise, reward and recognition programs, exclusive park events for associates, ride nights, a cafeteria with discounted meals, on-site housing for those who qualify and free admission to any Six Flags park.

Cedar Point will host in-person open house hours at the Cedar Point Hiring & Training Center, 2206 Cleveland Road West in Sandusky, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week. 

Interested candidates will have the ability to apply and get hired the same day. For more details or to apply online, go to CedarPoint.com.

PolishYoungstown Presents Pre-Lenten Party

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The revelry of Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans are legendary, but lesser-known pre-Easter celebrations have taken place for generations in other parts of the world.

Poland is one of those countries, and PolishYoungstown is inviting everyone to its annual Ostatki celebration at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Youngstown Country Club.

The upscale event includes a Polish vodka-tasting. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased at Eventbrite.org.

The entertainment will feature the return of Mazowsze performer Radek Fizek and Chardon Polka Band accordionist Bobby Buzecan.

The event will include trivia meet-and-greets, bead contests, elegant basket raffles and games. It will culminate in the presentation of the celebratory pączki, featuring a hidden surprise for one winner.

Friendly Squares Set Monthly Square Dance

NILES, Ohio – The Friendly Squares will host its monthly square dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Niles Scope Center, 14 E. State St. 

Gene Hammond will be the caller, and Frankie Hammond will cue the line dances. 

This will be a high/low dance with alternating tips for new dancers currently taking lessons and tips for more experienced dancers. Dress is casual, and light refreshments will be served. 

Admission is $7. For information, call Gene Hammond at 330 506 3370.