WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new single released by Sharon Rae North, a Washington-based jazz vocalist who hails from Youngstown, Ohio, is gaining airplay and playlist adds.
The remake of “Drive,” which was a 1984 hit by The Cars, has long been one of North’s favorites. Determined to make “Drive” in her own style, North and Chris Davis, her producer, dug into the song’s vulnerability to shape a new perspective. They made the song into a reassuring caress to a troubled lover.
Davis – architect of more than 20 Billboard No. 1 singles – builds a soulful R&B groove around North’s commanding yet intimate vocals and adds jazzy keyboard flourishes to preserve the dreamy quality of the original.
“‘Drive’ is deep and meaningful, and it has a certain sadness about it because of the angst and helpless feelings that come from trying to help someone who apparently doesn’t want help,” North said in a press release. “I’ve never been in that type of situation, but I imagine it’s difficult to care enough to want to be there for someone who’s in denial about the issues in their life or in a relationship.”
Davis and North have been working together for 11 years. He helmed North’s 2016 EP “Sincerely Yours” and also worked on her first full-length album, “Silhouette” (2022).
North’s career includes many years as a television news anchor and reporter. She worked at a Youngstown station before her career took her to CNN.
She plans to release another single later this year.
For more information, go to SharonRaeNorth.com.
The Underground Lounge at Hotel to Close
WARREN, Ohio – The Underground Lounge, located on the basement level of the Best Western Hotel, downtown, will close at the end of April.
The bar made the announcement in a Facebook post Friday. Business has been good, according to the post, but the hotel has instructed the bar that it cannot stay.
“The hotel is rebranding and the incoming brand does not want the bar in the hotel any longer,” the post reads.
A final party will take place April 25 – the final Saturday that the bar will be open.
The Underground Lounge opened four years ago and has been a popular nightspot.
It intends to find a new location, according to the post.
Winter Wine Affair Tickets on Sale
BOARDMAN, Ohio – This year’s Winter Wine Affair will take place from 1-5 p.m. April 11 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave.
Wineries from throughout the state will pour wine samples and sell to-go bottles. The event will include live music, food and craft vendors and more.
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Nondrinker tickets are $25. To purchase, click HERE.
Those who buy tickets in advance will receive a $10 coupon redeemable at designated wineries (not valid for alcohol purchases or with the use of any other offer or discount). The coupon expires Sept. 1.
Participating wineries will be D & D Meadery, Mentor; Debonné Vineyards, Madison; Ferrante Winery, Geneva; It’s Your Winery, Medina; Lincoln Way Vineyards, Wooster; Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake; Silver Crest Cellars, Madison; and Ugly Bunny Winery, Loudonville.
St. Joseph’s Table Dinner Event at Selah
STRUTHERS, Ohio – Marquee Signature Events, known throughout the Mahoning Valley for producing distinctive cultural and community-centered experiences, will present St. Joseph’s Table – A Cultural Chef’s Dinner Experience at 6 p.m. March 19 at Selah Restaurant, 130 S. Bridge St.
Tickets are $65. To order, click HERE.
The event is inspired by a Sicilian tradition. It features an intimate six-course dinner that celebrates gratitude and charity.
For generations, families on the Italian island have gathered each year to prepare elaborate tables in honor of St. Joseph, the humble carpenter, protector of families and patron saint of workers. According to tradition, when drought and famine once threatened their survival, villagers prayed for St. Joseph’s intercession, and the rain returned. The feast became a means of saying thanks and sharing food with the hungry.
The dinner is produced by Marquee Signature Events, in collaboration with Selah Restaurant.
The dinner will feature a curated progression of courses inspired by the symbolic foods of the St. Joseph’s Table. Guests will enjoy handcrafted breads, seafood preparations honoring the traditional meatless feast day, seasonal vegetables and heritage sweets, including the beloved zeppole, with storytelling woven throughout the evening to illuminate the cultural meaning behind each dish.
“At its heart, the St. Joseph’s Table is about gratitude, hospitality, and remembering the traditions that shaped our families,” chef Brian Palumbo of Selah Restaurant said. “This dinner allows us to honor those roots while presenting the dishes in a way that feels thoughtful and meaningful for today’s guests.”
Flash Mob Dance at Eastwood Mall
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – In celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Gateways to Better Living will host a surprise flash mob in the center court of Eastwood Mall at noon Wednesday, March 11.
The event will bring together individuals with developmental disabilities, staff and community supporters from numerous local provider organizations to raise awareness and celebrate inclusion.
The Hoyt Offers Workshops, Classes
NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Arts & Education at the Hoyt this spring will offer a lineup of workshops and classes with exploration in mind.
Traditional four and eight week courses in ceramics, drawing, stained glass, watercolor and yoga remain available for teens and adults, with the addition of acrylics, charcoal, photography, alcohol inks, graphic novels, knitting and ballroom dance.
For those with limited time, one-day experiences will be available in alcohol inks, beading, collage, drawing, felting, gel plates, gold leaf embellishment, mandala painting, mosaics, paper marbling, shrinky dink jewelry, stained glass, stamp carving, watercolors and wood burning.
Additionally, private and group lessons are available in cello, guitar, piano, keyboard and drums. And youths will have their own opportunities to dive into ceramics, claymation and drawing.
Programs are designed to foster independence, creativity and confidence in adults and children in a welcoming, supportive environment for all skill levels. No experience is necessary for most classes, and scholarships are available to remove potential barriers to participation. EBT cardholders automatically qualify for a 50% discount.
Classes run March 25 through June 13, with registration now open. Early enrollment is encouraged, as seats are generally limited. While members receive discounted tuition, participation is open to everyone.
For a full course catalog, scholarship information and registration details, go to HoytArtCenter.org or call 724 652 2882.