YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Butler Institute of American Art will present a panel discussion of the histories, stories, challenges and triumphs of American LGBTQ artists from the 18th century to the present. 

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the museum. It will be moderated by Larry Jones, interim director.

A reception will begin at 5:15 p.m.

Guests are invited to participate in two collaborative art engagements celebrating identity, affirmation and community. They can create a Pride affirmation flag and contribute to a large rainbow mosaic mural. 

Over the past 250 years, American artists have been on the front lines in the push for rights and expression. The panel discussion will delve into their efforts.

Panelists will include:

  • John Noga, an independent curator, arts administrator and performance collaborator. He is the co-curator of the “Yoko Ono: Imagine Peace” art show. The Butler features didactics written by Noga for 10 of its LGBTQ artists from the permanent collection on display. Noga is the housing director for the city of Youngstown.
  • Arnie Tunstall, director of university Galleries at the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art and a pillar of the northeastern Ohio arts ecosystem. Tunstall has spent over four decades championing regional artists, managing major museum collections and teaching the next generation of cultural leaders.
  • Todd Rurban, a Cleveland-based artist, educator and art historian whose career spans teaching, museum education and professional design.
  • Heather Seno, an interdisciplinary artist living and working in the Youngstown community. Her artwork focuses on the impact of trauma on self and society. Seno previously owned Art House on Elm, a small art gallery on the North Side.
  • Ginger Williams, a Cleveland-based researcher, public speaker and board member of TransOhio who serves as an expert on the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Murray. Williams spent years uncovering Murray’s history as a Youngstown plastic surgeon who quietly operated as a pioneer in gender-affirming surgeries during the 1970s. 

Discount Tickets for Y-Live Concerts

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – JAC Live is celebrating Father’s Day with the Raise ‘Em Up Father’s Day Discount, a limited-time ticket offer for the Y-Live 2026 concerts featuring country superstars Jason Aldean and Eric Church.

Available through June 21, fans can take advantage of special pricing on select two-day tickets and Eric Church single-day tickets. Here are the discount prices:

  • Select two-day tickets: $99.95.
  • Two-day club seats: $124.95.
  • Eric Church single-day tickets: $25 off all price levels.

Y-Live will return to Youngstown on July 10 and 11, bringing two nights of country music to the Mahoning Valley. Aldean will take the stage July 10, followed by Church on July 11.

For links to the deals, go to YLiveMusic.com.

Miss Americanas to Perform at 7 17 Field

NILES, Ohio –The Miss Americanas, a Taylor Swift tribute band, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood. 

Without directly impersonating Swift, the act creates an unpredictable performance that features the iconic hits in surprising ways.  Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now at MVScrappers.com and the Chevy All Stars Box Office at 7 17 Credit Union Field. A limited number of suites are available for $400 each, and a limited number of VIP upgrades are available for $30 each. VIP upgrades include an exclusive lanyard, event T-shirt and early entry for a special acoustic event. 

Fireworks Displays in Lawrence County

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Here is a list of fireworks displays scheduled in Lawrence County.

  • July 3-5, Ellwood City Festival, Helling Stadium, Ewing Park, Ellwood City, Pa., 10 p.m.
  • July 3, Independence Day at Brittain Lake, Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., 9:15 p.m.
  • July 4, Ride, White & Blue at Mines & Meadows, 1307 Old Route 18, Wampum, Pa., 10 p.m.
  • July 11,  Slovenefest, SNPJ Recreation Center, 270 Martin Road, Enon Valley, Pa.
  • July 18, St. Marguerite Festival, 27 N. Liberty St., New Castle. Babydoll dance July 17 and fireworks July 18.
  • July 20, Summer Throw Down at Mines & Meadows, dusk.
  • July 18, Fireworks Fest, downtown New Castle, 10 p.m.
  • July 18, Enon Valley Community Day, 10 p.m.
  • Aug. 8, Wampum Homecoming Weekend, Main Street, Wampum, 10 p.m.
  • Aug. 22, Lawrence County Fair, 44 Midway Road, New Castle, dusk.

The Benders to Play Reunion Show at Robins

WARREN, Ohio – The Benders will perform at the Robins Theatre on Aug. 28 in a concert that will present all proceeds to Northern Ohio Adoption Services.

The band was one of the most popular in the Mahoning Valley in the early 2000s. Its members are Jeff Draime, Dante Cerni and Dave LeMasters. The concert will honor the late Ross Griffin, who was the band’s drummer.

The original members will be joined by Lake Baum on bass guitar and Alex Draime on lead guitar.

For tickets, go to RobinsTheatre.com.