Only a few people at the 330 Day concert knew anything about Ceci Taylor, who was one of the singer-songwriters on the bill.
But Taylor used her anonymity as an element of surprise. She became the “discovery” that the roughly 800 attendees will remember.
The concert was Monday at the Robins Theatre in Warren.
Just about everyone in the crowd was familiar with the main acts. The Labra Brothers, Demos Papadimas and Black Wolf & The Thief are from the Mahoning Valley and have played many shows around here. Each delivered a great set that demonstrated their style.
The 330 Day concert, presented by The Summit radio, takes place every March 30 somewhere in the Akron-Canton or Youngstown-Warren areas. It’s a celebratory show featuring local rockers and a good-time atmosphere.
Taylor, who is from the Akron area, showed her power in her three-song set. The country-Americana artist sings and plays guitar like she’s got a message she needs to share.
Taylor cites Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson and Pat Benatar as her influences, and they’re all present in her songs. She released her self-titled debut album in 2023 and also has some newer singles posted at CeciTaylor.com.
While Taylor doesn’t have any Mahoning Valley gigs scheduled at the moment, she’s on the playlist of The Summit.
She was part of the fast-moving show that also featured Barry Carroll, Adam Remnant and the Fitch High Rock Band – whose leader, John Anthony of The Vindys, helped with its introduction.
All of the acts came on stage for the final song, accompanying The Labras on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”
Because The Summit is a public radio station, it is always in search of funding.
At the 330 Day concert, station manager Tommy Bruno honored Joe Feltes, who is one of The Summit’s longest and most devoted supporters.
The Canton-based Feltes was the managing partner of the Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs law firm for decades. The practice has offices in Akron, Canton and Cleveland.
Feltes was also the architect of the Friends of the Summit group, a nonprofit organization that helps the station raise money and advises it on key decisions, according to Bruno.
“He served on the Friends of the Summit board for about 15 years before retiring and has been a friend and mentor,” Bruno said. “You can’t really put what he has done for us in dollars or cents. Instead, it’s a consistent, quiet confidence that has gotten us to where we are today.”
The Summit is a small outfit, but it plays a huge role in making this area more liveable. The Mahoning Valley is lucky to have the station – and folks like Feltes who help keep it funded.
This Weekend
The biggest show this Easter weekend will – very appropriately – be Friday’s performance by Third Day at Covelli Centre.
The Christian rock supergroup has reunited for a tour that will include all of its hits.
Founded in 1991, the act became one of the most influential live bands in contemporary Christian music. Founding members Mac Powell and Mark Lee and their bandmates David Carr and Tai Anderson are back together for the 30-city arena tour.
Zach Williams is the opening act.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert are scarce, but single seats remain. Click HERE.
This Friday is the first Friday of the month, so that means there will be a First Fridays after-work gathering in downtown Youngstown.
It will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. at Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology and will feature live music by Andrae Reed, karaoke with Lou Ronghi, DJ Lou and some cool science stuff (the recommended attire calls for neon and glow in the dark). Admission is free for this adults-only event (must be at least 18 years old). There will also be live music at a few nearby bars: The Avalon, Penguin City Brewing and Twisted Roots. To learn more, click HERE.
Dyngus Day – the Polish holiday that takes place on Easter Monday – will be celebrated at DiLucia’s Banquet Center, 2610 Elm Road, Warren, with live music by The Zolkas. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Admission is $15. The event will include a cash bar (no BYOB). Children age 18 and younger will be admitted free.
For a complete look at everything going on in the Mahoning Valley, check out The List.
Pictured at top: The Labra Brothers perform at the 330 Day concert Monday at the Robins Theatre in Warren.