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News

How to Get Tickets and Show Info

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The Public Theater is set to launch its summer season of Free Shakespeare in the Park next week, returning a cherished New York City tradition to Manhattan. The season officially begins on Friday, May 22, with the first preview of Romeo & Juliet.

A Bold Vision for the Delacorte Theater

This production marks the first time Romeo & Juliet has appeared on the Delacorte Theater stage in nearly 20 years. Directed by Saheem Ali, the play is set in a border town where ideological violence spills into the streets, aiming for a visceral and contemporary resonance.

The staging introduces a distinct linguistic element: while the warring Montagues and Capulets speak English, the two lovers use Spanish for their private scenes. This secret language is reserved exclusively for their romance.

Did You Know? More than six million people have experienced free world-class theater under the stars since the program’s inception.

Grand Reopening and Community Celebrations

The season opener coincides with the grand reopening of the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater. To mark the occasion, The Public will host a massive kickoff event on Saturday, May 30.

From Instagram — related to New York City, Delacorte Theater

The celebration is expected to include family-friendly festivities, concessions, and a pop-up from Wonder. Attendees may also have the opportunity to meet Romeo the Raccoon, the theater’s unofficial mascot.

Expert Insight: By expanding the program into a citywide initiative and introducing bilingual elements to a classic text, The Public is likely attempting to lower traditional barriers to entry and mirror the actual linguistic and geographic diversity of modern New York City.

Expanding the Reach: Shakespeare for the City

Romeo & Juliet, which runs through June 28, is part of a broader 2026 initiative titled “Shakespeare for the City.” This program expands the theater’s reach beyond Central Park into all five boroughs.

NYC TV Show Tickets | How to Get Them

Upcoming Productions and Events

  • As You Like It: Directed by Emma Rosa Went, this Mobile Unit touring production will visit parks and plazas throughout June.
  • The Winter’s Tale: Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan returns to the Delacorte to direct this romance, beginning July 25.
  • Public Works’ Public Record: A North American premiere featuring the onstage creation of a live album, described as an act of “collective hope and resistance.”
  • Songs from Bark of Millions: A three-day musical finale by Taylor Mac and Matt Ray scheduled to close the season in September.

Summer Fridays at The Delacorte

On select Fridays—June 5 and 19, and August 7, 14, and 21—the theater will host special programming. From 12 to 4 p.m., visitors may enjoy self-guided tours, family programming, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

These days will conclude with picnics from 6 to 8 p.m., which could feature music, special guests, and giveaways.

Ticketing options have been expanded for the current year, with further details available on The Public website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the summer season of Free Shakespeare in the Park begin?
The season officially kicks off on Friday, May 22, with the first preview of Romeo & Juliet.

What is unique about the 2026 production of Romeo & Juliet?
Directed by Saheem Ali, the production is set in a border town and features a linguistic twist where the star-crossed lovers speak Spanish in their private scenes while the rest of the world speaks English.

What is “Shakespeare for the City”?
This proves a massive new citywide initiative that expands the program beyond Central Park, including touring productions like As You Like It that will visit parks and plazas across all five boroughs.

Which of these summer productions are you most interested in attending?

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Business

What to know about gardening apps in Colorado

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Digital Trowel: Where Gardening Tradition Meets the AI Revolution

For decades, the hallmark of a master gardener was a weathered notebook and a lifetime of “dirt-under-the-fingernails” intuition. But walk into any local nursery today, and you’ll see a different sight: homeowners holding their smartphones up to a wilting leaf, hoping an algorithm can tell them why their fiddle-leaf fig is dying.

We are currently in the “surface-level” era of gardening tech. As we’ve seen with tools like iNaturalist and Google Lens, the ability to identify a plant in seconds is a game-changer. However, the real evolution is just beginning. We are moving away from simple identification and toward an era of precision home horticulture.

Pro Tip: While AI is great for a first guess, always cross-reference app results with a local university extension office. In Colorado, the CSU Extension remains the gold standard for verifying if that “spot” on your leaf is a nutrient deficiency or a contagious fungus.

From Hardiness Zones to Hyper-Local Intelligence

Most current gardening apps rely on broad USDA hardiness zones. But as any seasoned grower knows, a backyard in a valley behaves differently than a hillside just two miles away. The future of garden tech lies in microclimate synchronization.

From Instagram — related to Hardiness Zones, Local Intelligence Most

Imagine an app that doesn’t just know your zip code, but integrates real-time data from a sensor in your soil. Future trends suggest a shift toward “Hyper-Local AI” that monitors soil pH, moisture levels, and sunlight hours in real-time, sending a push notification to your phone: “Your hydrangeas are hitting a stress point; increase water by 20% for the next three days.”

This moves the user from reactive gardening (fixing a problem after the plant turns yellow) to predictive gardening (preventing the yellowing before it happens). This shift is essential as climate change makes traditional planting calendars less reliable.

AR and the “Digital Twin” of Your Backyard

One of the biggest hurdles for new gardeners is visualizing the future. We’ve seen basic planning apps like GrowSquared offer drag-and-drop layouts, but the next frontier is Augmented Reality (AR).

Soon, you won’t need graph paper to imagine a privacy hedge. Using AR glasses or a smartphone camera, you’ll be able to place a “digital twin” of a mature tree in your yard to see exactly how much shade it will cast in July. This eliminates the common mistake of planting a specimen that eventually outgrows its space or blocks essential sunlight from other perennials.

Did you know? According to recent industry data, over 56% of growers are already using apps to assist their efforts. The trend is shifting heavily toward “Eco-AI”—tools specifically designed to help users replace lawns with native, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

The “Phygital” Expert: Human-in-the-Loop AI

The biggest critique of current AI gardening tools is their tendency to “hallucinate” or provide generic advice that can actually harm a plant. The solution isn’t less tech, but “Phygital” expertise—the blending of physical expert knowledge with digital delivery.

We are likely to see a rise in subscription models where AI does the initial triage, but “Human-in-the-Loop” systems allow a certified master gardener to review the photo and the AI’s diagnosis before the user receives the final answer. This ensures that the speed of AI is tempered by the nuance of human experience, preventing the “diagnostic dilemmas” that often lead to overwatering or incorrect pesticide use.

Why Human Intuition Still Wins

Despite the tech, the “sensory” side of gardening cannot be digitized. The smell of healthy soil, the specific feel of a leaf’s texture, and the ability to notice a subtle change in a plant’s posture are skills developed through observation. The most successful future gardeners will be those who use tech as a jumping-off point, not a final destination.

Why Human Intuition Still Wins
Human

Precision Sustainability and Native-First Tech

The future of agri-tech for the home is not just about convenience; it’s about ecology. We are seeing a surge in apps dedicated to native species—such as the Colorado Rocky Mountain Wildflowers guide—which prioritize biodiversity over aesthetics.

Upcoming trends include AI that analyzes your local ecosystem to suggest “companion planting” combinations that naturally repel pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions. By leveraging government conservation data, these apps can help homeowners turn their yards into corridors for endangered pollinators.

Gardening Tech FAQ

Can I trust an app to diagnose a plant disease?
Use them as a starting point, but be cautious. Many symptoms (like yellowing leaves) look identical across different problems. Always verify AI diagnoses with a local nursery or university extension office.

What is the best app for plant identification?
iNaturalist is highly regarded because it combines AI with a community of real experts who verify the sightings, making it more accurate than standalone AI tools.

Do I need expensive sensors for a “smart garden”?
Not necessarily. Many gardeners find that a simple combination of a reliable weather app (like WeatherSpark) and a physical soil probe provides enough data to make informed decisions.

Ready to grow your green thumb?

Whether you prefer a high-tech AR layout or the classic feel of a trowel in the dirt, we want to hear from you. Do you trust AI with your plants, or are you a traditionalist?

Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more sustainable gardening tips!

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Entertainment

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art fundraiser Artmix brings 100 regional artists’ works to auction

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Shift Toward Accessible Art Collecting

For decades, the world of contemporary art collecting was perceived as an exclusive club, reserved for those with deep pockets and an innate understanding of gallery etiquette. However, a significant trend is emerging: the democratization of art ownership. We are seeing a move away from sterile, high-pressure gallery environments toward more inclusive, community-driven events.

Modern collectors are no longer just “seasoned” investors. they are first-time buyers who are replacing temporary decor with meaningful pieces. This shift is driven by a desire for authenticity and a preference for supporting regional talent over mass-produced commercial art.

Pro Tip: If you’re a first-time collector, look for “silent auction” style fundraisers. These events often allow artists to set their own values, providing a more accurate cross-section of the regional market and a lower barrier to entry for new buyers.

Beyond the Canvas: The Evolution of Mediums

The definition of “fine art” is expanding. While painting and photography remain staples, there is a growing appetite for interdisciplinary works that challenge traditional boundaries. We are seeing a resurgence in the tactile and the experimental, where the materials used are as essential as the subject matter.

From Instagram — related to The Power of Materiality Fiber, The Hybrid Approach Interdisciplinary

The Power of Materiality

Fiber and textile arts are reclaiming their place in the contemporary spotlight. For example, the employ of diverse materials—such as Australian merino, mushroom-dyed Booroola merino and raw denim—transforms a piece of art into a sensory experience. This trend toward “materiality” reflects a broader cultural desire to reconnect with physical, organic textures in an increasingly digital world.

The Hybrid Approach

Interdisciplinary practices are as well blending traditional drawing with found objects. The trend of using “source material”—such as grocery store advertisements, gold leaf, and spray paint—allows artists to respond to existing cultural content. By creating a “feedback loop” between found imagery and original art, creators are producing works that sit comfortably between the funny and the grotesque, appealing to a new generation of collectors who value irony and social commentary.

Did you know? Many contemporary museums use art fundraisers to fuel free community access. For instance, BMoCA’s initiatives have served over 8,000 people of all ages through arts education programs, bringing creative experiences to libraries, senior centers, and schools.

The Socialization of the Art Market

The “white cube” gallery experience is being supplemented by social sculptures—events where the act of buying art is secondary to the act of community building. The trend is moving toward “event-based” collecting, where buyers can meet the artists in person, discuss the creative process, and understand the narrative behind the work before committing to a purchase.

La cosa extendida (2020) Cristóbal Cea | Streaming Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)

This social layer removes the intimidation factor. When collectors can mingle with artists in a relaxed setting—complete with music and catering—the transaction becomes a relationship. This human-centric approach ensures that the artwork finds the “right person,” rather than simply the highest bidder.

Sustainable Ecosystems for Regional Artists

There is a growing recognition that for a local art scene to thrive, the economic ecosystem must be sustainable. The trend is shifting toward models that provide direct financial support to the artists themselves, rather than only benefiting the institution or the middleman.

By utilizing a co-curation process that draws from a wide range of emerging and well-established artists, institutions are ensuring a diverse representation of mediums and price points. This ensures that artists can make a living while the museum can fund essential programs, such as artist honorariums, shipping costs, and installation expenses for visiting creators.

For more insights on how to support local creators, explore our guide on curating a home gallery or visit BMoCA to see how regional art is evolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start collecting contemporary art if I’m on a budget?
Look for regional museum fundraisers or silent auctions. Many artists set their own prices, and you can often find high-quality works starting at accessible price points (e.g., $250 to $2,500) that are more affordable than primary gallery prices.

What should I look for when buying interdisciplinary art?
Focus on the materials and the process. Ask the artist about their “source material” or why they chose specific textiles or mixed media. The value in interdisciplinary art often lies in the conversation between the materials and the theme.

Does buying art at a museum fundraiser actually support the community?
Yes. Proceeds typically support exhibition programs and free arts education. These funds allow museums to provide programming for diverse groups, including youth and people with memory loss, often at no cost to the participants.

Ready to start your collection?

Whether you’re looking for a bold textile piece or a quirky mixed-media drawing, the best time to start is now. Share your favorite local artists in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on navigating the contemporary art world!

Subscribe for Art Insights

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News

Dodge Poetry Festival Returns to NYC Area With Patti Smith, Arthur Sze and Others

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) have announced the return of the Dodge Poetry Festival to downtown Newark. North America’s largest poetry festival is scheduled to take place from Thursday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17, 2026.

A Focus on Performance and Advocacy

The 2026 event will maintain a refined focus on poetry “as a performing art and as a tool for social justice advocacy.” This approach will be reflected in a lineup that pairs poets with musicians and other performing artists.

Beyond performances, the festival will offer writing sessions with participating poets and professional development opportunities specifically for working writers. A free outdoor celebration will also be available for families.

Did You Know? The Dodge Poetry Festival has been showcasing powerful poetry since 1986.

Literary Legends and Collaborations

The festival will feature several high-profile figures in the literary world. Confirmed participants include poet and punk rock icon Patti Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner Tyehimbe Jess, and best-selling poet and young-adult novelist Elizabeth Acevedo.

From Instagram — related to Arthur Sze, Pulitzer Prize

Also appearing is Arthur Sze, the 2025-2026 U.S. Poet Laureate. The event will host a reunion of accomplished poets from the original Def Poetry Jam, the spoken word HBO series created by Russell Simmons.

The festival is coordinating special readings with three major literary organizations: Cave Canem, which supports poets in the African diaspora; Kundiman, which cultivates Asian American creative writing; and CantoMundo, a national organization for Latinx poets.

Expert Insight: By integrating poetry with other performing arts and partnering with diaspora-focused organizations, the festival is effectively repositioning poetry from a solitary academic exercise to a communal, multi-sensory experience. This strategy likely aims to broaden the medium’s accessibility and utility as a vehicle for social change.

Accessibility and Participation

According to David Rodriguez, NJPAC’s Executive Producer and Executive Vice President, the festival aims to cater to both “poetry aficionados” and newcomers. This is achieved through a mix of high-level accolades, such as Pulitzer Prize winners, and entry-level events like Young Artist Day and Family Fun Day.

A full roster of participating poets and events may be announced in June. Three-day passes are expected to go on sale in June 2026, while one-day passes could become available in August 2026.

For further updates, interested parties can visit njpac.org/series/dodgepoetry or grdodge.org/our-work/dodge-poetry/.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the 2026 Dodge Poetry Festival take place?

The festival will be held in downtown Newark from Thursday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions
Arthur Sze Tyehimbe Jess Elizabeth Acevedo

Who are some of the featured poets for the 2026 event?

Featured poets include Patti Smith, Arthur Sze (2025-2026 U.S. Poet Laureate), Elizabeth Acevedo, and Tyehimbe Jess, along with poets from the original Def Poetry Jam.

When do tickets go on sale for the festival?

Three-day passes are scheduled to go on sale in June 2026, and one-day passes are expected to be available in August 2026.

Which of the announced literary legends are you most interested in seeing perform live?

'Wordstock': Dodge Poetry Festival Returns

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News

Rapper Jack Harlow and NYC’s McNally Jackson bookstore team up for a book giveaway on April 22

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Rapper, singer, and actor Jack Harlow is gifting books to readers tonight at one of Novel York City’s premier bookstores. The 28-year-old artist announced via Instagram that he will provide a free book to those who shop at the McNally Jackson location in Soho.

Event Details and Requirements

The giveaway is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, between 6:30 p.m. And 8:30 p.m. The offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the store located at 134 Prince St. In Soho.

Did You Know? McNally Jackson operates five locations across New York City and is known for its curated selections of novels, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, and hard-to-find magazines.

Inspiration Behind the Giveaway

The initiative follows the March 13 release of Harlow’s fourth studio album, Monica. The artist revealed that he frequently visited the bookstore for inspiration while recording the project.

Harlow personally approached the bookstore with the idea for the giveaway. Jack Kyono, the Director of Marketing for McNally Jackson, described the move as “generous and creative,” noting that it represents an “exciting moment for reading culture in New York City.”

Expert Insight: By linking the creative process of a chart-topping album to a physical bookstore, Harlow is leveraging his platform to bridge the gap between contemporary music and traditional literacy. This type of celebrity-driven engagement may encourage younger demographics to rediscover independent bookstores as hubs for artistic inspiration.

Future Implications

This collaboration could lead to a temporary surge in foot traffic for the Soho location as fans attempt to secure a book. Such events may also signal a possible trend of artists using their promotional cycles to support local literary institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Jack Harlow book giveaway taking place?

The event is being held at the McNally Jackson bookstore located at 134 Prince St. In Soho.

Why Jack Harlow Swerved From Huge Rap Hits to ‘Egoless’ R&B on ‘Monica’

What are the specific times for the event?

The giveaway takes place on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 p.m. To 8:30 p.m.

How can readers obtain a free book?

Readers must shop at the Soho location during the specified window; books are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you think celebrity partnerships are an effective way to promote reading culture in major cities?

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News

Watch An Artist Build a Sculpture Made of 2,500 Plastic Bottles in NYC for Free

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Artist Willie Cole will lead a live public installation this Friday, April 24, at the Flatiron Public Plaza in Manhattan. Located at Broadway and 23rd Street, the project aims to transform 2,500 donated single-use plastic bottles into a large-scale sculpture.

Created in partnership with Rothy’s, the event invites Novel Yorkers to participate directly in the creative process. Residents who bring their own plastic bottles to add to the sculpture will receive a reusable bottle in exchange.

The Scale of Plastic Waste

The installation serves as a stark commentary on national consumption habits. Americans discard approximately 60 million plastic bottles every day, which averages to about 700 bottles per second.

As of this volume, the 2,500 bottles used in the sculpture represent less than four seconds of national waste. This contrast highlights how a project that takes an entire day to build is mirrored by materials that are discarded almost instantly in real life.

Did You Know? The materials required for this entire day-long installation represent less than four seconds of the plastic bottles thrown away by Americans daily.

From Gallery to Street

Willie Cole is an established artist whose works are part of the permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney. He is recognized for using everyday objects—including shoes, irons, and bottles—to challenge viewers to reconsider why certain items are discarded.

By moving his perform from the gallery into a public plaza, Cole relies on the community to supply his materials in real time. The final piece is expected to reflect both the artist’s specific vision and the collective footprint of the participants.

Expert Insight: By shifting the medium from a curated gallery to a live street installation, the project transforms the viewer from a passive observer into a contributor. This transition may heighten the psychological impact of the waste statistics, as the public must physically handle the materials that constitute their collective environmental footprint.

Corporate Sustainability and Participation

The project aligns with the business model of Rothy’s, a brand that has repurposed more than 225 million plastic bottles into its products. For the company, recycled materials are a core component of production rather than an afterthought.

To further promote the goal of reducing new plastic purchases, a hydration station will be available on-site to refill bottles throughout the day. The installation is free to attend and will run from 9 am to 5 pm.

Potential Implications

The completion of the sculpture may serve as a visual reminder of the speed of consumption in urban environments. Such public engagements could lead participants to reconsider their own reliance on single-use plastics.

Sculptahedron™ Build #16 — The Modern Art Sculpture

the collaboration between a high-profile artist and a sustainable brand may provide a template for how public art could be used to highlight corporate recycling efforts in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when will the installation grab place?

The event occurs this Friday, April 24, from 9 am to 5 pm at the Flatiron Public Plaza at Broadway and 23rd Street in Manhattan.

How can the public participate in the sculpture?

Anyone willing to pitch in can bring their own plastic bottles to add to the piece; in exchange, they will receive a reusable bottle.

What is the background of artist Willie Cole?

Cole is known for creating sculptures from everyday objects and has pieces in the permanent collections of the Whitney, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Do you think public art installations are an effective way to change individual consumption habits?

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Entertainment

Mother Soki breaks out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul music scene – Twin Cities

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

From Viral TikTok to Global Stages: The Evolving Landscape of Indie Music Success

Annie Tammearu, performing as Mother Soki, embodies a recent paradigm for musicians in the digital age. Her journey – from a demo posted on TikTok to international tours and a record deal – highlights how quickly an artist can gain traction and build a career outside traditional industry gatekeepers.

The TikTok Effect: Democratizing Discovery

Mother Soki’s story began with “Rivet Gun,” a song that resonated with audiences on TikTok, amassing over 14 million streams on Spotify as of March 2026. This isn’t an isolated incident. TikTok has develop into a powerful launchpad for independent artists, bypassing the necessitate for extensive radio play or major label promotion. The platform’s algorithm prioritizes engaging content, allowing songs to go viral based on merit rather than marketing budgets.

This shift is democratizing music discovery. Previously, artists relied heavily on record labels to fund production, marketing, and distribution. Now, a compelling song and a strategic social media presence can be enough to capture attention. Ellie Goulding’s post featuring “Rivet Gun” demonstrates the power of influencer marketing within this ecosystem, further amplifying the song’s reach.

Building a Brand Beyond a Single Hit

Tammearu recognized the challenge of following up a viral hit. As she stated, she aims to “build and slowly show people what else I can build, and not create one ‘Rivet Gun’ after another.” This represents a crucial strategy for artists seeking longevity. While a viral moment can provide initial exposure, sustained success requires developing a unique artistic identity and consistently delivering quality content.

Her EP, “Fantasy,” blends dream pop sounds with ‘90s influences, showcasing her willingness to experiment and evolve. This approach is vital for retaining existing fans and attracting new ones who appreciate artistic depth and versatility.

The Rise of the DIY Musician

Mother Soki’s path also illustrates the growing trend of DIY musicians. She initially experimented with GarageBand while studying fashion design, demonstrating how accessible music production tools have become. This accessibility empowers artists to take control of their creative process and build their careers independently.

Her collaboration with producer Jack Pfeffer, found through Hinge, exemplifies the power of networking and finding like-minded creatives. This collaborative spirit is essential for navigating the complexities of the music industry.

The Importance of Local Scenes and Community

Despite international touring, Tammearu remains connected to the Minneapolis-St. Paul music scene. Her early performances at venues like Art House North were pivotal in building her fanbase and honing her stage presence. Local scenes provide a supportive environment for artists to develop their craft and connect with audiences.

This connection to the local community is often overlooked but is crucial for long-term sustainability. It fosters a loyal fanbase and provides opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Navigating the Expectations of Virality

Tammearu openly acknowledged the pressure that comes with a breakout single. “It all happens so rapid, and I think a lot of people don’t talk about the expectations that come after that,” she said. This honesty is refreshing and highlights the emotional toll that sudden fame can take on artists.

Managing expectations and maintaining artistic integrity are key challenges for musicians in the digital age. It’s essential to prioritize creative fulfillment over chasing trends or replicating past successes.

Mother Soki’s Upcoming Show

Mother Soki will be performing at Zhora Darling in Minneapolis on April 7. Tickets are available at www.zhoradarling.com/events.

FAQ

Q: How did Mother Soki first gain recognition?
A: Her song “Rivet Gun” went viral on TikTok in April 2025.

Q: What record label is Mother Soki signed to?
A: She is signed to the New York-based indie label Mom + Pop Music.

Q: What is Mother Soki’s musical style?
A: Her music blends dream pop sounds with ‘90s influences.

Q: Where can I see Mother Soki perform live?
A: She has a show on April 7 at Zhora Darling in Minneapolis.

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Entertainment

Comedians reflect on 40 years

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Final Curtain Falls: Akron’s Funny Stop Comedy Club Closes After Four Decades

After more than four decades of laughter, roasts and rising comedic talent, the Funny Stop Comedy Club in Cuyahoga Falls is preparing for its final show on March 30th. The club, considered the Akron area’s only dedicated comedy space, is closing its doors due to a significant rent increase.

Nidal Barakat, co-owner of the Funny Stop Comedy Club, flips through a binder containing photos of past performers at the club on Thursday, March 19, 2026. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

A Rent Hike Seals the Deal

Owners Nidal and Tony Barakat cited a rent increase – from $2,300 to $4,300 per month – as the primary reason for the closure, making it unsustainable to continue operations. “My son, he said, ‘Mom, that’s it. You had a long run. You cannot afford to pay $4,300; how are we going to get it?’” Nidal Barakat explained.

The Legacy of Laughter

The Funny Stop has been a cornerstone of the Akron comedy scene for over 30 years, originally opening as Hilarities in 1985 before being purchased and rebranded in 2000. The club has hosted numerous aspiring and established comedians, including Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson, and Pauly Shore.

Comedians Reflect on a Home Lost

The impending closure has prompted reflection from comedians who regularly graced the Funny Stop’s stage. Bill Stone, an Akron native, expressed the impact of the club’s proximity, stating, “This location is eight minutes away from my house.” John Brown, who recently headlined at the club, noted the unique atmosphere fostered by the late Pete Barakat, a key figure in the club’s success.

Comedians gathered for a final “roast of Funny Stop,” sharing memories and playfully teasing each other and the club itself. Zach Thomas recalled a memorable experience with Barakat during an amateur competition, highlighting the co-owner’s direct but supportive approach.

Comedian Drew Miller performs at the Funny Stop Comedy Club in Cuyahoga Falls on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The Funny Stop, which is the only comedy club nearest to Akron, will close its doors on March 31. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

What’s Next for Akron’s Comedy Scene?

With the Funny Stop’s closure, local comedians are looking to maintain the scene through open mics and performances at other venues. Options include the Canton Comedy Boom, Hilarities in Cleveland, the Funny Farm in Niles, Ohio, and Krackpots in Massillon, Ohio. Some comedians are similarly exploring the possibility of establishing a new comedy club in the Akron area.

Nidal Barakat remains optimistic about the future, stating, “We will find something. I’m not going to give up on Funny Stop. I have the name, I have my liquor license.”

FAQ

  • When is the Funny Stop Comedy Club closing? The final show is scheduled for March 30th.
  • Why is the Funny Stop closing? A significant increase in rent – from $2,300 to $4,300 per month – led to the decision not to renew the lease.
  • Where can I see comedy near Akron after the Funny Stop closes? Options include Canton Comedy Boom, Hilarities in Cleveland, Funny Farm in Niles, and Krackpots in Massillon.

Did you know? The Funny Stop was originally named Hilarities when it opened in 1985.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of comedy in Akron, and be sure to catch one last laugh at the Funny Stop before the final curtain falls.

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News

A ‘Super Sidewalk’ is Coming to Ninth Avenue in NYC Before the World Cup

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Ninth Avenue in Manhattan is undergoing a major redesign between West 34th and 50th Streets, with work already underway. The changes aim to improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders ahead of a busy summer.

A Focus on Pedestrians and Safety

The most significant change will be a new “super sidewalk” adding 9 feet of space along the avenue. This comes as the Department of Transportation notes that pedestrians already comprise over half of Ninth Avenue’s users. New concrete pedestrian islands will similarly be constructed at intersections to improve safety.

Did You Know? The protected bike lane on Ninth Avenue debuted in 2007 and was a historic first for the city.

The redesign also addresses safety concerns. This stretch of Ninth Avenue has been designated a Vision Zero priority corridor, with 37 people killed or seriously injured in the past five years.

Improvements for Cyclists and Bus Riders

The existing protected bike lane will nearly double in width, expanding from 5 feet to 9 feet. A new, half-mile-long curbside bus lane will be painted red on the west side of Ninth Avenue and operate during peak hours – 7–10am and 4–7pm – to reduce congestion and speed up service.

Expert Insight: Prioritizing multiple modes of transportation – pedestrian, bicycle, and bus – reflects a growing understanding of urban planning that seeks to balance the needs of all users and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Construction is currently focused on repaving and building pedestrian islands, with a completion date set for early fall. Additional markings will be added during non-game days of the FIFA World Cup this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the redesign be completed?

The project is set to wrap up in full by early fall.

Why is this redesign happening now?

The overhaul is being prompt-tracked ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, when increased foot traffic is expected.

What is a Vision Zero corridor?

It is a stretch of roadway identified as a priority for safety improvements due to a history of traffic injuries and fatalities. This section of Ninth Avenue has seen 37 people killed or seriously injured in the past five years.

Will these changes truly alleviate congestion and improve the experience for those using Ninth Avenue?

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Tech

The First 50 Years’ marks Apple’s April 1 anniversary

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

From Apple I to AI: Charting 50 Years of Innovation and What Lies Ahead

Apple’s journey, from a garage startup in 1976 to a tech titan, is a story of relentless innovation. As the company prepares for its 50th-anniversary celebrations, a new definitive biography, “Apple: The First 50 Years” by David Pogue, offers a comprehensive look back – and a glimpse forward. But what does the future hold for the company that consistently reshapes how we interact with technology?

The Enduring Mission: Simplicity and User Experience

Throughout its history, Apple has maintained a core mission: to make advanced technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This focus on user experience, as highlighted by Pogue, is a key differentiator. Even as competitors like Samsung and Nokia evolved from different origins – dried fish and wood pulp, respectively – Apple has remained steadfast in its commitment to simplicity.

Pro Tip: Apple’s success isn’t just about inventing new technologies; it’s about refining them to be intuitive and delightful for the average user.

The Neo: A Return to Accessibility?

The recent release of the MacBook Neo, an entry-level laptop priced at $600, signals a potential shift back towards accessibility. Pogue predicts the Neo will be in high demand, suggesting a market appetite for affordable Apple products. This move could broaden Apple’s customer base and challenge the perception of the brand as exclusively premium.

Apple’s just-released entry-level MacBook Neo laptop comes in four colors — silver, blush, citrus and indigo. (Apple)

The AI Equation: Catching Up and Leading

Apple was initially caught off guard by the rapid advancements in generative AI. Though, the company appears to be recalibrating its strategy. Pogue notes internal restructuring and a renewed focus on AI development. Apple’s approach, historically, has been to prioritize polish and integration over being first to market. This strategy could prove successful in the AI space, delivering a refined and user-friendly AI experience when it’s ready.

The Future of Wearables: From Vision Pro to Smart Glasses

The Vision Pro, Apple’s mixed reality headset, represents a bold but currently impractical step. While technologically impressive, its weight, cost, and discomfort limit its widespread adoption. However, the technologies developed for the Vision Pro are likely to migrate to more practical form factors, particularly smart glasses. Pogue suggests that smart glasses could turn into the next major Apple product category, offering a seamless blend of digital information and the real world, powered by AI.

Steve Jobs’ Legacy: Innovation and Aesthetic Perfection

The impact of Steve Jobs on Apple’s culture and product design remains profound. Pogue’s interviews reveal Jobs’ obsessive attention to detail – even down to the curvature of icon corners. This relentless pursuit of aesthetic perfection and a focus on anticipating user needs are hallmarks of Apple’s success. While Tim Cook has led Apple to unprecedented financial heights, the company may be missing the consistent stream of groundbreaking platforms that defined the Jobs era.

Did you know? Steve Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder, is known for his generosity, even giving away stock to Apple employees who hadn’t benefited from the company’s early success.

The Importance of Access and Collaboration

Pogue’s book benefited from unprecedented access to Apple executives, designers, and engineers. This collaboration highlights the importance of open communication and a willingness to share insights. Apple’s willingness to grant this access suggests a desire to shape the narrative around its 50th anniversary and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What was the original Apple I computer? It was a primitive computer transformed into a successful company by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976.
  • Who is David Pogue? He is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and a former tech columnist for Macworld and the New York Times, and the author of “Apple: The First 50 Years.”
  • What is the MacBook Neo? It’s Apple’s recently released entry-level laptop, priced at $600.
  • What is Apple’s approach to AI? Apple prioritizes polish and integration over being first to market with new technologies.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s future? Share your predictions in the comments below!

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