Perhaps you have a loved one in an area nursing home. Perhaps you love live music and frequent the many venues in the area, including some of the Open Mics. Perhaps you attend flea and farmers’ markets around Portage County. If any of the above fits you, then you have likely heard ‘It’s About Time-Duo.’ Comprised of Pat McIntyre LaVoie and James Knight, the duo can be seen all around the area.
Pat is the main vocalist of the group, though she occasionally supplies harmonies when James takes the lead. She has some training on the violin from her younger years. She credits her father, Joe McIntyre, for her passion for music. He was a Strolling Violinist of Irish Music for years in the Akron area. She still loves to learn about the traveling musicians of Ireland as well as the history and cultural shifts in violin styles. Since retirement, she has continued her musical interest. James is entirely self-taught on guitar, harmonica and vocals. You may have seen James in various groups; Last Exit Duo, James and the Summer Knights, James Knight Acoustic, and now as half of It’s About Time.
The duo performs an eclectic mix of genres. They do folk, pop, music from the sixties and seventies, and more! James accompanies Pat on his trusty six string, but will switch out to a 12 string when the music needs the fuller sound. He also will perform harmonica breaks, often supplying rhythm on an array of percussion instruments attached to his feet. Pat, the primary vocalist, also supplies some rhythmic accompiament. Since they frequent Open Mics in the area, other area musicians often ask to sit in with them. If any musical friend is in the audience, s/he is often warmly invited to participate for a few tunes. Always fun, and always interesting.
Both James and Pat are retired, so this is their day job! They primarily play at senior living facilities. They absolutely love these communities. This duo began when they volunteered at an assisted living home to encourage a resident, Paul Hively, who was once a popular musician in Akron. They helped him to sing and play his guitar at the senior living community’s Happy Hour. It was great for Paul, and the residents enjoyed listening. Though Paul has sadly passed, the duo took off from there, and they are sure to keep him in their hearts. Residents love the music they offer, and listen intently, appreciating the time the duo spends there. Many long-term friendships have begun this way.
You can also see them at Farmers’ Markets, West Main Winery, local festivals, and charity events. This past summer they played Haymaker’s Market in Kent, the Stow Farmers’ Market, and they are regular performers at the Café O’Play in Stow. Other venues include the Bistro on Main in Stow, and Barro Di Mario in Cuyahoga Falls. This November, amongst much activity, they performed for the Pluck A Duck Fundraiser at the Newton Falls Community Center. They recently performed at El Jalapeño in Austintown, and Giant Eagle Market District in Cuyahoga Falls.
When asked about how the COVID shut down affected them, James was quite the optimist. “It provided us with the opportunity to expand our set list! That’s what we did (safely!) to prepare ourselves when things became more normal.”
When they perform, they hope to bring back fond memories for the listeners. As James says, “It’s all about the memories! Mostly good memories of happier times, in our youth!” This comes through for the audience, as you see them sing, dance and clap along. Pat loves interacting with the audience through personal storytelling, comments during the performance, and encouraging participation with active sing-alongs. As they choose to cover songs to evoke memories, they are quite relatable. One couple of 65 years, held hands while listening to the popular Elvis tune, I Can’t Help Falling in Love.
James loved listening to music from a very young age. He listened to Do Wop, American Pop, the British Invasion, Motown, folk, and folk rock. The Beatles were very important to him, as they changed the musical world more than anyone else he can name. Neil Young was a great influence on him, too. If you go to one of their shows, you will hear lots of Neil and the Beatles!
You can get more information from their Facebook page, It’s About Time-duo. They keep it updated with events, pictures and videos. They are always grateful for their fan support. Stop by their page, see where they play next, and enjoy an evening of memories. It’s about time you got out and had some fun!
