Ravenna – If you have heard the buzz around town, there is a new event series in the making. Magnolia Market is a startup bi-weekly market that has a mission. The brain child of Pastor Norma from First United Methodist Church of Ravenna (FUMCR), and parishioners Kim Schwab and daughter Fallon Schwab-Davis, this looks to be a family fun-filled event for the summer. They are interested in giving back to the community that has been their lifetime home.
“Ravenna has been an awesome place to live. Filled with diversity and support, I want to do anything to I can to make it even better,” says Fallon. She continues with “It’s dope!”
The market will be taking place on alternate Fridays, from 5:00pm to approximately 9:00pm at the overflow parking lot for the Methodist Church, located at the corner of Prospect and Riddle in Ravenna. In addition to vendors, there will be live music, walking entertainers, and food trucks. It all adds up to a celebratory atmosphere. Due to the outdoor nature of the venue, it will be canceled or postponed in the event of inclement weather.
Local musician, Holly Brunswick, will be heading up the live entertainment. There will usually be two entertainers per evening, with a few special exceptions. The entertainment line-up is eclectic in nature; including area musicians, an evening of Open Mic hosted by Jeff Gambone, an Old Time Open Session, an Irish Session, area dance students and even (hopefully) a talent show for youngsters. Opening day is coming up soon, May 28. James Knight will share his brand of folk and oldies. Afterwards, Holly’s band, Celtic Rush, will take the stage for the first time since the pandemic. Sound for the stage is being furnished by Tube Wizards of Cuyahoga Falls. Many thanks, Tube!
James Knight is a very busy musician from the Rootstown area. He can be seen solo or with a group of friends, The Summer Knights, at Tavern 1888 and West Main Winery, as well as other venues that can safely offer live music. He also hosts the Tavern 1888 Open Mic on Tuesday evening. In his words, come and listen to his ‘acoustic takes of 60s, 70s and more of folk, pop and rock classics!’
Celtic Rush (pictured above) is an Irish Traditional Band, with a non-traditional twist. Based in the Akron area, they have performed in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. They have monthly Traditional Irish Sessions at Old 97 Pub in the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron, inviting area musicians to join in the fun. Additionally, they performed at Ravenna’s Art on Main for two consecutive years, and had people dancing in the street! You can like them on Facebook, or visit www.celticrush.com.
Vendors are varied in nature. There are (among others) Alex’s Moon Farm with fresh produce, Portage Music Lessons offering music lessons for children and adults, Farmasi with beauty products, Creative Creations by Shannon, Sprouts and Stuff with air plants, Color Street Nails, and two food trucks. There are still a few vendor slots available, so if you are interested, contact Fallon, (aka DJKrooze) at djkrooze@yahoo.com. If you are interested in participating in the musical line-up, contact Holly at habrunswick@gmail.com. Contact them soon, as positions are filling fast! Like us on Facebook! Magnolia Market of Ravenna.
Scheduled dates for Magnolia Market are: (5:00pm to approximately 9:00pm) May 28; June 11, 25; July 9, 23;August 6, 20 and September 17
