8 things to do: First Friday, Black Wolf, '70s concert, Eagles tribute, St. Joan festival

1. June First Friday features chalk art, live music

First Friday's theme for June 2 is "Chalk the Walk" in downtown Canton.

Juilliard Arts Center will play host to "Battle of the Chalk." Some of the best chalk artists in Northeast Ohio will compete for cash prizes in three categories, according to First Friday planners.

Juilliard Arts Center is at 610 Market Ave. N across from the Canton Palace Theatre.

Live music will include country music singer-songwriter Chris Higbee at 6 p.m. at Centennial Plaza as part of the First Friday Concert Series presented by Jerzee's Cafe.

First Friday entertainment also includes Canton-based blues rock band Urban Honey performing 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Kempthorn Stage at Third Street and McKinley Avenue NW.

Urban Honey recently released a new four-song EP, "Fresh Fruit," its second release since forming as an instrumental jam band in 2021 before adding vocalist Christine Reichard. Standout new tracks include the guitar-saxophone interplay of "Manic" and the sassy, deeply bluesy "Hopeless Refugee."

More: 8 things to know about the yarn art in downtown Canton: Colorful display opens Friday

More: Summer music guide: Glenfest, Spring Hill, Canal Fulton, Gervasi, Stark Parks, Massillon

Art shows will include the "Create the Possibilities" Fiber Art Invitational Exhibit at BZTAT Studios, 209 Sixth St. NW. The opening reception is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. The exhibit will be on display through July 21.

The show is in conjunction with the "Create the Possibilities Yarn Explosion" outdoor art installation on Court Avenue and Sixth Street NW.

Artwork in the BZTAT exhibit utilizes various fibers and textiles. Local artist Stephen Tornero is curator.

Participating artists include Priscilla Roggenkamp, Clare Murray Adams, Stephen Tornero, Jo Westfall, Brenda Case, Nyki Fetterman, Greg Hatch, Laura Hollis, Keeli Serri, Libby Doss, Abby Cipar and BZTAT.

The Hub Art Factory, 336 Sixth St. NW, will present "Illuminate," a black-light body paint art show., curated by Heidi Fawver. Doors open at 5 p.m.; models walk at 7 p.m. Live art and music will continue from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Artists include Jake Mensinger, Allie Spurrier, Heidi Fawver, Bend Sandy, Amanda Morena, Melissa Goff and August Genovese.

Strauss Studios, 236 Walnut Ave. SW, will feature a closing reception 6 to 9 p.m. for artist Katrina Polhamus and her "Golden Aviary" exhibit. Live chalk art also will be taking place outside Strauss.

The Hudson, Ohio artist paints fantasy bird portraits; her work will be displayed in the Upstairs Gallery at Strauss Studios. Marking her first art show in Stark County, Polhamus has a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design.

2. '70s tribute dinner concert

A "Super 70s Tribute Show" is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at La Pizzaria in Jackson Township.

A live band will perform songs by ABBA, Blondie, KC & The Sunshine Band, Donna Summer, Barry Manilow, The Carpenters and other musical artists.

Presented by Spotlight Entertainment and Stardust Dinner Theatre, tickets, $42.50, include dinner and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/ by searching for "Super 70s Tribute Show." Tickets also can be purchased by calling 330-327-2087.

3. St. Joan of Arc/St. Joseph Parish Community Festival

The St. Joan of Arc/St. Joseph Parish Community Festival is Thursday through Sunday.

After decades without a festival, the event has returned to 4940 Tuscarawas St. W. The festival features live music, games, food, beer, raffles and instant bingo.

Festival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Rides also will be operating weather permitting. All-day ride wristbands cost $20 Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and $25 on Saturday.

4. Live music at George's with Black Wolf & the Thief

Youngstown area-based rock band Black Wolf & the Thief will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at George's Lounge, 229 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton.

Black Wolf & the Thief formed in 2014 in Warren. The band consists of Carolyn Colley on vocals, Clay Colley on keyboards and Chocolate Milk on drums.

The band describes its style as a "unique blend of psychedelic rock, modern electronica and R&B." Influences include the Doors, Glass Animals, Leon Bridges and Loony.

Other concerts for the band this summer include a return to George's on Sept. 1 and the Rialto Theatre in Akron on Sept. 21.

Asked to describe their live shows, the band wrote in an email: "We are a very high energy group ... (and) we also work to craft setlists that flow together nicely, like an album, to create a unique experience at each show. No two ... shows are the same."

Asked about its musical plans, the band said: "Our main focus right now is recording; we’ve been in and out of the studio for months recording our next six singles. We’re booked through the summer at mostly local venues, and are looking forward to spreading regionally and beyond."

5. Eagles tribute at Jackson Amphitheater

Presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Summer Concert Series at the Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater features the Eagles tribute band Hotel California on Friday.

Other upcoming Jackson Amphitheater shows include Elton John tribute act Elton Rohn on June 10; Michael Jackson tribute act Who's Bad on June 17; Aerosmith tribute band Toys in the Attic on July 1; Journey tribute band E5C4P3 on July 7; Kiss tribute band Mr. Speed on July 15; and Bon Jovi tribute band Living on a Bad Name on July 21.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., shows start at 7:30 and end between 9:30 to 10 p.m. Jackson Amphitheater is at 7454 Community Parkway NW, across from Jackson High School. Parking is free. Food and concessions are available at all concerts.

Tickets, $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP front stage, are available at https://www.jacksonamphitheater.com/.

6. North Canton Craft Beer Festival

The North Canton Craft Beer Festival will be 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the MAPS Air Museum in Green near the Akron-Canton Airport.

Presented by the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, the fourth annual event features craft beer from around 20 brewers in Stark County and Northeast Ohio.

Tickets, $10 to $75, are available at https://northcantonchamber.org/north-canton-craft-beer-festival/.

7. Brewster Fireman's Festival

The Brewster Fireman's Festival continues through Saturday at Bimeler Park, 105 Wabash Ave. N.

Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday; 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; and 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Admission is free. The festival features food, beer, rides, bingo, live music and a parade. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. Friday. A car show is 5 p.m. Saturday.

8. St. George Romanian Orthodox Church Festival

St. George Romanian Orthodox Church, 144 30th St. NW in Canton, will hold its annual festival 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Romanian food is featured, as well as music and dancing. Beer and wine and Romanian pastries also will be served. Activities also include games for children and adults. Church tours also will be given.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com.

On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Summer fun guide: Canton First Friday, Eagles tribute, Brewster fest