Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS Western Reserve to premiere ‘History of Jazz in Akron’ special
AKRON, Ohio — May 26, 2026 — The city of Akron has a rich history of jazz. For many renowned artists, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, the city was a popular place to stop and perform. To celebrate this heritage, PBS Western Reserve will premiere a thought-provoking special panel, “The History of Jazz in Akron, 1920-Present: A Local Focus Feature,” on Saturday, June 13, at 9 p.m.
The panel was filmed at the Akron Civic Theatre on March 3 as part of the yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Moderated by Mark Greer, who served as the executive director of Akron 200 before joining Akron City Council in April 2026, the panel includes co-directors of the University of Akron’s jazz studies program, Theron Brown and Chris Coles, as well as Akron Symphony Artistic Director Christopher Wilkins and historian Rose Vance-Grom of Summit County Historical Society. The special also features performances by Brown and Coles.
“It fills my heart with joy that Akron is being properly recognized for its music history,” said Brown. “My hopes are that it helps better appreciate the musicians and artists of the present, while adding a guiding light to the future.”
“Being a part of this event on the History of Jazz in Akron was quite the honor,” said Coles, who believes the special is “a must-see for anyone who is looking to help push the culture forward.”
It offers an engaging and insightful conversation into the history of Howard Street, also known as “Rhythm Row” or “Little Harlem,” a bustling area for the jazz scene in Akron from the 1920s to the 1960s. Howard Street no longer exists today, but the Akron community continues its legacy through performance and education.
The special is produced by Fred Barrett, PBS Western Reserve’s senior producer of digital content.
Viewers will be able to watch the program on demand on the PBS Western Reserve website, YouTube page, and the free PBS app following the broadcast premiere.
About PBS Western Reserve
PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. PBS Western Reserve presents cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of youth.
PBS Western Reserve is made up of two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on both stations.
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