The Outpost Concert Club

in Kent will host four bands that will introduce a newer Americana music

style April 9 at 7 p.m.

“The idea of Americana music is that it’s honest, real and appeals to people who aren’t satisfied with mainstream music,” said Jim Marunich, graduate student in philosophy.

Marunich is the lead vocalist and guitarist in an Americana band called Coaltown. He said Americana music was influenced by earlier versions of blues, country and blue grass. Some Americana bands focus more on earlier country, while others focus on blues, he said.

“If a band focused on country influences, you wouldn’t hear Garth Brooks; you’d hear Hank Williams,” Marunich said.

Marunich said Americana music began during the 1990s, but has gained popularity in the past couple years. He said students who are looking for alternatives to what they hear on the pop radio stations could potentially enjoy Americana music.

Marunich said he organized the event at The Outpost because he wanted to raise awareness of Americana music in the area. The event will feature four of the most prominent Americana band acts in Northeast Ohio.

“We want to show this area what this kind of music is all about,” Marunich said.

The bands playing at this event will be Coaltown, Lo Watt Radio, Crooked River Blues Band and Dave Purcell of Pike 27.

The bands are going to focus on their original music, Marunich said. Coaltown is a country Americana band, while Lo Watt Radio is a roots-rock band. Crooked River Blues Band is an old time string band.

Marunich said this event is special because all these Americana bands are playing under one roof. He said it took him three months to organize this event and find bands that had time to play together.

“There’s some really powerful music coming from the Americana vein, and I wanted to bring it here,” Marunich said.

The first annual Akron area Americana Review will be held at The Outpost in Kent. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Contact Rachel Hagenbaugh at [email protected].