Mind Canaries
Established in 2020, Mind Canaries is an Indie Rock band created by Russell Bobel and Emma Opfer. Hailing from Sandusky, Ohio, they perform as a small acoustic act or as a five-piece rock band, always providing a fun atmosphere for their audience. With influences ranging from Jack White to John Mayer, from Led Zeppelin to The Clash, and from Fleetwood Mac to Jason Isbell, they’ve combined dirty guitar riffs with softer acoustic melodies. Some notable venues they have play at are Mahalls and Halo Live. In 2022, they began hosting an open jam night which broadened their repertoire and allowed them to perform with many different local artists. Their hard-hitting debut single ‘Carrie’ is set to be released in January 2023.
Members: Russell Bobel, Emma Opfer, Kevin Witucky, Blake Smith
Genres: Rock, Indie, Blues, Folk, Americana
The Fiddle Revolt
The Fiddle Revolt was formed in Akron, OH, with the intent of doing something different. The members of the band were tired of the same old "one front man, one genre" format and decided to branch out a bit; swapping lead lines, harmonies everywhere, and the occasional instrument/member rotation. The music spans the full spectrum of Rock and doesn't stop there. Funk, soul, blues, R&B, pop, reggae, and more, all play an influencing role.
Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith is a rapper, singer, and songwriter born and raised in Cleveland, OH. After 15 years in hip-hop bands Black & Broke and SANKURO, Smith is now navigating the music scene as a solo artist.
Smith is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. Starting with piano when he was 14, he learned a new instrument each summer for five years, including guitar, bass, ukulele, and drums. As a kid, Marcus Smith would sit in his room trying to imitate his favorite artists Weird Al Yankovic and Hanson and their influence comes through in his witty lyrics and affinity for harmonies.
“Music is such an important part of my family, with all of my 9 siblings involved in music in some shape or form. I love that I can make the music that I love while representing the Smith family name; specifically honoring my dad and older brother by way of our shared name Marcus.”
Marcus Smith released his first official EP, #Bananas in 2014, the follow up EP, #Pudding in 2016, and in 2019 his debut solo album, NILLA (an acronym for "Now I'm Living Life Again.”) Taking care of 70% of the production himself, the album mixes some Childish Gambino inspired hip-hop with Bruno Mars inspired crooning and is 100% Marcus Smith.
In July 2020, Marcus released an EP titled Milky Way Lover and is currently working on his sophomore album Unique Mélange scheduled to release in 2022.
Marcus Smith has been grinding in the music scene for 17 years and shows zero plans to stop.
Kassie Finneran
Kassie Finneran is a singer/songwriter from Sandusky, Ohio. Drawing influences from Florence Welch, Crosby Stills & Nash, Hayley Williams & the incredible music scene who has supported her through her journey—she hopes to light a fire in you like music has for her. You can find her music on all major music streaming services & social media.