The celebration begins with a special
Tap Talks at North Water Brewing featuring three local authors who together have chronicled Kent’s pivotal role in the history of Rock music from the 1960s until today. Our speakers will be Jason Prufer, author of Small Town, Big Music; Chas Madonio, author of Bars, Bands, and Rock and Roll; and Ryan Brannon, author of Touring from Kent – Rock Bands on the Road.

The North Water Brewing Co. building was originally home to Knapp Collision, an auto repair garage located within the town’s historic Mill District. Renovated and opened as a brewery in November 2020, the structure was chosen for its industrial character, proximity to the Cuyahoga River, and location on a hike-and-bike trail.