The Akron Art Museum hosted Midwinter 2026 on Saturday, February 7—a free evening of music, performance, and community gathering running from 6 to 9 p.m. in the museum’s Akron, Ohio galleries.

The Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project (CUSP) curated three live music sets in the museum’s lobby. Performers included Bob Drake and Kristen Ban Drake on synthesizers alongside butoh dancer Laura Swedenborg; a live-processed acoustic ensemble featuring harp, flute, upright bass, and cello; and the ambient pedal steel project Horses 4K with Robin Guiler on synthesizer. Emerging artist Maddie McSweeney, showcased through a partnership with Akron Soul Train, performed throughout the galleries over the course of the evening. The National Center for Choreography (NCCAkron) presented choreographer Teagan Reed performing her work “Somewhere Between” three times in the Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head gallery.

Additional programming included live mural painting by Ron Copeland in the lobby, a DJ set by DJ Palaces in the galleries, an interactive lounge installation by Time Change Generator, and visual screen takeovers by Nightlight Cinema. Good Company Akron offered a limited snack menu, and beer and wine were available for purchase. Midwinter is made possible with support from Acme Fresh Market, BLU-Tique Hotel Akron, and Audio-Technica U.S. Inc., with media sponsorship from 91.3 The Summit.

Source: Akron Art Museum