Arts and Music Fest in Wooster

Like a Johnny Appleseed for the creative set, James Levin travels this land leaving behind, not apple trees, but cultural touchstones in his wake. Among his accomplishments, count the founding of Cleveland Public Theatre and Ingenuity Fest. In recent years he’s taken his talents to the College of Wooster, where he serves as an associate professor and director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2011, with the help of his students, Levin launched the Wooster Jam, a multi-faceted festival of music and art not unlike Ingenuity Fest. This weekend marks the second year for the festivities on the historic Wayne County Fairgrounds: two days, two stages, and more than 125 individual art “experiences,” ranging from the Ohio Light Opera to the Cedar Valley Cloggers. “I really enjoy putting together these kinds of events and animating unique spaces,” says Levin. In fact, some of the performances, like the one by the Wooster Cellist Ensemble, will take place in the fairground’s circa-1860s Grange Hall, where Levin says the acoustics are “amazing.” “Wooster is a remarkable hybrid of contemporary and traditional arts,” he adds. “To see it all in the extremely hospitable surroundings of the fairgrounds is a great way to start the season.” For the full rundown of events and activities, check out the website. Admission is free.