Interview and photos by Jim Carney

Curran Murphy is an internationally known thrash metal musician who came to Ohio nearly 20 years ago to deal with family issues.

He loved the state and never left.

A few years after he arrived, he set up a music equipment and recording business in Kenmore,

The 50-year-old’s venture, Custom Audio Mutation, operates out of a house at 2036 18^th St. SW a few blocks from Kenmore Boulevard.

Murphy is part of the growing Kenmore music scene.

We asked him a few questions.

Where did you grow up and how long have you been involved in music?

I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, until I was 4 or 5. My mother married my stepdad and we moved to Elkhart, IN, until I was 15-and-a half. Then, we all moved back to St. Paul, MN, and then moved to Seattle, WA, for 11 or 12 years.

What brought you to Akron? 

Personal stuff. HAHAHAHA

How did you come to locate your studio and business in Kenmore?

I had one of my last straight jobs during the pre-housing crisis years. So, I was able to get a mortgage. From there I looked at about 15 houses, and this one here in Kenmore had a waterproof basement, A/C, and a HUGE indoor garage I could convert into a loud room for my studio! HAHAHAHAHHAH!

You record bands in your studio? Are there some hungry and exciting bands out there that you have worked with?

Yeah. I record lots of local and international bands here at Custom Audio Mutation. I have finished up a couple great Ohio bands in the last few years. Stella Erratic, Skeptik Lens, Megaton Communion, Wrath Icon, and my own band, 72 Legions.

What is your goal now that you are in the music business community in Kenmore?

To continue to make killer records for bands, to keep all my musician friends’ tube amps running, and to continue to build up my own amplifier company for the wider guitar playing world in the US. 

You perform and record music and make equipment. Which do you prefer? 

Oh hell, I love all of it. I like bringing damaged and broken gear back from the dead, and I get people that send me amps from all over the country. Making a band sound killer on their records is always an amazing experience. Touring for me is ALWAYS the “bee’s knees.” I love to travel — hit new towns, wreck ‘em and leave! Nothing touches a live band like tearing the house down for fans. NOTHING.

What do you sell? 

I am a dealer for high-end tube guitar amps and FX pedals. The brands I sell are Diezel, Friedman, Soldano, Mezzabarba, Synergy, Strymon, RME and Ridge.

Do you make any of your own? 

Yes. I build my own brand of custom tube amps. I have several models and I also build vintage recreations for clients and other custom one-off amplifiers as well.

How long have you been in business? 

I started building guitars when I was 19 in Seattle. I apprenticed under Lynn Ellsworth of Boogie Bodies guitars. I started to build tube amps in 2006. I started doing amplifier repairs and resurrections in 2018.

And what band are you touring with? 

I am playing guitar for the legendary thrash metal band Venom Inc; I also have been touring the world with my new band, 72 Legions.

Where did you tour? 

This year I have been to Jakarta, Indonesia, and all over Europe. I leave for Latin America in a few days with Venom Inc. for several dates and a live album recording. Then I will be back in Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico, and I will be finishing up the year in Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Busy!

What is your role in the band? 

In 72 Legions, I am the lead guitar player and the producer of the band’s albums. Everyone in the band writes the music for our records. For Venom Inc., I am playing lead guitar on all their tours

Has Kenmore become a major player in Akron’s music?

There are a lot of studios and some good music stores on the boulevard. I am off the strip a few blocks with my studio, repair shop, and music store. I feel like it is a hidden diamond in a rough spot. Worth the trip.

For more information go to www.customaudiomutation.com.

Murphy shows and repairs equipment and records bands by appointment only. For an appointment, call 234-788-6141 or email Murphy at curranproducer@gmail.com.

Edited for clarity from an e-mail conversation.

Written by Jason Chamberlain

Edited by Ted Lehr

Since 2021, you may have noticed black park benches on both sides of Kenmore Blvd, spanning from Florida Ave. to 13th St. This inspired addition to the area was the brainchild of Kenmore resident (and member of the Board of Trustees of the Kenmore Chamber of Commerce), David E. Culbertson.

Culbertson, an avid cyclist, was riding along Main St. when he noticed similar benches and realized that the BLVD District has several bus stops but nowhere for waiting patrons to sit. This led to the idea that has manifested before us today.

The benches, manufactured by Victory Stanley, each weigh 300 lbs., and are 50- inches wide with powder coated seats. They are of a classic design and built to last. A placard is centered in the middle of the backrest that reads “Donated by Kenmore Chamber of Commerce.” Funding for the benches was exclusively provided by the Chamber.

So, what can we expect in the future from the COC? According to Culbertson, there are plans for more benches to be added throughout Kenmore.

Interview by Jim Carney

Iconic new wave musician Chris Butler has become a part of Kenmore’s expanding music community.

The member of The Waitresses and local favorite Tin Huey has renovated a century-old building to house a music and art studio on Kenmore Boulevard.

The writer of popular songs “I Know What Boys Like” and “Christmas Wrapping,” both performed by The Waitresses, answered a few questions about his newfound Kenmore creative space.

How did you land in Kenmore?
I had a space in downtown Akron for recording and rehearsing, but outgrew it, and so I started looking for a building to work in and house my pile of musical equipment. I looked at a lot of dire structures at various places in Akron for a few years. But I kept returning and cruising around Kenmore since it had the feel of neighborhood. Plus, as a former New York City resident, I was attracted to the real Brooklyn pizza shop (Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza & Deli) that sells slices!  I eventually met Tina Boyes, who at the time was the executive director of Better Kenmore. She showed me a few buildings and I ended up buying  my place, which has the famous Kenmore mural on it, in 2022. It took about a year to renovate it. It was a big help that the area is designated as an historic district, and eligible for “Great Streets” grants from the City of Akron to help with fixing up facades. (greatstreetsakron.com) 

Do you have a name for the studio?
No name right now. Sort of waiting for it to tell me its name. I could go with Future Fossil Music, which is also the name of my music publishing company, but I’d like something new to show up. Still waiting…

Is the studio your private workplace or do you think you may want to record other bands there?
Already recorded two bands there, but it’s not set up as a commercial/retail studio. The room sounds very good – not too bright, not too dead, and I do have the capacity and the gear to track a live band. But the space is more of a playpen for myself, with a few friends doing their projects there from time to time.

What do you know about the history of the building where you set up your studio?
Quite a bit, actually. The building dates from 1923, and was built as a pool hall, which back then must have been a den of sin! Then it was an A & P grocery store for decades. Some of the Kenmore old timers remember shopping there.

The building houses both your music studio and a studio for your fiancé Beth Becker. What does Beth do in her part of the building?
Beth is a photographer and graphics artist, so her space will be used for that. She also is a painter, and the natural light coming from the street is a plus. She’s considering doing the occasional pop-up gallery shows, but for now, it’s a place for her to play in.

Are you making new music now?
Yes. I am a songwriter, and I always have something I’m working on. I also play drums in Dave Rich & His Enablers, a great local  power-pop combo. Dave churns out an enormous number of songs and finished albums – at this writing he’s getting ready to release his sixth CD. We’re going to record as a band, too. That’s in the works. And we are on the bill for the first Kenmore First Fridays event of the summer season on June 7th. 

You are among several music related businesses in Kenmore. Is it becoming Akron’s Music Row?
I think it already is. There are venues for live music, many recording and rehearsal studios centered around the intersection of Kenmore Boulevard and 15th Street. There also are Lay’s Guitar Repair Shop and The Guitar Department for new and used instruments,  as well as repairs. All that’s missing is some sort of drum store, which I’m helping to establish. 

Did you know anything about Kenmore before you bought your building?
Not much. I’d have a guitar repaired at Lay’s Guitar Shop and pop into The Guitar Department now and then for drumsticks and strings. What grabbed my attention was the broad boulevard and the number of interesting buildings that line it. This was a place that at one time must have been a busy urban center, and was due for a restoration and revival. Which is happening.

What’s your hope for the future of Kenmore?
That it continues its upward trend. And that the Akron Music Row idea grows.

Is there a Kenmore song in your future?
Maybe! It’s a good environment to create in and the positive feel I get from the people and businesses is… well… the vibe is good!

The Center Dance + Yoga Studio – which quietly began offering dance and yoga classes in the former Etta Mae Smith Studio of Dance building this summer – will host an official grand opening celebration this Saturday, October 7, at noon. Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development Sean Vollman will join members of the Kenmore community to help cut the ribbon at noon. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, The Center will host free class demonstrations and a fundraiser to help The Center upgrade its facilities and offerings. Last spring, after over 60 years of operation and a year of inactivity, the Etta Mae Smith Studio of Dance building was offered for sale. The building didn’t stay on the market long, and its buyers only ever had one plan for the space to let their friend and longtime Etta Mae Smith student Gina Wilson continue to run it as a dance studio.

The Etta Mae Smith Studio of Dance name wasn’t included in the sale, so Wilson renamed the space The Center Dance + Yoga Studio.

The new name helps represent the type of studio model adopted by Wilson which is one that focuses not only on dance, but on movement as a whole and includes yoga classes and drop-in classes where anyone can drop-in and pay for a single class as they wish. “It’s an honor to build on the legacy of my teacher, mentor, and friend Etta Mae Smith and to offer not only dance, but yoga and additional classes in the same building where I took classes for nearly 30 years,” Wilson said. “The goal is for The Center to become a resource for performing artists in Kenmore, Akron and beyond, and we really hope the community will come by Saturday and see what we’re all about!”

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by a silent auction featuring gift cards, gift baskets, The Center swag, items from local businesses. All proceeds from the auction will go toward facility improvements at The Center. The day will also include a series of free disco line dancing, yoga, and TikTok dancing demo classes beginning at 2:30 p.m. so guests can get a taste of the programming.

Josh Gippin, executive director for Better Kenmore CDC is excited to have The Center Dance + Yoga Studio on Kenmore Blvd. and recognizes it as an asset for future generations.

“The Center is a great addition to the growing arts and music scene here on Kenmore Boulevard,” Gippin said. “And with Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts moving in just one block north of Kenmore Boulevard in 2026 it’s really great timing for a performing arts hub like The Center to be here.”

Wilson says she hopes people will come and experience all the new, exciting and creative plans she and her team has for the space.

“I’m just so excited to engage with the community to channel our shared passion for dance, fitness and artistic movement to ultimately create an inclusive space for everyone to participate.”

The Center Dance + Yoga Studio offers a variety of dance, Zumba, yoga and movement classes throughout the week. Follow The Center on Facebook @thecenterdanceyoga and Instagram @thecenter_danceyogastudio for the full schedule and updates.

On Friday, September 22 at 5 p.m., The Replacements’ Tommy Stinson, along with Chris Butler of new wave band The Waitresses, will cut the ribbon at Buzzbin Art & Music Shop at 952 Kenmore Blvd. in Akron. The celebration will conclude with Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire headlining a night of rock and roll revelry starting at 6 p.m.

Last September, after 12 years in its downtown Canton location, Buzzbin relocated to what is quickly becoming Akron’s Music Row, Kenmore Boulevard. Since then, owners Chris and Julia Bentley have been holding shows in conjunction with Better Kenmore CDC, The Bank Lounge and The Rialto Theatre in expectation of Buzzbin’s liquor license transfer from Stark to Summit County.

After a year of waiting, the couple is working hard to make up for lost time.

“It’s almost surreal and a dream come true for a lifelong Replacements fan like myself to be able to have Tommy at our official grand reopening,” said Chris Bentley. “Kenmore is exactly where Buzzbin belongs. After a yearlong struggle, we are thrilled to finally be open again. We have always been the underdog, and where better for us to rise again than in Kenmore as it rises again.”

Corey Jenkins, marketing and events director for Better Kenmore CDC and guitarist for Akron band Big Pop, recruited Buzzbin to Kenmore Boulevard last summer. He views arts-centric businesses like Buzzbin as critical to Better Kenmore’s revitalization efforts. “Kenmore has always been a musician- and artist-friendly community, but it has been best-kept secret in Akron for too long,” he said. “Part of Better Kenmore’s mission is to celebrate the unique culture of our community, and that includes celebrating, attracting and supporting artists and entrepreneurs like the Bentleys and aspiring artists like those of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts, which is slated to move to the site of the former Kenmore High School in 2026.”

Also on hand to celebrate will be The Waitresses’ Chris Butler, author of new wave classics like “I Know What Boys Like,” and “Christmas Wrapping” and recent Kenmore Boulevard relocatee. Butler says he’s excited to help welcome Buzzbin to Akron’s Music Row.

“I’m glad to have another venue on the Boulevard,” Butler said. “We’ve got instrument stores, recording studios, great places to eat, and most importantly – an audience for live music!” Minneapolis native Tommy Stinson’s musical journey began at age 11 when his older half-brother Bob gave him a bass guitar in 1978. Later that same year, the Stinson brothers, along with drummer Chris Mars, formed Dogbreath, the band that would become known as The Replacements in 1980. Nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, The Replacements set the stage for the alternative rock scene of the 80s and 90s and influenced everyone from Wilco to The Goo Goo Dolls.

The Replacements’ initial 12-year run ended in 1991, and in 1998 Stinson was hired by Axl Rose to replace Guns N’ Roses’ original bassist Duff McKagan. Stinson was featured on GNR’s long-delayed 2008 album Chinese Democracy and also performed with his high-school friends Soul Asylum after the band’s founding bassist Karl Mueller passed away in 2005. In Stinson’s latest project — Cowboys in the Campfire, a duo with friend Chip Roberts –he embraces classically American soundscapes including rough rockabilly rumbles and Johnny Cash-esque shuffles. Tickets for Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire at Buzzbin are available through Eventbrite.

Buzzbin hosts live music throughout the week and Jam Night, where musicians can combine their skills with those of other area musicians, every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Visit buzzbinkenmore.com for a full schedule of live music and events, and follow them on Facebook @ buzzbinshop and Instagram @buzzbin for updates.

In 2015, the one-time Akron Area Arts Alliance was reborn as Summit Artspace – an organization that connects artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive.

On Friday, September 1, Summit Artspace will bring a mini-market to Kenmore Blvd. featuring local artists showing and selling their art from 6 – 9 p.m. during Kenmore First Friday.

We caught up with Heather Meeker, Summit Artspace executive director, to learn more about the organization and what Kenmore First Friday attendees can expect.

What kinds of artists will Summit Artspace feature at its mini market on Sept. 1?

Our mini-market includes local artists that create artwork in all types of media! From painting to photography to ceramics to fiber arts – you’ll find all kinds of creatives at Kenmore First Friday, just as you would when you visit Summit Artspace.

What sparked your interest in bringing artists to Kenmore Blvd.?

This is a great chance to show Kenmore and Akron the wonderful local artist community we have in Summit County. Anytime we can spread the work outside of our historic downtown Akron building, we are thrilled! The stronger our local artist community is across all of our neighborhoods, the more vibrant our local community will become. We want to facilitate that vision.

Summit Artspace’s mission includes connecting artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. Can you expand a bit on how Summit Artspace does some of these things?

In addition to our 35 resident artist studios and arts organizations at 140 East Market Street, we provide five nonprofit galleries for visual artists and rehearsal and class space for small performing arts companies. We hold numerous community events at our building like our quarterly ArtWalks and Artists Sunday, a national event that takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving every year. 2023 is the fourth annual and it is a great chance to support local artists while picking up one-of-a-kind gifts for friends, family, and yourself! We also provide artist-centered professional development for artists, who we believe are already highly successful entrepreneurs.

How does Summit Artspace select the artists it works with/showcases/supports? Can artists reach out?

If you are an artist in Summit and surrounding counties, we are here to help. Our programs and events are affordable and designed to help you grow your practice. While we have a wait list for our studios, our events and community are a true resource for creatives, and open to all genres, ages, and stages in your artistic journey. Just visit our website or social media – and contact us via email, phone or in-person. We always post our opportunities across lots of platforms.

What should visitors to Summit Artspace’s physical location in downtown Akron expect? What do you think makes Summit Artspace unique?

Just like Kenmore First Friday, our public hours on Fridays and Saturdays are always FREE, as is our parking! A significant difference between Summit Artspace and other institutions is that local artists come to Summit Artspace specifically to sell their artwork and make connections. Almost everything in our galleries and our studios is for sale, with prices that fit anyone who walks through the door. We are a hub for artists to meet other artists, and for the community to meet and support them as well.

Anything else people should know?

There is always something amazing to see and someone terrific to meet at Summit Artspace! Mark your calendars: our next downtown Akron ArtWalk is on Friday, September 8th, and Artists Sunday is on November 26. And each quarter we change out all the galleries and walls in our building: our summer exhibitions close September 16 and our Fall exhibitions open October 6.

Be sure to Summit Artspace’s mini market during the next Kenmore First Friday on Friday, September 1, from 6 – 9 p.m. RSVP and check out the full event lineup on Facebook!

Summit Artspace welcomes visitors to its historic art-deco building located at 140 E. Market St. in downtown Akron on Fridays from noon – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit summitartspace.org.