Akron Celebrates Dolly Parton

TRIBUTE EVENT

Honoring the Queen of Country Music

We’ve gathered some of Northeast Ohio’s best talent to celebrate and pay tribute to one of the most beloved names in country music, Dolly Parton!
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children raised in a rustic, one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains. Growing up in deep poverty, music served as both a escape and a spiritual foundation, with Parton performing in her local church and on local radio programs by age ten. The day after graduating from high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville to pursue a country music career, bringing a prolific songwriting talent that would quickly set her apart in a male-dominated industry.

Her big breakthrough arrived in 1967 when country star Porter Wagoner invited her to join his popular syndicated television show, setting off a successful partnership that introduced her to millions. By the early 1970s, Parton established herself as a powerhouse solo artist, topping charts with enduring classics like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Seeking crossover mainstream success, she successfully ventured into pop music and Hollywood cinema during the late 1970s and 1980s, starring in hit films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias while scoring pop hits such as “Islands in the Stream” with Kenny Rogers.

Beyond her entertainment career, Parton has built an extensive business and philanthropic empire. In 1986, she opened the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transforming her home region’s economy and creating thousands of jobs. Her literacy initiative, the Imagination Library, launched in 1995 and has since mailed over 200 million free books to children worldwide. Her generosity extended into public health when her $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University helped fund the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton remains a beloved cultural icon whose self-deprecating wit, sharp business savvy, and unmatched songwriting have secured her legacy across generations.


Your generosity matters!

Admission is free, but we hope you’ll consider making a donation (recommended $15/person) to support the mission of Not Just October!

Not Just October is dedicated to not only increasing awareness around breast cancer and its effects on families, but also to help breast cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones lead a more comfortable life. In addition to contributing to the research and development in the fight against breast cancer, we make it our mission to extend a helping and caring hand to those who have already been affected by the disease.
Services include:
⭐ Food and Nutritional Assistance
⭐ Lawn Care and Snow Removal
⭐ Massages
⭐ Therapy
⭐ Mammograms
⭐ Financial Wellness Counseling

Rubber City RockBank

Rubber City RockBank is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2026 that seeks to foster community well-being by leveraging the artistic talent of Northeast Ohio. We produce live music events that celebrate emerging artists, fundraise for partner organizations, and deliver therapeutic musical experiences to groups and individuals in need.


Learn more about…

Angela Berlingeri’s musical and artistic background spans generations; singing and playing multiple instruments were part of everyday life. While following a career path in the visual arts and design education, she continued performing with semi-professional choirs and as a guest artist with various bands out east. In 2012, she met guitarist Joe Troyan, and their shared love of acoustic music, strong vocal harmonies, and an eclectic repertoire led to the formation of The Fretters. Originally bi-coastal, Novelty, Ohio, is her long-time home, where she lives on none other than…Music Street!

Cindy Calle Ley from Wadsworth, Ohio, came to music late in life. She enjoys various music styles, but her main interest is alternative folk. Her current influences are Rhiannon Giddens, The Civil Wars, Abigail Lapell, and Gillian Welch. She considers herself primarily a singer, but also plays multiple instruments and has recently delved into songwriting. Calle has played various venues, both individually and with others. She especially enjoys the accompaniment of strings and mandolin. She is currently working on recording. You can find Calle on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Akron, Ohio based singer/songwriter Katy Robinson is a product of a large musical family, a thriving local music scene, and a lot of self-motivation. She started playing guitar at 13, and quickly began frequenting area open mics. Her biggest influences include songwriters and storytellers like Brandi Carlile and Tom Petty. Her folk-pop-rock blend and unique voice combined with her raw and relatable lyrics have landed her area gigs, and she is making waves on local radio.

⭐ Artist

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From all of US to all of YOU, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Events like this aren’t possible without the active support and attendance of fans and friends like you!
Please consider donating and following Rubber City RockBank on Facebook for future event details!