The Kent Stage — Local services in Kent

Saw Todd Rundgren in December, 2017. My friends and I paid $199.00 for each ticket for VIP passes to meet Todd, photos, signed prints, T-shirt’s, etc.. We had to call several times in order to be told that we needed to be there at 6:00pm sharp and if we were late we would be turned away. Having arrived 20 minutes early, they reluctantly came to the door and told us to wait. They made the entire group stand outside in the freezing cold until 6:15 - 15 minutes past the time they told us we better be there. When they finally let us in, there was no organization. The people in charge were snippy and pushy. When it was my groups turn to pick up our vip passes, T-shirt’s, etc., I was told I was not on their hand typed list. Luckily I had my ticket and receipt in hand. The person in charge told me there was nothing he could do. When I kindly expressed to him that I did not understand why there was a problem since it was their error and since I had my paid ticket and receipt in my hand, he got very agitated and started getting loud. Despite his nasty attitude, I tried to be reasonable but still defend what was right. I said that I did not understand why he was yelling at me for wanting what I paid for - $200.00+tax. He then proceeded, in front of the entire group and my friends, to tell me that I better stop talking and that he was warning me. He then stormed off after saying, “Lady, you better stop”! Embarrassed, but not wanting to leave, I just stood there shocked. (I was told later by a few other vip ticket holders that they wanted to come to my defense but were afraid of getting kicked out if they spoke up). He finally called me over and looked on his computer and DID see where my friend purchased all the tickets (we all reimbursed my friend for our share), and that it was obvious that the person who typed the list left off my name. He walked me back over to the sign in, changed the sheet, and then he allowed us in to the stage. They also told us that the T-shirt’s that were included in the vip package did not come in (even though we had ordered our tickets months in advance) and that we would get the T-shirt’s in the mail. We NEVER received our T-shirt’s! Although I felt like my night was ruined, Todd and his wife were incredibly nice to all of us. I’m not sure that the way we were all treated was worth going, but it was nice to meet Todd and his voice sounded great. Some of the audience members that came up to me after the concert told me how bad they felt that I was treated so terribly. They also expressed that they wished that Todd’s classic music had been mixed in with his new (every third song or so). It was an older crowd who have loved TR their entire lives, and really missed hearing his old songs throughout the concert. Nostalgia is a funny thing. It is nostalgia that keeps people going back. We ignore that the Kent Stage is dirty and not well managed, because the Kent Stage is a part of Kent’s history. However, and despite all those warm nostalgic feelings I have for the Kent Stage, this is one person who does not want to be mistreated anywhere. Sad, but I will never go back to the Kent Stage. The only way to stop them from treating their loyal customers so poorly is...

If i could give 0 stars i would. Thinking all positive reviews are owner's or staff. Warning don't EVER attend a concert here if you want to enjoy it. Their "OLD/ancient" employee "David Laird" tells EVERYONE to sit down regardless of how much you've paid for your concert ticket. He upset so many JW fans and made the concert miserable. I was in the 4th row along with many others told to sit down by him. 😳 Drove over 2 hrs to see John Waite, but will NEVER be back to see another concert held at this dump. Rude VERY OLD GRUMPY employee. Three women's bathroom stalls for a packed house. It's a dump, but worst of all is "David Laird" who thinks he's "somebody" because he's a security guy. 😂🤣 I asked for his name because he ruined the show for all sitting around me. Several people were complaining about his rudeness after the concert. NEVER been to a concert where you can't stand except for the last song. 😂🤣. Thought fans should be warned. Don't bother, see your favorite artists at another venue. You cannot stand, or dance!! 😂🤣 Venue for those 80yrs and above ONLY like their employees!! So many complaints of those sitting around me. If I were an artist, I'd NEVER play there. Seriously it was horrible, waste of money and horrible time had by all because of weird security issues with the odd security guy on an ego trip. I will NEVER attend another concert @ this venue. Zombie crowd only. Nobody around us could even enjoy the show because of big headed "important security guy" Laird. NEVER experienced such a horrible concert experience in all my life. And I'm in my 40's, belly danced with Prince's ex wife, been to tons of concerts. It was a total waste of my day, time and money. Worst concert experience in my life. You've been warned. Old crowd that can't move/stand and over welcome ONLY. SMH 😏 #firedavidlair #horribletime #cantbelievewepaidforthis...

I purchased tickets for the Ohio’s got talent Show for my children and I. I had two 13 yrs olds and a 7 year old. I had also told my Aunt about it who brought her 2 grandkids 11 and 4. The Kent Stage site, Portage County Events and Record Courier calendar had no description but noted all ages. To me that meant suitable for all ages. I was under the impression that “Ohio’s got Talent” would be similar to “America’s got Talent” with juggling, singing, dancing and the like. Boy was I ever wrong. Now I love Hip hop music and dance, but not what was displayed that night. Not for my children. The first song had the term “mother f$$er” in it countless times. It continued on with lyrics about drugs and so on. Each song and performer more offensive than the last. We left after the 3rd act in which a large group got up and all started rapping and every word was a curse word. In who’s right mind is this for all ages? We were all so disappointed over this and I’m out $56. Maybe someone with kids needs to look into the shows a little better and decide what is for all ages or note adults...