'Garage soul' on tap for East Green concert Saturday

TIFFIN — Columbus-based singer-songwriter Jared Mahone and his band will be on stage 8-10 p.m. Saturday at the Frost Kalnow Amphitheater at the East Green. Known as the forerunner of the Midwest "garage soul" movement, Mahone transformed hometown open mic night into a humble career as a nationally-touring independent musician. His songs and storytelling create a sense of intimacy and meaning no matter how large the crowds. Mahone's upbringing in a touring family band fed his musical appetite with the writing of Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Sting, and resulted in his own brand of original pop art. Mahone was recognized in 2013 as the Verizon Indie Icon, appeared as a featured musical guest on Katie Couric's ABC talk show and was named Best Male Artist in the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards. In spite of his national notoriety, Mahone dismisses fame chasing in favor of a troubadour-style career meeting new supporters one handshake at a time. Saturday's concert is part of this season's "Soul of Ohio" series, which features exclusively Ohio artists who are making an impact locally, regionally and nationally. Concerts are free at the amphitheater, 155 E. Market St., Tiffin. The East Green Summer Concert Series full season is sponsored by Reineke Family Dealerships. In addition, this concert is sponsored by National Machinery and Assured Title Services.