John Arnold, left, Dr. Todd Johnson, and Skip Scherer of The Hitmen perform during the “Color Our World” concert hosted by the Lake Township Friends of the Library at the Lake Library Branch.
Tom Dwenger
The Hitmen bring color, classic rock to Lake Library concert
The Lake Township Friends of the Library (FOL) sponsored the music of The Hitmen as they kicked off this year’s library theme, “Color Our World.” The Hitmen brought the theme to life with a vibrant mix of color-themed songs. The concert was originally scheduled to be held outdoors, but rain forced the group and the 60-plus attendees inside. The Hitmen said they didn’t mind the change, as the indoor space made it easier to work with and engage the audience.
The band last performed a “Rocking Valentines” concert at the Lake Library Branch, 565 Market Avenue SW in Uniontown, on the night before Valentine’s Day—Feb. 13, 2025.
A highlight of the concert was that each band member took the lead on at least one song, showcasing their talent. They used mood lighting that changed before each song to reflect the song’s theme as they moved through their setlist. They opened with “Over the Rainbow” and continued with “Summertime Blues,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Mellow Yellow,” “Purple People Eater,” and “Green Tambourine,” with Skip Scherer singing and playing his green tambourine.
Two selections were Neil Diamond hits: “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Song Sung Blue.” Other songs included “Black Magic Woman” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” Near the end of the concert, The Hitmen performed “Itsy Bitsy (Teenie Weenie) Yellow Polkadot Bikini” and closed with “Brown Eyed Girl.”
The Hitmen have been together for 25 years. Their children attended elementary school together when entertainment was needed for a school event. One of the wives suggested forming a band, and four musically talented husbands from different professional backgrounds were “corralled” into participating. The rest, as they say, is history.
By day, Dr. Kent Ramsey, who plays electric guitar and harmonica, is an ear, nose and throat specialist at Canton’s Ohio Head and Neck Center. John Arnold, who plays bass guitar and harmonica, is a retired Goodyear associate whose last position involved designing aircraft tires. Dr. Todd Johnson, who plays the digital drum set and other percussion instruments, is a cardiologist at Canton’s Cardiology One unit. Rounding out the group is Skip Scherer, who plays trumpet and keyboard and is a retired director of communications for Goodyear. He now freelances as a writer.
The Hitmen have been voted into Akron’s Top 10 Local Bands in the Beacon’s Best poll seven times, with three No. 1 finishes. They also placed twice in the Hot List Top 10. The group was voted Stark County’s favorite band in About Magazine’s 2009 “Reader’s Choice” poll. Their specialty is classic rock, featuring a playlist of hits from the 1960s through the 1980s.
At the concert, The Hitmen asked who had traveled the farthest to attend. Audience members shouted out locations including San Diego, Texas, Stow, and North Canton. Two young girls, Alaina and Gracelyn Wallace, ages 9 and 7, attended with their mother and said they enjoyed the show “a lot.” There were even younger audience members present.
John Arnold of The Hitmen said, “We appreciate the invitation to perform from the Lake Library and the Friends of the Library and really appreciate the audience.”
The Hitmen can be followed on Facebook under the name “The Hitmen North Canton.” The band is always looking for fun new venues to perform at, especially as things have slowed a bit following the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to play one charity event each year at no cost and welcome suggestions for good opportunities.
