“I think retiring early is the dream.” - Dan Kane
Canton foodies and arts enthusiasts know Dan Kane for his food critiques and entertainment reviews. Musicians and artists know him as a champion of the arts. Since the longtime Canton Repository food and entertainment editor retired last spring, he’s not only living the American dream, but has since traded his laptop for a microphone and added podcaster and curator to his curriculum vitae.
“I’m taking things as they come. Initially, I thought I’d want to get a part-time writing job, but I stopped working (at the Repository) and decided, I don’t feel like working now. It’s been a good change. I can do what I want and haven’t been bored yet,” he says.
The onset of the pandemic was a game-changer for the former editor. Once entertainment venues closed, and restaurants offered carry-out only, Kane’s typical role in the office was challenged dramatically.
“The last year I spent writing, I was sitting in front of a laptop at my house and no longer in the newsroom at work with my friends and coworkers. I was pretty much alone,” he says. “If COVID had never happened, I’m not sure I would have thought to retire early.”
As with many people during lockdowns and quarantine, Kane shifted his focus to the outdoors. He traveled to Colorado and North Carolina and explored Northern Michigan, hiking, kayaking and cycling.
Weather permitting, when he isn’t riding his bike on the Towpath, Kane might be found on the What’s Up Stark? podcast. Every two weeks, he joins co-hosts, Derek Gordon and Brock Hutcheson, to discuss light topics with notable names from Stark County government, businesses, arts, entertainment and the world of food, of course. Every segment features Kane talking about, “…things that have caught my fancy lately…a new Mexican restaurant or an upcoming art show,” he says.
He remains active in the community. Last fall he organized the David Bowie-themed art exhibition “Turn and Face the Strange” at local art gallery, The Hub Art Factory. An artist himself, his work was featured along with several other local artists. He has already begun planning a follow-up art show scheduled Fall 2022.
He also enjoys the small, intimate setting of live theatre at Avenue Arts downtown where audience members can engage with actors on stage.
His passion for rock and roll endures. With a repertoire that includes interviews with tops acts including Ray Charles, James Brown, Tina Turner and Macy Gray, he has an eye for the next big thing. Topping his picks for entertainment is Youngstown-based band, the Vindys. According to Kane, the lead vocalist has a voice that can sound like Janis Joplin or Amy Winehouse at any given time.
This year he plans to organize a Neil Young tribute concert. If it’s anything like the Rolling Stones tribute show he organized, expect another sellout crowd.
He’s often approached and greeted with messages of encouragement from people who say they miss his stories. When they ask what he does all day, he says, “whatever I want.”
From one writer to another, it would be remiss not to ask this 38-year veteran of the news industry his opinion of the ever-changing news world through the eyes of the reader once again. In sincere Kane style, he offers this thought.
“It concerns me that local newspapers seem to be shrinking all over the place. I wonder who’s going to write about city government and things that are important. When we were at full operating capacity, we all worked very hard to make a difference in the community. As employees, we didn’t have bias. We were trying to be fair.”
Dan Kane’s Favorite Restaurant Picks
Bocca Grande
Bender’s Tavern
Donnie’s Tavern
Francisco’s Cantina Restaurant
Scratch Steakhouse in Louisville
Sylvester’s North End Grille
Unhitched Brewery
Vincent’s Pastaria
White Crown Cafe