” On July 13, 2008, the murder of Twinsburg police officer Josh Miktarian made local and national news. Miktarian was shot four times in the head and left for dead during a routine traffic stop. Nick Aloi, an Akron alumnus and also band-mate to Miktarian, recalled that Josh wanted to get into police work for the right reasons.”
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On July 13, 2008, the murder of Twinsburg police officer Josh Miktarian made local and national news. Miktarian was shot four times in the head and left for dead during a routine traffic stop.

Nick Aloi, an Akron alumnus and also band-mate to Miktarian, recalled that Josh wanted to get into police work for the right reasons.

Those ‘right reasons’ were to stand up for injustice, protect the little guy, and make sure people were safe and protected, he continued.

Along with being active in his community, Miktarian owned a pizza parlor, was a member in a local band called Barium and recently became a new father.

Although his band mates greatly respected the man in uniform, we knew another side of Josh. We knew the Josh that loved hard rock and metal. He was a huge supporter of the local music scene and of local businesses.

What better way to celebrate Josh’s life than with rock music?

The ‘Very Barium’ Tribute to Josh Miktarian will be held at the Akron Civic Theatre on September 13, the two month anniversary of his death. Performances will include his former band, Barium, along with Cyde/Skin, Seattle, Lower Gi, and the Akron & District Pipe Band.

Tickets are available at the Akron Civic Box Office and also through Ticketmaster. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., the show begins at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to his surviving wife and four-month old daughter.

The show will convey the general feeling of fun, rock and friendship. People will hopefully leave the show with a great feeling in their hearts, a feeling like they got to know Josh a little better that night.

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